bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role and Presence of a Guide: Preliminary Findings from Swim with Seal Programs and Land-Based Seal Viewing in New Zealand
Authors: Boren Laura J. , Gemmell Neil , Barton Kerry
Published: March 2009

Marine mammal tourism is increasing worldwide and pinnipeds are increasingly a target of guided tourism ventures, in the form of "walk" and "swim-with" seal programs. This article aimed to quantify the response of seals to commercial seal swim operations and guided walks; compare responses
of seals to guided versus unguided tours; and determine what human behaviors were more likely to elicit an avoidance response from the seals. Both guided and unguided commercial seal swims, as well as freedom/independent swims were monitored in Abel Tasman National Park, and Kaikoura, located
in the South Island of New Zealand in the 2000/2001 austral summer. The behaviors of seals approached during seal swims were monitored from kayak or land-based platforms. Seal behavior in response to a guided walk on the Kaikoura Peninsula was also monitored; landing is not permitted on Tonga
Island so land-based approaches were not observed there. Commercial seal swims elicited fewer avoidance responses than independent swimmers; however, no significant differences were found between seal swim companies. The benefit of having a guide present on walks to view seals was considerable,
with 15% fewer seals responding ("changing behavior" or "avoiding") to tourists on guided walks than independent land-based tourist approaches. Key factors that influence seal responses to tourist approaches include group size: seals responded significantly more to groups of seven to nine
tourists than to tour groups of smaller size. The findings presented in this study highlight some key factors that influence seal responses to tourist approaches, and also show that the presence of a guide significantly reduces the amount of avoidance responses from seals. As the popularity
of seal tours increases, this information will be useful in establishing guidelines to effectively manage encounters with positive outcomes for both animals and tourists.
ANALYSIS OF THREE WING SECTIONS
Authors: Lasauskas Eduardas , Naujokaiti Laurynas
Published: March 2009

Three wing sections FX66-S-196VI, E603 and AH82–150A were analyzed. Measured data of these wing sections are published. First wing section was measured in Stuttgart University and in Delft University of Technology, when other two wing sections were measured in Stuttgart University. These wing sections have different behavior in the region of maximum lift. FX66‐S‐196VI wing section has sharp drop in lift. The stall of the second and third wing sections is smooth, though different. All wing sections are affected by laminar separation bubbles. The calculations were performed using three codes: Eppler Program System, XFOIL and RFOIL. Eppler's code uses non‐interacted inviscid plus boundary layer method. Influence of separation is estimated using empirical correction in this method. XFOIL code of Mark Drela, MIT uses interacted zonal viscous/inviscid method. The wall transpiration model in this code approximates the displacement effect on the outer inviscid flow. RFOIL is a modification of XFOIL code for application in wind turbines performed at Delft University of Technology. The code's prediction of the airfoil performance around the two dimensional maximum lift was enhanced. The comparison of calculated and measured data is presented and analyzed. Santrauka Tyrimuose analizuotos profiliu FX 66-S-196 V1, E603 ir AH82–150A charakteristiku teorines reikšmes, apskaičiuotos XFOIL, RFOIL ir PROFIL05 programomis. Gautos teorines reikšmes palygintos su jau atliktu eksperimentiniu tyrinejimu rezultatais. Pirmas profilis buvo tyrinejamas Delft technologijos universitete (Olandija) ir Štutgarto universitete (Vokietija), like du ‐ Štutgarto universitete. Visi profiliai turi skirtingas maksimalios keliamosios jegos dalis. Profilio FX 66‐S‐196 V1 keliamoji jega mažeja staiga. Kitu profiliu keliamoji jega kinta tolygiai, tačiau skirtingai. Visu profiliu ucharakteristikas itakoja laminarinis atsiskyrimo burbulas.
La mobilisation partisane de droite
Authors: Haegel Florence
Published: March 2009

Résumé Sachant que le succès électoral de N. Sarkozy en 2007 prend ses racines dans la large mobilisation partisane qui l’a précédé, cet article analyse les logiques organisationnelles et sociales de l’adhésion à l’UMP en exploitant une enquête menée auprès des adhérents réunis en congrès en novembre 2004. Il met en lumière les traits spécifiques du lien partisan à l’UMP, tel qu’il est façonné par l’organisation. Moins investis dans la vie interne du parti que leurs homologues socialistes, les adhérents ont souvent en commun un engagement au contexte électoral, voire présidentiel. S’agissant des logiques sociales, l’article souligne à la fois l’importance des liens d’interconnaissance, la persistance des clivages classiques (qu’il s’agisse de la religion ou de l’opposition entre secteur privé et secteur public) et insiste sur la nécessité d’étudier la composante « populaire » de la droite organisée en examinant de plus près le monde de ces employés – nombreux, quoique sur bien des points atypiques – qui s’engagent à l’UMP.
Des vocations intéressées ?
Authors: Dechezelles Stéphanie
Published: March 2009

Résumé À la différence de la plupart des partis de « gauche » comme de « droite », certains jeunes militants de Forza Italia n’hésitent pas à présenter leur engagement comme un moyen d’accéder à des rétributions d’ordre matériel et/ou symbolique. Contrastant fortement avec le modèle désormais classique des rétributions – qui suppose un déni de l’intérêt militant pour toute forme de récompense dernière autre que la victoire de la cause, une mise en avant du sacrifice et la primauté aux motivations idéologiques – les discours de ces jeunes berlusconiens recueillis par entretiens au début du second gouvernement Berlusconi (2001-2006) invitent à reconsidérer les acquis de la sociologie de l’engagement. Néanmoins, derrière la promotion d’un activisme de type entrepreneurial demeurent les difficultés, les risques en cas d’échec individuel, les regrets devant le faible degré d’activités collectives de socialisation, la fragilité des positions acquises qu’implique un tel mode d’engagement. Au final, le modèle des vocations intéressées que les jeunes de Forza Italia enquêtés incarnent reflète les transformations plus générales affectant les systèmes politiques démocratiques.
« Militants et populaires ! » une organisation de jeunesse sarkozyste en campagne
Authors: Bargel Lucie , Petitfils Anne-Sophie
Published: March 2009

Résumé Avec la conquête du parti par N. Sarkozy et la perspective de l’élection présidentielle de 2007, les Jeunes populaires (JP), la fédération des moins de trente ans de l’UMP, prennent une place centrale dans son affichage « militant ». À partir d’une enquête par questionnaires, menée lors des Universités d’été des JP en septembre 2006, et de nos terrains d’enquête respectifs, ce travail étudie les effets de l’activation d’une offre conjoncturelle de militantisme par les directions de l’UMP et des JP sur le rapport à l’engagement de ces jeunes de droite. Après avoir analysé la diversité de leurs appropriations pratiques et symboliques de cette identité « militante », il s’attache aux mécanismes de division sociale du travail et de sélection des cadres de l’organisation.
Analyse de la littérature francophone portant sur l'intervention de l'entraîneur sportif, publiée entre 1988 et 2007
Authors: Cloes Marc , Lenzen Benoît , Trudel Pierre
Published: March 2009

Résumé La recherche sur l’intervention en milieu sportif devrait logiquement bénéficier directement aux praticiens qui pourraient ainsi s’en nourrir pour enrichir leur action. Si une analyse de la littérature anglophone a été réalisée (Gilbert & Trudel, 2004), rien ne permet actuellement de caractériser le corpus de références disponible en langue française. Nous avons répertorié les articles parus pendant les 20 dernières années et les avons analysés en vue de comparer les résultats avec ceux de l’étude centrée sur les publications anglophones. Parmi les dimensions prises en compte figurent l’objet de recherche, la méthodologie générale, les instruments de collecte de données utilisés mais aussi les caractéristiques des participants concernés et du contexte d’entraînement. La fréquence annuelle de publication des articles francophones est dix fois moins importante, notamment en raison du nombre restreint de revues disponibles. L’analyse des 48 articles répertoriés indique, entre autres, (a) que l’objet de recherche le plus étudié est le comportement de l’entraîneur (60,4 %), (b) qu’il y a presque autant de recherches quantitatives (43,8 %) que qualitatives (41,7 %), (c) que l’entrevue est l’instrument de collecte de données le plus utilisé (41,7 %), et que (d) les entraîneurs masculins sont plus souvent les participants impliqués dans les études (37,5 %). Dans la discussion, nous soulignons le risque majeur de voir se creuser le fossé entre les chercheurs et les praticiens.
L'emploi dans le sport associatif et fédéral
Authors: Falcoz Marc , Walter Emmanuelle
Published: March 2009

Résumé À partir d’une lecture critique de la littérature portant sur les dynamiques de professionnalisation dans le monde associatif sportif, l’objectif de cet article vise à questionner les divergences et les convergences théoriques et empiriques de ces approches et propose une typologie de trois groupes de travaux. Ainsi, si le premier groupe réunit des recherches objectivant un développement de l’emploi au sein des associations sportives en lien avec l’essor des enjeux socio-économiques relatifs à cette pratique sociale, le second groupe rassemble des travaux qui tentent de modéliser les transformations en cours, et notamment la complexification du paysage associatif sportif liée à la pénétration croissante de dynamiques managériales et économiques. Le troisième groupe, quant à lui, fédère des travaux qui remettent plus ou moins en cause la légitimité même d’une interprétation des dynamiques observées en termes de « professionnalisation ». Constatant la persistance d’un système associatif et fédéral fondé sur la primauté des structures et valeurs bénévoles et sur la « passion », ces recherches mettent en évidence des formes récurrentes de déni du travail et de l’emploi rémunéré au sein d’un mouvement sportif français fortement marqué par l’inertie.
Filles et garçons en EPS : approche descriptive des interactions verbales entre enseignant-e et élèves
Authors: Trottin Benoîte , Cogérino Geneviève
Published: March 2009

Résumé Une abondante littérature anglo-saxonne a mis en évidence que les filles et les garçons vivaient des interactions différentes avec leur enseignant : les garçons bénéficient d’interactions, d’informations et de critiques plus nombreuses. L’étude réplique les études antérieures sur un corpus de 17 séances, animées par 6 hommes et 5 femmes avec 185 filles et 195 garçons, et portant sur des activités physiques variées. Les différences constatées en fonction du sexe des élèves sont plus faibles que celles attendues. Les garçons participent à des interactions plus nombreuses uniquement si l’on prend en compte les incidents disciplinaires qu’ils créent. Garçons et filles ne se différencient pas sur la nature des feed-backs qu’ils reçoivent de l’enseignant. Ces résultats sont discutés en fonction des tests statistiques utilisés, des modalités de codage des interactions, des activités physiques support des séances et du contexte éducatif français.
Analyse des transactions professeurs-élèves en éducation physique : étude de cas
Authors: Méard Jacques , Bertone Stefano
Published: March 2009

Résumé Cette étude a analysé le rapport entre les formes de présentation du travail scolaire et la réalisation par les élèves des actions prescrites ou proscrites par l’enseignant. Elle a consisté en l’observation et l’enregistrement vidéo de 18 leçons réalisées dans une classe de collège durant une année et suivies d’entretiens auprès de six enseignants. Cet article porte sur deux leçons d’éducation physique (badminton), conduites par deux enseignants différents dans la même classe. Les données d’observation ont été croisées avec les données d’enregistrement et analysées à partir d’un découpage en transactions. Ces données sont interprétées à partir de la théorie de l’intériorisation des signes proposée par la psychologie historico-culturaliste russe. Les résultats montrent qu’au cours de la Leçon 1, les actions autorégulées d’élèves (réalisation volontaire des actions prescrites) sont plus nombreuses qu’au cours de la Leçon 2. Ceci est en relation avec des différences dans l’énonciation des motifs des règles, dans l’enchâssement des règles prescrites, dans la mise en rapport des règles avec le but du jeu de badminton. Ces résultats soulignent l’importance de certaines actions professionnelles, en tant qu’objets de formation en direction des enseignants, et questionnent l’opportunité de la « situation de résolution de problèmes » en éducation physique.
Effect of Mechanical Chest Percussion on Intracranial Pressure: A Pilot Study
Authors: Olson DaiWai M. , Thoyre Suzanne M. , Bennett Stacey N. , Stoner Joanna B. , Graffagnino Carmelo
Published: March 2009

Background Treatment of brain injury is often focused on minimizing intracranial pressure, which, when elevated, can lead to secondary brain injury. Chest percussion is a common practice used to treat and prevent pneumonia. Conflicting and limited anecdotal evidence indicates that physical stimulation increases intracranial pressure and should be avoided in patients at risk of intracranial hypertension.

Objectives To explore the safety of performing chest percussion for patients at high risk for intracranial hypertension.

Methods A total of 28 patients with at least 1 documented episode of intracranial hypertension who were having intracranial pressure monitored were studied in a prospective randomized control trial. Patients were randomly assigned to either the control group (no chest percussion) or the intervention group (10 minutes of chest percussion at noon). Intracranial pressure was recorded once a minute before, during, and after the intervention.

Results Mean intracranial pressures for the control group before, during, and after the study period (14.4, 15.0, and 15.9 mm Hg, respectively) did not differ significantly from pressures in the intervention group (13.6, 13.7, and 14.2 mm Hg, respectively).

Conclusions Mechanical chest percussion may be a safe intervention for nurses to use on neurologically injured patients who are at risk for intracranial hypertension.
Functional screening of adrenergic receptors by measuring intracellular calcium using the FlexStation scanning fluorimeter
Authors: Nanda Kamna , Chatterjee Mou , Gupta Suman , Singh Rakesh , Tiwar Atul , Gupta Dikshi , Ray Abhijit
Published: March 2009

In this study we test whether functional screening of compounds to adrenergic G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) would provide data that correlated significantly with radiolabeled binding data, thereby permitting researchers to replace expensive radioligand‐binding experiments with non‐radioactive screening. An increase in intracellular calcium levels represents an important second messenger signal for several recombinant GPCRs. In this study, we describe the affinities of three alpha adrenoceptor antagonists (terazosin, tamsulosin and alfuzosin), determined by monitoring the changes in intracellular calcium levels and comparing them with their radioligand‐binding affinities. In addition to determining the functional affinities of the three alpha adrenoceptor antagonists, we evaluate their binding at two alpha adrenoceptor subtypes and optimized the assay for high‐throughput screening.
Efficacy of recombinant anthrax vaccine against Bacillus anthracis aerosol spore challenge: Preclinical evaluation in rabbits and Rhesus monkeys
Authors: Chawla Anil , Midha Shuchi , Bhatnagar Rakesh
Published: March 2009

This report describes the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of Escherichia coli‐expressed recombinant protective antigen (rPA) in New Zealand White rabbits and Rhesus Macaques against an aerosol challenge with Bacillus anthracis spores (IVRI strain, tox+cap+). A dose‐ranging study was performed in which it became evident that the level of anti‐PA IgG and toxin‐neutralizing antibody titer was directly proportional to the dose of rPA administered. However, the onset time of primary and secondary immune response was not dependent on the dosage. Revaccination of primed animals with the same threshold dose yielded a robust and rapid secondary response. Quantitative differences in peak titers were obtained for both the animal models, in addition to qualitative differences in the immune kinetics. In spite of a weak priming response, the secondary response in rabbits peaked earlier than that in macaques once the booster dose was administered. However, evaluation of the post‐challenge quantitative anti‐rPA ELISA titer measurements indicated higher titers for non‐human primates as compared to the lagomorphs. Importantly, 100% protection was seen for the dosage groups that received ≥25 μg rPA, following a challenge against a target dose of 1000 LD50 of aerosolized spores of Bacillus anthracis.
O‐acetylated sialic acids: Multifaceted role in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Chowdhury Suchandra , Mandal Chitra
Published: March 2009

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), a malignant transformation of the lymphoblasts, is highly responsive to chemotherapy. However, due to certain inadequacy in detection of minimal residual disease (MRD), relapse is a common phenomenon. To address this question, the present review deals with the induction of an unique O‐acetyl derivative of sialic acid on a few disease‐associated glycoproteins and glycolipids at the onset of childhood ALL, a finding of our group in the last decade. This information has been successfully utilized for diagnosis and prognosis of the disease. Existing literature is included for comparison. Additionally, cell surface overexpression of 9‐O‐acetylated sialoglycoproteins and antibodies against them present in patients' sera aid the survival of the malignant lymphoblasts and suggest a multifaceted role played by these molecules. Taken together, monitoring these molecules helps not only in unravelling the biology of this paediatric malignancy but also in personalizing the treatment strategies for the betterment of the patient population.
Basic and applied research in India: Present and future
Authors: Ramasami Thirumalachari , Rao Aiyagari V. , Natesh S.
Published: March 2009

Models for supporting organized applied research programs

Position of India in the global scenario of basic research

New policy initiatives and programs

Conclusion
Corporate governance practices that address climate change: an exploratory study
Authors: Galbreath Jeremy
Published: March 2009

This exploratory study sought to investigate how well 98 firms in three industries, across 10 countries, are addressing climate change through five specific governance practices. The findings suggest that non‐US firms demonstrate higher performance on the governance dimensions than their US counterparts. Further, by separating firms into low versus high performers on the governance dimensions, some board structure variables, such as number of directors and an independent board chair, were associated with higher performing firms.

The study contributes both to institutional and agency theory. For example, coercive isomorphisms in regions of the world, such as Europe, might be driving firms to demonstrate that they are addressing climate change at the governance level in order to gain legitimacy. As for agency theory, this study offers both confirmatory and contradictory results regarding board independence. For example, firms who separated the CEO–board chair role achieved better governance on climate change, while at the same time firms who demonstrated lack of independence with respect to the inside versus outside director ratio also achieved better governance on climate change. This paves the way for additional research in understanding how board structure influences organizational phenomena. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Pyrrolopyrrole Cyanine Dyes: A New Class of Near‐Infrared Dyes and Fluorophores
Authors: Fischer Georg M. , Isomäki‐Krondahl Magnus , Göttker‐Schnetmann Inigo , Daltrozzo Ewald , Zumbusch Andreas
Published: March 2009

NIRer there: Pyrrolopyrrole cyanine (PPCys) dyes, a new class of near‐infrared (NIR) fluorophores, are obtained by condensation of heteroarylacetonitrile and diketopyrrolopyrrole compounds (see picture). Complexation with BF2 or BPh2 yields strongly fluorescent, photostable NIR dyes that show high absorption cross‐sections and fluorescence quantum yields. Furthermore, alteration of the heterocycle can tune the main absorption between λ = 684 and 864 nm.

magnified image

Pyrrolopyrrole cyanine (PPCy) dyes are presented as a novel class of near‐infrared (NIR) chromophores, which are synthesized in a condensation reaction of diketopyrrolopyrrole with heteroarylacetonitrile compounds. Their optical properties are marked by strong and narrow‐band NIR absorptions. Complexation products with BF2 and BPh2 show strong NIR fluorescence and hardly any absorption in the visible range. We synthesized a series of new PPCys that differ only in the heterocyclic peripheral groups of the chromophore. With this strategy, the absorption spectra can be tuned between 684 and 864 nm, while high fluorescence quantum yields are maintained. The influence of the heterocycle on the optical properties of the dyes is discussed.
Controllable Red, Green, Blue (RGB) and Bright White Upconversion Luminescence of Lu2O3:Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+ Nanocrystals through Single Laser Excitation at 980 nm
Authors: Yang Jun , Zhang Cuimiao , Peng Chong , Li Chunxia , Wang Lili , Chai Ruitao , Lin Jun
Published: March 2009

Light fantastic! Lu2O3:Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+ nanocrystals with controllable red, green, blue (RGB) and bright white upconversion luminescence by a single laser excitation of 980 nm have been successfully synthesized (see picture). Due to abundant UC PL colors, it can potentially be used as fluorophores in the field of color displays, back light, UC lasers, photonics, and biomedicine.

magnified image

Lu2O3:Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+ nanocrystals have been successfully synthesized by a solvothermal process followed by a subsequent heat treatment at 800 °C. Powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, upconversion photoluminescence spectra, and kinetic decay were used to characterize the samples. Under single‐wavelength diode laser excitation of 980 nm, the bright blue emissions of Lu2O3:Yb3+, Tm3+ nanocrystals near 477 and 490 nm were observed due to the 1G4→3H6 transition of Tm3+. The bright green UC emissions of Lu2O3:Er3+ nanocrystals appeared near 540 and 565 nm were observed and assigned to the 2H11/2→4I15/2 and 4S3/2→4I15/2 transitions, respectively, of Er3+. The ratio of the intensity of green luminescence to that of red luminescence decreases with an increase of concentration of Yb3+ in Lu2O3:Er3+ nanocrystals. In sufficient quantities of Yb3+ with resprct to Er3+, the bright red UC emission of Lu2O3:Yb3+/Er3+ centered at 662 nm was predominant, due to the 4F9/2→4I15/2 transition of Er3+. Based on the generation of red, green, and blue emissions in the different doped Lu2O3:RE3+ nanocrystals, it is possible to produce the luminescence with a wide spectrum of colors, including white, by the appropriate doping of Yb3+, Tm3+, and Er3+ in the present Lu2O3 nanocrystals. Namely, Lu2O3:3 %Yb3+/0.2 %Tm3+/0.4 %Er3+ nanocrystals show suitable intensities of blue, green, and red (RGB) emission, resulting in the production of perfect and bright white light with CIE‐x=0.3456 and CIE‐y=0.3179, which is very close to the standard equal energy white light illuminate (x=0.33, y=0.33). Because of abundant luminescent colors from RGB to white in Lu2O3:Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+ nanocrystals under 980 nm laser diode (LD) excitation, they can potentially be used as fluorophores in the field of color displays, back light, UC lasers, photonics, and biomedicine.
Compartment‐specific regulation of plasma membrane calcium ATPase type 2 in the chick auditory brainstem
Authors: Wang Yuan , Cunningham Dale E. , Tempel Bruce L , Rubel Edwin W
Published: March 2009

Calcium signaling plays a role in synaptic regulation of dendritic structure, usually on the time scale of hours or days. Here we use immunocytochemistry to examine changes in expression of plasma membrane calcium ATPase type 2 (PMCA2), a high‐affinity calcium efflux protein, in the chick nucleus laminaris (NL) following manipulations of synaptic inputs. Dendrites of NL neurons segregate into dorsal and ventral domains, receiving excitatory input from the ipsilateral and contralateral ears, respectively, via nucleus magnocellularis (NM). Deprivation of the contralateral projection from NM to NL leads to rapid retraction of ventral, but not the dorsal, dendrites of NL neurons. Immunocytochemistry revealed symmetric distribution of PMCA2 in two neuropil regions of normally innervated NL. Electron microscopy confirmed that PMCA2 localizes in both NM terminals and NL dendrites. As early as 30 minutes after transection of the contralateral projection from NM to NL or unilateral cochlea removal, significant decreases in PMCA2 immunoreactivity were seen in the deprived neuropil of NL compared with the other neuropil that continued to receive normal input. The rapid decrease correlated with reductions in the immunoreactivity for microtubule‐associated protein 2, which affects cytoskeleton stabilization. These results suggest that PMCA2 is regulated independently in ventral and dorsal NL dendrites and/or their inputs from NM in a way that is correlated with presynaptic activity. This provides a potential mechanism by which deprivation can change calcium transport that, in turn, may be important for rapid, compartment‐specific dendritic remodeling. J. Comp. Neurol. 514:624–640, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative analysis of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) in the hypoglossal nerve: Evidence that neurotrophic factors do not use MVBs for retrograde axonal transport
Authors: Altick Amy L. , Baryshnikova Larisa M. , Vu Tania Q. , von Bartheld Christopher S.
Published: March 2009

Multivesicular bodies (MVBs) are defined by multiple internal vesicles enclosed within an outer, limiting membrane. MVBs have previously been quantified in neuronal cell bodies and in dendrites, but their frequencies and significance in axons are controversial. Despite lack of conclusive evidence, it is widely believed that MVBs are the primary organelle that carries neurotrophic factors in axons. Reliable information about axonal MVBs under physiological and pathological conditions is needed for a realistic assessment of their functional roles in neurons. We provide a quantitative ultrastructural analysis of MVBs in the normal postnatal rat hypoglossal nerve and under a variety of experimental conditions. MVBs were about 50 times less frequent in axons than in neuronal cell bodies or dendrites. Five distinct types of MVBs were distinguished in axons, based on MVB size, electron density, and size of internal vesicles. Although target manipulations did not significantly change MVBs in axons, dystrophic conditions such as delayed fixation substantially increased the number of axonal MVBs. Radiolabeled brain‐ and glial‐cell derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF and GDNF) injected into the tongue did not accumulate during retrograde axonal transport in MVBs, as determined by quantitative ultrastructural autoradiography, and confirmed by analysis of quantum dot‐labeled BDNF. We conclude that for axonal transport, neurotrophic factors utilize small vesicles or endosomes that can be inconspicuous at transmission electron microscopic resolution, rather than MVBs. Previous reports of axonal MVBs may be based, in part, on artificial generation of such organelles in axons due to dystrophic conditions. J. Comp. Neurol. 514:641–657, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conditional ablation and recovery of forebrain neurogenesis in the mouse
Authors: Singer Benjamin H. , Jutkiewicz Emily M. , Fuller Cynthia L. , Lichtenwalner Robin J. , Zhang Helen , Velander Alan J. , Li Xiangquan , Gnegy Margaret E. , Burant Charles F. , Parent Jack M.
Published: March 2009

Forebrain neurogenesis persists throughout life in the rodent subventricular zone (SVZ) and hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG). Several strategies have been employed to eliminate adult neurogenesis and thereby determine whether depleting adult‐born neurons disrupts specific brain functions, but some approaches do not specifically target neural progenitors. We have developed a transgenic mouse line to reversibly ablate adult neural stem cells and suppress neurogenesis. The nestin‐tk mouse expresses herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (tk) under the control of the nestin 2nd intronic enhancer, which drives expression in neural progenitors. Administration of ganciclovir (GCV) kills actively dividing cells expressing this transgene. We found that peripheral GCV administration suppressed SVZ‐olfactory bulb and DG neurogenesis within 2 weeks but caused systemic toxicity. Intracerebroventricular GCV infusion for 28 days nearly completely depleted proliferating cells and immature neurons in both the SVZ and DG without systemic toxicity. Reversibility of the effects after prolonged GCV infusion was slow and partial. Neurogenesis did not recover 2 weeks after cessation of GCV administration, but showed limited recovery 6 weeks after GCV that differed between the SVZ and DG. Suppression of neurogenesis did not inhibit antidepressant responsiveness of mice in the tail suspension test. These findings indicate that SVZ and DG neural stem cells differ in their capacity for repopulation, and that adult‐born neurons are not required for antidepressant responses in a common behavioral test of antidepressant efficacy. The nestin‐tk mouse should be useful for studying how reversible depletion of adult neurogenesis influences neurophysiology, other behaviors, and neural progenitor dynamics. J. Comp. Neurol. 514:567–582, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determinants of birth weight in boys and girls
Authors: Voldner Nanna , Frey Frøslie Kathrine , Godang Kristin , Bollerslev Jens , Henriksen Tore
Published: March 2009

Boys are heavier at birth than girls, but girls have higher fat mass at birth than boys. Insulin action may play an important role of this different distribution. Animal models have shown that female offspring are more sensitive to maternal feeding and glucose values during pregnancy and weaning than male offspring. Newborn girls have higher insulin and proinsulin concentrations and total proinsulin‐to‐insulin ratios in cord blood than boys, despite lighter birth weight. In a cohort of 522 newborn above 37 gestational weeks we split between the sexes and studied associations between birth weights, parental anthropometrics and fasting maternal plasma glucose and insulin levels. Boys weighed 184g more than girls, they were 1.1 cm longer and head circumference differed by 0.86 (all p values <0.01). Multiple linear regressions showed that parity, maternal body mass index, gestational age and maternal birth weight were associated with birth weight for both sexes, whereas maternal weight gain in pregnancy and maternal fasting plasma glucose at week 30‐32 were significantly associated with birth weight for girls only. The effect of fasting plasma glucose on birth weight in girls was twice as high as in boys (B=162, 95% CI 33.4‐291, p=0.01). Paternal birth weight was significantly associated with birth weight of boys, but no such association was seen for girls. This supports the notion that there is a genetic regulation along the male line. Girls may be more sensitive to intrauterine environment and maternal glucose values, as these have a stronger influence on birth weight of girls.
Peer‐review for the peer‐review system
Authors: Rühli Frank J. , Finnegan Michael , Hershkovitz Israel , Henneberg Maciej
Published: March 2009

The process of peer‐review of papers submitted for publication and of grant proposals is widely accepted in modern science as a crucial guarantee of high‐quality work. Foremost in restricted research areas, anonymous reviewers and editors may use their power to slow down or even reject competitive yet worthwhile work that does not fit or is questioning their own dogmas. This potential “peers” conflict of interest of may be particularly expressed in areas where empirical proofs of findings are de facto impossible, e.g. in physical anthropology. An example, two‐way anonymous (double‐blind) peer‐review process improves the overall quality of evaluation but it is hard to implement in a highly specialized research field. Yet, the introduction of a completely open peer‐review policy would most likely be supported by the overwhelming majority of reviewers. Furthermore, it may increase the overall quality of peer‐review with reviewers to have their name acknowledged. Science should be about the possibility of advertising fresh concepts on evidence‐based results in a non‐biased, egalitarian, and open way with transparency the prime goal of editing such scientific discourse. By raising our foremost concerns and, hopefully, by the implementation of the proposed policy, we believe that these stated goals can be achieved, thus enhancing the true purpose of peer review particularly in the complex situation of scientific niches.
Proteomic analysis of striatal neuronal cell cultures after morphine administration
Authors: Bodzon‐Kulakowska Anna , Suder Piotr , Mak Pawel , Bierczynska‐Krzysik Anna , Lubec Gert , Walczak Beata , Kotlinska Jolanta , Silberring Jerzy
Published: March 2009

Using primary neuronal cell culture assays, combined with 2‐D gel electrophoresis and capillary LC–MS, we identified differences in proteomes between control and morphine‐treated cells. Statistically significant differences were observed among 26 proteins. Nineteen of them were up‐regulated, while seven were down‐regulated in morphine‐treated cell populations. The identified proteins belong to classes involved in energy metabolism, associated with oxidative stress, linked with protein biosynthesis, cytoskeletal ones, and chaperones. The detected proteins demand further detailed studies of their biological roles in morphine addiction. It is crucial to confirm observed processes in vivo in order to reveal the nature and importance of the biological effect of proteome changes after morphine administration. Further investigations may lead to the discovery of new proteome‐based effects of morphine on living organisms.
Evaluation of indole‐based probes for high‐throughput screening of drug binding to human serum albumin: Analysis by high‐performance affinity chromatography
Authors: Conrad Mandi L. , Moser Annette C. , Hage David S.
Published: March 2009

There has been growing interest in the use of rapid and selective separation methods such as high‐performance affinity chromatography (HPAC) or affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE) for the characterization of drug–protein interactions.L‐Tryptophan is commonly used in these and other methods as a site‐selective probe for examining the binding of small solutes and drugs at Sudlow site II on the protein HSA. However, solutions ofL‐tryptophan can be unstable and are generally prepared fresh daily for these studies. In this report, HPAC was used to examine other indole compounds as possible replacements forL‐tryptophan as a site‐selective probe for use in the high‐throughput screening of drug binding to HSA; the implications of these results in the use of such compounds in ACE were also considered. The probe candidates that were tested included indole‐3‐acetic acid, indole‐3‐carboxylic acid, indole‐3‐butyric acid, indole‐3‐propionic acid, indole‐3‐methanol, 3‐acetylindole, and 3‐methylindole. All of these compounds were found by1H NMR and UV–Vis spectroscopy to be stable for up to 3 wk at room temperature when kept in a pH 7.4, 0.067 M phosphate buffer. The binding of these compounds was examined by using columns that contained immobilized HSA. 3‐Acetylindole was found to be the best candidate in this group for use as an alternative probe toL‐tryptophan for Sudlow site II. This probe had the same binding site and a similar affinity toL‐tryptophan but was more stable in aqueous solution, making it suitable for high‐throughput screening of drug–HSA binding in both HPAC and ACE.
Microchip free flow isoelectric focusing for protein prefractionation using monolith with immobilized pH gradient
Authors: Han Bin , Wang Pingli , Zhu Guijie , Zhang Lihua , Qu Feng , Deng Yulin , Zhang Yukui
Published: March 2009

Microchip free flow IEF (μFFIEF) with monolithic IPG was proposed for protein prefractionation. The monolithic materials were first prepared by UV irradiation in a microchamber of 43 mm length, 23 mm width, and 38 μm depth. Carrier ampholytes (CAs) were further immobilized on the monolith by chemical bonding, to form a stable pH gradient. By such a technique, the continuous introduction of CAs in traditional μFFIEF could be avoided, not only to decrease the operation cost, but also to avoid the interference of CAs for the further protein identification by MS/MS. With a fluorescence microscope as the detector, under the optimal conditions, the separation of FITC labeled β‐lactoglobulin and carbonic anhydrase, with 0.9 unit difference on pI, was achieved with good reproducibility. The experimental results demonstrated that under the experimental conditions we applied, the separation mechanism of μFFIEF with M‐IPG materials might be the cooperative effects of IEF and CZE, and the former one plays a predominant role.
“Shaeer’s vasovasostomy” for bypassing inguinal obstruction of the vas deferens: intra-peritoneal versus extraperitoneal approaches
Authors: Shaeer Osama K. Z.
Published: March 2009

Introduction

Latrogenic obstruction of the vas deferens within the inguinal canal can be managed by direct onsite vasovasostomy. However, in cases with large defect of the vas, the anastomosis may be under tension. Dissecting through the site of a previous hernia repair is tedious, and may lead to recurrence of the hernia.

Aim of the Work

The present work reports on an alternative technique that avoids the latter drawbacks.

Patients and Methods

A total of 15 patients with azoospermia due to inguinal obstruction of the vas deferens underwent bilateral repair. Ten cases were operated upon using the classical transperitoneal approach. Under laparoscopic vision, the pelvic vas was rendered intraperitoneal and its lateral-most end was clipped at the internal inguinal ring, cut and extruded from the abdomen through a port in the external inguinal ring. Vasovasostomy was performed, bridging the retrieved stump of the pelvic vas with the scrotal vas. Five patients were operated upon through the extraperitoneal approach.

Results

By the end of one year. Nine out of the 15 cases showed an average sperm concentration of 17±3.5 million/ml.

Conclusion

Pelvi-scrotal vasovasostomy (PSVV) or Shaeer’s vasovasostomy can be offered as a cost-effective and successful alternative or supplement to intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), for cases with iatrogenic large defects of the vas deferens within the inguinal canal. The transperitoneal approach is more convenient in post-herniotomy and post-herniorrhaphy cases.
Optimal regularity for planar mappings of finite distortion
Authors: Astala Kari , Gill James T. , Rohde Steffen , Saksman Eero
Published: March 2009

Let

f:\Omega \rightarrow \mathbb{R}^{2}

be a mapping of finite distortion, where

\Omega \subset \mathbb{R}^{2}

. Assume that the distortion function

K(x,f)

satisfies

e^{K( \cdot ,f)} \in L_{\mathrm{loc}}^{p}(\Omega )

for some

p > 0

. We establish optimal regularity and area distortion estimates for

f

. In particular, we prove that

|Df|^{2}\mathrm{\log }^{\beta −1}(e + |Df|) \in L_{\mathrm{loc}}^{1}(\Omega )

for every

\beta < p

. This answers positively, in dimension

n = 2

, the well-known conjectures of Iwaniec and Sbordone [T. Iwaniec, C. Sbordone, Quasiharmonic fields, Ann. Inst. H. Poincaré Anal. Non Linéaire 18 (2001) 519–572, Conjecture 1.1] and of Iwaniec, Koskela and Martin [T. Iwaniec, P. Koskela, G. Martin, Mappings of BMO-distortion and Beltrami-type operators, J. Anal. Math. 88 (2002) 337–381, Conjecture 7.1].
Living with an Unfixable Heart: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experience of Living with Advanced Heart Failure
Authors: Ryan Marie , Farrelly Mary
Published: March 2009

Background: Nurses working with patients with advanced heart failure need knowledge that will help us to help patients cope with their situations of chronic illness. However, our knowledge bank is deficient due to the scarcity of inquiry that takes the affected person's point of view as its central focus.

Aim: The aim of this study was to describe patients' experiences of living with advanced heart failure.

Methods: The study sample ( N = 9) consisted of male ( N = 6) and female ( N = 3) patients with advanced (NYHA classes III–IV) heart failure. The design was qualitative and open unstructured interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim during 2006.

Results: Four main themes emerged: Living in the Shadow of Fear; Running on Empty; Living a Restricted life; and Battling the System. The experience of living with advanced heart failure was described as a fearful and tired sort of living characterised by escalating impotence and dependence.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that there may be an illogical but enduring ethos of ‘cure’ pervading health care worker's attitudes to advanced heart failure care. This mindset might be working to hinder the application of additional or alternative therapies, which might better palliate the physical and psychosocial distress of patients.
Linguistic validation of the DN4 for use in international studies
Authors: Van Seventer R. , Vos C. , Meerding W. , Mear I. , Le Gal M. , Bouhassira D. , Huygen F.J.
Published: March 2009

Objectives Traditionally, pain is divided into two main groups: nociceptive pain due to an excess of nociception and neuropathic pain associated with an injury or dysfunction of the central or peripheral nervous system. The French neuropathic pain group has developed a specific questionnaire, the DN4, to help clinicians in the differential diagnosis of neuropathic and non‐neuropathic pain. In order to allow this questionnaire to be used in international studies, it has been translated and linguistically validated into Dutch, German, Greek and Hungarian, using a well‐established procedure.

Methods: The same method was used for each country and involved four stages: (1) two forward translations followed by comparison and reconciliation of the translations, (2) one backward translation, (3) review by an expert clinician, and (4) cognitive testing of the first seven items on patients.

Results: The translation work produced three types of situations. Either the original wording could be translated literally or semantic issues were discussed as the original wording was not always sufficiently clear and had to be clarified by adding an explanation, or, in the case of idiomatic phrases such as “pins and needles”, it was necessary to use different expressions, the challenge being to retain the original concept while doing so. The versions proposed to patients and experts were well understood.

Conclusion: The DN4 items were linguistically validated in each of the target languages, thus providing the means for standardising the diagnosis of neuropathic pain and pooling the data collected during clinical research in the different countries involved.
Profiling CD antigens on leukaemias with an antibody microarray
Authors: Barber Nicole , Gez Swetlana , Belov Larissa , Mulligan Stephen P. , Woolfson Adrian , Christopherson Richard I.
Published: March 2009

Cluster of differentiation (CD) antigens are defined when a surface molecule found on some members of a standard panel of human cells reacts with at least one novel antibody, and there is good accompanying molecular data. Monoclonal antibodies to surface CD antigens on leukocytes have been used for flow cytometry, and more recently to construct microarrays that capture live cells. These DotScanTM microarrays enable the rapid and highly parallel characterization of repertoires of CD antigens whose expression patterns may be correlated with discrete leukaemia subtypes, or used to define biomarker ‘signatures’ for non‐hematological diseases. DotScanTM with fluorescence multiplexing enables profiling of CD antigens for minor subsets of cells, such as colorectal cancer cells and tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes from a surgical sample.
Engaging the consumer: The science and art of the value creation process
Authors: Higgins E. Tory , Scholer Abigail A.
Published: March 2009

Regulatory engagement theory [Higgins, E. T. (2006). Value from hedonic experience and engagement. Psychological Review, 113, 439–460.] proposes that value is a motivational force of attraction to or repulsion from something, and that strength of engagement contributes to value intensity independent of hedonic and other sources of value direction. This paper reviews different sources of engagement strength, including dealing with challenges by opposing interfering forces and overcoming personal resistance, preparing for something that is likely to happen, and using “fit” or “proper” means of goal pursuit. We present evidence that each of these sources of engagement strength can intensify the value of something, and we show how stronger engagement can not only make something positive more positive but also make something negative more negative. We also discuss how these effects of stronger engagement on the value of something else are independent of actors' own personal experiences during goal pursuit. We then broaden regulatory engagement theory by describing the nature of these personal experiences from different sources of engagement strength—distinct positive experiences (e.g., feeling “pleasure” vs. feeling “right”) and distinct negative experiences (e.g., feeling “tension” vs. feeling “defiance”)—and consider the science and art of combining them with engagement strength for maximal persuasion and influence.
The unique consequences of feeling lucky: Implications for consumer behavior
Authors: Jiang Yuwei , Cho Angela , Adaval Rashmi
Published: March 2009

Cognitive priming procedures were used to identify the unique effects that luck‐related concepts have on consumer behavior. The effects of these concepts could theoretically influence behavior through the elicitation of positive affect or via temporary changes in participants' self representations of how lucky they feel. An initial experiment showed that priming Asian consumers with lucky numbers independently influenced both their perceptions of personal luck and the positive affect they reported experiencing. Subsequent experiments, however, showed that the effect of these primes on consumer behavior was mediated by momentary changes in how lucky people felt (i.e. changes in the self concept) rather than by the positive affect they were experiencing at the time. Exposing consumers to lucky numbers influenced their estimates of how likely they were to win a lottery (Experiment 2), their willingness to participate in such a lottery (Experiment 4), their evaluations of different promotional strategies (Experiment 3), and also the amount of money they were willing to invest in different financial options (Experiment 4). The effect of luck on behavior was also moderated by a person's regulatory focus.