bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-Time Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Neurofeedback for Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Subramanian Leena , Hindle John V. , Johnston Stephen , Roberts Mark V. , Husain Masud , Goebel Rainer , Linden David
Published: November 2011

Self-regulation of brain activity in humans based on real-time feedback of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signal is emerging as a potentially powerful, new technique. Here, we assessed whether patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) are able to alter local brain activity to improve motor function. Five patients learned to increase activity in the supplementary motor complex over two fMRI sessions using motor imagery. They attained as much activation in this target brain region as during a localizer procedure with overt movements. Concomitantly, they showed an improvement in motor speed (finger tapping) and clinical ratings of motor symptoms (37% improvement of the motor scale of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale). Activation during neurofeedback was also observed in other cortical motor areas and the basal ganglia, including the subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus, which are connected to the supplementary motor area (SMA) and crucial nodes in the pathophysiology of PD. A PD control group of five patients, matched for clinical severity and medication, underwent the same procedure but did not receive feedback about their SMA activity. This group attained no control of SMA activation and showed no motor improvement. These findings demonstrate that self-modulation of cortico-subcortical motor circuits can be achieved by PD patients through neurofeedback and may result in clinical benefits that are not attainable by motor imagery alone.
CX3CR1 Deficiency Leads to Impairment of Hippocampal Cognitive Function and Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Rogers Justin T. , Morganti Josh M. , Bachstetter Adam D. , Hudson Charles E. , Peters Melinda M. , Grimmig Bethany A. , Weeber Edwin J. , Bickford Paula C. , Gemma Carmelina
Published: November 2011

The protective/neurotoxic role of fractalkine (CX3CL1) and its receptor CX3C chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) signaling in neurodegenerative disease is an intricate and highly debated research topic and it is becoming even more complicated as new studies reveal discordant results. It appears that the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 axis plays a direct role in neurodegeneration and/or neuroprotection depending on the CNS insult. However, all the above studies focused on the role of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling in pathological conditions, ignoring the relevance of CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling under physiological conditions. No approach to date has been taken to decipher the significance of defects in CX3CL1/CX3CR1 signaling in physiological condition. In the present study we usedCX3CR1−/−,CX3CR1+/−, and wild-type mice to investigate the physiological role of CX3CR1 receptor in cognition and synaptic plasticity. Our results demonstrate for the first time that mice lacking the CX3CR1 receptor show contextual fear conditioning and Morris water maze deficits. CX3CR1 deficiency also affects motor learning. Importantly, mice lacking the receptor have a significant impairment in long-term potentiation (LTP). Infusion with IL-1β receptor antagonist significantly reversed the deficit in cognitive function and impairment in LTP. Our results reveal that under physiological conditions, disruption in CX3CL1 signaling will lead to impairment in cognitive function and synaptic plasticity via increased action of IL-1β.
Quantitative and Integrative Proteome Analysis of Peripheral Nerve Myelin Identifies Novel Myelin Proteins and Candidate Neuropathy Loci
Authors: Patzig Julia , Jahn Olaf , Tenzer Stefan , Wichert Sven P. , de Monasterio-Schrader Patricia , Rosfa Susanne , Kuharev Jörg , Yan Kuo , Bormuth Ingo , Bremer Juliane , Aguzzi Adriano , Orfaniotou Foteini , Hesse Dörte , Schwab Markus H. , Möbius Wiebke , Nave Klaus-Armin , Werner Hauke Bernhard
Published: November 2011

Peripheral nerve myelin facilitates rapid impulse conduction and normal motor and sensory functions. Many aspects of myelin biogenesis, glia–axonal interactions, and nerve homeostasis are poorly understood at the molecular level. We therefore hypothesized that only a fraction of all relevant myelin proteins has been identified so far. Combining gel-based and gel-free proteomic approaches, we identified 545 proteins in purified mouse sciatic nerve myelin, including 36 previously known myelin constituents. By mass spectrometric quantification, the predominant P0, periaxin, and myelin basic protein constitute 21, 16, and 8% of the total myelin protein, respectively, suggesting that their relative abundance was previously misestimated due to technical limitations regarding protein separation and visualization. Focusing on tetraspan-transmembrane proteins, we validated novel myelin constituents using immuno-based methods. Bioinformatic comparison with mRNA-abundance profiles allowed the categorization in functional groups coregulated during myelin biogenesis and maturation. By differential myelin proteome analysis, we found that the abundance of septin 9, the protein affected in hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy, is strongly increased in a novel mouse model of demyelinating neuropathy caused by the loss of prion protein. Finally, the systematic comparison of our compendium with the positions of human disease loci allowed us to identify several candidate genes for hereditary demyelinating neuropathies. These results illustrate how the integration of unbiased proteome, transcriptome, and genome data can contribute to a molecular dissection of the biogenesis, cell biology, metabolism, and pathology of myelin.
The Placebo Effect: Advances from Different Methodological Approaches
Authors: Meissner Karin , Bingel Ulrike , Colloca Luana , Wager Tor D. , Watson Alison , Flaten Magne Arve
Published: November 2011

There is accumulating evidence from different methodological approaches that the placebo effect is a neurobiological phenomenon. Behavioral, psychophysiological, and neuroimaging results have largely contributed to accepting the placebo response as real. A major aspect of recent and future advances in placebo research is to demonstrate linkages between behavior, brain, and bodily responses. This article provides an overview of the processes involved in the formation of placebo responses by combining research findings from behavioral, psychophysiological, and neuroimaging methods. The integration of these different methodological approaches is a key objective, motivating our scientific pursuits toward a placebo research that can inform and guide important future scientific knowledge.
Thalamic Contributions to Basal Ganglia-Related Behavioral Switching and Reinforcement
Authors: Smith Yoland , Surmeier D. James , Redgrave Peter , Kimura Minoru
Published: November 2011

Although the existence of prominent connections between the intralaminar thalamic nuclei and the basal ganglia has long been established, the limited knowledge of the functional relevance of this network has considerably hampered progress in our understanding of the neural mechanisms by which the thalamostriatal system integrates and regulates the basal ganglia circuitry. In this brief commentary, we will address this gap of knowledge through a discussion of the key points of a symposium entitled “Thalamic Contributions to Basal Ganglia-Related Behavioral Switching and Reinforcement” that will be presented at the 2011 Society for Neuroscience meeting. Recent anatomical and physiological data that support the role of the thalamostriatal system in action selection, attentional shifting, and reinforcement will be discussed. We will also address the possibility that degeneration of the thalamostriatal system could underlie some of the deficits in redirection of attention in response to salient stimuli seen in Parkinson's disease.
Deletion of Densin-180 Results in Abnormal Behaviors Associated with Mental Illness and Reduces mGluR5 and DISC1 in the Postsynaptic Density Fraction
Authors: Carlisle Holly J. , Luong Tinh N. , Medina-Marino Andrew , Schenker Leslie , Khorosheva Eugenia , Indersmitten Tim , Gunapala Keith M. , Steele Andrew D. , O'Dell Thomas J. , Patterson Paul H. , Kennedy Mary B.
Published: November 2011

Densin is an abundant scaffold protein in the postsynaptic density (PSD) that forms a high-affinity complex with αCaMKII and α-actinin. To assess the function of densin, we created a mouse line with a null mutation in the gene encoding it (LRRC7). Homozygous knock-out mice display a wide variety of abnormal behaviors that are often considered endophenotypes of schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. At the cellular level, loss of densin results in reduced levels of α-actinin in the brain and selective reduction in the localization of mGluR5 and DISC1 in the PSD fraction, whereas the amounts of ionotropic glutamate receptors and other prominent PSD proteins are unchanged. In addition, deletion of densin results in impairment of mGluR- and NMDA receptor-dependent forms of long-term depression, alters the early dynamics of regulation of CaMKII by NMDA-type glutamate receptors, and produces a change in spine morphology. These results indicate that densin influences the function of mGluRs and CaMKII at synapses and contributes to localization of mGluR5 and DISC1 in the PSD fraction. They are consistent with the hypothesis that mutations that disrupt the organization and/or dynamics of postsynaptic signaling complexes in excitatory synapses can cause behavioral endophenotypes of mental illness.
Perfil socioeconômico das populações expostas a resíduos da exploração de petróleo
Authors: Corrêa Gyselle Guimarães , Malhão Thainá Alves , Asmus Carmen Ildes Rodrigues Fróes , Coeli Cláudia Medina
Published: November 2011

INTRODUÇÃO: A Macrorregião Ambiental Cinco (MRA-5) está situada no Rio de Janeiro. Seus municípios vêm sofrendo as consequências da acelerada urbanização, especialmente após a descoberta de grandes reservas de petróleo e gás natural (PGN) na Bacia de Campos. OBJETIVO: Descrever o perfil socioeconômico dessa região e comparar os seus indicadores no espaço e no tempo. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico, onde se realizaram comparações entre os 11 municípios da MRA-5, baseadas no comportamento dos indicadores antes e após o incremento dos royalties e participações especiais (RPE); e na divisão das zonas de produção de PGN (zona de produção principal - ZPP - e zona limítrofe à ZPP - ZLZPP). O período de análise dos indicadores variou de 1991 a 2005. RESULTADOS: Valores mais elevados do Produto Interno Bruto per capita foram encontrados nos municípios da ZPP, especialmente Macaé. O mesmo ocorreu nos RPE per capita, destacando-se Rio das Ostras (maior valor) e Nova Friburgo (menor valor). Em 2004, mais de 50% das receitas totais dos municípios eram dependentes dos recursos provenientes dos royalties. Em 2000, Nova Friburgo apresentou o melhor Índice de Desenvolvimento Humano. Quanto ao Índice de Qualidade dos Municípios Potencial para o Desenvolvimento, o maior valor foi encontrado em Macaé. Os maiores Índices de Exclusão Social foram encontrados em Macaé, Nova Friburgo e Rio das Ostras. CONCLUSÃO: Verificou-se, nos municípios da ZPP, um crescimento econômico excludente com grande dependência dos royalties. Deve-se investir em atividades econômicas alternativas para que não haja prejuízos à população com o término desses recursos.
Atividade financeira e moeda: análise da experiência do conjunto palmeiras em Fortaleza-CE
Authors: Caminha Uinie , Figueiredo Monique
Published: November 2011

O Conselho Monetário Nacional (CMN) regula o acesso e fiscaliza as atividades das instituições financeiras que participam do Sistema Financeiro Nacional (SFN). Esse controle do sfn é essencial, pois o sistema financeiro é suscetível a crises de confiança e saques em massa, e ainda instrumentaliza políticas monetárias com o intuito de controlar índices inflacionários. Um dos mecanismos de controle inflacionário é a emissão de papel moeda, sendo que, de acordo com a Constituição Federal de 1988, a incumbência de emitir, controlar e regulamentar a moeda oficial é exclusiva da União. No entanto, vêm crescendo experiências de economia solidária, na qual se encontram redes de produção e consumo, além de meios alternativos de pagamento. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a experiência no bairro Conjunto Palmeiras, na cidade de Fortaleza, Ceará, sua estrutura, seus projetos, e especialmente a emissão da moeda social do bairro (palma, P$), bem como um projeto de microcrédito e financiamento para os moradores locais, verificando se há possibilidades de integrar tais práticas ao SFN, uma vez que, até então, são atividades que deveriam ser exercidas privativamente por instituições financeiras.
Nina Rodrigues e a patologização do crime no Brasil
Authors: Augusto Cristiane Brandão , Ortega Francisco
Published: November 2011

Este artigo se dedica à análise do movimento de "patologização" do criminoso por uma leitura histórica do impacto do "cientificismo cerebral" na esfera criminal. mais particularmente, atenta-se para a recepção das teorias de matriz lombrosiana pela criminologIa brasileira do século XIX, na qual se vê o microcosmo do conflito de interesses de classes e raças mediado pela autoridade médica que, na sua crença científica (ou na sua filiação ideológica), procurava esclarecer os limites entre a falta moral e a loucura - ou os dois (loucura moral) como doença ou como pura perversidade - e procurava apontar para os juízes a forma correta (científica) de se sancionar ou de se tratar a loucura.
O princípio da universalização em Rawls e Habermas: uma avaliação crítica
Authors: Lima Luiz Antonio de Oliveira
Published: November 2011

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma análise do chamado princípio de universalização como aparece nas obras de John Rawls e Jürgen Habermas. O universal é um conceito muito caro a quase todas as sociedades na medida em que significa uma prevalência do interesse geral sobre o particular. o universal se manifesta quando classes menos privilegiadas passam a ter acesso a algumas condições de vida das classes mais altas. essa ascensão, no entanto, pode ter uma contrapartida negativa: as elites intelectuais apresentam as normas que devem vigorar nos novos tempos através de um discurso abstrato, impedindo que aqueles que não têm acesso a esse capital simbólico se beneficiem das novas circunstâncias. Este artigo tentará mostrar que as obras de Rawls e Habermas podem ser caracterizadas por tal forma de universalização abstrata.
Unique reflection properties of CdS/butterfly wings nanocomposites
Authors: Han Jie , Su Huilan , Zhang Wang , Chen Yu , Gu Jiajun , Zhang Di , Moon Won-Jin
Published: November 2011

Highly tunable optical properties are quite essential for future nanoscaled smart devices, which could be achieved on the hybrid photonic crystals (PhCs) that combine functional nanomaterials and PhC structures. However, related investigations are limited, since artificial PhCs lack either pattern variety or fabrication convenience. In this paper, the authors focus on exploring unusual optical properties by substituting the natural PhC structures in butterfly wings for artificial PhCs. Novel hybrid PhCs constructed by butterfly wings and the optical functional materials such as cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (nano-cadmium sulfide) are taken as examples. Owing to the conventionally unobtainable quasi-one dimensional PhC structures, nano-cadmium sulfide/wings (Euploea mulciber) display brilliant or gloomy colors depending on the observation directions. Such unique ‘on–off’ angle-dependent reflection properties are quite different from those of typical 1D PhCs and are intensively studied through comparison with the general reflection properties of nano-cadmium sulfide/wings' (Papilio paris) multilayer structures. Simulated reflection spectra match well with experimental results. Finally, a mechanism is established to illustrate the unique on–off angle-dependent reflection properties as well as provide a new understanding of the quasi-1D PhC structures. By introducing natural PhCs in this investigation, attractive properties that could inspire the design and application of hybrid PhCs are achieved.
Walking and Cycling in the United States, 2001–2009: Evidence From the National Household Travel Surveys
Authors: Pucher John , Buehler Ralph , Merom Dafna , Bauman Adrian
Published: November 2011

Objectives. To assess changes in walking and cycling in the United States between 2001 and 2009.

Methods. The 2001 and 2009 National Household Travel Surveys were used to compute the frequency, duration, and distance of walking and cycling per capita. The population-weighted person and trip files were merged to calculate the prevalence of any walking and cycling and of walking and cycling at least 30 minutes per day.

Results. The average American made 17 more walk trips in 2009 than in 2001, covering 9 more miles per year, compared with only 2 more bike trips, and 5 more miles cycling. At the population level, the prevalence of “any walking” remained unchanged (about 18%), whereas walking at least 30 minutes per day increased from 7.2% to 8.0%. The prevalence of “any cycling” and cycling 30 minutes per day remained unchanged (1.7% and 0.9%, respectively). Active travel declined for women, children, and seniors, but increased among men, the middle aged, employed, well-educated, and persons without a car.

Conclusions. Walking increased slightly, whereas cycling levels stagnated, and the overall prevalence of active travel remained low. Improved infrastructure for walking and cycling must be combined with programs to encourage active travel among more groups, especially children, seniors, and women.
Physical and Mental Health, Cognitive Development, and Health Care Use by Housing Status of Low-Income Young Children in 20 American Cities: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Park Jung Min , Fertig Angela R. , Allison Paul D.
Published: November 2011

Objectives. We assessed the independent effect of homeless and doubled-up episodes on physical and mental health, cognitive development, and health care use among children.

Methods. We used data from 4 waves of the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, involving a sample of 2631 low-income children in 20 large US cities who have been followed since birth. Multivariate analyses involved logistic regression using the hybrid method to include both fixed and random effects.

Results. Of the sample, 9.8% experienced homelessness and an additional 23.6% had a doubled-up episode. Housing status had little significant adverse effect on child physical or mental health, cognitive development, or health care use.

Conclusions. Family and environmental stressors common to many children in poverty, rather than just homeless and doubled-up episodes, were associated with young children's poor health and cognitive development and high health care use. Practitioners need to identify and respond to parental and family needs for support services in addition to housing assistance to effectively improve the health and development of young children who experience residential instability, particularly those in homeless families.
Modeling Read Counts for CNV Detection in Exome Sequencing Data
Authors: Love Michael I. , Myšičková Alena , Sun Ruping , Kalscheuer Vera , Vingron Martin , Haas Stefan A.
Published: November 2011

Varying depth of high-throughput sequencing reads along a chromosome makes it possible to observe copy number variants (CNVs) in a sample relative to a reference. In exome and other targeted sequencing projects, technical factors increase variation in read depth while reducing the number of observed locations, adding difficulty to the problem of identifying CNVs. We present a hidden Markov model for detecting CNVs from raw read count data, using background read depth from a control set as well as other positional covariates such as GC-content. The model, exomeCopy, is applied to a large chromosome X exome sequencing project identifying a list of large unique CNVs. CNVs predicted by the model and experimentally validated are then recovered using a cross-platform control set from publicly available exome sequencing data. Simulations show high sensitivity for detecting heterozygous and homozygous CNVs, outperforming normalization and state-of-the-art segmentation methods.
The role of Duschinsky rotation in intersystem crossing: A case study of uracil
Authors: Etinski Mihajlo
Published: November 2011

The intersystem crossing rate for the transition between the lowest excited
singlet and triplet electronic states of uracil was studied by means of ab
initio methods. The rate was evaluated using the timedependent approach based
on the correlation function and its two approximations: the second-order
cumulant expansion and the short-time approximation. The normal modes of the
singlet and triplet states are related by the Duschinsky transformation,
i.e., by rotation and translation. It was found that for singlet-triplet
adiabatic energy gaps below 6000 cm-1, the inclusion of the Duschinsky
rotation is necessary for quantitative results. Above energy gaps of 6000
cm-1, the rates obtained with and without the Duschinsky rotation are
similar. The cumulant expansion approximates well the correlation function.
The short-time approximation, although crude, can be used as the first
estimate of the rate.
Evidence on the Trade-Off between Real Activities Manipulation and Accrual-Based Earnings Management
Authors: Zang Amy Y.
Published: November 2011

I study whether managers use real activities manipulation and accrual-based earnings management as substitutes in managing earnings. I find that managers trade off the two earnings management methods based on their relative costs and that managers adjust the level of accrual-based earnings management according to the level of real activities manipulation realized. Using an empirical model that incorporates the costs associated with the two earnings management methods and captures managers' sequential decisions, I document large-sample evidence consistent with managers using real activities manipulation and accrual-based earnings management as substitutes.

Data Availability: Data are available from public sources indicated in the text.
The Impact of Religion on Financial Reporting Irregularities
Authors: McGuire Sean T. , Omer Thomas C. , Sharp Nathan Y.
Published: November 2011

This study examines the impact of religion on financial reporting. We predict that firms in religious areas are less likely to engage in financial reporting irregularities because prior research links religiosity to reduced acceptance of unethical business practices. Our results suggest that firms headquartered in areas with strong religious social norms generally experience lower incidences of financial reporting irregularities. We also examine whether religiosity influences managers' methods of managing earnings. Although we find a negative association between religiosity and abnormal accruals, we find a positive association between religiosity and two measures of real earnings management, suggesting that managers in religious areas prefer real earnings management over accruals manipulation. We provide evidence that our results are not driven by firms headquartered in rural areas and conclude that religious social norms represent a mechanism for reducing costly agency conflicts, particularly when other external monitoring is low.

Data Availability: Contact the authors.
Intrauterine Fetal Death of a Monochorionic Twin with Peripheral Pulmonary Infarcts: Potential Thromboembolic Events Following Death of Co-Twin
Authors: Lo Amy A. , Faye-Petersen Ona M. , Ernst Linda M.
Published: November 2011

In utero fetal lung infarction has rarely been reported. We present a case of intrauterine lung infarction in a 28-3/7 weeks' gestation monochorionic twin following intrauterine fetal demise of the co-twin at 20 weeks. This case highlights the potential for thromboembolic events (TBEs) associated with monochorionic gestations to include pulmonary TBE and infarction among the risks for fetal morbidity and mortality.
The Role of Sovereign Wealth Funds in Global Managament of Excess Foreign Exchange Reserves
Authors: Urban Dariusz
Published: November 2011

This paper finds evidence that for many countries Sovereign Wealth Funds are the alternative vehicle for management of excess foreign exchange reserves. These funds can be seen as a substitutes for monetary authorities as well as institutional innovations on global financial markets. Sovereign Wealth Funds offer to countries various economic and financial benefits. They facilitate saving intergenerational transfer of proceeds from nonrenewable resources and help reduce cyclical volatility driven by changes in commodity export prices. These state-run funds help to reduce the opportunity cost of reserves holdings due to greater portfolio diversification of reserve-assets and allow countries to accumulate large capital inflow without negative consequences such as exchange rate appreciations, price distortions, liquidity expansion, domestic asset bubbles, financial sector imbalances and inflations. Sovereign Wealth Funds can support domestic economy during the crises as a investors of last resort and stabilize international financial markets by supplying liquidity and reducing market volatility. Sovereign Wealth Funds are likely to continue growing and increase their relative importance in global financial markets.
Determination of Chemical Composition of Plums During Pre-Treatment and Drying
Authors: Walkowiak-Tomczak Dorota
Published: November 2011

Determination of Chemical Composition of Plums During Pre-Treatment and Drying

Thanks to drying, fruits are available on the market throughout the year. Parameters of drying conditions affect eg the content of bioactive compounds in the product. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of pretreatment conditions and the applied drying method on changes in the chemical composition of plums. Analyses were conducted on plums cv. 'Valor', which were subjected to pre-treatment including blanching, drilling and osmotic dehydration. Next they were dried by the convection method at air temperature of 60°C and flow rate of 1.5 m/s. Dehydration was run in a 61.5% sucrose solution at a temperature of 50°C for 1 or 2 h. Convection-dried plums, with no osmotic dehydration applied, constituted the reference sample. In fresh, dehydrated and dried fruits determinations included dry matter, polyphenols by colorimetry with the Folin reagent and contents of sugars by colorimetry using 3,5-DNS acid. As a result of blanching and dehydration the content of dry matter increased. Water loss after dehydration amounted to as much as 1.45 g H2O/g d.m.0after 2 h in comparison with blanched plums. As a result of dehydration total contents of sugars and polyphenols in plums decreased (mg/100 g d.m.). In convection-dried prunes the content of polyphenols was by 30÷50% higher than in the raw material, but lower than in the reference sample.
Effect of Magnesium Nutrition of Onion (Allium cepa L.). Part I. Yielding and Nutrient Status
Authors: Kleiber Tomasz , Golcz Anna , Krzesiński Włodzimierz
Published: November 2011

Effect of Magnesium Nutrition of Onion (Allium cepaL.). Part I. Yielding and Nutrient Status

Magnesium (Mg) serves specific physiological functions in plants, as it participates in 250÷400 processes and may not be replaced by other elements, even those exhibiting similar physicochemical properties, such as Co2+, Mn2+or Ni2+. The aim of the conducted studies was to optimize magnesium nutrition of onion (Allium cepaL.), through the evaluation of yielding of plants, and to determine its effect on contents of the following elements in leaves and bulbs: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). Magnesium was applied in the quick-acting form, MgSO4·7H2O, based on the chemical analyses of soil, in doses corresponding to 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg Mg·dm-3soil. The other nutrients were supplemented to standard levels recommended for the cultivation of onion, amounting to (in mg·dm-3soil) 150 N, 80 P and 200 K. Magnesium nutrition was found to have a positive effect on yielding of onion and its quality. Significantly the highest total yield (4.85 kg·m-2) and merchantable yield (4.78 kg·m-2) were obtained when applying Mg-100, which amounted to an increase by 38% and 45% in comparison with the control combination. Plant nutrition with magnesium in case of leaves significantly affected an improvement of their nutrient status for nitrogen, deterioration of calcium nutrition, while in case of leaves and bulbs that of potassium. Analyzed levels of magnesium nutrition had a significant effect on nutrient status of leaves and bulbs for this nutrient. Leaves accumulated more nitrogen, potassium, calcium and magnesium than bulbs. Controlled magnesium nutrition of plants is an effective method of biofortification of onion with this nutrient.
Development and First Year Operation of Extended Wastewater Treatment Plant in Dobron
Authors: Żarczyński Andrzej , Witczak Piotr
Published: November 2011

Development and First Year Operation of Extended Wastewater Treatment Plant in Dobron

The aim of the investigation was characterizing and operation assessment of the wastewater treatment plant in Dobron taking into consideration its flow capacity, before (350 m3/d) and after development including building of the second technological pipe with the same flow capacity (350 m3/d), finished in September, 2009. Concise description of the applied wastewater treatment technology and results of investigations concerning flow rates of wastewater within last few years, are presented. Example results of wastewater composition analysis and reached treatment conversion are described. Analysis results of screenings, sand removed from sand traps and stabilized sludge are shown.
Liver Follicular Helper T-Cells Predict the Achievement of Virological Response following Interferon-Based Treatment in HCV-Infected Patients
Authors: Tripodo Claudio , Petta Salvatore , Guarnotta Carla , Pipitone Rosaria , Cabibi Daniela , Colombo Mario P , Craxì Antonio
Published: November 2011

Background

Here, we assessed the presence of intrahepatic follicular helper T-cells (TFH) in a cohort of consecutive genotype 1 (G1) chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients comprising non-responders (NRs), relapsers (RRs) or those with sustained virological response (SVR) to pegylated interferon and ribavirin, and tested their relation with the response to antiviral treatment.

Methods

A total of 78 patients with G1 CHC (30 SVR, 15 RR and 33 NR), comparable for sex, age, viral load and fibrosis were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for liver content of PD1+Bcl6+ TFH cells. The number of TFH cells in the immunostained sections was counted out of five representative high-power microscopic fields (400x) relative to areas involved by the inflammatory infiltrate. IL28B rs12979860 and rs8099917 polymorphisms were also evaluated.

Results

The absolute number of liver TFH progressively increased from NR to RR to a maximum in SVR patients (14.2 ±12.5 versus 24.5 ±12.5 versus 59.2 ±27.1; P<0.001). The mean absolute number of liver TFH was 24.3 ±21.1 in 18 TT polymorphism patients, 31.7 ±29.5 in 43 TC and 47.8 ±27.8 in 17 CC ( P=0.01). SVR was achieved in 27/35 (77.1%) of patients with TFH ≥28 and in only 3/43 (6.9%) of those with TFH<28. Similarly, 15/17 (88.2%) CC patients achieved SVR, compared with 15/61 (24.6%) TT/ TC subjects. With the combination of TFH at the threshold of 28 and the rs12979860 polymorphism, the ability to predict SVR strongly increased.

Conclusions

In G1 CHC patients, TFH cells are present in the hepatic inflammatory infiltrate. Their amount is proportional to the ultimate likelihood of SVR, with a progressive increase from NR to RR to SVR. Quantification of TFH cells in the liver biopsy of these patients adds useful prognostic information.
Parsing Banner Downloaded Data into a Flat-File Format for Analysis
Authors: Henley Garnett Lee , Hughes Gerunda B. , Feimster Tawanda , Rouse Leo E.
Published: November 2011

Many institutions do not perform statistical modeling of student academic outcomes because they lack the ability to translate Banner® relational files to a flat-file database format. Accredited programs within institutions have terminal, high stakes examinations known as certifying boards that measure competencies and subject knowledge gained during the educational experience. Institutions need to know if there is a relationship between what is being taught throughout the curriculum and how well that knowledge prepares students to think critically as reflected by performance on boards. While it is easy to download Banner data in Microsoft Excel® spreadsheet format, programmers are needed to parse the file for use in statistical packages such as IBM SPSS® and SAS®. This case study details a methodology, including programming language, that will help anyone with intermediate Excel knowledge develop a relational database from Banner files.
Developing a Quality Distance Learning Program in a Comprehensive Community College
Authors: Jones Stephanie J.
Published: November 2011

Community colleges offer a variety of distance learning opportunities and continue to invest in technologies that better serve their students. This case study focuses on the experiences of Big State Community College and its progression from a few faculty teaching online courses to a distance learning program that supports greater than 25% of institutional enrollments. It explores the challenges of ensuring that Big State Community College’s evolving distance learning program promotes student success and is of a quality that reflects positively on the institution.
Developing an Online Course On-the-Fly with an IR State of Mind
Authors: Gosselin Kevin , Burley Hansel
Published: November 2011

Today’s higher education professional is beginning to feel the squeeze of higher expectations and the need to deliver instruction in a variety of ways but at always one speed—fast. Faced with an array of delivery avenues, a limited budget, and little time, instructor efficacy could plummet. Collaborative course development, plus a focus on collecting course data for a regime on continuous improvement, can help calm problems of budgets and speed. The instructors of the course decided to first think like institutional researchers: they built a patchwork of course material around a solid, predicable assessment theme. The results of these assessments indicated that students, working online in a hybrid format, performed equally as well as those in a traditional classroom. The instructors felt empowered by the experience.
Examining University Retention Efforts of Non-Traditional Students
Authors: McGaha-Garnett Valerie
Published: November 2011

Many non-traditional and first-generation students face multiple limitations to successful academic achievement, like the case of the student referred to in this chapter named Sarah. A primary strength that Sarah identified, related to academic success, was her ability to provide emotional and financial stability for her family. To accommodate her full-time schedule and parenting demands, Sarah expressed a need to learn through distance education from a research-based, state university. Adult learners, like Sarah, are more likely to seek online instructional delivery services. They often do this to as they seek educational credentials and job enhancement for the workplace. Despite the increased usage of web-based course delivery, many students favor traditional learning environments in the university (Adams & Corbett, 2010). Thus, personal, academic, and social factors may determine non-traditional students’ preference in learning methods.
Developing an Assessment Plan for the Arts and Sciences Division of a Comprehensive Community College
Authors: Smith Annette E. , Jones Stephanie J.
Published: November 2011

Assessment of student learning outcomes at institutions of higher learning has become a strategic initiative as accountability discussions continue to stir within the academic environment. This case study looks at the various aspects of developing, implementing, and evaluating an assessment plan for the Arts and Sciences division of a comprehensive community college. Discussions include how to instill an “assessment” focus within an institution, the importance of identifying appropriate leadership and establishing assessment committees, how to get faculty buy in, how to develop an assessment plan, how to utilize technology for data collection and analysis, and how to continuously improve assessment activities, are all explored. The institution of discussion has completed the first two years of its four-year assessment process. The case study reflects on the first two years of the process.
Establishing Continuous Readiness for Specialized Accreditation
Authors: Pitter Gita Wijesinghe
Published: November 2011

Accreditation, whether it be institutional or specialized, is an essential and powerful part of life at academic institutions. This case study provides an overview of accreditation, recent trends, and the role the central administration can play to establish a continuous state of readiness for accreditation. The role of the Office of the Provost and the Office of Institutional Research in particular are explored. Procedures and tools, which may be used to address readiness for specialized accreditation, are discussed.
Developing Best Practices for Value Added Research in a Political Context
Authors: Paton Valerie Osland , Dizinno Gerry , Mathew Roy
Published: November 2011

During the period of 1970-2010 in American higher education, the burden of funding has shifted in proportion from the federal government, to the state government and, ultimately, to students and parents. Not surprisingly, during this same period, the relationship between the student and the institution shifted from beneficiary of federal and state support to payee and consumer of education. Given this change from higher education as a public good to an individual good, there has been an increasing demand for accountability and transparency from parents and students, as well as legislators and governmental bodies.
Marketing Library and Information Services for Effective Utilization of Available Resources
Authors: Tella Adeyinka , Ojo Rachel Ronke
Published: November 2011

Marketing of information products and services is very vital in the present information society. Of late, marketing of information services has emerged as an indispensable tool in the library and information service industry. In the light of this, this study examines possible ways of marketing information services by the 21st century information professionals for effective utilization of resources by the clients. This chapter looks at the following: the strategies already in place, the competencies needed by information professionals in the digital era, and methodologies that can be adopted for marketing information services available to libraries and information centres in the future.
Strategies for Marketing an Academic Library in an African Setting
Authors: Ogola Sylvia A. , Otike Japhet
Published: November 2011

Marketing of library services varies from one environment to another. This chapter discusses the kind of strategies that a librarian manning a university library in Africa needs to come up with to realize a successful marketing programme. The limited resources and an adverse working environment characteristic of the African situation are highlighted. It is observed that a successful marketer is one who has the right personal qualities, sensitive to the needs of the users, knowledgeable about the product, and promoting it with passion. The chapter also looks at issues that affect the marketing capabilities of academic libraries in Africa. It concludes that academic libraries in Africa have very tight budgets, and most cannot afford to earmark any funds towards marketing their services. The chapter is significant in that not much literature is available for marketing of academic libraries in an African setting, and it provides some solutions that can be applied without extra funding. Students in Africa rely on mobile phones and social networking sites to communicate, and it is recommended that the use of social media for marketing can be very effective in Africa today
Digital Libraries
Authors: Swaminathan N.
Published: November 2011

The advancement of computer and communication technologies has resulted in the development of digital libraries. It is generally true that digital libraries are capable of providing the desired information instantaneously, but it poses some serious problems to the professional libraries and librarians, especially in third world countries like India where finance is a big constraint for implementation of digital libraries in every corner of the country. This chapter aims not only to discuss the general overview of digital libraries, with a brief historical background of digital libraries, but also to discuss the issues related to and future prospects of digital libraries in India. Further, the challenges that the digital libraries are facing in India with regards to quality problem, interoperability, intellectual property rights, privacy and security, human use, preservation problem, services, integration, and the role of librarianship in the digital era, have also been discussed
Social Media in Library and Information Centres
Authors: Alonge Ayodele John
Published: November 2011

This chapter discusses social networking as a new tool in information management, using Facebook as case study. It explicates how social networking can enhance library outreach and librarians’ collaboration. It presents social networking as new tool in information management that is capable of creating future prospects, opportunities, and hope for library users, and information and library professionals. For the purpose of this work, three groups were created on Facebook. One for library users and two for Librarians: Academic Library Users, African Librarian, and Nigerian Librarians. Social networking sites could be effectively used to disseminate information and promote pleasant professional relationship among librarians and library users. It encourages academic collaboration. With Facebook group, pictures of memorable events could be shared, news could be posted, and meetings, conferences, and workshops could be announced.
Cataloguing and Classification of Library Resources in the 21st Century
Authors: Adedibu Lydia O. , Akinboro Evelyn O. , Abdussalam Titilola A. B.
Published: November 2011

Both traditional and digital libraries are the storehouse of information and indispensable in this age of computerization and digitization of information. As cataloguing is one of the pillars of library services and because cataloguing plays a pivotal role for a successful library operation, a discussion and description of cataloguing process is inevitable. This chapter discusses the steps involved in cataloguing- descriptive, assigning a subject to the document and allocating a classification mark to the picked subject from the subject heading list. It also describes schemes which are specialized and deals only with the subject areas involved, like NLM (National Library of medium) classification scheme and Moys classification for law. The three basic types of classification structure - enumerative, analytic-synthetic, and faceted classification scheme are explained as well. The important activities of library automation, ways of doing copy cataloguing, meaning, procedures, and sources of copy cataloguing are also briefly explained. As automated library system is an important part of libraries nowadays, this chapter further discusses the meaning of computerized cataloguing: the MARC format/records. The role of MARC is also explained in the simplest terms possible as well as the basic information needed to understand MARC record.
Unsupervised Data Analysis Methods used in Qualitative and Quantitative Metabolomics and Metabonomics
Authors: Cuperlovic-Culf Miroslava
Published: November 2011

Metabolomics or metababonomics is one of the major high throughput analysis methods that endeavors holistic measurement of metabolic profiles of biological systems. Data analysis approaches in metabolomics can broadly be divided into qualitative – analysis of spectral data and quantitative – analysis of individual metabolite concentrations. In this work, the author will demonstrate the benefits and limitations of different unsupervised analysis tools currently utilized in qualitative and quantitative metabolomics data analysis. Following a detailed literature review outlining different applications of unsupervised methods in metabolomics, the author shows examples of an application of the major previously utilized unsupervised analysis methods. The testing of these methods was performed using qualitative as well as corresponding quantitative metabolite data derived to represent a large set of 2,000 objects. Spectra of mixtures were obtained from different combinations of experimental NMR measurements of 13 prevalent metabolites at five different groups of concentrations representing different phenotypes. The analysis shows advantages and disadvantages of standard tools when applied specifically to metabolomics.
COPD/Emphysema: The Vascular Story
Authors: Voelkel Norbert F. , Gomez‐Arroyo Jose , Mizuno Shiro
Published: November 2011

In this perspective, we review published data which support the concept that many or most chronic and progressive lung diseases also involve the lung vessels and that microvascular abnormalities and endothelial cell death contribute to the pathobiology of emphysema. Lung vessel maintenance depends on Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor signaling and both are compromised in the emphysematous lung tissue. Although hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction has been considered as an important factor contributing to the vascular remodeling in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (COPD/emphysema, it is now clear that inhaled cigarette smoke can damage the lung vessels independent of the lung vascular tone. We propose that a “sick lung circulation” rather than the right heart afterload may better explain the cardiac abnormalities in COPD patients which are usually summarized with the term “cor pulmonale.” The mechanisms and causes of pulmonary hypertension are likely complex and include vessel loss, in situ thrombosis, and endothelial cell dysfunction. Assessment of the functional importance of pulmonary hypertension in COPD requires hemodynamic measurements during exercise.