bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Pre‐entry Interventions such as ‘Aimhigher’ Impact on Student Retention and Success? A Review of the Literature
Authors: Thomas Liz
Published: March 2011

This paper reviews the potential impact of pre‐entry widening access interventions on student retention and success in higher education. It thus addresses two contemporary policy concerns: What is the impact of pre‐entry widening access interventions; and how can we improve student retention and success? A review of academic and practitioner literature finds limited research about the impact of pre‐entry interventions in general and very little on the impact of pre‐entry interventions on students' retention and success in higher education. A review of the research, however, identifies the importance of factors which pre‐entry interventions address: pre‐entry decision making, expectations about higher education and academic preparation. To date, however, the impact of pre‐entry interventions on retention in higher education has been largely ignored. Thus pre‐entry activities, such as Aimhigher, should be evaluated for their impact on student retention. The paper offers an outline evaluation framework, including evaluation topics and suggested key performance indicators to bridge this gap.
Children and global social policy: Exploring the impact of international governmental organisations
Authors: Axford Nick
Published: March 2011

Axford N. Children and global social policy: exploring the impact of international governmental organisations

International governmental organisations (IGOs) seek to influence child welfare policy and practice in individual sovereign states. But do they succeed and, if so, in what way? This article outlines the nature of selected IGOs' work, explores the nature of their impact and seeks to explain the pattern that emerges. It also notes areas for further research.
Interest of (18)F‐FDG PET‐CT scanning for staging and management of merkel cell carcinoma: a retrospective study of 15 patients
Authors: Maury G. , Dereure O. , Du‐Thanh A. , Mariano‐Goulart D. , Guillot B.
Published: March 2011

Background  The additional benefit of 18FDG‐Positron Emission Tomography‐Computed Tomography (FDG PET‐CT) compared with conventional imaging is still a controversial issue in MCC.

Objectives  This study was designed to evaluate the ability of FDG PET‐CT to detect secondary lesions clinically inconspicuous and not shown by conventional imaging.

Methods  Clinical records of 15 MCC patients were retrospectively reviewed to investigate the specific interest of FDG PET‐CT compared with X‐computed tomography (CT). The main endpoint was the ability of FDG PET‐CT to detect secondary lesions and the possible resulting changes in disease staging and management compared with pre‐FDG PET‐CT data including clinical examination, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), and diagnostic CT.

Results  FDG PET‐CT was relevant with a single false negative result and led to significant changes in disease staging and management in 46% of patients compared with clinical examination alone. However, additional secondary lesions not detected by CT were evidenced during follow‐up in a single patient with an already known metastatic disease, data which did not result in any change in staging and treatment. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were respectively 0.66, 1, 1 and 0.8 for SLNB, 0.89, 1, 1 and 0.93 for CT and 0.89, 1, 1 and 0.93 for FDG PET‐CT. No additional neoplasm was detected by FDG PET‐CT.

Conclusion  Although FDG PET‐CT is of questionable value in MCC management when used in parallel with CT, it may be considered as a valuable option as a single whole‐body survey procedure.
The temporal dynamics of two response‐focused forms of emotion regulation: Experiential, expressive, and autonomic consequences
Authors: Dan‐Glauser Elise S. , Gross James J.
Published: March 2011

This study examines the early affective consequences of two close forms of suppression. Participants (N=37) were shown negative, positive, and neutral pictures and cued either to attend to the pictures, or to perform expressive or physiological suppression (i.e., reduce body reactions). Continuous measures of experience, expressivity, and autonomic responses showed that both suppression strategies produced rapid response modulation. Common effects of the two strategies included a transient increase in negative feeling, a durable decrease in positive feeling, and a decrease in expressivity, cardiovascular activity, and oxygenation. The two strategies were significantly different only in response to positive stimuli, with physiological suppression showing a larger decrease in experience intensity and blood pressure. These results suggest a strong overlap between the two suppression strategies in terms of their early impact on emotional responses.
Low genetic diversity and small population size of Takahe Porphyrio hochstetteri on European arrival in New Zealand
Authors: GRUEBER CATHERINE E. , JAMIESON IAN G.
Published: March 2011

The rediscovery of the Takahe Porphyrio hochstetteri in 1948 in the remote mountains of Fiordland, New Zealand, has been described as one of the greatest moments in ornithological history. The subsequent management of the population has become a model for avian recovery programmes, yet questions still remain regarding the population size at the time of, and prior to, its rediscovery. We used 20 microsatellite markers to genotype samples of the three surviving museum specimens (1849–1898) collected prior to the initial declaration of extinction to estimate levels of genetic diversity and effective population size. These estimates were compared with equivalent estimates from DNA samples of three specimens preserved at the time of rediscovery (1949) and with 20 contemporary samples. Using rarefaction simulations to account for the limited sample sizes, the results suggest that only slightly more genetic diversity (allelic diversity and numbers of polymorphic loci) existed in the earliest Takahe sampled and that levels of genetic diversity at the time of rediscovery were very similar to those today. Effective population size estimates showed a similar pattern. Contemporary samples from a widespread congener to Takahe, the Pukeko Porphyrio porphyrio, showed consistently higher levels of genetic diversity and greater effective population size, even after equivalent rarefaction to the same small sample sizes available for Takahe. It is likely that the population size of Takahe in Fiordland at the time of European arrivals in the 1800s was similar to its current size. These results provide molecular support for the hypothesis that Takahe were common throughout most coastal and eastern parts of the South Island of New Zealand before being hunted to extinction in these regions by early Maori, and persisted as a relatively small and isolated population in Fiordland where they may never have been very common. This is in marked contrast to other New Zealand endemic birds found in Fiordland, such as the Kakapo Strigops habroptilus and several forest passerines, which remained relatively numerous until the time of European arrival before undergoing rapid declines thereafter.
European Integration and the Radical Right: Three Patterns of Opposition
Authors: Vasilopoulou Sofia
Published: March 2011

This article argues that radical right parties can be seen as displaying three patterns of opposition towards European integration: rejecting, conditional and compromising. These three patterns are identified through the careful examination of party attitudes on four different aspects related to European integration and the EU. These include the idea of a common identity of European peoples, the principle of cooperation at a European multilateral level, the EU policy practice and the desire to build a future European polity. In light of this conceptualization of radical right opposition to European integration, the article conducts a qualitative analysis of party literature of 12 radical right parties from 10 European countries during the latter part of the 2000s.
Oral Propranolol Therapy for Infantile Hemangiomas Beyond the Proliferation Phase: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Zvulunov Alex , McCuaig Catherine , Frieden Ilona J. , Mancini Anthony J. , Puttgen Kate B. , Dohil Magdalene , Fischer Gayle , Powell Julie , Cohen Bernard , Amitai Dan Ben
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Pharmacological therapies for infantile hemangiomas were considered effective only during the proliferative phases. Recently reported beneficial effects of propranolol may extend beyond the proliferative phase of infantile hemangiomas. The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of oral propranolol therapy for infantile hemangiomas beyond the proliferative phase of these lesions. Members of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology were invited to participate in a multicenter retrospective study. Only children with infantile hemangiomas with documented cessation of lesions’ growth or those older than 12 months of age were eligible for the study. Clinical and demographic information and digital photographs before, at the start, and following the treatment were collected. Scaled panels of photographs were distributed among preselected experienced pediatric dermatologists. Visual analog scale was used to assess photographs for each case. Paired t‐test was used for statistical analyses. Data on 49 eligible patients from eight pediatric dermatology centers was collected. Seven cases were excluded because of insufficient photographic documentation. The age of the patients at the start of propranolol therapy ranged 7 to 120 months (mean 28 mos, median 22 mos). The duration of propranolol therapy ranged 1 to 8 months (mean 3.6 mos). The mean visual analog scale score before the treatment was 6.8 ± 2.15, and mean reduction in the visual analog scale score at the assessment was 2.6 ± 1.74 (p < 0.001). The rate of visual analog scale reduction was 0.4 per month before the start of the therapy, while this rate was accelerated to 0.9 per months following the therapy (p < 0.001). No significant side effects were reported. We conclude that propranolol is effective in infantile hemangiomas, including post‐proliferative phase, and should be considered as the first‐line therapy in that setting.
Design of a Centrifugal Blood Pump: Heart Turcica Centrifugal
Authors: Demir Onur , Biyikli Emre , Lazoglu Ismail , Kucukaksu Suha
Published: March 2011

A prototype of a new implantable centrifugal blood pump system named Heart Turcica Centrifugal (HTC) was developed as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) for the treatment of end‐stage cardiac failure. In the development of HTC, effects of blade height and volute tongue profiles on the hydraulic and hemolytic performances of the pump were investigated. As a result, the prototype was manufactured using the best blade height and volute tongue profiles. Performance of the prototype model was experimentally evaluated in a closed‐loop flow system using water as the medium. The hydraulic performance requirement of an LVAD (5 L/min flow rate against a pressure difference of 100 mm Hg) was attained at 2800 rpm rotational speed.
The Hemodynamic Effect of Total Liquid Ventilation in Piglets With Reduced Cardiac Function After Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Jiang Lijun , Yu Ceyan , Ma Liang , He Jinxian , Ni Chengyao , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2011

Total liquid ventilation (TLV) is a promising treatment for severe lung injury and heart resuscitation. We aim to investigate the hemodynamic effect of TLV in piglets with preexisting cardiac dysfunction. After onset of cardiopulmonary dysfunction induced by cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), piglets were randomly treated with TLV (n = 6) or conventional gas ventilation (n = 6) for 240 min. Hemodynamics was monitored before and at a 30‐min interval after CPB. CPB with cardiac arrest resulted in significant decrease in cardiac index (CI) (96.19 ± 6.74 vs. 48.58 ± 3.96 mL/min/kg, P < 0.001) and increase of pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (1123.38 ± 198.97 vs. 8180.62 ± 1041.35 dyne·s/cm5, P <  0.001). Compared with conventional gas ventilation, there was no further significant decrease of CI or increase of PVR during TLV throughout the experiment. No significant difference was observed on other hemodynamic variables including heart rate, mean arterial pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, and central venous pressure between both groups. The fluctuation of mean arterial blood pressure was 3.95 ± 1.68 mm Hg during TLV. No evidence of fluorothorax or cardiac tamponade was observed in either group. We conclude that TLV does not further impair hemodynamics in piglets with preexisting cardiac dysfunction immediately after CPB.
The Measurement of Entrepreneurial Orientation
Authors: Covin Jeffrey G. , Wales William J.
Published: March 2011

This article explores how the concept of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) has been portrayed and assessed in prior research. The challenges and decision criteria associated with formative versus reflective measurement approaches are reviewed. It is argued that, as a latent construct, EO exists apart from its measures and that researchers are free to choose whichever measurement approach best serves their research purposes, recognizing that unidimensional versus multidimensional EO measurement models are consistent with fundamentally different conceptualizations of the EO construct. Recommendations are offered regarding potentially appropriate formative and reflective measures of EO.
Entrepreneurial Orientation in Cross–Cultural Research: Assessing Measurement Invariance in the Construct
Authors: Runyan Rodney C. , Ge Baoshan , Dong Baobao , Swinney Jane L.
Published: March 2011

The entrepreneurial orientation (EO) scale has become the most widely used scholarly measure of entrepreneurial behavior. Additionally, it is frequently used in studying entrepreneurship in non–Western cultures. In the current study, the authors respond to calls for cross–cultural validation of measures used in international research by assessing the measurement invariance of the most frequently utilized EO scale. Using samples of small and medium–sized firms from the United States and China, the authors assess the dimensionality of EO, optimal number of scale items, and the measurement invariance of the construct across cultures. The results support conceptualizing EO as multidimensional, using an 8–item version, and utilizing it in cross–cultural research settings in certain instances.
Trans experiences in lesbian and queer space
Authors: Nash Catherine Jean
Published: March 2011

This article explores how individuals who identify as transgendered and transsexual men experience the internal possibilities, limitations, and resistances found in spaces identified as ‘lesbian’ or as ‘queer’ in the City of Toronto. The article draws on interview data transcribing the experiences of 12 transgender and transsexual individuals in LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer) spaces. These interviews empirically illustrate how fluid and unfixed gendered and sexualized practices can transform spaces and their occupants. Further, this article considers the ways spaces may be ‘queered’ and the implications of these processes on the constitution of LGBTQ spaces. The experiences of transmen in lesbian and queer spaces bring into sharp relief the complex ways that material spaces, even those arising out of resistive impulses, incorporate disciplining expectations and new opportunities. Those who research or utilize these places must be attentive to these processes, if there is to be a serious commitment to the creation of libratory, inclusive spaces.
Crop insurance policies and purchases in France
Authors: Enjolras Geoffroy , Sentis Patrick
Published: March 2011

While many crop insurance systems have been reformed around the world, few academic researches have addressed the determinants of the decision on crop insurance at the farm's micro level. In this article, both the financial and the agricultural literature lead to the identification of many rationales for the crop insurance decision. Using data from the period 2003–2006 on a representative survey of French farms (FADN‐RICA), we investigate the different factors that incite farmers to insure against crop risk. We emphasize that the highest risk farms are more likely to have insurance and this decision is positively related to the past amount of claims. Insurance is subscribed by larger farms because insurance appears too expensive for smaller farms, which are indeed naturally less diversified. Interestingly, financial variables (such as capital structure or return on investment) do not significantly determine the insurance decision.
An immunohistochemical comparison between MiTF and MART‐1 with Azure blue counterstaining in the setting of solar lentigo and melanoma in situ*
Authors: Hillesheim Paul B. , Slone Steve , Kelley Denise , Malone Janine , Bahrami Soon
Published: March 2011

Background: Evaluation of cutaneous pigmented lesions can be diagnostically challenging and represents an activity often supplemented by immunohistochemistry. Immunohistochemical studies typically employ 3,3′‐diaminobenzidine (DAB) resulting in brown staining of both melanocytes and melanin. Difficulty may thus arise in distinguishing different cell types in heavily melanized lesions. Azure blue counterstaining has been used in conjunction with melanoma antigen recognized by T‐cells (MART‐1) to differentiate melanocytes from melanin by highlighting the latter blue‐green. Microphthalmia transcription factor (MiTF) represents an alternative immunomarker that shows nuclear reactivity, which facilitates ease of interpretation.

Methods: Twenty examples of solar lentigo and melanoma in situ (MIS) were independently evaluated utilizing MiTF and MART‐1/Azure blue for melanocyte quantification. Melanocyte counts were averaged over five high‐power fields (×400) to obtain a mean melanocytic count.

Results: There was no significant difference in the mean melanocytic count between MART‐1/Azure blue and MiTF as assessed in the solar lentigo group and as assessed independently in the MIS group. MiTF nuclear staining facilitated interpretation and required less laboratory preparation, as an additional counterstain was not necessary.

Conclusions: MiTF is as effective as MART‐1/Azure blue in identifying melanocytes in the context of solar lentigo or MIS. On the basis of our results, we favor expanding the use of MiTF as an immunohistochemical marker, as it provides an efficient alternative to MART‐1 with Azure blue counterstaining in the evaluation of cutaneous pigmented lesions.

Hillesheim PB, Slone S, Kelley D, Malone J, Bahrami S. An immunohistochemical comparison between MiTF and MART‐1 with Azure blue counterstaining in the setting of solar lentigo and melanoma in situ.
Presence of B‐cell clones in T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Zaki Mona A.A. , Wada Naoki , Kohara Masaharu , Ikeda Junichiro , Hori Yumiko , Fujita Shigeki , Ogawa Hiroyasu , Sugiyama Haruo , Hino Masayuki , Kanakura Yuzuru , Morii Eiichi , Aozasa Katsuyuki
Published: March 2011

Objectives:  The presence of B‐cell clones in 76 cases with peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) and precursor T‐lymphoblastic lymphoma (T‐LBL) and its correlation with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) was studied.

Methods:  DNA was extracted from paraffin sections and/or fresh‐frozen samples and then used for clonality analysis using a modified BIOMED‐2 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based method.

Results:  T‐ and B‐cell clones were detected in 59 (77.6%) and 14 (18.4%) of 76 patients, respectively: 90% and 30% of cases with PTCL, not otherwise specified, 76.4% and 17.6% of cases with angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma, 77% and 7.6% of cases with adult T‐cell lymphoma, 50% and 0% of cases with anaplastic large T‐cell lymphoma, 62.5% and 12.5% of cases with T‐LBL, and 50% and 0% of cases with intestinal T‐cell lymphoma, respectively. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed the presence of large B cells in lesional tissues, which were occasionally monoclonal. The presence of B‐cell clones was highly associated with EBV positivity, as revealed by in situ hybridization. In two cases that were evaluated by serial histological and molecular examination, EBV‐positive cells persisted in one and disappeared in the other.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest a role for EBV in the evolution of B‐cell clones in T‐cell lymphomas.
Beyond species area curves: application of a scale‐free measure for spatial variability of species richness
Authors: Laurie Henri , Perrier Edith
Published: March 2011

We report a novel pattern in species richness, complementary to the well‐known species–area relationship. We show that, as sample area increases, the variation in relative richness decreases among otherwise comparable spatial units. This pattern holds for southern African birds, French birds, Cape Proteaceae and the trees of Barro Colorado Island.

We propose a scale‐free method for quantifying this pattern by measuring the multifractal intensity of species richness, which is the multi‐scale tendency of adjacent patches with the same area to differ in richness. By this measure, spatial variability is strongest for Cape Proteaceae and weakest for Barro Colorado Island trees.

Our results have implications for area‐dependent estimates of species‐richness, for example in reserve planning and in simulation‐based studies. They imply that such estimates are most accurate for large areas, and will be subject to substantial uncertainty when the multifractal intensity is high and the area is small. For comparative purposes, multifractal intensity may be used as a supplement or as an alternative to mean richness, as well as for other ecological densities, such as biomass distribution and local abundance.
Melatonin protects liver against ischemia and reperfusion injury through inhibition of toll‐like receptor signaling pathway
Authors: Kang Jung‐Woo , Koh Eun‐Ji , Lee Sun‐Mee
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  This study investigated the immunomodulating effect of melatonin on toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐stimulated signal transduction. Rats were subjected to 60 min of ischemia followed by 1 or 5 hr of reperfusion. Melatonin (10 mg/kg) or the vehicle was administered intraperitoneally 15 min prior to ischemia and immediately before reperfusion. Melatonin treatment significantly reduced the level of serum alanine aminotransferase activity. Increased levels of TLR3 and TLR4 protein expression induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) were attenuated by melatonin. Serum level of high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a potent alarmin of the TLR system, increased significantly in the I/R group, and melatonin inhibited this release. Melatonin suppressed the increase in myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) protein expression, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) and phosphorylated c‐Jun, a component of activator protein 1. The increased level of toll‐receptor‐associated activator of interferon (TRIF) expression, phosphorylation of interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and serum IFN‐β was attenuated by melatonin. Melatonin attenuated the levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐6 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein and mRNA expression, while the level of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) was augmented. Our results suggest that melatonin ameliorates I/R‐induced liver damage by modulation of TLR‐mediated inflammatory responses.
Recruiting Mechanism of the AAA Peroxins, Pex1p and Pex6p, to Pex26p on the Peroxisomal Membrane
Authors: Nashiro Chika , Kashiwagi Astuko , Matsuzaki Takashi , Tamura Shigehiko , Fujiki Yukio
Published: March 2011

A peroxisomal C‐tail‐anchored type‐II membrane protein, Pex26p, recruits AAA ATPase Pex1p–Pex6p complexes to peroxisomes. We herein attempted to gain mechanistic insight into Pex26p function. Pex26pΔ33‐40 truncated in amino‐acid residues at 33‐40 abolishes the recruiting of Pex1p–Pex6p complex to peroxisomes and fails to complement the impaired phenotype of pex26 CHO cell mutant ZP167, thereby suggesting that peroxisomal localization of Pex1p and Pex6p is indispensable for the transport of matrix proteins. In in vitro transport assay using semipermeabilized CHO cells, Pex1p is targeted to peroxisomes in a manner dependent on ATP hydrolysis, while Pex6p targeting requires ATP but not its hydrolysis. This finding is confirmed by the assay using Walker‐motif mutants. Transport of Pex1p and Pex6p is temperature‐dependent. In vitro binding assays with glutathione‐S‐transferase‐fused Pex26p, Pex1p and Pex6p bind to Pex26p in a manner dependent on ATP binding but not ATP hydrolysis. These results suggest that ATP hydrolysis is required for stable localization of Pex1p to peroxisomes, but not for binding to Pex26p. Moreover, Pex1p and Pex6p are altered to a more compact conformation upon binding to ATP, as verified by limited proteolysis. Taken together, Pex1p and Pex6p are most likely regulated in their peroxisomal localization onto Pex26p via conformational changes by the ATPase cycle.
Hyaluronan–CD44 interactions as potential targets for cancer therapy
Authors: Misra Suniti , Heldin Paraskevi , Hascall Vincent C. , Karamanos Nikos K. , Skandalis Spyros S. , Markwald Roger R. , Ghatak Shibnath
Published: March 2011

It is becoming increasingly clear that signals generated in tumor microenvironments are crucial to tumor cell behavior, such as survival, progression and metastasis. The establishment of these malignant behaviors requires that tumor cells acquire novel adhesion and migration properties to detach from their original sites and to localize to distant organs. CD44, an adhesion/homing molecule, is a major receptor for the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan, which is one of the major components of the tumor extracellular matrix. CD44, a multistructural and multifunctional molecule, detects changes in extracellular matrix components, and thus is well positioned to provide appropriate responses to changes in the microenvironment, i.e. engagement in cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions, cell trafficking, lymph node homing and the presentation of growth factors/cytokines/chemokines to co‐ordinate signaling events that enable the cell responses that change in the tissue environment. The potential involvement of CD44 variants (CD44v), especially CD44v4–v7 and CD44v6–v9, in tumor progression has been confirmed for many tumor types in numerous clinical studies. The downregulation of the standard CD44 isoform (CD44s) in colon cancer is postulated to result in increased tumorigenicity. CD44v‐specific functions could be caused by their higher binding affinity than CD44s for hyaluronan. Alternatively, CD44v‐specific functions could be caused by differences in associating molecules, which may bind selectively to the CD44v exon. This minireview summarizes how the interaction between hyaluronan and CD44v can serve as a potential target for cancer therapy, in particular how silencing CD44v can target multiple metastatic tumors.
Seasonal occurrence and distribution of Bryde's whales in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
Authors: Wiseman Nicky , Parsons Stuart , Stockin Karen A. , Baker C. Scott
Published: March 2011

Abstract

The Hauraki Gulf is a large, shallow embayment located north of Auckland City (36°51′S, 174°46′E), New Zealand. Bryde's whales (Balaenoptera edeni) are the most frequently observed balaenopterid in these waters. To assess the use of the Hauraki Gulf for this species, we examined the occurrence and distribution in relation to environmental parameters. Data were collected from a platform of opportunity during 674 daily surveys between March 2003 and February 2006. A total of 760 observations of Bryde's whales were recorded throughout the study period during 371 surveys. The number of Bryde's whales sighted/day was highest in winter, coinciding with the coolest median sea‐surface temperature (14.6°C). Bryde's whales were recorded throughout the Hauraki Gulf in water depths ranging from 12.1–59.8 m (mean = 42.3, SD = 5.1). Cow–calf pairs were most frequently observed during the austral autumn in water depths of 29.9–53.9 m (mean = 40.8, SD = 5.2). Data from this study suggest Bryde's whales in the Hauraki Gulf exhibit a mix of both “inshore” and “offshore” characteristics from the Bryde's whales examined off the coast of South Africa.
Emotion, Language, and the Brain
Authors: Kotz Sonja A. , Paulmann Silke
Published: March 2011

In social interactions, humans can express how they feel inwhat(verbal) they say andhow(non‐verbal) they say it. Although decoding of vocal emotion expressions occurs rapidly, accumulating electrophysiological evidence suggests that this process is multilayered and involves temporally and functionally distinct processing steps. Neuroimaging and lesion data confirm that these processing steps, which support emotional speech and language comprehension, are anchored in a functionally differentiated brain network. The present review on emotional speech and language processing discusses concepts and empirical clinical and neuroscientific evidence on the basis of behavioral, event‐related brain potential, and functional magnetic resonance imaging data. These data allow shaping our understanding of how we communicate emotions to others through speech and language. It leads to a multistep processing model of vocal and visual emotion expressions.
Integrating the Study of Culture and Religion: Toward a Psychology of Worldview
Authors: Johnson Kathryn A. , Hill Eric D. , Cohen Adam B.
Published: March 2011

We propose a psychology of worldview as an integrative framework for the study of culture and religion. We propose six aspects of worldview, each influenced by national and religious cultures: ontology (existential beliefs), epistemology (what can be known and how one should reason), semiotics (language and symbols used to describe the world), axiology (proximate goals, values, and morals), teleology (ultimate goals and the afterlife consequences of action), and praxeology (proscriptions and prescriptions for behavior). More attention to worldview can help remedy a lack of attention to: (i) the mutual influences of these different kinds of cultures (including national and religious), (ii) trans‐national religious groups, (iii) non‐religious belief systems, and (iv) the psychological predictors of cultural conflict. Worldviews can predict both individual and group behaviors and, further, afford a more nuanced understanding of cultural and religious processes as well as providing a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue.
jMHC: software assistant for multilocus genotyping of gene families using next‐generation amplicon sequencing
Authors: STUGLIK MICHAŁ T. , RADWAN JACEK , BABIK WIESŁAW
Published: March 2011

Genotyping of multilocus gene families, such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), may be challenging because of problems with assigning alleles to loci and copy number variation among individuals. Simultaneous amplification and genotyping of multiple loci may be necessary, and in such cases, next‐generation deep amplicon sequencing offers a great promise as a genotyping method of choice. Here, we describe jMHC, a computer program developed for analysing and assisting in the visualization of deep amplicon sequencing data. Software operates on FASTA files; therefore, output from any sequencing technology may be used. jMHC was designed specifically for MHC studies but it may be useful for analysing amplicons derived from other multigene families or for genotyping other polymorphic systems. The program is written in Java with user‐friendly graphical interface (GUI) and can be run on Microsoft Windows, Linux OS and Mac OS.
Icariin attenuates cardiac remodelling through down-regulating myocardial apoptosis and matrix metalloproteinase activity in rats with congestive heart failure
Authors: Song Yao-Hong , Cai Hui , Gu Ning , Qian Chun-Fa , Cao Shou-Pei , Zhao Zhi-Ming
Published: March 2011

Objectives

In this study, the anti-heart failure effect of icariin, a natural flavonol glycoside, and the underlying mechanisms were investigated.

Methods

Heart failure was induced by isoproterenol in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Matrix metalloproteinase activity was determined by gelatin zymography assay. The mRNA expression was determined by real-time PCR. The protein expression was determined by Western bolt. Mitochondria structure was examined by transmission electron microscopy.

Key findings

Isoproterenol administration resulted in a severe heart failure, as shown by the increased levels of left ventricular weight index, heart rate, left ventricular end diastolic pressure, maximal rate of left ventricular pressure decline (dp/dtmin), decreased levels of left ventricular systolic pressure and maximal rate of left ventricular pressure rise (dp/dtmax). Against these, icariin dose-dependently reversed the changes of these cardiac morphometric and haemodynamic parameters. In addition, icariin significantly inhibited serum levels of tumour necrosis factor-α, noradrenaline, angiotensin II and brain natriuretic peptide in rats with congestive hear failure and improved the histological changes, including cardiocyte hypertrophy, cardiocyte degeneration, inflammatory infiltration and cardiac desmoplasia. Furthermore, the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, which regulate collagen production, were also blocked by icariin. Moreover, myocardial apoptosis was remarkably attenuated by icariin through regulating Bcl-2/Bax axle.

Conclusions

Icariin ameliorates left ventricular dysfunction and cardiac remodelling through down-regulating matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 activity and myocardial apoptosis in rats with congestive heart failure.
Recombinant heteromeric phenylalanine monooxygenase and the oxygenation of carbon and sulfur substrates
Authors: Boonyapiwat Boontarika , Mitchell Stephen C , Steventon Glyn B
Published: March 2011

Objectives

The aim of this investigation was to provide in-vitro enzyme kinetic data to support the hypothesis that the in-vivo heterozygous dominant phenotype for phenylalanine monooxygenase (hPAH) was responsible for the S-oxidation polymorphism in the metabolism of S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine reported in humans. Using a dual-vector expression strategy for the co-production of wild-type and mutant human hPAH subunits we report for the first time the kinetic parameters (Km, Vmax, CLE) for the C-oxidation of l-phenylalanine and the S-oxidation of S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine in homomeric wild-type, heteromeric mutant and homomeric mutant hPAH proteins in vitro.

Methods

A PROTM dual-vector bacterial expression system was used to produce the required hPAH proteins. Enzyme activity was determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection.

Key findings

The heteromeric hPAH proteins (I65T, R68S, R158Q, I174T, R261Q, V338M, R408W and Y414C) all showed significantly decreased Vmax and CLE values when compared to the homomeric wild-type hPAH enzyme. For both substrates, all calculated Km values were significantly higher than homomeric wild-type hPAH enzyme, with the exception of I65T, R68S and Y414C heteromeric hPAH proteins employing l-phenylalanine as substrate.

Conclusions

The net outcome for the heteromeric mutant hPAH proteins was a decrease significantly more dramatic for S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine S-oxidation (1.0–18.8% of homomeric wild-type hPAH activity) when compared to l-phenylalanine C-oxidation (25.9–52.9% of homomeric wild-type hPAH activity) as a substrate. Heteromeric hPAH enzyme may be related to the variation in S-carboxymethyl-l-cysteine S-oxidation capacity observed in humans.
Antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of the essential oil of Hofmeisteria schaffneri
Authors: Pérez-Vásquez Araceli , Capella Santiago , Linares Edelmira , Bye Robert , Angeles-López Guadalupe , Mata Rachel
Published: March 2011

Objectives

The aims of this study were to establish the antimicrobial potential of Hofmeisteria schaffneri essential oil and its chemical composition.

Methods

The essential oils of Hofmeisteria schaffneri harvested at flowering (batches I and IV) and non-flowering (batches II and III) seasons were prepared by hydrodistillation and analysed by GC and GC-MS. The aqueous and organic (CH2Cl2-MeOH 1 : 1) extracts were prepared by using infusion and maceration techniques, respectively. The in-vitro antimicrobial activity of the preparations and compounds against Candida albicans and some bacteria (Gram-negative and Gram-positive) was assessed using the broth dilution method in 96-microplate wells.

Key findings

Forty-four compounds, representing ∼90% of the total constituents, were identified in the essential oil of Hofmeisteria schaffneri collected in flowering (batches I and IV) and non-flowering (batches II and III) seasons. In all cases, several thymol analogues were the major components of the oils (∼65%); some small differences in the relative proportions of these constituents were observed. The infusion exhibited an antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, with a MIC value of 64 µg/ml in each case. The essential oil batches were active against Staphylococcus aureus, with MIC ranging from 48 to 192 µg/ml. They were, however, inactive against Gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi (MIC > 1024 µg/ml). On the other hand, the infusion of the plant as well as the oil from batch I displayed anti-Candida albicans activity, with MIC of 128 and 192 µg/ml, respectively. Finally, the organic extract did not displayed significant activity against the tested microorganisms (MIC ≥ 1024 µg/ml). Some of the compounds isolated from the plant were also tested. Compounds 8 and 38, which were present in the essential oils, displayed the best antibacterial effect against Gram-positive bacteria (MIC ranging between 32 and 64 µg/ml). Compounds 6 (present in the infusion) and 10 (present in all preparations) showed higher activity against the yeast (MIC = 128 µg/ml) than the remaining compounds, with MIC values ranging from 256 to 512 µg/ml.

Conclusions

The composition and antimicrobial activity of the oils changed slightly from flowering to non-flowering seasons. The results of the present investigation provide in-vitro scientific support for the use of the plant against skin infections in Mexican folk medicine.
Pharmacokinetics of clomipramine, an antidepressant, in poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidaemic model rats
Authors: Kobuchi Shinji , Fukushima Keizo , Shibata Masakazu , Ito Yukako , Sugioka Nobuyuki , Takada Kanji
Published: March 2011

Objective

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of hyperlipidaemia on the pharmacokinetics of clomipramine, an antidepressant, particularly addressing the change of clomipramine distribution to plasma components in poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidaemia model rats.

Methods

Clomipramine pharmacokinetic studies in hyperlipidaemic rats were performed with clomipramine continuous infusion. Furthermore, clomipramine protein binding and distribution to the brain and plasma components such as lipoproteins were investigated.

Key findings

Mean plasma concentration of clomipramine at steady state during continuous infusion (17.5 µg/min/kg) in hyperlipidaemic rats (0.45 ± 0.01 µg/ml) was significantly higher than that in the control rats (0.30 ± 0.02 µg/ml). However, the amount of clomipramine in the brain in hyperlipidaemic rats (0.31 ± 0.06 µg/g) was dramatically lower than in the control rats (1.89 ± 0.13 µg/g). However, the plasma unbound fraction in hyperlipidaemic rats (0.98 ± 0.05%) was significantly lower than that of the control rats (6.51 ± 0.62%).

Conclusions

Lower distribution to the brain and lower plasma clearance of clomipramine in hyperlipidaemic rats resulted from lower plasma unbound fraction because of higher lipid-rich protein contents in blood. Results of this study provide useful information for dosage adjustment of clomipramine in hyperlipidaemia.
Using self‐generated validity to promote exercise behaviour
Authors: Sandberg Tracy , Conner Mark
Published: March 2011

Self‐generated validity (SGV) refers to the fact that measurement of cognitions can lead to behaviour change. The present research tested to two predictions in relation to SGV: SGV is stronger when supplementing measures of intentions and other components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) with measures of anticipated regret; SGV is only stronger when measuring anticipated regret before measuring intentions and other components of the TPB. A total of 576 18–22‐year‐old students were randomly allocated to complete one of three questionnaires in relation to exercise: (1) TPB questionnaire in relation to exercising in a sports centre (TPB only); (2) TPB questionnaire including anticipated regret questions that appear after intention items and are mixed in with other items (TPB + regret mixed); (3) TPB questionnaire with anticipated regret questions first (TPB + regret first). Past use of the sports centre was also measured by self‐report in all conditions. Use of the sports centre 4 and 5 weeks later was measured based on objective records. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated no effect of measuring anticipated regret compared to only measuring TPB variables, but a significant effect of measuring anticipated regret first compared to the other two conditions on sports centre use. This effect persisted after controlling for TPB variables and past behaviour (PB). The effect was moderated by intention strength but not PB. Implications for understanding SGV and behaviour change are discussed.
Altered postnatal maturation of electrical properties in spinal motoneurons in a mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Quinlan K. A. , Schuster J. E. , Fu R. , Siddique T. , Heckman C. J.
Published: March 2011

Non‐technical summary  Our focus was on whether amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) might be precipitated by early developmental changes in large spinal motoneurons, which are vulnerable to early die‐off in ALS. It has been shown that some electrical properties in motoneurons are profoundly altered soon after birth in mutant superoxide dismutase‐1 (SOD1) mice, a standard animal model of ALS. These same properties undergo rapid developmental changes in normal mice during this time period. Our goal was to compare the development of motoneuron electrical properties in normal and SOD1 mice. Properties were measured from birth to 12 days of age, when the mouse is considered juvenile, but long before symptom onset. Most electrical properties in the SOD1 motoneurons showed an accelerated pace of maturation during this early developmental period compared with the normal motoneurons. If this trend persists, it could, along with other disease factors, hasten the onset of normal motoneuron degeneration due to ageing and result in the development of ALS.
Modulation of postjunctional α‐adrenergic vasoconstriction during exercise and exogenous ATP infusions in ageing humans
Authors: Kirby Brett S. , Crecelius Anne R. , Voyles Wyatt F. , Dinenno Frank A.
Published: March 2011

Non‐technical summary  When muscles contract, a variety of signals interact and ultimately increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the active muscle. However, when there is simultaneous activation of the sympathetic nervous system, noradrenaline (norepinephrine) is released which tries to cause vasoconstriction in the same blood vessels that are trying to relax (vasodilate). In young adults, we have shown that there is a unique ability of the contracting muscle to limit this vasoconstriction, and also that a circulating factor called ATP mimics the exercise response. In the present study, we demonstrate that older healthy adults have an impaired ability to limit the sympathetic vasoconstrictor signal during exercise; however, this ability is preserved when we administer ATP. Thus, if this impairment in the ability of contracting muscle to limit sympathetic vasoconstriction in older adults is related to ATP, we speculate that circulating levels of ATP may be impaired during exercise.
Sliding Mode Controller and Filter Applied to an Electrohydraulic Actuator System
Authors: Wang Shu , Burton Richard , Habibi Saeid
Published: March 2011

A common problem pertaining to linear or nonlinear systems is the design of a combined robust control and estimation strategy that can effectively deal with noise and uncertainties. The variable structure control (VSC) and its special form of sliding mode control (SMC) demonstrate robustness with regard to uncertainties, although their performance can be severely degraded by noise. As such they can benefit from using state estimates obtained from filters. In this regard, this paper considers the use of a recently proposed robust state and parameter estimation strategy referred to as the variable structure filter (VSF) in conjunction with SMC. The contribution of this paper is a new strategy that combines sliding mode control with the variable structure filter. In the presence of bounded parametric uncertainties and noise, this combined method demonstrates robust stability both in terms of control and state estimation. Furthermore, the combined strategy can be used to achieve high regulation rates or short settling time. The combined VSF and SMC strategy is demonstrated by its application to a high precision hydrostatic system, referred to as the electrohydraulic actuator system.
Effect of ultraviolet light irradiation on electron field emission from titanium-oxide nanostructures
Authors: Wakaya F. , Tatsumi T. , Murakami K. , Abo S. , Takai M. , Takimoto T. , Takaoka Y.
Published: March 2011

Field-emission current from titanium-oxide nanostructures is increased by ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. The field-emission current after UV irradiation was tens of times larger than that before irradiation. The enhancement in electron emission by UV at 365 nm is larger than that at 405 nm. The increased emission current did not decrease after the irradiation was stopped but did decrease after the sample was exposed to air. This suggests that surface cleaning by photon induced reaction is the origin of the observed current enhancement.
Determination of the energy states of the donor acceptor decay emission in silicon rich oxide prepared by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition
Authors: López-Estopier R. , Aceves-Mijares M. , Yu Z. , Falcony C.
Published: March 2011

Room temperature cathodoluminescence and photoluminescence were used to study silicon rich oxide (SRO) films with 5.5% silicon excess. Intense blue and red luminescence emissions were found. A SRO film was deposited by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition and was annealed at 1100 °C by 3 h in a nitrogen ambient. The emission from the SRO films was modeled as being due to donor-acceptor-pair decay. Calculations have been made to obtain the first estimates of the donor and acceptor energy distributions in SRO films.
Growth and characterization of TbAs:GaAs nanocomposites
Authors: Cassels Laura E. , Buehl Trevor E. , Burke Peter G. , Palmstrøm Chris J. , Gossard Art C. , Pernot Gilles , Shakouri Ali , Haughn Chelsea R. , Doty Matthew F. , Zide Joshua M. O.
Published: March 2011

Recently, there has been interest in semimetallic rare earth monopnictide nanoparticles epitaxially embedded in III-V semiconductors due to the drastic changes brought about in these materials’ electrical and thermal properties. The properties of terbium codeposited with gallium arsenide by molecular beam epitaxy are discussed here. These new materials were characterized by x-ray diffraction, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, resistivity measurements, photoluminescence, time-domain thermoreflectance thermal conductivity measurements, optical absorption spectroscopy, and plan-view high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. Results revealed successful formation of randomly distributed nanoparticles with an average diameter of ∼1.5 nm, reduction of thermal conductivity by a factor of about 5, and consistency with theoretical predictions of mid-band-gap Fermi level pinning and behavior of past similar materials. The success of these TbAs:GaAs materials will lead the way for growth of similar materials [TbAs:InGa(Al)As] which are expected to exhibit highly desirable thermoelectric properties.