bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semiparametric Tests for Sufficient Cause Interaction
Authors: Vansteelandt Stijn , VanderWeele Tyler J. , Robins James M. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryA sufficient cause interaction between two exposures signals the presence of individuals for whom the outcome would occur only under certain values of the two exposures. When the outcome is dichotomous and all exposures are categorical, then, under certain no confounding assumptions, empirical conditions for sufficient cause interactions can be constructed on the basis of the sign of linear contrasts of conditional outcome probabilities between differently exposed subgroups, given confounders. It is argued that logistic regression models are unsatisfactory for evaluating such contrasts, and that Bernoulli regression models with linear link are prone to misspecification. We therefore develop semiparametric tests for sufficient cause interactions under models which postulate probability contrasts in terms of a finite dimensional parameter, but which are otherwise unspecified. Estimation is often not feasible in these models because it would require non-parametric estimation of auxiliary conditional expectations given high dimensional variables. We therefore develop ‘multiply robust tests’ under a union model which assumes that at least one of several working submodels holds. In the special case of a randomized experiment or a family-based genetic study in which the joint exposure distribution is known by design or Mendelian inheritance, the procedure leads to asymptotically distribution-free tests of the null hypothesis of no sufficient cause interaction.
Combining Outputs from the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program by Using A Bayesian Hierarchical Model
Authors: Kang Emily L. , Cressie Noel , Sain Stephan R. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryWe investigate the 20-year-average boreal winter temperatures generated by an ensemble of six regional climate models (RCMs) in phase I of the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program. We use the long-run average (20-year integration) to smooth out variability and to capture the climate properties from the RCM outputs. We find that, although the RCMs capture the large-scale climate variation from coast to coast and from south to north similarly, their outputs can differ substantially in some regions. We propose a Bayesian hierarchical model to synthesize information from the ensemble of RCMs, and we construct a consensus climate signal with each RCM contributing to the consensus according to its own variability parameter. The Bayesian methodology enables us to make posterior inference on all the unknowns, including the large-scale fixed effects and the small-scale random effects in the consensus climate signal and in each RCM. The joint distributions of the consensus climate and the outputs from the RCMs are also investigated through posterior means, posterior variances and posterior spatial quantiles. We use a spatial random-effects model in the Bayesian hierarchical model and, consequently, we can deal with the large data sets of fine resolution outputs from all the RCMs. Additionally, our model allows a flexible spatial covariance structure without assuming stationarity or isotropy.
‘It’s Intense, to an Extent’: A Qualitative Study of the Emotional Challenges Faced by Staff Working on a Treatment Programme for Intellectually Disabled Sex Offenders
Authors: Sandhu Daljit K. , Rose John , Rostill‐Brookes Helen J. , Thrift Su 
Published: January 2012

Background  This study explores the emotional challenges faced by staff working on a sex offender treatment programme for people with an intellectual disability.Methods  Semi‐structured interviews were carried out with eight participants working on a treatment programme for sex offenders with an intellectual disability. Interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.Results  Staff experienced a range of negative emotions that they dealt with in a variety of ways including through the use of humour and various emotional defences. Empathy was a challenging and complex issue with individuals taking a variety of positions.Conclusion  Staff awareness and understanding of the role of emotions in relation to their own well‐being and in relation to therapeutic processes varied. Emotional intelligence was associated with greater therapeutic understanding. Recommendations are made in relation to personal and professional characteristics and need for clinical supervision to support staff well‐being and the development of therapeutic competence and effectiveness.
Multi‐sensory Storytelling for Persons with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities: An Analysis of the Development, Content and Application in Practice
Authors: ten Brug Annet , van der Putten Annette , Penne Anneleen , Maes Bea , Vlaskamp Carla 
Published: January 2012

Background  Multi‐sensory storytelling (MSST) books are individualized stories, which involve sensory stimulation in addition to verbal text. Despite the frequent use of MSST in practice, little research is conducted into its structure, content and effectiveness. This study aims at the analysis of the development, content and application in practice of the MSST books in persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD).Materials and Methods  Forty‐nine persons with PIMD and their direct support person participated. We analysed if the books are constructed and read according to guidelines. Content and used stimuli were related to age.Results  Of the books 84% were constructed according to guidelines. In just 1.3% of the sessions, the story was read as intended. Regarding content, 67.4% of the stories focused on daily life excursions. Tactile stimuli were used most. Age related to stimuli choice, but not to content.Conclusions  Although most books were properly constructed, guidelines were barely followed during reading which may negatively influence the effectiveness.
Normative, authentic, and altruistic fruit and vegetable consumption as weblog discourses
Authors: Simunaniemi Anna‐Mari , Sandberg Helena , Andersson Agneta , Nydahl Margaretha 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe Internet is a growing information and communication channel for health‐ and diet‐related issues. Keeping updated on the fruit‐ and vegetable‐related (F&V) discourses among laypeople is important for health communicators in order to promote F&V consumption through tailored health messages. The aim of the present study was to identify F&V‐related discourses in weblogs that were maintained, obviously, to influence diet. A theoretically chosen sample of weblogs were analysed applying critical discourse analysis. The analysis showed three partly overlapping F&V‐related discourses: (1) normative consumption with a focus on single nutrients and physiological mechanisms; (2) authentic consumption with a desire for naturalness; and (3) altruistic consumption where ethical responsibilities are enhanced. Bloggers have clear perceptions on ideal F&V consumption, but it is a challenge for the reader to make a synthesis of the discourses presented. Filtering contradictory instructions requires health literacy, which may need more support from dietetic professionals.
Serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 and 2: gene sequence variation and functional genomic characterization
Authors: Hebbring Scott J. , Chai Yubo , Ji Yuan , Abo Ryan P. , Jenkins Gregory D. , Fridley Brooke , Zhang Jianping , Eckloff Bruce W. , Wieben Eric D. , Weinshilboum Richard M. 
Published: January 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 881–890.AbstractSerine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) catalyzes the transfer of a β‐carbon from serine to tetrahydrofolate to form glycine and 5,10‐methylene‐tetrahydrofolate. This reaction plays an important role in neurotransmitter synthesis and metabolism. We set out to resequence SHMT1 and SHMT2, followed by functional genomic studies. We identified 87 and 60 polymorphisms in SHMT1 and SHMT2, respectively. We observed no significant functional effect of the 13 non‐synonymous single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in these genes, either on catalytic activity or protein quantity. We imputed additional variants across the two genes using ‘1000 Genomes’ data, and identified 14 variants that were significantly associated (p < 1.0E−10) with SHMT1 messenger RNA expression in lymphoblastoid cell lines. Many of these SNPs were also significantly correlated with basal SHMT1 protein expression in 268 human liver biopsy samples. Reporter gene assays suggested that the SHMT1 promoter SNP, rs669340, contributed to this variation. Finally, SHMT1 and SHMT2 expression were significantly correlated with those of other Folate and Methionine Cycle genes at both the messenger RNA and protein levels. These experiments represent a comprehensive study of SHMT1 and SHMT2 gene sequence variation and its functional implications. In addition, we obtained preliminary indications that these genes may be co‐regulated with other Folate and Methionine Cycle genes.
Retinal cone and rod photoreceptor cells exhibit differential susceptibility to light‐induced damage
Authors: Okano Kiichiro , Maeda Akiko , Chen Yu , Chauhan Vishal , Tang Johnny , Palczewska Grazyna , Sakai Tsutomu , Tsuneoka Hiroshi , Palczewski Krzysztof , Maeda Tadao 
Published: January 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 146–156.AbstractAll‐trans‐retinal and its condensation‐products can cause retinal degeneration in a light‐dependent manner and contribute to the pathogenesis of human macular diseases such as Stargardt’s disease and age‐related macular degeneration. Although these toxic retinoid by‐products originate from rod and cone photoreceptor cells, the contribution of each cell type to light‐induced retinal degeneration is unknown. In this study, the primary objective was to learn whether rods or cones are more susceptible to light‐induced, all‐trans‐retinal‐mediated damage. Previously, we reported that mice lacking enzymes that clear all‐trans‐retinal from the retina, ATP‐binding cassette transporter 4 and retinol dehydrogenase 8, manifested light‐induced retinal dystrophy. We first examined early‐stage age‐related macular degeneration patients and found retinal degenerative changes in rod‐rich rather than cone‐rich regions of the macula. We then evaluated transgenic mice with rod‐only and cone‐like‐only retinas in addition to progenies of such mice inbred with Rdh8−/−Abca4−/− mice. Of all these strains, Rdh8−/−Abca4−/−mice with a mixed rod–cone population showed the most severe retinal degeneration under regular cyclic light conditions. Intense light exposure induced acute retinal damage in Rdh8−/−Abca4−/− and rod‐only mice but not cone‐like‐only mice. These findings suggest that progression of retinal degeneration in Rdh8−/−Abca4−/− mice is affected by differential vulnerability of rods and cones to light.
Thiazolidinedione‐dependent activation of sphingosine kinase 1 causes an anti‐fibrotic effect in renal mesangial cells
Authors: Koch A , Völzke A , Wünsche C , Meyer zu Heringdorf D , Huwiler A , Pfeilschifter J 
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEPPARγ agonists [thiazolidinediones (TZDs)] are known to exert anti‐fibrotic effects in the kidney. In addition, we previously demonstrated that sphingosine kinase 1 (SK‐1) and intracellular sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P), by reducing the expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), have a protective role in the fibrotic process.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHHere, we investigated the effect of TZDs on intracellular sphingolipid levels and the transcriptional regulation of SK‐1 in mesangial cells to evaluate potential novel aspects of the anti‐fibrotic capacity of TZDs.KEY RESULTSStimulation with the TZDs, troglitazone and rosiglitazone, led to increased S1P levels in rat mesangial cells. This was paralleled by increased SK‐1 activity as a consequence of direct effects of the TZDs on SK‐1 expression. GW‐9662, a PPARγ antagonist, inhibited the stimulating effect of TZDs on SK‐1 mRNA and activity levels and intracellular S1P concentrations. Furthermore, SK‐1 up‐regulation by TZDs was functionally coupled with lower amounts of pro‐fibrotic CTGF. SK‐1 inhibition with SKI II almost completely abolished this effect in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, the CTGF lowering effect of TZDs was fully blocked in MC isolated from SK‐1 deficient mice (SK‐1−/−) as well as in glomeruli of SK‐1−/− mice compared with wild‐type mice treated with TRO and RSG.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSThese data show that TZD‐induced SK‐1 up‐regulation results in lower amounts of CTGF, demonstrating novel facets for the anti‐fibrotic effects of this class of drugs.
Survival after Surgery for Tracheal Collapse and the Effect of Intrathoracic Collapse on Survival
Authors: Becker Willem M. , Beal Matthew , Stanley Bryden J. , Hauptman Joe G. 
Published: January 2012

ObjectivesTo determine (1) long‐term survival of dogs with tracheal collapse (TC) receiving cervical extraluminal prosthetic rings (ELR) and (2) whether intrathoracic collapse effects long‐term survival of dogs receiving ELR.Study DesignRetrospective case series.AnimalsDogs (n = 33) with TC that had ELR.MethodsMedical records (July 2002–July 2008) were searched for TC dogs treated with ELR. Age, breed, gender, location of TC, and age at follow‐up (death or censor) were recorded. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were generated.ResultsOf 114 TC dogs, 33 had ELR. Breeds and gender were consistent with previous reports; mean (±SD) age at presentation was 6.3±2.6 years. TC was categorized as cervical or cervical and intrathoracic. All dogs had cervical TC and 15 had concurrent intrathoracic collapse; 8 of these had collapse of mainstem bronchi. Median survival time was >2500 days (median not reached) for cervical TC alone and 1500 days for cervical and intrathoracic TC with no difference in median survival time between groups (P= .26).ConclusionDogs with TC have a median survival time of 1680 days (4.6 years) after ELR and no differences were seen when dogs had intrathoracic collapse. Intrathoracic collapse does not exclude a dog from receiving ELR.
MicroRNA control of myelopoiesis and the differentiation block in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Palma Catalina A. , Tonna Elise J. , Ma David F. , Lutherborrow Mark A. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

•Introduction
•MicroRNA control of normal haematopoiesis
‐Haematopoietic stem cell (HSC)
‐Common myeloid progenitor (CMP) and initiation of myelopoiesis
‐Monocyte/macrophage differentiation
‐Granulocytic differentiation
‐Erythroid/megakaryocytic differentiation
‐MicroRNA control of malignant differentiation
‐MicroRNAs associated with abnormal monocytic differentiation
‐MicroRNAs associated with abnormal granulocytic differentiation
‐MicroRNAs associated with abnormal erythroid and megakaryocytic differentiation
•Conclusion
In the relatively short period of time since their discovery, microRNAs have been shown to control many important cellular functions such as cell differentiation, growth, proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, microRNAs have been demonstrated as key drivers of many malignancies and can function as either tumour suppressors or oncogenes. The haematopoietic system is not outside the realm of microRNA control with microRNAs controlling aspects of stem cell and progenitor self‐renewal and differentiation, with many, if not all, haematological disorders associated with aberrant microRNA expression and function. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of microRNA control of haematopoiesis and detail the evidence for the contribution and clinical relevance of aberrant microRNA function to the characteristic block of differentiation in acute myeloid leukaemia.
Rhabdomyosarcomas: an overview on the experimental animal models
Authors: Zanola Alessandra , Rossi Stefania , Faggi Fiorella , Monti Eugenio , Fanzani Alessandro 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

● Introduction
● Histological, genetic and molecular characteristics of RMS
● Experimental animal models of RMS
– Carcinogen agents and ionizing radiations‐exposed animal models
– Virus infection and transgenic expression of viral proteins
– Gene‐targeted animal models
● Conclusions

Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are aggressive childhood soft‐tissue malignancies deriving from mesenchymal progenitors that are committed to muscle‐specific lineages. Despite the histopathological signatures associated with three main histological variants, termed embryonal, alveolar and pleomorphic, a plethora of genetic and molecular changes are recognized in RMS. Over the years, exposure to carcinogens or ionizing radiations and gene‐targeting approaches in vivo have greatly contributed to disclose some of the mechanisms underlying RMS onset. In this review, we describe the principal distinct features associated with RMS variants and focus on the current available experimental animal models to point out the molecular determinants cooperating with RMS development and progression.
Histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analysis of human maxillary sinus‐floor augmentation using porous β‐tricalcium phosphate for dental implant treatment
Authors: Miyamoto Shinji , Shinmyouzu Kouhei , Miyamoto Ikuya , Takeshita Kenji , Terada Toshihisa , Takahashi Tetsu 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectivesThis study utilized the constitution and expression of Runx2/Cbfa1 to conduct 6‐month‐post‐operation histomorphometrical and histochemical analysis of osteocalcin in bone regeneration following sinus‐floor augmentation procedures using β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) and autogenous cortical bone.Material and methodsThirteen sinuses of nine patients were treated with sinus‐floor augmentation using 50% β‐TCP and 50% autogenous cancellous bone harvested from the ramus of the mandible. Biopsies of augmented sinuses were taken at 6 months for histomorphometric and immunohistochemical measurements.ResultsRunx2/Cbfa1‐ and osteocalcin‐positive cells were found around TCP particles and on the bone surface. Approximately 60% of cells found around TCP particles stained positive for Runx2/Cbfa1. Fewer cells stained positive for osteocalcin. These positive cells decreased apically with increasing vertical distance from the maxillary bone surface. Histomorphometric analysis showed that the augmented site close to residual bone and periosteum contained approximately 42% bony tissue and 42% soft connective tissue, and the remaining 16% consisted of TCP particles. On the other hand, the augmented bone far from residual bone and periosteum contained 35% bony tissue and 50% soft connective tissue.ConclusionsOur data suggest that TCP particles attract osteoprogenitor cells that migrate into the interconnecting micropores of the bone‐substitute material by 6 months. The augmented site close to residual bone contained a higher proportion of bony tissue and a lower proportion of soft connective tissue than did the augmented site far from residual bone.
Predicting vascular plant richness patterns in Catalonia (NE Spain) using species distribution models
Authors: Pérez Nora , Font Xavier 
Published: January 2012

AbstractQuestionGiven the current state of knowledge on plant species richness in Catalonia, how can we improve definition of sampled species richness patterns? We propose a concrete methodology that will highlight the most speciose areas and those areas that are insufficiently sampled.LocationCatalonia, covering 31 980 km2 in northeast Spain.MethodsThis study provides a quantitative assessment of plant richness using sampling units of 10 km × 10 km (n = 319). Generalized linear models (GLM), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) and a maximum entropy model (Maxent) were used for all plant species contained in the Catalonia Database of Biodiversity (Banc de Dades de Biodiversitat de Catalunya, BDBC). The projected presence/absence maps were combined to create species richness maps based on distribution models for 2738 species.ResultsThe modelling techniques were highly correlated, and we did not distinguish any differences in projections of geographic patterns of species richness among the modelling algorithms. However, MARS and Maxent achieved the best prediction success, whereas GLM tended to over‐predict species number per quadrat. The MARS map gave the highest predictive performance based on both Kappa and the true skill statistic, and for the two components of disagreement (quantity and allocation disagreement). We were able to identify one previously known region of high diversity, the Pyrenees, and two additional areas, the coastal range and the pre‐coastal mountain range.ConclusionsWe obtain improved distribution patterns for plant species in Catalonia over the previously sampled patterns, and, most importantly, we provide an estimate of the number of species present in those areas where sampling data are incomplete, with an expected 300 species. The model‐predicted richness maps presented here can be used to detect zones with low and high species richness and to develop strategies for either restoring or protecting landscape biodiversity as part of national conservation plans.
A right to be heard: learning from learners with additional needs in literacy
Authors: McPhillips Thérèse , Shevlin Michael , Long Louise 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the consultation experiences of pupils who have additional needs in literacy. An opportunistic sample of eight schools – four in Northern Ireland and four in the Republic of Ireland – were chosen by the researchers; selected pupils were receiving additional literacy support. Focus group discussions and arts‐based creative methodologies were used through which visual and verbal stimuli supported and extended the narratives of the children. The findings showed that pupils have a capacity for self‐reflection and metacognitive talk around literacy. They had a keen awareness of their specific difficulties and the reading strategies they use. However, they wished for greater choice in how literacy support is organised and for more information about individual reading targets and scores. There was a great desire among pupils for consultation at meetings concerning their progress. Involving pupils in planning and evaluating their literacy learning needs as a fundamental right raises questions about teachers’ current protectiveness of pupils with additional needs.
Identification of two novel HLA‐A*02 variants, A*02:319 and A*02:01:64, in two Taiwanese marrow stem cell donors by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Yang K. L. , Lee S. K. , Yang S. Y. , Kao R. H. , Lin C. L. , Lin P. Y. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryWe report here two novel variants of HLA‐A*02 allele, A*02:319 and A*02:01:64, discovered in two Taiwanese unrelated volunteer bone marrow donors by sequence‐based typing (SBT) method. The DNA sequence of A*02:319 is identical to A*02:07 in exons 2 and 3 but varies with one nucleotide at codon 9 (TTC‐>TCC). The variation caused one amino acid substitution at residue 9 (F‐>S). On the other hand, the DNA sequence of A*02:01:64 is identical to the sequence of A*02:01:01:01 in exons 2 and 3 except a silent mutation at codon 114 (CAC‐>CAT). The probable HLA‐A, HLA‐B and HLA‐DRB1 haplotypes in association with A*02:319 and A*02:01:64 were deduced as A*02:319‐B*46:01‐DRB1*04 and A*02:01:64‐B*38:02‐DRB1*16:02, respectively.
The Changing Role of Place‐Image in the Profit Making Strategies of the Designer Fashion Industry
Authors: Tokatli Nebahat 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn today’s designer fashion industry, a number of interesting new trends are emerging. For example, some firms are freely appropriating each other’s place‐images suggesting that any place‐image is now up for grabs; some brands are becoming too cool for place‐image; and some designers are growing too powerful to be place‐bound. In this article, I argue that these developments are of interest to economic geographers.