bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of the conjugated linoleic acid and vitamin A and E contents in goat milk through green fodder feeding
Authors: TYAGI AMRISH , SALUJA MANJU , KATHIRVELAN C , SINGHAL K K
Published: November 2008

Twelve lactating crossbred goats (Sanan × Beetal) in early lactation were divided into two groups of six each. Group I was fed on fresh berseem fodder (Trifolium alexandrinum), whereas group II was fed on berseem fodder and concentrate mixture in 1 : 1 ratio to fulfil their nutritional requirements as per National Research Council (1981). Feed intake and milk yield were recorded daily, and milk samples were collected on 0, 30, 45 and 60 days of experimental feeding for the estimation of fat, vaccenic acid, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), vitamins A and E, and total antioxidant activity. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of dietary treatments on daily as well as total milk yield and milk fat, solids‐not‐fat and total solids, although average total CLA (mg/g fat) content in milk during the trial was higher(P < 0.01) in group I (18.92) in comparison to group II (10.94). Vitamin A content averaged 0.46 and 0.27 µg/mL and vitamin E, 1.20 and 1.38 µg/mL in milk of groups I and II, respectively, were higher in the berseem‐fed group (P < 0.01) and total antioxidant activity of milk was also higher (P < 0.01) in group I than in group II.
SPECIFICITY AND FUNCTION OF GLYCERALDEHYDE‐3‐PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE IN A FRESHWATER DIATOM, ASTERIONELLA FORMOSA (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Erales Jenny , Gontero Brigitte , Maberly Stephen C.
Published: November 2008

The plastidic glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) catalyzes the only reductive step in the Calvin cycle and exists as different forms of which GapC1 enzyme is present in chromalveolates, such as diatoms. Biochemical studies on diatoms are still fragmentary, and, thus, in this report, GAPDH from the freshwater diatom Asterionella formosa Hassall has been purified and kinetically characterized. It is a homotetrameric enzyme with a molecular mass of ~150 ± 15 kDa. The enzyme showed Michaelis–Menten kinetics with respect to both cofactors, NADPH and NADH, with a 16‐fold greater catalytic constant for NADPH. The Km for NADPH was 140 μM, the lowest affinity reported, while the catalytic constant, 815 s−1, is the highest reported. The Km for NADH was 93 μM, and the catalytic constant was 50 s−1, both are similar to reported values for other types of GAPDH. The GapC1 enzyme, like the Chlamydomonas reinhardtii A4 GAPDH, exhibits a cooperative behavior toward the substrate, 1,3‐bisphosphoglyceric acid (BPGA), with both cofactors. Mass spectrometry analysis showed that when GapC1 enzyme was purified without reducing agents, it copurified with a small protein with a mass of 8.2 kDa. This protein was recognized by antibodies against CP12. When associated with this protein, GAPDH displayed a lag that disappeared upon incubation with reducing agent in the presence of either BPGA or NADPH as a consequence of dissociation of the GAPDH/CP12 complex. Thus, as in other species of algae and higher plants, regulation of GapC1 enzyme in A. formosa may occur through association‐dissociation processes linked to dark‐light transitions.
Preliminary Evidence for Subdimensions of Geriatric Frailty: The MacArthur Study of Successful Aging
Authors: Sarkisian Catherine A. , Gruenewald Tara L. , John Boscardin W. , Seeman Teresa E.
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVES: To identify frailty subdimensions.

DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort (MacArthur Study).

SETTING: Three U.S. urban centers.

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand one hundred eighteen high‐functioning subjects aged 70 to 79 in 1988.

MEASUREMENTS: Participants with three or more of five Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) frailty criteria (weight loss, weak grip, exhaustion, slow gait, and low physical activity) in 1991 were classified as having the CHS frailty phenotype. To identify frailty subdimensions, factor analysis was conducted using the CHS variables and an expanded set including the CHS variables, cognitive impairment, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), C‐reactive protein (CRP), subjective weakness, and anorexia. Participants with four or more of 10 criteria were classified as having an expanded frailty phenotype. Predictive validity of each identified frailty subdimension was assessed using regression models for 4‐year disability and 9‐year mortality.

RESULTS: Two subdimensions of the CHS phenotype and four subdimensions of the expanded frailty phenotype were identified. Cognitive function was consistently part of a subdimension including slower gait, weaker grip, and lower physical activity. The CHS subdimension of slower gait, weaker grip, and lower physical activity predicted disability (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.3–2.2) and mortality (AOR=1.5, 95% CI=1.3–1.8). Subdimensions of the expanded model with predictive validity were higher IL‐6 and CRP (AOR=1.2 for mortality); slower gait, weaker grip, lower physical activity, and lower cognitive function (AOR=1.8 for disability; AOR=1.5 for mortality), and anorexia and weight loss (AOR=1.2 for disability).

CONCLUSION: This study provides preliminary empirical support for subdimensions of geriatric frailty, suggesting that pathways to frailty differ and that subdimension‐adapted care might enhance care of frail seniors.
Merkel cell carcinoma co‐existent with sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid
Authors: Tanahashi Jin , Kashima Kenji , Daa Tsutomu , Yada Naomi , Fujiwara Sakuhei , Yokoyama Shigeo
Published: November 2008

Merkel cell carcinoma is occasionally associated with other types of cutaneous malignancies including squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and lentigo maligna. We report a case of Merkel cell carcinoma co‐existent with sebaceous carcinoma in the right upper eyelid of a 61‐year‐old Japanese man. Histopathologically, the resected tumor consisted of three nodules located in the tarsal plate, showing two distinct histopathological types. Two nodules were Merkel cell carcinoma and located in the proximal part of the palpebral conjunctiva. The third was sebaceous carcinoma located in the distal transitional zone between the epidermis and the conjunctiva. No features of transition between these two components were noted. Metastatic deposits were identified in the regional lymph nodes, which solely consisted of Merkel cell carcinoma without sebaceous carcinoma. This is the first report of such co‐existent lesions.
Loss of kinase activity in Mycobacterium tuberculosis multidomain protein Rv1364c
Authors: Sachdeva Preeti , Narayan Azeet , Misra Richa , Brahmachari Vani , Singh Yogendra
Published: November 2008

The alternative sigma factors are regulated by a phosphorylation‐mediated signal transduction cascade involving anti‐sigma factors and anti‐anti‐sigma factors. The proteins regulating Mycobacterium tuberculosis sigma factor F (SigF), anti‐SigF and anti‐anti‐SigF have been identified, but the factors catalyzing phosphorylation–dephosphorylation have not been well established. We identified a distinct pathogenic species‐specific multidomain protein, Rv1364c, in which the components of the entire signal transduction cascade for SigF regulation appear to be encoded in a single polypeptide. Sequence analysis of M. tuberculosis Rv1364c resulted in the prediction of various domains, namely a phosphatase (RsbU) domain, an anti‐SigF (RsbW) domain, and an anti‐anti‐SigF (RsbV) domain. We report that the RsbU domain of Rv1364c bears all the conserved features of the PP2C‐type serine/threonine phosphatase family, whereas its RsbW domain has certain substitutions and deletions in regions important for ATP binding. Another anti‐SigF protein in M. tuberculosis, UsfX (Rv3287c), shows even more unfavorable substitutions in the kinase domain. Biochemical assay with the purified RsbW domain of Rv1364c and UsfX showed the loss of ability of autophosphorylation and phosphotransfer to cognate anti‐anti‐SigF proteins or artificial substrates. Both the Rv1364c RsbW domain and UsfX protein display very weak binding with fluorescent ATP analogs, despite showing functional interactions characteristic of anti‐SigF proteins. In view of conservation of specific interactions with cognate sigma and anti‐anti‐sigma factor, the loss of kinase activity of Rv1364c and UsfX appears to form a missing link in the phosphorylation‐dependent interaction involved in SigF regulation in Mycobacterium.
Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Cytostatic Effects in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by Poissoner Quantitative Drop Test
Authors: Poletto Nadine Paese , Rosado Joemerson Osório , Bonatto Diego
Published: November 2008

Abstract:  Biological models have long been used to establish the cytotoxicity and cytostaticity of natural and/or synthetic chemical compounds. Current assay techniques, however, typically require the use of expensive technological equipment or chemical reagents, or they lack adequate testing sensitivity. The poissoner quantitative drop test (PQDT) assay is a sensitive, inexpensive and accurate method for evaluation of cytotoxicity and/or cytostatic effects of multiple chemical compounds in a single experiment. In this study, the sensitivity of the PQDT assay was evaluated in a wild‐type Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain using 4‐nitroquinoline‐N‐oxide (4‐NQO) and methyl methanesulfonate (MMS), both cytotoxic and genotoxic standard compounds, and cytostatic 5‐fluorouracil, an antitumoral drug. Yeast cell colony growth was measured in culture media containing increasing concentrations of the three chemical agents. The results showed that the PQDT assay was able to clearly differentiate the cytotoxic effect of 4‐NQO and MMS from the cytostatic effect of 5‐fluorouracil. Interestingly, the cytostatic effect of 5‐fluorouracil followed an exponential decay curve with increasing concentrations, a phenomenon not previously described for this drug. The PQDT assay, in this sense, can be applied not only for cytotoxic/cytostatic assays, but also for pharmacodynamic studies using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model.
Off‐farm Labour Supply with Productivity Increases, Peak Period Production and Farm Structure Impacts
Authors: Olfert M. Rose
Published: November 2008

The study of of‐farm employment of farm family members in the context of a neoclassical time allocation model of labor supply is used to attempt to explain the amount and type of off‐farm employment currently prevalent on the Canadian Prairies. The effect of labor saving technical change together with a production process characterized by periods of peak activity affect the priority that may be assigned to off‐farm work These factors require explicit consideration in the theoretical framework for the study of off‐farm employment. The refinements occasioned by expanding the paradigm in this manner have implications for the role of rural development policy in the support of the agricultural sector
Near- to far-field characteristics of acoustic radiation through plug flow jets
Authors: Gabard G.
Published: November 2008

This paper reports a theoretical study of the radiation of sound through jet exhausts. It focuses on the transition from near field to far field by considering the features of the near-field solution and how these features translate to the far field. The main focus of this work is the importance in some cases of lateral waves radiating from the jet. While the presence of lateral waves has long been recognized, there has been no systematic investigation of the practical consequences of these waves in the prediction of sound propagation through round jets. The physical mechanisms involved in the generation of these waves are presented as well as the conditions under which they become significant. Another issue is the possibility of “channeled waves” inside the jet associated with strong sound radiation in the forward arc. This paper also discusses the validity of the far-field approximation when lateral waves are present. It is shown that the standard far-field approximation can be improved by adding correction terms that account for the presence of the lateral waves and channeled waves. The challenge posed to computational aeroacoustics by these near-field effects is also discussed.
Methods for reconstructing acoustic quantities based on acoustic pressure measurements
Authors: Wu Sean F.
Published: November 2008

This paper presents an overview of the acoustic imaging methods developed over the past three decades that enable one to reconstruct all acoustic quantities based on the acoustic pressure measurements taken around a target source at close distances. One such method that has received the most attention is known as near-field acoustical holography (NAH). The original NAH relies on Fourier transforms that are suitable for a surface containing a level of constant coordinate in a source-free region. Other methods are developed to reconstruct the acoustic quantities in three-dimensional space and on an arbitrary three-dimensional source surface. Note that there is a fine difference between Fourier transform based NAH and other methods that is largely overlooked. The former can offer a wave number spectrum, thus enabling visualization of various structural waves of different wavelengths that travel on the surface of a structure; the latter cannot provide such information, which is critical to acquire an in-depth understanding of the interrelationships between structural vibrations and sound radiation. All these methods are discussed in this paper, their advantages and limitations are compared, and the need for further development to analyze the root causes of noise and vibration problems is discussed.
Influence of a constriction in the near field of the vocal folds: Physical modeling and experimental validation
Authors: Bailly Lucie , Pelorson Xavier , Henrich Nathalie , Ruty Nicolas
Published: November 2008

The involvement of the ventricular folds is often observed in human phonation and, in particular, in pathological and or some throat-singing phonation. This study aims to explore and model the possible aerodynamic interaction between the ventricular and vocal folds using suitable in vitro setups allowing steady and unsteady flow conditions. The two experimental setups consist of a rigid and a self-oscillating vocal-fold replica, coupled to a downstream rigid ventricular-fold replica in both cases. A theoretical flow modeling is proposed to quantify the aerodynamic impact of the ventricular folds on the pressure distribution and thereby on the vocal-fold vibrations. The mechanical behavior of the vocal folds is simulated by a distributed model accounting for this impact. The influence of the ventricular constriction is measured in both flow conditions and compared to the model outcome. This study objectively evaluates the additional pressure drop implied by the presence of a ventricular constriction in the larynx. It is demonstrated that such constriction can either facilitate or impede the glottal vibrations depending on the laryngeal geometrical configuration. The relevance of using static or dynamic vocal-fold replicas is discussed.
The effects of hearing loss and age on the benefit of spatial separation between multiple talkers in reverberant rooms
Authors: Marrone Nicole , Mason Christine R. , Kidd Gerald
Published: November 2008

This study investigated the interaction between hearing loss, reverberation, and age on the benefit of spatially separating multiple masking talkers from a target talker. Four listener groups were tested based on hearing status and age. On every trial listeners heard three different sentences spoken simultaneously by different female talkers. Listeners reported keywords from the target sentence, which was presented at a fixed and known location. Maskers were colocated with the target or presented from spatially separated and symmetrically placed loudspeakers, creating a situation with no simple “better-ear.” Reverberation was also varied. The target-to-masker ratio at threshold for identification of the fixed-level target was measured by adapting the level of the maskers. On average, listeners with hearing loss showed less spatial release from masking than normal-hearing listeners. Age was a significant factor although small differences in hearing sensitivity across age groups may have contributed to this effect. Spatial release was reduced in the more reverberant room condition but in most cases a significant advantage remained. These results provide evidence for a large benefit of spatial separation in a multitalker situation that is likely due to perceptual factors. However, this benefit is significantly reduced by both hearing loss and reverberation.
Relative influence of interaural time and intensity differences on lateralization is modulated by attention to one or the other cue
Authors: Lang Albert-Georg , Buchner Axel
Published: November 2008

When setting interaural time differences and interaural intensity differences into opposition the measured trading ratio depends on which of the cues is adjusted by the listener. This paper provides some evidence that the different trading ratios may be an effect of a shift of attention toward the to-be-adjusted cue. The experiments consisted of two phases. In the compensation phase, participants canceled out the effect of one preset binaural cue by adjusting a compensatory value of the other cue until the sound was located in the center. In the localization phase participants assessed the virtual location of the sounds, again using the preset values of the fixed cue, but using the values of the other cue as previously adjusted. The sounds were no longer perceived as originating from the center. Instead, their perceived location was shifted back toward the location from which they appeared to originate before the adjustment. These findings suggest that during the compensation task the to-be-adjusted sound localization cue received an increased weight compared to the other cue. We propose shifts of attention between the cues as a mechanism that could account for this finding.
Objective threshold estimation and measurement of the residual background noise in auditory evoked potentials of goldfish
Authors: Xiao Jianqiang , Braun Christopher B.
Published: November 2008

A survey of papers using auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) published over the last 10years (Table I) demonstrates that most AEP studies in animals have used subjective methods for auditory threshold determination. Subjective methods greatly reduce the value of statistical hypothesis testing and jeopardize tests of hypothetical experimental group differences in hearing sensitivity. Correspondingly, many attempts have been made to develop objective threshold determination methods, but these have not been used widely. Further, they seldom include an appreciation of the effects of residual noise in the AEP. In this study, AEPs evoked by tonal and noise stimuli in goldfish (Carassius auratus) were recorded and the residual background noise was measured and analyzed in detail. High variability was found in residual noise, but can be effectively controlled with a simple modification of averaging routines. Considerable interobserver disagreements were found using subjective threshold estimation. An objective method of threshold determination was developed based on comparison between AEP amplitude and controlled residual noise, using a signal detection theory approach to set specific threshold criteria. The usefulness of AEP in hypothesis testing for auditory function requires more control over residual background noise amplitudes and the use of objective threshold determination techniques.
A model for multitalker speech perception
Authors: Srinivasan Soundararajan , Wang DeLiang
Published: November 2008

A listener’s ability to understand a target speaker in the presence of one or more simultaneous competing speakers is subject to two types of masking: energetic and informational. Energetic masking takes place when target and interfering signals overlap in time and frequency resulting in portions of target becoming inaudible. Informational masking occurs when the listener is unable to distinguish target and interference, while both are audible. A computational model of multitalker speech perception is presented to account for both types of masking. Human perception in the presence of energetic masking is modeled using a speech recognizer that treats the masked time-frequency units of target as missing data. The effects of informational masking are modeled as errors in target segregation by a speech separation system. On a systematic evaluation, the performance of the proposed model is in broad agreement with the results of a recent perceptual study.
High-frequency dispersion from viscous drag at the grain-grain contact in water-saturated sand
Authors: Chotiros Nicholas P. , Isakson Marcia J.
Published: November 2008

Shear viscous drag within the thin fluid film at the contact between grains in water-saturated sand is an important loss mechanism for high-frequency sound in the Biot–Stoll plus contact squirt flow and shear viscous drag (BICSQS) model [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 116, 2011–2022 (2004)]. Couette flow was assumed for the shear drag but it breaks down when inertial effects within the film become significant. Using Biot’s method, a correction is derived for the shear drag and inserted into the BICSQS model. The result is a prediction of negative sound speed dispersion, consistent with dynamic theories of fluid-filled poroelastic bodies.
Linear frequency modulation reverberation suppression using difference of singular values
Authors: Lee Hyung Soo , Lee Kyun Kyung
Published: November 2008

This letter proposes a reverberation suppression method to improve the target detection probability in reverberation environment induced by a linear frequency modulation signal. Using the singular value decomposition and an assumption of local spatial stationarity, the proposed algorithm suppresses reverberation utilizing the difference of singular values between the reference beam and the current beam of interest. Several experiments using real oceanic reverberation data justify the validity of the proposed algorithm.
Identification of Mandarin tones by English-speaking musicians and nonmusicians
Authors: Lee Chao-Yang , Hung Tsun-Hui
Published: November 2008

This study examined Mandarin tone identification by 36 English-speaking musicians and 36 nonmusicians and musical note identification by the musicians. In the Mandarin task, participants were given a brief tutorial on Mandarin tones and identified the tones of the syllable sa produced by 32 speakers. The stimuli included intact syllables and acoustically modified syllables with limited F0 information. Acoustic analyses showed considerable overlap in F0 range among the tones due to the presence of multiple speakers. Despite no prior experience with Mandarin, the musicians identified intact tones at 68% and silent-center tones at 54% correct, both exceeding chance (25%). The musicians also outperformed the nonmusicians, who identified intact tones at 44% and silent-center tones at 36% correct. These results indicate musical training facilitated lexical tone identification, although the facilitation varied as a function of tone and the type of acoustic input. In the music task, the musicians listened to synthesized musical notes of three timbres and identified the notes without a reference pitch. Average identification accuracy was at chance level even when multiple semitone errors were allowed. Since none of the musicians possessed absolute pitch, the role of absolute pitch in Mandarin tone identification remains inconclusive.
RULE CORRELATION AND CHOQUET INTEGRATION IN FUZZY INFERENCE SYSTEMS
Authors: MARQUES PEREIRA R. A. , RIBEIRO R. A. , SERRA P.
Published: November 2008

We propose an extension of the Takagi-Sugeno-Kang (TSK) fuzzy inference system, using Choquet integration for aggregating the single rule outputs. In the new Choquet-TSK fuzzy inference system, the pairwise synergies between rules are encoded in a rule correlation matrix computed from the activation pattern of the rule base. The rule correlation matrix is then used to modulate the parameters of the Choquet integration scheme in order to compensate for the effect of rule synergies, which are present in most rule bases to a higher or lesser extent.

The standard TSK fuzzy inference system remains a particular instance of the proposed Choquet-TSK extension and corresponds to the ideal case of rule independence. However, when rule correlation is present, the Choquet-TSK fuzzy inference system takes it into account when computing the final output of the system. On the basis of the rule correlation matrix, the new aggregation scheme of the Choquet-TSK fuzzy inference system attenuates the effective weight of positively correlated rules and emphasizes that of negatively correlated rules. Some case studies are discussed in order to illustrate the proposed methodology.
AUTOMORPHISMS OF THE ALGEBRA OF FUZZY TRUTH VALUES II
Authors: WALKER CAROL L. , WALKER ELBERT A.
Published: November 2008

This paper continues an earlier investigation of automorphisms of the algebra of truth values of type-2 fuzzy sets. Several significant problems left unresolved are settled, the most basic being that the automorphism group of the algebra of fuzzy truth values is isomorphic in a natural way to the product of two copies of the automorphism group of the unit interval. This theorem has several corollaries concerning characteristic subalgebras.
INCORPORATING FUZZINESS INTO ACTIVE RULES
Authors: BOSTAN-KORPEOGLU BURCIN , YAZICI ADNAN
Published: November 2008

Knowledge intensive applications require an intelligent environment, which can perform deductions in response to user queries or events that occur inside or outside of the applications. For that, we propose a fuzzy active object-oriented database for modeling knowledge intensive applications. In that, we incorporate fuzziness within the event, condition and action parts of an active rule. We consider deductive rules as special cases of active rules so that deductive queries are handled using abstract kind of events. We also introduce a model for fuzzy inferencing of fuzzy active rules where we develop a model for scenario concept. We use a Fuzzy Petri Net model for fuzzy rule-based inference.
INTERVAL METHODS IN KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION
Authors: Kreinovich V.
Published: November 2008

This section is maintained by Vladik Kreinovich. Please send your abstracts (or copies of papers that you want to see reviewed here) to vladik@utep.edu, or by regular mail to: V. Kreinovich, Department of Computer Science, University of Texas, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE RADIUS OF CONVERGENCE OF DIRECT INVERSION TECHNIQUES IN HELIUM ATOM SCATTERING
Authors: SHUTTLEWORTH I. G.
Published: November 2008

Recent studies (I. G. Shuttleworth, Surf. Rev. Lett.14(2) (2007) 321) have demonstrated a direct method of diffraction pattern inversion for the helium atom scattering (HAS) experiment. The method requires the expansion of the Patterson function as a multivariate Taylor series to form a set of simultaneous equations. Benchmark tests of the procedure show that incomplete Taylor expansions introduce inconsistency into the set of simultaneous equations, whereas larger Taylor expansions attract significant numerical errors during their solution. The current work replaces the conventional matrix inversion techniques with a multidimensional Newton–Raphson algorithm. Tests have shown that the Newton–Raphson procedure removes the Taylor series and numerical limitations from the inversion technique for any realistic surface.
ANALYSIS OF VOLTAGE SIGNALS BY FLICKER NOISE METHODOLOGY APPLIED ON POROUS SILICON FILMS GROWTH
Authors: RAMIREZ-PORRAS ARTURO
Published: November 2008

The Flicker Noise Analysis methodology is applied on voltage signals recorded when the electrochemical etching of crystalline surfaces of silicon is performed. The porous silicon material resulting from this procedure is composed of nanocrystals possessing remarkable properties which can be employed in the development of optical, electronic, or biological sensor devices. As a result of the analysis, two dynamic processes during the electrochemical reaction have been identified: one related to the dissolution of the crystalline matrix and the other related to the porous morphology itself.
Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor β/δ in the Brain: Facts and Hypothesis
Authors: Hall M. G. , Quignodon Laure , Desvergne Béatrice
Published: November 2008

peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors acting as lipid sensors. Besides its metabolic activity in peripheral organs, the PPAR beta/delta isotype is highly expressed in the brain and its deletion in mice induces a brain developmental defect. Nevertheless, exploration of PPARβ action in the central nervous system remains sketchy. The lipid content alteration observed in PPARβ null brains and the positive action of PPARβ agonists on oligodendrocyte differentiation, a process characterized by lipid accumulation, suggest that PPARβ acts on the fatty acids and/or cholesterol metabolisms in the brain. PPARβ could also regulate central inflammation and antioxidant mechanisms in the damaged brain. Even if not fully understood, the neuroprotective effect of PPARβ agonists highlights their potential benefit to treat various acute or chronic neurological disorders. In this perspective, we need to better understand the basic function of PPARβ in the brain. This review proposes different leads for future researches.
The Role of SOX2 in Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Authors: Tziaferi V. , Kelberman D. , Dattani M.T.
Published: November 2008

SOX2 is a transcription factor involved in early embryonic development. It plays a critical role in eye, forebrain, and hypothalamo-pituitary development. Individuals with SOX2 mutations have major eye abnormalities including anophthalmia, microphthalmia, and coloboma. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is a complex developmental disorder characterized by gonadotropin deficiency. Recently, a number of patients with SOX2 mutations have been shown to have hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, making SOX2 an interesting addition to the list of genes implicated in the etiology of the condition. Most of the patients demonstrate anterior pituitary hypoplasia. Surprisingly, although most patients with anterior pituitary hypoplasia manifest GH (growth hormone) deficiency, gonadotropin deficiency appeared to be the most consistent endocrinopathy in patients with SOX2 mutations. SOX2 may be involved at multiple levels during the development of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis, and is likely to play an essential role in GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) neuronal differentiation and migration. Animal data also suggest an additional role for the gene in gonadal development. Given the critical role of Sox2 in normal hypothalamo-pituitary development in the mouse and the anterior pituitary hypoplasia observed in most human patients with SOX2 mutations, it remains to be established whether further pituitary hormone deficiencies might evolve with time.
Biological Correlates of the Congruence and Incongruence of Psychotic Symptoms in Patients with Type 1 Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Basterreche Nieves , Dávila Ricardo , Zumárraga Mercedes , Arrúe Aurora , González-Torres Miguel Angel , Zamalloa María I. , Anguiano Juan B. , Guimón José
Published: November 2008

We examined the catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) Val108/158Met genotype in 160 type 1 bipolar patients. We also analyzed the plasma concentrations of homovanillic acid (HVA), 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethylenglycol (MHPG) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid in 60 of those patients who had been without mood stabilizers or neuroleptic treatment for at least 8 days. Results: Patients with congruent psychotic symptoms presented a higher plasma concentration of HVA than mood incongruent psychotic patients. The Val/Val genotype was associated with higher plasma concentrations of HVA and MHPG. We detected a larger proportion of patients with psychotic symptoms in the Val/Val genotype group, although this did not reach statistical significance. It was found that the distribution of the COMT genotype was not influenced by the congruent/incongruent nature of the psychotic symptoms. Limitations: The proportion of patients without psychotic symptoms in our sample was low. This fact limits the value of some comparisons. Conclusions: Congruent and incongruent psychotic patients can be distinguished in terms of the concentration of plasma HVA. Based on the presence or absence of mood incongruent symptoms, the Val108/158Met polymorphism of the COMT gene alone does not appear to be a crucial determinant in the division of psychotic bipolar patients. Nevertheless, COMT polymorphisms may influence some of the characteristics of the patients by their effect on monoamine metabolism.
The Female Stroke Survival Advantage: Relation to Age
Authors: Olsen Tom Skyhøj , Dehlendorff Christian , Andersen Klaus Kaae
Published: November 2008

Background: Age-related hormonal factors are thought to be related to the gender gap in longevity. Testing the hypothesis that survival is best in young premenopausal women we studied the effect of age on 1-week mortality in stroke patients. Methods: A registry was started in 2001 with the aim of registering all hospitalized patients in Denmark. The patients’ risk factors, stroke severity and CT scan were evaluated. A total of 25,607 patients (63%) gave complete information on all risk factors and were used in the analysis. Independent predictors of survival were identified by means of multiple logistic regression. Results: The probability of death within 1 week adjusted for stroke severity, stroke type and risk factors was highly age-dependent in both men and women. Up to the age of 50 years, the 1-week female/male mortality rates paralleled being slightly (15%) but insignificantly better in women. While mortality increased almost linearly in women over the entire age range, it increased steeply in men from the age of 50 and at the age of 80 years survival was 80% better in women. Conclusion: The female stroke survival advantage applies to all ages. It increases with age due to a steeply increase of mortality in middle-aged and elderly men.
Cognitive Differences for Ages 16 to 89 Years (Canadian WAIS-III)
Authors: Lee Hoyee Flora , Gorsuch Richard L. , Saklofske Donald H. , Patterson Colleen A.
Published: November 2008

Adult cognitive age differences in the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale—III Canadian normative data were curvilinear for most scales and for the Verbal Comprehension (VC), Perceptual Organization (PO), and Working Memory (WM) factors. These showed stable or increasing scores in early adulthood followed by decreasing scores, necessitating a nonlinear (continuous parameter estimation) approach to modeling adult age differences. Means were as high as or higher than the 18-year-olds until 60 years for PO and 70 years for WM and VC. As the means showed no interpretable differences across 20 to 30 years of adult cohorts, no one year can be identified as the highest scoring. “What If” analyses correcting for possible Flynn effects and for the hypothesis that changes in Processing Speed may underlie some of the age differences suggest that further testing of these two effects is a necessary prerequisite to advancing our understanding of adult age differences.
Vicarious Excretion of Parenteral Contrast Material After Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Nwoye Uzoamaka , Padberg Frank T. , Sadeghi-Nejad Hossein
Published: November 2008

The aim of this study is to describe the finding of vicarious excretion of intravascular contrast media in association with endovascular management of an aortic aneurysm and to discuss the clinical significance. Vicarious excretion of intravascular contrast material through the hepatobiliary system will be encountered occasionally following endovascular procedures. Plain abdominal images obtained for the purpose of graft position and structural integrity will increase recognition of this finding. Vicarious hepatobiliary excretion of parenteral contrast media, while associated with renal obstruction or parenchymal pathology, is not pathognomonic for renal pathology.
Phase Destruction upon Photopolymerization of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Blue Phases with Mono- and Diacrylate Constituents
Authors: Yoshida Hiroyuki , Isomura Takuya , Fujii Akihiko , Ozaki Masanori
Published: November 2008

We report an anomalous destruction of cholesteric blue phases I and II upon photopolymerizing a liquid crystal mixture composed of mono- and diacrylate monomers. The platelet texture characteristic of the blue phase collapsed when the sample was irradiated by a weak UV light source, while usual freezing of both blue phases I and II was obtained upon photopolymerization by a stronger light source. The phase destruction seems to be reflecting the robustness of the cubic lattice structure against external purterbations.
Rumphellatin D, a Novel Chlorinated Caryophyllane from Gorgonian Coral Rumphella antipathies
Authors: Sung Ping-Jyun , Su Yin-Di , Hwang Tsong-Long , Chuang Li-Fan , Chen Jih-Jung , Li Jan-Jung , Fang Lee-Shing , Wang Wei-Hsien
Published: November 2008

The first chloride-containing caryophyllane-type sesquiterpenoid, designated as rumphellatin D (1), was isolated from gorgonian coral Rumphella antipathies. The structure of 1 was established by spectral-data analysis. Rumphellatin D (1) showed moderate inhibitory effects on elastase release by human neutrophils.
Rapid In Vitro Synthesis of Pico-mole Quantities of Peptides
Authors: Kitamura Koichiro , Yoshida Chuya , Salimullah Md , Kinoshita Yasunori , Suzuki Miho , Nemoto Naoto , Nishigaki Koichi
Published: November 2008

A rapid small-scale peptide synthesis method was developed based on in vitro translation system. It enables us to obtain peptides within a day. Comparing the biological activity of in vitro synthesized peptides with that of chemically synthesized ones, the activity of both peptides was confirmed to be equivalent. The recovered peptides were assumed correct in their sequence through MS analysis and estimated to be more than pmoles/run. Moreover, this method could produce highly hydrophobic peptide, otherwise unavailable.
Energy from photobioreactors: Bioencapsulation of photosynthetically active molecules, organelles, and whole cells within biologically inert matrices
Authors: Rooke Joanna C. , Meunier Christophe , Léonard Alexandre , Su Bao-Lian
Published: November 2008

Photosynthesis is a highly efficient solar energy transformation process. Exploiting this natural phenomenon is one way to overcome the shortage in the Earth’s fuel resources. This review summarizes the work carried out in the field of photobioreactor design via the immobilization of photosynthetically active matter within biologically inert matrices and the potential biotechnological applications of the obtained hybrid materials within the domain of solar energy to chemical energy transformation. The first part deals with the design of artificial photosynthetic reaction centers (RCs) by the encapsulation of pigments, proteins, and complexes. The action of thylakoids, chloroplasts, and whole plant cells, immobilized in biocompatible supports, in the conversion of CO2 into chemical energy, is also addressed. Finally, the latest advances in the exploitation of the bioactivity of photosynthetically active micro-organisms are explored in terms of the production of secondary metabolites and hydrogen.
A Cultural Approach to Branding in the Global Marketplace
Authors: Cayla Julien , Arnould Eric J.
Published: November 2008

International marketing's commitment to a technical and universalizing approach to solving managerial problems has meant that researchers have adopted an ethnocentric approach to branding. This is becoming problematic as the global marketplace develops. The authors argue that to meet the theoretical and methodological challenges of global branding, international marketing scholars will need to revise some key premises and foundations. Branding research in the future will need to be contextually and historically grounded, polycentric in orientation, and acutely attuned to the symbolic significance of brands of all types. The authors offer some conceptual foundations for a culturally relative, contextually sensitive approach to international branding in which the construct of brand mythology is central.
The Effect of Partitions on Controlling Consumption
Authors: Cheema Amar , Soman Dilip
Published: November 2008

The authors demonstrate that partitioning an aggregate quantity of a resource (e.g., food, money) into smaller units reduces the consumed quantity or the rate of consumption of that resource. Partitions draw attention to the consumption decision by introducing a small transaction cost; that is, they provide more decision-making opportunities so that prudent consumers can control consumption. Thus, people are better able to constrain consumption when resources associated with a desirable activity (which they are trying to control) are partitioned rather than when they are aggregated. This effect of partitioning is demonstrated for the consumption of chocolates (Study 1) and gambles (Study 2). In Study 3, process measures reveal that partitioning increases recall accuracy and decision times. Importantly, the effect of partitioning diminishes when consumers are not trying to regulate consumption (Studies 1 and 3). Finally, Study 4 explores how habituation may decrease the amount of attention that partitions draw to consumption. In this context, partitions control consumption to a greater extent when the nature of partitions changes frequently.
Remedying Hyperopia: The Effects of Self-Control Regret on Consumer Behavior
Authors: Keinan Anat , Kivetz Ran
Published: November 2008

The self-control literature is premised on the notion of myopia (shortsightedness or present-biased preferences) and assumes that choosing vices generates regret. An alternative perspective suggests that consumers often suffer from a reverse self-control problem—namely, excessive farsightedness and overcontrol, or “hyperopia.” This research examines whether consumers can foresee the detrimental long-term consequences of hyperopia. Five studies demonstrate that anticipating long-term regret relaxes self-control and motivates consumers to counteract their righteousness. Consumers are more likely to select indulgences and luxuries when they judge the longer-term regrets of others, anticipate their own regret in the distant future, and reflect on their regret regarding an actual decision made in the more distant past. The article concludes with two field experiments that examine the effect of anticipatory regret on real consumer purchases at a shopping mall and during Thanksgiving. These experiments demonstrate that anticipating long-term regret leads consumers to buy pleasurable products rather than practical necessities and to spend more on shopping. The implications for marketers and consumers are discussed.
Positive Consumer Contagion: Responses to Attractive Others in a Retail Context
Authors: Argo Jennifer J. , Dahl Darren W. , Morales Andrea C.
Published: November 2008

This research examines the impact of attractiveness on consumers during a consumption experience. Specifically, it examines the effects of an attractive social influence in the context of touching and contamination of store products by investigating how consumers respond when they see attractive others touching the same products they want to purchase. In doing so, it provides the first experimental evidence of a positive contagion effect in either the marketing or the psychology literature. Across three field experiments using an actual retail shopping environment, the authors find that product evaluations are higher when consumers perceive a product as having been physically touched by a highly attractive other. Moreover, they identify sex as a critical moderating variable in the realization of this positive contagion effect; the contact source and observing consumer must be of the opposite sex for positive contagion to occur. Finally, in contrast to previous work, the authors demonstrate that these effects are driven by a physical model of contagion.
Circles, Squares, and Choice: The Effect of Shape Arrays on Uniqueness and Variety Seeking
Authors: Maimaran Michal , Wheeler S. Christian
Published: November 2008

Five experiments demonstrate that exposure to novel visual stimulus arrays of geometric shapes affects consumers’ real choices among products. The authors first demonstrate that exposure to variety arrays (arrays of differing shapes) increases variety seeking (Study 1). They then show that exposure to uniqueness arrays (e.g., one circle among six squares) increases choice of unique over common objects (Studies 2 and 3) and interacts with chronic need for uniqueness (Study 3). In the final two studies, the authors show that variety and uniqueness arrays activate distinct constructs; specifically, they find no effect of exposure to uniqueness arrays on variety seeking (Study 4a) and no effect of exposure to variety arrays on uniqueness seeking (Study 4b). Taken together, these studies build on the existing literature about nonconscious effects on consumer behavior and choice behavior in particular by showing that consumers’ real choices are affected by subtle exposure to novel stimuli that do not have any previous associations.
Development, Survival, and Reproduction of the Psocid Liposcelis decolor (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) at Constant Temperatures
Authors: Tang Pei-An , Wang Jin-Jun , He Yu , Jiang Hong-Bo , Wang Zi-Ying
Published: November 2008

The development, survival, and reproduction of Liposcelis decolor (Pearman) (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae), an important insect pest of infested stored products, were evaluated at eight constant temperatures (20–37.5°C). Female L. decolor had four nymphal stadia, whereas males only had three nymphal stadia. Between 20 and 37.5°C, the female developmental period from egg to adult varied from 46.2 d at 20°C to 16.1 d at 35°C, and the male developmental period from egg to adult varied from 41.8 d at 20°C to 13.6 d at 35°C. Based on a nonlinear model, the lower temperature developmental thresholds of female from egg, first through fourth stadia, and combined immature stages were estimated at 12.22, 16.08, 10.93, 8.88, 12.64, and 13.02°C, the upper temperature thresholds were 42.11, 39.44, 41.27, 40.92, 39.20, and 40.52°C, respectively, whereas the lower temperature thresholds of males ranged from 11.68 to 15.86°C, and the upper temperature thresholds ranged from 40.19 to 42.04°C. The survival rate from egg to adult was 57.3% at 32.5°C, 38.4 at 20°C, and 19% at 37.5°C, respectively. After emergence, the adult had a preoviposition period that ranged from 6.8 d at 20°C to 2.3 d at 35°C. L. decolor produced the most eggs (130.4) at 32.5°C and the fewest (24.7) at 37.5°C. The population reared at 32.5°C had the highest intrinsic rate of increase (0.0609) compared with the populations reared at seven other constant temperatures. The populations reared at 35 and 37.5°C had type III survivorship pattern, whereas populations reared at other temperatures had type I survivorship curve as determined by a Weibull frequency distribution. The optimal range of temperature for L. decolor population growth was 27.5–35°C.