bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An open marine record of the Toarcian oceanic anoxic event
Authors: Gröcke D. R. , Hori R. S. , Trabucho-Alexandre J. , Kemp D. B. , Schwark L.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Oceanic anoxic events were time intervals in the Mesozoic characterized by widespread distribution of marine organic-rich sediments (black shales) and significant perturbations in the global carbon cycle. The expression of these perturbations is globally recorded in sediments as excursions in the carbon isotope record irrespective of lithology or depositional environment. During the Early Toarcian, black shales were deposited on the epi- and peri-continental shelves of Pangaea and these sedimentary rocks are associated with a pronounced (ca. 7‰) negative (organic) carbon isotope excursion (CIE) which is thought to be the result of a major perturbation in the global carbon cycle. For this reason, the Early Toarcian is thought to represent an oceanic anoxic event (the T-OAE). Associated with this event, there were pronounced perturbations in global weathering rates and seawater temperatures. Although it is commonly asserted that the T-OAE is a global event and that the distribution of black shales is likewise global, an isotopic and/or organic-rich expression of this event has as yet only been recognized on epi- and peri-continental Pangaean localities. To address this issue, the carbon isotope composition of organic matter (δ13Corg) of Early Toarcian cherts from Japan that were deposited in the open Panthalassa Ocean was analysed. The results show the presence of a major (>6‰) negative excursion in δ13Corg that, based on radiolarian biostratigraphy, is a correlative of the Early Toarcian negative CIE known from European epicontinental strata. Furthermore, a secondary ca. −2‰ excursion in δ13Corg is also recognized lower in the studied succession that, within the current biostratigraphical resolution, is likely to represent the excursion that occurs close to the Pliensbachian/Toarcian boundary and which is also recorded in European epicontinental successions. These results from the open ocean realm suggest that, in conjunction with other previously published datasets, these major Early Jurassic carbon cycle perturbations affected all active global reservoirs of the exchangeable carbon cycle (deep marine, shallow marine, atmospheric). An extremely negative δ13Corg value (−57‰) during the peak of the T-OAE is also reported, which suggests that the inferred open ocean mid-water oxygen minimum layer within which these sediments are thought to have been deposited was highly enriched in methanotrophic bacteria, since these organisms are the only plausible producers of such 12C-enriched organic matter.
International Adoption: Assessment of Adaptive and Maladaptive Behavior of Adopted Minors in Spain
Authors: Barcons-Castel Natalia , Fornieles-Deu Albert , Costas-Moragas Carme
Published: April 2011

Research on adjustment of internationally adopted children indicates that, although they have adequate development, more emotional and behavioral problems are detected compared with nonadopted children. In this research, emotional and behavioral characteristics of a sample of 52 internationally adopted minors were examined with the BASC (Parent Rating Scales and Self-Report of Personality), comparing the outcomes with 44 nonadopted minors, all of them of ages between 6 and 11 years (mean age = 8.01 years). Results indicate differences between adopted and nonadopted children related to somatization, adopted minors are those that obtain lower scores in the scale, and in the adaptability scale, where nonadopted minors obtain higher scores. Significant differences were found in the adaptive abilities scales, suggesting that nonadopted boys show better abilities than adopted ones, and no differences were found among girls. In general, boys present higher scores in externalizing symptomatology and depression than girls. Among adopted children, time spent in an institution is a variable that has negative impact on the onset of externalizing and internalizing problems. Minors coming from Eastern Europe display more attentional problems, poorer adaptive abilities and poorer interpersonal relations than the rest of the minors. According to the age at placement, attentional problems appear in minors adopted after the age of 3 years.
Towards a Characterization of a Motive whose Ultimate Goal is to Increase the Welfare of the World: Quixoteism
Authors: Salgado Sergio , Oceja Luis
Published: April 2011

We use the term Quixoteism to refer to a new social motive. The characterization of this motive deals with two aspects: the definition of the ultimate goal (i.e., to increase the welfare of the world) and the proposal of a process that activates it (i.e., a transcendental-change orientation). Three studies were conducted to test this characterization. In Study 1 we developed an empirical measure of the transcendental-change orientation. The participants in Studies 2 and 3 were presented with a need situation. Results showed that the centrality of such an orientation was directly related to an interpretation consistent with the ultimate goal of Quixoteism (Study 2), and that its salience increases the likelihood of performing a high-cost prosocial behavior (Study 3).
A Shared Past and a Common Future: The Portuguese Colonial War and the Dynamics of Group-Based Guilt
Authors: Figueiredo Ana , Valentim Joaquim , Doosje Bertjan
Published: April 2011

In the present study we examine feelings of group-based guilt among Portuguese people in relation to the Portuguese colonial war, and their consequences for social behaviour. Specifically, we focus on the way Portuguese university students identify with their national group and the outgroup and their feelings of group-based guilt regarding their group's past misdeeds during the colonial period. The consequences of group-based guilt are also analyzed. 130 Portuguese university students answered a questionnaire and results show that students feel low levels of group-based guilt in relation to this period. Our results show that ingroup glorification is positively related with the use of cognitions to justify the ingroup's behaviour, presumably to avoid responsibility for the harm committed by the ingroup. Outgroup identification correlates with compensatory behavioural intentions and openness to negative information about the colonial war. As expected, feelings of group-based guilt show a significant correlation with compensatory behavioural intentions. Links between political orientation, ingroup attachment and glorification, exonerating cognitions and group-based guilt are analyzed and their implications for intergroup relations are discussed.
Taxonomy of the Psychosocial Consequences Caused by the Violence of Persecution of ETA's Network
Authors: Martin-Peña Javier , Rodríguez-Carballerira Álvaro , Escartín Jordi , Porrúa Clara , Olff Miranda
Published: April 2011

This paper delimits and analyzes the effects of the harassment perpetrated by ETA's terrorist network in the Basque Country. The aim was to provide a taxonomy of the consequences of psychological violence and to validate this taxonomy, by means of a content analysis of 37 testimonies of victims of terrorist violence. The taxonomy of consequences of psychological violence is made up by four components: 1. the effects on the context of the persons affected, 2. on their emotional state, 3. on cognition and 4. on behavior. Results show a predominance of contextual consequences and negative cognitions. Intra-observer and inter-observer reliability analysis showed high stability and reproducibility coefficients. This study shows that harassment and psychological violence have major consequences not only for victims but also for family members, threatened collectives and even the society as a whole.
Are We more Consistent when Talking about Ourselves than when Behaving? Consistency Differences through a Questionnaire and an Objective Task
Authors: Rubio Víctor J. , Hernández José Manuel , Revuelta Javier , Santacreu José
Published: April 2011

The present paper aimed to examine questionnaire response patterns and objective task-based test behavioral patterns in order to analyze the differences people show in consistency. It is hypothesized that people tend to be more consistent when talking about themselves (when describing themselves through verbal statements) that when they solve a task (when behaving). Consistency is computed using the π* statistic (Hernandez, Rubio, Revuelta, & Santacreu, 2006). According to this procedure, consistency is defined as the value and the dimensionality of the latent trait of an individual (θ) remaining invariant through out the test of. Participants who are consistent must show a constant θ and follow a given response pattern during the entire course of the test. A sample of 3,972 participants was used. Results reveal that 68% of participants showed a consistent response pattern when completing the questionnaire. When tackling the task-based test, the percentage was 66%. 45% of individuals showed a consistent pattern in both tests. Implications for personality and individual differences assessment are discussed.
Enhancing Understanding and Recall of Quantitative Information about Medical Risks: A Cross-Cultural Comparison between Germany and Spain
Authors: Garcia-Retamero Rocio , Galesic Mirta , Gigerenzer Gerd
Published: April 2011

In two experiments, we analyzed cross-cultural differences in understanding and recalling information about medical risks in two countries—Germany and Spain—whose students differ substantially in their quantitative literacy according to the 2003 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA; OECD, 2003, 2010). We further investigated whether risk understanding can be enhanced by using visual aids (Experiment 1), and whether different ways of describing risks affect recall (Experiment 2). Results showed that Spanish students are more vulnerable to misunderstanding and forgetting the risk information than their German counterparts. Spanish students, however, benefit more than German students from representing the risk information using ecologically rational formats—which exploit the way information is represented in the human mind. We concluded that our results can have important implications for clinical practice.
Influence of Perceived Sport Competence and Body Attractiveness on Physical Activity and other Healthy Lifestyle Habits in Adolescents
Authors: Moreno-Murcia Juan Antonio , Hellín Pedro , González-Cutre David , Martínez-Galindo Celestina
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this study was to test an explanatory model of the relationships between physical self-concept and some healthy habits. A sample of 472 adolescents aged 16 to 20 answered different questionnaires assessing physical self-concept, physical activity, intention to be physically active and consumption of alcohol and tobacco. The results of the structural equation model showed that perceived sport competence positively correlated with current physical activity. Body attractiveness positively correlated with physical activity in boys and negatively in girls. Current physical activity positively correlated with the intention to be physically active in the future and negatively with the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Nevertheless, this last relationship was only significant in boys. The results are discussed in connection with the promotion of healthy lifestyle guidelines among adolescents. This model shows the importance of physical self-concept for engaging in physical activity in adolescence. It also suggests that physical activity is associated with the intention to continue being physically active and with healthy lifestyle habits.
Influence of Personality on Pre-menstrual Syndrome in Athletes
Authors: Gaion Patrícia Aparecida , Vieira Lenamar Fiorese
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of personality on Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) in athletes. The sample included 25 Brazilian athletes, between 18 and 49 years of age. A diary of PMS symptoms was used (based on the criteria from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist, ACOG, 2000) and the Factorial Personality Inventory (Pasquali, Azevedo, & Ghesti, 1997). The Fisher exact test was used for data analysis, with p < .05. The athletes with PMS showed a strong need for performance, low need for assistance and introversión and very low need for change, while athletes without PMS demonstrated a very strong need for denial and strong needs for assistance, dominance, and persistence. There was a significant association between low denial (not submitting passively to external forces) and PMS (p < .05). It was concluded that certain personality traits may predispose athletes to react more intensely to needs and pressures produced by changes caused by the menstrual cycle, contributing to the onset of PMS.
Psychometric Properties of the “Spanish Burnout Inventory” in Chilean Professionals Working to Physical Disabled People
Authors: Gil-Monte Pedro R. , Faúndez Víctor E. Olivares
Published: April 2011

While the most commonly employed burnout measure has been the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), researchers have been troubled by some of the psychometric limitations of this instrument. The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the “Spanish Burnout Inventory” (SBI). The psychometric properties were analysed with data from a sample of 277 Chilean professionals working to physical disabled people. The psychometric properties of the SBI were examined through the following analyses: confirmatory factor analysis, reliability Cronbach's alpha, and concurrent validity with the MBI. The hypothesized four factor model obtained an adequate data fit for the sample (X2(164) = 285.32, p < .001, GFI = .96, RMSEA = .052, NNFI = .93, CFI = .94). Results confirmed the hypothesis formulated. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was higher than .70 for the four scales of the instruments. Results supported the concurrent validity with the MBI. As a whole, the results of these study provided evidence on the adequate psychometric properties of the SBI for the study of burnout in the Chilean cultural context.
Use of the “Mental Health Inventory – 5” with Portuguese 10-15 Years Old
Authors: Marques Susana C. , Pais-Ribeiro José Luis , Lopez Shane J.
Published: April 2011

The present study describes the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the Mental Health Inventory-5 for use with young adolescents. A sample of 367 Portuguese students (aged 10-15 years) completed the Portuguese-language versions of Mental Health Inventory-5 (MHI-5; Berwick et al., 1991), Children's Hope Scale (CHS; Snyder et al., 1997), Students' Life Satisfaction Scale (SLSS; Huebner, 1991a), and Global Self-Worth Sub-scale (Harter, 1985). Analysis of readability, reliability (internal consistency and 1-year stability), factor structure, and criterion-related validity suggested that the MHI-5 can be appropriately used in this age group. Implications of the findings are discussed.
Psychometric Properties of the Social Skills Questionnaire: Portuguese Adaptation of the Student Form (Grades 7 to 12)
Authors: Mota Catarina Pinheiro , Matos Paula Mena , Lemos Marina Serra
Published: April 2011

The present study aims to analyze the psychometric properties of the student form (Grades 7 to 12) of theSocial Skills Questionnaireauthored by Gresham and Elliott (1990), on a sample of Portuguese adolescents. Participants included 573 students, both female and male, aged 14 to 19. Reliability was assessed through Cronbach's alpha and was .87 for the total scale, ranging from.58 to .72 for the subscales. A confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the main adjustment indices presented unexpected values. A principal components analysis indicated that several items of the cooperation subscale correlated with other factors. Adequate adjustment indices were found when cooperation was removed from the model. Semantic dualities due to cultural factors and difficulties assuming the cooperation dimension as an independent dimension might explain the results observed. The reorganization of the SSQ offers a reliable and valid instrument for research within the Portuguese population.
Evaluating Reading and Metacognitive Deficits in Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Alvarado Jesús Mª , Puente Aníbal , Jiménez Virginia , Arrebillaga Lorena
Published: April 2011

The reading achievement of children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has scarcely been explored in research conducted in the Spanish language and when it has, the results have been contradictory. The focus of the present research is to analyze participants' reading competency and metacognitive strategies as they carry out reading comprehension tasks. The sample was comprised of 187 Argentine schoolchildren aged 9 to 13 years old. 94 constituted the control group and the clinical group consisted of 93 schoolchildren diagnosed with ADHD. The metacognitive assessment was made up of two metacognitive tests, the Reading Awareness Scale (ESCOLA; acronym in Spanish) and a Spanish adaptation of Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory (MARSI), and one test of reading comprehension, the Evaluation of Reading Processes for Secondary Education Students (PROLEC-SE; acronym in Spanish). Students with ADHD had lower achievement on tests of reading comprehension compared to the control group. Nevertheless, our results suggest their difficulties did not stem from reading comprehension problems, but rather from alterations in their Executive Functions, because when subjects' reading comprehension was equalized, students with ADHD still exhibited a lower level of Metacognition, particularly when it came to planning.
The Influence of Diverse Interaction Contexts on Students' Sociometric Status
Authors: Martín Eduardo
Published: April 2011

Despite there being numerous studies on sociometric status, research that analyzes this variable from a contextualized viewpoint taking into account the different school settings in which a pupil establishes relationships is rare. The aim of this study is to analyze the stability of sociometric status in different school settings. For this purpose, 522 students filled in a sociometric questionnaire that investigated two different settings: the academic setting, which refers to the formal classroom setting; and the leisure setting, which investigates a more informal and playful setting like the playground. The main results indicate that identification percentages are almost the same in both settings. Nonetheless, all sociometric types are contextually dependent, and some are more dependent than others. Thus, rejection is observed as being the most independent of context, whereas the most dependent is that of controversial pupils. Differential analyses show that sex modifies the results obtained. It is shown that, excluding a few exceptions, combinations of sociometric types in both settings investigated can be made. These results are discussed in connection with the methodology used to identify sociometric types and their practical implication for better school adjustment.
Factors Affecting Foster Care Breakdown in Spain
Authors: López Mónica López , del Valle Jorge F. , Montserrat Carme , Bravo Amaia
Published: April 2011

Breakdown of foster care has been defined as the situation in which one of the involved parties terminates the intervention before having achieved the goals established for the case plan. This work presents a study carried out with a Spanish sample of 318 closed cases of children who were placed in foster homes and kinship care. The data were collected through the exhaustive review of the child protection and foster placement files, complemented with interviews of the welfare workers in charge of each case. The rate of breakdown of the entire sample was 26.1%, although it was significantly different in kinship care (19.7%) and foster care (31.2%). The results of this study indicate that the variables related to breakdown depend on the placement modality, either in foster care or kinship care. In the first case, the variables related to the child's characteristics are noteworthy, especially behavior and academic problems, with special relevance in the 9-12-year-old group, and in children who were previously in residential care. In contrast, in kinship care, the parents' problems (prison, mental health) and having some measure of guardianship are the most important. The fact of undergoing foster placement after having lived in various residential homes is transcendental. Lastly, the availability of economic resources and even the foster carers' studies seem to be related to foster breakdown.
Para além da cidade: entre fragmentações e permeabilidades, os desafios do planejamento e da gestão urbana no espaço metropolitano de Belém - DOI 10.5216/ag.v4i12.12779
Authors: Da Trindade Junior. Saint-Clair Cordeiro , Dos Santos Tiago Veloso
Published: April 2011

A realidade metropolitana emerge como complexa e dinâmica no cenário nacional. Ao mesmo tempo em que é fenômeno relativamente recente, apresenta problemas estruturais antigos da urbanização brasileira, considerando-se que atualmente, a urbanização brasileira tem em grande parte nas suas metrópoles os principais focos de sua concretização. Na presente discussão, considera-se a natureza do espaço metropolitano e seu caráter complexo na realidade brasileira em geral, e, em particular a Região Metropolitana de Belém. Assim, analisa-se a produção social do espaço metropolitano de Belém, destacando a formação sócio-espacial metropolitana, sua dinâmica interna e tendências atuais, bem como as práticas de planejamento e à gestão urbana face ao processo de metropolização em curso.
Territórios, memória e etnicidade no espaço urbano de Kourou- Guiana Francesa - DOI 10.5216/ag.v4i12.12780
Authors: Souza Charles Benedito Gemaque
Published: April 2011

A configuração do centro espacial de Kourou, uma cidade da Guiana Francesa na Pan-Amazônia continental, é marcada pela coexistência de diferenças étnicas, criando uma convivência controversa e, às vezes, litigiosa. Nesse contexto, as espacialidades dos grupos étnicos de Kourou são apropriadas pelas representações e simbologias enraizadas na memória coletiva que fornece um elemento concreto-referencial de apreensão do sentimento identitário: o território.
Política de desenvolvimento, produção camponesa e os desafios da agroecologia - DOI 10.5216/ag.v4i12.12784
Authors: Borges Juliano Luis , Sguarezi Sandro Benedito
Published: April 2011

O processo de modernização da agricultura intensificou a homogeneização dos padrões de produção em detrimento às características locais dos agricultores tradicionais. Isso levou a uma desagregação de valores simbólicos de reprodução social e cultural baseados no vínculo com a terra. A lógica tradicional de produção considerava que a função da terra era suprir as necessidades básicas de subsistência, em articulação com um excedente comercializável. Para o Estado, comprometido com o avanço do sistema capitalista, esses camponeses não possuíam relevância do ponto de vista econômico e necessitavam do incremento de novas técnicas para se inserirem no circuito mercantil, com o aumento da renda na unidade de produção e o consequente endividamento. Assim, ocorreram conflitos de representações entre duas lógicas distintas, que acarretaram graves consequências para o campesinato brasileiro. Nesse contexto, a agroecologia se apresenta como uma perspectiva teórica e uma estratégia alternativa de resistência do campesinato para continuar produzindo e vivendo no campo.
As paisagens do Rio Pardo desvendada pela comunidade Ribeirinha no Sudoeste da Bahia: Conversações entre o percebido e o vivido - DOI 10.5216/ag.v4i12.12789
Authors: Sampaio Nádia , Vargas Maria Augusta Mundim
Published: April 2011

A comunidade ribeirinha na região Sudoeste do Estado da Bahia em Itambé tem passado por transformações no seu modo de vida. Essas modificações na reorganização do espaço ribeirinho promovem o desmanche de suas práticas culturais, dos conhecimentos tradicionais, dos valores coletivos e cotidianamente construídos, interferindo na preservação da identidade e territorialidade ribeirinha. Ao ouvi-los, observou-se estarem presentes as características que os identificam como tais e ainda mantém viva na memória a história que os construíram como ribeirinhos. O rio Pardo é o elemento de maior simbologia na paisagem e a percepção dos mesmos é respaldada pela visão de mundo permeada por suas águas. No entanto, a realidade vivida os direcionam a negação da continuidade desse modo peculiar de viver e os conduzem à invisibilidade dos sujeitos e da comunidade. Destarte, acredita-se que medidas emergenciais devam ser tomadas a fim de evitar a invisibilidade ribeirinha. Nesse contexto urge uma ação mais efetiva do poder público voltado para alternativas de preservação da memória social bem como para a recuperação do ambiente ribeirinho, sejam suas águas e margem, sejam as condições de habitação dos atuais moradores.
Thio Analogs of Pyrimidine Bases: Synthesis, Spectroscopic Study, and In Silico Biological Activity Evaluation of New 2-o-(m- and p-)Chlorobenzylthio-6-Methyl-5-Piperidino-(Morpholino-)Methyluracils
Authors: Pospieszny Tomasz , Szymankiewicz Marcin , Wyrzykiewicz Elżbieta
Published: April 2011

Six new 2--(- and -)chlorobenzylthio-6-methyl-5-piperidino-(or morpholino-) methyluracils have been prepared. The structures of these compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic (FT-IR, UV-Vis, NMR, NMR, and HMBC) and elemental analyses. Estimation of pharmacotherapeutic potential has been made for synthesized compounds on the basis of prediction of activity spectra for substances (PASS).
Attitudes toward HPV Vaccination among Women Aged 27 to 45
Authors: Weiss Thomas W. , Rosenthal Susan L. , Zimet Gregory D.
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this study was to identify attitudes toward HPV vaccination among US women 27 to 45 years of age. A survey was mailed to 2,750 insured US women to assess perceptions of relevance or irrelevance of the HPV vaccine, the underlying reasons, and, for those reporting relevance, the likelihood of vaccination if it became available. Among the 451 eligible respondents, 304 (67.4%) reported that the HPV vaccine was relevant to them, whereas 143 (31.7%) stated that it was not at all relevant. The most common reasons for relevance were protection from cervical cancer (62.8%), vaginal cancer (58.2%), precancerous cells (55.9%), HPV (55.6%), and genital warts (46.4%). Reasons for irrelevance were most commonly being married (54.0%) or in a monogamous relationship (39.6%). Most respondents reporting relevance of the HPV vaccine were likely (33.4%) or extremely likely (37.7%) to receive the vaccine if approved for their age group.
Diversity Pattern of Butterfly Communities (Lepidoptera, Papilionoidae) in Different Habitat Types in a Tropical Rain Forest of Southern Vietnam
Authors: Vu Lien Van , Quang Vu Con
Published: April 2011

Diversity of butterfly communities of a tropical rain forest of Bu Gia Map National Park in South Vietnam was studied in four different habitat types (the natural forest, the disturbed forest, the bamboo forest, and the stream sides in the forest) in December 2008 and April 2009. A total of 112 species with 1703 individuals of Papilionoidae (except Lycaenidae) were recorded. The proportion of rare species tends to decrease from the natural forest to the stream sides, while the proportion of common species tends to increase from the natural forest to the stream sides. The stream sides have the greatest individual number, while the disturbed forest contains the greatest species number. The bamboo forest has the least species and individual numbers. The stream side environment in the forest plays an important role in conserving butterfly abundance while the bamboo shows the poorest butterfly diversity.
The Combined Use of the Thermofluor Assay and ThermoQ Analytical Software for the Determination of Protein Stability and Buffer Optimization as an Aid in Protein Crystallization
Authors: Phillips Kevin , de la Peña Andres Hernandez
Published: April 2011

The Thermofluor assay, also referred to as a thermal shift assay or differential scanning fluorescence (DSF), is a fast and simple method that is based upon high‐throughput measurements of protein stability. The Thermofluor method can be performed on nearly all qPCR machines, meaning no special instrumentation is necessary, and can be used to validate the quality of protein preparations, screen for ligands or cofactors, and discover buffers and additives that maximize protein stability. This unit describes how to set up a Thermofluor method on several common models of qPCR instruments, how to prepare the samples for the assay, and how to run and analyze the resulting data. The unit also describes a 96‐well screen to determine optimal buffer conditions for protein stability, which may assist in protein crystallization, and details the use of custom software, developed specifically for the analysis of data from Thermofluor screens. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 94:10.28.1‐10.28.15. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
DamIP: Using Mutant DNA Adenine Methyltransferase to Study DNA‐Protein Interactions In Vivo
Authors: Xiao Rui , Moore David D.
Published: April 2011

DamIP is a new method for studying DNA‐protein interaction in vivo. A mutant form of DNA adenine methyltransferase (DamK9A) from E. coli is fused to the protein of interest and expressed. The fusion protein will bind to target binding sites and introduce N6‐adenine methylation in nearby sites in the genomic DNA. Methylated DNA fragments are enriched by immunopreciptation with an antibody that recognizes N6‐methyladenine, and can then be used for further analysis, e.g., real‐time PCR, microarray, or high‐throughput sequencing. This method is simple and does not require protein‐DNA crosslinking or a specific antibody to the protein of interest. This unit describes the application of this method for identification of DNA binding sites in vivo. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 94:21.21.1‐21.21.10. © 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A phase I safety study of enzastaurin plus bortezomib in the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Ghobrial Irene M. , Munshi Nikhil C. , Harris Brianna N. , Shi Peipei , Porter Nichole M. , Schlossman Robert L. , Laubach Jacob P. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Desaiah Durisala , Myrand Scott P. , Wooldridge James E. , Richardson Paul G. , Abonour Rafat
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and identify the recommended doses of enzastaurin and bortezomib in combination for future Phase II studies in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Three dose levels (DLs) of oral enzastaurin and intravenous bortezomib were used according to a conventional “3 + 3” design. A loading dose of enzastaurin (250 mg twice/day [BID]) on Day 1 was followed by enzastaurin 125 mg BID for 1 week, after which bortezomib was added (Cycle 1, 28 days, 1.0 mg/m2: Days 8, 11, 15, and 18; seven subsequent 21‐day cycles, 1.3 mg/m2: Days 1, 4, 8, and 11). Twenty‐three patients received treatment; all patients received prior systemic therapy. Most patients received ≥3 regimens; 17 patients were bortezomib‐refractory. A median of four treatment cycles (range 1–24) was completed. No dose‐limiting toxicities were observed; thus, DL 3 was the recommended Phase II dose. The most common drug‐related Grade 3/4 toxicities were thrombocytopenia (n = 6) and anemia (n = 2). No patients died on therapy. One patient (DL 1) achieved a very good partial response; three patients (DLs 2 and 3), a partial response; nine patients, stable disease; and four patients, progressive disease. The recommended Phase II doses in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma are as follows: enzastaurin loading dose of 375 mg three times/day on Day 1 followed by 250 mg BID, with bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 on Days 1, 4, 8, and 11 of a 21‐day cycle. The combination was well‐tolerated and demonstrated some antimyeloma activity. Am. J. Hematol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Breast cancer risk by occupation and industry: Analysis of the CECILE study, a population‐based case–control study in France
Authors: Villeneuve Sara , Févotte Joëlle , Anger Antoinette , Truong Thérèse , Lamkarkach Farida , Gaye Oumar , Kerbrat Pierre , Arveux Patrick , Miglianico Laurent , Imbernon Ellen , Guénel Pascal
Published: April 2011

Background

It has been suggested that certain occupational exposures may play a role in breast cancer etiology. The recognition of high‐risk occupations may give clues about potential mammary carcinogens in the work place.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based case–control study in France including 1,230 breast cancer cases and 1,315 population controls with detailed information on lifetime work history. Odds ratios for women ever employed in an occupation or industry were adjusted for well‐established risk factors for breast cancer.

Results

Adjusted odds ratios were marginally increased in some white‐collar occupations, as well as in textile workers (2.4; 95% CI [0.9–6.0]), rubber and plastics product makers (1.8; 95% CI [0.9–3.5]), and in women employed for more than 10 years as nurses (1.4; 95% CI [0.9–2.1]) and as tailors/dressmakers (1.5; 95% CI [0.9–2.6]). The incidence of breast cancer was increased among women employed in the manufacture of chemicals, of non‐metallic mineral products, and decreased among women in agriculture.

Conclusions

These findings suggest a possible role of occupational exposures in breast cancer, including night‐shift work, solvents and endocrine disrupting chemicals and require further studies with detailed assessment of occupational exposures. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:499–509, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Wisconsin stillbirth services program: A multifocal approach to stillbirth analysis
Authors: VanderWielen Beth , Zaleski Christina , Cold Christopher , McPherson Elizabeth
Published: April 2011

Stillbirth accounts for about 26,000 deaths annually in the US. In most previous studies, discrete causes are identified in less than half of all stillbirths. In order to identify causes and non‐causal but potentially contributing abnormalities, we analyzed 416 of the most recent (2004–2010) Wisconsin Stillbirth Service Program (WiSSP) cases from a multifocal approach. In 70% of cases a cause sufficient to independently explain the demise was identified including 40% placental, 21.5% fetal, and 12.7% maternal. Results for stillbirths and second trimester miscarriages did not differ significantly. In 95% of cases at least one cause or non‐causal abnormality was recognizable, and in two‐thirds of cases, more than one cause or non‐causal abnormality was identified. In cases with maternal cause, the placenta was virtually always abnormal. Both placentas (59%) and fetuses (38%) were frequently smaller than expected for gestational age. Previous miscarriage and/or stillbirth were risk factors for second and third trimester losses, with 35% of previous pregnancies ending in fetal demise. Recommendations include complete evaluation of all second and third trimester losses with special attention to placental pathology and thorough investigation for multiple causes or abnormalities whether or not a primary cause is initially recognized. Improved understanding of the causes of late miscarriage and stillbirth may contribute to recognition and management of pregnancies at risk and eventually to prevention of stillbirth. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The influence of experimental manipulations on chewing speed during in vivo laboratory research in tufted capuchins (Cebus apella)
Authors: Thompson C.L. , Donley E.M. , Stimpson C.D. , Horne W.I. , Vinyard C.J.
Published: April 2011

Even though in vivo studies of mastication in living primates are often used to test functional and adaptive hypotheses explaining primate masticatory behavior, we currently have little data addressing how experimental procedures performed in the laboratory influence mastication. The obvious logistical issue in assessing how animal manipulation impacts feeding physiology reflects the difficulty in quantifying mechanical parameters without handling the animal. In this study, we measured chewing cycle duration as a mechanical variable that can be collected remotely to: 1) assess how experimental manipulations affect chewing speed in Cebus apella, 2) compare captive chewing cycle durations to that of wild conspecifics, and 3) document sources of variation (beyond experimental manipulation) impacting captive chewing cycle durations. We find that experimental manipulations do increase chewing cycle durations in C. apella by as much as 152 milliseconds (ms) on average. These slower chewing speeds are mainly an effect of anesthesia (and/or restraint), rather than electrode implantation or more invasive surgical procedures. Comparison of captive and wild C. apella suggest there is no novel effect of captivity on chewing speed, although this cannot unequivocally demonstrate that masticatory mechanics are similar in captive and wild individuals. Furthermore, we document significant differences in cycle durations due to inter‐individual variation and food type, although duration did not always significantly correlate with mechanical properties of foods. We advocate that the significant reduction in chewing speed be considered as an appropriate qualification when applying the results of laboratory‐based feeding studies to adaptive explanations of primate feeding behaviors. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Japanese macaque encephalomyelitis: A spontaneous multiple sclerosis–like disease in a nonhuman primate
Authors: Axthelm Michael K. , Bourdette Dennis N. , Marracci Gail H. , Su Weiping , Mullaney Elizabeth T. , Manoharan Minsha , Kohama Steven G. , Pollaro Jim , Witkowski Ellen , Wang Paul , Rooney William D. , Sherman Lawrence S. , Wong Scott W.
Published: April 2011

Objective:

To describe Japanese macaque encephalomyelitis (JME), a spontaneous inflammatory demyelinating disease occurring in the Oregon National Primate Research Center's (ONPRC) colony of Japanese macaques (JMs, Macaca fuscata).

Methods:

JMs with neurologic impairment were removed from the colony, evaluated, and treated with supportive care. Animals were humanely euthanized and their central nervous systems (CNSs) were examined.

Results:

ONPRC's JM colony was established in 1965 and no cases of JME occurred until 1986. Since 1986, 57 JMs spontaneously developed a disease characterized clinically by paresis of 1 or more limbs, ataxia, or ocular motor paresis. Most animals were humanely euthanized during their initial episode. Three recovered, later relapsed, and were then euthanized. There was no gender predilection and the median age for disease was 4 years. Magnetic resonance imaging of 8 cases of JME revealed multiple gadolinium‐enhancing T1‐weighted hyperintensities in the white matter of the cerebral hemispheres, brainstem, cerebellum, and cervical spinal cord. The CNS of monkeys with JME contained multifocal plaque‐like demyelinated lesions of varying ages, including acute and chronic, active demyelinating lesions with macrophages and lymphocytic periventricular infiltrates, and chronic, inactive demyelinated lesions. A previously undescribed gamma‐herpesvirus was cultured from acute JME white matter lesions. Cases of JME continue to affect 1% to 3% of the ONPRC colony per year.

Interpretation:

JME is a unique spontaneous disease in a nonhuman primate that has similarities with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is associated with a novel simian herpesvirus. Elucidating the pathogenesis of JME may shed new light on MS and other human demyelinating diseases. ANN NEUROL 2011;
Raumakustische Zielgrößen und Maßnahmen zur Optimierung der kognitiven Leistungsfähigkeit sowie des akustischen Komforts in Mehrpersonenbüros
Authors: Liebl Andreas , Drotleff Horst , Sedlbauer Klaus , Schleuniger Felix , Uygun Abidin
Published: April 2011

Lärm zählt zu den häufigsten Quellen von Beschwerden an Büroarbeitsplätzen. Insbesondere Gespräche von Mitarbeitern werden als störend erlebt. Darüber hinaus beeinträchtigt Bürolärm die Leistungsfähigkeit und das Befinden der Angestellten. Richtlinien und Normen berücksichtigen kaum die besondere Bedeutung sprachlicher Hintergrundgeräusche. Der Speech Transmission Index (STI), ein Maß für die Verständlichkeit von Sprache, wird aktuell als geeignete physikalische Führungsgröße zur Gestaltung offener Büroumgebungen diskutiert. Im Rahmen einer laborexperimentellen Untersuchung wird der Zusammenhang zwischen der Darbietung von Hintergrundschallen mit unterschied licher Sprachverständlichkeit (STI) und der kognitiven Leistungsfähigkeit sowie dem empfundenen akustischen Komfort von Probanden untersucht. Dabei zeigt sich ein starker Zusammenhang zwischen der Sprachverständlichkeit und Maßen kognitiver Leistungsfähigkeit sowie akustischem Komfort. Der STI kann daher als eine geeignete physikalische Führungsgröße zur Gestaltung offener Büroumgebungen betrachtet werden.

Room acoustical set values and measures for optimization of cognitive performance and acoustic comfort in open‐plan offices. Noise is among the most frequently mentioned sources of complaint in open‐plan offices. Particularly conversations of colleagues are perceived as being annoying. In addition office noise is known to impair employees’ cognitive performance and wellbeing. Standards and norms hardly account for the special role of background speech. The Speech Transmission Index (STI), a measure of speech intelligibility, is assumed to be a suitable physical set value for the acoustical design of open‐plan offices. The results of a laboratory experiment are presented investigating the relationship between presentation of background speech varying in STI and cognitive performance as well as perceived acoustic comfort. A strong relationship between speech intelligibility and cognitive performance as well as acoustic comfort is found. Therefore the STI can be assumed to be a suitable physical set value for the acoustic design of open‐plan office.
Evaluierung und Optimierung einer doppelschaligen Fassade mit Hilfe von Simulationen
Authors: Reith András , Gelesz Adrienn , Pültz Gunter
Published: April 2011

Bei großflächig verglasten, mehrgeschossigen Bürogebäuden liegen doppelschalige, hinterlüftete Glasfassaden nach wie vor im gestalterischen Trend. Die Konstruktionsdetails der Fassade haben einen erheblichen Einfluss auf die sommerliche Überhitzung der Luft im Fassadenzwischenraum (FZR), in dem auch der Sonnenschutz platziert ist. Es empfiehlt sich daher, die Details einer doppelschaligen Fassade im Hinblick auf die sommerlichen Temperaturverhältnisse zu optimieren. Die üblichen Methoden einer standardmäßigen bauphysikalischen Planung sind für eine derartige Optimierung nur sehr bedingt verwendbar. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird anhand des Projektes Neues K & H Bank‐Gebäude in Budapest exemplarisch aufgezeigt, wie mit Hilfe von moderner Simulationstechnik die Ausbildung einer doppelschaligen Fassade evaluiert und anschließend optimiert werden kann.

Evaluation and optimization of a double skin façade with the help of computational simulations. Natural ventilated double skin façades still prove to be trendy design choices for multi‐story office buildings with large glazed surfaces. The construction design details of these façades have a significant impact on the summer overheating of the air in the façade cavity, in which the shading is positioned also. Therefore it is recommended to investigate and optimize the parameters of the double skin façade concerning the summer temperature conditions. The usual methods of standard building physical planning have limited application possibilities for optimizing these kinds of systems. Therefore in the following article through the example of the K°&°H Bank, Budapest, we are going to explain how the modern simulation techniques can support the constructional design of double skin façades first by evaluation, then subsequently, by optimization.
Sex is not a solution for reproduction: The libertine bubble theory
Authors: Lodé Thierry
Published: April 2011

Here, I propose a new hypothesis: sex originated from an archaic gene transfer process among prebiotic bubbles without the prerequisite for reproduction. This de‐coupling from reproduction might make the thorny problem of accounting for the evolution of sex, despite the apparent advantages of parthenogenicity, more tractable.
Parallel production and verification of protein products using a novel high‐throughput screening method
Authors: Tegel Hanna , Yderland Louise , Boström Tove , Eriksson Cecilia , Ukkonen Kaisa , Vasala Antti , Neubauer Peter , Ottosson Jenny , Hober Sophia
Published: April 2011

Protein production and analysis in a parallel fashion is today applied in laboratories worldwide and there is a great need to improve the techniques and systems used for this purpose. In order to save time and money, a fast and reliable screening method for analysis of protein production and also verification of the protein product is desired. Here, a micro‐scale protocol for the parallel production and screening of 96 proteins in plate format is described. Protein capture was achieved using immobilized metal affinity chromatography and the product was verified using matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight MS. In order to obtain sufficiently high cell densities and product yield in the small‐volume cultivations, the EnBase® cultivation technology was applied, which enables cultivation in as small volumes as 150 μL. Here, the efficiency of the method is demonstrated by producing 96 human, recombinant proteins, both in micro‐scale and using a standard full‐scale protocol and comparing the results in regard to both protein identity and sample purity. The results obtained are highly comparable to those acquired through employing standard full‐scale purification protocols, thus validating this method as a successful initial screening step before protein production at a larger scale.
Docking on the DNA G‐quadruplex: A molecular electrostatic potential study
Authors: Mondragón‐Sánchez Juan Antonio , Santamaria Ruben , Garduño‐Juárez Ramón
Published: April 2011

The G‐quadruplexes are four‐stranded nucleic acid structures with guanine‐rich sequences that play important biological roles in, for example, regulating telomerase association and activity. Recent evidence supports the hypothesis that the telomeric G‐quadruplex DNA represents a target of novel anticancer drug medication. In this work, we present results of the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), together with the HOMO and LUMO frontier orbitals, which are physical quantities of concern in the docking of compounds on the G‐quadruplex. The calculations are performed in the frame of density functional theory at the B88LYP/6‐31G* level of theory. Additional functionals that introduce dispersion effects were also taken into consideration. The MEP potential and electron density of the frontier molecular orbitals of the G‐quadruplex exhibit topological deformations due to the coiled conformation of the compound when they are compared with the MEP and corresponding electron density of a DNA duplex with similar nucleic acid composition. The electrostatic active zone of the G‐quadruplex is localized on the top part of the quadruplex structure where the MEP acquires the most negative values. Additional computations on a set of three daunomycins, a common anticancer drug for duplex DNA, indicate an electrostatic fastening between the quadruplex and the set of daunomycins. In this regard, the G‐quadruplex electrostatic interactions favor the stacking of ligands. Finally, some implications on molecular drug design are briefly discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 95: 641–650, 2011.