bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunological Response of Electrostatic Charge at the Surface of Biomaterials
Authors: Sobieszczańska B. , Wawrzyńska M. , BiaŁy D.
Published: November 2011

This Chapter discusses the central role of the endothelial cells in inflammatory processes that always accompany the implantation of a biomaterial into the body. Endothelial injury at the site of biomaterial implantation, in addition to endothelial cells, involves many other interactive factors including leukocytes and platelets, and their inflammatory mediators, as well as receptors expressed on the surfaces of these cells. All these components activate cascades of mutual interactions that result in inflammation, but eventually lead to wound healing. However, depending on the chemical and physical properties of the biomaterial, endothelial dysfunction may contribute to destructive chronic inflammation that adversely affects the outcome of biomaterial implantation.
Evaluating regression model estimates of canopy fuel stratum characteristics in four crown fire-prone fuel types in western North America
Authors: Cruz Miguel G. , Alexander Martin E.
Published: November 2011

Two evaluations were undertaken of the regression equations developed by M. Cruz, M. Alexander and R. Wakimoto (2003, International Journal of Wildland Fire 12, 39–50) for estimating canopy fuel stratum characteristics from stand structure variables for four broad coniferous forest fuel types found in western North America. The first evaluation involved a random selection of 10 stands each from the four datasets used in the original study. These were in turn subjected to two simulated thinning regimes (i.e. 25 and 50% basal area removal). The second evaluation involved a completely independent dataset for ponderosa pine consisting of 16 stands sampled by T. Keyser and F. Smith (2010, Forest Science 56, 156–165). Evaluation statistics were comparable for the thinning scenarios and independent evaluations. Mean absolute percentage errors varied between 13.8 and 41.3% for canopy base height, 5.3 and 67.9% for canopy fuel load, and 20.7 and 71% for canopy bulk density. Bias errors were negligible. The results of both evaluations clearly show that the stand-level models of Cruz et al. (2003) used for estimating canopy base height, canopy fuel load and canopy bulk density in the assessment of crown fire potential are, considering their simplicity, quite robust.
Schizophrenia susceptibility gene
dysbindin
regulates glutamatergic and dopaminergic functions via distinctive mechanisms in
Drosophila
Authors: Shao Lisha , Shuai Yichun , Wang Jie , Feng Shanxi , Lu Binyan , Li Zuo , Zhao Yukai , Wang Lianzhang , Zhong Yi
Published: November 2011

The dysfunction of multiple neurotransmitter systems is a striking pathophysiological feature of many mental disorders, schizophrenia in particular, but delineating the underlying mechanisms has been challenging. Here we show that manipulation of a single schizophrenia susceptibility gene,
dysbindin
, is capable of regulating both glutamatergic and dopaminergic functions through two independent mechanisms, consequently leading to two categories of clinically relevant behavioral phenotypes. Dysbindin has been reported to affect glutamatergic and dopaminergic functions as well as a range of clinically relevant behaviors in vertebrates and invertebrates but has been thought to have a mainly neuronal origin. We find that reduced expression of
Drosophila
dysbindin (Ddysb) in presynaptic neurons significantly suppresses glutamatergic synaptic transmission and that this glutamatergic defect is responsible for impaired memory. However, only the reduced expression of Ddysb in glial cells is the cause of hyperdopaminergic activities that lead to abnormal locomotion and altered mating orientation. This effect is attributable to the altered expression of a dopamine metabolic enzyme, Ebony, in glial cells. Thus, Ddysb regulates glutamatergic transmission through its neuronal function and regulates dopamine metabolism by regulating Ebony expression in glial cells.
Temporal and Fine‐Scale Spatial Variation in Fish Assemblage Structure in a Drowned River Mouth System of Lake Michigan
Authors: Bhagat Yakuta , Ruetz Carl R.
Published: November 2011

We examined patterns of fish community composition and the relation to environmental variation in a drowned river mouth system of Lake Michigan. Direct hydrological connections to the Muskegon River and Lake Michigan contribute to a unique ecosystem with large‐lake and riverine influences, thus making Muskegon Lake of particular interest for assessing fish community structure across spatiotemporal scales. Using overnight fyke‐net sets, we sampled the fish community at four littoral sites in Muskegon Lake during spring, summer, and fall of 2003–2009; we also measured a suite of physicochemical variables at each sampling location and event. Among the most abundant species captured were the yellow perchPerca flavescens, round gobyNeogobius melanostomus, and bluntnose minnowPimephales notatus. Results from nonmetric multidimensional scaling showed that fish assemblages varied strongly across seasons and across sites but that annual variation was weak. Canonical correspondence analysis by season showed that temperature was the most important variable in spring, whereas turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and depth were more influential in structuring fish communities during summer. Macrophyte cover played a significant role in explaining community composition in the fall. We observed patterns of seasonal temporal variation in species–environment relationships, similar to patterns observed in purely lacustrine systems. We also observed patterns of fine‐scale spatial variation, which are typically noted in purely riverine systems. As such, our results have implications for predicting and determining patterns in other drowned river mouth lakes and reservoirs that are heavily influenced by both riverine and large‐lake dynamics.
Holomorphic families of long ℂ²’s
Authors: Forstnerič Franc
Published: November 2011

We construct a holomorphically varying family of complex surfaces

X
s

X_s

, parametrized by the points

s
s

in any Stein manifold, such that every

X
s

X_s

is a long

C

2

\mathbb {C}^2

which is biholomorphic to

C

2

\mathbb {C}^2

for some but not all values of

s
s

.
Gap junction assembly: roles for the formation plaque and regulation by the C-terminus of connexin43
Authors: Johnson Ross G. , Reynhout James K. , TenBroek Erica M. , Quade Bradley J. , Yasumura Thomas , Davidson Kimberly G. V. , Sheridan Judson D. , Rash John E.
Published: November 2011

Using an established gap junction (GJ) assembly system with experimentally reaggregated cells, we analyzed “formation plaques” (FPs), apparent sites of GJ assembly. Employing freeze-fracture electron microscopy methods combined with filipin labeling of sterols and immunolabeling for connexin43 (Cx43), we demonstrated that FPs constitute distinct membrane “domains” and that their characteristic 10-nm particles contain connexin43, thus representing precursors (i.e., GJ hemichannels) engaged in assembly. Analysis of FPs in new systems—HeLa and N2A cells—resolved questions surrounding several key but poorly understood steps in assembly, including matching of FP membranes in apposed cells, reduction in the separation between FP membranes during assembly, and the process of particle aggregation. Findings also indicated that “docking” of GJ hemichannels occurs within FP domains and contributes to reduction of intermembrane separation between FPs. Other experiments demonstrated that FPs develop following a major C-terminal truncation of Cx43 (M257), although assembly was delayed. Particle aggregation also occurred at lower densities, and densities of particles within developing GJ aggregates failed to achieve full-length levels. With regard to regulation, inhibition of assembly following protein kinase C activation failed to occur in the M257 truncation mutants, as measured by intercellular dye transfer. However, several C-terminal serine mutations failed to disrupt inhibition.
Clinical significance of steroid and xenobiotic receptor and its targeted gene CYP3A4 in human prostate cancer
Authors: Fujimura Tetsuya , Takahashi Satoru , Urano Tomohiko , Tanaka Toshiya , Zhang Weiguang , Azuma Kotaro , Takayama Kenich , Obinata Daisuke , Murata Taro , Horie‐Inoue Kuniko , Kodama Tatsuhiko , Ouchi Yasuyoshi , Homma Yukio , Inoue Satoshi
Published: November 2011

The steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) regulates cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, which are key inactivators of testosterone in the liver and prostate. In the present study, we investigated SXR expression in human prostate tissues. We determined SXR immunoreactivity using an anti‐SXR antibody in benign (n = 78) and cancerous (n = 106) tissues obtained by radical prostatectomy. Stained slides were evaluated for the proportion and staining intensity of immunoreactive cells. Total immunoreactivity (IR) scores (range: 0–8) were calculated as the sum of the proportion and intensity scores. Associations between the clinicopathological features of the patients, SXR status, and CYP3A4 immunoreactivity were analyzed. Western blot analyses validated the specificity of the anti‐SXR antibody in 293T cells transfected with pcDNA–FLAG–SXR. Positive (IR score: ≥ 2) nuclear SXR staining was observed in 91% (71/78) of benign foci and 47% (50/106) of cancerous lesions. Immunoreactivity scores were significantly lower in the cancerous lesions than in the benign foci (P < 0.0001). Clinicopathological analyses showed that cancer‐specific survival in patients with high SXR IR scores (≥4) was significantly increased (P = 0.046). Combined data of present and previous studies showed that high IR scores for both the SXR and CYP3A4 correlated with significantly better cancer‐specific survival rates in multivariate regression analyses (hazard ratio: 2.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.25–3.55, P = 0.007). We showed differential SXR expression in human prostate tissues. The high expression of the SXR and CYP3A4 is a strong prognostic indicator of favorable outcomes in prostate cancer, and could be a therapeutic target. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 176–180)
Preclinical antitumor activity of the novel heat shock protein 90 inhibitor CH5164840 against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐overexpressing cancers
Authors: Ono Naomi , Yamazaki Toshikazu , Nakanishi Yoshito , Fujii Toshihiko , Sakata Kiyoaki , Tachibana Yukako , Suda Atsushi , Hada Kihito , Miura Takaaki , Sato Shigeo , Saitoh Ryoichi , Nakano Kohnosuke , Tsukuda Takuo , Mio Toshiyuki , Ishii Nobuya , Kondoh Osamu , Aoki Yuko
Published: November 2011

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a molecular chaperone that plays a significant role in the stability and maturation of client proteins, including oncogenic targets for cell transformation, proliferation, and survival, is an attractive target for cancer therapy. We identified the novel Hsp90 inhibitor, CH5164840, and investigated its induction of oncogenic client protein degradation, antiproliferative activity, and apoptosis against an NCI‐N87 gastric cancer cell line and a BT‐474 breast cancer cell line. Interestingly, CH5164840 demonstrated tumor selectivity both in vitro and in vivo, binding to tumor Hsp90 (which forms active multiple chaperone complexes) in vitro, and being distributed effectively to tumors in a mouse model, which, taken together, supports the decreased levels of phosphorylated Akt by CH5164840 that we observed in tumor tissues, but not in normal tissues. As well as being well tolerated, the oral administration of CH5164840 exhibited potent antitumor efficacy with regression in NCI‐N87 and BT‐474 tumor xenograft models. In addition, CH5164840 significantly enhanced antitumor efficacy against gastric and breast cancer models when combined with the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐targeted agents, trastuzumab and lapatinib. These data demonstrate the potent antitumor efficacy of CH5164840 when administered alone, and its significant combination efficacy when combined with trastuzumab or lapatinib, supporting the clinical development of CH5164840 as an Hsp90 inhibitor for combination therapy with HER2‐targeted agents against HER2‐overexpressing tumors. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 342–349)
Review article: the benefits of pharmacogenetics for improving thiopurine therapy in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Chouchana L. , Narjoz C. , Beaune P. , Loriot M.‐A. , Roblin X.
Published: November 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 35: 15–36

Background  Thiopurines represent an effective and widely prescribed therapy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Concerns about toxicity, mainly resulting from a wide inter‐individual variability in thiopurine metabolism, restrict their use. Optimal thiopurine dosing is challenging for preventing adverse drug reactions and improving clinical response.

Aim  To review efficacy and toxicity of thiopurines in IBD. To provide pharmacogenetic‐based therapeutic recommendations.

Methods  We conducted a query on PubMed database using ‘inflammatory bowel disease’, ‘thiopurine’, ‘azathioprine’, ‘6‐mercaptopurine’, ‘TPMT’, ‘pharmacogenetics’, ‘TDM’, and selected relevant articles, especially clinical studies.

Results  Thiopurine metabolism – key enzyme: thiopurine S‐methyltransferase (TPMT) – modulates clinical response, as it results in production of the pharmacologically active and toxic metabolites, the thioguanine nucleotides (6‐TGN). Adjusting dosage according to TPMT status and/or metabolite blood levels is recommended for optimising thiopurine therapy (e.g. improving response rate up to 30% or decreasing haematological adverse events of 25%). Other enzymes or transporters of interest, as inosine triphosphatase (ITPase), glutathione S‐transferase (GST), xanthine oxidase (XO), aldehyde oxidase (AOX), methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and ATP‐binding cassette sub‐family C member 4 (ABCC4) are reviewed and discussed for clinical relevance.

Conclusions  Based on the literature data, we provide a therapeutic algorithm for thiopurines therapy with starting dose recommendations depending on TPMT status and thereafter dose adjustments according to five metabolite profiles identified with therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). This algorithm allows a dosage individualisation to optimise the management of patients under thiopurine. Furthermore, identification of new pharmacogenetic biomarkers is promising for ensuring maximal therapeutic response to thiopurines with a minimisation of the risk for adverse events.
PRDM16 (1p36) translocations define a distinct entity of myeloid malignancies with poor prognosis but may also occur in lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Duhoux Francois P. , Ameye Geneviève , Montano‐Almendras Carmen P. , Bahloula Khadija , Mozziconacci Marie J. , Laibe Sophy , Wlodarska Iwona , Michaux Lucienne , Talmant Pascaline , Richebourg Steven , Lippert Eric , Speleman Frank , Herens Christian , Struski Stéphanie , Raynaud Sophie , Auger Nathalie , Nadal Nathalie , Rack Katrina , Mugneret Francine , Tigaud Isabelle , Lafage Marina , Taviaux Sylvie , Roche‐Lestienne Catherine , Latinne Dominique , Libouton Jeanne M. , Demoulin Jean‐Baptiste , Poirel Hélène A. ,   on behalf of the Groupe Francophone de Cytogénétique Hématologique (GFCH) and of the Belgian Cytogenetic Group for Haematology and Oncology (BCG‐HO)
Published: November 2011

The PRDM16 (1p36) gene is rearranged in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with t(1;3)(p36;q21), sharing characteristics with AML and MDS with MECOM (3q26.2) translocations. We used fluorescence in situ hybridization to study 39 haematological malignancies with translocations involving PRDM16 to assess the precise breakpoint on 1p36 and the identity of the partner locus. Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in selected cases in order to confirm the partner locus. PRDM16 expression studies were performed on bone marrow samples of patients, normal controls and CD34+ cells using TaqMan real‐time quantitative PCR. PRDM16 was rearranged with the RPN1 (3q21) locus in 30 cases and with other loci in nine cases. The diagnosis was AML or MDS in most cases, except for two cases of lymphoid proliferation. We identified novel translocation partners of PRDM16, including the transcription factors ETV6 and IKZF1. Translocations involving PRDM16 lead to its overexpression irrespective of the consequence of the rearrangement (fusion gene or promoter swap). Survival data suggest that patients with AML/MDS and PRDM16 translocations have a poor prognosis despite a simple karyotype and a median age of 65 years. There seems to be an over‐representation of late‐onset therapy‐related myeloid malignancies.
Exploration of the pathogenesis of haemophilic joint arthropathy: understanding implications for optimal clinical management
Authors: Acharya Suchitra S.
Published: November 2011

Haemophilia is an inherited disorder of clotting factor deficiencies resulting in musculoskeletal bleeding, including haemarthroses, leading to orthopaedic complications. The pathogenesis of haemophilic joint arthropathy continues to be explored and there is evidence to suggest that iron, cytokines, and neo angiogenesis can initiate synovial and early cartilage damage resulting in molecular changes and the perpetuation of a chronic inflammatory state. This joint arthropathy has long term consequences for bone health resulting in chronic pain and quality of life issues in the individual with haemophilia. Haemarthroses can be prevented by the administration of clotting factor concentrates (prophylaxis). However, high costs and the need for venous access devices in younger children continue to complicate recommendations for universal prophylaxis. In patients who fail or refuse prophylaxis, procedures, such as synovectomy and arthroplasty, can provide relief from repeated haemarthroses. The optimal timing of these, however, is not well defined. Prevention of joint arthropathy needs to focus on prevention of haemarthroses through prophylaxis, identifying early joint disease through the optimal use of cost effective imaging modalities and the validation of serological markers of joint arthropathy. Screening for effects on bone health and optimal management of pain to improve quality of life are, likewise, important issues.
Prevalence and diversity of allergic rhinitis in regions of the world beyond Europe and North America
Authors: Katelaris C. H. , Lee B. W. , Potter P. C. , Maspero J. F. , Cingi C. , Lopatin A. , Saffer M. , Xu G. , Walters R. D.
Published: November 2011

Background

There is comparatively little information in the public domain on the diversity in prevalence and triggers/factors associated with allergic rhinitis (AR) or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (AR/C) in countries beyond western‐Europe and North America.

Objective

To review the prevalence and the sensitizing agents/triggers and factors associated with AR/C in several countries in Africa, the Asia‐Pacific region, Australia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Middle East and Turkey.

Methods

Articles published in English in peer‐reviewed journals were assessed and selected for further review, following an extensive literature search using the Medline database.

Results

This review demonstrated that prevalence of AR and AR/C in these regions has predominantly been investigated in children; with studies indicating wide inter‐ and intra‐regional variations ranging from 2.9% AR and 3.8% AR/C in 10–18‐years‐old children from one region in Turkey to 54.1% AR and 39.2% AR/C in 13–14‐years‐old children in one region in Nigeria. Moreover, the prevalence of AR and AR/C has increased markedly over the last decade particularly in some of the more affluent African countries, China‐Taiwan and several Middle East countries, likely as a consequence of improved living standards leading to increased exposure to multiple traditional and non‐traditional sensitizing agents and risk factors similar to those noted in western‐Europe and North America.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Our findings suggest that the greater diversity in prevalence of AR or AR/C in populations in these regions is in contrast to the lower diversity of AR or AR/C in the ‘western populations (USA and Europe), which tend to be more uniform. This review provides a comprehensive database of the important allergens and triggers which are likely to influence the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in these diverse regions, where the prevalence of allergic rhinitis is increasing and its adverse impact on the quality of life of affected individuals is increasingly recognised.
Increased prokineticin 2 expression in gut inflammation: role in visceral pain and intestinal ion transport
Authors: Watson Robert P. , Lilley Elliot , Panesar Moh , Bhalay Gurdip , Langridge Steven , Tian Shin‐Shay , McClenaghan Conor , Ropenga Anna , Zeng Fanning , Nash Mark S.
Published: November 2011

Background  Prokineticin 2 (PROK2) is an inflammatory cytokine‐like molecule expressed predominantly by macrophages and neutrophils infiltrating sites of tissue damage. Given the established role of prokineticin signaling on gastrointestinal function, we have explored Prok2 gene expression in inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and assessed the possible consequences on gut physiology.

Methods  Prokineticin expression was examined in normal and colitic tissues using qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Functional responses to PROK2 were studied using calcium imaging and a novel antagonist, Compound 3, used to determine the role of PROK2 and prokineticin receptors in inflammatory visceral pain and ion transport.

Key Results  Prok2 gene expression was up‐regulated in biopsy samples from ulcerative colitis patients, and similar elevations were observed in rodent models of inflammatory colitis. Prokineticin receptor 1 (PKR1) was localized to the enteric neurons and extrinsic sensory neurons, whereas Pkr2 expression was restricted to sensory ganglia. In rats, PROK2‐increased intracellular calcium levels in cultured enteric and dorsal root ganglia neurons, which was blocked by Compound 3. Moreover, PROK2 acting at prokineticin receptors stimulated intrinsic neuronally mediated ion transport in rat ileal mucosa. In vivo, Compound 3 reversed intracolonic mustard oil‐induced referred allodynia and TNBS‐induced visceral hypersensitivity, but not non‐inflammatory, stress‐induced visceral pain.

Conclusions & Inferences  Elevated Prok2 levels, as a consequence of gastrointestinal tract inflammation, induce visceral pain via prokineticin receptors. This observation, together with the finding that PROK2 can modulate intestinal ion transport, raises the possibility that inhibitors of PROK2 signaling may have clinical utility in gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Association of self‐reported passive smoking in pregnant women with cotinine level of maternal urine and umbilical cord blood at delivery
Authors: Baheiraei Azam , Banihosseini Seyede Z. , Heshmat Ramin , Mota Ali , Mohsenifar Afshin
Published: November 2011

Baheiraei A, Banihosseini SZ, Heshmat R, Mota A, Mohsenifar A. Association of self‐reported passive smoking in pregnant women with cotinine level of maternal urine and umbilical cord blood at delivery. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 70–76.

Passive smoking during pregnancy leads to adverse effects on mother and infant. The present investigation was designed to evaluate the association between maternal reported passive smoking with the cotinine concentration of maternal urine and umbilical cord blood at delivery and to determine the accuracy of maternal reporting of exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy. This was a cross‐sectional study. From the 108 non‐smoker pregnant women who were referred for delivery, 54 were passive smokers. Urine samples were collected from the mothers in the delivery room and blood samples after birth were taken from the umbilical cord. Passive smoking was evaluated through questionnaire and cotinine level of urine and umbilical cord blood. The geometric mean cotinine concentration of the maternal urine and the umbilical cord serum were, respectively, 27.4 ± 29.96 ng/mL and 3.71 ± 1.22 ng/mL in the exposed group (P < 0.001) and 0.75 ± 2.29 and 0.40 ± 0.63 in the non‐exposed group (P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant correlation between maternal urinary and umbilical cord serum level of cotinine (P < 0.001, r = 0.58). Significant associations were shown between maternal reports of exposure to cigarette smoking with cotinine level of urine (kappa = 96%) and umbilical cord (kappa = 98%) (P < 0.001). This study shows that the pregnant woman's report of passive smoking during pregnancy in Iran is accurate. The questionnaire is an appropriate method to evaluate smoke exposure and could replace cotinine measurement.
Signal transduction by IRE1‐mediated splicing of bZIP50 and other stress sensors in the endoplasmic reticulum stress response of rice
Authors: Hayashi Shimpei , Wakasa Yuhya , Takahashi Hideyuki , Kawakatsu Taiji , Takaiwa Fumio
Published: November 2011

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress sensor IRE1 transduces signals by inducing the unconventional splicing of mRNAs encoding key transcription factors: HAC1 in yeast and XBP1 in animals. However, no HAC1 or XBP1 homologues have been found in plants, and until recently the substrate for plant IRE1 has remained unknown. This study demonstrates that the Oryza sativa (rice) OsbZIP50 transcription factor, an orthologue of Arabidopsis AtbZIP60, is regulated by IRE1‐mediated splicing of its RNA. Despite the presence of a transcriptional activation domain, OsbZIP50 protein is not translocated into the nucleus efficiently in the absence of OsbZIP50 mRNA splicing. Unconventional splicing of OsbZIP50 mRNA causes a frame shift, which results in the appearance of a nuclear localization signal in the newly translated OsbZIP50. OsbZIP50 mRNA is spliced in a similar manner to HAC1 and XBP1 mRNAs; however, this splicing has very different effects on the translation products, a finding that shows the diversity of IRE1‐related transcription factors in eukaryotes. In addition, the expression of OsbZIP50 is affected by ER stress sensor proteins OsIRE1, OsbZIP39 and OsbZIP60. ER stress‐related genes differ with respect to their dependency on OsbZIP50 for their expression. The findings of this study improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the plant ER stress response.
Pathogenicity testing of four Bursaphelenchus species on conifer seedlings under greenhouse conditions
Authors: Dayi M. , Akbulut S.
Published: November 2011

The pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer, J. Agric Res. 48, 1934, 949), Nickle (J. Nematol. 2, 1970, 375), is the causative agent of the pine wilt disease and causes serious damage to pine forests around the world. During a survey for the pinewood nematode, four other Bursaphelenchus species (Bursaphelenchus mucronatus, B. sexdentati, B. anamurius and B. vallesianus) were isolated from wilted pine trees in Turkey. To understand the effects of these Bursaphelenchus species on wilting of pine trees, a study was conducted under greenhouse conditions. Two‐year‐old seedlings of three pine species (Pinus nigra, P. brutia and P. pinea) and one cedar species (Cedrus libani) were used. Fifteen seedlings of each species were inoculated with nematodes and 10 seedlings of each species served as controls. The inoculum densities used for each seedling contained approximately 1000 (±100) nematodes of all life stages in 0.25 ml of distilled water. The first wilting symptoms were observed in the fifth week in all pine species but not in the cedar seedlings. All seeding mortality occurred between the 5th and 13th weeks of the study; no mortality was observed outside of this period. The most pathogenic nematode species was B. mucronatus, closely followed by the other species. The most susceptible seedling species was P. nigra, and C. libani was the most resistant species.
First report of Curvularia leaf spot, caused by Curvularia affinis on Dalbergia sissoo
Authors: Sharma P. , Singh N. , Verma O.P.
Published: November 2011

A new foliar disease was observed on sissoo in Jaipur and Udaipur districts of Rajasthan, India. The disease occurred in approximately 30% of the trees surveyed. Leaf spots were mostly irregular and these start from leaf margin to inwards. The fungus was identified as Curvularia affinis Boedijn and Koch’s postulates fulfilled. On the basis of the literature, this is the first report of C. affinis causing leaf spot of Dalbergia sissoo from India as well as worldwide.
Efficacy of risperidone in children with disruptive behavioural disorders
Authors: Duhig Michael J , Saha Sukanta , Scott James G
Published: November 2011

This study aims to review the evidence for the efficacy of risperidone in the treatment of disruptive behavioural disorders (DBDs) in children and adolescents. Established databases were searched using the terms ‘Risperidone and efficacy and children’ and ‘Risperidone and efficacy and adolescents’. Randomised, double‐blind controlled studies were retained for analysis. Janseen‐Cilag was contacted to identify any unpublished studies. Quality of studies was measured using Jadad scores. Seven studies of 657 subjects with a mean age of 9.9 years (SD= 2.0) (range 4–18 years) were identified. Only one study was judged to use the highest quality of methodology according to the Jadad score. Patients with DBD who were treated with risperidone showed clinical improvement compared with placebo. Weight gain, somnolence and gastrointestinal complaints were common. Risperidone was found to be efficacious in reducing symptoms in children and adolescents with DBD. However, studies were mostly of short duration and had deficiencies in the descriptions of blinding and randomisation. Research using rigorous methodology examining the long‐term outcomes of efficacy and safety are required to inform clinicians and families of the therapeutic benefits and risks of risperidone in this clinical population.
Acute liver failure in young children with systemic‐onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis without macrophage activation syndrome: Report of two cases
Authors: Hiejima Eitaro , Komatsu Haruki , Takeda Yoshitake , Sogo Tsuyoshi , Inui Ayano , Okafuji Ikuo , Nishikomori Ryuta , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Fujisawa Tomoo
Published: November 2011

Acute liver failure (ALF) with macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is well known as a complication of systemic‐onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (S‐JIA). However, liver failure without overt MAS is rare in S‐JIA. We encountered two Japanese children with S‐JIA in whom ALF developed during the remission of clinical manifestations. ALF without MAS was improved with plasma exchange and cyclosporine A combined with pulse methylprednisolone.
Medical assessment for child sexual abuse: A post‐code lottery?
Authors: Everitt Rose , Reed Peter , Kelly Patrick
Published: November 2011

Aim:  To describe the number of children and young people in New Zealand who receive a medical assessment for sexual abuse, the proportion of those where there is concern about sexual abuse who receive such assessments and the way in which assessment services are structured.

Methods:  Medical assessments for child and adolescent sexual abuse over 12 months were counted by direct communication with health providers throughout New Zealand, and compared with the number of cases substantiated by statutory child protective services, the number of claims for counselling for mental injury from sexual abuse and the regional population. All doctors providing medical assessments were surveyed as to how this was organised by region.

Results:  There were 804 medical assessments. Child protective services regarded 1207 cases as substantiated, and 1434 claims for mental injury were lodged. There was marked regional variation. In a matched sample, only 38% of cases of substantiated sexual abuse were seen for a medical assessment. A doctor with expertise in the assessment of sexual abuse was available in most areas, but service structure varied widely. The availability of nurse or social work support was poor. The proportion of children and adolescents receiving a medical assessment, and the quality of service structure, was directly related to regional population.

Conclusions:  Health assessments for alleged child and adolescent sexual abuse are relatively infrequent, nationally inconsistent and often poorly supported by local health systems. There is also marked but apparently unrelated regional variation in statutory child protection practice.
Urinary tubular biomarkers as potential early predictors of renal allograft rejection
Authors: TING YI‐TIAN , COATES P TOBY , WALKER ROBERT J , MCLELLAN ALEXANDER D
Published: November 2011

Confirmation of kidney transplant rejection still requires a histological diagnosis on renal allograft biopsy. Research continues for new non‐invasive means for early diagnosis and treatment of kidney allograft rejection. Examination of the urine in renal transplant recipients provides a logical and readily accessible non‐invasive window on allograft function, reflecting the function of the kidney in its transplanted environment. Renal tubular epithelial cells (TEC) respond dynamically to the surrounding microenvironment and play an important role in allograft survival. Proteins released from TEC into the urine potentially serve as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of graft dysfunction and rejection. Activated proximal TEC express human leucocyte antigens and co‐stimulatory molecules, transiently transforming into non‐professional antigen‐presenting cells that augment renal allograft rejection. Chemokines and chemoattractants expressed on proximal tubules may also facilitate the migration of alloreactive lymphocytes to local site of injury and stimulate cytokine release from infiltrating lymphocytes. Proximal TEC are also potential targets for circulating alloreactive antibodies and complement leading to cell damage. Changes in cell state during development, regeneration or immune response require a rapid modulation of both surface protein expression and secretion, altering the repertoire of proteins secreted or expressed at the TEC plasma membrane. Due to the proximity of TEC to the tubular lumen, these proteins are passed into the urine. In this regard, TEC possess a unique anatomic location within the transplanted organ and are therefore ideal indicators of graft function. Hence, measurement of the changes of TEC‐derived molecules in the urine, in response to different challenges or modification, may predict graft outcome.
Three hours of training improve psychiatric staff's self‐perceived knowledge and attitudes toward problem‐drinking patients
Authors: NEHLIN CHRISTINA , FREDRIKSSON ANDERS , GRÖNBLADH LEIF , JANSSON LENNART
Published: November 2011

Introduction and Aims. Staff attitudes are an important factor in the successful implementation of systematic alcohol strategies and policies. The forms and extent of training needed to improve therapeutic attitude among psychiatric staff to problem drinking are unclear. The aim of the investigation was to study the knowledge and attitudes of psychiatric staff toward problem‐drinking patients. A further aim was to investigate whether a short 3 h training is sufficient to improve knowledge and therapeutic attitude toward problem drinking.

Design and Methods. A tailored training model for psychiatric staff (non‐physicians) was carried out at a medium size university clinic. Participants were medical (nurses and psychiatric aides) and non‐medical staff (psychologists and social workers). The training consisted of a 2 h workshop and a 1 h follow‐up session. Knowledge and attitudes were measured at baseline and follow up by a questionnaire including vignettes assessment and the Short Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perception Questionnaire.

Results. In total, 115 persons completed the questionnaire (follow‐up rate 83.5%). The distribution was even (50% for the medical and 50% for the non‐medical staff). After training, the non‐medical staff estimated vignette case severity higher than before. Both staff groups estimated their capacity to help a patient with complex problems higher after training. Role adequacy was higher in both subgroups after training. Medical staff scored work satisfaction higher after the training.

Discussion and Conclusions. Three hours of tailored training for psychiatric staff improve their knowledge and therapeutic attitude to problem‐drinking patients.[Nehlin C, Fredriksson A, Grönbladh L, Jansson L. Three hours of training improve psychiatric staff's self‐perceived knowledge and attitudes toward problem‐drinking patients. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:544–549]
A Tutorial on Hierarchically Structured Constructs
Authors: Brunner Martin , Nagy Gabriel , Wilhelm Oliver
Published: November 2011

Many psychological constructs are conceived to be hierarchically structured and thus to operate at various levels of generality. Alternative confirmatory factor analytic (CFA) models can be used to study various aspects of this proposition: (a) The one‐factor model focuses on the top of the hierarchy and contains only a general construct, (b) the first‐order factor model focuses on the intermediate level of the hierarchy and contains only specific constructs, and both (c) the higher order factor model and (d) the nested‐factor model consider the hierarchy in its entirety and contain both general and specific constructs (e.g., bifactor model). This tutorial considers these CFA models in depth, addressing their psychometric properties, interpretation of general and specific constructs, and implications for model‐based score reliabilities. The authors illustrate their arguments with normative data obtained for the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and conclude with recommendations on which CFA model is most appropriate for which research and diagnostic purposes.
Corporate Personality: A Politico‐Jurisprudential Argument
Authors: AMATRUDO ANTHONY
Published: November 2011

This article is an attempt to develop a practical politico‐jurisprudential account of the corporate person, which it does by building on contemporary ideas about collective and shared intentions. It argues for a model of shared intentions, which posits a set of interlocking preferences, and other supporting attitudes. It examines the work of Bratman, Gilbert, Hurley, and Sugden and addresses issues of choice, coercion and will.
Assessing Gross Domestic Product and Inflation Probability Forecasts Derived from Bank of England Fan Charts
Authors: Galbraith John W. , van Norden Simon
Published: November 2011

Density forecasts, including the pioneering Bank of England ‘fan charts’, are often used to produce forecast probabilities of a particular event. We use the Bank of England’s forecast densities to calculate the forecast probability that annual rates of inflation and output growth exceed given thresholds. We subject these implicit probability forecasts to graphical and numerical diagnostic checks. We measure both their calibration and their resolution, providing both statistical and graphical interpretations of the results. The results reinforce earlier evidence on limitations of these forecasts and provide new evidence on their information content and on the relative performance of inflation and gross domestic product growth forecasts. In particular, gross domestic product forecasts show little or no ability to predict periods of low growth beyond the current quarter, in part because of the important role of data revisions.
Adaptive and Dynamic Adaptive Procedures for False Discovery Rate Control and Estimation
Authors: Liang Kun , Nettleton Dan
Published: November 2011

Many methods for estimation or control of the false discovery rate (FDR) can be improved by incorporating information about π0, the proportion of all tested null hypotheses that are true. Estimates of π0 are often based on the number of p-values that exceed a threshold λ. We first give a finite sample proof for conservative point estimation of the FDR when the λ-parameter is fixed. Then we establish a condition under which a dynamic adaptive procedure, whose λ-parameter is determined by data, will lead to conservative π0- and FDR estimators. We also present asymptotic results on simultaneous conservative FDR estimation and control for a class of dynamic adaptive procedures. Simulation results show that a novel dynamic adaptive procedure achieves more power through smaller estimation errors for π0 under independence and mild dependence conditions. We conclude by discussing the connection between estimation and control of the FDR and show that several recently developed FDR control procedures can be cast in a unifying framework where the strength of the procedures can be easily evaluated.
Achieving near Perfect Classification for Functional Data
Authors: Delaigle Aurore , Hall Peter
Published: November 2011

We show that, in functional data classification problems, perfect asymptotic classification is often possible, making use of the intrinsic very high dimensional nature of functional data. This performance is often achieved by linear methods, which are optimal in important cases. These results point to a marked contrast between classification for functional data and its counterpart in conventional multivariate analysis, where the dimension is kept fixed as the sample size diverges. In the latter setting, linear methods can sometimes be quite inefficient, and there are no prospects for asymptotically perfect classification, except in pathological cases where, for example, a variance vanishes. By way of contrast, in finite samples of functional data, good performance can be achieved by truncated versions of linear methods. Truncation can be implemented by partial least squares or projection onto a finite number of principal components, using, in both cases, cross-validation to determine the truncation point. We establish consistency of the cross-validation procedure.
Strong Rules for Discarding Predictors in Lasso-Type Problems
Authors: Tibshirani Robert , Bien Jacob , Friedman Jerome , Hastie Trevor , Simon Noah , Taylor Jonathan , Tibshirani Ryan J.
Published: November 2011

We consider rules for discarding predictors in lasso regression and related problems, for computational efficiency. El Ghaoui and his colleagues have proposed ‘SAFE’ rules, based on univariate inner products between each predictor and the outcome, which guarantee that a coefficient will be 0 in the solution vector. This provides a reduction in the number of variables that need to be entered into the optimization. We propose strong rules that are very simple and yet screen out far more predictors than the SAFE rules. This great practical improvement comes at a price: the strong rules are not foolproof and can mistakenly discard active predictors, i.e. predictors that have non-zero coefficients in the solution. We therefore combine them with simple checks of the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions to ensure that the exact solution to the convex problem is delivered. Of course, any (approximate) screening method can be combined with the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker conditions to ensure the exact solution; the strength of the strong rules lies in the fact that, in practice, they discard a very large number of the inactive predictors and almost never commit mistakes. We also derive conditions under which they are foolproof. Strong rules provide substantial savings in computational time for a variety of statistical optimization problems.
New Findings from Terrorism Data: Dirichlet Process Random-Effects Models for Latent Groups
Authors: Kyung Minjung , Gill Jeff , Casella George
Published: November 2011

Data obtained describing terrorist events are particularly difficult to analyse, owing to the many problems that are associated with the data collection process, the inherent variability in the data themselves and the usually poor level of measurement coming from observing political actors who seek not to provide reliable data on their activities. Thus, there is a need for sophisticated modelling to obtain reasonable inferences from these data. Here we develop a logistic random-effects specification using a Dirichlet process to model the random effects. We first look at how such a model can best be implemented, and then we use the model to analyse terrorism data. We see that the richer Dirichlet process random-effects model, compared with a normal random-effects model, can remove more of the underlying variability from the data, uncovering latent information that would not otherwise have been revealed.
Assessing the Accuracy of a Multiphase Diagnosis Procedure for Dementia
Authors: Yu Binbing , Zhou Chuan
Published: November 2011

Multiphase (stage) designs that involve more than two phases are increasingly used by clinicians and psychologists for diagnosis and screening of dementia and many other diseases, e.g. colorectal or breast cancer. The multiphase design is an extension of the commonly used two-phase design, where an inexpensive initial screening test is followed by a gold standard. In a typical three-phase design, the screening test in phase 1 usually has high sensitivity but relatively low specificity. Phase 2 consists of a repeated application of the initial screening test and/or a more confirmatory test and then the gold standard test is used in phase 3. In such designs, both the verification process and the accuracy of each screening test may depend on patients’ characteristics. In addition, multiple-screening tests are correlated and composite decision rules may be used. However, no estimation methods exist for assessing the accuracy of a multiphase diagnosis procedure. To address these problems, we develop a method of estimating the diagnostic accuracy for each individual test and for the whole diagnostic procedure in a multiphase design in the presence of verification bias. Simulation studies are carried out to evaluate the performance of the method proposed and to compare different strategies of combining sequential tests. The method proposed is applied to data from a multiphase study of dementia.
Spatial Modelling of Lupus Incidence Over 40 Years with Changes in Census Areas
Authors: Li Ye , Brown Patrick , Rue Håvard , al-Maini Mustafa , Fortin Paul
Published: November 2011

Clinical data on the location of residence at the time of diagnosis of new lupus cases in Toronto, Canada, for the 40 years to 2007 are modelled with the aim of finding areas of abnormally high risk. Inference is complicated by numerous irregular changes in the census regions on which population is reported. A model is introduced consisting of a continuous random spatial surface and fixed effects for time and ages of individuals. The process is modelled on a fine grid and Bayesian inference performed by using integrated nested Laplace approximations. Predicted risk surfaces and posterior probabilities of exceedance are produced for lupus and, for comparison, psoriatic arthritis data from the same clinic. Simulations studies are also carried out to understand better the performance of the model proposed as well as to compare with existing methods.