bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ties that Bind
Authors: Flanagan Constance A. , Bowes Jennifer M. , Jonsson Britta , Csapo Beno , Sheblanova Elena
Published: April 2010

The relationship of voluntary work, school climates, and family values to public interest as a life goal of adolescents is presented for a sample of 5,579 12–18 year olds in three stable and four transitional democracies. In five of the seven countries, females were more likely than males to be engaged in voluntary work, and in all seven countries girls were more likely than boys to report that their families encouraged an ethic of social responsibility. Regardless of gender or country, adolescents were more likely to consider public interest an important life goal when their families emphasized an ethic of social responsibility. In addition, engagement in volunteer work and a sense of student solidarity at school were formative components of public interest as a life goal for youth in some but not all countries.
Community Service and Political Identity Development in Adolescence
Authors: Yates Miranda , Youniss James
Published: April 2010

This article addresses the interconnection of political socialization and identity development. We begin with Erikson's work, which identified the development of political commitment in adolescence as a key aspect of identity formation. We then seek to shed light on the social processes through which youth become engaged in political activities and issues. We discuss the influences of family and peers as well as participation in community service and other civic activities. The development of social responsibility and agency, and an understanding of the complexity of social issues are considered as important facets of political commitment. Data from a case study of Black urban adolescents who participated in a year‐long service learning program are used to illustrate our perspective. We conclude that social‐historical context, instantiated in social relationships and actions, plays a pivotal role in the process and shape of political socialization and identity formation.
Moral Reasoning and Political Beliefs of Dutch Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Raaijmakers Quinten A. W. , Verbogt Tom F. M. A. , Vollebergh Wilma A. M.
Published: April 2010

The relation between moral reasoning and political beliefs is studied by distinguishing between two different domains of political beliefs. These domains were related to the level of moral reasoning in adolescents and young adults. A sample of 1,968 Dutch adolescents and young adults responded in 1991 to the Defining Issues Test (J. R. Rest, 1979a) and seven political attitude scales. This procedure was repeated in 1994 for 1,498 Dutch adolescents and young adults, of whom 911 individuals had also participated in the 1991 survey. Thus, longitudinal data were available for this latter group. Results showed, first, that a distinction between economic and cultural dimensions of political beliefs is useful. Second, the level of moral reasoning related to political beliefs, but only in the cultural domain. Third, during adolescence, this correlation increased with age and educational level. The relation between moral reasoning and political beliefs is discussed in terms of similarities in content versus cognitive determinants.
On the Development of Xenophobia in Germany: The Adolescent Years
Authors: Boehnke Klaus , Hagan John , Hefler Gerd
Published: April 2010

Xenophobia is a widespread phenomenon around the world. Xenophobic incidents occurring in Germany, however, have always drawn high media attention for obvious historical reasons. The current article elaborates on the development of xenophobia among German adolescents in the 1990s. Using survey data from a large, ongoing longitudinal study of youth from East and West Berlin, trends of change in adolescent xenophobia are analyzed. Two main hypotheses are tested, namely that the subterranean value orientation of market‐oriented economies, here called hierarchic self‐interest, and low self‐esteem are the driving forces behind xenophobia among 13‐ to 16‐year‐olds. In a two‐wave cross‐sectional study and a two‐cohort longitudinal study, it is shown that individual preferences for hierarchic self‐interest are indeed a powerful predictor of levels of xenophobia, though not of change, in the adolescent years under scrutiny. Admitting to a low self‐esteem had an effect opposite to the one hypothesized. Those youth most willing to describe themselves as doubtful about their self were the ones with the lowest level and the least increase of xenophobia during the adolescent years. Context variables, like living in East as opposed to West Berlin or being on a disadvantaged school track, had a xenophobia‐enhancing effect over and above hierarchic self‐interest and self‐esteem.
Young Citizens in Changing Times: Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland
Authors: Whyte Jean
Published: April 2010

The importance of politics to young people in Northern Ireland, their knowledge of basics like voting age, the salience of politics in their families, and their interest in participating eventually themselves were investigated in this study of young people in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Whether or not they saw a future for themselves in Northern Ireland was found to be related to their perceptions of the fairness or unfairness of the system, and these were both mediated by their feelings of national identity. Participants who thought of themselves as British or Irish were more likely to give higher ratings of importance to politics than those who characterized themselves as Northern Irish, Catholic, or Protestant; and those who identified themselves as Irish were more likely to do so than those who identified themselves as British. Cross‐community contact was similar for both groups and was not related to attitudes toward politics.
Psychological Knowledge and the New American Dilemma of Race
Authors: Jones James M.
Published: April 2010

A discussion of the social issue race contrasts the American Dilemma of the 1940s, typified by moral uneasiness over the struggle of right versus wrong, with what is described as a “New American Dilemma,” characterized by moral conflict between right versus right—race‐neutral and race‐conscious social policies. Critical Race Theory (CRT) explanations for evidence of continuing and sometimes widening racial disparities in social and economic status are reviewed. Psychological Critical Race Theory (PCRT) is proposed as a way of accounting for the role of social psychological processes in continuing racial disparities. The components of PCRT—(1) Spontaneous and persistent influence of race; (2) Fairness is derived from divergent racial experiences; (3) Asymmetrical consequences of racial policies; (4) Paradoxes of racial diversity; (5) Salience of racial identity—are discussed. Implications for understanding the social issue of race are discussed.
Applying Social Psychology to International Social Issues
Authors: Pettigrew Thomas F.
Published: April 2010

This article discusses six key issues that arise when social psychology applies its insights to international affairs. Three involve the applications themselves. Effective applications must connect with the macro level of analysis, attend to social problems long overlooked by the discipline, and operate consistently across cultures and societies. For this last point, two broad predictions—the universality and mediation hypotheses—are advanced that assert that the same social psychological processes can lead to diverse outcomes in different settings. The remaining issues involve the political context of applications made in the public arena. Such efforts must avoid victim blaming; be made available throughout the status hierarchy, not just to elites; and recognize that the public policy arena is scalding hot and controversial. Throughout the discussion, Kelman's remarkable applications to the search for peace in the Middle East illustrate the points. The article closes with remedial suggestions for the future.
Intergroup Competition and Attitudes Toward Immigrants and Immigration: An Instrumental Model of Group Conflict
Authors: Esses Victoria M. , Jackson Lynne M. , Armstrong Tamara L.
Published: April 2010

High levels of worldwide migration paired with increasingly negative attitudes toward immigrants and immigration in host countries indicate that it is crucial to gain an understanding of the bases of these attitudes. This article discusses one determinant of negative attitudes toward immigrants and immigration: perceived competition for resources. We present our instrumental model of group conflict, which suggests that competition for resources, and attempts to remove this competition, are important determinants of intergroup attitudes and behavior. We then review relevant research on perceived competition and attitudes toward immigrants and immigration. We conclude by discussing the implications of this research for attempts to alleviate tension between immigrants and members of host populations, and for our more general model of group conflict.
The Importance of Status Legitimacy for Intergroup Attitudes Among Numerical Minorities
Authors: Bettencourt B. Ann , Bartholow Bruce D.
Published: April 2010

This study investigated whether the legitimacy of the status structure influences the interactive effects of group status and numerical representation on intergroup attitudes. Participants were randomly assigned to conditions in a 2 (level of status; high, low) by 2 (legitimacy of status; legitimate, illegitimate) by 2 (numerical representation; majority, minority) between‐subjects design. The predicted three‐way interaction indicated that, when status was illegitimate, majority groups with high status showed more ingroup bias than majority groups with low status, but minority groups with high status did not show more ingroup bias than their counterparts with low status. By comparison, when status was legitimate, high‐status groups were more biased than low‐status groups, regardless of numerical representation.
Intergroup Conflict: The Discursive Battle Over Quebec Independence
Authors: O'Connor Shawn C.
Published: April 2010

An investigation of the 1995 Quebec referendum on political independence was undertaken to discover the manner in which sovereignists (proponents of Quebec independence) and federalists (proponents of a united Canada) discursively constructed both their preferred version of the conflict over Quebec independence and group identity. A discourse analysis revealed several linguistic features, such as lexical style and metaphor, that contributed to these constructions. Sovereignists, on the one hand, presented a unified position of sovereignty and portrayed the Canadian state as an imperialistic regime aggressing against Quebec and its people. Federalists, on the other hand, typically drew on negative expressions to denote independence, such as separation and breakup, and constructed sovereignists as dishonest. Results are discussed in terms of the constructive aspects of the message and the interrelatedness of the sovereignist and federalist narratives.
The Utility of Allport's Conditions of Intergroup Contact for Predicting Perceptions of Improved Racial Attitudes and Beliefs
Authors: Wittig Michele Andrisin , Grant‐Thompson Sheila
Published: April 2010

We test the predictive power of perception as it relates to Allport's (1954/1979) classic articulation of the conditions of contact conducive to reducing intergroup prejudice and increasing tolerance. After summarizing theories of prejudice and models of prejudice reduction, as well as recently published reviews of evidence relating to the Contact Hypothesis, we present results of an evaluation of a prejudice reduction program that trains and places college student facilitators in middle and high school classrooms to lead discussions about race. We show that a composite of five classroom climate conditions that the Contact Hypothesis suggests are conducive to prejudice reduction predicts teachers' and college student facilitators' perceptions of change in three aspects of middle and high school student racial attitudes. Students' perceptions of the school interracial climate are modestly predictive of their changes in these three aspects of racial attitudes. However, teacher and facilitator estimates of student outcomes are uncorrelated with actual student outcomes. Implications of these results for prejudice reduction theory and practice are discussed.
A Social Psychology of National and International Group Relations
Authors: Dovidio John F. , Maruyama Geoffrey , Alexander Michele G.
Published: April 2010

This concluding article provides a framework for a social psychological analysis of intergroup conflict and conflict resolution. The framework highlights the individual and intergroup factors that shape the nature of perceptions of intergroup relations and group representations, and describes how these perceptions lead to cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses toward groups. Included in the framework are the metatheoretical, theoretical, and practical contributions of the articles in this issue toward understanding intergroup relations. The potential and responsibility of social psychologists to move beyond the laboratory to applied national and international issues is also discussed.
Fragmented QRS in Prediction of Cardiac Deaths and Heart Failure Hospitalizations after Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Korhonen Petri , Husa Terhi , Konttila Teijo , Tierala Ilkka , Mäkijärvi Markku , Väänänen Heikki , Ojanen Janne , Vehtari Aki , Toivonen Lauri
Published: April 2010

Background: Increased QRS fragmentation in visual inspection of 12‐lead ECG has shown association with cardiac events in postmyocardial infarction (MI) patients. We investigated user‐independent computerized intra‐QRS fragmentation analysis in prediction of cardiac deaths and heart failure (HF) hospitalizations after MI.

Methods: Patients (n = 158) with recent MI and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were studied. A 120‐lead body surface potential mapping was performed at hospital discharge. Intra‐QRS fragmentation was computed as the number of extrema (fragmentation index FI) in QRS. QRS duration (QRSd) was computed for comparison.

Results: During a mean follow‐up of 50 months 15 patients suffered cardiac death and 23 were hospitalized for HF. Using the mean + 1 SD as cut‐point both parameters were univariate predictors of both end‐points. In multivariate analysis including age, gender, LVEF, previous MI, bundle branch block, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes FI was an independent predictor for cardiac deaths (HR 8.7, CI 3.0–25.6) and HF hospitalizations (HR 3.8, CI 1.6–9.3) whereas QRSd only predicted HF hospitalizations (HR 4.6, CI 2.0–10.7). In comparison to QRSd, FI showed better positive (PPA) and equal negative (NPA) predictive accuracy for both end‐points, and PPA was further improved when combined to LVEF < 40%. Limiting fragmentation analysis to 12‐lead ECG or a randomly selected 8‐lead set instead of all 120 leads resulted in an almost similar prediction.

Conclusions: Increased QRS fragmentation in post‐MI patients predicts cardiac deaths and HF progression. A computer‐based fragmentation analysis is a stronger predictor than QRSd.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(2):130–137
Evaluation of the Relationship between Atrial Septal Aneurysm and Cardiac Arrhythmias via P‐Wave Dispersion and Signal‐Averaged P‐Wave Duration
Authors: Deveci Onur Sinan , Aytemir Kudret , Okutucu Sercan , Tulumen Erol , Aksoy Hakan , Kaya Ergun Baris , Evranos Banu , Kabakci Giray , Tokgozoglu Lale , Oto Ali , Ozkutlu Hilmi
Published: April 2010

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between atrial septal aneurysms (ASAs) and cardiac arrhythmias via signal‐averaged P‐wave duration (SAPWD) and P‐wave dispersion (Pd).

Methods: Sixty‐six patients with ASA served as the study group (group 1; 28 men and 38 women; mean age, 34 ± 10 years) and 62 healthy volunteers served as the control group (group 2; 29 men and 33 women; mean age, 31 ± 8 years) in the current study. ASAs were diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography based on the criteria of a minimal aneurysmal base of ≥15 mm; and an excursion of ≥10 mm. All subjects were evaluated by 24‐hour Holter monitoring, 12 lead body surface electrocardiogram for P‐wave analysis, and signal‐averaged electrocardiogram for P‐wave duration (PWD).

Results: There was no significant difference between the study and control groups in terms of age, gender, left atrium diameter, and left ventricular ejection fraction. Supraventricular arrhythmias (SVAs) were detected in 29 patients with ASA (43.9%) and 5 controls (8.1%; P < 0.001). The mean Pd in patients with ASA was significantly longer compared to the control group (14.1 ± 8 ms vs 7.0 ± 2.9 ms; P < 0.001). Similarly, the mean SAPWD in group 1 was significantly longer compared to group 2 (127.4 ± 17.6 ms vs 99.8 ± 12.3 ms; P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Prolonged SAPWD and Pd were determined to indicate electrical disturbances in the atrial myocardium, and predict the increase in the prevalence of SVA in patients with ASA.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(2):157–164
Influence of Age on Linear and Nonlinear Measures of Autonomic Cardiovascular Modulation
Authors: Boettger Michael K. , Schulz Steffen , Berger Sandy , Tancer Manuel , Yeragani Vikram K. , Voss Andreas , Bär Karl‐Jürgen
Published: April 2010

Background: Age has been identified as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. In addition, autonomic imbalance toward sympathetic preponderance has been shown to facilitate the occurrence of heart disease. Here, we aimed to assess autonomic modulation of cardiovascular parameters during normal ageing applying well‐established linear and novel nonlinear parameters.

Methods: Linear and nonlinear measures of heart rate variability and complexity as well as measures of QT interval variability and baroreflex sensitivity were obtained from a total of 131 healthy, medication‐free participants from a continuous age range between 20 and 90 years, who were allocated to three different age groups.

Results: Heart rate variability and complexity significantly decreased with age, while regularity of heart rate time series increased. In addition, QT interval variability linearly increased with age, while baroreflex sensitivity showed a pronounced decrease. Overall, concerning effects of ageing, linear and nonlinear parameters showed equal differentiation between groups.

Conclusion: These data indicate a shift of autonomic balance toward sympathetic predominance in higher age groups, limiting the reactiveness of the cardiovascular system to adjust to different demands and increasing the risk for developing tachyarrhythmias.

Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(2):165–174
Low‐Temperature Sintering of Dense (Na,K)NbO3 Piezoelectric Ceramics Using the Citrate Precursor Technique
Authors: Kakimoto Ken‐ichi , Hayakawa Yusuke , Kagomiya Isao
Published: April 2010

An aqueous‐based citrate precursor technique has been applied to the synthesis of raw powders for use in the atmosphere sintering of nondoped Na0.5K0.5NbO3 (NKN) piezoelectric ceramics. The synthesized raw powders showed an efficient sinterability, and air‐sintered NKN ceramics at a temperature as low as 1000°C showed a dense microstructure of ρ=4.46 g/cm3 (98.8% TD) as well as a saturated ferroelectric hysteresis loop of Pr=31.4 μC/cm2 and Ec=17.3 kV/cm. The best piezoelectric properties of kp=0.44, Qm=280, and d33=161 pC/N were measured when the Na/K/Nb molar ratio in the precursor solution was fixed to 0.500/0.550/1.00 (NKN‐550) to compensate the volatilization of K2O gas and to retain the (Na0.5K0.5)NbO3 composition after the sintering step. The present result indicates that the raw powders derived from the citrate precursor technique is significantly effective for a low‐temperature sintering of lead‐free NKN ceramics, showing a high density and excellent piezoelectric properties, even if no dopant is used.
Influence of the Preparation Conditions on the Thermoelectric Properties of Al‐Doped ZnO
Authors: Bérardan David , Byl Céline , Dragoe Nita
Published: April 2010

ZnO‐based materials are among the best n‐type thermoelectric oxides known to date, with a thermoelectric figure of merit that reaches ZT=0.65 at high temperature. However, there is a large dispersion of the data reported in the literature and a controversy recently appeared about the real potential of these materials for thermoelectric conversion. In this paper, we report on a careful study of the influence of the preparation conditions, particularly the annealing atmosphere, on the thermoelectric properties of Al‐doped ZnO. Our thermopower and electrical resistivity measurements evidenced a large difference between air‐prepared and N2‐prepared samples, the power factor S 2σ being more than twice larger for the latter. This difference is linked to the presence of oxygen vacancies after annealing under nitrogen as evidenced by thermogravimetric analysis. Cycling experiments showed that the carrier concentration can be reversibly changed by successive annealing under different atmosphere. These results raise questions concerning the stability of the best thermoelectric ZnO‐based materials, which are prepared under nitrogen, during long‐term use at high temperature in air in thermoelectric conversion devices.
Back‐Face Strain for Monitoring Stable Crack Extension in Precracked Flexure Specimens
Authors: Salem Jonathan A. , Ghosn Louis J.
Published: April 2010

Calibrations relating back‐face strain (BFS) to crack length in precracked flexure specimens were developed for different strain gage sizes. The functions were verified via experimental compliance measurements of notched and precracked ceramic beams. Good agreement between the functions and experiments occurred, and fracture toughness was calculated using several operational methods: maximum test load and optically measured precrack length; load at 2% crack extension and optical precrack length; and maximum load and BFS crack length. All the methods gave comparable results. The initiation toughness, KIi, was also estimated from the initial compliance and load. The results demonstrate that the stability of precracked ceramic specimens tested in four‐point flexure is a common occurrence, and that methods such as remotely monitored load‐point displacement are only adequate for detecting stable extension of relatively deep cracks.
Dielectric Properties of Ba4Sm2Fe2M8O30 (M=Nb, Ta) with Tetragonal Bronze Structure
Authors: Fang Liang , Peng Xiyang , Li Chunchun , Hu Changzheng , Wu Bolin , Zhou Huanfu
Published: April 2010

The tetragonal tungsten bronze (TTB)‐structured Ba4Sm2Fe2M8O30 (M=Nb, Ta) dielectrics were prepared and investigated. Dielectric and ferroelectric behaviors revealed that the niobate and the tantalate display ferroelectric and paraelectric nature at room temperature (RT), respectively. The dielectric spectrum showed that Ba4Sm2Fe2Ta8O30 ceramic has a high dielectric constant (∼97), a comparatively low temperature coefficient of dielectric constant (∼−105 ppm/°C), and a low dielectric loss (∼10−3) (at 1 MHz). These results indicated that the present tantalate might be a new temperature‐compensating ceramic.
Polymer‐Derived Silicon Oxycarbide/Hafnia Ceramic Nanocomposites. Part I: Phase and Microstructure Evolution During the Ceramization Process
Authors: Ionescu Emanuel , Papendorf Benjamin , Kleebe Hans‐Joachim , Poli Fabrizia , Müller Klaus , Riedel Ralf
Published: April 2010

Polymer‐derived SiOC/HfO2ceramic nanocomposites were prepared via chemical modification of a commercially available polysilsesquioxane by hafnium tetra (n‐butoxide). The ceramization process of the starting materials was investigated using thermal analysis andin situFourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, solid‐state NMR, elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, and electron microscopy investigations were performed on ceramic materials pyrolyzed at different temperatures ranging from 800° to 1300°C, in order to obtain information about the structural changes and phase evolution thereof. The hafnium alkoxide‐modified precursor was shown to convert into an amorphous single‐phase SixHfyOzCwceramic at temperatures up to 800°C. By increasing the temperature to 1000°C, amorphous hafnia begins to precipitate throughout the silicon oxycarbide matrix; thus, monodisperse hafnia particles with a diameter of <5 nm are present in the ceramic, indicating a homogeneous nucleation of HfO2. At temperatures ranging from 1100° to 1300°C, crystallization of the hafnia nanoprecipitates as well as phase separation of the SiOC matrix occur. The chemical modification of the preceramic precursor with hafnium alkoxide can be considered as a promising method for the preparation of SiOC/HfO2nanocomposites with well‐dispersed hafnia nanoparticles.
Extra‐acral cutaneous/soft tissue sclerosing perineurioma: an under‐recognized entity in the differential of CD34‐positive cutaneous neoplasms
Authors: Fox Melanie D. , Gleason Briana C. , Thomas Antoinette B. , Victor Thomas A. , Cibull Thomas L.
Published: April 2010

Background: Perineuriomas are an uncommon group of tumors composed of perineurial cells of peripheral nerve sheath lineage. Variants include soft tissue (extraneural), intraneural, sclerosing, reticular and plexiform forms. Sclerosing perineuriomas have been reported to occur almost exclusively on the hands of young men. Herein, we report three extra‐acral cutaneous/soft tissue perineuriomas that show significant associated sclerosis.

Methods: Skin biopsy specimens from three patients were evaluated for cytomorphology and degree of associated sclerosis, which was classified as either focal or diffuse. Immunohistochemical expression of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), CD34 and S‐100 was also assessed to facilitate further classification.

Results: Histopathologically, the tumors showed both focal and diffuse sclerosis, and lesional cells were generally spindled in shape. Immunohistochemical staining showed diffuse positivity for CD34 and focal or diffuse positivity for EMA. The cells uniformly lacked expression of S‐100 protein.

Conclusions: Sclerosing perineuriomas can occur in extra‐acral locations and should be considered in the differential of EMA‐positive cutaneous spindle‐cell proliferations. It is also important to recognize that perineuriomas can express CD34 and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of CD34‐positive cutaneous neoplasms.

Fox M, Gleason BC, Thomas AB, Victor TA, Cibull TC. Extra‐acral cutaneous/soft tissue sclerosing perineurioma: an under‐recognized entity in the differential of CD34‐positive cutaneous neoplasms.
Immature mast cells exhibit rolling and adhesion to endothelial cells and subsequent diapedesis triggered by E‐ and P‐selectin, VCAM‐1 and PECAM‐1
Authors: Dudeck Anne , Leist Mandy , Rubant Simone , Zimmermann Anja , Dudeck Jan , Boehncke Wolf Henning , Maurer Marcus
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Immature mast cells exhibit rolling and adhesion to endothelial cells and subsequent diapedesis triggered by E‐ and P‐selectin, VCAM‐1 and PECAM‐1. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 424–434.

Abstract:  Mast cell numbers are markedly increased at sites of chronic inflammation. However, the underlying mechanisms of mast cell accumulation including mast cell progenitor trafficking remain to be identified in detail. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify the adhesion molecules involved in rolling, firm adhesion and transendothelial diapedesis of murine bone marrow‐derived cultured mast cells (BMCMC) as a model for immature mast cells. We could show that BMCMCs exhibit in vivo rolling on skin vessel walls and strong adhesion to skin endothelial cells (ECs) in vitro under static and flow conditions. Interestingly, interaction of BMCMC with the EC adhesion molecules E‐ and P‐selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule‐1 (PECAM‐1) is required to mediate rolling and firm adhesion to ECs. The adhesion of BMCMCs to skin ECs is further enhanced by TNF, IL‐4, IL‐15 and vascular endothelial cell growth factor. Furthermore, BMCMCs exhibit directed and dose‐dependent transmigration across an endothelial barrier, mediated by a PECAM‐1‐dependent mechanism. Our results demonstrate that BMCMCs can undergo a tightly regulated extravasation cascade consisting of rolling on and adhesion to endothelium and followed by directed diapedesis and reveal selectins, VCAM‐1 and PECAM‐1 as required adhesion molecules. These processes may contribute to mast cell accumulation in chronic inflammatory skin diseases and reveal opportunities to modulate peripheral tissue numbers of mast cells.
Scleroderma: from pathophysiology to novel therapeutic approaches
Authors: Hunzelmann Nicolas , Krieg Thomas
Published: April 2010

Please cite this paper as: Scleroderma: from pathophysiology to novel therapeutic approaches. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 393–400.

Abstract:  Systemic scleroderma may serve as a paradigm for orphan diseases where the rarity, different subsets and fluctuating disease activity constitute major obstacles of research into mechanisms and therapeutic development. Recently, significant advances in the detailed understanding of the functioning of growth factors, their receptors and of the physiology of the connective tissue have been achieved. In particular, an improved concept was developed for the pathophysiology of scleroderma, highlighting the role of hypoxia, cellular stress and a concert of interacting cytokines. Tyrosine kinases have been shown to regulate the activity of a number of cytokines and growth factors, e.g. transforming growth factor‐β and platelet‐derived growth factor, which play a central role in the pathophysiology of SSc. Novel pharmacological compounds interacting with signalling cascades induced by hypoxia and intracellular signal transduction pathways of mesenchymal cells, e.g. tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are currently being investigated for the treatment of this life‐threatening disease.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Evaluation of miosis, behavior and cholinesterase inhibition from low‐level, whole‐body vapor exposure to soman in African green monkeys (Chlorocebus sabeus)*
Authors: Genovese Raymond F. , Benton Bernard J. , Oubre John L. , Fleming Patrick J. , Jakubowski E. Michael , Mioduszewski Robert J.
Published: April 2010

Background Relatively little is known about the effects of very low‐level exposures to nerve agents where few signs or symptoms are present.

Methods African green monkeys (Chlorocebus sabeus) (n = 8) were exposed for 10 min, whole‐body, to a single concentration of soman (0.028–0.891 mg/m3).

Results EC50values for miosis were determined to be 0.055 mg/m3and 0.132 mg/m3when defined as a 50 percent reduction in pupil area and diameter, respectively. In general, performance on a serial probe recognition task remained unchanged at lower concentrations, but responding was suppressed at the largest concentration tested. Soman produced concentration‐dependent inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity and, to a lesser extent, butyrylcholinesterase activity.

Conclusions These results characterize threshold soman exposure concentrations that produce miosis in the absence of other overt signs of toxicity and extend previous studies indicating that miosis is a valuable early indicator for the detection of soman vapor exposure.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Medical and surgical management of reproductive neoplasia in two western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
Authors: Stringer Elizabeth M. , De Voe Ryan S. , Valea Fidel , Toma Sameh , Mulvaney Gerald , Pruitt Amy , Troan Brigid , Loomis Michael R.
Published: April 2010

Background  Reports of female reproductive tract neoplasia are infrequent in great apes.

Methods  Two captive‐born, female western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) housed at the North Carolina Zoological Park were diagnosed with reproductive neoplasia.

Results  The first gorilla had uterine endometrial thickening and uterine fibroids diagnosed during a routine annual examination. Subsequently, the animal underwent several uterine curettage procedures in an attempt to debulk the uterine mass. Biopsy results indicated uterine adenocarcinoma. The animal was treated with an ovariohysterectomy followed by a combination of megestrol acetate and medroxyprogesterone acetate. The second gorilla was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina, cervix, and uterus after presenting for intermittent vaginal bleeding of 1‐month duration. This animal underwent palliative radiation therapy, receiving two rounds of radiation treatment 8 weeks apart.

Conclusions  The following report describes the diagnosis and management of the two cases.
Creaming off talent or aiding development? (Featuring Viewpoint from Phil Woolas MP)
Authors: Chappell Laura
Published: April 2010

Think of migration and a long list of related issues come to mind – wages, employment, housing, community cohesion. But what about development, asks Laura Chappell
After Copenhagen
Authors: Pendleton Andrew
Published: April 2010

Whatever the assessment of what happened at the Copenhagen climate talks, we now need a new goal for a climate‐compatible political economy as the precursor to an agreement rather than the other way around, says Andrew Pendleton
High-precision calibration of spectrographs
Authors: Wilken T. , Lovis C. , Manescau A. , Steinmetz T. , Pasquini L. , Lo Curto G. , Hänsch T. W. , Holzwarth R. , Udem Th.
Published: April 2010

We present the first stringent tests of a novel calibration system based on a laser frequency comb (LFC) for radial velocity measurements. The tests were obtained with the high-resolution, optical spectrograph, High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher. By using only one echelle order, we obtain a calibration repeatability of 15cms−1 for exposures that are several hours apart. This is comparable with a simultaneous calibration using a Th–Ar lamp that makes use of all 72 echelle orders. In both cases, the residuals are compatible with the computed photon noise. Averaging all LFC exposures, recorded over a few hours, we could obtain a calibration curve with residuals of 2.4ms−1. Thanks to the adjustable and optimally chosen line density of the LFC, we resolve a periodicity of 512 pixels in the calibration curve that is due to the manufacturing process of the CCD mask. Previous Th–Ar calibration was unable to resolve these systematic deviations, resulting in a deviation of up to 70ms−1 from the true calibration curve. In future, we hope to be able to make use of all echelle orders in order to obtain a calibration repeatability below 1cms−1 and absolute calibration within a few ms−1.
Discovery of a strong magnetic field in the rapidly rotating B2 Vn star HR 7355
Authors: Oksala M. E. , Wade G. A. , Marcolino W. L. F. , Grunhut J. , Bohlender D. , Manset N. , Townsend R. H. D.
Published: April 2010

We report the detection of a strong, organized magnetic field in the He-variable early B-type star HR 7355 using spectropolarimetric data obtained with ESPaDOnS on the 3.6-m Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope within the context of the Magnetism in Massive Stars (MiMeS) Large Program. HR 7355 is both the most rapidly rotating known main-sequence magnetic star and the most rapidly rotating He-strong star, with v sin i= 300 ±15 km s−1 and a rotational period of 0.5214404±0.0000006 d. We have modelled our eight longitudinal magnetic field measurements assuming an oblique dipole magnetic field. Constraining the inclination of the rotation axis to be between 38° and 86°, we find the magnetic obliquity angle to be between 30° and 85°, and the polar strength of the magnetic field at the stellar surface to be between 13–17 kG. The photometric light curve constructed from HIPPARCOS archival data and new CTIO measurements shows two minima separated by 0.5 in rotational phase and occurring 0.25 cycles before/after the magnetic extrema. This photometric behaviour, coupled with previously reported variable emission of the Hα line (which we confirm), strongly supports the proposal that HR 7355 harbours a structured magnetosphere similar to that in the prototypical He-strong star, σ Ori E.
EFFECT OF 1‐METHYLCYCLOPROPENE ON NUTRITIONAL QUALITY AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF TOMATO FRUIT (SOLANUM LYCOPERSICON L.) DURING STORAGE
Authors: WANG MENG , CAO JIANKANG , LIN LIN , SUN JING , JIANG WEIBO
Published: April 2010

The effect of 1‐methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) on postharvest quality and nutritional compounds in tomato (Solanum lycopersicon Mill.) fruit during storage was determined. The green mature tomato was exposed to 1 µL/L 1‐MCP for 24 h. Thereafter, the fruit were stored at 20C and 85–95% relative humidity for 20 days. The results indicated that 1‐MCP treatment significantly delayed the decrease of firmness, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity, inhibited the increase of weight loss, and suppressed the rise in respiration rate and ethylene production. Moreover, 1‐MCP treatment also inhibited the lycopene accumulation and chlorophyll degradation. Ascorbic acid and soluble phenolic contents in 1‐MCP‐treated fruit were significantly higher than those in the control fruit. 1‐MCP treatment enhanced the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. These results suggested that 1‐MCP can be used as a commercial technology due to its ability to improve nutritional value of tomato fruit as well as to delay fruit ripening.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Tomato fruit are often harvested at mature green stage to minimize damage during transport to market, and then allowed to ripen before or during presentation in retail outlets. A limitation to marketing of tomato fruit is the time that ripe fruit remain in an acceptable condition for consumers. 1‐Methylcyclopropene (1‐MCP) can extend the storage life and improve postharvest quality of tomato fruit. Recently, nutritional quality is of increasing interest to the consumers because of their potential health benefits in protecting against various diseases. However, the effects of 1‐MCP on nutritional compounds and antioxidant activity of tomato fruit are still unclear and need to be more precisely determined. This study can provide information on the effect of 1‐MCP treatment on postharvest quality and nutritional compounds in tomato fruit during storage. The results could be applicable to improve the quality and nutritional value of tomato fruit for commercial purpose.
INFLUENCE OF IRRIGATION WITH MODERATE SALINE WATER ON “CHEMLALI” EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL COMPOSITION AND QUALITY
Authors: BEDBABIS SAIDA , CLODOVEO MARIA LISA , ROUINA BÉCHIR BEN , BOUKHRIS MAKKI
Published: April 2010

The main goal of this study was to investigate the effects of moderate saline water irrigation in the “Chemlali” olive cultivar grown in Sfax, an arid region of Tunisia, on the composition and quality of the resultant virgin olive oil in comparison to a control plot grown under rain‐fed conditions. Free acidity, peroxide value, specific ultraviolet absorbance (K232, K270), fatty acid composition, induction time, total polyphenol and total chlorophyll contents were determined and reported. The irrigation did not affect free acidity and peroxide value. Whereas, specific ultraviolet absorbance (K232, K270), fatty acid composition, induction time, total polyphenol and total chlorophyll contents were affected by irrigation. Rain‐fed virgin olive oils showed a statistically significant higher content of oleic and linoleic acids. Virgin olive oils extracted from moderate saline water irrigated trees had higher contents of palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic and linolenic acids and a longer shelf‐life. A positive correlation was noted between polyphenol content and oxidative stability.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Olive trees are quite widespread in the south of Tunisia. They grow in semi‐arid environments. It is a species with high resistance to drought. However, irrigation allows productivity to increase in olive growing areas where rainfall is scarce. Irrigation is a determinant parameter for olive oil quality. In fact, high olive oil quality can not be obtained from olive fruit suffering from a high degree of water stress. The main purposes of this paper are to investigate the effects of moderate saline water on the commercial quality, the fatty acid composition, and the induction time, total polyphenol and total chlorophyll contents of “Chemlali” virgin olive oil in Tunisia.
A biofilm exists on healthy mucosa of the paranasal sinuses: a prospectively performed, blinded, scanning electron microscope study
Authors: Mladina R. , Skitarelić N. , Musić S. , Ristić M.
Published: April 2010

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2010, 35, 104–110

Objectives:  Based on our hypothesis that biofilm is nothing else but normal, otherwise abundantly colonised mucosal mucous blanket, the aim of this study was to check out whether bacterial biofilm exists exclusively at the diseased mucosal surfaces or at healthy mucosa of paranasal sinuses as well.

Design:  Prospective and blinded.

Setting:  Tertiary academic hospital.

Participants:  The patients suffering from the diseases not related to the chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Mucosal tissue samples from healthy sphenoid sinuses were taken from 48 patients who underwent pituitary gland surgery and from ethmoidal sinuses mucosa of the 17 patients who underwent endonasal endoscopic orbital decompression because of Graves’ disease.

Main outcome measures:  The samples were submitted blindly along with similar samples from patients with chronic rhinosinusitis to two scanning electron microscope experts. In all samples the looked for the main signs of biofilm presence of: the ‘towers’, rod‐shaped bacteria and water channels.

Results:  Signs of biofilm presence were found in 45 out of 48 pituitary gland surgery patients (94%) and in all of 17 EEOD patients (100%).

Conclusions:  Our study showed the presence of the biofilm at the surface of the healthy mucosa of the paranasal sinuses. This suggests that perhaps so called bacterial biofilm is nothing else but regular respiratory mucosal blanket, a part of the mucociliary system itself, containing a great number of bacteria.
Systematic reviews of the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of multi‐channel unilateral cochlear implants for adults
Authors: Bond M. , Elston J. , Mealing S. , Anderson R. , Weiner G. , Taylor R. , Stein K.
Published: April 2010

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2010, 35, 87–96

Objective:  In the UK approximately 3% of over 50 years olds and 8% of over 70 year olds have severe (794–94 dBHL) to deafness. As deafness increased, hearing aids become increasingly ineffective. Cochelear implants can provide an alternative treatment.

Objective of review:  To bring together the research evidence through the robustness of a systematic review of the effectiveness of unilateral cochlear implants for adults. We also sought to systematically review the published literature on cost‐effectiveness.

Types of review:  Systematic review.

Search strategy:  This examined 16 electronic databases, plus bibliographies and references for published and unpublished studies from inception to june 2009.

Evaluation method:  Abstracts were independently assessed against inclusion criteria by two researchers were compared and disagreements resolved. Included papers were then retrieved and further independently assessed in a similar way. Remaining studies had their data independently extracted by one of five reviewers and checked by another reviewer.

Results:  From 1,580 titles and abstracts nine studies were included. These were of variable quality; some study's results should be viewed with caution. The studies were too hetrogeneous to pool the data. However, overall the results firmly supported the use of unilateral cochler implants for severe to profoundly deaf adults. Additionally, four UK based economic evaluations found unilateral cochlear implants to be cost‐effectivene in adults at UK implants centres.

Conclusion:  The methodologically weak but universally positive body of effectiveness evidence supports the use of unilateral cochlear implants in adults. Previous economic evaluations indicate that such implants are likely to be cost‐effective.
Analysis of vestibular schwannoma size in multiple dimensions: a comparative cohort study of different measurement techniques
Authors: Varughese J.K. , Wentzel‐Larsen T. , Vassbotn F. , Moen G. , Lund‐Johansen M.
Published: April 2010

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2010, 35, 97–103

Objectives:  In this volumetric study of the vestibular schwannoma, we evaluated the accuracy and reliability of several approximation methods that are in use, and determined the minimum volume difference that needs to be measured for it to be attributable to an actual difference rather than a retest error. We also found empirical proportionality coefficients for the different methods.

Design/setting and participants:  Methodological study with investigation of three different VS measurement methods compared to a reference method that was based on serial slice volume estimates. These volume estimates were based on: (i) one single diameter, (ii) three orthogonal diameters or (iii) the maximal slice area. Altogether 252 T1‐weighted MRI images with gadolinium contrast, from 139 VS patients, were examined.

Main outcome measures:  The retest errors, in terms of relative percentages, were determined by undertaking repeated measurements on 63 scans for each method. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to assess the agreement between each of the approximation methods and the reference method. The tendency for approximation methods to systematically overestimate/underestimate different‐sized tumours was also assessed, with the help of Bland–Altman plots.

Results:  The most commonly used approximation method, the maximum diameter, was the least reliable measurement method and has inherent weaknesses that need to be considered. This includes greater retest errors than area‐based measurements (25% and 15%, respectively), and that it was the only approximation method that could not easily be converted into volumetric units. Area‐based measurements can furthermore be more reliable for smaller volume differences than diameter‐based measurements.

Conclusions:  All our findings suggest that the maximum diameter should not be used as an approximation method. We propose the use of measurement modalities that take into account growth in multiple dimensions instead.
Biomarkers for Cognitive Impairment in Parkinson Disease
Authors: Shi Min , Huber Bertrand R. , Zhang Jing
Published: April 2010

Cognitive impairment, including dementia, is commonly seen in those afflicted with Parkinson disease (PD), particularly at advanced disease stages. Pathologically, PD with dementia (PD‐D) is most often associated with the presence of cortical Lewy bodies, as is the closely related dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Both PD‐D and DLB are also frequently complicated by the presence of neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid plaques, features most often attributed to Alzheimer disease. Biomarkers are urgently needed to differentiate among these disease processes and predict dementia in PD as well as monitor responses of patients to new therapies. A few clinical assessments, along with structural and functional neuroimaging, have been utilized in the last few years with some success in this area. Additionally, a number of other strategies have been employed to identify biochemical/molecular biomarkers associated with cognitive impairment and dementia in PD, e.g. targeted analysis of candidate proteins known to be important to PD pathogenesis and progression in cerebrospinal fluid or blood. Finally, interesting results are emerging from preliminary studies with unbiased and high throughput genomic, proteomic and metabolomic techniques. The current findings and perspectives of applying these strategies and techniques are reviewed in this article, together with potential areas of advancement.