bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Weird reciprocity? A ‘within-culture across-country’ trust experiment and methodological implications
Authors: VOLLAN BJÖRN
Published: April 2012

Economic experiments carried out in the computer laboratory seldom account for broader real-world contextual variables that affect humans as learning and norm-adopting individuals. The here presented ‘within-culture across-country’ design of a standard trust experiment reveals an interesting phenomenon which most probably is related to the context that people live in: South African communities expressed extremely low trust while participants from Namibia exhibited high trust, but low reciprocity, although both share the same ethnic background. The country effect between the two regions remained large even after using a matching estimator to substantiate that these differences were not driven by sample selection bias. Qualitative evidence from the study area suggests that corrupt local institutions have led to lower trust in South African communities while participants in Namibia seemingly applied a deep-rooted behavioural norm of the Nama society which they perceived to be appropriate for the exchange in the experiment.
Fast and Not Furious?
Authors: Kneer Julia , Glock Sabine , Rieger Diana
Published: April 2012

Three studies explored whether cognitive dissonance in smokers is reduced immediately or remains constant due to the perceived health risk. Because dissonance-reducing strategies might occur very quickly and previous research has focused only on ratings concerning health risk, we additionally analyzed response latencies and psychophysiological arousal as more implicit measurements. In Study 1, 2, and 3, participants rated their smoking-related health risks twice for different diseases. Ratings, response latencies (Study 1, 2), and psychophysiological arousal (Study 3) differed during the first testing. Differences in response latencies and psychophysiological arousal diminished during the second testing, whereas ratings did not change. The results are discussed in terms of implicit methods as measurements for cognitive dissonance and in terms of prevention and intervention programs.
Influence of pore‐pressure on the event‐size distribution of induced earthquakes
Authors: Bachmann C. E. , Wiemer S. , Goertz‐Allmann B. P. , Woessner J.
Published: April 2012

During an Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) experiment, fluid is injected at high pressure into crystalline rock, to enhance its permeability and thus create a reservoir from which geothermal heat can be extracted. The fracturing of the basement caused by these high pore‐pressures is associated with microseismicity. However, the relationship between the magnitudes of these induced seismic events and the applied fluid injection rates, and thus pore‐pressure, is unknown. Here we show how pore‐pressure can be linked to the seismic frequency–magnitude distribution, described by its slope, theb‐value. We evaluate the dataset of an EGS in Basel, Switzerland and compare the observed event‐size distribution with the outcome of a minimalistic model of pore‐pressure evolution that relates event‐sizes to the differential stressσD. We observe that the decrease of b‐values with increasing distance of the injection point is likely caused by a decrease in pore‐pressure. This leads to an increase of the probability of a large magnitude event with distance and time.
Supervision and Multicultural Issues: Supervisors and Supervisees
Authors: Moore Rowena
Published: April 2012

Multicultural influences may impact the supervisor and supervisee relationship within the fields of speech-language pathology and audiology. This article summarizes the themes that have emerged in the literature on multicultural issues in supervision, including cultural competence, mixed-race and same-race supervisory relationships, and social power.
Unpacking the Standards for Intervention
Authors: Power-deFur Lissa , Flynn Perry
Published: April 2012

The role of the speech-language pathologist to enable the academic success of students with speech-language impairments using the standards and general curriculum is well established (Haskell, 2004; Power-deFur, 2010; Wallach, 2008). The Common Core Standards Initiative (2011a) emphasizes that “students with disabilities…must be challenged to excel within the general curriculum” (p. 1). The key for the success of students with disabilities is how special education professionals use the standards to enable the success of students with disabilities. The purpose of this article is to provide an approach for using the standards to identify appropriate targets and design intervention.
From Common Core State Standards to Standards-Based IEPs: A Brief Tutorial
Authors: Rudebusch Judy
Published: April 2012

Clinicians can use the Common Core State Standards (2010) along with requirements in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA, 2004) to create conditions that support standards-based goals and objectives in a student's individualized education program (IEP). The IEP is the blueprint for speech-language pathology services provided to and on behalf of students with disabilities that allow them to participate in and make progress in the general curriculum (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association [ASHA], 2007). The IEP is written to meet the unique needs of the individual child and to delineate the specially designed instruction the child needs to make progress in meeting grade level or course standards. School-based speech-language pathologists are important IEP team members as educators move into a system that uses IEP development as a problem-solving tool rather than a listing of skills that will be taught to the student with disabilities.
Literacy, Common Core State Standards and the School-Based Speech/Language Pathologist: Making Sense of It All
Authors: Schraeder Trici
Published: April 2012

This pilot project was conducted by the ASHA Special Interest Group (SIG) 16 Ad Hoc Committee on Literacy Assessment: Trici Schraeder (Chair), Cornelia Cave, Barbara Decker, SallyAnn Giess, and Martha Testa. Christine Freiberg, SIG 16 coordinator and SIG 16 coordinating committee members Ruth Callahan and Judy Rudebusch served as the monitors. The project was approved by ASHA Staff. The ASHA SIG 16 Ad Hoc Committee on Literacy Assessment acknowledges the work of the Council of Chief State School Officers and National Governors Association Center for Best Practice for creating the Common Core State Standards.
An enhanced entangled polymer model for dissipative particle dynamics
Authors: Sirk Timothy W. , Slizoberg Yelena R. , Brennan John K. , Lisal Martin , Andzelm Jan W.
Published: April 2012

We develop an alternative polymer model to capture entanglements within the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) framework by using simplified bond-bond repulsive interactions to prevent bond crossings. We show that structural and thermodynamic properties can be improved by applying a segmental repulsive potential (SRP) that is a function of the distance between the midpoints of the segments, rather than the minimum distance between segments. The alternative approach, termed the modified segmental repulsive potential (mSRP), is shown to produce chain structures and thermodynamic properties that are similar to the softly repulsive, flexible chains of standard DPD. Parameters for the mSRP are determined from topological, structural, and thermodynamic considerations. The effectiveness of the mSRP in capturing entanglements is demonstrated by calculating the diffusion and mechanical properties of an entangled polymer melt.
The effects of laser absorption on direct-drive capsule experiments at OMEGA
Authors: Dodd E. S. , Benage J. F. , Kyrala G. A. , Wilson D. C. , Wysocki F. J. , Seka W. , Glebov V. Yu. , Stoeckl C. , Frenje J. A.
Published: April 2012

The yield of an inertial confinement fusion capsule can be greatly affected by the inclusion of high-Z material in the fuel, either intentionally as a diagnostic or from mixing due to hydrodynamic instabilities. To validate calculations of these conditions, glass shell targets filled with a D2 and 3He fuel mixture were fielded in experiments with controlled amounts of pre-mixed Ar, Kr, or Xe. The experiments were fielded at the OMEGA laser [T. R. Boehly et al., Opt. Commun. 133, 495 (1997)] using 1.0 ns square laser pulses having a total energy 23 kJ and direct drive illumination of shells with an outer diameter of ∼925 μm and a thickness of ∼5 μm. Data were collected and compared to one-dimensional integrated models for yield and burn-temperature measurements. This paper presents a critical examination of the calculational assumptions used in our experimental modeling. A modified treatment of laser-capsule interaction improves the match to the measured scattered laser light and also improves agreement for yields, burn-temperatures, and the fuel compression as measured by the ratio of two yields. Remaining discrepancies between measurement and calculation will also be discussed.
Optical dielectric behaviors of copper zinc alloy thin films
Authors: Yang Guang , Sun Jingbo , Zhou Ji
Published: April 2012

Variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE) was employed to investigate the dielectric behaviors of Cu-Zn alloy films on silicon substrate prepared using direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering. The influence of the thickness and alloy composition on the dielectric properties of Cu-Zn alloys was studied. A dielectric function model combining with a surface effective medium theory (EMA) layer and a thin Lorentz-Drude layer was established to all alloy films to determine the dielectric functions. It shows that the dispersion behaviors of the alloy films are sensitive to the film thickness and the composition of the alloys.
Interface engineering for the passivation of c-Si with O3-based atomic layer deposited AlOx for solar cell application
Authors: Lee Hyunju , Tachibana Tomihisa , Ikeno Norihiro , Hashiguchi Hiroki , Arafune Koji , Yoshida Haruhiko , Satoh Shin-ichi , Chikyow Toyohiro , Ogura Atsushi
Published: April 2012

We have investigated the effects of deposition temperature and post-annealing on the passivation performance of AlOx films deposited by O3-based atomic layer deposition for crystalline Si. We found that the dramatic enhancement in the passivation performance of room-temperature deposited AlOx films by post-annealing is due to the phase transformation of aluminum silicate to mullite in an AlOx interlayer and the resulting self-aligned AlOx/SiOx interface. This result is interesting for the fabrication of high-performance silicon solar cells with AlOx passivation layers.
All-optical monitoring of acoustic waves guided by confined micro-fluidic layers
Authors: Chigarev N. , Tournat V. , Gusev V.
Published: April 2012

The study of the elastic properties of liquid micro-layers is of importance in biology and in micro-technology. Generation of the ultrasonic waves by sub-nanosecond pump laser provides opportunities for non-contact and non-destructive evaluation of materials at spatial scales from micrometer to a few tens of micrometers. Here, we report on the application of this all-optical technique for the study of acoustic properties of liquid layers of micrometric thickness confined by two parallel solid plates.
Enhancement of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy through reduction of Co-Pt interdiffusion in (Co/Pt) multilayers
Authors: Bandiera S. , Sousa R. C. , Rodmacq B. , Dieny B.
Published: April 2012

We demonstrate that the effective magnetic anisotropy of sputtered (Co/Pt) multilayers can be doubled by limiting the interdiffusion occurring at Co/Pt interfaces. We present a way to decrease the interdiffusion by inserting an ultra-thin Cu layer at or near the Co/Pt interfaces. When such a material is sputtered on Co prior to the Pt deposition, the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, as well as the thermal stability, is enhanced for Co layer thicknesses smaller than 1 nm. This is of great interest for out-of-plane magnetized spintronic devices which require high perpendicular magnetic anisotropy for down-size scalability reasons together with a free layer as thin as possible to reduce the writing energy when switched by spin transfer torque.
Communication: Multi-state analysis of the OCS ultraviolet absorption including vibrational structure
Authors: Schmidt J. A. , Johnson M. S. , McBane G. C. , Schinke R.
Published: April 2012

The first absorption band of OCS (carbonyl sulfide) is analyzed using potential energy surfaces and transition dipole moment functions of the lowest four singlet and the lowest four triplet states. Excitation of the 2 1A′ state is predominant except at very low photon energies. It is shown that the vibrational structures in the center of the band are due to excitation of the 2 3A′′ triplet state, whereas the structures at very low energies are caused by bending excitation in the potential wells of states 2 1A′ and 1 1A′′.
Second harmonic electromagnetic emission of a turbulent magnetized plasma driven by a powerful electron beam
Authors: Timofeev I. V.
Published: April 2012

The power of second harmonic electromagnetic emission is calculated for the case when strong plasma turbulence is excited by a powerful electron beam in a magnetized plasma. It is shown that the simple analytical model of strong plasma turbulence with the assumption of a constant pump power is able to explain experimentally observed bursts of electromagnetic radiation as a consequence of separate collapse events. It is also found that the electromagnetic emission power calculated for three-wave interaction processes occurring in the long-wavelength part of turbulent spectrum is in order-of-magnitude agreement with experimental results.
Note: An exact scaling relation for truncatable free energies of polydisperse hard-sphere mixtures
Authors: Santos Andrés
Published: April 2012

A theoretical model for polydisperse systems of hard spheres is said to be truncatable when the excess free energy depends on the size distribution through a finite number K of moments. This Note proves an exact scaling relation for truncatable free energies, which allows to reduce the effective degrees of freedom to K − 2 independent combinations of the moments.
Choosing cost-effective locations for conservation fences in the local landscape
Authors: Bode Michael , Brennan Karl E. C. , Morris Keith , Burrows Neil , Hague Neville
Published: April 2012

Context
Exclosure fences are widely used to reintroduce locally extinct animals. These fences function either as permanent landscape-scale areas free from most predators, or as small-scale temporary acclimatisation areas for newly translocated individuals to be ‘soft released’ into the wider landscape. Existing research can help managers identify the best design for their exclosure fence, but there are currently no methods available to help identify the optimal location for these exclosures in the local landscape (e.g. within a property).

Aims
We outline a flexible decision-support tool that can help managers choose the best location for a proposed exclosure fence. We applied this method to choose the site of a predator-exclusion fence within the proposed Lorna Glen (Matuwa) Conservation Park in the rangelands of central Western Australia.

Methods
The decision was subject to a set of economic, ecological and political constraints that were applied sequentially. The final exclosure fence location, chosen from among those sites that satisfied the constraints, optimised conservation outcomes by maximising the area enclosed.

Key results
From a prohibitively large set of potential exclosure locations, the series of constraints reduced the number of candidates down to 32. When ranked by the total area enclosed, one exclosure location was clearly superior.

Conclusions
By describing the decision-making process explicitly and quantitatively, and systematically considering each of the candidate solutions, our approach identifies an efficient exclosure fence location via a repeatable and transparent process.

Implications
The construction of an exclusion fence is an expensive management option, and therefore needs to convincingly demonstrate a high expected return-on-investment. A systematic approach for choosing the location of an exclosure fence provides managers with a decision that can be justified to funding sources and stakeholders.
Fill factor of planar heterojunction organic solar cells with varied donor materials
Authors: Zang Yue , Yu Junsheng , Huang Jiang , Jiang Rong , Huang Ganqin
Published: April 2012

The dependence of fill factor (FF) on material properties in planar heterojunction (PHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs) was investigated. The OSCs were prepared using a series of small molecular electron donating materials with different highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) levels ranging from 5.1 to 5.7 eV and hole mobility (μh) varying from 3.00 × 10−5 to 2.43 × 10−3 cm V−1 s−1. The results showed that donor materials with high mobility can significantly enhance the FF, which was partly due to the low series resistance according to the dark current density–voltage (J–V) characteristics. An optimal ΔE of 1.1–1.2 eV, which is the energy difference between the HOMO of the donor and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the acceptor, can also increase the FF. Meanwhile, the photocurrent densities (J
ph) of the OSCs were simulated based on the Poole–Frenkel model and charge trapping effect to intuitively reveal the effect of μh and ΔE on FF.
Formation mechanisms of sub-wavelength ripples during femtosecond laser pulse train processing of dielectrics
Authors: Yuan Yanping , Jiang Lan , Li Xin , Wang Cong , Xiao Hai , Lu Yongfeng , Tsai Hailung
Published: April 2012

A new model is proposed to investigate femtosecond laser pulse train processing of dielectrics by including the laser wave properties in the photon particle properties based plasma model. In the case studies, the pulse duration is 50 fs and the pulse delays are 0, 25, 50 and 75 fs. Both the laser wave–particle duality and transient localized changes of material properties are considered in the proposed model, and the formation mechanism of sub-wavelength ripples is revealed. This study shows that the interference between surface plasmons and laser field plays a key role in the formation of sub-wavelength ripples for which the excitation of surface plasmons is necessary. The predicted period of sub-wavelength ripples is in agreement with the experiments.
A dual role for K63-linked ubiquitin chains in multivesicular body biogenesis and cargo sorting
Authors: Erpapazoglou Zoi , Dhaoui Manel , Pantazopoulou Marina , Giordano Francesca , Mari Muriel , Léon Sébastien , Raposo Graça , Reggiori Fulvio , Haguenauer-Tsapis Rosine
Published: April 2012

In yeast, the sorting of transmembrane proteins into the multivesicular body (MVB) internal vesicles requires their ubiquitylation by the ubiquitin ligase Rsp5. This allows their recognition by the ubiquitin-binding domains (UBDs) of several endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) subunits. K63-linked ubiquitin (K63Ub) chains decorate several MVB cargoes, and accordingly we show that they localize prominently to the class E compartment, which accumulates ubiquitylated cargoes in cells lacking ESCRT components. Conversely, yeast cells unable to generate K63Ub chains displayed MVB sorting defects. These properties are conserved among eukaryotes, as the mammalian melanosomal MVB cargo MART-1 is modified by K63Ub chains and partly missorted when the genesis of these chains is inhibited. We show that all yeast UBD-containing ESCRT proteins undergo ubiquitylation and deubiquitylation, some being modified through the opposing activities of Rsp5 and the ubiquitin isopeptidase Ubp2, which are known to assemble and disassemble preferentially K63Ub chains, respectively. A failure to generate K63Ub chains in yeast leads to an MVB ultrastructure alteration. Our work thus unravels a double function of K63Ub chains in cargo sorting and MVB biogenesis.
Structure of Shroom domain 2 reveals a three-segmented coiled-coil required for dimerization, Rock binding, and apical constriction
Authors: Mohan Swarna , Rizaldy Ryan , Das Debamitra , Bauer Robert J. , Heroux Annie , Trakselis Michael A. , Hildebrand Jeffrey D. , VanDemark Andrew P.
Published: April 2012

Shroom (Shrm) proteins are essential regulators of cell shape and tissue morpho­logy during animal development that function by interacting directly with the coiled-coil region of Rho kinase (Rock). The Shrm–Rock interaction is sufficient to direct Rock subcellular localization and the subsequent assembly of contractile actomyosin networks in defined subcellular locales. However, it is unclear how the Shrm–Rock interaction is regulated at the molecular level. To begin investigating this issue, we present the structure of Shrm domain 2 (SD2), which mediates the interaction with Rock and is required for Shrm function. SD2 is a unique three-segmented dimer with internal symmetry, and we identify conserved residues on the surface and within the dimerization interface that are required for the Rock–Shrm interaction and Shrm activity in vivo. We further show that these residues are critical in both vertebrate and invertebrate Shroom proteins, indicating that the Shrm–Rock signaling module has been functionally and molecularly conserved. The structure and biochemical analysis of Shrm SD2 indicate that it is distinct from other Rock activators such as RhoA and establishes a new paradigm for the Rock-mediated assembly of contractile actomyosin networks.
Longitudinal Assessment of Bone Mineral Density in Children and Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Schmidt Susanne , Mellström Dan , Norjavaara Ensio , Sundh Valter , Saalman Robert
Published: April 2012

Objectives:

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is recognized as a potential problem in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to describe the longitudinal development of BMD in a population of Swedish pediatric patients with IBD.

Methods:

A total of 144 patients with IBD (93 males; 83 with ulcerative colitis [UC], 45 with Crohn disease [CD]) were examined with dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry at baseline. At follow‐up 2 years later, 126 of the initial 144 patients were reexamined. BMD values are expressed as z scores.

Results:

Children with UC and CD had significantly lower mean BMD z scores for the lumbar spine (LS) at baseline and after 2 years. The reduction in BMD was equally pronounced in patients with UC and CD, and neither group improved their z score during the follow‐up period. Furthermore, significantly lower mean BMD z scores for the LS were found at baseline in boys (−1.1 SD, ±2.7 SD, P < 0.001), but not in girls (−0.0 SD, ±3.0 SD). This finding remained unchanged at follow‐up. Subanalyses of the different age groups at baseline showed the lowest BMD values in the group of patients ages 17 to 19 years in boys (mean z score for the LS 1.59 SD, ±3.1 SD) and in girls (mean z score for the LS −3.40 SD, ±3.1 SD); however, at follow‐up, these patients had improved their BMD significantly (mean change z score for the LS 1.00 SD, 95% CI 0.40–1.60; 1.90 SD, 95% CI 0.60–3.20).

Conclusions:

In this longitudinal study, the entire group of pediatric patients with IBD showed permanent decreases in their BMD z scores for the LS; however, our data indicate that afflicted children have the potential to improve their BMD by the time they reach early adulthood.
Mice, men and the relatives: cross-species studies underpin innate immunity
Authors: Bryant Clare E. , Monie Tom P.
Published: April 2012

The innate immune response is the first line of defence against infection. Germ-line-encoded receptors recognize conserved molecular motifs from both exogenous and endogenous sources. Receptor activation results in the initiation of a pro-inflammatory immune response that enables the resolution of infection. Understanding the inner workings of the innate immune system is a fundamental requirement in the search to understand the basis of health and disease. The development of new vaccinations, the treatment of pathogenic infection, the generation of therapies for chronic and auto-inflammatory disorders, and the ongoing battle against cancer, diabetes and atherosclerosis will all benefit from a greater understanding of innate immunity. The rate of knowledge acquisition in this area has been outstanding. It has been underpinned and driven by the use of model organisms. Information obtained from
Drospohila melanogaster
, knock-out and knock-in mice, and through the use of forward genetics has resulted in discoveries that have opened our eyes to the functionality and complexity of the innate immune system. With the current increase in genomic information, the range of innate immune receptors and pathways of other species available to study is rapidly increasing, and provides a rich resource to continue the development of innate immune research. Here, we address some of the highlights of cross-species study in the innate immune field and consider the benefits of widening the species-field further.
Crystal structure of
Caulobacter crescentus
polynucleotide phosphorylase reveals a mechanism of RNA substrate channelling and RNA degradosome assembly
Authors: Hardwick Steven W. , Gubbey Tobias , Hug Isabelle , Jenal Urs , Luisi Ben F.
Published: April 2012

Polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) is an exoribonuclease that cleaves single-stranded RNA substrates with 3′–5′ directionality and processive behaviour. Its ring-like, trimeric architecture creates a central channel where phosphorolytic active sites reside. One face of the ring is decorated with RNA-binding K-homology (KH) and S1 domains, but exactly how these domains help to direct the 3′ end of single-stranded RNA substrates towards the active sites is an unsolved puzzle. Insight into this process is provided by our crystal structures of RNA-bound and apo
Caulobacter crescentus
PNPase. In the RNA-free form, the S1 domains adopt a ‘splayed’ conformation that may facilitate capture of RNA substrates. In the RNA-bound structure, the three KH domains collectively close upon the RNA and direct the 3′ end towards a constricted aperture at the entrance of the central channel. The KH domains make non-equivalent interactions with the RNA, and there is a marked asymmetry within the catalytic core of the enzyme. On the basis of these data, we propose that structural non-equivalence, induced upon RNA binding, helps to channel substrate to the active sites through mechanical ratcheting. Structural and biochemical analyses also reveal the basis for PNPase association with RNase E in the multi-enzyme RNA degradosome assembly of the α-proteobacteria.
Genome organization is a major component of gene expression control in response to stress and during the cell division cycle in
trypanosomes
Authors: Kelly S. , Kramer S. , Schwede A. , Maini P. K. , Gull K. , Carrington M.
Published: April 2012

The trypanosome genome is characterized by RNA polymerase II-driven polycistronic transcription of protein-coding genes. Ten to hundreds of genes are co-transcribed from a single promoter; thus, selective regulation of individual genes via initiation is impossible. However, selective responses to external stimuli occur and post-transcriptional mechanisms are thought to account for all temporal gene expression patterns. We show that genes encoding mRNAs that are differentially regulated during the heat-shock response are selectively positioned in polycistronic transcription units; downregulated genes are close to transcription initiation sites and upregulated genes are distant. We demonstrate that the position of a reporter gene within a transcription unit is sufficient to reproduce this effect. Analysis of gene ontology annotations reveals that positional bias is not restricted to stress–response genes and that there is a genome-wide organization based on proximity to transcription initiation sites. Furthermore, we show that the relative abundance of mRNAs at different time points in the cell division cycle is dependent on the location of the corresponding genes to transcription initiation sites. This work provides evidence that the genome in trypanosomes is organized to facilitate co-coordinated temporal control of gene expression in the absence of selective promoters.
Association of an indel polymorphism in the 3′UTR of the caprine SPRN gene with scrapie positivity in the central nervous system
Authors: Peletto Simone , Bertolini Silvia , Maniaci Maria Grazia , Colussi Silvia , Modesto Paola , Biolatti Cristina , Bertuzzi Simone , Caramelli Maria , Maurella Cristiana , Acutis Pier Luigi
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to analyse the SPRN genes of goats from several scrapie outbreaks in order to detect polymorphisms and to look for association with scrapie occurrence, by an unmatched case–control study. A region of the caprine SPRN gene encompassing the entire ORF and a fragment of the 3′UTR revealed a total of 11 mutations: 10 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and one indel polymorphism. Only two non-synonymous mutations occurring at very low incidence were identified. A significant association with scrapie positivity in the central nervous system was found for an indel polymorphism (602_606insCTCCC) in the 3′UTR. Bioinformatics analyses suggest that this indel may modulate scrapie susceptibility via a microRNA-mediated post-transcriptional mechanism. This is the first study to demonstrate an association between the SPRN gene and goat scrapie. The identified indel may serve as a genetic target other than PRNP to predict disease risk in future genetics-based scrapie-control approaches in goats.
Single amino acid mutations in the capsid switch the neutralization phenotype of porcine circovirus 2
Authors: Saha Dipongkor , Lefebvre David J. , Ooms Karen , Huang Liping , Delputte Peter L. , Van Doorsselaere Jan , Nauwynck Hans J.
Published: April 2012

Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) is the causative agent of porcine circovirus-associated diseases in pigs. Previously, it was demonstrated that mAbs 16G12, 38C1, 63H3 and 94H8 directed against the PCV2 capsid protein recognize PCV2 strains Stoon-1010 (PCV2a), 48285 (PCV2b), 1121 (PCV2a), 1147 (PCV2b) and II9F (PCV2b), but only neutralize Stoon-1010 and 48285. This points to the existence of two distinct PCV2 neutralization phenotypes: phenotype α (mAb recognition with neutralization; Stoon-1010 and 48285) and phenotype β (mAb recognition without neutralization; 1121, 1147 and II9F). In the present study, amino acids that are important in determining the neutralization phenotype were identified in the capsid. Mutation of T at position 190 to A in strain 48285 (phenotype α) resulted in a capsid resembling that of strain 1147 (phenotype β) and caused a loss of neutralization (switch from α to β). Mutations of P at position 151 to T and A at position 190 to T in strain II9F (phenotype β) resulted in a capsid resembling that of strain 48285 (phenotype α) and gave a gain of neutralization (switch from β to α). Mutations of T at position 131 to P and of E at position 191 to R in Stoon-1010 (phenotype α) changed the capsid into that of 1121 (phenotype β) and reduced neutralization (switch from α to β). This study demonstrated that single amino acid changes in the capsid result in a phenotypic switch from α to β or β to α.
How transparent is behavioral intervention research on pathological gambling and other gambling‐related disorders? A systematic literature review
Authors: Fink Arlene , Parhami Iman , Rosenthal Richard J. , Campos Michael D. , Siani Aaron , Fong Timothy W.
Published: April 2012

Aims  To review the transparency of reports of behavioral interventions for pathological gambling and other gambling‐related disorders.

Methods  We used the Transparent Reporting of Evaluations with Nonrandomized Designs (TREND) Statement to develop the 59‐question Adapted TREND Questionnaire (ATQ). Each ATQ question corresponds to a transparency guideline and asks how clearly a study reports its objectives, research design, analytical methods and conclusions. A subset of 23 ATQ questions is considered particularly important. We searched PubMed, PsychINFO and Web of Science to identify experimental evaluations published between 2000 and 2011 aiming to reduce problem gambling behaviors or decrease problems caused by gambling. Twenty‐six English‐language reports met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed by three abstractors using the ATQ.

Results  The average report adhered to 38.4 (65.1%) of the 59 ATQ transparency guidelines. Each of the 59 ATQ questions received positive responses from an average of 16.9 (63.8%) of the reports. The subset of 23 particularly relevant questions received an average of 15.3 (66.5%) positive responses. Thirty‐two of 59 (54%) ATQ questions were answered positively by 75% or more of the study reports, while 12 (20.3%) received positive responses by 25% or fewer. Publication year did not affect these findings.

Conclusions  Gambling intervention reports need to improve their transparency by adhering to currently neglected and particularly relevant guidelines. Among them are recommendations for comparing study participants who are lost to follow‐up and those who are retained, comparing study participants with the target population, describing methods used to minimize potential bias due to group assignment, and reporting adverse events or unintended effects.
Intravitreal pegaptanib sodium (Macugen®) for treatment of diabetic macular oedema: a morphologic and functional study
Authors: Rinaldi Michele , Chiosi Flavia , dell'Omo Roberto , Romano Mario R. , Parmeggiani Francesco , Semeraro Francesco , Mastropasqua Rodolfo , Costagliola Ciro
Published: April 2012

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Diabetic macular oedema can develop at all stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR), and its prevalence increases with the duration of diabetes, affecting approximately 30% of diabetic patients after 25–30 years of disease.

• Elevated concentrations of VEGF have been identified in aqueous humour and vitreous of patients with DR, and the severity of macular oedema is correlated with its vitreous concentrations.

• Intravitreal anti‐VEGFs exert a key role in the treatment of diabetic macular oedema.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• The present study, performed on 30 eyes of 30 patients, shows that intravitreal pegaptanib injections induced a significant reduction in mean central retinal thickness, with a parallel improvement in visual acuity.

• For the first time a correlation between retinal morphologic and functional parameters in diabetic patients with macular oedema has been ascertained.

• Our study demonstrates that the selective inhibition of VEGF‐165 isoform by pegaptanib represents an effective treatment for diabetic macular oedema, as assessed throughout a 48 week follow‐up.

AIMS To study whether morphologic (foveal thickness, FT) variations of clinically significant macular oedema (CMO) in patients suffering from diabetes following intravitreal pegaptanib sodium (IVP) injection were associated with functional [macular sensitivity (MS) and colour discrimination (CD)] changes.

METHODS A longitudinal, interventional, non‐randomized study was performed. FT was assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT), MS by microperimetry, best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) by early treatment diabetic retinopathy study charts (ETDRS) and CD by Farnswoth‐Munsell test. The treatment protocol consisted of three consecutive injections (0.3 mg/0.05 ml; baseline, week 6 and week 12). Follow‐up checks were scheduled at 18, 24, 36 and 48 weeks, after injections.

RESULTS Thirty eyes of 30 patients with clinically significant CMO were included for analysis. After IVP a significant decrease of FT occurred with a mean reduction from baseline of 56.9% (P= 0.0001). An improvement of functional parameters was recorded in all patients (BCVA from 18.2 ± 8.5 letters to 25.5 ± 8.4 letters, P < 0.005, MS from 8.6 ± 2.16 dB to 10.6 ± 2.61 dB, P < 0.001, colour analysis from 376.1 ± 125.6 TES to 116 ± 34.6 TES, P= 0.0001). A statistically significant correlation between FT and BCVA as well as MS and CD was also found. Neither ocular nor systemic adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS Intravitreal pegaptanib significantly reduced FT, with a concomitant improvement of MS and CD. This association emphasizes the efficacy of IVP in the treatment of CMO.
CD137 deficiency does not affect development of airway inflammation or respiratory tolerance induction in murine models
Authors: Behrendt A-K , Meyer-Bahlburg A , Hansen G
Published: April 2012

The co-stimulatory molecule CD137 (4-1BB) plays a crucial role in the development and persistence of asthma, characterized by eosinophilic airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, airway hyperreactivity, increased T helper type 2 (Th2) cytokine production and serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels. We have shown previously that application of an agonistic CD137 monoclonal antibody (mAb) prevented and even reversed an already established asthma phenotype. In the current study we investigated whether deficiency of the CD137/CD137L pathway affects the development of allergic airway inflammation or the opposite immune reaction of respiratory tolerance. CD137−/− and wild-type (WT) mice were sensitized and challenged with the model allergen ovalbumin (OVA) and analysed for the presence of allergic disease parameters (allergy protocol). Some animals were tolerized by mucosal application of OVA prior to transferring the animals to the allergy protocol to analyse the effect of CD137 loss on tolerance induction (tolerance protocol). Eosinophilic airway inflammation, mucus hypersecretion, Th2 cytokine production and elevated allergen-specific serum IgE levels were increased equally in CD137−/− and WT mice. Induction of tolerance resulted in comparable protection from the development of an allergic phenotype in both mouse strains. In addition, no significant differences could be identified in CD4+, CD8+ and forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3+) regulatory T cells, supporting the conclusion that CD137−/− mice show equal Th2-mediated immune responses compared to WT mice. Taken together, CD137−/− mice and WT mice develop the same phenotype in a murine model of Th2-mediated allergic airway inflammation and respiratory tolerance.
Addition of enzymes complex during olive oil extraction improves oil recovery and bioactivity of Western Australian Frantoio olive oil
Authors: Chih Hui J. , James Anthony P. , Jayasena Vijay , Dhaliwal Satvinder S.
Published: April 2012

Olive oil consumption has increased as many studies revealed the health benefits of regular consumption of olive oil. There is a need to find effective oil extraction techniques capable of increasing oil recovery without compromising its quality. This study investigated the impact of adding enzymes complex Viscozymes during olive oil extraction on oil recovery, total phenolic compounds, antiradical activity and the standard quality parameters. It was found that at a concentration of 0.30 g mL−1, Viscozymes could significantly improve the oil recovery from 49 to 69% (P < 0.001) when compared to the Control sample. The concentration of total phenolic compounds was also significantly improved from 110 to 266 mg kg−1 oil (P < 0.01) and the antiradical activity increased from 31 to 48% inhibition of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazil radical (P < 0.001). Addition of Viscozymes therefore represents an effective extraction technique that increases oil recovery without compromising the concentration of total phenolic compounds and antiradical activity.
Inpatient verbal aggression: content, targets and patient characteristics
Authors: STEWART D. , BOWERS L.
Published: April 2012

Accessible summary

Verbal aggression is a common feature of life on a psychiatric ward.

This study reports on how frequently patients were involved in incidents of verbal abuse, shouting, making threats, showing anger or making racist comments.

Verbally aggressive patients tended to have a history of violence or drug misuse, but some patient characteristics were more strongly associated with particular types of verbal aggression.

Verbally aggressive behaviour on psychiatric wards is more common than physical violence and can have distressing consequences for the staff and patients who are subjected to it. Previous research has tended to examine incidents of verbal aggression in little detail, instead combining different types of aggressive behaviour into a single measure. This study recruited 522 adult psychiatric inpatients from 84 acute wards. Data were collected from nursing and medical records for the first 2 weeks of admission. Incidents of verbal aggression were categorized and associations with patient characteristics examined. There were 1398 incidents of verbal aggression in total, reported for half the sample. Types of verbal aggression were, in order of prevalence: abusive language, shouting, threats, expressions of anger and racist comments. There were also a large number of entries in the notes which did not specify the form of verbal aggression. Staff members were the most frequent target of aggression. A history of violence and previous drug use were consistently associated with verbal aggression. However, there were also some notable differences in patient variables associated with specific types of verbal aggression. Future studies should consider using multidimensional measures of verbal aggression.
Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium pseudograminearum caused the 2010 head blight epidemics in Australia
Authors: Obanor F. , Neate S. , Simpfendorfer S. , Sabburg R. , Wilson P. , Chakraborty S.
Published: April 2012

Wheat crops in southeast Queensland (Qld) and northern New South Wales (NSW) were infected with fusarium head blight (FHB)‐like symptoms during the 2010–11 wheat growing season. Wheat crops in this region were surveyed at soft dough or early maturity stage to determine the distribution, severity, aetiology and toxigenicity of FHB. FHB was widespread on bread wheat and durum, and Fusarium graminearum and/or F. pseudograminearum were diagnosed from 42 of the 44 sites using species‐specific PCR primers directly on spikelets or from monoconidial cultures obtained from spikelets. Stem base browning due to crown rot (CR) was also evident in some samples from both states. The overall FHB and CR severity was higher for NSW than Qld. Deoxynivalenol (DON) concentration of immature grains was more than 1 mg kg−1 in samples from 11 Qld and 14 NSW sites, but only 13 of 498 mature grain samples sourced from the affected areas had more than 1 mg kg−1 DON. DON concentration in straw also exceeded 1 mg kg−1 in eight Qld and all but one NSW sites but this was not linked to DON concentration of immature grains. The proportion of spikelets with positive diagnosis for F. graminearum and/or F. pseudograminearum and weather‐related factors influenced DON levels in immature grains. The average monthly rainfall for August–November during crop anthesis and maturation exceeded the long‐term monthly average by 10–150%. Weather played a critical role in FHB epidemics for Qld sites but this was not apparent for the NSW sites, as weather was generally favourable at all sites.
Parasitological, serological and clinical evidence for high prevalence of podoconiosis (non‐filarial elephantiasis) in Midakegn district, central Ethiopia
Authors: Geshere Oli Geleta , Tekola Ayele Fasil , Petros Beyene
Published: April 2012

Objective  To determine whether the elephantiasis in Midakegn district, central Ethiopia, is filarial or non‐filarial (podoconiosis) using serological, parasitological and clinical examinations, and to estimate its prevalence.

Methods  At house‐to‐house visits in 330 randomly selected households, all household members who had elephantiasis were interviewed and clinically examined at the nearby health centre to confirm the presence of elephantiasis, check the presence of scrotal swelling and rule out the other causes of lymphoedema. A midnight blood sample was obtained from each participant with elephantiasis for microscopic examination of Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaria. A daytime blood sample was obtained from half of the participants for serological confirmation using the immuno‐chromatographic test card.

Results  Consistent with the features of podoconiosis, none of the elephantiasis cases had consistently worn shoes since childhood; 94.3% had bilateral swelling limited below the level of the knees; no individual had thigh or scrotal elephantiasis; parasitological test for microfilariae and serological tests for W. bancrofti antigen were negative in all samples. The prevalence of the disease was 7.4% and it peaked in the third decade of life, the most economically active age.

Conclusion  Midakegn District has a high prevalence of podoconiosis and no filarial elephantiasis. Prevention, treatment and control of podoconiosis must be among the top priorities of public health programmes.
Natural selection. IV. The Price equation*
Authors: FRANK S. A.
Published: April 2012

The Price equation partitions total evolutionary change into two components. The first component provides an abstract expression of natural selection. The second component subsumes all other evolutionary processes, including changes during transmission. The natural selection component is often used in applications. Those applications attract widespread interest for their simplicity of expression and ease of interpretation. Those same applications attract widespread criticism by dropping the second component of evolutionary change and by leaving unspecified the detailed assumptions needed for a complete study of dynamics. Controversies over approximation and dynamics have nothing to do with the Price equation itself, which is simply a mathematical equivalence relation for total evolutionary change expressed in an alternative form. Disagreements about approach have to do with the tension between the relative valuation of abstract versus concrete analyses. The Price equation's greatest value has been on the abstract side, particularly the invariance relations that illuminate the understanding of natural selection. Those abstract insights lay the foundation for applications in terms of kin selection, information theory interpretations of natural selection and partitions of causes by path analysis. I discuss recent critiques of the Price equation by Nowak and van Veelen.
Humidity affects genetic architecture of heat resistance in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: BUBLIY O. A. , KRISTENSEN T. N. , KELLERMANN V. , LOESCHCKE V.
Published: April 2012

Laboratory experiments on Drosophila have often demonstrated increased heritability for morphological and life‐history traits under environmental stress. We used parent–offspring comparisons to examine the impact of humidity levels on the heritability of a physiological trait, resistance to heat, measured as knockdown time at constant temperature. Drosophila melanogaster were reared under standard nonstressful conditions and heat‐shocked as adults at extreme high or low humidity. Mean knockdown time was decreased in the stressful dry environment, but there was a significant sex‐by‐treatment interaction: at low humidity, females were more heat resistant than males, whereas at high humidity, the situation was reversed. Phenotypic variability of knockdown time was also lower in the dry environment. The magnitude of genetic correlation between the sexes at high humidity indicated genetic variation for sexual dimorphism in heat resistance. Heritability estimates based on one‐parent–offspring regressions tended to be higher under desiccation stress, and this could be explained by decreased environmental variance of heat resistance at low humidity. There was no indication that the additive genetic variance and evolvability of heat resistance differed between the environments. The pattern of heritability estimates suggests that populations of D. melanogaster may have a greater potential for evolving higher thermal tolerance under arid conditions.