bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and analysis of flagellar coexpressed determinants (Feds) of Campylobacter jejuni involved in colonization
Authors: Barrero‐Tobon Angelica M. , Hendrixson David R. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe flagellum of Campylobacter jejuni provides motility essential for commensal colonization of the intestinal tract of avian species and infection of humans resulting in diarrhoeal disease. Additionally, the flagellar type III secretion system has been reported to secrete proteins such as CiaI that influence invasion of human intestinal cells and possibly pathogenesis. The flagellar regulatory system ultimately influences σ28 activity required for expression of the FlaA major flagellin and other flagellar filament proteins. In this work, we discovered that transcription of ciaI and four genes we propose annotating as feds (for flagellar coexpressed determinants) is dependent upon σ28, but these genes are not required for motility. Instead, the Feds and CiaI are involved in commensal colonization of chicks, with FedA additionally involved in promoting invasion of human intestinal cells. We also discovered that the major flagellin influences production, stability or secretion of σ28‐dependent proteins. Specific transcriptional and translational mechanisms affecting CiaI were identified and domains of CiaI were analysed for importance in commensalism or invasion. Our work broadens the genes controlled by the flagellar regulatory system and implicates this system in co‐ordinating production of colonization and virulence determinants with flagella, which together are required for optimal interactions with diverse hosts.
Next‐generation sequencing: ready for the clinics?
Authors: Desai AN , Jere A 
Published: February 2012

Desai AN, Jere A. Next‐generation sequencing: ready for the clinics?Next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has transformed genomic research by decreasing the cost of sequencing and increasing the throughput. Now, the focus is on using NGS technology for diagnostics and therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the possible clinical applications of NGS and the potential of some of the current systems to transition to the clinic. Clinical use of NGS technologies will enable the identification of causative mutations for rare genetic disorders through whole‐genome or targeted genome resequencing, rapid pathogen screening and cancer diagnosis along with the identification of appropriate therapy. Routine clinical use of NGS technologies is appealing, but mandates high accuracy, simple assays, small inexpensive instruments, flexible throughput, short run times and most importantly, easy data analysis as well as interpretation. A number of NGS systems launched recently have least some of these characteristics, namely, small instruments, flexible throughput and short run time, but still face a few challenges. Moreover, simplified data analysis tools will need to be developed to minimize the requirement of sophisticated bioinformatics support in clinics. In summary, for successful transition of NGS to clinic, a sustained collaboration between research labs, clinical practitioners and vendors offering sequencing based genetic tests is required.
The Breed and Season Effects on Scrotal Circumference and Semen Characteristics of Hair Sheep Rams Under Tropical Conditions
Authors: Cárdenas‐Gallegos MA , Aké‐López JR , Centurión‐Castro F , Magaña‐Monforte JG 
Published: February 2012

ContentsThe aim of the present work was to evaluate the breed and season effects on scrotal circumference (SC) and semen characteristics of 28 mature hair sheep rams kept under tropical conditions. SCs, sperm concentration (SPC) and abnormal sperm were significantly affected by breed effect (p < 0.001). The season effect was significant in SPC (p < 0.0001) while ejaculate volume, mass motility and SPC were affected by breed × season interaction effect (p < 0.001). It can be concluded that the magnitude of the breed and season effects were not sufficient to affect the reproductive capacity of hair sheep rams throughout the year.
Birth by cesarean section is associated with elevated neonatal plasma levels of dimethylarginines
Authors: Vida Gabriella , Sulyok Endre , Ertl Tibor , Martens‐Lobenhoffer Jens , Bode‐Böger Stefanie M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground:  This study was undertaken to compare the effects of vaginal delivery and cesarean section on the l‐arginine‐nitric oxide system by measuring levels of l‐arginine, an endogenous nitric oxide synthase antagonist asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in the cord blood and postnatally.Methods:  Plasma samples were obtained from the umbilical vein and artery at birth and from peripheral venous blood on the second postnatal day in 30 full‐term newborn infants: 10 born vaginally and 20 born by cesarean section.Results:  After vaginal delivery, ADMA concentration was higher in the umbilical vein than in the umbilical artery (mean 1.06 vs 0.90 µmol/L [P= 0.027]); and ADMA level fell after birth to 0.66 µmol/L on the second postnatal day (P= 0.007 vs umbilical artery). Newborns born by cesarean section had similar ADMA levels in umbilical arterial and venous blood, 1.19 and 1.18 µmol/L, and the ADMA level fell to 0.84 µmol/L by the second postnatal day (P < 0.001). Vaginal birth induced neither significant umbilical venoarterial difference nor a postnatal fall in SDMA. After cesarean section, SDMA was essentially the same in umbilical vein, umbilical artery and postnatal peripheral vein samples. At 2 days of age, both ADMA and SDMA levels stayed higher in infants born by cesarean section than in vaginally born infants.Conclusions:  ADMA level falls after both vaginal and cesarean birth, whereas SDMA level does not. The higher ADMA level after cesarean birth compared with vaginal birth may contribute to decreased nitric oxide production and bioavailability in neonatal vascular beds.
Involvement of estrogen receptors in prostatic diseases
Authors: Kawashima Hidenori , Nakatani Tatsuya 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAccumulating evidence shows that estrogens participate in the pathogenesis and development of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer by activating estrogen receptor α. In contrast, estrogen receptor β is involved in the differentiation and maturation of prostatic epithelial cells, and thus possesses antitumor effects in prostate cancer. However, the natural ligands of estrogen receptor β are not fully understood, and its mode of action according to its ligands and the binding sites located in the promoter regions of downstream genes remains to be elucidated. Here, we review recent experimental investigations of estrogen receptors and their urological relevance. Estrogen receptor‐mediated signaling in the prostate is essential together with the androgen receptor‐mediated pathway, providing a new therapeutic target for prostatic diseases.
A randomized non‐inferiority study comparing the addition of exenatide twice daily to sitagliptin or switching from sitagliptin to exenatide twice daily in patients with Type 2 diabetes experiencing inadequate glycaemic control on metformin and sitagliptin
Authors: Violante R. , Oliveira J. H. A. , Yoon K.‐H. , Reed V. A. , Yu M. B. , Bachmann O. P. , Lüdemann J. , Chan J. Y. C. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAims  To test the hypothesis that glycaemic control achieved when switching sitagliptin to exenatide twice daily plus metformin is non‐inferior to adding exenatide twice daily to sitagliptin and metformin.Methods  Patients with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with sitagliptin plus metformin were randomly assigned to 20 weeks of treatment with twice‐daily exenatide plus placebo and metformin (SWITCH, n = 127) or twice‐daily exenatide plus sitagliptin and metformin (ADD, n = 128).Results  Non‐inferiority (0.4% margin) of SWITCH to ADD treatment, measured by change in HbA1c from baseline to week 20, was not shown {between‐treatment difference in least‐squares mean [95% CI 3 mmol/mol (0.30%)] [0.8–5.8 (0.07–0.53)]}. A greater reduction (P = 0.012) in HbA1c [least‐squares mean (se)] was experienced by patients in the ADD group {−7 mmol/mol [−0.68%] [0.9 (0.08)]}, compared with those in the SWITCH group {−4 mmol/mol [−0.38%] [1.0 (0.09)]} and a greater proportion (P = 0.027) of patients in the ADD group (41.7%) reached < 7.0% (< 53 mmol/mol) HbA1c target, compared with those in the SWITCH group (26.6%) by week 20. Patients in the ADD group experienced greater fasting serum glucose (P = 0.038) and daily mean postprandial self‐monitored blood glucose (P = 0.048) reductions, compared with patients in the SWITCH group, by week 20. Patients in both groups experienced a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting compared with previous exenatide studies.Conclusions  Non‐inferiority of SWITCH to ADD treatment was not supported by the results of this study. In patients with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with sitagliptin plus metformin, adding exenatide provided better glycaemic control than switching to exenatide. These results are consistent with the clinical approach that adding is better than switching to another oral anti‐hyperglycaemic medication.
The Compatibility of EU Biofuel Policies with Global Sustainability and the WTO
Authors: Burrell Alison , Hubertus Gay Stephan , Kavallari Aikaterini 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28) requires that by 2020, biofuels should account for at least 10 per cent of transport fuel consumption. EU legislation sets out sustainability criteria for biofuels to qualify for this target and procedures for verifying that they are met. Using the AGLINK‐COSIMO model, we investigate the impacts of the biofuel target on global trade flows and land use, both under the current biofuel tariff regime and assuming zero EU tariffs for biofuels. The EU’s 2020 transport fuel target increases the global area of agricultural crops by 0.9 per cent. With zero tariffs, the extra global land requirement is 21 per cent smaller, but a larger share of it falls outside the EU. This outcome sharpens the issue of how the EU’s unilateral sustainability criteria can be implemented given current international trade rules.
Does Aid Cause Trade? Evidence from an Asymmetric Gravity Model
Authors: Silva Simone Juhasz , Nelson Douglas 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAnderson and vanWincoop developed what has become the standard framework for framing and interpreting empirical work using the gravity model. Their framework relies heavily on an assumption of symmetry among countries. For issues related to North‐South trade, this assumption is problematic. In this paper, we develop an asymmetric extension of the Anderson–vanWincoop framework appropriate to the analysis of North‐South trade, where Northern countries produce differentiated goods and Southern countries homogenous ones. In addition, we use an appropriately extended version of Baier and Bergtrand and Taylor linear expansion – thus permitting its estimation using (good old) OLS. The result is an empirical model that (i) is better suited to the analysis of North‐South trade, (ii) is easy to estimate and compute comparative statics, not requiring a customised NLS routine and, given the way the South is included, (iii) provides a simple explanation of zero trade flows between some country pairs, a fact still not fully explained in the literature. As an illustration of its use, we examine the empirical link between foreign aid and trade.
Fiscal Stimulus, Agricultural Growth and Poverty in Asia
Authors: Gaiha Raghav , Imai Katsushi S. , Thapa Ganesh , Kang Woojin 
Published: February 2012

AbstractRecent debates on a sustainable recovery of the global economy have tended to overemphasise the ‘savings glut’ hypothesis and the unavoidable imperative of higher consumption in China and other emerging Asian countries. That oversaving and not underinvestment is coming in the way of a quicker and more durable recovery is not just simplistic but misleading from a medium‐term growth perspective for emerging Asian countries and other developing countries in this region. Drawing upon country panel data for developing countries and a subsample of Asian countries during the period 1991–2007, this study makes a case for a bold and coordinated fiscal stimulus, directed to stimulating agricultural and overall growth, and mitigation of poverty and hunger. Our simulations further suggest that poverty reduction is likely to be larger if the fiscal stimulus is directed to social spending in health and education sectors. Indeed, if our simulations of fiscal impacts have any validity, the dire predictions of millions getting trapped in poverty and hunger may turn out to be exaggerated. The prospects of a strong recovery led by fiscal stimulus are thus real and achievable.
THE NATURE OF RIGHTS DEBATE RESTS ON A MISTAKE
Authors: VAN DUFFEL SIEGFRIED 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe recent debate over the nature of rights has been dominated by two rival theories of rights. Proponents of the Will Theory of rights hold that individual freedom, autonomy, control, or sovereignty are somehow to be fundamental to the concept of a right, while proponents of the Interest Theory argue that rights rather protect people's welfare. Participants in this debate commonly assume the existence of a single ‘concept’ of which both theories provide competing descriptions. The aim of this article is to show that both accounts are better understood as providing characterizations of different ‘kinds’ of rights.
Development of fetal trabecular micro‐architecture in the humerus and femur
Authors: Reissis Dimitris , Abel Richard L. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIt is widely accepted that during postnatal development trabecular bone adapts to the prevailing loading environment via modelling. However, very little is known about the mechanisms (whether it is predominantly modelling or remodelling) or controls (such as whether loading influences development) of fetal bone growth. In order to make inferences about these factors, we assessed the pattern of fetal trabecular development in the humerus and femur via histomorphometric parameter quantification. Growth and development (between 4 and 9 months prenatal) of trabecular architecture (i.e. thickness, number and bone volume fraction) was compared across upper and lower limb bones, proximal and distal regions, and sexes. The data presented here indicate that during prenatal development trabeculae became thicker and less numerous, whilst bone volume fraction remained constant. This partly mimics the pattern of early postnatal development (0–2 years) described by other researchers. Thickness was reported to increase whilst number reduced, but bone volume fraction decreased. This is perhaps because the balance of bone modelling (deposition vs. resorption) changes post partum. Published histological data suggest that bone deposition slows after birth, while resorption rates remain constant. Hence, fetal development may be characterized by relatively high rates of modelling and, particularly, bone deposition in comparison to postnatal. With respect to measures of thickness, number and bone volume fraction prenatal development was not bone, site, or sex specific, whilst postnatally these measures of architecture diverge. This is despite reported developmental variation in the frequency, speed and amplitude of fetal movements (which begin after 11 weeks and continue until birth), and probably therefore loading induced by muscular contractions. This may be because prenatal limb bone micro‐architecture follows a generalised predetermined growth trajectory (or genetic blueprint), as appears to be the case for gross distribution of trabecular tissue.
Dyslexia in higher education: creating a fully inclusive institution
Authors: Mortimore Tilly 
Published: February 2012

Disability legislation demands inclusive institutional policy and practice to meet the needs of the growing numbers of students disclosing specific learning difficulties (SpLD)/dyslexia. However, surveys of provision indicate mixed levels of student satisfaction. Institutions need to be able to monitor the extent to which their practice embodies their inclusive mission statements. Fuller, Healey, Bradley and Hall developed a stage model of progress towards the fully inclusive institution which suggests that departments or individuals can remain at different stages, delaying transformation of the whole system. This case study, conducted within a small university, used documentation, interviews, questionnaires and focus groups to explore attitudes and practices at each level of the institution to establish the extent to which Fuller's model might enable identification and elimination of ‘disablist institutional practice’ and the development of the fully inclusive ethos.Policy, management, lecturers and students were surveyed to explore attitudes and practices relevant to SpLD/dyslexia. Findings indicated that Fuller's model provided a clear and practical way of charting the institution's journey towards full inclusivity. Participants demonstrated the existence of examples of inclusive culture at all levels in University X, alongside a need for strengthened and clarified systems cementing links between management policy and the work of facilitators and lecturers. Inconsistencies in the systems connecting the levels potentially allow disablist practices to survive. Hence, identifying these gaps can facilitate their closure and promote the establishment of the fully inclusive institution.
What can homograph interpretation tell us about language status in Irish/English bilinguals?
Authors: Lyddy Fiona 
Published: March 2012

This study examined how language context affects homograph interpretation by bilingual (Irish/English) adults and children. Participants categorized written words and nonwords as ‘Irish’, ‘English’, ‘Both’ (homographs) or ‘Neither’. This task was conducted through Irish or English. The homographs had a higher written frequency in Irish than in English. The results showed children were more likely to interpret the homographs as Irish, regardless of task language, while adults were equally likely to read the words as Irish or English, despite the higher frequency in Irish. Children's identification of Irish words was facilitated when the task was conducted through Irish. These findings reveal the fragile state of written Irish for L1 speakers and point to a need to support L1 Irish speakers in teaching and assessment contexts.Diese Studie überprüfte den Effekt des Sprachzusammenhangs auf Homografdeutung, für zweisprachige (Irisch/Englisch) Erwachsene und Kinder. Die Teilnehmer mussten Wörter, echte oder fiktive, im Schriftbild als Irisch, Englisch, Beides, oder Keines von beiden bezeichnen. Die Befragung fand auf irisch oder auf englisch statt. Die Homografe waren im Schriftbild häufiger in irischen Texten. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass Kinder dazu tendierten, die Homografe eher als Irisch aufzufassen, egal in welcher Sprache sie befragt wurden. Zweisprachige Erwachsene dagegen fassten die Homografe gleichermaßen als Irisch oder Englisch auf, obwohl die Wörter häufiger im Irischen vorkamen. Für die Kinder wurde ferner die Identifizierung der irischen Wörter durch weitgehend übereinstimmende Aufgabenkontexte erleichtert. Die Ergebnisse deuten auf den schwachen Stand des geschriebenen Irisch bei L1‐Sprachträgern hin, und weisen auf die Notwendigkeit hin, diese L1‐Irisch‐sprechenden zu unterstützen, im Unterricht sowie bei der Bewertung.
MFG‐E8 activates proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells via integrin signaling
Authors: Wang Mingyi , Fu Zongming , Wu James , Zhang Jing , Jiang Liqun , Khazan Benjamin , Telljohann Richard , Zhao Mingming , Krug Alexander W. , Pikilidou Maria , Monticone Robert E. , Wersto Robert , Van Eyk Jennifer , Lakatta Edward G. 
Published: March 2012

SummaryAn accumulation of milk fat globule EGF‐8 protein (MFG‐E8) occurs within the context of arterial wall inflammatory remodeling during aging, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or atherosclerosis. MFG‐E8 induces VSMC invasion, but whether it affects VSMC proliferation, a salient feature of arterial inflammation, is unknown. Here, we show that in the rat arterial wall in vivo, PCNA and Ki67, markers of cell cycle activation, increase with age between 8 and 30 months. In fresh and early passage VSMC isolated from old aortae, an increase in CDK4 and PCNA, an increase in the acceleration of cell cycle S and G2 phases, decrease in the G1/G0 phase, and an increase in PDGF and its receptors confer elevated proliferative capacity, compared to young VSMC. Increased coexpression and physical interaction of MFG‐E8 and integrin αvβ5 occur with aging in both the rat aortic wall in vivo and in VSMC in vitro. In young VSMC in vitro, MFG‐E8 added exogenously, or overexpressed endogenously, triggers phosphorylation of ERK1/2, augmented levels of PCNA and CDK4, increased BrdU incorporation, and promotes proliferation, via αvβ5 integrins. MFG‐E8 silencing, or its receptor inhibition, or the blockade of ERK1/2 phosphorylation in these cells reduces PCNA and CDK4 levels and decelerates the cell cycle S phase, conferring a reduction in proliferative capacity. Collectively, these results indicate that MFG‐E8 in a dose‐dependent manner coordinates the expression of cell cycle molecules and facilitates VSMC proliferation via integrin/ERK1/2 signaling. Thus, an increase in MFG‐E8 signaling is a mechanism of the age‐associated increase in aortic VSMC proliferation.
Validity of the Children's Moods, Fears and Worries Questionnaire in a clinical setting
Authors: Andrijic Vanessa , Bayer Jordana , Bretherton Lesley 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundThe Children's Moods, Fears and Worries Questionnaire (CMFWQ) is a recently developed parent‐report measure for detecting young children's internalising difficulties. This study evaluated construct and criterion‐related validity with a clinical sample.MethodThe measure was completed by 30 mothers of children aged between 18 months and 7 years referred to hospital clinical psychology services.ResultsThe CMFWQ demonstrated sound convergent and discriminant validity and a clinical cut‐point was established, which optimally discriminated between children with internalising problems and those within the normal range.ConclusionThe CMFWQ has potential value for identifying young children in need of intervention for internalising problems.
Gender Differences in Patients' Perceptions of Inpatient Care
Authors: Elliott Marc N. , Lehrman William G. , Beckett Megan K. , Goldstein Elizabeth , Hambarsoomian Katrin , Giordano Laura A. 
Published: February 2012

ObjectiveTo examine gender differences in inpatient experiences and how they vary by dimensions of care and other patient characteristics.Data SourceA total of 1,971,632 patients (medical and surgical service lines) discharged from 3,830 hospitals, July 2007–June 2008, and completing the HCAHPS survey.Study DesignWe compare the experiences of male and female inpatients on 10 HCAHPS dimensions using multiple linear regression, adjusting for survey mode and patient mix. Additional models add additional patient characteristics and their interactions with patient gender.Principal FindingsWe find generally less positive experiences for women than men, especially for Communication about Medicines, Discharge Information, and Cleanliness. Gender differences are similar in magnitude to previously reported HCAHPS differences by race/ethnicity. The gender gap is generally larger for older patients and for patients with worse self‐reported health status. Gender disparities are largest in for‐profit hospitals.ConclusionsTargeting the experiences of women may be a promising means of improving overall patient experience scores (because women comprise a majority of all inpatients); the experiences of older and sicker women, and those in for‐profit hospitals, may merit additional examination.