bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Cohesion: A Conceptual and Political Elucidation
Authors: Novy Andreas , Swiatek Daniela Coimbra , Moulaert Frank
Published: June 2012

This article aims to clarify the concept of social cohesion by embedding it within a dynamic, multiscalar and complex understanding of socioeconomic development in the city. Section 1 gives a European perspective on the relationship between differing views of social cohesion and urban policy and how its relation to competitiveness is inherent to contemporary EU cohesion discourse. It examines the ambiguity of policy orientations that seek an answer to this failing functionalisation. Section 2 unravels the complexity and multidimensionality of social cohesion as a problématique. It systematises social cohesion as an ‘open concept’, distinguishing between its socioeconomic, cultural, ecological and political dimensions. Section 3 offers ways of accommodating the tensions and contradictions between cohesion and competitiveness inherent in capitalist market economies, and argues in favour of a progressive neo-structuralist approach, capable of laying out policies to make cities more inclusive for all inhabitants in all their uniqueness and diversity.
Mobility and Social Cohesion in the Splintered City: Challenging Technocentric Transport Research and Policy-making Practices
Authors: Miciukiewicz Konrad , Vigar Geoff
Published: June 2012

This paper argues that dominant research practices in the urban transport field add to rather than subtract from social cohesion and mobility inequities. While this is recognised as an on-going political struggle, it is also explained through a failure to mobilise consistently a broad definition of social cohesion in transport research and policy-making; and a technology fixation among communities of transport research and practice, particularly in the commissioning of European Commission research. Elements of a new urban mobility agenda are proposed to address mobility challenges and to improve the fostering of urban social cohesion.
Socio-spatial Inequalities and Social Cohesion in European Cities
Authors: Cassiers Tim , Kesteloot Christian
Published: June 2012

This paper addresses the increasing socio-spatial inequalities in European cities and their impact on the possibilities for fostering social cohesion. Many policy programmes tackle spatial unevenness in order to build more cohesive communities. These policies have some impact, but their effect on reducing inequalities at city level is limited. Therefore, an important question is how the overall socio-spatial organisation of European cities affects social cohesion and the capacity to form an urban community able to decide on a common future. First, the complex relation between present-day societal and spatial dynamics is discussed, asserting that it produces segregation. The second part reflects on how segregation is regarded in terms of social cohesion. Many authors stress the social innovative capacities within segregated areas. However, European cities display different socio-spatial structures. How these structures influence negotiation processes between different social groups is poorly treated. The last part of the paper addresses this issue.
Multilevel Governance and Social Cohesion: Bringing Back Conflict in Citizenship Practices
Authors: Eizaguirre Santiago , Pradel Marc , Terrones Albert , Martinez-Celorrio Xavier , García Marisol
Published: June 2012

This paper revisits the relevance of conflict in governance and citizenship practices in cities. Europe national urban policies were readjusted in terms of economic policies and state expenditures in the 1980s and then again and more severely after the 2008 financial and economic crisis. Policy discourses in urban policy have emphasised the beneficial consequences of social and political consensus in helping cities to restructure economically as part of ‘good governance’. At the same time, the paradigm of citizenship understood as a system of social and political inclusion based on economic redistribution and political participation has been substituted by one that has the objective to ensure social cohesion in societies. This substitution renounces the objectives concerning social justice, fails to face the tensions of increasing social inequalities and misses the contribution of social innovation and citizens’ practices that incorporate counter-hegemonic ideals as equally important to an effective multilevel governance. A bottom-link approach is suggested as a synthesis of the tension between top–down policies and bottom–up practices.
Ethical Orientations of Journalists Around the Globe
Authors: Plaisance Patrick Lee , Skewes Elizabeth A. , Hanitzsch Thomas
Published: June 2012

Journalism ethics theorizing is increasingly preoccupied with identifying and articulating universal norms and standards for media systems across various cultures. This study offers an empirical contribution to this topic by examining the ethical orientations of journalists in 18 countries. Country-level, or ideological, factors, rather than individual-level variables, appear to have the greatest impact on journalists’ degrees of idealism and relativistic thinking. Findings affirm hierarchy-of-influences theories regarding news work. They also raise questions about the nature of universal standards that would constitute a cross-cultural journalism ethics theory and underscore concerns about the viability of Enlightenment assumptions to serve as universal journalism ethical norms.
Regional Cooperation and Multilateral Agreements in the Provision of Public Safety
Authors: Andrew Simon A. , Hawkins Christopher V.
Published: June 2012

Although much has been written about interlocal agreements for the delivery of services, few studies have examined the factors that influence the establishment of different types of multilateral agreements (MLAs). To address this lacuna, the authors draw a distinction between an adaptive and restrictive MLA and seek to understand why local governments enter into one type of arrangement over the other. The authors build our theoretical argument on the basis of previous research that suggests agreements are designed to minimize the uncertainties associated with transaction risk. On the basis of this premise, the author’s general proposition is that the decision to establish an adaptive MLA is shaped by the asset specificity and measurability of the goods and services of the transaction. The authors utilize data on public safety agreements among municipal and county governments in the state of Florida. Findings suggest that local governments are more likely to form an adaptive MLA when goods and services are relatively high in service measurability difficulty and when both high and low asset specificity exit.
Immunohistochemical and Biochemical Evidence of Ameloblastic Origin of Amyloid-Producing Odontogenic Tumors in Cats
Authors: Delaney M. A. , Singh K. , Murphy C. L. , Solomon A. , Nel S. , Boy S. C.
Published: June 2012

Amyloid-producing odontogenic tumors (APOT) are rare, and in cats, the histogenesis of the amyloid remains undetermined. In the present study, APOTs in 3 cats were characterized by immunohistochemistry, and the amyloid components analyzed using tandem mass spectrometry. Antiameloblastin antibodies labeled both neoplastic epithelial cells and amyloid in all cases. Neoplastic epithelial cells had strong, diffuse immunoreactivity to antibodies against cytokeratin AE1/AE3, cytokeratin 14, and cytokeratin 19 in all cases and focal immunoreactivity to nerve growth factor receptor antibodies in 2 of 3 cases. Amyloid and some tumor stromal cells were weakly positive for laminin. Calretinin, amelogenin, S100, and glial fibrillary acidic protein antibodies did not label neoplastic epithelial cells or amyloid. Extracted amyloid peptide sequences were compared to the porcine database because the cat genome is not yet complete. Based on this comparison, 1 identical ameloblastin peptide was detected in each tumor. These results suggest that feline APOTs and the amyloid they produce are of ameloblastic lineage.
Meaning in eternity
Authors: Potter Julian Joseph
Published: June 2012

The German philosopher and intellectual historian Karl Löwith is known and discussed mainly in the English language via his major work on secularization – Meaning in History, first written and published in English – and the more recently translated essays that criticize Martin Heidegger. However, Löwith’s body of work is rarely considered for the original contribution that it offers to the discourse on the questions of modernity and modern life. This oversight is due much to the way in which Hans Blumenberg and Jürgen Habermas have each ‘dealt’ with Löwith’s position; Löwith in each case becomes a flagstone in the path to their own theories. This article reappraises Löwith’s thought through an exploration of his major works, and discovers that the concepts and motivations behind the critical force of his intellectual histories suggest a more sensitive reading of the modern condition than his critics allow. His notions of nature, cosmos and eternity, and his steadfast skepticism, reveal Löwith to be a theorist of the limits of human finitude, and set him apart from his contemporaries and his former teacher Heidegger. It is these aspects of his work that will continue to be provocative for both defenders of freedom and defenders of nature.
The Business Case for Offering Domestic Partner Benefits
Authors: Cordes Cynthia L.
Published: June 2012

The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender population represents a large, talented group of potential employees. The dilemma for many employers is how this population should be recognized or accommodated, if at all. This article examines the issue of domestic partnerships and benefit parity. The decision regarding whether to offer domestic partner benefits hinges on an assessment of the costs and benefits of offering them, plus consideration of which package of benefits to offer, how taxes must be handled and whether domestic partner benefits will be extended to all domestic partners or only to same-sex partners. Legislative constraints are also examined.
Mobilizing for Change
Authors: Altaweel Mark , Sallach David , Macal Charles
Published: June 2012

Theories on the establishment and propagation of political movements through mobilization have emerged and evolved over the last half century. Among the major theoretical frameworks that have been advanced are resource mobilization theory, political process theory, and culture theory. However, despite these developments, relatively few methodological approaches have applied bottom-up computational modeling and simulation in explaining movement development in conflicts. With developments made in computational methods, the integration of social theory with modeling and simulation is a natural progression in creating tools that allow analysts, policy makers, and researchers the means to assess the successes or failures of political movements during armed struggles. This article presents an agent-based model and simulation that applies several frequently used theoretical approaches to political mobilization and explores the extent to which group resources and identity shaped conflicts in Central Asia. Given their historical, cultural, political, economic, and geographical circumstances, the authors seek to determine why different movements experienced contrasting political mobilization outcomes. Results show that receiving outside resources could help a relatively weak group, with limited mobilization, overcome opposition that is initially better mobilized, while shared identity and sufficient risk taking are shown to be potentially strong factors in producing successful mobilization. More broadly, the approach advanced enables analysts and researchers to better anticipate future mobilization events and projected paths of conflict by developing and understanding cause and effect relationships within relevant theoretical frameworks.
Continuity Is Not Lack of Change
Authors: Pereira Anthony W.
Published: June 2012

Dilma Rousseff became the first female President of Brazil at the beginning of 2011. How is Brazil faring under President Dilma? How will Dilma’s government cope as it attempts to preserve and extend the accomplishments of the prior government of President Lula? While continuity of personnel and policies between Lula and Dilma is the watchword of the new government, continuity is not synonymous with lack of change. This introduction to a series of articles in Critical Sociology analyses some of the changes taking place. It first looks at conflicting interpretations of the legacy of President Lula. Then it summarizes the other articles on Brazil in the issue, which focus on macroeconomic policy, trade, defence, human rights, public security, environmental policy, media regulation and culture. In these policy areas, there has been a continuation of the mildly progressive reformist legacy of the Lula years, but also the emergence of new problems.
An optimal algorithm for a two runway scheduling problem
Authors: Ravidas Amrish , Rathinam Sivakumar , Wood Zachary
Published: June 2012

This article addresses a two runway, scheduling problem that aims to assign the aircraft to the runways and find an arrival time for each aircraft such that the sum of the delays of all the aircraft is minimized subject to the timing, safety, and chain-type precedence constraints for the aircraft. An optimal algorithm is developed for the two runway, scheduling problem based on generalized dynamic programming. Computational results are presented to show that this algorithm is computationally faster than the existing dynamic programming algorithm for the two runway, scheduling problem.
Pulmonary dysfunctions, oxidative stress and DNA damage in brick kiln workers
Authors: Kaushik R , Khaliq F , Subramaneyaan M , Ahmed RS
Published: June 2012

Brick kilns in the suburban areas in developing countries pose a big threat to the environment and hence the health of their workers and people residing around them. The present study was planned to assess the lung functions, oxidative stress parameters and DNA damage in brick kiln workers. A total of 31 male subjects working in brick kiln, and 32 age, sex and socioeconomic status matched controls were included in the study. The lung volumes, capacities and flow rates, namely, forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, expiratory reserve volume, inspiratory capacity (IC), maximal expiratory flow when 50% of FVC is remaining to be expired, maximum voluntary ventilation, peak expiratory flow rate and vital capacity were significantly decreased in the brick kiln workers. Increased oxidative stress as evidenced by increased malonedialdehyde levels and reduced glutathione content, glutathione S-transferase activity and ferric reducing ability of plasma were observed in the study group when compared with controls. Our results indicate a significant correlation between oxidative stress parameters and pulmonary dysfunction, which may be due to silica-induced oxidative stress and resulting lung damage.
Characteristics of Patients With Histories of Multiple Seclusion and Restraint Events During a Single Psychiatric Hospitalization
Authors: Taylor Karin , Mammen Kristine , Barnett Shannon , Hayat Matt , dosReis Susan , Gross Deborah
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: This descriptive, retrospective study examined patient and event characteristics associated with multiple seclusion and restraint (SR). OBJECTIVE: The goal was to identify patient characteristics of multiple seclusion and restraint users to improve patient care and decrease the need for seclusion or restraint. DESIGN: Medical charts were reviewed for 63 patients hospitalized at the Henry Phipps Psychiatric Service at the Johns Hopkins Hospital between January 2006 and December 2008 who had been secluded or restrained multiple times during a single hospitalization. Patient characteristics and events associated with multiple SR use were examined. Characteristics were then compared with those who had a single ( n = 110) and no SR events ( n = 3,585) during hospitalization in those study years. RESULTS: Compared with patients with no SR events, those with multiple SR events were more likely to be male, have histories of aggression before and during previous hospitalizations, and have longer lengths of stay. Patients with any SR event were more likely to have cognitive impairment and have been admitted involuntarily. CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight the need for practice changes targeting subgroups of patients at elevated risk for multiple SR use.
Brains and Games
Authors: Volk Stefan , Köhler Tine
Published: June 2012

Organizational research has seen several calls for the incorporation of neuroscience techniques. The aim of this article is to describe the methods of neuroeconomics and the promises of applying these methods to organizational research problems. To this end, the most important neuroeconomics techniques will be described, along with four specific examples of how these methods can greatly benefit theory development, testing, and pruning in the organizational sciences. The article concludes by contrasting the benefits and limitations of neuroeconomics and by discussing implications for future research.
Feline Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Jergens Albert E
Published: June 2012

Practical relevance: Feline idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) denotes one form of chronic enteropathy that is immunologically mediated and characterized by persistent or recurrent gastrointestinal (GI) signs and histologic inflammation. Signs of vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss generally predominate, and mucosal inflammation may occur in any portion of the GI tract (especially the small intestine). Affected cats may also have concurrent inflammation in other organs, such as the pancreas and liver, which may impact clinical disease severity.

Clinical challenges: The exact etiologies of this heterogeneous group of disorders have yet to be determined, though results from basic science and clinical studies suggest that interplay between genetic factors and enteric bacteria is crucial for disease development. The diagnosis is one of exclusion and requires intestinal mucosal biopsy to characterize the type and severity of the inflammatory infiltrate, and to differentiate IBD from other disorders, including alimentary lymphoma. Controversy exists concerning the relative diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic versus full-thickness specimens for the diagnosis of IBD and its differentiation from alimentary lymphoma.

Audience: This article is intended to provide veterinary practitioners with a comprehensive clinical update on idiopathic IBD in cats. It reviews the current evidence-based data, the diagnostic approach, the evolving histologic criteria, and treatment options and outcome for feline patients with this syndrome.
Feline histoplasmosis: fluconazole therapy and identification of potential sources of Histoplasma species exposure
Authors: Reinhart Jennifer M , KuKanich Kate S , Jackson Tracey , Harkin Kenneth R
Published: June 2012

Feline histoplasmosis is a systemic fungal infection often treated with itraconazole, which can be cost-prohibitive for some clients. Additionally, although the clinical disease in cats has been documented, sources of Histoplasma species spore exposure in cats have yet to be thoroughly investigated. The objectives of this study were to compare the outcomes of cats with histoplasmosis treated with fluconazole to those treated with itraconazole, and to evaluate possible sources of exposure for affected cats. Medical records from feline patients with confirmed histoplasmosis (n = 32) at Kansas State University were systematically reviewed and follow-up was performed by owner telephone interview. Cats treated with fluconazole (n = 17) had similar mortality and recrudescence rates when compared with cats treated with itraconazole (n = 13). Thus, fluconazole may be a viable alternative therapy for the treatment of feline histoplasmosis. Eleven cats were housed strictly indoors and possible sources of exposure reported for these cats included potted plants (5/11) and unfinished basements (6/11).
Female reproductive issues in multiple sclerosis
Authors: McCombe Pamela A , Greer Judith M
Published: June 2012

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is more common in females than males and frequently affects women during their reproductive years. Thus, issues surrounding pregnancy and reproduction are of concern to women with MS. This review documents studies that shed light on reproductive issues in women with MS. The available literature was searched for papers relating to pregnancy and MS. Pregnancy is protective in MS in the short term, perhaps due to modulation of the immune system in pregnancy. It also possible that changes in the brain in pregnancy could protect against the effects of inflammation. The long-term effects of pregnancy also seem to be beneficial to MS, perhaps due to long-term epigenetic changes or possibly due to the effects of fetal microchimerism. Obstetric outcomes in women with MS are similar to those in the general population. In addition, there have been no reports of severe fetal abnormalities in babies exposed to first-line MS therapies. There is no good evidence that breast-feeding is protective in MS. There is no evidence that oral contraceptive pill use predisposes to MS, nor influences the clinical course of MS. After menopause, there is possible deterioration of MS, but it’s difficult to disentangle this from the effects of aging and the natural progressive history of MS. The strong biological effect of pregnancy on MS deserves further study, so that these mechanisms can possibly be replicated as therapies for MS.
Cosmopolitan sexual citizenship and the project of queer world-making at the Sydney 2002 Gay Games
Authors: Burns Kellie
Published: June 2012

Using the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2002 Gay Games as a case study, in this article I analyse sexual citizenship through the lens of global cosmopolitanism. I begin by arguing that at these Games an idealised sexual citizen was produced through neoliberal discourses of freedom, rights, choice and cosmopolitanism. At events of this kind, these individualising practices function as new and important forms of ‘political’ action. I then argue that the idealised cosmopolitan sexual citizen is presumed to be a white, western citizen-subject who has access to ‘difference’ through urban living, global travel and through personal investments in the project of global queer world-making. Finally, I illustrate how becoming a cosmopolitan sexual citizen involves a set of consumptive practices that fetishise and Other non-white bodies and lives. At large global gay and lesbian events like the Gay Games, local histories and bodies are mediated as sites of consumption that affirm sexual citizens’ status as global cosmopolitan citizens and define the parameters of an imagined queer world.
Difference makes the heart grow fonder: Perceiving intergroup difference enhances minority groups’ willingness to integrate
Authors: Zhang Airong , Jetten Jolanda , Iyer Aarti , Cui Lijuan
Published: June 2012

Three studies examined how minority group members’ acculturation strategies are shaped by the extent to which they perceive differences between their cultural values and the values of majority society. In line with the creative distinctiveness hypothesis (Spears, Jetten, Scheepers, and Cihangir, 2009), perceived difference among country migrant workers in China was positively associated with endorsement of an integration strategy (Study 1). Among Chinese immigrants in Australia (Study 2), a positive association was found between perceived difference and willingness to integrate only among those who were less identified with the superordinate category. Study 3 manipulated Asian international students’ perceived cultural value difference between their group and the Australian majority, and replicated Study 2 findings. Especially among those who are less committed to the superordinate group, then, knowing how the minority group is different can facilitate willingness to integrate into the majority culture.
Exenatide improves endothelial function assessed by flow mediated dilation technique in subjects with type 2 diabetes: Results from an observational research
Authors: Irace Concetta , De Luca Simona , Shehaj Ermal , Carallo Claudio , Loprete Antonio , Scavelli Faustina , Gnasso Agostino
Published: June 2012

The GLP-1 receptor agonist exenatide has been approved for adjunctive treatment of type 2 diabetes. Continuous GLP-1 infusion improves endothelial function in vivo; no evidence about a beneficial effect of exenatide on vascular function has been published. The aim of our observational study was to evaluate whether exenatide would improve brachial artery function evaluated by the flow mediated dilation (FMD) technique, compared with glimepiride, in subjects with type 2 diabetes. FMD time course was assessed by ultrasound, after 5 min forearm ischaemia, at baseline and after 16-week treatment. At the end of the study FMD was significantly higher in subjects who assumed exenatide compared with glimepiride (9.1 ± 3.6 vs. 5.6 ± 1.0, p = 0.01). Even if limited by the small number of studied subjects, who were not matched in the two treatment groups, this research study represents the first FMD evidence suggesting that chronic administration of exenatide improves arterial dilation.
Auditory cells produce nitric oxide in response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Tanigawa Tohru , Morikawa Akiko , Hayashi Ken , Dan Katsuaki , Tsuchihashi Nana , Goto Fumiyuki , Ueda Hiromi , Yokochi Takashi
Published: June 2012

The NO productivity of auditory cells in response to LPS was examined by using conditionally immortalized murine HEI-OC1 auditory cells. HEI-OC1 cells produced NO in response to LPS ranging from 0.1 µg/ml to 100 µg/ml in a concentration-dependent manner. LPS at 100 µg/ml exhibited no cytotoxic action against HEI-OC1 cells and led to the highest level of NO production. The NO output in LPS-treated HEI-OC1 cells gradually increased up to 72 h. LPS-induced NO production was mediated by the expression of an inducible NO synthase (iNOS) protein. TLR4 and CD14 was expressed on the cell surface of HEI-OC1 cells. LPS augmented the production of IFN-β in the MyD88-independent pathway of LPS signalling. HEI-OC1 cells produced NO in response to a TLR2 ligand but not TLR3 ligand. LPS was suggested to lead to NO production in auditory cells via iNOS expression. The immunological significance of NO production in auditory cells is discussed.
Calcaneal Osteomyelitis Following Steroid Injection for Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Wronka Konrad Sebastian , Sinha Amit
Published: June 2012

This study reports a case of a 57-year-old woman diabetic patient who presented to the authors’ institution with signs and symptoms typical of plantar fasciitis. Her condition did not resolve with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy, podiatry, and physiotherapy input and she was given a steroid injection for treatment of plantar fasciitis. She was admitted to the hospital 17 days following injection with signs of acute infection. Diagnostic workup revealed an acute calcaneal osteomyelitis. Infection did not respond to conservative treatment and the patient required a partial calcanectomy. This case highlights the significant risk of steroid injection in plantar fasciitis, especially in diabetic patient. The authors urge surgeons to consider this when obtaining consent for injection and they advise very close follow-up of such patients.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV
A Case-Control Study to Compare the Likelihood of Detecting Liver Disorders Using Coincident Measures of Doppler-Derived Portal Vein Pressure Gradients, Hepatic Venous Waveforms, and the Echogenicity of Liver Parenchyma
Authors: Guthrie Joy D. , Sheikh Muhammad Y. , Morrell Shana , Neal Diane
Published: June 2012

A case-control study based on the records of 465 adult patients receiving abdominal sonograms predicted the likelihood of liver damage, as detected by serum biomarkers, biopsy, and/or endoscopy, to increase systematically with respect to (a) an increase in echogenicity from grade 1 (odds ratio [OR] = 2.94) through 2 (OR = 10.50) to 3 (OR = 14.91) coincident with (b) a dampening of the hepatic venous waveform (HVW) from biphasic (OR = 1.66) to monophasic (OR = 3.68) and (c) a simultaneous elevation in the portal vein pressure gradient, adjusted for portal vein diameter (PVPG) from level 1 (OR = 1.85) through 2 (OR = 3.23) to 3 (OR = 3.35). Echogenicity consistently exhibited higher sensitivities but lower specificities than the HVW and PVPG. The lowest specificities were found among patients with a body mass index >25, proposed to be associated with intrahepatic fat infiltration causing false positives in the absence of hepatopathology.
CD86+ or HLA-G+ can be transferred via trogocytosis from myeloma cells to T cells and are associated with poor prognosis
Authors: Brown Ross , Kabani Karieshma , Favaloro James , Yang Shihong , Ho P. Joy , Gibson John , Fromm Phillip , Suen Hayley , Woodland Narelle , Nassif Najah , Hart Derek , Joshua Douglas
Published: June 2012

The transfer of membrane proteins between cells during contact, known as trogocytosis, can create novel cells with a unique phenotype and altered function. We demonstrate that trogocytosis is more common in multiple myeloma (MM) than chronic lymphocytic leukemia and Waldenstrom macroglobulinaemia; that T cells are more probable to be recipients than B or natural killer cells; that trogocytosis occurs independently of either the T-cell receptor or HLA compatibility; and that after trogocytosis, T cells with acquired antigens can become novel regulators of T-cell proliferation. We screened 168 patients with MM and found that CD86 and human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) were antigens commonly acquired by T cells from malignant plasma cells. CD3+CD86acq+ and CD3+ HLA-Gacq+ cells were more prevalent in bone marrow than peripheral blood samples. The presence of either CD86 or HLA-G on malignant plasma cells was associated with a poor prognosis. CD38++ side population cells expressed HLA-G, suggesting that these putative myeloma stem cells could generate immune tolerance. HLA-G+ T cells had a regulatory potency similar to natural Tregs, thus providing another novel mechanism for MM to avoid effective immune surveillance.
Mapping of angular leaf spot resistance QTL in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under different environments
Authors: Oblessuc Paula Rodrigues , Baroni Renata Moro , Garcia Antonio Augusto Franco , Chioratto Alisson Fernando , Carbonell Sérgio Augusto Morais , Camargo Luis Eduardo Aranha , Benchimol Luciana Lasry
Published: June 2012

Background

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important grain legume for human diet worldwide and the angular leaf spot (ALS) is one of the most devastating diseases of this crop, leading to yield losses as high as 80%. In an attempt to breed resistant cultivars, it is important to first understand the inheritance mode of resistance and to develop tools that could be used in assisted breeding. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling resistance to ALS under natural infection conditions in the field and under inoculated conditions in the greenhouse.

Results

QTL analyses were made using phenotypic data from 346 recombinant inbreed lines from the IAC-UNA x CAL 143 cross, gathered in three experiments, two of which were conducted in the field in different seasons and one in the greenhouse. Joint composite interval mapping analysis of QTL x environment interaction was performed. In all, seven QTLs were mapped on five linkage groups. Most of them, with the exception of two, were significant in all experiments. Among these, ALS10.1DG,UC presented major effects (R2 between 16% - 22%). This QTL was found linked to the GATS11b marker of linkage group B10, which was consistently amplified across a set of common bean lines and was associated with the resistance. Four new QTLs were identified. Between them the ALS5.2 showed an important effect (9.4%) under inoculated conditions in the greenhouse. ALS4.2 was another major QTL, under natural infection in the field, explaining 10.8% of the variability for resistance reaction. The other QTLs showed minor effects on resistance.

Conclusions

The results indicated a quantitative inheritance pattern of ALS resistance in the common bean line CAL 143. QTL x environment interactions were observed. Moreover, the major QTL identified on linkage group B10 could be important for bean breeding, as it was stable in all the environments. Thereby, the GATS11b marker is a potential tool for marker assisted selection for ALS resistance.
Profiling of gene duplication patterns of sequenced teleost genomes: evidence for rapid lineage-specific genome expansion mediated by recent tandem duplications
Authors: Lu Jianguo , Peatman Eric , Tang Haibao , Lewis Joshua , Liu Zhanjiang
Published: June 2012

Background

Gene duplication has had a major impact on genome evolution. Localized (or tandem) duplication resulting from unequal crossing over and whole genome duplication are believed to be the two dominant mechanisms contributing to vertebrate genome evolution. While much scrutiny has been directed toward discerning patterns indicative of whole-genome duplication events in teleost species, less attention has been paid to the continuous nature of gene duplications and their impact on the size, gene content, functional diversity, and overall architecture of teleost genomes.

Results

Here, using a Markov clustering algorithm directed approach we catalogue and analyze patterns of gene duplication in the four model teleost species with chromosomal coordinates: zebrafish, medaka, stickleback, and Tetraodon. Our analyses based on set size, duplication type, synonymous substitution rate (Ks), and gene ontology emphasize shared and lineage-specific patterns of genome evolution via gene duplication. Most strikingly, our analyses highlight the extraordinary duplication and retention rate of recent duplicates in zebrafish and their likely role in the structural and functional expansion of the zebrafish genome. We find that the zebrafish genome is remarkable in its large number of duplicated genes, small duplicate set size, biased Ks distribution toward minimal mutational divergence, and proportion of tandem and intra-chromosomal duplicates when compared with the other teleost model genomes. The observed gene duplication patterns have played significant roles in shaping the architecture of teleost genomes and appear to have contributed to the recent functional diversification and divergence of important physiological processes in zebrafish.

Conclusions

We have analyzed gene duplication patterns and duplication types among the available teleost genomes and found that a large number of genes were tandemly and intrachromosomally duplicated, suggesting their origin of independent and continuous duplication. This is particularly true for the zebrafish genome. Further analysis of the duplicated gene sets indicated that a significant portion of duplicated genes in the zebrafish genome were of recent, lineage-specific duplication events. Most strikingly, a subset of duplicated genes is enriched among the recently duplicated genes involved in immune or sensory response pathways. Such findings demonstrated the significance of continuous gene duplication as well as that of whole genome duplication in the course of genome evolution.
Risk of tobacco-related multiple primary cancers in Bavaria, Germany
Authors: Braisch Ulrike , Meyer Martin , Radespiel-Tröger Martin
Published: June 2012

Background

With the prospect of increasing prevalence of cancer, the issue of multiple primary cancers becomes more relevant. The aim of this study was to estimate the risk of developing a tobacco-related subsequent primary cancer (TRSPC) in persons with a tobacco-related first primary cancer (TRFPC) compared with the general population in Bavaria, Germany.

Methods

Using data from the Population-Based Cancer Registry Bavaria, we analyzed TRFPC and TRSPC diagnosed in Bavaria between 2002 and 2008 to estimate the relative and absolute risk of developing TRSPC using standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and excess absolute risks (EAR).

Results

121,631 TRFPC in men and 75,886 respective cancers in women were registered, which in 2.5% of male and 1.2% of female cancer patients were followed by at least one TRSPC. In both males and females, the highest increased risks compared to the general population were found within the group of cancer in the mouth/pharynx, oesophagus, larynx, and lung/bronchus.

Conclusions

With respect to cancer in the mouth/pharynx, oesophagus, larynx, lung/bronchus, kidney, urinary bladder and urinary tract, smoking was confirmed as a shared risk factor based on our finding of mutually significantly increased risks of TRSPC. The results of this study illustrate the importance of smoking cessation and of continued follow-up care especially of smokers with the aforementioned TRFPC to detect TRSPC at an early stage.
Targeting of ICAM-1 on vascular endothelium under static and shear stress conditions using a liposomal Gd-based MRI contrast agent
Authors: Paulis Leonie EM , Jacobs Igor , van den Akker Nynke M , Geelen Tessa , Molin Daniel G , Starmans Lucas WE , Nicolay Klaas , Strijkers Gustav J
Published: June 2012

Background

The upregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) on the endothelium of blood vessels in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli is of major importance for the regulation of local inflammation in cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction and stroke. In vivo molecular imaging of ICAM-1 will improve diagnosis and follow-up of patients by non-invasive monitoring of the progression of inflammation.

Results

A paramagnetic liposomal contrast agent functionalized with anti-ICAM-1 antibodies for multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescence imaging of endothelial ICAM-1 expression is presented. The ICAM-1-targeted liposomes were extensively characterized in terms of size, morphology, relaxivity and the ability for binding to ICAM-1-expressing endothelial cells in vitro. ICAM-1-targeted liposomes exhibited strong binding to endothelial cells that depended on both the ICAM-1 expression level and the concentration of liposomes. The liposomes had a high longitudinal and transversal relaxivity, which enabled differentiation between basal and upregulated levels of ICAM-1 expression by MRI. The liposome affinity for ICAM-1 was preserved in the competing presence of leukocytes and under physiological flow conditions.

Conclusion

This liposomal contrast agent displays great potential for in vivo MRI of inflammation-related ICAM-1 expression.
CIAPIN1 nuclear accumulation predicts poor clinical outcome in epithelial ovarian cancer
Authors: Cai Xiaolan , Wang Jian , Xin Xiaoyan
Published: June 2012

Background

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis. The expression of cytokine-induced apoptosis inhibitor 1 (CIAPIN1) correlates with the malignant progression of several cancers. However, the relationship between the subcellular localization of CIAPIN1 and clinical characteristics in EOC remains unclear.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect CIAPIN1 expression in 108 EOC tissues. CIAPIN1 expressions in eight fresh EOC tissues were detected by Western blotting. The relationship between CIAPIN1 subcellular expression and patients’ clinicopathological features, including prognosis, was evaluated. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were employed to assess the CIAPIN1 subcellular localization in the EOC cell lines A2780 and HO8910. In addition, all patients were followed up to assess the prognostic value of CIAPIN1 in patients with EOC.

Results

CIAPIN1 is highly expressed in EOC, but is present at low levels in paired non-cancerous ovarian epithelial tissues. The results of Western blotting were in accordance with the immunohistochemical results. Poor differentiation of the tumors and EOC cell lines correlated with higher levels of CIAPIN1 nuclear expression. CIAPIN1 nuclear expression significantly correlated with the Federation International of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and histological differentiation (P = 0.034 and P < 0.0001, respectively). Moreover, nuclear localization of CIAPIN1 was selected as an unfavorable prognostic factor by both univariate and multivariate analyses ( P < 0.001). However, no significant correlations were observed between cytoplasmic localization of CIAPIN1 and clinicopathological parameters.

Conclusions

CIAPIN1 might play a crucial role in the differentiation of EOC cells. Elevated expression of nuclear CIAPIN1 negatively correlated with the survival of EOC patients, suggesting that nuclear CIAPIN1 might serve as a prognostic biomarker for EOC patients.
RNA interference-mediated silencing of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3, subunit B (EIF3B) gene expression inhibits proliferation of colon cancer cells
Authors: Wang Zheng , Chen Jinxian , Sun Jianhua , Cui Zhe , Wu Hui
Published: June 2012

Background

A key factor underlying the control of the cellular growth, size and proliferation involves the regulation of the total protein synthesis. Most often, the initial stages of mRNA translation are rate limiting, which involves a group of eukaryotic translation initiation factors (EIFs). Research advances focused on the inhibition of their expression and activity hold the key to the initiation and progression of tumor and tumor prognosis.

Method

We performed RNA interference (RNAi) with the lentivirus vector system to silence the EIF3B gene using the colon cancer cell strain SW1116. The negative control included the normal target cells infected with the negative control virus whereas the knockdown cells included the normal target cells transfected with the RNAi target virus. We tested the inhibition resulting from the decreased expression of EIF3B gene on the proliferation rate of SW1116 cells, including the cell cycle, apoptosis and clonability.

Results

Compared with the negative control, the impact of EIF3B gene expression in SW1116 cells on the levels of mRNA and protein in the knockdown group, was significantly inhibited (P <0.01). Furthermore, the cell proliferation rate and clonability were also significantly inhibited (P <0.01). The apoptosis rate increased significantly (P <0.05). A significant decrease in the number of cells in the G1 phase (P <0.01) and significant increases in S (P <0.01) and G2 phases (P <0.05) were observed.

Conclusions

The silencing of EIF3B gene expression inhibits the proliferation of colon cancer cells.
The spinal notch signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the development of neuropathic pain
Authors: Sun Yan-Yan , Li Li , Liu Xiao-Hua , Gu Nan , Dong Hai-Long , Xiong Lize
Published: June 2012

Background

The Notch signaling pathway has been shown to be involved in the development of the nervous system. Recent studies showed that Notch receptors and ligands are also expressed in the nervous system of adult animals. However, whether the Notch signaling pathway has a function in adults is not fully understood. The present study is designed to investigate the function of the Notch signaling pathway in nociceptive transmission, especially during neuropathic pain in adult rats.

Results

We found that the Notch intracellular domain (NICD) is expressed in the DRG (Dorsal Root Ganglia), sciatic nerve and spinal cord in normal rats, and is upregulated in the sciatic nerve and spinal cord after spared nerve injury (SNI). Moreover, we used the γ-secretase (a key enzyme of the Notch signaling pathway) inhibitor DAPT to observe the effect of the Notch signaling pathway after SNI. We found that intrathecal DAPT significantly increased paw withdrawal thermal latency and mechanical threshold. Mechanical hyperalgesia occurring after SNI could be significantly reversed by DAPT in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the Notch signaling pathway participates in the induction and maintenance of neuropathic pain, which indicates that the Notch pathway maybe a potential drug target for neuropathic pain treatment.
Breast Cancer Risk After Supradiaphragmatic Radiotherapy for Hodgkin's Lymphoma in England and Wales: A National Cohort Study
Authors: Swerdlow Anthony J. , Cooke Rosie , Bates Andrew , Cunningham David , Falk Stephen J. , Gilson Dianne , Hancock Barry W. , Harris Sarah J. , Horwich Alan , Hoskin Peter J. , Linch David C. , Lister T. Andrew , Lucraft Helen H. , Radford John A. , Stevens Andrea M. , Syndikus Isabel , Williams Michael V.
Published: June 2012

Purpose

To investigate breast cancer risk after supradiaphragmatic radiotherapy administered to young women with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) in a much larger cohort than previously to provide data for patient follow-up and screening individualized according to treatment type, age, and time point during follow-up.

Patients and Methods

Breast cancer risk was assessed in 5,002 women in England and Wales treated for HL with supradiaphragmatic radiotherapy at age < 36 years from 1956 to 2003, who underwent follow-up with 97% completeness until December 31, 2008.

Results

Breast cancer or ductal carcinoma in situ developed in 373 patients, with a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 5.0 (95% CI, 4.5 to 5.5). SIRs were greatest for those treated at age 14 years (47.2; 95% CI, 28.0 to 79.8) and continued to remain high for at least 40 years. The maximum absolute excess risk was at attained ages 50 to 59 years. Alkylating chemotherapy or pelvic radiotherapy diminished the risk, but only for women treated at age ≥ 20 years, not for those treated when younger. Cumulative risks were tabulated in detail; for 40-year follow-up, the risk for patients receiving ≥ 40 Gy mantle radiotherapy at young ages was 48%.

Conclusion

This article provides individualized risk estimates based on large numbers for patients with HL undergoing follow-up after radiotherapy at young ages. Follow-up of such women needs to continue for 40 years or longer and may require more-intensive screening regimens than those in national general population programs. Special consideration is needed of potential measures to reduce breast cancer risk for girls treated with supradiaphragmatic radiotherapy at pubertal ages.
Farewell to the Founders: Major Dialect Changes Along the East-West New England Border
Authors: Stanford James N. , Leddy-Cecere Thomas A. , Baclawski Kenneth P.
Published: June 2012

Hans Kurath's 1939 Linguistic Atlas of New England reported a significant east-west dialect contrast along the Green Mountains of Vermont. In 1987, using data from 1960s fieldwork for the Dictionary of American Regional English, Craig Carver found the contrast remained intact a generation later. Such results reflect the enduring influence of eighteenth-century settlers, known as the Principle of First Effective Settlement or the “Founder Effect.” To determine the current status of the east-west dialect contrast and whether the Founder Effect is still present, the authors examined 62 speakers along the border in both real and apparent time. The real-time results show that, among older speakers, Kurath's east-west line of traditional New England features has moved eastward to the state border of New Hampshire. The apparent-time results show that many traditional eastern variants are receding among younger speakers, and these linguistic changes are reflecting and constructing significant social changes occurring in this region. For about two centuries, the east-west contrasts of the early European settlements were faithfully transmitted to each new generation. But now, among the current generations of speakers, the Founder Effect in northern New England is rapidly dissipating.