bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Willingness to participate in preventive HIV vaccine trials in a community‐based cohort in south western Uganda
Authors: Ruzagira Eugene , Wandiembe Symon , Bufumbo Leonard , Levin Jonathan , Price Matthew A. , Grosskurth Heiner , Kamali Anatoli
Published: January 2009

Objectives  To assess willingness to participate in HIV vaccine trials and possible barriers to participation.

Methods  Questionnaire survey of participants completing a 2‐year community‐based HIV Vaccine Preparedness Study, followed by cross sectional analysis of data.

Results  95% of participants were willing to participate in a trial with similar attributes to the Vaccine Preparedness Study. Certain hypothetical trial attributes significantly reduced willingness to participate: The requirement to delay pregnancy (for females) had the largest effect, reducing willingness to participate from 97% to 23% (P < 0.0001). Larger blood draws had the second largest effect: 95–55% (P < 0.0001). The possibility of receiving either candidate vaccine or placebo had the third largest effect: 95–73% (P < 0.0001). Monthly study visits had the fourth largest effect: 95–92% (P < 0.0001). Trial duration longer than 2 years had the least effect: 95–93% (P = 0.0025). Combined attributes reduced willingness to participate from 95% to 43% (McNemar’s χ2 = 521.00; P < 0.0001) overall and 97–11% (McNemar’s χ2 = 531.00; P < 0.0001) for female participants. Physical harm concerns (adjusted OR = 34.9; 95% CI, 10.4–118) and a low risk behaviour index (adjusted OR = 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01–0.73) were associated with unwillingness to participate.

Conclusions  We found a high level of willingness to participate in HIV vaccine trials in this population. However, certain HIV vaccine trial requirements were associated with reduced willingness to participate. Community as well as individual concerns will have to be carefully addressed in planned HIV vaccine trials.
Community engagement in health research: two decades of experience from a research project on HIV in rural Uganda
Authors: Nakibinge S. , Maher D. , Katende J. , Kamali A. , Grosskurth H. , Seeley J.
Published: January 2009

Objectives To describe how a research project on HIV epidemiology in rural Uganda has engaged the community over the past two decades, describing activities, opportunities and challenges that have arisen.

Method The review draws on the experience of the authors as investigators involved in the project at various times since its inception in 1989, and on project documents and peer‐reviewed publications.

Results The project attracts community interest, participation and support mostly through community groups. The three main areas of activity are: health care and promotion, HIV/AIDS prevention and care, and community development aimed at poverty reduction. Key opportunities arise from the long‐term joint commitment of the project and the community over nearly 20 years, and the potential to accommodate research beyond HIV. Challenges arise from participation fatigue, countered by innovations for the community and investment in capacity development for staff, and from the need to balance community development expectations and the project focus on HIV research.

Conclusions Judged by criteria of longevity, acceptance, and scientific output, community engagement in this HIV research project in rural Uganda has been successful. The experience from this project contributes to the collective documentation and analysis of case studies from various research projects in developing countries which identify good practices from multiple stakeholder perspectives.
Sickness and Aggressive Behavior in Dominant and Subordinate Mice*
Authors: Cohn Daniel W. H. , De Sá‐Rocha Luiz C.
Published: January 2009

Sick animals show a set of organized behavioral changes (sickness behavior), which is the result of a motivational re‐organization of the behavior as a whole. Sickness behavior display can be influenced by the social context. In this work, we sought to investigate the regulation of sickness behavior within a pair of mice in the presence of an intruder mouse. Dominant and subordinate mice were treated with the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and were challenged with the presence of an intruder mouse. LPS effects depended on ranking and social context. Even though dominant mice displayed more agonistic interaction towards the intruder, subordinate mice displayed agonistic behavior towards the intruder when their dominant companion was treated with LPS. The results show that, not only sickness behavior is differentially expressed among different social ranks, but also that sickness behavior is related to different reactions among surrounding animals. These data are relevant for a biological approach to the relation between sickness behavior and social behavior.
Biased Citation Practice and Taxonomic Parochialism
Authors: Taborsky Michael
Published: January 2009

Citation bias in scientific literature is as widespread as unwelcome. Among other drawbacks, it has a detrimental influence by the wide use of citation statistics for political decisions on resource distribution. Here I ask whether a taxonomic citation bias exists in behavioural studies. The analysis revealed that (1) the taxonomic citation bias is on average large, with nearly a quarter of articles in a haphazardly chosen sample referring to the studied taxon alone, and (2) behavioural studies on mammals and birds show a significantly larger bias than work on other taxa. In contrast, research themes and questions studied do not seem to influence the taxonomic citation bias. Authors of different regions of the world do not differ in their taxonomic citation bias, and the number of papers cited in an article does not relate to the degree of bias. I discuss potential reasons for the substantial citation bias revealed by this analysis and conclude that taxonomic parochialism is a likely cause.
Assessing the quality of the volume‐outcome relationship in uro‐oncology
Authors: Mayer Erik K. , Purkayastha Sanjay , Athanasiou Thanos , Darzi Ara , Vale Justin A.
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

To assess systematically the quality of evidence for the volume‐outcome relationship in uro‐oncology, and thus facilitate the formulating of health policy within this speciality, as ‘Implementation of Improving Outcome Guidance’ has led to centralization of uro‐oncology based on published studies that have supported a ‘higher volume‐better outcome’ relationship, but improved awareness of methodological drawbacks in health service research has questioned the strength of this proposed volume‐outcome relationship.

METHODS

We systematically searched previous relevant reports and extracted all articles from 1980 onwards assessing the volume‐outcome relationship for cystectomy, prostatectomy and nephrectomy at the institution and/or surgeon level. Studies were assessed for their methodological quality using a previously validated rating system. Where possible, meta‐analytical methods were used to calculate overall differences in outcome measures between low and high volume healthcare providers.

RESULTS

In all, 22 studies were included in the final analysis; 19 of these were published in the last 5 years. Only four studies appropriately explored the effect of both the institution and surgeon volume on outcome measures. Mortality and length of stay were the most frequently measured outcomes. The median total quality scores within each of the operation types were 8.5, 9 and 8 for cystectomy, prostatectomy and nephrectomy, respectively (possible maximum score 18). Random‐effects modelling showed a higher risk of mortality in low‐volume institutions than in higher‐volume institutions for both cystectomy and nephrectomy (odds ratio 1.88, 95% confidence interval 1.54–2.29, and 1.28, 1.10–1.49, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The methodological quality of volume‐outcome research as applied to cystectomy, prostatectomy and nephrectomy is only modest at best. Accepting several limitations, pooled analysis confirms a higher‐volume, lower‐mortality relationship for cystectomy and nephrectomy. Future research should focus on the development of a quality framework with a validated scoring system for the bench‐marking of data to improve validity and facilitate rational policy‐making within the speciality of uro‐oncology.
Matching, Reallocation and Changes in Earnings Dispersion*
Authors: Burgess Simon , Lane Julia , McKinney Kevin
Published: January 2009

The ‘fractal’ nature of the rise in earnings dispersion is one of its key features. In this paper, we offer a new perspective on the causes of changes in earnings dispersion, focusing on the role of labour reallocation. We set out a framework showing that job and worker reallocation affects earnings dispersion. We quantify this using a data set comprising almost the universe of workers and employers in Maryland. The changing allocation of workers to jobs played a significant role in explaining movements in the dispersion of earnings.
Systematic Review of Evidence and Treatment Approaches: Psychosocial and Mental Health Care for Children in War
Authors: Jordans Mark J.D. , Tol Wietse A. , Komproe Ivan H. , De Jong Joop V.T.M.
Published: January 2009

Background: There is a growing body of literature on interventions addressing psychosocial wellbeing and mental health of children affected by violence in low‐ and middle‐income countries.

Methods: This systematic review of PubMed, PsychINFO, and PILOTS identified 500 publications (1991–2008) on interventions.

Results: Sixty‐six publications (12 treatment outcome studies and 54 intervention descriptions, covering a range of treatment modalities) met inclusion criteria. Most interventions are evaluated positively, while some studies lack evidence for efficacy and effectiveness.

Conclusion: Scarcity of rigorous studies, diversity of interventions, and mixed results of evaluations demonstrate a need to identify evidence‐based interventions. The literature presents consensus on a number of treatment‐related issues, yet the application remains limited across interventions.
Gaining Insight into Business Telecommunications Students Through the Assessment of Learning Styles
Authors: Sandman Thomas E.
Published: January 2009

The assessment of student learning styles can be of significant value for developing and evaluating an appropriate mix of pedagogical techniques and activities. With this in mind, learning style preferences were collected from over 300 undergraduate business telecommunications students. These set of data show that a breadth of learning style profiles are exhibited by undergraduate business telecommunications students. Most importantly, this article demonstrates a process to evaluate whether or not the current course structure either favors or disadvantages any particular learning style profile. Because there are many learning style profiles present, the evidence that no single profile is disadvantaged gives the instructor confidence in the mix of pedagogical techniques and activities that are employed in this particular course.
Decremental Accessory Pathway Conduction After Ablation and Antidromic Atrioventricular Reciprocating Tachycardia 8 Years After Successful Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: SUMITOMO NAOKATA , FUKUHARA JUNJI , MUGISHIMA HIDEO , SUGI KAORU
Published: January 2009

Introduction:
This is a rare case of antidromic reciprocating tachycardia developing 8 years after successful catheter ablation.

Result:
A 15‐year‐old girl had recurrence of palpitations 8 years after the ablation of manifest right posteroseptal accessory pathway. Atrial burst pacing revealed Wenckebach atrioventricular conduction with preexcitation. Wide QRS tachycardia with identical morphology to sinus rhythm associated with retrograde His potential recorded immediately after the V‐wave was induced by isoproterenol infusion. Atrial premature stimulus applied at the identical timing of His potential advanced the subsequent ventricular beat and His potential.

Conclusion:
Catheter ablation may produce decremental accessory pathway conduction and rarely cause antidromic atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia. This may be explained by a presence of “de novo” accessory pathway with decremental conduction properties that became manifest after the first ablation.
QT Prolongation and Monomorphic VT Caused by Pheochromocytoma
Authors: PAULIN FRÉDÉRIC L. , KLEIN GEORGE J. , GULA LORNE J. , SKANES ALLAN C. , YEE RAYMOND , KRAHN ANDREW D.
Published: January 2009

Introduction: Pheochromocytoma may present with ECG abnormalities as one of the few clues to the diagnosis.

Methods and Results: A 30‐year‐old woman presented with chest pain and a QTc of 525 ms. Four weeks later following a syncopal episode, her QTc was 660 ms. Short runs of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia were recorded. Investigations revealed an adrenal pheochromocytoma. Her QTc normalized after excision of the tumor. Comprehensive QT gene screening of KCNQ1, KCNH2, SCN5A, KCNE1, and KCNE2 was negative.

Conclusion: Pheochromocytoma may induce monomorphic VT and QT prolongation. The interaction of different catecholamines may have a compounding effect on cardiac repolarization.
Short QT Interval: A Novel Predictor of Androgen Abuse in Strength Trained Athletes
Authors: Bigi Mohammad Ali Babaee , Aslani Amir , Aslani Arsalan
Published: January 2009

Objectives: To find the relationship between anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) using and QT interval in athletes.

Methods: Between January 1, 2005 and May 31, 2007, we examined QTc interval duration in 165 consecutive male professional bodybuilders [age: 32.1 ± 4.6 years]. Of these, 79 were AAS users. The control group included 90 sedentary age and gender matched subjects [none of them were AAS users].

Results: The QTc interval of AAS abusing bodybuilders was significantly shorter compared with QTc interval in AAS‐free bodybuilders and control group. Short QTc interval (≤380 ms) was an independent predictor of AAS abusing in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, there is no published report regarding electrocardiographic diagnosis and screening of AAS abusing athletes. In the present study, we present an easy and applicable method to screen and diagnose AAS abusing among professional bodybuilders. In the presence of QTc interval ≤ 380 ms in a bodybuilder, one would predict AAS abusing with 83% sensitivity and 88% specificity.
Une analyse en termes d'équilibre de l'écart salarial entre hommes et femmes
Authors: CHICHILNISKY Graciela , HERMANN FREDERIKSEN Elisabeth
Published: January 2009

Partant de l'hypothèse selon laquelle les apports en travail domestique des hommes et des femmes sont complémentaires, les auteures vérifient l'existence d'équilibres multiples. Dans certains cas, le travail est réparti àégalité et les salaires sont identiques. Dans d'autres, la répartition est différente, de même que les salaires. Dans ce contexte, les stéréotypes relatifs à l'infériorité de la productivité des femmes se révèlent autoréalisateurs. Partant d'exemples numériques, les auteures montrent que le bien‐être est supérieur lorsque le couple répartit le travail à part égale, puis elles énoncent des recommandations politiques.
Inégalités et mondialisation financière: le rapport qui tombe à pic
Authors: Bollé Patrick
Published: January 2009

Cette note présente la nouvelle publication annuelle de l'Institut international d'études sociales de l'OIT, le Rapport mondial sur le travail 2008, dont le thème est les inégalités de revenu à l'épreuve de la mondialisation financière. Cette publication tombe à point nommé au moment où l'on s'inquiète de l'ampleur, de la durée et des conséquences économiques et sociales de la crise financière. Le rapport traite des déterminants de l'accroissement des inégalités de revenu, et de ses liens avec la mon‐dialisation financière, les institutions du marché du travail, les emplois – création et caractéristiques –, et les politiques de redistribution.
A strategic approach to labour inspection
Authors: WEIL David
Published: January 2009

In a report released in 2006, the ILO highlighted the difficulties of labour inspection in its member States and advocated a number of measures to strengthen its effectiveness. The author argues that inspectorates must go beyond calls for more inspectors by adopting a clear strategic framework for reacting to incoming complaints and targeting programmed investigations in order to maximize effectiveness in the use of their overstretched resources. To do so, he proposes, their work must be guided by the principles of prioritization, deterrence, sustainability and achieving systemic effects. The article concludes with an outline of the requirements of a coherent regulatory strategy.
Social protection in Chile: Reforms to improve equity
Authors: MESA‐LAGO Carmelo
Published: January 2009

At the beginning of the 1980s, Chile pioneered the implementation in Latin America of structural reforms that fully or partially privatized pensions, health‐care and social assistance systems. Implemented without prior social dialogue, these reforms – which subsequently influenced similar reforms in other countries of the region and elsewhere – led to reduced social solidarity and equity and intensified poverty and inequality. Over the past 18 years, however, democratic governments have corrected many design faults in the original reforms. The author examines the progress achieved and areas of persistent social inequality in terms of coverage, gender balance and funding, and identifies future challenges.
International labour standards: Recent developments in complementarity between the international and national supervisory systems
Authors: Gravel Eric , Delpech Quentin
Published: January 2009

Far from competing against one another, the national and international systems of labour regulation are interlocked. ILO standards have been used in recent rulings by the highest jurisdictions of some countries. Examining two decisions by the Supreme Court of Canada and another by the Paris Court of Appeal, the authors clarify the circumstances in which national courts make use of these international sources of law and consequent legal implications. The cases involve proceedings before national courts and ILO bodies, and France and Canada also have different legal cultures, enabling a discussion of how national jurisdictions actually appropriate international labour standards.
The influence of staffing and timetabling on achieving competence in surgical extractions
Authors: Moore U. , Durham J. , Corbett I. , Thomson P.
Published: January 2009

Introduction:  Competence based education is becoming more important in dentistry and medicine. In dentistry clinical skills are assessed using longitudinal assessments or structured objective clinical tests. We have previously presented the assessment of competence in surgical extractions however the success rate for this was poor. The opportunity to alter staffing levels and timetabling arose and we present the influence of this on the achievement of competence.

Methods:  The competence assessments and portfolios of two consecutive years of dental undergraduates were examined after completing their surgical extraction course. The first cohort received 9 sessions of teaching spread over 2 years with one staff supervisor per session. The second cohort received 10 sessions with varying numbers of staff supervisors.

Results:  The first cohort required 210 staff sessions and performed 275 surgical extractions (mean 4), and 23% achieved competence. The second cohort required 240 staff sessions and performed 403 surgical extractions (mean 6), and 66% achieved competence. Thirty six extra sessions were provided for students in the second cohort who failed to complete their competence during the allocated blocks and following this 99% of the second cohort achieved competence. These differences are significant (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  It is possible to demonstrate competence in large numbers of undergraduates in surgical extraction. The process can be influenced by staffing and timetabling changes which focus student experience and learning.
Differences in clinical grading associated with instructor status
Authors: Park R. D. , Susarla S. M. , Howell T. H. , Karimbux N. Y.
Published: January 2009

Purpose:  The purpose of this study was to determine whether the clinical evaluation of pre‐doctoral students is associated with instructor status. The hypothesis was that there would be no association between instructor status and clinical evaluation grades.

Materials and methods:  Retrospective analysis of pre‐doctoral clinical evaluations for class II amalgams, class III composites, and periodontal scaling and root planing was performed. The grade averages were based on a rank scale. Descriptive statistics were computed to summarise the predictor and outcome variables. Bivariate statistics were computed to evaluate any associations between the predictors and outcomes. Multiple linear regression models were computed to evaluate the simultaneous effects of multiple predictors on clinical evaluations.

Results:  The study sample consisted of 238 class II amalgams, 246 class III composites, and 675 scaling and root planings which occurred between August 2003 and June 2005. The procedure averages for these procedures were 1.8 ± 0.67, 1.8 ± 0.66 and 2.1 ± 0.56 respectively. The management averages were 2.0 ± 0.63, 1.5 ± 0.58 and 1.4 ± 0.54 respectively. In bivariate analyses, faculty status was associated with treatment averages for all three procedures.

Conclusions:  Faculty status was associated with treatment score for all three procedures evaluated. Full‐time faculty gave the best grades for restorative procedures. For periodontal procedures, part‐time faculty gave the best grades. More studies are warranted to elucidate the nature behind these differences.
A novel high‐wear‐resistant glass‐ionomer cement for class I and class II restorations
Authors: Zhao Jun , Weng Yiming , Xie Dong
Published: January 2009

This study reports the results of an evaluation on the in vitro wear of a newly developed experimental light‐cured glass‐ionomer cement composed of the synthesized six‐arm star‐shape poly(acrylic acid) and Fuji II LC glass fillers. The resin composite P‐60, as well as glass‐ionomer cements Fuji II and Fuji II LC, were used for comparison. All specimens were conditioned in distilled water at 37°C for 1 d prior to testing. The experimental cement exhibited statistically the same wear‐resistance to abrasion as P‐60, but the wear‐resistance was 14 times higher for the experimental cement than for Fuji II and Fuji II LC. Furthermore, the experimental cement showed a degree of wear‐resistance to attrition that was 1.4 times higher than both Fuji II and Fuji II LC but six times lower than that of P‐60. Impressively, after 1 month of aging the experimental cement was able to compete with P‐60 in wear‐resistance to attrition, showing a degree of wear depth that was only 1.3 times more than that of P‐60. It appears that this novel cement is a clinically attractive dental restorative that can be potentially used for high‐wear sites such as class I and class II restorations.
Regierung der Geschlechter, Ästhetik der Körper: Humboldts Erotik
Authors: Kinzel Ulrich
Published: January 2009

Wilhelm von Humboldts Essays ,,Über den Geschlechtsunterschied und dessen Einfluß auf die organische Natur‘‘ (1794) und ,,Über die männliche und weibliche Form‘‘ (1795), die man zumeist als Ergänzungen zu Schillers ästhetischen Reflexionen gelesen hat, werden unter einer spezifischen moralisch‐politischen Perspektive interpretiert. Ging es Humboldt in seiner liberalen Staatskritik darum, einen um das Subjekt zentrierten Begriff der Regierung zu gewinnen, den er unter dem Namen der Bildung der zeitgenössischen Vorstellung von der Fürsorge des Staates für seine Bürger entgegensetzte, so führt er dieses Projekt in den ästhetischen Essays fort, um für das Verhältnis der Geschlechter ein ausgleichendes Modell der Macht zu entwickeln. Der folgende Beitrag stellt den Versuch dar, das Regierungsthema bis in die Verästelungen von Humboldts Analyse der schönen Formen hinein zu verfolgen und sein Modell einer erotischen Politik zu rekonstruieren.
Expectation of Pain as a Source of Pre‐Competitive Anxiety in Athletes
Authors: Thompson Brooke , Eklund Robert , Tenenbaum Gershon , Roehrig Alysia D.
Published: January 2009

The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between the expectation of pain and pre‐competitive anxiety. Male and female collegiate athletes (N = 89) completed a set of surveys prior to competition, which measured pain expectations (Expectations of Pain Scale), competitive anxiety (Competitive State Anxiety Inventory‐2), and expectations of threat (Expectations of Threat Questionnaire). Correlational and regression analyses revealed that pain expectations were related to the experience of pre‐competitive anxiety. Similar results were obtained across gender. Overall, the findings of the study support the proposition that the expectation of pain should be considered a viable addition to sources of competitive anxiety presently identified in the extant literature. Further research should be aimed at determining the effect of pain‐related anxiety on performance.
Isolation and characterization of 145 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the common frog (Rana temporaria)
Authors: MATSUBA CHIKAKO , MERILÄ JUHA
Published: January 2009

We describe primers and polymerase chain reaction conditions to amplify 145 di‐, tri‐ and tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from the common frog (Rana temporaria), a species commonly used as a model in ecological and evolutionary research. Primers were tested on 46 individuals from two Fennoscandian populations and yielded an average of six to nine alleles per locus (range = 1–30) depending on the population. Average observed heterozygosities in the two populations were 0.16 (range = 0–0.91) and 0.36 (range = 0–1).
Development of VNTR markers for three Aspergillus species used in brewing
Authors: TOMIMURA KENTA , IWASHITA KAZUHIRO , YAMADA OSAMU , KOBAYASHI KEN
Published: January 2009

Using a bioinformatics approach, we developed 18 variable number of tandem repeat markers for Aspergillus oryzae for use in population genetic studies. Repeat sequences in the genome sequences of A. oryzae were identified by a tandem repeat finding program. Length polymorphisms at 18 loci were examined in 41 strains of A. oryzae. The total number of alleles per locus ranged from two to 20. Investigation of cross‐species amplifications with A. sojae and A. tamarii showed success. The variable number of tandem repeat markers will be used to determine the population structure of these three Aspergillus species used in brewing.
Noninvasive recovery and detection of possum Trichosurus vulpecula DNA from bitten bait interference devices (WaxTags)
Authors: VARGAS M. L. , CRUICKSHANK R. H. , ROSS J. G. , HOLYOAKE A. J. , OGILVIE S. C. , PATERSON A. M.
Published: January 2009

The brushtail possum is a major agricultural and ecological pest in New Zealand. A novel noninvasive DNA sampling tool for detecting its presence (WaxTags, or WT) was tested. DNA was recovered from saliva left on WT, and two lengths (407 bp and 648 bp) of the cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) barcoding region were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR products were considered (+) when a DNA band was clearly visible by electrophoresis. Different factors that might affect PCR (+) were investigated with captive possums: (i) both extraction protocols of the QIAGEN DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit, (ii) effect of an overnight or longer delay of up to 3 weeks before DNA extraction on both COI amplicons, and (iii) effect of the individual, order and magnitude of the bite. Extraction protocols were not significantly different. The effect of the overnight delay was not significant, and amplification of the short amplicon was significantly higher (100%) than for the long fragment (48%). After a two or 3‐week delay, the short amplicon had 94% and 56% PCR (+), success rates, respectively. Individual, order and magnitude of a bite had no significant effect. The delay trial was repeated with WT from the wild, for which PCR (+) rate of the short amplicon was 63%, regardless of freshness. Four microsatellites were amplified from captive WT samples. We conclude that DNA from saliva traces can be recovered from WT, a potential new tool for noninvasive monitoring of possums and other wildlife.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers in the sea squirt Halocynthia roretzi
Authors: HAN HYON‐SOB , NAM BO‐HYE , KANG JUNG‐HA , CHOI TAE‐JIN , KIM WOO‐JIN , HUR YOUNG‐BAEK , YOON MOONGEUN
Published: January 2009

The sea squirt Halocynthia roretzi is an important marine food resource species that is found in the waters around Korea. We describe the isolation and characterization of 13 new polymorphic microsatellite loci in 96 sea squirt samples that were collected from the marine environment of Samcheok on the east coast of Korea. The number of alleles that were observed for each locus ranged from six to 32, and the value of expected and observed heterozygosities was 0.504–0.922 and 0.396–0.813, respectively. These markers will be useful tools for future population studies.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus
Authors: LAURENCE S. , BEWICK A. J. , COLTMAN D. W. , DAVIS C. S. , ELSASSER S. C. , KIDD A. G. , LESBARRÈRES D. , SCHULTE‐HOSTEDDE A. I.
Published: January 2009

We describe the isolation and characterization of 12 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci for the muskrat, Ondatra zibethicus. Microsatellite markers from three other rodent species were cross‐amplified in muskrat and one of them was polymorphic. We observed moderate to high levels of genetic variability in these 13 polymorphic loci (five to 22 alleles per locus) with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.48 to 0.96. These markers will be useful for further studies on population genetic structure in muskrat and potentially in other rodent species.
Effect of Side Wind on a Simplified Car Model: Experimental and Numerical Analysis
Authors: Guilmineau Emmanuel , Chometon Francis
Published: January 2009

A prior analysis of the effect of steady cross wind on full size cars or models must be conducted when dealing with transient cross wind gust effects on automobiles. The experimental and numerical tests presented in this paper are performed on the Willy square-back test model. This model is realistic compared with a van-type vehicle; its plane underbody surface is parallel to the ground, and separations are limited to the base for moderated yaw angles. Experiments were carried out in the semi-open test section at the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, and computations were performed at the Ecole Centrale de Nantes (ECN). The ISIS-CFD flow solver, developed by the CFD Department of the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory of ECN, used the incompressible unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations. In this paper, the results of experiments obtained at a Reynolds number of 0.9×106 are compared with numerical data at the same Reynolds number for steady flows. In both the experiments and numerical results, the yaw angle varies from 0 deg to 30 deg. The comparison between experimental and numerical results obtained for aerodynamic forces, wall pressures, and total pressure maps shows that the unsteady ISIS-CFD solver correctly reflects the physics of steady three-dimensional separated flows around bluff bodies. This encouraging result allows us to move to a second step dealing with the analysis of unsteady separated flows around the Willy model.
A Genetic Defect Caused by a Triplet Repeat Expansion in
Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Sureshkumar Sridevi , Todesco Marco , Schneeberger Korbinian , Harilal Ramya , Balasubramanian Sureshkumar , Weigel Detlef
Published: January 2009

Variation in the length of simple DNA triplet repeats has been linked to phenotypic variability in microbes and to several human disorders. Population-level forces driving triplet repeat contraction and expansion in multicellular organisms are, however, not well understood. We have identified a triplet repeat–associated genetic defect in an
Arabidopsis thaliana
variety collected from the wild. The Bur-0 strain carries a dramatically expanded TTC/GAA repeat in the intron of the
ISOPROPYL MALATE ISOMERASE LARGE SUB UNIT1
(
IIL1
; At4g13430) gene. The repeat expansion causes an environment-dependent reduction in
IIL1
activity and severely impairs growth of this strain, whereas contraction of the expanded repeat can reverse the detrimental phenotype. The Bur-0
IIL1
defect thus presents a genetically tractable model for triplet repeat expansions and their variability in natural populations.
Kleine–Levin syndrome
Authors: Lisk D Radcliffe
Published: January 2009

Kleine–Levin syndrome, sometimes referred to as Rip van Winkle disease, is a rare sleep disorder mainly affecting teenage boys in which the main features are intermittent hypersomnolence, behavioural and cognitive disturbances, hyperphagia and in some cases hypersexuality. Each episode lasts for one or two weeks, and affected people are entirely asymptomatic between episodes. No definite cause has been identified but hypothalamic dysfunction seems likely. Relapses may occur every few weeks or months, and the condition may last for a decade or more before spontaneous resolution. There is no effective treatment but stimulants such as methylphenidate and modafinil as well as the mood stabiliser lithium carbonate have been tried with varying success.
Coma in 20 Questions
Authors: Morrish P
Published: January 2009

Many colleagues find teaching neurology to today’s medical students can be more frustrating than rewarding. Although students are encouraged to expect excellence, some lack enthusiasm and fail to engage with the subject. Medical teachers may have to take some of the responsibility, and it is important that we learn from our own and each other’s teaching practice. This is a description of a teaching session for final year medical students. The subject is coma and some of the session takes the form of a game. The rationale and the desired outcome are explained. There is no copyright on this method of teaching.
Fish and harlequin ducks compete on breeding streams
Authors: LeBourdais S. V. , Ydenberg R. C. , Esler D.
Published: January 2009

We investigated interactions among harlequin ducks ( Histrionicus histrionicus (L., 1758)), fish, and their shared aquatic insect prey. We measured flow variability, benthic aquatic prey abundance, fish presence, and breeding density of harlequins on eight rivers in the Southern Coast Mountain Range in British Columbia, Canada, in 2003 and 2004. Rivers with lower flow variability had higher abundance of aquatic insects. Densities of harlequins and fish presence on the rivers were both significantly and positively related to insect abundance, but path analysis revealed a strong negative correlation between them. We interpret this as an indirect interaction between harlequins and fish mediated by anti-predator behaviour of insects in the presence of fish, which reduces insect availability, rather than as a reduction in the abundance of aquatic insects through consumption by fishes. We hypothesize that the ongoing and widespread introduction of fish into historically fishless waters throughout North America may have contributed to the current low productivity and recruitment measured in populations of harlequins by reducing quality of breeding habitat.
Interference competition between gray wolves and coyotes in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Merkle J. A. , Stahler D. R. , Smith D. W.
Published: January 2009

Factors influencing the outcome of interspecific interactions between sympatric carnivores, along with population-level consequences, are not clearly understood. The reintroduction of gray wolves ( Canis lupus L., 1758) to Yellowstone National Park provides a rare opportunity to study interactions with coyotes ( Canis latrans Say, 1823), which had lived in the absence of wolves for >60 years. We evaluated direct interactions between wolves and coyotes to identify factors influencing the outcomes of interspecific interactions and describe the context and degree of competition and coexistence. Using radio-collared wolves, we documented 337 wolf–coyote interactions from 1995 to 2007. The majority (75%) of interactions occurred at ungulate-carcass sites. Wolves initiated the majority of encounters (85%), generally outnumbered coyotes (39%), and dominated (91%) most interactions. Wolves typically (79%) chased coyotes without physical contact; however, 25 interactions (7%) resulted in a coyote death. Interactions decreased over time, suggesting coyote adaptation or a decline in coyote density. In the majority (80%) of fatal interactions, wolves outnumbered coyotes. However, wolves did not outnumber coyotes in interactions (n = 18) where coyotes chased or attacked/harassed wolves. Our results suggest that wolves are the dominant canid, group size may influence the outcome of interactions, and coyotes must benefit from the access to carrion at wolf-killed carcasses.
Variation in flight morphology in a female polymorphic damselfly: intraspecific, intrasexual, and seasonal differences
Authors: Bots J. , Breuker C. J. , Van Kerkhove A. , Van Dongen S. , De Bruyn L. , Van Gossum H.
Published: January 2009

In aerial animals, flight morphology needs to be designed to allow daily behavioural activities. Within species differences in behaviour can therefore be expected to relate to differences in flight morphology, not only between males and females but also between same-sex members when they use different behavioural strategies. In female polymorphic damselflies, one female morph is considered a male mimic that resembles the male’s body colour and behaviour (andromorph), whereas the other is dissimilar (gynomorph). Here, we questioned whether males, andromorphs, and gynomorphs of the damselfly Enallagma cyathigerum (Charpentier, 1840) differ in flight morphology, with andromorphs being more similar to males than gynomorphs. In addition, we evaluated whether differences in flight morphology are consistent or whether some morphs are more plastic in response to seasonal environmental fluctuations. Most morphometrics showed similar seasonal plasticity for males and both female morphs, which could only partly be explained from allometry. Consistent with high manoeuvrability in flight, males had broader wings and lower wing loading than females. Variation between female morphs was less pronounced, with no consistent differences in length, aspect ratio, total surface, and wing loading. However, we detected morph-specific differences in shape and width, with andromorphs having broader wings than gynomorphs similarly to males.
QUENCHED LARGE DEVIATION FOR SUPER-BROWNIAN MOTION WITH RANDOM IMMIGRATION
Authors: HONG WENMING
Published: January 2009

Quenched local large deviation is derived for the super-Brownian motion with super-Brownian immigration, in dimension d ≥ 4. At the critical dimension d = 4, the quenched and annealed LDP are of the same speed but are different rate.
DYNAMIC MEAN-VARIANCE OPTIMIZATION UNDER CLASSICAL RISK MODEL WITH FRACTIONAL BROWNIAN MOTION PERTURBATION
Authors: ZHANG HUAYUE , BAI LIHUA
Published: January 2009

In this paper, we apply the completion of squares method to study the optimal investment problem under mean-variance criteria for an insurer. The insurer's risk process is modelled by a classical risk process that is perturbed by a standard fractional Brownian motion with Hurst parameter H ∈ (1/2, 1). By virtue of an auxiliary process, the efficient strategy and efficient frontier are obtained. Moreover, when H → 1/2+ the results converge to the corresponding (known) results for standard Brownian motion.
SINGLETON CONDITIONS AND QUANTUM DE FINETTI'S THEOREM
Authors: ACCARDI LUIGI , GHORBAL ANIS BEN , CRISMALE VITONOFRIO , LU YUN GANG
Published: January 2009

We investigate the validity of quantum De Finetti's Theorem for algebraic random processes satisfying the singleton condition.

We first prove a conditional version of the theorem, then we give some natural conditions which guarantee the full validity of De Finetti's Theorem.
MAXIMAL COMMUTATIVE SUBALGEBRAS INVARIANT FOR CP-MAPS: (COUNTER-)EXAMPLES
Authors: RAJARAMA BHAT B. V. , FAGNOLA FRANCO , SKEIDE MICHAEL
Published: January 2009

We solve, mainly by counterexamples, many natural questions regarding maximal commutative subalgebras invariant under CP-maps or semigroups of CP-maps on a von Neumann algebra. In particular, we discuss the structure of the generators of norm continuous semigroups on [Formula: see text] leaving a maximal commutative subalgebra invariant and show that there exist Markov CP-semigroups on Md without invariant maximal commutative subalgebras for any d > 2.
SCHRÖDINGER OPERATORS ON LOCAL FIELDS: SELF-ADJOINTNESS AND PATH INTEGRAL REPRESENTATIONS FOR PROPAGATORS
Authors: DIGERNES TROND , VARADARAJAN V. S. , WEISBART D. E.
Published: January 2009

We consider quantum systems that have as their configuration spaces finite-dimensional vector spaces over local fields. The quantum Hilbert space is taken to be a space with complex coefficients and we include in our model particles with internal symmetry. The Hamiltonian operator is a pseudo-differential operator that is initially only formally defined. For a wide class of potentials we prove that this Hamiltonian is well-defined as an unbounded self-adjoint operator. The free part of the operator gives rise to a measure on the Skorokhod space of paths, D [0, ∞), and with respect to this measure there is a path integral representation for the semigroup associated to the Hamiltonian. We prove this Feynman–Kac formula in the local field setting as a consequence of the Hille–Yosida theory of semigroups.
Hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α regulates human cellular retinol-binding protein type II gene expression in intestinal cells
Authors: Yamaguchi Noriaki , Miyamoto Sachiko , Ogura Yuko , Goda Toshinao , Suruga Kazuhito
Published: January 2009

Cellular retinol-binding protein type II (CRBPII) is abundantly expressed in the small intestinal enterocytes of many vertebrates and plays important physiological roles in intestinal absorption, transport, and metabolism of vitamin A. In the present study, we investigated regulation of human CRBPII gene expression using human intestinal Caco-2 BBe cells. We found that the human CRBPII gene contained a direct repeat 1 (DR-1)-like nuclear receptor response element in the proximal promoter region and that endogenous hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α (HNF-4α) was a major transcription factor binding to the DR-1-like element. Cotransfection of HNF-4α expression vector transactivated the human CRBPII gene promoter activity, whereas mutation of the DR-1-like element abolished the promoter activity. Stably transfected Caco-2 BBe cells overexpressing HNF-4α significantly increased endogenous CRBPII gene expression and retinyl ester synthesis. Reduction of HNF-4α protein levels by HNF-4α small interference RNA decreased CRBPII gene expression. Caco-2 BBe cells treated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, a protein kinase C activator, decreased nuclear HNF-4α protein level and binding activity to the human CRBPII gene DR-1-like element, as well as CRBPII gene expression. Moreover, nuclear HNF-4α protein levels, HNF-4α protein binding to human CRBPII DR-1-like elements, and CRBPII gene expression level were coordinately increased during Caco-2 BBe cell differentiation. These results suggest that HNF-4α is an important transcriptional factor that regulates human CRBPII gene expression and provide the possibility for a novel function of HNF-4α in the regulation of human intestinal vitamin A absorption and metabolism.
Krüppel-like factor 4 regulates adaptive expression of the zinc transporterZip4in mouse small intestine
Authors: Liuzzi Juan P. , Guo Liang , Chang Shou-Mei , Cousins Robert J.
Published: January 2009

Epithelial cells of the small intestine are the site of zinc absorption. Intestinal uptake of zinc is inversely proportional to the dietary supply of this essential micronutrient. The mechanism responsible for this adaptive differential in apical zinc transport is not known. The zinc transporter Zip4 ( Slc39a4) is essential for adequate enteric zinc uptake. In mice, Zip4 expression is upregulated at low zinc intakes with a concomitant ZIP4 localization to the apical enterocyte plasma membrane. With the present experiments, we show that the zinc finger transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), produced in high abundance in the intestine, is expressed at elevated levels in mice fed a low-zinc diet. In the murine intestinal epithelial cell (IEC) line MODE-K, zinc depletion of culture medium with cell-permeant and cell-impermeant chelators increased Zip4 and Klf4 mRNA and Zip4 heterogeneous nuclear RNA expression. Zinc depletion led to increased KLF4 in nuclear extracts. Knockdown of KLF4 using small interfering RNA transfection drastically limited ZIP4 induction upon zinc depletion and reduced65Zn uptake by depleted IECs. EMSAs with nuclear extracts of IECs showed KLF4 binding to cis elements of the mouse Zip4 promoter, with increased binding under zinc-limited conditions. Reporter constructs with the Zip4 promoter and mutation studies further demonstrated that Zip4 is regulated through a KLF4 response element. These data from experiments with mice and murine IECs demonstrate that KLF4 is induced during zinc restriction and is a transcription factor involved in adaptive regulation of the zinc transporter ZIP4.
Role of angiotensin II and oxidative stress in vascular insulin resistance linked to hypertension
Authors: Zhou Ming-Sheng , Schulman Ivonne Hernandez , Raij Leopoldo
Published: January 2009

Insulin activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway stimulates glucose uptake in peripheral tissues and synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) in the endothelium. Insulin resistance (IR) and hypertension frequently coexist, particularly among individuals with salt-sensitive hypertension. The mechanisms underlying this association are poorly understood. We investigated these mechanisms in a model of salt-sensitive hypertension in which we have previously shown that endothelial dysfunction is mediated by superoxide anion (O2−) linked to local ANG II. Dahl salt-sensitive rats were fed, for 6 wk, a normal salt diet (NS; 0.5% NaCl), high-salt diet (HS; 4% NaCl), HS plus the ANG II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blocker (ARB) candesartan (10 mg·kg−1·day−1), or HS plus the antioxidant tempol (172 mg/l in drinking water). Hypertensive (mean arterial pressure: 145 ± 4 vs. 102 ± 5 mmHg in NS, P < 0.05) rats manifested increased aortic AT1R mRNA (210%) and protein (101%) expression and O2− production (104%) and impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) to acetylcholine [maximal response ( Emax): 68 ± 9 vs. 91 ± 8% in NS, P < 0.05]. ARB or tempol normalized O2− and EDR despite that they did not normalize mean arterial pressure, which was reduced only 25%. Hypertensive rats manifested metabolic IR (36% reduction in the glucose infusion rate by insulin clamp), impaired NO-mediated insulin-induced EDR ( Emax: 12 ± 5 vs. 32 ± 4% in NS, P < 0.05), and impaired insulin activation of PI3K/endothelial NO synthase. ARB or tempol improved insulin-mediated EDR, PI3K, Akt/ endothelial NO synthase phosphorylation, and metabolic IR (all P < 0.05). This study provides insight into the mechanisms that underlie the association between metabolic and hypertensive cardiovascular diseases and support the notion that O2− overproduction linked to tissue ANG II interferes with shared insulin signaling pathways in metabolic and cardiovascular tissues.