bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anion exchanger 2 mediates the action of arsenic trioxide
Authors: Pan Xiao‐Yan , Chen Guo‐Qiang , Cai Li , Buscemi Stephen , Fu Guo‐Hui
Published: July 2006

Anion exchanger 2 (AE2) mediates the exchange of Cl−/HCOacross the plasma membrane and plays a role in the regulation of intracellular pH. The present study showed that AE2 protein expression was upregulated immediately after exposure to either low (0·5 μmol/l) or high (1 and 2 μmol/l) concentrations of arsenic trioxide. This suggests that arsenic trioxide may act via regulation of intracellular pH. Changing the culture pH in NB4 cells modulated the degradation of promyelocytic leukaemia‐retinoic acid receptor‐alpha (PML‐RARα), PML and RARα, which supported this hypothesis. DIDS (4,4′‐diisothiocyanodihydrostilbene‐2,2′‐disulphonic acid) inhibited AE2 function, preventing the arsenic trioxide‐induced degradation of RARα and low concentration showed synergistic effects on the expression of CD11c, which is related with cell differentiation. In addition, DIDS rescued the cells from 1 μmol/l arsenic trioxide‐induced apoptosis. In conclusion, AE2 mediated the action of arsenic trioxide via regulation of intracellular pH and a novel pathway for the mechanism of action of arsenic trioxide is reported.
Dispersal status‐dependent response to the social environment in the Common Lizard,Lacerta vivipara
Authors: ARAGÓN P. , MEYLAN S. , CLOBERT J.
Published: July 2006

Individuals following different strategies such as philopatry or dispersal may also differ in other phenotypic traits, since dispersing individuals have to face novel physical and social environments. There is growing evidence of the use of information obtained from conspecifics in a variety of contexts. It has been demonstrated that before natal dispersal, juveniles ofLacerta viviparause social information through conspecific chemical cues, and that various phenotypes use this information differently. We hypothesized that, after dispersal, the behavioural responses of yearlings to different social environments assessed through conspecific odours depend on the dispersal status.

We tested the response of philopatric and dispersing yearlings ofL. viviparato different types of social cues, controlling for the prenatal and postnatal environment. Each yearling was faced with environments with no conspecific odours, with scent‐marks from one or three yearlings that were held isolated during captivity, and from three socially housed yearlings. Thus, we examined the response to the number of donors and to the social environment experienced by donors. We recorded the time spent walking and attempting to escape as indicators of activity and avoidance response, respectively.

Philopatric and dispersing individuals reacted differently to the social environments presented through odour marks. This dispersal status‐dependent response was not modulated by the prenatal and postnatal factors examined.
A comparative analysis of the diving behaviour of birds and mammals
Authors: HALSEY L. G. , BLACKBURN T. M. , BUTLER P. J.
Published: July 2006

We use a large interspecific data set on diving variables for birds and mammals, and statistical techniques to control for the effects of phylogenetic non‐independence, to assess evolutionary associations among different elements of diving behaviour across a broad and diverse range of diving species. Our aim is to assess whether the diving ability of homeothermic vertebrates is influenced by factors other than the physiology of the species.

Body mass is related to dive duration even when dive depth is controlled for and thus for a given dive depth, larger species dive for longer. This implies that larger species have a greater capacity for diving than is expressed in their dive depth. Larger animals that dive shallowly, probably for ecological reasons such as water depth, make use of the physiological advantage that their size confers by diving for longer.

Dive duration correlates with dive depth more strongly than with body mass. This confirms that some animals are poor divers for their body mass, either because of a lower physiological capacity or because their behaviour limits their diving.

Surface duration relates not only to dive duration but also to dive depth, as well as to both independently. This indicates a relationship between dive depth and surface duration controlling for dive duration, which suggests that deeper dives are energetically more expensive than shallow dives of the same duration.

Taxonomic class does not improve any of the dive variable models in the present study. There is thus an unsuspected consistency in the broad responses of different groups to the effects on diving of the environment, which are therefore general features of diving evolution.
Land use affects the relationship between species diversity and productivity at the local scale in a semi‐arid steppe ecosystem
Authors: ZHOU Z. , SUN O. J. , HUANG J. , GAO Y. , HAN X.
Published: July 2006

The accelerating extinction rate of plant species and its effect on ecosystem functioning is a hotly debated topic in ecological research. Most research projects concerning the relationship between species diversity and productivity have been conducted in artificial plant communities, with only a few in natural ecosystems. In this study we examined the relationship between species diversity and above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP) over two consecutive growth seasons (2004 and 2005) in a semi‐arid steppe ecosystem of northern China, that were subjected to different land uses.

Land use affected the relationship between species diversity and ANPP in this semi‐arid steppe ecosystem. Exclusion of grazing without or with biomass removal by mowing increased ANPP, species richness and species diversity compared with free grazing; the effect was reflected mainly as enhanced importance of the perennial forbs functional group in terms of their relative contributions to ANPP, plant cover and plant abundance.

Many mechanisms regulate the relationship between species diversity and productivity. Differential effects of anthropogenic activities on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning greatly complicate the analysis of such relationships. On grazing‐exclusion sites the relationship between ANPP and species richness can be best described as an exponential growth function (R2 = 0·99,P < 0·001,n = 24); whereas on the free‐grazing site the relationship takes the form of exponential decay (R2 = 0·96,P < 0·001,n = 24). Our study concludes that the mode and severity of disturbance are important factors for interpreting the relationship between species diversity and productivity in semi‐arid steppe ecosystems.
Enhanced major histocompatibility complex class I binding and immune responses through anchor modification of the non‐canonical tumour‐associated mucin 1‐8 peptide
Authors: Lazoura Eliada , Lodding Jodie , Farrugia William , Ramsland Paul A. , Stevens James , Wilson Ian A. , Pietersz Geoffrey A. , Apostolopoulos Vasso
Published: July 2006

Designing peptide‐based vaccines for therapeutic applications in cancer immunotherapy requires detailed knowledge of the interactions between the antigenic peptide and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in addition to that between the peptide–MHC complex and the T‐cell receptor. Past efforts to immunize with high‐affinity tumour‐associated antigenic peptides have not been very immunogenic, which may be attributed to the lack of T cells to these peptides, having been deleted during thymic development. For this reason, low‐to‐medium affinity non‐canonical peptides represent more suitable candidates. However, in addition to the difficulty in identifying such antigens, peptide binding to MHC, and hence its ability to induce a strong immune response, is limited. Therefore, to enhance binding to MHC and improve immune responses, anchor modifications of non‐canonical tumour‐associated peptides would be advantageous. In this study, the non‐canonical tumour‐associated peptide from MUC1, MUC1‐8 (SAPDTRPA), was modified at the MHC anchor residues to SAPDFRPL (MUC1‐8‐5F8L) and showed enhanced binding to H‐2Kb and improved immune responses. Furthermore, the crystal structure of MUC1‐8‐5F8L in complex with H‐2Kb was determined and it revealed that binding of the peptide to MHC is similar to that of the canonical peptide OVA8 (SIINFEKL).
Legitimate family violence as represented in the print media: textual analysis
Authors: Redman Susan , Taylor Julie
Published: July 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study of how issues around the use of smacking by parents are represented in the print media. Our purpose was not to state a case for or against the use of smacking. Rather, within the contemporary social context we sought to answer the question, ‘Why is smacking considered to be a legitimate part of parenting in the United Kingdom?’

Background.  Although a number of government proposals aiming to ban the use of smacking by parents have been presented in the United Kingdom parliament and Scottish Executive, current legislation allows parents to use this form of physical discipline as long as it does not result in physical injury to the child. For the purposes of this discussion, smacking is considered as a social phenomenon rather than an activity simply to be favoured or to be opposed.

Method.  A sample of 244 articles from five different United Kingdom newspapers was examined during 2004. Schema analysis that drew upon semiotics was used to analyse these print media representations about the use of legitimate violence by parents towards children.

Findings.  Newspaper reportage about the parental use of physical discipline has increased over the past 20 years. Only one newspaper (The Independent) published on this topic prior to 1994. The discourse about the use of physical discipline by parents has changed over time from one that focuses on the effectiveness of smacking to one that about the human rights of the child. The main themes identified in the print media discourse were the rights of the child, the effectiveness of smacking, long‐term effects and consequences, and the role of the state.

Conclusion.  Media texts can influence and reinforce social dimensions of the label. The beliefs and attitudes of healthcare professionals and parents about smacking may be influenced by such representations.
Habitat differentiation and the ecological costs of hybridization: the effects of introduced mulberry (Morus alba) on a native congener (M. rubra)
Authors: BURGESS KEVIN S. , HUSBAND BRIAN C.
Published: July 2006

The effects of hybridization on the abundance of parental taxa depends on their relative frequency, the viability of hybrid offspring and the degree of ecological differentiation among parental and hybrid taxa. Habitat overlap can facilitate competition for suitable sites and threaten the persistence of parental taxa, especially those in small populations.

Here we examine ecological differentiation between the endangered North American red mulberry (Morus rubra), introduced white mulberry (M. alba) and red × white hybrids in a reciprocal transplant experiment. Fitness of red, white and hybrid mulberry was estimated as survival and above‐ground biomass of seedling and juvenile life stages, transplanted into open (white habitat) and shaded (red habitat) forest environments. In addition, all taxa, including reciprocal hybrids (R × W, W × R), were compared in a common garden in full sun.

In the reciprocal transplant study, red mulberry was consistently less fit than white and hybrid mulberry regardless of transplant habitat; F1hybrids were as fit as white mulberry. In the common garden, red mulberry and hybrids with red mothers had lower fitness than white mulberry and hybrids with white mothers. Reciprocal hybrid crosses differed significantly with respect to survival and cumulative fitness, but not biomass.

Red mulberry is not ecologically differentiated from white or hybrid mulberry in the three transplant environments examined; rather, it is consistently the least fit taxon. Therefore, all else being equal, hybridization with white mulberry and the subsequent presence of hybrids will place red mulberry at a strong disadvantage during establishment.

The results highlight the potential effect of hybridization by introduced species on the abundance of native species, particularly at the northern extremes of its geographical range, where populations are small and native environments may be degraded or at the limits of ecological tolerance.
Beyond ‘faith‐based medicine’ and EBM
Authors: Simone John De
Published: July 2006

Rationale, aims and objectives  Longstanding debate on evidence‐based medicine (EBM) may have reached a critical saturation point. I briefly report on systematic reviews on the recurring themes in the critical literature. In this context, some criticisms to EBM are substantial and enduring, although convincing arguments to contrast unresolved issues have yet to be produced. Nonetheless, few changes have been adopted and conservative attitudes persist in EBM. Despite its ‘success’, implementation in practice has been inexorably overshadowed leading to paradoxical shortcomings. This controversial scenario offers a formidable occasion to gain needed insight. The aim of this paper is to attempt a comprehensive analysis by reframing a number of key concerns, while furnishing pragmatic, interdisciplinary solutions for these deep‐rooted dilemmas. In the interests of all stakeholders, I seek to promote a concerted effort to resolve conflict and build consensus.

Methods  This paper explores a strategically unifying vision of primary care, based on current understanding of practice patterns, having a research‐friendly ‘common ground’ where practitioners’ information needs may be met. In addition, an analysis of existing problems identifies underlying ‘root causes’. Moreover, I expediently reframe crucial matters by focusing on EBM, more than as a paradigm, as an organisation, hence amenable to a variety of cross‐disciplinary analyses and solutions. Finally, recent state‐of‐the‐art reviews on implementation and dissemination research are cited for the pertinent implications for study design and practice.

Results  Present policies and influential testimonials on behalf of EBM encounter the pitfalls of hindering learning and progress through defensive attitudes and mechanisms. Current study designs and evaluation criteria must strive to adapt to real‐world settings, rather than vice versa.

Conclusions  The arguments exposed herein alter the terms of the debate on EBM and may outline a basis for initiatives with conflict‐resolution and consensus‐building scopes.
Research results have expiration dates: ensuring timely systematic reviews
Authors: Barroso Julie , Sandelowski Margarete , Voils Corrine I.
Published: July 2006

Time and timeliness are key issues in appraising and ensuring the clinical relevance of systematic reviews. Time considerations entering the systematic review process include the history of the clinical problem, disease, or treatment that is the target of the review, and the history of the research conducted to address it. These considerations guide: (i) formulation of the research problems and questions; (ii) setting of parameters for the search and retrieval of studies; (iii) determination of inclusion and exclusion criteria; (iv) appraisal of the clinical relevance of findings; (v) selection of the findings that will be synthesized; and (vi) interpretation of the results of that synthesis.
Measurement of biological information with applications from genes to landscapes
Authors: SHERWIN WILLIAM B. , JABOT FRANCK , RUSH REBECCA , ROSSETTO MAURIZIO
Published: July 2006

Biological diversity is quantified for reasons ranging from primer design, to bioprospecting, and community ecology. As a common index for all levels, we suggest Shannon's SH, already used in information theory and biodiversity of ecological communities. Since Lewontin's first use of this index to describe human genetic variation, it has been used for variation of viruses, splice‐junctions, and informativeness of pedigrees. However, until now there has been no theory to predict expected values of this index under given genetic and demographic conditions. We present a new null theory for SH at the genetic level, and show that this index has advantages including (i) independence of measures at each hierarchical level of organization; (ii) robust estimation of genetic exchange over a wide range of conditions; (iii) ability to incorporate information on population size; and (iv) explicit relationship to standard statistical tests. Utilization of this index in conjunction with other existing indices offers powerful insights into genetic processes. Our genetic theory is also extendible to the ecological community level, and thus can aid the comparison and integration of diversity at the genetic and community levels, including the need for measures of community diversity that incorporate the genetic differentiation between species.
The trp RNA‐binding attenuation protein (TRAP) of Bacillus subtilis regulates translation initiation of ycbK, a gene encoding a putative efflux protein, by blocking ribosome binding
Authors: Yakhnin Helen , Yakhnin Alexander V. , Babitzke Paul
Published: July 2006

Expression of the Bacillus subtilis tryptophan biosynthetic genes trpEDCFBA and trpG, as well as a putative tryptophan transport gene (trpP), are regulated in response to tryptophan by the trp RNA‐binding attenuation protein (TRAP). TRAP regulates expression of these genes by transcription attenuation and translation control mechanisms. Here we show that TRAP also regulates translation of ycbK, a gene that encodes a protein with similarities to known efflux proteins. As a likely TRAP‐binding site consisting of 11 NAG repeats overlaps the ycbK translation initiation region, experiments were carried out to determine whether TRAP regulates translation of ycbK. TRAP was observed to regulate expression of a ycbK′–′lacZ translational fusion 20‐fold in response to tryptophan. Binding studies indicated that TRAP binds to the ycbK transcript with high affinity and specificity. Footprint studies revealed that the central seven triplet repeats were protected by bound TRAP, while toeprint results suggest that nine triplet repeats contribute to TRAP binding. Additional toeprint and in vitro translation analyses demonstrated that bound TRAP regulates YcbK synthesis by blocking ribosome binding. We also identified two dipeptide coding minigenes between the Shine‐Dalgarno sequence and start codon of ycbK. Expression of one of the minigenes modestly interfered with translation of ycbK.
A camel passes through the eye of a needle: protein unfolding activity of Clp ATPases
Authors: Zolkiewski Michal
Published: July 2006

Clp ATPases are protein machines involved in protein degradation and disaggregation. The common structural feature of Clp ATPases is the formation of ring‐shaped oligomers. Recent work has shown that the function of all Clp ATPases is based on an energy‐dependent threading of substrates through the narrow pore at the centre of the ring. This review gives an outline of known mechanistic principles of threading machines that unfold protein substrates either before their degradation (ClpA, ClpX, HslU) or during their reactivation from aggregates (ClpB). The place of Clp ATPases within a broad AAA+ superfamily of ATPases associated with various cellular activities suggests that similar mechanisms can be used by other protein machines to induce conformational rearrangements in a wide variety of substrates.
Adaptive Offspring Sex Ratio Depends on Male Tail Length in the Guppy
Authors: Karino Kenji , Kobayashi Miho , Orita Kazuhiro
Published: July 2006

A biased sex ratio in a brood is considered to be an adaptive strategy under certain circumstances. For example, if the expected reproductive success of one sex is greater than that of the other, parents should produce more offspring of the former sex than the latter. A previous study has documented that in the guppy,Poecilia reticulata, the female offspring of males possessing proportionally longer tails exhibit smaller body sizes and show decreased reproductive outputs than those of males having shorter tails. On the other hand, the total lengths of the male offspring of the long‐tailed males are larger because of their longer tails; consequently, they exhibit greater sexual attractiveness to females. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that this asymmetry in the expected reproductive success between the male and female offspring of long‐tailed males may result in a biased sex ratio that is dependent on the tail lengths of their fathers. This hypothesis was tested in the present study. The results showed that the females that mated with long‐tailed males produced more male offspring than those that mated with short‐tailed males. Logistic regression analysis showed that the ratio of tail length to the standard length of the fathers is a determinant factor of the sex of their offspring. These results suggest that the manipulation of the offspring sex ratios by parents enhances the overall fitness of the offspring.
In vitro Effect of Zearalenone and α‐Zearalenol on Boar Sperm Characteristics and Acrosome Reaction
Authors: Tsakmakidis IA , Lymberopoulos AG , Alexopoulos C , Boscos CM , Kyriakis SC
Published: July 2006

Contents

This study was conducted to determine the in vitro effects of three different concentrations (125, 187.5 and 250 μm in diluted semen) of zearalenone (zen) and α‐zearalenol (α‐zen) on boar sperm. Semen parameters such as motility, viability and spontaneous acrosome reaction were evaluated. From the results it was shown that both zen and α‐zen affected the sperm characteristics significantly (p < 0.05), except for α‐zen at the low concentration which did not decrease the percentage of live reacted spermatozoa significantly. In conclusion, zen and α‐zen are directly toxic when they affect boar semen in vitro and consequently decrease the fertilization ability of the sperm. The higher the concentration of mycotoxin tested, the greater the decline of sperm parameters noticed. The influence of mycotoxins was found to be time‐ and dose‐dependent.
A Three‐Step Statistical Procedure to Identify Sperm Kinematic Subpopulations in Canine Ejaculates: Changes after Cryopreservation
Authors: Núñez‐Martínez I , Moran JM , Peña FJ
Published: July 2006

Contents

Strong evidences suggest that many different sperm subpopulations co‐exist within the mammalian ejaculate. These subpopulations have been identified in a number of species; however, to the best of our knowledge, no data exist regarding the existence of sperm subpopulations within the canine ejaculate. Ejaculates were obtained by masturbation from four mongrels and processed using a standard freezing protocol. Motility data were analysed before and after cryopreservation using a computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system ISAS©. On raw data, a principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to reduce the number of motility descriptors to a few informative variables, and then aK‐means cluster procedure was performed and then a regression analysis to validate the clusters obtained in the second analysis.anovas and chi‐squared analyses were used to compare clusters and males. PCA revealed that two principal components represented more that the 88% of the variance with eigenvalues of 3.25 and 3.02, respectively. The clustering and discriminant analysis using curvilinear velocity and linear velocity as variables revealed the existence of 11 sperm subpopulations – four of them characterized by high velocities, two by medium values and five by low velocities. After freezing–thawing, nine subpopulations were found – four of high velocities, two of medium and three of low velocities. It is concluded that freezing–thawing not only impairs sperm motility but also produces changes in the sperm subpopulation structure in the canine ejaculate, that the evaluation of the sperm structure subpopulations is a better indicator of semen quality and freezeability than the use of mean values, and that two sperm motility quality indexes can be used to resume of the variables obtained from the CASA analysis.
Accuracy of Trans‐abdominal Ultrasound Pregnancy Diagnosis in Sows using a Linear or Sector Probe
Authors: Maes D , Dewulf J , Vanderhaeghe C , Claerebout K , De Kruif A
Published: July 2006

Contents

The assessment of an early and reliable pregnancy diagnosis in sows is very important for limiting the number of non‐productive days in sow herds. The aim of the present study was to investigate the accuracy of trans‐abdominal ultrasound detection for early pregnancy diagnosis in sows under field conditions. Particular attention was paid to the time when a reliable diagnosis can be made, and to possible differences between two commonly used types of scanners. In total, 202 sows from two herds were tested daily with scanners A (linear transducer of 5 MHz) and B (sector transducer of 3.5 MHz) from day 16 until 25 after insemination. Ninety‐three percentage of the sows were pregnant 36 days after insemination. Using ultrasound, the first pregnancy could be detected already 18 days after insemination. The sensitivity, specificity and overall accuracy were higher than 95% from day 24 (scanner A) or day 23 (scanner B) post‐insemination onwards. The positive predictive values from day 19 onwards were consistently higher than 95% with both types of scanners, whereas the negative predictive values were consistently low for both scanners during the entire period. The sensitivity of testing tended to be slightly lower in sows with a litter size of <10 total born piglets, compared to sows with 10 or more piglets. In conclusion, pregnancy diagnosis in sows using trans‐abdominal ultrasound testing can be assessed quickly and reliably under field conditions from day 23 of gestation onwards. Predictive values of positive test results were high in these herds, whereas those of negative test results were low. This implies that sows with a negative test result early in pregnancy should be retested later.
Vitrification of In Vitro‐produced Bovine Embryos by Addition of Ethylene Glycol in One‐step
Authors: Walker DJ , Campos‐Chillon LF , Seidel GE
Published: July 2006

Contents

The objective of this study was to simplify two‐step addition of cryoprotectant for vitrification of bovine embryos by developing a one‐step procedure. Survival was calculated as a percentage of non‐vitrified controls developed from the same batch of oocytes. In experiment 1, bovine blastocysts were vitrified following one‐ or two‐step addition of cryoprotectant. Exposure of embryos to cryoprotectant in one‐step resulted in survival rates not significantly lower (p > 0.1) than those obtained by two‐step addition (85% vs 98%, respectively). Based on these results, experiments 2–4 were designed to test one‐step addition of cryoprotectant more rigorously. Experiment 2 exposed day 7 blastocysts to 6, 7 or 8 m ethylene glycol for 2.5 or 3.5 min. At 24 h post‐vitrification, survival of embryos was similar, irrespective of ethylene glycol concentration or exposure time (6 m 38%, 7 m 51%, 8 m 59%; 2.5 min 54%, 3.5 min 45%). In experiment 3, blastocysts were exposed to 7 m ethylene glycol for shorter times (30 or 60 s); 30 s exposure resulted in decreased survival (8% vs 31%, p < 0.05). Experiment 4 concerned one‐step addition of cryoprotectant to day 6 bovine morulae, exposed to 7 m ethylene glycol for 1 or 1.5 min. There was no difference in survival between exposure times of 1 or 1.5 min (28% vs 45%, respectively; p > 0.1). It is unclear why many embryos survive vitrification with one‐step addition of cryoprotectant, but others do not. Although, one‐step addition of cryoprotectant simplifies the vitrification procedure, survival rates were inadequate for routine cryopreservation of in vitro‐produced bovine embryos.
Retinoblastoma in Turkey: survival and clinical characteristics 1981–2004
Authors: ÖZKAN ALP , PAZARLI HALİT , CELKAN TİRAJE , KARAMAN SERAP , APAK HİLMİ , KANER GÜLTEKİN , UZEL ÖMER , YİLDİZ INCİ
Published: July 2006

Background: In this study, the authors aim to describe the survival and clinical characteristics of 141 retinoblastoma cases treated at Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, University of Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey, between 1981 and 2004.

Method: The authors retrospectively analyzed the clinical records of 141 children (177 eyes) diagnosed with retinoblastoma and treated between 1981 and 2004. Information on gender, laterality, age at diagnosis, presenting signs, spread of tumor, treatment modality, survival rate, and family history were collected.

Results: A total of 105 cases (74.5%) were unilateral and 36 cases (25.5%) were bilateral. The mean age overall at the time of diagnosis was 25 months; in unilateral cases, 29 months; and in bilateral cases, 16 months. The most common presenting signs were leukocoria (116 cases, 82%), strabismus (14 cases, 10%) and proptosis (11 cases, 8%). A total of 28 cases had orbital extension, nine patients had central nervous system invasion, and five cases exhibited bone marrow involvement. In total, 16 patients (11%) had a family history of retinoblastoma. One case developed a secondary neoplasm. The 3 year cumulative survival rate of 141 patients was 89.69% (unilateral, 90.74%; bilateral 87.35% P = 0.9371, P > 0.05, log rank test).

Conclusion: The study’s survival rate was similar to developed countries. The success in higher survival rates is based on the authors multidisciplinary team approach done by the same group and the support of the authors’ clinic and government in sponsoring the medical insurance of all patients.
Environmental tobacco smoke exposure in school children: parent report and urine cotinine measures
Authors: BOYACI HASIM , ETILER NILAY , DUMAN CAN , BASYIGIT ILKNUR , PALA AYSE
Published: July 2006

Background: Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in the home continues to be a major health risk for children around the world. Measuring ETS is a central feature of clinical and epidemiological studies, with children’s exposure often assessed through parental estimates. The authors examined the relationship between parent‐reported estimates of children’s exposure to ETS and children’s urinary cotinine levels and evaluated the ETS exposure and its effect on respiratory health in children.

Methods: A total of 188 school children were included in the study. Parents were asked to complete a questionnaire about their smoking habits, their children’s respiratory morbidity status and housing conditions. Urinary cotinine levels were measured in children.

Results: According to the responses, 72.3% of the children came from households with smokers, and 34.6% had daily exposure to ETS. When urine cotinine levels of >10 ng/mL were used as the yardstick of exposure, 76% of the children were identified as ETS exposed. No relation was detected between the symptoms of respiratory tract diseases and ETS exposure. To determine the amount of ETS exposure, the contribution of parental reports was low.

Conclusion: To evaluate the level of ETS exposure of children, the parents’ reports were not reliable. The addition of a biological measure results in a more informative estimate of ETS exposure in children.
Effects of Child–Caregiver Ratio on the Interactions Between Caregivers and Children in Child‐Care Centers: An Experimental Study
Authors: De Schipper Elles J. , Marianne Riksen‐Walraven J. , Geurts Sabine A. E.
Published: July 2006

To investigate the effects of child–caregiver ratio on the quality of caregiver–child interaction in child‐care centers, 217 caregivers (ages 18–56 years) from 64 child care centers were observed during two structured play episodes: one with a group of three children and one with a group of 5 children. As predicted, a child–caregiver ratio of 3:1 produced a significantly higher quality of caregiver–child interaction than a ratio of 5:1 and particularly for younger children. Significant and meaningful effects were found for both the interactive behaviors of the caregivers and the children's well‐being and cooperation. Significant correlations with caregiver–child interaction during lunchtime and throughout the remainder of the morning confirmed the ecological validity of the caregiver–child interactions observed during structured play episodes.
Effects of Multiple Context and Cumulative Stress on Urban Children's Adjustment in Elementary School
Authors: Morales Julie R. , Guerra Nancy G.
Published: July 2006

Using longitudinal data collected over 2 years on a sample of 2,745 urban elementary school children (1st–6th graders, ages 6–11 years) from economically disadvantaged communities, effects of stressful experiences within 3 contexts (school, family, neighborhood), cumulative stress, and multiple context stress on 3 indices of children's adjustment (achievement, depression, and aggression) were examined. All 3 stressor contexts were related contemporaneously and longitudinally to negative outcomes across adjustment measures, with differential paths in each predictive model. Cumulative stress was linearly related to increases in adjustment problems but multiple context stress was not related to problematic adjustment beyond effects of cumulative stress alone. The important influence of life events stress on children's adjustment in disadvantaged communities is discussed.
Labor Market Information Acquisition and Downsizing
Authors: Jeon Doh‐Shin , Laffont Jean‐Jacques
Published: July 2006

We study the optimal mechanism for downsizing the public sector which takes into account different informational constraints (complete versus asymmetric information on each worker’s efficiency) and political constraints (mandatory versus voluntary downsizing). Under complete information, the optimal structure of downsizing (who is laid‐off and who is not) does not depend on the political constraint and is determined by the (marginal) cost of retaining a worker in the public sector. Since this cost includes his opportunity cost in the private sector, information acquisition on opportunity costs affects the structure of downsizing. Under asymmetric information, the political constraints determine which workers obtain information rents and therefore affect the structure of downsizing. An increase in the precision of the information on workers’ opportunity costs may increase or decrease social welfare depending on its impacts on the information rents.
The Determination of the Equilibrium Exchange Rate in a Simple General Equilibrium Model
Authors: Van Cuong Le , Couharde Cécile , Luong Thai Bao
Published: July 2006

In this article, we develop an analytical general equilibrium model of the equilibrium exchange rate for emerging countries. This theoretical framework allows us to identify a relevant set of variables which determinate the equilibrium exchange rate and to explore how these variables influence the trajectory of the equilibrium exchange rate.
Aid Disaggregation and the Public Sector in Aid‐Recipient Economies: Some Evidence from Cote D’Ivoire
Authors: Mavrotas George , Ouattara Bazoumana
Published: July 2006

The present paper examines the impact of different aid types, namely project aid, program aid, technical assistance, and food aid on the fiscal sector of the aid‐recipient economy by using time‐series data for Côte d’Ivoire over the period 1975–99. Our empirical results show that when a single value (or aggregated) for aid is used, foreign aid is fully consumed in the case of Côte d’Ivoire. However, results obtained under the assumption of aid heterogeneity clearly suggest that the government responds differently according to the nature of the aid inflows. Our approach tries to illuminate the response of the aid‐recipient government to different categories of foreign aid inflows and the empirical findings clearly demonstrate the importance of the aid disaggregation approach for delving deeper into aid effectiveness issues.
Credit to and in acceptance sampling
Authors: Baillie David H. , Klaassen Chris A. J.
Published: July 2006

A simple method of controlling average outgoing quality is discussed. It is based on a straightforward definition of credit and proved to be valid under a quite tractable condition. The special case of acceptance sampling by attributes is studied in detail.
Heritability for Plasma VEGF Concentration in the Stanislas Family Study
Authors: Berrahmoune Hind , Herbeth Bernard , Lamont John V. , Masson Christine , Fitzgerald Peter S. , Visvikis‐Siest Sophie
Published: July 2006

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a key regulator of blood vessel function during angiogenesis, has been related to various diseases including atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders and cancers. However, data about genetic determinants of its concentration in blood are scarce. The present study aimed at estimating additive genetic heritability, household component effect and the influence of 3 common VEGF polymorphisms on plasma VEGF concentration. A random sub‐sample of 160 nuclear families (647 individuals), aging from 5 to 57, was obtained from the Stanislas Family Study. Plasma VEGF concentration was measured by a multiplexing ELISA and genotyping of the polymorphisms C(−460)T, G(405)C and C(936)T of the VEGF gene was carried out by RFLP. After adjustment for the influence of known environmental covariates, significant familial correlations were observed for plasma VEGF concentration (P≤ 0.01 and P≤ 0.001) for all the various pairs of relatives, except between spouses. In addition, variance component analysis showed no significant household common environment contribution to variability of this trait, while the genetic contribution accounted for 60.6% regardless of the 4 classes of relatives. Taking the three polymorphisms into account did not modify the variance components. These results show that plasma VEGF concentrations are under genetic control in healthy families and that none of the 3 candidate polymorphisms significantly altered heritability.
The Impact of ACE Genotype on Serum ACE Activity in a Black South African Male Population
Authors: Payne J. R. , Dhamrait S. S. , Gohlke P. , Cooper J. , Scott R. A. , Pitsiladis Y. P. , Humphries S. E. , Rayner B. , Montgomery H. E.
Published: July 2006

The strong association between the angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D polymorphism with serum ACE activity appears lacking in Nigerians and Kenyans, but has not previously been well assessed in others of African origin. This study addressed this issue in an ethnically well defined black South African population. A putative association for the A22982G ACE gene variant, a QTL likely to impact on serum ACE activity, was also sought.

Subjects were 200 healthy male black South African volunteers from the Xhosa ethnic group. Venous blood was obtained from all subjects for DNA extraction. ACE I/D and A22982G genotypes were determined and serum ACE activity measured. Age and blood pressure were recorded. For the group as a whole (mean ± SD age 38.5 ± 9.8 years, SBP 119.6 ± 14.1 mmHg, DBP 78.2 ± 10.1 mmHg) serum ACE activity was 38.2 ± 11.2 nmol ml−1min−1. ACE I/D genotype was not significantly associated with serum ACE activity. In contrast, the A22982G variant was significantly associated with serum ACE activity, being 35.9 ± 9.6, 38.1 ± 10.6 and 42.4 ± 15.3 nmol ml−1min−1 for AA, AG and GG genotypes respectively; p = 0.03 by ANOVA and p = 0.01 by linear trend.

In keeping with the findings in some other African populations, the ACE I/D polymorphism is not strongly associated with serum ACE activity in Xhosa South Africans. As such, it cannot be used as a marker of ACE activity in these subjects. In this regard the use of the A22982G gene variant may be more appropriate.
Influence of the Angiotensin II Type I Receptor Gene 1166A > C Polymorphism on BP and Aortic Pulse Wave Velocity Among Malays
Authors: Rehman A. , Rasool A. H. G. , Naing L. , Roshan T. M. , Rahman A. R. A.
Published: July 2006

Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGT1R) gene 1166A > C polymorphism has been shown to be associated with essential hypertension and aortic stiffness as measured by carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). This study was carried out to investigate the association of the 1166A > C polymorphism with blood pressure (BP) and PWV among Malay hypertensive and normotensive subjects.

Two hundred and one hypertensive subjects without evidence of cardiovascular (CV) complications and 201 age‐ and sex‐matched normotensive subjects were studied in a cross‐sectional design. Blood pressures (BP) and PWV were measured, and 1166A > C genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction enzyme digestion.

The 1166C allele frequency was 7.96% and 7.73% among Malay hypertensive and normotensive subjects, respectively. There was no association of the 1166A > C polymorphism with BP in the hypertensive, normotensive or overall Malay populations. PWV was significantly higher among 1166C allele carriers as compared to non‐carriers (10.52 ± 1.82 vs. 10.15 ± 1.80, p = 0.040) in the overall population, but not in the hypertensive and normotensive populations separately. In conclusion, the frequency of 1166C polymorphism is similar among Malay hypertensive and normotensive subjects. This polymorphism has no association with BP but may have an influence on PWV in Malays, which needs further investigation.
A STUDY OF THE SILVERING PROCESS OF THE GALLO‐ROMAN COINS FORGED DURING THE THIRD CENTURY AD*
Authors: DERAISME A. , BECK L. , PILON F. , BARRANDON J.‐N.
Published: July 2006

We have observed by fast neutron activation analysis (FNAA) that the global composition of the official silver coins of the Gallic emperor Postumus is not the same as those from the contemporary unofficial mints. In order to explain this phenomenon, we have carried out a metallographic study of the artefacts. Then, we have re‐created the silvering process of unofficial coins in order to better understand the manufacturing process of silvering. The different steps of the replication process are explained in this paper.
ANALYTICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF ROMAN PLASTERS OF THE ‘DOMUS FARINI’ IN MODENA*
Authors: BARALDI P. , BONAZZI A. , GIORDANI N. , PACCAGNELLA F. , ZANNINI P.
Published: July 2006

The paper refers to the analytical characterization of Roman painted plasters dating back to the second century ad. The following techniques were used: optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM–EDS), micro‐Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies (µ‐Raman and FT–IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRPD), colorimetry and thermal analyses (TG/DTA).

 The investigation analysed the chemical composition and structure of the plasters, the chemical composition of the pigment layers, the use of binders and any chemical alteration of pigments as well as deterioration of the samples. Stratigraphic analysis of plasters allowed identification of their individual components, which proved helpful in finding out more about the mural painting technique employed.
Alcohol and Indinavir Adversely Affect Protein Synthesis and Phosphorylation of MAPK and mTOR Signaling Pathways in C2C12 Myocytes
Authors: Hong‐Brown Ly Q. , Brown C. Randell , Huber Danuta S. , Lang Charles H.
Published: July 2006

Background: Alcohol and the antiretroviral drug indinavir (Ind) decrease protein synthesis in skeletal muscle under in vivo and in vitro conditions. The goal of the present study was to identify signaling mechanisms responsible for the inhibitory effect of ethanol (EtOH) and Ind on protein synthesis.

Methods: C2C12 mouse myocytes were incubated with EtOH, Ind, or a combination of both for 24 hours. The rate of protein synthesis was determined by [35S]methionine/cysteine incorporation into cellular protein. Phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation and elongation factors were quantitated by Western blot analysis to identify potential mechanisms for regulating translation.

Results: Treatment of myocytes with Ind or EtOH for 24 hours decreased protein synthesis by 19 and 22%, respectively, while a 35% decline was observed in cells treated simultaneously with both agents. Mechanistically, treatment with EtOH or Ind decreased the phosphorylation of the S6 ribosomal protein, and this reduction was associated with decreased S6K1 and p90rsk phosphorylation. Ethanol also decreased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, mTOR, and 4EBP1, while Ind only suppressed ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Both agents inhibited the phosphorylation of Mnk1 and its upstream regulator p38 MAPK, and they decreased the amount of the active eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4G/eIF4E complex. Finally, EtOH and/or Ind increased phosphorylation of the eukaryotic elongation factor (eEF)‐2 by 1.6‐ to 6‐fold. The effects of these agents were not additive, although the combination did exert a greater effect on S6K1 and eEF2 phosphorylation.

Conclusions: Ethanol and Ind decreased protein synthesis in myocytes and this response was associated with changes in the phosphorylation of proteins that regulate translation initiation and elongation.
DOVER and QUVER—New Marker Combinations to Detect and Monitor At‐risk Drinking
Authors: Berner Michael M. , Bentele Michael , Kriston Levente , Mänz Constantin , Clement Hans‐Willi , Härter Martin , Mundle Götz
Published: July 2006

Background: At‐risk drinking is a common medical problem. “Objective” laboratory tests are widely used, especially in situations where it might be favorable for the patient to dissimulate the existing alcohol problem. In this study, we report a new approach to combine the biological markers % carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (%CDT) and γ‐glutamyltransferase (γGT) to increase diagnostic properties to identify patients with at‐risk drinking behavior.

Methods: Fifty‐eight general practitioners (GPs) participated in the study at 2 study sites in South‐West Germany. Patients filled in a questionnaire that included the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and gave a blood sample. The GP recorded his assessment about the presence of an alcohol‐related disorder in the patient. Screening results of 1 test center were used as a calculation sample. The results at the other site were used to cross‐validate the study outcomes. The markers were combined by 2 methods. The first approach used the AUDIT (QUestionnaire VERified; QUVER), and the second was performed using the clinical judgment of the treating GP (DOctor VERified; DOVER). The formulas were calculated using linear and logistic regression models, respectively.

Results: A total of 2,940 patients participated in the study, of whom 2,496 completed data sets that could be used for further analysis. In the receiver‐operating characteristics (ROC) curves with the reference standard of an AUDIT8, the area under the curve (AUC) of 78.8% for DOVER and 80.6% (QUVER) are in a higher range than the values for γ‐%CDT (75.4%) or γ‐GT (66.3%) and %CDT (74.3%) and suggest a clear superiority of the proposed marker combinations. Regarding the combinations DOVER and QUVER, the cross‐validation results were almost identical, with 78.4/78.8% and 80.6/79.5%, respectively.

Conclusion: Our study is to date the largest practice‐based trial that examines the value of the markers CDT and γ‐GT and their combinations for the screening of at‐risk drinking in general practice under routine conditions. Our ROC analysis clearly demonstrated that the combination of the markers γ‐GT and %CDT under routine conditions with a behaviorally oriented reference standard leads to an improvement of diagnostic performance, more so than the use of single markers.