bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic decision-making compared with an equivalent motor task
Authors: Wu Shih-Wei , Delgado Mauricio R. , Maloney Laurence T.
Published: March 2009

There is considerable evidence that human economic decision-making deviates from the predictions of expected utility theory (EUT) and that human performance conforms to EUT in many perceptual and motor decision tasks. It is possible that these results reflect a real difference in decision-making in the 2 domains but it is also possible that the observed discrepancy simply reflects typical differences in experimental design. We developed a motor task that is mathematically equivalent to choosing between lotteries and used it to compare how the same subject chose between classical economic lotteries and the same lotteries presented in equivalent motor form. In experiment 1, we found that subjects are more risk seeking in deciding between motor lotteries. In experiment 2, we used cumulative prospect theory to model choice and separately estimated the probability weighting functions and the value functions for each subject carrying out each task. We found no patterned differences in how subjects represented outcome value in the motor and the classical tasks. However, the probability weighting functions for motor and classical tasks were markedly and significantly different. Those for the classical task showed a typical tendency to overweight small probabilities and underweight large probabilities, and those for the motor task showed the opposite pattern of probability distortion. This outcome also accounts for the increased risk-seeking observed in the motor tasks of experiment 1. We conclude that the same subject distorts probability, but not value, differently in making identical decisions in motor and classical form.
The role of phonology in visual word recognition
Authors: Penke Martina , Schrader Kathrin
Published: March 2009

The goal of this paper is to investigate the role phonology plays for visual word recognition and the change this role undergoes in the course of reading acquisition by providing data on German readers at different stages of reading proficiency. Erroneous responses in a semantic decision task, which employs words that are either homophonous or graphemically similar to a word of a previously introduced semantic field, were compared at different stages of reading development (i.e. in second- and fourth-grade school children and adults). In all age groups, subjects committed significantly more errors with homophones than with words graphemically similar to a word related to the given semantic field. The results show that phonological recoding plays an important role for visual word recognition not only with beginners but also in skilled readers and, hence, corroborate phonological models of reading.
Arachidonic acid inhibition of L-type calcium (CaV1.3b) channels varies with accessory CaVβ subunits
Authors: Roberts-Crowley Mandy L. , Rittenhouse Ann R.
Published: March 2009

Arachidonic acid (AA) inhibits the activity of several different voltage-gated Ca2+ channels by an unknown mechanism at an unknown site. The Ca2+ channel pore-forming subunit (CaVα1) is a candidate for the site of AA inhibition because T-type Ca2+ channels, which do not require accessory subunits for expression, are inhibited by AA. Here, we report the unanticipated role of accessory CaVβ subunits on the inhibition of CaV1.3b L-type (L-) current by AA. Whole cell Ba2+ currents were measured from recombinant channels expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells at a test potential of −10 mV from a holding potential of −90 mV. A one-minute exposure to 10 µM AA inhibited currents with β1b, β3, or β4 58, 51, or 44%, respectively, but with β2a only 31%. At a more depolarized holding potential of −60 mV, currents were inhibited to a lesser degree. These data are best explained by a simple model where AA stabilizes CaV1.3b in a deep closed-channel conformation, resulting in current inhibition. Consistent with this hypothesis, inhibition by AA occurred in the absence of test pulses, indicating that channels do not need to open to become inhibited. AA had no effect on the voltage dependence of holding potential–dependent inactivation or on recovery from inactivation regardless of CaVβ subunit. Unexpectedly, kinetic analysis revealed evidence for two populations of L-channels that exhibit willing and reluctant gating previously described for CaV2 channels. AA preferentially inhibited reluctant gating channels, revealing the accelerated kinetics of willing channels. Additionally, we discovered that the palmitoyl groups of β2a interfere with inhibition by AA. Our novel findings that the CaVβ subunit alters kinetic changes and magnitude of inhibition by AA suggest that CaVβ expression may regulate how AA modulates Ca2+-dependent processes that rely on L-channels, such as gene expression, enzyme activation, secretion, and membrane excitability.
Regulation of ldh expression during biotin-limited growth of Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Dietrich Christiane , Nato Aimé , Bost Bruno , Le Maréchal Pierre , Guyonvarch Armel
Published: March 2009

Corynebacterium glutamicumis a biotin-auxotrophic bacterium and some strains efficiently produce glutamic acid under biotin-limiting conditions. In an effort to understandC. glutamicummetabolism under biotin limitation, growth of the type strain ATCC 13032 was investigated in batch cultures and a time-course analysis was performed. A transient excretion of organic acids was observed and we focused our attention on lactate synthesis. Lactate synthesis was due to theldh-encodedl-lactate dehydrogenase (Ldh). Features of Ldh activity andldhtranscription were analysed. Theldhgene was shown to be regulated at the transcriptional level by SugR, a pleiotropic transcriptional repressor also acting on most phosphotransferase system (PTS) genes. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs) and site-directed mutagenesis allowed the identification of the SugR-binding site. Effector studies using EMSAs and analysis ofldhexpression in aptsFmutant revealed fructose 1-phosphate as a highly efficient negative effector of SugR. Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate also affected SugR binding.
Helicobacter pylori FlhB processing-deficient variants affect flagellar assembly but not flagellar gene expression
Authors: Smith Todd G. , Pereira Lara , Hoover Timothy R.
Published: March 2009

Regulation of theHelicobacter pyloriflagellar gene cascade involves the transcription factorsσ54(RpoN), employed for expression of genes required midway through flagellar assembly, andσ28(FliA), required for expression of late genes. Previous studies revealed that mutations in genes encoding components of the flagellar protein export apparatus block expression of theH. pyloriRpoN and FliA regulons. FlhB is a membrane-bound component of the export apparatus that possesses a large cytoplasmic domain (FlhBC). The hook length control protein FliK interacts with FlhBCto modulate the substrate specificity of the export apparatus. FlhBCundergoes autocleavage as part of the switch in substrate specificity. Consistent with previous reports, deletion offlhBinH. pyloriinterfered with expression of RpoN-dependent reporter genes, while deletion offliKstimulated expression of these reporter genes. In the ΔflhBmutant, disruptingfliKdid not restore expression of RpoN-dependent reporter genes, suggesting that the inhibitory effect of the ΔflhBmutation is not due to the inability to export FliK. Amino acid substitutions (N265A and P266G) at the putative autocleavage site ofH. pyloriFlhB prevented processing of FlhB and export of filament-type substrates. The FlhB variants supported wild-type expression of RpoN- and FliA-dependent reporter genes. In the strain producing FlhBN265A, expression of RpoN- and FliA-dependent reporter genes was inhibited whenfliKwas disrupted. In contrast, expression of these reporter genes was unaffected or slightly stimulated whenfliKwas disrupted in the strain producing FlhBP266G.H. pyloriHP1575 (FlhX) shares homology with the C-terminal portion of FlhBC(FlhBCC) and can substitute for FlhBCCin flagellar assembly. DisruptingflhXinhibited expression of aflaBreporter gene in the wild-type but not in the ΔfliKmutant or strains producing FlhB variants, suggesting a role for FlhX or FlhBCCin normal expression of the RpoN regulon. Taken together, these data indicate that the mechanism by which the flagellar protein export apparatus exerts control over theH. pyloriRpoN regulon is complex and involves more than simply switching substrate specificity of the flagellar protein export apparatus.
Insights into the physiology of Methylotenera mobilis as revealed by metagenome-based shotgun proteomic analysis
Authors: Bosch Gundula , Wang Tiansong , Latypova Ekaterina , Kalyuzhnaya Marina G. , Hackett Murray , Chistoserdova Ludmila
Published: March 2009

While the shotgun proteomics approach is gaining momentum in understanding microbial physiology, it remains limited by the paucity of high-quality genomic data, especially when it comes to poorly characterized newly identified phyla. At the same time, large-scale metagenomic sequencing projects produce datasets representing genomes of a variety of environmental microbes, although with lower sequence coverage and sequence quality. In this work we tested the utility of a metagenomic dataset enriched in sequences of environmental strains of Methylotenera mobilis, to assess the protein profile of a laboratory-cultivated strain, M. mobilis JLW8, as a proof of principle. We demonstrate that a large portion of the proteome predicted from the metagenomic sequence (approx. 20 %) could be identified with high confidence (three or more peptide sequences), thus gaining insights into the physiology of this bacterium, which represents a new genus within the family Methylophilaceae.
Characterization and recombinant expression of a divergent ice nucleation protein from ‘Pseudomonas borealis’
Authors: Wu Zhongqin , Qin Lei , Walker Virginia K.
Published: March 2009

Isolates of ‘Pseudomonas borealis’ were recovered after ice-affinity selection of summer-collected soils. ‘P. borealis’ DL7 was further characterized and shown to have ice nucleation activity (INA), a property that allows the crystallization of ice at temperatures close to the melting point, effectively preventing the supercooling of water. INA was optimally detected after culturing at temperatures consistent with psychrophilic growth. The sequence encoding the ‘P. borealis’ ice nucleation protein (INP) was obtained using both PCR and chromosome walking. When expressed in Escherichia coli, the resulting inaPb recombinants had INA. The ‘P. borealis’ sequence, dubbed inaPb, is clearly related to previously cloned INP genes, but it shows greater divergence. Sequence analysis suggests that there are two opposite flat surfaces, one relatively hydrophobic that likely serves as an ice template, and the other that could function as a complementary face to facilitate interprotein interaction for ice-step formation.
Genomic analysis of the PAI ICL3 locus in pathogenic LEE-negative Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and Citrobacter rodentium
Authors: Girardeau Jean Pierre , Bertin Yolande , Martin Christine
Published: March 2009

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) causes a spectrum of human illnesses such as haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic–uraemic syndrome. Although the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE) seems to confer enhanced virulence, LEE-negative STEC strains are also associated with severe human disease, suggesting that other unknown factors enhance the virulence potential of STEC strains. A novel hybrid pathogenicity island, termed PAI ICL3, has been previously characterized in the LEE-negative O113 : H21 STEC strain CL3. Screening for the presence of PAI ICL3 elements in 469 strains of E. coli, including attaching and effacing (A/E) pathogens [enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC)], non-A/E pathogens [LEE-negative STEC, extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC)] and commensal E. coli isolates, showed that PAI ICL3 is unique to LEE-negative STEC strains linked to disease, providing a new marker for these strains. We also showed that a PAI ICL3-equivalent gene cluster is present in the genome of Citrobacter rodentium, on a 53 kb genomic island inserted into the pheV tRNA locus. While the C. rodentium PAI ICL3 shows high similarities at the nucleotide level and in organization with the E. coli PAI ICL3, the genetic context of the integration differs completely. In addition, blast searches revealed that other E. coli pathotypes (O157 : H7 EHEC, ExPEC, EPEC and EAEC) possess incomplete PAI ICL3 elements that contain only the genes located at the extremities of the island. Six of the 16 sequenced E. coli genomes showed deleted PAI ICL3 gene clusters which are carried on mobile genetic elements inserted into pheV, selC or serW tRNA loci, which is compatible with the idea that the PAI ICL3 gene cluster entered E. coli and C. rodentium at multiple times through independent events. The phylogenetic distribution of the PAI ICL3 variants suggests that a B1 genetic background is necessary for the maintenance of the full complement of PAI ICL3 genes in E. coli.
Papuloerythroderma associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance
Authors: FUJIMURA Taku , OKUYAMA Ryuhei , OGAWA Eisaku , AIBA Setsuya
Published: March 2009

We describe a 73‐year‐old Japanese man with papuloerythroderma overlapped with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Clinically, prominent erythroderma was associated with disseminated pruriginous papules, which were characteristically spared on the axillary and inguinal regions, the cubital and popliteal fossae as well as abdominal and small positional folds. Histopathologically, there was a significant perivascular infiltrate of lymphohistiocytic cells intermingled with eosinophils in the upper dermis. A biochemical profile revealed the presence of immunoglobulin G κ chain type monoclonal protein in the serum but the absence of hematological neoplasms. We diagnosed the patient as papuloerythroderma with MGUS, and treated him with narrow‐band ultraviolet B and topical steroid. His skin changes were improved, but the sharp γ‐globulin peak remained in the electrophoresis of serum protein. This case suggests an association between papuloerythroderma and MGUS.
Successful topical hemotherapy with a new occlusive dressing for an intractable ulcer on the toe
Authors: IWAYAMA‐HIBINO Michiko , SUGIURA Kazumitsu , MURO Yoshinao , TOMITA Yasushi
Published: March 2009

Topical hemotherapy is a method of applying heparinized venous blood directly onto the surface of an ulcer, which is covered with an occlusive hydrocolloidal dressing. It is often effective on chronic ulcers with thick necrosis, because some proteinases and growth factors in plasma are probably involved in the digestion of necrotic tissues and the acceleration of granulation and epithelization. We treated a patient with an intractable ulcer on the toe caused by a peripheral circulatory disturbance due to her systemic sclerosis. As conventional topical hemotherapy cannot be applied to ulcers on the round tip of a toe, we made a device for occlusive dressing of topical hemotherapy which could successfully improve the previously refractory ulcer.
Measuring the quantitative performance of surgical operating lists: theoretical modelling of ‘productive potential’ and ‘efficiency’
Authors: Pandit J. J. , Stubbs D. , Pandit M.
Published: March 2009

We previously defined surgical list ‘efficiency’ as: maximising theatre utilisation, minimising over‐running, and minimising cancellations. ‘Efficiency’ maximises output for input; ‘productivity’ emphasises total output. We define six criteria that any measure of productivity (better termed ‘quantitative performance’) needs to satisfy. We then present a theoretical analysis that fulfils these by incorporating: ‘speed’ of surgery (with reference to average speeds), ‘patient contact’ (synonymous with minimising gaps between cases), and ‘efficiency’ (as previously defined). ‘Speed’ and ‘patient contact’ together constitute a ‘productive potential’. Our formula satisfies the pre‐set criteria and yields plausible results in both hypothetical and real data sets, To be productive in these quantitative terms, teams in any specialty need to achieve minimum quality standards defined by their sub‐specialty; to plan their lists to utilise the time available with no cancellations or over‐runs and to work at least as fast as average with minimal gaps between cases. ‘Productive potential’ combined with ‘efficiency’ yielding ‘actual productivity’ in our theoretical analysis more completely describes quantitative surgical list performance than any other single measure.
The dynamics of tumour–vasculature interaction suggests low‐dose, time‐dense anti‐angiogenic schedulings
Authors: D’Onofrio A. , Gandolfi A. , Rocca A.
Published: March 2009

Objectives: The administration schedule appears to be a particularly relevant factor in determining the effectiveness of an antiangiogenic drug. A better quantitative knowledge of the interactions between tumour growth and the development of its vasculature could help to design effective therapies.

Material and Methods: Biological and clinical inferences were derived from the analysis of a mathematical model proposed by Hahnfeldt et al. (1999), and some of its variants. In particular, we compared the effect of constant continuous infusion of an anti‐angiogenic drug that induces vascular loss, to the effect of periodic, bolus‐based therapy.

Results and Conclusions: The role of drug elimination rate and of dose fractionation was investigated, and we show that different schedulings, guaranteeing the same mean value of drug concentration, may exhibit very different long‐term responses according to their concentration vs. time profile. For a large class of tumour growth laws, the profiles that approach the constant one are the most effective. This behaviour appears to depend on the ‘cooperativity’ of the tumour‐vasculature interaction and on the functional form of the relationship between tumour growth and vasculature extent. Moreover, we suggest that a therapy approaching constant drug infusion might be advantageous also in the case of cytostatic anti‐angiogenic drugs.
Plasma and memory B‐cell kinetics in infants following a primary schedule of CRM197‐conjugated serogroup C meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine
Authors: Kelly Dominic F. , Snape Matthew D. , Perrett Kirsten P. , Clutterbuck Elizabeth A. , Lewis Susan , Rohner Geraldine Blanchard , Jones Meryl , Yu Ly‐Mee , Pollard Andrew J.
Published: March 2009

The induction of persistent protective levels of pathogen‐specific antibody is an important goal of immunization against childhood infections. However, antibody persistence is poor after immunization in infancy versus later in life. Serogroup C meningococci (MenC) are an important cause of bacteraemia and meningitis in children. The use of protein–polysaccharide conjugate vaccines against MenC has been associated with a significant decline in the incidence of invasive disease. However, vaccine effectiveness is negligible by more than 1 year after a three‐dose priming series in infancy and corresponds to a rapid decline in antibody following an initial immune response. The cellular mechanisms underlying the generation of persistent antibody in this age group are unclear. An essential prelude to larger studies of peripheral blood B cells is an understanding of B‐cell kinetics following immunization. We measured MenC‐ and diphtheria‐specific plasma and memory B‐cell kinetics in infants receiving a CRM197 (cross‐reactive material; mutant diphtheria toxoid)‐conjugated MenC vaccine at 2, 3 and 4 months of age. Plasma cell responses were more delayed after the first dose when compared with the rapid appearance of plasma cells after the third dose. Memory B cells were detectable at all time‐points following the third dose as opposed to the low frequency seen following a first dose. This study provides data on B‐cell kinetics following a primary schedule of immunization in young infants upon which to base further studies of the underlying cellular mechanism of humoral immunity.
Molecular cloning, characterization, expression pattern and cellular distribution of an ovarian lipophorin receptor in the cockroach, Leucophaea maderae
Authors: Tufail M. , Elmogy M. , Ali Fouda M. M. , Elgendy A. M. , Bembenek J. , Trang L. T. D. , Shao Q‐M. , Takeda M.
Published: March 2009

A cDNA that encodes a lipophorin receptor (LpR) with a predicted structure similar to that of the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene superfamily was cloned from ovaries of the cockroach, Leucophaea maderae (Lem) and characterized. This is the first LpR sequenced from the order Dictyoptera. The cDNA has a length of 3362 bp coding for an 888‐residue mature protein with a predicted molecular mass of ~99.14 kDa and a pI value of 4.68. The deduced amino acid sequence showed that the LemLpR harbours eight ligand‐binding repeats (LBRs) at the N‐terminus similar to the other insect LpRs, and thus resembles vertebrate VLDLRs. In addition to eight tandemly arranged LBRs, the five‐domain receptor contains an O‐linked sugar region and the classic LDLR internalization signal, FDNPVY. Northern blot analysis revealed the presence of ~4.0 kb ovarian mRNA that was transcribed throughout oogenesis with its peak especially during late previtellogenic and vitellogenic periods (from days 3 to 11). LpR transcript(s) or homologues of LDLRs were also detected in the head, midgut, Malpighian tubules, muscles and in the fat body. RNA in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry localized the LpR mRNA and protein to germ line‐derived cells, the oocytes, and revealed that LpR gene transcription and translation starts very early during oocyte differentiation in the germarium. LpR protein was evenly distributed throughout the cytoplasm during previtellogenic periods of oogenesis. However, during vitellogenic stages, the receptor was accumulated mainly in the cortex of the oocyte. Immunoblot analysis probed an ovarian LpR protein of ~115 and 97 kDa under reducing and nonreducing conditions, respectively. The protein signal appeared on day 2, increased every day and was high during vitellogenic periods from day 4 to day 7. Southern blot analysis suggested the presence of a single copy of the LpR gene in the genome of Le. maderae.
Climate, season, and social status modulate the functional response of an efficient stalking predator: the Eurasian lynx
Authors: Nilsen Erlend B. , Linnell John D. C. , Odden John , Andersen Reidar
Published: March 2009

Predation plays a major role in shaping the structure and dynamics of ecological communities, and the functional response of a predator is of crucial importance to the dynamics of any predator–prey system by linking the trophic levels. For large mammals, there is a dearth of field studies documenting functional responses, and observations at low prey density are particularly scarce. Furthermore, there is a lack of understanding about how variables such as season, social status and climate modulate the functional response curves.

We analysed kill rate data collected over a 10‐year period based on radio‐marked lynx (Lynx lynx) mainly preying on roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) along a steep prey density gradient in south‐eastern Norway.

The asymptotic kill rate was reached at a very low prey density for both solitary individuals and family groups (i.e. females with their dependent kittens), indicative of an efficient predator. This highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between predator and prey at low prey densities.

A purely prey‐dependent functional response was a poor descriptor of the data, as the curve was strongly modulated by season and differences between lynx of different social status. In addition, there was a clear effect of abiotic climatic factors (indexed by the North Atlantic Oscillation) on observed kill rates in the more snow‐rich portion of our study area.

Our analysis suggests that simple functional response curves might be poor descriptors of predator consumption rates in complex natural system, and that auxiliary factors are likely to induce complexity into any predator–prey systems that would not be captured by simple deterministic approaches.
Effect of dietary boron on immune function in growing beef steers*
Authors: Fry R. S. , Lloyd K. E. , Jacobi S. K. , Siciliano P. D. , Robarge W. P. , Spears J. W.
Published: March 2009

Thirty‐six Angus and Angus × Simmental cross steers (initial BW 269.5 ± 22.3 kg) were used to determine the effects of dietary boron (B) on performance and immune function. Steers were fed on one of the three dietary treatments: (i) control (no supplemental B; 7.2 mg B/kg DM), (ii) 5 mg supplemental B/kg DM and (iii) 50 mg supplemental B/kg DM, from sodium borate for 78 days. Supplementation of dietary B had no effect on body weight (BW) gain, feed intake or gain:feed during the study. Jugular blood samples were collected prior to feeding on days 28, 63 and 77 for plasma‐B analysis. Supplementation of dietary B increased (p < 0.001) plasma B‐concentration in a dose‐responsive manner. Furthermore, plasma B‐concentration was correlated (p < 0.001; R2 = 0. 95) to daily B‐intake (mg B/day). Jugular blood was also collected, from an equal number of steers from each treatment, on day 42 or 44 for determination of in vitro production of interferon‐γ and tumour necrosis factor‐α from isolated monocytes and assessment of lymphocyte proliferation. Dietary B did not affect T‐ or B‐lymphocyte proliferation or in vitro cytokine production from monocytes. On day 49 of the study, the humoral immune response was assessed by i.m. injection of a 25% pig red blood cell (PRBC) solution for determination of anti‐PRBC IgG and IgM titre responses. Boron‐supplemented steers had greater (p = 0.035) anti‐PRBC IgG titres than controls on day 7 but not on day 14 or 21 post‐injection. Anti‐PRBC IgM titres did not differ throughout the sampling period. Results from this study indicate that supplemental B had minimal effects on immune function and did not affect performance of growing steers.
Dietary flavonoids do not affect vitamin E status in growing rats
Authors: Wiegand H. , Boesch‐Saadatmandi C. , Wein S. , Wolffram S. , Frank J. , Rimbach G.
Published: March 2009

This study aimed at investigating potential effects of the flavonoids genistein, quercetin and catechin and the role of co‐ingested dietary fat on vitamin E concentrations in rats. In experiment 1, genistein, quercetin and catechin were fed to rats, incorporated into semisynthetic diets at concentrations of 2 g/kg, either as individual compounds or in combination to investigate their individual and possible synergistic actions towards α‐tocopherol in plasma and selected tissues. For experiments 2 and 3, quercetin was selected as a representative model flavonoid to study the effects of the quantity (5% vs. 10%) and type of dietary fat (coconut fat plus corn oil vs. rapeseed oil; experiment 2) and the role of cholesterol (experiment 3) on potential flavonoid‐vitamin E interactions. The concentrations of α‐tocopherol and γ‐tocopherol in the plasma, liver, lung and cortex of flavonoid‐fed rats were not significantly different from the concentrations measured in control rats in all three experiments. However, increasing the amount of coconut fat plus corn oil from 5 to 10% resulted in lower α‐tocopherol concentrations in plasma and tissue. The α‐tocopherol concentrations in the rats fed rapeseed oil were significantly higher than in rats fed coconut fat plus corn oil. The addition of 0.2% cholesterol to the diet did not influence the tocopherol concentrations in plasma and tissue in both quercetin‐supplemented and control rats. Additionally, the mRNA levels of α‐TTP, CYP3A4, CYP4F and Mdr2, which are integral proteins involved in vitamin E homeostasis were measured. Only genistein reduced the Mdr2 mRNA level, but none of the other transcripts. All other flavonoids were without effect. In conclusion, co‐ingested dietary fat appears to influence vitamin E concentrations in rats, but does not seem to be an important determinant of flavonoid‐vitamin E interactions.
Serum Starvation and Full Confluency for Cell Cycle Synchronization of Domestic Cat (Felis catus) Foetal Fibroblasts
Authors: De Barros FRO , Goissis MD , Caetano HVA , Paula‐Lopes FF , Peres MA , Assumpção MEOA , Visintin JA
Published: March 2009

Contents

Nuclear transfer of domestic cat can be used as a tool to develop reproductive biotechnologies in wild felids. The importance of cell cycle phase during the nuclear transfer has been a matter of debate since the first mammalian clone was produced. The cell cycle phase of donor cells interferes on maintenance of correct ploidy and genetic reprogramming of the reconstructed embryo. The use of G0/G1 arrested donor cells has been shown to improve nuclear transfer efficiency. The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that domestic cat foetal fibroblasts cultured up to the fifth passage and submitted to full confluency provide a higher percentage of cells at G0/G1 stage than fibroblasts cultured in serum starved media. Results demonstrated that serum starvation increased (p ≤ 0.05) the percentage of G0/G1 fibroblasts when compared with control. Moreover, the combined protocol using confluency and serum starvation was more efficient (p ≤ 0.05) synchronizing cells at G0/G1 stage than serum starvation or confluency alone for the first 3 days of treatment. In conclusion, serum starvation and full confluency act in a synergistic manner to improve domestic cat foetal fibroblast cell cycle synchronization at the G0/G1 stage.
Cross‐species hybridization of woodchuck hepatitis viral infection‐induced woodchuck hepatocellular carcinoma using human, rat and mouse oligonucleotide microarrays
Authors: Wang Fangjing , Kuang Yu , Salem Nicolas , Anderson Paul W , Lee Zhenghong
Published: March 2009

Background and Aim:  We aimed to evaluate the transcriptional characteristics of viral infection‐induced woodchuck hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), to compare the use of human, rat and mouse gene arrays for cross‐species hybridization, and to look into gene expression profiles in woodchuck HCC by the combined use of these arrays.

Methods:  Commercially available human, rat and mouse oligonucleotide microarrays were used to determine the gene expression profiles on the same woodchuck liver samples. Differentially expressed genes between HCC and the surrounding hepatic tissues found in the arrays were selected for quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  Despite the difference in the number of the probes from each array, the percentage of genes that were detectable was similar. Stringent microarray data analysis using both supervised and unsupervised methods identified 281 differentially expressed genes via the human array with a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.99%, 107 genes via the rat array with an FDR of 1.85% and 78 genes via the mouse array with an FDR of 7.41%. Eleven genes were differentially changed in all three arrays that include the upregulation of NPM1, H2AFZ, EEF1G, HNRPAB, RPS18, EIF5, CKS2, ARIH1, RPS12 and RPS10, and the downregulation of EGR1. The quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with woodchuck‐specific primers confirmed the reliability of the microarray results.

Conclusion:  This study further demonstrated the utility of cross‐species hybridization of microarrays on woodchuck HCC. A combined use of three types of arrays identified more differential genes in HCC than individual arrays with the human array providing the richest information among the three arrays used.
Prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma complicating chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Ueno Yoshiyuki , Sollano Jose D , Farrell Geoffrey C
Published: March 2009

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection accounts for most cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Japan and is the second major cause in many other countries. Development of HCC takes a considerable time after onset of HCV infection, between 20–40 years in most cases, and usually develops after cirrhosis is established. Although only a minority of HCV infections reach this stage, the high prevalence of chronic HCV infection in many countries (1–3%) is such that HCC related to HCV infection poses a significant public health issue 20–50 years after the onset of HCV epidemics. Due to advances in testing, and accessibility of clean, disposable medical apparatus including syringes and needles, and particularly screening of donor blood for anti‐HCV and by nucleic acid testing, new cases of HCV infection have decreased in most countries, except for continued transmission by injection drug users (IDU). A key difference between HBV and HCV infection is that HCV can be eradicated by effective antiviral treatment. Sustained eradication of HCV reverses hepatic fibrosis, thereby preventing progression to cirrhosis and risk of HCC. Further, it has been well demonstrated that interferon‐based antiviral therapy suppresses development of HCC in high‐risk patients, particularly when sustained viral response (SVR) is obtained. In summary, the two key approaches to prevent development of HCV‐related HCC are primary prevention of HCV infection (adequate programs to screen donor blood, universal precautions to stop medical transmission of blood‐borne viruses, curbing transmission by IDU) and potent antiviral therapy of chronic HCV infection.
Independent risk factors for renal damage in a series of primary vesicoureteral reflux: A multivariate analysis
Authors: SILVA JOSE MARIA P , DINIZ JOSE SILVERIO S , LIMA ELEONORA M , PINHEIRO SERGIO V , MARINO VIVIANE P , CARDOSO LUIS SERGIO B , COLOSIMO ENRICO A , SILVA ANA C SIMÕES E , OLIVEIRA EDUARDO A
Published: March 2009

Aim:  The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors associated with different extents of renal parenchyma involvement in a paediatric series of primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR).

Methods:  A total of 549 patients with VUR were analyzed. The variable of interest was renal scar, assessed by technetium‐99m dimercaptosuccinic acid scan, and classified into three subtypes: focal scar, multiple cortical scarring and diffuse scars with a contracted renal unit. The multinomial regression model was applied to identify independent variables associated with each subtype of renal damage.

Results:  After adjustment, four variables remained independently associated with a contracted renal unit: reflux grades III–V (odds ratio (OR) = 9.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.1–21.0), age at diagnosis (OR = 3; 95% CI = 1.6–5.1), unilateral reflux (OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.2–3.8), and male sex (OR = 2; 95% CI = 1.1–3.8). Two variables were associated with multiple scars: reflux grades III–V (OR = 13.8; 95% CI = 7.4–26.0) and age at diagnosis (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.2–3.0). Two variables were associated with a focal scar: reflux grades III–V (OR = 7.9, 95% CI CI = 3.8–16.4) and male sex as a protective factor (OR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.25–1.0).

Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that the development of a contracted renal unit is probably due to congenital malformation, more commonly observed in male infants with high‐grade reflux.
Responses in children to measles vaccination associated with perirenal transplantation
Authors: Mori Kazuetsu , Kawamura Ken , Honda Masataka , Sasaki Nozomu
Published: March 2009

Background:  Measles infection can be fatal in pediatric patients with chronic renal failure or in patients who have undergone renal transplantation, both of whom are in the immunosuppressed state. The efficacy of single, live measles vaccination in preventing infection was examined.

Methods:  Of 156 children with renal failure who underwent renal transplantation, the changes in antibody titer were investigated before and after renal transplantation in 125 children whose measles antibody titer could be examined, together with disease and vaccination histories. Live measles vaccine was administered to 42 children with negative antibody titer. The antibody seroconversion rate was then investigated in these children, along with rate of antibody maintenance and degree of antibody titer elevation.

Results:  Seroconversion rate was 97.6%. Antibody titers measured on HI and EIA were 72 ± 118 fold (HI) and 36.9 ± 31.3 (EIA), respectively. The geometric mean of the increase in antibody titer 6 months after vaccination was 15. No side‐effects of vaccination were observed in any of the children.

Conclusions:  Live measles vaccination of children with chronic renal failure is effective and safe, because the seroconversion rate, rate of antibody titer maintenance and degree of antibody titer elevation in children with chronic renal failure were all equivalent to those of healthy children.
Correlation of troponin I with perinatal and neonatal outcomes in neonates with respiratory distress
Authors: Mu Shu‐Chi , Wang Ling‐Jen , Chen Yi‐Ling , Lin Ming‐I , Sung Tseng‐Chen
Published: March 2009

Background:   The specific aims of the present study were to evaluate the associations between cardiac troponin I (Tn I) and perinatal events and whether Tn I serves as a predictor to evaluate neonatal outcomes.

Methods:   Tn I level was assessed in sick neonates with respiratory distress within 12 h after birth. Apgar scores, acidosis, ventilator or oxygen requirement, hospital days and placenta clues were recorded. A total of 80 sick neonates were enrolled (54 preterm and 26 full‐term neonates) delivered at Shin‐Kong Wu Ho‐Su Memorial Hospital between July 2003 and December 2004.

Results:   There was a significant negative correlation between Apgar scores at 1 min and 5 min (r=−0.383, P= 0.001; r=−0.500, P < 0.001), acidosis (r=−0.309, P= 0.006), base excess (r=−0.332, P= 0.003) and Tn I. The subjects were divided into two groups using the median level of 0.028 ng/mL as a cut‐off. There were significantly fewer neonates with high Apgar score (>7 at 5 min; 27/40, 69.2% vs 38/40, 97.4%; P= 0.001) in the higher Tn I group (≥0.028 ng/mL). Lower pH (7.4 ± 0.10 vs 7.3 ± 0.1, P= 0.011), lower base excess (−1.0 ± 4.3 vs −4.4 ± 5.1, P= 0.003) and less placental weight (548.8 ± 195.36 g vs 396.56 ± 154.30 g, P= 0.019) were also seen in the higher Tn I group.

Conclusion:   Tn I may play a role in the assessment of perinatal outcomes but is not a precise predictor of neonatal outcomes. Tn I level of 0.028 ng/mL is also suggested as a predictor of severity of perinatal outcomes in neonates with respiratory distress.
Recovery of erectile function after radical prostatectomy is quantitatively related to the response to intraoperative cavernous nerve stimulation
Authors: Rabbani Farhang , Patel Manish , Cozzi Paul , Mulhall John P. , Scardino Peter T.
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE

To correlate the results of intraoperative cavernous nerve stimulation (CaNS) at radical prostatectomy (RP), with preoperative erectile function (EF) and to determine the significance of the results of stimulation after RP in predicting the recovery of EF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 183 potent men who had not received neoadjuvant therapy, and who had RP without nerve grafting, with intraoperative CaNS, between July 1998 and April 2002. Follow‐up International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires were returned at a median (range) of 25 (1–51) months. Age, preoperative EF, neurovascular bundle (NVB) status, pathological stage and CaNS results were evaluated as independent predictors of the recovery of EF, as assessed by the IIEF, using Cox proportional hazards analysis.

RESULTS

CaNS strength before RP correlated with the level of preoperative potency (P = 0.023). CaNS strength after RP correlated with that before RP (P < 0.001) and the degree of NVB preservation (P = 0.007). Only age and maximum percentage change in penile girth after RP were significant independent predictors of the recovery of EF. For each 1‐year increase in age, men were 4%, 6% and 5% less likely to achieve erections, defined as an IIEF EF domain score of ≥17, ≥22 and ≥26, respectively. For each 1% increase in maximum percentage change in penile girth after RP with CaNS, men were 26% (95% confidence interval 7–48%), 22% (0–49%), and 47% (17–83%) more likely to achieve erections, with an IIEF EF score of ≥17, ≥22 and ≥26, respectively. There was a significant false‐negative rate, with 15% of patients with a minimal CaNS response normalizing their EF score and 35% recovering scores of ≥22.

CONCLUSIONS

While CaNS results after RP correlated strongly with the degree of NVB preservation, the degree of penile girth change, rather than degree of surgeon‐documented NVB preservation, was independently predictive of the recovery of EF.
OIL PRICE SHOCKS AND STOCK MARKET BOOMS IN AN OIL EXPORTING COUNTRY
Authors: Bjørnland Hilde C.
Published: March 2009

This paper analyses the effects of oil price shocks on stock returns in Norway, an oil‐exporting country, highlighting the transmission channels of oil prices for macroeconomic behaviour. To capture the interaction between the different variables, stock returns are incorporated into a structural VAR model. I find that following a 10% increase in oil prices, stock returns increase by 2.5%, after which the effect gradually dies out. The results are robust to different (linear and non‐linear) transformations of oil prices. The effects on the other variables are more modest. However, all variables indicate that the Norwegian economy responds to higher oil prices by increasing aggregate wealth and demand. The results also emphasize the role of other shocks; monetary policy shocks in particular, as important driving forces behind stock price variability in the short term.
KNOWLEDGE AND EARNINGS
Authors: Gabe Todd M.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT This paper examines the effects of knowledge about a wide variety of subjects on the wages and salaries of U.S. workers. Knowing a lot about topics such as medicine and dentistry, engineering and technology, and production and processing has a positive effect on individual earnings, whereas high knowledge in the areas of food production and personnel and human resources is not rewarded in the labor market. Spillover effects, where the share of metropolitan area employment in high‐knowledge occupations enhances earnings, were uncovered primarily in subjects related to producer services and information technology.
EXPLORING LOCATIONAL EQUILIBRIA IN A COMPETITIVE BROADBAND ACCESS MARKET: THEORETICAL MODELING APPROACH
Authors: Lee Gunhak , O'Kelly Morton E.
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT Due to strong local competition in the broadband access market, strategic locational planning is very important for service providers. In this paper, we explore locational equilibria in a competitive broadband market under several situations: with and without customer loyalty and under different initial market conditions. To do this, we propose a competitive broadband location model based on probabilistic patronage behavior, explicitly considering the characteristics of the broadband market and competitive structures. Also, we suggest iterative algorithms to identify spatial equilibria. We show that competing location strategies may lead to a stable spatial configuration of market share.
Total daily sleep duration and the risk of dementia: a prospective population‐based study
Authors: Benito‐León J. , Bermejo‐Pareja F. , Vega S. , Louis E. D.
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose:  We determined in a population‐based study whether sleep duration was associated with an increased risk of incident dementia.

Methods:  In a population‐based study in central Spain, participants were evaluated at baseline and 3 years later. Baseline demographic variables were recorded and participants indicated their daily sleep duration as the sum of night‐time sleep and daytime napping. The average daily total sleep duration was grouped into five categories: ≤5 (short sleepers), 6, 7 (reference), 8, and ≥9 h (long sleepers). We identified all cases with incident dementia, diagnosed using DSM‐IV criteria.

Results:  Three thousand two hundred eighty six participants with baseline information about sleep duration had a median duration of follow‐up of 3.2 years. There were 140 incident cases of dementia. The relative risks (RR) for short sleepers and for long sleepers were 2.36 (95% CI = 1.07–5.21, P = 0.03) and 2.40 (95% CI = 1.20–4.81, P = 0.01), respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, the RR was only marginally increased for short sleepers (1.87, 95% CI = 0.85–4.15, P = 0.12) but remained increased for long sleepers (2.18; 95% CI = 1.09–4.37, P = 0.03).

Conclusions:  Prolonged sleep duration (night‐time sleep and daytime napping) may be associated with an increased risk of dementia.
Persistence of literacy problems: spelling in adolescence and at mid‐life
Authors: Maughan B. , Messer J. , Collishaw S. , Pickles A. , Snowling M. , Yule W. , Rutter M.
Published: March 2009

Background:  Developmental reading problems show strong persistence across the school years; less is known about poor readers’ later progress in literacy skills.

Method:  Poor (n = 42) and normally developing readers (n = 86) tested in adolescence (ages 14/15 years) in the Isle of Wight epidemiological studies were re‐contacted at mid‐life (ages 44/45 years). Participants completed a spelling test, and reported on educational qualifications, perceived adult spelling competence, and problems in day‐to‐day literacy tasks.

Results:  Individual differences in spelling were highly persistent across this 30‐year follow‐up, with correlations between spelling at ages 14 and 44 years of r = .91 (p < .001) for poor readers and r = .89 (p < .001) for normally developing readers. Poor readers’ spelling remained markedly impaired at mid‐life, with some evidence that they had fallen further behind over the follow‐up period. Taking account of adolescent spelling levels, continued exposure to reading and literacy demands in adolescence and early adulthood was independently predictive of adult spelling in both samples; family social background added further to prediction among normally developing readers only.

Conclusions:  By adolescence, individual differences in spelling and its related sub‐skills are highly stable. Encouraging young people with reading disabilities to maintain their exposure to reading and writing may be advantageous in the longer term.
Controls on declining carbon balance with leaf age among 10 woody species in Australian woodland: do leaves have zero daily net carbon balances when they die?
Authors: Reich Peter B. , Falster Daniel S. , Ellsworth David S. , Wright Ian J. , Westoby Mark , Oleksyn Jacek , Lee Tali D.
Published: March 2009

DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2009.02888.xCommentary p 1
Brand switching in clothing: the role of variety‐seeking drive and product category‐level characteristics
Authors: Michaelidou Nina , Dibb Sally
Published: March 2009

The study explores the impact of internal factors such as variety‐seeking drive, loyalty, involvement, perceived risk, pleasure and similarity perceptions on brand‐switching propensity in clothing purchases using multiple regression. The model derived shows that five internal factors including involvement, perceived risk, loyalty and variety‐seeking drive have an impact on brand switching propensity. The findings highlight that highly involved and loyal consumers are likely to show brand‐switching propensities in their clothing purchases, thus buying from a repertoire of brands and stores. These findings imply that retailers should ensure that their clothing brands or stores are among those in the multi‐brand repertoire of the consumer.