bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positive Autoregulation of aKNOXGene Is Essential for Shoot Apical Meristem Maintenance in Rice
Authors: Tsuda Katsutoshi , Ito Yukihiro , Sato Yutaka , Kurata Nori
Published: December 2011

Self-maintenance of the shoot apical meristem (SAM), from which aerial organs are formed throughout the life cycle, is crucial in plant development. Class I Knotted1-like homeobox (KNOX) genes restrict cell differentiation and play an indispensable role in maintaining the SAM. However, the mechanism that positively regulates their expression is unknown. Here, we show that expression of a rice (Oryza sativa) KNOX gene, Oryza sativa homeobox1 (OSH1), is positively regulated by direct autoregulation. Interestingly, loss-of-function mutants of OSH1 lose the SAM just after germination but can be rescued to grow until reproductive development when they are regenerated from callus. Double mutants of osh1 and d6, a loss-of-function mutant of OSH15, fail to establish the SAM both in embryogenesis and regeneration. Expression analyses in these mutants reveal that KNOX gene expression is positively regulated by the phytohormone cytokinin and by KNOX genes themselves. We demonstrate that OSH1 directly binds to five KNOX loci, including OSH1 and OSH15, through evolutionarily conserved cis-elements and that the positive autoregulation of OSH1 is indispensable for its own expression and SAM maintenance. Thus, the maintenance of the indeterminate state mediated by positive autoregulation of a KNOX gene is an indispensable mechanism of self-maintenance of the SAM.
‘There is Nothing Here for Us..!’ How Girls Create Meaningful Places of Their Own Through Movement
Authors: Christensen Pia , Mikkelsen Miguel Romero
Published: December 2011

This article focuses on how girls create places of meaning and opportunity through collective movement. It is based on an ethnographic study of the everyday experiences and mobility of 10–13 year old girls living in a suburb of Copenhagen, Denmark. 1 The girls ventured for a sense of freedom and a ‘place of their own’ to pursue their interests and social relationships. For some girls the creation of places where they felt ‘at home’ would entail breaking rules and transgressing spatial boundaries set by adults.
Immunoglobulin G subclass levels and antibody responses to the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) monovalent vaccine among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and HIV-uninfected adults
Authors: Crum-Cianflone N F , Collins G , Defang G , Iverson E , Eberly L E , Duplessis C , Maguire J , Ganesan A , Agan B K , Lalani T , Whitman T , Brandt C , Faix D , Blair P J , Burgess T
Published: December 2011

Immunoglobulin (Ig)G levels are important for antibody vaccine responses and IgG subclass deficiencies have been associated with severe 2009 influenza A (H1N1) infections. Studies have demonstrated variations in immune responses to the H1N1 vaccine, but the aetiology of this is unknown. We determined the associations between pre-vaccination overall and influenza-specific IgG subclass levels and 2009 H1N1-specific antibody responses post-vaccination (robust versus poor at day 28) stratified by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status. Logistic regression models were utilized to evaluate whether pre-vaccination IgG subclass levels were associated with the antibody response generated post-vaccination. We evaluated 48 participants as part of a clinical study who were stratified by robust versus poor post-vaccination immune responses. Participants had a median age of 35 years; 92% were male and 44% were Caucasian. HIV-infected adults had a median CD4 count of 669 cells/mm3, and 79% were receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapy. HIV-infected participants were more likely to have IgG2 deficiency (<240 mg/dl) than HIV-uninfected individuals (62% versus 4%, P < 0·001). No association of pre-vaccination IgG subclass levels (total or influenza-specific) and the antibody response generated by HIN1 vaccination in either group was found. In summary, pre-vaccination IgG subclass levels did not correlate with the ability to develop robust antibody responses to the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) monovalent vaccine. IgG2 deficiencies were common among HIV-infected individuals but did not correlate with poor influenza vaccine responses. Further investigations into the aetiology of disparate vaccine responses are needed.
Methylation capacity in children with severe cerebral palsy
Authors: Schoendorfer Niikee C. , Obeid Rima , Moxon‐Lester Leith , Sharp Nita , Vitetta Luis , Boyd Roslyn N. , Davies Peter S. W.
Published: December 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (7): 768–776

Background  Methylation cycle and folate‐mediated one‐carbon metabolism maintenance is important for many physiological processes including neurotransmitter regulation, nerve myelination and DNA synthesis. These processes play an indispensible role in growth and development, as well as in cognitive function and neuromuscular stability, which are key issues in children with severe cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods  Blood samples were collected from children with severe CP (n = 24) and age‐matched typically developing healthy controls (n = 24), as an exploratory study. The CP group was divided into orally (O) or enterally fed via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (E). Concentrations of red cell folate (RCF), methylmalonic acid (MMA), mean cell volume (MCV), homocysteine (Hcy), cystathionine, choline, betaine and urate were assayed.

Results  Homocysteine was increased in both O mean (±SD) = 6·28 (±1·81 μM) and E = 6·03 (±1·28), vs. controls = 5·07 (±0·98) P = 0·02. Higher MMA was found in controls = 157 (±54) and O = 141 (±101), vs. E = 88(±21) P = 0·05. RCF was higher in E = 1422 (±70 nM) vs. O = 843 (±80) and controls = 820 (±43) P < 0·001. MCV z‐scores were elevated in E = 3·1 (±1·8) and O = 1·1 (±1·1) compared with controls = −0·2 (±1·1) P < 0·001. Urate was significantly reduced in O = −0·64 (±1·38) and E = −0·87 (±0·71), vs. controls = 0·18 (±0·62) P = 0·006.

Conclusions  Raised MCV in the presence of elevated red cell folate, adequate B12 status and low plasma urate suggest potential methyltetrahydrofolate trapping and impaired purine synthesis. Well‐documented malnutrition issues in O may explain differences between CP groups. These data support the hypothesis of possible dysregulation in methylation capacity and/or folate one‐carbon metabolism, although more research is needed to elucidate a precise mechanism.
Seclusion reduction in a forensic mental health setting
Authors: MAGUIRE T. , YOUNG R. , MARTIN T.
Published: December 2011

Accessible summary

Seclusion has become a contentious practice and, internationally, initiatives have commenced to reduce or eliminate its use.

In forensic mental health hospitals, there are unique challenges and opportunities for the management of inpatient aggression and reduction of seclusion.

This paper presents a project that was undertaken at an Australian forensic mental health hospital to reduce seclusion.

The frequency and duration of seclusion events were reduced but there was less reduction in the number of patients that were secluded. At this time, seclusion may be necessary for the general safety of the unit.

Seclusion has become a contentious practice and initiatives have commenced to reduce or eliminate its use. This paper presents the initiatives that were introduced during a seclusion reduction project that was undertaken at an Australian forensic hospital. These initiatives are based on the six core strategies that have been successfully used in North America to reduce seclusion. However, there are challenges (patient characteristics, prisoner culture and ensuring safety) and opportunities (longer admissions, higher staff–patient ratio, staff confidence, sound risk assessment and management) that can influence projects to reduce seclusion in a forensic hospital. During this project, the frequency (mainly multiple seclusions of patients) and duration of seclusion events were reduced but there was less reduction in the number of patients that were secluded. It is possible that the strategies were successfully supported by the identified opportunities to reduce the frequency and duration of seclusion but the challenges were significantly powerful in the early period of admission to prompt the need for seclusion. Reducing seclusion in a forensic hospital is a complex undertaking as nurses must provide a safe environment while dealing with volatile patients and may have little alternative at present but to use seclusion after exhausting other interventions.
RHD alleles in Brazilian blood donors with weak D or D‐negative phenotypes
Authors: Cruz B. R. , Chiba A. K. , Moritz E. , Bordin J. O.
Published: December 2011

The RHD gene is highly polymorphic and the existence of a large number of alleles results in RhD variant phenotypes. RHD genotyping has been used to distinguish normal D antigen from D variants due to limitations of serologic methods. The purpose of this study was to determine the phenotypic frequency of RhD and RhCE antigens and to investigate the RHD alleles present in samples with the weak D or D− phenotypes from Brazilian blood donors. A total of 2007 donors were phenotyped for D, C, c, E and e antigens. Samples phenotyped as D− were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐sequence specific primers, and exon 10 and intron 4 of the RHD gene were analysed. D− samples containing the RHD gene or samples considered weak D were further characterised using genotyping platform or nucleotide sequencing. Using serologic methods we found that 87·3% of the donors were D+, 11·9% D− and 0·8% weak D. The frequency of RHD gene in D− individuals was 9·2%. Five RHD alleles from phenotypically D− donors were characterised in six molecular backgrounds: RHDΨ, RHD‐CE‐Ds, RHD‐CE‐(2‐9)‐D, RHD/RHDΨ, RHDΨ/RHD‐CE‐Ds and RHD‐CE(2)‐D. The most common weak D antigens types found were 1, 3, 4·0/4·1 and 4·2, whereas the most prevalent weak D type was 4·2 (or DAR). The RHD genotyping proved to be a necessary tool to characterise RHD alleles in donors phenotyped as D− or weak D to increase the transfusion safety in highly racial mixed population.
Is HINARI appropriate for medical students in the developing world?
Authors: Van Essen Caleb , Cartledge Peter , Kyamanywa Patrick , Manirakiza Achille
Published: December 2011

The Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative (HINARI), which arose in response to medical literature needs in developing countries, gives online access to scientific information to a variety of institutions throughout the world. This is a great resource; however, little research has been performed on the effectiveness and usefulness of HINARI, specifically to medical schools. Our study sought to find out whether the textbooks (e‐books) available on HINARI could form a virtual library that would cover the curriculum of a medical school. After categorising and reviewing the medically relevant e‐books on HINARI, we found that they were insufficient in providing adequate subject material relevant to medical school curricula from Rwanda, the United Kingdom and the United States. This literature gap could be closed by additional medical textbooks being made available from contributing publishers. An increase of only 14% in HINARI e‐book resources would provide material for the entire medical school curriculum.
Orthotopic liver transplantation for adults with Alagille syndrome
Authors: Arnon Ronen , Annunziato Rachel , Schiano Thomas , Miloh Tamir , Baisley Margaret , Sogawa Hiroshi , Contreras Alan G. , Lee Samantha , Kerkar Nanda
Published: December 2011

Arnon R, Annunziato R, Schiano T, Miloh T, Baisley M, Sogawa H, Contreras AG, Lee S, Kerkar N. Orthotopic liver transplantation for adults with Alagille syndrome.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01574.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Introduction:  Alagille syndrome (AGS) is an inherited multisystem disorder, and liver transplantation (LT) may be required in pediatric patients with AGS (P‐AGS). There are limited data regarding the outcomes of LT in adults with AGS (A‐AGS).

Aim:  To determine and compare the outcomes of LT in A‐AGS vs. P‐AGS as well as A‐AGS vs. adults with biliary atresia (A‐BA).

Methods:  Adults (>18 yr), with AGS and BA, and children (≤18 yr), with AGS who underwent isolated first LT between 10/1987 and 5/2008, were identified from the UNOS database.

Results:  Forty‐four of 79 400 adults transplanted for AGS were compared with 407 P‐AGS and 56 A‐BA, respectively. A‐AGS patients had a significantly higher rate of encephalopathy, lower serum albumin, and higher serum creatinine in comparison with P‐AGS. One‐ and five‐yr patient and graft survival in A‐AGS who underwent LT were not significantly different in comparison with either P‐AGS or A‐BA (A‐AGS patient survival: 95.5%, 90.9%, P‐AGS: 88. 7%, 86.2%, A‐BA: 89.3%, 87.5%; A‐AGS graft survival: 84.1%, 79. 5%, P‐AGS: 80.3%, 76%. 1%, A‐BA: 82.1%, 78.6%, respectively).

Conclusion:  The outcome of first LT in A‐AGS is excellent compared with the overall reported adult patient and graft survival. Although A‐AGS were sicker than P‐AGS at transplant, their outcomes were comparable with that of P‐AGS.
Inverse association of serum long‐acting natriuretic peptide and bone mineral density in renal transplant recipients
Authors: Hsu Bang‐Gee , Ho Guan‐Jin , Lee Chung‐Jen , Yang Ying‐Chin , Chen Yen‐Cheng , Shih Ming‐Hui , Lee Ming‐Che
Published: December 2011

Hsu B‐G, Ho G‐J, Lee C‐J, Yang Y‐C, Chen Y‐C, Shih M‐H, Lee M‐C. Inverse association of serum long‐acting natriuretic peptide and bone mineral density in renal transplant recipients.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01575.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Objective:  Our aim was to evaluate the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and fasting serum long‐acting natriuretic peptide (LANP) concentration in renal transplant recipients.

Patients and methods:  Fasting blood samples were obtained from 65 renal transplant recipients. BMD was measured using dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry in lumbar vertebrae (L2–L4). Serum LANP levels were measured using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit.

Results:  Six patients (9.2%) had osteoporosis and 28 patients (43.1%) had osteopenia in renal transplant recipients. Increased serum LANP (p < 0.001) was significantly correlated with low lumbar T‐score cut‐off points between groups (normal, osteopenia, and osteoporosis) in renal transplant recipients. Female patients had lower lumbar BMD than male renal transplant recipients (p = 0.027). Univariate linear regression analysis indicated that lumbar BMD were positively correlated with height (p = 0.038), body weight (p = 0.003), and body mass index (BMI; p = 0.019), whereas negatively correlated with LANP (p = 0.004) among the renal transplant recipients. Multivariate forward stepwise linear regression analysis of the significant variables revealed that body weight (R2 change = 0.132; p = 0.006) and LANP (R2 change = 0.093; p = 0.008) were the independent predictors of lumbar BMD values in the renal transplant recipients.

Conclusion:  Serum LANP concentration correlates negatively with lumbar BMD values in renal transplant recipients.
Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes associated with cytomegalovirus disease in small bowel transplant recipients
Authors: Florescu D. F. , Langnas A. N. , Grant W. , Mercer D. F. , Botha J. , Qiu F. , Shafer L. , Kalil A. C.
Published: December 2011

Florescu DF, Langnas AN, Grant W, Mercer DF, Botha J, Qiu F, Shafer L, Kalil AC. Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes associated with cytomegalovirus disease in small bowel transplant recipients.

Abstract:  Despite improved prophylaxis, monitoring, and more efficient immunosuppression, CMV infection remains a common opportunistic infection in transplant recipients. We assessed the incidence of CMV disease in pediatric SBT recipients, the timing of CMV disease after transplantation, and its impact on patient outcome. The medical records of 98 SBT recipients were reviewed. We performed descriptive analysis, regression analysis, and Kaplan–Meier curves to determine the time‐to‐event after transplantation. Fifty‐three percent patients were male and 47% female, with a mean age of 38.3 months. Thirty‐five percent of patients received prophylactic VGC, 55% GCV, 10% a combination of GCV/VGC, and 99% CMV immunoglobulins. A total of 24.5% recipients were CMV D+/R− (CMV serostatus donor positive/recipient negative). Seven (c. 7%) patients developed CMV disease. CMV disease was associated with 2.5 times (0.52–12.1; p = 0.25) higher rate of CMV mismatch and 11.1 times (1.3–95.9; p = 0.03) higher risk of death. CMV prophylaxis increased time‐to‐death (p = 0.074). Time‐to‐CMV disease was shorter in patients with enteritis (p < 0.0001), and CMV disease was associated with shorter time‐to‐death after transplantation (p = 0.001). CMV disease in SBT recipients was associated with an 11‐fold mortality increase and a fourfold faster time‐to‐death. Time‐to‐death was significantly shorter with CMV enteritis.
Role of pH in the pathogenesis of dermatophytoses
Authors: Martinez‐Rossi Nilce M. , Persinoti Gabriela F. , Peres Nalu T. A. , Rossi Antonio
Published: December 2011

The secretion of proteolytic enzymes by dermatophytes is a key factor in their invasion and subsequent dissemination through the stratum corneum of the host. During the first stages of infection, dermatophytes respond to the skin by de‐repressing a number of genes coding for proteins and enzymes such as adhesins, lipases, phosphatases, DNAses, non‐specific proteases, and keratinases. These proteins have their optimal activity at acidic pH values, which matches the acidic pH of human skin, allowing the pathogen to adhere and penetrate the host tissue, scavenge nutrients and overcome host defence mechanisms. The conserved PacC/Rim101p signal transduction pathway mediates diverse metabolic events involved in ambient pH sensing and in the virulence of pathogenic microorganisms. The seven dermatophyte genomes analysed here revealed the presence of the PacC/Rim101p pH‐responsive signal transduction pathway, which consists of the six pal genes (palA, B, C, F, H and I) and the transcription factor PacC. The PacC binding site was present in the promoter regions of pacC, palB, palI and palH genes of all dermatophytes, suggesting functional equivalency with the signalling cascade of other fungi. Moreover, the promoter region of pacC gene of the seven dermatophytes had multiple PacC DNA‐binding sites, suggesting that these genes, like their homologues in model fungi, are auto‐regulated.
Indigenous Bali Cattle is Most Suitable for Sustainable Small Farming in Indonesia
Authors: Martojo H
Published: December 2011

Contents

Livestock husbandry is essential for Indonesia. This study reviews cattle characteristics and husbandry methods in the country with special interest in describing the importance of indigenous breeds of cattle. As a conclusion, the Bali cattle ought to be considered the most suitable indigenous cattle breed for the low‐input, high stress production system still practised by millions of families in Indonesia.
Genetic Characterization of the Aceh Cattle Using Phenotypic, Mitochondrial DNA of D‐Loop Region and Microsatellite DNA Analyses
Authors: Abdullah MAN , Martojo H , Noor RR , Solihin DD
Published: December 2011

Contents

The present study reports the phenotypic variation of body weight and body size, the genetic variation of D‐loop of mtDNA and microsatellite DNA allele in Aceh cattle in Indonesia within the frame of the design of a conservation programme for this indigenous species. Aceh cattle differ from Bali, Madura, Java‐Ongole and Pesisir cattle, but its ancestry relates it closest to Pesisir, thus adding more information to its entry from the Indian sub‐continent.
Assisted Reproductive Techniques for Cattle Breeding in Developing Countries: A Critical Appraisal of Their Value and Limitations
Authors: Rodriguez‐Martinez H
Published: December 2011

Contents

Commercialization of animal biotechnologies, including those related to reproduction [also known as assisted reproductive techniques (ARTS)], is an increasing reality in developing countries, following the enormous flow of information around us and the increasing global commercial interests in areas where cattle production has its major assets. The present review discusses the achievements of various biotechnological tools for reproduction in cattle including semen handling for artificial insemination (AI), superovulation and embryo transfer (MOET), in vitro handling of oocytes and production of embryos, reproductive cloning and emerging technologies (sex selection, gene targeting and nuclear transfer for livestock transgenesis, genomics for marker‐assisted selection, etc.). The application of these technologies for cattle breeding is critically discussed in relation to their impact in the improvement of the efficiency of dairy and beef production in developed and –particularly – in developing countries, which ultimately rule the possibilities of a competitive and sound production of food for human consumption. Despite the remarkable progress made and the punctual importance of some of the above‐mentioned technologies, AI remains the most important assisted reproductive technology (ART) in developing countries. Any attempt to gain widespread of any other ART under the predominant economical conditions in developing countries ought to match the simplicity and the success of AI as a breeding tool.
Onset of Sexual Maturity in Female Chickens is Genetically Linked to Loci Associated with Fecundity and a Sexual Ornament
Authors: Wright D , Rubin C , Schutz K , Kerje S , Kindmark A , Brandström H , Andersson L , Pizzari T , Jensen P
Published: December 2011

Contents

Onset of sexual maturation is a trait of extreme importance both evolutionarily and economically. Unsurprisingly therefore, domestication has acted to reduce the time to sexual maturation in a variety of animals, including the chicken. In comparison with wild progenitor chickens [the Red Junglefowl (RJF)], domestic layer hens attain maturity approximately 20% earlier. In addition, domestic layers also possess larger combs (a sexual ornament), produce more eggs and have denser bones. A large quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis (n = 377) was performed using an F2 intercross between a White Leghorn layer breed and a RJF population, with onset of sexual maturity measured and mapped to three separate loci. This cross has already been analysed for comb mass, egg production and bone allocation. Onset of sexual maturity significantly correlated with comb mass, whilst the genetic architecture for sexual maturity and comb mass overlapped at all three loci. For two of these loci, the QTL for sexual maturity and comb mass were statistically indistinguishable from pleiotropy, suggesting that the alleles that increase comb mass also decrease onset of sexual maturity.
Diversity and distribution of small mammals in the South American Dry Andes
Authors: NOVILLO AGUSTINA , OJEDA RICARDO A.
Published: December 2011

The Andean mountain range has played an important role in the evolution of South American biota. However, there is little understanding of the patterns of species diversity across latitudinal and altitudinal gradients. In this paper, we examine the diversity of small mammals along the South Central Dry Andes (SCDA) within the framework of two contrasting hypotheses: (a) species richness decreases with increasing elevation and latitude; and (b) species richness peaks at altitudinal midpoints (mid‐domain). We explore the composition of the species pool, the impact of species–area relationships and the Rapoport effect (i.e. size of geographic ranges) along latitudinal and elevational gradients. First, we constructed a database of SCDA small mammals. Then, species richness patterns were analysed through generalized models, and species–area relationships were assessed by log–log regressions; the curvilinear method (c = S/Az) was use to compute richness corrected by area size. Lastly, the Rapoport effect was evaluated using the midpoint method. Our results show: (1) a richness of 67 small mammals along the SCDA, of which 36 are endemic; (2) a hump‐shaped pattern in species richness along elevation and latitudinal gradients; (3) a species–area relationship for both gradients; (4) endemic species corrected by area present a strong and positive relationship with elevation; (5) a Rapoport effect for the latitudinal ranges, but no effect across the elevational gradient; and (6) a major species turnover between 28° and 30° south latitude. This is the first study quantifying the diversity of small mammals encompassing the central Andean region. Overall, our macrogeographic analysis supports the previously postulated role of the Andes in the diversification of small mammals (i.e. in situ cladogenesis) and highlights some basic attributes (i.e. anatomy of geographic ranges; species–area relationships) when considering the consequences of climate change on biodiversity conservation of mountain ecosystems.
Designing a Better Business School: Channelling Herbert Simon, Addressing the Critics, and Developing Actionable Knowledge for Professionalizing Managers
Authors: Rousseau Denise M.
Published: December 2011

abstract

Herbert Simon's 1967 article ‘The business school: a problem in organizational design’ anticipated many of the challenges business schools face today. Critics charge business schools with failing to realize their primary purpose, that is, to produce professional managers. This article revisits what Simon advocated with regard to a core feature of this professionalism, the production of essential management knowledge, and the process of educating people in applying it. With Simon as a guide, this article outlines educational and research interventions to help business schools realize their founding purpose. In doing so, it addresses the distinctive knowledge products that business school research can contribute to the management profession. This article also highlights the key role that evidence‐based management and the related practices of design science play in providing a more complete solution to the design problem Simon identified.
When does anger evoke self‐interest and fairness motives? The moderating effects of perceived responsibility for needs
Authors: UEHARA SHUNSUKE , NAKAGAWA TOMOHIRO , MORI TAKEMI , OHBUCHI KEN‐ICHI
Published: December 2011

Research has repeatedly demonstrated that anger evokes both self‐interest and fairness motives, but it is unclear what factors determine the evocation of these motives. We examined the idea that the type of relationship, indexed by the perceived responsibility for a partner's needs, moderates the effect of anger on self‐interest and fairness motives by constructing the following hypotheses: Participants will be motivated to protect their self‐interests when they feel anger toward an other who they perceive has the responsibility for needs, while this will not be the case when they feel anger toward an other who they do not perceive has a responsibility for needs (Hypothesis 1), and participants will be motivated to restore fairness regardless of whether the target of anger has a responsibility for needs or not (Hypothesis 2). The Japanese participants in this study rated their anger experiences in terms of the intensity of angry feelings, the perception of responsibility of the other for their own needs, the closeness of the relationship prior to the experience of anger, and the motives that were evoked. Regression analysis supported both hypotheses, implying that concerns related to self‐interest in close relationships reflect the desire for the maintenance of these relationships.
Control of BACE1 degradation and APP processing by ubiquitin carboxyl‐terminal hydrolase L1
Authors: Zhang Mingming , Deng Yu , Luo Yawen , Zhang Shuting , Zou Haiyan , Cai Fang , Wada Keiji , Song Weihong
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 1129–1138.

Deposition of amyloid β protein (Aβ) in the brain is the hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis. Beta‐site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is the β‐secretase in vivo essential for generation of Aβ. Previously we demonstrated that BACE1 is ubiquitinated and the degradation of BACE1 is mediated by the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway (UPP). However the mechanism underlying regulation of BACE1 degradation by UPP remains elusive. Ubiquitin carboxyl‐terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is a deubiquitinating enzyme highly specific to neuron, catalyzing the hydrolysis of ubiquitin conjugates from ubiquitinated substrates. UCHL1 regulates ubiquitin‐dependent protein degradation. However, whether UCHL1 is particularly involved in the proteasomal degradation of BACE1 and what is the role of UCHL1 in AD pathogenesis remain elusive. To investigate the effect of UCHL1 on BACE1 degradation, HUCH cells, a UCHL1 stably over‐expressed HEK293 cell line, was established. We found that inhibition of UCHL1 significantly increased BACE1 protein level in a time‐dependent manner. Half life of BACE1 was reduced in HUCH cells compared with HEK. Over‐expression of UCHL1 decreased APP C‐terminal fragment C99 and Aβ levels in HUCH cells. Moreover, disruption of Uchl1 gene significantly elevated levels of endogenous BACE1, C99 and Aβ in the Uchl1‐null gad mice. These results demonstrated that UCHL1 accelerates BACE1 degradation and affects APP processing and Aβ production. This study suggests that potentiation of UCHL1 might be able to reduce the level of BACE1 and Aβ in brain, which makes it a novel target for AD drug development.
Age‐dependent reduction of the PI3K regulatory subunit p85α suppresses pancreatic acinar cell proliferation
Authors: Takahashi Hitoshi , Okamura Daiki , Starr Marlene E. , Saito Hiroshi , Mark Evers B.
Published: December 2011

The phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway is important for tissue proliferation. Previously, we found that tissue regeneration after partial pancreatic resection was markedly attenuated in aged mice as compared to young mice and that this attenuation was because of an age‐dependent reduction of PI3K/Akt signaling in the pancreatic acini; however, the mechanisms for the age‐associated decline of pancreatic PI3K/Akt signaling remained unknown. To better delineate the mechanisms for the decreased PI3K/Akt activation with aging, age‐associated changes in cell proliferation and PI3K/Akt signaling were investigated in the present study using in vitro primary pancreatic acinar cell cultures derived from young and aged mice. In response to treatment with insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1), acinar cells from young but not aged mice showed increased activation of PI3K/Akt signaling and cell proliferation, indicating that intrinsic cellular mechanisms cause the age‐associated changes in pancreatic acinar cells. We also found that the expression of PI3K p85α subunit, but not IGF‐1 receptor or other PI3K subunits, was significantly reduced in pancreatic acinar cells from aged mice; this age‐associated reduction of p85α was confirmed in both mouse and human pancreatic tissues. Finally, small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐mediated knockdown of p85α expression in acinar cells from young mice resulted in markedly attenuated activation of PI3K/Akt downstream signaling in response to IGF‐1. From these results, we conclude that exocrine pancreatic expression of PI3K p85α subunit is attenuated by aging, which is likely responsible for the age‐associated decrease in activation of pancreatic PI3K signaling and acinar cell proliferation in response to growth‐promoting stimuli.
EVALUATION OF INCLUSIONS IN MORTARS OF DIFFERENT HISTORICAL PERIODS FROM GREEK MONUMENTS*
Authors: STEFANIDOU M. , PAPAYIANNI I. , PACHTA V.
Published: December 2011

Mortars were among the first materials used for construction purposes, even from prehistoric times. Their systematic study reveals that they often contained inclusions, which were introduced with the main constituents or added as improvers of mortars' properties. The present study focuses on recording the types of inclusions found in more than 1000 mortar samples of different types (structural, renders and floor mosaic substrates), taken from various monuments of Greece. This extensive study proves that inclusions occur in all types of mortars of all periods and can be distinguished into two categories: those that are added deliberately to mortars to meet specific needs of improvement of their final properties, such as fibrous materials (wood chips, straw); and inclusions that are incorporated into the mass as impurities in the raw materials (lime and clay lumps, shells and probably charcoal particles).
The reputational ghetto: territorial stigmatisation in St Paul’s, Bristol
Authors: Slater Tom , Anderson Ntsiki
Published: December 2011

This paper intervenes in the debate on ethnic segregation in British cities by paying attention to the hitherto neglected phenomenon of territorial stigmatisation. It discusses the stigma attached to the neighbourhood of St Paul’s, Bristol; how it emerged, how it is felt and negotiated by local residents ‘from below’, and its effects on how that neighbourhood is managed by policy elites ‘from above’. The paper critically reviews some recent influential treatments of ethnic segregation in the UK and the moral panic over ghettoisation, before explaining how the racialisation of urban space and extreme events such as the riots of 1980 and recent high‐profile activities connected to Bristol’s drugs economy have installed a damaging reputation of St Paul’s as a segregated ‘ghetto’ of vice and dereliction. Using a mixed‐methods approach, we show that black–white segregation in St Paul’s is in fact low, and then explain how its ghetto reputation affects the experiences of residents. The paper concludes by arguing that in order to understand the complexities of ethnically diverse urban communities in Britain, territorial stigmatisation must be subjected to analytical scrutiny to complement the high‐profile statistical approaches of recent years.
Market ethics and credit practices in sixteenth‐century Tuscany
Authors: SHAW JAMES E.
Published: December 2011

james e. shaw, Market ethics and credit practices in sixteenth‐century Tuscany

This paper examines the moral economy of mid‐sixteenth‐century Tuscany, with a focus on the practices of credit and exchange at the quotidian level. Supplications for justice addressed to the duke and redirected to the Mercanzia (Merchants’ Court) provide rich evidence of the way that people negotiated the rules, ethics and practices of the market. Supplications presented narratives of exchange embedded in human circumstances and motivations, opening up the formal surface of contractual obligations to reveal the underlying ‘truth’ of these relationships. The role of credit in price formation raises questions about the prices recorded in documents, since loans might be disguised as sales of goods, or interest incorporated into the price. The sources also suggest that credit practices might be associated with a culture of gambling, where borrowers and lenders willingly took on additional risk. Poverty was a key reference among the mitigating circumstances appealed to by supplicants, and women were particularly prominent here. The sources cast light on the difficult structural conditions that might be faced by women, the legal protections that were available to them and the ways that these might be exploited.
Noninvasive molecular imaging of interferon beta activation in mouse liver
Authors: Zhou Yong , Yan Shao‐Duo , Jia Shuai‐Zheng , Wang Hai‐Ping , Fu Qiu‐Xia , Du Juan , Wang Xiao‐Hui , Liang Sheng‐Qiang , Zhang Jin‐Gang , Zhan Lin‐Sheng
Published: December 2011

Background/Aims

Interferon beta (IFN‐β) is the priming cytokine in the interferons (IFNs) response that plays essential roles in innate immune system. Only very few studies on IFN activation in animals have been reported before, therefore, we embarked to develop a novel method to dynamically examine IFN‐β activation in mouse liver by noninvasive molecular imaging.

Methods

Interferon beta promoter‐directed firefly luciferase gene was integrated into chromosomes of hepatocytes by hydrodynamic injection. Mouse hepatitis virus type 3 (MHV‐3) and polyinosinic‐polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)] were used to stimulate the activation of IFN‐β. Luciferase activity was used as an indicator of the IFN‐β promoter activity in vitro and in vivo. The expression level of IFN‐β in the sera and firefly luciferase in the liver was assessed by ELISA and bioluminescence imaging respectively. Western blot was used for detecting proteins expression.

Results

A rapid and elevated luciferase expression in the mouse liver induced by poly (I:C) and MHV‐3 was detected by bioluminescence imaging. The detectable level of IFN‐β in the sera was not induced by MHV‐3. Moreover, IFN‐β activation was significantly inhibited by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A protease in mouse liver. These results were consistent with IFN‐β production in the sera. Therefore, a novel visual method to monitor IFN‐β promoter activity was established in the current study.

Conclusion

This novel sensitive method can be used for not only assessing IFN‐β activation or inhibition in the liver under different conditions, but also screening drug candidates of stimulating or inhibiting of IFN‐β production.
Comparison of acoustic radiation force impulse imaging with transient elastography for the detection of complications in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Vermehren Johannes , Polta Andreas , Zimmermann Olga , Herrmann Eva , Poynard Thierry , Hofmann Wolf‐Peter , Bojunga Jörg , Sarrazin Christoph , Zeuzem Stefan , Friedrich‐Rust Mireen
Published: December 2011

Background

Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) imaging is a new non‐invasive, ultrasound‐based method for the evaluation of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Aim

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ARFI imaging, transient elastography (TE) and Fibrotest for the evaluation of complications in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

A total of 166 patients (109 male, mean age: 54 ± 11 years) with chronic liver disease and established cirrhosis were included in this study. ARFI‐imaging of the liver and spleen, TE and Fibrotest were performed in all patients. In addition, clinical, laboratory and morphological parameters, including MELD/Child–Pugh scores, presence of oesophageal varices and hepatocellular carcinoma, history of variceal bleeding and history of hepatic encephalopathy were recorded.

Results

Acoustic radiation force impulse liver was significantly correlated with ARFI spleen (r = 0.48, P < 0.001), TE (r = 0.75, P < 0.001) and Fibrotest (r = 0.21, P = 0.006). The diagnostic accuracy (AUROC) for the diagnosis of large oesophageal varices was 0.58 (95% CI: 0.48–0.67), 0.58 (0.49–0.67), 0.53 (0.44–0.63) and 0.50 (0.41–0.59) for ARFI liver, spleen, TE and Fibrotest respectively (P > 0.20). The AUROC for the detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was 0.54 (0.39–0.70), 0.58 (0.44–0.73), 0.56 (0.40–0.73) and 0.72 (0.60–0.84) respectively (P > 0.20). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that ARFI spleen better predicted the presence of large oesophageal varices and HCC compared with ARFI liver.

Conclusions

The diagnostic accuracy of ARFI liver and spleen was comparable to TE and Fibrotest for the detection of complications in patients with cirrhosis.
Lipodystrophia Centrifugalis Abdominalis Infantilis: Statistical Analysis of 168 Cases
Authors: Imamura Sadao
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Lipodystrophia centrifugalis abdominalis infantilis is a localized lipodystrophic disease affecting young children. A total of 168 cases were collected from dermatology literature. Where possible, details of the data were also obtained from the authors. Most of the patients were Japanese, Korean, or Chinese in origin. The Caucasian patients were from England, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and the United States. The male‐to‐female ratio was 1:1.6. The depressed lesions developed during the first 4 years of life in the groin or axilla, surrounded by a slight erythematous change. Histologically, subcutaneous fatty tissue was lost or markedly decreased in the depressed areas, and marked or moderate mononuclear cell infiltration was observed in the fatty tissue of the surrounding erythematous area. The depressed lesions extended centrifugally to involve the abdominal or chest walls. However, in most cases, such enlargement spontaneously ceased by the age of 13 years. No drugs used were effective in preventing the enlargement of depressed lesions, but more than 60% of patients showed spontaneous improvement after the cessation of enlargement. Lipodystrophia centrifugalis abdominalis infantilis is a clinically and histologically distinct lipodystrophic disease affecting young children, mostly in Asian countries, but a few in Western countries.
Acute Morbidity Associated with Scabies and Other Ectoparasitoses Rapidly Improves After Treatment with Ivermectin
Authors: Worth Christine , Heukelbach Jorg , Fengler Gernot , Walter Birke , Liesenfeld Oliver , Hengge Ulrich , Feldmeier Hermann
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  In resource‐poor settings, scabies is associated with considerable morbidity. Which factors determine morbidity and how rapidly it recedes after specific treatment is not known. Patients with scabies were recruited in three urban slums in Fortaleza, Northeast Brazil. Diagnosis was established according to dermatoscopy, skin scraping, or adhesive film test. Severity of scabies‐associated morbidity was assessed semiquantitatively. Patients and close contacts were treated with oral ivermectin (200 μg/kg, repeated after 7 days) and followed up for 2 weeks. Ninety‐five patients were included in the study. Papules were the most common lesion type (98.9%). Excoriations due to scratching were observed in 43.2% and bacterial superinfection in 24.2%. Predilection sites were the arms (82.1%) and the abdomen (81.1%). At baseline, 36.3% of patients complained about intense or severe itching. Intense or severe itch decreased to 6.3% 2 weeks after treatment (p = 0.02). Whereas 37.5% of the patients complained about intense or severe itch‐related sleep disturbances at baseline, only 8.8% reported the symptom 2 weeks after treatment (p = 0.35). At baseline, the degree of itching was correlated with the degree of sleep disturbance (ρ = 0.64; p < 0.001). One week after the first dose of ivermectin, the intensity of itching and of sleep disturbance decreased significantly (p < 0.001). In patients living in resource‐poor setting, scabies was associated with considerable morbidity. Treatment with ivermectin rapidly reconstituted health in almost all cases.
Congenital Multiple Clustered Dermatofibroma in a 12‐Year‐Old Girl
Authors: FINCH JUSTIN , BERKE ADRIENNE , McCUSKER MEAGEN , CHANG MARY WU
Published: December 2011

Abstract:  Congenital multiple clustered dermatofibroma (MCDF) is a rare, idiopathic, benign tumor presenting at birth as an asymptomatic hyperpigmented patch that is stable until puberty, at which time it enlarges and develops papules. Ultimately, MCDF appears to follow a stable, benign course. We present a case of a 12‐year‐old girl with congenital MCDF. To our knowledge, this is only the third reported case of congenital presentation of MCDF and the only case featuring atrophoderma‐like depression.
Detection of HNA‐3a and ‐3b antibodies using transfected cell lines and recombinant proteins
Authors: Woźniak Marcin J. , Bowring Claire , Lucas Geoff , Ridgwell Kay
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: HNA‐3 is a diallellic system located on choline transporter‐like protein 2 (CTL2), defined by a polymorphism at Amino Acid 154. HNA‐3a antibodies are of clinical importance in transfusion‐related acute lung injury but antibody detection requires labor‐intensive granulocyte isolation from HNA‐typed donors and the use of techniques such as the granulocyte agglutination test or granulocyte immunofluorescence test. Also, there is no commercial test for detection of HNA‐3 antibodies.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: HEK293 cells were transfected to generate stable cell lines expressing CTL2 fragments (Amino Acids 55‐230) and full‐length membrane bound CTL2 with HNA‐3a and ‐3b epitopes. Soluble fragments were used in enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays to detect HNA‐3 antibodies. The cell lines expressing full‐length proteins were trypsin treated to remove HLA antigens and frozen at −80°C. Thawed cells were then used to detect HNA‐3 antibodies by flow cytometry.

RESULTS: Glycosylated and soluble CTL2 fragments were correctly recognized by 15 of 31 anti‐HNA‐3a sera and by both available anti‐HNA‐3b sera. Twenty‐one anti‐HLA sera reacted variably with untreated cell lines expressing full‐length CTL2. After trypsin treatment of the cell lines, reactivity with HLA antisera was abrogated and all 31 anti‐HNA‐3a and two anti‐HNA‐3b sera bound to the corresponding cell line.

CONCLUSION: Whereas soluble, glycosylated CTL2 fragments cannot be used for the detection of HNA‐3 antibodies, the HEK293 cells expressing full‐length CTL2 proteins were useful in the detection of HNA‐3 antibodies even in the presence of HLA antibodies. Moreover, the cell lines can be stored for at least 6 months before use.
Iron deficiency syndromes and iron‐restricted erythropoiesis (CME)
Authors: Goodnough Lawrence Tim
Published: December 2011

The relationships between erythropoietin (EPO), iron, and erythropoiesis and the presence of iron‐restricted erythropoiesis have important implications in anemia management. Iron‐restricted erythropoiesis occurs in the presence of one or more iron deficiency syndromes: absolute iron deficiency, functional iron deficiency, and/or iron sequestration. Absolute iron deficiency is a common nutritional deficiency in women's health, pediatrics, and the elderly and is therefore an important public health problem. Functional iron deficiency occurs in patients with significant EPO‐mediated erythropoiesis or therapy with erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents, even when storage iron is present. Iron sequestration mediated by hepcidin is an underappreciated but common cause of iron‐restricted erythropoiesis in patients with chronic inflammatory disease. The challenge for treating and laboratory‐based physicians is to understand the contributory role(s) of each of these syndromes, so that the potential value of emerging and innovative pharmacologic strategies can be considered as options in patient blood management.
Competitors and Cooperators: A Micro‐Level Analysis of Regional Economic Development Collaboration Networks
Authors: Lee In‐Won , Feiock Richard C. , Lee Youngmi
Published: December 2011

Predispositions and orientation toward cooperation or competition with other jurisdictions can play a critical role in implementing regional collaboration. By examining collaboration at the micro level, this article investigates how individual factors, including perceptions of cooperation and competition, as well as institutional and environmental factors, are related to regional collaboration. In particular, the authors assert that competitive motivation may support the emergence of regional governance mechanisms. This article explores the relationships between competitive/cooperative motivations and interlocal collaboration networks based on a network survey conducted in the Orlando, Florida, metropolitan area. The authors apply a quadratic assignment procedure regression analysis to examine how dyadic conceptual ties of cooperation and competition, along with the effect of community characteristics, affect policy network structures for economic development. By comparing estimated coefficients with sampling distributions of coefficients from all of the permuted data sets, the regression results indicate the influences of perceived competition/cooperation on the network exchange.