bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of functional dyspepsia based on concomitant bowel symptoms
Authors: Matsuzaki J. , Suzuki H. , Asakura K. , Fukushima Y. , Inadomi J. M. , Takebayashi T. , Hibi T.
Published: January 2012

Background  Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a heterogeneous disease, and categorized into postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS). However, many FD patients have overlap of both PDS and EPS. The present study was designed to examine whether FD could be categorized based on the presence of concomitant gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods  A web survey comprised of the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), Rome III criteria of FD, and demographic information was sent to public participants who have no history of severe illness. Factor and cluster analyses were conducted to identify sub‐categories of FD based on GSRS.

Key Results  A total of 8038 participants completed the survey. A total of 563 participants met the criteria for FD, whereas 6635 participants did not have dyspepsia symptoms. The remainder had either organic disease (377) or uninvestigated dyspepsia (463). The cluster analysis categorized participants as constipation predominant (cluster C), diarrhea predominant (cluster D), or having neither diarrhea nor constipation (cluster nCnD). Cluster C and D were significantly associated with the presence of FD [odds ratio (OR) 2.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.06–3.21; OR 2.80; 95% CI 2.27–3.45, respectively]. In FD, especially in PDS cases, the scores of upper gastrointestinal symptoms were higher in cluster C or D than in cluster nCnD.

Conclusions & Inferences  The severity of dyspepsia symptoms is associated with the presence of bowel symptoms especially in PDS. This novel categorization of FD based on concomitant constipation or diarrhea may improve classification of patients.
Senescence‐associated proteases in plants
Authors: Roberts Irma N. , Caputo Carla , Criado María Victoria , Funk Christiane
Published: January 2012

Senescence is the final developmental stage of every plant organ, which leads to cell death. It is a highly regulated process, involving differential gene expression and outstanding increment in the rate of protein degradation. Senescence‐associated proteolysis enables the remobilization of nutrients, such as nitrogen (N), from senescent tissues to developing organs or seeds. In addition to the nutrient recycling function, senescence‐associated proteases are also involved in the regulation of the senescence process. Nearly, all protease families have been associated with some aspects of plant senescence, and numerous reports addressing the new identification of senescence‐associated proteases are published every year. Here, we provide an updated report with the most recent information published in the field, focusing on senescence‐associated proteases presumably involved in N remobilization.
Parasites as mediators of heterozygosity–fitness correlations in the Great Tit (Parus major)
Authors: VOEGELI B. , SALADIN V. , WEGMANN M. , RICHNER H.
Published: January 2012

Positive correlations between heterozygosity and fitness traits are frequently observed, and it has been hypothesized, but rarely tested experimentally, that parasites play a key role in mediating the heterozygosity–fitness association. We evaluated this hypothesis in a wild great tit (Parus major) population by testing the prediction that the heterozygosity–fitness association would appear in broods experimentally infested with a common ectoparasite, but not in parasite‐free broods. We simultaneously assessed the effects of parental and offspring heterozygosity on nestling growth and found that body mass of nestlings close to independence, which is a strong predictor of post‐fledging survival, increased significantly with nestling levels of heterozygosity in experimentally infested nests, but not in parasite‐free nests. Heterozygosity level of the fathers also showed a significant positive correlation with offspring body mass under an experimental parasite load, whereas there was no correlation with the mothers’ level of heterozygosity. Thus, our results indicate a key role for parasites as mediators of the heterozygosity–fitness correlations.
Vitamin C Enhances the In vitro Development of Porcine Pre‐implantation Embryos by Reducing Oxidative Stress
Authors: Hu J , Cheng D , Gao X , Bao J , Ma X , Wang H
Published: January 2012

Contents

Vitamin C (Vc) is a natural compound supplemented to culture media to guarantee the appropriate reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, as well as protect cells from oxidative damage and apoptosis. The current study was conducted to determine the effects of Vc (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 μg/ml) on the ROS production, developmental ability and quality of in vitro produced porcine parthenotes. The results show that: (i) the ROS levels in the embryos significantly decrease in the Vc‐treated groups compared with the control (p < 0.05), (ii) the rates of blastocyst formation and total cell numbers in each blastocyst are significantly higher in the Vc‐treated groups than in the control (p < 0.05); the optimum concentration of Vc is 20 μg/ml, (iii) the relative expression of Bcl‐xL significantly increases and that of Bax is downregulated after Vc treatment. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labelling analysis indicates that the ratio of apoptotic cells in the blastocyst is also significantly lower in Vc‐treated groups (p < 0.05) and (iv) Vc treatment can also increase the expression of the Nanog gene in porcine embryos, with a fivefold increase in 20 μg/ml Vc treatment compared with the control (p < 0.05). Therefore, Vc improves the development of porcine embryos by reducing the ROS levels. Vc addition in PZM‐3 medium can decrease the number of apoptotic cells and increase the cell numbers in blastocysts to produce high‐quality porcine embryos in vitro.
Bisphenol A, an endocrine‐disrupting chemical, and brain development
Authors: Itoh Kyoko , Yaoi Takeshi , Fushiki Shinji
Published: January 2012

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine‐disrupting chemical, widely used in various industries and the field of dentistry. The consequent increase in BPA exposure among humans has led us to some concerns regarding the potential deleterious effects on reproduction and brain development. The emphasis of this review is on the effects of prenatal and lactational exposure to low doses of BPA on brain development in mice. We demonstrated that prenatal exposure to BPA affected fetal murine neocortical development by accelerating neuronal differentiation/migration during the early embryonic stage, which was associated with up‐ and down‐regulation of the genes critical for brain development, including the basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factors. In the adult mice brains, both abnormal neocortical architecture and abnormal corticothalamic projections persisted in the group exposed to the BPA. Functionally, BPA exposure disturbed murine behavior, accompanied with a disrupted neurotransmitter system, including monoamines, in the postnatal development period and in adult mice. We also demonstrated that epigenetic alterations in promoter‐associated CpG islands might underlie some of the effects on brain development after exposure to BPA.
Benign hereditary chorea 2: Pathological findings in an autopsy case
Authors: Yoshida Yasuji , Nunomura Jinichi , Shimohata Takayoshi , Nanjo Hiroshi , Miyata Hajime
Published: January 2012

Two Japanese families with benign hereditary chorea (BHC) 2 have recently been reported. BHC 2 is characterized by adult‐onset non‐progressive chorea, and by genetic abnormality in the locus of chromosome 8q21.3‐q23.3. This differs from the genetic abnormality previously reported in BHC. Here we report the first autopsied case of a member of one of two known families with BHC 2. A normally developed woman recognized choreiform movements of her bilateral upper extremities beginning approximately at age 40. The movements had slowly spread to her trunk and lower extremities by approximately age 60. Generalized muscular hypotonia was also observed. The symptoms persisted until her death at the age 83, but had not worsened. Neuropathological examination revealed mild to moderate neuronal loss and astrocytosis in the striatum and decreased volume of cerebral white matter with astrocytosis bilaterally. Additionally, sparse but widely distributed neurofibrillary tangles and argyrophilic threads as well as scattered tufted astrocytes immunoreactive for 4‐repeat isoform of tau were observed in the cerebrum, brainstem and cerebellum, showing 4‐repeat tauopathy similar to that of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Unique neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions were observed in the oculomotor nuclei; however, any specific immunoreactivities (e.g. ubiquitin and p62) were not detected, suggesting the presence of previously undescribed protein intracellular inclusions. Clinicopathologically, chorea accompanied with generalized muscular hypotonia seemed to be associated with mild degeneration of the striatum and cerebral white matter. The significance of PSP‐like changes in the pathogenesis of BHC 2 remains to be elucidated.
Correlates for nocturia: A review of epidemiological studies
Authors: Yoshimura Koji
Published: January 2012

Traditionally, nocturia was considered to be one of the symptoms of prostatism. However, this symptom has unusual characteristics compared with other lower urinary tract symptoms; for example, there is only a mild benefit for nocturia from treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. In the past decade, nocturia has been investigated as a separate symptom in epidemiological studies. These types of studies have shown various correlates for nocturia other than benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as the prevalence of this symptom. These correlates include age, race/ethnicity, medical problems (such as hypertension, diabetes and stroke) psychological aspects, tasting habits, quality of life and even mortality. The cause‐and‐effect associations are not always obvious between nocturia and its correlates. In the present article, the author attempts to comprehensively review the correlates for nocturia shown by epidemiological studies.
Survival period after tube feeding in bedridden older patients
Authors: Kosaka Yoichi , Nakagawa‐Satoh Takuma , Ohrui Takashi , Fujii Masahiko , Arai Hiroyuki , Sasaki Hidetada
Published: January 2012

Aim:  We prospectively studied survival periods after tube feeding.

Methods:  Participants were 163 bedridden older patients suffering from dysphagia.

Results:  A wide range of survival periods after tube feeding were observed within half a year without tube feeding after being bedridden. After this initial period, survival periods after tube feeding were limited to approximately half a year. Survival periods after tube feeding were positively proportional to the length of time patients were free from pneumonia after tube feeding. After tube feeding, patients died from pneumonia within half a year, and the frequency of pneumonia was 3.1 ± 2.7 times (mean ± SD) before death.

Conclusion:  Survival periods after tube feeding for less than 1 year were primarily determined by being bedridden for more than half a year without tube feeding and once pneumonia occurred; patients who were tube fed did not survive for more than half a year. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2012; 12: 317–321.
De novo synthesis of PERIOD initiates circadian oscillation in cultured mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus after prolonged inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide
Authors: Nishide Shin‐ya , Ono Daisuke , Yamada Yoshiko , Honma Sato , Honma Ken‐ichi
Published: January 2012

The circadian oscillation is known to stop with prolonged inhibition of protein synthesis and to restart from a particular phase after the removal of inhibition. In order to know the underlying molecular mechanisms, the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus was cultured and treated with a protein synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide (CHX), for various durations. Circadian rhythms in Bmal1 expression and PER2 protein were monitored by means of bioluminescence reporters. Bmal1‐LUC and PER2::LUC bioluminescence decreased to basal levels after CHX application. CHX washout restarted the circadian rhythms from a fixed phase when CHX treatment exceeded 18 h. mRNA of Per1, Per2 and Rev‐erbα increased and reached high plateau levels in 18 h after CHX application, which continued for 48 h; whereas Bmal1 mRNA increased for the first 18 h but then decreased to the basal level. Immunoblot analysis showed a decreased PER2::LUC level at 24 h after CHX application, indicating that the transcription of Pers and Rev‐erbα was disinhibited by CHX. CHX washout increased PER2::LUC bioluminescence and protein level in a few hours. High Per mRNA levels induced the rapid increases of their proteins, which might trigger the restarting of circadian oscillation. These findings indicate that the circadian oscillation is stopped by disinhibition of Per1 and Per2 transcriptions, and restarted upon the recovery of the PER mediated auto‐feedback loop. De novo synthesis of PER protein is a key factor to initiate the circadian oscillation after prolonged inhibition of protein synthesis.
Phenology drives mutualistic network structure and diversity
Authors: Encinas‐Viso Francisco , Revilla Tomás A. , Etienne Rampal S.
Published: January 2012

Ecology Letters (2012)

Several network properties have been identified as determinants of the stability and complexity of mutualistic networks. However, it is unclear which mechanisms give rise to these network properties. Phenology seems important, because it shapes the topology of mutualistic networks, but its effects on the dynamics of mutualistic networks have scarcely been studied. Here, we study these effects with a general dynamical model of mutualistic and competitive interactions where the interaction strength depends on the temporal overlap between species resulting from their phenologies. We find a negative complexity–stability relationship, where phenologies maximising mutualistic interactions and minimising intraguild competitive interactions generate speciose, nested and poorly connected networks with moderate asymmetry and low resilience. Moreover, lengthening the season increases diversity and resilience. This highlights the fragility of real mutualistic communities with short seasons (e.g. Arctic environments) to drastic environmental changes.
Uveodermatologic lymphoma in two young related Portuguese water dogs
Authors: Escanilla Natàlia , Leiva Marta , Ordeix Laura , Peña Teresa
Published: January 2012

Purpose  Canine lymphoma (CL) is one of the most common forms of spontaneous canine neoplasia. Improved understanding of the genetic and environmental factors associated with CL may provide benefits for the study of non‐Hodgkin’s and Hodgkin’s lymphoma in humans. Uveodermatologic lymphoma is reported in a single household of Portuguese water dog, and the etiology is discussed.

Methods  A 1‐year‐old female intact Portuguese water dog was referred to the Ophthalmology Service of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Autonomous University of Barcelona because of acute blepharospasm of the right eye in association with a multinodular dermatosis. Physical and ophthalmological examination and a complete diagnostic work‐up, including skin and ocular histopathology and immunohistochemistry, were performed. Three months prior, in Galicia (Spain), 1200 km away from Barcelona, a male dog of the same litter showed very similar oculodermatological clinical signs and skin histopathology, and immunohistochemistry were obtained.

Results  The clinical diagnoses were anterior exudative uveitis, iridal masses, and secondary glaucoma. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed a nonepitheliotropic lymphoma rich in B cell in dog 1 and rich in T cell in dog 2.

Conclusion  It is proposed that an underlying genetic predisposition could have played a role in the development of lymphoma in these two young related dogs.
CEO Power and Risk Taking: Evidence from the Subprime Lending Industry
Authors: Lewellyn Krista B. , Muller‐Kahle Maureen I.
Published: January 2012

Manuscript Type: Empirical

Research Question/Issue: There is a general consensus that the lack of restraint by US financial firm executives to engage in risky subprime mortgage lending practices played a contributing role in both the inflation and deflation of the housing bubble at the heart of the global financial crisis. Evidence is less clear on what influenced the managerial proclivity to ignore warning signs and take on more and more risk to the detriment of numerous firm stakeholders. Our study examines the effects of power on Managerial Risk Taking in the context of the subprime mortgage industry.

Research Findings/Insights: We hypothesize that a CEO's power is positively related to excessive risk taking. We find general support for these hypotheses in a matched pair sample of 74 firms and 344 firm years, where half the firms specialized in subprime lending and the other did not from 1997 to 2005.

Theoretical/Academic Implications: We take a novel theoretical approach to our research by drawing from the social psychology literature to employ the approach/inhibition theory of power. The use of this theoretical perspective affords the opportunity to contribute a nuanced understanding of how managerial power within an agency‐based governance framework propels managers from taking reasonable risks to engaging in excessive risk taking.

Practitioner/Policy Implications: By presenting evidence of the role that CEO power had in promoting excessive risky lending practices, corporate directors and policy makers will be empowered and more capable of designing and enacting governance and regulatory frameworks that result in not only profitable but prudent risk taking.
Climate Change and Negative Duties
Authors: Brooks Thom
Published: January 2012

Climate change and its harmful effects are widely accepted. A common approach is to argue along the lines of Mill's ‘harm principle’: if we contribute to climate change, then we are likewise responsible for harming others and we have a negative duty to reduce our carbon emissions. This article argues that a negative duty leads to a philosophical fork in the road which does not necessarily entail carbon emissions reductions. Arguments for such reductions require further supplementation to close off possible non-conservationist alternatives.
Homeownership and Political Legitimacy: A Case Study of Hong Kong and Singapore
Authors: Lee Siu-Yau , Yu Yim-Fong
Published: January 2012

Widespread homeownership has traditionally been considered a favourable factor for the stability of democracies in Europe and America. Analysis of variance in perceived legitimacy between Singapore and Hong Kong suggests that the stabilising effect of widespread homeownership does not only apply to democracies, but also to authoritarian regimes. This article proposes that a regime, be it democratic or not, tends to enjoy a higher level of legitimacy when homeownership is more popular, ceteris paribus. Our finding sheds light on the conventional wisdom on several scores, particularly by extending the analysis of the political impacts of homeownership to Asian countries, and reaffirming its importance in maintaining political stability.
IMPLEMENTING EU NATURA 2000 AT THE PROJECT LEVEL: LESSONS FROM THE VELUWE BORDER LAKES IN THE NETHERLANDS
Authors: VIKOLAINEN VERA , BRESSERS HANS , LULOFS KRIS
Published: January 2012

The implementation of the European Union Bird and Habitat Directives in the field of water infrastructure has caused severe project disruptions in the past. The prevalence of negative experience has triggered a new approach, which aims to integrate site‐specific characteristics of ecosystem and project objectives during the development of the initial project design. This is termed integrated nature design. In this paper we advance the hypothesis that applying integrated nature design in Natura 2000 areas can increase the chances of a project being approved in case appeal is made to the courts. To test our hypothesis we have carried out a quasi‐experimental comparison of two coastal zone development projects in the Netherlands. Our analysis demonstrates that a coastal development project in a Natura 2000 area has a greater chance of success if its design integrates nature, provided that the project administration and scientific findings are favourable.
EXPLAINING THE WILLINGNESS OF PUBLIC PROFESSIONALS TO IMPLEMENT PUBLIC POLICIES: CONTENT, CONTEXT, AND PERSONALITY CHARACTERISTICS
Authors: TUMMERS LARS , STEIJN BRAM , BEKKERS VICTOR
Published: January 2012

The willingness of public professionals to implement policy programmes is important for achieving policy performance. However, few scholars have developed and tested systematic frameworks to analyze this issue. In this study, we address this by building and testing an appropriate framework. The aims have been: (1) to build a three‐factor model (policy content, organizational context, and personality characteristics) for explaining willingness to implement policies; and (2) to quantitatively test the model through a survey of Dutch professionals. The results show that policy content is the most important factor in explaining willingness. Nevertheless, organizational context and the personality characteristics of implementers also have a significant effect and should be considered when studying the attitudes of professionals towards policies. This research helps in understanding the willingness or resistance of professionals when it comes to implementing policies.
EXPLORING DUTCH MIGRATION TO RURAL SWEDEN: INTERNATIONAL COUNTERURBANISATION IN THE EU
Authors: EIMERMANN MARCO , LUNDMARK MATS , MÜLLER DIETER K
Published: January 2012

This paper explores whether the concept of counterurbanisation, expanded with an international dimension, offers a valuable framework for understanding recent migration flows from the Netherlands to Sweden. Using a geo‐referenced database comprising demographic and socio‐economic variables, the post‐migration employment status, employment sector and settlement location of Dutch migrants in Central Sweden are analysed. In addition, results from observation, interviews and a survey during emigration fairs are employed to describe the motives for migration from the Netherlands to Central Sweden. We argue that counterurbanisation is not an exhausted research topic, when international political, economic and socio‐cultural factors are added to the study.
Minimal essential length of Clostridium botulinum C3 peptides to enhance neuronal regenerative growth and connectivity in a non‐enzymatic mode
Authors: Loske Peter , Boato Francesco , Hendrix Sven , Piepgras Johannes , Just Ingo , Ahnert‐Hilger Gudrun , Höltje Markus
Published: January 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 1084–1096.

C3 ADP‐ribosyltransferase is a valuable tool to study Rho‐dependent cellular processes. In the current study we investigated the impact of enzyme‐deficient peptides derived from Clostridium botulinum C3 transferase in the context of neuronal process elongation and branching, synaptic connectivity, and putative beneficial effects on functional outcome following traumatic injury to the CNS. By screening a range of peptidic fragments, we identified three short peptides from C3bot that promoted axon and dendrite outgrowth in cultivated hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, one of these fragments, a 26‐amino acid peptide covering the residues 156–181 enhanced synaptic connectivity in primary hippocampal culture. This peptide was also effective to foster axon outgrowth and re‐innervation in organotypical brain slice culture. To evaluate the potential of the 26mer to foster repair mechanisms after CNS injury we applied this peptide to mice subjected to spinal cord injury by either compression impact or hemisection. A single local administration at the site of the lesion improved locomotor recovery. In addition, histological analysis revealed an increased serotonergic input to lumbar motoneurons in treated compared with control mice. Pull‐down assays showed that lesion‐induced up‐regulation of RhoA activity within the spinal cord was largely blocked by C3bot peptides despite the lack of enzymatic activity.
Activity of mannose‐binding lectin in centenarians
Authors: Tomaiuolo Rossella , Ruocco Anna , Salapete Chiara , Carru Ciriaco , Baggio Giovannella , Franceschi Claudio , Zinellu Angelo , Vaupel James , Bellia Chiara , Sasso Bruna Lo , Ciaccio Marcello , Castaldo Giuseppe , Deiana Luca
Published: January 2012

We analyzed MBL2 gene variants in two cohorts of centenarians, octo‐nonagenarians and nonagenarians, and in the general population, one from Sardinia Island (Italy), recruited in the frame of the AKea study, and another from Campania (southern Italy), to search for haplotypes related to longevity. We also assessed in vitro the effect of mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) on various human cells at different stage of senescence. The frequency of high and null activity haplotypes was significantly lower, and the frequency of intermediate activity haplotype significantly higher in centenarians and in subjects between 80 and 99 years from both the cohorts as compared each to the general population from the same geographic area. Furthermore, serum MBL concentration (also after normalization to serum albumin) was significantly lower in centenarians and in octo‐ and nonagenarians as compared to the general population, suggesting that intermediate MBL haplotype/activity may be protective. We also demonstrated that in vitro MBL protein bound to senescent IMR90 fibroblasts thereby causing cell lysis, but not to other types of cycle‐arrested cells not in senescence. This implicates a novel role of MBL in the clearance of senescent cells.
A comparison of postexercise shear rate patterns following different intensities and durations of running in healthy men
Authors: Johnson Blair D. , Wallace Janet P.
Published: January 2012

Purpose:  We tested the hypothesis that high‐intensity exercise would elicit the greatest alterations in postexercise shear rate (SR) patterns when compared to moderate intensity exercise, and moderate duration exercise would produce similar postexercise SR patterns as long‐duration exercise.

Methods:  On separate days, ten healthy men completed three acute treadmill exercise sessions at different intensities and/or durations. Sessions were 80% VO2peak for 30 min (HIGH), 50% VO2peak for 30 min (MOD) and 50% VO2peak for 60 min (MODL). SR in the brachial artery was assessed at baseline, immediately postexercise, 1 and 2 h postexercise using Doppler ultrasound.

Results:  Oscillatory and retrograde SR decreased immediately following all exercise sessions (P<0·01) and returned to baseline at 1 h postexercise; however, there were no differences between sessions (P>0·08). Antegrade and mean SR were elevated immediately following all exercise sessions (P<0·01), and the greatest elevations were observed following the HIGH session (P<0·05). Antegrade and mean SR declined below baseline values at 1 h (P<0·05) and 2 h (P<0·05) after the MODL session and 2 h following the HIGH session (P<0·05).

Conclusion:  Antegrade and mean SR immediately following running exercise are dependent upon exercise intensity. Reductions in oscillatory and retrograde SR after treadmill running are not dependent on exercise intensity or duration and appear to last <1 h. Collectively, SR profiles following exercise are differentially altered based on the dose of exercise performed.
A modelling approach to the design of in situ agricultural drainage filters
Authors: Mcgrath J. M. , Penn C. J. , Coale F. J.
Published: January 2012

Agricultural drainage ditches provide a direct pathway for high nutrient loads such as phosphorus (P) from fields to surface waters. Most practices designed to reduce P loading from fields focus on overland flow and sediment‐bound P; however, P transport in these landscapes can be dominated by subsurface transport of dissolved P. Filters have been designed and are currently being field‐tested that utilize P sorbing materials to remove P directly from flow in ditches. Models have been developed to predict P removal and the time of filter effectiveness. While filter performance along with model development and validation is examined in separate papers, there is a need to translate these models into usable tools for watershed managers who have to decide on filter design. This study provides examples of how these models can be used to design P‐removal structures containing electric arc furnace slag (EAFS) or flue gas desulphurization gypsum (FGDG). Through the use of realistic parameters for retention time, inflow P concentration and material characteristics, the presented examples demonstrate that EAFS would outperform FGDG across a range of inflow P concentrations (0.5–10 mg/L) and removing 28–65% more P. With an average inflow P concentration of 1.62 mg/L (typical for ditches on the Delmarva Peninsula, United States), a 20‐Mg EAFS filter would remove 42% more P than a 31‐Mg FGDG filter. In addition, the EAFS filter would have a flow rate 10 times that of the FGDG filter. The predictive equations discussed in this paper can be used to determine the cost per unit of P removed of filters containing different materials.
Methodological dilemmas in migration research in Asia: research design, omissions and strategic erasures
Authors: Elmhirst Rebecca
Published: January 2012

Recent research on migration in Asia has been enriched by a wide range of methodologies that variously seek to capture the performative, affective and material dimensions of migration and mobility. Rather than interrogate the merits of particular methods for eliciting ‘data’, this paper extends the feminist underpinnings of this new wave of research to offer a reflexive account of the methodological dilemmas in the emotional and material dynamics inherent in practices of migration research in Asia. The paper focuses on the omissions and strategic erasures that lie within in all research choices, and that are revealed through an analysis of emotion, materiality and reflexivity in research. Discussion focuses around two related areas through which omissions and erasures may be cast: (i) the role of emotional identification/dis‐identification in framing issues considered worthy of research, and (ii) the materiality of research designs that struggle to ‘capture’ contemporary forms of migration and mobility across multiple research sites. Reflections draw on the author's experiences of researching migration in Indonesia, and are enriched by a consideration of recent contributions to literatures on migration and mobility in Asia and beyond. The paper concludes by considering how a reflexive approach is key to understanding how omissions and strategic erasures come about, and in laying bare the implications for research dissemination and advocacy work.
Loss of multidrug and toxin extrusion 1 (MATE1) is associated with metformin‐induced lactic acidosis
Authors: Toyama K , Yonezawa A , Masuda S , Osawa R , Hosokawa M , Fujimoto S , Inagaki N , Inui K , Katsura T
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUNDS AND PURPOSE

Lactic acidosis is a fatal adverse effect of metformin, but the risk factor remains unclear. Multidrug and toxin extrusion 1 (MATE1) is expressed in the luminal membrane of the kidney and liver. MATE1 was revealed to be responsible for the tubular and biliary secretion of metformin. Therefore, some MATE polymorphisms, that cause it to function abnormally, are hypothesized to induce lactic acidosis. The purpose of this study is to clarify the association between MATE dysfunction and metformin‐induced lactic acidosis.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Blood lactate, pH and bicarbonate ion (HCO3‐) levels were evaluated during continuous administration of 3 mg·mL−1 metformin in drinking water using Mate1 knockout (−/−), heterozygous (+/−) and wild‐type (+/+) mice. To determine the tissue accumulation of metformin, mice were given 400 mg·kg−1 metformin orally. Furthermore, blood lactate data were obtained from diabetic patients given metformin.

KEY RESULTS

Seven days after metformin administration in drinking water, significantly higher blood lactate, lower pH and HCO3‐ levels were observed in Mate1−/− mice, but not in Mate1+/− mice. The blood lactate levels were not affected in patients with the heterozygous MATE variant (MATE1‐L125F, MATE1‐G64D, MATE2‐K‐G211V). Sixty minutes after metformin administration (400 mg·kg−1, p.o.) the hepatic concentration of metformin was markedly higher in Mate1−/− mice than in Mate1+/+ mice.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

MATE1 dysfunction caused a marked elevation in the metformin concentration in the liver and led to lactic acidosis, suggesting that the homozygous MATE1 variant could be one of the risk factors for metformin‐induced lactic acidosis.
Instructor‐Specific Grade Inflation: Incentives, Gender, and Ethnicity*
Authors: Jewell R. Todd , McPherson Michael A.
Published: January 2012

Objectives

This study attempts to isolate instructor‐specific measures that may be sources of grade inflation and to measure their relative importance.

Methods

We estimate a fixed‐effects model, using by far the most extensive data set related to grade inflation ever assembled. Our data comprise 48,038 courses taught by 1,871 distinct instructors at a large public university over a two‐decade period.

Results

Our results suggest that female faculty members are the most likely to inflate grades, while ethnicity has a lesser effect.

Conclusions

Characteristics of instructors, in particular gender, affect the degree of observed grade inflation, controlling for student‐ and department‐specific effects.
Love ‘Em or Hate ‘Em? Changing Racial and Regional Differences in Opinions Toward Southerners, 1964–2008*
Authors: Cooper Christopher A. , Knotts H. Gibbs
Published: January 2012

Objective

We determine whetherAmericans have reevaluated opinions toward southerners following the transformation of the region in the decades following thecivilrightsmovement, focusing specifically on how opinions toward southerners vary across racial and regional groups.

Methods

We use both descriptive and multivariate methods to evaluate opinions toward southerners usingAmericanNationalElectionStudy (ANES) data from 1964 to 2008.

Results

Opinions toward southerners have increased dramatically over time. People living in the South display more positive feelings toward southerners than individuals residing outside the region, although the gap is much smaller today than in previous decades. In addition, southern blacks' opinions toward southerners have improved dramatically. These trends hold even when controlling for a host of other factors.

Conclusions

Being a southerner is no longer a pejorative in the minds of manyAmericans. Blacks, in particular, have reevaluated their opinions of southerners as a group.
Parent Involvement Policy in Established and New Immigrant Destinations*
Authors: Marschall Melissa J. , Shah Paru R. , Donato Katharine
Published: January 2012

Objectives

This study examines how schools situated in different “contexts of reception” go about the critical task of engaging and supporting immigrant parents.

Methods

Using data from the 2003–04 National Center for Educational Statistics’ Schools and Staffing Surveys, we estimate regression models to test the effects of cultural brokers, teacher training, and professional development on school policies and practices specifically designed to engage and support immigrant parents as well as more traditional, school‐ and home‐based parent involvement programs.

Results

We find cultural brokers and school attributes are more strongly associated with the type and magnitude of parent involvement programs in established destinations, whereas teacher training and in‐service professional development are most consistently associated with these policies in new destination schools. We also find a strong association between minority principals (African American or Latino) and parent involvement programing in new destinations, suggesting that principals of color are taking an active role in addressing the needs of immigrant and minority parents.

Conclusions

As the U.S. population becomes increasingly multicultural, these findings have important policy implications for both federal and local governments.
Unusually High Association of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and Complex Heart Defects in Children with Fasciculoventricular Pathways
Authors: VASHIST SUDHIR , SILVA JENNIFER N.A. , VAN HARE GEORGE F. , PAPEZ ANDREW L. , SU WILBER W. , RHEE EDWARD K.
Published: January 2012

Introduction:
Fasciculoventricular pathways (FVPs) are rare causes of preexcitation that do not mediate tachycardias. We report a two‐center experience of pediatric patients with FVP and an unexpectedly high association of complex congenital heart defects (CHDs), chromosomal anomalies, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Methods:
A retrospective review of the electrophysiology database at two institutions was performed to identify patients with FVP from January 2000 to January 2011. Medical records of these patients were reviewed for clinical history and course, presence of comorbidities, and details of intracardiac electrophysiology (EP) study.

Results:
A total of 17 patients were identified. The primary indication for EP study was a preexcitation pattern on electrocardiogram. The majority of patients, 12/17 (71%), were found to have associated cardiac and genetic anomalies. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was found in 5/17 (29%) patients, with genetic testing in two patients demonstrating the lysosomal‐associated membrane protein 2 mutation (Danon syndrome). Underlying complex CHDs were present in 3/17 (18%) patients. One patient (6%) was status post (s/p) cardiac transplant, one patient had hypertension, and another had Trisomy 21. Other electrophysiologic substrates mediating tachycardia were found in 3/17 (18%) patients. Only 5/17 patients (29%) were otherwise healthy with structurally normal hearts.

Conclusions:

In this largest reported series of FVP in children, there is an unusually high association of FVP with complex CHDs, chromosomal anomalies, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Any patient with such disorders and manifest preexcitation should be evaluated with a high index of suspicion for a FVP. (PACE 2012;1–6)
The Role of miRNA in Stem Cell Pluripotency and Commitment to the Vascular Endothelial Lineage
Authors: WHITE KATIE , KANE NICOLE M. , MILLIGAN GRAEME , BAKER ANDREW H.
Published: January 2012

Please cite this paper as: White K, Kane NM, Milligan G, Baker AH. The role of miRNA in stem cell pluripotency and commitment to the vascular endothelial lineage. Microcirculation19: 196–207, 2012.

Vascular endothelial cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells have substantial potential for the development of novel vascular therapeutics and cell‐based therapies for the repair of ischemic damage. To gain maximum benefit from this source of cells, a complete understanding of the changes in gene expression and how they are regulated is required. miRNAs have been demonstrated to play a critical role in controlling stem cell pluripotency and differentiation and are important for mature endothelial cell function. Specific miRNAs that determine stem cell fate have been identified for a number of different cell lineages; however, in the case of differentiation and specification of vascular endothelial cells, this is yet to be fully elucidated.
In situ Formation of Oxidation Resistant Refractory Coatings on SiC‐Reinforced ZrB2 Ultra High Temperature Ceramics
Authors: Jayaseelan Daniel Doni , Zapata‐Solvas Eugenio , Brown Peter , Lee William E.
Published: January 2012

In situ oxidation resistant and solid refractory coatings have been generated on 20 vol% SiC‐reinforced ZrB2 ultra high temperature ceramics containing 10 wt% rare earth (RE) additives such as LaB6, La2O3, and Gd2O3 fabricated by spark plasma sintering. Oxidation for 1 h at 1600°C in static air led to formation of a dense layer (up to 250 μm thick) of ZrO2 and RE‐zirconates on the composite systems underneath which were intermediate layers (50–100 μm) containing heterogeneous crystalline oxides such as La2Zr2O7 and amorphous silicate phases. The benefits of predominating solid oxidation products over having substantial volumes of liquid present in aerospace leading edge applications are discussed.
Motivation for Dental Home Care: Testing a Self‐Determination Theory Model1
Authors: HALVARI ANNE E. MÜNSTER , HALVARI HALLGEIR , BJØRNEBEKK GUNNAR , DECI EDWARD L.
Published: January 2012

The present research developed the Self‐Regulation for Dental Home Care Questionnaire (SRDHCQ), based on self‐determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2000), and used it in an SDT process model of dental health behaviors and self‐rated oral health. In this model, patients' perceptions of autonomy‐supportive (relative to controlling) dental professionals were expected to positively predict patients' psychological needs satisfaction in treatment. Needs satisfaction was expected to be positively related to autonomous motivation for dental home care and perceived dental competence, which were expected to be positively associated with self‐rated oral health and dental health behaviors. Confirmatory factor analysis of the 5‐factor SRDHCQ model fit the data very well, and a structural equation model supported the hypothesized process model.
(Re)Building an Image for a City: Is A Landmark Enough? Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum, 10 Years Together1
Authors: SAINZ MARÍA ALVAREZ
Published: January 2012

The new global economic scenario has driven cities to urban entrepreneurialism and to a holistic marketing approach to define and manage successful redevelopment projects. Positioning in the chosen target market requires an image and a brand to communicate the city values, the assets that make her unique and better than her competitors. Urban design based on iconic buildings is one of the models of the culture‐led regeneration programs that are being developed to re‐image the city, to make her an attractive tourist destination. The present study analyzed the image and perception of Bilbao 10 years after the opening of the Guggenheim Museum, and concluded that more than the spectacular landmark should be considered to create a new image.
The effect of experimental warming on a low‐latitude aphid, Myzus varians
Authors: Chiu Ming‐Chih , Chen Ying‐Hsin , Kuo Mei‐Hwa
Published: January 2012

Tropical invertebrates are currently living very close to their optimal temperature. Warming due to global climate change will likely exceed their physiological optima and have deleterious consequences for insects living at low latitudes. In this study, we assess the effects of various levels of summer warming predicted for the late 21st century (+1.2 and +3.7 °C, with the same diel oscillation as the current regime) on the physiology and demography of the aphid Myzus varians Davidson (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in subtropical and tropical Taiwan. Aphids subjected to a moderate (3.7 °C) increase in temperature did not reach adulthood and thus left no offspring, meaning that wild populations could go extinct during the summer. Slight (+1.2 °C) warming did not significantly affect development time and generation time. However, warming reduced nymphal survival, adult longevity, and reproduction, and, thus, reduced the fitness of aphid populations. Aphids have a number of adaptations for surviving or avoiding unfavorable conditions. However, predicted increases in global temperatures will likely decrease their survival and reproduction, which could increase the frequency of local extinction.
A new approach for mealybug management: recruiting an indigenous, but ‘non‐natural’ enemy for biological control using an attractant
Authors: Teshiba Mayumi , Sugie Hajime , Tsutsumi Takafumi , Tabata Jun
Published: January 2012

We previously discovered that (2,4,4‐trimethyl‐2‐cyclohexenyl)‐methyl butyrate (cyclolavandulyl butyrate, CLB) is an attractant for the mealybug‐parasitic wasp Anagyrus sawadai Ishii (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae: Anagyrini). This wasp is not likely to parasitize the Japanese mealybug, Planococcus kraunhiae (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), under natural conditions. In this study, we showed that this ‘non‐natural’ enemy wasp can parasitize P. kraunhiae in the presence of CLB in field experiments. Laboratory‐reared mealybugs placed on persimmon trees with CLB‐impregnated rubber septa were parasitized significantly more often by endoparasitic wasps than those on non‐treatment trees (18.1–40.3 vs. 0–6.3%). Anagyrus sawadai accounted for 20% of the wasps that emerged from mealybugs placed on CLB‐treated trees. Moreover, CLB attracted another minor parasitoid, Leptomastix dactylopii Howard (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae: Anagyrini), which also parasitized more P. kraunhiae in the presence of CLB. All wasps that emerged from the mealybugs on control trees were Anagyrus fujikona Tachikawa, a major parasitoid of P. kraunhiae around the test location. These results demonstrated that CLB can recruit an indigenous, but ‘non‐natural’ enemy that does not typically attack P. kraunhiae under natural conditions, as well as a minor natural enemy, for biological control of this mealybug species.
The functional exercise capacity is correlated with global functioning in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Vancampfort D. , Probst M. , Scheewe T. , Knapen J. , De Herdt A. , De Hert M.
Published: January 2012

Vancampfort D, Probst M, Scheewe T, Knapen J, De Herdt A, De Hert M. The functional exercise capacity is correlated with global functioning in patients with schizophrenia.

Objective:  The 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) is commonly used to measure the functional exercise capacity in chronic patients with cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the 6MWT is associated with the global assessment of functioning (GAF) score in patients with schizophrenia.

Methods:  A total of 68 male and 25 female in‐patients with schizophrenia (34.6 ± 9.7 years; body mass index = 24.9 ± 4.4) performed a 6MWT and were assessed with the GAF scale and the Psychosis Evaluation tool for Common use by Caregivers (PECC).

Results:  The mean distance walked on the 6MWT was 587.3 ± 98.4 m, while the mean GAF score was 52.0 ± 10.4. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient between the 6MWT and the GAF score was 0.59 (P < 0.001), indicating a moderate association between both measures. The 6MWT was also significantly related to negative (r = −0.45, P < 0.001), depressive (r = −0.48, P < 0.001) and cognitive (r=, P) symptoms and with body mass index (r = −0.31, P < 0.005), smoking behaviour (r = −0.36, P < 0.001)) and dose of antipsychotic medication (r = −0.38, P < 0.001).

Conclusion:  Next to the GAF scale, clinicians in in‐patient settings should consider incorporating the 6MWT into their test battery to measure the functional consequences of schizophrenia and its treatment.