bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ArabidopsisHistidine Kinase CKI1 Acts Upstream of HISTIDINE PHOSPHOTRANSFER PROTEINS to Regulate Female Gametophyte Development and Vegetative Growth
Authors: Deng Yan , Dong Haili , Mu Jinye , Ren Bo , Zheng Binglian , Ji Zhendong , Yang Wei-Cai , Liang Yan , Zuo Jianru 
Published: April 2010

AbstractCytokinin signaling is mediated by a multiple-step phosphorelay. Key components of the phosphorelay consist of the histidine kinase (HK)-type receptors, histidine phosphotransfer proteins (HP), and response regulators (RRs). Whereas overexpression of a nonreceptor-type HK gene CYTOKININ-INDEPENDENT1 (CKI1) activates cytokinin signaling by an unknown mechanism, mutations in CKI1 cause female gametophytic lethality. However, the function of CKI1 in cytokinin signaling remains unclear. Here, we characterize a mutant allele, cki1-8, that can be transmitted through female gametophytes with low frequency (∼0.17%). We have recovered viable homozygous cki1-8 mutant plants that grow larger than wild-type plants, show defective megagametogenesis and rarely set enlarged seeds. We found that CKI1 acts upstream of AHP (Arabidopsis HP) genes, independently of cytokinin receptor genes. Consistently, an ahp1,2-2,3,4,5 quintuple mutant, which contains an ahp2-2 null mutant allele, exhibits severe defects in megagametogenesis, with a transmission efficiency of &lt;3.45% through female gametophytes. Rarely recovered ahp1,2-2,3,4,5 quintuple mutants are seedling lethal. Finally, the female gametophytic lethal phenotype of cki1-5 (a null mutant) can be partially rescued by IPT8 or ARR1 (a type-B Arabidopsis RR) driven by a CKI1 promoter. These results define a genetic pathway consisting of CKI1, AHPs, and type-B ARRs in the regulation of female gametophyte development and vegetative growth.
Gene expression profiles of infant acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and its prognostically distinct subsets
Authors: Qazi Sanjive , Uckun Fatih M. 
Published: April 2010

SummaryThis study compared the gene expression profiles of primary leukaemic cells from infants versus children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Our analyses provided unprecedented evidence that remarkably different pathognomonic transcriptomes dominate the biology of infant versus paediatric high risk ALL. The genetic signature of infant ALL is characterized by concomitant overexpression of mitogenic and anti‐apoptotic genes, some of which have been associated with early relapse in ALL. Our study demonstrated that primary leukaemia cells from infant ALL patients expressed significantly higher levels of genes for cytokines that mediate their biological effects through stimulation of the JAK‐STAT signal transduction pathway including interleukin 1a, interleukin 1b, interleukin 2, and interleukin 7. We further showed that the JAK/STAT signalling pathway is constitutively active in CD10− infant ALL cells and treatment with a JAK3 inhibitor or a pan‐JAK kinase inhibitor effectively triggered their apoptosis. These findings identified JAK3 as an attractive molecular target for disrupting the constitutively deregulated anti‐apoptotic STAT3 and STAT5 signalling pathways in infant ALL cells.
State Formation and the Politics of Regime Survival: Zimbabwe in Theoretical Perspective
Authors: ERIKSEN STEIN SUNDSTØL 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis article analyses state formation in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe. The main question posed is this: Why has state power eroded so dramatically? To answer this question, the development of the state is analysed in the light of general theories of state formation. In spite of a situation which according to prevailing theories was conducive for the formation of a strong state, Zimbabwe entered a downward spiral, where state power gradually eroded. To explain this, it is necessary to move beyond these theories, and analyse the changing nature of the ruling regime's constituencies. While security threats and sources of revenue are important, their impact on processes of state formation is mediated by the inter‐relationship between ruling regimes and their constituencies, which is shaped by society's class structure.
Economic crisis and social protection in the European Union: Moving beyond immediate responses
Authors: Euzéby Alain 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe economic crisis has served to remind us that social protection is both a social buffer and an economic stabilizer that cushions the impacts of recession. Social benefits are being used by the countries of the European Union (EU) as well as by the Union itself as part of its recovery plan, to support those negatively effected by the crisis and to boost household consumption, thus providing support for business activities and employment. But the crisis could also represent an opportunity for the EU to strengthen its social protection systems, through seeking inspiration from the basic principles of international social law, to emphasize the legitimacy of high levels of social protection, to encourage upward convergence among the social protection systems of its Member States and to increase budget allocations for social protection.
Motivators and barriers to exercise among adults with a high risk of type 2 diabetes – a qualitative study
Authors: Korkiakangas Eveliina E. , Alahuhta Maija A. , Husman Päivi M. , Keinänen‐Kiukaanniemi Sirkka , Taanila Anja M. , Laitinen Jaana H. 
Published: April 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 62–69

Motivators and barriers to exercise among adults with a high risk of type 2 diabetes – a qualitative study Purpose:  Type 2 diabetes (T2D) can be prevented through lifestyle changes. Regular exercise for more than 4 hours per week, combined with weight loss and changes in dietary habits reduces the incidence of T2D. The aim of this study was to describe motivators and barriers to exercise among adults with a high risk of T2D.Methods:  Altogether, 74 subjects participated in a study on the Effectiveness and Feasibility of Activating Counseling Methods and Videoconferences in Dietary Group Counseling of Subjects with high risk of T2D. The qualitative data were gathered from video‐recorded group counselling sessions and were analysed using content analysis.Results:  Enjoyment from exercise, social relationships related to exercise, encouragement from others, benefits to health, and the aim of weight control motivated subjects to exercise. The wish to join people with an active lifestyle, admiration of active friends and willingness to serve as an example for children reflected why exercise was an important value in life. The barriers to exercise were weather/season, health problems, lack of time, work‐related factors and lack of interest.Conclusions:  Adults with high risk of T2D experienced many individually meaningful motivators. They experienced few barriers to exercise and highlighted the motivators. Thus, we present that they had a positive attitude towards increasing exercise during participation to counselling. The results can be used when developing counselling methods because they provide concrete content for counselling discussion such as importance of work‐related factors, family exercise, time management skills and social support for regular exercise.
The Influence of Institutional Constraints on Outsourcing
Authors: BALAKRISHNAN RAMJI , ELDENBURG LESLIE , KRISHNAN RANJANI , SODERSTROM NAOMI 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTDrawing on transaction cost economics and institutional theory we argue that the effects of institutional constraints on the transaction costs of outsourcing vary systematically with the type of service outsourced and the ownership structure of the outsourcing firm. Using data from hospitals, we demonstrate that these effects lead to a higher extent of outsourcing of nonclinical compared to clinical services, and larger outsourcing response of nonclinical services to cost pressures from managed care. Further, the effects of ownership structure and associated governance mechanisms on institutional constraints are reflected in the empirical results as cross‐sectional variations in the extent to which outsourcing is invoked as a response to cost pressures by hospitals of different ownership.
Sustainable consumption and production: Trends, challenges and options for the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Zhao Wei , Schroeder Patrick 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis paper highlights current trends in consumption and production patterns in Asian developing countries and emerging economies. It describes the main challenges and opportunities for Asian countries making the transition towards sustainable consumption and production patterns. The main challenge for Asian economies is to address the unsustainable consumption patterns of urban consumers, which entails a policy shift from the current focus on pollution and inefficient industrial production. In view of future consumption trends and the global convergence of consumption patterns, the characteristics of the emerging ‘global consumer class’ are examined, with particular focus on urban ecological footprints and carbon emissions. Furthermore, the difference between urban and rural consumption is discussed, together with opportunities for low‐carbon urban development in the megacities of Asian developing countries. To conclude, the paper presents an overview of current policy measures taken in Asian countries to green economic development and realise sustainable consumption and production patterns.
A differentiated approach for sustainable consumption and production policies
Authors: Brodhag Christian 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe importance of sustainable consumption and production in the international agenda has been growing, both because of unsustainable patterns of consumption and production in industrialized countries and because it appears to be a means for meeting the essential needs of developing countries. Adapting Fernand Braudel's model of the three layers of the economy (everyday life, market economy and global capitalism) to the current situation, this paper advocates for differentiated policies, which cannot be limited to those based on the dominant model of a rational legal system dealing with rational consumers. The cultural and collective dimensions of consumption, the social role of conspicuous consumption, the consumption of ecological services outside formal markets, the diversity of approaches to knowledge and rationality, all plead for an overarching approach and diversified policy tools. The paper underlines the need for global regulation processes which involve all stakeholders by focusing on two examples: the international task force on sustainable tourism, and the ISO 26000 standard on social responsibility.
Sustainable consumption in Brazil: Identification of preliminary requirements to guide product development and the definition of public policies
Authors: Marx Ângela Maria , De Paula Istefani Carísio , Sum Fabiane 
Published: April 2010

AbstractSustainable product development is closely related to sustainable consumption. The understanding of consumers' purchase, use and discard behaviours may facilitate the identification of requirements to guide manufacturers in the development of sustainable goods and services. The aim of this paper is to investigate consumers' perception about factors that motivate or discourage the consumption of sustainable products to identify demands and convert them into requirements. South Brazilian green and traditional consumers were asked to complete an exploratory qualitative questionnaire. Their answers were organized and compared to identify differences and similarities between the demands of these two groups. Furthermore, demands were converted into requirements for packages, products, manufactures, stores planning and discard systems. The interpretation of factors that motivate or discourage the purchase of sustainable products given by interviewees led to the creation of a list of possible public policies or programmes, aiming to support sustainable consumption. The results demonstrate the necessity of further quantitative investigation between consumer groups, for validation purposes.
Policies to promote sustainable consumption: Innovative approaches in Europe
Authors: Scholl Gerd , Rubik Frieder , Kalimo Harri , Biedenkopf Katja , Söebech Ólöf 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPolicy‐makers are increasingly recognising that the promotion of more sustainable consumption patterns is an indispensable prerequisite for achieving sustainable development in the long term. Policy documents and action plans have been published, and a wide array of policy instruments has been implemented with the aim of reducing the environmental and social burdens of consuming goods and services. But what are the latest trends and innovative approaches in sustainable consumption (SC) policies? What could be learnt for future policy‐making? Based on an overview of European policy instruments and several case studies, the paper discusses instructive examples of SC policy instruments, in particular the Danish information campaign “One Tonne Less”, the Dutch tax incentive scheme “Green Funds”, the British “Red/Green calculator”, and the pan‐European internet platform “TopTen”. Important features of novel policies — such as adaptability and collective action — are identified, and recommendations for future policies are presented. The recommendations refer to the foundation of SC policies, to the specific approach taken, to the applied instruments, and to the proper documentation of the implemented policies.
Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Corticotropin Releasing Hormone Receptor 1 Gene (CRHR1) Are Associated With Quantitative Trait of Event‐Related Potential and Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Chen Andrew C. H. , Manz Niklas , Tang Yongqiang , Rangaswamy Madhavi , Almasy Laura , Kuperman Samuel , Nurnberger John , O’Connor Sean J. , Edenberg Howard J. , Schuckit Marc A. , Tischfield Jay , Foroud Tatiana , Bierut Laura J. , Rohrbaugh John , Rice John P. , Goate Alison , Hesselbrock Victor , Porjesz Bernice 
Published: April 2010

Background:  Endophenotypes reflect more proximal effects of genes than diagnostic categories, hence providing a more powerful strategy in searching for genes involved in complex psychiatric disorders. There is strong evidence suggesting the P3 amplitude of the event‐related potential (ERP) as an endophenotype for the risk of alcoholism and other disinhibitory disorders. Recent studies demonstrated a crucial role of corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) in the environmental stress response and ethanol self‐administration in animal models. The aim of the present study was to test the potential associations between single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CRHR1 gene and the quantitative trait, P3 amplitude during the processing of visual target signals in an oddball paradigm, as well as alcohol dependence diagnosis.Methods:  We analyzed a sample from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) comprising 1049 Caucasian subjects from 209 families (including 472 alcohol‐dependent individuals). Quantitative transmission disequilibrium test (QTDT) and family‐based association test (FBAT) were used to test the association, and false discovery rate (FDR) was applied to correct for multiple comparisons.Results:  Significant associations (p < 0.05) were found between the P3 amplitude and alcohol dependence with multiple SNPs in the CRHR1 gene.Conclusions:  Our results suggest that CRHR1 may be involved in modulating the P3 component of the ERP during information processing and in vulnerability to alcoholism. These findings underscore the utility of electrophysiology and the endophenotype approach in the genetic study of psychiatric disorders.
Preference Conditioning in Healthy Individuals: Correlates With Hazardous Drinking
Authors: Balodis Iris M. , Lockwood Kathleen P. , Magrys Sylvia A. , Olmstead Mary C. 
Published: April 2010

Background:  Conditioned reward is a classic measure of drug‐induced brain changes in animal models of addiction. The process can be examined in humans using the Conditioned Pattern Preference (CPP) task, in which participants associate nonverbal cues with reward but demonstrate low awareness of this conditioning. Previously, we reported that alcohol intoxication does not affect CPP acquisition in humans, but our data indicated that prior drug use may impact conditioning scores.Methods:  To test this possibility, the current study examined the relationship between self‐reported alcohol use and preference conditioning in the CPP task. Working memory was assessed during conditioning by asking participants to count the cues that appeared at each location on a computer screen. Participants (69 female and 23 male undergraduate students) completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI) as measures of hazardous drinking.Results:  Self‐reported hazardous drinking was significantly correlated with preference conditioning in that individuals who scored higher on these scales exhibited an increased preference for the reward‐paired cues. In contrast, hazardous drinking did not affect working memory errors on the CPP task.Conclusions:  These findings support evidence that repeated drug use sensitizes neural pathways mediating conditioned reward and point to a neurocognitive disposition linking substance misuse and responses to reward‐paired stimuli. The relationship between hazardous drinking and conditioned reward is independent of changes in cognitive function, such as working memory.
Structural and Functional Effects of Developmental Exposure to Ethanol on the Zebrafish Heart
Authors: Dlugos Cynthia A. , Rabin Richard A. 
Published: April 2010

Background: Fetal alcohol exposure during development results in a host of cardiac abnormalities including atrial and ventricular septal defects, teratology of Fallot, d‐transposition of the great arteries, truncus arteriosus communis, and aortico‐pulmonary window. The mechanisms behind these ethanol‐induced deficits are unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the zebrafish, a simple model in which heart development and the sequence of gene expression is well elucidated and comparable to that in higher vertebrates, is sensitive to developmental exposure of pharmacologically relevant concentrations of ethanol.Methods: Zebrafish eggs of the AB strain were raised in egg water or in 0.5% (v/v) ethanol solution for either 54 hpf (hours postfertilization) or 72 hpf. Heart pathology and volumes were evaluated on the latter group at 5 dpf (days postfertilization) on tissue sections from fixed larvae embedded in glycolmethacrylate. Heart rates were determined in embryos of 54 hpf and larvae of 5 dpf. The functional maturity of the heart’s conducting system was measured by determining the response of ethanol‐treated and control embryos and larvae to the adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, and the cholinergic agonist, carbachol.Results: Ethanol‐induced alterations occurred in heart morphology and heart volume. A developmental lag in the isoproterenol response and the absence of carbachol‐mediated bradycardia were also observed following ethanol treatment.Conclusions: These results show that exposure of the zebrafish to ethanol during development results in structural and functional changes in the heart that mimic malformations that occur in patients with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). These findings promote the zebrafish heart as a future model for investigating the mechanisms responsible for ethanol’s adverse effects on vertebrate heart development.
Childhood Sleep Problems, Response Inhibition, and Alcohol and Drug Outcomes in Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Authors: Wong Maria M. , Brower Kirk J. , Nigg Joel T. , Zucker Robert A. 
Published: April 2010

Background:  To our knowledge, no prospective studies examine the relationships among childhood sleep problems, adolescent executive functioning, and substance outcomes (i.e., substance use and substance‐related problems). In this study, we examined whether childhood sleep problems predicted adolescent sleep problems and response inhibition. We also tested whether adolescent sleep problems and poor response inhibition mediated the relationship between childhood sleep problems and substance (alcohol and drug) outcomes in young adulthood.Methods:  Study participants were 292 boys and 94 girls (M = 4.85, SD = 1.47) from a community sample of high‐risk families and controls.Results:  When compared to their counterparts, those with trouble sleeping in childhood were twice as likely to have the same problem in adolescence. Childhood overtiredness predicted poor response inhibition in adolescence. Persistent trouble sleeping from childhood to adolescence and response inhibition in adolescence mediated the relationship between childhood sleep problems and drug outcomes in young adulthood, whereas overtiredness in childhood directly predicted alcohol use outcomes and alcohol‐related problems in young adulthood.Conclusions:  This is the first study showing a long‐term relationship between childhood sleep measures and subsequent alcohol and drug outcomes. The developmental and clinical implications of these findings were discussed. Prevention and intervention programs may want to consider the role of sleep problems and response inhibition on substance use and abuse.
Sensation Seeking in Long‐Term Abstinent Alcoholics, Treatment‐Naïve Active Alcoholics, and Nonalcoholic Controls
Authors: Fein George , Di Sclafani Victoria , Finn Peter 
Published: April 2010

Background:  Elevated sensation seeking is associated with the development of alcohol dependence; however, it has not been studied in long‐term abstinent alcoholics. In the current study, we examine sensation seeking in middle‐aged long‐term abstinent alcoholics (LTAA) and in younger actively drinking treatment‐naïve alcoholics (TxN).Methods:  A modified version of the Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS) was administered to 52 middle‐aged LTAA (average age = 46.6 years) and 86 younger TxN (average age = 31.2 years), each study with its own age and gender comparable nonalcoholic controls (NAC). The SSS was modified to remove items specifically associated with alcohol or drug use. The associations between the SSS and alcohol use and deviance proneness were examined.Results:  The 2 NAC samples did not differ on the SSS, allowing the 2 NAC samples to be combined into a single control group (NAC = 118), and the LTAA and TxN samples to be directly compared without concern for cohort effects. LTAA did not differ from NAC on the SSS; however, the TxN group had higher SSS scores compared with NAC on all subscales except Boredom Susceptibility. Sensation seeking was comparably associated with lower socialization in each group.Conclusions:  The results suggest that either sensation seeking normalizes with long‐term abstinence or that relatively normal levels of sensation seeking predict the ability to achieve long‐term abstinence. In either case, the results have important implications for our understanding of long‐term abstinence.