bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antisense inhibition of the plastidial glucose‐6‐phosphate/phosphate translocator inViciaseeds shifts cellular differentiation and promotes protein storage
Authors: Rolletschek Hardy , Nguyen Thuy H. , Häusler Rainer E. , Rutten Twan , Göbel Cornelia , Feussner Ivo , Radchuk Ruslana , Tewes Annegret , Claus Bernhard , Klukas Christian , Linemann Ute , Weber Hans , Wobus Ulrich , Borisjuk Ljudmilla
Published: June 2007

The glucose‐6‐phosphate/phosphate translocator (GPT) acts as an importer of carbon into the plastid. Despite the potential importance of GPT for storage in crop seeds, its regulatory role in biosynthetic pathways that are active during seed development is poorly understood. We have isolated GPT1 fromVicia narbonensisand studied its role in seed development using a transgenic approach based on the seed‐specific legumin promoter LeB4. GPT1 is highly expressed in vegetative sink tissues, flowers and young seeds. In the embryo, localized upregulation of GPT1 at the onset of storage coincides with the onset of starch accumulation. Embryos of transgenic plants expressing antisense GPT1 showed a significant reduction (up to 55%) in the specific transport rate of glucose‐6‐phosphate as determined using proteoliposomes prepared from embryos. Furthermore, amyloplasts developed later and were smaller in size, while the expression of genes encoding plastid‐specific translocators and proteins involved in starch biosynthesis was decreased. Metabolite analysis and stable isotope labelling demonstrated that starch biosynthesis was also reduced, although storage protein biosynthesis increased. This metabolic shift was characterized by upregulation of genes related to nitrogen uptake and protein storage, morphological variation of the protein‐storing vacuoles, and a crude protein content of mature seeds of transgenics that was up to 30% higher than in wild‐type. These findings provide evidence that (1) the prevailing level of GPT1 abundance/activity is rate‐limiting for the synthesis of starch in developing seeds, (2) GPT1 exerts a controlling function on assimilate partitioning into storage protein, and (3) GPT1 is essential for the differentiation of embryonic plastids and seed maturation.
Transgenic, non‐isoprene emitting poplars don’t like it hot
Authors: Behnke Katja , Ehlting Barbara , Teuber Markus , Bauerfeind Martina , Louis Sandrine , Hänsch Robert , Polle Andrea , Bohlmann Jörg , Schnitzler Jörg‐Peter
Published: June 2007

The physiological role of isoprene emission in plants is a matter of much debate. One of the most widely propagated hypotheses suggests a function of isoprene in the protection of leaf physiological processes against thermal and oxidative stress. To test this hypothesis, we developed transgenic Grey poplar (Populus×canescens) plants in which gene expression of isoprene synthase (ISPS) was either silenced by RNA interference (RNAi) or upregulated by over‐expression of the ISPS gene. Despite increased ISPS mRNA levels, we did not observe consistent increases in isoprene emission in the over‐expressing lines, indicating post‐transcriptional control of ISPS by co‐suppression. In the RNAi lines, levels of isoprene emission were effectively suppressed to virtually zero. Transgenic plants were subjected to temperature stress with three transient heat phases of 38–40°C, each followed by phases of recovery at 30°C. Parallel measurements of gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence and isoprene emission provided new insights into the physiological link between isoprene and enhanced temperature tolerance. Transgenic non‐isoprene‐emitting poplars showed reduced rates of net assimilation and photosynthetic electron transport during heat stress, but not in the absence of stress. The decrease in the efficiency of photochemistry was inversely correlated with the increase in heat dissipation of absorbed light energy, measured as NPQ (non‐photochemical quenching). Isoprene‐repressed poplars also displayed an increased formation of the xanthophyll cycle pigment zeaxanthin in the absence of stress, which can cause increased NPQ or may indicate an increased requirement for antioxidants. In conclusion, using a molecular genetic approach, we show that down‐regulation of isoprene emission affects thermotolerance of photosynthesis and induces increased energy dissipation by NPQ pathways.
Heterotrimeric G‐protein complex and G‐protein‐coupled receptor from a legume (Pisum sativum): role in salinity and heat stress and cross‐talk with phospholipase C
Authors: Misra Shikha , Wu Yuliang , Venkataraman Gayatri , Sopory Sudhir K. , Tuteja Narendra
Published: June 2007

Heterotrimeric G‐proteins transduce signals from activated G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCR) to appropriate downstream effectors and thereby play an important role in signaling. A role of G‐proteins in salinity and heat stress tolerance has not heretofore been described. We report isolation of cDNAs of two isoforms of Gα (Gα1, 1152 bp; Gα2, 1152 bp), one Gβ (1134 bp), two isoforms of Gγ (Gγ1, 345 bp; Gγ2, 303 bp) and a GPCR (1008 bp) from Pisum sativum, and purification of all the encoded recombinant proteins (Gα, 44 kDa; Gβ, 41 kDa; Gγ, 14 kDa; GPCR, 35 kDa). The transcript levels of Gα and Gβ were upregulated following NaCl, heat and H2O2 treatments. Protein–protein interaction studies using an in vitro yeast two‐hybrid system and in planta co‐immunoprecipitation showed that the Gα subunit interacted with the pea Gβ subunit and pea phospholipase C (PLCδ) at the calcium‐binding domain (fn1). The GTPase activity of the Gα subunit increased after interaction with PLCδ. The GPCR protein interacted with all the subunits of G‐proteins and with itself. Transgenic tobacco plants (T0 and T1) constitutively over‐expressing Gα showed tolerance to salinity and heat, while Gβ‐over‐expressing plants showed only heat tolerance, as tested by leaf disk senescence assay and germination/growth of T1 seeds/seedlings. These findings provide direct evidence for a novel role of Gα and Gβ subunits in abiotic stress tolerance and possible cross‐talk between PLC‐ and G‐protein‐mediated signaling pathways.
Capsicum annuumCCR4‐associated factorCaCAF1is necessary for plant development and defence response
Authors: Sarowar Sujon , Oh Hyun Woo , Cho Hye Sun , Baek Kwang‐Hyun , Seong Eun Soo , Joung Young Hee , Choi Gyung Ja , Lee Sanghyeob , Choi Doil
Published: June 2007

The CCR4‐associated factor 1 (CAF1) protein belongs to the CCR4‐NOT complex, which is an evolutionary conserved protein complex and plays an important role in the control of transcription and mRNA decay in yeast and mammals. To investigate the function of CAF1 in plants, we performed gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies by overexpression of the pepper CAF1 (CaCAF1) in tomato and virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) of the gene in pepper plants. Overexpression ofCaCAF1in tomato resulted in significant growth enhancement, with increasing leaf thickness, and enlarged cell size by more than twofold when compared with the control plants. A transmission electron microscopic analysis revealed that theCaCAF1‐transgenic tomato plants had thicker cell walls and cuticle layers than the control plants. In addition to developmental changes, overexpression ofCaCAF1in tomato plants resulted in enhanced resistance against the oomycete pathogenPhytophthora infestans. Additionally, microarray, northern and real‐time polymerase chain reaction analyses ofCaCAF1‐transgenic tomato plants revealed that multiple genes were constitutively upregulated, including genes involved in polyamine biosynthesis, defence reactions and cell‐wall organogenesis. In contrast, VIGS ofCaCAF1in pepper plants caused significant growth retardation and enhanced susceptibility to the pepper bacterial spot pathogenXanthomonas axonopodispv.vesicatoria. Our results suggest roles for plantCAF1in normal growth and development, as well as in defence against pathogens.
Molecular Characterization of Jordanian Isolates of Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus
Authors: Sweiss M. , Anfoka G. , Abou‐Jawdah Y.
Published: June 2007

Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus (CYSDV) causes high yield losses to cucurbits in many parts of the world. In 1995, it was detected for the first time in Jordan but Jordanian isolates have never been characterized at the molecular level. In 2005 and 2006, leaf samples (2344) from symptomatic plants were collected from Jordan Valley, Ma'daba, Al‐Mafraq, Al‐Karak, Jarash, Al‐Tafila, Al‐Balqa’, Al‐Zarqa’, Amman and Irbid. Detection by tissue blot immunoassay (TBIA) showed that the infection rate of CYSDV in collected samples was 58.5%. The coat protein (CP) gene of CYSDV was amplified from 36 selected samples by IC‐RT‐PCR. The amplicons (753 bp) from 16 isolates, representing all surveyed regions, were cloned and used for the single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. Seven different SSCP patterns (P1–P7) were observed for the analysed Jordanian isolates. For further characterization, the CP genes from isolates with different SSCP patterns were sequenced, and the sequences were deposited in the GenBank under the accession numbers DQ903105–DQ903111. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that all CYSDV isolates investigated in this study were most closely related to isolates previously reported to belong to the Western group of CYSDV.
Collecting duct carcinoma producing granulocyte‐colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF)
Authors: Sugiura Shimpei , Makiyama Kazuhide , Nakaigawa Noboru , Yao Masahiro , Kubota Yoshinobu , Oshiro Hisashi
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  We present a 67‐year‐old male with a rare case of collecting duct carcinoma producing granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor. He was referred to us with lumbago and fever. Laboratory testing showed leukocytosis and computed tomography revealed a left renal mass. After chemotherapy with gemcitabine and nedaplatin, computed tomography showed a partial response. A left nephroureterectomy was performed. The histopathological diagnosis was collecting duct carcinoma producing granulocyte‐colony‐stimulating factor. White blood cell levels were reduced to 9900/mm3. No recurrence was detected after completion of adjuvant chemotherapy and the patient was discharged from the hospital. However, 3 months later, computed tomography revealed multiple lung metastasis. Nedaplatin‐ based chemotherapy was administered but computed tomography after chemotherapy identified a progressive disease. The patient died 9 months after the operation.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for interstitial cystitis resistant to conventional treatments
Authors: Tanaka Tomoaki , Kawashima Hidenori , Makino Tetsuya , Kamikawa Sadanori , Kato Noboru , Nakatani Tatsuya
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  We treated two cases of interstitial cystitis (IC) that were resistant to some conventional therapies with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). Both patients underwent 20 sessions of 100% oxygen inhalation (2.0 atmosphere absolute for 60 min/day × 5 days/week for 4 weeks) in a hyperbaric chamber. The period of follow up was 12 months for case 1 and 9 months for case 2. After a course of HBO, the bladder mucosal ulcer (Hunner's ulcer) disappeared, and changes from baseline in pain and urinary frequency was constitutively inhibited. There were no adverse events during the 20 treatment sessions. One woman (case 1) had mild Eustachian tube dysfunction, resulting in a transient hearing impairment. HBO seems to be an option for treatment of IC resistant to conventional therapies.
Prevalence of renal cell carcinoma: A nation‐wide survey in Japan, 2002
Authors: Marumo Ken , Kanayama Hiroomi , Miyao Noriomi , Nakazawa Hayakazu , Ozono Seiichiro , Horie Shigeo , Nagamori Satoshi , Igarashi Tatsuo , Hasegawa Michihiko , Kimura Go , Nakao Masahiro , Nakamoto Takahisa , Naito Seiji ,   The Japanese Study Group Against Renal Cancer
Published: June 2007

Objective:  To investigate the incidence of renal cell carcinoma, classified by sex, age group and region in Japan, following a 5‐year interval after a previous survey performed in 1997.

Methods:  The survey was conducted between the beginning of January 2002 and the end of December 2002. A total of 1288 institutions in all 47 prefectures throughout Japan were requested to register cases.

Results:  There were 7405 persons with renal cell carcinoma, consisting of 5063 males and 2342 females. Crude incidence rates were 8.2 and 3.6 per 100 000 population for men and women, respectively. Incidence rates in the Hokkaido region were highest followed by the Shikoku region.

Conclusions:  Despite incidence of renal cell carcinoma increasing to 7405 from the 6358 persons in 1997, statistical data reported by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare indicate that rising age‐adjusted death rate for this tumor reached a ceiling in the past decade. Early detection may have contributed to this current trend; however, further epidemiological research is required to fully elucidate this.
Arteriovesical fistula as a complication of a gunshot wound to the pelvis: Treatment dilemma
Authors: Reis Leonardo Oliveira , Barreiro Guilherme Cardinali , D'Ancona Carlos Arturo Levi , Netto Nelson Rodrigues
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  The case is reported of an arteriovesical fistula after a gunshot wound to the pelvis in a 29‐year‐old man. It developed 20 days after an exploratory laparotomy with primary suture of the bladder. The patient presented with intermittent gross hematuria and diagnosis was made through cystoscopy and arteriogram. Treatment was initially performed through open embolization. Re‐treatment with endovascular procedures was twice necessary. Further evolution led to complete recovery from symptoms after an open procedure. Virtually all forms of treatment were tried and the resolution was finally achieved after more than 7 months.
S‐N‐P curves in 7075 T7351 and 2024 T3 aluminium alloys subjected to surface treatments
Authors: MONSALVE A. , PÁEZ M. , TOLEDANO M. , ARTIGAS A. , SEPÚLVEDA Y. , VALENCIA Y N.
Published: June 2007

The S‐N‐P (stress, number of cycles, failure probability) curves for 2024 T3 and 7075 T7351 aluminium alloys were obtained. Previously, surface treatments of degreasing and different types of anodizing were applied to samples, evaluating the influence of these treatments on the fatigue life of the alloys. The determination of the S‐N‐P curves was done using Maennig's method. Rotary fatigue was used because this technique produces greater stress on the sample surfaces, the zone in which it is important to evaluate fatigue resistance. Both the transition range and the finite life range were evaluated, calculating the 1, 50 and 99% fracture probability. SEM was performed in order to characterize the fracture micromechanism. The conclusions were that Maennig's method is useful to evaluate fatigue life of these materials in a fast and efficient manner. Moreover, surface treatments produce a decrease in the fatigue life of both alloys, associating this effect with the surface damage produced on each sample during the treatment.
Aβ treatment and P301L tau expression in an Alzheimer's disease tissue culture model act synergistically to promote aberrant cell cycle re‐entry
Authors: Hoerndli Frederic J. , Pelech Steven , Papassotiropoulos Andreas , Götz Jürgen
Published: June 2007

Microarrays enable the observation of gene expression in experimental models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), with implications for the human pathology. Histopathologically, AD is characterized by Aβ‐containing plaques and tau‐containing neurofibrillary tangles. Here, we used a human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cell system to assess the role of P301L mutant human tau expression, and treatment with or without Aβ on gene regulation. We found that Aβ and P301L tau expression independently affect the regulation of genes controlling cell proliferation and synaptic elements. Moreover, Aβ and P301L tau act synergistically on cell cycle and DNA damage genes, yet influence specific genes within these categories. By using neuronally differentiated P301L tau cells, we can show that Aβ treatment induces an early upregulation of cell cycle control and synaptic genes. At the protein level, by using Kinetworks™ multi‐immunoblotting and BrdU labelling, we found that although P301L tau and Aβ both affected levels of cell cycle proteins, their effects were distinct, in particular concerning DNA damage proteins. Moreover, DNA synthesis was observed only when SH‐SY5Y cells overexpressed human wild‐type or P301L tau and were incubated with Aβ. Thus, our study shows that Aβ treatment and human tau overexpression in an AD cell culture model act synergistically to promote aberrant cell cycle re‐entry, supporting the mitosis failure hypothesis in AD.
Conservative management of giant symptomatic angiomyolipomas in patients with the tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Danforth Teresa L. , Lane Brian R. , Novick Andrew C.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To present two patients with the tuberous sclerosis complex in whom giant angiomyolipomas (AMLs) were managed conservatively for >20 years, as large (>4 cm) symptomatic AMLs are generally treated with embolization or nephrectomy because of the risks of haemorrhage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The first patient initially presented with bilateral renal AMLs replacing >70% of his parenchymal volume, and a large left renal cyst. Since presentation he was hospitalized three times, but has had no transfusions or procedures to treat his AMLs. His renal function has remained stable during this 21‐year interval. The second patient initially presented with bilateral renal AMLs that were not amenable to nephron‐sparing surgery. After removing her nonfunctioning left kidney, the 24‐cm AML in her right kidney was managed conservatively for >20 years, during which she had 44 transfusions and 11 hospitalizations before uncomplicated right nephrectomy and subsequent need for haemodialysis.

CONCLUSION

Conservative management of AMLs can preserve renal function for >20 years in patients with tuberous sclerosis at high risk of end‐stage renal disease.
An animal model to study lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction: the hyperlipidaemic rat
Authors: Rahman Nadeem U. , Phonsombat Surat , Bochinski Derek , Carrion Rafael E. , Nunes Lora , Lue Tom F.
Published: June 2007

OBJECTIVE

To present evidence that rats fed a high‐fat diet could serve as a useful animal model to study both lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED), as recent epidemiological studies have shown a strong association between LUTS and ED but the physiological basis behind this relationship is unknown.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In all, 24 male Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into two groups: nine controls were fed a ‘normal’ diet and 15 were fed a high‐fat diet (hyperlipidaemic rats). After 6 months all the rats had bladder and erectile functions evaluated using awake cystometry and cavernosal nerve electrostimulation, respectively. After the functional studies were completed, the penis, prostate and bladder were collected for immunohistochemical analysis.

RESULTS

The hyperlipidaemic rats had significantly higher serum cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein than the controls (P < 0.05). The hyperlipidaemic rats also had significantly worse erectile function (P = 0.004) and developed more bladder overactivity (P = 0.004) than the controls. In the hyperlipidaemic rats there was significant muscle hypertrophy in the peri‐urethral lobe of the prostate (P < 0.001) and in the bladder (P < 0.05). There was also greater P2X1 (purinoceptor) staining as well as other molecular changes in the bladder of the hyperlipidaemic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

In this hyperlipidaemic rat model three abnormalities were consistently detected: prostatic enlargement, bladder overactivity, and ED. This rat model could be a useful research tool for understanding the common causes of LUTS and ED, as well as facilitating the development of preventive measures and better therapies to treat both conditions.
Interactive Effects of Traits on Adjustment to a Life Transition
Authors: Bardi Anat , Ryff Carol D.
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT
A longitudinal design was used to test theoretically derived interactive effects of traits on adjustment to relocation 1, 8, and 15 months after relocation of elderly women. Openness interacted with Neuroticism and with Extraversion in affecting changes in distress after relocation by amplifying the basic emotional tendencies of Neuroticism and Extraversion. These were delayed effects, occurring only 15 months after relocation. Openness also interacted with Neuroticism in predicting changes in psychological well‐being with the effects occurring primarily early in postmove adjustment. In addition, Extraversion interacted with Conscientiousness and with Agreeableness in predicting changes in distress, such that the beneficial effects of Conscientiousness and Agreeableness were evident only for individuals low on Extraversion. These effects were consistent across time, showing long‐term effects. Overall, the findings demonstrate the multiplicity of ways in which trait interactions predict dynamic adjustment to a life transition.
Adiposity, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome in breast cancer
Authors: Vona‐Davis L. , Howard‐McNatt M. , Rose D. P.
Published: June 2007

Upper body obesity and the related metabolic disorder type 2 diabetes have been identified as risk factors for breast cancer, and associated with late‐stage disease and a poor prognosis. Components of the metabolic syndrome, including visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia, with or without clinically manifest diabetes mellitus, low serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and hypertension have all been related to increased breast cancer risk. The biochemical mechanisms include extraglandular oestrogen production, reduced sex hormone‐binding globulin with consequent elevation of the bioactive plasma free oestradiol and increased insulin biosynthesis, all of which exert mitogenic effects on both untransformed and neoplastic breast epithelial cells. Obesity, type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome also have in common an increased production of leptin and a decreased production of adiponectin by adipose tissue, with consequent elevations and reductions, respectively, in the circulating levels of these two adipokines. These changes in plasma leptin and adiponectin, acting through endocrine and paracrine mechanisms, have been associated in several studies with an increase in breast cancer risk and, perhaps, to more aggressive tumours; studies in vitro showed that leptin stimulates, and adiponectin inhibits, tumour cell proliferation and the microvessel angiogenesis which is essential for breast cancer development and progression.
DISTRIBUTIONAL CHARACTERIZATIONS THROUGH SCALING RELATIONS
Authors: Pakes Anthony G. , Navarro Jorge
Published: June 2007

Investigated here are aspects of the relation between the laws of X and Y where X is represented as a randomly scaled version of Y. In the case that the scaling has a beta law, the law of Y is expressed in terms of the law of X. Common continuous distributions are characterized using this beta scaling law, and choosing the distribution function of Y as a weighted version of the distribution function of X, where the weight is a power function. It is shown, without any restriction on the law of the scaling, but using a one‐parameter family of weights which includes the power weights, that characterizations can be expressed in terms of known results for the power weights. Characterizations in the case where the distribution function of Y is a positive power of the distribution function of X are examined in two special cases. Finally, conditions are given for existence of inverses of the length‐bias and stationary‐excess operators.
APPLICATION OF SEMIPARAMETRIC REGRESSION MODELS IN THE ANALYSIS OF CAPTURE‐RECAPTURE EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Hwang Wen‐Han , Huggins Richard
Published: June 2007

If the capture probabilities in a capture‐recapture experiment depend on covariates, parametric models may be fitted and the population size may then be estimated. Here a semiparametric model for the capture probabilities that allows both continuous and categorical covariates is developed. Kernel smoothing and profile estimating equations are used to estimate the nonparametric and parametric components. Analytic forms of the standard errors are derived, which allows an empirical bias bandwidth selection procedure to be used to estimate the bandwidth. The method is evaluated in simulations and is applied to a real data set concerning captures of Prinia flaviventris, which is a common bird species in Southeast Asia.
Creativity through a rhetorical lens: implications for schooling, literacy and media education
Authors: Banaji Shakuntala , Burn Andrew
Published: June 2007

This article, which is speculative in outlook and emerges from an extended literature review on this subject, takes as its basic premise the notion that the idea of ‘creativity’– whether in relation to literacy, schooling or the economy, is constructed as a series of rhetorical claims. These rhetorics of creativity emerge from the contexts of research, theory, policy and practice. Initially, we distinguish 10 rhetorics, which are described in relation to the philosophical or political traditions from which they spring. The discussion then focuses on four rhetorics – play, technology, politics/democracy and the creative classroom – which have most relevance for understandings of literacies and the way in which these are nurtured, encouraged and expressed in different social settings. This article aims to summarise the rhetorics and their major concerns, while considering how selected ones might apply to an instance of media literacy. Key questions addressed in this article ask whether creativity is more usefully understood as an internal cognitive function or an external cultural phenomenon; whether it is a ubiquitous human activity or a special faculty; whether it is necessarily ‘pro‐social’ or should be dissident; and what the implications of a culturalist social psychological approach to creativity might be for analyses of the media literacy of children and young people.
Creativity in events and practices: a lens for understanding children's multimodal texts
Authors: Pahl Kate
Published: June 2007

This article argues that it is possible to look at children's texts in relation to the lens of literacy events and practices from the New Literacy Studies, and apply this perspective to an understanding of creativity. Teachers can then use the possibilities within a text to ask children different kinds of questions. Drawing on a 2‐year ethnographic study of a partnership between a group of artists and teachers in an Infants School in England, and their impact on children's text‐making, the paper seeks to understand the ways in which such a text can be identified as creative. A detailed analysis of one child's text is offered as evidence of this argument. This account is set within a project to map children's play in a Foundation classroom.
Harnessing the power of film in the primary classroom
Authors: Watts Rowena
Published: June 2007

This paper explores one way that teachers can develop creativity within potentially limiting confines and pressures of curriculum guidelines. The researcher considers the inclusion of film as a creative, engaging and effective strategy for teaching reading using data from a small‐scale research project. Hypotheses are based on analysis of activities that use moving image as an alternative text to printed books. During the project's teaching sequence, children are familiarised with film as a moving image, ideas are captured, the teacher demonstrates the use of techniques in meaning making, before the children finally show their understanding through their work. In this instance, the children were involved in making their own films, acting as directors, film crew, sound technicians, illustrators and narrators. As the partial purpose of the study was to explore the practical logistics of developing a creative teaching style within a structured curriculum, tight timings were an essential aspect of the validity of the work. All the teaching was completed within the normal hourly lesson for literacy, and the basic structure of lessons was maintained – an introduction with whole‐class work, followed by individual/paired or group work and concluded with a plenary. The researcher values the creative use of film as a powerful experience in itself and the study aimed to substantiate these beliefs by exploring both the accessibility and the results of harnessing the power of film within literacy teaching.
Pricing to Firm: an Analysis of Firm‐ and Product‐level Import Prices*
Authors: Halpern László , Koren Miklós
Published: June 2007

We use Hungarian Customs data on product‐level imports of manufacturing firms to document that the import price of a particular product varies substantially across buying firms. We relate the level of import prices to firm characteristics such as size, foreign ownership, and market power. We develop a theory of “pricing to firm” (PTF), where markups depend on the technology and competitive environment of the buyer. The predictions of the model are confirmed by the data: import prices are higher for firms with greater market power, and for more essential intermediate inputs (with a high share in material costs). We take account of the endogeneity of the buyer’s market power with respect to higher import prices and unobserved cost heterogeneity within product categories. The magnitude of PTF is big: the standard deviation of price predicted by PTF is 21.5%.
Social security in a globalizing world
Authors: Kannan K. P.
Published: June 2007

The main burden of the paper is to argue for enlarging both the concept and the coverage of social security, especially in developing countries, to address the twin problems of “deficiency” and “adversity”. The two parts of this enlarged concept of social security are Basic Social Security (BSS) and Contingent Social Security (CSS). To strengthen the argument, lessons have been highlighted from the historical experience of Western countries, where the State played a leading role. Having argued for the extension of BSS, the paper also deals with the extension of CSS. This is best done through the informal economy, which employs a large majority of workers in developing countries. While the primacy of the State has been highlighted, the paper develops a typology of various social security models that could be used to study and understand the existing arrangements as well as the potentialities for extension.
Extending social security coverage: Concepts, global trends and policy issues
Authors: Van Ginneken Wouter
Published: June 2007

This article reviews the experience of some key low‐, middle‐ and high‐income countries that have successfully extended social security coverage or are in the process of doing so. It shows that a strong and competent State is a first requirement for the extension of social security. It also examines a variety of coverage indicators that can help national and international policymakers to focus their efforts on the extension of social security. Finally, it documents the growing use of tax‐financed social pensions, and discusses some policy issues with regard to the link between tax‐financed and contributory social security schemes.
Extending the risk pool for health in developing countries: The challenges of moving to general tax funding
Authors: Baeza Cristian C. , Packard Truman G.
Published: June 2007

Increasing participation in effective health risk‐pooling arrangements in developing countries is an essential component of the package of policies designed to protect vulnerable households from the impoverishing consequences of health shocks. People who are poor, those at high risk and self‐employed/informally employed workers are three groups that raise particular issues in the formulation of health risk‐pooling policy. In this paper, policy options for extending risk‐pooling in developing countries are discussed, with particular attention to the merits and disadvantages of overcoming the shortcomings of payroll‐tax‐financed insurance through a greater role for general tax financing in the health sector.
The role of tax‐financed social security
Authors: Barrientos Armando
Published: June 2007

This article provides a reassessment of the role of tax‐financed social security. It outlines the relevant trends in developed and developing countries and discusses qualitative changes in the role and approach to tax‐financed social security. It then assesses emergent forms of tax‐financed social security in developing countries. It considers in particular their focus, scope, design and dynamics. It concludes that emergent tax‐financed social security in developing countries holds the promise to make an impact on global poverty and vulnerability, and the main challenge is to ensure this contributes to the development of comprehensive social security systems.
Changing the development policy paradigm: Investing in Social security floor for all
Authors: Cichon Michael , Hagemejer Krzysztof
Published: June 2007

The Paper briefly reviews social security coverage that the world has achieved and summarizes economic and social benefits of a national social security system. It then goes on to argue that social security systems are a necessary part of the institutional framework of any effective market economy, creating—among other things—societal cohesion that is needed for long‐term economic development. It makes the case that the introduction of basic social protection in developing countries is both a desirable and an affordable investment in their social and economic development. It estimates the global minimum investment cost to provide basic social security and finally suggests international instruments to introduce a global social security floor.
Preliminary evaluation of vitiligo using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Ardigo M , Malizewsky I , Dell’Anna ML , Berardesca E , Picardo M
Published: June 2007

Background  Vitiligo is the most common pigmentary disorder with a global incidence from 0.1% to 2% in different geographical areas. Histopathology and histochemistry have shown the reduction of melanocytes in achromic patches, but microscopic changes of lesional and non‐lesional skin are still not completely understood. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), based on the different light reflectance index of cutaneous structures, allowed in vivo, en face microscopic evaluation of superficial skin layers with a resolution similar to skin histology.

Aim  The purpose of this study was to evaluate RCM features of lesional and non‐lesional skin of vitiligo patients. Moreover, re‐pigmented areas were taken into consideration in order to evaluate melanocyte response to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.

Subjects and Methods  Sixteen patients of different phototypes affected by active non‐segmental vitiligo and 10 controls were enrolled in the study. In vivo skin imaging was done using a commercially available RCM (Lucid, Vivascope 1500®). Re‐pigmented areas from 6 to 16 patients (after UVB narrow‐band therapy) were also examined.

Results  Vitiligo lesions showed the disappearance of the bright rings normally seen at the dermo‐epidermal junction. Moreover, non‐lesional skin of vitiligo patients showed unexpected changes as the presence of half‐rings or scalloped border‐like features of the bright papillary rings. In re‐pigmented areas after UVB narrow band therapy, the presence of activated, dendritic melanocytes was seen.

Conclusions  Considering our results, and following further studies, RCM clinical applications could be used in the therapeutic monitoring and evaluation of the evolution of vitiligo.
Treating adolescents with social anxiety disorder in school: an attention control trial
Authors: Masia Warner Carrie , Fisher Paige H. , Shrout Patrick E. , Rathor Snigdha , Klein Rachel G.
Published: June 2007

Background:  Anxiety disorders are often undetected and untreated in adolescents. This study evaluates the relative efficacy of a school‐based, cognitive‐behavioral intervention compared to an educational‐supportive treatment for adolescents with social anxiety disorder.

Methods:  Thirty‐six students (30 females), ages 14 to 16, were randomized to a 12‐week specific intervention, Skills for Social and Academic Success (SASS), or a credible attention control matched for structure and contact, conducted in school.

Results:  Independent evaluations and adolescent self‐reports indicated significant reduction in social anxiety for SASS compared to the control group. Parent reports of their children's social anxiety did not discriminate between treatments. In the specific intervention, 59%, compared to 0% in the control, no longer met criteria for social anxiety disorder following treatment. Superiority of the SASS intervention was maintained 6 months after treatment cessation.

Conclusions:  The study provides evidence that intervention for social anxiety disorder that emphasizes exposure and social skills is efficacious. Results indicate that clinical improvement is sustained for at least 6 months, and that, overall, adolescents with social anxiety disorder do not respond to non‐specific treatment. This investigation has public health implications by demonstrating that effective interventions can be transported to nonclinical settings.
A Children of Twins Study of parental divorce and offspring psychopathology
Authors: D'Onofrio Brian M. , Turkheimer Eric , Emery Robert E. , Maes Hermine H. , Silberg Judy , Eaves Lindon J.
Published: June 2007

Background:  Although parental divorce is associated with increased substance use and internalizing problems, experiencing the separation of one's parents may not cause these outcomes. The relations may be due to genetic or environmental selection factors, characteristics that lead to both marital separation and offspring functioning.

Method:  We used the Children of Twins (CoT) Design to explore whether unmeasured genetic or environmental factors related to the twin parent, and measured characteristics of both parents, account for the association between parental divorce and offspring substance use and internalizing problems.

Results:  The association between parental divorce and offspring substance use problems remained robust when controlling for genetic and environmental risk from the twin parent associated with parental divorce, and measured characteristics of both parents. The results do not prove, but are consistent with, a causal connection. In contrast, the analyses suggest that shared genetic liability in parents and their offspring accounts for the increased risk of internalizing problems in adult offspring from divorced families.

Conclusions:  The study illustrates that unmeasured genetic and environmental selection factors must be considered when studying parental divorce. In explaining associations between parental divorce and young‐adult adjustment, our evidence suggests that selection versus causal mechanisms may operate differently for substance abuse (a causal relation) and internalizing problems (an artifact of selection). The CoT design only controls for the genetic and environmental characteristics of one parent; thus, additional genetically informed analyses are needed.
Developmental trajectories of depressive symptoms from early childhood to late adolescence: gender differences and adult outcome
Authors: Dekker Marielle C. , Ferdinand Robert F. , Van Lang Natasja D.J. , Bongers Ilja L. , Van Der Ende Jan , Verhulst Frank C.
Published: June 2007

Background:  Limited information is available on gender differences and young‐adult poor outcome in children and adolescents following distinct developmental trajectories of depressive symptoms.

Methods:  Parent information on depressive symptoms of 4‐ to 18‐year‐olds from an ongoing Dutch community‐based longitudinal multiple‐cohort study (N = 2,076) was used to estimate trajectories from semi‐parametric mixture models. The identified trajectories were used to predict depressive problems, general mental health problems, referral to mental health care, and educational attainment in young adulthood.

Results:  In both genders six distinct developmental trajectories were identified. Gender differences existed not only in level, but also in shape and timing of onset of depressive problems. Only in girls was a chronic trajectory of early childhood‐onset depression identified. In both boys and girls a group with increasing levels of depressive symptoms was identified that reached a high level around adolescence, although boys showed an earlier onset. Two decreasing trajectories were found in boys, one reaching normative levels of depressive symptoms around late childhood and one around mid‐adolescence, while none was found for girls. Individuals who followed elevated trajectories during their whole childhood or starting at adolescence had significantly more depressive and other mental health problems in young adulthood compared to those who followed normative trajectories. Boys in these elevated trajectories showed lower educational attainment, while girls were more likely to have been referred to mental health care.

Conclusions:  This study shows the value of estimating growth‐mixture models separately for boys and girls. Girls with early childhood or adolescence‐onset depressive problems and boys with depressive problems during childhood or starting in adolescence are especially at risk for poor outcome as young adults and should be considered candidates for intervention.
Rotenone selectively kills serotonergic neurons through a microtubule‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Ren Yong , Feng Jian
Published: June 2007

As a major co‐morbidity of Parkinson’s disease (PD), depression is associated with the loss of serotonergic neurons. Our recent study has shown that midbrain dopaminergic neurons are particularly vulnerable to microtubule‐depolymerizing agents including rotenone, an environmental toxin linked to PD. Here we show that rotenone also selectively killed serotonergic neurons in midbrain neuronal cultures. Its selective toxicity was significantly decreased by the microtubule‐stabilizing drug taxol and mimicked by microtubule‐depolymerizing agents such as colchicine and nocodazole. Microtubule depolymerization induced by rotenone or colchicine caused vesicle accumulation in the soma and killed serotonergic neurons through a mechanism dependent on serotonin metabolism in the cytosol. Blocking serotonin synthesis or degradation, as well as application of antioxidants, significantly reduced the selective toxicity of rotenone or colchicine. Inhibition of vesicular sequestration of serotonin exerted a selective toxicity on serotonergic neurons that was mitigated by blocking serotonin metabolism. Over‐expression of parkin, a protein‐ubiquitin E3 ligase that strongly binds to microtubules, greatly attenuated the selective toxicity of rotenone or colchicine. The protective effects of parkin were abrogated by its PD‐linked mutations. Together, our results suggest that rotenone and parkin affect the survival of serotonergic neurons by impacting on microtubules in opposing manners.
Microsatellite loci for euglossine bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: SOUZA R. O. , CERVINI M. , DEL LAMA M. A. , PAXTON R. J.
Published: June 2007

The Neotropical Euglossini (Hymenoptera: Apidae) are important pollinators of many flowering plants, particularly orchids. Lack of highly polymorphic genetic markers for euglossine species has limited the study of their social organization and inbreeding. We therefore developed microsatellite markers for two species, Eulaema nigrita (11 loci) and Euglossa cordata (nine loci), most of which were highly polymorphic in the source species and in a range of related euglossine bees.
CEO EQUITY PORTFOLIO INCENTIVES AND LAYOFF DECISIONS
Authors: Brookman Jeffrey T. , Chang Saeyoung , Rennie Craig G.
Published: June 2007

CEOs with higher equity‐based compensation are widely believed to be more likely to act in shareholders' interests. Unlike less common acquisitions, voluntary liquidations, or seasoned equity offerings, layoffs are comparatively common elements of firms' operating strategies. We find that CEOs with at least one year of tenure who possess greater incentives from portfolios of restricted stock and stock option grants are more likely to announce layoffs, and that these layoffs create shareholder value. We conclude that accumulated portfolios of restricted stock and stock option grants encourage CEOs to adopt operating strategies that improve operating profits and stock performance.
MACROECONOMIC NEWS AND STOCK MARKET CALENDAR AND WEATHER ANOMALIES
Authors: Gerlach Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2007

An analysis of six stock market calendar and weather anomalies from 1980 to 2003 shows that (1) returns on trading days in which macroeconomic announcements were made generate the anomalies and (2) five of the six anomalies are not present at all on the trading days in which such announcements were not made (more than 60% of the sample). The results suggest that the market response to macroeconomic news, not psychological or institutional factors, is the main source of calendar and weather anomalies.
STOCK MARKET REACTION TO ANTICIPATED VERSUS SURPRISE RATING CHANGES
Authors: Purda Lynnette D.
Published: June 2007

I examine whether bond rating changes can be anticipated by investors and test whether the stock price reaction to the eventual change varies as a result. All else equal, the market reaction to changes that could have been easily predicted should be significantly smaller than the reaction to changes that are largely a surprise. Although rating upgrades prove difficult to predict, approximately 20% of downgrades can be correctly predicted using a relatively small number of publicly available variables. There is no significant difference between the stock price reaction to anticipated versus unanticipated rating changes.
Student Opposition in Western Germany
Authors: Sontheimer Kurt
Published: June 2007

THE OUTSIDE OBSERVER OF THE WEST GERMAN SCENE, JUDGING from casual newspaper reports, might be inclined to consider student opposition as a permanent feature of German political life. In fact, student protests and student demonstrations, though a recurring phenomenon in the Federal Republic, have been until recently rather rare and it is difficult to assess their influence on, or real importance for, political life. As a rule student politics whether they take the form of ‘opposition’ or not, are normally an inner-university affair and, at least in relatively stable democracies, come to the attention of public opinion only when they develop into political activity giving emphasis to outstanding critical issues in general politics.
Party and Burke: The Rockingham Whigs
Authors: O'Gorman Frank
Published: June 2007

HISTORIANS OF I8TH-CENTURY ENGLAND ARE COMING TO RECOGnize that the Rockingham Whigs played a significant role in the establishment of ‘party’ and ‘opposition’ as political instruments in the life of the nation but they remain divided over the precise contribution which the Rockinghams made to the evolution of the party system. On dose analysis the party appears to be profoundly divided over some of the most fundamental political issues of the time. Its attitude towards the American colonies was at best ambiguous and unsatisfactorily thought out. It was deeply divided on reform. All too frequently its parliamentary performance was inept, its members absent and its public credit low. In office, the Rockinghams were unable to effect lasting political changes and were never able to survive for more than a few months. Because most historians have concentrated their studies on these aspects of Rockinghamite history they have tended to neglect, indeed almost to dismiss, the party ideology which emerged during the 1770s and have remained indifferent to the institutional changes which occurred a little later. Only when the theoretical and institutional developments have been analysed and their significance assessed can a balanced view of the Rockinghams emerge – and thus a more valid picture of party development in the later I8th century.