bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
We'll never get past the glass ceiling! Meta‐stereotyping, world‐views and perceived relative group‐worth
Authors: Owuamalam Chuma , Zagefka Hanna
Published: November 2012

This article examines the implications of perceived negativity from members of a dominant outgroup on the world views and perceived relative group worth of members of disadvantaged groups. We hypothesized that concerns about the negative opinions a dominant outgroup is perceived to hold of the ingroup (i.e., meta‐stereotypes) would undermine group members' views about societal fairness. We expected this trend to be mediated by recall of previous personal experiences of discrimination. We further hypothesized that members' views about societal fairness would predict their perception of the ingroup's worth relative to the outgroup – such that undermined views about societal fairness would be associated with lower perceived ingroup worth relative to the outgroup. Taken jointly, results from two studies using two real intergroup contexts support these hypotheses and are discussed in terms of their implications for the social mobility of members of disadvantaged groups.
Dual effect of morphine in long‐term social memory in rat
Authors: Bianchi Enrica , Menicacci Cristina , Ghelardini Carla
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose

Bimodal dose–response relationships have been demonstrated in animals and humans following morphine administration. We examined if systemic administration of morphine, in extremely low (μg) and high (mg, analgesic) doses, changed the learning process.

Experimental Approach

In the social learning test, an adult rat investigates a juvenile. The juvenile is submitted to a second encounter after a few days and investigation by the adult should be reduced. Morphine was administered before the first encounter between rats, and the critical test was performed 24, 72 or 168 h later, when animals were re‐exposed to each other, in the absence of morphine.

Key Results

Low doses of morphine, comparable with endogenous brain concentrations, enhanced long‐term memory recognition; while high doses did the reverse, indicating the adult failed to recognize the juvenile. Recognition of a familiar rat appeared to be mediated within the brain accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) by an opioid system intrinsic to the olfactory system through μ‐opioid receptors (MORs). At this supraspinal site, the PLC/PKC signalling pathway was activated by extremely low morphine doses.

Conclusions and Implications

Morphine treatment administration may either disrupt or facilitate social memory, depending on the dose, extending to memory formation the bimodal effects of morphine previously shown in pain. Social memory formation elicited by extremely low morphine doses, was mediated within the AOB by an opioid system, intrinsic to the olfactory system through MORs.
Rapid Simultaneous Estimation of Aboveground Biomass and Tree Diversity Across Neotropical Forests: A Comparison of Field Inventory Methods
Authors: Baraloto Christopher , Molto Quentin , Rabaud Suzanne , Hérault Bruno , Valencia Renato , Blanc Lilian , Fine Paul V. A. , Thompson Jill
Published: November 2012

A standardized rapid inventory method providing information on both tree species diversity and aboveground carbon stocks in tropical forests will be an important tool for evaluating efforts to conserve biodiversity and to estimate the carbon emissions that result from deforestation and degradation (REDD). Herein, we contrast five common plot methods differing in shape, size, and effort requirements to estimate tree diversity and aboveground tree biomass (AGB). We simulated the methods across six Neotropical forest sites that represent a broad gradient in forest structure, tree species richness, and floristic composition, and we assessed the relative performance of methods by evaluating the bias and precision of their estimates of AGB and tree diversity. For a given sample of forest area, a ‘several small’ (< 1 ha) sampling strategy led to a smaller coefficient of variation (CV) in the estimate of AGB than a ‘few large’ one. The effort (person‐days) required to achieve an accurate AGB estimate (< 10% CV), however, was greater for the smallest plots (0.1 ha) than for a compromise approach using 0.5 ha modified Gentry plots, which proved to be the most efficient method to estimate AGB across all forest types. Gentry plots were also the most efficient at providing accurate estimates of tree diversity (< 10% CV of Hill number). We recommend the use of the 0.5 ha modified Gentry plot method in future rapid inventories, and we discuss a set of criteria that should inform any choice of inventory method.
Children's Cross‐Ethnic Relationships in Elementary Schools: Concurrent and Prospective Associations Between Ethnic Segregation and Social Status
Authors: Wilson Travis M. , Rodkin Philip C.
Published: November 2012

This study examined whether ethnic segregation is concurrently (fall) and prospectively (fall to spring) associated with social status among 4th‐ and 5th‐grade African American and European American children (n = 713, ages 9–11 years). Segregation measures were (a) same‐ethnicity favoritism in peer affiliations and (b) cross‐ethnicity dislike. Social status measures were same‐ and cross‐ethnicity peer nominations of acceptance, rejection, and cool. Among African Americans, fall segregation predicted declines in cross‐ethnicity (European American) acceptance and same‐ethnicity rejection, and increases in same‐ethnicity acceptance and perceived coolness. For European American children, fall segregation predicted declines in cross‐ethnicity (African American) acceptance and increases in cross‐ethnicity rejection. Results indicate that segregation induces asymmetric changes in social status for African American and European American children.
Membrane-bound interleukin-21 and CD137 ligand induce functional human natural killer cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells through STAT-3 activation
Authors: Wang X , Lee D A , Wang Y , Wang L , Yao Y , Lin Z , Cheng J , Zhu S
Published: November 2012

Natural killer (NK) cell adoptive transfer is a promising approach for cancer immunotherapy; however, its development has been hindered by the lack of efficient methods to produce large numbers of functional NK cells. In this study, we engineered the leukaemia cell line K562 to express CD137 ligand (CD137L) and membrane-bound interleukin (mbIL)-21 on the cell surface, and used these cells to expand NK cells from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We found that purity of the NK cells (CD3−CD56+/CD16+) increased from less than 30% to above 95% after a 3-week expansion and proliferation of the cells was sustained for more than 8 weeks. The surface expression of NK cell activating and inhibitory receptors, except for NKp80, was clearly increased with the expansion, and NK cell-mediated killing activity was also enhanced significantly. However, these changes in both phenotype and function were clearly reversed by JSI-124, a specific signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) inhibitor. Taken together, data showed that the combination of mbIL-21 and CD137L could efficiently induce the formation of functional human NK cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and STAT-3 inhibition could impair this induction. Therefore, STAT-3 activation may benefit human NK cell proliferation and cytotoxicity, and provide valuable clinical applications in NK cell immunotherapy against viral infectious diseases and cancers.
Anti-high mobility group box 1 monoclonal antibody ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Uzawa A , Mori M , Taniguchi J , Masuda S , Muto M , Kuwabara S
Published: November 2012

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an established inflammatory mediator when released from cells. Recent studies have implicated extracellular HMGB1 in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. The objective of this study was to determine whether HMGB1 could be a therapeutic target for experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In this study, an anti-HMGB1 monoclonal antibody was injected intraperitoneally into a mouse model of EAE. We also measured serum cytokines levels in EAE and anti-HMGB1 monoclonal antibody-treated EAE. As a result, intraperitoneal injection of an anti-HMGB1 monoclonal antibody ameliorated the clinical and pathological severity of EAE and attenuated interleukin-17 up-regulation in serum. In conclusion, HMGB1 is involved in EAE pathogenesis and could trigger inflammation in the central nervous system. The novel aspect of this study is the demonstration that anti-HMGB1 ameliorates EAE. HMGB1 may be a novel therapeutic strategy for multiple sclerosis.
Graves′ hyperthyroidism and moderate alcohol consumption: evidence for disease prevention
Authors: Carlé Allan , Bülow Pedersen Inge , Knudsen Nils , Perrild Hans , Ovesen Lars , Rasmussen Lone Banke , Jørgensen Torben , Laurberg Peter
Published: November 2012

Background

We recently demonstrated that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a considerable reduction in the risk of autoimmune hypothyroidism, similar to findings in other autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. We aimed to study a possible association between alcohol intake and autoimmune Graves′ hyperthyroidism.

Design

This is a population‐based, case–control study.

Methods

In a well‐defined Danish population (2 027 208 person‐years of observation), we prospectively identified patients with new overt thyroid dysfunction and studied 272 patients with Graves′ hyperthyroidism. For each patient, we recruited four age–gender–region–matched controls with normal thyroid function (n = 1088).

Measurements

Participants gave detailed information on current and previous alcohol intake as well as other factors to be used for analyses. The association between alcohol intake and development of hyperthyroidism was analysed in conditional multivariate Cox regression models.

Results

Graves′ patients had a lower reported alcohol consumption than controls (median units of alcohol (12 g) per week: 2 vs 4, P < 0·001). In a multivariate regression model, alcohol consumption was associated with a dose‐dependent reduction in risk for development of overt Graves′ hyperthyroidism. Odds ratios (95% confidence interval) compared with the reference group with a recent (last year) consumption of 1–2 units of alcohol per week were as follows: 0 units/week 1·73 (1·17–2·56), 3–10 units/week 0·56 (0·39–0·79), 11–20 units/week 0·37 (0·21–0·65), ≥21 units/week 0·22 (0·08–0·60). Similar results were found for maximum previous alcohol consumption during a calendar year. No interaction was found with the type of alcohol consumed (wine vs beer), smoking habit, age, gender or region of inhabitancy.

Conclusions

Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a considerable reduction in the risk of Graves′ disease with hyperthyroidism – irrespective of age and gender. Autoimmune thyroid disease seems to be much more dependent on environmental factors than hitherto anticipated.
Primary implant stability in the atrophic sinus floor of human cadaver maxillae: impact of residual ridge height, bone density, and implant diameter
Authors: Pommer Bernhard , Hof Markus , Fädler Andrea , Gahleitner André , Watzek Georg , Watzak Georg
Published: November 2012

Objectives

Simultaneous implant placement in conjunction with lateral or transcrestal maxillary sinus floor augmentation gives the benefit of reduction in healing times and surgical interventions. Primary implant stability, however, may be significantly reduced in resorbed residual ridges. Aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of residual bone height, bone density, and implant diameter on primary stability of implants in the atrophic sinus floor.

Material and methods

A total of 66 NobelActive™ implants were inserted in the sinus floor of fresh human cadaver maxillae: 22 narrow (3.5 mm), 22 regular (4.3 mm), and 22 wide (5.0 mm) diameter implants in residual ridges of 2–6 mm height. Presurgical computed tomographic scans were acquired to assess bone height and density. Primary implant stability was evaluated by insertion torque values (ITV), Periotest values (PTV), and Osstell implant stability quotients (ISQ).

Results

Correlations within outcomes (ITV, PTV, ISQ) were highly significant (P < 0.001). Radiographic bone density was found to significantly impact all three outcome measures (P < 0.001), while no influence of residual bone height and implant diameter could be revealed by multifactorial analysis. Consistent results were seen in all subgroups (including residual ridges of 5–6 mm height).

Conclusions

Bone density seems to represent the major determinant of primary stability in maxillary sinus augmentation with simultaneous implant placement (as well as 5–6 mm short implants in the maxillary sinus floor). Preoperative bone density assessment may help to avoid stability‐related complications in one‐stage implant treatment of the atrophic posterior maxilla.
Frequency of self‐adjustment of insulin dose and metabolic control in Type 2 diabetes –is there an association?
Authors: Beluchin E. , Bäz L. , Müller N. , Lehmann T. , Kloos C. , Wolf G. , Müller U. A.
Published: November 2012

Aim

To investigate the supposition that self‐adjustment of insulin dose will improve metabolic control in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods

The number of self‐adjustments of insulin dose was checked in a cross‐sectional study involving 300 patients with Type 2 diabetes in a university outpatient department, who were insulin treated.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐three patients (64%) performed insulin dose adjustments at least once in 14 days. The mean number of dose adjustments was 17.4 per 14 days. Patients with self‐adjustments of insulin dose were younger (65.6 vs. 68.9 years), had a higher social status score (11.1 vs. 9.8) and a higher insulin dose (68.8 vs. 53.6 IU/day) than patients without dose adjustments. Each insulin dose adjustment was associated with an HbA1c decrease of 0.016% (P = 0.004). Any additional blood glucose self measurement was associated with an HbA1c increase of 0.019% (P = 0.038).

Conclusions

Two‐thirds of patients with Type 2 diabetes, who have undergone training in how to manage their condition, practise insulin dose self‐adjustments. A weak association was observed between insulin dose adjustments and HbA1c.
Added Value of Real Time Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of an Apical Right Ventricular Metastasis from Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Fontana Antonella , Corsi Davide , Viganò Elena , Trocino Giuseppe , Achilli Felice
Published: November 2012

In a man presenting to the emergency room with dyspnea and atypical chest pain irradiated among the scapulae, with new‐onset diffuse negative T‐waves on the ECG, the first clinical and diagnostic hypothesis was pulmonary embolism (PE). However, computed tomography (CT) performed in emergency was negative for PE, showing instead a marked defect in right ventricle (RV) filling. For this reason, echocardiography was performed to better investigate the nature of the space‐occupying lesion, and several echocardiographic modalities were used (two‐dimensional transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography and three‐dimensional [3D] transthoracic echocardiography). They revealed the presence of a mass attached to the apex of the RV, partially obstructing the inflow and outflow tracts. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was also performed, confirming the findings of 3D echocardiography. After that, several other diagnostic imaging techniques were used for disease staging, since the patient had a history of surgical excision of a malignant melanoma of the skin several years before. Whole‐body CT, soft tissue echography and positron emission tomography revealed the widespread diffusion of the primary tumor to distant organs. For this reason, we suspected that the RV mass could also be an intracardiac metastasis from malignant melanoma, and did not perform biopsy given the bad clinical conditions and the worse prognosis of the patient. However, he was entered in an experimental therapeutic protocol with Vemurafenib because he showed B‐RAF gene mutation at molecular gene analysis.
Delayed Rupture of Left Ventricular Apex After Heart Transplantation: Diagnosis by Two‐ and Three‐Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography
Authors: Hsiung Ming‐Chon , Yin Wei‐Hsin , Lee Yang‐Tsai , Wei Jen
Published: November 2012

Mini‐Abstract

We describe an adult patient who developed left ventricular apex rupture 3 weeks following cardiac transplantation. To the best of our knowledge, this complication of cardiac transplantation has not been reported previously. The mechanism responsible for this event in our patient is not clear, but may be related to the motion of the stiff vent canula during each heartbeat eventually resulting in rupture of the cardiac musculature in the region of the apex several days after surgery.
Echocardiography and Coronary CT Angiography Imaging of Variations in Coronary Anatomy and Coronary Abnormalities in Athletic Children: Detection of Coronary Abnormalities that Create a Risk for Sudden Death
Authors: Attili Anil , Hensley Allison K. , Jones Fredrick D. , Grabham Jason , DiSessa Thomas G.
Published: November 2012

In a recent publication, Maron et al. reported the causes of sudden death in athletes from data collected in the US National Registry of Sudden Death in Athletes at the Minneapolis Heart Institute Registry. It is not surprising that in this study, cardiovascular disease is reported as the most common cause of sudden death in athletes (56%). The most frequently encountered cardiac pathology was hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (36% of the population who died of cardiac disease). Coronary artery anomalies of wrong sinus origin were next in frequency (17%). Less common causes attributed to coronary pathology were Kawasaki disease, origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery, atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, and myocardial bridging of the left anterior descending artery. Echocardiographic imaging along with color and pulsed‐wave Doppler has been widely employed to visualize the anatomy and function of the heart and proves to be a valuable instrument in the identification of coronary artery abnormalities. Moreover, coronary CT angiography provides additional confirmatory information. This article will discuss the scope, importance, and implications of echocardiographic and coronary CT angiography imaging of the major coronary anomalies and abnormalities in young athletes who are at risk of sudden death and who otherwise have a structurally normal heart.
Utilizing Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography in Cardioscopic Left Ventricular Myxoma Resection
Authors: Nijmeh George , Tatooles Antone , Zelinger Allan
Published: November 2012

A 31‐year‐old female presented with right‐sided stroke symptoms. She was found to have a left ventricular (LV) mass on transthoracic echocardiogram. Subsequent transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) with concurrent three‐dimensional (3D) imaging revealed a 2‐cm mobile mass, suspicious for a myxoma, attached to the anteroseptal LV wall. Given the size and location of the mass seen on the 3D images, the cardiothoracic surgeons chose to avoid resection via aortotomy or ventriculotomy and instead performed video‐assisted cardioscopic resection of the LV mass via left atriotomy. The mass was successfully removed, and pathology confirmed that it was a myxoma.
Images in Cardiovascular Medicine: Caseous Calcification of the Mitral Annulus
Authors: Pugliatti Pietro , Piccione Maurizio Cusmà , Ascenti Giorgio , Germanò Antonino , Recupero Antonino , Oreto Giuseppe , Carerj Scipione
Published: November 2012

A 78‐year‐old woman was admitted to our emergency department for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Since a month ago, she was taking warfarin after diagnosis, on transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), of a suspected large atrial thrombus. The patient, referred to our institution for further investigation, presented asymptomatic; electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm. TTE revealed an echo dense spherical mass located in the mitral periannular posterior region with moderate mitral regurgitation. Transesophageal echocardiography and cardiac computed tomography confirmed a calcified round mass (2.0 × 2.9 cm) with central areas of echolucency‐like liquefaction surrounded by a hyperechogenic structure without systolic flow inside the cavity. The mass was diagnosed as caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA), a rare finding associated with a benign prognosis, requiring surgery only in the presence of mitral valve dysfunction. The diagnosis of CCMA is, often, misconstrued as thrombus, tumor, or abscess, leading to unnecessary investigations or interventions. Our patient was discharged after discontinuation of warfarin.
The Effects of Serum Potassium and Magnesium Levels in a Patient with Gitelman's Syndrome on the Timing of Ventricular Wall Motion and the Pattern of Ventricular Strain and Torsion
Authors: Yildiz Mustafa , Yildiz Banu Sahin , Karakoyun Suleyman , Cakal Sinem , Sahin Alparslan , Aladag Nazire Baskurt
Published: November 2012

Gitelman's syndrome is a primary renal tubular hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis. Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia can cause cardiac tissue excitability and conduction. Global ventricular mechanical function is directly related to the contractile properties of cardiac myocytes, which are largely dependent on the flow of ions such as potassium and magnesium. Here, we show that increased levels of potassium, in addition to magnesium, in a patient with Gitelman's syndrome significantly impacts the timing of ventricular wall motion and the pattern of ventricular strain and torsion. Two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography was used for evaluation of the hypokalemic–hypomagnesemic period (first day) and third day after potassium chloride and magnesium replacement therapy. The transthoracic echocardiography showed that the percent ejection fraction was similar in hypokalemic–hypomagnesemic (63%) and normokalemic–normomagnesemic (after potassium and magnesium therapy, 67%) hearts. However, decreased left ventricular apical 4‐chamber peak systolic longitudinal strain, left ventricle global peak systolic strain, and global torsion values increased after potassium chloride and magnesium replacement therapy.
Nonassociative plasticity alters competitive interactions among mixture components in early olfactory processing
Authors: Locatelli Fernando F. , Fernandez Patricia C. , Villareal Francis , Muezzinoglu Kerem , Huerta Ramon , Galizia C. Giovanni , Smith Brian H.
Published: November 2012

Experience‐related plasticity is an essential component of networks involved in early olfactory processing. However, the mechanisms and functions of plasticity in these neural networks are not well understood. We studied nonassociative plasticity by evaluating responses to two pure odors (A and X) and their binary mixture using calcium imaging of odor‐elicited activity in output neurons of the honey bee antennal lobe. Unreinforced exposure to A or X produced no change in the neural response elicited by the pure odors. However, exposure to one odor (e.g. A) caused the response to the mixture to become more similar to that of the other component (X). We also show in behavioral analyses that unreinforced exposure to A caused the mixture to become perceptually more similar to X. These results suggest that nonassociative plasticity modifies neural networks in such a way that it affects local competitive interactions among mixture components. We used a computational model to evaluate the most likely targets for modification. Hebbian modification of synapses from inhibitory local interneurons to projection neurons most reliably produced the observed shift in response to the mixture. These results are consistent with a model in which the antennal lobe acts to filter olfactory information according to its relevance for performing a particular task.
Visual mismatch negativity is sensitive to symmetry as a perceptual category
Authors: Kecskés‐Kovács Krisztina , Sulykos István , Czigler István
Published: November 2012

We investigated the sensitivity of visual mismatch negativity (vMMN) to an abstract and non‐semantic category, vertical mirror symmetry. Event‐related potentials (ERPs) elicited by random and symmetric square patterns, delivered in passive oddball paradigm (participants played a video game), were recorded. In one of the conditions, symmetric patterns were frequent (standard) stimuli and the random patterns were infrequent (deviant) stimuli; in the other condition, the probabilities were reversed. We compared the ERPs elicited by symmetric stimuli as deviants and as standards, and, similarly, the ERPs elicited by the random deviants and random standards. As the difference between the ERPs elicited by random deviant and random standard stimuli, a posterior negativity emerged in two latency ranges (112–120 and 284–292 ms). These negativities were considered to be vMMN components. We suggest that the two vMMN components are organised in cascade error signals. However, there was no significant difference between the ERPs elicited by symmetric deviants and those elicited by symmetric standards. The emergence of vMMN in response to the deviant random stimuli is considered to be a deviation of a perceptual category (in the symmetric standard sequence presented). Accordingly, random stimuli acquired no perceptual category; for this reason, the symmetric deviant (in the random standard sequence presented) elicited no vMMN. The results show that the memory system underlying vMMN is capable of coding perceptual categories such as bilateral symmetry, even if the stimulus patterns are unrelated to the ongoing behavior.
Non‐linear relationship between intensity of plant–animal interactions and selection strength
Authors: Vanhoenacker Didrik , Ågren Jon , Ehrlén Johan
Published: November 2012

The shape of the relationship between intensity of biotic interactions and strength of selection is important for spatial variation in selection, but is little explored. We quantified interactions and selection in 69 populations of the short‐lived herb Primula farinosa. As predicted because of saturation and depletion effects, the strength of selection on a discrete and on a continuously varying floral display trait were in several cases significantly non‐linearly related to the mean intensity of mutualistic and antagonistic interactions. Strength of selection was strongest at low levels of fruit initiation and at high intensities of seed predation. Seed predation varied more among populations than did fruit initiation and could explain a larger proportion of the among‐population variation in strength of selection. Our results support the contention that interaction intensity affects selection strength, and suggests that for mutualistic and antagonistic interactions that can be saturated or depleted, this relationship is sometimes non‐linear.
Crystal structures of murine angiogenin‐2 and ‐3 – probing ‘structure – function’ relationships amongst angiogenin homologues
Authors: Iyer Shalini , Holloway Daniel E. , Acharya K. Ravi
Published: November 2012

Angiogenin (Ang) is a potent inducer of neovascularization. Point mutations in human Ang have been linked to cancer progression and two neurodegenerative diseases: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Intensive structural and functional analyses of Ang have been paramount in assigning functions to this novel homologue of bovine pancreatic RNase A. However, inhibitor‐binding studies with crystalline Ang (for designing potential anti‐cancer drugs) have been hampered as a result of the inaccessibility of the active site. Experiments with the murine homologues of Ang have not only overcome the obvious practical limitations encountered when studying the role of a human protein in healthy individuals, but also the crystal structures of murine angiogenins (mAng and mAng‐4) have revealed themselves to have greater potential for the visualization of small‐molecule inhibitor binding at the active site. In the present study, we report the crystal structures of two more murine Ang paralogues, mAng‐2 and mAng‐3, at 1.6 and 1.8 Å resolution, respectively. These constitute the first crystal structures of an Ang with a zinc ion bound at the active site and provide some insight into the possible mode of inhibition of the ribonucleolytic activity of the enzyme by these divalent cations. Both structures show that the residues forming the putative P1, B1 and B2 subsites occupy positions similar to their counterparts in human Ang and are likely to have conserved roles. However, a less obtrusive conformation of the C‐terminal segment in mAng‐3 and the presence of a sulfate ion in the B1 subsite of mAng‐2 suggest that these proteins have the potential to be used for inhibitor‐binding studies. We also discuss the biological relevance of the structural similarities and differences between the different Ang homologues.

Database

The atomic coordinates and structure factors for mAng‐2 (3ZBV) and mAng‐3 (3ZBW) have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank, Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA (http://www.rcsb.org/).

Structured digital abstract

mAng2 and mAng3 bind by x-ray crystallography (View interaction)
Microbial community structure and sulfur biogeochemistry in mildly‐acidic sulfidic geothermal springs in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Macur R.E. , Jay Z.J. , Taylor W.P. , Kozubal M.A. , Kocar B.D. , Inskeep W.P.
Published: November 2012

Geothermal and hydrothermal waters often contain high concentrations of dissolved sulfide, which reacts with oxygen (abiotically or biotically) to yield elemental sulfur and other sulfur species that may support microbial metabolism. The primary goal of this study was to elucidate predominant biogeochemical processes important in sulfur biogeochemistry by identifying predominant sulfur species and describing microbial community structure within high‐temperature, hypoxic, sulfur sediments ranging in pH from 4.2 to 6.1. Detailed analysis of aqueous species and solid phases present in hypoxic sulfur sediments revealed unique habitats containing high concentrations of dissolved sulfide, thiosulfate, and arsenite, as well as rhombohedral and spherical elemental sulfur and/or sulfide phases such as orpiment, stibnite, and pyrite, as well as alunite and quartz. Results from 16S rRNA gene sequencing show that these sediments are dominated by Crenarchaeota of the orders Desulfurococcales and Thermoproteales. Numerous cultivated representatives of these lineages, as well as the Thermoproteales strain (WP30) isolated in this study, require complex sources of carbon and respire elemental sulfur. We describe a new archaeal isolate (strain WP30) belonging to the order Thermoproteales (phylum Crenarchaeota, 98% identity to Pyrobaculum/Thermoproteus spp. 16S rRNA genes), which was obtained from sulfur sediments using in situ geochemical composition to design cultivation medium. This isolate produces sulfide during growth, which further promotes the formation of sulfide phases including orpiment, stibnite, or pyrite, depending on solution conditions. Geochemical, molecular, and physiological data were integrated to suggest primary factors controlling microbial community structure and function in high‐temperature sulfur sediments.
Valence, Policy Ideas, and the Rise of Sustainability
Authors: Cox Robert Henry , Béland Daniel
Published: November 2012

This article introduces to policy studies the concept of valence, which we define as the emotional quality of an idea that makes it more or less attractive. We argue that valence explains why some ideas are more successful than others, sometimes gaining paradigmatic status. A policy idea is attractive when its valence matches the mood of a target population. Skilled policy entrepreneurs use ideas with high valence to frame policy issues and generate support for their policy proposals. The usefulness of the concept of valence is illustrated with the case of sustainability, an idea that has expanded from the realm of environmental policy to dominate discussions in such diverse policy areas as pension reform, public finance, labor markets, and energy security. As the valence of sustainability has increased, policy entrepreneurs have used the idea to reframe problems in these various policy areas and promote reforms.
The Politics of Ideas in Reforming the Dutch Disability Fund
Authors: Kurzer Paulette
Published: November 2012

This article looks at the long struggle to reform the Dutch disability insurance fund, which covered close to 10% of the labor force in 2002. Ideas played a strategic role in the framing and discourse of the policy reforms. A template propagated by the European Commission was used by center‐left reform advocates to soften a neoliberal campaign to overhaul the disability insurance scheme. Center‐left politicians used European deliberations to convince their colleagues to accept increased spending on activation programs rather than rely on rounds of cutbacks. Labor market activation also resonated with voters, for very different reasons. Voters in the 2000s rallied around activation in order to bar ethnic minorities from taking advantage of the disability program. By the time that the disability law was repealed in 2006, many voters had altered their minds about the disability fund, resenting the fact that “problematic” minorities lived off welfare state benefits.
Bureaucracies, Neoliberal Ideas, and Tax Reform in New Zealand and Ireland
Authors: Christensen Johan
Published: November 2012

Why did New Zealand adopt one of the most neoliberal tax systems in the world, whereas Ireland pursued a heterodox tax policy of low rates, deep deductions, and distortionary tax incentives? The diverging tax policy trajectories of these two small liberal market economies since 1980 are not well accounted for by conventional ideational, partisan, or political‐institutional explanations. The article argues that the varying degree of neoliberal reform is better understood as the result of differences in the institutionalization of economic knowledge within the state. Distinct administrative institutions in New Zealand and Ireland gave rise to profound differences in the identities, expertise, economic ideas, and policy advice approach of tax policy bureaucrats, which had a major impact on tax policymaking in the two countries.
Associations of the IL‐1F7 gene polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese Han population
Authors: Pei B. , Xu S. , Liu T. , Pan F. , Xu J. , Ding C.
Published: November 2012

Our aim was to investigate whether genetic polymorphism of IL‐1F7 (rs3811047) was involved in the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Chinese Han population. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of IL‐1F7 gene (rs3811047) was analyzed in 184 unrelated Chinese Han patients with RA and 184 healthy controls by ligase detection reaction based on high temperature ligase detection reactions polymerase chain reaction (LDR‐PCR). There were no statistically significant differences in the genetic polymorphism (genotypes and allele frequencies) of IL‐1F7 (rs3811047) in the patients with RA compared with control. Although all of the clinical and laboratory measures were similar to each other among patients with different genotypes, RA patients carrying AA or AG genotypes had lower swollen joint count, swollen joint index, rest pain and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score than that in patients having GG genotype (P < 0.05). These findings show that no evidence for the involvement of a pro‐inflammatory polymorphism in the IL‐1F7 in the susceptibility to RA in China. Patients carrying A allele had less severe disease activity than those not carrying this allele, suggesting that the A allele of IL‐1F7 gene (rs3811047) may have a protective effect on RA.
Parallel host range expansion in two unrelated cossid moths infesting Eucalyptus nitens on two continents
Authors: DEGEFU DAWIT T. , HURLEY BRETT P. , GARNAS JEFF , WINGFIELD MICHAEL J. , AHUMADA RODRIGO , SLIPPERS BERNARD
Published: November 2012

1. Two cossid moths, Coryphodema tristis Drury and Chilecomadia valdiviana Philippi, have recently become pests on Eucalyptus nitens H. Deane & Maiden in South Africa and Chile, respectively. Both C. tristis and C. valdiviana have large host ranges and high levels of similarity in their host distributions. Their infestations of E. nitens are the first records of these moths on Myrtaceae.

2. The contemporaneous adoption of E. nitens as a novel host, despite widespread availability of native and introduced Myrtaceae, suggests a non‐random pattern of invasion. Phylogenetic relatedness among the two species linked to cryptic invasion of one or both moths at some time in the recent past provides a possible explanation for this pattern.

3. To test this hypothesis, variation in mtDNA sequences for the COI gene of C. tristis and C. valdiviana were analyzed. The COI mtDNA sequence data showed that C. tristis and C. valdiviana are highly divergent genetically, indicating that both are native on their respective continents with independent evolutionary trajectories.

4. The parallel host range expansions to E. nitens on different continents appear to be unrelated events, likely driven by characteristics of the biology and/or ecology of the host.
Environmental heterogeneity mediates a cross‐ecosystem trophic cascade
Authors: MOON DANIEL C. , SILVA DIANA
Published: November 2012

1. The flow of energy and nutrients across ecosystem boundaries can have significant community‐wide effects, but the role of productivity of the recipient habitat in mediating these effects remains unclear. This is especially true when organisms moving across ecosystem boundaries serve simultaneously as predators and prey.

2. In this study, the effects of odonates, primarily Enallagma civile (Hagen), on a salt marsh system were examined. Cages were used to exclude odonate predators, but not other arthropods, from experimental plots of the sea oxeye daisy, Borrichia frutescens (L.) in high and low productivity areas. The effects were assessed on the in situ arthropod community and the host plant.

3. There were strong direct effects of predation on the herbivores Pissonotus quadripustulatus Van Duzee and Asphondylia borrichiae Rossi and Strong, with higher densities where damselflies were excluded. Damselflies also served as prey for web‐building spiders. This resulted in lower spider densities inside cages, and a positive indirect effect on grasshopper densities.

4. Direct and indirect effects of odonates were greater in the high productivity area, resulting in a trophic cascade, with greater damage and reduced flowering and density of the host plant inside cages.

5. The results of this study support the subsidy hypothesis and show that theoretical models of trophic dynamics, which were developed to explain exchanges within ecosystems, may have predictive and explanatory value for exchanges across ecosystems as well.
Altitude‐related factors but not Pinus community exert a dominant role over chemical and microbiological properties of a Mediterranean humid soil
Authors: Lucas‐Borja M. E. , Candel Pérez D. , López Serrano F. R. , Andrés M. , Bastida F.
Published: November 2012

The aim of this work was to examine the effect of pine forests on the soil microbial community along an altitudinal gradient in the Cuenca Mountains, Spain. Six experimental forest areas and two tree diversity levels (monospecific and mixed pine forest) were selected according to the following types: (i) at lower altitudes (up to 960 m above sea level), a monospecific Spanish black pine (Pinus nigra Arn. ssp salzmannii) forest stand and a mixed forest stand (maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) and Spanish black pine); (ii) at medium altitudes (up to 1350 m), a monospecific Spanish black pine forest stand and a mixed forest stand (Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Spanish black pine); and (iii) above 1670 m, a monospecific Spanish black pine forest stand and a mixed forest stand (Scots pine and Spanish black pine). Soil moisture and temperature and different forest stand variables such as tree species composition, tree height, basal area and shrub cover were measured. Physicochemical soil properties including texture, pH, carbonates, total organic carbon, organic matter, electrical conductivity, N, P, soil enzyme activities, soil respiration and soil microbial biomass carbon were analysed at the selected forest areas and tree diversity levels. Results showed that soil moisture and temperature differed significantly across the altitudinal gradient. Carbon:nitrogen ratio, total carbonates, total organic carbon, phosphorus and total N values also differed at each experimental area but tree diversity level was not an influential factor. Soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon and enzyme activities tended to be less at low altitudes whereas no differences were found between monospecific and mixed pine forests across the altitudinal gradient. This work suggests that the soils of the Cuenca Mountains may be more sensitive to some physical and chemical site‐specific aspects such as soil temperature and moisture than changes in tree stand composition (when considering only pine species). In addition, differences in soil physicochemical properties found at each experimental area may also act as additional factors for regulating enzymatic activities.
Organic matter content and features related to associated mineral fractions in an acid, loamy soil
Authors: Bonnard P. , Basile‐Doelsch I. , Balesdent J. , Masion A. , Borschneck D. , Arrouays D.
Published: November 2012

Sorption of soil organic matter on mineral surfaces is now recognized as a major organic carbon (C) stabilization process. To investigate the role of organo‐mineral interactions in carbon‐rich soils, we separated organo‐mineral associations by sequential density fractionation in the top‐ and subsoil of a forest Acrisol (umbrept) from southern France. Fractions were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, 13C NMR and δ13C. For each horizon, we isolated five types of association: light organic matter non‐occluded, and occluded in aggregates (<1.9 g cm−3), and microaggregates formed by poorly crystallized mineral phases (1.9–2.2 g cm−3), by phyllosilicates (2.2–2.5 g cm−3) and by primary mineral particles weakly complexed with organic compounds (>2.5 g cm−3). Carbon accumulation in organo‐mineral fractions was correlated with a relative enrichment in hydrophobic compounds (alkyl C or aromatic C). In contrast, the content in nitrogen and carboxylic groups was more constant. Poorly crystalline mineral phases stabilized the largest amount of soil organic matter. We compiled data from previous studies carried out on soils with different mineralogies (n = 20) and found a significant correlation between the δ13C and the C:N ratio of sorbed organic compounds according to the C content of fractions. This general trend is in line with the conceptual model of a zonal structure of soil organic matter sorbed on mineral surfaces. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the accumulation of hydrophilic (O‐alkyl C) and hydrophobic (alkyl C and/or aromatic C) organic compounds on mineral surfaces is favoured by the structural organization of organo‐mineral associations. The same organo‐mineral associations were found in top‐ and subsoils, indicating similar stabilization processes in surface and deeper horizons.
Nurses' experiences of participation in a research and development programme
Authors: Bäck‐Pettersson Siv , Jensen Kirsten P , Kylén Sven , Sernert Ninni , Hermansson Evelyn
Published: November 2012

Aims and objectives

To describe clinical nurses' experience of participating in a Research and Development (R&D) programme and its influence on their research interest and ability to conduct and apply nursing research.

Background

To stimulate nurses' research interest and to overcome barriers for building research capacity in nursing, there is a need for sustainable research programmes. A two‐year programme was designed for nurses, to take part in both an academic education for master and research seminars and workshops to conduct a research project from idea to publication.

Design

A qualitative approach using using focus group interviews.

Methods

Registered nurses (n = 12) with a bachelor's degree in nursing, participated. Data were collected in focus group interviews, after one year and when the programme ended. Content analysis was used to analyse the data.

Results

The findings consist of two themes: being a traveller in the world of nursing research, which included three categories, and experiencing professional growth as a result of nursing research training, in both cases focusing on the experience of students involved in a cohesive programme which included four categories: discovering new dimensions of clinical nursing practice; selected and confirmed; supported by professional others; development of professional self‐concept.

Conclusions

To support early career researchers, there is a need for strong leadership, an organisational and supportive infrastructure underpinning research capability building in nurses. In this context, research strategies, programmes and collaboration between leaders of academia and clinical institutions appear to be essential.

Relevance to clinical practice

The R&D programme illustrates an effective way of stimulating nurses' lifelong learning by building the capacity to conduct and apply nursing research in clinical practice. The structure of the programme can be used as a model in other contexts.
Positivity for HLA DR1 is associated with basal cell carcinoma in renal transplant patients in southern Brazil
Authors: de Carvalho André V. E. , Bonamigo Renan R. , da Silva Cristina M. , De Zorzi Pinto Ângela C.
Published: November 2012

Background  Renal transplant patients have a higher incidence of non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Previous studies hypothesized that human leukocyte antigen (HLA), especially types DR1, DR4, and DR7, may influence the incidence of these tumors. This study investigates the association between NMSC and the presence of HLA DR1, DR4, and DR7 in renal transplant patients in southern Brazil.

Methods  In a historical cohort study, 1032 patients who underwent renal transplantation during the period from January 1993 to December 2006 were examined to identify occurrences of NMSC and HLA status prior to transplant.

Results  Of the 1032 patients examined, 59 (5.71%) developed NMSC (squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]: 2.42%; basal cell carcinoma [BCC]: 1.74%; both: 1.55%). The presence of HLA DR1 was associated with a higher probability of developing any NMSC and particularly with developing BCC (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant association between the presence of HLA DR4 or DR7 and the occurrence of NMSC in this sample.

Conclusions  HLA DR1 appears to be associated with the development of BCC, as well as with the higher number of NMSC lesions in renal transplant patients. This study supports the trend to associate the DR1 allele with BCC and not with SCC.