bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The structure of nanocomposite 1D cationic conductor crystal@SWNT
Authors: KISELEV N.A. , KUMSKOV A.S. , ZAKALYUKIN R.M. , VASILIEV A.L. , CHERNISHEVA M.V. , ELISEEV A.A. , KRESTININ A.V. , FREITAG B. , HUTCHISON J.L.
Published: May 2012

Nanocomposites consisting of one‐dimensional (1D) crystals of the cationic conductors CuI, CuBr and AgBr inside single‐walled carbon nanotubes, mainly (n, 0), were obtained using the capillary technique. 1D crystal structure models were proposed based on the high resolution transmission electron microscopy performed on a FEI Titan 80–300 at 80 kV with aberration correction. According to the models and image simulations there are two modifications of 1D crystal: hexagonal close‐packed bromine (iodine) anion sublattice (growth direction <001>) and 1D crystal cubic structure (growth direction <112>) compressed transversely to the nanotube (Dm∼1.33 nm) axis. Tentatively this kind of 1D crystal can be considered as monoclinic. One modification of the anion sublattice reversibly transforms into the other inside the nanotube, probably initiated by electron beam heating. As demonstrated by micrographs, copper or silver cations can occupy octahedral positions or are statistically distributed across two tetrahedral positions. A 1DAgBr@SWNT (18, 0; 19, 0) pseudoperiodic ‘lattice distortion' is revealed resulting from convolution of the nanotube wall function image with 1D cubic crystal function image.
EEG sigma and slow‐wave activity during NREM sleep correlate with overnight declarative and procedural memory consolidation
Authors: HOLZ JOHANNES , PIOSCZYK HANNAH , FEIGE BERND , SPIEGELHALDER KAI , BAGLIONI CHIARA , RIEMANN DIETER , NISSEN CHRISTOPH
Published: May 2012

Previous studies suggest that sleep‐specific brain activity patterns such as sleep spindles and electroencephalographic slow‐wave activity contribute to the consolidation of novel memories. The generation of both sleep spindles and slow‐wave activity relies on synchronized oscillations in a thalamo‐cortical network that might be implicated in synaptic strengthening (spindles) and downscaling (slow‐wave activity) during sleep. This study further examined the association between electroencephalographic power during non‐rapid eye movement sleep in the spindle (sigma, 12–16 Hz) and slow‐wave frequency range (0.1–3.5 Hz) and overnight memory consolidation in 20 healthy subjects (10 men, 27.1 ± 4.6 years). We found that both electroencephalographic sigma power and slow‐wave activity were positively correlated with the pre–post‐sleep consolidation of declarative (word list) and procedural (mirror‐tracing) memories. These results, although only correlative in nature, are consistent with the view that processes of synaptic strengthening (sleep spindles) and synaptic downscaling (slow‐wave activity) might act in concert to promote synaptic plasticity and the consolidation of both declarative and procedural memories during sleep.
The NtrY/X two‐component system of Brucella spp. acts as a redox sensor and regulates the expression of nitrogen respiration enzymes
Authors: Carrica Mariela del Carmen , Fernandez Ignacio , Martí Marcelo Adrián , Paris Gastón , Goldbaum Fernando Alberto
Published: May 2012

Brucella spp. are facultative intracellular bacteria pathogenic for many mammalian species including humans, causing a disease called brucellosis. Learning how Brucella adapts to its intracellular niche is crucial for understanding its pathogenesis mechanism, allowing for the development of new and more effective vaccines and treatments against brucellosis. Brucella pathogenesis resides mostly in its ability to adapt to the harsh environmental conditions encountered during host infection such as the oxygen depletion. The mechanism by which Brucella senses the oxygen tension and triggers its environmental adaptation is unknown. In this work we show that the Brucella abortus NtrY/NtrX two‐component system is involved in oxygen sensing through a haem group contained in a Per‐ARNT‐SIM (PAS) domain of the NtrY histidine kinase. The NtrY haem iron can be reduced to the ferrous form and is rapidly oxidized to the ferric form in presence of oxygen. Importantly, we show that the oxidation state of the haem iron modulates the autokinase activity, being the anoxygenic reduced ferrous form the signalling state of NtrY. Also, we show that ntrY gene expression increases under low oxygen tension and that NtrY transfers its signal to its cognate response regulator NtrX, regulating in this way the expression of nitrogen respiration enzymes. Based on these findings, we postulate that NtrY acts as a redox sensor in Brucella spp.
Accumulation of a repulsive axonal guidance molecule RGMa in amyloid plaques: a possible hallmark of regenerative failure in Alzheimer's disease brains
Authors: Satoh J. , Tabunoki H. , Ishida T. , Saito Y. , Arima K.
Published: May 2012

J. Satoh, H. Tabunoki, T. Ishida, Y. Saito and K. Arima (2013) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology39, 109–120

Accumulation of a repulsive axonal guidance molecule RGMa in amyloid plaques: a possible hallmark of regenerative failure in Alzheimer's disease brains

Aims: RGMa is a repulsive guidance molecule that induces the collapse of axonal growth cones by interacting with the receptor neogenin in the central nervous system during development. It remains unknown whether RGMa plays a role in the neurodegenerative process of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We hypothesize that RGMa, if it is concentrated on amyloid plaques, might contribute to a regenerative failure of degenerating axons in AD brains. Methods: By immunohistochemistry, we studied RGMa and neogenin (NEO1) expression in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus of 6 AD and 12 control cases. The levels of RGMa expression were determined by qRT‐PCR and Western blot in cultured human astrocytes following exposure to cytokines and amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides. Results: In AD brains, an intense RGMa immunoreactivity was identified on amyloid plaques and in the glial scar. In the control brains, the glial scar and vascular foot processes of astrocytes expressed RGMa immunoreactivity, while oligodendrocytes and microglia were negative for RGMa. In AD brains, a small subset of amyloid plaques expressed a weak NEO1 immunoreactivity, while some reactive astrocytes in both AD and control brains showed an intense NEO1 immunoreactivity. In human astrocytes, transforming growth factor beta‐1 (TGFβ1), Aβ1–40 or Aβ1–42 markedly elevated the levels of RGMa, and TGFβ1 also increased its own levels. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis validated the molecular interaction between RGMa and the C‐terminal fragment β of amyloid beta precursor protein (APP). Furthermore, recombinant RGMa protein interacted with amyloid plaques in situ. Conclusions: RGMa, produced by TGFβ‐activated astrocytes and accumulated in amyloid plaques and the glial scar, could contribute to the regenerative failure of degenerating axons in AD brains.
Spatial and temporal nature of reactive oxygen species production and programmed cell death in elm (Ulmus pumila L.) seeds during controlled deterioration
Authors: HU DIE , MA GANG , WANG QIONG , YAO JINGHAN , WANG YU , PRITCHARD HUGH W. , WANG XIAOFENG
Published: May 2012

Seed deterioration is poorly understood and remains an active area for research. Seeds of elm (Ulmus pumila L.) were aged at 37 °C above water [controlled deterioration treatment (CDT)] for various lengths of time to assess programmed cell death (PCD) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) product in embryonic tissues during a 5 d period. The hallmarks of PCD were identified in the elm seeds during CDT including TUNEL experiments, DNA laddering, cytochrome c (cyt c) leakage and enzymatic activities. These analyses indicated that PCD occurred systematically and progressively in deteriorated elm seeds. Cyt c release and increase in caspase‐3‐like/DEVDase activity occurred during CDT, which could be suppressed by ascorbic acid (AsA) and caspase‐3 inhibitor Ac‐DEVD‐CHO, respectively. In situ localization of ROS production indicated that the distinct spatial‐temporal signature of ROS during CDT coincided with the changes in PCD hallmark features. Multiple antioxidant elements were activated during the first few days of CDT, but were subsequently depleted as PCD progressed. Taken together, our findings identify PCD as a key mechanism that occurs asymmetrically during elm seeds CDT and suggest an important role for PCD in seeds deterioration.
Photosynthetic limitations and volatile and non‐volatile isoprenoids in the poikilochlorophyllous resurrection plant Xerophyta humilis during dehydration and rehydration
Authors: BECKETT MEGAN , LORETO FRANCESCO , VELIKOVA VIOLETA , BRUNETTI CECILIA , DI FERDINANDO MARTINA , TATTINI MASSIMILIANO , CALFAPIETRA CARLO , FARRANT JILL M.
Published: May 2012

We investigated the photosynthetic limitations occurring during dehydration and rehydration of Xerophyta humilis, a poikilochlorophyllous resurrection plant, and whether volatile and non‐volatile isoprenoids might be involved in desiccation tolerance. Photosynthesis declined rapidly after dehydration below 85% relative water content (RWC). Raising intercellular CO2 concentrations during desiccation suggest that the main photosynthetic limitation was photochemical, affecting energy‐dependent RuBP regeneration. Imaging fluorescence confirmed that both the number of photosystem II (PSII) functional reaction centres and their efficiency were impaired under progressive dehydration, and revealed the occurrence of heterogeneous photosynthesis during desiccation, being the basal leaf area more resistant to the stress. Full recovery in photosynthetic parameters occurred on rehydration, confirming that photosynthetic limitations were fully reversible and that no permanent damage occurred. During desiccation, zeaxanthin and lutein increased only when photosynthesis had ceased, implying that these isoprenoids do not directly scavenge reactive oxygen species, but rather protect photosynthetic membranes from damage and consequent denaturation. X. humilis was found to emit isoprene, a volatile isoprenoid that acts as a membrane strengthener in plants. Isoprene emission was stimulated by drought and peaked at 80% RWC. We surmise that isoprene and non‐volatile isoprenoids cooperate in reducing membrane damage in X. humilis, isoprene being effective when desiccation is moderate while non‐volatile isoprenoids operate when water deficit is more extreme.
Cryoprecipitate for transfusion: which patients receive it and why? A study of patterns of use across three regions in England
Authors: Tinegate H. , Allard S. , Grant‐Casey J. , Hennem S. , Kilner M. , Rowley M. , Seeney F. , Stanworth S.
Published: May 2012

Background

Despite increasing interest in the use of fibrinogen concentrates, cryoprecipitate remains the major source of fibrinogen in England.

Objectives

Understand patterns and indications for use of cryoprecipitate in hospitals from three English regions.

Method/Materials

Data collection over 3 months from adults, children and neonates receiving cryoprecipitate, including clinical scenario, indications, dose and levels of fibrinogen concentrations pre‐ and post‐transfusion.

Results

Four hundred and twenty‐three episodes of cryoprecipitate transfusion were analysed from 39 hospitals. Use varied from 0·1 to 4·9 units per 100 red cells transfused. The primary indication was haemorrhage [311 episodes (74%)]. The commonest clinical scenario in all age groups was cardiac surgery, followed by trauma in adults and critical/neonatal care for children. Pre‐treatment fibrinogen levels were measured in 322 episodes. In 179 episodes, the level was ≥1·0 g L−1.

Conclusion

Wide variation in practice and dose suggests inconsistent practice and uncertainty in the evidence informing optimal use of cryoprecipitate.
Pediatric combined heart–liver transplantation performed en bloc: A single‐center experience
Authors: Hill Amy L. , Maeda Katsuhide , Bonham Clark A. , Concepcion Waldo
Published: May 2012

Hill AL, Maeda K, Bonham CA, Concepcion W. Pediatric combined heart–liver transplantation performed en bloc: A single‐center experience.

Abstract:  Pediatric CHLT is rarely performed in transplant centers and even fewer are performed en bloc. In the hands of an experienced surgeon with the appropriate patient selection, CHLT performed en bloc may have several operative and immunologic benefits, thereby resulting in improved outcomes for the transplant recipient. A single‐institutional, retrospective review from 1/1/06 to 12/31/10 was conducted. Three pediatric patients with end‐stage heart and liver disease who were considered low immunologic risk were included. All were managed by the same surgeon with a herein‐described CHLT donor and recipient operation. Data were collected on patient and graft survival, rejection episodes, infectious complications, operative time, intraoperative transfusion requirements, and immunosuppression regimens. One‐yr patient and graft survival rates were 100%. No patients experienced antibody‐mediated or cell‐mediated rejection. No patients had postoperative infections, and all patients were free of opportunistic infections at one‐yr post‐transplant. All patients were maintained safely on steroid‐free immunosuppression. There were no intraoperative complications. In pediatric end‐stage heart and liver disease patients with low immunologic risk, it is reasonable to proceed with en bloc CHLT so long as there is an experienced surgeon to perform the case. This offers operative and immunologic advantages to the recipient while maintaining equivalent, if not improved, recipient and graft outcomes.
Tomato fruit continues growing while ripening, affecting cuticle properties and cracking
Authors: Domínguez Eva , Fernández María Dolores , Hernández Juan Carlos López , Parra Jerónimo Pérez , España Laura , Heredia Antonio , Cuartero Jesús
Published: May 2012

Fruit cuticle composition and their mechanical performance have a special role during ripening because internal pressure is no longer sustained by the degraded cell walls of the pericarp but is directly transmitted to epidermis and cuticle which could eventually crack. We have studied fruit growth, cuticle modifications and its biomechanics, and fruit cracking in tomato; tomato has been considered a model system for studying fleshy fruit growth and ripening. Tomato fruit cracking is a major disorder that causes severe economic losses and, in cherry tomato, crack appearance is limited to the ripening process. As environmental conditions play a crucial role in fruit growing, ripening and cracking, we grow two cherry tomato cultivars in four conditions of radiation and relative humidity (RH). High RH and low radiation decreased the amount of cuticle and cuticle components accumulated. No effect of RH in cuticle biomechanics was detected. However, cracked fruits had a significantly less deformable (lower maximum strain) cuticle than non‐cracked fruits. A significant and continuous fruit growth from mature green to overripe has been detected with special displacement sensors. This growth rate varied among genotypes, with cracking‐sensitive genotypes showing higher growth rates than cracking‐resistant ones. Environmental conditions modified this growth rate during ripening, with higher growing rates under high RH and radiation. These conditions corresponded to those that favored fruit cracking. Fruit growth rate during ripening, probably sustained by an internal turgor pressure, is a key parameter in fruit cracking, because fruits that ripened detached from the vine did not crack.
A large increase in IAA during development of rice grains correlates with the expression of tryptophan aminotransferase OsTAR1 and a grain‐specific YUCCA
Authors: Abu‐Zaitoon Yousef M. , Bennett Karina , Normanly Jennifer , Nonhebel Heather M.
Published: May 2012

The indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) content of developing grains of Oryza sativa subsp. japonica was measured by combined liquid chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry in multiple‐reaction‐monitoring mode. The increase from 50 ng g−1 fresh weight to 2.9 µg g−1 fresh weight from 1 to 14 days after pollination was much larger than that previously reported by enzyme‐linked immunoassay methods. The largest increase in IAA content coincided with the start of the major starch deposition phase of grain‐fill. The increase in IAA content was strongly correlated with the expression of putative IAA biosynthesis genes, OsYUC9, OsYUC11 and OsTAR1, measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. These results confirm the importance of the tryptophan aminotransferase/YUCCA pathway in this system. All three genes were expressed in endosperm; expression of OsYUC11 appeared to be confined to endosperm tissue. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that OsYUC11 and AtYUC10 belong to a separate clade of YUCCAs, which do not have orthologues outside the Angiosperms. This clade may have evolved with a specific role in endosperm. Expression of tryptophan decarboxylase in developing rice grains did not correlate with IAA levels, indicating that tryptamine is unlikely to be important for IAA synthesis in this system. In light of these observations, we hypothesize that IAA production in developing rice grains is controlled via expression of OsTAR1, OsYUC9, OsYUC11 and that IAA may be important during starch deposition in addition to its previously suggested role early in grain development.
Exploring the effect of the Cardinium endosymbiont on spiders
Authors: STEFANINI A. , DURON O.
Published: May 2012

Spiders have recently emerged as important diversity hot spots for endosymbiotic bacteria, but the consequences of these symbiotic interactions are largely unknown. In this article, we examined the evolutionary history and effect of the intracellular bacterium Cardinium hertigii in the marbled cellar spider Holocnemus pluchei. We showed that Cardinium infection is primarily transmitted in spider populations maternally via egg cytoplasm, with 100% of the progeny from infected mothers being also infected. Examination of a co‐inherited marker, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), revealed that Cardinium infection is associated with a wide diversity of mtDNA haplotypes, showing that the interaction between Cardinium and H. pluchei has a long‐term evolutionary dimension and that horizontal transmission among individuals could also occur. Although Cardinium is well known to exert sex ratio distortion or cytoplasmic incompatibility in various arthropod hosts, we show, however, that Cardinium does not interact with the reproductive biology of H. pluchei. A field survey shows a clear geographical structuring of Cardinium infection, with a marked gradual variation of infection frequencies from ca. 0.80 to 0. We discuss different mechanistic and evolutionary explanations for these results as well as their consequences for spider phenotypes. Notably, we suggest that Cardinium can either behave as a neutral cytoplasmic element within H. pluchei or exhibit a context‐dependent effect, depending on the environmental conditions.
Isolation and characterization of pathogen defence‐related class I chitinase from the actinorhizal tree Casuarina equisetifolia
Authors: Veluthakkal R. , Dasgupta M. G.
Published: May 2012

Casuarina equisetifolia has the widest distribution of all Casuarina species and is a nitrogen‐fixing tree of considerable social, economic and environmental importance. Trichosporium vesiculosum, a causal agent of blister bark disease, is a serious pathogen of C. equisetifolia. In this study, a cDNA clone encoding class I chitinase (CeChi1) belonging to PR‐3 family was cloned and characterized from the needle tissues of C. equisetifolia challenged with the toxic exudate of the fungal pathogen T. vesiculosum. The CeChi1 open reading frame comprised 966 nucleotides that encoded 321 amino acid residues with the molecular mass of mature protein being approximately 34 kDa. Analysis of the predicted amino acid sequence revealed the similarity of CeChi1 protein to class I chitinase from other plant species containing a hydrophobic signal peptide domain and hinge domain. The sequence also harboured a cysteine‐rich chitin‐binding domain and lysozyme‐like domain. A hydrophobic C‐terminal domain similar to the vacuole targeting sequences of class I chitinases isolated from other plants was also detected. The genomic sequence of CeChi1 indicated that the coding region contained three exons and two introns. In silico analysis of the untranslated regions revealed the presence of several cis‐acting regulatory elements associated with hormonal regulation and stress responses. Quantitative real‐time PCR analyses at different time points showed upregulation of the transcript during pathogen elicitation and salicylic acid signalling. However, no significant expression of CeChi1 was observed during other abiotic stress condition including wounding, water deficit, salt and heat stress revealing the specific expression of the gene during pathogenesis. This is the first report on isolation of a gene from C. equisetifolia, and the detailed functional analyses of CeChi1 will help in understanding its specific role in defence against pathogens in this tropical tree species.
Simultaneous up‐regulation of matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1, 4 in serum of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: NAVRATILOVA ZDENKA , ZATLOUKAL JAROMIR , KRIEGOVA EVA , KOLEK VITEZSLAV , PETREK MARTIN
Published: May 2012

Background and objective:  Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) have been implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) pathogenesis. However, the majority of studies have focused on single MMP, and there is limited information on parallel expression of MMP and their antagonists TIMP. We, therefore, investigated the serum profile of MMP 1–3, 7–9, 12 and 13, and TIMP 1–4 in COPD patients.

Methods:  Serum MMP 1–3, 7–9, 12 and 13, and TIMP 1–4 were measured in 74 COPD patients and 20 control subjects by multiple microsphere technology.

Results:  MMP 1–3 and MMP 7–9 were elevated in COPD patients compared with control subjects (P= 0.001–0.043). The increased concentrations of MMP 1, 8 and 9 paralleled GOLD stage (P= 0.002–0.007). TIMP 1 and 4 concentrations were elevated in COPD (P < 0.001). MMP 1, 8 and 9, and TIMP 1 and 4 serum levels in COPD non‐smokers were higher than in control non‐smokers (P= 0.002–0.025). MMP 12 and 13 levels were undetectable in our serum samples.

Conclusions:  This study provides further evidence for increased MMP 1, 7–9, and TIMP 1 serum levels in COPD, and demonstrates for the first time serum elevation of MMP 2 and 3, and TIMP 4. The finding that circulating TIMP 4 levels are increased in COPD and the observed relationship between serum levels of MMP 1, 8 and 9, and GOLD stage requires verification in an expanded patient cohort.
Audiovocal integration in adults who stutter
Authors: Loucks Torrey , Chon HeeCheong , Han Woojae
Published: May 2012

Background: Altered auditory feedback can facilitate speech fluency in adults who stutter. However, other findings suggest that adults who stutter show anomalies in ‘audiovocal integration’, such as longer phonation reaction times to auditory stimuli and less effective pitch tracking.

Aims: To study audiovocal integration in adults who stutter using the pitch‐shift paradigm.

Methods & Procedures: Fourteen adult stuttering participants and 16 normally fluent adults produced the vowel /a/while monitoring their own voice through earphones. Unanticipated pitch‐shifts were applied in the upward or downward direction for 500 ms.

Outcomes & Results: Short latency pitch‐shift responses (or pitch‐shift responses) were elicited in all participants. In stuttering participants, vocal response onset latency was significantly delayed and amplitude tended to be reduced.

Conclusions & Implications: Atypical audiovocal responses could be associated with stuttering. It is not clear how audiovocal integration influences stuttering, but could signal inadequate activation of internal models.
Fishy fishes: the typicality of object stimuli used to assess children's language in the Reynell Development Language Scales—III
Authors: Syrnyk Corinne , Meints Kerstin
Published: May 2012

Abstract  Background: Numerous studies show clear evidence that children display typicality effects during early word learning. However, little is known of the typicality of stimuli used by standardized language tests to assess children's language development.

Aims: To examine the typicality of stimuli used by the Reynell Developmental Language Scales—III (RDLS‐III), a standardized language assessment that measures children's language abilities.

Methods & Procedures: Two sets of items were compared: RDLS‐III items and a set of Matching items that had previously been judged to be highly typical exemplars. Experiment 1 asked adults to rate images of RDLS‐III items and the set of Matching items for typicality; while Experiment 2 asked adults to choose the ‘best exemplar’ from these sets of items. Experiment 3 used Intermodal Preferential Looking (IPL) to examine 4‐year‐olds’ looking behaviour towards both the RDLS‐III items and Matching stimuli. In supplement of Experiment 3, Experiment 4 asked children to indicate the better exemplar using a forced‐choice pointing method.

Outcomes & Results: Both adults and children preferred the Matching, more typical items.

Conclusions & Implications: This is the first study to demonstrate that stimuli used for assessing early language development in the RDLS‐III are not judged to be typical by children or adults. It highlights the differences in stimuli and discusses the potential consequences of stimulus choice in the assessment early language.
Costing children's speech, language and communication interventions
Authors: Beecham Jennifer , Law James , Zeng Biao , Lindsay Geoff
Published: May 2012

Abstract Background:There are few economic evaluations of speech and language interventions. Such work requires underpinning by an accurate estimate of the costs of the intervention. This study seeks to address some of the complexities of this task by applying existing approaches of cost estimation to interventions described in published effectiveness studies.

Aims:The study has two aims: to identify a method of estimating unit costs based on the principle of long‐run marginal opportunity costs; and to illustrate the challenges in estimating unit costs for speech and language interventions.

Method & Procedures:Descriptions of interventions were extracted from eight papers and combined with information on the unit cost of speech and language therapists to identify information requirements for a full‐cost estimation of an intervention.

Outcomes & Results:Four challenges were found relating to the level of detail about the therapists, the participants, the scope of activities and parents. Different assumptions made about any of these elements will have a marked effect on the cost of the intervention.

Conclusions & Implications:Nationally applicable unit cost data for speech and language therapists can be used as a reference point, but sufficient descriptive data about delivery and receipt of the intervention are key to accuracy.
Jaw musculature of the Meiglyptini (Aves: Piciformes: Picidae)
Authors: Donatelli Reginaldo J.
Published: May 2012

The Meiglyptini comprise eight species of woodpeckers grouped into three genera, two of which contain three species (
Meiglyptes and
Mulleripicus), while one genus includes two species (
Hemicircus). The purpose of this study is to describe the mandibular apparatus found in six species of Meiglyptini and to compare them with each other and with other woodpecker species. The results reveal a number of structures that are worth mentioning: (i) the components of the external mandibular adductor system of
Hemicircus concretus, particularly the
M. adductor mandibulae externus caudalis medialis, are underdeveloped compared with the other investigated species; (ii) the muscles of the internal mandibular system are structurally different among
Meiglyptes species and are less developed, both in size and in structure, in
H. concretus; (iii) the
M
. protractor quadrati is vestigial in
Meiglyptes species; (iv) the muscles of the protractor system of the quadrate are relatively undeveloped in
H. concretus; (v) most of the muscles of the pterygoideus system are structurally differentiated in
Meiglyptes species. It appears that the complexity of the mandibular apparatus is associated with the type of food consumed, as the apparatus of the frugivorous species
H. concretus is markedly different from that of the insectivorous species.
INNOVATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, GEOGRAPHY AND GROWTH
Authors: McCann Philip , Oxley Les
Published: May 2012

Abstract This paper sets the contributions to this special issue in the context of a large and rapidly growing literature. It argues that although our understanding of the relationships between entrepreneurship, innovation, geography and economic growth is much clearer than in the past, there remains much that needs to be explored.
Enhanced Texture‐Based Terrain Synthesis on Graphics Hardware
Authors: Tasse F. P. , Gain J. , Marais P.
Published: May 2012

Curvilinear features extracted from a 2D user‐sketched feature map have been used successfully to constraint a patch‐based texture synthesis of real landscapes. This map‐based user interface does not give fine control over the height profile of the generated terrain. We propose a new texture‐based terrain synthesis framework controllable by a terrain sketching interface. We enhance the realism of the generated landscapes by using a novel patch merging method that reduces boundary artefacts caused by overlapping terrain patches. A more constrained synthesis process is used to produce landscapes that better match user requirements. The high computational cost of texture synthesis is reduced with a parallel implementation on graphics hardware. Our GPU‐accelerated solution provides a significant speedup depending on the size of the example terrain. We show experimentally that our framework is more successful in generating realistic landscapes than current example‐based terrain synthesis methods. We conclude that texture‐based terrain synthesis combined with sketching provides an excellent solution to the user control and realism challenges of virtual landscape generation.
False Discovery Rate Control of Step‐Up‐Down Tests with Special Emphasis on the Asymptotically Optimal Rejection Curve
Authors: FINNER HELMUT , GONTSCHARUK VERONIKA , DICKHAUS THORSTEN
Published: May 2012

Abstract.  This paper is concerned with exact control of the false discovery rate (FDR) for step‐up‐down (SUD) tests related to the asymptotically optimal rejection curve (AORC). Since the system of equations and/or constraints for critical values and FDRs is numerically extremely sensitive, existence and computation of valid solutions is a challenging problem. We derive explicit formulas for upper bounds of the FDR and show that under a well‐known monotonicity condition, control of the FDR by a step‐up procedure results in control of the FDR by a corresponding SUD procedure. Various methods for adjusting the AORC to achieve finite FDR control are investigated. Moreover, we introduce alternative FDR bounding curves and study their connection to rejection curves as well as the existence of critical values for exact FDR control with respect to the underlying FDR bounding curve. Finally, we propose an iterative method for the computation of critical values.
Truncated Product Methods for Panel Unit Root Tests*
Authors: Sheng Xuguang , Yang Jingyun
Published: May 2012

This paper proposes two new panel unit root tests based on Zaykin et al. (2002)’s truncated product method. The first one assumes constant correlation between P‐values and the second one uses sieve bootstrap to allow for general forms of cross‐section dependence in the panel units. Monte Carlo simulation shows that both tests have reasonably good size and are powerful in cases of some very large P‐values. The proposed tests are applied to a panel of real GDP and inflation density forecasts, resulting in evidence that professional forecasters may not update their forecast precision in an optimal Bayesian way.
Moving from Great Love: Gendered Mobilities in a Post‐Tsunami Relocation Neighborhood in Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: SAMUELS ANNEMARIE
Published: May 2012

Residential relocation can have profound effects on people's mobilities. This article explores changes in the mobilities of people who were relocated to Great Love village, a newly built neighborhood in Aceh, Indonesia, after the devastating 2004 tsunami. The relative isolation of this neighborhood limits mobilities and work opportunities of the low‐income population. However, women's mobilities became much more limited than men's. Building on the notion of mobility as a capability, the article discusses how access to this capability becomes gendered through everyday practices. It concludes that in this neighborhood limited physical mobility has led to social exclusion of women. Nevertheless, people also have reasons to stay, one of which is the prospect of future social mobility through homeownership.

Le relogement peut avoir de profondes incidences sur les mobilités des populations. Cet article analyse l’évolution des mobilités des personnes qui ont été relogées gratuitement à Great Love Village, un quartier récent d’Aceh, construit après le tsunami dévastateur de 2004 en Indonésie. L’isolement relatif de ce quartier contraint les mobilités et les possibilités de travail pour la population à faible revenu, mais les mobilités des femmes sont devenues beaucoup plus limitées que celles des hommes. L’analyse considère la mobilité comme une capacité et étudie comment l’accès à cette capacité varie selon le genre dans les pratiques quotidiennes. Elle conclut que, dans ce quartier, la mobilité physique limitée a conduit à l’exclusion sociale des femmes. Néanmoins, la population a aussi des raisons de rester, l’une d’elles étant la perspective d’une mobilité sociale future grâce à un accès à la propriété.
Future time perspective as a motivational variable: Content and extension of future goals affect the quantity and quality of motivation
Authors: LENS WILLY , PAIXÃO MARIA PAULA , HERRERA DORA , GROBLER ADELENE
Published: May 2012

In the first part we briefly discuss the concept of future time perspective (FTP) as a cognitive‐motivational construct. By setting goals in the rather near or more distant future, human beings develop their individual FTP that can be characterized by its content (i.e., what people are striving for) and extension or depth (i.e. how far into the future individuals set their goals). Individual differences in the content and extension of the FTP have motivational consequences. In the second part we discuss our own empirical studies showing that not only does the number of future goals matter, but even more so their motivational content. Finally we will report empirical data on the correlates of present and future temporal orientations among adolescents and emerging adults in Europe, South Africa and Latin America. These empirical studies are based on Future Time Perspective Theory, Expectancy*Value Theory and Self‐determination Theory.
Personal goal orientations and subjective well‐being of adolescents
Authors: MARTTINEN ELINA , SALMELA‐ARO KATARIINA
Published: May 2012

The present study examines the types of orientation that can be identified according to the personal goals of adolescents, and how these orientations differ in their subjective well‐being. In the context of the person‐oriented approach, 1144 17‐year‐olds (565 girls, 579 boys) filled in the revised Little's personal project analysis, school burnout, depression, life satisfaction, and self‐esteem inventories. Four goal orientations emerged from this data with cluster analysis: (1) property (40%), (2) vocation (24%), (3) social relationships and future education (23%), and (4) self‐focused (13%) orientations. Boys were the majority in the property and the vocation orientations, whereas girls dominated in the social relationships and future education‐ and the self‐orientations. Those in the self‐orientation group were the most burned out, had most symptoms of depression and the lowest life satisfaction and self‐esteem compared with other orientations. Orientations indicate the basic needs for competence (property and vocation orientations), relatedness (social relationships and future education orientation) and autonomy (self‐focused orientation) (Deci & Ryan, 2000). The time perspective is addressed on the basis of goal orientations reflecting the past (self‐ruminating goals), the present (relationships and current education) or the future (upcoming education and wealth).
How mothers affect adolescents' future orientation: A two‐source analysis
Authors: SEGINER RACHEL , SHOYER SHIRLI
Published: May 2012

To expand our knowledge of the effect of parents on adolescents' future orientation we developed a seven‐step model which describes the indirect effect (via adolescents' self‐esteem) of the future orientation that mothers construct for their adolescent children on adolescents' future orientation. Mother‐constructed and adolescent‐constructed future orientation each consists of three components: motivational, cognitive representation, and behavioral engagement. Mothers' future orientation focuses on their adolescent child (e.g., “it is important that in the future my daughter/son develops an occupational career”). The model is empirically estimated with data collected from 203 Israeli Jewish 11th grade girls (n = 99) and boys and their mothers, who responded to future orientation questionnaires assessing two domains: work and career (i.e., issues related to the occupational or professional career adolescents will have in the future), and marriage and family (i.e., issues related to marriage and the family adolescents will raise in the future). Adolescents responded also to a self‐esteem scale. Structural equation modeling showed an acceptable fit between the theoretical and empirical models for work and career, and marriage family, respectively. The findings are discussed in relation to three issues: the effect of parents on adolescent children, the mediating functions of self representation, and the generality of the three‐component future orientation model.
The effects of attention retraining on depressive mood and cortisol responses to depression‐related stimuli1
Authors: TSUMURA HIDEKI , SHIMADA HIRONORI , NOMURA KAZUTAKA , SUGAYA NAGISA , SUZUKI KATSUHIKO
Published: May 2012

Although it has been reported that attentional bias at an early stage is found in depression, no study has investigated the effects of modification of attentional bias at an early stage on depressive mood and cortisol response to a stressor. Therefore, this study tested the hypotheses that the modification of attentional bias at an early stage would reduce depressive mood and cortisol response. Fifty‐three participants were allocated alternately either to the training or the control group. They were administered attention retraining for modification of attentional bias or a sham attention task, and then underwent a stress task. With respect to depressive mood response, depressive mood increased in response to a stress task in the control group, while for high‐dysphoric participants in the training group, depressive mood response remained constant. These results indicate that attention retraining is efficacious for reducing depressive mood response. With respect to cortisol response, the percentage change in cortisol is associated with the amount of change in the attentional bias index scores. The results suggest the possibility that attention retraining could reduce cortisol response.
The Global Reach of Human Rights
Authors: SEN AMARTYA
Published: May 2012

abstract

We live in a world in which the idea of human rights is persistently invoked. However, despite the tremendous appeal of the idea of human rights, it is also seen by many as lacking in foundation. I have argued, particularly in my book The Idea of Justice, that human rights are best seen as articulations of commitments in social ethics, comparable to — but very different from — accepting utilitarian reasoning. Like other ethical tenets, human rights can, of course, be disputed, but the claim is that they will survive open and informed scrutiny.

This view contrasts with seeing human rights in primarily legal terms, either as consequences of humane legislation, or as precursors of legal rights, or as pointing towards what should ideally be legal rights. Human rights may well be reflected in legislation, may inspire legislation, and may even serve, in many circumstances, as ideals that demand legislative attention. However, these are ‘further facts’— not the defining characteristics of human rights.
The PEDALS stationary cycling intervention and health‐related quality of life in children with cerebral palsy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: DEMUTH SHARON K , KNUTSON LORETTA M , FOWLER EILEEN G
Published: May 2012

Aim  The aim of this study was to assess health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) following a stationary cycling intervention in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

Method  This was a phase I multisite randomized controlled trial with single blinding. HRQOL was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory SF15 (PedsQL; children) and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI; parent proxy) before and after a 3‐month stationary cycling intervention. Sixty‐two children (29 male, 33 female; mean age 11y; range 7–18y) with spastic diplegic CP, classified as levels I to III on the Gross Motor Function Classification System, were enrolled. Paired and independent t‐tests were used to evaluate within‐ and between‐group differences respectively.

Results  Between‐group differences, favoring the cycling group, were found for PedsQL emotional functioning (p=0.046) and Parental PODCI treatment expectations scores (p=0.006). Between‐group differences were not found for other scales. Within‐group improvements were found in the cycling group: PedsQL total score (+5.8; p=0.006), psychosocial health summary (+6.9; p=0.008), and school functioning (+8.0; p=0.038). PODCI satisfaction with symptoms decreased significantly only in the control group (–12.0; p=0.046).

Interpretation  A beneficial influence of exercise on pediatric emotional well‐being and parental treatment expectations was found. The evidence was not strong for other aspects of HRQOL. Results support the positive relationship between physical fitness and emotional well‐being in the general population. A child’s perception is important when examining change in his or her emotional well‐being due to intervention.
Bi‐directional regulation of CaMKIIα phosphorylation at Thr286 by NMDA receptors in cultured cortical neurons
Authors: Zhou Xianju , Zheng Fei , Moon Changjong , Schlüter Oliver M. , Wang Hongbing
Published: May 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 295–307.

The N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR)‐stimulated autophosphorylation of calmodulin‐dependent kinase IIα at Thr286 may regulate many aspects of neuroplasticity. Here, we show that low NMDA concentration (20 μM) up‐regulated Thr286 phosphorylation, and high concentration (100 μM) caused dephosphorylation. We next modulated the strength of NMDAR activation by manipulating NMDAR 2A subunit (NR2A) and NMDAR 2B subunit (NR2B), which represent the major NMDAR subtypes in forebrain regions. Pharmacological inhibition and molecular knockdown of NR2A or NR2B blocked 20 μM NMDA‐induced phosphorylation. Conversely, over‐expression of NR2A or NR2B enhanced phosphorylation by 20 μM NMDA. The 100 μM NMDA‐induced dephosphorylation was suppressed by inhibition or knockdown of NR2A or NR2B, and enhanced by over‐expression of NR2A or NR2B. Compared to NR2A, NR2B showed a higher impact on the NMDA‐stimulated bi‐directional regulation of Thr286 phosphorylation. We further found that activation of NR2A and NR2B by 100 μM NMDA‐induced dephosphorylation through protein phosphatases (PP) that are inhibited by high concentration okadaic acid (1 μM), but not by PP2A and PP2B inhibitors. This novel function of NMDAR in dynamic regulation of calmodulin‐dependent kinase IIα activity provides new evidence to support the current understanding that, depending on the degree of activation, NMDAR may lead to different and even opposing effects on intracellular signaling.
Life‐sharing experiences of relatives of persons with severe mental illness – a phenomenographic study
Authors: Weimand Bente M. , Hall‐Lord Marie Louise , Sällström Christina , Hedelin Birgitta
Published: May 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 99–107

Life‐sharing experiences of relatives of persons with severe mental illness – a phenomenographic study

Relatives of those suffering from severe mental illness experience multiple challenges and a complex life situation. The aim of this study was to describe life‐sharing experiences from the perspective of relatives of someone with severe mental illness. A qualitative, descriptive study was performed, and interviews were carried out with eighteen relatives of persons with severe mental illness. A phenomenographic analysis, according to the steps described by Dahlgren and Fallsberg, was used to describe the relatives’ conceptions of their situation. The findings show that the experiences of these relatives can be summarized in one main category: ‘The art of balancing between multiple concerns’. Two descriptive categories emerged: ‘Making choices on behalf of others and oneself’ and ‘Constantly struggling between opposing feelings and between reflections’. Relatives report that they have to manoeuvre between different ways to act and to prioritize between different wishes and needs. In addition, they face a wide range of strong feelings and they search for hope and meaning. Relatives of someone with severe mental illness have to balance multiple concerns, which induce ethical dilemmas. They felt love, compassion or sense of duty towards the mentally ill person. The changeable situation made it difficult for the relatives to establish a balance in their lives. To be able to prioritize some private time was important. Relatives need own support and sufficient follow‐up of the mentally ill next of kin from the mental health services.
State legitimacy: An updated dataset for 52 countries
Authors: GILLEY BRUCE
Published: May 2012

A previous article in this journal presented a conceptualisation of the political legitimacy of the state and its operationalisation for 72 countries c. 2000. This article provides an updated dataset of state legitimacy for 52 countries c. 2008 using the same conceptualisation. It presents a brief discussion of the comparative results of the two datasets.
Changes in reproductive behavior in adult damselfly Calopteryx splendens (Odonata: Calopterygidae) in response to flood
Authors: GOŁĄB Maria J. , ŚNIEGULA Szymon
Published: May 2012

The reproductive behavior of adult Calopteryx splendens males and females inhabiting the Nida River, south Poland, was studied and compared during a pre‐flood and a post‐flood year. The flood disturbance in 2010 caused a decrease in aquatic macrophytes, thus reducing availability of potential territories and consequently, significantly influencing male behavior towards a frequent non‐territorial strategy. Many males in the post‐flood population had damaged wings due to extremely aggressive contests. Male–male tandems were commonly observed; this is an uncommon behavior in C. splendens. Although the sex ratio was male‐biased throughout the whole study, we observed more males in the post‐flood year. We also observed less‐frequent copulations and ovipositions during the post‐flood year. The only unchanged characteristic was population density, which did not differ before and after the flood disturbance. Floods have significant impact on damselfly reproductive sites and this, due to changes in behavior and sex ratio, may result in further consequences on population dynamics.