bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycerol Enhances the Antifungal Activity of Dairy Propionibacteria
Authors: Lind Helena , Broberg Anders , Jacobsson Karin , Jonsson Hans , Schnürer Johan
Published: January 2011

Dairy propionibacteria are widely used in starter cultures for Swiss type cheese. These bacteria can ferment glucose, lactic acid, and glycerol into propionic acid, acetic acid, and carbon dioxide. This research examined the antifungal effect of dairy propionibacteria when glycerol was used as carbon source for bacterial growth. Five type strains of propionibacteria were tested against the yeastRhodotorula mucilaginosaand the moldsPenicillium communeandPenicillium roqueforti. The conversion of13C glycerol byPropionibacterium jenseniiwas followed with nuclear magnetic resonance. In a dual culture assay, the degree of inhibition of the molds was strongly enhanced by an increase in glycerol concentrations, while the yeast was less affected. In broth cultures, decreased pH in glycerol medium was probably responsible for the complete inhibition of the indicator fungi. NMR spectra of the glycerol conversion confirmed that propionic acid was the dominant metabolite. Based on the results obtained, the increased antifungal effect seen by glycerol addition to cultures of propionibacteria is due to the production of propionic acid and pH reduction of the medium.
Different Influences on Tacrolimus Pharmacokinetics by Coadministrations of Zhi Ke and Zhi Shi in Rats
Authors: Lin Shiuan-Pey , Wu Ping-Ping , Hou Yu-Chi , Tsai Shang-Yuan , Wang Meng-Ju , Fang Shih-Hua , Chao Pei-Dawn Lee
Published: January 2011

Tacrolimus, an immunosuppressant with narrow therapeutic window, has been used widely in transplant patients. Grapefruit juice and pomelo have been reported to increase the blood levels of tacrolimus. Zhi Ke and Zhi Shi, the ripe peels and unripe fruits ofCitrus aurantiumwhich is chemotaxonomically related to grapefruit and pomelo, are in wide use in clinical Chinese medicine. To investigate the possible interaction of these twoCitrusherbs with tacrolimus, male Sprague‐Dawley rats were orally given tacrolimus (1.5 mg/kg) with and without Zhi Ke and Zhi Shi decoctions in a cross‐over design. Blood samples were withdrawn via cardiopuncture at specific time and quantitated by a microparticle enzyme immunoassay. In addition, to explore the mechanism of interaction, LS 180 cell line was used for the transport study of rhodamine 123, a typical substrate of P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp). The results showed that Zhi Shi significantly decreased theCmax and AUC0−tof tacrolimus by 72.4% and 72.0%, respectively, whereas Zhi Ke did not affect tacrolimus pharmacokinetics. LS 180 cell line study indicated that Zhi Shi increased the efflux activity of P‐gp, enabling us to explain the decreased oral bioavailability of tacrolimus caused by Zhi Shi. Hence, we suggest that Zhi Shi be contraindicated for transplant patients treated with tacrolimus to reduce the risk of allograft rejection.
Distinct p53 Gene Signatures Are Needed to Predict Prognosis and Response to Chemotherapy in ER-Positive and ER-Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Coutant Charles , Rouzier Roman , Qi Yuan , Lehmann-Che Jacqueline , Bianchini Giampaolo , Iwamoto Takayuki , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Symmans W. Fraser , Uzan Serge , Andre Fabrice , de Thé Hugues , Pusztai Lajos
Published: January 2011

Purpose: Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) and -negative (ER) breast cancers are molecularly distinct diseases. We hypothesized that p53 mutations may lead to different transcriptional changes and carry different prognostic value in these two different types of cancers.

Experimental Design: We developed a 39-gene p53 signature derived from 213 ER+ and a separate 30-gene signature from 38 ER− cancers with known mutation status and tested their prognostic and chemotherapy response predictive values in ER+ and ER− cancers, respectively.

Results: External validation to predict p53 status (n = 103) showed sensitivity and specificity of 89% and 54% for the 39-gene signature, and 82% and 61% for the 30-gene signature. The 39-gene signature was predictive of worse distant metastasis free survival in ER+ cancers in two separate prognostic data sets (n = 255, HR: 2.3, P = 0.005 and n = 198, HR: 2.17, P = 0.09). It also predicted for poor prognosis even with adjuvant tamoxifen therapy (n = 277, HR = 2.43, P < 0.0001) but it was not prognostic in ER− cancers. It was also associated with higher chemotherapy sensitivity in ER+ but not in ER− cancers. The prognostic and predictive values remained significant in multivariate analysis. The 30-gene, ER−, p53 signature showed no prognostic or predictive values in ER+ cancers but it was associated with better prognosis in ER− cancers. It also had no chemotherapy response predictive value in ER− or ER+ cancers.

Conclusions: P53 dysfunction is prognostically most relevant in ER+ cancers and supports the hypothesis that different predictive or prognostic markers will be needed for different molecular subsets of breast cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 17(8); 2591–601. ©2011 AACR.
E109K Is a SEC23B Founder Mutation among Israeli Moroccan Jewish Patients with Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia Type II
Authors: Amir Achiya , Dgany Orly , Krasnov Tanya , Resnitzky Peretz , Mor-Cohen Ronit , Bennett Michael , Berrebi Alain , Tamary Hannah
Published: January 2011

Objective: Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA) is characterized by ineffective erythropoiesis, binuclearity of erythroid precursors and secondary hemochromatosis. Recently, the gene mutated in CDA type II (CDA II), SEC23B, was identified. All Israeli patients with CDA II are of North African (mainly Moroccan) Jewish descent. We investigated the molecular basis of CDA II in those patients. Methods: Participants included 11 patients with CDA II from 8 apparently unrelated families. Clinical data were retrieved from medical files, and blood was collected for DNA analysis. Results: The majority of patients (10/11) were homozygous for a common SEC23B mutation (E109K). Haplotype analysis revealed a common genetic background in all patients. One patient was a compound heterozygote for the E109K mutation and a novel mutation, T710M. All patients were transfusion independent, with increasing iron overload with age. We estimate the E109K mutation to be 2,400 years old, in line with Jewish migration history. Conclusions: Most CDA II patients in Israel are of Moroccan Jewish origin and carry a common SEC23B mutation, E109K, the first to be described as a founder mutation causing CDA II. As previously suggested, carrying 2 missense mutations is associated with a relatively nonsevere phenotype.
A Reproducible Porcine Model of Acute Liver Failure Induced by Intrajejunal Acetaminophen Administration
Authors: Thiel C. , Thiel K. , Etspueler A. , Morgalla M.H. , Rubitschek S. , Schmid S. , Steurer W. , Königsrainer A. , Schenk M.
Published: January 2011

Background and Aims: Severe intoxication following acetaminophen overdose is the most common cause of acute liver failure (ALF) in many Western European and North American countries. A reproducible large animal model of acetaminophen intoxication has not been successfully evaluated previously. Methods: Eight male pigs underwent acetaminophen intoxication receiving an initial enteric bolus of 250 mg/kg body weight acetaminophen followed by an acetaminophen plasma level (300–450 mg/l) adapted enteric maintenance dose of 1,000–3,000 mg/h to the onset of ALF (prothrombin time value <30%). Vital and ventilation parameters were continuously recorded until death. Saline, hydroxyethyl starch, fresh frozen plasma and erythrocyte units were used for volume substitution, and norepinephrine to prevent severe hypotension. Results: All animals developed ALF after 25 ± 3 h, which was confirmed by laboratory values, the clinical course and histological examinations. All animals died due to ALF after a further 21 ± 5 h, precipitated by cerebral edema. Conclusions: Using an initial enteric acetaminophen bolus, followed by body weight-adapted acetaminophen plasma level intoxication, it was possible to establish a reproducible, clinically relevant porcine model which may be used for the investigation of novel therapeutic approaches in this life-threatening condition.
Steerable Versus Nonsteerable Sheath Technology in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: Piorkowski Christopher , Eitel Charlotte , Rolf Sascha , Bode Kerstin , Sommer Philipp , Gaspar Thomas , Kircher Simon , Wetzel Ulrike , Parwani Abdul Shokor , Boldt Leif-Hendrik , Mende Meinhard , Bollmann Andreas , Husser Daniela , Dagres Nikolaos , Esato Masahiro , Arya Arash , Haverkamp Wilhelm , Hindricks Gerhard
Published: January 2011

Background—

Steerable sheath technology is designed to facilitate catheter access, stability, and tissue contact in target sites of atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation. We hypothesized that rhythm control after interventional AF treatment is more successful using a steerable as compared with a nonsteerable sheath access.

Methods and Results—

One hundred thirty patients with paroxysmal or persistent drug-refractory AF undergoing their first ablation procedure were prospectively included in a randomized fashion in 2 centers. Ablation was performed by 10 operators with different levels of clinical experience. Treatment outcome was measured with serial 7-day Holter ECGs and additional symptom-based arrhythmia documentation. Single procedure success (freedom from AF and/or atrial macroreentrant tachycardia) was significantly higher in patients ablated with a steerable sheath (78% versus 55% after 3 months,
P
=0.005; 76% versus 53% after 6 months,
P
=0.008). Rate of pulmonary vein isolation, procedure duration, and radiofrequency application time did not differ significantly, whereas fluoroscopy time was lower in the steerable sheath group (33±14 minutes versus 45±17 minutes,
P
<0.001). Complication rates showed no significant difference (3.2% versus 5%,
P
=0.608). On multivariable analysis, steerable sheath usage remained the only powerful predictor for rhythm outcome after 6 months of follow-up (hazard ratio, 2.837 [1.197 to 6.723]).

Conclusions—

AF catheter ablation using a manually controlled, steerable sheath for catheter navigation resulted in a significantly higher clinical success rate, with comparable complication rates and with a reduction in periprocedural fluoroscopy time.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00469638.
The Incidence and Long-Term Clinical Outcome of Iatrogenic Atrial Septal Defects Secondary to Transseptal Catheterization With a 12F Transseptal Sheath
Authors: Singh Sheldon M. , Douglas Pamela S. , Reddy Vivek Y.
Published: January 2011

Background—

Studies assessing the presence of a residual iatrogenic atrial septal defect (iASD) after transseptal catheterization with 8F transseptal sheaths have suggested that the majority of these iASDs close within 6 months. However, these studies have been limited by small patient numbers and short follow-up. Additionally, there are a number of novel catheter procedures in interventional cardiology and electrophysiology that use larger transseptal sheaths. The objective of this study was to assess the incidence of and complications associated with iASDs in a large cohort of patients undergoing transseptal catheterization with a 12F transseptal sheath.

Methods and Results—

Patients (n=253) without a preexisting interatrial shunt undergoing WATCHMAN implantation as part of the PROTECT AF study were included in this current study. Patients underwent transesophageal echocardiography with echo-contrast immediately after the procedure and at 45 days and 6 months and 12 months. Eighty-seven percent of patients had an iASD immediately after the procedure, the majority of which sealed by 6 months (incidence of iASD, 34% at 45 days, 11% at 6 months, 7% at 12 months). Whereas the majority of iASDs were >3 mm in diameter immediately after the procedure, the minority of iASD were >3 mm during the follow-up period. Additionally, interatrial shunting was predominantly left-to-right when an iASD was present. There was no significant difference in the rate of stroke and/or systemic embolism during the follow-up period in patients with or without iASD.

Conclusions—

Transseptal catheterization procedures with a large-diameter transseptal sheath have a high spontaneous closure rate of iASDs that is not associated with an increased rate of stroke/systemic embolization during long-term follow-up.
The Politics of Unilateral Environmentalism: Cooperation and Conflict over Water Management along the Israeli-Palestinian Border
Authors: Fischhendler Itay , Dinar Shlomi , Katz David
Published: January 2011

The establishment of international environmental institutions is often predicated on the assumption that cooperation is politically feasible and that regime formation is viable. However, the provision of many environmental services remains vulnerable to asymmetries in interests that impede both cooperation and adaptation. We examine governance structures that internalize externalities under asymmetrical conditions aggravated by abrupt and/or significant changes in political circumstances (in this context, the eruption of political violence which, in this article, we refer to as political variability). We analyze the change over time in Israel's strategies for stream and river rehabilitation undertaken as a response to continued runoff of wastewater from Palestinian territories. We find that abrupt political changes that negatively affect relations among the parties undermine the foundations for cooperative solutions. In the Israeli-Palestinian case, Israel has responded by adopting a position of “unilateral environmentalism.” Such a non-cooperative policy was deemed the best possible option for addressing the transboundary pollution problems, in stark contrast to the model of cooperation that underlies most IEAs. Yet, we find that while unilateral environmentalism may safeguard a country's immediate political and environmental interests, it also entails various risks in the medium and long term.
Looking for Leaders: Perceptions of Climate Change Leadership among Climate Change Negotiation Participants
Authors: Karlsson Christer , Parker Charles , Hjerpe Mattias , Linnér Björn-Ola
Published: January 2011

There is widespread consensus that effective leadership will be required in order to successfully address the climate change challenge. Presently there are a number of self-proclaimed climate change leaders, but leadership is a relationship between leaders and followers. An actor aspiring to be a leader needs to be recognized as such. Despite its fundamental importance for leadership relationships, the demand side of the leadership equation has been comparatively neglected by past research. In this study we are looking for leaders by analyzing the perceptions of climate change leadership among UNFCCC COP-14 participants. Our results show that the climate change leadership mantle will have to be worn by more than one actor. Among the leadership candidates the EU was most widely recognized as a leader, however, only a small minority reported that they saw the EU as the only leader. The data also show that the US and the G77 thus far have failed to impress potential followers and it was China that clearly emerged as the second strongest leadership candidate.
MEPE Activated by Furin Promotes Pulpal Cell Adhesion
Authors: Wang H.G. , Kawashima N. , Iwata T. , Xu J. , Takahashi S. , Sugiyama T. , Suda H.
Published: January 2011

Matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) is predominantly expressed in osteoblasts, osteocytes, and odontoblasts and plays key biological roles in bone and dentin metabolism. Post-translational modifications are essential for its activation. This study tested the hypothesis that MEPE is activated through proteolytic processing by furin in dental pulp. MEPE was present in three sizes, 1 full-length and 2 cleaved fragments; the cleavage site was 146R↓147. The proprotein convertase family, particularly furin, was a candidate enzyme. Introducing a substitution at the cleavage site inhibited hydrolysis, but there was no cleavage of MEPE expressed in furin-deficient LoVo cells. Therefore, furin is a strong candidate for the proteolytic cleavage of MEPE. The C-terminal cleavage product promoted cell adhesion via its RGD motif. These results indicate that proteolytic processing by furin may activate MEPE during its secretion from odontoblasts and may play important roles in dentinogenesis and pulpal homeostasis. Abbreviations: MEPE, matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein; PTM, post-translational modifications; OLC, odontoblast-lineage cells.
Infection, Inflammation, and Bone Regeneration: a Paradoxical Relationship
Authors: Thomas M.V. , Puleo D.A.
Published: January 2011

Various strategies have been developed to promote bone regeneration in the craniofacial region. Most of these interventions utilize implantable materials or devices. Infections resulting from colonization of these implants may result in local tissue destruction in a manner analogous to periodontitis. This destruction is mediated via the expression of various inflammatory mediators and tissue-destructive enzymes. Given the well-documented association among microbial biofilms, inflammatory mediators, and tissue destruction, it seems reasonable to assume that inflammation may interfere with bone healing and regeneration. Paradoxically, recent evidence also suggests that the presence of certain pro-inflammatory mediators is actually required for bone healing. Bone injury (e.g., subsequent to a fracture or surgical intervention) is followed by a choreographed cascade of events, some of which are dependent upon the presence of pro-inflammatory mediators. If inflammation resolves promptly, then proper bone healing may occur. However, if inflammation persists (which might occur in the presence of an infected implant or graft material), then the continued inflammatory response may result in suboptimal bone formation. Thus, the effect of a given mediator is dependent upon the temporal context in which it is expressed. Better understanding of this temporal sequence may be used to optimize regenerative outcomes.
The system dynamics of Brooks’ Law in team production
Authors: Chernoguz David G
Published: January 2011

When a project is behind schedule, managers usually respond by bringing in additional workforce. Brooks’ Law points out the systemic limits to staffing intervention, which are related to dynamic relationships between team buildup and loss of production due to communication and training overheads. ProjScout™, a theoretical model of Brooks’ Law, responds logically when input parameters are assigned extreme values and coherently sensitive to stepwise changes of input. Simulation experiments revealed relative inherent limits of staffing intervention, related to dynamic relationships between initial team size, training new team members, their learning curve, and productive time lost due to intercommunication. As a rule of thumb, Brooks’ Law applies only when project resources are limited. The actual effect of investment in training, as well as concluding whether Brooks’ Law applies in a particular case, can be modeled only when actual values of the productivity, communication entropy, and actual learning curve are known. ProjScout™ can facilitate project decision-making in a wide range of production and service industries – wherever experienced performers have to divide their work time between production and other activities.
Global economic crisis and Mexican automotive suppliers: impacts on the labor capital
Authors: Sanchez-Ramirez Cuauhtémoc , Gastón Cedillo-Campos Miguel , Perez-Villanueva Pedro , Martinez-Flores José Luis
Published: January 2011

The impact of the global economic crisis on the Mexican automotive suppliers and its effects on the labor capital are analyzed. Owing to the complexity of the subsystems involved in the automotive industry, a system dynamics approach was selected to develop the simulation model based on a case study. Nevertheless, because of the standard structure of the proposed model, it can be generalized to other automotive companies. The model provides a detailed causal analysis of how supply networks and local conditions interact. The results show the strong relationship existing between the local suppliers and the OEM at the core of the cluster, which can generate competitive advantages in the region. However, it can also create a gap in the local supply chains and in the labor capital when the demand of the OEM decreases due to factors such as the global economic crisis. The results reveal how clusters with a strong centralized structure in one industry make them highly specialized. However, the lack of effective public support policies makes them weaker in front of the variability imposed by globalization.
Micro wind turbine performance under real weather conditions in urban environment
Authors: Glass A. , Levermore G.
Published: January 2011

The aim of this article is to evaluate the performance of micro wind turbines in a built-up environment. For this purpose, five independent micro wind turbine systems, consisting of two distinctly different models, were tested and evaluated under real life conditions over a period of 12 months. This article provides an overview of the experimental set-up used to test the two different micro wind turbines and then goes on to present the basic background theory for horizontal axis micro wind turbines and the variation of coefficient of performance with wind speed. The wind potentials at the test site were assessed to determine the theoretical outputs of the turbines which were compared with the measured outputs over a year. The measured outputs were disappointingly low. One reason for this is turbulence, for which directional turbulence (lateral turbulence) has been shown to be a key indicator, better than the standard wind speed (longitudinal) turbulence. Another factor is the inverter efficiency and power consumption, which is not negligible. Finally the theoretical paybacks under the 2010 Feed-in Tariffs were calculated along with estimated carbon savings.

Practical application: Renewables such as wind turbines are increasingly being designed and installed to help achieve lower carbon buildings. The output of micro turbines, however, can be disappointing due to lateral turbulence and inverter consumptions. These factors are explained so that designers can be aware and assess the likely outputs more accurately.
How close can we dance? Labour–management partnership on a borderline
Authors: Rolfsen Monica
Published: January 2011

Recent studies have examined whether labour unions will benefit from stepping out of their traditional role and into labour–management partnership. This article discusses the limits of such partnership, exploring the negotiations prevailing as the union representatives go so far into cooperation that it turns out to be controversial among their members. In order to understand this conflict, there is a need to clarify the content of the labour–management partnership. This article contributes first by presenting novel empirical material from an in-depth qualitative case study. This material indicates that controversies occur when the union representatives start acting like managers, are responsible for decisions that reduce the members’ benefits and distance themselves from the rank-and-file’s point of view. In addition, this article contributes by exposing that close cooperation in long-term development issues need not be controversial. Quite the contrary – this is mentioned as the most positive outcome of the partnership.
Constructing truths in a culture of disbelief
Authors: Jubany Olga
Published: January 2011

While a multitude of immigration officers enforce the numerous laws and policies regulating the arrival of asylum seekers, their work is often hidden from the public eye and ignored by academic debate, leaving fundamental questions unanswered: Is the migration debate blinded by bureaucracy or oblivious to the complexity of the asylum screening process? This article originates from an ethnographic study, which included over 80 interviews, six months of participant observation and four years of familiarization with the main actors, framed by a triangulation scheme that allowed in-depth exploration of the field from within. The study’s conclusions expose how identifying immigration officers’ subculture is key to understanding asylum controls and to reach beyond the legal shield and the rhetorical concepts of political debate. Based on this empirical research, this article exposes how officers’ criteria for screening individuals are not derived from regulations or laws but their own categorizations, rules and values derived from ambiguous stereotypes nurtured by officers’ experiences and social prejudices.
Feeding Time Synchronizes Clock Gene Rhythmic Expression in Brain and Liver of Goldfish (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Feliciano Andrea , Vivas Yurena , de Pedro Nuria , Delgado María J. , Velarde Elena , Isorna Esther
Published: January 2011

Little is known about the feeding time dependence of clock gene expression in fish. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a scheduled feeding time can entrain the rhythmic expression of several clock genes ( period and cryptocrome) in the brain and liver of a teleost, the goldfish. Fish maintained under continuous light (LL) conditions were divided into 3 groups. Two groups were fed daily at 1000 h and 2200 h, respectively, and the third group was subjected to a random schedule regime. After 30 days, the fishes under 24-h food deprivation were sacrificed through a 24-h cycle, and clock gene expression in the optic tectum, hypothalamus, and liver was quantified by real-time PCR. The findings pointed to differences between the central and peripheral tissues studied. In the absence of a light-dark cycle (constant light), a scheduled feeding regime was necessary and sufficient to maintain both the rhythmic expression of several clock genes in the optic tectum and hypothalamus, as well as daily rhythms in locomotor activity. In contrast, neither locomotor activity nor clock gene expression in brain tissues was synchronized in randomly fed fish. However, in the liver, most of the clock genes studied presented significant daily rhythms in phase (related to the time of the last meal) in all 3 experimental groups, suggesting that the daily rhythm of clock genes in this organ only depends on the last meal time. The data suggest that, as in mammals, the smooth running of the food entrainable oscillator (FEO) in fish involves the rhythmic expression of several clock genes ( Per1 and Cry3) in the central and peripheral structures. The results also indicate that the food anticipatory activity (FAA) in goldfish is not only the result of rhythmic clock gene expression in the liver because rhythmic clock gene expression was observed in randomly fed fishes, while FAA was not observed.
Estimation of Human Circadian Phase via a Multi-Channel Ambulatory Monitoring System and a Multiple Regression Model
Authors: Kolodyazhniy Vitaliy , Späti Jakub , Frey Sylvia , Götz Thomas , Wirz-Justice Anna , Kräuchi Kurt , Cajochen Christian , Wilhelm Frank H.
Published: January 2011

Reliable detection of circadian phase in humans using noninvasive ambulatory measurements in real-life conditions is challenging and still an unsolved problem. The masking effects of everyday behavior and environmental input such as physical activity and light on the measured variables need to be considered critically. Here, we aimed at developing techniques for estimating circadian phase with the lowest subject burden possible, that is, without the need of constant routine (CR) laboratory conditions or without measuring the standard circadian markers, (rectal) core body temperature (CBT), and melatonin levels. In this validation study, subjects ( N = 16) wore multi-channel ambulatory monitoring devices and went about their daily routine for 1 week. The devices measured a large number of physiological, behavioral, and environmental variables, including CBT, skin temperatures, cardiovascular and respiratory function, movement/posture, ambient temperature, and the spectral composition and intensity of light received at eye level. Sleep diaries were logged electronically. After the ambulatory phase, subjects underwent a 32-h CR procedure in the laboratory for measuring unmasked circadian phase based on the “midpoint” of the salivary melatonin profile. To overcome the complex masking effects of confounding variables during ambulatory measurements, multiple regression techniques were applied in combination with the cross-validation approach to subject-independent prediction of circadian phase. The most accurate estimate of circadian phase was achieved using skin temperatures, irradiance for ambient light in the blue spectral band, and motion acceleration as predictors with lags of up to 24 h. Multiple regression showed statistically significant improvement of variance of prediction error over the traditional approaches to determining circadian phase based on single predictors (motion acceleration or sleep log), although CBT was intentionally not included as the predictor. Compared to CBT alone, our method resulted in a 40% smaller range of prediction errors and a nonsignificant reduction of error variance. The proposed noninvasive measurement method could find applications in sleep medicine or in other domains where knowing the exact endogenous circadian phase is important (e.g., for the timing of light therapy).
Public Maternalism Goes to Market
Authors: Glass Christy , Fodor Éva
Published: January 2011

Under what conditions do motherhood penalties emerge in countries undergoing transition from state socialism to capitalism? This analysis identifies the ways managers in global financial firms employ gendered assumptions in constructing and implementing labor practices among highly skilled professional workers in Hungary. Relying on 33 in-depth interviews with employers as well as interviews with headhunting firms, labor and employment lawyers, and analysis of antidiscrimination cases brought before Hungary’s Equal Treatment Authority between 2004 and 2008, we identify several strategies global employers use to shed, demote, and marginalize professional mothers. By demonstrating the salience of motherhood as a status characteristic in the postsocialist labor market, our work contributes to existing scholarship on motherhood penalties. Our work also extends this scholarship by showing how the salience of motherhood is strongly conditioned by state-level arrangements that shape the opportunity context in which employers design and carry out employment practices.
How presidents push, when presidents win: A model of positive presidential power in US lawmaking
Authors: Beckmann Matthew N. , Kumar Vimal
Published: January 2011

Presidents’ positive role in US lawmaking is as ubiquitous as it is unclear. While a rich literature has identified many macro-level factors that constrain presidents’ policymaking potential, still unanswered is Richard Neustadt’s micro-level question: how can presidents influence legislation given the context and Congress they happen to inherit? Developing a game theoretic model in which the president allocates scarce ‘political capital’ to induce changes in legislators’ behavior, we deduce two lobbying strategies that White House officials may execute and, in turn, examine their impact on the laws that result. Comparative statics analysis not only shows how presidents can best target their persuasive arsenal, but further specifies the factors that condition those efforts’ effectiveness. Interestingly, results show that standard roll-call-based tests likely underestimate presidents’ legislative impact. We thus conclude by reconsidering the practice and potential of presidential leadership in national policymaking.
The finagle point and the epsilon-core: A comment on Bräuninger’s proof
Authors: Tovey Craig A
Published: January 2011

The finagle point, the epsilon-core, and the yolk are all predictors of majority-rule decision-making in spatial voting models. These predictors each minimize a radius needed in some sense to alter preferences so as to achieve stability. Brauninger showed that the finagle radius is never smaller than the epsilon-core radius, and claimed that the finagle point is within the epsilon core. This article shows that the finagle radius is sandwiched in between the epsilon-core and yolk radii, and that there is a significant logical gap in Brauninger’s proof that the finagle point is within the epsilon-core. This article also examines Brauninger’s other conclusions in view of an inaccurate computation of the yolk, and shows that they are valid all the more so.
Seizing the mantle of change: Modeling candidate quality as effectiveness instead of valence
Authors: Miller Michael K
Published: January 2011

In spatial models of electoral competition, candidate quality is typically modeled as valence, a measure of general appeal assumed to be constant across voters. This paper introduces and formally models an alternative conception of candidate quality according to which candidates differ in their effectiveness, or likelihood of changing policy from the status quo. Although more effective candidates are electorally favored, voters’ benefits from effectiveness are contingent on their policy preferences. The effectiveness model shares many qualitative features with the valence model, but adds several testable implications related to the position of the status quo and gives rise to non-monotonic voting. When valence and effectiveness are combined, valence dominates effectiveness in determining the winner if and only if the status quo policy is sufficiently close to the political center.
Loxosceles gaucho spider venom and its sphingomyelinase fraction trigger the main functions of human and rabbit platelets
Authors: Tavares Flávio L , Peichoto María E , Rangel Danieli de Morais , Barbaro Kátia C , Cirillo Maria Cristina , Santoro Marcelo L , Sano-Martins Ida S
Published: January 2011

Loxosceles venoms can promote severe local and systemic damages. We have previously reported that Loxosceles gaucho spider venom causes a severe early thrombocytopenia in rabbits. Herein, we investigated the in vitro effects of this venom and its sphingomyelinase fraction on the main functions of platelets. Whole venom and its fraction induced aggregation of both human and rabbit platelets. Aggregation was dependent of plasma component(s) but independent of venom-induced lysophosphatidic acid generation. There was no increase in the levels of lactate dehydrogenase during platelet aggregation, ruling out the possibility of platelet lysis. The increased expression of ligand-induced binding site 1 (LIBS1) induced by L. gaucho venom and its sphingomyelinase fraction, as well as of P-selectin by the whole venom, evidenced the activation state of both human and rabbit platelets. Adhesion assays showed an irregular response when platelets were exposed to the whole venom, whereas the sphingomyelinase fraction induced a dose-dependent increase in the platelet adhesion to collagen. These findings evidence that L. gaucho venom and its sphingomyelinase fraction trigger adhesion, activation, and aggregation of both human and rabbit platelets. Thus, this work justifies the use of rabbits to investigate Loxosceles venom-induced platelet disturbances, and it also supports research on the role of platelets in the pathogenesis of loxoscelism.
The mechanism of sertraline-induced [Ca2+]i rise in human OC2 oral cancer cells
Authors: Chien Jau-Min , Chou Chiang-Ting , Pan Chih-Chuan , Kuo Chun-Chi , Tsai Jeng-Yu , Liao Wei-Chuan , Kuo Daih-Huang , Shieh Pochuen , Ho Chin-Man , Chu Sau-Tung , Su Hsing-Hao , Chi Cao-Chuan , Jan Chung-Ren
Published: January 2011

Effect of sertraline, an antidepressant, on cytosolic free Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i) in human cancer cells is unclear. This study examined if sertraline altered basal [Ca2+]i levels in suspended OC2 human oral cancer by using fura-2 as a Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent probe. At concentrations of 10−100 μM, sertraline induced a [Ca2+]i rise in a concentration-dependent fashion. The Ca2+ signal was reduced partly by removing extracellular Ca2+ indicating that Ca2+ entry and release both contributed to the [Ca2+]i rise. Sertraline induced Mn2+ influx, leading to quench of fura-2 fluorescence suggesting Ca2+ influx. This Ca2+ influx was inhibited by suppression of phospholipase A2, inhibition of store-operated Ca2+ channels or by modulation of protein kinase C activity. In Ca2+-free medium, pretreatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin or 2,5-di-(t-butyl)-1,4-hydroquinone (BHQ) nearly abolished sertraline-induced Ca2+ release. Conversely, pretreatment with sertraline greatly reduced the inhibitor-induced [Ca2+]i rise, suggesting that sertraline released Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum. Inhibition of phospholipase C did not change sertraline-induced [Ca2+]i rise. Together, in human oral cancer cells, sertraline induced [Ca2+]i rises by causing phospholipase C-independent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum and Ca2+ influx via store-operated Ca2+ channels.
Beta-ketothiolase deficiency brought with lethargy: Case report
Authors: Arica Vefik , Arica Secil Gunher , Dag Huseyin , Onur Hatice , Obut Ömer , Gülbayzar Sayat
Published: January 2011

Beta-ketothiolase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of isoleucine and ketone body metabolism. This disorder is clinically characterized by ketoacidotic attacks. Ketoacidosis, vomiting, and dehydration, lethargy and coma may be seen during attacks. A 9-month-old girl was admitted to our hospital with acidosis and dehydration. The patient was lethargic. Ketoacidosis was suspected because of acetone odor on her breath. Her blood glucose level was 262 mg/dL and urine ketone was (++++). Branched chain amino acid levels were elevated in her blood sample. Organic acid analysis of urine revealed 2-methylacetoacetyl-CoA thiolase deficiency. This was reported because of rarity of the disease and we should consider it in the differential diagnosis of ketoacidotic episodes.
Impact of pesticides residue and heavy metals on lipids and fatty acids composition of some seafoods of Red Sea (KSA)
Authors: Al-Malki Abdulrahman L , Moselhy Said S
Published: January 2011

Seafood is considered by nutritionists to be a high source of omega 3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFAs) which are involved in prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the present study is firstly to detect the presence of organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals in some fresh seafood of Red Sea commonly used in KSA in relation to its contents. It was found that the fatty acids 18:2n-6, 18:3n-6, 18:3n-9 was statistically significantly higher in fresh samples than frozen ( p < 0.05), smoked ( p < 0.01) and canned fishes ( p < 0.05), respectively. Total lipids and cholesterol content of canned and smoked fishes were significantly higher than fresh and frozen samples ( p < 0.01, <0.05 and p < 0.01, <0.05). Vitamin D was found to be lower in frozen samples than fresh, smoked and canned ( p < 0.05 for each). While vitamin A was higher in fresh and smoked as compared with frozen and canned samples. No organochlorine tested were detected in either fresh or processed samples (smoked, frozen and canned). Among the heavy metals, the highest lead level was detected in fresh and smoked samples as compared with frozen and canned samples. No correlation was found between organochlorine compounds in fish and the corresponding levels in fatty acids. We concluded that, all fishes are safe for uses but it is preferable to use fresh samples due to its high content of PUFA and low lead level.
Responsive Management: Practical Strategies for Avoiding Overreaction to Minor Misbehavior
Authors: Allday R. Allan
Published: January 2011

Minor misbehavior causes frustration for many teachers and can serve as the catalyst for escalating into a public confrontation between student and teacher. This confrontation can be caused by teacher overreaction to minor misbehavior. When teachers take the initiative and predetermine their response to misbehavior, they reduce and possibly eliminate some minor misbehavior. This article suggests six simple strategies that teachers can implement to respond more positively to minor misbehavior, which helps reduce misbehavior and avoid a confrontation with students.
Qualitative Methods in Health Services and Management Research: Pockets of Excellence and Progress, but Still a Long Way to Go
Authors: Devers Kelly J.
Published: January 2011

The 10-year systematic review of published health services and management research by Weiner et al. (2011) chronicles the contributions of qualitative methods, highlights areas of substantial progress, and identifies areas in need of more progress. This article (Devers, 2011) discusses possible reasons for lack of progress in some areas— related to the under-supply of well-trained qualitative researchers and more tangible demand for their research—and mechanisms for future improvement. To ensure a robust health services research toolbox, the field must take additional steps to provide stronger education and training in qualitative methods and more funding and publication opportunities. Given the rapidly changing health care system post the passage of national health reform and the chalresearch issues associated with it, the health services research and management field will not meet its future challenges with quantitative methods alone or with a half-empty toolbox.
Targeting macrophages in classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma may seem rational, but is it safe?
Authors: Dasanu Constantin A
Published: January 2011

A few reports have linked increased numbers of tissue macrophages with treatment failure and reduced lifespan in classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) patients. Some investigators even suggested to target the macrophages in HL with biologic therapy, thus eliminating them from the tumor microenvironment. This review explores the risk: benefit equation of such approach as well as what the author believes is the driving force behind the ‘great’ migration of macrophages in HL. This article unravels the inflammatory pathways and immune alterations in classical HL that lead to a complex network consisting of T-cells, numerous cytokines, macrophages, and other cells. Macrophages are thought to play a crucial role in tumor antigen processing and presentation tasks, Reed–Sternberg (RS) cell phagocytosis, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, therefore their extinction may be hazardous. The author believes RS cells should be targeted by the biologics, not the macrophages, and links his hopes with the existing investigational anti-CD30 therapies in relapsed/refractory classical HL.
Co-opting feminist voices for the war on terror: Laura Bush meets Nordic feminism
Authors: von der Lippe Berit , Väyrynen Tarja
Published: January 2011

The article analyses Finland’s and Norway’s female politicians’ war rhetoric with reference to the war in Afghanistan and contrasts it with Laura Bush’s rhetoric and feminism. In the Nordic countries the strong liberal and equity tradition of feminism could open up spaces for thinking differently about war, and yet the co-optation of hegemonic war rhetoric occurs in several ways. The ideograph ‘women-and-children’ is often evoked and added to the hegemonic foreign policy rhetoric without questioning the actual rhetorical work it does. Gender-neutral rhetoric is used to hail into being a collective and unitary western do-gooder identity and to distance Nordic involvement from the US ‘war on terror’. The panegyric of UN Resolution 1325 facilitates the metamorphosis of the militaristic and masculine US-led NATO into a collective peacekeeper capable of saving ‘brown women from brown men’.
Well then - What now? An everyday approach to managerial leadership
Authors: Holmberg Ingalill , Tyrstrup Mats
Published: January 2011

This article examines leadership in practice through an investigation of how 62 managers (including project leaders), competing in a cutting-edge environment, perceive and describe the characteristics of everyday leadership. Based on the common notion of fragmentation in managerial work, as well as the unfortunate lack of understanding of how managerial work relates to the overall work processes of the organization, the article addresses the integrated job of managing (e.g., see Barley and Kunda, 1992; Hales, 1986, 1999; Mintzberg, 1994). In this study, everyday leadership is uncovered as a sense-making process consisting of three sets of activities — interpretations, constant adjustments and formulations of temporary solutions. Another striking feature of everyday leadership is that, to a considerable extent, it is event-driven. We therefore suggest that everyday leadership, as an event-driven activity rather than an intention-driven activity, should focus on skills such as improvisation and the ability to tune in.
The importance of national language as a level of discourse within individuals’ theorising of leadership — A qualitative study of German and English employees
Authors: Jepson Doris
Published: January 2011

This article adds to the leadership discourse literature as it explores the so far neglected role of national language as a level within an individual’s order of discourses, its relation to other discourses and its possible impact on the individual’s action theory of leadership. It does so by building upon and integrating several existing approaches to linguistic relativity hypothesis, discourse analysis and individual action theories. This article further analyses data from a qualitative study in the German and UK chemical industries to show that national language is an important discourse affecting an individual’s action theory of leadership. National language is argued to be setting boundaries to an individual’s sense-making of leadership through its fundamental influence on an individual’s conversational repertoire.
Bcr-Abl ubiquitination and Usp9x inhibition block kinase signaling and promote CML cell apoptosis
Authors: Sun Hanshi , Kapuria Vaibhav , Peterson Luke F. , Fang Dexing , Bornmann William G. , Bartholomeusz Geoffrey , Talpaz Moshe , Donato Nicholas J.
Published: January 2011

Although chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is effectively controlled by Bcr-Abl kinase inhibitors, resistance to inhibitors, progressive disease, and incomplete eradication of Bcr-Abl–expressing cells are concerns for the long-term control and suppression of this disease. We describe a novel approach to targeting key proteins in CML cells with a ubiquitin-cycle inhibitor, WP1130. Bcr-Abl is rapidly modified with K63-linked ubiquitin polymers in WP1130-treated CML cells, resulting in its accumulation in aggresomes, where is it unable to conduct signal transduction. Induction of apoptosis because of aggresomal compartmentalization of Bcr-Abl was observed in both imatinib-sensitive and -resistant cells. WP1130, but not Bcr-Abl kinase inhibitors, directly inhibits Usp9x deubiquitinase activity, resulting in the down-regulation of the prosurvival protein Mcl-1 and facilitating apoptosis. These results demonstrate that ubiquitin-cycle inhibition represents a novel and effective approach to blocking Bcr-Abl kinase signaling and reducing Mcl-1 levels to engage CML cell apoptosis. This approach may be a therapeutic option for kinase inhibitor–resistant CML patients.