bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
John Paynter, music education and the creativity of coincidence
Authors: Finney John
Published: January 2011

My purpose is to develop better understanding of John Paynter's professional life and work, and by examining his pedagogic principles, discern something of the system of beliefs that underlay his commitment to finding a place for music within a system of general education. A number of significant influences are identified that bear upon his thought and practice and which in conjunction with his vocation as a composer-teacher come to privilege a process of making that is thought to bring order and coherence not only to musical thought but by analogy to life lived creatively. Portraying John as existential-humanist, although reductive, has a two-fold purpose; it exposes and invites critique of the creative ideology John so zealously promoted and at the same time provides a basis for a wider critique, and in particular, critique of current and future ideas about music, music education and its practice. In this way, John's life and work can be viewed as a vital source of long-living value.
Tribute to John Paynter
Authors: Pitts Stephanie
Published: January 2011

Outside the music department at the University of York is a tall bronze sculpture by Barbara Hepworth. One of my abiding memories of John Paynter is walking in conversation with him through the university campus and seeing him leap towards this sculpture, indignantly (and with some difficulty) removing a woolly hat that had been placed on the top by some disrespectful student. The small things mattered to John – not that he would have seen such irreverence for art as a small thing – and he was always prepared to remedy them himself through direct, practical action. This made him a head of department who always seemed to have time for his students, and he spent hours in dissertation tutorials guiding me slowly and thoughtfully through debates about music education that he must have explored and resolved for himself many years before. I learnt so much from his precision in writing, his critical thinking and his patient mentoring – qualities I now aspire to in an academic career on which I would never have embarked without his insistence that I should do a PhD. John's retirement coincided with the end of my undergraduate degree, and so sadly I was not able to continue doctoral studies with him, though he remained encouraging and interested in all aspects of my work long after I had left York.
Assessment of composing in the lower secondary school in the English National Curriculum
Authors: Fautley Martin , Savage Jonathan
Published: January 2011

This article reports the results of research into teachers’ practices concerning the assessment of composing at Key Stage 3 in the National Curriculum for Music in England. It finds that many teachers are using NC levels for assessing individual pieces of work, a process for which they were never intended. It also finds that teachers find it difficult to show progress using NC levels, and that many teachers have rewritten the levels into child-friendly language, thus causing further difficulties.
The infant mortality conundrum in Uruguay during the first half of the twentieth century: an analysis according to causes of death
Authors: BIRN ANNE-EMANUELLE , CABELLA WANDA , POLLERO RAQUEL
Published: January 2011

Around 1900 infant mortality rates (IMR) in Uruguay were among the world's lowest. By 1910, however, the IMR began a decades-long stagnation, while other countries experienced ongoing improvements. This article examines the conundrum of Uruguay's infant mortality stagnation, highlighting the leading causes of death – diarrhoeal and respiratory diseases – and their relation to social, economic and political conditions.

Drawing on an array of demographic, medical eyewitness and social sources, we explore why, despite Uruguay's precocious social welfare investments, its IMR stagnated and what enabled its eventual decline circa 1940. We conclude that a confluence of public health, medical and social factors enabled disease-specific improvements, but only after political pressure for large-scale redistribution of wealth was translated into extensive welfare state measures.
Expression of enzymes involved in the synthesis of prostaglandin E2 in bovine in vitro-produced embryos
Authors: Saint-Dizier Marie , Grimard Bénédicte , Guyader-Joly Catherine , Humblot Patrice , Ponter Andrew A.
Published: January 2011

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) may play a major role in embryo development and the establishment of pregnancy in cattle. The biosynthesis of PGE2 implies the sequential transformation of arachidonic acid to PGH2 by cyclooxygenases (COXs), then the conversion of PGH2 to PGE2 by prostaglandin E synthases (PGESs). Quantitative RT-PCR was used to examine the expression of COX-1, COX-2, microsomal PGES-1 (mPGES-1), microsomal PGES-2 (mPGES-2) and cytosolic PGES (cPGES) mRNAs in day 7 in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos from oocytes collected by ovum pick-up in Holstein heifers. Transcripts for COX-2 and mPGES-1 were detected in all embryos, whereas transcripts for COX-1 and mPGES-2 were not detected and cPGESs were at the limit of detection in 40% of embryos. Levels of COX-2 and mPGES-1 mRNAs were significantly higher in blastocysts and expanded blastocysts than in morulae and early blastocysts. Furthermore, excellent-quality embryos (grade 1) displayed higher levels of both COX-2 and mPGES-1 than did embryos of good and medium qualities (grades 2–3). Our results suggest that bovine IVP embryos at the morula and blastocyst stages use exclusively the COX-2/mPGES-1 pathway for PGE2 biosynthesis, and that PGE2 is potentially involved in blastocyst expansion and developmental competence.
The Study of LGBT Politics and Its Contributions to Political Science
Authors: Mucciaroni Gary
Published: January 2011

Although the study of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) politics appears to be widely accepted within political science, a recent survey of political scientists reported some skepticism about its legitimacy and scholarly worth (Novkov and Barclay 2010). This article examines potential concerns about LGBT studies and draws attention to the field's scholarly importance. The first part briefly addresses three objections to the study of LGBT politics that echo criticisms of the study and practice of identity politics. I argue that these objections do not withstand scrutiny, and that the case for studying the intersection of politics and sexuality within the discipline of political science is compelling. Sexuality and gender are fundamental aspects of human societies that reflect power relations and increasingly have become the object of public policy. The second part of the article examines the burgeoning literature on the politics of sexual orientation and identity. Beyond its intrinsic importance, LGBT politics contributes to a broader understanding of politics, power, social movements, public opinion, policymaking institutions, urban politics, and the relationship between science and public policy. Though not exhaustive, this review addresses many of the principal empirical and theoretical works in this area.
Political Networks
Authors: McClurg Scott D. , Young Joseph K.
Published: January 2011

Political science is diverse in its methods, theories, and substantive interests. A quick perusal of our flagship journals reveals just how heterogeneous we are, with articles ranging from mathematical treatments of theoretical problems to textual exegesis of Plato, and qualitative studies of single countries standing in contrast to quantitative analyses of experiments designed to mobilize voters. At times, the discipline's boundaries are so fuzzy that our territory is alternatively claimed by philosophers, anthropologists, economists, sociologists, and psychologists.
Social Network Analysis in the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence
Authors: Perliger Arie , Pedahzur Ami
Published: January 2011

The academic community studying terrorism has changed dramatically in the past decade. From a research area that was investigated by a small number of political scientists and sociologists and employed mainly descriptive and qualitative studies that resulted in limited theoretical progress (Schmid and Jongman 1988; Crenshaw 2000), it has in a short time become one of the more vibrant and rapidly developing academic realms in the scholarly world today. Scholars from different branches of the social sciences have engaged in an effort to unravel this phenomenon, introducing new theoretical outlooks, conceptualizations, and methods.
Interpersonal Networks and Democratic Politics
Authors: Sokhey Anand E. , Djupe Paul A.
Published: January 2011

Some of the most fundamental concerns about democratic politics involve information—who has access to it, how do individuals get it, and of what quality and type is it? The answers to each of these questions invariably involve other people, and it is for this reason that modern democracy is unthinkable save in terms of social networks.
Partisan Vision Biases Determination of Voter Intent
Authors: Ubel Peter A. , Zikmund-Fisher Brian J.
Published: January 2011

In close, disputed elections, outcomes can depend on determinations of voter intent for ballots that have been filled out improperly. We surveyed 899 adult Minnesotans during a time when the state's U.S. Senate election was still disputed and presented them with ambiguous ballots similar to ballots under dispute in the same election. We randomized participants to three experimental groups, across which we varied the names on the ballot. We found that participants' judgments of voter intent were strongly biased by their voting preferences (p < .002 in all four ballots).
Tribulations, Triumphs, and Tentative Trajectories in the Study of Local Political Participation
Authors: Palus Christine Kelleher
Published: January 2011

Scholars of political science often lament the difficulties associated with finding the most appropriate data to test theories about how the political world works. The study of local political participation and, more broadly, elections is certainly no stranger to this quandary. However, considering that the nearly 90,000 units of local government generally hold regular elections for a wide array of political offices, this field of study should offer an embarrassment of riches; we should never be at a loss for a way to examine the questions that are central to the functioning of democracy.
Embedding Transferable Skills and Enhancing Student Learning in a Political Science Research Methods Module: Evidence from the United Kingdom
Authors: Clark Alistair
Published: January 2011

U.K. government policy is placing a heavy emphasis on “essential” and “employability” skills in an effort to help individuals cope with changing social and economic circumstances. Delivery of these skills falls to a range of education providers. This is a particular difficulty for university lecturers who teach non-vocational students who are increasingly concerned about their ability to compete in the job market after graduation. Transferable skills are therefore a key issue in student learning and support in U.K. political science, as well as other disciplines. Through assessment of one U.K.-based political science research methods module, this article suggests effective group-based ways of embedding such skills for political science students in a way that puts the student, and not the teacher, at the center of the learning process. These ideas are confirmed by survey evidence. In particular, student group research projects underline the idea that instructors should go beyond the classroom to help students apply theory. Importantly for both U.K.- and non-U.K.-based lecturers, the assertion can now also be extended to include transferable skills in addition to learning and applying theory.
JOHN OH
Authors: Walsh David
Published: January 2011

The passing of John Kie-chang Oh is a vivid reminder of how much political science is driven by political responsibility. As a young man in Seoul, John Oh found himself at the center of the great upheaval that was the Korean War. His enrollment in law at the prestigious Seoul National University was cut short, and the prospect of a career in law and politics was put permanently on hold. Even worse, as he recalled, he could not depart from the city, as he was recovering from an appendectomy. The bright optimism of a 20-year-old had been shattered on that September morning in 1950, as he suddenly found himself on the run in his own native land.
APSA Financial Operations, 2009–2010
Authors: Lupia Arthur , Chavis Regina
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this report is to inform APSA membership about the association's financial health activities. This report provides a summary of APSA's assets, liabilities, and the financial impact of the association's current operations.
Postmortems of the 2010 Midterm Election Forecasts: Congressional Forecasts: Theory Versus Tracking in 2010
Authors: Lewis-Beck Michael S. , Tien Charles
Published: January 2011

In our recent article forecasting the 2010 U.S. congressional elections, we argue for a model based on theory rather than tracking (Lewis-Beck and Tien 2010). A sound theoretical explanation of vote choice in House races should, ceteris paribus, predict better than a simple dependence on variables that proxy the vote, such as the generic ballot question. We posited a simple but classical explanation of the 2010 House vote—the referendum model—in which voters punish or reward the party in power according to its performance in office and the time available for that performance. In words, the model reads: House Seat Change = f(Economy, Popularity, Midterm). A measurement of these variables, at lags appropriate for forecasting, yields the estimates (OLS) of model 1, shown in column 1 of table 1. Model 1 gives a forecast of −22 seats for the Democrats in 2010, when, in fact, they scored about −60 seats. The model 1 forecast appears “wrong” in two senses. First, substantively, it fails to predict the Republican takeover of the House. Second, scientifically, it is off by over two standard errors of estimate (i.e., 38/17 > 2.0). Why did the model get it wrong this time, when the forecast was off by only one seat in the last midterm in 2006? To answer this question, the specifications of the model need consideration. Such consideration signals the scientific value of the forecasting exercise in providing a systematic trial-and-error method for model improvement.
An alternative to traditional seepage meters: Dye displacement
Authors: Koopmans Dirk , Berg Peter
Published: January 2011

A new seepage meter design that increases sensitivity to the small hydraulic gradients that drive submarine groundwater discharge was developed as an inexpensive alternative to traditional seepage meters. The new design replaces seepage meter bags with open‐ended tubing through which the displacement of injected dye is a highly reproducible measure of discharge. Laboratory measurements, detailed mathematical modeling of groundwater flow around seepage meters, and parallel field tests of bag and dye displacement seepage meters demonstrated that the new design can improve the precision and temporal resolution of submarine groundwater discharge measurement. In parallel field tests, groundwater discharge to 15 cm diameter, bag‐equipped seepage meters was half of the discharge to adjacent 15 cm diameter dye displacement seepage meters. Model results confirm that similar discrepancies, caused by groundwater diversion around bag‐equipped seepage meters, may occur during the deployment of 57 cm diameter seepage meters in common field conditions. A second field deployment of 15 cm diameter dye displacement seepage meters showed saline inflow into sandy sediments at high tide and a high rate of discharge at low tide, similar to observations made with far more expensive, open flow path automated seepage meters in other studies.
Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry Studies of the Inhibition of Alpha Synuclein Amyloid Fibril Formation by ( - )-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate
Authors: Liu Yanqin , Ho Lam H. , Carver John. A. , Pukala Tara L.
Published: January 2011

Ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) is emerging as an important biophysical technique for the structural analysis of proteins and their assemblies, in particular for structurally heterogeneous systems such as those on the protein misfolding and aggregation pathway. Using IM-MS we have monitored amyloid fibril formation of A53T α-synuclein, a mutant synuclein protein associated with Parkinson’s disease, and identified that a conformational change towards a more compact structure occurs during the initial stages of aggregation. Binding of A53T α-synuclein to a flavenoid based amyloid fibril inhibitor, (–)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, has been observed with a 1:1 stoichiometry. By analysis of ion collision cross-sections, we show epigallocatechin gallate binding prevents protein conformational change, and in turn decreases the formation of fibrillar aggregates.
Numerical simulation of an oxygen-fed wire-to-cylinder negative corona discharge in the glow regime
Authors: Yanallah K , Pontiga F , Castellanos A
Published: January 2011

Negative glow corona discharge in flowing oxygen has been numerically simulated for a wire-to-cylinder electrode geometry. The corona discharge is modelled using a fluid approximation. The radial and axial distributions of charged and neutral species are obtained by solving the corresponding continuity equations, which include the relevant plasma-chemical kinetics. Continuity equations are coupled with Poisson's equation and the energy conservation equation, since the reaction rate constants may depend on the electric field and temperature. The experimental values of the current–voltage characteristic are used as input data into the numerical calculations. The role played by different reactions and chemical species is analysed, and the effect of electrical and geometrical parameters on ozone generation is investigated. The reliability of the numerical model is verified by the reasonable agreement between the numerical predictions of ozone concentration and the experimental measurements.
Mechanism of plasmon-mediated enhancement of photovoltaic efficiency
Authors: Jacak W , Krasnyj J , Jacak J , Donderowicz W , Jacak L
Published: January 2011

Metallic nanospheres (Au, Ag, Cu) deposited on a photovoltaic (PV)-active semiconductor surface can act as light converters, collecting energy of incident photons in plasmon oscillations. This energy can be next transferred to a semiconductor substrate via a near-field channel, in a more efficient manner in comparison with the direct photo-effect. We explain this enhancement by inclusion of indirect interband transitions in a semiconductor layer due to the near-field coupling with plasmon radiation in nanoscale of the metallic components, where the momentum is not conserved as the system is not translationally invariant. The model of the nanosphere plasmons is developed (random phase approximation, analytical version, adjusted to description of large metallic clusters, with a radius of 10–60 nm) including surface and volume modes. Damping of plasmons is analysed via Lorentz friction, and irradiation losses in the far- and near-field regimes. Resulting resonance shifts are verified experimentally for Au and Ag colloidal water solutions with respect to particle size. Probability of the electron interband transition (within the Fermi golden rule) in the substrate semiconductor induced by coupling to plasmons in the near-field regime turns out to be significantly larger than for coupling of electrons to planar-wave photons. This is of practical importance for enhancement of thin-film solar cell efficiency, both for semiconductor type (such as III–V semiconductor based cells) and for conjugate-polymer-based or dye organic plastic cells, intensively developed at present. We have described also a non-dissipative collective mode of surface plasmons in a chain of near-field-coupled metallic nanospheres, for particular size, separation parameters and wavelengths. This would find an application in sub-diffraction electro-photonic circuit arrangement and for possible energy transport in solar cells, in particular in organic materials with low mobility of carriers.
Local resonances-induced low-frequency band gaps in two-dimensional phononic crystal slabs with periodic stepped resonators
Authors: Hsu Jin-Chen
Published: January 2011

In this paper, the numerical investigation of Lamb wave propagation in two-dimensional phononic crystals composed of an array of stepped resonators on a thin slab is presented. The dispersion relations, power transmission spectra and spectra of resonances are studied using a finite-element method. Because of the simultaneous mechanisms of the local resonances and Bragg scattering, the structures exhibit low-frequency forbidden bands and Bragg band gaps, which can be effectively shifted by changing the resonator geometries as well as the lattice symmetries of the resonator array. As a result, a low-frequency gap within the audible regime can be demonstrated. Furthermore, for a finite phononic crystal slab, the calculated transmission and resonance spectra show an evident resonance nature which can be directly related to the formation of the low-frequency gaps. Based on the spectra of elastic waves through the single-layer stepped resonators, the resonances of the stepped resonators are found to either induce high reflection or intensify the transmission. The effects of different excitation conditions for generating specific slab modes with different polarization states on the acoustic energy transmission and attenuation are also studied. The results show that the polarization states of the incident slab modes influence the spectra of resonances, power transmission and attenuation.
A remark on the maximal operator for radial measures
Authors: Infante Adrián
Published: January 2011

The purpose of this paper is to prove that there exist measures

d
μ
(
x
)
=
γ
(
x
)
d
x

d\mu (x)=\gamma (x)dx

, with

γ
(
x
)
=

γ

0

(

|

x

|

)

\gamma (x)=\gamma _{0}(|x|)

and

γ

0

\gamma _{0}

being a decreasing and positive function, such that the Hardy-Littlewood maximal operator,

M

μ

\mathcal {M}_{\mu }

, associated to the measure

μ
\mu

does not map

L

μ

p

(

R

n

)

L^{p}_{\mu }(\mathbb {R}^{n})

into weak

L

μ

p

(

R

n

)

L^{p}_{\mu }(\mathbb {R}^{n})

, for every

p
>
∞

p>\infty

. This result answers an open question of P. Sjögren and F. Soria.
Short presentations for alternating and symmetric groups
Authors: Bray J. , Conder M. , Leedham-Green C. , O’Brien E.
Published: January 2011

We construct two kinds of presentations for the alternating and symmetric groups of degree

n
n

: the first are on two generators in which the number of relations is

O
(
log
⁡
n
)

O(\log n)

and the presentation length is

O
(

log
2

⁡
n
)

O(\log ^2 n)

; the second have a bounded number of generators and relations and length

O
(
log
⁡
n
)

O(\log n)

.
The PH domain proteins IPIP27A and B link OCRL1 to receptor recycling in the endocytic pathway
Authors: Noakes Christopher J. , Lee Grace , Lowe Martin
Published: January 2011

Mutation of the inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase OCRL1 results in two disorders in humans, namely Lowe syndrome (characterized by ocular, nervous system, and renal defects) and type 2 Dent disease (in which only the renal symptoms are evident). The disease mechanisms of these syndromes are poorly understood. Here we identify two novel OCRL1-binding proteins, termed inositol polyphosphate phosphatase interacting protein of 27 kDa (IPIP27)A and B (also known as Ses1 and 2), that also bind the related 5-phosphatase Inpp5b. The IPIPs bind to the C-terminal region of these phosphatases via a conserved motif similar to that found in the signaling protein APPL1. IPIP27A and B, which form homo- and heterodimers, localize to early and recycling endosomes and the trans-Golgi network (TGN). The IPIPs are required for receptor recycling from endosomes, both to the TGN and to the plasma membrane. Our results identify IPIP27A and B as key players in endocytic trafficking and strongly suggest that defects in this process are responsible for the pathology of Lowe syndrome and Dent disease.
Sulfur globule oxidation in green sulfur bacteria is dependent on the dissimilatory sulfite reductase system
Authors: Holkenbrink Carina , Barbas Santiago Ocón , Mellerup Anders , Otaki Hiroyo , Frigaard Niels-Ulrik
Published: January 2011

Green sulfur bacteria (GSB) oxidize sulfide and thiosulfate to sulfate, with extracellular globules of elemental sulfur as an intermediate. Here we investigated which genes are involved in the formation and consumption of these sulfur globules in the green sulfur bacterium Chlorobaculum tepidum. We show that sulfur globule oxidation is strictly dependent on the dissimilatory sulfite reductase (DSR) system. Deletion of dsrM/CT2244 or dsrT/CT2245, or the two dsrCABL clusters (CT0851–CT0854, CT2247–2250), abolished sulfur globule oxidation and prevented formation of sulfate from sulfide, whereas deletion of dsrU/CT2246 had no effect. The DSR system also seems to be involved in the formation of thiosulfate, because thiosulfate was released from wild-type cells during sulfide oxidation, but not from the dsr mutants. The dsr mutants incapable of complete substrate oxidation oxidized sulfide and thiosulfate about twice as fast as the wild-type, while having only slightly lower growth rates (70–80 % of wild-type). The increased oxidation rates seem to compensate for the incomplete substrate oxidation to satisfy the requirement for reducing equivalents during growth. A mutant in which two sulfide : quinone oxidoreductases (sqrD/CT0117 and sqrF/CT1087) were deleted exhibited a decreased sulfide oxidation rate (∼50 % of wild-type), yet formation and consumption of sulfur globules were not affected. The observation that mutants lacking the DSR system maintain efficient growth suggests that the DSR system is dispensable in environments with sufficiently high sulfide concentrations. Thus, the DSR system in GSB may have been acquired by horizontal gene transfer as a response to a need for enhanced substrate utilization in sulfide-limiting habitats.
Normalization of T cell receptor repertoire diversity in patients with advanced colorectal cancer who responded to chemotherapy
Authors: Luo Wei , Liao Wang‐Jun , Huang Yong‐Ta , Shi Min , Zhang Yuan , Wen Qian , Zhou Ming‐Qian , Ma Li
Published: January 2011

To investigate the correlation between normalization of T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and remission of advanced colorectal cancer. Forty‐one patients were randomly assigned to receive either folinic acid/fluorouracil/irinotecan alone (n = 20) or folinic acid/fluorouracil/irinotecan in combination with recombinant human endostatin (n = 21). Efficacy and toxicity were evaluated, and changes in TCR repertoire diversity were assessed by detecting the spectratypes of TCR complementarity‐determining region three before and after several cycles of therapy. A scoring system was used to quantify changes in the TCR repertoire over time. The results demonstrated that the TCR repertoire exhibited a higher degree of normalization among patients undergoing remission relative to patients experiencing tumor progression. The results of the current study showed a positive correlation between TCR repertoire normalization and remission of colorectal cancer, suggesting that dynamic monitoring of TCR repertoire diversity may have potential prognostic value in the clinical setting. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 706–712)
A randomized phase II trial of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and mitoxantrone (FCM) with or without rituximab in previously treated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Hillmen Peter , Cohen Dena R. , Cocks Kim , Pettitt Andrew , Sayala Hazem A. , Rawstron Andy C. , Kennedy Daniel B. , Fegan Christopher , Milligan Don W. , Radford John , Mercieca Jane , Dearden Claire , Ezekwisili Raphael , Smith Alexandra F. , Brown Julia , Booth Gillian A. , Varghese Abraham M. , Pocock Christopher ,   on behalf of NCRI CLL Sub‐Group
Published: January 2011

Combination fludarabine (F), cyclophosphamide (C) and rituximab (R) is the standard front‐line therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), but appropriate treatment of relapsed/refractory CLL is less clear. Combined FC and mitoxantrone (M) has been reported to be effective in a single arm study, and rituximab when added to chemotherapy in CLL is synergistic. A randomized, two‐stage, Phase II trial of FCM and FCM‐R was conducted in relapsed CLL. The primary endpoint was response rate 2 months after therapy, assessed according to the 2008 International Workshop CLL criteria. In addition, minimal residual disease (MRD) in the marrow was studied 2 months after therapy, with MRD negativity defined as <0·01% CLL cells. Fifty‐two patients were entered, 26 in each arm. The overall response rates to FCM and FCM‐R were 58% and 65% respectively. Combined complete response (CR) and CR with incomplete marrow recovery [CR(i)] was 15% (95% confidence interval [CI]:4–35%) for FCM and 42% (95%CI:23–63%) for FCM‐R, with eight patients achieving MRD negativity (3 FCM; 5 FCM‐R). The toxicity of both regimens was acceptable. In conclusion, the addition of rituximab to FCM improves the response rates in relapsed CLL, resulting in more complete remissions and without additional safety concerns. Efficacy and safety should be fully tested in a randomized Phase III trial.
Birth by caesarean section and wheezing, asthma, allergy, and intestinal disease
Authors: Bager P.
Published: January 2011

Cite this as: P. Bager, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 147–148.
Selective expansion of merocytic dendritic cells and CD8DCs confers anti-tumour effect of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3-ligand treatmentin vivo
Authors: Hennies C M , Reboulet R A , Garcia Z , Nierkens S , Wolkers M C , Janssen E M
Published: January 2011

Vaccination with autologous cancer cells aims to enhance adaptive immune responses to tumour-associated antigens. The incorporation of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3-ligand (FLT3L) treatment to the vaccination scheme has been shown previously to increase the immunogenicity of cancer vaccines, thereby enhancing their therapeutic potential. While evidence has been provided that FLT3L confers its effect through the increase of absolute dendritic cell (DC) numbers, it is currently unknown which DC populations are responsive to FLT3L and which effect FLT3L treatment has on DC functions. Here we show that the beneficial effects of FLT3L treatment resulted predominantly from a marked increase of two specific DC populations, the CD8 DCs and the recently identified merocytic DC (mcDC). These two DC populations (cross)-present cell-associated antigens to T cells in a natural killer (NK)-independent fashion. FLT3L treatment augmented the absolute numbers of these DCs, but did not change their activation status nor their capacity to prime antigen-specific T cells. While both DC populations effectively primed CD8+ T cell responses to cell-associated antigens, only mcDC were capable to prime CD4+ T cells to cell-associated antigens. Consequentially, the transfer of tumour vaccine-pulsed mcDC, but not of CD8 DCs, protected mice from subsequent tumour challenge in a vaccination model and resulted in eradication of established tumours in a therapeutic approach. These results show that the beneficial effect of FLT3L is associated with the induction of mcDC and suggests that selective targeting to mcDC or instilling mcDC ‘characteristics’ into conventional DC populations could significantly enhance the efficacy of tumour vaccines.
Sense of security among people aged 65 and 75: external and inner sources of security
Authors: Fagerström Lisbeth , Gustafson Yngve , Jakobsson Gunborg , Johansson Stina , Vartiainen Pirkko
Published: January 2011

fagerström l., gustafson y., jakobsson g., johansson s. & vartiainen p. (2011)Sense of security amongst people aged 65 and 75: external and inner sources of security. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(6), 1305–1316.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study exploring possible external and inner sources of the sense of security felt by older people aged 65 and 75.

Background.  The concept of ‘security’ has been parsimoniously defined and explored, especially as pertains to older people, and previous research has primarily focused on risks in relation to individuals’ declining health and functional ability.

Methods.  In 2005, population‐based cross‐sectional surveys were carried out in 15 municipalities in Västerbotten, Sweden and 18 municipalities in Ostrobothnia, Finland. A 15‐page questionnaire (84 questions) was distributed, with the final total response rate reaching 68·4% (n = 3370): 1825 Swedish‐speaking Swedes, 926 Swedish‐speaking Finns and 621 Finnish‐speaking Finns. The statistical analysis was three‐stage, including nominal stepwise regressions.

Results.  Older people who indicate that they are ‘very secure’ are more likely to consider life meaningful and are able to master various life crises. Moreover, they possess confidence in economic institutions and are more likely to feel economically secure. Weak trust in family and friends or neighbours and decreased functional ability seem to indicate a subjective feeling of ‘insecurity’.

Conclusion.  Caregivers in health care should focus more on supporting older persons’ meaningfulness in life and how their feelings of security can be strengthened by trusting relationships and activities. In nursing, there should be more focus on developing knowledge of inner health resources, including positive life orientation and meaningfulness in life.
Circadian clocks and adaptation in Arabidopsis
Authors: YERUSHALMI SHAI , YAKIR ESTHER , GREEN RACHEL M.
Published: January 2011

Endogenous circadian rhythms are almost ubiquitous among organisms from cyanobacteria to mammals and regulate diverse physiological processes. It has been suggested that having an endogenous circadian system enables an organism to anticipate periodic environmental changes and adapt its physiological and developmental states accordingly, thus conferring a fitness advantage. However, it is hard to measure fitness directly and there is, to date, only limited evidence supporting the assumption that having a circadian system can increase fitness and therefore be adaptive. In this article, we report an evolutionary approach to examine the adaptive significance of a circadian system. By crossing Arabidopsis thaliana plants containing mutations that cause changes in circadian rhythms, we have created heterozygous ‘Mother’ (F1) plants with genetic variance for circadian rhythmicity. The segregating F2 offspring present a range of circadian rhythm periods. We have applied a selection to the F2 plants of short and long T‐cycles under different competition strengths and found that the average phenotype of circadian period of the resulting F3 plants show a strong positive correlation with the T‐cycle growth conditions for the competing F2 plants. Consistent with their circadian phenotypes, the frequency of long‐period alleles was altered in the F3 plants. Our results show that F2 plants with endogenous rhythms that more closely match the environmental T‐cycle are fitter, producing relatively more viable offspring in the F3 population. Thus, having a circadian clock that matches with the environment is adaptive in Arabidopsis.
Risk of preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in relation to maternal co‐morbid mood and migraine disorders during pregnancy
Authors: Cripe Swee May , Frederick Ihunnaya O. , Qiu Chunfang , Williams Michelle A.
Published: January 2011

Cripe SM, Frederick IO, Qiu CF, Williams MA. Risk of preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in relation to maternal co‐morbid mood and migraine disorders during pregnancy. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2011.

We evaluated the risks of preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among pregnant women with mood and migraine disorders, using a cohort study of 3432 pregnant women. Maternal pre‐pregnancy or early pregnancy (<20 weeks gestation) mood disorder and pre‐pregnancy migraine diagnoses were ascertained from interview and medical record review. We fitted generalised linear models to derive risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy for women with isolated mood, isolated migraine and co‐morbid mood‐migraine disorders, respectively. Reported RR were adjusted for maternal age, race/ethnicity, marital status, parity, smoking status, chronic hypertension or pre‐existing diabetes mellitus, and pre‐pregnancy body mass index. Women without mood or migraine disorders were defined as the reference group. The risks for preterm delivery and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were more consistently elevated among women with co‐morbid mood‐migraine disorders than among women with isolated mood or migraine disorder. Women with co‐morbid disorders were almost twice as likely to deliver preterm (adjusted RR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.05, 3.34) compared with the reference group. There was no clear evidence of increased risks of preterm delivery and its subtypes with isolated migraine disorder. Women with mood disorder had elevated risks of pre‐eclampsia (adjusted RR = 3.57, 95% CI 1.83, 6.99). Our results suggest an association between isolated migraine disorder and pregnancy‐induced hypertension (adjusted RR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.00, 2.01). This is the first study examining perinatal outcomes in women with co‐morbid mood‐migraine disorders. Pregnant women with a history of migraine may benefit from screening for depression during prenatal care and vigilant monitoring, especially for women with co‐morbid mood and migraine disorders.
Exceptionally well‐preserved brittle stars from the Pliensbachian (Early Jurassic) of the French Ardennes
Authors: THUY BEN
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  Two new genera and species of ophiuroid, Inexpectacantha acrobatica new gen. et sp. and Eirenura papillata new gen et sp., are described on the basis of 39 articulated specimens and several hundreds of arm fragments and isolated skeletal parts. The material was extracted from a lumachellic bed in a late early Pliensbachian succession of argillites at Sedan, French Ardennes. The material is unusually well preserved with even finest structures of the skeleton discernible. Despite the exceptionally detailed morphological data extractable from the material, the higher taxonomic classification in the system of recent ophiuroids could only be tentatively attained. Inexpectacantha acrobatica seems best placed within the Ophioplinthacinae inside the Ophiacanthidae whereas Eirenura papillata shares greatest similarities with the Ophioleucinae. The occurrence of articulated specimens of different sizes, with some of the most delicate skeletal structures left intact, together with completely disarticulated skeletons of the same species suggests that the ophiuroids were preserved as autochthonous faunule among an in situ population of Modiolus sp. during a period of more favourable bottom water conditions in an otherwise largely hostile near‐shore soft‐bottom environment. Based on its small size, the highly flexible arms and the presence of well‐developed hooks on distal arm segments, an epizoic way of life is inferred for I. acrobatica while E. papillata, with its rigid arm structure and the conspicuously large tentacle pores, is interpreted as mostly deposit‐feeding bottom surface dweller.
Morphology and systematics of anthracomartidae (Arachnida: Trigonotarbida)
Authors: GARWOOD RUSSELL J. , DUNLOP JASON A.
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  X‐ray microtomography (XMT) was applied to three species of the extinct arachnid order Trigonotarbida, hosted in siderite nodules from the late Carboniferous British Middle Coal Measures. All three, Cryptomartus hindi (Pocock, 1911), Cleptomartus plautus (Petrunkevitch, 1949) and Maiocercus celticus (Pocock, 1902), belong to the family Anthracomartidae. As well as providing interactive three‐dimensional visualisations of their likely appearance in life, XMT study has resolved new morphological detail, yielding key data about the likely stance and habitus of these early arachnids. Similarities in the form of the carapace, eyes and coxosternal region between anthracomartids and the Devonian genus PalaeocharinusHirst, 1923 are highlighted. Analogies in limb disposition are drawn between anthracomartids and modern crab spiders (Araneae: Thomisidae), which exhibit sit‐and‐wait style predatory behaviour. Anthracomartids are relatively common fossils at many Coal Measures localities. Although they appear to exhibit limited morphological variation, numerous genera and species have been proposed in the literature, often distinguished from each other on rather trivial characters. From our reconstruction of well‐preserved examples, we have resolved a number of common features likely to be present in a typical anthracomartid. Comparisons to this model suggest that the characters on which many anthracomartid genera are distinguished may be artefacts of preservation. We hence treat PromygaleFrič, 1901, BrachylycosaFrič, 1904, PerneriaFrič, 1904, CoryphomartusPetrunkevitch, 1945, CryptomartusPetrunkevitch, 1945, PleomartusPetrunkevitch, 1945, CleptomartusPetrunkevitch, 1949 and OomartusPetrunkevitch, 1953 as junior synonyms of the type genus of the family, AnthracomartusKarsch, 1882. Only the genera BrachypygeWoodward, 1878 and MaiocercusPocock, 1911 are additionally retained. Within Anthracomartus, Cleptomartus planusPetrunkevitch, 1949, Cryptomartus meyeriGuthörl, 1964, Cleptomartus hangardiGuthörl, 1965 and Cryptomartus rebskeiBrauckmann, 1984 are treated as junior synonyms of A. hindiPocock, 1911 (all syn. nov.). Cleptomartus plautusPetrunkevitch, 1949 and Anthracomartus denuitiPruvost, 1922 are treated as junior synonyms of A. priestiPocock, 1911 (both syn. nov.).
A new turtle from the La Colonia Formation (Campanian–Maastrichtian), Patagonia, Argentina, with remarks on the evolution of the vertebral column in turtles
Authors: STERLI JULIANA , DE LA FUENTE MARCELO S.
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  Patagoniaemys gasparinae gen. et sp. nov. is a new stem turtle found in central Patagonia, Chubut Province, Argentina, in outcrops of the La Colonia Formation (Campanian–Maastrichtian). This is a turtle of relatively large size (carapace length c. 70 cm), and the preserved remains of the holotype consist of skull fragments and several postcranial elements including a nearly complete vertebral column. A phylogenetic analysis shows Patagoniaemys gasparinae gen. et sp. nov. forming a monophyletic group with Otwayemys cunicularius and Mongolochelys efremovi, as a sister group to Meiolaniidae. A comprehensive review confirms that formed cervical vertebrae appeared independently several times during turtle evolution: in the clade that includes Patagoniaemys gasparinae gen. et sp. nov. and Meiolaniidae, in some baenids, in the total group Pleurodira and in crown group Cryptodira. Likewise, formed caudal vertebrae appeared several times in turtle evolution.
First beetle elytra, abdomen (Coleoptera) and a mine trace from Lunz (Carnian, Late Triassic, Lunz‐am‐See, Austria) and their taphonomical and evolutionary aspects
Authors: MELLER BARBARA , PONOMARENKO ALEXANDER G. , VASILENKO DMITRY V. , FISCHER THILO C. , ASCHAUER BIRGITT
Published: January 2011

Abstract:  Four new species of Permosynidae are described: Platycrossus caroli Ponomarenko in Meller et al. sp. nov., Hydrobiites handlirschi Ponomarenko in Meller et al. sp. nov., Ademosyne polyzetete Ponomarenko in Meller et al. sp. nov. and Diarcuipenna bennettitophila Ponomarenko in Meller et al. sp. nov. Together with one polyphagous abdomen, they represent the first beetle remains from the Lunz formation, known for its richness in bennettite and cycad leaf remains and also for the bennettite reproductive organs. Furthermore, the first insect mine trace on a Nilssonia leaf segment is described, which is one of the most ancient linear mine traces. The rareness of insect remains in the plant‐bearing layers of the Lunz formation is still an enigma from the taphonomical–chemical point of view. The palaeoentomological and palaeobotanical considerations tentatively indicate a relationship between the rare occurrence of coniferous plants and the evolution or radiation of phytophagous insects during this time.
A novel potent synthetic steroidal liver X receptor agonist lowers plasma cholesterol and triglycerides and reduces atherosclerosis in LDLR–/– mice
Authors: Peng Dacheng , Hiipakka Richard A. , Xie Jing‐Tian , Dai Qing , Kokontis John M. , Reardon Catherine A. , Getz Godfrey S. , Liao Shutsung
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Potent synthetic nonsteroidal liver X receptor (LXR) agonists like T0901317 induce triglyceridaemia and fatty liver, effects not observed with some natural and synthetic steroidal, relatively weak agonists of LXR. To determine if potency is responsible for the lack of side effects with some steroidal agonists, we investigated the in vivo effects of a novel steroidal LXR agonist, ATI‐111, that is more potent than T0901317.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Eight week old male LDLR–/– mice fed an atherogenic diet were orally treated with vehicle or ATI‐111 at 3 and 5 mg·kg−1·day−1 for 8 weeks, and effects on plasma and liver lipid levels, expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and on atherogenesis were analysed.

KEY RESULTS ATI‐111 increased the expression of genes involved in lipid transport, such as ABCA1, ABCG1 and ABCG5/G8, in intestine and macrophages; decreased ABCG1, apoE; and slightly increased ABCA1 and ABCG5/G8 expression in liver. ATI‐111 markedly increased sterol regulatory element‐binding protein (SREBP)‐1c mRNA in some tissues, whereas acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase and fatty acid synthase expression was unaffected or only slightly increased in intestine and liver. ATI‐111 inhibited the conversion of SREBP‐1c precursor form to its active form. Compared with vehicle‐treated mice, the levels of hepatic lipids and liver‐secreted nascent lipoproteins were not altered, while a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels was observed in ATI‐111‐treated mice. ATI‐111 significantly inhibited atherogenesis in three separate vascular sites.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS ATI‐111 is a promising candidate for further development as a treatment of certain vascular diseases as it lacks the significant side effects associated with nonsteroidal LXR agonists, the induction of fatty liver and hypertriglyceridaemia.