bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma membrane‐localized Al‐transporter from blue hydrangea sepals is a member of the anion permease family
Authors: Negishi Takashi , Oshima Kenshiro , Hattori Masahira , Yoshida Kumi
Published: February 2013

In hydrangea sepals, an aluminum complex of delphinidin‐3‐O‐glucoside is responsible for the development of the blue color, and co‐existing copigments mediate the solubilization and stabilization of the blue Al‐anthocyanin complex which is localized in the sepal vacuole. In addition, hydrangeas are Al‐hyperaccumulators and exhibit tolerance to acidic soils, in which the toxicity is due to soluble Al ion. Therefore, an Al‐absorbing transport and storage system must exist in hydrangea. Recently, we cloned vacuolar and plasma membrane‐localized Al‐transporters, HmVALT, and HmPALT1, which are both members of the aquaporin family. However, HmPALT1 was only expressed in the sepals, indicating that a different Al‐transporter should exist for absorption and long‐distance transportation in the hydrangea plant. Using genetic information and microarray analysis, we identified an additional aluminum transporter gene, HmPALT2, which belongs to a member of the anion permease. The transcript was expressed in all tissues of hydrangea plants, and a transient expression study indicated that the gene product is localized to the plasma membrane. The results of an aluminum tolerance assay using yeast cells showed that the HmPALT2 is also involved in the transport of other metal(loid)s. The over‐expression of HmPALT2 in Arabidopsis resulted in aluminum‐hypersensitivity, suggesting that HmPALT2 should work as an aluminum transporter into cells in planta.
Pharmacokinetics of two common antiretroviral regimens in older HIV‐infected patients: a pilot study
Authors: Dumond JB , Adams JL , Prince HMA , Kendrick RL , Wang R , Jennings SH , Malone S , White N , Sykes C , Corbett AH , Patterson KB , Forrest A , Kashuba ADM
Published: February 2013

Objectives

The pharmacokinetics (PK) of antiretrovirals (ARVs) in older HIV‐infected patients are poorly described. Here, the steady‐state PK of two common ARV regimens [tenofovir (TFV)/emtricitabine (FTC)/efavirenz (EFV) and TFV/FTC/atazanavir (ATV)/ritonavir (RTV)] in older nonfrail HIV‐infected patients are presented.

Methods

HIV‐infected subjects ≥55 years old not demonstrating the frailty phenotype were enrolled in an unblinded, intensive‐sampling PK study. Blood plasma (for TFV, FTC, EFV, ATV and RTV concentrations) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells [PBMCs; for tenofovir diphosphate (TFV‐DP) and emtricitabine triphosphate (FTC‐TP) concentrations] were collected at 11 time‐points over a 24‐hour dosing interval. Drug concentrations were analysed using validated liquid chromatography–ultraviolet detection (LC‐UV) or liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) methods. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was used to estimate PK parameters [area under the concentration–time curve over 24 h (AUC0‐24h) and maximal concentration (Cmax)]. These parameters were compared with historical values from the general HIV‐infected population.

Results

Six subjects on each regimen completed the study. Compared with the general population, these elderly subjects had 8–13% decreased TFV AUC0‐24h and Cmax, and 19–78% increased FTC and RTV AUC0‐24h and Cmax. Decreased ATV AUC0‐24h (12%) and increased Cmax (9%) were noted, while EFV exposure was unchanged (5%) with a 16% decrease in Cmax. Intracellular nucleoside/tide metabolite concentrations and AUC are also reported for these subjects.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that the PK of these ARVs are altered by 5–78% in an older HIV‐infected population. Implications of PK differences for clinical outcomes, particularly with the active nucleoside metabolites, remain to be explored. This study forms the basis for further study of ARV PK, efficacy, and toxicity in older HIV‐infected patients.
Oral care perspectives of professionals in nursing homes for the elderly
Authors: Lindqvist L , Seleskog B , Wårdh I , von Bültzingslöwen I
Published: February 2013

Objectives

Good oral health is an important aspect of quality of life. However, a number of studies have shown that oral care for the dependent elderly is unsatisfactory. The aim was to explore in nursing homes for the elderly what professionals with different responsibilities may consider as being important aspects of well‐functioning daily oral care.

Methods

A total of 23 informants from three municipalities in the region of Värmland, Sweden, were interviewed. An interview guide was used, containing some demographic and open‐ended questions about individual perceptions of issues according to the study aim. The interviews were tape‐recorded and transcribed verbatim.

Results

In the manifest and latent analyses, six categories and three themes emerged. The categories were Key Processes, Communication, Priorities, Competence, Good Oral Health and Autonomy. The themes were Organization, Staff Approach and Staff's Views on Residents' Needs. An overall picture emerged that oral care, rather than occupying an integral position, played a peripheral role in nursing care.

Conclusions

To improve oral care, there are opportunities to work with existing structures and clarify responsibilities and key processes. Oral care should be included in nursing work as a more highly prioritized task, and nurses' knowledge needs to be enhanced. A network of activities at all levels is needed to implement oral care in nursing care.
Enhancement of Dielectric Characteristics of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Interfacial Layer in Au/PVA/n‐Si Structures by Bi2O3Disperse
Authors: Gökçen Muharrem , Tunç Tuncay
Published: February 2013

Dielectric characteristics such as dielectric constant (ε′), dielectric loss (ε″), dielectric loss tangent (tanδ) and real and imaginary parts of electrical modulus (Μ′ andΜ″), andacelectrical conductivity (σac) of Au/ Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) (Bi2O3‐dispersed)/n‐Si structures have been investigated by using admittance measurements. Results show that the ε′ values of Au/PVA/n‐Si with Bi2O3‐dispersedPVAinterfacial layer are very higher compared with those with pure and other dopant/mixture's ofPVA. Thus,PVAis made very compatible for device applications with the enhanced dielectric properties by Bi2O3disperse and its native very high dielectric strength.
Structure and Microwave Dielectric Characteristics of Solid Solutions in SrNdAlO4‐Sr2TiO4 System
Authors: Zhang Chao , Yi Lei , Li Lei , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: February 2013

Dense ceramics in SrNdAlO4‐Sr2TiO4 system were synthesized by a solid‐state reaction method, and their microstructures and microwave dielectric characteristics were investigated. The K2NiF4‐type solid solutions with general formula Sr1+xNd1‐xAl1‐xTixO4 were obtained in the entire composition range (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.9). With increasing x, the dielectric constant εr increased from 19.2 to 25, and the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency τf was adjusted from −16.7 to 24.6 ppm/°C. The significantly improved Qf value was achieved in the present ceramics with increasing x, and it reached a maximum at x = 0.6. The best combination of microwave dielectric characteristics was achieved at x = 0.6 (εr = 23.6, Qf = 86,300 GHz, τf = 10.9 ppm/oC). The reduced interlayer polarization with Sr/Ti cosubstitution in SrNdAlO4 contributed to the improved Qf, while the decreased tolerance factor and increased inner stress brought the negative effects.
Synthesis of Ultrafine Hafnium Diboride Powders Using Solution‐Based Processing and Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Wang Hailong , Lee Sea‐Hoon , Kim Hai‐Doo , Oh Hyeon‐Cheol
Published: February 2013

Ultrafine hafnium diboride (HfB2) powders were synthesized by the boro/carborthermal reduction process. Fine‐scale mixing of the reactants was achieved by solution‐based processing using hafnium oxychloride (HfOCl2·8H2O) and phenolic resin as the precursor of HfO2 and carbon respectively. The heat treatment was completed at a temperature range 1300–1500°C for 1h using spark plasma sintering (SPS) apparatus. The crystallite sizes of the synthesized powders were small (<500 nm) and the oxygen content was low (0.85 wt%). The grain growth of HfB2 could be effectively suppressed using SPS due to the fast heating rate. The effects of temperature and holding time on the synthesis of ultrafine HfB2 powders were discussed.
Industrial clarification of anthocyanin‐rich grape pomace extracts by crossflow membrane filtration
Authors: Prodanov Marin , Vacas Visitación , Sánchez Ana M. , Alonso Gonzalo L. , Elorza Ángeles , Lucendo César , Hernández Teresa , Estrella Isabel
Published: February 2013

A comparative study on the clarification of anthocyanin‐rich grape pomace extracts was carried out by tubular, hollow fibre and spiral wound industrial crossflow membrane units. Three polysulfone membranes were tested: a 500‐kDa molecular mass cut‐off (MMCO), and a 0.2‐ and 0.6‐μm pore size cut‐offs (PSCO). The 500‐ kDa MMCO and the 0.2‐μm PSCO membranes produced particle‐free extracts, while the 0.6‐μm membrane showed deficient clarification. The 500‐kDa MMCO membrane produced up to 3.7% loss of most of the individual anthocyanins, while the 0.6‐ and 0.2‐μm PSCO membranes produced up to 2% only of some of the anthocyanins with higher molecular masses. Permeate steady fluxes of up to 53 L h−1 m−2 were obtained. Particles with sizes of 0.5–1.5 μm and the macromolecular anthocyanin–tannin complexes had a major impact on membrane performance. The obtained results are scalable to industrial installations.
Outsider Board Activity, Ownership Structure and Firm Value: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Min Byung‐Seong , Verhoeven Peter
Published: February 2013

Using a sample of publicly listed firm in Korea from 2002 to 2006, this article examines the impact of board monitoring on firm value and productivity. We use outsider's attendance of board meetings as a proxy for board monitoring. Consistent with the commitment hypothesis, we find that outsider's attendance rate increases firm value, suggesting that attending board meeting itself is a strong signal that reflects outsider's intention to monitor insiders. While ownership of controlling shareholders negatively affects firm value, this relationship is not moderated by increased monitoring by outsiders. Our findings provide further evidence that the outside director system is less effective in chaebol‐affiliated firms. Results also indicate that the effect of outsider's board monitoring activity on investor's valuation of the firm is greater than on productivity improvement of the firm. Our conclusions are robust for possible endogeneity in the relationship between firm value and board attendance by outside directors.
Bacterial isolates from infected wounds and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern: some remarks about wound infection
Authors: Bessa Lucinda J , Fazii Paolo , Di Giulio Mara , Cellini Luigina
Published: February 2013

Wound infection plays an important role in the development of chronicity, delaying wound healing. This study aimed to identify the bacterial pathogens present in infected wounds and characterise their resistance profile to the most common antibiotics used in therapy. Three hundred and twelve wound swab samples were collected from 213 patients and analysed for the identification of microorganisms and for the determination of their antibiotic susceptibility. Patients with diverse type of wounds were included in this retrospective study, carried out from March to September 2012. A total of 28 species were isolated from 217 infected wounds. The most common bacterial species detected was Staphylococcus aureus (37%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17%), Proteus mirabilis (10%), Escherichia coli (6%) and Corynebacterium spp. (5%). Polymicrobial infection was found in 59 (27·1%) of the samples and was mainly constituted with two species. The most common association was S. aureus/P. aeruginosa. All Gram‐positives were susceptible to vancomycin and linezolid. Gram‐negatives showed quite high resistance to the majority of antibiotics, being amikacin the most active against these bacteria. This study is mostly oriented to health care practitioners who deal with wound management, making them aware about the importance of wound infection and helping them to choose the adequate treatment options to control microbial infection in wounds.
GALILEO'S THEOLOGICAL VENTURE
Authors: McMullin Ernan
Published: February 2013

Abstract In this essay, I will lay out first in some detail the exegetical principles implicit in Augustine's treatment of an early apparent conflict between Scripture and the findings of “sense or reason.” Then I will analyze Galileo's two major discussions of the issue, first in his Letter to Castelli, and then in his Letter to the Grand Duchess, touching on Foscarini's ill‐fated Letter in between. I will turn then to an internal tension that many commentators have perceived within the exegetic principles that Galileo deploys in meeting the theological challenge to Copernicanism. The tension was, broadly speaking, between two rather different strategies for dealing with that challenge. According to the more radical choice, the strategy would be to deny the relevance of Scripture to our knowledge of the natural world. The more conservative strategy would be to allow that the authority of divine revelation extended to passages in Scripture describing features of the natural world but also to admit that where this description clashed with something that could be demonstrated through “sense or reason,” an alternative to the literal, everyday, meaning of the Scripture passage should be sought. This latter proviso would imply that even in this, the most conservative, approach, theology is not being given absolute priority over natural philosophy.
SCIENTIFIC REALISM AND THE EMPIRICIST CHALLENGE: AN INTRODUCTION TO ERNAN MCMULLIN'S AQUINAS LECTURE
Authors: van Fraassen Bas C.
Published: February 2013

Abstract In The Inference That Makes Science, Ernan McMullin recounts the clear historical progress he saw toward a vision of the sciences as conclusions reached rationally on the basis of empirical evidence. Distinctive of this vision was his view of science as driven by a specific form of inference, retroduction. To understand this properly, we need to disentangle the description of retroductive inference from the claims made on its behalf. To end I will suggest that the real rival to McMullin's vision of science is not the methodologies he criticizes so successfully but a more radical empiricist alternative in epistemology.
Expertise and Bias in Political Communication Networks
Authors: Ahn T. K. , Huckfeldt Robert , Mayer Alexander K. , Ryan John Barry
Published: February 2013

Citizens minimize information costs by obtaining political guidance from others who have already assumed the costs of acquiring and processing political information. A problem occurs because ideal informants, typically characterized by the joint presence of political expertise and shared viewpoints, are frequently unavailable or rare within the groups where individuals are located. Hence, individuals must often look beyond their own group boundaries to find such informants. The problem is that obtaining information from individuals located beyond their own groups produces additional costs. Moreover, the availability of ideal informants varies across groups and settings, with the potential to produce (1) context‐dependent patterns of informant centrality, which in turn generate (2) varying levels of polarization among groups and (3) biases in favor of some groups at the expense of others. The article's analysis is based on a series of small‐group experiments, with aggregate implications addressed using a simple agent‐based model.
State of the Science: Does the Theory of Maternal Role Attainment Apply to African American Motherhood?
Authors: Fouquier Katherine Ferrell
Published: February 2013

Introduction

This article reviews the current state of knowledge of the theory of maternal role attainment (MRA) and its relevance in describing African American motherhood. EBSCOhost Research Databases that included PubMed, CINAHL plus, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and Web of Science were searched for journal articles that examined maternal identity and MRA. Keyword searches included maternal identity, maternal role attainment, becoming a mother, prenatal attachment, maternal‐fetal attachment, and maternal‐infant attachment. Inclusion criteria for this review were published journal articles of studies conducted in the United States, with a clear delineation of the theoretical framework of MRA. Journal articles that measured MRA among women with depression or medically fragile infants were excluded. Two hundred and twelve studies were reviewed; 25 studies, published between 1975 and 2007, met the inclusion criteria. Nine articles described the theory of MRA, 11 articles measured variables thought to influence MRA, and 6 articles described maternal‐fetal attachment, a construct of MRA.

Methods

Studies were reviewed, categorized, and analyzed to determine current knowledge of how the theory of MRA describes African American motherhood. Categories included studies describing the theoretical framework of maternal identity and MRA, studies measuring key variables thought to impact MRA, and studies measuring maternal‐fetal attachment and maternal‐infant attachment.

Results

The studies were limited by homogenous samples of upper‐middle‐class white women and low‐income, single, African American adolescents. Study results of MRA cannot be generalized to African American women.

Discussion

Further research is essential to identify attributes influencing MRA, specifically among larger samples of African American women with demographics similar to that of the white populations that have been included in studies thus far.
A LITERATURE REVIEW OF END‐STAGE RENAL DISEASE AND CACHEXIA: UNDERSTANDING EXPERIENCE TO INFORM EVIDENCE‐BASED HEALTHCARE
Authors: Reid Joanne , Noble Helen Rose , Porter Sam , Shields Joanne Sarah , Maxwell Alexander Peter
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Cachexia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in people who have end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). The majority of research into cachexia in ESRD has focused on the biological aspects of the syndrome and potential treatment modalities. While this research is necessary, it predominately focuses on the physical impact of cachexia in ESRD. The multi‐dimensional psychosocial ramifications of this syndrome have been highlighted in other end‐stage illness trajectories, but have not been systematically explored in persons who have ESRD.

Aim

This paper discusses why this research is necessary, alongside further studies to help define the pathophysiology of this syndrome.

Conclusion

The rich insightful data gained from understanding the patients' illness experience will positively contribute to the limited knowledge base available and inform future holistic patient‐centred care delivery which recognises and responds to not only the biological but also the psychosocial impact of cachexia.
8TH WORLD KIDNEY DAY
Authors: Thomas Nicola
Published: February 2013

No Summary.
Annual Research Review: The experience of youth with political conflict – challenging notions of resilience and encouraging research refinement
Authors: Barber Brian K.
Published: February 2013

Aims and method

Drawing on empirical studies and literature reviews, this paper aims to clarify and qualify the relevance of resilience to youth experiencing political conflict. It focuses on the discordance between expectations of widespread dysfunction among conflict‐affected youth and a body of empirical evidence that does not confirm these expectations.

Findings

The expectation for widespread dysfunction appears exaggerated, relying as it does on low correlations and on presumptions of universal response to adversity. Such a position ignores cultural differences in understanding and responding to adversity, and in the specific case of political conflict, it does not account for the critical role of ideologies and meaning systems that underlie the political conflict and shape a young people's interpretation of the conflict, and their exposure, participation, and processing of experiences. With respect to empirical evidence, the findings must be viewed as tentative given the primitive nature of research designs: namely, concentration on violence exposure as the primary risk factor, at the expense of recognizing war's impact on the broader ecology of youth's lives, including disruptions to key economic, social, and political resources; priority given to psychopathology in the assessment of youth functioning, rather than holistic assessments that would include social and institutional functioning and fit with cultural and normative expectations and transitions; and heavy reliance on cross‐sectional, rather than longitudinal, studies.

Conclusions

Researchers and practitioners interested in employing resilience as a guiding construct will face such questions: Is resilience predicated on evidence of competent functioning across the breadth of risks associated with political conflict, across most or all domains of functioning, and/or across time? In reality, youth resilience amidst political conflict is likely a complex package of better and poorer functioning that varies over time and in direct relationship to social, economic, and political opportunities. Addressing this complexity will complicate the definition of resilience, but it confronts the ambiguities and limitations of work in cross‐cultural contexts.
A rapid diagnostic tool for two species of Tetradacus (Diptera: Tephritidae: Bactrocera) based on species‐specific PCR
Authors: Jiang F. , Li Z. H. , Wu J. J. , Wang F. X. , Xiong H. L.
Published: February 2013

Bactrocera minax and Bactrocera tsuneonis are two sibling species of the Bactrocera subgenus Tetradacus with significant quarantine importance in Asia. It is difficult to identify or distinguish them only based on morphological characteristics. In this study, microscopic observations showed that morphological features of adult samples were congruent with the diagnosis of the two species. In this study, we describe species‐specific PCR for the molecular identification of B. minax and B. tsuneonis. Species‐specific primer pairs were designed on the basis of variations in the mtDNA COI barcode sequences among Bactrocera spp.. A 499 bp‐specific fragment of B. minax and a 337 bp absolute product of B. tsuneonis were generated by their respective primer pairs, whilst no such diagnostic bands were present in any of the other fruit fly species tested. The results of the sensitivity test demonstrated that the detection limit of DNA template concentration was 1 ng/μl for B. minax and 0.1 ng/μl for B. tsuneonis. This assay exhibited high specificity, reliability, rapid and low cost for all ontogenetic stages. Our data show that species‐specific PCR is a powerful tool that can be used for the identification of B. minax and B. tsuneonis in quarantine work.
Decrease of GSK3β phosphorylation in the rat nucleus accumbens core enhances cocaine‐induced hyper‐locomotor activity
Authors: Kim Wha Y. , Jang Ju K. , Lee Jung W. , Jang Hyunduk , Kim Jeong‐Hoon
Published: February 2013

Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), which is abundantly present in the brain, is known to contribute to psychomotor stimulant‐induced locomotor behaviors. However, most studies have been focused in showing that GSK3β is able to attenuate psychomotor stimulants‐induced hyperactivity by increasing its phosphorylation levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc). So, here we examined in the opposite direction about the effects of decreased phosphorylation of GSK3β in the NAcc core on both basal and cocaine‐induced locomotor activity by a bilateral microinjection into this site of an artificially synthesized peptide, S9 (0.5 or 5.0 μg/μL), which contains sequences around N‐terminal serine 9 residue of GSK3β. We found that decreased levels of GSK3β phosphorylation in the NAcc core enhance cocaine‐induced hyper‐locomotor activity, while leaving basal locomotor activity unchanged. This is the first demonstration, to our knowledge, that the selective decrease of GSK3β phosphorylation levels in the NAcc core may contribute positively to cocaine‐induced locomotor activity, while this is not sufficient for the generation of locomotor behavior by itself without cocaine. Taken together, these findings importantly suggest that GSK3β may need other molecular targets which are co‐activated (or deactivated) by psychomotor stimulants like cocaine to contribute to generation of locomotor behaviors.
PRICE DYNAMICS IN GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Crockett Sean
Published: February 2013

General equilibrium (GE) theory faces several related challenges. Classical theories of out‐of‐equilibrium adjustment are intuitive but implausibly centralized. Further, standard restrictions on individual preferences place little structure on aggregate excess demand functions. Amongst other issues, this fact implies that economies can be unstable under classical dynamics, and thus instability appears to be an unavoidable feature of GE theory. This paper recounts laboratory studies of GE environments which reveal that classical theories of dynamics do, in fact, organize market activity surprisingly well. These experiments suggest that the Walrasian auctioneer, for example, appears to be a constructive abstraction, and that instability should be accommodated within theory rather than circumscribed. Laboratory applications of GE theory focused on issues beyond stability and dynamics are also briefly surveyed.
Occurrence of Phomopsis longicolla β Conidia in Naturally Infected Soybean
Authors: Vidić Miloš , Petrović Kristina , Đorđević Vuk , Riccioni Luca
Published: February 2013

Although Phomopsis longicolla is primarily known as a seedborne pathogen, it can be isolated from all parts of the plant. The disease lesions observed on the basal parts of soybean stems were slightly sunken with irregular shapes and sizes, bordered by a thin black margin. Within the lesions themselves, large and diffusely distributed pycnidia with α and β conidia, typical of the genus Phomopsis, were observed. The percentages of the two types of conidia varied considerably, but β conidia were predominant in most of the pycnidia. The presence of these reproductive organs indicated that the symptoms could have been caused by Phomopsis sojae. However, after isolation on a nutritive medium, all cultural and morphological characteristics clearly indicated that the isolated fungus was P. longicolla, whose identification was subsequently confirmed by sequencing three genomic regions. Monosporic isolates, with different ratios of α and β conidia, exhibited a high level of pathogenicity on soybean, after artificial inoculation. Both types of conidia were observed on the stems of the inoculated soybean plants. Beta conidia also formed quickly on medium made of soybean seeds and mature stems after exposure to low temperatures (−10°C). This study suggests that P. longicolla is capable of a massive production of β conidia, not only in old fungal cultures as it had until now been believed, but also in infected soybean plants in the field.
Parent‐offspring conflict in Japan and parental influence across six cultures
Authors: Dubbs Shelli L. , Buunk Abraham P. , Taniguchi Hirokazu
Published: February 2013

Previous research has demonstrated that parents and children often have conflicting mate preferences. The present research was conducted among 443 Japanese university students. Using an existing scale designed to uncover parent‐offspring conflict over mate choice, the results revealed that children perceived having a potential partner with traits connoting poor genetic quality as being more unacceptable to themselves, and having a potential partner with traits connoting low parental investment and cooperation with the ingroup as being more unacceptable to their parent. A number of sex differences emerged. The highest potential for parent‐offspring conflict existed between female offspring and their father, and female offspring also rated traits connoting low social status as being more unacceptable to their parents, particularly to the father.
Neuropsychological functioning in children with ADHD: Symptom persistence is linked to poorer performance on measures of executive and nonexecutive function
Authors: Robinson Thomas , Tripp Gail
Published: February 2013

The present study compared the current intellectual and neuropsychological functioning of 55 children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD group) 4 years earlier with that of an age‐ and sex‐matched control sample. The children in the ADHD group performed less well than the control group on measures of intellectual function, design fluency, spatial organization, and visual memory. Those children who continued to meet DSM‐IV criteria for ADHD (persistent ADHD, n = 32) evidenced greater impairment than those showing some symptom remission (ADHD in partial remission, n = 23). These data confirm the presence of neuropsychological deficits in late childhood/early adolescence among those previously diagnosed with ADHD. The data also suggest that greater cognitive impairment is a feature of persistent ADHD.
Asteroid lightcurve phase shift from rough‐surface shadowing
Authors: Wilkman Olli , Muinonen Karri
Published: February 2013

We have simulated asteroid lightcurves for simple shape models using a realistic surface scattering law. The scattering law includes a shadowing function computed with numerical ray‐tracing. We computed lightcurves in a variety of illumination geometries for both the traditional Lommel–Seeliger law and our seminumerical law. We observe a shift in the rotational phase of the lightcurves, which depends on the parameters of the scattering law as well as the illumination geometry and the direction of the spin axis of the asteroid. This phase shift is always zero at opposition, and can be as large as 10° for illumination geometries typical for Main Belt asteroids. The phase shift has implications on the accuracy of other results which are based on asteroid lightcurve analysis, such as spin‐state or shape determination.
The Ksar Ghilane 002 shergottite—The 100th registered Martian meteorite fragment
Authors: Llorca Jordi , Roszjar Julia , Cartwright Julia A. , Bischoff Addi , Ott Ulrich , Pack Andreas , Merchel Silke , Rugel Georg , Fimiani Leticia , Ludwig Peter , Casado José V. , Allepuz David
Published: February 2013

We report on the discovery of a new shergottite from Tunisia, Ksar Ghilane (KG) 002. This single stone, weighing 538 g, is a coarse‐grained basaltic shergottite, mainly composed of maskelynitized plagioclase (approximately 52 vol%) and pyroxene (approximately 37 vol%). It also contains Fe‐rich olivine (approximately 4.5 vol%), large Ca‐phosphates, including both merrillites and Cl‐apatites (approximately 3.4 vol%), minor amounts of silica or SiO2‐normative K‐rich glass, pyrrhotite, Ti‐magnetite, ilmenite, and accessory baddeleyite. The largest crystals of pyroxene and plagioclase reach sizes of approximately 4 to 5 mm. Pyroxenes (Fs26–96En5–50Wo2–41). They typically range from cores of about Fs29En41Wo30 to rims of about Fs68En14Wo17. Maskelynite is Ab41–49An39–58Or1–7 in composition, but some can be as anorthitic as An93. Olivine (Fa91–96) occurs mainly within symplectitic intergrowths, in paragenesis with ilmenite, or at neighboring areas of symplectites. KG 002 is heavily shocked (S5) as indicated by mosaic extinction of pyroxenes, maskelynitized plagioclase, the occurrence of localized shock melt glass pockets, and low radiogenic He concentration. Oxygen isotopes confirm that it is a normal member of the SNC suite. KG 002 is slightly depleted in LREE and shows a positive Eu anomaly, providing evidence for complex magma genesis and mantle processes on Mars. Noble gases with a composition thought to be characteristic for Martian interior is a dominant component. Measurements of 10Be, 26Al, and 53Mn and comparison with Monte Carlo calculations of production rates indicate that KG 002 has been exposed to cosmic rays most likely as a single meteoroid body of 35–65 cm radius. KG 002 strongly resembles Los Angeles and NWA 2800 basaltic shergottites in element composition, petrography, and mineral chemistry, suggesting a possible launch‐pairing. The similar CRE ages of KG 002 and Los Angeles may suggest an ejection event at approximately 3.0 Ma.
Reclassification of Villalbeto de la Peña—Occurrence of a winonaite‐related fragment in a hydrothermally metamorphosed polymict L‐chondritic breccia
Authors: Bischoff Addi , Dyl Kathryn A. , Horstmann Marian , Ziegler Karen , Wimmer Karl , Young Edward D.
Published: February 2013

The Villalbeto de la Peña meteorite that fell in 2004 in Spain was originally classified as a moderately shocked L6 ordinary chondrite. The recognition of fragments within the Villalbeto de la Peña meteorite clearly bears consequences for the previous classification of the rock. The oxygen isotope data clearly show that an exotic eye‐catching, black, and plagioclase‐(maskelynite)‐rich clast is not of L chondrite heritage. Villalbeto de la Peña is, consequently, reclassified as a polymict chondritic breccia. The oxygen isotope data of the clast are more closely related to data for the winonaite Tierra Blanca and the anomalous silicate‐bearing iron meteorite LEW 86211 than to the ordinary chondrite groups. The REE‐pattern of the bulk inclusion indicates genetic similarities to those of differentiated rocks and their minerals (e.g., lunar anorthosites, eucritic, and winonaitic plagioclases) and points to an igneous origin. The An‐content of the plagioclase within the inclusion is increasing from the fragment/host meteorite boundary (approximately An10) toward the interior of the clast (approximately An52). This is accompanied by a successive compositionally controlled transformation of plagioclase into maskelynite by shock. As found for plagioclase, compositions of individual spinels enclosed in plagioclase (maskelynite) also vary from the border toward the interior of the inclusion. In addition, huge variations in oxygen isotope composition were found correlating with distance into the object. The chemical and isotopical profiles observed in the fragment indicate postaccretionary metamorphism under the presence of a volatile phase.
Mathematics Teacher Educators' Perceptions and Use of Cognitive Research
Authors: Laski Elida V. , Reeves Todd D. , Ganley Colleen M. , Mitchell Rebecca
Published: February 2013

Instructors (N = 204) of elementary mathematics methods courses completed a survey assessing the extent to which they value cognitive research and incorporate it into their courses. Instructors' responses indicated that they view cognitive research to be fairly important for mathematics education, particularly studies of domain‐specific topics, and that they emphasize topics prominent in psychology studies of mathematical thinking in their courses. However, instructors reported seldom accessing this research through primary or secondary sources. A mediation analysis indicated that mathematics methods instructors' perception of the importance of the research predicts their incorporation of it in their courses, and that this relation is partially mediated by their accessing of it. Implications for psychologists who have an interest in education and recommendations for facilitating the use of cognitive research in teacher preparation are discussed.
Phosphate handling by end‐stage kidneys and benefits of residual renal function on phosphate removal in patients on haemodialysis
Authors: Iwasawa Hideaki , Nakao Toshiyuki , Matsumoto Hiroshi , Okada Tomonari , Nagaoka Yume , Wada Toshikazu
Published: February 2013

Aim

We investigated the handling of phosphate by end‐stage kidneys and the contribution of residual renal function (RRF) to phosphate homeostasis in haemodialysis patients.

Methods

Blood and 24 h urinary specimens were obtained from 79 consecutive chronic haemodialysis patients with a urinary output greater than 100 mL/day. Thirty‐five patients with a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≥ 3.0 mL/min were included as group A, and 44 patients with GFR < 3.0 mL/min as group B. Additionally, the whole dialysed fluids during a session of haemodialysis were collected from another nine patients. Concentrations of phosphate, creatinine, urea nitrogen, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF‐23) were measured.

Results

Twenty‐four hour urinary phosphate excretion (UPE) was 283 ± 115 and 139 ± 57 mg/day (9.1 ± 3.5 and 4.5 ± 1.8 mmol/day) in groups A and B, respectively. Tubular reabsorption of phosphate (TRP) was 39.2 ± 13.3 and 31.7 ± 13.6% in groups A and B, respectively (P = 0.02). UPE significantly correlated with GFR (r = 0.85, P < 0.001) and PTH (r = 0.44, P < 0.001), but not with FGF‐23, in the entire patient population. The correlation between UPE and intact PTH levels was absent in group B. Weekly UPE in group A was significantly greater (P < 0.001), while that in group B was similar to the amount of phosphate removed by a haemodialysis session.

Conclusions

Urinary phosphate excretion by end‐stage kidneys depends more on GFR than diminishing TRP. The action of PTH on the kidneys remains until GFR decreases to as low as 3 mL/min. Residual renal function plays a significant role in phosphate elimination, and it is possible that FGF‐23 no longer acts effectively to excrete phosphate in the urine in these patients.
Renal tubular dysfunction in children with sickle cell haemoglobinopathy
Authors: Badr Mohamed , El Koumi Mohamed A , Ali Yasser F , El‐Morshedy Salah , Almonem Nermin Abd , Hassan Tamer , El Rahman Rehab Abd , Afify Mona
Published: February 2013

Aim

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are remarkably more prone than others to renal dysfunction. The kidneys, as one of the systemic long‐term hazards in SCD, may be affected by both the haemodynamic changes of chronic anaemia as well as by the consequences of vaso‐occlusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the proximal tubular function in a group of Saudi children with established SCD.

Methods

This study was conducted in Al‐Khafji Joint Operations (KJO) Hospital, in Saudi Arabia during the period from June 2011 to August 2012. Thirty‐four children: Group I (18 males and 16 females) with SCD (HBSS) and 27 children: Group II (17 males and 10 females) with sickle cell trait (HBAS) were evaluated for urinary excretion of retinol binding protein (RBP) and – Beta 2 microglobulin (β2 MG).

Results

Group I patients showed a significantly impaired urinary concentrating ability compared to that of Group II (417 ± 94 mOsm/kg vs 581 ± 165 mOsm/kg). The urinary excretions of RBP and β2‐microglobulin were significantly higher in Group I than in Group II. The values were 762.01 ± 124.20 μg/L and 841.84 ± 389.02 μg/L versus 198.12 ± 42.24 μg/L and 298.3 ± 38.11 μg/L, respectively.

Conclusion

Significant proximal tubular dysfunction was a feature in the SCD group, indicated by high urinary RBP and β2‐microglobulin excretion. Assessing the urinary excretion of these low molecular weight proteins in children with sickle cell disease at different points of diagnosis may add key clinical information to the follow up of renal tubular function in patients with SCD.
Spiritual coping, religiosity and quality of life: A study on Muslim patients undergoing haemodialysis
Authors: Saffari Mohsen , Pakpour Amir H , Naderi Maryam K , Koenig Harold G , Baldacchino Donia R , Piper Crystal N
Published: February 2013

Aim

The number of haemodialysis patients globally is increasing and spiritual resources may help overcome adjustment problems among such patients. This study examined the relationships between spiritual/religious, demographic and clinical variables and quality of life among Iranian Muslims undergoing haemodialysis.

Methods

Using a cross‐sectional design, 362 haemodialysis patients were surveyed from three general hospitals located in Tehran, Iran. Spiritual coping strategies, Duke University Religion Index, EQ‐5D 3L and a demographic questionnaire were administered. Hierarchical regression was used to identify predictors of quality of life and health status.

Results

The distribution of reported problems across dimensions of quality of life was: mobility (59.4%), usual activities (30.4%), self‐care (21.3%), pain/discomfort (47.8%) and anxiety/depression (29.3%). Univariate analysis showed that factors such as age, sex, marital status, location, number of children, body mass index, serum albumin, having diabetes mellitus or other comorbidity, as well as spiritual/religious factors that were related to quality of life, health status or both. Regression models revealed that demographics, clinical variables and especially spiritual/religious factors explained about 40% of variance of quality of life and nearly 25% of the variance in health status.

Conclusion

Spiritual resources may contribute to better quality of life and health status among haemodialysis patients. Further longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these associations are causal and the direction of effect.
Improvement of quality of life and symptoms after gastric electrical stimulation in children with functional dyspepsia
Authors: Lu P. L. , Teich S. , Lorenzo C. D. , Skaggs B. , Alhajj M. , Mousa H. M.
Published: February 2013

Background

Our objective is to evaluate the effect of gastric electrical stimulation (GES) on symptoms and quality of life for pediatric patients with functional dyspepsia (FD).

Methods

Twenty‐four patients (16 female, median 15 years) were treated with GES for FD after a median of 24 months of symptoms (3 months–14 years). At baseline, 46% required tube feeds and 25% parenteral nutrition. Sixty percent had gastroparesis. The PedsQL GI Module (PedsQL) was completed for 18/24 both pre‐/post‐GES after a median of 8 months. Patients also completed the Symptom Monitor Worksheet (SMW) pre‐/post‐GES after a median of 6 months. Pre‐/post‐GES global health was also assessed.

Key Results

Significant improvements were seen in multiple areas of the PedsQL, including stomach pain/upset, food/drink limits, heartburn/reflux, gas/bloating, patient worry, medication tolerance, and constipation (P < 0.05). A decrease was found in combined symptom severity/frequency based on SMW (P < 0.01). Improvements were made in all categories, including vomiting, nausea, early satiety, bloating, fullness, epigastric pain, and burning (P < 0.01). Improvements in PedsQL/SMW scores remained when analysis was limited to normal or delayed gastric emptying (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). Thirteen percent needed tube feeds and 13% parenteral nutrition after GES. Sixty‐five percent reported that their health was much improved after GES vs 15% the same or worse. Five patients experienced complications, primarily mild abdominal discomfort.

Conclusions & Inferences

In the largest series to date of pediatric patients who have undergone GES for FD, we found significant improvements in upper gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of life, and perception of global health. Patients were less dependent on tube feeding or parenteral nutrition.
Genetic fate‐mapping of tyrosine hydroxylase‐expressing cells in the enteric nervous system
Authors: Obermayr F. , Stamp L. A. , Anderson C. R. , Young H. M.
Published: February 2013

Background

During development of the enteric nervous system, a subpopulation of enteric neuron precursors transiently expresses catecholaminergic properties. The progeny of these transiently catecholaminergic (TC) cells have not been fully characterized.

Methods

We combined in vivo Cre‐lox‐based genetic fate‐mapping with phenotypic analysis to fate‐map enteric neuron subtypes arising from tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)‐expressing cells.

Key Results

Less than 3% of the total (Hu+) neurons in the myenteric plexus of the small intestine of adult mice are generated from transiently TH‐expressing cells. Around 50% of the neurons generated from transiently TH‐expressing cells are calbindin neurons, but their progeny also include calretinin, neurofilament‐M, and serotonin neurons. However, only 30% of the serotonin neurons and small subpopulations (<10%) of the calbindin, calretinin, and neurofilament‐M neurons are generated from TH‐expressing cells; only 0.2% of nitric oxide synthase neurons arise from TH‐expressing cells.

Conclusions & Inferences

Transiently, catecholaminergic cells give rise to subpopulations of multiple enteric neuron subtypes, but the majority of each of the neuron subtypes arises from non‐TC cells.
Herbivore exclusion drives the evolution of plant competitiveness via increased allelopathy
Authors: Uesugi Akane , Kessler André
Published: February 2013

The ‘Evolution of Increased Competitive Ability (EICA)’ hypothesis predicts the evolution of plant invasiveness in introduced ranges when plants escape from their natural enemies. So far, the EICA hypothesis has been tested by comparing plant vigor from native and invasive populations, but these studies are confounded by among‐population differences in additional environmental factors and/or founder effects.

We tested the major prediction of EICA by comparing the competitive ability (CA) of Solidago altissima plants originating from artificial selection plots in which we manipulated directly the exposure to above‐ground herbivores.

In a common garden experiment, we found an increase in inter‐specific, but not intra‐specific, CA in clones from herbivore exclusion plots relative to control plots. The evolutionary increase in inter‐specific CA coincided with the increased production of polyacetylenes, whose major constituent was allelopathic against a heterospecific competitor, Poa pratensis, but not against conspecifics.

Our results provide direct evidence that release from herbivory alone can lead to an evolutionary increase in inter‐specific CA, which is likely to be mediated by the increased production of allelopathic compounds in S. altissima.
Bruno‐like proteins modulate flowering time via 3′ UTR‐dependent decay of SOC1 mRNA
Authors: Kim Hyung‐Sae , Abbasi Nazia , Choi Sang‐Bong
Published: February 2013

The Bruno RNA‐binding protein (RBP) has been shown to initially repress the translation of oskar mRNA during Drosophila oogenesis and later to be involved in a broad range of RNA regulation.

Here, we show that homologous constitutive overexpression of each of two Arabidopsis thaliana Bruno‐like genes, AtBRN1 and AtBRN2, delayed the flowering time, while the atbrn1 atbrn2‐3 double mutant flowered early and exhibited increased expression of APETALA1 (AP1) and LEAFY (LFY) transcripts.

Crossing of 35S::AtBRNs with SOC1 101‐D plants demonstrated that 35S::AtBRNs suppress an early‐flowering phenotype of SOC1 101‐D in which the coding sequence (CDS) with the 3′ UTR of SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS1 (SOC1) gene is overexpressed. However, this early‐flowering phenotype by SOC1 overexpression was maintained in the plants coexpressing 35S::AtBRNs and 35S::SOC1 without the 3′ UTR (–3′ UTR).

Using yeast three‐hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift, RNA immunoprecipitation, and protoplast transient assays, we found that AtBRNs bind to the 3′ UTR of SOC1 RNA and participate in mRNA decay, which was mediated by the distal region of the SOC1 3′ UTR. Overall, AtBRNs repress SOC1 activity in a 3′ UTR‐dependent manner, thereby controlling the flowering time in Arabidopsis.