bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preceding pain symptoms and Parkinson's disease: a nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lin C.‐H. , Wu R.‐M. , Chang H.‐Y. , Chiang Y.‐T. , Lin H.‐H.
Published: May 2013

Background and purpose

Painful sensations are recently reported to be a non‐motor feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). The non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug ibuprofen is a common painkiller and was reported to be associated with a decreased risk of PD. The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship amongst preceding pain symptoms, use of ibuprofen and risk of PD in a nationwide population‐based cohort.

Methods

The data of participants who were free of PD at baseline were obtained from two large National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) in Taiwan, conducted in 2001 and 2005. The information regarding pain status included severity and location of pain. Information regarding pain status, use of ibuprofen, comorbidity of depression and PD‐associated risk/protective behaviors was adjusted using proportional hazards models.

Results

Amongst 33 388 participants, 32 cases of incident PD were identified after a mean follow‐up of 3 years. After adjusting for the use of ibuprofen and other PD risk factors, subjects with preceding pain symptoms had a higher incidence of PD than those without pain at baseline, and the hazard ratio was 1.79 (95% CI: 0.71–4.51, P = 0.21) for mild pain and 2.88 (95% CI: 1.05–7.86, P = 0.04) for moderate or severe pain. The PD risk increased by 34% with each additional increment in pain score [hazard ratio = 1.34 (1.03–1.75), P = 0.03], showing a dose–response relationship.

Conclusions

These findings support the hypothesis that pain is associated with PD in the pre‐motor stage of the disease. Further research is needed to clarify the role of sensory system involvement in the pre‐motor phase of PD.
Plasma and pulmonary pharmacokinetics of desfuroylceftiofur acetamide after weekly administration of ceftiofur crystalline free acid to adult horses
Authors: Fultz L. , Giguère S. , Berghaus L. J. , Davis J. L.
Published: May 2013

Reasons for performing study

Current labelling for the use of ceftiofur crystalline free acid (CCFA) in horses states that 2 i.m. doses must be administered 4 days apart to provide 10 days of therapeutic coverage. A 10 day treatment regimen is not sufficient for the long‐term treatment of horses with severe lung consolidation or pleuropneumonia. There are currently no data to guide an appropriate dosing interval when a longer treatment regimen is warranted.

Objectives

To determine steady‐state plasma and pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF) concentrations of desfuroylceftiofur acetamide (DCA) after weekly i.m. administration of CCFA to adult horses.

Study design

Experimental study.

Methods

Seven adult horses received i.m. CCFA at a dose of 6.6 mg/kg bwt on Day 0, Day 4 and every 7 days thereafter for 3 additional doses. Concentrations of DCA in plasma and PELF were measured at various time intervals.

Results

After weekly i.m. administration, the mean (± s.d.) steady‐state peak DCA concentration in plasma (2.87 ± 1.50 μg/ml) was significantly higher than that in PELF (0.84 ± 0.53 μg/ml). Mean terminal half‐lives in plasma (77.5 ± 17.5 h) and PELF (92.8 ± 59.0 h) were not significantly different. Concentrations of DCA in plasma and PELF remained in the therapeutic range for the entire dosing interval.

Conclusions

After the initial 2‐dose regimen 4 days apart, weekly i.m. administration of CCFA was well tolerated and resulted in plasma and PELF DCA concentrations above the minimal inhibitory concentration that inhibits growth of at least 90% of common lower respiratory tract pathogens of horses.

Potential relevance

Weekly administration of CCFA would appear appropriate when a treatment regimen longer than 10 days is warranted based on clinical signs and disease severity.
Complementary integrative medicine in atopic diseases – an overview
Authors: Pfab Florian , Schalock Peter C , Napadow Vitaly , Athanasiadis Georgios I , Ring Johannes , Huss‐Marp Johannes
Published: May 2013

Objective

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a conservative and increasingly popular approach to atopic diseases for both patients and medical providers. Over the past few decades, there has been increased research activity into the use of CAM therapies for allergy. In this overview, current evidence, possible mechanisms of action and clinical approaches for treating the triad of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma with CAM techniques are summarised and discussed.

Methods

The information for this overview was gathered from a literature search in the databases Medline and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1 January 1951 to 1 December 2012.

Results and conclusion

Promising therapies include Petasites hybridus and acupuncture for allergic rhinitis; probiotics during pregnancy; the herbal product Zemaphyte and acupuncture (to control itch) for atopic dermatitis; and physical training, weight reduction, physiotherapy, correct intake of vitamins A, C and D as well as different Chinese herbal formulas for asthma. However, further research is needed to more clearly identify the mechanisms of action of these therapies, and whether these clinical effects are above and beyond any placebo effect.
Inhibition of vacuolar ATPase attenuates the TRAIL‐induced activation of caspase‐8 and modulates the trafficking of TRAIL receptosomes
Authors: Horova Vladimira , Hradilova Nada , Jelinkova Iva , Koc Michal , Svadlenka Jan , Brazina Jan , Klima Martin , Slavik Josef , Hyrslova Vaculova Alena , Andera Ladislav
Published: May 2013

Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL), a membrane‐bound ligand from the TNF family, has attracted significant attention due to its rather specific and effective ability to induce apoptotic death in various types of cancer cells via binding to and activating its pro‐apoptotic death receptors. However, a significant number of primary cancer cells often develop resistance to TRAIL treatment, and the signalling platform behind this phenomenon is not fully understood. Upon blocking endosomal acidification by the vacuolar ATPase (V‐ATPase) inhibitors bafilomycin A1 (BafA1) or concanamycin A, we observed a significantly reduced initial sensitivity of several, mainly colorectal, tumour cell lines to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. In cells pretreated with these inhibitors, the TRAIL‐induced processing of caspase‐8 and the aggregation and trafficking of the TRAIL receptor complexes were temporarily attenuated. Nuclear factor κB or mitogen activated protein/stress kinase signalling from the activated TRAIL receptors remained unchanged, and neither possible lysosomal permeabilization nor acid sphingomyelinase was involved in this process. The cell surface expression of TRAIL receptors and their TRAIL‐induced internalization were not affected by V‐ATPase inhibitors. The inhibitory effect of BafA1, however, was blunted by knockdown of the caspase‐8 inhibitor cFLIP. Altogether, the data obtained provide the first evidence that endosomal acidification could represent an important regulatory node in the proximal part of TRAIL‐induced pro‐apoptotic signalling.

Structured digital abstract

TRAIL and Caspase-8 colocalize by fluorescence microscopy (View interaction)

TRAIL physically interacts with DR-5, Caspase-10, Caspase-8, cFLIP and FADD by pull down (View interaction)
Wetlands serve as natural sources for improvement of stream ecosystem health in regions affected by acid deposition
Authors: Pound Katrina L. , Lawrence Gregory B. , Passy Sophia I.
Published: May 2013

For over 40 years, acid deposition has been recognized as a serious international environmental problem, but efforts to restore acidified streams and biota have had limited success. The need to better understand the effects of different sources of acidity on streams has become more pressing with the recent increases in surface water organic acids, or ‘brownification,’ associated with climate change and decreased inorganic acid deposition. Here, we carried out a large scale multi‐seasonal investigation in the Adirondacks, one of the most acid‐impacted regions in the United States, to assess how acid stream producers respond to local and watershed influences and whether these influences can be used in acidification remediation. We explored the pathways of wetland control on aluminum chemistry and diatom taxonomic and functional composition. We demonstrate that streams with larger watershed wetlands have higher organic content, lower concentrations of acidic anions, and lower ratios of inorganic to organic monomeric aluminum, all beneficial for diatom biodiversity and guilds producing high biomass. Although brownification has been viewed as a form of pollution, our results indicate that it may be a stimulating force for biofilm producers with potentially positive consequences for higher trophic levels. Our research also reveals that the mechanism of watershed control of local stream diatom biodiversity through wetland export of organic matter is universal in running waters, operating not only in hard streams, as previously reported, but also in acid streams. Our findings that the negative impacts of acid deposition on Adirondack stream chemistry and biota can be mitigated by wetlands have important implications for biodiversity conservation and stream ecosystem management. Future acidification research should focus on the potential for wetlands to improve stream ecosystem health in acid‐impacted regions and their direct use in stream restoration, for example, through stream rechanneling or wetland construction in appropriate hydrologic settings.
Zircon—Earth's timekeeper
Authors: MacDonald John
Published: May 2013

One of the earliest written references to zircon is from Lydgate's edition of Aesop's Fables from c.1400 where a zircon was found ‘hid in the dunghill’. Since the humble surroundings of this early record, zircon has become a popular and important mineral. The name zircon is believed to have derived from the Persian words ‘zar’ and ‘gun’ meaning gold and colour respectively. During the Middle Ages, it was believed that wearing zircon jewellery was a cure against insomnia and protected against disease. In more modern times, zircon has found uses in industrial processes and is a key mineral for geologists investigating the geological history of the Earth. It can incorporate uranium which undergoes radioactive decay to lead at a constant rate. By measuring the ratios of uranium and lead isotopes, geologists can calculate the age at which zircons formed. Physical and chemical durability makes zircon able to survive for long periods of geological time and record information about hallmark geological events in Earth history, including early crustal formation, mountain‐building events and mass extinctions. Indeed, the oldest known material on the planet is a zircon from Jack Hills in Western Australia, dated at 4.4 billion years old, a mere 0.15 billion years after the formation of the Earth. This remarkable durability has also led to zircon finding commercial applications in high‐temperature industrial processes, such as brick foundries, while its chemical inertness makes it a potential material for testing the impact of the radioactive products of nuclear waste on mineral structures.
Rational Choice and Responsibilisation in Youth Justice in Scotland: Whose Evidence Matters in Evidence‐Based Policy?
Authors: Barry Monica
Published: May 2013

Rational choice and responsibilisation of young offenders are concepts increasingly informing youth justice policy in Scotland, yet there is evidence from both academics and young offenders that such approaches are ineffective. This article explores the views of young people in care and contrasts their evidence with that from Rational Choice Theory (RCT), elements of which are increasingly influencing youth justice policy. Government policy now focuses not on desistance but on the containment and behaviour modification of young offenders, strategies which no longer deliver justice but anticipate and modify so‐called ‘rational’ thinking amongst young people.
Oral Kaposi's sarcoma: a review and update
Authors: Fatahzadeh Mahnaz , Schwartz Robert A.
Published: May 2013

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an important mucocutaneous neoplasm with four well‐known clinicopathologic types. Involvement of the oral cavity may be seen in all variants but is most common with AIDS‐KS. The latter may signal undiagnosed HIV infection. Its common association with disseminated disease has potentially important diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Oral KS (OKS) most often affects the hard and soft palate, gingiva, and dorsal tongue with plaques or tumors of coloration ranging from non‐pigmented to brownish‐red or violaceous. Its involvement ranges from an incidental finding to proliferative tumor formation that interferes with mastication. OKS needs to be distinguished clinically from other entities, including pyogenic granuloma, hemangioma, bacillary angiomatosis, and gingival enlargement caused by cyclosporine, a drug frequently used in recipients of organ transplantation. KS may flare as part of the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in HIV patients or develop in the context of iatrogenic immunosuppression. Management, which may depend upon a variety of factors including the clinicopathologic type of KS and results of staging, ranges from no treatment to local measures such as intralesional vinblastine or systemic administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy for disseminated disease. Modification of immunosuppressive regimens often helps control post‐transplant OKS but enhances the risk of graft rejection. Screening donors and recipients of organ transplants for HHV‐8, with prophylactic treatment if infected as well as institution of sirolimus early after transplantation, are proposed strategies aimed at preventing post‐transplant OKS.
Efficiency and stability in a strategic model of hedonic coalitions
Authors: Rubí‐Barceló Antoni
Published: May 2013

This paper analyzes the partitioning of a society into coalitions in a setting where heterogeneous players produce private and club goods. Their preferences are hedonic and are represented by a utility function with two arguments, namely their consumptions of these two goods. The focus is on the compatibility of overall societal welfare with individual incentives to move the coalition or accept new coalition mates under alternative utility specifications and agents’ productivities.
Continuous rearing of the predatory anthocorid Orius laevigatus without plant materials
Authors: De Puysseleyr V. , Höfte M. , De Clercq P.
Published: May 2013

The omnivorous anthocorid predator Orius laevigatus is an economically important biological control agent of several small arthropod pests including the western flower thrips Frankliniella occidentalis. Mass rearing systems for Orius bugs typically make use of plant materials such as bean pods as an oviposition substrate and moisture source. Omission of plant materials from the mass rearing system of these beneficial arthropods could drastically improve the cost‐effectiveness of their production and thus stimulate their use in augmentative biological control. This study investigated the effect of a plantless rearing system, using wax paper as a walking substrate, water encapsulated in Parafilm domes, and an artificial oviposition substrate made of Parafilm and moist cotton wool, on the developmental and reproductive fitness of O. laevigatus. Plantless rearing during four generations resulted in females with an 11% lower body weight and a pre‐oviposition period that was prolonged by 29%. However, other biological parameters were not negatively affected by the absence of plants. In addition, plantless‐reared females had similar predation rates on F. occidentalis larvae as their peers maintained on plants. Our study indicates that the omission of plant material from the production cycle of O. laevigatus is possible when Ephestia kuehniella eggs are provided as a nutritionally optimal food source.
Novel contribution of cell surface and intracellular M1‐muscarinic acetylcholine receptors to synaptic plasticity in hippocampus
Authors: Anisuzzaman Abu Syed Md , Uwada Junsuke , Masuoka Takayoshi , Yoshiki Hatsumi , Nishio Matomo , Ikegaya Yuji , Takahashi Naoya , Matsuki Norio , Fujibayashi Yasuhisa , Yonekura Yoshiharu , Momiyama Toshihiko , Muramatsu Ikunobu
Published: May 2013

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are well known to transmit extracellular cholinergic signals into the cytoplasm from their position on the cell surface. However, we show here that M1‐mAChRs are also highly expressed on intracellular membranes in neurons of the telencephalon and activate signaling cascades distinct from those of cell surface receptors, contributing uniquely to synaptic plasticity. Radioligand‐binding experiments with cell‐permeable and ‐impermeable ligands and immunohistochemical observations revealed intracellular and surface distributions of M1‐mAChRs in the hippocampus and cortex of rats, mice, and humans, in contrast to the selective occurrence on the cell surface in other tissues. All intracellular muscarinic‐binding sites were abolished in M1‐mAChR‐gene‐knockout mice. Activation of cell surface M1‐mAChRs in rat hippocampal neurons evoked phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis and network oscillations at theta rhythm, and transiently enhanced long‐term potentiation. On the other hand, activation of intracellular M1‐mAChRs phosphorylated extracellular‐regulated kinase 1/2 and gradually enhanced long‐term potentiation. Our data thus demonstrate that M1‐mAChRs function at both surface and intracellular sites in telencephalon neurons including the hippocampus, suggesting a new mode of cholinergic transmission in the central nervous system.
Molecular analysis of regulative events in the developing chick limb
Authors: Mahony Chris , Vargesson Neil
Published: May 2013

The developing chick limb has the remarkable ability to regulate for the loss of large amounts of mesenchyme and maintain a normal limb pattern in early (Hamburger and Hamilton Stage 19; E3) limbs. How the limb can regulate for tissue loss and why this ability is lost as development proceeds (after Hamburger and Hamilton Stage 21; E3.5) is unclear. We have investigated the origins of cells involved in regulative processes and, for the first time, the molecular changes occurring, and find striking differences between developmental time points just 0.5 days apart. We demonstrate that subtle changes in cell dispersal and cell proliferation occur in HH St21 limbs but not in HH St19 limbs and also demonstrate that there is no net replacement of removed tissue at either HH St21 or St19. We further show that changes in the Fgf8/Shh/Bmp4/Gremlin signaling pathway together with the appearance of distal Hox gene activation coincide with the limbs' ability to regulate for large tissue loss. We also demonstrate that following small tissue loss, limbs can regulate for missing tissue to produce normal pattern with no net replacement of missing tissue, as seen in limbs following large tissue loss. Our results indicate the regulative ability of the limb is not due to changes in cell proliferation, cell lineage nor replacement of the missing tissue – regulative ability is reliant upon the signaling environment remaining.
Determination of three‐dimensional muscle architectures: validation of the DTI‐based fiber tractography method by manual digitization
Authors: Schenk P. , Siebert T. , Hiepe P. , Güllmar D. , Reichenbach J. R. , Wick C. , Blickhan R. , Böl M.
Published: May 2013

In the last decade, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been used increasingly to investigate three‐dimensional (3D) muscle architectures. So far there is no study that has proved the validity of this method to determine fascicle lengths and pennation angles within a whole muscle. To verify the DTI method, fascicle lengths of m. soleus as well as their pennation angles have been measured using two different methods. First, the 3D muscle architecture was analyzed in vivo applying the DTI method with subsequent deterministic fiber tractography. In a second step, the muscle architecture of the same muscle was analyzed using a standard manual digitization system (MicroScribe MLX). Comparing both methods, we found differences for the median pennation angles (P < 0.001) but not for the median fascicle lengths (P = 0.216). Despite the statistical results, we conclude that the DTI method is appropriate to determine the global fiber orientation. The difference in median pennation angles determined with both methods is only about 1.2° (median pennation angle of MicroScribe: 9.7°; DTI: 8.5°) and probably has no practical relevance for muscle simulation studies. Determining fascicle lengths requires additional restriction and further development of the DTI method.
Why the World Needs to Get Serious About Adolescents: A View From UNICEF
Authors: Diers Judith
Published: May 2013

This article makes the case that there has been insufficient global attention to the health and development of children in the second decade of life. The author uses her vantage point of UNICEF to identify that institution's history of accomplishments for younger children and the opportunity to increase its work on adolescents, in collaboration with the research community. She notes that evidence‐based programs for adolescents have the potential to consolidate global gains in early and middle childhood, such as reductions in under‐five mortality and gains in improving access to and quality of primary schooling, safe water, and routine immunizations. A distinct opportunity in working with this older cohort is the potential for engaging adolescents as social actors in their communities.
Adolescent Development in a Diverse and Changing World: Introduction
Authors: Jensen Lene Arnett , Chen Xinyin
Published: May 2013

Cultural and contextual perspectives provide an understanding of universal and unique patterns of adolescent development. The articles in this special section show how this is vital for theory and research in today's diverse and changing world, and for interventions with adolescents within and across countries. The articles by Diers, Kagitcibasi, and Way, based on their addresses at the 2012 Meeting of the Society for Research on Adolescence, elaborate on the meeting theme of “Culture and Context.” Here, we give a précis of the articles and then discuss how they exemplify our three intellectual goals for the 2012 meeting. Specifically, we aimed for breadth in regard to development, culture, and context. We end by noting novel synergies that emerged among the articles.
Involvement of GLUT-4 in the stimulatory effect of rutin on glucose uptake in rat soleus muscle
Authors: Kappel Virginia Demarchi , Cazarolli Luisa Helena , Pereira Danielle Fontana , Postal Bárbara Graziela , Zamoner Ariane , Reginatto Flávio Henrique , Silva Fátima Regina Mena Barreto
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the in-vitro effect of rutin on glucose uptake in an insulin target (soleus muscle) and the mechanism of action involved.

Methods

Isolated soleus muscles from rats were treated with rutin (500 μm) with or without the following inhibitors; hydroxy-2-naphthalenylmethylphosphonic acid trisacetoxymethyl ester (HNMPA(AM)3), an insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity inhibitor, wortmannin, an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), RO318220, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, colchicine, a microtubule-depolymerizing agent, PD98059, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), and cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis on fresh Krebs Ringer-bicarbonate plus [U-14C]-2-deoxy-d-glucose (0.1 μCi/ml). Samples of tissue medium were used for the radioactivity measurements.

Key findings

Rutin increased the glucose uptake in rat soleus muscle. In addition, the effect of rutin on glucose uptake was completely inhibited by pretreatment with HNMPA(AM)3, wortmannin, RO318220, colchicine, PD98059, and cycloheximide. These results suggested that rutin stimulated glucose uptake in the rat soleus muscle via the PI3K, atypical protein kinase C and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Also, rutin may have influenced glucose transporter translocation and may have directly activated the synthesis of the transporter GLUT-4.

Conclusion

The similarities of rutin action on glucose uptake compared with the signalling pathways of insulin constitute strong evidence for the insulin-mimetic role of rutin in glucose homeostasis.
Role of salivary epithelial toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 in modulating innate immune responses in chronic periodontitis
Authors: Swaminathan V. , Prakasam S. , Puri V. , Srinivasan M.
Published: May 2013

Background and Objective

Chronic periodontitis is initiated by sequential colonization with a broad array of bacteria and is perpetuated by an immune‐inflammatory response to the changing biofilm. Host recognition of microbes is largely mediated by toll‐like receptors (TLRs), which interact with conserved pathogen‐associated molecular patterns. Based on ligand recognition, TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 interact with most periodontal pathogens. Extracrevicular bacterial reservoirs, such as the oral epithelial cells, contribute to the persistence of periodontitis. Human saliva is a rich source of oral epithelial cells that express functional TLRs. In this study we investigated the role of salivary epithelial cell (SEC) TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 in patients with generalized chronic periodontitis.

Material and Methods

Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) was collected from patients with generalized chronic periodontitis and from healthy individuals after obtaining informed consent. Epithelial cells isolated from each UWS sample were assessed for TLR‐2, TLR‐4, peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP)‐3 and PGRP‐4 by quantitative real‐time PCR. In addition, the SECs were stimulated in vitro with microbial products for up to 24 h. The culture supernatant was assessed for cytokines by ELISA.

Results

Stimulation with TLR‐2‐ or TLR‐4‐specific ligands induced cytokine secretion with differential kinetics and up‐regulated TLR2 and TLR4 mRNAs, respectively, in cultures of SECs from patients with periodontitis. In addition, the SECs from patients with periodontitis exhibited reduced PGRP3 and PGRP4 mRNAs, the TLR‐responsive genes with antibacterial properties.

Conclusion

SECs derived from the UWS of patients with chronic periodontitis are phenotypically distinct and could represent potential resources for assessing the epithelial responses to periodontal pathogens in the course of disease progression and persistence.
Growth and predictors of change in English language learners' reading comprehension
Authors: Farnia Fataneh , Geva Esther
Published: May 2013

This study modelled reading comprehension trajectories in Grades 4 to 6 English language learners (ELLs = 400), with different home language backgrounds, and in English monolinguals (EL1s = 153), and examined an augmented Simple View of Reading model. The contribution of Grade 1 (early) and Grade 4 (late) cognitive, language and word‐level reading to Grade 6 reading comprehension was examined. The reading comprehension trajectory was non‐linear in ELLs but linear in EL1s. Syntax predicted consistently rate of growth in reading comprehension. ELLs consistently underperformed EL1s on reading comprehension. Word‐level reading and all components of language (vocabulary, syntax and listening comprehension) remained stable predictors of Grade 6 reading comprehension. Grade 1 phonological awareness, naming speed and working memory predicted reading comprehension in Grade 6, as did Grade 4 phonological short‐term memory. Results support an augmented Simple View of Reading that includes cognitive, word‐level and language components, and underscore the importance of considering developmental changes in the constructs.
After innocence: Perceptions of individuals who have been wrongfully convicted
Authors: Clow Kimberley A. , Leach Amy‐May
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Although it is easy to assume that individuals who have been wrongfully convicted are stigmatized, research has not systematically examined this issue. This research compares perceptions of individuals who have been wrongfully convicted to perceptions of offenders to investigate the stigma that wrongfully convicted persons report.

Method

Participants were randomly assigned to complete surveys regarding their attitudes, stereotypes, and discrimination tendencies towards one of three different groups: individuals who were wrongfully convicted of a crime, actual offenders, or people in general (control).

Results

Results suggested contemptuous prejudice towards offenders and wrongfully convicted persons. In comparison to the control group, individuals who had been wrongfully convicted were stereotyped more negatively, elicited more negative emotions, and were held at a greater social distance. Although participants did report greater pity for wrongfully convicted persons than others, this pity did not translate into greater assistance or support.

Conclusions

Perceptions of wrongfully convicted persons appear similar to negative, stigmatized views of offenders. Individuals faced stigma and discrimination even after exoneration.
The Potential of Systems Thinking in Teacher Reform as Theorized for the Teaching Brain Framework
Authors: Rodriguez Vanessa
Published: May 2013

The teaching brain is a dynamic system that is in constant interaction with the learning brain. If we fail to explore the teaching brain we will continue to design educational reform policies that ignore the most important lens in the classroom: the teachers'. Master teachers recognize their perspective and leverage their teaching brains to embody a systems thinking view of their practice. If all teachers were taught how to recognize themselves as self‐created, organized systems existing within the larger teaching–learning interaction, they would understand how their context and intentions affect the teacher–student interaction. Education reform must acknowledge and understand more about the teaching brain, how master teachers practice systems thinking and the mutually interacting brains of teacher and student if we hope to truly improve how we educate children.
The Influence of Reading Expertise in Mirror‐Letter Perception: Evidence From Beginning and Expert Readers
Authors: Duñabeitia Jon Andoni , Dimitropoulou María , Estévez Adelina , Carreiras Manuel
Published: May 2013

The visual word recognition system recruits neuronal systems originally developed for object perception which are characterized by orientation insensitivity to mirror reversals. It has been proposed that during reading acquisition beginning readers have to “unlearn” this natural tolerance to mirror reversals in order to efficiently discriminate letters and words. Therefore, it is supposed that this unlearning process takes place in a gradual way and that reading expertise modulates mirror‐letter discrimination. However, to date no supporting evidence for this has been obtained. We present data from an eye‐movement study that investigated the degree of sensitivity to mirror‐letters in a group of beginning readers and a group of expert readers. Participants had to decide which of the two strings presented on a screen corresponded to an auditorily presented word. Visual displays always included the correct target word and one distractor word. Results showed that those distractors that were the same as the target word except for the mirror lateralization of two internal letters attracted participants' attention more than distractors created by replacement of 2 internal letters. Interestingly, the time course of the effects was found to be different for the 2 groups, with beginning readers showing a greater tolerance (decreased sensitivity) to mirror‐letters than expert readers. Implications of these findings are discussed within the framework of preceding evidence showing how reading expertise modulates letter identification.
Clinical study results from a randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioural guided self‐help in patients with partially remitted depressive disorder
Authors: Schlögelhofer Monika , Willinger Ulrike , Wiesegger Georg , Eder Harald , Priesch Margrit , Itzlinger Ulrike , Bailer Ursula , Schosser Alexandra , Leisch Friedrich , Aschauer Harald
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Cognitive behavioural guided self‐help has been shown to be effective in mild and moderate depressive disorder. It is not known, however, if it is effective in individuals with partially remitted depressive disorder, which is a serious clinical problem in up to 50–60% of treated patients. This study is the first one to examine the clinical benefit of this intervention in this patient population.

Design

For the purpose of this study, a single‐blind, randomized controlled design was used.

Method

We randomized 90 individuals with partially remitted depressive disorder either to cognitive behavioural guided self‐help plus psychopharmacotherapy (n = 49) or psychopharmacotherapy alone (n = 41). They were clinically assessed at regular intervals with ratings of depressive symptoms and stress‐coping strategies over a 3‐week run‐in period and a 6‐week treatment period.

Results

After 6 weeks, intention‐to‐treat analysis (n = 90) showed that patients treated with cognitive behavioural guided self‐help plus psychopharmacotherapy did not have significantly lower scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression (17‐item version; HRSD‐17) and on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) compared to patients treated with psychopharmacotherapy alone. When negative stress‐coping strategies were considered, there was a significant difference between the two groups at the end of treatment with respect to the BDI but not to the HRSD‐17.

Conclusions

Guided self‐help did not lead to a significant reduction in symptom severity in patients with partially remitted depressive disorder after a 6‐week intervention. However, the intervention leads to a reduction of negative stress‐coping strategies.

Practitioner points

Cognitive behavioural guided self‐help did not significantly improve depressive symptoms measured with the Hamilton Rating Scale of Depression (17‐item version; HRSD‐17) in patients with partially remitted depressive disorder.

Improvements were found in reducing negative stress‐coping strategies for those allocated to the cognitive behavioural guided self‐help, which significantly improved Beck Depression Inventory but not HRSD‐17.

These findings suggest that cognitive behavioural guided self‐help may offer some assistance in managing negative stress‐coping strategies.
The invasive potential of parasitic monogenoids (platyhelminthes) via the aquarium fish trade: an appraisal with special reference to India
Authors: Tripathi Amit
Published: May 2013

Aquaculture, the rearing of aquatic organisms under controlled or semi‐controlled conditions to produce organisms, mainly for food, ornamental and sporting purposes, is a fastest‐growing animal‐food‐producing sector in the world. The human‐mediated introduction of exotic fish has played an important role in the success story of aquaculture. Nonetheless, many exotic fish have been implicated in the loss of native fish biodiversity, largely through the transmission of parasites and diseases amongst others. Whilst the transmission of parasites following the introduction of exotic food fish is well documented, transfer of those carried by exotic ornamental fish has received little attention. This article provides the first summary review of the global translocation of the platyhelminthes class Monogenoidea via the aquarium fish trade to draw attention to the growing parasitological risk factors associated with this form of commerce. By examining the invasive characteristics of both aquarium fish and monogenoids, I review how the monogenoids fit into the different stages that an introduced species goes through when invading the destination environment. For this, I use a theoretical framework, synthesising published reports on the aquarium fish trade with current knowledge on monogenoids to model invasion success. Next, I provide examples of invasive monogenoids on exotic Indian aquarium fish and briefly discuss the vulnerability of India to colonisation by imported aquarium fish and their parasitic monogenoids. I conclude that the aquarium fish trade is a perfect gateway for worldwide translocation of monogenoids. As this trade continues to increase and intensify, global translocation of monogenoids will expand even further.
The Potential Impact of an Anthrax Attack on Real Estate Prices and Foreclosures in Seattle
Authors: Dormady Noah , Szelazek Thomas , Rose Adam
Published: May 2013

This article provides a methodology for the economic analysis of the potential consequences of a simulated anthrax terrorism attack on real estate within the Seattle metropolitan area. We estimate spatially disaggregated impacts on median sales price of residential housing within the Seattle metro area following an attack on the central business district (CBD). Using a combination of longitudinal panel regression and GIS analysis, we find that the median sales price in the CBD could decline by as much as $280,000, and by nearly $100,000 in nearby communities. These results indicate that total residential property values could decrease by over $50 billion for Seattle, or a 33% overall decline. We combine these estimates with HUD's 2009 American Housing Survey (AHS) to further predict 70,000 foreclosures in Seattle spatial zones following the terrorism event.
Vascular Access Surveillance: Time to End the Controversy
Authors: Polkinghorne Kevan R.
Published: May 2013

The establishment and maintenance of permanent vascular access for hemodialysis patients are important clinical problems. Vascular access surveillance, currently mandated by theCMS, refers to the task of identifying and correcting an underlying vascular access stenosis to prolong vascular access patency and survival. While this premise makes intuitive sense, this article discusses the underlying evidence to support it, outlining disparate conclusions of clinical practice guidelines and a recent commentary by experts in vascular access.
Effect of Lipopolysaccharide Administration on the Number, Phenotype and Content of Nuclear Molecules in Blood Microparticles of Normal Human Subjects
Authors: Soop A. , Hållström L. , Frostell C. , Wallén H. , Mobarrez F. , Pisetsky D. S.
Published: May 2013

Microparticles (MPs) are small membrane‐bound vesicles that arise from activated and dying cells and promote inflammation and thrombosis. To characterize thein vivorelease ofMPs, we used flow cytometry to measureMPs in the blood of 15 healthy volunteers administered bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide orLPS) in the presence of a low dose of hydrocortisone with or without inhaled nitric oxide.MPs, defined as particles less than 1.0 μm in size, were assessed following labelling forCD42a,CD14 andCD62E orCD144 antibodies to identifyMPs from platelets (PMPs), monocytes (MMPs) and endothelial cells (EMPs). In addition,PMPs andMMPs were labelled with anti‐HMGB1 and stained withSYTO13 to assess nuclear acid content. Administration ofLPSled to an increase in the numbers ofPMPs,MMPs andEMPs as defined byCD62E, as well as the number ofMMPs andPMPs staining with anti‐HMGB1 andSYTO13. Inhalation ofNOdid not influence these findings. Together, these studies show thatLPScan increase levels of bloodMPs and influence phenotype, including nuclear content. As such, particles may be a source ofHMGB1 and other nuclear molecules in the blood during inflammation.
KIR diversity in three ethnic populations of Assam state, Northeast India
Authors: Dutta A. , Lourembam S. D. , Pradhan S. , Baruah S.
Published: May 2013

Killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) exhibit extensive diversity and it has been observed that populations with different ethno‐history, linguistic, geographic and genetic backgrounds can differ in KIR profile. In this context, we have investigated the KIR complex in three ethnic populations—Kachari (n = 108), Ahom (n = 104) and Adivasi (n = 101) of Assam, Northeast India. The three populations had 145 distinct KIR genotypes in 313 individuals typed. The two Mongoloid populations—Kachari and Ahom had close genetic affinities with their parental East Asian groups where the Kachari clustered with Chinese populations and the Ahom in another clade clustered with Thailand Bangkok and Polynesian populations. The Adivasi differed markedly from these Mongoloid populations in having higher KIR 2DL2, 2DS2, 2DS3 and 2DS5, but lower 2DL3 (P value <0.0001). Like the other native Indian populations, the Adivasi had higher share of Bx‐haplogroup and C4Tx genotype (37/101). However, unlike other Indian populations, KIR 3DS1 gene frequency was lower in Adivasi (21%) and was comparable to the African populations. The neighbor‐joining dendogram generated on the basis of KIR gene frequencies of our study populations with 43 world populations also placed the Adivasi with African populations. Interestingly, the three populations in the dendogram are consistent with their migration histories. In summary, our data suggest that KIR profile of the three ethnic populations displayed ethnic diversity and was consistent with their migration history thereby supporting the concept that KIR diversity may be used to understand genetic affinity and migration history of populations.
Airborne LiDAR and Terrestrial Laser Scanning Derived Vegetation Obstruction Factors for Visibility Models
Authors: Murgoitio Jayson , Shrestha Rupesh , Glenn Nancy , Spaete Lucas
Published: May 2013

Research presented here explores the feasibility of leveraging vegetation data derived from airborne light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) for visibility modeling. Using LiDAR and TLS datasets of a lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta) dominant ecosystem, tree canopy and trunk obstructions were isolated relevant to a discrete visibility beam in a short‐range line‐of‐sight model. Cumulative obstruction factors from vegetation were compared with reference visibility values from digital photographs along sightline paths. LiDAR‐derived tree factors were augmented with single‐scan TLS data for obstruction prediction. Good correlation between datasets was found up to 10 m from the terrestrial scanner, but fine scale visibility modeling was problematic at longer distances. Analysis of correlation and regression results reveal the influence of obstruction shadowing inherent to discrete LiDAR and TLS, potentially limiting the feasibility of modeling visibility over large areas with similar technology. However, the results support the potential for TLS‐derived subcanopy metrics for augmenting large amounts of aerial LiDAR data to significantly improve models of forest structure. Subtle LiDAR processing improvements, including more accurate tree delineation through higher point density aerial data, combined with better vegetation quantification processes for TLS data, will advance the feasibility and accuracy of data integration.
Thinking about Space‐Time Connections: Spatiotemporal Scheduling of Individual Activities
Authors: Stewart Kathleen , Fan Junchuan , White Emily
Published: May 2013

This article presents a spatiotemporal model for scheduling applications that is driven by the events and activities individuals plan and manage every day. The framework is presented using an ontological approach where ontologies at different levels of generalization, e.g. domain, application, and task ontologies, are linked together through participation and inheritance relationships. S_Events are entered into a schedule as a new S_Entry, or modifications can be made to existing entries including reschedule, postpone, change location, and delete as schedules vary over time. These schedule updates are formalized through changes to planned start and end times and the planned locations of S_Entries are expressed using SWRL, a semantic web rule language. SWRL is also used for reasoning about schedule changes and the space‐time conflicts that can occur. The sequence of entries in a schedule gives rise to S_trajectories representing the locations that individuals plan to visit in order to carry out their schedule, adding an additional spatial element to the framework. A prototype Geoscheduler application maps S_Entries against a timeline, offering a spatiotemporal visualization of scheduled activities showing the evolution of a schedule over space‐time and affecting spatiotemporal accessibility for individuals.
Discovering Spatial Interaction Communities from Mobile Phone Data
Authors: Gao Song , Liu Yu , Wang Yaoli , Ma Xiujun
Published: May 2013

In the age of Big Data, the widespread use of location‐awareness technologies has made it possible to collect spatio‐temporal interaction data for analyzing flow patterns in both physical space and cyberspace. This research attempts to explore and interpret patterns embedded in the network of phone‐call interaction and the network of phone‐users’ movements, by considering the geographical context of mobile phone cells. We adopt an agglomerative clustering algorithm based on a Newman‐Girvan modularity metric and propose an alternative modularity function incorporating a gravity model to discover the clustering structures of spatial‐interaction communities using a mobile phone dataset from one week in a city in China. The results verify the distance decay effect and spatial continuity that control the process of partitioning phone‐call interaction, which indicates that people tend to communicate within a spatial‐proximity community. Furthermore, we discover that a high correlation exists between phone‐users’ movements in physical space and phone‐call interaction in cyberspace. Our approach presents a combined qualitative‐quantitative framework to identify clusters and interaction patterns, and explains how geographical context influences communities of callers and receivers. The findings of this empirical study are valuable for urban structure studies as well as for the detection of communities in spatial networks.
Treatment of wastewater containing high concentrations of terephthalic acid by Comamonas sp. and Rhodococcus sp.: kinetic and stoichiometric characterization
Authors: Ordaz‐Cortés Alberto , Thalasso Frederic , Salgado‐Manjarrez Edgar , Garibay‐Orijel Claudio
Published: May 2013

In this work, terephthalic acid degradation was studied with two strains that were isolated and identified as closely related to Comamonas (99%) and Rhodococcus (99%) genus. A characterization of both strains was carried out during batch experiments performed at two oxygen transfer capacities (0.094 ± 0.011 and 0.538 ± 0.042 g O2/L/h) and five concentrations of terephthalic acid (2.5 to 15.0 g/L). Maximum degradation rates of 0.073 ± 0.004 and 0.062 ± 0.003 g TOC/L/h, were observed, for Comamonas sp. and Rhodococcus sp., respectively. However, a degradation rate of 0.159 ± 0.011 g TOC/L/h was reached with a mixed culture. Haldane, Aiba, Edwards and Andrews models were used to fit terephthalic acid degradation kinetics, being Haldane the model that best fitted the results. Several parameters were determined including, maximum growth rate, growth yield, substrate affinity and inhibition constant.