bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Histone deacetylase inhibitors are neuroprotective and preserve NGF-mediated cell survival following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lu Jie , Frerich Jason M. , Turtzo L. Christine , Li Siqi , Chiang Jeffrey , Yang Chunzhang , Wang Xiaoping , Zhang Chao , Wu Chenxi , Sun Zhongchan , Niu Gang , Zhuang Zhengping , Brady Roscoe O. , Chen Xiaoyuan
Published: June 2013

Acute traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with long-term cognitive and behavioral dysfunction. In vivo studies have shown histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) to be neuroprotective following TBI in rodent models. HDACis are intriguing candidates because they are capable of provoking widespread genetic changes and modulation of protein function. By using known HDACis and a unique small-molecule pan-HDACi (LB-205), we investigated the effects and mechanisms associated with HDACi-induced neuroprotection following CNS injury in an astrocyte scratch assay in vitro and a rat TBI model in vivo. We demonstrate the preservation of sufficient expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and activation of the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 1 (TrkA) pathway following HDACi treatment to be crucial in stimulating the survival of CNS cells after TBI. HDACi treatment up-regulated the expression of NGF, phospho-TrkA, phospho-protein kinase B (p-AKT), NF-κB, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) cell survival factors while down-regulating the expression of p75 neurotrophin receptor (NTR), phospho-JNK, and Bcl-2–associated X protein apoptosis factors. HDACi treatment also increased the expression of the stem cell biomarker nestin, and decreased the expression of reactive astrocyte biomarker GFAP within damaged tissue following TBI. These findings provide further insight into the mechanisms by which HDACi treatment after TBI is neuroprotective and support the continued study of HDACis following acute TBI.
Paternally expressed genes predominate in the placenta
Authors: Wang Xu , Miller Donald C. , Harman Rebecca , Antczak Douglas F. , Clark Andrew G.
Published: June 2013

The discovery of genomic imprinting through studies of manipulated mouse embryos indicated that the paternal genome has a major influence on placental development. However, previous research has not demonstrated paternal bias in imprinted genes. We applied RNA sequencing to trophoblast tissue from reciprocal hybrids of horse and donkey, where genotypic differences allowed parent-of-origin identification of most expressed genes. Using this approach, we identified a core group of 15 ancient imprinted genes, of which 10 were paternally expressed. An additional 78 candidate imprinted genes identified by RNA sequencing also showed paternal bias. Pyrosequencing was used to confirm the imprinting status of six of the genes, including the insulin receptor (
INSR
), which may play a role in growth regulation with its reciprocally imprinted ligand, histone acetyltransferase-1 (
HAT1
), a gene involved in chromatin modification, and lymphocyte antigen 6 complex, locus G6C, a newly identified imprinted gene in the major histocompatibility complex. The 78 candidate imprinted genes displayed parent-of-origin expression bias in placenta but not fetus, and most showed less than 100% silencing of the imprinted allele. Some displayed variability in imprinting status among individuals. This variability results in a unique epigenetic signature for each placenta that contributes to variation in the intrauterine environment and thus presents the opportunity for natural selection to operate on parent-of-origin differential regulation. Taken together, these features highlight the plasticity of imprinting in mammals and the central importance of the placenta as a target tissue for genomic imprinting.
Computational analysis of anti–HIV-1 antibody neutralization panel data to identify potential functional epitope residues
Authors: West Anthony P. , Scharf Louise , Horwitz Joshua , Klein Florian , Nussenzweig Michel C. , Bjorkman Pamela J.
Published: June 2013

Advances in single-cell antibody cloning methods have led to the identification of a variety of broadly neutralizing anti–HIV-1 antibodies. We developed a computational tool (Antibody Database) to help identify critical residues on the HIV-1 envelope protein whose natural variation affects antibody activity. Our simplifying assumption was that, for a given antibody, a significant portion of the dispersion of neutralization activity across a panel of HIV-1 strains is due to the amino acid identity or glycosylation state at a small number of specific sites, each acting independently. A model of an antibody’s neutralization IC50was developed in which each site contributes a term to the logarithm of the modeled IC50. The analysis program attempts to determine the set of rules that minimizes the sum of the residuals between observed and modeled IC50values. The predictive quality of the identified rules may be assessed in part by whether there is support for rules within individual viral clades. As a test case, we analyzed antibody 8ANC195, an anti-glycoprotein gp120 antibody of unknown specificity. The model for this antibody indicated that several glycosylation sites were critical for neutralization. We evaluated this prediction by measuring neutralization potencies of 8ANC195 against HIV-1 in vitro and in an antibody therapy experiment in humanized mice. These experiments confirmed that 8ANC195 represents a distinct class of glycan-dependent anti–HIV-1 antibody and validated the utility of computational analysis of neutralization panel data.
Early bioenergetic evolution
Authors: Sousa Filipa L. , Thiergart Thorsten , Landan Giddy , Nelson-Sathi Shijulal , Pereira Inês A. C. , Allen John F. , Lane Nick , Martin William F.
Published: June 2013

Life is the harnessing of chemical energy in such a way that the energy-harnessing device makes a copy of itself. This paper outlines an energetically feasible path from a particular inorganic setting for the origin of life to the first free-living cells. The sources of energy available to early organic synthesis, early evolving systems and early cells stand in the foreground, as do the possible mechanisms of their conversion into harnessable chemical energy for synthetic reactions. With regard to the possible temporal sequence of events, we focus on: (i) alkaline hydrothermal vents as the far-from-equilibrium setting, (ii) the Wood–Ljungdahl (acetyl-CoA) pathway as the route that could have underpinned carbon assimilation for these processes, (iii) biochemical divergence, within the naturally formed inorganic compartments at a hydrothermal mound, of geochemically confined replicating entities with a complexity below that of free-living prokaryotes, and (iv) acetogenesis and methanogenesis as the ancestral forms of carbon and energy metabolism in the first free-living ancestors of the eubacteria and archaebacteria, respectively. In terms of the main evolutionary transitions in early bioenergetic evolution, we focus on: (i) thioester-dependent substrate-level phosphorylations, (ii) harnessing of naturally existing proton gradients at the vent–ocean interface via the ATP synthase, (iii) harnessing of Na+gradients generated by H+/Na+antiporters, (iv) flavin-based bifurcation-dependent gradient generation, and finally (v) quinone-based (and Q-cycle-dependent) proton gradient generation. Of those five transitions, the first four are posited to have taken place at the vent. Ultimately, all of these bioenergetic processes depend, even today, upon CO2reduction with low-potential ferredoxin (Fd), generated either chemosynthetically or photosynthetically, suggesting a reaction of the type ‘reduced iron → reduced carbon’ at the beginning of bioenergetic evolution.
Frictional catastrophe behaviors and mechanisms of brake shoe for mine hoisters during repetitious emergency brakings
Authors: Zhu Zhencai , Bao Jiusheng , Yin Yan , Chen Guoan
Published: June 2013

Purpose

In order to improve the braking safety of mine hoisters, this paper aims to focus on the continuous repetitious emergency braking conditions to investigate an abnormal frictional phenomena called “Frictional catastrophe (FC)” and its mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

The non‐asbestos brake shoe of a mine hoister was selected as frictional material and its paring material is 16Mn steel. The tribological properties of the brake shoe were tested on the pad‐on‐disc friction tester by the simulation of continuous emergency braking conditions. The thermal analysis experiments, the temperature field simulations and the SEM analysis of the brake shoe were accomplished to reveal the mechanisms of the FC.

Findings

It was found that the friction coefficient of the brake shoe sometimes falls suddenly during braking. This abnormal frictional phenomena is called “Frictional catastrophe (FC)”. It is considered that the friction heat, which is accumulated rapidly by the braking on the surface of the brake shoe, makes the surface layer material qualitatively change from the solid state to a mixed state composed of gases, liquids and solid. The frictional modality of the braking changes accordingly from dry friction to lubrication with gases and liquids. The sudden lubrication makes the friction coefficient fall suddenly and induces the FC phenomena.

Originality/value

An abnormal tribological phenomena called “Frictional catastrophe (FC)” was found in this paper. The investigations about the behaviors and mechanisms of the FC are considered helpful for improving the braking safety of mine hoisters and other machines.
Loan defaults and hazard models for bankruptcy prediction
Authors: Foster Benjamin P. , Zurada Jozef
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Recent bankruptcy research uses hazard models and extensive samples of companies. The large samples used have precluded the inclusion of a variable related to companies' loan default status in the models. With a sample limited to financially distressed companies, the authors aim to examine if results differ when loan default status and/or audit opinion variables are omitted from hazard bankruptcy prediction models.

Design/methodology/approach

The sampling frame is publicly traded US companies, consisting of 111 bankrupt and 310 matching companies from 2003 to 2007. The study applies logistic regression to choose variables for parsimonious bankruptcy prediction models to validate hypotheses. Loan default status and/or audit opinion variables are included as potential predictive variables along with variables included in previous hazard bankruptcy prediction models.

Findings

Results reveal that loan default and audit opinion variables: improve the predictive accuracy for financially distressed samples with hazard model characteristics; and change the significance on some variables included in previous hazard models.

Research limitations/implications

Auditors' propensity to issue going‐concern modifications varies over time. To allow manual collection of loan default status information, the authors' sample was limited. Consequently, their results may not be generalizable to other bankruptcy hazard models.

Practical implications

Results from hazard models that do not include loan default status or auditor opinion variables should be interpreted with caution. Auditors might improve their going‐concern modification decisions by attributing more importance to loan default status. Also, the auditor's opinion adds incremental bankruptcy risk information to lenders and investors.

Originality/value

Recent bankruptcy research uses hazard models and extensive samples of companies. However, these studies omit a potentially important variable available to financial statement users, loan default status. The authors demonstrate that including variables for loan default status and auditor's opinion improves bankruptcy prediction models and can change conclusions drawn about other variables.
Socio‐demographic factors and network configuration among MENA entrepreneurs
Authors: Zengyu Huang Victor , Nandialath Anup , Kassim Alsayaghi Abdulkareem , Esra Karadeniz Emine
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The field of entrepreneurship has seen a dramatic increase in studies focusing on networks and relations. Research in this area has thus far focused on how the structure and quality of entrepreneurs' existing interpersonal ties shape information access and thereby influence entrepreneurial outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to extend the focus further by examining how the entrepreneur's socio‐demographic profile affects advisory network configuration in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) context.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors used Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) data, at the individual level (total early‐stage entrepreneurial activities) in 14 countries within the MENA region over the course of three years (2009, 2010 and 2011). The sample of networks is obtained from the entrepreneurs identified among the adults interviewed in the adult population survey of GEM participating countries from the MENA region.

Findings

Strong evidence was found that socio‐demographic variables such as gender, age, income and education have an impact on the usage of advice‐seeking networks by entrepreneurs across MENA. For instance, the findings suggest that women entrepreneurs in the MENA region tend to rely more on personal networks compared to male entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

The paper's contribution is novel in providing empirical evidence exposing the interplay between socio‐demographic factors, new venture start‐up phases, to entrepreneurial networks. Prospective scholarly research need to improve our understanding about the effects of network evolution on the entrepreneurial trajectory, as well to develop a greater understanding on how, when and why MENA‐based entrepreneurial networks emerge, develop and change over time.
Evidence on the nature, extent and determinants of disclosures in Libyan banks’ annual reports
Authors: Kribat Musa , Burton Bruce , Crawford Louise
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The paper aims to investigate disclosure practices in the annual reports of Libyan banks in the run‐up to the opening of the nation's first stock exchange. Banks dominate this embryonic market but very little research has examined the extent (or determinants) of transparency achieved by these firms, an issue argued by Stiglitz and others to be crucial in the post‐crisis era. Currently, no detailed evidence of disclosure practices prior to the launch of the exchange exists, making an accurate assessment of the market's impact in this area impossible; the present study therefore contributes in this regard as well.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs two main methods: a disclosure index‐based analysis of mandatory and overall disclosure levels; and panel regression analysis of the determinants of the overall disclosure levels.

Findings

The results suggest that while many items are disclosed on a regular basis, on average barely more than half of all possible items appear in the annual reports. As regards compliance with mandatory requirements, the figures are higher but, worryingly, begin to fall as the launch of the market neared. The results of panel‐data analysis suggest that the overall extent of disclosure is non‐random, instead reflecting the profits achieved by the banks concerned.

Originality/value

This paper is the first detailed analysis of disclosure practices in Libyan banks and the results suggest that market authorities should be looking for an improvement in the figures, in particular the reversal of a downward trend in compliance with mandatory requirements. The paper reports a link between profit level and disclosure propensity; this evidence might be of use to regulators charged with increasing disclosure levels in the future. More generally, the results provide a comparative basis on which to assess the effect of the market's launch on disclosure practices in Libya.
What's in the closet: dress and appearance codes and lessons from sexual orientation
Authors: Brower Todd
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Dress and appearance codes are often seen as trivial, both because they seem to fit within our notions of how people ought to behave, and because they appear to reflect legitimate employer concerns in running a business. But they are not constructed in a vacuum. They reflect and enshrine societal stereotypes and expectations of women and men and how they look – including assumptions about gender and sexuality and majoritarian norms. As such, they punish anyone who is an outlier by reason of gender, sexuality, race, religion, or culture. This paper seeks to identify the assumptions and effects on gender, sexuality, professionalism and class in appearance and behavior codes.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper exploring US case law on dress codes and employee appearance standards to examine issues of gender and sexual orientation identity on the job. By combining insights from sexual orientation identity theories and visibility, the paper seeks to uncover some of the interactions and effects of these appearance policies on women and LGBT persons in the workplace.

Findings

This paper shows that identity strategies and performances used by LGBT individuals and women in the workplace implicate sexuality and gender, but also professionalism and class. These dress and appearance codes carry with them consequences for both employers and employees.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the gender, sexuality and identity performance burdens on women and sexual minorities workplace controls over dress and appearance.

Originality/value

The paper discusses topics that are of interest to persons studying sexuality and gender identity issues in employment. It is based on an unpublished talk at the EDI conference in Vienna 2010.
Trans dressing in the workplace
Authors: Jones Jackie
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the article is to examine the problems faced by transsexuals in the workplace, in particular to analyse whether the applicable anti‐discrimination laws in the United Kingdom are effective in preventing harassment of transsexuals in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses common problems faced by transsexuals at work, including dress codes.

Findings

There are few UK cases dealing with these issues and the law has so far not been effective at stopping discriminatory behaviour towards transsexuals in the workplace. A more supportive approach is required.

Originality/value

There are few, if any, articles that specifically look at the effect on transsexuals of dress codes, law and organisational change in this way.
Determinants of job satisfaction in the banking sector: the case of Lebanese managers
Authors: Tlaiss Hayfaa A.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The aim of this study is to fill a gap in the literature on job satisfaction in the Middle East, reflecting on the experience of women managers from Lebanon.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was designed and administered to a sample of women managers in the banking sector. The survey covered several aspects including objective, subjective, and overall job satisfaction.

Findings

Overall, the findings revealed that the respondents were satisfied with the subjective aspects of their careers, but not the objective ones. Work‐related factors seemed to better explain the job satisfaction of women managers in the banking industry in Lebanon when compared to individual personal factors.

Originality/value

Given the limited research on job satisfaction in the Middle East and the importance of job satisfaction on performance and retention, this study adds to the little that is known about the effect of individual and work‐related factors on job satisfaction of employees in the Arab Middle Eastern region. The implications of this study can be of great importance for public policy initiatives, practitioners and academic scholars.
Realising the “right to the city”
Authors: Hearne Rory
Published: June 2013

Purpose

This article aims to explore the concept of achieving the “right to the city” for marginalised communities. It uses human rights instruments and regeneration best practice to develop a toolkit of indicators for urban regeneration. The article contributes to the literature on realising economic, social and cultural rights encompassed in the “right to the city”.

Design/methodology/approach

The article adopts an interdisciplinary approach, involving human rights law, urban planning, housing studies, community development, housing law and social policy. It draws on primary qualitative (participative and observatory) research undertaken by the author while implementing a human rights based approach in an Irish inner‐city local authority estate from 2009 to 2013.

Findings

The human rights framework can be adapted to develop a set of measurable regeneration indicators. This article suggests that the application of this rights toolkit provides a greater potential for regeneration to meet human rights standards, and therefore, realise the “right to the city” in practice.

Research limitations/implications

The application of the human rights based approach to urban regeneration would benefit from wider empirical testing on its suitability for implementation in other countries and global regions. It would benefit from critical engagement with human rights practitioners, community groups, and state agencies seeking to realise the “right to the city”.

Originality/value

This is the first known academic attempt to explore the pathway of a human rights based approach to urban regeneration in order to realise the “right to the city” in practice.
Changing quality of life through the Personal Kaizen approach: a qualitative study
Authors: Suárez‐Barraza Manuel F. , Ramis‐Pujol Juan , Mi Dahlgaard‐Park Su
Published: June 2013

Purpose

Imai defined Kaizen as: “a means of continuing improvement in personal life, home life, social life, and working life. At the workplace, Kaizen means continuing improvement involving everyone – managers and workers alike”. According to Imai, Kaizen can take at least three forms: Kaizen management; Group Kaizen; Individual Kaizen. In this last form, the strength of the continuous improvement of this Japanese management approach is focused on the work of each person as an individual. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore how some people have applied Personal Kaizen to their personal lives in order to improve their quality of life. The research question that drives the study is: How do some people apply Personal Kaizen in order to improve their quality of life?

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory qualitative study was conducted. Using theoretical sampling, three persons who have implemented Personal Kaizen in their daily lives in order to change their quality of life were identified and interviewed. Similarly, documentary references of the three cases cited were used to generate a cross‐case analysis of the methodological techniques used.

Findings

This paper analyses the cases of three persons who have implemented Personal Kaizen in their lives in order to change their quality of life. The authors cross the empirical data with the theoretical framework of Kaizen and quality of life and try to corroborate three hypotheses.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has the same limitations as all other qualitative research, including subjectivity of analysis and questionable generalisation of findings. Furthermore, there may well be a theoretical gap with respect to the geographic region, given that the paper only considers three individuals living in Mexico.

Practical implications

The description of how three persons apply an individual Kaizen approach in order to change their quality of life may prove to be of value to other persons who wish to change their health‐related behaviour.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the limited existing literature on the Personal Kaizen approach and subsequently disseminates this information in order to provide impetus, guidance and support for improving individual quality of life.
A “dramaturgical” analysis of spouse role enactment in expatriation
Authors: Davoine Eric , Ravasi Claudio , Salamin Xavier , Cudré‐Mauroux Christel
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the social role played by expatriate spouses during international assignments, using a dramaturgical approach.

Design/methodology/approach

Role expectations were investigated on the basis of an exemplary case: the spouses of diplomatic and consular employees of the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Qualitative data were collected in interviews with 40 male and female spouses and analyzed with a “goffmanian” dramaturgical role analysis approach.

Findings

The dramaturgical analysis of the accompanying persons’ discourse highlights the different dimensions of the expatriate spouse role and how expatriate spouses construct and personalize their role. Furthermore, this analysis brings new insights into the way male spouses may support female expatriates and reveals gender differences in the enactment of the expatriate spouse role.

Research limitations/implications

This study has been carried out in the diplomatic sector, which might be more structured for the spouses in terms of role expectations than in multinational companies. Further research should be carried out to better understand these expectations in the context of multinational companies.

Originality/value

The dramaturgical approach is a useful conceptual framework to explore the role enactment of the expatriate spouse, especially by considering the spouse role with a new distribution of gender roles. In this context, the role repertoire approach represents a promising field of investigation for research on expatriation and international mobility.
Anthropology: the forgotten behavioral science in management history
Authors: Morey Nancy C. , Luthans Fred
Published: June 2013

This paper traces and acknowledges the heretofore generally overlooked contributions that anthropology and anthropologists have made to the history of management thought. Particular attention is devoted to tracing the early anthropological roots, highlighting the contributions made to the Hawthorne studies, and featuring the work of William Foote Whyte.
Genetic analysis of attachment glycoprotein (G) gene in new genotype ON1 of human respiratory syncytial virus detected in Japan
Authors: Tsukagoshi Hiroyuki , Yokoi Hajime , Kobayashi Miho , Kushibuchi Izumi , Okamoto‐Nakagawa Reiko , Yoshida Ayako , Morita Yukio , Noda Masahiro , Yamamoto Norio , Sugai Kazuko , Oishi Kazunori , Kozawa Kunihisa , Kuroda Makoto , Shirabe Komei , Kimura Hirokazu
Published: June 2013

We studied the evolution of the G gene in the new genotype ON1 of RSV detected from patients with acute respiratory infection in Japan. Phylogenetic analyses and the evolutionary timescale were obtained by the Bayesian MCMC method. We also analyzed p‐distance and positive selection sites. A new genotype ON1 emerged around 2001. The evolution rate was rapid (3.57 × 10−3 substitutions/site per year). The p‐distance was short and no positive selection site was found in the present strains. These results suggested that a new genotype ON1 of RSV‐A emerged approximately10 years ago and spread to some countries with a high evolution rate.
Intraguild predation among Scolothrips longicornis (Thysanoptera: Thripidae), Neoseiulus californicus and Typhlodromus bagdasarjani (Acari: Phytoseiidae) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Farazmand Azadeh , Fathipour Yaghoub , Kamali Karim
Published: June 2013

This study was carried out on the ability of predatory thrips Scolothrips longicornis Priesner to feed on 2 phytoseiid species and vice versa. Also the effect of predation of Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) on Typhlodromus bagdasarjani Wainstein and Arutunjan and vice versa was evaluated. The larvae, prepupae, and pupae of thrips and the eggs, larvae, and protonymphs of phytoseiids were selected as intraguild prey. The intraguild predation (IGP) among S. longicornis and 2 phytoseiid species was unidirectional and in favor of phytoseiids, i.e., S. longicornis was not able to feed on larval stages of 2 phytoseiids. However, N. californicus and T. bagdasarjani fed on the 1st instar larvae (1.39 and 0.80 per day), 2nd instar larvae (0.87 and 0.55 per day), prepupae (0.51 and 0.48 per day), and pupae of thrips (0.51 and 0.49 per day, respectively). Both phytoseiids fed on eggs, larvae, and protonymphal stages of each other. Females of N. californicus consumed more phytoseiid larvae (2.49 per day) than T. bagdasarjani, which consumed 1.08 N. californicus larvae per day. When Tetranychus urticae was presented as an extraguild prey, intensity of IGP between 2 species of phytoseiids and on larval stages of S. longicornis reduced significantly. Therefore, it is concluded that (i) IGP existed among the 3 examined species and lack of feeding of S. longicornis on 2 phytoseiid species can be justified by its feeding type (monophagy), (ii) N. californicus was much more prone to IGP than was T. bagdasarjani.
Biological and biochemical characterization of a red‐eye mutant in Nilaparvata lugens （Hemiptera: Delphacidae）
Authors: Liu Shu‐Hua , Yao Jing , Yao Hong‐Wei , Jiang Peng‐Ling , Yang Bao‐Jun , Tang Jian
Published: June 2013

A red‐eye colony was established in our laboratory in brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), a major rice pest in Asia. Except for the red‐eye phenotype, no other differences were observed between the wild‐type (brown eye) and the mutant‐type (red eye) in external characters. Genetic analysis revealed that the red‐eye phenotype was controlled by a single autosomal recessive allele. Biological studies found that egg production and egg viability in the red‐eye mutant colony were not significantly different from those in the wild‐type BPH. Biochemical analysis and electronic microscopy examination revealed that the red‐eye mutants contained decreased levels of both xanthommatin (brown) and pteridine (red) and reduced number of pigment granules. Thus, the changes of amount and ratio of the two pigments is the biochemical basis of this red‐eye mutation. Our results indicate that the red‐eye mutant gene (red) might be involved in one common gene locus shared by the two pigments in pigment transportation, pigment granule formation or some other processes.
Expression of HvCslF9 and HvCslF6 barley genes in the genetic background of wheat and their influence on the wheat β‐glucan content
Authors: Cseh A. , Soós V. , Rakszegi M. , Türkösi E. , Balázs E. , Molnár‐Láng M.
Published: June 2013

The dietary fibre (1,3;1,4)‐β‐d‐glucan (β‐glucan), is a major quality parameter of cereals. Grain β‐glucan content is the most important factor from the aspect of human health maintenance. The grain of barley (Hordeum vulgare) is one of the most important β‐glucan sources having a β‐glucan content 10 times higher than that of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Winter wheat/winter barley ‘Mv9kr1’/‘Igri’ 1HS ditelosomic and ‘Mv9kr1’/‘Igri’ 7H disomic addition lines carrying the HvCslF9 and HvCslF6 barley genes, respectively, were used to investigate the additive effect of barley cellulose synthase‐like genes on the wheat β‐glucan content. A significantly higher β‐glucan level was detected in the leaves and grains of the wheat/barley 1HS and 7H addition lines compared to the control wheat line. The expression of the HvCslF9 and HvCslF6 genes in the genetic background of wheat was also determined by quantitative RT‐PCR. The expression pattern of the HvCslF9 gene transcript showed a gradual increase throughout grain development, while the HvCslF6 gene was normally transcribed at relatively high levels. In leaves, the transcript of the HvCslF9 gene could not be detected at the end of tillering, while the HvCslF6 gene was still strongly expressed at this time in the 7H addition line. This study mapped the HvCslF9 gene to the short arm of the 1H chromosome. The HvGlb1 barley gene, encoding (1,3;1,4)‐β‐d‐glucan endohydrolase isoenzyme EI, is possibly involved in the regulation of the β‐glucan level during grain development. Previously this was also mapped to the barley 1H chromosome, and this study suggested that it was located on the 1HL chromosome arm. It was also concluded that the independent expression of the HvCslF9 gene in the wheat background resulted in a slight increase in the β‐glucan content. The results provide new insights into the expression and regulation of the HvCslF genes in the genetic background of wheat and indicate that cisgenesis can be used to increase the leaf and grain β‐glucan content in wheat.
The association of sore throat and psoriasis might be explained by histologically distinctive tonsils and increased expression of skin-homing molecules by tonsil T cells
Authors: Sigurdardottir S L , Thorleifsdottir R H , Valdimarsson H , Johnston A
Published: June 2013

Recent studies have highlighted the involvement of the palatine tonsils in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, particularly among patients with recurrent throat infections. However, the underlying immunological mechanism is not well understood. In this study we confirm that psoriasis tonsils are infected more frequently by β-haemolytic Streptococci, in particular Group C Streptococcus, compared with recurrently infected tonsils from patients without skin disease. Moreover, we show that tonsils from psoriasis patients contained smaller lymphoid follicles that occupied a smaller tissue area, had a lower germinal centre to marginal zone area ratio and contained fewer tingible body macrophages per unit area compared with recurrently infected tonsils from individuals without skin disease. Psoriasis patients' tonsils had a higher frequency of skin-homing [cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA+)] CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and this correlated significantly with their frequency of blood CLA+ T cells. The psoriasis patients also had a higher frequency of tonsil T cells expressing the interleukin (IL)-23 receptor that was expressed preferentially by the CLA+ T cell population. In contrast, recurrently infected tonsils of individuals without skin disease had a higher frequency of tonsil T cells expressing the activation marker CD69 and a number of chemokine receptors with unknown relevance to psoriasis. These findings suggest that immune responses in the palatine tonsils of psoriasis patients are dysregulated. The elevated expression of CLA and IL-23 receptor by tonsil T cells may promote the egression of effector T cells from tonsils to the epidermis, suggesting that there may be functional changes within the tonsils, which promote triggering or exacerbation of psoriasis.
Whole blood stimulation with Toll-like receptor (TLR)-7/8 and TLR-9 agonists induces interleukin-12p40 expression in plasmacytoid dendritic cells in rhesus macaques but not in humans
Authors: Koopman G , Beenhakker N , Burm S , Bouwhuis O , Bajramovic J , Sommandas V , Mudde G , Mooij P , ‘t Hart B A , Bogers W M J M
Published: June 2013

Macaques provide important animal models in biomedical research into infectious and chronic inflammatory disease. Therefore, a proper understanding of the similarities and differences in immune function between macaques and humans is needed for adequate interpretation of the data and translation to the human situation. Dendritic cells are important as key regulators of innate and adaptive immune responses. Using a new whole blood assay we investigated functional characteristics of blood plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), myeloid dendritic cells (mDC) and monocytes in rhesus macaques by studying induction of activation markers and cytokine expression upon Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation. In a head-to-head comparison we observed that rhesus macaque venous blood contained relatively lower numbers of pDC than human venous blood, while mDC and monocytes were present at similar percentages. In contrast to humans, pDC in rhesus macaques expressed the interleukin (IL)-12p40 subunit in response to TLR-7/8 as well as TLR-9 stimulation. Expression of IL-12p40 was confirmed by using different monoclonal antibodies and by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). Both in humans and rhesus macaques, TLR-4 stimulation induced IL-12p40 expression in mDC and monocytes, but not in pDC. The data show that, in contrast to humans, pDC in macaques are able to express IL-12p40, which could have consequences for evaluation of human vaccine candidates and viral infection.
Nonresectional management of colorectal cancer: multidisciplinary factors that influence treatment strategy
Authors: Turner P. S. , Burke D. , Finan P. J.
Published: June 2013

Aim

Surgical resection of a primary colorectal tumour remains the treatment of choice and offers the best chance of cure. However, in some patients, resection is not achieved. There are few published data on this group of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate this group to determine the frequency and reasons for nonresection, and to analyse the subsequent management.

Method

A retrospective review was performed using a Trust colorectal cancer database and individual electronic patient records. Patients who presented to our unit with a diagnosis of primary colorectal cancer managed by nonresectional intervention over a 2‐year period were identified. Data analysed included: patient demographics, radiological staging, histological data, nonsurgical therapy, tumour‐specific complications and requirement for palliative surgical procedures.

Results

A total of 671 patients were identified with primary colorectal cancer. One hundred and fifty‐six (23%) were managed without resection, following discussion at a multidisciplinary team meeting. Of 156 patients, histological confirmation was obtained in 131 (84%), with the remainder of the diagnoses being based on unequivocal radiological imaging and/or operative findings. Complete radiological staging was achieved in 150 (96%) patients. The predominant reasons for nonresectional management were: advanced metastatic disease (66%), significant medical comorbidity (19%) and patient refusal (6%). Fifty‐nine of 156 patients (38%) subsequently received palliative chemotherapy, 9 (6%) radiotherapy and or 9 (6%) combination chemo‐radiotherapy. Seventy‐nine (51%) of 156 patients received no therapy other than best supportive palliative care, for reasons including significant medical comorbidity (62%) and patient refusal (19%). Following the initial decision not to resect, 68 (44%) patients did at some point undergo some form of palliative intervention (stenting, stoma or bypass) for obstruction – 44 (28%) electively and 24 (15%) as an emergency.

Conclusion

Nonresectional management of patients with primary colorectal cancer is not an uncommon outcome following discussion at a multidisciplinary meeting. In these patients, nonsurgical palliation should be employed when necessary, though is frequently limited by comorbidity. However, subsequent surgical palliation is still required in a substantial proportion of cases.
Blocking a redundant cue: what does it say about preschoolers' causal competence?
Authors: Kloos Heidi , Sloutsky Vladimir M.
Published: June 2013

The current study investigates the degree to which preschoolers can engage in causal inferences in a blocking paradigm, a paradigm in which a cue is consistently linked with a target, either alone (A‐T) or paired with another cue (AB‐T). Unlike previous blocking studies with preschoolers, we manipulated the causal structure of the events without changing the specific contingencies. In particular, cues were said to be either potential causes (prediction condition), or they were said to be potential effects (diagnosis condition). The causally appropriate inference is to block the redundant cue B when it is a potential cause of the target, but not when it is a potential effect. Findings show a stark difference in performance between preschoolers and adults: While adults blocked the redundant cue only in the prediction condition, children blocked the redundant cue indiscriminately across both conditions. Therefore, children, but not adults, ignored the causal structure of the events. These findings challenge a developmental account that attributes sophisticated machinery of causal reasoning to young children.
The neural correlates of processing newborn and adult faces in 3‐year‐old children
Authors: Peykarjou Stefanie , Westerlund² Alissa , Cassia Viola Macchi , Kuefner Dana , Nelson Charles A.
Published: June 2013

The current study examines the processing of upright and inverted faces in 3‐year‐old children (n = 35). Event‐related potentials (ERPs) were recorded during a passive looking paradigm including adult and newborn face stimuli. We observed three face‐sensitive components, the P1, the N170 and the P400. Inverted faces elicited shorter P1 latency and larger P400 amplitude. P1 and N170 amplitudes were larger for adult faces. To examine the role of experience in the development of face processing, the processing of adult and newborn faces was compared for children with a younger sibling (n = 23) and children without a younger sibling (n = 12). Age of sibling at test correlated negatively with P1 amplitude for adult and newborn faces. This may indicate more efficient processing of different face ages in children with a younger sibling and potentially reflects a more flexible face representation.
Blueberry treatment attenuates D‐galactose‐induced oxidative stress and tissue damage in rat liver
Authors: Çoban Jale , Betül‐Kalaz Esra , Küçükgergin Canan , Aydın A Fatih , Doğan‐Ekici Işın , Doğru‐Abbasoğlu Semra , Uysal Müjdat
Published: June 2013

Aim

d‐galactose (GAL) causes aging‐related changes and oxidative stress in the organism. We investigated the effect of whole fresh blueberry (BB; Vaccinium corymbosum L.) treatment on oxidative stress in age‐related liver injury model.

Methods

Rats received GAL (300 mg/kg, s.c.; 5 days per week) alone or together with 5% (BB1) and 10% (BB2) BB‐containing chow for 2 months. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC) and glutathione (GSH) levels, and CuZn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD1), glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) and glutathione transferase (GST) activities together with mRNA expressions of SOD1, GPx1, MnSOD (SOD2) and phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (GPx4) were determined in GAL‐treated rats.

Results

MDA and PC levels increased, but GSH levels, SOD1 and GPx1 activities decreased together with histopathological structural damage in the liver in GAL‐treated rats. There was no change in hepatic mRNA expressions of SOD2 and GPx1, but SOD1 and GPx4 expressions decreased. BB1 and BB2 caused significant decreases in serum ALT and AST activities together with the amelioration in histopathological findings in GAL‐treated rats. Both BB1 and BB2 reduced MDA and PC levels, and elevated GSH levels, and SOD1 and GPx1 activities. However, hepatic mRNA expressions of SOD1, SOD2, GPx1 and GPx4 remained unchanged in GAL‐treated rats.

Conclusions

These results show that BB restored liver pro‐oxidant status together with histopathological amelioration by acting as an anti‐oxidant (radical scavenger) itself without affecting mRNA expressions of anti‐oxidant enzymes in GAL‐treated rats. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2014; 14: 490–497.
Spray drying of ACE‐inhibitory enzyme‐modified white cheese
Authors: Amighi Fatemeh , Emam‐Djomeh Zahra , Madadlou Ashkan
Published: June 2013

An angiotensin‐I converting enzyme (ACE)‐inhibitory enzyme‐modified cheese (EMC) was spray‐dried at different inlet drying air temperatures, feeding pump rates and spraying air flow rates. Powder moisture content, bulk density, porosity, production yield and particles size were responses of interest measured. Response surface optimisation determined that if the cheese paste is pumped at feeding pump rate of 5%, sprayed with the compressed air at rate of 400 L h−1 and dried by an air at temperature of 154 °C, minimum moisture content is achieved for the produced powder. Spray drying decreased the ACE‐inhibitory of EMC significantly, but the powder was still extremely bioactive. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed that inlet drying air temperature of 150 °C yielded a powder with relatively well‐separated particles. Higher drying air temperatures resulted in lower browning indices for the EMC powder.
Changing Policies, Shifting Livelihoods: The Fate of Agriculture in Guinea‐Bissau
Authors: Temudo Marina Padrão , Abrantes Manuel Bivar
Published: June 2013

How do African agricultural livelihoods change under stressful conditions? How do market and agricultural policies and development interventions impact on both agricultural and social change, and consequently on food self‐sufficiency? Which long‐term factors can contribute to ‘depeasantization’? Is the ‘New Green Revolution’ the best and only solution for African food insecurity? These are the main questions this paper sets out to address, using southern Guinea‐Bissau as a case study. On the basis of long‐term ethnographic fieldwork, we look at farmers' responses to external and internal pressures, and analyse how ‘depeasantization’ progresses and livelihoods have been losing their resilience. Chances to reverse this trend, although difficult to implement, may still be feasible.
Childhood obesity prevention and control in city recreation centres and family homes: the MOVE/me Muevo Project
Authors: Elder J. P. , Crespo N. C. , Corder K. , Ayala G. X. , Slymen D. J. , Lopez N. V. , Moody J. S. , McKenzie T. L.
Published: June 2013

What is already known about this subject

Child overweight and obesity is a significant public health problem.

Mixed method strategies that involve parents and community organizations are promising approaches to prevent and control childhood obesity.

Few studies have targeted city recreation centres to promote healthy eating and physical activity behaviours.

What this study adds

This study presents the primary results of a family‐ and recreation centre‐based childhood obesity prevention and control intervention.

The study was carried out in neighbourhoods of a socioeconomically diverse county of more than 1 000 000 inhabitants.

Primary results showed no significant reductions in child's body mass index (BMI); however, secondary analyses showed that girls in the intervention condition reduced BMI significantly more than girls in the control condition.

Children in the intervention condition improved on several obesity‐related behaviours compared with those in the control condition.

Background

Interventions to prevent and control childhood obesity have shown mixed results in terms of short‐ and long‐term changes.

Objectives

‘MOVE/me Muevo’ was a 2‐year family‐ and recreation centre‐based randomized controlled trial to promote healthy eating and physical activity among 5‐ to 8‐year‐old children. It was hypothesized that children in the intervention group would demonstrate lower post‐intervention body mass index (BMI) values and improved obesity‐related behaviours compared with the control group children.

Methods

Thirty recreation centres in San Diego County, California, were randomized to an intervention or control condition. Five hundred forty‐one families were enrolled and children's BMI, diet, physical activity and other health indicators were tracked from baseline to 2 years post‐baseline. Analyses followed an intent‐to‐treat approach using mixed‐effects models.

Results

No significant intervention effects were observed for the primary outcomes of child's or parent's BMI and child's waist circumference. Moderator analyses, however, showed that girls (but not boys) in the intervention condition reduced their BMI. At the 2‐year follow‐up, intervention condition parents reported that their children were consuming fewer high‐fat foods and sugary beverages.

Conclusions

Favourable implementation fidelity and high retention rates support the feasibility of this intervention in a large metropolitan area; however, interventions of greater intensity may be needed to achieve effects on child's BMI. Also, further research is needed to develop gender‐specific intervention strategies so that both genders may benefit from such efforts.