bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayes factors for genome‐wide association studies: comparison withP‐values
Authors: Wakefield Jon
Published: July 2008

The Bayes factor is a summary measure that provides an alternative to theP‐value for the ranking of associations, or the flagging of associations as “significant”. We describe an approximate Bayes factor that is straightforward to use and is appropriate when sample sizes are large. We consider various choices of the prior on the effect size, including those that allow effect size to vary with the minor allele frequency (MAF) of the marker. An important contribution is the description of a specific prior that gives identical rankings between Bayes factors andP‐values, providing a link between the two approaches, and allowing the implications of the use ofP‐values to be more easily understood. As a summary measure of noteworthinessP‐values are difficult to calibrate since their interpretation depends on MAF and, crucially, on sample size. A consequence is that a consistent decision‐making procedure usingP‐values requires a threshold for significance that reduces with sample size, contrary to common practice.Genet. Epidemiol. 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Assessing trends in observed and modelled climate extremes over Australia in relation to future projections
Authors: Alexander Lisa V. , Arblaster Julie M.
Published: July 2008

Multiple simulations from nine globally coupled climate models were assessed for their ability to reproduce observed trends in a set of indices representing temperature and precipitation extremes over Australia. Observed trends over the period 1957–1999 were compared with individual and multi‐modelled trends calculated over the same period. When averaged across Australia, the magnitude of trends and interannual variability of temperature extremes were well simulated by most models, particularly for the index for warm nights. The majority of models also reproduced the correct sign of trend for precipitation extremes although there was much more variation between the individual model runs. A bootstrapping technique was used to calculate uncertainty estimates and also to verify that most model runs produce plausible trends when averaged over Australia. Although very few showed significant skill at reproducing the observed spatial pattern of trends, a pattern correlation measure showed that spatial noise could not be ruled out as dominating these patterns. Two of the models with output from different forcings showed that the observed trends over Australia for one of the temperature indices was consistent with an anthropogenic response, but was inconsistent with natural‐only forcings. Future projected changes in extremes using three emissions scenarios were also analysed. Australia shows a shift towards warming of temperature extremes, particularly a significant increase in the number of warm nights and heat waves with much longer dry spells interspersed with periods of increased extreme precipitation, irrespective of the scenario used. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Electrical Conductivity of Poly(3‐octylthiophene)/Au Nanocomposites
Authors: Podhájecká Klára , Dammer Ondřej , Pfleger Jiří
Published: July 2008

Summary: The stabilizing effect of Au nanoparticles on electrical conductivity of poly(3‐octylthiophene‐2,5‐diyl) based composite films was investigated. For the content of Au nanoparticles 1 vol %, the turning point where the conductivity starts to decrease, shifts to 110 °C, compared with 50 °C for the neat polymer. At low temperatures, the composites show the common activation energy of conductivity Ea = 0.3 eV independent of the Au nanoparticle concentration. It corresponds to the activation energy of neat polymer and suggests that the conductivity of the composite is controlled by the same mechanism.
Optical Chirality Induced in Evaporated Poly(diacetylene) Film by Circularly Polarized Light
Authors: Kohn Hideki , Ohshima Yuki , Manaka Takaaki , Iwamoto Mitsumasa
Published: July 2008

Summary: 10,12‐tricosadiynoic acid films were deposited on glass substrate by vacuum evaporation proceess at substrate temperatures of 273 K and 313 K, and then photopolymerized using left‐ and right‐ circularly polarized light (CPL). The resulting prepared poly(diacetylene) films changed from blue phase to red phase successfully by sample annealing at 353 K for 10 min, and the absorption spectra well reflected the red phase. Surface morphology change was not observed by anneling at 353 K. Furthermore, the CD spectra revealed that the chirality induced by CPL at 313 K was stronger that at 273 K.
Computation of the stress intensity factors of sharp notched plates by the fractal‐like finite element method
Authors: Treifi Muhammad , Oyadiji S. Olutunde , Tsang Derek K. L.
Published: July 2008

The fractal‐like finite element method (FFEM) is an accurate and efficient method to compute the stress intensity factors (SIFs) of different crack configurations. In the FFEM, the cracked/notched body is divided into singular and regular regions; both regions are modelled using conventional finite elements. A self‐similar fractal mesh of an ‘infinite’ number of conventional finite elements is used to model the singular region. The corresponding large number of local variables in the singular region around the crack tip is transformed to a small set of global co‐ordinates after performing a global transformation by using global interpolation functions. In this paper, we extend this method to analyse the singularity problems of sharp notched plates. The exact stress and displacement fields of a plate with a notch of general angle are derived for plane‐stress/strain conditions. These exact analytical solutions which are eigenfunction expansion series are used to perform the global transformation and to determine the SIFs. The use of the global interpolation functions reduces the computational cost significantly and neither post‐processing technique to extract SIFs nor special singular elements to model the singular region are needed. The numerical examples demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the FFEM for sharp notched problems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of singular vector analysis to the Kuroshio large meander
Authors: Fujii Yosuke , Tsujino Hiroyuki , Usui Norihisa , Nakano Hideyuki , Kamachi Masafumi
Published: July 2008

Singular vector analysis is applied to the formation of the Kuroshio large meander south of Japan. We use a simulation run of an ocean general circulation model (OGCM), in which a large meander occurs, as the background state. Singular vectors are calculated by the Lanczos method in which the tangent linear and adjoint models of the OGCM are used. We apply an incremental correction approach for setting up the initial perturbation and averaging for the final norm in order to get modes reflecting nonlinear physics by filtering out high‐frequency variations. The perturbation extracted as the leading right singular vector affects the formation of the large meander most if it is set to the background state two months before. When the perturbation is added, it enhances an anticyclonic eddy southeast of Kyushu in the upper layer, which induces downwelling north of it and develops an anticyclonic eddy in the deep layer. The anticyclonic eddy produces a cold anomaly at the downstream edge, and produces baroclinic instability there, resulting in further development of the large meander. In contrast, the anticyclonic eddy in the deep layer is weakened when the perturbation is subtracted, the development of the cold anomaly in the deep layer is delayed, and consequently the meander is not so well developed. Thus singular vector analysis reveals the role of the anticyclonic eddy approaching southeast of Kyushu in the upper layer, and indicates the importance of the anticyclonic eddy in the deep layer.
Mobile lid convection beneath Enceladus' south polar terrain
Authors: Barr Amy C.
Published: July 2008

Enceladus' south polar region has a large heat flux, 55–110 mW m−2, that is spatially associated with cryovolcanic and tectonic activity. Tidal dissipation and vigorous convection in the underlying ice shell are possible sources of heat, however, prior predictions of the heat flux carried by stagnant lid convection range from Fconv ∼ 15 to 30 mW m−2, too low to explain the observed heat flux. The high heat flux and increased cryovolcanic and tectonic activity suggest that near‐surface ice in the region has become rheologically and mechanically weakened enough to permit convective plumes to reach close to the surface. If the yield strength of Enceladus' lithosphere is less than ∼1–10 kPa, convection may instead occur in the “mobile lid” regime, which is characterized by large heat fluxes and large horizontal velocities in the near‐surface ice. I show that model ice shells with effective surface viscosities between 1016 and 1017 Pa s and basal viscosities between 1013 and 1015 Pa s have convective heat fluxes comparable to that observed by Composite Infrared Spectrometer. If this style of convection is occurring, the south polar terrain should be spreading horizontally with v ∼1–10 mm a−1 (where a is years) and should be resurfaced in ∼0.1–10 Ma. On the basis of Cassini imaging data, the south polar terrain is ∼0.5 Ma old, consistent with the mobile lid hypothesis. Maxwell viscoelastic tidal dissipation in such ice shells is not capable of generating enough heat to balance convective heat transport. However, tidal heat may also be generated in the near‐surface along faults as suggested by Nimmo et al. (2007) and/or viscous dissipation within the ice shell may occur by other processes not accounted for by the canonical Maxwell dissipation model.
Missing the starting gun: de alio entry order in new markets, inertia and real option capabilities
Authors: Giarratana Marco S.
Published: July 2008

Abstract This article analyses entry order decisions of incumbent firms diversifying from other industries (de alio entrants) in new markets. We study this issue in the Security Software Industry, a high turbulent industry in which de alio firms were first technological movers but start‐ups dominate the downstream product market. With a generalized Tobit estimation of observed entry order decisions, we find that pre‐entry firm capabilities that should represent strategic options do not significantly explain firm entry order. The article argues that inertial decisions more than rational assessments drive de alio entry order in Security Software.
Phonon sideband recombination kinetics in single quantum dots
Authors: Abbarchi M. , Gurioli M. , Vinattieri A. , Sanguinetti S. , Bonfanti M. , Mano T. , Watanabe K. , Kuroda T. , Koguchi N.
Published: July 2008

We report an experimental study on the recombination kinetics of single strain-free GaAs quantum dots (QDs) grown by modified droplet epitaxy. The different bands composing the single quantum dot emission line at high temperature show identical dynamics, proving the common origin of all contributions. Our results thus agree with the interpretation of the broad pedestal band appearing when increasing the temperature as originated from the phonon replica. Finally, the relative weight of the phonon replicas depends both on temperature and on the QD size, in agreement with the theoretical predictions.
Suppression of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression and Nitric Oxide Production by Macrolide Antibiotics in Sulfur Mustard‐Exposed Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Gao Xiugong , Ray Radharaman , Xiao Yan , Ray Prabhati
Published: July 2008

Abstract: Sulfur mustard, a vesicant chemical warfare agent, causes airway injury due to massive release of destructive enzymes and mediators of inflammation. Nitric oxide plays an important yet controversial role in inflammation. An impressive number of reports suggest that excessive amount of nitric oxide may promote inflammation‐induced cell injury and death. Overproduction of nitric oxide is catalysed by up‐regulated expression of the inducible isoform of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). In this study, we used quantum dot‐mediated immunocytochemistry to analyse iNOS expression and flow cytometry to analyse the intracellular nitric oxide production in sulfur mustard‐exposed normal human small airway epithelial cells and bronchial/tracheal epithelial cells and studied the effect of four US Food and Drug Administration‐approved macrolide antibiotics, namely, azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin and roxithromycin. Exposure to 100 µM sulfur mustard significantly up‐regulated iNOS expression and resulted in overproduction of nitric oxide in these cells. Addition of macrolide antibiotics to 100 µM in the medium reduced both iNOS expression and nitric oxide production to near normal level. Thus, the current study providesin vitroevidence of the immunomodulatory effects of macrolide antibiotics in sulfur mustard‐exposed airway epithelial cells. These results suggest that macrolide antibiotics may serve as potential vesicant respiratory therapeutics through mechanisms independent of their antibacterial activity.
EFFECTIVENESS ANALYSIS OF DERIVING PRIORITY VECTORS FROM RECIPROCAL PAIRWISE COMPARISON MATRICES
Authors: BAJWA G. , CHOO E. U. , WEDLEY W. C.
Published: July 2008

Pairwise comparison is commonly used to estimate the priority values of finite alternatives with respect to a given criterion. We evaluate seven specially selected direct methods of estimating priority vectors from reciprocal pairwise comparison matrices under four effectiveness measures. A simulation experiment is designed starting with true priority vectors that represent difficult cases of "no obvious best alternative" and "two equal best alternatives". The simulation results suggest that the geometric mean method is in general the best method with the normalized column mean method as a close second best.
CURRENT STATUS OF THE TA EXPERIMENT
Authors:   THE TA COLLABORATION, TAKEDA MASAHIRO
Published: July 2008

In the highest energy range on the cosmic ray observation, previous-generation experiments were terminated in these years. The ongoing experiments have introduced a hybrid technique of a widely spread surface array and atmospheric fluorescence detectors. This hybrid technique with a large aperture is expected to calibrate those two methods, only one of which was used in the previous-generation experiments. The Telescope Array (TA) experiment is one of those hybrid-type experiments located in Utah, USA. The TA construction was completed in 2007 and our observation phase is now in progress. This report presents the current status and the first preliminary data.
NEUTRINO FLAVOR GONIOMETRY BY HIGH ENERGY ASTROPHYSICAL BEAMS
Authors: PAKVASA SANDIP
Published: July 2008

It is shown how high energy neutrino beams from very distant sources can be utilized to learn about many properties of neutrinos such as lifetimes, mass hierarchy, mixing, minuscule pseudo-Dirac mass splittings and other exotic properties; in addition, the production mechanism of neutrinos in astrophysical sources can also be elucidated.
PALATINI f(R) COSMOLOGY
Authors: LEE SEOKCHEON
Published: July 2008

We investigate the modified gravity theories in terms of the effective dark energy models. We compare the cosmic expansion history and the linear growth in different models. We also study the evolution of linear cosmological perturbations in modified theories of gravity assuming the Palatini formalism. We find the stability of the superhorizon metric evolution depends on models. We also study the matter density fluctuation in the general gauge and show the differential equations in super and sub-horizon scales.
NEUTRON ELECTRIC DIPOLE MOMENT EXPERIMENTS
Authors: PENG JEN-CHIEH
Published: July 2008

The neutron electric dipole moment (EDM) provides unique information on CP violation and physics beyond the Standard Model. We first review the history of experimental searches for neutron electric dipole moment. The status of future neutron EDM experiments, including experiments using ultra-cold neutrons produced in superfluid helium, will then be presented.
NEUTRINO OSCILLATION IN SUPERNOVA AND GRB NUCLEOSYNTHESIS
Authors: KAJINO TOSHITAKA , SASAQUI TAKAHIRO , YOSHIDA TAKASHI , AOKI WAKO
Published: July 2008

Neutrinos play the critical roles in nucleosyntheses of light-to-heavy mass elements in core-collapse supernovae (SNe). The light element synthesis is affected strongly by neutrino oscillations (MSW effect) through the ν-process in outer layers of supernova explosions. Specifically the7Li and11B yields increase by factors of 1.9 and 1.3 respectively in the case of large mixing angle solution, normal mass hierarchy, and sin22θ13= 2 × 10−3compared to those without the oscillations. In the case of inverted mass hierarchy or nonadiabatic 13-mixing resonance, the increment of their yields is much smaller. We thus propose that precise constraint on mass hierarchy and sin22θ13is given by future observations of Li / B ratio or Li abundance in stars and presolar grains which are made from supernova ejecta. Gamma ray burst (GRB) nucleosynthesis in contrast is not affected strongly by thermal neutrinos from the central core which culminates in black hole (BH), although the effect of neutrinos from proto-neutron star prior to black hole formation is still unknown. We calculate GRB nucleosynthesis by turning off the thermal neutrinos and find that the abundance pattern is totally different from ordinary SN nucleosynthesis which satisfies the universality to the solar abundance pattern.
INTELLIGENT OPTIMAL CONTROL OF ROBOTIC MANIPULATORS USING WAVELETS
Authors: KARAMI A. , KARIMI H. R. , MARALANI P. JABEHDAR , MOSHIRI B.
Published: July 2008

The paper is concerned with the application of wavelet-based neural networks for optimal control of robotic manipulators motion. The model of robotic manipulators with regard to frictions and disturbances is nonlinear and uncertain. Optimal control law is found by the optimization of the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (H-J-B) equation and it shows how wavelet-based neural networks can overcome nonlinearities through optimization without preliminary off-line learning phase. The neural network is learned as on-line and an adaptive learning algorithm is derived from the Lyapunov theory. This is so that both tracking stability and error convergence of the estimation for the nonlinear function can be guaranteed in the closed-loop system. The Lyapunov function for the nonlinear analysis is derived from the user input in terms of a specified quadratic performance index. Simulation results on a three-link robot manipulator show the satisfactory performance of the proposed control schemes even in the presence of large modeling uncertainties and external disturbances. Furthermore, it is shown that the tracking error for wavelet neural networks is less than conventional neural networks.
Impact of diaphragmatic contraction on the stiffness of the canine mediastinum
Authors: De Troyer André
Published: July 2008

To assess the coupling between a particular hemidiaphragm and the individual lungs, the left and right phrenic nerves were separately stimulated in anesthetized dogs, and the mean changes in pleural pressure over the two lungs were evaluated by measuring the changes in airway opening pressure (ΔPao) in the two bronchial trees. Stimulation induced a fall in Pao in both lungs. However, ΔPao in the contralateral lung was only 65% of that in the ipsilateral lung. Thus, although the canine ventral mediastinum is a delicate structure, it sustained a significant pressure gradient. The hypothesis was then considered that this gradient was allowed to develop through the stretching and stiffening of the mediastinum caused by the descent of the diaphragm, and it was tested by measuring ΔPao in the two lungs during isolated, unilateral contraction of the inspiratory intercostal muscles. In this condition, ΔPao in the contralateral lung was 92% of that in the ipsilateral lung. A model analysis of the respiratory system led to the estimate that mediastinal elastance was ∼25 times greater during hemidiaphragmatic contraction than during unilateral intercostal contraction. These observations indicate that 1) a particular hemidiaphragm has an expanding action on both lungs and 2) during contraction, however, it makes the mediastinum stiffer so that the pressure transmission from the ipsilateral to the contralateral pleural cavity is reduced. These observations imply that the mediastinum may play a significant role in determining the pressure-generating ability of the diaphragm.
Orbital Muscle of Müller: Observations on Human Fetuses Measuring 35–150 mm
Authors: Vázquez Rodríguez , Velasco Mérida , Collado Jiménez
Published: July 2008

The arrangement and relationships of the orbital muscle of Müller in human fetuses have been analyzed. This is a constant muscle made of smooth muscle fibers arranged over the longer axis of the inferior orbital fissure; some of its fibers reach the inferior wall of the cavernous sinus. The muscle layer is pierced by orbital rami of the medial maxillary artery and by thin veins communicating with the ophthalmic vein system and pterygoid plexus. The zygomatic nerve can be found in the midst of the muscle mass along most of its course. It is innervated by short rami from the sphenopalatine ganglion.
12/15-Lipoxygenase Activity Increases the Degradation of Macrophage ATP-Binding Cassette Transporter G1
Authors: Nagelin Melissa H. , Srinivasan Suseela , Lee Jianyi , Nadler Jerry L. , Hedrick Catherine C.
Published: July 2008

Objective—

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15LO) in macrophage ABCG1 expression and function associated with cholesterol efflux.

Methods and Results—

12/15LO was stably overexpressed in J774 macrophages. 12/15LO-overexpressing macrophages had a 30% reduction in HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux, corresponding with significantly reduced ABCG1 protein expression. Treatment of 12/15LO-overexpressing macrophages with a 12/15LO ribozyme to reduce 12/15LO restored HDL-mediated efflux and ABCG1 protein expression. Treating macrophages with 12/15LO unsaturated fatty acid substrates or eicosanoid products also reduced HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux. Additionally, both 12/15LO overexpression in macrophages and incubation of macrophages with eicosanoids reduced ABCG1 protein, but not mRNA, expression. However, incubation of macrophages with linoleic or arachidonic acids significantly reduced both ABCG1 mRNA and protein expression, suggesting that 12/15LO substrates and eicosanoid products differentially regulate ABCG1 expression. 12/15LO fatty acids did not decrease ABCG1 translation; however, 12/15LO fatty acids increased ABCG1 degradation when blocked by cyclohexidmide. ABCG1 degradation may be regulated through posttranslational modifications. Treatment with the 12/15LO eicosanoid product 12SHETE increased serine phosphorylation of ABCG1.

Conclusions—

We conclude that serine phosphorylation may increase the degradation rate of ABCG1, and as a result cause macrophage cholesterol accumulation. These findings provide evidence that 12/15LO activity in the vessel wall contributes to atherogenesis by impairing the macrophage ABCG1 cholesterol efflux pathway.
Burst Emergence of Intracellular Ca2+Waves Evokes Arrhythmogenic Oscillatory Depolarization via the Na+–Ca2+Exchanger
Authors: Fujiwara Katsuji , Tanaka Hideo , Mani Hiroki , Nakagami Takuo , Takamatsu Tetsuro
Published: July 2008

Intracellular Ca2+waves (CaWs) of cardiomyocytes are spontaneous events of Ca2+release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum that are regarded as an important substrate for triggered arrhythmias and delayed afterdepolarizations. However, little is known regarding whether or how CaWs within the heart actually produce arrhythmogenic membrane oscillation because of the lack of data confirming direct correlation between CaWs and membrane potentials (Vm) in the heart. On the hypothesis that CaWs evoke arrhythmogenic oscillatory depolarization when they emerge synchronously and intensively in the heart, we conducted simultaneous fluorescence recording of intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) dynamics andVmof ventricular myocytes on subepicardial surfaces of Langendorff-perfused rat hearts using in situ dual-view, rapid-scanning confocal microscopy. In intact hearts loaded with fluo4/acetoxymethyl ester and RH237 under perfusion with cytochalasin D at room temperature, individual myocytes exhibited Ca2+transients and action potentials uniformly on ventricular excitation, whereas low-K+–perfused (2.4 mmol/L) hearts exhibited CaWs sporadically between Ca2+transients without discernible membrane depolarization. Further [Ca2+]iloading of the heart, produced by rapid pacing and addition of isoproterenol, evoked triggered activity and subsequent oscillatoryVm, which are caused by burst emergence of CaWs in individual myocytes. Such arrhythmogenic membrane oscillation was abolished by ryanodine or the Na+–Ca2+exchanger inhibitor SEA0400, indicating an essential role of CaWs and resultant Na+–Ca2+exchanger–mediated depolarization in triggered activity. In summary, we demonstrate a mechanistic link between intracellular CaWs and arrhythmogenic oscillatory depolarizations in the heart. Our findings provide a cellular perspective on abnormal [Ca2+]ihandling in the genesis of triggered arrhythmias in the heart.
Smoking: A Deadly Pleasant Habit—Is There a Way Out?
Authors: Richter Dimitri
Published: July 2008

It was not until 1958 that the first major epidemiologic study demonstrated a strong correlation between smoking and cardiovascular disease. Although not providing definitive evidence that tobacco smoke was responsible for the increased coronary risk, it prompted the first anti-smoking measures by the US Surgeon General in his 1964 report. Smoking is a highly addictive (biological and psychological) habit. The severity of withdrawal symptoms that patients find distressing can be reduced by nicotine replacement therapy. Bupropion SR was the first nonnicotine medication shown to be effective for smoking cessation. Its possible mechanisms of action include blockade of neuronal reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine and blockade of nicotinic acetylcholinergic receptors. Varenicline, a nicotine receptor partial agonist, is the most recently developed nonnicotine preparation. The odds of smoking cessation after 12 weeks of 1 mg twice-daily varenicline treatment was approximately twice that achieved with 150 mg twice-daily bupropion and nearly 4-fold greater than with placebo.
MAE: An Integrated Design Tool for Failure and Life Prediction of Composites
Authors: Sihn Sangwook , Jin Woo Park
Published: July 2008

An advanced strength and life prediction tool, MAE, was developed for the analysis and design of composite structures and components. The MAE integrates three theories and methods: micromechanics of failure (MMF), an accelerated testing method (ATM), and an evolution of damage (EOD). The MAE can serve as a useful tool to predict damage initiation, progression and life under various durability loading and environmental conditions. It can handle the inhomogeneous complex geometries and structural components such as open-hole, filled-hole, bonded/bolted joint, stiffened panel, textile, etc. Therefore, it can help select not only the material and laminates but also optimal geometrical configurations. The MAE modules were implemented and integrated with a commercial finite element software, Abaqus, for better reliability and maintainability. Several examples of strength and life predictions of open-hole and double-edge notched specimens demonstrated the capability of the MAE as an advanced tool for the composite durability design.
Cholinergic agonism alters cognitive processing and enhances brain functional connectivity in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cader S , Palace J , Matthews PM
Published: July 2008

Abstract

The aim of this study is to define mechanisms underlying the pharmacological effects of brain cholinesterase inhibition on cognitive function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Both a Stroop task and an N-back task were used to probe the changes in brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in a single (investigator)-blind, crossover treatment design studying 15 patients with multiple sclerosis (12 relapsing remitting, 3 secondary progressive) taking rivastigmine (4.5 mg po bid) and domperidone (10 mg po qd) or domperidone alone. Administration of rivastigmine increased Stroop functional magnetic resonance imaging activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus for the Stroop task ( P < 0.05, corrected). Incremental functional magnetic resonance imaging activation with progressively greater N-back task difficulty was enhanced by rivastigmine in prefrontal and parietal cortical regions ( P < 0.01, ANOVA). Functional connectivity analysis of the N-back functional magnetic resonance imaging data based on correlations between pair-wise interregional activations showed increased connectivity between left to right prefrontal, anterior cingulate to left prefrontal and right parietal to right prefrontal regions with rivastigmine ( P < 0.05, corrected). Although there were no statistically significant changes in the neuropsychological task performance with rivastigmine in this small study, 11 of 15 patients showed improvements, whereas only 4 of 15 patients showed decline in performance ( P = 0.07). With regard to the previous data, these findings suggest different patterns of brain response to lower dose acute and higher dose chronic administration of rivastigmine in patients with multiple sclerosis. They showed that rivastigmine enhances the prefrontal function and alters the functional connectivity associated with cognition. We interpret this as evidence for greater efficiency of brain information transfer that should increase confidence in a potentially beneficial clinical therapeutic effect.
Outcomes for schizophrenia patients with clozapine treatment: how good does it get?
Authors: Wheeler A. , Humberstone V. , Robinson G.
Published: July 2008

The objective of this study was to describe the extent/change (2000—2004) of clozapine prescribing in schizophrenia in New Zealand and examine the outcomes associated with increasing treatment duration, and vs. those who discontinue clozapine. Consecutive chart reviews were conducted for adult outpatients in Auckland/Northland regions (T1 = 31 March 2000, T2 = 31 October 2001, T3 = 31 March 2003, T4 = 31 October 2004). Data collected included: patient characteristics, social/functional indicators, diagnosis, duration of illness, psychiatric admissions and treatment information (psychotropic medication, dose, route of administration). Between 2000 and 2004, clozapine for schizophrenia increased from 21.0% to 32.8%. Of those prescribed clozapine at T1, 86.1% were engaged with community services at T4 and 93.2% still prescribed clozapine. Continuing clozapine treatment (vs. other treatment) led to a trend to higher rates of regular occupational activity (37% vs. 14.3%) and lower rates of compulsory treatment (25.1% vs. 46.4%) and significantly lower hospitalisation rates (mean = 0.6 vs. mean = 3.1). For those prescribed clozapine at T4, increasing treatment duration (≤10 months, 2—3 years, >3 years) led to a trend to higher rates of living independently (18% vs. 29.2% vs. 34%) and regular occupational activity (26.2% vs. 32.6% vs. 37.5%), and significantly reduced compulsory treatment (44.3% vs. 36.9% vs. 28.6%) and hospitalisation rates in the previous 18 months (1.5 vs. 0.5 vs. 0.2). Clozapine use increased significantly over 4.5 years to expected rates of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Low clozapine discontinuation rates were found and continuing treatment was associated with real-world improvements in functional and clinical outcomes. These findings support the recommendation of prolonged clozapine trials to improve cost-effectiveness in the most seriously unwell schizophrenia patients.
Lack of association between AKT1 variances versus clinical manifestations and social function in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Liu YC , Huang CL , Wu PL , Chang YC , Huang CH , Lane HY
Published: July 2008

The elucidation of genotype-phenotype relationships in psychiatric research is at an early stage. V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1 (AKT1) is a serine/threonine kinase known as protein kinase B. Emerging studies have implicated the role of AKT1 in pathogenesis of schizophrenia; however, the findings have not been consistent. This study aims to examine the association of AKT1 polymorphisms with drug-free and post-treatment symptomatology and social function in patients with schizophrenia. One hundred and twenty newly hospitalised patients with acutely exacerbated schizophrenia who had never been treated by atypical antipsychotics were recruited. They received optimal treatment of risperidone for up to 42 days in the inpatient research unit. Clinical manifestations were monitored by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and social function by Nurses’ Observation Scale for Inpatients Evaluation (NOSIE). Patients were genotyped for eight AKT1 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNPs), which have been previously investigated for association with schizophrenia. At drug-free status and after best possible treatment of risperidone, genotypes of each SNP did not influence performances in NOSIE, PANSS-total, -positive, -negative and -general psychopathology profiles. These results suggest that AKT1 does not play a significant role in clinical and functional manifestations in patients with schizophrenia who receive risperidone treatment. Future research should also focus on the relationships between genotypes of other susceptibility genes and phenotypes or functional outcomes of schizophrenia.
Isolation rearing impairs novel object recognition and attentional set shifting performance in female rats
Authors: McLean SL , Grayson B. , Harris M. , Protheroe C. , Woolley ML , Neill JC
Published: July 2008

It has been suggested that the isolation rearing paradigm models certain aspects of schizophrenia symptomatology. This study aimed to investigate whether isolation rearing impairs rats’ performance in two models of cognition: the novel object recognition (NOR) and attentional set-shifting tasks, tests of episodic memory and executive function, respectively. Two cohorts of female Hooded-Lister rats were used in these experiments. Animals were housed in social isolation or in groups of five from weaning, post-natal day 28. The first cohort was tested in the NOR test with inter-trial intervals (ITIs) of 1 min up to 6 h. The second cohort was trained and tested in the attentional set-shifting task. In the NOR test, isolates were only able to discriminate between the novel and familiar objects up to 1-h ITI, whereas socially reared animals remembered the familiar object up to a 4-h ITI. In the attentional set-shifting task, isolates were significantly and selectively impaired in the extra-dimensional shift phase of the task (P < 0.01). Rats reared in isolation show impaired episodic memory in the NOR task and reduced ability to shift attention between stimulus dimensions in the attentional set-shifting task. Because schizophrenic patients show similar deficits in performance in these cognitive domains, these data further support isolation rearing as a putative preclinical model of the cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia.
Pharmacological interventions for the prevention of relapse in bipolar disorder: a systematic review of controlled trials
Authors: Beynon S , Soares-Weiser K , Woolacott N , Duffy S , Geddes JR
Published: July 2008

Abstract

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials evaluating all clinically relevant pharmacological interventions for the prevention of relapse in people with bipolar disorder. Thirty-four trials were included in the review. Direct comparisons with placebo and with lithium were available for most drugs. In addition, there were direct comparisons of valproate vs. olanzapine, imipramine vs. lithium plus imipramine, olanzapine plus mood stabilisers vs. mood stabilisers and perphenazine plus mood stabilisers vs. mood stabilisers. Methodological quality varied across studies and the strength of evidence was not equal for all treatments or for all comparisons. There is evidence from placebo-controlled trials for the efficacy of lithium, valproate and lamotrigine as maintenance therapy for the prevention of relapse in bipolar disorder. Three drugs have a significant effect in the prevention of manic relapses (lithium, olanzapine and aripiprazole) and three in the prevention of depressive symptoms (valproate, lamotrigine and imipramine). Imipramine is little used in practice, because of concern about adverse effects. The significant effects of olanzapine and aripiprazole were demonstrated in selected responsive bipolar I patients only. Despite widespread use in clinical practice, there is little evidence to support the efficacy of combination therapy.
Repeated administrations of dopamine receptor agents affect lithium-induced state-dependent learning in mice
Authors: Zarrindast MR , Madadi F , Ahmadi S
Published: July 2008

Abstract

The influence of repeated administration of dopamine receptor agents on the effect of lithium on lithium-induced state-dependent learning was examined in mice. Immediate post-training intraperitoneal (i.p.) administrations of lithium (10 and 20 m/kg) decreased the step-down latency of a single-trial inhibitory avoidance task. This was fully or partly reversed by pre-test administration of the same doses of the drug, with maximum response at the dose of 10 mg/kg, suggesting state-dependent learning was induced by lithium. Here, it has also been shown that repeated intracerebroventricular administrations of a mixed D1/D2 dopamine receptors agonist apomorphine (once daily injections of 0.5 μg/mouse for three consecutive days followed by five days of no drug treatment) increased the effect of lower doses of pre-test lithium (1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.) on the reinstatement of the step-down latency decreased by post-training lithium (10 mg/kg). On the contrary, not only repeated administrations of the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (0.5 and 1 μg/mouse) but also the dopamine D2 receptor antagonist sulpiride (0.3 and 1 μg/mouse) disrupted the state-dependent learning induced by lithium. These results suggest that state-dependent learning induced by lithium may be altered by repeated pretreatment of dopamine receptor agents.
Metabolic syndrome in female patients with schizophrenia treated with second generation antipsychotics: a 3-month follow-up
Authors: Medved V. , Kuzman MR , Jovanovic N. , Grubisin J. , Kuzman T.
Published: July 2008

The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of metabolic abnormalities among previously unmedicated female patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition schizophrenia spectrum disorders and their associations with olanzapine and risperidone treatment. We analysed 94 female patients who were treated with olanzapine or risperidone in the period of 3 months. Analysed variables included fasting glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoproteins and triglycerides in blood, blood pressure (BP), waist and hip circumferences and body mass index (BMI). At baseline, 14 patients (15%) fulfilled criteria for metabolic syndrome. After 3 months of treatment, 25 patients (27%) fulfilled criteria for metabolic syndrome, and their baseline BMI was the only predictor for its development. Treatment with both antipsychotics was associated with significant increase in waist circumference. Positive family history of diabetes mellitus contributed to a significant greater increase in abdominal obesity, significant higher baseline levels and a borderline significant increase in fasting glucose among olanzapine-treated patients. Olanzapine admission was associated with a significant increase in LDL and risperidone with a significant increase in triglycerides. Metabolic abnormalities seem to be more prevalent in unmedicated female patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders than expected based on results in general population (adjusted for age and sex). Olanzapine treatment might induce significant alterations in metabolic profiles, especially among patients with positive family history of diabetes, mostly by inducing abdominal obesity. The association of risperidone application and increase in triglyceride level still needs to be determined.
Developing a Model to Measure Financial Condition in Local Government
Authors: Zafra-Gómez José Luis , López-Hernández Antonio Manuel , Hernández-Bastida Agustín
Published: July 2008

Various studies have sought to obtain a measure of the financial health of local authorities, via the concept of financial condition. However, in measuring this latter concept, two serious problems need to be addressed: The first concerns the inclusion or otherwise of socioeconomic variables in the proposed evaluation models, and the second, the difficulty of measuring the solvency in the level of services provided. Therefore, the authors have created a methodology to measure the financial condition of a local authority, including a variable to measure the quality of the services received by the population, and present a new treatment for the variables of the socioeconomic environment so that the financial and socioeconomic factors can be integrated. The application of this method to a sample of Spanish local authorities reveals its capability of minimizing the effects of the socioeconomic environment and maximizing the value of benchmarking, making comparisons between local authorities simpler and more effective.
Nursing Home Caregiver Staffing Levels and Quality of Care
Authors: Castle Nicholas G.
Published: July 2008

In this research, the author reviewed 70 studies that had examined the relationship between staffing levels and quality in nursing homes (covering the years 1991 to 2006). The results of the review including all of this literature show that approximately 40% of the quality indicators examined show an association with nursing home staffing levels. Nevertheless, this finding is further interpreted in the context of the limitations of many of these prior studies. The author discusses the limitations of poor quality staffing data, small sample size, quality indicators used, methodological concerns, and underspecified models inherent to many prior studies. The author finds no study representing a “gold standard” exists in this area. Still, the few studies that seem methodologically most robust would seem to indicate that an association between nursing home staffing levels and quality exists. However, the author concludes that studies in this area need to be further enhanced.
Investigating the Validity of Stereotypes About Overweight Employees
Authors: Roehling Mark V. , Roehling Patricia V. , Odland L Maureen
Published: July 2008

Research indicates that overweight job applicants and employees are stereo-typically viewed as being less conscientiousness, less agreeable, less emotionally stable, and less extraverted than their “normal-weight” counterparts. Together, the two reported studies investigate the validity of those stereotypes by examining the relationship between body weight and four relevant personality traits (conscientiousness, agreeableness, emotional stability, extraversion) using three measures of body weight (body mass index [BMI] based on self-reported height and weight, BMI based on clinically assessed height and weight, percentage body fat assessed by bio-impedance technology) in a diverse group of 3,496 adults from the United States. There is substantial convergence between the two studies, with findings tending to refute commonly held stereotypes about the personality traits of overweight employees.
PowerPoint-Based Lectures in Business Education: An Empirical Investigation of Student-Perceived Novelty and Effectiveness
Authors: Burke Lisa A. , James Karen E.
Published: July 2008

The use of PowerPoint (PPT)-based lectures in business classes is prevalent, yet it remains empirically understudied in business education research. The authors investigate whether students in the contemporary business classroom view PPT as a novel stimulus and whether these perceptions of novelty are related to students' self-assessment of learning. Results indicate that the degree of novelty that undergraduate business students associate with PPT-based teaching significantly relates to their perceptions of PPT's impact on cognitive learning and classroom interaction. Students' views of PPT as a novel stimulus are also associated with their perception of specific constructive and dysfunctional classroom behaviors and attitudes. The authors discuss their findings and offer implications for instructors and researchers in business education.
The Ever-Changing Face of Sex Stereotyping and Sex Discrimination in the Workplace
Authors: York Kenneth M. , Tyler Catherine L. , Tyler J. Michael , Gugel Paul E.
Published: July 2008

A firefighter for the City of Salem, Ohio, sued the fire department and the city for discrimination. The case was based on discrimination related to Smith's (the firefighter's) status as a transsexual. The U.S. Court of Appeals (Sixth Circuit) ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 includes sex discrimination based on sex stereotyping. The Smith case calls attention to the ever-changing face of sex discrimination in the workplace. This article suggests reasons for organizational difficulties in interpreting the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It also discusses issues related to sex stereotyping, and it identifies possible proactive organizational responses.
Transcription factor control of growth rate dependent genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: A three factor design
Authors: Fazio Alessandro , Jewett Michael C , Daran-Lapujade Pascale , Mustacchi Roberta , Usaite Renata , Pronk Jack T , Workman Christopher T , Nielsen Jens
Published: July 2008

Background

Characterization of cellular growth is central to understanding living systems. Here, we applied a three-factor design to study the relationship between specific growth rate and genome-wide gene expression in 36 steady-state chemostat cultures ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae. The three factors we considered were specific growth rate, nutrient limitation, and oxygen availability.

Results

We identified 268 growth rate dependent genes, independent of nutrient limitation and oxygen availability. The transcriptional response was used to identify key areas in metabolism around which mRNA expression changes are significantly associated. Among key metabolic pathways, this analysis revealedde novosynthesis of pyrimidine ribonucleotides and ATP producing and consuming reactions at fast cellular growth. By scoring the significance of overlap between growth rate dependent genes and known transcription factor target sets, transcription factors that coordinate balanced growth were also identified. Our analysis shows that Fhl1, Rap1, and Sfp1, regulating protein biosynthesis, have significantly enriched target sets for genes up-regulated with increasing growth rate. Cell cycle regulators, such as Ace2 and Swi6, and stress response regulators, such as Yap1, were also shown to have significantly enriched target sets.

Conclusion

Our work, which is the first genome-wide gene expression study to investigate specific growth rate and consider the impact of oxygen availability, provides a more conservative estimate of growth rate dependent genes than previously reported. We also provide a global view of how a small set of transcription factors, 13 in total, contribute to control of cellular growth rate. We anticipate that multi-factorial designs will play an increasing role in elucidating cellular regulation.