bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competències mediàtiques a l’IES Dr. Balmis d’Alacant
Authors: Escolano i López Josep Manuel
Published: May 2014

La introducció de les TIC en l’ensenyament (les TAC) planteja molts interrogants entre els membres de la comunitat educativa, especialment entre el professorat. L’atracció del mitjà per als aprenents, la manca de reflexió en l’ús, tant per part del professorat com de l’alumnat, la necessitat d’una formació específica, l’adequació de les infraestructures al concepte i a les possibilitats que ofereix el web 2.0 i la incorporació de les aplicacions TAC en les programacions d’aula són alguns aspectes que mereixen una atenció específica i una anàlisi detinguda. La base de gran part de les respostes rau en una planificació eficaç de la formació del professorat que satisfaça les expectatives de tothom. Els projectes de centre, la utilització de plataformes educatives com Moodle i l’autoformació són sendes que ens acosten envers les solucions. En aquest treball, hi centrem l’atenció en les valoracions, les pràctiques habituals, les actituds i els coneixements relacionats amb la competència mediàtica o digital del professorat de l’IES Dr. Balmis d’Alacant. Ens basem en una enquesta realitzada en línia que aplega aquests continguts en una combinació d’ítems de resposta tancada i d’altres de resposta oberta.
Ressenya de Nova reflexió sobre l’obra d’Enric Valor, de Gemma Lluch i Josep M. Baldaquí (curadors) (Institut Interuniversitari de Filologia Valenciana, Alacant, 2011, 146 pàgines)
Authors: Vidal Lloret Vicent
Published: May 2014

Ressenya de: Nova reflexió sobre l’obra d’Enric Valor, de Gemma Lluch i Josep M. Baldaquí (curadors) (Institut Interuniversitari de Filologia Valenciana, Alacant, 2011, 146 pàgines).
El peso del contenido publicitario en la prensa alicantina: el caso del Diario Información y La Verdad
Authors: De Lara González Alicia
Published: May 2014

La doble crisis que atraviesan los periódicos, la propia del mercado en general y la publicitaria que les afecta más directamente, provoca en el medio impreso una situación contraria a la que cabría esperar: el porcentaje de espacio ocupado por el contenido comercial se mantiene constante. Un comportamiento que sorprende si tenemos en cuenta que la recesión económica obliga a los anunciantes a reducir su gasto en inversión publicitaria. La presente investigación refleja cómo las dos principales cabeceras en la provincia de Alicante, el Diario Información y el periódico La Verdad, recurren a estrategias poco lícitas para contrarrestar la pérdida de inserciones publicitarias, un dato que queda reflejado en la balanza que equilibra el contenido editorial y la mancha publicitaria. El estudio se realiza sobre una muestra comprendida por 1.094 ejemplares, distribuidos de forma equitativa entre ambas cabeceras y entre los años 2007, 2008 y 2009.
Análisis del mensaje publicitario sobre la audiencia segmentada de la IPTV
Authors: Carrasco Molina Enrique
Published: May 2014

Este artículo se centra en el análisis de algunas de las innovadoras alternativas que ofrece Internet, en simbiosis con la „televisión a la carta‟, como la IPTV. Se estudia el nuevo sistema como atractiva plataforma publicitaria para anunciantes, y cómo éstos se benefician de la nueva y determinante segmentación de las audiencias. Se traza una panorámica sobre la importante penetración que ha tenido Internet en la propia vida de las personas, condicionando su acercamiento a cualquier fenómeno comunicativo. Se efectúa un trabajo de campo mediante la descripción y la cuantificación de alternativas que registran los mejores resultados en el aspecto publicitario dentro del mismo formato IPTV. Se estudian dos de los sistemas de IPTV que hoy día funcionan en España (Imagenio, Yatv), y se analizan metodologías del discurso publicitario que aprovechan el recurso de la cercanía para mejorar sus posibilidades de impacto, impulsando el consumo de un producto concreto. Se exploran, asimismo, los nuevos diseños del mensaje publicitario que rompen con el concepto de spot tradicional asociado, sobre todo, a las cadenas de televisión generalista.
Ecología de la comunicación e interacción social
Authors: Costa Joan
Published: May 2014

Con motivo de la inauguración de la primera edición del Máster Oficial de la Universidad de Alicante “Comunicación e industrias creativas”, coordinado por los profesores Victoria Tur Viñes, Raúl Rodríguez Ferrándiz y Fernando Olivares Delgado, el comunicólogo, sociólogo, diseñador, investigador y metodólogo Joan Costa ofreció el pasado 18 de octubre de 2011 una charla dirigida a profesores de la UA, profesionales del sector, así como a los alumnos del Máster y del grado en Publicidad y Relaciones Públicas de esta universidad. Su exposición y presentación dio como resultado el ensayo “Ecología de la comunicación e interacción social” que Joan Costa presenta en Revista Mediterránea de Comunicación.
Carl I. Hovland en las revistas científicas de comunicación en España (2000-2010)
Authors: Ruiz San Román José A. , González Mariam
Published: May 2014

El artículo estudia la repercusión de la obra de Carl I.Hovland (1912-1961) en la investigación científica en comunicación en España en los últimos diez años. Se ha realizado un análisis de contenido cuantitativo de revistas científicas sobre comunicación publicadas en España (Anàlisi: quaderns de comunicació i cultura, Comunicación y Sociedad, Comunicar. Revista de Medios de Comunicación y Educación, Estudios sobre el Mensaje Periodístico, Revista Latina de Comunicación Social, Telos: Cuadernos de comunicación e innovación y Zer. Revista de Estudios de Comunicación). Se trata de las denominadas revistas fuente por In RECS. Se ha trabajado sobre una muestra de 1408 artículos en revistas científicas. En las conclusiones se subraya la escasa presencia de Hovland y de su propuesta metodológica de investigar mediante experimentos.
No Grist for Mill on Natural Kinds
Authors: Magnus P.D.
Published: May 2014

According to the standard narrative, natural kind is a technical notion that was introduced by John Stuart Mill in the 1840s and the recent craze for natural kinds, launched by Putnam and Kripke, is a continuation of that tradition. I argue that the standard narrative is mistaken. The Millian tradition of kinds was not particularly influential in the 20th century, and the Putnam-Kripke revolution did not clearly engage with even the remnants that were left of it. The presently active tradition of natural kinds is less than half a century old. Recognizing this might help us better appreciate both Mill and natural kinds.
Deficient Import of Acetyl-CoA into the ER Lumen Causes Neurodegeneration and Propensity to Infections, Inflammation, and Cancer
Authors: Peng Yajing , Li Mi , Clarkson Ben D. , Pehar Mariana , Lao Patrick J. , Hillmer Ansel T. , Barnhart Todd E. , Christian Bradley T. , Mitchell Heather A. , Bendlin Barbara B. , Sandor Matyas , Puglielli Luigi
Published: May 2014

The import of acetyl-CoA into the ER lumen by AT-1/SLC33A1 is essential for the Nε-lysine acetylation of ER-resident and ER-transiting proteins. A point-mutation (S113R) in AT-1 has been associated with a familial form of spastic paraplegia. Here, we report that AT-1S113Ris unable to form homodimers in the ER membrane and is devoid of acetyl-CoA transport activity. The reduced influx of acetyl-CoA into the ER lumen results in reduced acetylation of ER proteins and an aberrant form of autophagy. Mice homozygous for the mutation display early developmental arrest. In contrast, heterozygous animals develop to full term, but display neurodegeneration and propensity to infections, inflammation, and cancer. The immune and cancer phenotypes are contingent on the presence of pathogens in the colony, whereas the nervous system phenotype is not. In conclusion, our results reveal a previously unknown aspect of acetyl-CoA metabolism that affects the immune and nervous systems and the risk for malignancies.
Rat Ultrasonic Vocalization Shows Features of a Modular Behavior
Authors: Riede Tobias
Published: May 2014

Small units of production, or modules, can be effective building blocks of more complex motor behaviors. Recording underlying movements of vocal production in awake and spontaneously behaving male Sprague Dawley rats interacting with a female, I tested whether the underlying movements of ultrasonic calls can be described by modules. Movements were quantified by laryngeal muscle EMG activity and subglottal pressure changes. A module was defined by uniformity in both larynx movement and pressure pattern that resulted in a specific spectrographic feature. Modules are produced either singly (single module call type) or in combination with a different module (composite call type). Distinct modules were shown to be linearly (re)combined. Additionally, I found that modules produced during the same expiratory phase can be linked with or without a pause in laryngeal activity, the latter creating the spectrographic appearance of two separate calls. Results suggest that combining discrete modules facilitates generation of higher-order patterns, thereby increasing overall complexity of the vocal repertoire. With additional study, modularity and flexible laryngeal–respiratory coordination may prove to be a basal feature of mammalian vocal motor control.
A Higher Sensory Brain Region Is Involved in Reversing Reinforcement-Induced Vocal Changes in a Songbird
Authors: Canopoli Alessandro , Herbst Joshua A. , Hahnloser Richard H.R.
Published: May 2014

Many animals exhibit flexible behaviors that they can adjust to increase reward or avoid harm (learning by positive or aversive reinforcement). But what neural mechanisms allow them to restore their original behavior (motor program) after reinforcement is withdrawn? One possibility is that motor restoration relies on brain areas that have a role in memorization but no role in either motor production or in sensory processing relevant for expressing the behavior and its refinement.

We investigated the role of a higher auditory brain area in the songbird for modifying and restoring the stereotyped adult song. We exposed zebra finches to aversively reinforcing white noise stimuli contingent on the pitch of one of their stereotyped song syllables. In response, birds significantly changed the pitch of that syllable to avoid the aversive reinforcer. After we withdrew reinforcement, birds recovered their original song within a few days. However, we found that large bilateral lesions in the caudal medial nidopallium (NCM, a high auditory area) impaired recovery of the original pitch even several weeks after withdrawal of the reinforcing stimuli. Because NCM lesions spared both successful noise-avoidance behavior and birds' auditory discrimination ability, our results show that NCM is not needed for directed motor changes or for auditory discriminative processing, but is implied in memorizing or recalling the memory of the recent song target.
The Redistribution ofDrosophilaVesicular Monoamine Transporter Mutants from Synaptic Vesicles to Large Dense-Core Vesicles Impairs Amine-Dependent Behaviors
Authors: Grygoruk Anna , Chen Audrey , Martin Ciara A. , Lawal Hakeem O. , Fei Hao , Gutierrez Gabriel , Biedermann Traci , Najibi Rod , Hadi Richard , Chouhan Amit K. , Murphy Niall P. , Schweizer Felix E. , Macleod Gregory T. , Maidment Nigel T. , Krantz David E.
Published: May 2014

Monoamine neurotransmitters are stored in both synaptic vesicles (SVs), which are required for release at the synapse, and large dense-core vesicles (LDCVs), which mediate extrasynaptic release. The contributions of each type of vesicular release to specific behaviors are not known. To address this issue, we generated mutations in the C-terminal trafficking domain of theDrosophilavesicular monoamine transporter (DVMAT), which is required for the vesicular storage of monoamines in both SVs and LDCVs. Deletion of the terminal 23 aa (DVMAT-Δ3) reduced the rate of endocytosis and localization of DVMAT to SVs, but supported localization to LDCVs. An alanine substitution mutation in a tyrosine-based motif (DVMAT-Y600A) also reduced sorting to SVs and showed an endocytic deficit specific to aminergic nerve terminals. Redistribution of DVMAT-Y600A from SV to LDCV fractions was also enhanced in aminergic neurons. To determine how these changes might affect behavior, we expressed DVMAT-Δ3 and DVMAT-Y600A in adVMATnull genetic background that lacks endogenousdVMATactivity. When expressed ubiquitously, DVMAT-Δ3 showed a specific deficit in female fertility, whereas DVMAT-Y600A rescued behavior similarly to DVMAT-wt. In contrast, when expressed more specifically in octopaminergic neurons, both DVMAT-Δ3 and DVMAT-Y600A failed to rescue female fertility, and DVMAT-Y600A showed deficits in larval locomotion. DVMAT-Y600A also showed more severe dominant effects than either DVMAT-wt or DVMAT-Δ3. We propose that these behavioral deficits result from the redistribution of DVMAT from SVs to LDCVs. By extension, our data suggest that the balance of amine release from SVs versus that from LDCVs is critical for the function of some aminergic circuits.
Excitatory Synaptic Feedback from the Motor Layer to the Sensory Layers of the Superior Colliculus
Authors: Ghitani Nima , Bayguinov Peter O. , Vokoun Corinne R. , McMahon Shane , Jackson Meyer B. , Basso Michele A.
Published: May 2014

Neural circuits that translate sensory information into motor commands are organized in a feedforward manner converting sensory information into motor output. The superior colliculus (SC) follows this pattern as it plays a role in converting visual information from the retina and visual cortex into motor commands for rapid eye movements (saccades). Feedback from movement to sensory regions is hypothesized to play critical roles in attention, visual image stability, and saccadic suppression, but in contrast to feedforward pathways, motor feedback to sensory regions has received much less attention. The present study used voltage imaging and patch-clamp recording in slices of rat SC to test the hypothesis of an excitatory synaptic pathway from the motor layers of the SC back to the sensory superficial layers. Voltage imaging revealed an extensive depolarization of the superficial layers evoked by electrical stimulation of the motor layers. A pharmacologically isolated excitatory synaptic potential in the superficial layers depended on stimulus strength in the motor layers in a manner consistent with orthodromic excitation. Patch-clamp recording from neurons in the sensory layers revealed excitatory synaptic potentials in response to glutamate application in the motor layers. The location, size, and morphology of responsive neurons indicated they were likely to be narrow-field vertical cells. This excitatory projection from motor to sensory layers adds an important element to the circuitry of the SC and reveals a novel feedback pathway that could play a role in enhancing sensory responses to attended targets as well as visual image stabilization.
Memory Accumulation Mechanisms in Human Cortex Are Independent of Motor Intentions
Authors: Sestieri Carlo , Tosoni Annalisa , Mignogna Valeria , McAvoy Mark P. , Shulman Gordon L. , Corbetta Maurizio , Romani Gian Luca
Published: May 2014

Previous studies on perceptual decision-making have often emphasized a tight link between decisions and motor intentions. Human decisions, however, also depend on memories or experiences that are not closely tied to specific motor responses. Recent neuroimaging findings have suggested that, during episodic retrieval, parietal activity reflects the accumulation of evidence for memory decisions. It is currently unknown, however, whether these evidence accumulation signals are functionally linked to signals for motor intentions coded in frontoparietal regions and whether activity in the putative memory accumulator tracks the amount of evidence for only previous experience, as reflected in “old” reports, or for both old and new decisions, as reflected in the accuracy of memory judgments. Here, human participants used saccadic-eye and hand-pointing movements to report recognition judgments on pictures defined by different degrees of evidence for old or new decisions. A set of cortical regions, including the middle intraparietal sulcus, showed a monotonic variation of the fMRI BOLD signal that scaled with perceived memory strength (older > newer), compatible with an asymmetrical memory accumulator. Another set, including the hippocampus and the angular gyrus, showed a nonmonotonic response profile tracking memory accuracy (higher > lower evidence), compatible with a symmetrical accumulator. In contrast, eye and hand effector-specific regions in frontoparietal cortex tracked motor intentions but were not modulated by the amount of evidence for the effector outcome. We conclude that item recognition decisions are supported by a combination of symmetrical and asymmetrical accumulation signals largely segregated from motor intentions.
Expression and Functional Roles of Kv7/KCNQ/M-Channels in Rat Medial Entorhinal Cortex Layer II Stellate Cells
Authors: Nigro Maximiliano Jose , Mateos-Aparicio Pedro , Storm Johan F.
Published: May 2014

The medial entorhinal cortex (MEC) is important for spatial navigation and memory. Stellate cells (SCs) of MEC layer II provide major input to the hippocampus, and are thought to be the neuronal correlate of the grid cells. Their electrophysiological properties have been used to explain grid field formation. However, little is known about the functional roles of potassium channels in SCs. M-current is a slowly activating potassium current, active at subthreshold potentials. Although some studies have suggested that Kv7/M-channels may affect subthreshold resonance in SCs, others have found no Kv7/M-current in these cells, so the expression and roles of Kv7/M-channels in SCs are still debated. Using whole-cell voltage-clamp, we have identified a typical M-current with pharmacological properties characteristic of Kv7/M-channels in rat MEC SCs. Current-clamp experiments showed that the specific Kv7/M-channel blocker XE991 increased SCs excitability, and reduced spike frequency adaptation. Our results demonstrate that Kv7/M-channels are expressed in SCs and contribute substantially to regulation of excitability in these cells.
A Presynaptic Role of Microtubule-Associated Protein 1/Futsch inDrosophila: Regulation of Active Zone Number and Neurotransmitter Release
Authors: Lepicard Simon , Franco Bénédicte , de Bock Frédéric , Parmentier Marie-Laure
Published: May 2014

Structural microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), like MAP1, not only control the stability of microtubules, but also interact with postsynaptic proteins in the nervous system. Their presynaptic role has barely been studied. To tackle this question, we used theDrosophilamodel in which there is only one MAP1 homolog: Futsch, which is expressed at the larval neuromuscular junction, presynaptically only. We show that Futsch regulates neurotransmitter release and active zone density. Importantly, we provide evidence that this role of Futsch is not just the consequence of its microtubule-stabilizing function. Using high-resolution microscopy, we show that Futsch and microtubules are almost systematically present in close proximity to active zones, with Futsch being localized in-between microtubules and active zones. Using proximity ligation assays, we further demonstrate the proximity of Futsch, but not microtubules, to active zone components. Altogether our data are in favor of a model by which Futsch locally stabilizes active zones, by reinforcing their link with the underlying microtubule cytoskeleton.
Crossmodal Adaptation in Right Posterior Superior Temporal Sulcus during Face–Voice Emotional Integration
Authors: Watson Rebecca , Latinus Marianne , Noguchi Takao , Garrod Oliver , Crabbe Frances , Belin Pascal
Published: May 2014

The integration of emotional information from the face and voice of other persons is known to be mediated by a number of “multisensory” cerebral regions, such as the right posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS). However, whether multimodal integration in these regions is attributable to interleaved populations of unisensory neurons responding to face or voice or rather by multimodal neurons receiving input from the two modalities is not fully clear. Here, we examine this question using functional magnetic resonance adaptation and dynamic audiovisual stimuli in which emotional information was manipulated parametrically and independently in the face and voice via morphing between angry and happy expressions. Healthy human adult subjects were scanned while performing a happy/angry emotion categorization task on a series of such stimuli included in a fast event-related, continuous carryover design. Subjects integrated both face and voice information when categorizing emotion—although there was a greater weighting of face information—and showed behavioral adaptation effects both within and across modality. Adaptation also occurred at the neural level: in addition to modality-specific adaptation in visual and auditory cortices, we observed for the first time a crossmodal adaptation effect. Specifically, fMRI signal in the right pSTS was reduced in response to a stimulus in which facial emotion was similar to the vocal emotion of the preceding stimulus. These results suggest that the integration of emotional information from face and voice in the pSTS involves a detectable proportion of bimodal neurons that combine inputs from visual and auditory cortices.
ATP Hydrolysis Is Critically Required for Function of CaV1.3 Channels in Cochlear Inner Hair Cells via Fueling Ca2+Clearance
Authors: Weiler Simon , Krinner Stefanie , Wong Aaron B. , Moser Tobias , Pangršič Tina
Published: May 2014

Sound encoding is mediated by Ca2+influx-evoked release of glutamate at the ribbon synapse of inner hair cells. Here we studied the role of ATP in this process focusing on Ca2+current through CaV1.3 channels and Ca2+homeostasis in mouse inner hair cells. Patch-clamp recordings and Ca2+imaging demonstrate that hydrolyzable ATP is essential to maintain synaptic Ca2+influx in inner hair cells via fueling Ca2+-ATPases to avoid an increase in cytosolic [Ca2+] and subsequent Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent inactivation of CaV1.3 channels.
Evidence That Dendritic Mitochondria Negatively Regulate Dendritic Branching in Pyramidal Neurons in the Neocortex
Authors: Kimura Toshiya , Murakami Fujio
Published: May 2014

The precise branching patterns of dendritic arbors have a profound impact on information processing in individual neurons and the brain. These patterns are established by positive and negative regulation of the dendritic branching. Although the mechanisms for positive regulation have been extensively investigated, little is known about those for negative regulation. Here, we present evidence that mitochondria located in developing dendrites are involved in the negative regulation of dendritic branching. We visualized mitochondria in pyramidal neurons of the mouse neocortex during dendritic morphogenesis usingin uteroelectroporation of a mitochondria-targeted fluorescent construct. We altered the mitochondrial distributionin vivoby overexpressing Mfn1, a mitochondrial shaping protein, or the Miro-binding domain of TRAK2 (TRAK2-MBD), a truncated form of a motor-adaptor protein. We found that dendritic mitochondria were preferentially targeted to the proximal portion of dendrites only during dendritic morphogenesis. Overexpression of Mfn1 or TRAK2-MBD depleted mitochondria from the dendrites, an effect that was accompanied by increased branching of the proximal portion of the dendrites. This dendritic abnormality cannot be accounted for by changes in the distribution of membrane trafficking organelles since the overexpression of Mfn1 did not alter the distributions of the endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi, or endosomes. Additionally, neither did these constructs impair neuronal viability or mitochondrial function. Therefore, our results suggest that dendritic mitochondria play a critical role in the establishment of the precise branching pattern of dendritic arbors by negatively affecting dendritic branching.
Microstimulation of the Human Substantia Nigra Alters Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Ramayya Ashwin G. , Misra Amrit , Baltuch Gordon H. , Kahana Michael J.
Published: May 2014

Animal studies have shown that substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic (DA) neurons strengthen action–reward associations during reinforcement learning, but their role in human learning is not known. Here, we applied microstimulation in the SN of 11 patients undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery for the treatment of Parkinson's disease as they performed a two-alternative probability learning task in which rewards were contingent on stimuli, rather than actions. Subjects demonstrated decreased learning from reward trials that were accompanied by phasic SN microstimulation compared with reward trials without stimulation. Subjects who showed large decreases in learning also showed an increased bias toward repeating actions after stimulation trials; therefore, stimulation may have decreased learning by strengthening action–reward associations rather than stimulus–reward associations. Our findings build on previous studies implicating SN DA neurons in preferentially strengthening action–reward associations during reinforcement learning.
Sex differences in LXR expression in normal offspring and in rats born to diabetic dams
Authors: Kruse María Sol , Vega María Cristina , Rey Mariana , Coirini Héctor
Published: May 2014

Gestational diabetes (GD) alters normal fetal development and is related to a diabetogenic effect in the progeny. Liver X receptors (LXRs) are considered to be potential drug targets for the regulation, treatment, or prevention of diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate early and late changes of LXR in the hippocampus and hypothalamus of the male and female offspring of control (CO) and diabetic (DO) mothers. We used an experimental model of streptozotocin-induced GD to assess the protein expression of LXRα (NR1H3) and LXRβ (NR1H2) by western blotting. The tissues were obtained from CO and DO animals at postnatal day 1 (1D), day 10 (10D), and day 35 (35D) and 9 months (9M). In CO, the LXR expression showed significant differences among the groups, which were tissue- and receptor-specific (P<0.05). Sex differences in CO were found only in the hypothalamus for LXRβ expression at 35D and 9M (P<0.05). When CO and DO were compared, differences between them were observed in the majority of the studied groups at 1D (male hippocampus, LXRα 31% and LXRβ 161%; female hippocampus, LXRβ 165%; male hypothalamus, LXRβ 182%; and female hypothalamus, LXRα 85%;P<0.05). However, these differences disappeared later with the exception of LXRβ expression in the male hypothalamus (P<0.05). The area under the curve during the glucose tolerance test correlated negatively with LXRβ in CO but not in DO animals. Moreover, in a male DO subpopulation this correlation was positive as it occurs in intolerant animals. These results indicate that GD affects hypothalamic LXR expression differently in male and female offspring.
Soluble TRAIL is present at high concentrations in seminal plasma and promotes spermatozoa survival
Authors: Zauli Giorgio , Celeghini Claudio , Monasta Lorenzo , Martinelli Monica , Luppi Stefania , Gonelli Arianna , Grill Vittorio , Ricci Giuseppe , Secchiero Paola
Published: May 2014

The expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL(TNFSF10)) and of its receptors (TRAILR1, TRAILR2, TRAILR3, and TRAILR4) have been documented in testis, but the presence of soluble TRAIL in seminal fluid, as well as the potential physiopathological role of the TRAIL/TRAILR system in spermatozoa, has not been previously investigated. Male donors (n=123) among couples presenting for infertility evaluation were consecutively enrolled in this study. The presence of soluble TRAIL was analyzed in seminal samples by ELISA, while the surface expression of TRAIL receptors was investigated by flow cytometry. High levels of soluble TRAIL were detected in seminal plasma (median, 11 621 pg/ml and mean±s.d., 13 371±8367 pg/ml) and flow cytometric analysis revealed a variable expression of TRAIL receptors in the sperm cellular fraction among different subjects. In addition, the effect of physiologically relevant concentrations of recombinant TRAIL was investigated on survival and motility of spermatozoa. Of interest, the in vitro exposure of capacitated spermatozoa to recombinant TRAIL (10 ng/ml) significantly preserved their overall survival. Therefore, the present study demonstrates for the first time the presence of elevated levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine TRAIL in seminal fluids. Moreover, the demonstration that recombinant TRAIL promotes spermatozoa survival after capacitation suggests potential therapeutic implications.
Pollutant removal efficiency of a retrofitted stormwater detention pond
Authors: Carpenter Jason Faber , Vallet Bertrand , Pelletier Geneviève , Lessard Paul , Vanrolleghem Peter A.
Published: May 2014

The objectives of this study were to characterize the stormwater runoff for a residential catchment, evaluate the present detention pond removal efficiency for different pollutants, and evaluate how its efficiency can be increased by controlling the pond stormwater retention time. The analysed pollutants were total suspended solids (TSS), total metals and ammonia. Runoff pollutant concentrations were generally found to agree with literature for the small residential catchment. The design of the original pond was such that low retention times of most analysed pollutants occurred, causing a lower than expected removal efficiency when compared to similar types of ponds. The retrofitting of the pond consisted of adding a sluice gate at the outlet in order to retain stormwater for longer periods of time. The retrofit allowed drastic improvement of the removal efficiency for TSS, NH3-N and zinc, from 39 to 90%, 10 to 84%, and 20 to 42%, respectively.
Loading estimate methods to support integrated watershed-lake modelling: Duffins Creek, Lake Ontario
Authors: Booty William G. , Wong Isaac , Bowen Gary. S. , Fong Phil , McCrimmon Craig , Leon Luis
Published: May 2014

Integrated watershed-lake modelling requires high quality data for calibration and validation. The two-phase loading estimate approach presented here provides a more confident estimate of nutrient loads for these models. Phase 1 establishes the initial range of the loading estimates using averaging algorithms, ratio estimators, event mean concentration (EMC) and regression-based methods. For Duffins Creek outlet, the 2007, 2008 and 2009 ranges are 6.2–30, 22.3–78 and 19.5–242 tonnes of total phosphorus (TP), respectively. After combining the Beale ratio estimator and the regression-based methods in Phase 2, the 2007, 2008 and 2009 ranges are reduced to 13–17, 57–73 and 69–92 tonnes TP, respectively. The reduction represents the 0 and 28.07% upper bound bias of the regression-based method. Applying this information to the regression-based methods, daily and monthly ranges with a lower bound with no adjustment and with upper bound as 1.2807 times the regression-based TP load estimates are established. These loads are then used in integrated watershed-lake model calibration and validation to improve the model predictions.
Decision support system to select sustainable point-of-use/point-of-entry treatment systems (D4SPOUTS)
Authors: Hamouda Mohamed A. , Anderson William B. , Huck Peter M.
Published: May 2014

Point-of-use (POU) and point-of-entry (POE) devices are, in some situations, considered to be a viable solution for drinking water suppliers and consumers alike to deal with site specific drinking water issues. This paper introduces a newly developed decision support system (DSS) that employs decision making techniques to select among the various devices based on their characterization and sustainability assessment. Careful illustration of the various aspects and components of the DSS is provided and the decision process is explained. Aspects of validity, usability and sensitivity analysis are demonstrated through a hypothetical case study for removing lead introduced in the distribution system of municipally treated drinking water. The output of the DSS helps to determine the more sustainable treatment devices which should have positive implications for the application of POU and POE devices. Other potential uses of the DSS are described to illustrate its versatility and usefulness. The DSS is not intended to replace common engineering practice in selecting POU and POE treatment systems, but rather to give support to the users by providing the necessary information about all possible solutions.
Modeling of hourly river water temperatures using artificial neural networks
Authors: Hebert Cindie , Caissie Daniel , Satish Mysore G. , El-Jabi Nassir
Published: May 2014

Water temperature is an important component for water quality and biotic conditions in rivers. A good knowledge of river thermal regime is critical for the management of aquatic resources and environmental impact studies. The objective of the present study was to develop a water temperature model as a function of air temperatures, water temperatures and water level data using artificial neural network (ANN) techniques for two thermally different streams. This model was applied on an hourly basis. The results showed that ANN models are an effective modeling tool with overall root-mean-square-error of 0.94 and 1.23 °C, coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.967 and 0.962 and bias of −0.13 and 0.02 °C, for Catamaran Brook and the Little Southwest Miramichi River, respectively. The ANN model performed best in summer and autumn and showed a poorer performance in spring. Results of the present study showed similar or better results to those of deterministic and stochastic models. The present study shows that the predicted hourly water temperatures can also be used to estimate the mean and maximum daily water temperatures. The many advantages of ANN models are their simplicity, low data requirements, their capability of modeling long-term time series as well as having an overall good performance.
Removal of basic dyes from aqueous solutions by activated carbon derived from Eichornia crassipes: equilibrium and kinetic studies
Authors: Nasrin Banu Syed Usman , Maheswaran G.
Published: May 2014

The feasibility of preparing activated carbon from Eichornia crassipes by chemical activation was investigated. Batch experiments were carried out for the sorption of Methylene Blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RB) onto the prepared activated carbon. The variables studied were initial dye concentration, pH, adsorbent dose, and contact time. Equilibrium data for the adsorption of the dyes onto activated carbon were obtained from batch adsorption experiments. Two-parameter isotherm models including Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich were employed for fitting equilibrium data. Three-parameter isotherm models including Redlich–Peterson, Toth, and Koble–Corrigan models were also employed for fitting the equilibrium data. Linear and non-linear regression methods were used to determine the best fit model to the equilibrium data. It was found that non-linear regression is a better method for determining isotherm parameters. The data were fitted to pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, intraparticle diffusion model, and Elovich equation. The pseudo-second-order model gave the best fit to the equilibrium data as seen from correlation coefficient values. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopic investigations were carried out to confirm the morphological characteristics of the adsorbent. The prepared activated carbon had greater affinity for adsorbing MB when compared to RB.
Clinical Decision Making on Extensive Molar Restorations
Authors: Laegreid T , Gjerdet NR , Johansson A , Johansson A-K
Published: May 2014

Extensive loss of posterior tooth substance, which traditionally was restored with amalgam or indirect restorations, is more commonly being restored with resin-based composite restorations. Using a questionnaire, we aimed to survey dentists' clinical decision making when restoring extensive defects in posterior molar teeth. The questionnaire, which included questions on background information from the dentists, clinical cases with treatment options, and general questions about restoring extensive posterior defects, was sent to 476 dentists. The response rate was 59%. Multiple logistic regressions were used to investigate the different associations. Most of the respondents preferred a direct composite restoration when one cusp was missing, while indirect restorations were most preferred when replacing three or four cusps. Younger dentists and dentists working in the private sector had a greater tendency to choose an indirect technique compared with older colleagues. Generally, the most important influencing factor in clinical decision making was the amount of remaining tooth substance. Factors that appeared to be less important were dental advertisements, use of fluoride, and dietary habits. Female dentists perceived factors such as oral hygiene, patient requests, and economy to be more important than did their male colleagues.
An Assessment of the Effects of Navigation Maps on Drivers' Mental Workloads
Authors: Chao Chin-Jung , Lin Chia-Hsyang , Hsu Shang-Hwa
Published: May 2014

This study compares the mental workloads and subjective feelings of drivers navigating different road patterns using different formats of electronic and paper maps. The results show drivers experience lower mental workloads when using 2D electronic maps compared to 3D electronic maps. Significant differences in galvanic skin responses were observed for navigation map formats with different road intersection patterns. The low- and high-frequency components of heart rate variability showed significant differences between map formats for regular road intersections, but no significant differences between map formats for irregular road intersections. Statistically significant effects on subjective feelings were found between different map formats and road intersection patterns. The wider implications of the study results for the design and use of navigation map interfaces are discussed.
Visual Attention to Reference Frames Affects Perceptions of Shape from Shading
Authors: Sasaki Hiroyuki
Published: May 2014

Perception of shape from shading is processed locally in a bottom-up manner, but is also influenced by global or contextual factors. This study examined the influence of attention to the reference frame on the perception of shape from shading. In a visual search task, participants were asked to identify the location of a target relative to the reference frame. The results showed that shaded targets were more quickly and accurately detected when the shading gradient was parallel, rather than orthogonal, to the orientation of the environmental reference frame. This was further supported by a second experiment with a masking paradigm. Consequently, the perceptual process of shape from shading may be a flexible mechanism in which the representation of gradient orientation is calibrated by top-down processing in visual attention.
First report of the nematode Leidynema appendiculata from Periplaneta fuliginosa
Authors: Ozawa Sota , Vicente Cláudia , Sato Kazuki , Yoshiga Toyoshi , Kanzaki Natsumi , Hasegawa Koichi
Published: May 2014

The smokybrown cockroach Periplaneta fuliginosa has spread all over the world, and is now one of the most undesired invasive alien pests in Japan. Because cockroaches are generally infected by thelastomatid nematodes, they are being distributed around the world with their parasitic nematodes. Nothing is known about parasitic nematode species in P. fuliginosa differences, or similarity of the parasite’s population structures between the different countries of the host cockroaches. Here we investigated the P. fuliginosa invasive to Japan and found that 100% of individuals were infected with one nematode species. According to the morphology and the sequence of the D2/D3 expansion segment of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene, we identified the parasite as Leidynema appendiculata. This nematode reproduced by haplodiploidy and its developmental timing under various conditions is quite divergent. Their population in the hindgut of P. fuliginosa was controlled with a few adult females and a male. This is the first report of the thelastomatid nematode isolated from the smokybrown cockroach, and is the basis for our future research examining the origin, distribution route and immigration history of the cockroach and the impact of L. appendiculata on native Japanese cockroach species.
Presence of the leech Placobdella costata in the south of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Romero David , Duarte Jesús , Narváez-Ledesma Lucía , Farfán Miguel , Real Raimundo
Published: May 2014

Placobdella costata is a leech specific to freshwater turtle Emys orbicularis. Both genera are native to North America and have co-evolved and undergone dispersion through the Palearctic. The leech is present throughout the Mediterranean area, always associated with E. orbicularis. Their only known presence in the Iberian Peninsula is in the north and center of the peninsula. Here we present the first description of the leech in southern Spain (Andalusia) in association with a small fragmented population of fresh-water turtles in which E. orbicularis and Mauremys leprosa coexist. Unusually, the leech was found attached to the carapace of a male M. leprosa.
Annual and spatial variability in endo- and ectoparasite infections of North Sea cod (Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758) larvae, post-larvae and juveniles
Authors: Mehrdana Foojan , Bahlool Qusay , Skovgaard Alf , Kuhn Jesper , Kania Per , Munk Peter , Buchmann Kurt
Published: May 2014

A parasitological investigation was performed on a total of 5380 Atlantic cod larvae, post-larvae and small juveniles sampled from the North Sea during a period of five years. The copepod Caligus elongatus (Von Nordmann, 1832) and the nematode Hysterothylacium aduncum (Rudolphi, 1802) were found at a relatively high prevalence of infection (4.6% and 5.2%, respectively). The infection by both parasites showed annual and spatial variability. C. elongatus showed a higher prevalence in 1992 compared to the following years, whereas the prevalence of H. aduncum increased from 1992 to 2001.We observed a relation between parasite distribution and parameters such as latitude and water depth. Adult digeneans (Lecithaster gibbosus and Derogenes varicus) and larval cestodes were also found with lower infection rates. Since changes of infection levels coincided with increasing North Sea water temperature in the studied period, it is hypothesized that temperature may affect parasite population levels. However, it is likely that other environmental factors may contribute to the observed variations. Absence of infection intensities higher than one nematode per fish in small larvae and post-larvae suggests that host survival may be affected by a high infection pressure. The relatively high levels of infection in the younger stages of cod, and the annual/spatial variability of these infections should be considered in the understanding of the early life dynamics of the species.
Hysterothylacium gibsoni sp. nov. and H. tetrapteri (Bruce et Cannon, 1989) (Nematoda: Ascaridida) from the Chinese marine fishes
Authors: Xu Zhen , Li Liang , Zhang Lu-Ping
Published: May 2014

A new species of ascaridoid nematode, Hysterothylacium gibsoni sp. nov., is described based on specimens collected from the intestine of the slender lizardfish Saurida elongata (Temminck et Schlegel) (Aulopiformes: Synodontidae) in the Yellow Sea, China. The new species differs from its congeners by its small body size (12.8–13.2 mm), the absence of cervical alae, a very short intestinal caecum (representing 8.86–9.52% of oesophageal length) and a long ventricular appendix (intestinal caecum to ventricular appendix ratio 1:15.3–20.0), short spicules (0.38–0.41 mm, representing 2.97–3.11% of body length), the number and arrangement of the caudal papillae (25–28 pairs arranged as follows: 18–22 pairs precloacal, 3 pairs paracloacal, and 3–4 pairs postcloacal). In addition, Hysterothylacium tetrapteri (Bruce et Cannon, 1989) is also redescribed based on the material collected from the striped marlin Kajikia audax (Philippi) (Perciformes: Istiophoridae) in the South China Sea.
Electron spin resonance of FeVO4
Authors: Bojanowski Bohdan , Kaczmarek Sławomir
Published: May 2014

We report on electron spin resonance (ESR) investigations of a FeVO4 single crystal. Temperature and angular dependences of ESR resonance positions were measured and calculated in temperature range of 35–100 K. The spectra show rich angular dependences of the linewidth, the shape and the resonance field. They consist of a single broad line with asymmetric distortion. Due to the low symmetry of the crystal lattice this distortion can be explained by taking into account the influence of non diagonal dynamic susceptibility.
Standalone Balloon Dilation versus Sinus Surgery for Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial with 1-year Follow-up
Authors: Bikhazi Nadim , Light Joshua , Truitt Theodore , Schwartz Michael , Cutler Jeffrey ,   REMODEL Study Investigators
Published: May 2014

Background

The objective of this prospective, multicenter, randomized trial was to evaluate and compare 1-year outcomes from the REMODEL study between office balloon dilation and functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).

Methods

Adults with maxillary chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), including those with anterior ethmoid disease, who failed medical management and were surgical candidates for FESS, underwent either standalone balloon dilation or FESS in a 1:1 randomization scheme and were followed through a minimum of 1 year. Sinonasal symptom improvement was assessed using the validated 20-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-20) survey. Standardized effect sizes were computed to further assess clinical significance. Ostial patency rate, rhinosinusitis episode frequency, impact of sinus disease on activity and work productivity using the validated Work Productivity and Activity Impairment survey, complications, and revision rate were also compared between the two groups.

Results

Ninety-two patients (50 balloon dilation; 42 FESS) were treated and 89 (96 %) completed 1-year follow-up. Both groups showed clinically meaningful and statistically significant (p < 0.0001) improvement in mean overall SNOT-20 scores and in all four SNOT-20 subscales. The 1-year mean change in SNOT-20 after balloon dilation (-1.64) was noninferior to FESS (-1.65; p < 0.001). The standardized effect size was large, showing clinically significant improvement for both interventions. Ostial patency was 96.7 and 98.7% after balloon dilation and FESS, respectively, and each group reported significant reductions (p < 0.0001) in rhinosinusitis episodes (mean decrease, 4.2 for balloon dilation and 3.5 for FESS). Overall work productivity and daily activity impairment due to chronic sinusitis were significantly improved (p < 0.001) in both groups. There were no complications and revision surgery rate was 2% in each arm through 1 year.

Conclusion

With 1-year follow-up, standalone balloon dilation is as effect as FESS in the treatment of CRS in patients with maxillary sinus disease with or without anterior ethmoid disease who failed medical therapy and met the criteria for medically necessary FESS.