bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: From inclusion to exclusion: some unintended consequences of Valuing People
Authors: Simpson Graeme , Price Vicky
Published: December 2009

Accessible summary:

Valuing People is a policy which aims to help people with learning disabilities become included in all parts of life. It needs money and resources to make it work.

It has worked well for some people but others have had some very bad experiences as a result of how the policy has worked.

This has led to these people not being included, and this is something that nobody intended to happen.

We make some suggestions of how things could be improved, so that the aims of Valuing People can be met.

The paper examines aspects of the implementation of Valuing People by focusing upon four case studies of people, which are representative of a greater number of referrals to an organisation providing support for people with learning disabilities. It shows that despite many positive aspects of the policy, it sometimes fails the most vulnerable, resulting in greater levels of social exclusion for this group. The paper draws on Scull (1983) and Burton & Kagan’s (2006) documentary analysis of Valuing People (Department of Health, 2001) to argue that the policy, in its implementation, is firmly located within the Government’s neo‐liberal ideology. The conclusion is that whilst the policy is intended to be one which enhances social inclusion, its implementation has the unintended consequences of social exclusion, which could have been, and still can be, avoided.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Effective communication training interventions for paid carers supporting adults with learning disabilities
Authors: Kyle Seonaid , Melville Craig A. , Jones Andrea
Published: December 2009

Accessible summary

Communication is an important part of everybody’s life.

Carers attended training about communication.

The training improved the carers’ confidence about communication.

Carers with good communication skills can have a positive effect on the well‐being of people with learning disabilities.

Carer communication skills contribute to the well being of individuals with learning disabilities. Few studies have examined the effectiveness of communication training interventions, and there is a lack of robust measures of outcome. A communication self‐efficacy measure relevant to carers supporting adults with learning disabilities was developed and piloted. Paid carers supporting adults with learning disabilities participated in the study. A pre–post intervention study design was used to examine the reliability and sensitivity to change of the Glasgow‐Communication Efficacy Scale (G‐CES). Twenty‐six paid carers completed the G‐CES before and after participating in a communication training intervention. The scale had good internal and test–retest reliability. Carer communication efficacy increased after taking part in the training. Use of the G‐CES in clinical services and research studies can help to develop the evidence base on the effectiveness of communication training interventions relevant to working with persons with learning disabilities.
Frequency of the AGT Pro11Leu Polymorphism in Humans: does Diet Matter?
Authors: Ségurel Laure , Lafosse Sophie , Heyer Evelyne , Vitalis Renaud
Published: December 2009

The Pro11Leu substitution in the AGXT gene, which causes primary hyperoxaluria type 1, is found with high frequency in some human populations (e.g., 5–20% in Caucasians). It has been suggested that this detrimental mutation could have been positively selected in populations with a meat‐rich diet. In order to test this hypothesis, we investigated the occurrence of Pro11Leu in both herder and agriculturalist populations from Central Asia. We found a lower frequency of this detrimental mutation in herders, whose diet is more meat‐rich, as compared to agriculturalists, which therefore challenges the universality of the previous claim. Furthermore, when combining our original data with previously published results, we could show that the worldwide genetic differentiation measured at the Pro11Leu polymorphism does not depart from neutrality. Hence, the distribution of the variation observed in the AGXT gene could be due to demographic history, rather than local adaptation to diet.
Epidemiological Approach to Identifying Genetic Predispositions for Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Authors: Sullivan Maren , Erlic Zoran , Hoffmann Michael M. , Arbeiter Klaus , Patzer Ludwig , Budde Klemens , Hoppe Bernd , Zeier Martin , Lhotta Karl , Rybicki Lisa A. , Bock Andreas , Berisha Gani , Neumann Hartmut PH
Published: December 2009

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is caused by several susceptibility genes. A registry including analyses of susceptibility genes, familial occurrence and genotype‐phenotype correlation should provide classification insights.

Registry data of 187 unrelated index patients included age at onset, gender, family history, relapse of aHUS and potentially triggering conditions. Mutation analyses were performed in the genes CFH, CD46 and CFI and in the six potential susceptibility genes, FHR1 to FHR5 and C4BP.

Germline mutations were identified in 17% of the index cases; 12% in CFH, 3% in CD46 and 2% in CFI. Twenty‐nine patients had heterozygous mutations and one each had a homozygous and compound heterozygous mutation. Mutations were not found in the genes FHR1‐5 and C4BP. In 40% of the patients with familial HUS a mutation was found. Penetrance by age 45 was 50% among carriers of any mutation including results of relatives of mutation‐positive index cases. The only risk factor for a mutation was family history of HUS (p = 0.02).

Penetrance of aHUS in carriers of mutations is not complete. Occurrence of homo‐ and heterozygous mutations in the same gene suggests that the number of necessary DNA variants remains unclear. Among clinical information only familial occurrence predicts a mutation.
Inferring Continental Ancestry of Argentineans from Autosomal, Y‐Chromosomal and Mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Corach Daniel , Lao Oscar , Bobillo Cecilia , Van Der Gaag Kristiaan , Zuniga Sofia , Vermeulen Mark , Van Duijn Kate , Goedbloed Miriam , Vallone Peter M. , Parson Walther , De Knijff Peter , Kayser Manfred
Published: December 2009

We investigated the bio‐geographic ancestry of Argentineans, and quantified their genetic admixture, analyzing 246 unrelated male individuals from eight provinces of three Argentinean regions using ancestry‐sensitive DNA markers (ASDM) from autosomal, Y and mitochondrial chromosomes. Our results demonstrate that European, Native American and African ancestry components were detectable in the contemporary Argentineans, the amounts depending on the genetic system applied, exhibiting large inter‐individual heterogeneity. Argentineans carried a large fraction of European genetic heritage in their Y‐chromosomal (94.1%) and autosomal (78.5%) DNA, but their mitochondrial gene pool is mostly of Native American ancestry (53.7%); instead, African heritage was small in all three genetic systems (<4%). Population substructure in Argentina considering the eight sampled provinces was very small based on autosomal (0.92% of total variation was between provincial groups, p = 0.005) and mtDNA (1.77%, p = 0.005) data (none with NRY data), and all three genetic systems revealed no substructure when clustering the provinces into the three geographic regions to which they belong. The complex genetic ancestry picture detected in Argentineans underscores the need to apply ASDM from all three genetic systems to infer geographic origins and genetic admixture. This applies to all worldwide areas where people with different continental ancestry live geographically close together.
Sesbania rostrata: a case study of natural variation in legume nodulation
Authors: Capoen Ward , Oldroyd Giles , Goormachtig Sofie , Holsters Marcelle
Published: December 2009

Legumes acquired the ability to engage in a symbiotic interaction with soil‐borne bacteria and establish a nitrogen‐fixing symbiosis in a novel root organ, the nodule. Most legume crops and the model legumes Medicago truncatula and Lotus japonicus are infected intracellularly in root hairs via infection threads that lead the bacteria towards a nodule primordium in the root cortex. This infection process, however, does not reflect the great diversity of infection strategies that are used by leguminous plants. An alternative, intercellular invasion occurs in the semiaquatic legume Sesbania rostrata. Bacteria colonize epidermal fissures at lateral root bases and trigger cortical cell death for infection pocket formation and subsequent intercellular and intracellular infection thread progression towards the primordium. This infection mode evolved as an adaptation to waterlogged conditions that inhibit intracellular invasion. In this review, we discuss the molecular basis for this adaptation and how insights into this process contribute to general knowledge of the rhizobial infection process.
Mechanisms of Kv2.1 channel inhibition by celecoxib – modification of gating and channel block
Authors: Frolov RV , Bondarenko VE , Singh S
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose: Selective cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) inhibitors such as rofecoxib (Vioxx) and celecoxib (Celebrex) were developed as NSAIDs with reduced gastric side effects. Celecoxib has now been shown to affect cellular physiology via an unexpected, COX‐independent, pathway – by inhibiting Kv2.1 and other ion channels. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of the action of celecoxib on Kv2.1 channels.

Experimental approach: The mode of action of celecoxib on rat Kv2.1 channels was studied by whole‐cell patch‐clamping to record currents from channels expressed in HEK‐293 cells.

Key results: Celecoxib reduced current through Kv2.1 channels when applied from the extracellular side. At low concentrations (≤3 µM), celecoxib accelerated kinetics of activation, deactivation and inactivation. Recovery of rat Kv2.1 channels from inactivation could be characterized by two components, with celecoxib selectively accelerating the slow component of recovery at ≤10 µM. At >3 µM, celecoxib led to closed‐channel block with relative slowing of activation. At 30 µM, it additionally induced open‐channel block that manifested in use‐dependent inhibition and slower recovery from inactivation.

Conclusions and implications: Celecoxib reduced current through Kv2.1 channels by modifying gating and inducing closed‐ and open‐channel block, with the three effects manifesting at different concentrations. These data will help to elucidate the mechanisms of action of this widely prescribed drug on ion channels and those underlying its neurological, cardiovascular and other effects.
A unique modulator of endoplasmic reticulum stress‐signalling pathways: the novel pharmacological properties of amiloride in glial cells
Authors: Hosoi Toru , Kume Ayaka , Otani Kayo , Oba Tatsuya , Ozawa Koichiro
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose: Stress on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) can trigger rescuer responses such as the unfolded protein response (UPR). However, pharmacological modulators of these ER‐regulated stress responses are not well understood. In the present study, we found that amiloride, a potassium‐sparing diuretic, has unique properties relating to such stress.

Experimental approach: We treated mouse primary cultured glial cells with amiloride, in the absence and presence of the ER stress‐inducing reagents tunicamycin (Tm) or dithiothreitol, and measured UPR and ER stress‐induced cell death. IRE1α phosphorylation, eIF2α phosphorylation, X‐box binding protein 1 (XBP1) splicing, glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) and CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) expression by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to assess UPR and lactate dehydrogenase activity was determined to measure ER stress‐induced cell death.

Key results: Amiloride completely inhibited ER stress‐induced activation of IRE1α, an ER‐localized stress sensor protein, splicing of XBP1, and subsequent expression of GRP78 at the mRNA and protein levels. ER stress induces the phosphorylation of eIF2α, leading to the expression of CHOP or an attenuation of translation in cells. Surprisingly, treatment with amiloride alone markedly promoted the phosphorylation but actually inhibited ER stress‐induced CHOP expression. Finally, we found that amiloride (200 µM) synergistically enhanced ER stress‐induced cell death, which was mediated through caspases. On the other hand, a low dose of amiloride (20 µM) significantly prevented Tm‐induced cell death.

Conclusions and implications: These results suggest that amiloride can modulate UPR. They also suggest amiloride to be an important pharmacological agent and provide basic information for understanding and preventing ER stress‐related diseases.
Effects of chronic sympatho‐inhibition on reflex control of renal blood flow and plasma renin activity in renovascular hypertension
Authors: Burke SL , Evans RG , Head GA
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose:  We determined if chronic sympatho‐inhibition with rilmenidine has functional significance for the kidney by altering responses of renal blood flow (RBF) and plasma renin activity (PRA) to stress and acute hypotension in rabbits with renovascular hypertension.

Experimental approach:  RBF to each kidney and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) to the left kidney were measured in rabbits in which a renal artery clip induced hypertension (2K1C) and in sham‐operated rabbits. After 2 weeks, a subcutaneous minipump was implanted to deliver rilmenidine (2.5 mg·kg−1·day−1) to 2K1C rabbits for 3 weeks.

Key results:  After 5 weeks of renal artery stenosis, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was 23% higher and PRA 3‐fold greater than in sham‐operated rabbits. Blood flow and renal vascular conductance in the stenosed kidney were lower (−75% and −80%) compared with sham, and higher in the non‐clipped kidney (68% and 39%). Responses of RBF and PRA to hypotension were similar in 2K1C and sham rabbits. Airjet stress evoked a greater increase in MAP in 2K1C rabbits than sham controls. Chronic rilmenidine normalized MAP, reduced RSNA and PRA, and did not reduce RBF in the stenosed kidney. Responses of RBF (clipped and non‐clipped kidney), RSNA and PRA to hypotension and airjet were little affected by rilmenidine.

Conclusions and implications:  Our observations suggest that chronic sympatho‐inhibition is an effective antihypertensive therapy in renovascular hypertension. It normalizes MAP and reduces basal PRA without compromising blood flow in the stenosed kidney or altering responses of MAP, haemodynamics and PRA to acute hypotension and stress.
Effect of long‐ and short‐term treatments with pravastatin on diabetes mellitus and pancreatic fibrosis in the Otsuka–Long–Evans–Tokushima Fatty rat
Authors: Otani M , Yamamoto M , Harada M , Otsuki M
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose:  The effects of statins on diabetes mellitus (DM) are controversial, and their effects on pancreatic fibrosis are poorly defined. We investigated the effect of long‐ and short‐term treatments with pravastatin on the development of DM and pancreatic fibrosis in DM‐prone Otsuka–Long–Evans–Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats.

Experimental approach:  Male OLETF rats were divided into four groups at 12 weeks of age. The first group received a standard rat diet until the end of the experimental period at age 80 weeks. The second group was given a diet containing 0.05% pravastatin from 12 weeks of age, before the onset of DM and pancreatic fibrosis, and the third group was given the same pravastatin diet from 28 weeks of age, after the onset of DM and pancreatic fibrosis, until age 80 weeks. The fourth group received the same pravastatin diet only for 16 weeks, from 12 to 28 weeks of age, and switched to a standard diet. Progressions of DM and pancreatic fibrosis were evaluated.

Key results:  Long‐term treatments with pravastatin, either from 12 or 28 weeks of age, decreased serum glucose concentration and fibrotic area, elevated superoxide dismutase activity and down‐regulated transforming growth factor‐β1 mRNA in the pancreas. In contrast, after a short‐term treatment with pravastatin, these parameters markedly deteriorated after its cessation.

Conclusions and implications:  The results suggest that long‐term treatment with pravastatin improves DM and pancreatic fibrosis via anti‐oxidative and anti‐fibrotic properties, whereas cessation of pravastatin abolishes these beneficial effects, and accelerates DM and pancreatic fibrosis.
Vagal Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Prevalence and Ablation Outcome in Patients Without Structural Heart Disease
Authors: ROSSO RAPHAEL , SPARKS PAUL B. , MORTON JOSEPH B. , KISTLER PETER M. , VOHRA JITENDRA K. , HALLORAN KAREN , MEDI CAROLINE , KALMAN JONATHAN M.
Published: December 2009

Prevalence of Vagal Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation. Introduction: The prevalence of vagal and adrenergic atrial fibrillation (AF) and the success rate of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) are not well defined. We investigated the prevalence of vagal and adrenergic AF and the ablation success rate of antral pulmonary vein isolation (APVI) in patients with these triggers compared with patients with random AF.

Methods and Results:
Two hundred and nine consecutive patients underwent APVI due to symptomatic drug refractory paroxysmal AF. Patients were diagnosed as vagal or adrenergic AF if >90% of AF episodes were related to vagal or adrenergic triggers; otherwise, a diagnosis of random AF was made. Clinical, electrocardiogram (ECG), and Holter follow‐up was every 3 months in the first year and every 6 months afterward and for symptoms. Of 209 patients, 57 (27%) had vagal AF, 14 (7%) adrenergic AF, and 138 (66%) random AF. Vagal triggers were sleep (96.4%), postprandial (96.4%), late post‐exercise (51%), cold stimulus (20%), coughing (7%), and swallowing (2%). At APVI, 94.3% of patients had isolation of all veins. Twenty‐five (12%) patients had a second APVI. At a follow‐up of 21 ± 15 months, the percentage of patients free of AF was 75% in the vagal group, 86% in the adrenergic group, and 82% for random AF (P = 0.51).

Conclusion:
In patients with PAF and no structural heart disease referred for APVI, vagal AF is present in approximately one quarter. APVI is equally effective in patients with vagal AF as in adrenergic and random AF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 489‐493, May 2010)
The Effect and Safety of the Antithrombotic Therapies in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and CHADS2 Score 1
Authors: LEE BYUNG HO , PARK JAE SEOK , PARK JAE HYUNG , PARK JONG SEUNG , KWAK JAE JIN , HWANG EUI SEOCK , KIM SOOK KYOUNG , CHOI DONG HOON , KIM YOUNG‐HOON , PAK HUI‐NAM
Published: December 2009

Anticoagulation in CHADS2 Score 1. Background: The revised ACC/AHA/ESC 2006 guideline recommends either aspirin or warfarin for the prevention of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in CHADS2 score 1. We hypothesized that warfarin is superior to aspirin therapy for the prevention of stroke without increasing bleeding complication in AF patients with CHADS2 score 1.

Methods and Results:
Among 1,502 patients (mean 62.4 ± 13.8 years old, male 65.4%) who were treated for nonvalvular AF without previous stroke, the number of patients with CHADS2 score 1 was 422 (62.9 ± 10.7 years old, male 290 [68.7%]) and their antithrombotic therapies were as follows: warfarin (n = 143), aspirin (n = 124), other antiplatelet (n = 45), and no antithrombosis (none: n = 110). We reviewed the incidences of ischemic stroke, mortality, and bleeding complications during the follow‐up period. Results were: (1) during 22.3 ± 17.8 months of follow‐up, the incidence of ischemic stroke was significantly lower in warfarin (6 patients, 4.2%, mean international normalized ratio [INR] 2.0 ± 0.5 IU) than in aspirin (16 patients, 12.9%, P = 0.008) than none (23 patients, 20.9%, P < 0.001) without differences in all‐cause mortality. (2) The incidence of major bleeding (decrease in hemoglobin ≥2 g/dL, requiring hospitalization or red blood cell transfusion ≥2 pints) was not different between warfarin (2.1%) and aspirin (0.8%, P = NS), but minor bleeding was more common in warfarin (10.5%) than in aspirin (2.4%, P = 0.007).

Conclusion:
In AF patients with CHADS2 score 1, warfarin was better to prevent ischemic stroke than aspirin without increasing the incidence of major bleeding complications. However, the incidence of minor bleeding was higher in the warfarin group than the aspirin group. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 501‐507, May 2010)
Influence of Thermal Treatment on Optical and Structure Properties of Europium‐Doped SiO2–HfO2Glasses
Authors: Zhu Chaofeng , Monteil André , EI‐Jouad Mohamed , Gaumer Nathalie , Chaussedent Stephane
Published: December 2009

Eu3+‐doped SiO2–HfO2glasses for optical applications were prepared using sol–gel technology. The effect of heat treatment on structure, emission properties and decay kinetics was investigated. The results show that the energy splitting of the7F2state of Eu3+ions occurs for the samples sintered at temperatures >1000°C. This behavior can be explained by the fact that crystal phases are formed in those samples, which can be confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis. Moreover, fluorescence line narrowing spectra for the samples sintered at different temperatures were measured, and the results were interpreted in terms of structural changes in the glass matrix and the Eu3+bonding environment.
Guides Not Gurus
Authors: Howard Catherine , Mortensen Peter
Published: December 2009

The past quarter century has seen the deployment of ethnographic methods in business grow from a curiosity to a prerequisite for success. But in the process, the outcomes of ethnographic research–customer empathy, strategic directions, lasting market insights that shape design–have not been adopted at the same rate. The hand‐off from ethnographers to designers and business decision‐makers is the biggest challenge to success.

The time has come for ethnographers to again reframe their role within business. Rather than acting as interpreters between the lives of ordinary people and the companies who serve them, ethnographers have the opportunity to instead help the entire business organization to gather a clear sense of its customers' lives. Ethnographers need to switch from being gurus of customer experience to being guides who take everyone in the company into the outside world.
Policy Change Inside the Enterprise: The Role of Anthropology
Authors: Mack Alexandra , Kaplan Josh
Published: December 2009

This paper addresses corporate policymaking and its varied meanings through organizational hierarchies and across departments. We argue for an approach to policymaking and implementation in large companies such that the impact on work remains visible to decision makers, and such that employees engage with, and promote the changes being made. In evaluating the effects of a policy change inside our company, we found that not only did the justifications for the original policy not hold up, policy implementation negatively impacted certain job roles and departments and employee engagement was undermined. A key implication of our findings is that implementation plans should assess the impact on affected parties, and we suggest that anthropologists are well‐suited to conduct this assessment. If deployed to evaluate the effects and effectiveness of policy changes on people, work practices and perceptions, anthropologists can influence the direction of policy as it is being formulated and tested, and recommend adjustments to better achieve policies' stated aims.
Numbers Have Qualities Too: Experiences with Ethno‐Mining
Authors: Anderson Ken , Nafus Dawn , Rattenbury Tye , Aipperspach Ryan
Published: December 2009

Field research holds a special place for those who conduct it. It is also our anchor for relevance in the corporation. This paper explores the authors' experiences with “ethno‐mining”, a way of joining data base mining and ethnography. Since 2004 we have been using a variety of sensing and behavioral tracking technologies in conducting field research. We will present the main characteristics of doing ethno‐mining, compare ethno‐mining to other field research technologies, highlight the strengths of ethno‐mining in co‐creating data with participants and conclude by noting how the representations have opened new conversations and discourses inside the corporation. In this way, these new opportunities to collect sometimes counterintuitive data contributes to the research itself as well as the ongoing process of constructing oneself as relevant.
Practice, Products and the Future of Ethnographic Work
Authors: Bezaitis Maria
Published: December 2009

Ethnographic work in industry has spent two decades contributing to making products that matter in a range of industry contexts. This activity has accounted for important successes within industry. From the standpoint of ethnographic practice, however, the discursive infrastructure that has been developed to do our work within product development is now a limiting factor. For practice to evolve, we must look critically at the ways in which our current successes are indicators of a kind of stasis and that change is a matter of radically redefining the kinds of business problems ethnographic work should address and the values and behaviors associated with how we do our work.
Pushing New Frontiers: Examining the Future of Paper and Electronic Documents
Authors: Watts‐Perotti Jennifer , Sprague Mary Ann , Wall Patricia , McCorkindale Catherine
Published: December 2009

Rapid socio‐technological change is underway in the world of work. The Xerox Future of Work team conducted ethnographic studies to explore the impact of these changes on the use of paper, printing, and electronic documents. Study findings revealed needs and requirements for workers of the future, and influenced the research directions Xerox is undertaking to explore how documents (both paper and electronic) play a role in the world of work. The team used several techniques to encourage innovation within the company, including the creation of an advisory board, a video podcast and a design directions document. By developing growth spaces that often require new business models and business innovation, the project is a strong example of how ethnographic studies can “take CARE of business.” The project has also “taken care of BUSINESS” by lowering risk, driving innovation, and demonstrating the value that ethnographic studies can bring to the corporate world.
Session 4 ‐ Markets, Media and Meanings Simon Roberts (Intel, Ireland), Curator: How Consumers Create Value in a Recession Economy
Authors: Malefyt Timothy de Waal
Published: December 2009

This essay examines a conscious shift in the cultural flows of consumption practices. It explores the ways consumers are generating and sharing shopping competence as a new form of value. I argue that a shift in consumer consciousness and resulting open social discourse around shopping practices are creating a new consumption narrative in the recession. This narrative celebrates the resourceful and collective acts of people who transform modes of restriction (cutting back) into a positive social value of thrift. As people are practicing more thoughtful purchasing styles they are also more communicative with others in sharing their shopping strategies and ways of savings. Social changes are thus arising out of these adjustments in shopping behaviors. Such emergent shopping behaviors amplify a new sociability that demonstrates more appropriate ways to spend and save on commodities. This change shows that consumers are not just accepting new attitudes and behaviors towards shopping because they have to, but are doing so to be in tune with the spirit of the times.
Session 4 ‐ Markets, Media and Meanings Simon Roberts (Intel, Ireland), Curator: Lead Type, Dead Type: New Patterns of Local News Production and Consumption
Authors: Churchill Elizabeth F. , Ubois Jeff
Published: December 2009

Newspapers are in trouble. Steep declines in circulation and advertising revenue have forced outright closures, reductions in force, cessation of print in favor of web only editions and frantic searches for additional sources of revenue and audience. In this paper, we report results from an interview study focused on everyday news consumption practices. Our study indicates there are many design opportunities for local news creation and distribution at interface/interaction, infrastructure and strategy levels.
Being a parasitoid of parasites: host finding in the tick wasp Ixodiphagus hookeri by odours from mammals
Authors: Collatz Jana , Fuhrmann Andrea , Selzer Philipp , Oehme Rainer M. , Hartelt Kathrin , Kimmig Peter , Meiners Torsten , Mackenstedt Ute , Steidle Johannes L.M.
Published: December 2009

The parasitic wasp Ixodiphagus hookeri Howard (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) parasitizes larvae and nymphs of a number of tick species worldwide. Ticks themselves are parasitic on vertebrate hosts. To study the specificity and reliability of vertebrate odours used by I. hookeri for host location, we conducted bioassays in a four‐chamber olfactometer. Wasps were arrested by carbon dioxide and by odours from roe deer faeces and odours from hair of roe deer and wild boar. Odours from faeces of cattle, rabbit, and field mouse as well as odours from hair of cattle and field mouse had no effect. Odours from faeces of the host tick species Ixodes ricinus L. (Acari: Ixodidae) were attractive only up to a distance of 1 cm. Thus, I. hookeri reacts to general (carbon dioxide) and specific vertebrate odours from wild boar and deer. Examination of freshly shot specimens demonstrates that deer and wild boars are infested with a sufficient number of tick nymphs to tap the full reproductive potential of an I. hookeri female, which makes cues from these mammal species reliable. These results indicate that I. hookeri locates its hosts using specific and reliable mammal odours and that ticks are parasitized on their vertebrate hosts. The implications of this host‐finding strategy and its benefits for the parasitoid are discussed.
Magnetic activated cell sorting allows isolation of spermatogonia from adult primate testes and reveals distinct GFRa1‐positive subpopulations in men
Authors: Gassei Kathrin , Ehmcke Jens , Dhir Rajiv , Schlatt Stefan
Published: December 2009

Background  Isolation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) could enable in vitro approaches for exploration of spermatogonial physiology and therapeutic approaches for fertility preservation. SSC isolation from adult testes is difficult due to low cell numbers and lacking cell surface markers. Glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha‐1 (GFRα1) plays a crucial role for the maintenance of SSCs in rodents and is expressed in monkey spermatogonia.

Methods  Magnetic activated cell sorting was employed for the enrichment of GFRα1+ spermatogonia from adult primate testes.

Results  Magnetic activated cell sorting of monkey cells enriched GFRα1+ cells threefold. 11.4% of GFRα1+ cells were recovered. 42.9% of GFRα1+ cells were recovered in sorted fractions of human testicular cells, representing a fivefold enrichment. Interestingly, a high degree of morphological heterogeneity among the GFRα1+ cells from human testes was observed.

Conclusions  Magnetic activated cell sorting using anti‐GFRα1 antibodies provides an enrichment strategy for spermatogonia from monkey and human testes.
Aegyptin displays high‐affinity for the von Willebrand factor binding site (RGQOGVMGF) in collagen and inhibits carotid thrombus formation in vivo
Authors: Calvo Eric , Tokumasu Fuyuki , Mizurini Daniella M. , McPhie Peter , Narum David L. , Ribeiro José Marcos C. , Monteiro Robson Q. , Francischetti Ivo M. B.
Published: December 2009

Aegyptin is a 30 kDa mosquito salivary gland protein that binds to collagen and inhibits platelet aggregation. We have studied the biophysical properties of aegyptin and its mechanism of action. Light‐scattering plot showed that aegyptin has an elongated monomeric form, which explains the apparent molecular mass of 110 kDa estimated by gel‐filtration chromatography. Surface plasmon resonance identified the sequence RGQOGVMGF (where O is hydroxyproline) that mediates collagen interaction with von Willebrand factor (vWF) as a high‐affinity binding site for aegyptin, with a KD of approximately 5 nm. Additionally, aegyptin interacts with the linear peptide RGQPGVMGF and heat‐denatured collagen, indicating that the triple helix and hydroxyproline are not a prerequisite for binding. However, aegyptin does not interact with scrambled RGQPGVMGF peptide. Aegyptin also recognizes the peptides (GPO)10 and GFOGER with low affinity (μm range), which respectively represent glycoprotein VI and integrin α2β1 binding sites in collagen. Truncated forms of aegyptin were engineered, and the C‐terminus fragment was shown to interact with collagen and to attenuate platelet aggregation. In addition, aegyptin prevents laser‐induced carotid thrombus formation in the presence of Rose Bengal in vivo, without significant bleeding in rats. In conclusion, aegyptin interacts with distinct binding sites in collagen, and is useful tool to inhibit platelet–collagen interaction in vitro and in vivo.

Structured digital abstract

MINT‐7299280, MINT‐7299290: Collagen (uniprotkb:P02461) binds (MI:0407) to Aegyptin (uniprotkb:O01949) by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (MI:0411)

MINT‐7298991, MINT‐7299153, MINT‐7299208: Collagen (uniprotkb:P02452) binds (MI:0407) to Aegyptin (uniprotkb:O01949) by surface plasmon resonance (MI:0107)

MINT‐7299266: Collagen (uniprotkb:P02452) binds (MI:0407) to Aegyptin (uniprotkb:O01949) by fluorescence microscopy (MI:0416)

MINT‐7299256: Collagen (uniprotkb:P02452) binds (MI:0407) to Aegyptin (uniprotkb:O01949) by solid phase assay (MI:0892)
From meiosis to postmeiotic events: Alignment and recognition of homologous chromosomes in meiosis
Authors: Ding Da‐Qiao , Haraguchi Tokuko , Hiraoka Yasushi
Published: December 2009

Recombination of homologous chromosomes is essential for correct reductional segregation of homologous chromosomes, which characterizes meiosis. To accomplish homologous recombination, chromosomes must find their homologous partners and pair with them within the spatial constraints of the nucleus. Although various mechanisms have developed in different organisms, two major steps are involved in the process of pairing: first, alignment of homologous chromosomes to bring them close to each other for recognition; and second, recognition of the homologous partner of each chromosome so that they can form an intimate pair. Here, we discuss the various mechanisms used for alignment and recognition of homologous chromosomes in meiosis.
The central role of CDE/CHR promoter elements in the regulation of cell cycle‐dependent gene transcription
Authors: Müller Gerd A. , Engeland Kurt
Published: December 2009

The cell cycle‐dependent element (CDE) and the cell cycle genes homology region (CHR) control the transcription of genes with maximum expression in G2 phase and in mitosis. Promoters of these genes are repressed by proteins binding to CDE/CHR elements in G0 and G1 phases. Relief from repression begins in S phase and continues into G2 phase and mitosis. Generally, CDE sites are located four nucleotides upstream of CHR elements in TATA‐less promoters of genes such as Cdc25C, Cdc2 and cyclin A. However, expression of some other genes, such as human cyclin B1 and cyclin B2, has been shown to be controlled only by a CHR lacking a functional CDE. To date, it is not fully understood which proteins bind to and control CDE/CHR‐containing promoters. Recently, components of the DREAM complex were shown to be involved in CDE/CHR‐dependent transcriptional regulation. In addition, the expression of genes regulated by CDE/CHR elements is mostly achieved through CCAAT‐boxes, which bind heterotrimeric NF‐Y proteins as well as the histone acetyltransferase p300. Importantly, many CDE/CHR promoters are downregulated by the tumor suppressor p53. In this review, we define criteria for CDE/CHR‐regulated promoters and propose to distinguish two classes of CDE/CHR‐regulated genes. The regulation through transcription factors potentially binding to the CDE/CHR is discussed, and recently discovered links to central pathways regulated by E2F, the pRB family and p53 are highlighted.
Modeling Basin‐ and Plume‐Scale Processes of CO2 Storage for Full‐Scale Deployment
Authors: Zhou Quanlin , Birkholzer Jens T. , Mehnert Edward , Lin Yu‐Feng , Zhang Keni
Published: December 2009

Integrated modeling of basin‐ and plume‐scale processes induced by full‐scale deployment of CO2 storage was applied to the Mt. Simon Aquifer in the Illinois Basin. A three‐dimensional mesh was generated with local refinement around 20 injection sites, with approximately 30 km spacing. A total annual injection rate of 100 Mt CO2 over 50 years was used. The CO2‐brine flow at the plume scale and the single‐phase flow at the basin scale were simulated. Simulation results show the overall shape of a CO2 plume consisting of a typical gravity‐override subplume in the bottom injection zone of high injectivity and a pyramid‐shaped subplume in the overlying multilayered Mt. Simon, indicating the important role of a secondary seal with relatively low‐permeability and high‐entry capillary pressure. The secondary‐seal effect is manifested by retarded upward CO2 migration as a result of multiple secondary seals, coupled with lateral preferential CO2 viscous fingering through high‐permeability layers. The plume width varies from 9.0 to 13.5 km at 200 years, indicating the slow CO2 migration and no plume interference between storage sites. On the basin scale, pressure perturbations propagate quickly away from injection centers, interfere after less than 1 year, and eventually reach basin margins. The simulated pressure buildup of 35 bar in the injection area is not expected to affect caprock geomechanical integrity. Moderate pressure buildup is observed in Mt. Simon in northern Illinois. However, its impact on groundwater resources is less than the hydraulic drawdown induced by long‐term extensive pumping from overlying freshwater aquifers.
PETROGRAPHY AND DIAGENETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE UPPER OLIGOCENE – LOWER MIOCENE GHAR FORMATION IN SE IRAQ
Authors: Al‐Juboury A. I. , Al‐Ghrear J. S. , Al‐Rubaii M. A.
Published: December 2009

This paper investigates the petrography, sedimentology and diagenetic evolution of the upper Oligocene – lower Miocene Ghar Formation in the subsurface of SE Iraq based on data from well logs, cuttings and core samples from boreholes in the Zubair, Majnoon and nearby oilfields. Lateral facies variations permit the Ghar Formation to be divided into two principal facies, a pebbly sandstone (facies A) and carbonate (dolomite) and calcareous sandstone (facies B), each of which can be divided into subfacies. Facies A rocks, interpreted as alluvial fan deposits, pass into facies B, paralic and shallow‐marine sediments in a number of fining‐upward successions. This facies change from mainly clastics (facies A) to mainly carbonates (facies B) suggests that the Ghar Formation may have some potential as a stratigraphic trap in SE Iraq.

Diagenetic processes include compaction, authigenesis, dolomitization and dedolomitization. In facies A, authigenic minerals were quartz, palygorskite, haematite, Fe‐rich dolomite and smectite. In facies B, the main authigenic minerals were kaolinite, illite and illite‐smectite. This difference in diagenetic mineralization may indicate variable interstitial waters ranging from fresh to marine. Dolomite was the main carbonate mineral encountered and could be divided into early matrix and pervasive types. The first type was represented by smooth crystals less than 20 microns in size which were associated with illite and illite‐smectite mixed layer clays. Pervasive, fabric‐destructive dolomite was represented by crystals 30‐300 microns in size which were found as void fillings. Dedolomitization was observed where high‐Mg calcite filled cavities near the contact with the overlying Fat'ha (Lower Fars) Formation. These diagenetic processes may enhance the reservoir characteristics of the Ghar Formation.
Inclusion of a Nitric Oxide Congener in the Insufflation Gas Repletes S‐Nitrosohemoglobin and Stabilizes Physiologic Status During Prolonged Carbon Dioxide Pneumoperitoneum
Authors: Shimazutsu Kazufumi , Uemura Kenichiro , Auten Kathryn M. , Baldwin Matthew F. , Belknap Samuel W. , La Banca Francisco , Jones Maximilian C. , McClaine Deborah J. , McClaine Rebecca J. , Eubanks W. Steve , Stamler Jonathan S. , Reynolds James D.
Published: December 2009

A method to maintain organ blood flow during laparoscopic surgery has not been developed. Here we determined if ethyl nitrite, an S‐nitrosylating agent that would maintain nitric oxide bioactivity (the major regulator of tissue perfusion), might be an effective intervention to preserve physiologic status during prolonged pneumoperitoneum. The study was conducted on appropriately anesthetized adult swine; the period of pneumoperitoneum was 240 minutes. Cohorts consisted of an anesthesia control group and groups insufflated with CO2 alone or CO2 containing fixed amounts of ethyl nitrite (1–300 ppm). Insufflation with CO2 alone produced declines in splanchnic organ blood flows and it reduced circulating levels of S‐nitrosohemoglobin (i.e., nitric oxide bioactivity); these reductions were obviated by ethyl nitrite. In a specific example, preservation of kidney blood flow with ethyl nitrite kept serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations constant whereas in the CO2 alone group both increased as kidney blood flow declined. The data indicate ethyl nitrite can effectively attenuate insufflation‐induced decreases in organ blood flow and nitric oxide bioactivity leading to reductions in markers of acute tissue injury. This simple intervention provides a method for controlling a major source of laparoscopic‐related morbidity and mortality: tissue ischemia and altered postoperative organ function.
Effect of 4‐Aminopyridine on Action Potential Parameters in Isolated Dog Purkinje Fibers
Authors: Thomas George , Klatt Brian , Blight Andrew
Published: December 2009

Introduction.  4‐Aminopyridine (fampridine), a potassium channel blocker, has demonstrated efficacy in improving lower extremity strength and walking speed in patients with multiple sclerosis. Since in vitro electrophysiologic studies are recommended for evaluating a drug's potential to prolong the QT interval and induce such cardiac arrhythmias as Torsades de Pointes, we examined the electrophysiologic effects of 4‐aminopyridine (0.5, 5.0, 50, and 500 µM) on isolated canine Purkinje fibers.

Methods.  Microelectrodes monitored the resting membrane potential, overshoot, amplitude of action potential (AP), and maximal rate of depolarization of the AP upstroke in Purkinje fibers stimulated at 0.5 and 1.0 Hz.

Results.  None of the above variables were altered in the presence of 4‐aminopyridine. The AP duration at 30%, 50%, and 90% repolarization was also monitored, with only the 500‐µM concentration at the 1.0‐Hz frequency significantly increasing these values with respect to baseline (P < 0.05). However, the small sample size (N = 4) was small. The proportional increases, and their 95% confidence intervals, were 90.8% (−36.4%, 218.0%), 25.8% (11.9%, 39.7%), and 22.0% (14.9%, 29.1%) for APD 30%, 50%, and 90% repolarization, respectively. Reverse rate dependence was not observed, suggesting inhibition of ion channels other than those contributing to QT interval prolongation.
Potential DNA transfer from the chloroplast to the nucleus in Eryngium alpinum
Authors: NACIRI YAMAMA , MANEN JEAN‐FRANÇOIS
Published: December 2009

Very divergent psbA‐trnH chloroplast sequences were, for some Eryngiun alpinum individuals, repeatedly obtained and could not be attributed to contaminations nor to casual intraspecific variation. The design of external primers allowed the amplification of two different sequences for the same individuals. The divergent sequences were found to be more variable than their counterparts, to have a low GC content and to display a nonsynonymous substitution in psbA C‐terminal region, all reasons that led us to hypothesize that they are paraloguous fragments transferred into the nucleus (NuPt). Quantitative polymerase chain reactions confirmed this hypothesis. Such NuPt might have severe implications in plant phylogeography and barcoding.
Comparative Study of the Mutant Prevention Concentrations of Moxifloxacin, Levofloxacin, and Gemifloxacin against Pneumococci
Authors: Credito Kim , Kosowska-Shick Klaudia , McGhee Pamela , Pankuch Glenn A. , Appelbaum Peter C.
Published: December 2009

We tested the propensity of three quinolones to select for resistant
Streptococcus pneumoniae
mutants by determining the mutant prevention concentration (MPC) against 100 clinical strains, some of which harbored mutations in type II topoisomerases. Compared with levofloxacin and gemifloxacin, moxifloxacin had the lowest number of strains with MPCs above the susceptibility breakpoint (
P
< 0.001), thus representing a lower selective pressure for proliferation of resistant mutants. Only moxifloxacin gave a 50% MPC (MPC
50
) value (1 μg/ml) within the susceptible range.
aac(6′)-Ib-cr
Genotyping by Simultaneous High-Resolution Melting Analyses of an Unlabeled Probe and Full-Length Amplicon
Authors: Bell Jan M. , Turnidge John D. , Andersson Patiyan
Published: December 2009

We have developed a time- and cost-efficient one-step closed-tube assay for genotyping of
aac(6
′
)-Ib-cr
that is capable of distinguishing between the two genetic
aac(6
′
)-Ib-cr
variants. Our genotyping assay uses the combined information of simultaneously acquired high-resolution melting data from an unlabeled probe and the full-length amplicon.
Mapping Epitopes of the
Plasmodium vivax
Duffy Binding Protein with Naturally Acquired Inhibitory Antibodies
Authors: Chootong Patchanee , Ntumngia Francis B. , VanBuskirk Kelley M. , Xainli Jia , Cole-Tobian Jennifer L. , Campbell Christopher O. , Fraser Tresa S. , King Christopher L. , Adams John H.
Published: December 2009

Plasmodium vivax
Duffy binding protein (DBP) is a merozoite microneme ligand vital for blood-stage infection, which makes it an important candidate vaccine for antibody-mediated immunity against vivax malaria. A differential screen with a linear peptide array compared the reactivities of noninhibitory and inhibitory high-titer human immune sera to identify target epitopes associated with protective immunity. Naturally acquired anti-DBP-specific serologic responses observed in the residents of a region of Papua New Guinea where
P. vivax
is highly endemic exhibited significant changes in DBP-specific titers over time. The anti-DBP functional inhibition for each serum ranged from complete inhibition to no inhibition even for high-titer responders to the DBP, indicating that epitope specificity is important. Inhibitory immune human antibodies identified specific B-cell linear epitopes on the DBP (SalI) ligand domain that showed significant correlations with inhibitory responses. Affinity-purified naturally acquired antibodies on these epitopes inhibited the DBP erythrocyte binding function greatly, confirming the protective value of specific epitopes. These results represent an important advance in our understanding of part of blood-stage immunity to
P. vivax
and some of the specific targets for vaccine-elicited antibody protection.