bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the mineral density and mineral content of the equine third metacarpal and first phalanx bone by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry
Authors: Tóth Péter , Horváth Csaba , Ferencz Viktória , Nagy Krisztina , Gligor Noémi , Szenci Ottó , Bodó Gábor
Published: August 2010

In the first part of this methodological study eleven metacarpi of 9 skeletally normal horses were examined from 4 directions by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The differences between the dorsopalmar-palmarodorsal and lateromedial-mediolateral (opposite sites) bone mineral density (BMD) values were found to be nonsignificant. In the second part of the study the precision of the Norland XR-26 densitometer was tested by measuring 34 metacarpal bones and 34 proximal phalanges, each of them three times, from a single direction. The difference between the individual measurements of the first phalanges and of the metacarpal bones originating from the right or the left side of the same horse were not significant, nor did the age or breed have a significant effect on BMD or bone mineral content (BMC). However, both BMD and BMC are greater in the metacarpal bones than in the proximal phalanges and are higher in geldings than in mares or to stallions, while the BMD or BMC values of mares and stallions did not differ from each other significantly. These data point to the necessity of further BMD studies in a higher number of patients.
Claudin-5-positive angioleiomyoma in the uterus of a degu ( Octodon degus )
Authors: Jakab Csaba , Rusvai Miklós , Biró Nóra , Szabó Zoltán , Gálfi Péter , Kulka Janina
Published: August 2010

A 5-year-old female degu (
Octodon degus
) showed the clinical sign of metrorrhagia. During ovariohysterectomy a circumscribed tumoural lesion was found in the right uterine horn. The histopathological diagnosis of this soft tissue mass was primary benign cavernous angioleiomyoma of the uterus. During immunohistochemical analysis the neoplastic endothelial cells of this mixed mesenchymal tumour showed strong membrane positivity for the endothelial marker claudin-5 but were negative for CD31 (another endothelial marker). The endothelial cells of the internal positive control tissues such as intact peritumoural vessels were positive for claudin-5 but negative for the CD31 endothelial marker. As it has been described also in other species, it seems that claudin-5 is a better endothelial marker than CD31 for the detection of normal and neoplastic endothelial cells in different tissues of degus.
HET-CAM test for determining the possible eye irritancy of pesticides
Authors: Budai Péter , Lehel József , Tavaszi Judit , Kormos Éva
Published: August 2010

Agrochemicals and veterinary products must undergo numerous toxicological tests before registration. The use of animals in these studies is a controversial issue. The Draize eye irritation test is one of the most criticised methods because of the injuries inflicted on the test animals. Severalin vitromethods have been used to investigate the toxicity of potential eye irritants with a view to replacingin vivoeye irritation testing. One of these alternative methods is the Hen’s Egg Test — Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) test. In the present studies comparative screening was performed with a set of agrochemicals to establish parallel data onin vitro(HET-CAM) andin vivo(Draize) results. The examined materials were: Totril (ioxynil), Omite 57 E (propargit), Actellic 50 EC (pyrimiphos-methyl), Stomp 330 EC (pendimethalin), Mospilan 3 EC (acetamiprid), Alirox 80 EC (EPTC), Match 050 EC (lufenuron), Nonit (dioctyl sulphosuccinate sodium), Perenal (haloxyfop-R methyl ester), Pyrinex 48 EC (chlorpyrifos). These experiments showed good correlation between results obtained by the HET-CAM test and those of the Draize rabbit eye test in most cases. The present form of the HET-CAM test can be proposed as a pre-screening method for the determination of eye irritative potential, therefore the number of test animals can be reduced and/or experimental animals can be replaced.
Phylogeny of the Elaeodendron Group (Celastraceae) Inferred from Morphological Characters and Nuclear and Plastid Genes
Authors: Islam Melissa B. , Simmons Mark P. , Archer Robert H.
Published: August 2010

The phylogeny of the Elaeodendron group was inferred in a simultaneous analysis of morphological characters together with nuclear (ITS and 26S rDNA) and plastid (matK, trnL-F region) genes. The circumscription of genera in this group has long been controversial, particularly
with respect to Cassine and Elaeodendron. Cassine, narrowly defined so as to include three species native to southern Africa, was unambiguously supported as distinct from Elaeodendron. The widely distributed genus Elaeodendron was supported as a natural group,
sister to Pleurostylia. Brexia, which has been variously assigned to the Escalloniaceae, Brexiaceae, and Grossulariaceae, was unambiguously supported as the sister group to the clade of Elaeodendron and Pleurostylia. Preliminary species sampling supported Empleuridium,
which had been classified within the Rutaceae, as closely related to Mystroxylon, Pseudosalacia, and Robsonodendron. Allocassine and Lauridia were resolved as closely related to one another, supporting their previously inferred relationship. Maurocenia
and Cassine were supported as closely related to one another, with evidence for Maurocenia being nested within Cassine. Lydenburgia abbottii was resolved as closely related to Lydenburgia cassinoides, supporting its transfer from Catha. Three new combinations
are made: Elaeodendron bupleuroides (Guillaumin) R.H. Archer, Elaeodendron parvifolium R.H. Archer, and Elaeodendron pininsulare Hürl. subsp. poyaense (I.H. Müller) R.H. Archer.
Phylogenetic Relationships in the Salicornioideae / Suaedoideae / Salsoloideae s.l. (Chenopodiaceae) Clade and a Clarification of the Phylogenetic Position of Bienertia and Alexandra Using Multiple DNA Sequence Datasets
Authors: Kapralov Maxim V. , Akhani Hossein , Voznesenskaya Elena V. , Edwards Gerald , Franceschi Vincent , Roalson Eric H.
Published: August 2010

The Chenopodiaceae includes taxa with both C3 and C4 photosynthesis with diverse kinds of Kranz anatomy and single-celled C4 species without Kranz anatomy; thus, it is of key importance for understanding evolution of C4 photosynthesis. All
of the C4 genera except Atriplex, which belongs to Chenopodioideae, are in the Salicornioideae / Suaedoideae / Salsoloideae s.l. (including Camphorosmeae and Sclerolaeneae) clade. Our study focused on the relationships of the main lineages within this clade with an emphasis
on the placement of the single cell functioning C4 genus Bienertia using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal ITS and five chloroplast DNA regions (atpB-rbcL, matK, psbB-psbH, rbcL,
and trnL-trnF). Further we provide a detailed phylogeny of Alexandra and Suaeda based on ITS, atpB-rbcL, and psbB-psbH. Our molecular data provide strong statistical support for the monophyly of: (1) a Salicornioideae / Suaedoideae / Salsoloideae
s.l. clade; (2) a Salicornioideae / Suaedoideae clade; (3) the subfamilies Salicornioideae, Suaedoideae (including Bienertia) and Salsoloideae s.l.; (4) the tribes Suaedeae, Salsoleae, and Camphorosmeae; (5) the Salicornieae if Halopeplideae is included; and (6) Suaeda if Alexandra
is included. Alexandra lehmannii is therefore reclassified as Suaeda lehmannii and a new section of Suaeda is created, section Alexandra. There are four independent origins of C4 photosynthesis within the Suaedoideae including two parallel
origins of Kranz C4 anatomy (in Suaeda sections Salsina s.l. and Schoberia) and two independent origins of C4 systems without Kranz anatomy (in Bienertia and in Suaeda section Borszczowia).
Eritreo-Arabian Affinities of the Socotran Flora as Revealed from the Molecular Phylogeny of Aerva (Amaranthaceae)
Authors: Thiv Mike , Thulin Mats , Kilian Norbert , Linder H. Peter
Published: August 2010

We investigated the colonization of the Indian Ocean archipelago of Socotra through phylogenetic analysis of Aerva (Amaranthaceae) based on nuclear and plastid DNA sequence data. The biogeographic history of the genus was tracked using ancestral area reconstructions and molecular
dating. Three independent colonization lineages from the Eritreo-Arabian subregion of the Sudano-Zambesian Region were revealed: one endemic clade comprising Aerva revoluta / A. microphylla and once within A. lanata and A. javanica. Our results provide further support
for the dominance of Eritreo-Arabian affinities in the flora of Socotra, in contrast to more rare affinities to Madagascar, the Mascarenes, southern Africa, and tropical Asia. Our data point towards colonization via dispersal, rather than a vicariance origin of the island elements. The overall
biogeographic patterns of Aerva show only limited concordance with other taxonomic groups distributed on Indian Ocean islands.
Ancient Dispersals, Propagule Pressure, and Species Selection in Flowering Plants
Authors: Levin Donald A.
Published: August 2010

The importance of ancient long-distance migrations in shaping the geographical structure of genera and families is becoming ever more apparent. The long-distance immigrants were not random samples of their floras, but had attributes which made them prime candidates for the intercontinental
sweepstakes. High propagule dispersability was one such trait. I propose that these invasive species also must have produced large numbers of propagules across their ranges, by virtue of large population numbers and sizes. They probably were widespread, major elements in their floras. These
ideas are supported by the fact that propagule pressure is a prime determinant of a contemporary species' invasion potential, as is the size of its native geographical distribution. I propose that highly dispersable and propagule-rich lineages are likely to have high speciation rates, because
access to new regions affords opportunities for ecological and geographical speciation. These lineages also may persist longer, being more broadly distributed in space. The evolutionary advantage of these lineages extends to periods of climatic change.
A Genetic Analysis of Two Recently Described Peat Moss Species, Sphagnum atlanticum and S. bergianum (Sphagnaceae)
Authors: Shaw Blanka , Terracciano Stefano , Shaw A. Jonathan
Published: August 2010

Microsatellite markers were used to test whether two recently described species of Sphagnum (Bryophyta), S. atlanticum R.E. Andrus and S. bergianum R.E. Andrus, represent distinct gene pools. The first species is considered endemic to eastern North America while
the second species has been reported from Alaska and Newfoundland. The results indicate that S. atlanticum does not differ genetically from the closely related species, S. torreyanum, also restricted to eastern North America. In fact, some samples that are identical across all
15 microsatellite loci have been distinguished morphologically as these two species. Plants of S. bergianum from Alaska are closely related genetically to Alaskan plants of the similar species, S. subfulvum, whereas Newfoundland plants of S. bergianum are more closely
related to Newfoundland plants of S. subfulvum. Alaskan versus Newfoundland plants of S. subfulvum s.l. (including S. bergianum) are differentiated at microsatellite loci. Another closely related species, S. subnitens, is distinct from S. subfulvum and S.
bergianum. Sphagnum atlanticum is synonymized under S. torreyanum and S. bergianum is synonymized under S. subfulvum.
Relationships Among Phaseoloid Legumes Based on Sequences from Eight Chloroplast Regions
Authors: Stefanović Saša , Pfeil Bernard E. , Palmer Jeffrey D. , Doyle Jeff J.
Published: August 2010

Generic level relationships in phaseoloid legumes have received much attention using chloroplast DNA markers. However, despite this attention not all relationships are yet well-resolved. This study includes trnL-F sequences from across a wide sample of phaseoloid legumes as well
as seven additional chloroplast DNA loci (rbcL, atpB, trnK/matK, rpl2, clpP, rps16, and ycf4) analyzed separately and in combination. Together, these data provide support for many relationships generally consistent with, but only weakly supported, in earlier studies. Some major discordant
phylogenetic results were found in our separate analyses; for example, ycf4 sequences group Glycine and Teramnus with strong support; however, the combined analysis of the remaining seven loci found incongruent groupings (Glycine and Psoraleeae genera; Teramnus
and Amphicarpaea) also with strong support. Network analysis of ycf4 revealed that the conflicting signal (relative to the other seven loci) came from first and second codon positions. These positions also showed significant rate acceleration, together indicating that selection
driving convergent molecular evolution is the likely cause of the signal in ycf4, rather than shared history. The major clades within the phaseoloid legumes supported by our analysis are discussed.
Phylogeny and Character Evolution in Nierembergia (Solanaceae): Molecular, Morphological, and Cytogenetic Evidence
Authors: Tate Jennifer A. , Acosta M. Cristina , McDill Joshua , Moscone Eduardo A. , Simpson Beryl B. , Cocucci Andrea A.
Published: August 2010

Nierembergia (Solanaceae) contains 21 species found primarily in South America, with one species occurring disjunctly in Mexico. Among other features, a pollination system not found elsewhere in the Solanaceae typifies this genus. In most species, nectaries are absent, but oil-producing
elaiophores are present on the corolla limb and these attract oil-collecting bees. Molecular phylogenetic hypotheses based on nuclear ITS and chloroplast rpl16 intron data support the monophyly of Nierembergia, which is sister to a clade composed of Bouchetia plus Hunzikeria.
The data reconstruct two clades within the genus: one composed primarily of herbaceous species with broad stigmas and the second containing woody species with crescent-shaped stigmas. Morphological homoplasy is frequent among the species of the herbaceous clade, while the woody clade is morphologically
cohesive. Chromosome counts are confirmed and karyotype features are given for 13 Nierembergia species (including six varieties) and for Bouchetia anomala, Leptoglossis linifolia, and Petunia axillaris. The two clades are also supported by karyotypic features: one
has asymmetrical karyotypes, small chromosomes, and two chromosome pairs with nucleolar organizing regions (NOR) and the other has symmetrical karyotypes, large chromosomes, and only one NOR.
A Taxonomic Revision of the Woody South African Genus Notobubon (Apiaceae: Apioideae)
Authors: Magee Anthony R. , van Wyk Ben-Erik , Tilney Patricia M.
Published: August 2010

A comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus Notobubon (Apiaceae) is presented. Twelve woody evergreen species are recognised, all (with the exception of N. laevigatum) endemic to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa. The taxonomy of these prominent, though poorly
collected, species has until now been problematic. They are distinguished from one another by their habit (size and branching pattern), the overall shape, size, and colour of the ultimate leaflet segments, the inflorescence structure (peduncle length, number, and length of rays in the primary
umbel), the fruit morphology (fruit size, presence or absence of wings), and the fruit anatomy (symmetry of the mericarps, presence or absence of additional rib vittae, size of commissural vittae). Species relationships are assessed in the form of a cladistic analysis of 26 morphological characters,
resulting in a well-resolved phylogenetic hypothesis. A comprehensive key to the species, their correct nomenclature, and typification, together with descriptions and known geographical distribution for all the species are presented and illustrated.
A Phylogenetic Analysis and Taxonomic Revision of Bartonia (Gentianaceae: Gentianeae), Based on Molecular and Morphological Evidence
Authors: Mathews Katherine G. , Dunne Niall , York Emily , Struwe Lena
Published: August 2010

A phylogenetic study and taxonomic revision of the four currently accepted species of Bartonia (Gentianaceae, subtribe Swertiinae) were conducted in order to test species boundaries and interspecific relationships. Species boundaries were examined based on measurements of key
quantitative and qualitative morphological characters as given in the original descriptions. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using molecular data from the nuclear internal transcribed spacer region and chloroplast DNA (trnL intron through the trnL-F spacer), separately and
combined using parsimony and Bayesian methodologies, incorporating outgroups from subtribes Swertiinae and Gentianinae. The morphological study revealed that characters of one species, B. texana, represent a subset of the morphological variation found within B. paniculata, but
that B. paniculata, B. verna, and B. virginica could all be separated from one another. The molecular phylogenetic analyses all found B. texana to nest in a clade with the two recognized subspecies of B. paniculata (subsp. paniculata and subsp. iodandra),
making the latter paraphyletic. Bartonia texana is here reduced to subspecific rank, as Bartonia paniculata subsp. texana. Also, the phylogenetic analyses showed strong support for a sister group relationship between B. verna and B. virginica, as opposed
to between B. paniculata and B. virginica as has been previously suggested.
Phylogenetic Classification of Subtribe Castillejinae (Orobanchaceae)
Authors: Tank David C. , Egger J. Mark , Olmstead Richard G.
Published: August 2010

Recent molecular systematic research has indicated the need for a revised circumscription of generic boundaries in subtribe Castillejinae (tribe Pedicularideae, Orobanchaceae). Based on a well-resolved and well-supported phylogenetic hypothesis, we present a formal reclassification
of the major lineages comprising the Castillejinae. Prior to this treatment, subtribe Castillejinae included Castilleja (ca. 190 spp.), Cordylanthus (18 spp.), Orthocarpus (9 spp.), Triphysaria (5 spp.), and the monotypic genera Clevelandia and Ophiocephalus.
In the classification presented here, Orthocarpus and Triphysaria retain their current circumscriptions, Castilleja is expanded to include Clevelandia and Ophiocephalus, and Cordylanthus is split into three genera; a key to the genera as they are recognized
here is provided. Two new combinations, Castilleja beldingii and Castilleja ophiocephala, are proposed within the expanded Castilleja. The concept of Cordylanthus is restricted to the 13 species formerly recognized as subg. Cordylanthus, while subg. Dicranostegia
and subg. Hemistegia are elevated to genus level (Dicranostegia and Chloropyron, respectively). We resurrect the generic name Chloropyron for the halophytes previously recognized as subg. Hemistegia. Five new combinations are proposed for Chloropyron
(Chloropyron maritimum subsp. canescens, Chloropyron maritimum subsp. palustre, Chloropyron molle subsp. hispidum, Chloropyron palmatum, and Chloropyron tecopense). In addition to the formal classification, we provide phylogenetic clade definitions for Castillejinae,
each of the genera, and two additional clades that are not assigned formal ranks. Morphological characteristics used to recognize traditional groups are evaluated, and synapomorphies are discussed. Finally, the current infrageneric classifications for Castilleja and Cordylanthus
are evaluated in light of the recent molecular phylogenetic analyses.
Molecular Phylogenetics of the Leucas Group (Lamioideae; Lamiaceae)
Authors: Scheen Anne-Cathrine , Albert Victor A.
Published: August 2010

The genus Leucas R.Br. includes 100 recognized species ranging in distribution from Africa through the Indian subcontinent to Queensland, Australia. Morphological cladistic studies have suggested that several other genera of Lamioideae – Acrotome, Isoleucas,
Leonotis, and Otostegia (pro parte) – may be closely related to Leucas, or even nested within it. Here we use phylogenetic analysis of three plastid DNA loci, the trnL–F region, trnS–G spacer, and the rps16 intron and reach similar
conclusions. Many of the morphological features used to maintain Leucas since 1810 are shared ancestral (symplesiomorphic) characters. The other genera (or subgeneric group in the case of Otostegia) are therefore defined by apomorphic states. This is particularly apparent in
the case of Leonotis, with its highly specialized bird-pollinated flowers, derived within a paraphyletic and insect-pollinated Leucas. Some geographically isolated groups are monophyletic, including all Asian species of Leucas, a Socotran clade, and a large African lineage.
Taxonomic Revision of Pachycereus (Cactaceae)
Authors: Arias Salvador , Terrazas Teresa
Published: August 2010

A comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus Pachycereus (Cactaceae, Cactoideae, Pachycereeae) is presented. Pachycereus is characterized by one synapomorphic character, the presence of a narrow interareolar groove, and by the combination of flowering region differentiated
with flexible spines, flower with a narrow region between the pericarpel and the receptacular tube and the occurrence of trichomes and short spines in the pericarpel. Five species are recognized in the present treatment. One species (P. pecten-aboriginum) is widely distributed from
Chihuahua in northern Mexico to Chiapas, three species (P. grandis, P. pringlei, and P. weberi) are restricted to defined floristic provinces, and one species (P. tepamo) is endemic to Depresion del Balsas. A key and descriptions of the species, based on herbarium
specimens, field observations and intensive field collection are presented. The taxonomic history, synonymies, distribution, uses, and representative specimens are included. Three new combinations, Pterocereus gaumeri subsp. foetidus, Lemaireocereus lepidanthus, and Lophocereus
marginatus, are proposed.
Androgen-mediated down-regulation of CYP1A subfamily genes in the pig liver
Authors: Kojima Misaki , Sekimoto Masashi , Degawa Masakuni
Published: August 2010

In Meishan and Landrace pigs, sex differences in the constitutive expression of hepatic cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) subfamily enzymes were examined in terms of their mRNA, protein, and enzyme activity. All the results from the real-time RT-PCR, western blotting, and enzyme assays for CYP1A subfamily enzymes indicated that, in 5-month-old Meishan pigs, the expression levels of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 in males were significantly low as compared with those in females. In contrast, there were no such significant sex differences in Landrace pigs. Castration of male Meishan pigs led to a female-type expression of the CYP1A subfamily enzymes, whereas no such effect was observed in male Landrace pigs after castration. In both breeds of pigs, the administration of testosterone propionate to the females and castrated males led to marked decreases in the expression levels of mRNAs and proteins in the CYP1A subfamily enzymes, and also in their enzyme activities. Furthermore, the correlation analyses between the serum testosterone level and the gene expression levels of CYP1A subfamily enzymes in different sex-matured (1–5-month-old) male pigs revealed that the clear decrease in expression levels of hepatic CYP1A subfamily enzymes occurred at concentrations of more than 33 ng/ml of serum testosterone. Incidentally, the mean concentrations of serum testosterone in 5-month-old Landrace and Meishan pigs were around 18 and 50 ng/ml respectively. In conclusion, we demonstrated for the first time that the serum testosterone level is one of the physiological factors which regulate constitutive expression of hepatic CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 in pigs.
Prenatal androgen exposure programs metabolic dysfunction in female mice
Authors: Roland Alison V , Nunemaker Craig S , Keller Susanna R , Moenter Suzanne M
Published: August 2010

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common fertility disorder with metabolic sequelae. Our laboratory previously characterized reproductive phenotypes in a prenatally androgenized (PNA) mouse model for PCOS. PNA mice exhibited elevated testosterone and LH levels, irregular estrous cycles, and neuroendocrine abnormalities suggesting increased central drive to the reproductive system. In this study, we examined metabolic characteristics of female PNA mice. PNA mice exhibited increased fasting glucose and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) that were independent of age and were not associated with changes in body composition or peripheral insulin sensitivity. IGT was associated with defects in pancreatic islet function leading to an impaired response to high glucose, consistent with impaired insulin secretion. Exposure of isolated pancreatic islets to androgen in vitro demonstrated an impaired response to glucose stimulation similar to that in PNA mice, suggesting androgens may have activational in addition to organizational effects on pancreatic islet function. PNA mice also exhibited increased size of visceral adipocytes, suggesting androgen-programed differences in adipocyte differentiation and/or function. These studies demonstrate that in addition to causing reproductive axis abnormalities, in utero androgen exposure can induce long-term metabolic alterations in female mice.
Co-benefit and co-control studies in Norway
Authors: Sivertsen Bjarne , Bartonova Alena
Published: August 2010

In both developing and industrialized countries, abatement of air pollution and mitigation of climate change have generally been treated separately. Co-benefits of air quality and climate change related policies are often addressed on national or supranational level, to document that costs of policies are acceptable, especially when ancillary benefits are considered. On local or regional level, until now the focus has been mainly on air quality management, not considering benefits for climate change mitigation. Today?s air quality management requires integrated and coordinated measures where urban air quality planning includes also greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change issues. The tools available for investigating scenarios for reducing local impacts and health effect improvements can also be used to investigate cost effective actions aimed at reducing GHG emissions. This approach would lead to identification of strategies that consider co-benefits of climate and local air quality measures, and will both improve the health of people and give climate benefits at best possible costs. Approaches based on an existing air quality management tool, prepared for co-benefit studies in Norway as well as plans for co-control projects in China are presented in this paper. These approaches have the potential to focus on issues not included in traditional air pollution abatement studies.
Stating the Obvious: The European Qualifications Framework is Not a neutral evidence-based policy tool
Authors: Cort Pia
Published: August 2010

In European Union policy documents, the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) is described as a neutral tool embedded in an evidence-based policy process. Its purpose is to improve the transparency, comparability and portability of qualifications in the European Union. The aim of this article is to denaturalise the EQF discourse through a discursive reading of the EQF policy and a review of research on national qualifications frameworks in a number of primarily Anglo-Saxon countries. The argument may seem obvious: the EQF policy is not neutral (policies never are), nor is there evidence to substantiate the claim that the EQF is a case of policy learning from ‘good practice’.
Lifelong Learning: Conceptualizations in European Educational Policy Documents
Authors: Alves Mariana Gaio , Neves Claudia , Gomes Elisabete Xavier
Published: August 2010

Over recent years, lifelong learning has been a central and guiding principle in the formulation of European educational policies. Within this general framework, the authors have been developing a research project that allows them to approach the theme of lifelong learning and European educational policies, taking into account four levels of analysis, namely: the supranational, the national, the institutional and, finally, the individual level of analysis. This methodological strategy reflects a theoretical understanding of policy as the result of the actions of a diversity of actors at different levels. This article focuses on the supranational level of analysis, drawing on data from an analysis of European educational policy documents. First, the authors clarify the methodological issues raised by the research findings presented. Second, they discuss the results concerning the process of definition of European educational policies. Third, the authors briefly revisit the evolution of the idea of lifelong learning and discuss the results regarding its plurality of meanings and conceptualizations within the documents considered for analysis.
The Politics of the Economics of Education in the European Union
Authors: Jones Peter
Published: August 2010

This article critically examines the work of the European Commission-sponsored network, the European Expert Network on Economics of Education (EENEE). The aim is to develop understanding of the context and significance of the mobilization of the economics of education research and policy paradigm within the European Union's Education and Training 2010 Work Programme. Drawing on a summary of the paradigm and critical assessment of policy texts produced by the network, the article examines the strategic opportunities which the paradigm offers the Commission in its attempts to promote reform of member state education and training systems. It is argued that the policy documents produced by the Commission drawing on the work of the EENEE demonstrate the intention to promote the network's findings as the basis for education reform. However, in key respects, the paradigm has proved unable to gain member state commitment to pursuing an economics of education agenda for reform. The established European Union policy on ‘efficiency and equity in education and training’ displays a marked reluctance to frame education and training funding in economic terms while at the same time drawing on key economics of education policy priorities (preschool education, the need to reflect on the efficiency and equity implications of tracking, and the importance of ongoing reflection on the funding of higher education). In conclusion, the article argues that the Commission has mobilized the economics of education politically and strategically but that tactical and selective use of an economic evidence base within the negotiation of European Union policy positions has done more to establish the European Union level as a factor in the governance of education and training than to produce effects in terms of the shifting of policy discourse or preference in the formulation of agreed European Union policy texts.
Soft Power and Hard Measures: Large-Scale Assessment, Citizenship and the European Union
Authors: Rutkowski David , Engel Laura C.
Published: August 2010

This article explores the International Civic and Citizenship Education Study (ICCS) with particular emphasis on the European Union's (EU's) involvement in the regional portion. Using the ICCS, the EU actively combines hard measures with soft power, allowing the EU to define and steer cross-national rankings of values of EU citizenship. The authors contend that once hard measures of citizenship are produced, they become an efficient ‘truth’ that can be legitimated through evaluation and ranking. As measures are represented in comparative tables, the conversation shifts to ‘Why are we ranked here?’ rather than ‘How/why were we ranked?’ This shift requires critical discussion, one which is often difficult, given the politics of agreement and funding patterns underlying assessment.
International Organisations and the Shared Construction of Policy ‘Problems’: Problematisation and Change in Education Governance in Europe
Authors: Grek Sotiria
Published: August 2010

Over recent years, research has shown the ways that national governments have seemingly ceded some of their autonomy in education policy development to international organisations (IOs) in the context of globalisation and one of its conduits, Europeanisation. This article develops the idea that IOs, and particularly the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), have had significant policy influence within the context of education policy development in the European education space. The article focuses on an examination of the OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and the more recent Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) in order to discuss processes of problematisation and normalisation of the notions of ‘skills' and ‘competencies' by the two major European IOs, the OECD and the European Commission. It examines the ways both concepts have turned into a policy problem in need of soft governance through new data, standards and policy solutions. The article presents work in progress as part of the new project Transnational Policy Learning: a comparative study of OECD and EU education policy in constructing the skills and competencies agenda, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. It is therefore a speculative article, setting out the research agenda and explaining the reasons why the construction of policy problems at the European education policy level needs to be further problematised itself by the research community.
Is the Grass Always Greener? The Effect of the PISA Results on Education Debates in Sweden and Germany
Authors: Ringarp Johanna , Rothland Martin
Published: August 2010

What does a country do when its schools and educational system in general do not produce the results the country believes they are capable of? This article describes the political debates that comparative international studies such as the Programme for International Student Assessment have given rise to in Germany and Sweden. As a result of the assessments, both countries have gone outside their borders in order to find new models and policy norms. The article analyzes whether or not the debate on educational policy in the two countries plays a role in policy borrowing. Germany looks to the north, primarily to Sweden — the country at the forefront of pedagogy — but also to Finland. At the same time, Sweden is in the process of dismantling just those parts of its educational policy that have aroused interest and admiration in other countries, especially Germany. Instead, it is investing in individual solutions, elite education and apprentice systems. Through the use of public funds, Sweden has gone from having one of the industrialized West's most centralized educational systems to one of its most decentralized and privatized. Accordingly, the authors pose the following questions: Who is learning from whom? And is the grass always greener on the other side?
Adipose Tissue Endothelial Cells From Obese Human Subjects: Differences Among Depots in Angiogenic, Metabolic, and Inflammatory Gene Expression and Cellular Senescence
Authors: Villaret Aurélie , Galitzky Jean , Decaunes Pauline , Estève David , Marques Marie-Adeline , Sengenès Coralie , Chiotasso Patrick , Tchkonia Tamara , Lafontan Max , Kirkland James L. , Bouloumié Anne
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

Regional differences among adipose depots in capacities for fatty acid storage, susceptibility to hypoxia, and inflammation likely contribute to complications of obesity. We defined the properties of endothelial cells (EC) isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) biopsied in parallel from obese subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The architecture and properties of the fat tissue capillary network were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. CD34+/CD31+ EC were isolated by immunoselection/depletion. Expression of chemokines, adhesion molecules, angiogenic factor receptors, as well as lipogenic and senescence-related genes were assayed by real-time PCR. Fat cell size and expression of hypoxia-dependent genes were determined in adipocytes from both fat depots.

RESULTS

Hypoxia-related genes were more highly expressed in VAT than SAT adipocytes. VAT adipocytes were smaller than SAT adipocytes. Vascular density and EC abundance were higher in VAT. VAT-EC exhibited a marked angiogenic and inflammatory state with decreased expression of metabolism-related genes, including endothelial lipase, GPIHBP1, and PPAR gamma. VAT-EC had enhanced expression of the cellular senescence markers, IGFBP3 and γ-H2AX, and decreased expression of SIRT1. Exposure to VAT adipocytes caused more EC senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity than SAT adipocytes, an effect reduced in the presence of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) neutralizing antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

VAT-EC exhibit a more marked angiogenic and proinflammatory state than SAT-EC. This phenotype may be related to premature EC senescence. VAT-EC may contribute to hypoxia and inflammation in VAT.
Accelerated Progression From Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia in People With Diabetes
Authors: Xu Weili , Caracciolo Barbara , Wang Hui-Xin , Winblad Bengt , Bäckman Lars , Qiu Chengxuan , Fratiglioni Laura
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

The effect of diabetes on mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and its conversion to dementia remains controversial. We sought to examine whether diabetes and pre-diabetes are associated with MCI and accelerate the progression from MCI to dementia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In the Kungsholmen Project, 963 cognitively intact participants and 302 subjects with MCI (120 with amnestic MCI [aMCI ] and 182 with other cognitive impairment no dementia [oCIND]) age ≥75 years were identified at baseline. The two cohorts were followed for 9 years to detect the incident MCI and dementia following international criteria. Diabetes was ascertained based on a medical examination, hypoglycemic medication use, and random blood glucose level ≥11.0 mmol/l. Pre-diabetes was defined as random blood glucose level of 7.8–11.0 mmol/l in diabetes-free participants. Data were analyzed using standard and time-dependent Cox proportional-hazards models.

RESULTS

During the follow-up period, in the cognitively intact cohort, 182 people developed MCI (42 aMCI and 140 oCIND), and 212 developed dementia. In the MCI cohort, 155 subjects progressed to dementia, the multi-adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) of dementia was 2.87 (1.30–6.34) for diabetes, and 4.96 (2.27–10.84) for pre-diabetes. In a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, diabetes and pre-diabetes accelerated the progression from MCI to dementia by 3.18 years. Diabetes and pre-diabetes were neither cross-sectionally nor longitudinally associated with MCI.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes and pre-diabetes substantially accelerate the progression from MCI to dementia, and anticipate dementia occurrence by more than 3 years in people with MCI. The association of diabetes with the development of MCI is less evident in old people.
Fibrosis in Human Adipose Tissue: Composition, Distribution, and Link With Lipid Metabolism and Fat Mass Loss
Authors: Divoux Adeline , Tordjman Joan , Lacasa Danièle , Veyrie Nicolas , Hugol Danielle , Aissat Abdelhalim , Basdevant Arnaud , Guerre-Millo Michèle , Poitou Christine , Zucker Jean-Daniel , Bedossa Pierre , Clément Karine
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

Fibrosis is a newly appreciated hallmark of the pathological alteration of human white adipose tissue (WAT). We investigated the composition of subcutaneous (scWAT) and omental WAT (oWAT) fibrosis in obesity and its relationship with metabolic alterations and surgery-induced weight loss.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Surgical biopsies for scWAT and oWAT were obtained in 65 obese (BMI 48.2 ± 0.8 kg/m2) and 9 lean subjects (BMI 22.8 ± 0.7 kg/m2). Obese subjects who were candidates for bariatric surgery were clinically characterized before, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, including fat mass evaluation by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. WAT fibrosis was quantified and characterized using quantitative PCR, microscopic observation, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Fibrosis amount, distribution and collagen types (I, III, and VI) present distinct characteristics in lean and obese subjects and with WAT depots localization (subcutaneous or omental). Obese subjects had more total fibrosis in oWAT and had more pericellular fibrosis around adipocytes than lean subjects in both depots. Macrophages and mastocytes were highly represented in fibrotic bundles in oWAT, whereas scWAT was more frequently characterized by hypocellular fibrosis. The oWAT fibrosis negatively correlated with omental adipocyte diameters (R = −0.30, P = 0.02), and with triglyceride levels (R = −0.42, P < 0.01), and positively with apoA1 (R = 0.25, P = 0.05). Importantly, scWAT fibrosis correlated negatively with fat mass loss measured at the three time points after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest differential clinical consequences of fibrosis in human WAT. In oWAT, fibrosis could contribute to limit adipocyte hypertrophy and is associated with a better lipid profile, whereas scWAT fibrosis may hamper fat mass loss induced by surgery.
Association Between Higher Serum Fetuin-A Concentrations and Abnormal Albuminuria in Middle-Aged and Elderly Chinese With Normal Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Li Mian , Xu Min , Bi Yufang , Song Aiyun , Liu Yu , Li Xiaoying , Ning Guang
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

To study the association of serum fetuin-A as a potential risk factor with abnormal albuminuria in Chinese individuals with normal glucose tolerance (NGT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The cross-sectional analysis included 607 men and 1,042 women aged 40 or older with NGT.

RESULTS

Women with combined microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria (n = 68) had significantly higher serum fetuin-A concentrations than those with normal albumin excretion (n = 974) (314.3 vs. 280.4 mg/l, P = 0.007). Compared with the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of serum fetuin-A had 40% increased risk of abnormal albuminuria after the multiple adjustments in women (Pfor trend = 0.02). However, the associations were not detected in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher serum fetuin-A was associated with abnormal albuminuria independent of BMI, waist circumference, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, blood pressure, and other determinants of albuminuria in middle-aged and elderly Chinese women with NGT.
Cardiac output measured by electrical velocimetry in the CT suite correlates with coronary artery enhancement: A feasibility study
Authors: Flinck Marianne , Gradén Åsa , Milde Helén , Flinck Agneta , Hellström Mikael , Björk Jonas , Nyman Ulf
Published: August 2010

Background: Cardiac output (CO) is inversely related to vascular contrast medium (CM) enhancement during computed tomography (CT). Impedance cardiography with a new technique, electrical velocimetry (EV), may create opportunities to measure CO pre-examination for adaptation of CM injection parameters.

Purpose: To relate COEV measured by radiology staff to aortic attenuation as a measure of coronary artery attenuation during CT coronary angiography (CTCA), and to formulate a tentative statistical model to adapt CM injection parameters to CO.

Material and Methods: COEV was measured immediately before 100 kVp CTCA (64-multirow detector) in 27 patients with presumed coronary artery disease. For CTCA, 260 mg I/kg (maximum dosage weight: 80/90 kg for women/men) was injected intravenously during 12 s. Simple linear regression analysis was performed to explore the correlation between aortic attenuation (Hounsfield units, HU) and body weight, the influence of COEV on aortic attenuation adjusted to injected CM dose rate (HU per mg I/kg/s), and to establish a tentative formula on how to adapt CM injection parameters to COEV and desired aortic attenuation.

Results: The correlation between aortic attenuation and body weight was weak and non-significant ( r=−0.14 after outlier exclusion). A significant negative correlation ( r=−0.63) was found between aortic attenuation adjusted to injected CM dose rate (HU per mg I/kg/s) and COEV. The resulting formula, CM dose rate=COEV×(aortic attenuation−240)/55, made it possible to calculate CM volumes and injection rates at various COs and, for example, the present mean aortic attenuation (438 HU), injection time (12 s), CM concentration (320 mg I/ml), and a certain body weight.

Conclusion: EV makes it possible to measure CO in the CT suite before vascular examinations. Hence, CM doses may be decreased in low CO states to reduce the risk of CM-induced nephropathy without jeopardizing diagnostic quality and may be increased in high CO states to avoid poor enhancement.
Energy Efficient Routing and Node Activity Scheduling in the
OCARI Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Mahfoudh Saoucene , Minet Pascale , Amdouni Ichrak
Published: August 2010

Sensor nodes are characterized by a small size, a low cost, an advanced communication technology, but also a limited amount of energy. Energy efficient strategies are required in such networks to maximize network lifetime. In this paper, we focus on a solution integrating energy efficient routing and node activity scheduling. The energy efficient routing we propose, called EOLSR, selects the route and minimizes the energy consumed by an end-to-end transmission, while avoiding nodes with low residual energy. Simulation results show that EOLSR outperforms the solution selecting the route of minimum energy as well as the solution based on node residual energy. Cross-layering allows EOLSR to use information from the application layer or the MAC layer to reduce its overhead and increase network lifetime. Node activity scheduling is based on the following observation: the sleep state is the least power consuming state. So, to schedule node active and sleeping periods, we propose SERENA that colors all network nodes using a small number of colors, such that two nodes with the same color can transmit without interfering. The node color is mapped into a time slot during which the node can transmit. Consequently, each node is awake during its slot and the slots of its one-hop neighbors, and sleeps in the remaining time. We evaluate SERENA benefits obtained in terms of bandwidth, delay and energy. We also show how cross-layering with the application layer can improve the end-to-end delays for data gathering applications.
Overview of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors in Haematological Malignancies
Authors: Bishton Mark J. , Johnstone Ricky W. , Dickinson Michael , Harrison Simon , Prince H. Miles
Published: August 2010

Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) can induce hyperacetylation of both histone and non-histone target resulting in epigenetic reprogramming and altered activity, stability and localisation of non-histone proteins to ultimately mediate diverse biological effects on cancer cells and their microenvironment. Clinical trials have demonstrated single agent HDACi to have activity in hematological malignancies, in particular T-cell lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma. Combination strategies with standard therapies based on pre-clinical data are being employed with significant success due to their excellent side effect profile. Correlative studies will provide valuable information on the sub-groups of patients more likely to respond or be resistant to HDACi therapy, while long-term monitoring for toxicities is also needed.