bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Convergence analysis of distributed fixed‐step power control algorithm for cellular mobile systems
Authors: Wen Jyh‐Horng , Chen Young‐Long , Wang Jyu‐Wei
Published: February 2007

Power control plays a vital role in the operation of cellular systems. It has been shown that a power control mechanism with distributed fixed‐step control algorithm using a single bit can maintain the received carrier‐to‐interference ratio (CIR) within a desired range in long‐term fading channels. However, as far as the short‐term fading is concerned, whether such a power control algorithm remains convergent is not clear. In this work, a simple received CIR model is adopted to derive the condition that ensures system stability for short‐term fading channels. The bounds of the received CIR are also obtained. Furthermore, the effects of the power control step size and the time required for convergence are also analyzed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thread algebra for strategic interleaving
Authors: Bergstra J. A. , Middelburg C. A.
Published: February 2007

We take a thread as the behavior of a sequential deterministic program under execution and multi-threading as the form of concurrency provided by contemporary programming languages such as Java and C#. We outline an algebraic theory about threads and multi-threading. In the case of multi-threading, some deterministic interleaving strategy determines how threads are interleaved. Interleaving operators for a number of plausible interleaving strategies are specified in a simple and concise way. By that, we show that it is essentially open-ended what counts as an interleaving strategy. We use deadlock freedom as an example to show that there are properties of multi-threaded programs that depend on the interleaving strategy used.
Single amino acid substitution in HIV‐1 integrase catalytic core causes a dramatic shift in inhibitor selectivity
Authors: Al-Mawsawi Laith Q. , Sechi Mario , Neamati Nouri
Published: February 2007

HIV‐1 integrase (IN) mediates the insertion of viral cDNA into the cell genome, a vital process for replication. This step is catalyzed by two separate DNA reaction events, termed 3′‐processing and strand transfer. Here, we show that six inhibitors from five structurally different classes of compounds display a selectivity shift towards preferential strand transfer inhibition over the 3′‐processing activity of IN when a single serine is substituted at position C130. Even though IN utilizes the same active site for both reactions, this finding suggests a distinct conformational dissimilarity in the mechanistic details of each IN catalytic event.
Expression of the CUB domain containing protein 1 (CDCP1) gene in colorectal tumour cells
Authors: Perry Sara E. , Robinson Philip , Melcher Alan , Quirke Philip , Bühring Hans-Jörg , Cook Graham P. , Blair G. Eric
Published: February 2007

Expression of CUB domain containing protein 1 (CDCP1) is upregulated in carcinoma cells. We quantitated CDCP1 gene expression in matched normal colon and tumour tissue and compared the level of expression to other genes upregulated in colorectal tumourigenesis. Furthermore, we show that the CDCP1 gene generates two transcripts which are co‐expressed in normal and matched tumour tissue as well as in the majority of cell lines analysed. However, intracellular localisation studies revealed that only one of these transcripts encodes a protein that is localised to the cell surface.
The correlation between neurotoxicity, aggregative ability and secondary structure studied by sequence truncated Aβ peptides
Authors: Liao M.Q. , Tzeng Y.J. , Chang Lea Y.X. , Huang H.B. , Lin T.H. , Chyan C.L. , Chen Y.C.
Published: February 2007

Aggregated β‐amyloid (Aβ) peptides are neurotoxic and cause neuronal death both in vitro and in vivo. Although the formation of a β‐sheet structure is usual required to form aggregates, the relationship between neurotoxicity and the Aβ sequence remains unclear. To explore the correlation between Aβ sequence, secondary structure, aggregative ability, and neurotoxicity, we utilized both full‐length and fragment‐truncated Aβ peptides. Using a combination of spectroscopic and cellular techniques, we demonstrated that neurotoxicity and aggregative ability are correlated while the relationship between these characteristics and secondary structure is not significant. The hydrophobic C‐terminus, particularly the amino acids of 17–21, 25–35, and 41–42, is the main region responsible for neurotoxicity and aggregation. Deleting residues 17–21, 25–35 or 41–42 significantly reduced the toxicity. On the other hand, truncation of the peptides at either residues 22–24 or residues 36–40 had little effect on toxicity and aggregative ability. While the N‐terminal residues 1–16 may not play a major role in neurotoxicity and aggregation, a lack of N‐terminal fragment Aβ peptide, (e.g. Aβ17–35), does not display the neurotoxicity of either full‐length or 17–21, 25–35 truncated Aβ peptides.
Cost‐effectiveness of misoprostol to control postpartum hemorrhage in low‐resource settings
Authors: Bradley S.E.K. , Prata N. , Young‐Lin N. , Bishai D.M.
Published: February 2007

Objective: To test the cost‐effectiveness of training traditional birth attendants (TBAs) to recognize postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and administer a rectal dose of misoprostol in areas with low access to modern delivery facilities. Method: A cost‐effectiveness analysis, modeling two hypothetical cohorts of 10,000 women each giving birth with TBAs: one under standard treatment (TBA referral to hospital after blood loss ≥ 500 ml), and one attended by TBAs trained to recognize PPH and to administer 1000 μg of misoprostol at blood loss ≥ 500 ml. Result: The misoprostol strategy could prevent 1647 cases of severe PPH (range: 810–2920) and save $115,335 in costs of referral, IV therapy and transfusions (range: $13,991–$1,563,593) per 10,000 births. By preventing severe disease and saving money, it dominates the standard approach. Conclusion: Training TBAs to administer misoprostol to treat PPH has the potential to both save money and improve the health of mothers in low‐resource settings.
A theory of purchasing's contribution to business performance
Authors: González‐Benito Javier
Published: February 2007

Although the strategic importance of purchasing has been acknowledged in recent years, few studies analyze its contribution to business performance. The alignment of the purchasing function with business strategy is essential, but previous work links better performance with the implementation of specific purchasing practices. This article develops a different approach focused on purchasing capabilities rather than purchasing practices and proposes that purchasing's contribution to business performance depends on the degree to which purchasing capabilities fit with and support the business strategy. By adapting the Theory of Production Competence to the purchasing context, this article distinguishes two levels of fit: between purchasing strategic objectives and purchasing capabilities, defined as “purchasing efficacy,” and between business strategy and purchasing strategic objectives, which is viewed as an immediate consequence of the strategic integration of purchasing. The interaction between both levels of fit influences business commercial and financial performance, and an empirical analysis of 141 industrial companies supports this proposition.
A market reaction to DOD contract delay — Does the market reward poor performance?
Authors: Carden Robert , Leach Sonia E. , Smith Jeffrey S.
Published: February 2007

Civilian development projects occur faster than projects for the Department of Defense (DoD). Faster development either means quicker delivery (i.e. sales), or for DoD, it means a more capable warfighter. On average, DoD Acquisition Category One (ACAT I) development projects now take 15 years, an increase of 20%. These same companies producing civilian products faster fail to do so with their DoD contracts. This paper examines the relationship between DoD delay and its impact on shareholder wealth. The results show positive, significant wealth for shareholders at the announcement of a DoD delay, suggesting an insensitivity toward such production delays.
Effects of low- and high-volume resistance exercise on postprandial lipaemia
Authors: Zafeiridis Andreas , Goloi Evagelia , Petridou Anatoli , Dipla Konstantina , Mougios Vassilis , Kellis Spiros
Published: February 2007

Postprandial lipaemia (PL) is associated with the metabolic syndrome, CVD and endothelial dysfunction. Aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce PL. Although resistance exercise is recommended for the improvement of the quality of life, management of body weight and prevention of several disorders, its effect on PL has received little attention. The present study examined the effects of low-volume resistance exercise (LVRE) and high-volume resistance exercise (HVRE) on PL. Ten healthy young men performed three trials, each conducted over 2 d. On the afternoon of day 1, they either refrained from exercise (control), performed LVRE (two sets of eight exercises, twelve repetitions at twelve repetitions maximum (RM) in each set; energy expenditure 0·76 MJ), or performed HVRE (four sets of eight exercises, twelve repetitions at 12RM in each set; energy expenditure 1·40 MJ). On the morning of day 2 they consumed a meal containing 67 kJ/kg body weight, of which 65 % energy was from fat. Blood samples were obtained in the fasted state and for 6 h postprandially. The total area under the TAG curve (AUC; mmol/l × h) was lower (P < 0·05) in HVRE (8·76 (sd 3·20)) and LVRE (9·29 (sd 3·64)) compared with control (11·60 (sd 4·35)). The incremental AUC was lower in HVRE compared with control (3·07 (sd 2·53) v. 5·58 (sd 3·72)), but not different between LVRE (3·86 (sd 2·29)) and control. In conclusion, resistance exercise of 1·40 MJ (four sets – eight exercises – twelve RM) or 0·76 MJ (two sets – eight exercises – twelve RM) before a high-fat meal reduces the total postprandial lipaemic response.
Low-dose pancreatic polypeptide inhibits food intake in man
Authors: Jesudason David R. , Monteiro Mariana P. , McGowan Barbara M. C. , Neary Nicola M. , Park Adrian J. , Philippou Elena , Small Caroline J. , Frost Gary S. , Ghatei Mohammad A. , Bloom Stephen R.
Published: February 2007

Pancreatic polypeptide (PP) is a gut hormone released from the pancreas in response to food ingestion and remains elevated for up to 6 h postprandially. Plasma levels are elevated in patients with pancreatic tumours. An intravenous infusion of PP has been reported to reduce food intake in man, suggesting that PP is a satiety hormone. We investigated whether a lower infusion rate of PP would induce significant alterations in energy intake. The study was randomised and double-blinded. Fourteen lean fasted volunteers (five men and nine women) received 90 min infusions of PP (5 pmol/kg per min) and saline on two separate days. The dose chosen was half that used in a previous human study which reported a decrease in appetite but at supra-physiological levels of PP. One hour after the end of the infusion, a buffet lunch was served and energy intake measured. PP infusion was associated with a significant 11 % reduction in energy intake compared with saline (2440 (se 200) v. 2730 (se 180) kJ; P < 0·05). Preprandial hunger as assessed by a visual analogue score was decreased in the PP-treated group compared to saline. These effects were achieved with plasma levels of PP within the pathophysiological range of pancreatic tumours.
Differential effects of dietary whey, casein and soya on colonic DNA damage and large bowel SCFA in rats fed diets low and high in resistant starch
Authors: Toden Shusuke , Bird Anthony R. , Topping David L. , Conlon Michael A.
Published: February 2007

Feeding higher levels of dietary animal protein (as casein or red meat) increases colonic DNA damage and thins the colonic mucus barrier in rats. Feeding resistant starch (RS) reverses these changes and increases large bowel SCFA. The present study examined whether high dietary dairy (casein or whey) or plant (soya) proteins had similar adverse effects and whether dietary RS was protective. Adult male rats were fed diets containing 15 or 25 % casein, whey or soya protein with or without 48 % high amylose starch (as a source of RS) for 4 weeks. DNA damage was measured in isolated colonocytes using the comet assay. Higher dietary casein and soya (but not whey) increased colonocyte DNA damage. DNA damage was highest with soya when fed at 15 or 25 % protein without RS. Dietary RS attenuated protein-induced colonocyte DNA damage in all groups but it remained significantly higher in rats fed 25 % soya compared with those fed 15 % protein. Dietary protein level did not affect colonic mucus thickness overall but the barrier was thinner in rats fed high dietary casein. This effect was reversed by feeding RS. Caecal total SCFA and butyrate pools were higher in rats fed RS compared with digestible starch. Caecal and faecal SCFA were unrelated to genetic damage but correlated with mucus thickness. The present data confirm that higher dietary protein affected colonocyte DNA and colonic mucus thickness adversely but that proteins differ in their effects on these indices of colon health. The data show also that these changes were reversed by RS.
Serum prohepcidin concentration: no association with iron absorption in healthy men; and no relationship with iron status in men carrying HFE mutations, hereditary haemochromatosis patients undergoing phlebotomy treatment, or pregnant women
Authors: Roe Mark A. , Spinks Caroline , Heath Anne-Louise M. , Harvey Linda J. , Foxall Rob , Wimperis Jennie , Wolf  Christian , Fairweather-Tait Susan J.
Published: February 2007

Hepcidin plays a major role in iron homeostasis, but understanding its role has been hampered by the absence of analytical methods for quantification in blood. A commercial ELISA has been developed for serum prohepcidin, a hepcidin precursor, and there is interest in its potential use in the clinical and research arena. We investigated the association between serum prohepcidin concentration and iron absorption in healthy men, and its relationship with iron status in men carrying HFE mutations, hereditary haemochromatosis patients, and pregnant women. Iron absorption was determined in thirty healthy men (fifteen wild-type, fifteen C282Y heterozygote) using the stable isotope red cell incorporation technique. Iron status was measured in 138 healthy men (ninety-one wild-type, forty-seven C282Y heterozygote), six hereditary haemochromatosis patients, and thirteen pregnant women. Mean serum prohepcidin concentrations were 214 (sd 118) ng/ml [208 (sd 122) ng/ml in wild-type and 225 (sd 109) ng/ml in C282Y heterozygotes] in healthy men, 177 (sd 36) ng/ml in haemochromatosis patients, and 159 (sd 59) ng/ml in pregnant women. There was no relationship between serum prohepcidin concentration and serum ferritin in any subject groups, nor was it associated with efficiency of iron absorption. Serum prohepcidin is not a useful biomarker for clinical or research purposes.
Dietary protein restriction of pregnant rats in the F0 generation induces altered methylation of hepatic gene promoters in the adult male offspring in the F1 and F2 generations
Authors: Burdge Graham C. , Slater-Jefferies Jo , Torrens Christopher , Phillips Emma S. , Hanson Mark A. , Lillycrop Karen A.
Published: February 2007

Epidemiological studies and experimental models show that maternal nutritional constraint during pregnancy alters the metabolic phenotype of the offspring and that this can be passed to subsequent generations. In the rat, induction of an altered metabolic phenotype in the liver of the F1 generation by feeding a protein-restricted diet (PRD) during pregnancy involves the altered methylation of specific gene promoters. We therefore investigated whether the altered methylation of PPARα and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) promoters was passed to the F2 generation. Females rats (F0) were fed a reference diet (180 g/kg protein) or PRD (90 g/kg protein) throughout gestation, and AIN-76A during lactation. The F1 offspring were weaned onto AIN-76A. F1 females were mated and fed AIN-76A throughout pregnancy and lactation. F1 and F2 males were killed on postnatal day 80. Hepatic PPARα and GR promoter methylation was significantly (P < 0·05) lower in the PRD group in the F1 (PPARα 8 %, GR 10 %) and F2 (PPARα 11 %, GR 8 %) generations. There were trends (P < 0·1) towards a higher expression of PPARα, GR, acyl-CoA oxidase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in the F1 and F2 males, although this was significant only for PEPCK. These data show for the first time that the altered methylation of gene promoters induced in the F1 generation by maternal protein restriction during pregnancy is transmitted to the F2 generation. This may represent a mechanism for the transmission of induced phenotypes between generations.
Differential effect of dietary antioxidant classes (carotenoids, polyphenols, vitamins C and E) on lutein absorption
Authors: Reboul Emmanuelle , Thap Sinay , Tourniaire Franck , André Marc , Juhel Christine , Morange Sophie , Amiot Marie-Josèphe , Lairon Denis , Borel Patrick
Published: February 2007

Lutein is assumed to protect the human retina from blue light and oxidative stress and diminish the incidence of age-related macular degeneration. This antioxidant is commonly ingested with other dietary antioxidants. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the main dietary antioxidants, i.e. carotenoids, polyphenols and vitamins C and E, affect lutein absorption. We measured the effect of adding a mixture of antioxidants (500 mg vitamin C, 67 mg (100 IU) vitamin E and 1 g polyphenols) to a lutein-containing meal (18 mg) on the postprandial lutein response in the chylomicron-rich fraction in eight healthy men. Lutein response was weakest ( − 23 %;P = 0·07) after ingestion of the meal containing antioxidants (21·9 (sem4·6)v.28·4 (sem7·2) nmol × h/l). To assess the effect of each class of antioxidants and potential interactions, we subsequently evaluated the effect of various combinations of antioxidants on lutein uptake by human intestinal Caco-2 TC-7 cells. A full factorial design showed that both a mixture of polyphenols (gallic acid, caffeic acid, (+)-catechin and naringenin) and a mixture of carotenoids (lycopene plus β-carotene) significantly (P < 0·05) impaired lutein uptake by ( − 10 to − 30 %), while vitamins C and E had no significant effect. Subsequent experiments showed that the aglycone flavanone naringenin was the only polyphenol responsible for the effect of the polyphenol mixture, and that the carotenoid effect was not carotenoid species-dependent. Taken together, the present results suggest that lutein absorption is not markedly affected by physiological concentrations of vitamins C and E but can be impaired by carotenoids and naringenin.
Effects of a healthy meal course on spontaneous energy intake, satiety and palatability
Authors: Poortvliet Peter C. , Bérubé-Parent Sonia , Drapeau Vicky , Lamarche Benoit , Blundell John E. , Tremblay Angelo
Published: February 2007

Many food components can influence satiety or energy intake. Combined together, these food components could represent an interesting dietary strategy in the prevention and treatment of obesity. The aims of this study were: 1) to determine the effect of a functional food in the form of a healthy meal course on subsequent energy intake and satiety; 2) to verify if it is possible to maintain palatability while preserving the satiating effects of the test meal. Thirteen subjects were invited to eat two lunch sessions: healthy and control meal courses (2090 kJ/meal). Anthropometric and ad libitum food intake measurements, and visual analogue scales (VAS) were performed during the two lunch sessions. The healthy main course acutely decreased energy intake during the rest of the meal ( − 744 kJ, P ≤ 0·0001) and lipid ( − 6 %, P ≤ 0·0001) compared with the control meal. VAS ratings during the course of the testing showed a meal effect for hunger, desire to eat and prospective food consumption (P ≤ 0·05) and a time effect for all appetite sensations (P ≤ 0·0001). VAS scores on hunger ratings were lower for the healthy meal (P ≤ 0·05), whereas fullness ratings were higher shortly after the healthy main course (P ≤ 0·05). The healthy meal produced a slightly higher palatability rating but this effect was not statistically significant. These results suggest that it is possible to design a healthy meal that decreases spontaneous energy intake and hunger without compromising palatability.
A systematic review of dietary assessments of pregnant adolescents in industrialised countries
Authors: Moran Victoria Hall
Published: February 2007

Adolescent pregnancy is a major public health challenge for many industrialised countries and is associated with significant medical, nutritional, social and economic risk for mothers and their infants. Despite this, relatively little is known about the nutrient intakes of adolescents during pregnancy. The aim of this study is to review the current evidence relating to the dietary assessment of pregnant adolescents living in industrialised countries. Nine papers were identified that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, seven of which were conducted in the USA. Mean nutrient intakes were compared with the most recent US dietary reference intakes (DRI) for pregnant adolescents. Despite the poor quality of the majority of studies, there appeared to be some consensus to suggest that the nutrient intakes of pregnant adolescents were below the DRI for energy, iron, folate, calcium, vitamin E and magnesium, nutrients which are recognised to be vital for fetal growth and development during pregnancy. Modest differences were observed in nutrient intake between trimesters and age groups. Current research is limited by sampling and measurement bias, and research is urgently required to address these limitations. Further consideration should also be made of the influence of age and of role of socio-economic support on pregnant adolescents' nutrient intake. The achievement of improved nutrition in pregnancy among adolescents requires multidisciplinary collaborations of adolescent health care providers, academics, professional organisations, policy makers, industry and service users. Only once this is achieved can adolescent nutrition, and adolescent nutrition in pregnancy, be significantly and sustainably optimised.
Age- and sex-dependent effects of long-term zinc supplementation on essential trace element status and lipid metabolism in European subjects: the Zenith Study
Authors: Hininger-Favier Isabelle , Andriollo-Sanchez Maud , Arnaud Josiane , Meunier Nathalie , Bord Séverine , Graham Ciaren , Polito Angela , Maiani Giuseppe , O'Connor Jacqueline M. , Coudray Charles , Roussel Anne-Marie
Published: February 2007

Given the key role of Zn in many physiological functions, optimal Zn status could be a predictive parameter of successful ageing. However, the benefit of Zn supplementation is still a matter of debate since Zn supplementation has been reported to be associated with the alteration of Cu status and lipid metabolism. As part of the Zenith Project, the present study aimed to investigate, in free-living healthy European middle-aged and older subjects, the effect of Zn supplementation on the biochemical status of Zn, Fe and Cu and on lipid profile. Volunteers aged 55–70 (n188) and 70–85 (n199) years old participated in a double-blinded, randomised study and received a daily placebo, or Zn as 15 or 30 mg for 6 months. Zn supplementation did not significantly modify erythrocyte Zn levels or erythrocyte Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase activity. But Zn supplementation at 15 or 30 mg/d for 6 months increased significantly serum Zn levels and Zn urinary excretion with no major adverse effects on Fe and Cu status or on lipid metabolism. However, Zn supplementation at 30 mg/d showed some age- and sex-dependent alterations in Fe status or lipid profile. Therefore, with respect to the key role of an optimal Zn status in successful ageing, Zn supplementation at 15 mg/d, when necessary, could be safely proposed regarding lipids and the risk of interaction with Fe and Cu.
Attenuation of monocyte adhesion and oxidised LDL uptake in luteolin-treated human endothelial cells exposed to oxidised LDL
Authors: Jeong Yu-Jin , Choi Yean-Jung , Choi Jung-Suk , Kwon Hyang-Mi , Kang Sang-Wook , Bae Ji-Young , Lee Sang-Soo , Kang Jung-Sook , Han Seoung Jun , Kang Young-Hee
Published: February 2007

Oxidative modification of LDL is causally involved in the development of atherosclerosis and occursin vivoin the blood as well as within the vascular wall. The present study attempted to explore whether polyphenolic flavonoids influence monocyte-endothelium interaction and lectin-like oxidised LDL receptor 1 (LOX-1) expression involved in the early development of atherosclerosis. The flavones luteolin and apigenin inhibited THP-1 cell adhesion onto oxidised LDL-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), while the flavanols of ( − )epigallocatechin gallate and (+)catechin, the flavonols of quercetin and rutin, and the flavanones of naringin, naringenin, hesperidin and hesperetin did not have such effects. Consistently, Western blot analysis revealed that the flavones at 25 μmdramatically and significantly abolished HUVEC expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and E-selectin evidently enhanced by oxidised LDL; these inhibitory effects were exerted by drastically down regulating mRNA levels of these cell adhesion molecules. In addition, quercetin and luteolin significantly attenuated expression of LOX-1 protein up regulated in oxidised LDL-activated HUVEC with a fall in transcriptional mRNA levels of LOX-1. In addition, quercetin and luteolin clearly blunted oxidised LDL uptake by HUVEC treated with oxidised LDL. The results demonstrate that the flavones luteolin and apigenin as well as quercetin were effective in the different initial steps of atherosclerosis process by inhibiting oxidised LDL-induced endothelial monocyte adhesion and/or oxidised LDL uptake. Therefore, certain flavonoids qualify as anti-atherogenic agents in LDL systems, which may have implications for strategies attenuating endothelial dysfunction-related atherosclerosis.
Précis of Principles of Brain Evolution
Authors: Striedter Georg F.
Published: February 2007

Brain evolution is a complex weave of species similarities and differences, bound by diverse rules and principles. This book is a detailed examination of these principles, using data from a wide array of vertebrates but minimizing technical details and terminology. It is written for advanced undergraduates, graduate students, and more senior scientists who already know something about “the brain,” but want a deeper understanding of how diverse brains evolved. The book's central theme is that evolutionary changes in absolute brain size tend to correlate with many other aspects of brain structure and function, including the proportional size of individual brain regions, their complexity, and their neuronal connections. To explain these correlations, the book delves into rules of brain development and asks how changes in brain structure impact function and behavior. Two chapters focus specifically on how mammal brains diverged from other brains and how Homo sapiens evolved a very large and “special” brain.
How similar are fluid cognition and general intelligence? A developmental neuroscience perspective on fluid cognition as an aspect of human cognitive ability
Authors: Blair Clancy
Published: February 2007

This target article considers the relation of fluid cognitive functioning to general intelligence. A neurobiological model differentiating working memory/executive function cognitive processes of the prefrontal cortex from aspects of psychometrically defined general intelligence is presented. Work examining the rise in mean intelligence-test performance between normative cohorts, the neuropsychology and neuroscience of cognitive function in typically and atypically developing human populations, and stress, brain development, and corticolimbic connectivity in human and nonhuman animal models is reviewed and found to provide evidence of mechanisms through which early experience affects the development of an aspect of cognition closely related to, but distinct from, general intelligence. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of emotion in fluid cognition and on research indicating fluid cognitive deficits associated with early hippocampal pathology and with dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis stress-response system. Findings are seen to be consistent with the idea of an independent fluid cognitive construct and to assist with the interpretation of findings from the study of early compensatory education for children facing psychosocial adversity and from behavior genetic research on intelligence. It is concluded that ongoing development of neurobiologically grounded measures of fluid cognitive skills appropriate for young children will play a key role in understanding early mental development and the adaptive success to which it is related, particularly for young children facing social and economic disadvantage. Specifically, in the evaluation of the efficacy of compensatory education efforts such as Head Start and the readiness for school of children from diverse backgrounds, it is important to distinguish fluid cognition from psychometrically defined general intelligence.
Language and life history: A new perspective on the development and evolution of human language
Authors: Locke John L. , Bogin Barry
Published: February 2007

It has long been claimed that Homo sapiens is the only species that has language, but only recently has it been recognized that humans also have an unusual pattern of growth and development. Social mammals have two stages of pre-adult development: infancy and juvenility. Humans have two additional prolonged and pronounced life history stages: childhood, an interval of four years extending between infancy and the juvenile period that follows, and adolescence, a stage of about eight years that stretches from juvenility to adulthood. We begin by reviewing the primary biological and linguistic changes occurring in each of the four pre-adult ontogenetic stages in human life history. Then we attempt to trace the evolution of childhood and juvenility in our hominin ancestors. We propose that several different forms of selection applied in infancy and childhood; and that, in adolescence, elaborated vocal behaviors played a role in courtship and intrasexual competition, enhancing fitness and ultimately integrating performative and pragmatic skills with linguistic knowledge in a broad faculty of language. A theoretical consequence of our proposal is that fossil evidence of the uniquely human stages may be used, with other findings, to date the emergence of language. If important aspects of language cannot appear until sexual maturity, as we propose, then a second consequence is that the development of language requires the whole of modern human ontogeny. Our life history model thus offers new ways of investigating, and thinking about, the evolution, development, and ultimately the nature of human language.
Conscious cognition and blackboard architectures
Authors: Baars Bernard J.
Published: February 2007

van der Velde & de Kamps make a case for neural blackboard architectures to address four questions raised by human language. Unfortunately, they neglect a sizable literature relating blackboard architectures to other fundamental cognitive questions, specifically consciousness and voluntary control. Called “global workspace theory,” this literature integrates a large body of brain and behavioral evidence to come to converging conclusions.
Invoking narrative transmission in oral societies
Authors: Benga Ileana
Published: February 2007

The ethnographic description of story-telling and narrative transmission of cultural facts is an aspect of Locke & Bogin's (L&B's) article that should be amplified. Innate shared gene patrimony is biased by the kinship structure of particular societies and interacts with the transmission of narratives. Trance experiences are another interesting aspect of verbal and agonistic “performances.”
Scarcity begets addiction
Authors: Ascoli Giorgio A. , McCabe Kevin A.
Published: February 2007

As prototypical incentive with biological meaning, food illustrates the distinction between money as tool and money as drug. However, consistent neuroscience results challenge this view of food as intrinsic value and opposite to drugs of abuse. The scarce availability over evolutionary time of both food and money may explain their similar drug-like non-satiability, suggesting an integrated mechanism for generalized reinforcers.
Reconciling vague and formal models of language evolution
Authors: Brighton Henry , Mata Rui , Wilke Andreas
Published: February 2007

One way of dealing with the proliferation of conjectures that accompany the diverse study of the evolution of language is to develop precise and testable models which reveal otherwise latent implications. We suggest how verbal theories of the role of individual development in language evolution can benefit from formal modeling, and vice versa.
Within fluid cognition: Fluid processing and fluid storage?
Authors: Cowan Nelson
Published: February 2007

Blair describes fluid cognition as highly related to working memory and executive processes, and dependent on the integrity of frontal-lobe functioning. However, the literature review appears to neglect potential contributions to fluid cognition of the focus of attention as an important information-storage device, and the role of posterior brain regions in that kind of storage. Relevant cognitive and imaging studies are discussed.
Dissecting g
Authors: Demetriou Andreas
Published: February 2007

Two studies substantiating Blair's main postulates are summarized. The first study showed that fluid cognition, reasoning, and perceived competence about reasoning are separate and equipotent partners in g. The second study showed that reasoning, understanding of emotions, and perceived competence about reasoning and emotions partake in the formation of g, substantiating Blair's claim that cognition and emotion are linked in the brain.
Velocity and direction in neurobehavioral evolution: The centripetal prospective
Authors: Provine Robert R.
Published: February 2007

Selection for or against muscle initiates a cascade of centripetal (outside-in), trophically mediated, neurological events through which the environment programs heritable neuromuscular and neuroneuronal connections in a rapid and specific fashion. The velocity, direction, and efficiency of this process are a consequence of the environment acting directly on muscle, the organ of action, and behavioral interface between organism and environment.
There is more to fluid intelligence than working memory capacity and executive function
Authors: Garlick Dennis , Sejnowski Terrence J.
Published: February 2007

Although working memory capacity and executive function contribute to human intelligence, we question whether there is an equivalence between them and fluid intelligence. We contend that any satisfactory neurobiological explanation of fluid intelligence needs to include abstraction as an important computational component of brain processing.
Clarifying process versus structure in human intelligence: Stop talking about fluid and crystallized
Authors: Johnson Wendy , Gottesman Irving I.
Published: February 2007

Blair presumes the validity of the fluid-crystallized model throughout his article. Two comparative evaluations recently demonstrated that this presumption can be challenged. The fluid-crystallized model offers little to the understanding of the structural manifestation of general intelligence and other more specific abilities. It obscures important issues involving the distinction of pervasive learning disabilities (low general intelligence) from specific, content-related disabilities that impede the development of particular skills.
The evolution of childhood as a by-product?
Authors: Kappeler Peter
Published: February 2007

The proposition that selective advantages of linguistic skills have contributed to shifts in ontogenetic landmarks of human life histories in early Homo sapiens is weakened by neglecting alternative mechanisms of life history evolution. Moreover, arguments about biological continuity through sweeping comparisons with nonhuman primates do not support various assumptions of this scenario.
Brain evolution by natural selection
Authors: Shimizu Toru
Published: February 2007

Principles of Brain Evolution (Striedter 2005) places little emphasis on natural selection. However, one cannot fully appreciate the diversity of brains across species, nor the evolutionary processes driving such diversity, without an understanding of the effects of natural selection. Had Striedter included more extensive discussions about natural selection, his text would have been more balanced and comprehensive.
Brain design: The evolution of brains
Authors: Swain James E.
Published: February 2007

After reviewing historical aspects of brain evolution, this accessible book provides an enjoyable overview of several general principles of brain evolution, culminating in discussions of mammalian and human brains and a framework for future research.
Words are not costly displays: Shortcomings of a testosterone-fuelled model of language evolution
Authors: Knight Chris , Power Camilla
Published: February 2007

Only by misconstruing the term performative are the authors able to argue that males surpass females in “performative applications” of language. Linguistic performatives are not costly displays of quality, and syntax cannot be explained as an outcome of behavioural competition between pubertal males. However, there is room for a model in which language co-evolves with the unique human life-history stage of adolescence.
About juvenility, the features of feminine speech, and a big leap
Authors: Liénard Pierre
Published: February 2007

In this commentary, I ask three specific questions: (1) Why would a juvenile stage be maintained in humans? (2) What could be a satisfactory evolutionary scenario explaining the features of feminine speech? And (3), what could be the contribution of sexual selection in the elicitation of higher informational contents in communicative signals?
An alternative model of sentence parsing explains complexity phenomena more comprehensively without problems of localist encoding
Authors: Whitney Carol
Published: February 2007

I discuss weaknesses of the proposed model related to reinstantiation of encodings recorded by the hippocampal complex and to the inability of the model to explain complexity phenomena. An alternative model that also addresses the formation of hierarchical representations of sentences in working memory is outlined, and the ability of this model to account for complexity phenomena is briefly reviewed.
Money and motivational activation
Authors: Markman Arthur B. , Blok Serge , Dennis John , Goldwater Micah , Kim Kyungil , Laux Jeff , Narvaez Lisa , Rein Jon
Published: February 2007

Different aspects of people's interactions with money are best conceptualized using the drug and tool theories. The key question is when these models of money are most likely to guide behavior. We suggest that the Drug Theory characterizes motivationally active uses of money and that the Tool Theory characterizes behavior in motivationally cool situations.
Avoiding drug dependency
Authors: Romanowich Paul , Fantino Edmund , Stolarz-Fantino Stephanie
Published: February 2007

If Tool Theory is buttressed by fundamental concepts of conditioned reinforcement and extinction, a dependence on Drug Theory may not be necessary.
Explaining human cruelty
Authors: Zangwill Nick
Published: February 2007

I ask four questions: (1) Why should we think that our hominid ancestor's predation is not just a causal influence but the main causal factor responsible for human cruelty? (2) Why not think of human cruelty as a necessary part of a syndrome in which other phenomena are necessarily involved? (3) What definitions of cruelty does Nell propose that we operate with? And (4) what about the meaning of cruelty for human beings?
Intra-familial spread of hepatitis B virus infection in eastern Turkey
Authors: UCMAK H. , FARUK KOKOGLU O. , CELIK M. , ERGUN U. G. O.
Published: February 2007

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem. The aim of the present study was not only to determine the prevalence of HBsAg in children of HBV-infected parents but also to identify all HBSAg-positive family members to protect as many children, in the present and future, as possible. The study was carried out with the participation of 2113 family members (1205 children, 453 mothers, and 455 fathers) at Sivas SSK Hospital, Turkey. They were screened for HBV markers using standard enzyme immunoassay between September 2001 and March 2005. The prevalence of any HBV markers and HBsAg among family members of index cases was 50·5% and 30·5% respectively. HBsAg carrier rate was higher among fathers (61%) than mothers (47%), (P<0·05). The children of mother index cases had higher rates of HBsAg compared with the children of father index cases (P<0·01). Our results suggest that intra-familial childhood horizontal transmission (especially mother-to-child) is important for HBV transmission in the Turkish community, and highlights the need for screening of adult siblings and mothers of adult HBsAg carriers in addition to their spouses and children.
Public farms: hygiene and zoonotic agents
Authors: HEUVELINK A. E. , VALKENBURGH S. M. , TILBURG J. J. H. C. , VAN HEERWAARDEN C. , ZWARTKRUIS-NAHUIS J. T. M. , DE BOER E.
Published: February 2007

In three successive years, we visited petting farms (n=132), care farms (n=91), and farmyard campsites (n=84), respectively, and completed a standard questionnaire with the objective of determining the hygienic status of these farms and describing hygiene measures implemented to reduce the risk of transmission of zoonotic agents from the animals to humans. For at least 85% of the farms, the overall impression of hygiene was recorded as good. However, more attention must be paid to: informing visitors on hygiene and handwashing, provision of handwashing facilities, and a footwear cleaning facility. Examination of samples of freshly voided faeces resulted in the detection of Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coliO157 and/orSalmonellaspp. and/orCampylobacterspp. at almost two-thirds (64·9%) of the petting farms, and around half of the care farms (56·0%) and farmyard campsites (45·2%). These data reinforce the need for control measures for both public and private farms to reduce human exposure to livestock faeces and thus the risk of transmission of zoonotic diseases. Public awareness of the risk associated with handling animals or faecal material should be increased.
An On‐Line Approach To Monitor Ethanol Fermentation Using FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Veale Ennis L. , Irudayaraj Joseph , Demirci Ali
Published: February 2007

Fermentation process control is currently limited by its inability to measure parameters such as substrate, product, and biomass concentrations rapidly for consistent on‐line feedback. Physical and chemical parameters, such as temperature and pH, currently can be obtained on‐line using appropriate sensors. However, to obtain information on the concentration of the substrate, product, and biomass, samples must be taken off‐line for measurement. With the use of spectroscopic techniques, real‐time monitoring of process constituents such as product and substrate is possible. Spectroscopic techniques are rapid and nondestructive, require minimal or no sample preparation, and can be used to simultaneously assess several constituents in complex matrices. The production of ethanol is the largest fermentation process in terms of production volume and economic value as a result of its prominence in the food, agricultural, and fuel industries. This study attempts to develop an on‐line ethanol fermentation monitoring technique using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy with a flow‐through ATR capability. Models developed using multivariate statistics, employed to obtain on‐line FTIR measurements, were successfully validated by off‐line HPLC analysis and spectrophotometry data. Standard errors of prediction (SEP) values of 0.985 g/L (R2 = 0.996), 1.386 g/L (R2 = 0.998), and 0.546 (R2 = 0.972) were obtained for ethanol, glucose, and OD, respectively. This work demonstrates that FTIR spectroscopy could be used for rapid on‐line monitoring of fermentation.
Long-term outcomes of basilic vein transposition fistula for hemodialysis
Authors: Yilmaz  , Senkaya  , Saba  , Bicer
Published: February 2007

Background: There has been a dramatic increase in both the availability of hemodialysis and long-term survival of patients with chronic renal failure. Patients who require long-term hemodialysis need long-term vascular access. The transposed autologous basilic vein to brachial artery arteriovenous fistula provides vascular access in the absence of adequate superficial vein. Patients and methods: We follow an aggressive "all-autogenous" policy with regard to dialysis access and recommend prosthetic graft when autogenous options are exhausted. A retrospective analysis was performed of consecutive patients who underwent basilic vein transposition for hemodialysis access between January 2000 and March 2004. Mean follow-up was 21 months (range, 4 to 32 months). Results: A retrospective review of 42 patients undergoing basilic vein transposition was performed. 18 of the patients were men and 24 patients were women. The mean age was 34.6 ± 12.9 (mean ± SD) years. Most of the patients were already receiving hemodialysis (92%), with a mean of 2.2 (range, 1 to 4) previous access attempts. Maturation rate was 85.7%. Primary patency rates were 71.4%, 54.7% and secondary (overall) patency rates were 88.0%, 64.2% at the end of the first and second years, respectively. Complications developed in 23 (54.7%) cases, and included arm edema, thrombosis, hematoma, infection, steal syndrome, poor flow and aneurysm formation. Conclusion: Transposed brachial-basilic fistula have a good long-term patency rate and should be considered early, before prosthetic grafting, in the absence of a suitable superficial vein.
Primäres Angiosarkom der Aorta
Authors: Böge  , Gallix  , Gresillon  , Khau Van Kien  , Veerapen  , Quéré
Published: February 2007

Das primäre Angiosarkom der Aorta ist eine sehr seltene Erkrankung. Die Prognose ist aufgrund der thromboembolischen Komplikationen und sehr früher Metastasierung schlecht. Die mittlere Überlebenszeit nach Diagnosestellung beträgt 9 Monate. Die Diagnose ist schwierig und wird häufig erst postmortal gestellt. Wir berichten von einer 68-jährigen Patientin, die uns wenige Wochen nach Resektion eines Angiosarkoms des Duodenums aufgrund einer Thrombose der A. mesenterica superior überwiesen wurde. Die diagnostische Abklärung brachte ein zuvor übersehenes primäres metastasierendes Angiosarkom der Thoraxaorta zum Vorschein.
Pseudoaneurysm after ICD battery replacement
Authors: Schulz  , Lehmkuhl  , Zipfel  , Hetzer
Published: February 2007

False aneurysms of the extracranial carotid arteries are rare and mainly of traumatic origin. We report on a patient who presented with a sudden onset mass in his right neck 2 weeks after routine replacement of his ICD battery. He had received systemic anticoagulation since an aortic valve replacement 5 years before. By color Doppler sonography the mass was identified as a partly thrombosed false aneurysm originating from the common carotid artery. As no spontaneous resolution occurred during the following days the aneurysm was removed surgically 5 days later without further complications. However no connection to the common carotid artery was found at surgery. Yet in the histopathological examination the specimen showed the morphological characteristics of a pseudoaneurysm. There was no history of neck-trauma and no attempted vascular access during the recent operation.