bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alpine road colonisation: An update
Authors: McDougall Keith L.
Published: December 2012

A wide road verge on the Bogong High Plains near Falls Creek (north‐eastern Victoria), stabilised with exotic species in the late 1950s, was monitored for species composition and cover between 1989 and 2010. Following the removal of cattle grazing in 1991, the cover and species richness of native shrubs, forbs and grasses increased on the verge. Changes were initially slow, but by 1999, they were profound. The cover of exotic species decreased over the same period, but the species richness of exotic species remained unchanged. A wildfire in 2003 did not alter the trajectories of change. Although native species are proving to be competitive, the exotic rhizomic grass Brown‐top Bent (Agrostis capillaris) has been very persistent and is still locally dominant. Feral horses and rabbits are future threats to the continued colonisation by native species.
Evidence for a regulatory loop between IFN‐γ and IL‐33 in skin inflammation
Authors: Seltmann Jenny , Werfel Thomas , Wittmann Miriam
Published: December 2012

Interleukin‐33 has recently gained much attention due to its role in allergic responses. It has been shown to amplify Th2 responses and to act as a damage‐associated molecular pattern. IL‐33 acts on a broad range of cells and has been proposed to link innate and adaptive features of allergic responses. It was the aim of this study to investigate this property of IL‐33 in the inflammatory response characterising atopic dermatitis (AD). We have analysed the response of skin‐resident cells derived from patients with AD and healthy donors with regard to the expression of IL‐33 and its receptor ST2. The functional impact of IL‐33 on CD4+ T cells was investigated. Keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts clearly differ in their regulation of IL‐33. In fibroblasts, the concerted action of TNF‐α and IL‐1β was the strongest inducer, whereas IFN‐γ is clearly the key molecule that upregulates IL‐33 in keratinocytes with a more pronounced response of cells derived from patients with AD. Keratinocytes from patients with AD showed a markedly higher constitutive expression level of surface ST2. CD4+ T cells respond to IL‐33. Unexpectedly, IL‐33 failed to induce a significant secretion of IL‐5 or IL‐13. By contrast, high amounts of IFN‐γ were detectable if IL‐33 was added to the T‐cell receptor‐stimulated cells or in combination with IL‐12. These results suggest that IL‐33 and IFN‐γ are closely interlinked in epidermal AD inflammation. IFN‐γ induces IL‐33 in keratinocytes and IL‐33 acts on activated T cells to further increase the release of IFN‐γ, therefore contributing to drive skin inflammation towards chronic responses.
Climate‐associated population declines reverse recovery and threaten future of an iconic high‐elevation plant
Authors: Krushelnycky Paul D. , Loope Lloyd L. , Giambelluca Thomas W. , Starr Forest , Starr Kim , Drake Donald R. , Taylor Andrew D. , Robichaux Robert H.
Published: December 2012

Although climate change is predicted to place mountain‐top and other narrowly endemic species at severe risk of extinction, the ecological processes involved in such extinctions are still poorly resolved. In addition, much of this biodiversity loss will likely go unobserved, and therefore largely unappreciated. The Haleakalā silversword is restricted to a single volcano summit in Hawai‘i, but is a highly charismatic giant rosette plant that is viewed by 1–2 million visitors annually. We link detailed local climate data to a lengthy demographic record, and combine both with a population‐wide assessment of recent plant mortality and recruitment, to show that after decades of strong recovery following successful management, this iconic species has entered a period of substantial climate‐associated decline. Mortality has been highest at the lower end of the distributional range, where most silverswords occur, and the strong association of annual population growth rates with patterns of precipitation suggests an increasing frequency of lethal water stress. Local climate data confirm trends toward warmer and drier conditions on the mountain, and signify a bleak outlook for silverswords if these trends continue. The silversword example foreshadows trouble for diversity in other biological hotspots, and illustrates how even well‐protected and relatively abundant species may succumb to climate‐induced stresses.
A tropical grass resource for pasture improvement and landscape management: Themeda triandra Forssk
Authors: Dell'Acqua M. , Gomarasca S. , Porro A. , Bocchi S.
Published: December 2012

Themeda triandra Forssk. is one of the most widespread grasses in the dry to mesic prairie ecosystems of Africa, Asia and Australia. It is of particular interest due to its high value as a forage species for wildlife and livestock, and its potential use in landscaping practices. In this review we have collated information from the many studies that have been devoted to this species since the 1960s to provide information about the species' distribution, taxonomy, morphology, ploidy and reproduction, and to describe its vegetation and germination and their relationship with the most important ecological aspects of its preferred habitats. Agronomic aspects are considered in detail, with particular focus on the role of T. triandra as a forage species and the relative importance of grazing, fire and rainfall regimes for its management. We also explore how this species can help with the rehabilitation of degraded areas, soil and water conservation, countering exotic species invasion and landscaping in general. We conclude with a brief discussion of the as yet unresolved taxonomic relationship between the African species T. triandra and the Australian species Themeda australis.
Transient elastography for monitoring the fibrosis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease for 4 years
Authors: Suzuki Kaori , Yoneda Masato , Imajo Kento , Kirikoshi Hiroyuki , Nakajima Atsushi , Maeda Shin , Saito Satoru
Published: December 2012

Aim

There have been some reports on the use of paired biopsies for monitoring disease progression in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. Recently, transient elastography has been developed as a non‐invasive method for predicting the severity of liver fibrosis. We investigated 4‐year disease progression in NAFLD patients by evaluating liver stiffness measurements (LSM) obtained using transient elastography.

Methods

Of 97 biopsy‐proven NAFLD patients whose LSM were obtained 4 years prior, we revaluated 36 who were available for follow up and compared their current stage of fibrosis with that at initial assessment. Fibrosis stage was diagnosed according to the cut‐off values previously reported by our institution. We also investigated correlations between changes in LSM and changes in non‐invasive fibrosis markers obtained by performing biochemical tests and clinical data.

Results

A total of nine (25%) patients had fibrosis progression, 17 (47.2%) had static disease and 10 (27.8%) had fibrosis remission. Among patients with stage 0 fibrosis as per initial LSM (n = 16), 11 had static disease and five had fibrosis progression according to LSM obtained 4 years later. Changes in LSM correlated with changes in the FIB4 index (R = 0.519, P = 0.0011) and aspartate aminotransferase‐to‐platelet ratio index (R = 0.346, P = 0.0412), but not with changes in other non‐invasive markers.

Conclusion

Transient elastography is non‐invasive and easy to use; therefore, it can be a useful tool for monitoring the severity of hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD patients.
Establishing local priorities for a health research agenda
Authors: Whear Rebecca , Thompson‐Coon Jo , Boddy Kate , Papworth Helen , Frier Julie , Stein Ken
Published: December 2012

Aim/Background

To describe the two‐stage prioritization process being used by the UK National Institute for Health Research's Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care for the South‐West Peninsula (or PenCLAHRC) – a joint health service and university partnership and reflect on implications for the wider context of priority setting in health‐care research.

Method

PenCLAHRC's process establishes the priorities of Stakeholders including service users across a regional health system for locally relevant health services research and implementation. Health research questions are collected from clinicians, academics and service users in Devon and Cornwall (UK) using a web‐based question formulation tool. There is a two‐stage prioritization process which uses explicit criteria and a wide Stakeholder group, including service users to identify important research questions relevant to the south‐west peninsula locality.

Results

To date, a wide variety of health research topics have been prioritized by the PenCLAHRC Stakeholders. The research agenda reflects the interests of academics, clinicians and service users in the local area. Potential challenges to implementation of the process include time constraints, variable quality of questions (including the language of research) and initiating and maintaining engagement in the process. Shared prioritization of local health research needs can be achieved between Stakeholders from a wide range of perspectives.

Conclusions

The processes developed have been successful and, with minor changes, will continue to be used during subsequent rounds of prioritization. Engagement of Stakeholders in establishing a research agenda encourages the most relevant health questions to be asked and may improve implementation of research findings and take up by service users.
Multiple lines of evidence suggest mosaic polyploidy in the hybrid parthenogenetic stick insect lineageAcanthoxyla
Authors: Myers Shelley S. , Trewick Steven A. , Morgan‐Richards Mary
Published: December 2012

Although hybridisation is common in animals, it rarely results in speciation. Yet, many examples of hybrid species have been documented in one animal group, the stick insects (Phasmida).

TheNewZealand stick insectAcanthoxylais of particular interest as the entire genus is of hybrid origin and consists of eight morphological forms recognised as species, all of which are obligate parthenogens.

Using five complementary techniques on the same individuals, our study confirms that both triploids and diploids are present inAcanthoxylapopulations, and further, that some individuals contain both diploid and triploid cells.

Chromosome spreads and estimates of relativeDNAcontent from flow cytometry provided contrasting information about the ploidy of this unusual parthenogenetic genus.

Analysis of morphometric variation showed no correlation with ploidy level inAcanthoxyla, and alsomtDNAsequence networks failed to distinguish morphospecies or ploidy level.

Unexpectedly, cloned sequences of a putatively single‐copy nuclear marker were also unhelpful in distinguishing ploidy, instead indicating that phosphoglucose isomerase is likely to be a multiple copy gene.

We propose a mechanism for the evolution of theAcanthoxylalineage and suggest that interpretation may be complicated by the presence of individuals that are diploid and triploid mosaics.
Potential role of proteomics in the diagnosis of lymphoma: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Q.‐Y. , Su J. , Jiang H. , Wang L.‐L. , Jia Y.‐Q.
Published: December 2012

Surface‐enhanced laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF‐MS) has been approved for identifying biomarkers and diagnosing many diseases such as lymphomas. It is arguable whether the SELDI technique has its value of diagnostic accuracy for lymphomas. The purpose of our study is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of SELDI‐TOF‐MS for diagnosing lymphomas. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Pub Med, EMBASE, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the China Academic Journals Full‐text Database, and the Chinese Scientific Journals Database were searched systematically for potential studies. Reference lists of included studies and review articles were also reviewed. All studies that reported data on patients with a confirmed diagnosis of lymphomas and that compared the measurement of SELDI‐TOF‐MS with pathology standard were considered for inclusion. Eleven studies were included in the systematic review. The ranges of the diagnostic value of SELDI‐TOF‐MS for lymphoma were as follows: sensitivity (SEN) was 0.69–0.96; specificity (SPE) was 0.70–1.00; positive likelihood ratio (PLR) was 2.99–96.09; negative likelihood ratio (NLR) was 0.04–0.35; and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 18.13–1250.71, respectively. Further, we analysed serum samples as a subgroup, and the pooled endpoints were as follows: pooled SEN was 0.89 (0.85–0.91); pooled SPE was 0.91 (0.88–0.93); pooled PLR was 12.35 (5.36–28.44); pooled NLR was 0.13 (0.09–0.20); and pooled DOR was 101.04 (39.57–258.04), respectively. SELDI‐TOF‐MS showed high accuracy in identifying lymphoma and could be a useful screening tool for diagnosing lymphoma patients.
Active release of microcystins controlled by an endogenous rhythm in the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Cordeiro‐Araújo Micheline Kézia , Bittencourt‐Oliveira Maria do Carmo
Published: December 2012

The active release of microcystins in cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa (Kützing) Kützing, strain BCCUSP232 was confirmed. The microcystin release is controlled by an endogenous rhythm, pointing to a biosynthetic pattern of toxins in cyanobacteria. Proofing tests for this active release were carried out by experiments at two independent 24 h cycles, light : dark and continuous light (12:12 h) along the exponential growing phase. Cultivation samples at light, temperature and photoperiod controlled conditions were collected in 2‐h intervals. Microcystin concentrations from the pellet aliquots (intracellular microcystin per cell‐quota –IMC) and supernatant (extracellular microcystin per equivalent cell‐quota – EMC) were quantified with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The IMC concentrations showed increases and decreases in both cycles. Decreases of IMC clearly demonstrate that the toxin was actively released to the surrounding medium and not by cell lysis. The total microcystins concentrations (IMC and EMC) between the light : dark and continuous light cycles presented similar variations between the same hours.
The Long‐term Unemployed: A New Protected Class of Employee?
Authors: Hemphill Thomas A. , Lillevik Waheeda , Cullari Francine
Published: December 2012

Since the onset of the latest United States (U.S.) recession (beginning in December 2007), the U.S. economy has been posting high unemployment levels consistently exceeding 8 percent. Of specific interest, the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reports on a specific subset of the U.S. unemployed: the long‐term unemployed, defined as those who are unemployed for 27 weeks and over. Since December 2009, the share of the long‐term unemployed of the total U.S. unemployed has exceeded 40 percent (through April 2012), the highest level since 1948 when data was first collected. A phenomenon of this recession is an alleged public bias by American private sector employers against hiring the long‐term unemployed, or even simply those unemployed. While the authors support the removal of discrimination against the unemployed in job advertisements, they cannot support the larger notion of including those who are unemployed as a protected class of employees. Becoming or being unemployed is a state that one can change, and based on the lack of research on how widespread this discrimination is (beyond anecdotal stories or limited research surveys), they believe that extending protection under equal employment opportunity legislation would be overreaching and inappropriate at this time.
Political Intolerance, Right and Left
Authors: Crawford Jarret T. , Pilanski Jane M.
Published: December 2012

Research recently published in Political Psychology suggested that political intolerance is more strongly predicted by political conservatism than liberalism. Our findings challenge that conclusion. Participants provided intolerance judgments of several targets and the political objective of these targets (left‐wing vs. right‐wing) was varied between subjects. Across seven judgments, conservatism predicted intolerance of left‐wing targets, while liberalism predicted intolerance of right‐wing targets. These relationships were fully mediated by perceived threat from targets. Moreover, participants were biased against directly opposing political targets: conservatives were more intolerant of a left‐wing target than the opposing right‐wing target (e.g., pro‐gay vs. anti‐gay rights activists), while liberals were more intolerant of a right‐wing target than the opposing left‐wing target. These findings are discussed within the context of the existing political intolerance and motivated reasoning literatures.
Maximum Likelihood Estimation for Stochastic Differential Equations with Random Effects
Authors: DELATTRE MAUD , GENON‐CATALOT VALENTINE , SAMSON ADELINE
Published: December 2012

Abstract.  We consider N independent stochastic processes (Xi (t), t ∈  [0,Ti]), i=1,…, N, defined by a stochastic differential equation with drift term depending on a random variable φi. The distribution of the random effect φi depends on unknown parameters which are to be estimated from the continuous observation of the processes Xi. We give the expression of the exact likelihood. When the drift term depends linearly on the random effect φi and φi has Gaussian distribution, an explicit formula for the likelihood is obtained. We prove that the maximum likelihood estimator is consistent and asymptotically Gaussian, when Ti=T for all i and N tends to infinity. We discuss the case of discrete observations. Estimators are computed on simulated data for several models and show good performances even when the length time interval of observations is not very large.
The functions of self‐initiated self‐repair in the second language Chinese classroom1
Authors: Simpson Rebecca , Eisenchlas Susana , Haugh Michael
Published: December 2012

Self‐repair analysis has often been used to gauge a learner's proficiency level, language acquisition or monitoring ability. This study questions these presumed links by examining the self‐initiated self‐repair practices of second language learners of Mandarin Chinese drawing from both classroom interaction data and stimulated recall interviews. While this link may not be as strong as previously suggested, self‐repair behaviour can reveal other information about the learner, including monitoring preferences, learning strategies, areas of difficulty, and perceptions about both their proficiency level and the target language. As such, self‐repair still appears to play an important role in the language learning process, albeit not the straightforward role that has often been assumed to date.
I Love to Tell the Story: Reshaping the Narrative of Adoption
Authors: Largen Kristin Johnston
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  This article argues that a Christian theological understanding of adoption can be a helpful corrective to some of the negative interpretations and assumptions around adoption that continue to circulate in secular culture. The article proceeds as follows: First, I argue that the way in which Christians understand and describe the experience of being adopted into God's family counters the idea that one's birth family is one's “real” family. Second, I argue that a Christian understanding of adoption mitigates the tendency to view adoption as a sort of “Plan B.” Finally, I argue that because of the value Christians place on caring for those in need, and the replacement of kin relationships with relationships of love and faith, the metaphor of adoption can and should be used more widely, to create broader networks of family that encompass far more than mere blood ties.
Canonising the Shakespeare Apocrypha: Shakespeare, Middleton and Co‐Existent Canons
Authors: Kirwan Peter
Published: December 2012

The Shakespeare Apocrypha has persisted as a category for plays of dubious authorship since 1908. Despite recent calls for this group to be dissolved, it persists as the “other” of the Shakespeare canon. The definition of the plays as a collectively excluded canon leads to their relative obscurity in print and on stage. Yet recent calls for the adoption of different kinds of dramatic canon present a means of reintegrating canon and apocrypha. The new Middleton Collected Works offers a model for “co‐existent canons” which share plays and disperse the authority of fixed authorial canons, allowing the plays of the Shakespeare Apocrypha to be read and seen in new, productive contexts.
A Medieval French Book in an Early Modern English World: Christine de Pisan’s Livre de la Cité des Dames and Women Readers in the Age of Print
Authors: Long Mary Beth
Published: December 2012

The Boke of the Cyte of Ladyes is Bryan Anslay’s 1521 translation of Christine de Pisan’s Le Livre de la Cité des Dames. Its form as an English printed book had implications for its readership and reception: Christine’s emphases on rhetoric, reading, and scholarship dovetailed with the spread in England of more accessible books and education. Given the cultural context of the early sixteenth century – a time during which print was beginning to compete with manuscript, women were becoming an important segment of the market for books, and Protestant values were negotiating coexistence with Catholic culture – we can deduce that Anslay’s version of Christine’s text resonated more strongly with sixteenth‐century English readers than the original did with its fifteenth‐century French audience, gaining more sympathy for Christine’s goal of elevating the status of women.
The Fall and Rise of Keynesian Fiscal Policy
Authors: Auerbach Alan J.
Published: December 2012

This paper reviews the recent evolution of thinking and evidence regarding the effectiveness of activist fiscal policy, including how policy multipliers might vary with respect to economic conditions. Like many other countries that were hit by the “Great Recession,” the USA responded initially with active fiscal policy measures. But a more positive view of fiscal intervention appears to have developed earlier in the decade, and estimated decision rules confirm that there was an increase in policy activism. While this positive view has been tested by the unclear effects of fiscal policy during the Great Recession, recent evidence does suggest that fiscal policy may be especially effective in recession. Fiscal policy activism has also been tempered by recent concerns about growing government debt, a development which potentially might also undercut the effectiveness of expansionary fiscal policy.
Fiscal Challenges in the Euro Zone
Authors: Campa José Manuel
Published: December 2012

Fiscal challenges in the Euro zone have been at the center of global economic concern in the last 2 years. Despite lower debt burdens, and higher fiscal efforts taken by Euro countries, a perception of high fiscal risk remains. This paper reviews the fiscal challenges facing the Euro area countries and the measures taken at the Euro area level to manage short‐term pressures and to enhance long‐term functioning of the area, as well as the main lines of national specific reforms. The paper shows the unique characteristics of the Euro area that still raise concerns to foster stability and the challenges to address them.
Global Financial Crisis and ASEAN: Fiscal Policy Response in the Case of Thailand and Indonesia
Authors: Sangsubhan Kanit , Basri M. Chatib
Published: December 2012

Sound macroeconomic and financial fundamentals, plus quick and forceful fiscal policy responses contributed to Thailand's and Indonesia's economic recovery in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. This paper reviews the impacts of the recent global financial crisis on the Thai and Indonesian economies, and identifies the characteristics of the fiscal stimulus package in each economy and their implications to counter the negative impact of the global financial crisis.
Tracking the impact of Pliocene/Pleistocene sea level and climatic oscillations on the cladogenesis of the Cape legless skink, Acontias meleagris species complex, in South Africa
Authors: Engelbrecht Hanlie M. , van Niekerk Adriaan , Heideman Neil J.L. , Daniels Savel R.
Published: December 2012

Aim

To determine the geographical boundaries among cryptic lineages and examine the evolutionary drivers of cladogenesis within the Cape legless skink, Acontias meleagris species complex.

Location

Coastal plains and adjacent interior of the Eastern, Northern and Western Cape provinces of South Africa.

Methods

A total of 231 specimens from 55 localities were collected from the entire known distribution range of the A. meleagris complex. Partial sequence data were collected from two mitochondrial DNA loci, 16S rRNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and one protein‐coding nuclear DNA locus, exophilin 5 (EXPH5). Phylogenetic, phylogeographical and population genetic analyses, together with divergence time estimation, were conducted on the DNA sequence data to examine evolutionary history and diversification within the species complex.

Results

Marked genetic structure was observed within the A. meleagris complex, and five clades were retrieved, most of which were statistically well supported. These five clades were also evident within the haplotypic analyses and were characterized by demographic stability. Cladogenesis was induced during the Pliocene/Pleistocene epochs, most likely as a result of oscillations in climate and sea level, and Neogene geomorphic phenomena. The Breede River Valley is an area of high genetic diversity and is likely to have served as a refugium.

Main conclusions

Lineage diversification and the current biogeographical patterning reflect the impact of sea level oscillations on historical coastal habitat availability. Fine‐scale differences between co‐distributed subterranean and supraterranean herpetofaunal taxa can be attributed to differences in life‐history traits amongst different habitat types. Historical evolutionary drivers within this subterranean species complex are inferred and discussed.
Phylogeographical patterns in the widespread arctic–alpine plant Bistorta vivipara (Polygonaceae) with emphasis on western North America
Authors: Marr Kendrick L. , Allen Geraldine A. , Hebda Richard J. , McCormick L. J.
Published: December 2012

Aim

We investigated genetic variation in Bistorta vivipara, a widespread Northern Hemisphere tundra species, to infer patterns of migration and where it may have survived during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).

Location

Samples came primarily from western North America, with a few from the Arctic and Eurasia.

Methods

We sequenced two chloroplast DNA spacer regions, trnH–psbA and trnS–G, in individuals from 199 populations and mapped haplotype distributions and their relationships using a haplotype network. We calculated genetic and molecular diversity statistics for the seven geographical regions from which we obtained samples.

Results

Fifteen haplotypes were detected, with very little divergence among them. The haplotypes are separated into two main groups by the presence or absence of a 22 bp tandem duplication. Four haplotypes are common, widespread and with substantial range overlap; 11 are rare and mostly unique to one region. Two rare haplotypes were found only in British Columbia (BC). Western North America and Asia have the highest levels of genetic and molecular diversity. Northern and southern BC have different haplotype complements.

Main conclusions

Bistorta vivipara has relatively low genetic diversity, with much less genetic structure than we expected for such a widespread species. We expected significant geographical structure due to the combined effects of genetic drift and geographical isolation. The asexual reproductive mode of B. vivipara may facilitate relatively rapid population establishment and spread compared with sexual reproduction by seed. Bistorta vivipara probably originated in Asia and spread to North America and Europe prior to the LGM. In western North America it spread to its modern distribution from Beringia and the western USA following the LGM. Populations in northern and southern BC may have different histories, possibly related to the timing and extent of glaciation. The occurrence of two unique haplotypes within BC suggests that some individuals may have survived in full glacial refugia within BC.
Annual Research Review: Positive adjustment to adversity – trajectories of minimal–impact resilience and emergent resilience
Authors: Bonanno George A. , Diminich Erica D.
Published: December 2012

Background:  Research on resilience in the aftermath of potentially traumatic life events (PTE) is still evolving. For decades, researchers have documented resilience in children exposed to corrosive early environments, such as poverty or chronic maltreatment. Relatively more recently, the study of resilience has migrated to the investigation of isolated PTE in adults.

Methods:  In this article, we first consider some of the key differences in the conceptualization of resilience following chronic adversity versus resilience following single‐incident traumas, and then describe some of the misunderstandings that have developed about these constructs. To organize our discussion, we introduce the terms emergent resilience and minimal‐impact resilience to represent trajectories of positive adjustment in these two domains, respectively.

Results:  We focused in particular on minimal‐impact resilience, and reviewed recent advances in statistical modeling of latent trajectories that have informed the most recent research on minimal‐impact resilience in both children and adults and the variables that predict it, including demographic variables, exposure, past and current stressors, resources, personality, positive emotion, coping and appraisal, and flexibility in coping and emotion regulation.

Conclusions:  The research on minimal‐impact resilience is nascent. Further research is warranted with implications for a multiple levels of analysis approach to elucidate the processes that may mitigate or modify the impact of a PTE at different developmental stages.
Green peach aphid [Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)] control using Brassicaceae ethyl ester oil sprays
Authors: Hansson D. , Morra M. J. , Borek V. , Eigenbrode S. D.
Published: December 2012

Control of green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), a globally important pest, using plant‐derived oils is a promising alternative to conventional insecticides. Although various plant‐derived oils are potentially useful for insect control, dose–response studies and efficacy comparisons among oils have not been widely reported. Our objective was to compare M. persicae control by plant‐derived oils, focusing on oils derived from Brassicaceae species that exhibit rotational and environmental quality benefits. We thus applied sprays of emulsified ethyl esters from the seed oils of yellow mustard (Sinapis alba), oriental mustard (Brassica juncea) and rapeseed (Brassica napus) to M. persicae in a laboratory bioassay. A dose–response relationship was modelled for the S. alba spray yielding LD50/LD95 values of 18.2 ± 0.87/128.1 ± 5.10 μg ester per cm2 (P < 0.0001). Ethyl esters of oils from all three species and soybean (Glycine max) ethyl ester were compared to determine the efficacy of Brassicaceae oils relative to the dominant plant‐oil spray currently available. All ethyl esters were equally efficacious despite measured differences in fatty acid profiles among the oils. Oils derived from mustards B. juncea and S. alba are potentially useful feedstocks for the production of insecticidal sprays, and testing on additional insects is warranted.
The influence of metastatic site on the expression of CEA and cellular localization of β‐catenin in colorectal cancer
Authors: Rao U Subrahmanyeswara , Hoerster Nicole S , Thirumala Seshadri , Rao Prema S
Published: December 2012

Background and Aim

The usefulness of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in the diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear. The aim was to analyze changes in the expression of CEA during CRC progression and metastasis, so as to determine the influence of tumor metastatic organ on the CEA expression by CRC cells.

Methods

The human biopsies of adenocarcinomas in colon and CRC liver and lung metastases were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of CEA. Expression of E‐cadherin and β‐catenin was also analyzed to localize the CRC neoplastic glands in metastatic tissues.

Results

The CRC neoplastic glands in colon and liver expressed significantly higher amount of CEA compared with crypts in normal colon. In contrast, CRC neoplastic glands formed in lung expressed low CEA level. However, CEA expression was high in areas of tumor necrosis in lung. E‐cadherin and β‐catenin were cell membrane‐bound in normal crypts and CRC neoplastic glands in colon and liver. Although these two proteins were also cell membrane‐bound in a majority of CRC neoplastic glands in lungs, a significant proportion of these expressed β‐catenin in the nucleus, which lacked either E‐cadherin or β‐catenin at the cell membrane.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that lung microenvironment is unique in that it suppresses the expression of CEA by CRC cells forming neoplastic glands. In addition, lung microenvironment promotes nuclear localization of β‐catenin, suggesting that the Wnt signaling pathway is relatively active highly in CRC metastasized to lung, when compared with liver or colon.
Preserved gastric motility in patients with early gastric cancer after endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Higuchi Naomi , Nakamura Kazuhiko , Ihara Eikichi , Akahoshi Kazuya , Akiho Hirotada , Sumida Yorinobu , Motomura Yasuaki , Kubokawa Masaru , Ito Tetsuhide , Takayanagi Ryoichi
Published: December 2012

Background and Aim

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is now accepted as a minimally invasive treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC). To our knowledge, however, the functional effects of ESD have not been determined in patients with EGC. We therefore investigated whether gastric motility was affected by ESD.

Methods

Using the 13C‐octanoic acid breath test, gastric emptying of solid test meals was examined in 26 EGC patients and 18 healthy controls, with EGC patients assayed before and about 2 months after ESD. Based on 13CO2 breath‐excretion curves, the lag‐phase time (Tlag), half‐emptying time (T1/2), and gastric emptying coefficient (GEC) were calculated as indices of gastric emptying.

Results

In healthy controls, the mean Tlag, T1/2, and GEC were 85.5 ± 4.9 min, 148.5 ± 8.0 min, and 3.01 ± 0.09 h, respectively. Before ESD, the mean Tlag, T1/2, and GEC in the EGC patients were 90.1 ± 5.5 min, 174.7 ± 10.4 min, 2.64 ± 0.08 h, respectively. GEC, but not Tlag or T1/2, differed significantly in the two groups, with gastric emptying slower in EGC patients than in controls. Relative to before ESD, the mean Tlag, T1/2, and GEC in EGC patients after ESD were 109.2% ± 7.8%, 107.9% ± 9.6%, 108.4% ± 4.7%, respectively, indicating that ESD did not significantly affect any of these gastric emptying parameters in EGC patients.

Conclusion

ESD is an effective treatment for EGC both in preserving organs and gastric motility.
Impact of Serving Temperature on Sensory Properties of Red Wine as Evaluated Using Projective Mapping by a Trained Panel
Authors: Ross Carolyn F. , Weller Karen M. , Alldredge J. Richard
Published: December 2012

The objective of this study was to examine the specific sensory attributes of red wines served at three temperatures. Using projective mapping (Napping), a trained panel (n = 12) evaluated six Washington State Lemberger red wines in replicate and sorted these wines based on their sensory attributes. Results indicated greater variability between replicate perceptual maps at 10 and 16C, while wine served at 22C produced the same perceptual maps for both replicates. The wines served at 10 and 16C were described more frequently as astringent, sour and bitter, with fewer aroma descriptors used compared with those served at 22C. This study is the first to provide description of the sensory properties of Lemberger wines and the effect of serving temperature on this wine. This study also showed the importance of replicate evaluations when using Napping for a small number of panelists evaluating a product with high individual variation.

Practical Applications

This study describes how serving temperature affects the sensory properties perceived in red wine. This is useful for those in the wine and hospitality industries who have thought this to be the case but have lacked in formal scientific studies. These industries can use this information to better showcase their red wines. From a sensory standpoint, this study shows how projective mapping (Napping) needs to be carefully considered based on the expected variation and number of participating panelists.
Preference and Gender Associations of Perfumes Applied on Human Skin
Authors: Lindqvist Anna
Published: December 2012

The perception of fragrances has been a growing field of interest, where perfumes classified as either typically feminine or typically masculine primarily have been used as stimuli. The current study explored gender associations and preferences of more “unisex” perfumes found in the middle of a gender continuum of fragrances, both when the fragrances were applied on humans, and when they were presented in glass bottles. Blindfolded participants indicated if they wanted to use the fragrances themselves, if they wanted their partner to use the perfumes, scaled gender associations (femininity and masculinity) for each perfume and tried to guess the gender of the person each perfume was applied on when not presented in a bottle. Results show that the gender of the person that the perfume was applied on did not affect the participants' preference or their gender scaling. Moreover, the preference did not differ between female and male participants, indicating that the commercial gender categorization is less important to the perfume consumers.

Practical Implications

On the commercial market, most perfumes are classified as either feminine or masculine, although the odor quality of feminine and masculine odors are overlapping and constitute a continuum rather than two separate clusters of odors. Earlier research has shown that participants tend to prefer perfumes positioned in the middle of this gender continuum. The current study investigates gender associations and preferences of perfumes from the middle of the gender continuum while these are applied on humans. When blindfolded participants evaluated their perception of the perfumes in this study, it became clear that neither the gender of the humans that the perfumes were applied on, nor the commercial gender labeling of the perfumes were important to their perception. Consequently, the commercial gender categorization does not seem to be sufficient for all perfumes. Instead, the classification of perfumes could be according to other aspects, e.g., according to odor quality.
Development of a Lexicon for Commercially Available Cabbage (Baechu) Kimchi
Authors: Chambers Edgar , Lee Jeehyun , Chun Soonsil , Miller Ashley E.
Published: December 2012

Commercially available cabbage (baechu) kimchi is growing in popularity outside Korea in part because of globalization and a growing interest in specialty foods. Within Korea, commercially available kimchi is important because many households do not have time to prepare traditional kimchi at home. Despite this fact, little work has been published characterizing the sensory attributes of this popular fermented food. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop an initial sensory lexicon for popular commercially available cabbage (baechu) kimchi, including specific flavor references, in order to allow researchers to measure and compare sensory characteristics, and (2) to use the lexicon to determine if it described differences in a range of commercially available wedge (pogi) and sliced (mat) fresh and fermented baechu kimchi available in Korea. A lexicon with 15 flavors and two key texture terms was developed by a descriptive panel to characterize baechu kimchi samples and is presented here in both English and Korean to enhance use. Age (fresh or fermented) and manufacturer had a tremendous influence on the sensory characteristics of the commercial kimchi samples. Areas for future research include examining sensory properties of kimchi made from products other than cabbage, conducting consumer research to relate acceptability of baechu kimchi products with descriptive scores, and comparing homemade and commercially produced kimchi products.

Practical Applications

The development of this lexicon is the first of its kind for kimchi and can help sensory scientists better understand this unique product and will help manufacturers differentiate their products from competitors and improve existing products on the market. Sensory scientists will also be able to use this information to standardize the sensory attributes of baechu kimchi and provide a common platform on which to evaluate these products.
Potentiation of antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cultured wild ginseng root extract through probiotic fermentation
Authors: Park Byoung-Gun , Jung Hyun-Joo , Cho Young-Wook , Lim Hye-Won , Lim Chang-Jin
Published: December 2012

Objectives

This work aimed to determine some pharmacological properties of non-fermented (WG) and fermented (FWG) extracts of cultured wild ginseng root.

Methods

WG was treated with Bifidobacterium longum to generate FWG. Ginsenoside patterns were analysed using thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. The effect of WG and FWG on reactive oxygen species (ROS) was examined in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Intracellular ROS were detected by flow cytometry. Nitrite in culture supernatant fractions was determined using the Griess reaction. 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl was used to determine anti-radical activity. Cell viability was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay.

Key findings

FWG was rich in ginsenosides Rg3 and Rh2, compared with WG. FWG diminished the enhanced ROS level more strongly than WG in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Both WG and FWG decreased the nitrite levels in stimulated macrophage cells with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 2.7 and 1.5 mg/ml, respectively, implying that FWG had an enhanced anti-inflammatory activity. Neither WG nor FWG exhibited cytotoxicity on the macrophage cells. In the radical scavenging assay, the IC50 values of WG and FWG were 32.6 and 0.78 mg/ml, respectively, suggesting that FWG had an increased scavenging activity.

Conclusions

FWG possesses enhanced antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activity, indicating that fermentation of cultured wild ginseng root extract with a probiotic bacterium can strengthen some of its desirable effects.
Establishment of a central post-stroke pain model using global cerebral ischaemic mice
Authors: Tamiya Shigeyuki , Yoshida Yuki , Harada Shinichi , Nakamoto Kazuo , Tokuyama Shogo
Published: December 2012

Objectives

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the world. Central post-stroke pain (CPSP), an intractable secondary disease, is a serious problem that occurs following cerebral stroke. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying CPSP and standard treatments for it are not well established. Therefore, we examined the nociceptive threshold and alterations in the current stimulus threshold of primary afferent neurons in bilateral carotid artery occlusion (BCAO) mice.

Methods

Male ddY mice were subjected to 30 min of BCAO. The development of mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia and changes in current stimulus threshold in the hind paws were measured after BCAO using the von Frey test, plantar test and a Neurometer, respectively.

Key findings

The threshold for mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in both hind paws was significantly decreased on day 3 after BCAO as compared with pre-BCAO treatment. Furthermore, the sensitivity of C and Aβ fibres (at stimulation of 5 and 2000 Hz, respectively) was increased on day 3 after BCAO as compared with pre-BCAO treatment, while that of Aδ fibres was not altered.

Conclusions

Our data show the development of bilateral hyperalgesia in this model. Potentially, C and Aβ fibre-specific hypersensitization after stroke may have contributed to these symptoms.
A qualitative study exploring female patients' experiences of self‐harm in a medium secure unit
Authors: Baker A. , Wright K. , Hansen E.
Published: December 2012

Accessible summary

This study explores the experience of five women who self‐harm and are cared for by a medium secure (forensic) service.

The five women speak of their own understanding of their self‐harm.

Six themes emerged, each with sub‐themes. These are:

‘the traumatized individual’

‘interrupted maturation process’

‘the hidden experience’

‘crossing the line’

‘individual and systemic repercussions’

‘nascent potential protection’

We concluded that a joint approach between women and their health workers, which included a shared understanding of their self‐harm, would be helpful to all parties.

This study utilized a social constructivist model and reports upon interviews conducted with five female patients in a medium secure service. Their perception of self‐harm is considered. Six themes emerged from the data, ‘the traumatized individual’, ‘interrupted maturation process’, ‘the hidden experience’, ‘crossing the line’, ‘individual and systemic repercussions’, ‘nascent potential protection’. In addition to the six themes that emerged, we concluded that, although individual perceptions of self‐harm varied, commonalities existed across accounts and that individual formulation may assist both patients and staff to gain a personalized understanding, thus, enabling less harmful ways of coping to be established.
Score statistics for testing serial dependence in count data
Authors: Sun Jiajing , McCabe Brendan P.
Published: December 2012

In this study, we extend earlier work of Freeland (1998) and Jung and Tremayne (2003), and develop a general formula for a score statistic to test for dependence in an integer autoregressive process with an arbitrary arrivals distribution. We give two statistics that cater for arrivals processes that may be under‐, equi‐ or overdispersed. The first is based on the Katz family which includes Poisson, binomial and negative binomial distributions as special cases. The second uses the generalized Poisson which includes the Poisson distribution as a special case and can also cater for under‐ and over‐ dispersion. The null distribution of the tests is provided and consistency is discussed. Size and power properties are investigated under different model assumptions by Monte Carlo simulations. The autocorrelation coefficient is also investigated as a benchmark for comparison.