bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenic mutation of UBQLN2 impairs its interaction with UBXD8 and disrupts endoplasmic reticulum‐associated protein degradation
Authors: Xia Yuxing , Yan Linda H , Huang Bo , Liu Mujun , Liu Xionghao , Huang Cao 
Published: November 2013

AbstractProtein aggregation is a common feature of several neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. How protein aggregates are formed and contribute to neurodegeneration, however, is not clear. Mutation of Ubiquilin 2 (UBQLN2) has recently been linked to ALS and frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Therefore, we examined the effect of ALS‐linked UBQLN2 mutation on endoplasmic reticulum‐associated protein degradation (ERAD). Compared to its wild‐type counterpart, mutated UBQLN2 caused greater accumulation of the ERAD substrate Hong Kong variant of α‐1‐antitrypsin, although ERAD was disturbed by both UBQLN2 over‐expression and knockdown. Also, UBQLN2 interacted with ubiquitin regulatory X domain‐containing protein 8 (UBXD8) in vitro and in vivo, and this interaction was impaired by pathogenic mutation of UBQLN2. As UBXD8 is an endoplasmic membrane protein involved in the translocation of ubiquitinated ERAD substrates, UBQLN2 likely cooperates with UBXD8 to transport defective proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cytosol for degradation, and this cell‐protective function is disturbed by pathogenic mutation of UBQLN2.
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Endoplasmic reticulum‐associated protein degradation (ERAD) is important machinery for cells to maintain protein homeostasis. We found that ERAD is disturbed by pathogenic Ubiquilin 2 mutation that is recently linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Impaired ERAD is likely involved in Ubiquilin 2 pathogenesis.
Perineural invasion and expression of nerve growth factor can predict the progression and prognosis of oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Shen Wei‐Ren , Wang Yi‐Ping , Chang Julia Yu‐Fong , Yu Shang‐Yang , Chen Hsin‐Ming , Chiang Chun‐Pin 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundPerineural invasion (PNI) and nerve growth factor (NGF) expression are found to be significantly associated with the progression and/or prognosis of several human cancers.MethodsImmunohistochemical staining for S‐100 and NGF proteins was performed to assess the PNI and NGF expression level in 116 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC) specimens, respectively.ResultsThe PNI rate increased from 22% of the original pathological report, through 39% after reevaluation of hematoxylin and eosin‐stained tissue sections, to 51% with the help of anti‐S‐100 immunostaining. The positive PNI was significantly associated with larger tumor size (P = 0.033), positive lymph node metastasis (P = 0.001), advanced clinical stage (P < 0.001), greater tumor thickness (P < 0.001), close or positive section margin (P = 0.013), and higher grade of cancer invasion front pattern (P < 0.001). Moreover, the high NGF expression level was significantly correlated with larger tumor size (P = 0.009), positive lymph node metastasis (P = 0.004), advanced clinical stage (P < 0.001), greater tumor thickness (P = 0.005), close or positive section margin (P = 0.030), and the positive PNI (P = 0.009). In addition, OTSCC patients with positive PNI or high NGF expression level had significantly worse overall survival than those with negative PNI or low NGF expression level, respectively.ConclusionsAnti‐S‐100 immunostaining is an effective technique to detect occult PNI. Both the positive PNI and NGF expression level are valuable biomarkers that can predict the progression of OTSCC and prognosis of OTSCC patients.
Balanced‐Budget Rules, Elasticity of Substitution, and Macroeconomic (In)Stability
Authors: XUE JIANPO , K. YIP CHONG 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis paper examines the relation between factor substitution and (local) stability of equilibria in a one‐sector real business cycle model under balanced‐budget rules. We show that under non‐unitary elasticity of factor substitution, the Schmitt‐Grohé‐Uribe indeterminacy result can be altered. Using the two‐step normalization procedure, we highlight two opposing effects of factor substitution, namely, the efficiency effect and the distribution effect, on aggregate stability. With endogenous distortionary taxes and gross substitutability between capital and labor, the existing literature overlooks the distribution effect and finds that balanced‐budget rules are likely to deliver indeterminacy. However, if capital stock is relatively more abundant, a higher elasticity of substitution generates a source of stability due to the distribution effect. Our calibration shows that the distribution effect is always the dominating force.
Molecular Characterization of Southern Rice Blacked‐Streaked Dwarf Virus (SRBSDV) from Vietnam
Authors: Xue Jin , Li Jing , Zhang Heng‐Mu , Yang Jian , Lv Ming‐Fang , Gao Bi‐Da , Chen Jian‐Ping 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSouthern rice black‐streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) is a novel putative member of the genus Fijivirus, family Reoviridae. We report here the genomic sequences of a Vietnamese isolate (SRBSDV‐V). The total genome of SRBSDV‐V has 29 115 nucleotides (nt), nine nt shorter than SRBSDV‐GD or ‐HN, but similar in organization to these two Chinese isolates. Nucleotide diversities among SRBSDV isolates were much lower than those among the corresponding ORFs of the available RBSDV isolates and there was a lower purifying selection pressure on SRBSDV than RBSDV, providing first molecular evidence for the view that SRBSDV is of recent origin. In studies of all available SRBSDV sequences, there was no obvious correlation between geographic distances and phylogenetic distribution. A high frequency of genetic recombination was found among both Chinese and Vietnam SRBSDV isolates, suggesting that recombination may play an important role in the molecular variation and evolution of SRBSDV.
Demographic model of admixture predicts symmetric introgression when a species expands into the range of another: A comment on Currat et al. (2008)
Authors: ZHANG Da‐Yong 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA recent model by Currat et al. indicates that when one species colonizes an area already occupied by a closely related species, massive introgression of neutral genes should take place primarily in the direction from the local to the invasive species. Here, I show that this model relies on an assumption that might not capture the true dynamics of how species exchange migrants during admixture. As an alternative, I formulate a new model, based on a different and perhaps more biologically realistic assumption of interbreeding, that demonstrates symmetric introgression as compared to the large and asymmetric introgression predicted by the original model. The new model indicates that asymmetry is not a default property of introgressions, thus necessitating alternative explanations for the common observation of massive asymmetric introgression including sex‐biased dispersal.
Assessing the cost‐effectiveness of finding cases of hepatitis C infection inUKmigrant populations and the value of further research
Authors: Miners A. H. , Martin N. K. , Ghosh A. , Hickman M. , Vickerman P. 
Published: November 2013

summaryHepatitis C (HCV) infection can cause cirrhosis, liver cancer and death in the absence of treatment. Many people living in theUKbut born overseas are believed to be infected withHCValthough many are unlikely to know they are infected. The aim of this study is to assess the potential for a case‐finding approach to be cost‐effective and to estimate the value of further research. An economic evaluation and value of information analysis was undertaken by developing a model ofHCVdisease progression and by populating it with evidence from the published literature. They were performed from aUKNational Health Services cost perspective, and outcomes were expressed in terms of quality‐adjusted life‐years (QALYs). The comparator intervention was defined as the background rate of testing (i.e. no intervention). The base case results generated an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) of about £23 200 per additionalQALY. However, theICERwas shown to be particularly sensitive toHCVseroprevalence, the intervention effect / cost and the probability of treatment uptake. The value of information analysis suggested that approximately £4 million should be spent on further research. This evaluation demonstrates that testingUKmigrants forHCVcould be cost‐effective. However, further research, particularly to refine estimates of the probability of treatment uptake once identified, the utility associated with sustained virological response and the cost of the intervention, would help to increase the robustness of this conclusion.
Does large body size relax constraints on bite‐force generation in lizards of the genus Uromastyx?
Authors: Herrel A. , Castilla A. M. , Al‐Sulaiti M. K. , Wessels J. J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe evolution of large body size has often been considered a key trait allowing the evolution of herbivory in lizards. Although many omnivorous lizards appear unspecialized, they typically show high bite forces, allowing them to reduce tough and fibrous plant matter. In contrast, true herbivores often show a suite of morphological and physiological specializations, allowing them to efficiently process and assimilate plant material. Moreover, many specialized herbivores have a large body size, thus likely relaxing constraints on bite‐force generation given that bite force increases with increasing body mass. In this study, we test whether large herbivorous lizards of the genus Uromastyx have relatively lower bite forces for their body size compared with a medium‐sized congener. No differences in bite force or head dimensions were observed between the two species or between both sexes in our sample. Moreover, bite force scaled with positive allometry relative to jaw length, suggesting that larger animals have disproportionately large bite forces. This suggests that even in the largest species, constraints on bite‐force generation are still strong, possibly due to the demands imposed on the jaw system by the mechanical properties of the diet.
Ceramic Traditions and Cultural Identities: West‐Central France during the Late Neolithic II Period (c.3400–2900 cal. BC)
Authors: Ard Vincent 
Published: November 2013

SummaryPottery is generally used as the main basis for characterizing Neolithic cultural identities: archaeologists tend to define groups and cultures in time and space on the basis of typological classification.This paper proposes a different approach to the study of pottery that takes into account the various steps of the chaîne opératoire of manufacture, particularly the methods used to form and finish the pots, in order to characterize the cultural landscape of the Late Neolithic II period in west‐central France (3400−2900 BC). This cultural landscape has hitherto been poorly defined and subject to endless debate since the 1950s, largely because the pottery is fairly homogeneous in shape and is mostly undecorated. The technological study presented here, based on the examination of 23 ceramic assemblages and focusing on a variety of stages in the chaîne opératoire, has allowed the definition of three technical traditions.The main characteristics and diagnostic features of these traditions are outlined below, together with their interrelationships.
From Greek Boar's‐Tusk Helmets to the First European Metal Helmets: New Approaches on Development and Chronology
Authors: Mödlinger Marianne 
Published: November 2013

SummaryAfter more than a century of research into Bronze Age helmets throughout Europe, both the development and chronology of conical helmets with spool‐shaped sockets still remain unclear. The comprehensive studies and analysis of the helmet from Biecz have not completely resolved the discussions. Other helmets, when not solitary finds, have been usually dated according to their alleged associations in a hoard but have never been extensively discussed as a single helmet type of one date range. By introducing to the discussion a Greek bronze helmet with incised boar's tusks as well as those boar's‐tusk helmets with bronze cheek plates, more light is shed on the development and chronology of these very first European bronze helmets.
Justificatory Liberalism and Same‐Sex Marriage
Authors: Beckwith Francis J. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSupporters of Justificatory Liberalism (JL)—such asJohnRawls andGerardGaus—typically maintain that the state may not coerce its citizens on matters of constitutional essentials unless it can provide public justification that the coerced citizens would be irrational in rejecting. The state, in other words, may not coerce citizens whose rejection of the coercion is based on their reasonable comprehensive doctrines (i.e., worldviews). Proponents of the legal recognition of same‐sex marriage (SSM) usually offer some version ofJLas the most fundmental reason why laws that recognize marriage only if it is a union between one man and one woman are unjust. In this articleIargue that the application ofJLin support of legal recognition ofSSMdoes not succeed because the issue under scrutiny—the nature of marriage—is deeply embedded in, and in most cases integral to, many (if not most) citizens’ reasonable comprehensive doctrines. Thus,Iargue that because of the effects and consequences of the legal recognition ofSSM, it results (or will result) in a violation ofJLagainst dissenting citizens.
The Role of the Jurist: Reflections around Radbruch
Authors: Cotterrell Roger 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMany different kinds of professionals work with law, but often they seek to use law for particular governmental or private purposes, they focus on some specific areas or aspects of its creation, interpretation or application, or they study it for its interest judged by criteria that are given by fields of scholarly practice outside it. Is there a special significance for a role exclusively concerned with analysing, protecting and enhancing the general well‐being or worth of law as a practical idea? This article argues that such a role is important. Building on Gustav Radbruch's juristic thought, it asks how that role could be elaborated and how a professional responsibility for discharging it might be envisaged. Many professionals concerned with law adopt such a role incidentally or intermittently, but it needs more prominence and clear demarcation. The article suggests that it might be seen as the specialised role of the jurist, treated as a particular kind of legal professional. The term “jurist” would then have not just an honorific connotation. It would indicate a Weberian “pure” type that may approximate some current understandings of “juristic” practice; but it would also identify a normative ideal—something intrinsically valuable. Seen in this way, the jurist is one who assumes a certain unique responsibility for law.
The Development and Regulation of China's Insurance Market: History and Perspectives
Authors: Chen Bingzheng , Tennyson Sharon , Wang Maoqi , Zhou Haizhen 
Published: November 2013

AbstractChina's private insurance market has been developing rapidly since the 1980s. Regulation of the market has developed in tandem with its growth. This article provides a systematic overview of China's insurance regulatory system and the evolving process of insurance supervision and regulation. The nature and direction of regulatory changes are evaluated in light of theories of public reform and the special character of China among developing economies.
People, Power, and Land: New Enclosures on a Global Scale
Authors: Geisler Charles , Makki Fouad 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA global land rush is aggressively underway. It is reinventing frontier narratives wherever farmland, rangeland, and forestland appear “underutilized,” particularly in the Global South. Though the means and motives of these acquisitions are diverse, the lens of “new enclosures” lends itself to focusing on their similarities. New enclosures surpass the enclosures of bygone centuries in scale and speed and in the plethora of resources they reach. Sociological interventions, both theoretical and applied, are needed to contextualize and concretize this burgeoning alienation of land rights and power contingencies across communities and continents.
Dapsone‐induced methemoglobinemia in renal transplant recipients: more prevalent than previously thought
Authors: Mitsides N. , Green D. , Middleton R. , New D. , Lamerton E. , Allen J. , Redshaw J. , Chadwick P.R. , Subudhi C.P.K. , Wood G. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundAfter an outbreak of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in our nephrology unit, dapsone was used as the second‐line chemoprophylactic agent. Dapsone is the most common cause of drug‐induced methemoglobinemia (MHb). Its prevalence is poorly described in the renal transplant population. Because dapsone is excreted by the kidneys, we hypothesized that the rate of MHb in these patients would be higher than previously reported. We aimed to describe the demographics, risk factors, and presenting features of MHb in these renal transplant patients.MethodsTwenty‐six transplant recipients commenced on dapsone for chemoprophylaxis against PCP from February to September 2011. All patients had normal glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase levels before treatment. Characteristics of patients with MHb were compared with those of the rest of the cohort to determine potential risk factors.ResultsTwelve (46%) patients developed MHb (levels 6.4 ± 4.1%). Six (50%) of the patients with MHb were asymptomatic on presentation. Cases had a mean drop in hemoglobin of 19 ± 7%. MHb led to five admissions (median length of stay 5 days, range 1–10 days). MHb level showed a strong correlation with the length of stay (correlation coefficient 0.762, P = 0.002).ConclusionThis is the highest reported prevalence of MHb, to our knowledge, in patients receiving dapsone, and its use led to significant hospitalization in this population. This study raises concerns about the use of dapsone as chemoprophylaxis in renal transplant recipients.
High incidence of post‐transplant cytomegalovirus reactivations in myeloma patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation after treatment with bortezomib‐based regimens: a survey from the Rome Transplant Network
Authors: Marchesi F. , Mengarelli A. , Giannotti F. , Tendas A. , Anaclerico B. , Porrini R. , Picardi A. , Cerchiara E. , Dentamaro T. , Chierichini A. , Romeo A. , Cudillo L. , Montefusco E. , Tirindelli M.C. , De Fabritiis P. , Annino L. , Petti M.C. , Monarca B. , Arcese W. , Avvisati G. ,   the Rome Transplant Network
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe incidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivations in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) receiving autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is relatively low. However, the recent increased use of novel agents, such as bortezomib and/or immunomodulators, before transplant, has led to an increasing incidence of Herpesviridae family virus infections. The aim of the study was to establish the incidence of post‐engraftment symptomatic CMV reactivations in MM patients receiving ASCT, and to compare this incidence with that of patients treated with novel agents or with conventional chemotherapy before transplant. The study was a survey of 80 consecutive patients who underwent ASCT after treatment with novel agents (Group A). These patients were compared with a cohort of 89 patients treated with VAD regimen (vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone) before ASCT (Group B). Overall, 7 patients (4.1%) received an antiviral treatment for a symptomatic CMV reactivation and 1 died. The incidence of CMV reactivations was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (7.5% vs. 1.1%; P = 0.048). When compared with Group B, the CMV reactivations observed in Group A were significantly more frequent in patients who received bortezomib, whether or not associated with immunomodulators (9.4% vs. 1.1%; P = 0.019), but not in those treated with immunomodulators only (3.7% vs. 1.1%; P = 0.396). These results suggest that MM patients treated with bortezomib‐based regimens are at higher risk of developing a symptomatic CMV reactivation after ASCT.
Currently recommended BK virus (BKV) plasma viral load cutoff of ≥4 log10/mL underestimates the diagnosis of BKV‐associated nephropathy: a single transplant center experience
Authors: Hassan S. , Mittal C. , Amer S. , Khalid F. , Patel A. , Delbusto R. , Samuel L. , Alangaden G. , Ramesh M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundBK virus (BKV)‐associated nephropathy (BKVAN) is a major cause of renal dysfunction and graft loss in renal transplant recipients. Monitoring plasma BK viral load (BKVL) is the recommended screening tool to predict BKVAN. American Society of Transplantation (AST) guidelines define a BKVL of ≥4 log10/mL (10,000 copies) as presumptive BKVAN and recommend reduction in immunosuppression. We evaluated the clinical sensitivity of the quantitative BKV DNA assay in predicting risk for BKVAN using the AST‐recommended BKVL cutoff.MethodsIn a retrospective, single‐center study, all patients who underwent renal transplant at Henry Ford Hospital from January 2008 to August 2011 were analyzed (n = 490). Plasma BKVL Assay A (commercial large T antigen‐based polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) was done in all patients. Renal biopsy was done if there was a rise in serum creatinine ≥0.5 mg from baseline. BKVAN was confirmed by biopsy. As a subset to this study, from the same cohort, data for a set of 20 consecutive Assays A and B (in‐house VP1‐based PCR assay) from 15 patients over a period of 3 months were collected. Differences in physicians' clinical decision‐making (CDM) were analyzed between the 2 assays using chi‐square test.ResultsA total of 413 patients met the inclusion criteria, of which 222 patients had BK viremia. Among the 248 patients who had a renal biopsy done, 31 (12.5%) were found to have BKVAN. Eleven of the 31 (35%) patients had BKVL consistently <4 log10/mL, and thus were not diagnosed to have BKVAN using the AST‐recommended BKVL cutoff of ≥4 log10/mL. A total of 8 patients lost their graft owing to BKVAN, including 3 patients with BKVL <4 log10/mL. Using a cutoff point of plasma BKVL of ≥4 log10/mL, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predicative value of the PCR Assay A for the diagnosis of biopsy‐proven BKVAN were 64.5%, 98.4%, 87.0%, and 94.5%, respectively, and for the diagnosis of presumptive nephropathy were found to be 76.6%, 99.4%, 95.8%, and 96.4%, respectively. In the second part of the study, presumptive nephropathy was detected in 8 samples using Assay A and 14 samples using Assay B. Six samples in Assay A would have led to no changes in the CDM in terms of reduction in immunosuppression. Kidney biopsy was carried out in 5 patients, 4 of whom had BKVAN and had Assay B log count of ≥5. If Assay A had been used in CDM, BKVAN would have been missed in 1 patient.ConclusionUtilizing the current AST guideline cutoff of ≥4 log10/mL, the PCR Assay A underestimated the diagnosis of BKVAN. Urgent standardization of the various BKVL assays and establishment of universal cutoff points is imperative to avoid BKVAN‐related graft loss.