bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization in identifying chromosome involvement of complex karyotypes in de novo myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: XU W. , LI J.‐Y. , LIU Q. , ZHU Y. , PAN J.‐L. , QIU H.‐R. , XUE Y.‐Q. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryComplex chromosomal aberrations (CCA) can be detected in a substantial proportion of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which are associated with very poor prognosis. Conventional cytogenetics (CC) cannot accurately define the specific alterations in CCA. Multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization (M‐FISH) allows the comprehensive identification of CCA. In this study, M‐FISH was used in 16 patients with de novo MDS and 22 with AML with CCA detected by R‐banding CC, and revealed 206 aberrations involved all 24 chromosomes, including 73 numerical chromosomal abnormalities and 133 structural abnormalities. The chromosomes most often involved were, by decreasing incidence, 5, 17, 8, 11, 7 and 21 in 57.9%, 55.3%, 44.7%, 36.8%, 34.2% and 34.2% of the cases, respectively. There were 98 unbalanced translocations, which were the most frequently observed aberrations in our study. Derivative chromosome 5 and 8 were implicated most often. The other derivatives were der(11), der(12), der(7), der(14), der(15) and der(17). Fourteen balanced translocations were detected in our series, and the most frequent reciprocal translocations was t(8;21). Fifty‐five monosomies, 15 partial deletions, and 18 trisomies were found in all patients. The most frequently observed were −5/5q−, −17/17q−, −7, −18, −21, −19, and trisomy of chromosome 8 and 6. There were some abnormalities that have not been previously described, including two complex t(8;21) and seven unbalanced translocations. M‐FISH could refine CCA, find or correct the missed or misidentified aberrations by CC analysis. Our findings confirmed that M‐FISH was a powerful molecular cytogenetic tool to characterize complex karyotypes in MDS and AML.
Age‐related plasma reference ranges for two heparin‐binding proteins – vitronectin and platelet factor 4
Authors: NEWALL F. , JOHNSTON L. , IGNJATOVIC V. , SUMMERHAYES R. , MONAGLE P. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryThis study was conducted to establish age‐related reference ranges for two heparin‐binding proteins – vitronectin and platelet factor 4 (PF4) – and to determine if the quantitative values of these proteins may contribute to the reported age‐dependent effect of unfractionated heparin (UFH). Plasma samples were obtained from healthy children aged between 1 month and 16 years and from healthy adult volunteers. Two commercial kits were used to measure plasma vitronectin and PF4 levels. Results were reported as mean and boundaries including 95% of the population. Plasma vitronectin levels for children aged 1–5 years were significantly higher compared with adults. Plasma PF4 levels for infants <1 year of age were significantly lower compared with adults. The differences between reference values for both proteins in all other age‐groups were not statistically significant. This study for the first time has established age‐related reference ranges for vitronectin and PF4. In establishing these ranges, the quantitative values of these proteins do not appear to be the major contributory cause for the age‐dependent variation in UFH effect. Future studies are required to evaluate the possible impact of age‐dependent differences in binding between heparin‐binding proteins and UFH.
Uracil influences quorum sensing and biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fluorouracil is an antagonist
Authors: Ueda Akihiro , Attila Can , Whiteley Marvin , Wood Thomas K. 
Published: October 2008

Summary Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an ubiquitous, opportunistic pathogen whose biofilms are notoriously difficult to control. Here we discover uracil influences all three known quorum‐sensing (QS) pathways of P. aeruginosa. By screening 5850 transposon mutants for altered biofilm formation, we identified seven uracil‐related mutations that abolished biofilm formation. Whole‐transcriptome studies showed the uracil mutations (e.g. pyrF that catalyses the last step in uridine monophosphate synthesis) alter the regulation of all three QS pathways [LasR‐, RhlR‐ and 2‐heptyl‐3‐hydroxy‐4‐quinolone (PQS)‐related regulons]; addition of extracellular uracil restored global wild‐type regulation. Phenotypic studies confirmed uracil influences the LasR (elastase), RhlR (pyocyanin, rhamnolipids), PQS and swarming regulons. Our results also demonstrate uracil influences virulence (the pyrF mutant was less virulent to barley). Additionally, we found an anticancer uracil analogue, 5‐fluorouracil, that repressed biofilm formation, abolished QS phenotypes and reduced virulence. Hence, we have identified a central regulator of an important pathogen and a potential novel class of efficacious drugs for controlling cellular behaviour (e.g. biofilm formation and virulence).
Functional analysis of aromatic biosynthetic pathways in Pseudomonas putida KT2440
Authors: Molina‐Henares M. Antonia , García‐Salamanca Adela , Molina‐Henares A. Jesús , De La Torre Jesús , Herrera M. Carmen , Ramos Juan L. , Duque Estrella 
Published: October 2008

Summary Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is a non‐pathogenic prototrophic bacterium with high potential for biotechnological applications. Despite all that is known about this strain, the biosynthesis of essential chemicals has not been fully analysed and auxotroph mutants are scarce. We carried out massive mini‐Tn5 random mutagenesis and screened for auxotrophs that require aromatic amino acids. The biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids was analysed in detail including physical and transcriptional organization of genes, complementation assays and feeding experiments to establish pathway intermediates. There is a single pathway from chorismate leading to the biosynthesis of tryptophan, whereas the biosynthesis of phenylalanine and tyrosine is achieved through multiple convergent pathways. Genes for tryptophan biosynthesis are grouped in unlinked regions with the trpBA and trpGDE genes organized as operons and the trpI, trpE and trpF genes organized as single transcriptional units. The pheA and tyrA gene‐encoding multifunctional enzymes for phenylalanine and tyrosine biosynthesis are linked in the chromosome and form an operon with the serC gene involved in serine biosynthesis. The last step in the biosynthesis of these two amino acids requires an amino transferase activity for which multiple tyrB‐like genes are present in the host chromosome.
Arabinoxylan‐oligosaccharides (AXOS) affect the protein/carbohydrate fermentation balance and microbial population dynamics of the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem
Authors: Sanchez J. I. , Marzorati M. , Grootaert C. , Baran M. , Van Craeyveld V. , Courtin C. M. , Broekaert W. F. , Delcour J. A. , Verstraete W. , Van de Wiele T. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryArabinoxylan‐oligosaccharides (AXOS) are a recently newly discovered class of candidate prebiotics as – depending on their structure – they are fermented in different regions of gastrointestinal tract. This can have an impact on the protein/carbohydrate fermentation balance in the large intestine and, thus, affect the generation of potentially toxic metabolites in the colon originating from proteolytic activity. In this study, we screened different AXOS preparations for their impact on the in vitro intestinal fermentation activity and microbial community structure. Short‐term fermentation experiments with AXOS with an average degree of polymerization (avDP) of 29 allowed part of the oligosaccharides to reach the distal colon, and decreased the concentration of proteolytic markers, whereas AXOS with lower avDP were primarily fermented in the proximal colon. Additionally, prolonged supplementation of AXOS with avDP 29 to the Simulator of Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME) reactor decreased levels of the toxic proteolytic markers phenol and p‐cresol in the two distal colon compartments and increased concentrations of beneficial short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) in all colon vessels (25–48%). Denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis indicated that AXOS supplementation only slightly modified the total microbial community, implying that the observed effects on fermentation markers are mainly caused by changes in fermentation activity. Finally, specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis showed that AXOS supplementation significantly increased the amount of health‐promoting lactobacilli as well as of Bacteroides–Prevotella and Clostridium coccoides–Eubacterium rectale groups. These data allow concluding that AXOS are promising candidates to modulate the microbial metabolism in the distal colon.
Ethnocentrism and Sexism: How Stereotypes Legitimize Six Types of Power
Authors: Pratto Felicia , Pitpitan Eileen V. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe review evidence of inequality associated with gender and social categories like ethnicity with respect to six types of power: control of resources, force, legitimacy, obligations, knowledge, and sexuality. Presuming that stereotypes are one means of legitimizing power differentials between groups, we review research on stereotype contents for both ethnicity and gender with respect to the six forms of power. The review reveals a number of rhetorical means by which stereotypes legitimize ethnic dominants and men having particular forms of power, such as disguising the exercise of power by describing it in individualistic rather than relational terms, and also how stereotypes de‐legitimize women and ethnic subordinates from obtaining particular forms of power, such as by stating that what they desire and their virtues preclude exercising power. A new research agenda regarding stereotypes and how they legitimize group power differences is outlined.
The Temporally Extended Self: The Relation of Past and Future Selves to Current Identity, Motivation, and Goal Pursuit
Authors: Peetz Johanna , Wilson Anne E. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPeople's current identity is constructed not only in the present moment but also by looking back to past selves and forward to future selves. In this article, we review research on the temporally extended self, with a focus on recent work informed by temporal self‐appraisal theory. People often recall the past and imagine the future in ways that contribute to a favorable current identity. Subjective temporal distance (how near or distant a point in time feels) plays a powerful role in determining temporal self‐appraisals. In turn, people's judgments of subjective distance can shift when considering temporal selves with good or bad implications for current identity. We will describe research exploring the complex interconnections between past, present, and future identity. In addition, we consider some of the unique implications that people's constructions of future selves might have for their plans and goals, and how predicted selves might influence goal‐pursuit motivation and behavior.
Conceptualizing Coping: Optimism as a Case Study
Authors: Nes Lise Solberg , Segerstrom Suzanne C. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractCoping involves any effort to deal with difficult or challenging situations, and coping strategies vary, often depending on individual differences and situational circumstances. Research has typically characterized coping as either involving problem‐focused or emotion‐focused strategies, or sometimes approach or avoidance strategies. The current review suggests that a more useful distinction would be found in crossed dimensions, such as problem‐focused approach or avoidance, or emotion‐focused approach or avoidance. For example, the individual difference of dispositional optimism has been found to be positively associated with approach coping strategies seeking to solve or control either problems or emotions, depending on the type of stressor. Although widely used, current coping scales may contribute to a skewed view of coping strategies and may not adequately depict coping dimensions. The current review calls for revisions of current scales or creation of new and better scales.
Processes of Knowledge Production in Social Movements as Multi‐level Power Dynamics
Authors: Esteves Ana Margarida 
Published: October 2008

AbstractMost literature related to the study of processes of knowledge production within social movements neglects how power relations between participants rooted on structural inequalities shape such processes. It also underestimates how such inequalities and the very dynamics of movements intersect in the setting up of the ‘boundaries’ of ‘insidership’ and ‘outsidership’, as well as of the terms implicit in different forms of participation. This article makes a review of theoretical and methodological literature that is relevant to the study of processes of knowledge production within social movements. Based on that review, it proposes the concept of ‘multi‐level power dynamics’ as a tool for future research on the way in which such processes are shaped by power relations between movement members endowed with, or experiencing a differentiated access to different forms of knowledge, as well as with actors within the state and networks promoting the diffusion of ideas and strategies.
IMPACT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH OF DIFFERENTIAL POPULATION GROWTH IN AN ECONOMY WITH HIGH INEQUALITY
Authors: Nordhaus William 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe economic growth of South Africa has been disappointing over the last quarter century. This note addresses a conceptual problem that arises because of composition effects. Two important features of the South African economy are, first, its extreme inequality (primarily between the white population and the African population). Additionally, the African population has been growing rapidly, while the white population has experienced a declining share. This note derives an explicit equation for the impact of inequality and population‐growth differences on the growth of per capita GDP. It shows that the combination of divergent population growth and high inequality can lead to an apparent drag on measured economic growth even though the components, and a more adequate measure of economic welfare, are growing at a healthy rate.
WHAT'S IN A NAME? RACIAL IDENTITY AND ALTRUISM IN POST‐APARTHEID SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Van Der Merwe Wilhelm Gerhard , Burns Justine 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper reports the results of an economic experiment which was designed to test the effect of racial identity on generosity in a non‐strategic setting. A sample of undergraduate university students was recruited to participate in a dictator game, where surnames of individuals were revealed to convey information about racial identity. Results indicate that compared to a set of control experiments where participant identity was kept anonymous, revealing racial identity has a significant and positive impact on the size of the offers made. However, while Black participants did not vary their offers based on the racial identity of their partners, White participants were more generous towards White partners than Black partners, exhibiting insider favouritism in their offers.
TO PREY OR NOT TO PREY? WELFARE AND INDIVIDUAL LOSSES IN A CONFLICT MODEL1
Authors: Wittenberg Martin 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe analyse a generalised form of the Hirshleifer‐Skaperdas predation model. In such a model agents have a choice between productive work and appropriation. We suggest that such a model can usefully be thought of as a continuous form of the Prisoners' Dilemma. We present closed form solutions for the interior equilibria and comparative statics for all Cournot equilibria and analyse the social welfare losses arising from predation. We show that predation is minimised under two quite different regimes, one in which claiming is very ineffective and another in which one of the players becomes marginalised. The worst outcomes seem to arise when claiming is effective, but inequality in power is significant but not extreme. This, arguably, is the situation in a number of transition societies.
STRUCTURE, CONDUCT AND PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN AUTO INSURANCE MARKET: 1980‐2000
Authors: Liebenberg André p. , Kamerschen David R. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe traditional structure‐conduct‐performance framework makes the explicit prediction that market structure determines market conduct, performance and power. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate this prediction using the South African (SA) short‐term auto insurance market. The empirical evidence shows that a link between market structure and market conduct, performance and/or power is not present. “Prices” and profits are not statistically significantly related to various sellers’ concentration measure and do not follow any explicit trend over time. By construction, profits are directly related to “prices” and follow a cyclical trend, as observed in other countries. A secondary goal of this paper is to compare the findings for the US auto insurance market with the empirical evidence on the SA auto insurance market. While there are few similarities, there is an underwriting cycle in the SA auto insurance market such as is observed for the US auto insurance market.
REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY
Authors: Sibinda Gershon 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe regulation of the telecommunications industry in South Africa is, by design, a complex matter, since it is mired with overlaps of mandates between the regulator, Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and the Competition Commission on competition matters, coupled with vetoing powers of the Minister of Communications. The Harvard Business Model is employed in this article to show that there is a lack of coordinated effort between the regulator and its supporting structures. This then compromises efficiency as demanded by Parliament from state enacted bodies. Since ICASA is faced with dynamic economic and regulatory challenges, it is recommended that the regulator be fully resourced and granted regulatory as well as competitive authority in the telecommunications industry.
PRICE FLEXIBILITY IN THE COMMON MONETARY AREA
Authors: Matšaseng Kopano 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper examines the presence of flexibility within the common monetary area (CMA) as compared to a selected group of Southern African Development Co‐operation (SADC) countries. The study tests for the readiness of SADC countries towards macroeconomic convergence and monetary unification. The methods followed examine the concept of (relative) purchasing power parity and test for the speed of adjustment of prices after a shock. The results suggest that the level of price flexibility is high within the CMA as opposed to the control group. The implication is that the CMA arrangement has managed to foster price flexibility among its member countries. Furthermore, Botswana could be a potential candidate for a monetary union with the CMA group.
METROPOLITAN HOUSE PRICES IN SOUTH AFRICA: DO THEY CONVERGE?
Authors: Burger Philippe , Van Rensburg Lizelle Janse 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe question this paper investigates is whether or not different metropolitan areas each constitute a separate housing market or whether or not there is a single South African housing market. Theory on the Law of One Price suggests that if products or geographic areas belong in the same market, their absolute prices must converge, so that their relative prices are stationary. By using cross‐sectional time series data of five metropolitan areas, the paper tests for the Law of One Price by applying the Im, Pesaran and Shin panel unit root test. The paper finds strong evidence of convergence in large middle‐segment house prices and weaker support for convergence in medium middle‐segment house prices. In addition, the paper finds no evidence for convergence in small middle‐segment house prices. This suggests the existence of a national market for large and possibly middle‐segment houses in metropolitan areas, but separate metropolitan markets for small middle‐segment houses. In addition, the paper estimates the speed of convergence and finds that large middle‐segment house prices converge within two to seven quarters, while the speed of convergence for medium middle‐segment house prices in three of the five areas is five to eight quarters.
SPATIAL BAYESIAN METHODS OF FORECASTING HOUSE PRICES IN SIX METROPOLITAN AREAS OF SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Gupta Rangan , Das Sonali 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper estimates Spatial Bayesian Vector Autoregressive (SBVAR) models, based on the First‐Order Spatial Contiguity and the Random Walk Averaging priors, for six metropolitan areas of South Africa, using monthly data over the period of 1993:07 to 2005:06. We then forecast one‐ to six‐months‐ahead house prices over the forecast horizon of 2005:07 to 2007:06. When we compare forecasts generated from the SBVARs with those from an unrestricted Vector Autoregressive (VAR) and the Bayesian Vector Autoregressive (BVAR) models based on the Minnesota prior, we find that the spatial models tend to outperform the other models for large middle‐segment houses; while the VAR and the BVAR models tend to produce lower average out‐of‐sample forecast errors for middle and small‐middle segment houses, respectively. In addition, based on the priors used to estimate the Bayesian models, our results also suggest that prices tend to converge for both large‐ and middle‐sized houses, but no such evidence could be obtained for the small‐sized houses.
Expression of the HCRP1 mRNA in HCC as an independent predictor of disease‐free survival after surgical resection
Authors: Lai Ming‐Wei , Huang Shiu‐Feng , Lin Shi‐Ming , Chen Tse‐Ching , Lin Chun‐Yen , Yeh Chun‐Nan , Yeh Ta‐Sen , Chen Miin‐Fu , Yeh Chau‐Ting 
Published: October 2008

Aim:  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)‐related protein‐1 (HCRP1) gene was located at chromosome 8p22, a frequently deleted region in HCC. The gene product was a subunit of mammalian Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT)‐I, essential for degradation of epidermal growth factor receptors. In this study, we examined the prognostic role of HCRP1 mRNA expression in HCC.Methods:  The expression of HCRP1 mRNA in HCC was assessed in 125 patients receiving surgical resection of HCC. Using the adjacent non‐cancerous tissues as a reference, 55 and 70 patients expressing high and low levels of HCRP1 mRNA, respectively, were identified. The predictive value of HCRP1 mRNA expression in postoperative survival was evaluated.Results:  Expression of HCRP1 mRNA was not associated with any of the baseline clinicopathological parameters. However, univariate analysis showed that it was associated with a better disease‐free survival (P < 0.001) and overall survival (P = 0.032). Stepwise Cox multivariate proportional hazards regression analysis showed that the expression of HCRP1 mRNA (hazard ratio [HR], 0.396; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.233–0.674; P = 0.001), tumor number (HR, 1.596; 95% CI, 1.221–2.087; P = 0.001), serum aspartate aminotransferase (HR, 1.002; 95% CI, 1.000–1.003; P = 0.031) and the presence of microvascular invasion (HR, 1.852; 95% CI, 1.131–3.032; P = 0.014) were included as independent predictors for disease‐free survival.Conclusion:  Expression of HCRP1 mRNA served as an independent predictor for postoperative disease‐free survival in HCC patients.