bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Globalisation and the Size Distribution of Firms*
Authors: ZHOU HAIWEN
Published: September 2009

The implications of globalisation on the size distribution of firms and returns to individuals are studied in a general equilibrium model in which individuals with different managerial skills choose to become managers or workers. The return to managerial skill as a convex function of managerial skill arises naturally when firms engage in oligopolistic competition. Globalisation affects a firm’s output and the price level. The change of the price level leads to the exit of less efficient firms and an increase of average firm size. Even though countries are identical and there is no fixed cost of production, globalisation can be beneficial to all countries. Impact of globalisation between countries with different endowments is also studied.
Hypoxia inducible factor‐1α induction by tumour necrosis factor‐α, but not by toll‐like receptor agonists, modulates cellular respiration in cultured human hepatocytes
Authors: Regueira Tomas , Lepper Philipp M. , Brandt Sebastian , Ochs Matthias , Vuda Madhusudanarao , Takala Jukka , Jakob Stephan M. , Djafarzadeh Siamak
Published: September 2009

Background/Aims: Genes encoding for some of the mitochondrial proteins are under the control of the transcriptional factor hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α), which can accumulate under normoxic conditions in inflammatory states. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cobalt chloride (CoCl2, a hypoxia mimicking agent), tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and toll‐like receptor (TLR) ‐2, ‐3 and ‐4 agonists on HIF‐1α accumulation, and further on HIF‐1α‐mediated modulation of mitochondrial respiration in cultured human hepatocytes.

Methods: The human hepatoma cell line HepG2 was used in this study. Cells were treated with CoCl2, TNF‐α and TLR‐2, ‐3 and ‐4 agonists. HIF‐1α was determined by Western blotting and mitochondrial respiration in stimulated cells by high‐resolution respirometry.

Results: CoCl2, TNF‐α and TLR agonists induced the expression of HIF‐1α in a time‐dependent fashion. TNF‐α and CoCl2, but not TLR agonists, induced a reduction in complex I‐, II‐ and IV‐dependent mitochondrial oxygen consumption. TNF‐α‐associated reduction of cellular oxygen consumption was abolished through inhibition of HIF‐1α activity by chetomin (CTM). Pretreatment with cyclosporine A prevented CoCl2‐induced reduction of complex I‐ and II‐dependent mitochondrial oxygen consumption and TNF‐α‐induced reduction of complex‐I‐dependent respiration, implicating the involvement of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore openings. TNF‐α and TLR‐2, ‐3 and ‐4 agonists induced the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, which was partially abolished by the blockage of HIF‐1α with CTM.

Conclusions: The data suggest that HIF‐1α modulates mitochondrial respiration during CoCl2 and TNF‐α stimulation, whereas it has no effect when induced with TLR‐2, ‐3 and ‐4 agonists.
Evaluation of a New Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α‐Inducing Membrane Protein of Helicobacter pylori as a Prophylactic Vaccine Antigen
Authors: Inoue Kunimitsu , Shiota Seiji , Yamada Kentaro , Gotoh Kazuyo , Suganuma Masami , Fujioka Toshio , Ahmed Kamruddin , Iha Hidekatsu , Nishizono Akira
Published: September 2009

Background:  Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α‐inducing protein (Tipα) is a newly identified carcinogenic factor present in Helicobacter pylori. Tipα has the unique function of inducing TNF‐α production by gastric cells in vitro and is assumed to be related with the development of gastritis and gastric cancer. We investigated the effects of vaccination with Tipα against H. pylori infection and analyzed the immune responses.

Methods:  C57BL/6 mice were immunized via the intranasal route with CpG, recombinant Tipα + CpG, and recombinant del‐Tipα (a mutant of Tipα) + CpG. Eight weeks after the mice were infected with H. pylori (5 × 107 CFU), the number of colonizing bacteria in the stomach was calculated, and the histological severity of gastritis was evaluated. Levels of Tipα‐specific IgG and IgA antibodies in mouse serum were measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Local production of cytokines including Interleukin (IL)‐10, TNF‐α and Interferon (IFN)‐γ in gastric mucosa was also measured by real time‐PCR.

Results:  Levels of Tipα‐specific antibodies were significantly higher in Tipα‐immunized and del‐Tipα‐immunized mice than in the infection control group. The numbers of colonizing bacteria were significantly reduced in Tipα‐immunized mice (4.29 × 105 CFU/g) and del‐Tipα immunized mice (2.5 × 105 CFU/g) compared with infection control mice (5.7 × 106 CFU/g). The levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐10 were significantly higher in del‐Tipα‐immunized mice than the infection control group.

Conclusion:  Vaccinations with Tipα and del‐Tipα were effective against H. pylori infection. The inhibition of H. pylori colonization is associated mainly with Th1 cell‐mediated immunity.
Annual Change of Primary Resistance to Clarithromycin amongHelicobacter pyloriIsolates from 1996 through 2008 in Japan
Authors: Horiki Noriyuki , Omata Fumio , Uemura Masayo , Suzuki Shoko , Ishii Naoki , Iizuka Yusuke , Fukuda Katsuyuki , Fujita Yoshiyuki , Katsurahara Masaki , Ito Toshiyuki , Cesar Gabazza Esteban , Imoto Ichiro , Takei Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2009

Background: Recent studies have shown that the combination of proton pump inhibitor, amoxicillin and clarithromycin is one of the best choices forHelicobacter pylorieradication therapy. However, increasing number of cases ofH. pyloriinfection showing resistance to clarithromycin therapy has been reported and this is currently the main cause of eradication failure. We investigated the annual changes of the antimicrobial susceptibility to clarithromycin, amoxicillin and minocycline during a period of 12 years in Japan.

Methods: This study comprised 3521 patients (mean age (SD), 55.4 (13.7) years‐old, 2467 males and 1054 females) positive forH. pylorias assessed by microaerobic bacterial culture from 1996 through 2008. All patients were previously untreated forH. pyloriand were enrolled in the study to assess primary resistance to the three antibiotics.

Results: The overall primary resistance to clarithromycin, amoxicillin and minocycline were 16.4%, (577/3521), 0.03% (1/3521) and 0.06% (2/3521), respectively. From1996 through 2004, the resistance rate to clarithromycin increased gradually to approximately 30% and then it remained without marked fluctuation since 2004. Analysis by gender showed a significant increase (p < .0001) in resistance rate to clarithromycin among females (217/1057, 20.6%) compared to males (360/2467, 14.6%). Analysis by age, disclosed significantly (p < .0001) higher resistance rate to clarithromycin in patients of more than 65‐years‐old compared to the younger population.

Conclusions: The resistance rate ofH. pyloriinfection to clarithromycin in Japan has increased gradually to approximately 30% from 1996 through 2004, and remained unchanged since 2004. Elderly and females were at high risk of having resistance to clarithromycin. Our results suggested that the level of clarithromycin resistance in Japan has now risen to the point where it should no longer be used as empiric therapy.
Controversies and Concerns in Hemodialysis  Series Editor: Marcello Tonelli: What’s Next After Fistula First: Is an Arteriovenous Graft or Central Venous Catheter Preferable When an Arteriovenous Fistula Is Not Possible?
Authors: James Matthew T. , Manns Braden J. , Hemmelgarn Brenda R. , Ravani Pietro ,   for the Alberta Kidney Disease Network
Published: September 2009

Findings from observational studies have established that the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred form of vascular access for chronic hemodialysis. Unfortunately, in a subset of patients with end‐stage renal disease, an AVF cannot be placed or fails to mature. In these patients an alternate form of vascular access, either an arteriovenous graft (AVG) or central venous catheter (CVC) must be selected. In this review we discuss the findings and limitations of studies examining the effect of access type (AVG or CVC) on clinical endpoints including mortality, quality of life, occurrence of infections, as well as the impact of the different access types on resource requirements. Specifically, we examine whether findings from previous studies are valid and applicable to patients for whom an AVF is not possible, and outline the need for future randomized clinical trials addressing this question.
Prevalence and Patterns of Alcohol Consumption and Health‐Risk Behaviors Among High School Students in Thailand
Authors: Assanangkornchai Sawitri , Mukthong Anocha , Intanont Tanomsri
Published: September 2009

Background:  Underage drinking is a significant social and public health problem in Thailand. We report the prevalence and patterns of alcohol consumption and associated health‐risk behaviors using data from a 2007–2008 national school survey.

Method:  A cross‐sectional survey using a self‐administered questionnaire was conducted among 50,033 high school and vocational college students from 201 schools in 40 provinces between December 2007 and February 2008.

Results:  The prevalence rates of past‐year drinking, past‐30‐day binge drinking, and drinking until intoxication were 25.5, 9.5, and 17.3% in boys and 14.5, 3.7, and 7.2% in girls, respectively. Higher school levels, lower grades, living with someone other than their own parents, and having family members with substance or alcohol problems were significantly associated with all kinds of drinking. Binge drinkers were significantly more likely to have drinking consequences, e.g., driving after drinking, nausea and vomiting, and having a hangover than were nonbinge drinkers. The rates of other behavior and emotional problems were 2.5 to 6.7 times as likely in drinkers as nondrinkers, including smoking (35.1% vs. 4.9%), prescription drug misuse (17.7% vs. 6.7%), illicit substance use (17.8% vs. 2.4%), carrying a weapon (6.5% vs. 1.8%), feeling depressed (23.2% vs. 10.9%), suicidal attempt (10.5% vs. 3.8%), and sexual intercourse (30.5% vs. 5.7%).

Conclusion:  Alcohol consumption is a serious problem among adolescents in Thailand and is strongly associated with various health‐risk behaviors. Effective age‐ and gender‐specific interventions should be implemented to discourage underage drinking and associated adverse health and social consequences.
The Mammalian Circadian Clock Exhibits Acute Tolerance to Ethanol
Authors: Prosser Rebecca A. , Glass J. David
Published: September 2009

Background: Tolerance to ethanol is observed over a variety of time courses, from minutes to days. Acute tolerance, which develops over 5 to 60 minutes, has been observed for both behavioral and neurophysiological variables and may involve changes in signaling through NMDA, GABA, or other receptors. Previous work has shown that both acute and chronic ethanol treatments modulate photic and nonphotic phase resetting of the mammalian circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Although not specifically tested, the data thus far do not point to the development of chronic tolerance to the modulatory effects of ethanol. Here we investigated whether acute tolerance the ethanol occurs with respect to in vitro phase modulation of the SCN clock.

Methods: Mouse brain slices containing the SCN were pretreated with ethanol for varying lengths of time, followed by treatment concurrent with either glutamate or the serotonin agonist, 8‐hydroxy‐DPAT (DPAT). The phase of the SCN circadian clock was assessed the following day through extracellular recordings of SCN neuronal activity. SCN neuronal activity normally peaks during mid‐day, and this rhythm can be shifted by treatment with either glutamate or DPAT.

Results: While concurrent treatment of SCN‐containing brain slices with ethanol and glutamate blocks glutamate‐induced phase delays of the SCN clock, pretreating the slices with ethanol for ≥15 minutes prevents this inhibition. Likewise, while concurrent treatment with ethanol and DPAT enhances DPAT‐induced phase advances of the SCN clock, pretreating the slices with ethanol for ≥30 minutes prevents this enhancement.

Conclusions: Both the inhibiting and enhancing effects of ethanol on in vitro SCN clock phase resetting show acute tolerance. Additional experiments are needed to determine whether more slowly developing forms of tolerance also occur with respect to the SCN circadian clock.
Findings and Risk Factors of Early Mortality of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Different Cohorts of Elderly Patients
Authors: Hu Kuang‐Chun , Chang Wen‐Hsiung , Chu Cheng‐Hsin , Wang Horng‐Yuan , Lin Shee‐Chan , Wang Tsang‐En , Shih Shou‐Chuan
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVES: To analyze experience of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with of different age cohorts and discuss the risk factors of early mortality after ERCP.

DESIGN: Retrospective study.

SETTING: Tertiary care medical center.

PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred sixty‐four patients with pancreatobiliary diseases divided into cohorts according to decades as young‐old (YO, 65–74, n=143), old‐old (OO, 75–84, n=88), and very‐old (VO, ≥85, n=33).

MEASUREMENTS: The indications, results, and complications of ERCP in these three groups were demonstrated and compared.

RESULTS: Three hundred three ERCP procedures were performed. The leading indication for ERCP was common bile duct (CBD) obstruction or dilation. Diabetes mellitus was significantly more prevalent in the YO group (39.2%) than in the other two groups (OO, 15.9%; VO, 24.2%; P=.001). The most common finding of ERCP was CBD dilatation. There was no difference in incidence of malignant diseases between the three groups. Acute pancreatitis was the most frequently identified post‐ERCP complication. There was no significant difference in early mortality between the three cohorts. Patients with malignancy had higher early mortality than those with benign disease (71.4% vs 11.2%; P=.001).

CONCLUSION: The findings and incidences of complication of ERCP in different elderly cohorts were similar. Underlying malignancy seemed to bear some relation to early mortality after the ERCP procedure.
Performing Race in Four Culturally Diverse Fourth Grade Classrooms: Silence, Race Talk, and the Negotiation of Social Boundaries
Authors: Schaffer Rebecca , Skinner Debra G.
Published: September 2009

This article addresses how preadolescents produce and perform race through an ethnographic study of 8‐ to 11‐year‐old students in four fourth grade classrooms in the southeastern United States. Although Asian, Latino, and white students tended to avoid explicit talk of race, many white students constructed black students as disruptive “troublemakers.” Black students were more likely to openly discuss race and racism and used race talk to silence or isolate certain students. [race, identity, media, elementary school, multicultural education]
The Construction of Black High‐Achiever Identities in a Predominantly White High School
Authors: Andrews Dorinda J. Carter
Published: September 2009

In this article, I examine how black students construct their racial and achievement self‐concepts in a predominantly white high school to enact a black achiever identity. By listening to these students talk about the importance of race and achievement to their lives, I came to understand how racialized the task of achieving was for them even though they often deracialized the characteristics of an achiever. I suggest that these students do not maintain school success by simply having a strong racial self‐concept or a strong achievement self‐concept; rather, they discuss achieving in the context of being black or African American. For these students, being a black or African American achiever in a predominantly white high school means embodying racial group pride as well as having a critical understanding of how race and racism operate to potentially constrain one's success. It also means viewing achievement as a human, raceless trait that can be acquired by anyone. In their descriptions of themselves as black achievers, these students resist hegemonic notions that academic success is white property and cannot be attained by them. [self‐concept, high achievers, black student achievement, achievement self‐concept]
Thermal Conductivity of Monazite‐Type REPO4 (RE=La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd)
Authors: Du Aibing , Wan Chunlei , Qu Zhixue , Pan Wei
Published: September 2009

Low‐thermal conductivity ceramics in monazite‐type REPO4 (RE=La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd) ceramics are expected to have potential in structural (refractories, thermal insulator) and nuclear applications. To this end, the present study determines their thermal conductivities and examines how differences of the rare earth ions change their thermal conductivity at different temperatures. The results show that their conductivities are remarkably low from 25° to 1000°C. In addition, different conductivity variation mechanisms exist that change gradually upon altering from LaPO4 to GdPO4 at low and high temperatures. At relatively lower temperatures (≤400°C), the thermal conductivities of all the REPO4 ceramics decrease nearly at first, reach a minimum value, and then rise with gradual altering from LaPO4 to GdPO4. It may be due to the combined effects of the increase of both the anharmonicities in lattice vibrations and the bond strength. As the temperature increases, the conductivity trends become obscure, and the conductivities of the monazite‐type REPO4 approach their minimum thermal conductivities when the temperature is above 800°C.
Zirconium Aluminum Carbides: New Precursors for Synthesizing ZrO2–Al2O3 Composites
Authors: He Ling‐Feng , Bao Yi‐Wang , Zhou Yan‐Chun
Published: September 2009

ZrO2–Al2O3 nanocrystalline powders have been synthesized by oxidizing ternary Zr2Al3C4 powders. The simultaneous oxidation of Al and Zr in Zr2Al3C4 results in homogeneous mixture of ZrO2 and Al2O3 at nanoscale. Bulk nano‐ and submicro‐composites were prepared by hot‐pressing as‐oxidized powders at 1100°–1500°C. The composition and microstructure evolution during sintering was investigated by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, and TEM. The crystallite size of ZrO2 in the composites increased from 7.5 nm for as‐oxidized powders to about 0.5 μm at 1500°C, while the tetragonal polymorph gradually converted to monolithic one with increasing crystallite size. The Al2O3 in the composites transformed from an amorphous phase in as oxidized powders to θ phase at 1100°C and α phase at higher temperatures. The hardness of the composite increased from 2.0 GPa at 1100°C to 13.5 GPa at 1400°C due to the increase of density.
Analytical Model for Heterogeneous Crystallization Kinetics of Spherical Glass Particles
Authors: Ferreira Eduardo Bellini , Lopez‐Richard Victor , Zanotto Edgar Dutra , Marques Gilmar Eugenio
Published: September 2009

An analytical model developed to describe the crystallization kinetics of spherical glass particles has been derived in this work. A continuous phase transition from three‐dimensional (3D)‐like to 1D‐like crystal growth has been considered and a procedure for the quantitative evaluation of the critical time for this 3D–1D transition is proposed. This model also allows straightforward determination of the density of surface nucleation sites on glass powders using differential scanning calorimetry data obtained under different thermal conditions.
A Journey Through Ashes: One Woman's Story of Surviving Domestic Violence
Authors: HEARNS MAUREEN C.
Published: September 2009

This is the story of Lisa1—a woman like so many others who has been abused—and of her healing journey using music and creative arts experiences. It is also a story about how music, song, poetry, art, and dance awakened her to a new consciousness and provided the necessary empowerment she needed in order to reclaim the woman she had been before experiencing the trauma of abuse. While the question of how utilization of music and the creative arts encourages personal transformation and healing is also deserving of a theoretical exploration, in this article I have chosen to foreground Lisa's story as narrative, in order to also engage the reader with the transformative potential of empowerment that comes through listening. I have chosen an approach that foregrounds Lisa's experience over theory explicitly, for, it is with the process of “finding voice” and of engaging the listener in that process, that transformation of consciousness and empowerment occurs.
Husserlian Meditations and Anthropological Reflections: Toward a Cultural Neurophenomenology of Experience and Reality
Authors: LAUGHLIN CHARLES D. , THROOP C. JASON
Published: September 2009

Most of us would agree that the world of our experience is different than the extramental reality of which we are a part. Indeed, the evidence pertaining to cultural cosmologies around the globe suggests that virtually all peoples recognize this distinction—hence the focus upon the “hidden” forces behind everyday events. That said, the struggle to comprehend the relationship between our consciousness and reality, even the reality of ourselves, has led to controversy and debate for centuries in Western philosophy. In this article, we address this problem from an anthropological perspective and argue that the generative route to a solution of the experience–reality “gap” is by way of an anthropologically informedcultural neurophenomenology. By this we mean a perspective and methodology that applies a phenomenology that controls for cultural variation in perception and interpretation, coupled with the latest information from the neurosciences about how the organ of experience—the brain—is structured.
Construction of an Aboriginal Theory of Mind and Mental Health1
Authors: Mehl‐Madrona Lewis , Pennycook Gordon
Published: September 2009

Most research on aboriginal mind and mental health has sought to apply or confirm preexisting European‐derived theories among aboriginal people. Culture has been underappreciate. An understanding of uniquely aboriginal models for mind and mental health might lead to more effective and robust interventions. To address this issue, a core group of elders from five separate regions of North America was developed to help determine how aboriginal people conceived of mind, self, and identity before European contact. The process utilized for this study is iterative and involves discussions of teachings, traditional stories, and elder's comments on conclusions drawn. The elders endorsed a relational theory of mind in which mind exists between people as a product of the stories told and created within and by that relationship. Mind is distinguished from consciousness which is without language and exists within the individual as awareness. Language immediately results in an “out there” orientation in which two or more individuals generate stories about their experiences. The community is the basic unit of study for mind and mental health, and mental “illness” is not distinguished from physical “illness,” but rather all are seen as a continuum of suffering and pain. What emerged from this research is that North American theories of mind are more closely related to Daoist and Shinto theories than to the logical positivism which drives most of North America's conventional psychology and psychiatry. Within European traditions, however, the philosophy of Mikhail Bakhtin with his emphasis on a dialogical self coupled with system theory comes closest to resembling North American aboriginal theories. This model explains why ceremony and ritual, community interventions, talking circles (including AA and the Wellbriety Movement), and family therapy are more compatible with aboriginal thought than conventional North American biomedicine and psychology.
The Relationship Between the Cardiometabolic Syndrome and Coronary Artery Calcium Progression
Authors: Taylor Allen J. , Wu Holly , Bindeman Jody , Bauer Kelly , Byrd Carole , O’Malley Patrick G. , Feuerstein Irwin
Published: September 2009

Cardiometabolic syndrome has been associated with increased likelihood and extent of coronary artery calcium (CAC). The authors examined the relationship of cardiometabolic syndrome to CAC progression in 200 healthy men who volunteered to undergo repeated electron beam tomography separated by 4.2±1.3 years. Prediction of clinically significant CAC progression (≥15% per year) was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression models and principal component analysis. Clinically significant CAC progression was observed in 52.5% of the cohort, with the mean and median rate of annual progression 41.3% and 18.3%, respectively. The cardiometabolic syndrome in clinically significant CAC progression participants was significantly higher compared with those without CAC progression (24.8% vs 11.6%; P=.016). Cardiometabolic syndrome was a significant independent predictor of clinically significant CAC progression (odds ratio, 2.65; P=.022). Cardiometabolic syndrome is associated with the baseline CAC score, and independently associated with the progression of CAC over 4 years.
The Obesity, Metabolic Syndrome, and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Pandemic: II. Therapeutic Management of Atherogenic Dyslipidemia
Authors: Ginsberg Henry N. , MacCallum Paul R.
Published: September 2009

Strategies for the effective management of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with the metabolic syndrome (MS) or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are essential to help reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Treatment strategies should be multifactorial and include the promotion of therapeutic lifestyle changes, as well as pharmacologic therapies to treat individual risk factors according to current guidelines. In an accompanying article, the importance of atherogenic dyslipidemia as a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease in patients with MS or T2DM was highlighted. Current treatment options for managing this characteristic form of atherogenic dyslipidemia are limited and tend to be only moderately effective. The focus of this review is the current pharmacotherapies available for the management of atherogenic dyslipidemia in patients with the MS or T2DM, highlighting the rationale for combining available treatments. Novel strategies currently in clinical development are also discussed.
Superparasitism and host size effects inOomyzus sokolowskii, a parasitoid of diamondback moth
Authors: Silva‐Torres Christian S. A. , Ramos Filho Izeudo T. , Torres Jorge B. , Barros Reginaldo
Published: September 2009

Many aspects of a parasitoid’s biology may be affected by its host. Host size, for example, could affect parasitoid fitness, especially in gregarious parasitoids, in which the resource is used by multiple siblings.Oomyzus sokolowskii(Kurdjumov) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is a gregarious larval–pupal endoparasitoid of the diamondback moth,Plutella xylostellaL. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), a major pest of crucifers worldwide, and is able to superparasitize the host. This study focuses on the hypothesis that because resource availability is higher in larger hosts, parasitoids developing in larger hosts will fare better. However, superparasitized hosts are expected to yield larger numbers of parasitoid offspring of smaller body size. Results showed that superparasitism increased the number of parasitoid offspring produced per host and increased offspring longevity, but decreased offspring body size. However, developmental time and sex ratio of parasitoid offspring was similar among hosts parasitized once, twice, or three times. Regardless of superparasitism, parasitoids emerging from larger hosts that were fed honey solution lived longer than similarly fed progeny from smaller hosts (36.4 vs. 22.1 days). The results partially support the hypothesis thatOomyzusgained fitness from an increase in host size; moreover, superparasitism seems advantageous forOomyzusdue to increased offspring numbers and longevity.
Oviposition deterrence in spring wheat, Triticum aestivum, against orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana: implications for inheritance of deterrence
Authors: Gharalari A. H. , Fox S. L. , Smith M. A. H. , Lamb R. J.
Published: September 2009

Some spring wheat lines are known to be antixenotic to ovipositing orange wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana (Géhin) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). The genetic basis of antixenosis, expressed in the plant as oviposition deterrence to S. mosellana, was explored using a population of 92 doubled‐haploid wheat lines from a cross between a susceptible parent and a deterrent parent which also had antibiosis resistance. Wheat midge egg densities on wheat spikes were obtained from a standardized laboratory cage test and from the field in 2006 and 2007. Compared to the susceptible parent, egg densities on 55–88% of the lines were reduced by more than half in the laboratory and both years in the field. Twenty‐five of the 92 lines were consistently at least as deterrent as the deterrent parent in all three environments. Frequency distribution of egg densities compared to the parents indicated that deterrence was conferred by more than one gene, with complementary interaction among genes. Heritability of deterrence was estimated at 67%, showing that environment had a substantial effect on the phenotypic expression of the trait. Consistently deterrent lines had a larger proportion of eggs laid on the rachis compared to the other lines in all environments, suggesting that the presence of deterrence affects where on the spikelet the females lay their eggs. There was no evidence for linkage between deterrence genes and the antibiosis gene, Sm1. Oviposition deterrence is a promising means for suppressing wheat midge oviposition in commercial wheat crops; however, the multigenic nature of oviposition deterrence in wheat to S. mosellana and the influence of environment on its expression will provide challenges for incorporating this trait into wheat breeding programs.
Simulated crop rotation systems control swede midge, Contarinia nasturtii
Authors: Chen Mao , Li Weiwei , Shelton Anthony M.
Published: September 2009

Contarinia nasturtii (Kieffer) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), a common insect pest in Europe and a new invasive pest in North America, causes severe damage to cruciferous crops. Many counties in Canada and the USA, in which C. nasturtii has not been previously reported, are at risk of being infested by C. nasturtii. Effectiveness of chemical control is limited, especially under high population pressure in fields. Alternative management strategies against C. nasturtii are sorely needed in order to protect crucifers. Under controlled laboratory conditions, the effectiveness on C. nasturtii control by 11 simulated cauliflower‐sweet corn and cauliflower‐kidney bean crop rotation systems was evaluated, with and without the presence of cruciferous weeds as alternative hosts. Our results indicated that when soil was infested with C. nasturtii pupae, the emergence pattern from the soil was very similar regardless whether the soil was later planted to host or non‐host plants. As emergence was not affected, we examined whether manipulating host availability for oviposition through crop rotation would be effective. Our results indicated that the simulated cauliflower‐sweet corn and cauliflower‐kidney bean rotation systems provided full control of C. nasturtii. The effectiveness of one cycle of non‐host crop rotation was reduced when cruciferous weeds were present. However, the C. nasturtii population in a one‐cycle non‐host rotation system with cruciferous weeds present was significantly lower than that in a non‐rotation system. Two consecutive cycles (simulating a cropping season) of non‐host plant crop rotations provided full control of C. nasturtii, regardless of the presence of the cruciferous weeds. The importance of cruciferous weed management and how to implement a successful crop rotation in fields to control C. nasturtii are discussed.
Evaluation of volumetry and density of mandibular symphysis bone grafts by three‐dimensional computed tomography
Authors: Yavuz Muhammed Selim , Buyukkurt Mustafa Cemil , Tozoglu Sinan , Dagsuyu İlhan Metin , Kantarci Mecit
Published: September 2009

Abstract –  Purpose:  Bone grafting before implant placing can improve the treatment in traumatized or regular implant patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the density and maximum amount of harvestable bone graft in the mandibular symphysis.

Materials and methods:  Data from 15 CT‐scans were obtained from 15 adult patients (10 male/five female) for the purposes of this study. The CT data, in DICOM format, were read into Mimics software from Materialize (Leuven, Belgium), with a slice thickness of 0.5 mm. The volume, density, and dimensions based on Hounsfield units (HU) were measured on the 3D symphyseal bone graft using Mimics software.

Results:  The average bone volume calculated from the mandibular symphysis was 3491.08 ± 772.12 mm3. The average sized corticocancellous block that was measured was 38.75 × 11.05 × 7.80 mm. The mean bone density was 958.95 ± 98.11 HU.

Conclusion:  The use of three‐dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) in combination with a software program is a reliable means of determining the density of graft, evaluat‐ing maximal volume and dimensions of the graft that can be harvested from the mandibular symphysis region.
Early life stress, MAOA, and gene‐environment interactions predict behavioral disinhibition in children
Authors: Enoch M.‐A. , Steer C. D. , Newman T. K. , Gibson N. , Goldman D.
Published: September 2009

Several, but not all, studies have shown that the monoamine oxidase A functional promoter polymorphism (MAOA‐LPR) interacts with childhood adversity to predict adolescent and adult antisocial behavior. However, it is not known whether MAOA‐LPR interacts with early life (pre‐birth–3 years) stressors to influence behavior in prepubertal children.

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, UK, is a community‐representative cohort study of children followed from pre‐birth onwards. The impact of family adversity from pre‐birth to age 3 years and stressful life events from 6 months to 7 years on behavioral disinhibition was determined in 7500 girls and boys. Behavioral disinhibition measures were: mother‐reported hyperactivity and conduct disturbances (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) at ages 4 and 7 years.

In both sexes, exposure to family adversity and stressful life events in the first 3 years of life predicted behavioral disinhibition at age 4, persisting until age 7. In girls, MAOA‐LPR interacted with stressful life events experienced from 6 months to 3.5 years to influence hyperactivity at ages 4 and 7. In boys, the interaction of MAOA‐LPR with stressful life events between 1.5 and 2.5 years predicted hyperactivity at age 7 years. The low activity MAOA‐LPR variant was associated with increased hyperactivity in girls and boys exposed to high stress. In contrast, there was no MAOA‐LPR interaction with family adversity.

In a general population sample of prepubertal children, exposure to common stressors from pre‐birth to 3 years predicted behavioral disinhibition, and MAOA‐LPR– stressful life event interactions specifically predicted hyperactivity.
Replacement patterns and species coexistence in an AndeanAraucaria‐Nothofagusforest
Authors: Fajardo Alex , González Mauro E.
Published: September 2009

Questions:Fire appears to affect both replacement patterns and coexistence ofAraucaria araucana‐Nothofagus pumilioforests in the Andean Araucarian region of south‐central Chile. A quantitative assessment of coexistence in the absence of recent fires, however, is lacking. In this study, we considered the life‐history attributes, time of recruitment and spatial pattern of individuals of both tree species to address the following questions. How regular has recruitment of both species been in time? Is there any temporal niche differentiation? Are the two species positively or negatively associated in space and, if so, at what scale and for what age and size classes? Is there any spatial niche differentiation?

Location:Andean Araucarian region of Chile, Villarrica National Park (39°35′S, 71°31′W; 1300 m a.s.l.).

Methods:We stem‐mapped and cored a total of 1073 trees in a 1‐ha plot in a late‐successional post‐fire stand to examine spatiotemporal patterns of establishment. We used semivariogram modelling and the pair‐correlation function to distinguish between regeneration modes and describe species interactions.

Results:The two species differ in their regeneration mode: whereasA. araucanaappeared to recruit more continuously in time and space, episodic pulses of establishment were dominant forN. pumilio. At small scales, younger age‐class stems ofA. araucanawere randomly distributed, while older age‐class stems were aggregated. This was in contrast to common patterns for temperate tree species, includingN. pumilio, following processes of self‐thinning. Younger age classes ofA. araucanawere distributed independently of older trees of both species, but younger age classes ofN. pumiliohad a negative association with older conspecifics at scales similar to crown diameter.

Conclusions:In the absence of recent fires, it is likely thatA. araucanawould dominate the stand alone, given its greater shade tolerance, greater longevity and continuous recruitment. However, while canopy closure is still incomplete, the shade‐intolerantN. pumiliowill be able to recruit in those open areas after seed masting and will coexist withA. araucana.
Histomorphometric Analysis of Human Maxillary Sinus Lift with a New Bone Substitute Biocomposite: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Dellavia Claudia , Tartaglia Gianluca , Sforza Chiarella
Published: September 2009

Purpose: To analyze radiographic and histological outcomes of maxillary sinus floor augmentation using a calcium‐sulfate based allograft containing demineralized bone matrix particles.

Materials and Methods: Fifteen maxillary sinus lift procedures with simultaneous placement of titanium implants were performed in 12 patients of both genders aged 36–71 years. Each sinus cavity was filled by the biocomposite. After 3 months of healing, all surgical sites were uncovered and bone biopsies were retrieved for undecalcified histology and histomorphometry. The ratio between the original and the grafted sinus height (GSH/OSH) was computed using a panoramic radiography taken immediately after surgery and at 3 months of healing, and the two ratios were compared by Wilcoxon signed‐rank test.

Results: By 3 months, all implants were stable without clinical and radiographic signs of infection. Significant changes in GSH/OSH during healing were seen (2.7 ± 0.6 initially vs. 2.6 ± 0.5 after healing; p = 0.01). Histologic findings showed newly formed bone surrounding the residual grafted particles without inflammation. At 3 months, mean regenerated bone density was 33.8 ± 8.6%; marrow spaces amounted to 32.3 ± 10.3%; residual graft was 33.9 ± 9.0%. Similar histomorphometric and radiographic results were obtained independently from patient age or sex.

Conclusions: The analysed putty seems to be a safe and effective graft material for maxillary sinus floor augmentation by accelerating bone regeneration and thus reducing the healing time.
Purine nucleoside phosphorylases from hyperthermophilic Archaea require a CXC motif for stability and folding
Authors: Cacciapuoti Giovanna , Peluso Iolanda , Fuccio Francesca , Porcelli Marina
Published: September 2009

5′‐Deoxy‐5′‐methylthioadenosine phosphorylase II from Sulfolobus solfataricus (SsMTAPII) and purine nucleoside phosphorylase from Pyrococcus furiosus (PfPNP) are hyperthermophilic purine nucleoside phosphorylases stabilized by intrasubunit disulfide bonds. In their C‐terminus, both enzymes harbour a CXC motif analogous to the CXXC motif present at the active site of eukaryotic protein disulfide isomerase. By monitoring the refolding of SsMTAPII, PfPNP and their mutants lacking the C‐terminal cysteine pair after guanidine‐induced unfolding, we demonstrated that the CXC motif is required for the folding of these enzymes. Moreover, two synthesized CXC‐containing peptides with the same amino acid sequences present in the C‐terminal regions of SsMTAPII and PfPNP were found to act as in vitro catalysts of oxidative folding. These small peptides are involved in the folding of partially refolded SsMTAPII, PfPNP and their CXC‐lacking mutants, with a concomitant recovery of their catalytic activity, thus indicating that the CXC motif is necessary to obtain complete reversibility from the unfolded state of the two proteins. The two CXC‐containing peptides are also able to reactivate scrambled RNaseA. The data obtained in the present study represent the first example of how the CXC motif improves both stability and folding in hyperthermophilic proteins with disulfide bonds.
Production of a recombinant mouse monoclonal antibody in transgenic silkworm cocoons
Authors: Iizuka Masashi , Ogawa Shingo , Takeuchi Atsushi , Nakakita Shinichi , Kubo Yuhki , Miyawaki Yoshitaka , Hirabayashi Jun , Tomita Masahiro
Published: September 2009

In the present study, we describe the production of transgenic silkworms expressing a recombinant mouse mAb in their cocoons. Two transgenic lines, L‐ and H‐, were generated that carried cDNAs encoding the L‐ and H‐chains of a mouse IgG mAb, respectively, under the control of the enhancer‐linked sericin‐1 promoter. Cocoon protein analysis indicated that the IgG L‐ or H‐chain was secreted into the cocoons of each line. We also produced a transgenic line designated L/H, which carried both cDNAs, by crossing the L‐ and H‐lines. This line efficiently produced the recombinant mAb as a fully assembled H2L2 tetramer in its cocoons, with negligible L‐ or H‐chain monomer and H‐chain dimer production. Thus, the H2L2 tetramer was synthesized in, and secreted from, the middle silk gland cells. Crossing of the L/H‐line with a transgenic line expressing a baculovirus‐derived trans‐activator produced a 2.4‐fold increase in mAb expression. The recombinant mAb was extracted from the cocoons with a buffer containing 3 m urea and purified by protein G affinity column chromatography. The antigen‐binding affinity of the purified recombinant mAb was identical to that of the native mAb produced by a hybridoma. Analysis of the structure of the N‐glycans attached to the recombinant mAb revealed that the mAb contained high mannose‐, hybrid‐ and complex‐type N‐glycans. By contrast, insect‐specific paucimannose‐type glycans were not detected. Fucose residues α‐1,3‐ and α‐1,6‐linked to the core N‐acetylglucosamine residue, both of which are found in insect N‐glycans, were not observed in the N‐glycans of the mAb.
Interferon‐γ bolsters CD95/Fas‐mediated apoptosis of astroglioma cells
Authors: Giammarioli Anna M. , Vona Rosa , Gambardella Lucrezia , Ascione Barbara , Maselli Angela , Barbati Cristiana , Tinari Antonella , Malorni Walter
Published: September 2009

In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of the resistance to CD95‐mediated cell death and the effects of interferon‐γ in modulating the susceptibility to CD95‐induced apoptosis of human astroglioma cells. We found that interferon‐γ administration sensitized cancer cells to CD95‐mediated apoptosis. The mechanism underlying this sensitization appeared to be associated with a framework of cell changes, including up‐regulation of death receptor at the cell surface, pro‐apoptotic molecule Bax and Bak over‐expression and mitochondria hyperpolarization, as is known to be associated with cell sensitization to apoptosis. An involvement of the proteasome activity in the mechanism of sensitization by interferon‐γ was also detected, probably as a result of the differing expression of catalytic proteasome subunits. Taken together, these findings suggest that interferon‐γ could represent a promising candidate for modulating astroglioma cell apoptotic susceptibility.
Completing the hypusine pathway in Plasmodium
Authors: Frommholz David , Kusch Peter , Blavid Robert , Scheer Hugo , Tu Jun‐Ming , Marcus Katrin , Zhao Kai‐Hong , Atemnkeng Veronica , Marciniak Jana , Kaiser Annette E.
Published: September 2009

In searching for new targets for antimalarials we investigated the biosynthesis of hypusine present in eukaryotic initiation factor‐5A (eIF‐5A) in Plasmodium. Here, we describe the cloning and expression of deoxyhypusine hydroxylase (DOHH), which completes the modification of eIF‐5A through hydroxylation of deoxyhypusine. The dohh cDNA sequence revealed an ORF of 1236 bp encoding a protein of 412 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 46.45 kDa and an isoelectric point of 4.96. Interestingly, DOHH from Plasmodium has a FASTA SCORE of only 27 compared with its human ortholog and contains several matches similar to E‐Z‐type HEAT‐like repeat proteins (IPR004155 (InterPro), PF03130 (Pfam), SM00567 (SMART) present in the phycocyanin lyase subunits of cyanobacteria. Purified DOHH protein displayed hydroxylase activity in a novel in vitro DOHH assay, but phycocyanin lyase activity was absent. dohh is present as a single‐copy gene and is transcribed in the asexual blood stages of the parasite. A signal peptide at the N‐terminus might direct the protein to a different cellular compartment. During evolution, Plasmodium falciparum acquired an apicoplast that lost its photosynthetic function. It is possible that plasmodial DOHH arose from an E/F‐type phycobilin lyase that gained a new role in hydroxylation.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7255047: DHS (uniprotkb:P49366) enzymaticly reacts (MI:0414) with eIF‐5A (uniprotkb:Q710D1) by enzymatic studies (MI:0415)

MINT‐7255326: DOHH (uniprotkb:Q8I701) enzymaticly reacts (MI:0414) with eIF‐5A (uniprotkb:Q710D1) by enzymatic studies (MI:0415)
Sharing Ecological Knowledge: Opportunities and Barriers to Uptake
Authors: Boreux Virginie , Born Julia , Lawes Michael J.
Published: September 2009

Conserving tropical ecosystems is one of the foremost challenges of the 21st century. Lately, conservation efforts have focused on advancing conservation through dialogue and interaction with and among diverse stakeholders. Knowledge sharing, and specifically the transfer of scientific knowledge, can raise ecological awareness among stakeholders and is necessary to facilitate dialogue, yet the communication of tropical scientific research to local stakeholders is rarely effectively implemented. Such a communication gap potentially undermines the conservation and management of natural resources. The papers in this special section highlight the difficulties and benefits of sharing ecological knowledge, as well as the underlying reasons for why a research–implementation gap has arisen.
On Type Ia supernovae from the collisions of two white dwarfs
Authors: Raskin Cody , Timmes F. X. , Scannapieco Evan , Diehl Steven , Fryer Chris
Published: September 2009

We explore collisions between two white dwarfs as a pathway for making Type Ia supernovae (SNIa). White dwarf number densities in globular clusters allow 10–100, redshift ≲1 collisions per year, and observations by Chomiuk et al. of globular clusters in the nearby S0 galaxy NGC 7457 have detected what is likely to be a SNIa remnant. We carry out simulations of the collision between two 0.6M⊙ white dwarfs at various impact parameters and mass resolutions. For impact parameters less than half the radius of the white dwarf, we find such collisions produce ≈0.4M⊙ of56Ni, making such events potential candidates for underluminous SNIa or a new class of transients between Novae and SNIa.