Ethnic polarization, potential conflict and civil wars

This paper analyzes the relationship between ethnic fractionalization, polarization, and conflict. In recent years many authors have found empirical evidence that ethnic fractionalization has a negative effect on growth. One mechanism that can explain this nexus is the effect of ethnic heterogeneity on rent-seeking activities and the increase in potential conflict, which is negative for investment. However the empirical evidence supporting the effect of ethnic fractionalization on the incidence of civil conflicts is very weak. Although ethnic fractionalization may be important for growth, we argue that the channel is not through an increase in potential ethnic conflict. We discuss the appropriateness of indices of polarization to capture conflictive dimensions. We develop a new measure of ethnic heterogeneity that satisfies the basic properties associated with the concept of polarization. The empirical section shows that this index of ethnic polarization is a significant variable in the explanation of the incidence of civil wars. This result is robust to the presence of other indicators of ethnic heterogeneity, other sources of data for the construction of the index, and other data structures.

Globalization and culture shaping the gender gap: A comparative analysis of urban Latin America and East Asia (1970 - 2000)

In this paper we present: 1. The available data on comparative gender inequality at themacroeconomic level and 2. Gender inequality measures at the microeconomic and case studylevel. We see that market openness has a significant effect on the narrowing of the human capitalgender gap. Globalization and market openness stand as factors that improve both the humancapital endowments of women and their economic position. But we also see that the effects ofculture and religious beliefs are very different. While Catholicism has a statistically significantinfluence on the improvement of the human capital gender gap, Muslim and Buddhist religiousbeliefs have the opposite effect and increase human capital gender differences.In the second global era, some Catholic Latin American countries benefited from market opennessin terms of the human capital and income gender gap, whereas we find the opposite impact inBuddhist and Muslim countries like China and South Korea where women s economic positionhas worsened in terms of human capital and wage inequality.

Infancy Gospels. Stories and Identities

Even though the canonical Jesus' infancy stories have always provoked great interest in popular culture and in the arts, they have been neglected in research during the last decades due to the relatively late date of their redaction. Since the monograph by Raymond Brown, The Birth of the Messiah , the researchers working on this topic have not attempted to consider its historical impact. In this volume, an international team of scholars proposes firstly a reconsideration of the historical background of these stories in terms of early Jewish and Christian identity quests. Secondly, they deal with early Christian questions on Jesus' infancy and childhood through canonical and apocryphal Gospels including information from Patristic and documentary literature. On the theological level, this volume illustrates the impact that these apocryphal texts, recognized as "useful for the soul" (a phrase coined by François Bovon), have had on the Christian faith.

Shaping the interaction landscape of bioactive molecules.

MOTIVATION: Most bioactive molecules perform their action by interacting with proteins or other macromolecules. However, for a significant fraction of them, the primary target remains unknown. In addition, the majority of bioactive molecules have more than one target, many of which are poorly characterized. Computational predictions of bioactive molecule targets based on similarity with known ligands are powerful to narrow down the number of potential targets and to rationalize side effects of known molecules. RESULTS: Using a reference set of 224 412 molecules active on 1700 human proteins, we show that accurate target prediction can be achieved by combining different measures of chemical similarity based on both chemical structure and molecular shape. Our results indicate that the combined approach is especially efficient when no ligand with the same scaffold or from the same chemical series has yet been discovered. We also observe that different combinations of similarity measures are optimal for different molecular properties, such as the number of heavy atoms. This further highlights the importance of considering different classes of similarity measures between new molecules and known ligands to accurately predict their targets. CONTACT: olivier.michielin@unil.ch or vincent.zoete@unil.ch SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Ethnic differences in proximal and distal tubular sodium reabsorption are heritable in black and white populations.

BACKGROUND: Segmental handling of sodium along the proximal and distal nephron might be heritable and different between black and white participants. METHODS: We randomly recruited 95 nuclear families of black South African ancestry and 103 nuclear families of white Belgian ancestry. We measured the (FENa) and estimated the fractional renal sodium reabsorption in the proximal (RNaprox) and distal (RNadist) tubules from the clearances of endogenous lithium and creatinine. In multivariable analyses, we studied the relation of RNaprox and RNadist with FENa and estimated the heritability (h) of RNaprox and RNadist. RESULTS: Independent of urinary sodium excretion, South Africans (n = 240) had higher RNaprox (unadjusted median, 93.9% vs. 81.0%; P < 0.001) than Belgians (n = 737), but lower RNadist (91.2% vs. 95.1%; P < 0.001). The slope of RNaprox on FENa was steeper in Belgians than in South Africans (-5.40 +/- 0.58 vs. -0.78 +/- 0.58 units; P < 0.001), whereas the opposite was true for the slope of RNadist on FENa (-3.84 +/- 0.19 vs. -13.71 +/- 1.30 units; P < 0.001). h of RNaprox and RNadist was high and significant (P < 0.001) in both countries. h was higher in South Africans than in Belgians for RNaprox (0.82 vs. 0.56; P < 0.001), but was similar for RNadist (0.68 vs. 0.50; P = 0.17). Of the filtered sodium load, black participants reabsorb more than white participants in the proximal nephron and less postproximally. CONCLUSION: Segmental sodium reabsorption along the nephron is highly heritable, but the capacity for regulation in the proximal and postproximal tubules differs between whites and blacks.

Shaping fission yeast cells by rerouting actin-based transport on microtubules.

Kinesins and myosins transport cargos to specific locations along microtubules and actin filaments, respectively. The relative contribution of the two transport systems for cell polarization varies extensively in different cell types, with some cells relying exclusively on actin-based transport while others mainly use microtubules. Using fission yeast, we asked whether one transport system can substitute for the other. In this organism, microtubules and actin cables both contribute to polarized growth by transporting cargos to cell poles, but with distinct roles: microtubules transport landmarks to label cell poles for growth and actin assembly but do not directly contribute to the growth process [1]. Actin cables serve as tracks for myosin V delivery of growth vesicles to cell poles [2-4]. We engineered a chimera between the motor domain of the kinesin 7 Tea2 and the globular tail of the myosin V Myo52, which we show transports Ypt3, a myosin cargo receptor, to cell poles along microtubules. Remarkably, this chimera restores polarized growth and viability to cells lacking actin cables. It also bypasses the normal microtubule-dependent marking of cell poles for polarized growth, but not for other functions. Thus, a synthetic motor protein successfully redirects cargos along a distinct cytoskeletal route.

Molecular players shaping the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis of rice

SUMMARY : The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is an evolutionarily ancient association between most land plants and Glomeromycotan fungi that is based on the mutual exchange of nutrients between the two partners. Its structural and physiological establishment is a multi-step process involving a tightly regulated signal exchange leading to intracellular colonization of roots by the fungi. Most research on the molecular biology and genetics of symbiosis development has been performed in dicotyledonous model legumes. In these, a plant signaling pathway, the common SYM pathway, has been found to be required for accommodation of both root symbionts rhizobia and AM fungi. Rice, a monocotyledon model and the world's most important staple crop also forms AM symbioses, has been largely ignored for studies of the AM symbiosis. Therefore in this PhD work functional conservation of the common SYM pathway in rice was addressed and demonstrated. Mycorrhiza-specific marker genes were established that are expressed at different stages of AM development and therefore represent readouts for various AM-specific signaling events. These tools were successfully used to obtain evidence for a yet unknown signaling network comprising common SYM-dependent and -independent events. In legumes AM colonization induces common SYM signaling dependent changes in root system architecture. It was demonstrated that also in rice, root system architecture changes in response to AM colonization but these alterations occur independently of common SYM signaling. The rice root system is complex and contains three different root types. It was shown that root type identity influences the quantity of AM colonization, indicating root type specific symbiotic properties. Interestingly, the root types differed in their transcriptional responses to AM colonization and the less colonized root type responded more dramatically than the more strongly colonized root type. Finally, in an independent project a novel mutant, inhospitable (iho), was discovered. It is perturbed at the most early step of AM colonization, namely differentiation of the AM fungal hyphae into a hyphopodium at the root surface. As plant factors required for this early step are not known, identification of the IHO gene will greatly contribute to the advance of mycorrhiza RÉSUMÉ : La symbiose mycorhizienne arbusculaire (AM) est une association évolutionnairement ancienne entre la majorité des plantes terrestres et les champignons du type Glomeromycota, basée sur l'échange mutuel d'éléments nutritifs entre les deux partenaires. Son établissement structural et physiologique est un processus en plusieurs étapes, impliquant des échanges de signaux étroitement contrôlés, aboutissant à la colonisation intracellulaire des racines par le champignon. La plupart des recherches sur la biologie moléculaire et la génétique du développement de la symbiose ont été effectuées sur des légumineuses dicotylédones modèles. Dans ces dernières, une voie de signalisation, la voie SYM, s'est avérée nécessaire pour permettre la mise en place de la symbiose mycorhizienne. Chez les plantes monocotylédones, comme le riz, une des céréales les plus importantes, nourrissant la moitié de la population mondiale, peu de recherches ont été effectuées sur les bases de la cette symbiose. Dans ce travail de thèse, la conservation fonctionnelle de la voie commune SYM chez le riz a été étudiée et démontrée. De plus, des gènes marqueurs spécifiques des différentes étapes du développement de l'AM ont été identifiés, permettant ainsi d'avoir des traceurs de la colonisation. Ces outils ont été utilisés avec succès pour démontrer l'existence d'un nouveau réseau de signalisation, comprenant des éléments SYM dépendant et indépendant. Chez les légumineuses, la colonisation par les AM induit des changements dans l'architecture du système racinaire, via la signalisation SYM dépendantes. Cependant chez le riz, il a été démontré que l'architecture de système racinaire changeait suite à la colonisation de l'AM, mais ceux, de façon SYM indépendante. Le système racinaire du riz est complexe et contient trois types différents de racines. Il a été démontré que le type de racine pouvait influencer l'efficacité de la colonisation par l'AM, indiquant que les racines ont des propriétés symbiotiques spécifiques différentes. De façon surprenante, les divers types de racines répondent de différemment suite à colonisation par l'AM avec des changements de la expression des gènes. Le type de racine le moins colonisé, répondant le plus fortement a la colonisation, et inversement. En parallèle, dans un projet indépendant, un nouveau mutant, inhospitable (iho), a été identifié. Ce mutant est perturbé lors de l'étape la plus précoce de la colonisation par l'AM, à savoir la différentiation des hyphes fongiques de l'AM en hyphopodium, à la surface des racines. Les facteurs d'origine végétale requis pour cette étape étant encore inconnus, l'identification du gène IHO contribuera considérablement a accroître nos connaissance sur les bases de la mise en place de cette symbiose.

Can routine offering of influenza vaccination in office-based settings reduce racial and ethnic disparities in adult influenza vaccination?

BACKGROUND: Influenza vaccination remains below the federally targeted levels outlined in Healthy People 2020. Compared to non-Hispanic whites, racial and ethnic minorities are less likely to be vaccinated for influenza, despite being at increased risk for influenza-related complications and death. Also, vaccinated minorities are more likely to receive influenza vaccinations in office-based settings and less likely to use non-medical vaccination locations compared to non-Hispanic white vaccine users. OBJECTIVE: To assess the number of "missed opportunities" for influenza vaccination in office-based settings by race and ethnicity and the magnitude of potential vaccine uptake and reductions in racial and ethnic disparities in influenza vaccination if these "missed opportunities" were eliminated. DESIGN: National cross-sectional Internet survey administered between March 4 and March 14, 2010 in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Non-Hispanic black, Hispanic and non-Hispanic white adults living in the United States (N = 3,418). MAIN MEASURES: We collected data on influenza vaccination, frequency and timing of healthcare visits, and self-reported compliance with a potential provider recommendation for vaccination during the 2009-2010 influenza season. "Missed opportunities" for seasonal influenza vaccination in office-based settings were defined as the number of unvaccinated respondents who reported at least one healthcare visit in the Fall and Winter of 2009-2010 and indicated their willingness to get vaccinated if a healthcare provider strongly recommended it. "Potential vaccine uptake" was defined as the sum of actual vaccine uptake and "missed opportunities." KEY RESULTS: The frequency of "missed opportunities" for influenza vaccination in office-based settings was significantly higher among racial and ethnic minorities than non-Hispanic whites. Eliminating these "missed opportunities" could have cut racial and ethnic disparities in influenza vaccination by roughly one half. CONCLUSIONS: Improved office-based practices regarding influenza vaccination could significantly impact Healthy People 2020 goals by increasing influenza vaccine uptake and reducing corresponding racial and ethnic disparities.

Shaping mechanisms of metal specificity in a family of metazoan Metallothioneins: evolutionary differentiation of Mollusc MTs.

Background: The degree of metal binding specificity in metalloproteins such as metallothioneins (MTs) can be crucial for their functional accuracy. Unlike most other animal species, pulmonate molluscs possess homometallic MT isoforms loaded with Cu+ or Cd2+. They have, so far, been obtained as native metal-MT complexes from snail tissues, where they are involved in the metabolism of the metal ion species bound to the respective isoform. However, it has not as yet been discerned if their specific metal occupation is the result of a rigid control of metal availability, or isoform expression programming in the hosting tissues or of structural differences of the respective peptides determining the coordinative options for the different metal ions. In this study, the Roman snail (Helix pomatia) Cu-loaded and Cd-loaded isoforms (HpCuMT and HpCdMT) were used as model molecules in order t o elucidate the biochemical and evolutionary mechanisms permitting pulmonate MTs to achieve specificity for their cognate metal ion. Results: HpCuMT and HpCdMT were recombinantly synthesized in the presence of Cd2+, Zn2+ or Cu2+ and corresponding metal complexes analysed by electrospray mass spectrometry and circular dichroism (CD) and ultra violet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. Both MT isoforms were only able to form unique, homometallic and stable complexes (Cd6-HpCdMT and Cu12-HpCuMT) with their cognate metal ions. Yeast complementation assays demonstrated that the two isoforms assumed metal-specific functions, in agreement with their binding preferences, in heterologous eukaryotic environments. In the snail organism, the functional metal specificity of HpCdMT and HpCuMT was contributed by metal-specific transcription programming and cell-specific expression. Sequence elucidation and phylogenetic analysis of MT isoforms from a number of snail species revealed that they possess an unspecific and two metal-specific MT isoforms, whose metal specificity was achieved exclusively by evolutionary modulation of non-cysteine amino acid positions. Conclusion: The Roman snail HpCdMT and HpCuMT isoforms can thus be regarded as prototypes of isoform families that evolved genuine metal-specificity within pulmonate molluscs. Diversification into these isoforms may have been initiated by gene duplication, followed by speciation and selection towards opposite needs for protecting copper-dominated metabolic pathways from nonessential cadmium. The mechanisms enabling these proteins to be metal-specific could also be relevant for other metalloproteins.

2011 Annual Employment Report on All Projects Let by the Iowa DOT Racial/Ethnic Minorities and Females, September 15, 2011

The following data was derived from 1391 reports of participating contractors for the annual 2002 through 2011 reporting periods. The workforce data is reflective of one peak work week for highway contractors during the most active time of the season, the last full week of July. The summary data on pages 4 and 5 was compiled by Iowa DOT staff from the 1391 reports received. Interesting changes and trends have been addressed in the written analysis.

Antibiotics shaping bacterial genome: deletion of an IS91 flanked virulence determinant upon exposure to suinhibitory antibiotic concentrations

The nucleoid-associated proteins Hha and YdgT repress the expression of the toxin α-hemolysin. An Escherichia coli mutant lacking these proteins overexpresses the toxin α-hemolysin encoded in the multicopy recombinant plasmid pANN202-312R. Unexpectedly, we could observe that this mutant generated clones that no further produced hemolysin (Hly-). Generation of Hly- clones was dependent upon the presence in the culture medium of the antibiotic kanamycin (km), a marker of the hha allele (hha::Tn5). Detailed analysis of different Hly- clones evidenced that recombination between partial IS91 sequences that flank the hly operon had occurred. A fluctuation test evidenced that the presence of km in the culture medium was underlying the generation of these clones. A decrease of the km concentration from 25 mg/l to 12.5 mg/l abolished the appearance of Hly- derivatives. We considered as a working hypothesis that, when producing high levels of the toxin (combination of the hha ydgT mutations with the presence of the multicopy hemolytic plasmid pANN202-312R), the concentration of km of 25 mg/l resulted subinhibitory and stimulated the recombination between adjacent IS91 flanking sequences. To further test this hypothesis, we analyzed the effect of subinhibitory km concentrations in the wild type E. coli strain MG1655 harboring the parental low copy number plasmid pHly152. At a km concentration of 5 mg/l, subinhibitory for strain MG1655 (pHly152), generation of Hly- clones could be readily detected. Similar results were also obtained when, instead of km, ampicillin was used. IS91 is flanking several virulence determinants in different enteric bacterial pathogenic strains from E. coli and Shigella. The results presented here evidence that stress generated by exposure to subinhibitory antibiotic concentrations may result in rearrangements of the bacterial genome. Whereas some of these rearrangements may be deleterious, others may generate genotypes with increased virulence, which may resume infection.