bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural Correlates of Multisensory Perceptual Learning
Authors: Powers Albert R. , Hevey Matthew A. , Wallace Mark T.
Published: May 2012

The brain's ability to bind incoming auditory and visual stimuli depends critically on the temporal structure of this information. Specifically, there exists a temporal window of audiovisual integration within which stimuli are highly likely to be perceived as part of the same environmental event. Several studies have described the temporal bounds of this window, but few have investigated its malleability. Recently, our laboratory has demonstrated that a perceptual training paradigm is capable of eliciting a 40% narrowing in the width of this window that is stable for at least 1 week after cessation of training. In the current study, we sought to reveal the neural substrates of these changes. Eleven human subjects completed an audiovisual simultaneity judgment training paradigm, immediately before and after which they performed the same task during an event-related 3T fMRI session. The posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) and areas of auditory and visual cortex exhibited robust BOLD decreases following training, and resting state and effective connectivity analyses revealed significant increases in coupling among these cortices after training. These results provide the first evidence of the neural correlates underlying changes in multisensory temporal binding likely representing the substrate for a multisensory temporal binding window.
Genomic Analysis of Reactive Astrogliosis
Authors: Zamanian Jennifer L. , Xu Lijun , Foo Lynette C. , Nouri Navid , Zhou Lu , Giffard Rona G. , Barres Ben A.
Published: May 2012

Reactive astrogliosis is characterized by a profound change in astrocyte phenotype in response to all CNS injuries and diseases. To better understand the reactive astrocyte state, we used Affymetrix GeneChip arrays to profile gene expression in populations of reactive astrocytes isolated at various time points after induction using two mouse injury models, ischemic stroke and neuroinflammation. We find reactive gliosis consists of a rapid, but quickly attenuated, induction of gene expression after insult and identify induced Lcn2 and Serpina3n as strong markers of reactive astrocytes. Strikingly, reactive astrocyte phenotype strongly depended on the type of inducing injury. Although there is a core set of genes that is upregulated in reactive astrocytes from both injury models, at least 50% of the altered gene expression is specific to a given injury type. Reactive astrocytes in ischemia exhibited a molecular phenotype that suggests that they may be beneficial or protective, whereas reactive astrocytes induced by LPS exhibited a phenotype that suggests that they may be detrimental. These findings demonstrate that, despite well established commonalities, astrocyte reactive gliosis is a highly heterogeneous state in which astrocyte activities are altered to respond to the specific injury. This raises the question of how many subtypes of reactive astrocytes exist. Our findings provide transcriptome databases for two subtypes of reactive astrocytes that will be highly useful in generating new and testable hypotheses of their function, as well as for providing new markers to detect different types of reactive astrocytes in human neurological diseases.
Interactions between Behaviorally Relevant Rhythms and Synaptic Plasticity Alter Coding in the Piriform Cortex
Authors: Oswald Anne-Marie M. , Urban Nathaniel N.
Published: May 2012

Understanding how neural and behavioral timescales interact to influence cortical activity and stimulus coding is an important issue in sensory neuroscience. In air-breathing animals, voluntary changes in respiratory frequency alter the temporal patterning olfactory input. In the olfactory bulb, these behavioral timescales are reflected in the temporal properties of mitral/tufted (M/T) cell spike trains. As the odor information contained in these spike trains is relayed from the bulb to the cortex, interactions between presynaptic spike timing and short-term synaptic plasticity dictate how stimulus features are represented in cortical spike trains. Here, we demonstrate how the timescales associated with respiratory frequency, spike timing, and short-term synaptic plasticity interact to shape cortical responses. Specifically, we quantified the timescales of short-term synaptic facilitation and depression at excitatory synapses between bulbar M/T cells and cortical neurons in slices of mouse olfactory cortex. We then used these results to generate simulated M/T population synaptic currents that were injected into real cortical neurons. M/T population inputs were modulated at frequencies consistent with passive respiration or active sniffing. We show how the differential recruitment of short-term plasticity at breathing versus sniffing frequencies alters cortical spike responses. For inputs at sniffing frequencies, cortical neurons linearly encoded increases in presynaptic firing rates with increased phase-locked, firing rates. In contrast, at passive breathing frequencies, cortical responses saturated with changes in presynaptic rate. Our results suggest that changes in respiratory behavior can gate the transfer of stimulus information between the olfactory bulb and cortex.
The Control of Locomotor Frequency by Excitation and Inhibition
Authors: Li Wen-Chang , Moult Peter R.
Published: May 2012

Every type of neural rhythm has its own operational range of frequency. Neuronal mechanisms underlying rhythms at different frequencies, however, are poorly understood. We use a simple aquatic vertebrate, the two-day-oldXenopustadpole, to investigate how the brainstem and spinal circuits generate swimming rhythms of different speeds. We first determined that the basic motor output pattern was not altered with varying swimming frequencies. The firing reliability of different types of rhythmic neuron involved in swimming was then analyzed. The results showed that there was a drop in the firing reliability in some inhibitory interneurons when fictive swimming slowed. We have recently established that premotor excitatory interneurons [descending interneurons (dINs)] are critical in rhythmically driving activity in the swimming circuit. Voltage-clamp recordings from dINs showed higher frequency swimming correlated with stronger background excitation and phasic inhibition, but did not correlate with phasic excitation. Two parallel mechanisms have been proposed for tadpole swimming maintenance: postinhibition rebound firing and NMDAR-dependent pacemaker firing in dINs. Rebound tests in dINs in this study showed that greater background depolarization and phasic inhibition led to faster rebound firing. Higher depolarization was previously shown to accelerate dIN pacemaker firing in the presence of NMDA. Here we show that enhancing dIN background excitation during swimming speeds up fictive swimming frequency while weakening phasic inhibition without changing background excitation slows down swimming rhythms. We conclude that both strong background excitation and phasic inhibition can promote faster tadpole swimming.
Targeting the Overproduction of Peroxynitrite for the Prevention and Reversal of Paclitaxel-Induced Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Doyle Timothy , Chen Zhoumou , Muscoli Carolina , Bryant Leesa , Esposito Emanuela , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Dagostino Concetta , Ryerse Jan , Rausaria Smita , Kamadulski Andrew , Neumann William L. , Salvemini Daniela
Published: May 2012

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) accompanied by chronic neuropathic pain is a major dose-limiting side effect of a large number of antitumoral agents including paclitaxel (Taxol). Thus, CIPN is one of most common causes of dose reduction and discontinuation of what is otherwise a life-saving therapy. Neuropathological changes in spinal cord are linked to CIPN, but the causative mediators and mechanisms remain poorly understood. We report that formation of peroxynitrite (PN) in response to activation of nitric oxide synthases and NADPH oxidase in spinal cord contributes to neuropathological changes through two mechanisms. The first involves modulation of neuroexcitatory and proinflammatory (TNF-α and IL-1β) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10 and IL-4) cytokines in favor of the former. The second involves post-translational nitration and modification of glia-derived proteins known to be involved in glutamatergic neurotransmission (astrocyte-restricted glutamate transporters and glutamine synthetase). Targeting PN with PN decomposition catalysts (PNDCs) not only blocked the development of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain without interfering with antitumor effects, but also reversed it once established. Herein, we describe our mechanistic study on the role(s) of PN and the prevention of neuropathic pain in rats using known PNDCs (FeTMPyP5+and MnTE-2-PyP5+). We also demonstrate the prevention of CIPN with our two new orally active PNDCs, SRI6 and SRI110. The improved chemical design of SRI6 and SRI110 also affords selectivity for PN over other reactive oxygen species (such as superoxide). Our findings identify PN as a critical determinant of CIPN, while providing the rationale toward development of superoxide-sparing and “PN-targeted” therapeutics.
Dopaminergic Mechanisms of Individual Differences in Human Effort-Based Decision-Making
Authors: Treadway Michael T. , Buckholtz Joshua W. , Cowan Ronald L. , Woodward Neil D. , Li Rui , Ansari M. Sib , Baldwin Ronald M. , Schwartzman Ashley N. , Kessler Robert M. , Zald David H.
Published: May 2012

Preferences for different combinations of costs and benefits are a key source of variability in economic decision-making. However, the neurochemical basis of individual differences in these preferences is poorly understood. Studies in both animals and humans have demonstrated that direct manipulation of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) significantly impacts cost/benefit decision-making, but less is known about how naturally occurring variation in DA systems may relate to individual differences in economic behavior. In the present study, 25 healthy volunteers completed a dual-scan PET imaging protocol with [18F]fallypride andd-amphetamine to measure DA responsivity and separately completed the effort expenditure for rewards task, a behavioral measure of cost/benefit decision-making in humans. We found that individual differences in DA function in the left striatum and ventromedial prefrontal cortex were correlated with a willingness to expend greater effort for larger rewards, particularly when probability of reward receipt was low. Additionally, variability in DA responses in the bilateral insula was negatively correlated with willingness to expend effort for rewards, consistent with evidence implicating this region in the processing of response costs. These findings highlight the role of DA signaling in striatal, prefrontal, and insular regions as key neurochemical mechanisms underlying individual differences in cost/benefit decision-making.
Synergistic Actions of Metabotropic Acetylcholine and Glutamate Receptors on the Excitability of Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Neurons
Authors: Park Jin-Yong , Spruston Nelson
Published: May 2012

A variety of neurotransmitters are responsible for regulating neural activity during different behavioral states. Unique responses to combinations of neurotransmitters provide a powerful mechanism by which neural networks could be differentially activated during a broad range of behaviors. Here, we show, using whole-cell recordings in rat hippocampal slices, that group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) synergistically increase the excitability of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons by converting the post-burst afterhyperpolarization to an afterdepolarization via a rapidly reversible upregulation of Cav2.3 R-type calcium channels. Coactivation of mAChRs and mGluRs also induced a long-lasting enhancement of the responses mediated by each receptor type. These results suggest that cooperative signaling via mAChRs and group I mGluRs could provide a mechanism by which cognitive processes may be modulated by conjoint activation of two separate neurotransmitter systems.
Forensic engineering and collapse databases
Authors: Breysse Denys
Published: May 2012

Collapses in civil engineering are not uncommon. Some cases become known worldwide but, in many cases, the details only reach the limited audience of the client and companies directly involved. In these latter situations, after in-depth analysis of the disaster, useful information could have been obtained and shared. Collapses of structures can result from many factors (loading, material, organisation, lack of maintenance, etc.) but analysis of failures can always identify lessons for improved practice. Forensic engineering based on post-mortem analysis aims to understand the reason for failures in order to learn useful lessons. At the present time, however, forensic engineering is still an unknown concept for many French engineers. This paper demonstrates from general considerations, with a few examples, what can be gained from collating ‘collapse experiences’ on a more formal basis. Three famous French cases of collapse are analysed. The use of organised feedback and databases for risk management in civil engineering projects, for teaching and for improving the quality of work is explained.
Failure of a corroded pile closed Larivot bridge and divided French Guiana
Authors: Godart Bruno , Lacombe Jean-Michel , Le François Mathieu , Amer Karim Ben
Published: May 2012

The Larivot highway bridge is 1225 m long and carries a two-lane road over the Cayenne tidal river in the department of French Guiana. Following the discovery in November 2009 of a failed pile, which raised fears of the collapse of a pier, the bridge was closed to traffic; this virtually cut the department into two parts. Owing to the rapid mobilisation of all participants (the French Ministry of Transport and companies), the bridge was reopened in less than four months. The investigation, temporary strengthening measures and the full remedial work were carried out with full precautions for the safety of users and workers. This paper describes the highlights of this operation and draws lessons for the design and management of similar structures.
A Falkland Island roof failure
Authors: McGregor Tom
Published: May 2012

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the failure of an accommodation block roof at the Mount Pleasant base on the Falkland Islands in October 2010. The author analyses the likely wind forces acting at the time of the failure and demonstrates how the failure of a simple rubber washer was the likely cause of the failure. The relevance of this incident to similar roof constructions in other parts of the world where prevailing wind speeds are lower is discussed, as is the effect of ageing on the building components. The author argues that although the wind speeds recorded in the Falklands are significantly higher than those shown in the current UK code, the UK figures have recently been revised and this process will, he argues, need to continue as the effects of climate change become apparent.
SAICE’s report cards on the state of infrastructure
Authors: Amod Salim , Wall Kevin , Rust Chris
Published: May 2012

In 2006 the South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) released the first ever ‘report card’ of the state of engineering infrastructure in South Africa. This report highlighted ‘the observations of the professionals responsible for the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of our nation’s life-support system’. It graded infrastructure on a scale from A+ to E−. Overall, it gave South Africa’s infrastructure a D+ grade. The purpose of the report card was to draw the attention of government, and of the public at large, to the importance of maintenance, and to factors underlying the state of repair of infrastructure – factors such as skills and finance, for example. The report card was a great success, and received media coverage exceeding the Institution’s highest expectations. The SAICE 2011 Infrastructure Report Card was launched in April 2011. It covers ten sectors, further divided into 27 subsectors. These have been graded and the trend since 2006 is indicated. An overall grade of C− was awarded. It is anticipated that the 2011 report card will be widely disseminated and debated. Even more so because, since 2006, service delivery problems, and in particular those problems attributable to inadequacies of operation and maintenance of infrastructure, have received heightened attention.
Potential use of UK sewage sludge ash in cement-based concrete
Authors: Halliday Judith E. , Jones M. Rod , Dyer Thomas D. , Dhir Ravindra K.
Published: May 2012

Sewage sludge ash (SSA) arises as a by-product of the treatment of wastewater by combustion and has been identified for potential use in various construction products, such as brick manufacture, artificial aggregate and cement replacement in concrete. This paper reports on research that looked at replacing the cement or fine aggregate fraction in concretes with SSA from three UK wastewater plants. The first phase of the study established whether the physical and chemical properties of SSA were suitable for use in concrete. The potential reactivity of the material, when used as a cement replacement, was assessed for mortar specimens. In the second phase, SSA was used as a cement replacement in structural grade concrete and as a fine aggregate in foamed concrete. The overall findings of the study were that although the chemical properties of SSA indicated that it had limited reactive abilities, the porous and friable nature of SSA was such that it masked any strength development in conventional concrete and may require further processing to be used effectively. However, this characteristic was a benefit when used as a fine aggregate in foamed concrete, as it enhanced the thermal properties of the concrete by more than a third.
Delivering the Esholt wastewater treatment works scheme, Bradford, UK
Authors: Marsden Adrian , Manidaki Maria , Mort Simon
Published: May 2012

This paper describes the challenges of delivering a new 730 000 population equivalent wastewater treatment works for Bradford, UK during the asset management period 4 regulatory period. The history of this 100-year-old site is described alongside details of the new infrastructure. Contract delivery mechanisms to use all the knowledge from a competitive tendering arrangement are discussed. The new site incorporates an innovative application of a hydro-turbine alongside digestion and combined heat and power engines. The paper describes the energy-saving measures incorporated into the wastewater treatment process providing quantification of generation for the flows and loads treated. The plant provides an average of over 21 MWh of electricity generation per day. Also the approach to designing a cost-effective 55 000 m2 composting area is detailed. Measures to convert existing humus tanks into final settlement tanks are described.
Plant species differ in their ability to reduce allocation to non‐beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Grman Emily
Published: May 2012

Theory suggests that cheaters threaten the persistence of mutualisms, but that sanctions to prevent cheating can stabilize mutualisms. In the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis, reports of parasitism suggest that reductions in plant carbon allocation are not universally effective. I asked whether plant species differences in mycorrhizal responsiveness would affect both their susceptibility to parasitism and their reduction in allocation to non‐beneficial arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in high‐phosphorus soils. In a greenhouse experiment, I found that two C3 grasses, Bromus inermis and Elymus repens, effectively suppressed root colonization and AMF hyphal abundance. Increases in soil phosphorus did not reduce the degree to which AMF increased plant biomass. In contrast, two C4 grasses, Andropogon gerardii and Schizachyrium scoparium, more weakly reduced root colonization and failed to suppress AMF hyphal abundance. Consequently, they experienced strong declines in their response to AMF, and one species suffered parasitism. Thus, species differ in susceptibility to parasitism and their reduction in allocation to non‐beneficial AMF. These differences may affect the distribution and abundance of plants and AMF, as well as the stability of the mutualism.
Changes in Masticatory Performance and Quality of Life in Individuals With Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Borges Tânia de Freitas , Regalo Simone C. , Taba Mário , Siéssere Selma , Mestriner Wilson , Semprini Marisa
Published: May 2012

Background: This study evaluates the effect of periodontitis on masticatory performance and quality of life index.

Methods: Patients (n = 24; 23 to 76 years of age) with periodontal conditions ranging from healthy to generalized disease categorized by the alveolar bone height–to–tooth length (AB/T) ratio were separated into the following two groups: control (AB/T >50%) and test (AB/T <50%). The masticatory performance was evaluated through continuous mastication of a special device called a biocapsule. The Brazilian Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14Br) questionnaire was used to assess the oral health–related quality of life. The Student t test was applied for independent samples (P <0.05) to evaluate the masticatory performance, and the Mann‐Whitney U test was used to determine quality of life (P <0.05)

Results: There was a statistically significant difference in masticatory efficiency between groups (P = 0.006). Statistically significant differences were also observed in the following parameters: 1) physical pain (P = 0.003); 2) psychologic discomfort (P = 0.008); 3) physical disability (P = 0.033); and 4) OHIP‐14Br total score (P = 0.001). The control group achieved the best indicators. Both the masticatory performance and quality of life indicators showed significant correlation with the alveolar bone height.

Conclusion: The loss of periodontal supporting structures has negative effects on the masticatory performance and quality of life.
Increased vertical dimension effects on masseter muscle fiber phenotype during maturation
Authors: Widmer Charles , Nguyen Vo Danh , Chiang Harmeet , Morris-Wiman Joyce
Published: May 2012

Objective:

To determine changes in mouse myosin heavy chain (MyHC) protein expression that may occur with a clinically relevant vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) increase.

Materials and Methods:

Six CD-1 male mice (age: 6 weeks) underwent a 10% bite opening to replicate the clinical condition using composite on the maxillary molars and were compared to six age-matched controls. Mice were sacrificed at day 7 and 14 after bite opening. A representative masseter transverse cryosection from each animal was examined in selected sampling regions (anterior, posterior, posterior-deep, and posterior-intermediate) to assay fiber phenotype proportions and fiber size.

Results:

In control masseter muscles, the proportion of muscle fibers containing MyHC IIb increased in the posterior-intermediate and posterior-deep regions between 7 and 14 days (ANOVA, P < .05). The increase in the proportion of MyHC IIb fibers in the bite opening group did not occur when compared to the control group (P < .05). In addition, after 14 days of bite opening, the proportion of fibers positive for MyHC IIa was decreased in the anterior region compared to control masseter muscles. Muscle fiber diameter remained unchanged in both groups (experimental and control) and over time (P > .10).

Conclusion:

These data are consistent with a selective plasticity of the expression of MyHC IIb protein in the deep regions of the male masseter muscle in response to a clinically relevant VDO increase.
Peripheral Villous Stromal Hyperplasia: A Distinctive Placental Lesion in Hemoglobin Bart Hydrops Fetalis
Authors: Taweevisit Mana , Thorner Paul Scott
Published: May 2012

In hydrops fetalis (HF) the placenta can be markedly enlarged and the villi show stromal edema, increased Hofbauer cells, and reduced numbers of capillaries. Hemoglobin (Hb) Bart is the most severe form of thalassemia, causing HF due to profound anemia. We report a previously undescribed histologic finding based on a review of Hb Bart HF cases, termed “peripheral villous stromal hypercellularity.” This change was noted in 15 of 18 (83%) placentas with Hb Bart HF but not in placentas of 21 cases of HF due to other causes, including 11 cases involving anemia. The hyperplastic stromal cells were determined to be myofibroblastic by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy, associated with a more complex capillary network in villi than is seen with other causes of HF. The authors hypothesize that this angiogenesis in villi is a response to fetal anemia from Hb Bart. In turn, there is increased villous blood flow, resulting in edematous villous stroma, leading to narrowing of the intervillous space in the placenta. Hyperplasia of myofibroblasts might then be a compensatory change, in that contraction by these cells would reduce the vascular lumina and the size of placental villi, thereby widening the intervillous space to improve capacity for maternal blood circulation. Curiously, this histologic change was restricted to cases of HF caused by Hb Bart. We speculate that in Hb Bart disease, the hypoxia and hydrops develop earlier in gestation, compared to other causes of HF, allowing the time for these adaptive changes to occur in the placenta.
Ageing, Arterial Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index, and Diet
Authors: Pavlović Mladen , Milković-Kraus Sanja , Jovanović Veljko , Hercigonja-Szekeres Mira
Published: May 2012

Ageing, Arterial Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index, and Diet

For three decades we followed up for longevity indicators, including diet, arterial blood pressure, and body mass index 379 mobile, long-living persons from Croatia, now aged 70 to 92 years, of whom 167 men aged (78.6±4.0) years and 212 women aged (77.9±4.1) years. One hundred and ninety-five were from the continental and 184 from the coastal Croatia. The participants were examined in 1972, 1982, and again in 2006/7. Changes in body mass index (BMI), arterial blood pressure (ABP), and in answers to our Food Frequency Questionnaire about dietary habits were analysed using log-linear models. Over the last 24 years of aging (age 55 to 78 years) the subjects showed a statistically significant decrease in body mass and height and a significant increase in the systolic blood pressure. Diastolic blood pressure and BMI showed no significant changes over this period. Consumption of preserved and fresh meat, bread, and starch (potato, pastry and rice) dropped significantly with age, while the consumption of fish, fresh and cooked vegetables, fruit, and dairy products significantly increased. These dietary changes were not associated with changes in the systolic and diastolic ABP. About 80 % were overweight (BMI >25 kg m-2) throughout the follow-up, even though their body mass dropped significantly after the age of 55. However, their survival suggests that BMI may not be the best indicator of longevity or healthy aging.
Photoluminescence of gamma-, proton- and alpha-irradiated LiF detectors
Authors: Marczewska Barbara , Bilski Paweł , Mandowska Ewa , Mandowski Arkadiusz
Published: May 2012

Lithium fluoride (LiF), one of the most pervasive alkali halides in optical device research, is routinely used in optical data storage and radiation protection. LiF crystals may contain different aggregate defects produced by several types of ionizing radiation, with the number of defects being proportional to the cumulative radiation dose. Stimulation of irradiated LiF detectors by heating or with blue light causes thermoluminescence (TL) or photoluminescence (PL), respectively. We developed a new PL reader equipped with a blue light-emitting diode for stimulation and a Hamamatsu photomultiplier for registering green emissions, dedicated to examining LiF detectors as well as more broadly investigating TL/PL emission from standard LiF detectors irradiated with gamma rays, 60 MeV protons and alpha particles. The results confirmed very high efficiency PL signal from alpha-irradiated LiF detectors corresponding to their low efficiency after gamma irradiation, and vice versa for TL readout. Combining the TL and PL readouts permits us to discriminate between how different kinds of radiation affect efficiency in LiF detectors.
Palaeoshoreline for the Late Cretaceous marine platform in the Iberian Trough (Leonese Area, Spain) deduced from outcrop and subsurface analysis
Authors: Herrero-Hernández Antonio , Gómez-Fernández Fernando
Published: May 2012

The location of the Late Cretaceous paleoshoreline in the Leonese Area (Iberian Trough, Spain) has been investigated by seismic analysis through isobath and isopach maps.

The succession can be divided into two depositional sequences: DS-1 and DS-2. These sequences are composed of fluvial systems at the base, with paleocurrents that flowed eastward and north-eastward. The DS-1 sequence (Late Albian-Middle Turonian) shows intertidal to subtidal and offshore deposits at the top, while the DS-2 sequence (Late Turonian-Campanian) presents intertidal to subtidal, tidal flat and shallow marine and lacustrine deposits at its top.

The stratigraphic cyclicity based on systems tracts shows that these two depositional sequences exhibit remarkable eustatic control. Both sequences start at the base with a significant sedimentary supply from fluvial systems, related to eustatic fall episodes, and conclude at the top with transgressive periods. The evolution of the basin reveals the history of base-level changes and associated shifts in depositional trends during successive stages.

The deeper sectors of the DS-1 sequence are located towards the northeastern part of the study area while the proximal portion of the basin-margin is located to the southwest. The paleoshoreline is placed in a direction oriented at 120. The variations in thickness are elongated in orientations between 030 and 050 and are mainly related to paleovalleys and tributary fluvial networks that supply sediment through the shoreline. It is possible that these variations may be related to active synsedimentary faults.

Depocenters move toward the northeast and east during the DS-2 sequence while the proximal portion of the basin-margin moves to the southwest. The paleoshoreline has an orientation of 155 direction and moves basinward. The isopach maps show a group of corridors oriented at 130–140 and 165–170, interpreted as result of accumulation of sandy bodies such as inter and subtidal bars. The fluvial systems are transversal to the paleoshoreline direction.
Adenosine Deaminase Isoenzymes in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Nalesnik Milada , Nikolić Jasminka , Bućma Tatjana
Published: May 2012

Adenosine Deaminase Isoenzymes in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The aim of this study was determination of the catalytic activities of adenosine deaminase (ADA), ADA1 and ADA2 isoenzymes in the serum of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who were and were not treated with methotrexate (MTX), and identification of the possibilities of using these biochemical parameters in diagnosing and monitoring the treatment effects in RA. Catalytic activities of total ADA (tADA) and ADA2 in serum were determined by a spectrophotometric method. A statistically significant correlation was found between the total ADA and ADA1 values, as well as between tADA and ADA2 in the serum of all patients suffering from RA. Determination of ADA1 and ADA2 isoenzyme catalytic activities in the serum of patients who might be suffering from RA improves the diagnostic value of total ADA catalytic activity determination. ADA2 catalytic activity in serum can be a useful biochemical marker in diagnosing and monitoring RA. Decrease in ADA1 isoenzyme catalytic activities in the serum of patients suffering from RA who were treated with MTX can help in the observation of MTX therapy effects.
Educational context of Berdyaev's personalism
Authors: Dancák Pavol
Published: May 2012

Educational context of Berdyaev's personalism

Berdyaev is with his considerations of man rated among multitude of personalists who view man in subtle philosophical - religious reflection. In his philosophical reflection, human personality materializes in transcendence which is an essential part of human being and which characterizes whole world of human experience. Personality is not only any general substantial designation but it is a manifestation of man's uniqueness. Maieutic change of man's thinking and acting is clearly teleologicaly oriented to the creation of Kingdom of God on this earth, in cooperation with the holy Personality. Berdyaev's personalism presents precious contribution to the discourse on philosophy of education about inner certainty of purpose.
Sedes Doctrinae in the Eucharistic Christology of Martin Chemnitz
Authors: Valčo Michal
Published: May 2012

Sedes Doctrinae in the Eucharistic Christology of Martin Chemnitz

Martin Chemnitz uses thorough exegesis to interpret relevant texts pertaining to the sacraments in the Scriptures. This was not so common in his day and age. Medieval theologians tended to repeat and elaborate on ancient and more recent tradition instead of delving into the mysteries of the original Hebrew and/or Greek text. Chemnitz presents a mature and complex theology of the Eucharist under the title Fundamenta Sanae Doctrinae which later became known as De Coena Domini. We can observe his common theological method here as well.
Complex Approach to Child Sexual Abuse Offender: Pastoral Perspective
Authors: Karkošková Slávka
Published: May 2012

Complex Approach to Child Sexual Abuse Offender: Pastoral Perspective

Whether the child sexual abuse (CSA offender is a Christian or not, in one way or another s/he may be in the Church's pastoral field. The article presents up-to-date theological responses toward the CSA offender. Topics cover the moral analysis of the perpetrator's sexual deviant cycle, pastoral analysis of the repentance required from him/her, and it's relation to forgiveness and reconciliation, and also an analysis of particular Church canons that refer to offenders. The author thus hopes to contribute to the correction of naive and highly inappropriate Christian attitudes toward CSA perpetrators and stress that the Church - in spite of many errors in responding to CSA - should be truly dedicated to child protection.
Selected Aspects of Evangelization and the Means of Their Application
Authors: Tirpák Peter
Published: May 2012

Selected Aspects of Evangelization and the Means of Their Application

"The apostles, prompted by the Spirit, invited all to change their lives, to be converted and to be baptized", because the Church on the journey is needed for salvation. The same Jesus Christ, who is present in His Church, precedes, accompanies and follows the acts of all evangelists, and thanks to Him, their work bears fruit. What happened at the Beginning, is happening throughout the human history again and again. The author of this contribution aims to look into the contemporary forms of announcing Jesus, as it is the innovative nature of evangelization the world really needs to experience in the Church. In the Church that always seeks a human being and wants to freely give him "a drink from the spring of the water of life" (Rev 21:6). This purpose of the Church has been taking new forms and shapes throughout the history, thus reflecting the place, the situation and the historical circumstances.
Editorial Sleeping With the Enemy
Authors: Cheta Dan
Published: May 2012

Editorial Sleeping With the Enemy
Anthropometric Predictors of High Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in a Rural Population
Authors: Niţă Otilia , Graur Lidia , Popescu Dana , Popa Alina , Mihalache Laura , Boişteanu Daniela , Graur Mariana
Published: May 2012

Anthropometric Predictors of High Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome in a Rural Population

Objective.To evaluate which anthropometric parameter better predicts the high risk of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) in a rural population.Material and Method.254 subjects were enrolled. We measured weight, height, waist circumference (WC) and neck circumference (NC) and calculated body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and neck circumference/height ratio (NC/Height). The risk of OSA was assessed by using Berlin Questionnaire.Results.Subjects with high risk of OSA had a significant higher BMI, WC, WHtR, NC, and NC/Height. A higher percentage of those with large WC (≥80cm and ≥94cm for women and men, respectively) (p<0.001), WHtR ≥0.5 (p<0.001), NC ≥40cm (p=0.004), NC/Height ratio ≥0.23 (p=0.002) had a high risk of OSA. Using ROC curves of anthropometric parameters studied we found that WHtR was the best predictor for high risk of OSA, with AUC of 0.760, 95% CI: 0.699 to 0.815.Conclusions.WHtR was the best predictor for high risk of OSA as assessed by the Berlin Questionnaire.
Advanced Glycation End Products Measured by Age Reader in a Group of Patients with Obesity
Authors: Dina Raluca , Vladu Iulia , Dina Ciprian , Mitrea Adina
Published: May 2012

Advanced Glycation End Products Measured by Age Reader in a Group of Patients with Obesity

Background and Aim: Skin autofluorescence (AF) is a method used to detect the accumulation of Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) in skin collagen using AGE Reader. AGEs accumulation is favorised by chronic hyperglycemia and oxidative stress and these products may contribute to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. Materials and Methods. The inclusion criteria for the study were: patients with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥30kg/m2. We excluded from the study patients of black color, because of the principle of fluorescence of AGE Reader, and also patients with diabetes. Patients underwent Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) with 75g of glucose: fasting plasma glucose (FPG), two hours post glucose load, and HbA1c blood samples were analysed. Finnish diabetes risk score for predicting the incidence of diabetes (FINDRISK score) was calculated. Results. BMI had a negative correlation with AF (p<0.005), but Abdominal Circumference (AC) was not correlated with AF (p=0.065). No correlations were found between BMI and FPG, or blood sugar level two hour post glucose load. Glucose level at two hours post glucose load did not correlate with the AF. Conclusion. Our results do not confirm the theoretical assumption according to which AC and BMI, as markers of insulin resistance and metabolic disorders, are associated with the increase in AGEs, or the assumption that postprandial blood glucose levels would have a more important role in the development of chronic complications that AGEs could be pathogenic link. AF is not influenced by short-term variations in blood glucose such as blood sugar level at two hours post glucose load, but it is influenced by FPG and prolonged term variation in blood glucose as HbA1c.
Make or Break: A Simple Non-Compensatory Customer Satisfaction Model
Authors: Chrzan Keith , Kemery Michael
Published: May 2012

We propose a model that allows analysts to capture and quantify realistic nonlinear, non-compensatory effects in customer satisfaction modelling. For too long, academic and applied marketing researchers have relied upon restrictive linear, compensatory statistical models to inform their understanding of how performance on product and service attributes impacts overall satisfaction, loyalty, etc. An extended case study and a summary of 22 further empirical studies illustrate the utility and robustness of the proposed Make or Break model of customer satisfaction.
Developing a Visceral Market Learning Capability for New Product Development
Authors: Roberts Deborah L. , Palmer Roger
Published: May 2012

As customer needs become more sophisticated, often requiring new elements of psychological satisfaction, this poses the question of how innovation practices can be developed from the rational and mechanistic to take more account of the psychological, social and cultural needs of customers that are captured within successful products. This paper discusses the concept of visceralisation - the ‘gut feel’ and instinct associated with the tacit dimensions of managerial intuition - and develops a model of a visceral market learning capability. This concept draws on related ideas of design thinking and design attitude to improve innovation outcomes. While visceralisation has been discussed from both the consumer and research perspective, little progress has been made in applying the concept for market research and new product innovation purposes. The research methodology utilises an interactive, collaborative approach involving practitioners to assist in the development of the model and an understanding of the visceralisation process. This is further informed by two case studies that support this emerging concept. This paper helps to characterise the concept of visceralisation, and the market and organisational learning mechanisms needed to develop visceral insight, and provides suggestions for market researchers and managers involved in new product development. While further development is required, the paper provides a framework, process and guidelines for the application of this technique in different contexts.
Waldpolitischer Jahresrückblick 2011
Authors: Zimmermann Willi
Published: May 2012

Annual review of Swiss forest policy 2011

The revision of the Forest Act, the adoption of the Forest Programme 2020 by the Federal Council as well as the preparation of the second contribution period of the New System of Financial Equalisation and Division of Tasks between the Confederation and the Cantons (NFE) shaped, in addition to the routine business, the forest policy of 2011. The parliamentary initiatives on forest and forest policy issues remained of about the same amount as in previous years, while the Federal Court decisions on forest legislation have declined significantly. In various forest-related sectoral policies, the government and parliament made important decisions. In climate policy, the Parliament adopted the CO2 Law. However, this has not yet happened to the revision of the Spatial Planning Act. In nature and landscape policy, the administration has prepared the Swiss biodiversity strategy so far that the Federal Council could send it out for consultation. The revision of the Hunting Regulation, with changes in the management of large carnivores, is nearing adoption. At the international level, the Federal Council has submitted the European Landscape Convention to the Parliament for ratification, and the European forestry ministers have agreed to the preparation of a European Forest Convention.
Vermessung und Sortierrelevanz von Rissen in Nadelrund- und Nadelschnittholz
Authors: Wehrhausen Martin , Brüchert Franka , Sauter Udo Hans
Published: May 2012

Measurement and relevance for timber grading of cracks in softwood logs and sawn timber

Cracks in timber of Abies alba Mill. and Picea abies (L.) Karst. are of high importance for the optical and mechanical quality of sawn timber products. A sample of 92 logs was assessed in detail before and after the sawing and drying process. The quantity, types and form of cracks were taken on both round wood and sawn product. Emphasis was put on the question, whether cracks take significant influence on the grading results of the sawn timber according to the grading standards DIN 4074-1:2003-06 and DIN EN 1611-1:1999+A1:2002. The assumption that the amount of cracks increases with the log diameter could not be proved. There is a difference between the two tree species as well as between fresh and dried wood. There were no strong correlations found between specific descriptors of cracks in roundwood and the actual amount of cracks in sawn timber.
Heat Transfer Analysis of Methane Hydrate Sediment Dissociation in a Closed Reactor by a Thermal Method
Authors: Zhao Jiafei , Cheng Chuanxiao , Song Yongchen , Liu Weiguo , Liu Yu , Xue Kaihua , Zhu Zihao , Yang Zhi , Wang Dayong , Yang Mingjun
Published: May 2012

The heat transfer analysis of hydrate-bearing sediment involved phase changes is one of the key requirements of gas hydrate exploitation techniques. In this paper, experiments were conducted to examine the heat transfer performance during hydrate formation and dissociation by a thermal method using a 5L volume reactor. This study simulated porous media by using glass beads of uniform size. Sixteen platinum resistance thermometers were placed in different position in the reactor to monitor the temperature differences of the hydrate in porous media. The influence of production temperature on the production time was also investigated. Experimental results show that there is a delay when hydrate decomposed in the radial direction and there are three stages in the dissociation period which is influenced by the rate of hydrate dissociation and the heat flow of the reactor. A significant temperature difference along the radial direction of the reactor was obtained when the hydrate dissociates and this phenomenon could be enhanced by raising the production temperature. In addition, hydrate dissociates homogeneously and the temperature difference is much smaller than the other conditions when the production temperature is around the 10 °C. With the increase of the production temperature, the maximum of ΔToi grows until the temperature reaches 40 °C. The period of ΔToi have a close relation with the total time of hydrate dissociation. Especially, the period of ΔToi with production temperature of 10 °C is twice as much as that at other temperatures. Under these experimental conditions, the heat is mainly transferred by conduction from the dissociated zone to the dissociating zone and the production temperature has little effect on the convection of the water in the porous media.
Role of 14-3-3ζ in Platelet Glycoprotein Ibα-von Willebrand Factor Interaction-Induced Signaling
Authors: Zhang Weilin , Zhao Lili , Liu Jun , Du Juan , Yan Rong , Dai Kesheng
Published: May 2012

The interaction of platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX with von Willebrand factor (VWF) exposed at the injured vessel wall or atherosclerotic plaque rupture initiates platelet transient adhesion to the injured vessel wall, which triggers intracellular signaling cascades leading to platelet activation and thrombus formation. 14-3-3ζ has been verified to regulate the VWF binding function of GPIb-IX by interacting with the cytoplasmic domains of GPIb-IX. However, the data regarding the role of 14-3-3ζ in GPIb-IX-VWF interaction-induced signaling still remain controversial. In the present study, the data indicate that the S609A mutation replacing Ser609 of GPIbα with alanine (S609A) significantly prevented the association of 14-3-3ζ with GPIbα before and after the VWF binding to GPIbα. GPIb-IX-VWF interaction-induced activations of Src family kinases and protein kinase C were clearly reduced in S609A mutation. Furthermore, S609A mutation significantly inhibited GPIb-IX-VWF interaction-induced elevation of cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels in flow cytometry analysis. Taken together, these data indicate that the association of 14-3-3ζ with the cytoplasmic domain of GPIbα plays an important role in GPIb-IX-VWF interaction-induced signaling.