bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic instability-driven centering/segregating mechanism in bacteria
Authors: Purdy Drew Kirstin R. , Pogliano Joe
Published: June 2011

All cells require the ability to process spatial information to properly position intracellular molecules. Many protein complexes and DNA molecules are actively positioned either at the cell midpoint or cell poles, but the processes which drive intracellular positioning are still poorly understood. Using computational modeling we propose a bimodal centering/segregation mechanism in bacteria which is driven by the dynamic instability of polymerizing filaments, which grow and shrink with regularity. Modeled cell centering via dynamically unstable filaments is confirmed experimentally via in vivo time-lapse, colocalization measurements of a model system of clustered plasmid-DNA centered by the dynamically unstable actin-like protein filaments Alp7A inBacillus subtilis. Generalizing to any cylindrical cell, we find strong cell-length dependence in the centering ability of dynamically unstable filaments, culminating in pole positioning when cell length decreases significantly below the theoretically predicted average filament length. Modeling dynamic instability-driven positioning mechanisms from multiple anisotropic in vivo systems demonstrates that dynamically unstable filaments are a general mechanism for both midcell and cell-pole (segregation) positioning, and that desired positioning is preferentially selected in vivo by intrinsic filament polymerization rates and number.
Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) Loci Correlated with Run Timing in Adult Chinook Salmon from the Columbia River Basin
Authors: Hess Jon E. , Narum Shawn R.
Published: June 2011

Run timing in Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha is a life history trait that varies among populations throughout the Columbia River basin and has a demonstrated genetic basis. In this study, we used 92 single‐nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) markers linked to at least 75 different functional genes (including OtsClock1a) to test for correlations with run timing. We obtained samples of adult Chinook salmon on a weekly basis as they passed a fixed point (Bonneville Dam) on the lower Columbia River main stem during the majority of the migratory run from April to October for three sequential years from 2007 to 2009 (n = 2,731, 3,479, and 2,960, respectively). Since these fish represented unknown mixtures of the three major genetic lineages in the Columbia River basin, we used genetic stock identification to assign individuals to their likely stock of origin. We then determined whether allelic variation at the SNP loci was correlated with the date of passage of fish in the context of stock of origin. Nine SNP loci were identified as candidates based on significant correlations with date of passage using the spatial analysis method. A multivariate analysis was then used to rank these eight candidate loci according to the proportion of genetic variation that day of passage explained relative to two other predictor variables: population structure and temperature. The three top‐ranked loci were Ots_TAPBP, Ots_97077–179R, and Ots_myoD‐364, which have known involvement in immunological functioning and muscle differentiation. Future work will test candidate SNPs using run‐timing information from fish of known origin within particular Columbia River subbasins to help validate the role of these genetic linkage groups in this important life history trait.
Contribution of Richard A. Vollenweider toward understanding eutrophication of the coastal Adriatic Sea
Authors: Rinaldi Attilio , Giovanardi Franco
Published: June 2011

The main scope of the work of R. A. Vollenweider in Italy, that is to say his principal scientific merit, was to critically examine the cause-effect relationships related to the manifestations of the eutrophication phenomenon. These relationships were observed in the NW Adriatic Sea over more than 20 years, along the Emilia Romagna coast, an area strongly affected by Po river inputs, the principal Italian river (Vollenweider et al., 1992). In particular, he stressed the need to examine the integrated system, and to consider both scientific and socio-economic issues as interrelated. Accordingly, coastal waters and their catchment areas with related nutrient loads represent the total system, of which the natural, anthropogenic and socio-economic components are the respective subsystems. In more practical terms, he suggested nutrient load assessment based on the different sources of N and P, to prepare an inventory of all these sources according to types and quantity released, and in terms of pathways of transfer and input-output fluxes. In this way it was finally possible to reach a first realistic evaluation of N and P mass balance across the various productive compartments.
Cutting through complexity with Vollenweider's razor
Authors: Lowe Edgar F. , Steward Joel S.
Published: June 2011

R. A. Vollenweider applied the principle of parsimony to develop models of lake trophic state that cut through the considerable complexities of lake ecosystems. Based on the mass balance of phosphorus, these models reduced the complex aquatic biogeochemistry of phosphorus to a single term that accounted for the loss of phosphorus to lake sediments. Simple as they were, the models were highly predictive as was first convincingly demonstrated by the recovery trajectory of Lake Washington. Subsequently, Volledweider's approach was demonstrated to be sufficiently robust to span the latitudes from temperate to tropical regions and to span the freshwater to saltwater continuum. Vollenweider was a pioneer in predictive ecology and among the first to demonstrate that simple, robust, and understandable models can provide the basis for sound ecosystem management.
Bloom development and phytoplankton succession in Lake Winnipeg: a comparison of historical records with recent data
Authors: Kling H. J. , Watson S. B. , McCullough G. K. , Stainton M. P.
Published: June 2011

Over the past 40 years, hydroelectric, agricultural and urban watershed development and changing hydrology have transformed Lake Winnipeg into a highly eutrophic reservoir with annual outbreaks of widespread surface algal blooms, shoreline and net fouling, and concerns with intermittent cyanotoxin production. To provide a better understanding of the magnitude of these changes and the major causes, we examine long-term increases in phytoplankton biomass and shifts in phytoplankton species dominance in the context of both in-lake and watershed processes. We compare phytoplankton and water quality data from early (1969) and recent (1994–2007) lake-wide surveys, and information from paleolimnological analysis of sediment cores and satellite remote sensing. Our results demonstrate a recent and dramatic rise in severe algal blooms and increased dominance of cyanobacteria beginning in the mid-1990s, coincident with a large increase in phosphorous loading to the lake. Distinct increases in sediment core accumulation of nutrients and chlorophyll, cyanobacteria and diatom microfossils coincided with hydroelectric and agricultural development, increased Red R discharge and shifts in water transparency patterns across the lake. There has been a dramatic increase in phytoplankton biomass, accompanied by marked shifts in seasonal community composition. Spring diatoms blooms are of shorter duration and increasingly dominated by more eutrophic diatom taxa while summer blooms show reduced taxonomic diversity and an increased predominance of nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria. Satellite images showed annual development of vast summer surface blooms, mainly in the north basin, with chlorophyll highest in regions of relatively low suspended sediment concentration and high transparency. There is an increasing dominance of potentially toxic cyanobacteria taxa and high levels of microcystins in nearshore samples of surface blooms. The combined effects of nutrient increases, algal species shifts and toxin production represent a potential threat to the sustainability of ecosystem function and productivity.
On the joint effects of repetition and stimulus quality in lexical decision: Looking to the past for a new way forward
Authors: Blais Chris , O'Malley Shannon , Besner Derek
Published: June 2011

Two experiments investigated the joint effects of stimulus quality and repetition in the context of lexical decision. Experiment 1 yielded an interaction between repetition and stimulus quality for words (but additive effects for nonwords) when the lag was short, replicating previous reports. Experiment 2, with a much longer lag than Experiment 1, yielded main effects of stimulus quality and repetition, but these factors no longer interact. The joint effects of stimulus quality and repetition for words as a function of lag can be understood in terms of two loci for repetition effects: one short-term and one long-term. The transient effect of repetition is on activation levels in the lexicons (and in which the input lexicon, but not beyond, is affected by stimulus quality), whereas the long-term effect is on the strength of two-way connections between lexical–lexical and lexical–semantic modules. These data and others, taken together with the account, provide a new way of thinking about a 30-year-old conundrum.
Mountain High, Valley Low: Direction-Specific Effects of Articulation on Reaching
Authors: Kritikos Ada , Dozo Nerisa , Painter David , Bayliss Andrew P.
Published: June 2011

Representations underpinning action and language overlap and interact very closely. There are bidirectional interactions between word and action comprehension, semantic processing of language, and response selection. This study extends our understanding of the influence of speech on concurrent motor execution. Participants reached-to-grasp the top or bottom of a vertically oriented bar in response to the location of a word on a computer screen (top/bottom). Words were synonyms for “up” or “down”, and participants were required to articulate the word during movement. We were particularly interested in the influence of articulated word semantics on the transport component of the reach. Using motion capture to analyse action kinematics, we show that irrespective of reach direction, saying “up” synonyms led to greater height of the hand, while saying “down” synonyms was associated with reduced height. This direction-specific influence of articulation on the spatial parameters of the hand supports the idea that linguistic systems are tightly integrated and influence each other.
Toddlers' Language-Mediated Visual Search: They Need not have the Words for It
Authors: Johnson Elizabeth K. , McQueen James M. , Huettig Falk
Published: June 2011

Eye movements made by listeners during language-mediated visual search reveal a strong link between visual processing and conceptual processing. For example, upon hearing the word for a missing referent with a characteristic colour (e.g., “strawberry”), listeners tend to fixate a colour-matched distractor (e.g., a red plane) more than a colour-mismatched distractor (e.g., a yellow plane). We ask whether these shifts in visual attention are mediated by the retrieval of lexically stored colour labels. Do children who do not yet possess verbal labels for the colour attribute that spoken and viewed objects have in common exhibit language-mediated eye movements like those made by older children and adults? That is, do toddlers look at a red plane when hearing “strawberry”? We observed that 24-month-olds lacking colour term knowledge nonetheless recognized the perceptual–conceptual commonality between named and seen objects. This indicates that language-mediated visual search need not depend on stored labels for concepts.
Tokamak startup using outboard current injection on the Pegasus Toroidal Experiment
Authors: Battaglia D.J. , Bongard M.W. , Fonck R.J. , Redd A.J.
Published: June 2011

Localized current injection near the outboard midplane is used to form 0.1 MA plasma discharges with no induction supplied from a central solenoid in the ultra-low aspect ratio Pegasus Toroidal Experiment. The discharges are initiated by driving open-field-line currents that perturb the vacuum magnetic field such that the magnetic topology transitions to a tokamak-like configuration. The plasma is subsequently driven via helicity injection from the edge current sources and poloidal field induction. Intermittent n = 1 MHD activity is observed during periods of strong edge current drive and each event leads to a rapid inward expansion of the plasma volume and a drop in the plasma inductance. The plasmas are sufficiently turbulent such that the equilibrium approaches the lowest energy state described by Taylor relaxation theory. In agreement with that theory, the maximum I
p scales with (I
TF
I
inj/w)1/2, where I
TF is the toroidal field rod current, I
inj is the injected edge current and w is the radial width of the average poloidal magnetic flux in the driven open flux region.
Feedback control of the sawtooth period through real time control of the ion cyclotron resonance frequency
Authors: Lennholm M. , Blackman T. , Chapman I.T. , Eriksson L.-G. , Graves J.P. , Howell D.F. , de Baar M. , Calabro G. , Dumont R. , Graham M. , Jachmich S. , Mayoral M.L. , Sozzi C. , Stamp M. , Tsalas M. , de Vries P.
Published: June 2011

Modification of the sawtooth period through ion cyclotron resonance frequency (ICRF) heating and current drive has been demonstrated in a number of experiments. The effect has been seen to depend critically on the location of the ICRF absorption region with respect to the q = 1 flux surface. Consequently, for ICRF to be a viable tool for sawtooth control, one must be able to control the ICRF absorption location in real time so as to follow variations in the location of the q = 1 surface. To achieve this, the JET ICRF system has been modified to allow the JET real time central controller to control the frequency of the ICRF generators. An algorithm for real time determination of the sawtooth period has been developed and a closed loop controller, which modifies the frequency of the ICRF generators to bring the measured sawtooth period to the desired reference value, has been implemented. This paper shows the first experimental demonstration of closed loop sawtooth period control by real time variation of the ICRF wave frequency.
Consequences of profile shearing on toroidal momentum transport
Authors: Camenen Y. , Idomura Y. , Jolliet S. , Peeters A.G.
Published: June 2011

Turbulent transport of toroidal momentum is investigated in global linear gyrokinetic simulations. The poloidal tilt of the global mode structure arising from the radial variation of the equilibrium (profile shearing) is shown to induce non-diagonal non-pinch momentum transport (residual stress). Local simulations performed at finite radial wave vector show that the effect is mainly due to the antisymmetric radial component of the magnetic drift. The residual stress resulting from profile shearing enhances co-current rotation for ion temperature gradient turbulence and counter-current rotation for trapped electron mode turbulence.
Benchmarking of the mono-energetic transport coefficients—results from the International Collaboration on Neoclassical Transport in Stellarators (ICNTS)
Authors: Beidler C.D. , Allmaier K. , Isaev M.Yu. , Kasilov S.V. , Kernbichler W. , Leitold G.O. , Maaßberg H. , Mikkelsen D.R. , Murakami S. , Schmidt M. , Spong D.A. , Tribaldos V. , Wakasa A.
Published: June 2011

Numerical results for the three mono-energetic transport coefficients required for a complete neoclassical description of stellarator plasmas have been benchmarked within an international collaboration. These transport coefficients are flux-surface-averaged moments of solutions to the linearized drift kinetic equation which have been determined using field-line-integration techniques, Monte Carlo simulations, a variational method employing Fourier–Legendre test functions and a finite-difference scheme. The benchmarking has been successfully carried out for past, present and future devices which represent different optimization strategies within the extensive configuration space available to stellarators. A qualitative comparison of the results with theoretical expectations for simple model fields is provided. The behaviour of the results for the mono-energetic radial and parallel transport coefficients can be largely understood from such theoretical considerations but the mono-energetic bootstrap current coefficient exhibits characteristics which have not been predicted.
Place Orientation and Rural–Urban Interdependence
Authors: Castle Emery N. , Wu JunJie , Weber Bruce A.
Published: June 2011

An entire economic system cannot be understood unless there is reliable knowledge about both rural and urban sectors, including their interactions. In particular, there are two anomalies that cannot be rationalized satisfactorily by existing economic theory: the decentralizing economic activities that proceed from the city to the countryside; and the unequal per capita economic rewards between rural and urban people over time. This article presents empirical evidence on the two anomalies, proposes an integrated framework of rural–urban space, discusses the historic interdependence of rural and urban places from the perspective of the integrated framework, and looks at the implications for research and public policy.
Menu-driven cloud computing and resource sharing for R and Bioconductor
Authors: Bolouri Hamid , Dulepet Rajiv , Angerman Michael
Published: June 2011

Summary: We report CRdata.org, a cloud-based, free, open-source web server for running analyses and sharing data and R scripts with others. In addition to using the free, public service, CRdata users can launch their own private Amazon Elastic Computing Cloud (EC2) nodes and store private data and scripts on Amazon's Simple Storage Service (S3) with user-controlled access rights. All CRdata services are provided via point-and-click menus.

Availability and Implementation: CRdata is open-source and free under the permissive MIT License (opensource.org/licenses/mit-license.php). The source code is in Ruby (ruby-lang.org/en/) and available at: github.com/seerdata/crdata.

Contact:  hbolouri@fhcrc.org
Enhancing the rate of scaffold discovery with diversity-oriented prioritization
Authors: Swamidass S. Joshua , Calhoun Bradley T. , Bittker Joshua A. , Bodycombe Nicole E. , Clemons Paul A.
Published: June 2011

Motivation: In high-throughput screens (HTS) of small molecules for activity in an in vitro assay, it is common to search for active scaffolds, with at least one example successfully confirmed as an active. The number of active scaffolds better reflects the success of the screen than the number of active molecules. Many existing algorithms for deciding which hits should be sent for confirmatory testing neglect this concern.

Results: We derived a new extension of a recently proposed economic framework, diversity-oriented prioritization (DOP), that aims—by changing which hits are sent for confirmatory testing—to maximize the number of scaffolds with at least one confirmed active. In both retrospective and prospective experiments, DOP accurately predicted the number of scaffold discoveries in a batch of confirmatory experiments, improved the rate of scaffold discovery by 8–17%, and was surprisingly robust to the size of the confirmatory test batches. As an extension of our previously reported economic framework, DOP can be used to decide the optimal number of hits to send for confirmatory testing by iteratively computing the cost of discovering an additional scaffold, the marginal cost of discovery.

Contact:  swamidass@wustl.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Cephalopods in marine predator diet assessments: why identifying upper and lower beaks is important
Authors: Xavier José C. , Phillips Richard A. , Cherel Yves
Published: June 2011

Xavier, J. C., Phillips, R. A., and Cherel, Y. 2011. Cephalopods in marine predator diet assessments: why identifying upper and lower beaks is important. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1857–1864. Cephalopods are components of the diet of many predators worldwide. They are identified mainly using their chitinized upper and lower beaks, but because it has been assumed that the number of upper and lower beaks would be the same in predator diet samples, more effort has been put into creating keys for the lower beaks, which are more easily identifiable from morphology. A test is made of whether the number of upper and lower beaks differs in diet samples collected from a major cephalopod predator, the wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans), potential biases in the estimation of predator diets are assessed, and upper:lower beak ratios in published studies of other seabirds, seals, whales, and fish from different parts of the world reviewed. The ratio of upper to lower beaks in diet samples from wandering albatrosses varied greatly in a single year (from 69.6% more lower beaks to 59% more upper beaks), and between years (from 0.5 to 32.1% more upper beaks), and biases were greater for certain cephalopod species, resulting in underestimation of their relative importance. Future studies need to consider using both upper and lower beaks to improve the assessment of the contribution of different cephalopods to predator diets.
Phosphorylation of GSK-3β Mediates Intralipid-induced Cardioprotection against Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Rahman Siamak , Li Jingyuan , Bopassa Jean Chrisostome , Umar Soban , Iorga Andrea , Partownavid Parisa , Eghbali Mansoureh
Published: June 2011

Background

Intralipid (Sigma, St. Louis, MO), a brand name for the first safe fat emulsion for human use, has been shown to be cardioprotective. However, the mechanism of this protection is not known. The authors investigated the molecular mechanism(s) of Intralipid-induced cardioprotection against ischemia/reperfusion injury, particularly the role of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and mitochondrial permeability transition pore in this protective action.

Methods

In vivo rat hearts or isolated Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts were subjected to ischemia followed by reperfusion with Intralipid (1% in ex vivo and one bolus of 20% in in vivo) or vehicle. The hemodynamic function, infarct size, threshold for the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore, and phosphorylation levels of protein kinase B (Akt)/extracellular signal regulating kinase (ERK)/GSK-3β were measured.

Results

Administration of Intralipid at the onset of reperfusion resulted in approximately 70% reduction in infarct size in the in vivo rat model. Intralipid also significantly improved functional recovery of isolated Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts as the rate pressure product was increased from 2,999 ± 863 mmHg*beats/min in the control group to 13,676 ± 611 mmHg*beats/min (mean±SEM) and the infarct size was markedly smaller (18.3 ± 2.4% vs. 54.8 ± 2.9% in the control group, P < 0.01). The Intralipid-induced cardioprotection was fully abolished by LY294002, a specific inhibitor of PI3K, but only partially by PD98059, a specific ERK inhibitor. Intralipid also increased the phosphorylation levels of Akt/ERK1/glycogen synthase kinase-3β by eightfold, threefold, and ninefold, respectively. The opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore was inhibited by Intralipid because calcium retention capacity was higher in the Intralipid group (274.3 ± 8.4 nM/mg vs. 168.6 ± 9.6 nM/mg in the control group).

Conclusions

Postischemic treatment with Intralipid inhibits the opening of mitochondiral permeability transition pore and protects the heart through glycogen synthase kinase-3β via PI3K/Akt/ERK pathways.
Evaluation of Stool Collections to Measure Efficacy of PERT in Subjects With Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Authors: Caras Steve , Boyd David , Zipfel Lisa , Sander‐Struckmeier Suntje
Published: June 2011

Objective:

The standard measure of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) efficacy in treating exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is the coefficient of fat absorption (CFA). CFA measurement involves 72‐hour stool collection, which presents a logistical challenge because, although the test may be performed on an outpatient basis in clinical practice, hospitalization is needed if assurance of complete collection and 100% compliance is required, for example, in controlled situations such as clinical trials. Our aim was to investigate sparse stool sample collection as an alternative to complete 72‐hour collection for measurement of stool fat in subjects with EPI.

Subjects and Methods:

Prospective data analysis from a previously published, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, 2‐period crossover trial in subjects ages 7 to 11 years with EPI caused by cystic fibrosis. Percentage fat (PF) data from sparse stool samples were compared with 72‐hour CFA values as a dichotomous variable (<80%, ≥80%), with evaluation of sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value. Area under the curve values were obtained from receiver operating characteristic plots of sensitivity versus 1–specificity.

Results:

Twelve subjects provided samples for this analysis. Multiple‐sample PF values ≤30% were greatly predictive for CFA values ≥80%, as shown by positive predictive value, sensitivity, and specificity values ≥0.89, with high accuracy (AUCs ≥0.93).

Conclusions:

Sparse stool sampling for PF analysis appears to be a valid, practical alternative to 72‐hour CFA determination and has potential as a screening tool in clinical practice to identify both suboptimal dosing in subjects with EPI receiving PERT and substantial fat malabsorption in subjects not receiving PERT.
Novel Characterization of Drug‐associated Pancreatitis in Children
Authors: Bai Harrison X. , Ma Michael H. , Orabi Abrahim I. , Park Alexander , Latif Sahibzada U. , Bhandari Vineet , Husain Sohail Z.
Published: June 2011

Background and Objectives:

Medications are a major cause of acute pancreatitis; however, little is known about their influence in children. Our primary aims were to identify common comorbidities and concomitant pancreatitis etiologies in children with drug‐associated pancreatitis. Our secondary aims were to identify the most commonly associated drugs in the different age groups, evaluate management practices, and compare drug‐associated cases with non–drug‐associated cases.

Patients and Methods:

In the present study, we examined children (ages 0–20 years) admitted to Yale‐New Haven Children's Hospital with pancreatitis between 1994 and 2007.

Results:

Of a total of 271 pediatric cases, drugs were associated with pancreatitis in 25.6% (55). The 3 most common comorbidities in children with drug‐associated pancreatitis were seizure disorders, acute lymphocytic leukemia, and Crohn disease. One third of drug‐associated cases had an additional pancreatitis etiology. The most commonly associated drugs were valproic acid and corticosteroids. Compared with non–drug‐associated cases, children with drug‐associated cases were more likely to undergo CT scanning (54.5% vs 28.4%; P < 0.001), stay in the hospital longer (10 vs 4 days; P < 0.001), and transition to parenteral nutrition from a nil per os status (37.5% vs 21.2%; P < 0.05). There was a higher frequency of valproic acid–associated cases in children younger than 11 years (29.4% vs 9.5% in the 11‐ to 20‐year‐old age group).

Conclusions:

Our study underscores the importance of considering drugs as a cause and a contributor to pancreatitis in children, particularly valproic acid in young children.
Critical Role for P‐Glycoprotein Expression in Hematopoietic Cells in the FVB.Mdr1a−/− Model of Colitis
Authors: Staley Elizabeth M. , Dimmitt Reed A. , Schoeb Trenton R. , Tanner Scott M. , Lorenz Robin G.
Published: June 2011

Objective:

P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), the functional product of the multidrug resistance gene (MDR), is a transmembrane protein that extrudes substrates from the intracellular environment. P‐gp is expressed on the apical surface of epithelial cells and on cells from the hematopoietic lineage. Human MDR polymorphisms have been associated with the increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease, and FVB/N animals deficient in mdr1a expression develop spontaneous colitis. Previous studies using adult bone marrow chimeras indicated that colitis development in this animal model was contingent on P‐gp deficiency in radiation‐resistant epithelial cells; however, the use of adult animals may mask the role of hematopoietic immune cells in colitis initiation, due to preexisting epithelial abnormalities.

Subjects and Methods:

To assess the importance of P‐gp expression in intestinal epithelial and hematopoietic‐derived cells on colitis induction in FVB.mdr1a−/− animals, we developed a neonatal model of bone marrow reconstitution. FVB/N and FVB.mdr1a−/− adult and neonatal animals were lethally irradiated and reconstituted with bone marrow from FVB/N or FVB.mdr1a−/− donors. Animals were observed for 20 weeks.

Results:

Adult FVB/N animals deficient in P‐gp expression in hematopoietically derived immune cells developed colitis similar to adult animals deficient in P‐gp expression in radiation‐resistant epithelial/stromal cells. Neonatal animals deficient in P‐gp expression in hematopoietically derived immune cells developed a more histologically significant colitis than those deficient in P‐gp expression in epithelial tissue.

Conclusions:

The use of a neonatal model of bone marrow reconstitution has revealed a critical role for P‐gp expression in hematopoietically derived immune cells in colitis development in the FVB.mdr1a−/− model.
Value of Information in Nonfocal Colonic Biopsies
Authors: Badizadegan Kamran , Thompson Kimberly M.
Published: June 2011

Objectives:

Pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) biopsies represent a disproportionately large fraction of the mucosal biopsies submitted for pathology evaluation relative to the fraction of pediatric endoscopies performed. We sought to explore the rationale for this large sample volume and identify its diagnostic value.

Patients and Methods:

Conceptual value‐of‐information analysis of 100 sequential colonoscopies, including 770 total biopsy specimens. The diagnostic value of each biopsy was evaluated based on its order of appearance in the model and overall contribution to the pathological classification of the disease.

Results:

Current practice standards for pediatric GI biopsies provide no guidance on sampling strategy for nonfocal biopsy of suspected inflammatory diseases, resulting in the collection of a nonstandardized number of individual samples and sampling sites that may vary significantly by clinician and institution. We find that this practice adds little to no diagnostic value over more cost‐effective protocols, such as a fewer biopsies overall, or fewer specimens with pooled regional biopsies.

Conclusions:

In the absence of clear guidance, pediatric GI clinicians and institutions should explore alternative strategies such as the left‐right pooled biopsy protocol (common in adult GI practice), or preferably, a more conservative 4‐region protocol covering major anatomical landmarks in the colon for nonfocal pediatric colonic biopsies. This will allow individual practitioners and clinical centers to test the hypothesis, supported by our analysis, that such a reduction in resource utilization will have no measurable impact on the quality of care.
Impact of Personalized Feeding Program in 100 NICU Infants
Authors: Jadcherla Sudarshan R. , Peng Juan , Moore Rebecca , Saavedra Jason , Shepherd Edward , Fernandez Soledad , Erdman Steven H. , DiLorenzo Carlo
Published: June 2011

Objectives:

In neonatal intensive care unit infants referred for home‐tube feeding methods, we evaluated the effect of an innovative diagnostic and management approach on feeding outcomes at discharge and 1 year, by comparing data from historical controls; we hypothesized that clinical and aerodigestive motility characteristics at evaluation were predictive of feeding outcomes at discharge; we assessed the economic impact of feeding outcomes.

Patients and Methods:

Patients (N = 100) who were referred for development of long‐term feeding management strategy at 46.4 ± 13.1 weeks' postmenstrual age were compared with 50 historical controls that received routine care. The focused approach included swallow‐integrated pharyngoesophageal manometry, individualized feeding strategy, and prospective follow‐up. Feeding success was defined as ability to achieve oral feedings at discharge and 1 year. Motility characteristics were evaluated in relation to feeding success or failure at discharge.

Results:

Higher feeding success was achieved in the innovative feeding program (vs historical controls) at discharge (51% vs 10%, P < 0.0001) and at 1 year (84.3% vs 42.9%, P < 0.0001), at a reduced economic burden (P < 0.05). Contributing factors to the innovative program's feeding success (vs feeding failure) were earlier evaluation and discharge (both P < 0.05), greater peristaltic reflex‐frequency to provocation (P < 0.05), normal pharyngeal manometry (P < 0.05), oral feeding challenge success (P < 0.05), and suck‐swallow‐breath‐esophageal swallow sequence (P < 0.05). Probability of feeding success demonstrated a prediction rate of 79.6%.

Conclusions:

Short‐term and long‐term feeding outcomes in complex neonates can be significantly improved with innovative feeding strategies at a reduced cost. Clinical and aerodigestive motility characteristics were predictive of outcomes.
Gracilibacillus kekensis sp. nov., a moderate halophile isolated from Keke Salt Lake
Authors: Gao Miao , Liu Zhan-Zhi , Zhou Yu-Guang , Liu Hong-Can , Ma Yu-Chao , Wang Lei , Chen San-Feng , Ji Xiao-Ci
Published: June 2011

A novel moderately halophilic bacterium, designated strain K170T, was isolated from Keke Salt Lake in Qinghai, China. The strain grew with 0–22 % (w/v) NaCl, at 4–50 °C and at pH 6–11, with optimum growth in 3 % (w/v) NaCl, at 40 °C and at pH 8. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone 7 (MK-7). The polar lipids included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, unidentified phospholipids, aminolipids and glycolipids. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 35.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on the full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain K170T was a member of the genus

Gracilibacillus

. High levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity were found between strain K170T and

Gracilibacillus boraciitolerans

DSM 17256T (97.3 %) and

Gracilibacillus thailandensis

JCM 15569T (97.1 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain K170T and the type strains of other recognized members of the genus

Gracilibacillus

were below 97 %. The DNA–DNA hybridization values of strain K170T with

G. boraciitolerans

DSM 17256T and

G. thailandensis

JCM 15569T were 21.9 % and 34.3 %, respectively. On the basis of these results, strain K170T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Gracilibacillus

, for which the name Gracilibacillus kekensis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is K170T ( = CGMCC 1.10681T = DSM 23178T).
Accumbens shell AMPA receptors mediate expression of extinguished reward seeking through interactions with basolateral amygdala
Authors: Millan E. Zayra , McNally Gavan P.
Published: June 2011

Extinction is the reduction in drug seeking when the contingency between drug seeking behavior and the delivery of drug reward is broken. Here, we investigated a role for the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh). Rats were trained to respond for 4% (v/v) alcoholic beer in one context (Context A) followed by extinction in a second context (Context B). Rats were subsequently tested in the training context, A (ABA), or the extinction context, B (ABB). Pre-test injections of the glutamate AMPA receptor antagonist, NBQX (1 µg) into AcbSh had no effect on renewal of alcoholic beer seeking when rats were returned to the training context (ABA). However, NBQX increased responding when rats were tested in the extinction context (ABB). In a second experiment, rats received training, extinction, and test in the same context. Pre-test injections of NBQX (0, 0.3, and 1 µg) into the AcbSh dose-dependently attenuated expression of extinction. We also found that NBQX in the AcbSh had no effect on initial acquisition of extinction or the motivation to respond for reward as measured by break point on a progressive ratio schedule. Finally, we show that pharmacological disconnection of a basolateral amygdala (BLA) → AcbSh pathway via NBQX in AcbSh combined with reversible inactivation of the contralateral BLA attenuates expression of extinction. Together, these results suggest that AcbSh AMPA receptors mediate expression of extinguished reward seeking through glutamatergic inputs from the BLA.
Nuclear Localization and Interaction with COP1 Are Required for STO/BBX24 Function during Photomorphogenesis
Authors: Yan Huili , Marquardt Katrin , Indorf Martin , Jutt Dominic , Kircher Stefan , Neuhaus Gunther , Rodríguez-Franco Marta
Published: June 2011

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) SALT TOLERANCE/B-BOX ZINC FINGER PROTEIN24 (STO/BBX24) is a negative regulator of the light signal transduction that localizes to the nucleus of plant cells and interacts with CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC1 (COP1) in the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) two-hybrid system. The protein contains two B-box zinc-finger motives at the N terminus and a conserved motif at the C-terminal part required for the interaction with COP1. BBX24 accumulates during deetiolation of young seedlings in the first hours of exposure to light. However, this accumulation is transient and decreases after prolonged light irradiation. Here, we identified the amino acidic residues necessary for the nuclear import of the protein. In addition, we created mutated forms of the protein, and analyzed them by overexpression in the bbx24-1 mutant background. Our results indicate that the degradation of BBX24 occurs, or at least is initiated in the nucleus, and this nuclear localization is a prerequisite to fulfill its function in light signaling. Moreover, mutations in the region responsible for the interaction with COP1 revealed that a physical interaction of the proteins is also required for degradation of BBX24 in the light and for normal photomorphogenesis.
Leader emergence: the role of emotional intelligence and motivation to lead
Authors: Hong Ying , Catano Victor M. , Liao Hui
Published: June 2011

Purpose

As the employment marketplace changes, the meaning of leadership evolves. The question of whether emotional intelligence (EI) is required for leaders has attracted broad interest. This paper seeks to examine the role of EI and motivation to lead (MTL) in predicting leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

In study 1, students (n=309) first completed surveys and then, one week later (n=264), they engaged in leaderless group discussions where their levels of leader emergence were rated. In study 2, the participants were 115 students who undertook 14‐week class projects. They completed surveys including evaluations of members' leader emergence after they finished the projects.

Findings

The results suggest that participants who were high in affective‐identity MTL became leaders in leaderless discussions, while high social‐normative MTL individuals assumed leadership roles in long‐term project teams. Both studies found that use of emotions, which is a component of EI, was positively related to affective‐identity and social‐normative MTL and indirectly related to leader emergence.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first to examine the relationship between EI and MTL, as well as between MTL and leadership emergence.
The impacts of the MEPP on program participants and NPOs in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Chao‐Yin , Laratta Rosario , Hsu Yun‐Hsiang
Published: June 2011

Purpose

The Multiple Employment Promotion Program (MEPP) is an employment promotion measure taken by the Taiwanese Government to deal with the rising unemployment problem since 1996. The goal of this program is to subsidize non‐profit organizations (NPOs) for hiring unemployed workers to assist in the deprived neighborhoods. This paper aims to describe this program and show its impacts on workers in terms of their reemployment conditions and its influences on participating NPOs by analyzing empirical data and reviewing relevant documents.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes 2,778 people who took part in the MEPP from 16 April 2004 to 1 July 2007. Descriptive analysis,t‐test and ANOVA were used to identify the MEPP's impacts on participants. As for the effects of the MEPP on NPOs, this paper reviewed and summarized relevant reports consulting the employers’ opinions.

Findings

By comparing participants’ labor participation outcomes before and after joining the MEPP, it was found that the reemployment rate of the participants reached 60 per cent. With regard to its impacts on NPOs, most participating organizations deemed that the program was effective in terms of manpower supply, organizational development and building a partnership with the government. Moreover, about 79 per cent of the NPOs would like to continue to employ the participants after the termination of the plans.

Originality/value

This is the first study in Taiwan that uses objective data from the labour insurance records to trace the MEPP participants after they leave the plan.
Cross‐cultural social stress among Muslim, Hindu, Santal and Oraon communities in Rasulpur of Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin Emaj
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Social structural and cultural theories suggest that social stress induced from socio‐cultural status patterns varies across the world's cultures. The purpose of the study is to compare subjective social stress in connection with objective socio‐cultural status patterns among Muslim, Hindu, Santal and Oraon communities in Rasulpur of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in Rasulpur, Bangladesh. Preliminarily, 760 male arrack drinkers who were stressful in their socio‐cultural status patterns were selected by snowball process from the study area. Of the respondents, 391 arrack drinkers (109 Muslim, 103 Hindu, 89 Santal and 90 Oraon) were intensively interviewed by semi‐structural questionnaire to examine and compare the research purpose.

Findings

The results of Pearson's χ2 test suggested that there were significant differences (p<0.01) in subjective social stress in connection with socio‐cultural status patterns, except income among the communities, among the ethnic communities. The results of Spearman bivariate correlation coefficients revealed that there were significant relationships (p<0.01 and p<0.05) between socio‐cultural status patterns and its social stress, except occupation and income among the communities studied.

Research limitations/implications

Although the findings of the study have been successful in understanding differences in social stress in the context of socio‐cultural status patterns among the Muslim, Hindu, Santal and Oraon communities in Rasulpur, Bangladesh, further empirical research is needed on how personality factor, familial and community coping and social support from social service system influence the differences in subjective social stress associated with socio‐cultural status patterns among the communities. In spite of the limitations, the findings may provide valuable information for cross‐cultural social health policy and programs to manage the problem.

Originality/value

This paper is original in linking its theory, policy and practice to reduce subjective social stress in the context of socio‐cultural variations among the Muslim, Hindu, Santal and Oraon communities in Bangladesh.
Relationship between social stress and arrack drinking pattern
Authors: Uddin Emaj
Published: June 2011

Purpose

Social stress and alcohol/arrack drinking are interrelated and vary across the sub cultures or cultures around the world. This study aims to examine relationships between social stress and arrack drinking patterns among Muslim, Hindu, Santaland Oraon communities in Rasulpur of Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in Rasulpur of Bangladesh. In this region arrack produced from palm and date juice and arrack drinker of four ethnic communities is available round the year. Out of 760 male arrack drinkers, 391 samples (109 Muslim, 103 Hindu, 89 Santal and 90 Oraon) were randomly selected and were interviewed with semi‐structural questionnaire.

Findings

The results of multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that there were significant differences in and relationships between social stress and arrack drinking pattern among the communities studied. Results suggested that the 2‐35 times higher risks of Hindu and Muslim's social stressors than the Santal and Oraon were significantly related to their arrack drinking pattern.

Research limitations/implications

Although the findings of this study have been successful in understanding cross‐cultural variations in and relationships between social stress and arrack drinking patterns among the ethnic communities, further empirical study is needed into how coping or social support influence the relationships between the variables studied. In spite of this the findings may apply in formulating social policy and programs to reduce arrack drinking in the context of social stress in rural Bangladesh.

Originality/value

This paper is original in linking of theory, policy and practice in the context of social stress at reducing arrack drinking pattern in rural Bangladesh.
Brand names and global positioning
Authors: Ranchhod Ashok , Gurău Călin , Marandi Ebi
Published: June 2011

Purpose

There is little in the literature on branding that considers how a brand name may affect a brand and its global positioning. Similarly, there is little research on brand dissonance and the paradoxes that occur in a globalised world. This research aims to examine the impact of country of origin image on consumer perceptions of a successful tea brand dissonance between the country of origin and the brand name.

Design/methodology/approach

A case study approach, using qualitative data collection, has been applied in this study. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 22 experienced tea distributors and managers of Ahmad Tea in the Confederation of Independent States.

Findings

The findings show that a positive country of origin effect can have a positive impact on a global brand image transcending any negative connotations that a brand name may have.

Practical implications

The findings of this study provide useful insights for academics and practitioners regarding the success factors of branding strategy in international markets.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to respond to a call by Keller for more empirical research into the ways in which the images of country of origin change or supplement the image of a brand. In doing so, this paper shows that successful associations with positive country of origin images can overcome problems with a problematic brand name in a global context.