bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Perspective on the Emergence of Sialic Acids as Potent Determinants AffectingLeishmaniaBiology
Authors: Ghoshal Angana , Mandal Chitra
Published: August 2011

Leishmaniasis caused byLeishmania sp. has a wide range of manifestations from cutaneous to the deadly visceral form. They shuttle between the invertebrate and vertebrate hosts as promastigotes and amastigotes having adaptations for subverting host immune responses. Parasite-specific glycoconjugates have served as important determinants influencing parasite recognition, internalization, differentiation, multiplication, and virulence. Despite the steady progress in the field of parasite glycobiology, sialobiology has been a less traversed domain of research in leishmaniasis. The present paper focuses on identification, characterization, and differential distribution of sialoglycotope having the linkage-specific 9-O-acetylated sialic acid in promastigotes of differentLeishmania sp. causing different clinical ramifications emphasizing possible role of these sialoglycotopes in infectivity, virulence, nitric oxide resistance, and host modulation inLeishmania spp. asserting them to be important molecules influencing parasite biology.
Signal Protein-Derived Peptides as Functional Probes and Regulators of Intracellular Signaling
Authors: Shpakov Alexander O.
Published: August 2011

The functionally important regions of signal proteins participating in their specific interaction and responsible for transduction of hormonal signal into cell are rather short in length, having, as a rule, 8 to 20 amino acid residues. Synthetic peptides corresponding to these regions are able to mimic the activated form of full-size signal protein and to trigger signaling cascades in the absence of hormonal stimulus. They modulate protein-protein interaction and influence the activity of signal proteins followed by changes in their regulatory and catalytic sites. The present review is devoted to the achievements and perspectives of the study of signal protein-derived peptides and to their application as selective and effective regulators of hormonal signaling systemsin vitroandin vivo. Attention is focused on the structure, biological activity, and molecular mechanisms of action of peptides, derivatives of the receptors, G protein α subunits, and the enzymes generating second messengers.
Photocatalytic Properties of Size-Controlled Titania Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Hashishin Takeshi , Misawa Keisuke , Kojima Kazuo , Yogi Chihiro , Tamaki Jun
Published: August 2011

The titania nanotube arrays (TNAs) with smooth surface was synthesized by anodization of titanium foil with 3 cm2in square area using the electrolyte composed of 0.2 wt% NH4F and 0.5 vol% H2SO4in ethylene glycol in order to evaluate the methylene blue photodegradation under ultra-violet irradiation. The tube length and inner diameter as a size parameter were controlled by the anodization time from 5 to 10 h and applied voltage from 10 to 50 V. The titania nanotube arrays (TNAs) annealed at 300 to 500°C were assigned to anatase phase, and TNAs at 600°C had both phase of anatase and rutile. The crystallite size and the apparent rate constant were increased with the increase in the annealing temperature of TNAs from 300 to 500°C. The bigger crystallite size of TNAs is suggested to be related to the increase in the amount of hole at the valence band, leading to the decrease in the apparent rate constant of MB degradation. Interestingly, the four kinds of linear relationship with the apparent rate constant were seen in both the inner diameter of TNAs and the length. Consequently, the apparent rate constant strongly depended on inner diameter of TNAs.
The Importance of Autonomous Regulation for Students' Successful Translation of Intentions into Behavior Change via Planning
Authors: Cao Dian Sheng , Lippke Sonia , Liu Wei
Published: August 2011

Physical activity has a high prevention potential in adolescents. This study investigated the relations between physical activity and intention, autonomous regulation, and planning. We hypothesized that planning mediates the relationship between intention and behavior and that this mediation should depend on the level of autonomous regulation. Stratified randomization sampling method was administered to assemble a sample of students among two schools in China. To test the hypothesis, autonomous regulation, intention, and physical activity were assessed at baseline as well as planning and follow-up physical activity four weeks after the pretest. A moderated mediation model confirmed that planning mediated the intention-behavior relation with the effect of planning being moderated by autonomous regulation. Study results demonstrated that autonomous regulation facilitated the translation of intention into behavior change via planning. To promote physical activity among adolescents, interventions targeting planning and autonomous regulation might facilitate successful translation of intentions into behavior change.
Caloric Intake, Dietary Lifestyles, Macronutrient Composition, and Alzheimer′ Disease Dementia
Authors: Pasinetti Giulio Maria , Wang Jun , Porter Shanee , Ho Lap
Published: August 2011

Alzheimer′s disease is a devastating neurodegenerative condition currently affecting over 5 million elderly individuals in the United States. There is much evidence suggesting that certain dietary lifestyles can help to prevent and possibly treat Alzheimer′s disease. In this paper, we discuss how certain cardiovascular and diabetic conditions can induce an increased susceptibility for Alzheimer′s disease and the mechanisms through which this occurs. We further discuss how the consumption of certain foods or food components can help to reduce one′s risk for Alzheimer′s disease and may possibly be developed as a therapeutic agent.
Bioremediation and Detoxification of Synthetic Wastewater Containing Triarylmethane Dyes by Aeromonas hydrophila Isolated from Industrial Effluent
Authors: Ogugbue Chimezie Jason , Sawidis Thomas
Published: August 2011

Economical and bio-friendly approaches are needed to remediate dye-contaminated wastewater from various industries. In this study, a novel bacterial strain capable of decolorizing triarylmethane dyes was isolated from a textile wastewater treatment plant in Greece. The bacterial isolate was identified as Aeromonas hydrophila and was shown to decolorize three triarylmethane dyes tested within 24 h with color removal in the range of 72% to 96%. Decolorization efficiency of the bacterium was a function of operational parameters (aeration, dye concentration, temperature, and pH) and the optimal operational conditions obtained for decolorization of the dyes were: pH 7-8, 35∘C and culture agitation. Effective color removal within 24 h was obtained at a maximum dye concentration of 50 mg/L. Dye decolorization was monitored using a scanning UV/visible spectrophotometer which indicated that decolorization was due to the degradation of dyes into non-colored intermediates. Phytotoxicity studies carried out using Triticum aestivum, Hordeum vulgare, and Lens esculenta revealed the triarylmethane dyes exerted toxic effects on plant growth parameters monitored. However, significant reduction in toxicity was obtained with the decolorized dye metabolites thus, indicating the detoxification of the dyes following degradation by Aeromonas hydrophila.
Evaluation of Fluorescent Analogs of Deoxycytidine for Monitoring DNA Transitions from Duplex to Functional Structures
Authors: Bhavsar Yogini P. , Reilly Samantha M. , Wadkins Randy M.
Published: August 2011

Topological variants of single-strand DNA (ssDNA) structures, referred to as “functional DNA,” have been detected in regulatory regions of many genes and are thought to affect gene expression. Two fluorescent analogs of deoxycytidine, Pyrrolo-dC (PdC) and 1,3-diaza-2-oxophenoxazine (t), can be incorporated into DNA. Here, we describe spectroscopic studies of both analogs to determine fluorescent properties that report on structural transitions from double-strand DNA (dsDNA) to ssDNA, a common pathway in the transition to functional DNA structures. We obtained fluorescence-detected circular dichroism (FDCD) spectra, steady-state fluorescence spectra, and fluorescence lifetimes of the fluorophores in DNA. Our results show that PdC is advantageous in fluorescence lifetime studies because of a distinct ~2 ns change between paired and unpaired bases. However, t is a better probe for FDCD experiments that report on the helical structure of DNA surrounding the fluorophore. Both fluorophores provide complementary data to measure DNA structural transitions.
The diagnosis and prevalence of persistent infection with bovine viral diarrhoea virus in South African feedlot cattle
Authors: Meiring Thelma , Prozesky Leon , Du Preez Eben R. , Verwoerd Dirk J.
Published: August 2011

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection is an important viral infection affecting the cattle industry today. The prevalence of this infection in South African feedlots is unknown. Ear notch biopsies were collected from chronic poor doers and animals that appeared unthrifty upon entering feedlots, as well as animals entering the hospital pen with respiratory disease for the first time. A total of 1690 samples were collected: 1074 from the former category and 616 from the latter. A routine immunohistochemistry staining protocol showed that 49 animals tested positive, of which 43 (4%) came from the feedlot entry group and six (1%) from the hospitalised group. The prevalence of persistently infected cattle from this selected, nonrandom sample entering six large South African feedlots was found to be 2.9%, which is higher than the international rule of thumb that 0.5% of all cattle entering feedlots are persistently infected. There was no clear correlation between persistent infection and respiratory disease. Serum samples were also collected when possible and 10 positive cases were found. Results from enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for antigen and antibody performed on these sera correlated well with those from the immunohistochemistry staining method in six cases, but in four cases the animals tested falsely positive owing to nonspecific staining. Immunohistochemistry staining on ear notch biopsies is thus a reliable diagnostic method to identify persistently infected animals with BVDV, but the pathologist should be aware of nonspecific positive staining.
Restricting Fourier Transforms of Measures to Curves in ℝ2
Authors: Burak Erdğan M. , Oberlin Daniel M.
Published: August 2011

We establish estimates for restrictions to certain curves in R2 of the Fourier transforms of some fractal measures.
On the Gras Conjecture for Imaginary Quadratic Fields
Authors: Oukhaba Hassan , Viguié Stéphane
Published: August 2011

In this paper we extend K. Rubin's methods to prove the Gras conjecture for abelian extensions of a given imaginary quadratic field k and prime numbers p that divide the number of roots of unity in k.
Derivation of groundwater flow-paths based on semi-automatic extraction of lineaments from remote sensing data
Authors: Mallast U. , Gloaguen R. , Geyer S. , Rödiger T. , Siebert C.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. In this paper we present a semi-automatic method to infer groundwater flow-paths based on the extraction of lineaments from digital elevation models. This method is especially adequate in remote and inaccessible areas where in-situ data are scarce. The combined method of linear filtering and object-based classification provides a lineament map with a high degree of accuracy. Subsequently, lineaments are differentiated into geological and morphological lineaments using auxiliary information and finally evaluated in terms of hydro-geological significance. Using the example of the western catchment of the Dead Sea (Israel/Palestine), the orientation and location of the differentiated lineaments are compared to characteristics of known structural features. We demonstrate that a strong correlation between lineaments and structural features exists. Using Euclidean distances between lineaments and wells provides an assessment criterion to evaluate the hydraulic significance of detected lineaments. Based on this analysis, we suggest that the statistical analysis of lineaments allows a delineation of flow-paths and thus significant information on groundwater movements. To validate the flow-paths we compare them to existing results of groundwater models that are based on well data.
WURJHNS Undergraduate Research Forum 2011 - Winning Abstracts
Authors: Yan Alexander W
Published: August 2011

WURJHNS Undergraduate Research Forum 2011 - Winning Abstracts
Some Results on the Signless Laplacian Spectra of Unicyclic Graphs
Authors: Liu Muhuo
Published: August 2011

We determine the second to fourth largest (resp. the second smallest) signless Laplacian spectral radii and the second to fourth largest signless Laplacian spreads together with the corresponding graphs in the class of unicyclic graphs with n vertices. Moreover, we prove that one class of unicyclic graphs are determined by their signless Laplacian spectra.
MiR‐142‐3p as a potential prognostic biomarker for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lin Rui‐Jun , Xiao Da‐Wei , Liao Lian‐Di , Chen Tao , Xie Ze‐Feng , Huang Wei‐Zhe , Wang Wei‐Sen , Jiang Tai‐Feng , Wu Bing‐Li , Li En‐Min , Xu Li‐Yan
Published: August 2011

Background and Objectives

microRNAs (miRNAs), small non‐coding RNAs, are always aberrantly expressed in many diseases including human cancers. The aim of this study was to examine and determine the clinical significance of hsa‐miR‐31, hsa‐miR‐142‐3p, hsa‐miR‐338‐3p, and hsa‐miR‐1261 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

Expression levels of four selected miRNAs, initially evaluated by microarray, were validated by qRT‐PCR. Various statistical methods were used to analyze the relationship between miRNA expression and clinicopathologic features and prognosis in 91 patients with ESCC.

Results

MiR‐31 and miR‐142‐3p expression were correlated to histological differentiation in ESCC (P < 0.05, Student's t‐test); high miR‐142‐3p expression was associated with a poor prognosis in all 91 ESCC patients (P = 0.014, log‐rank) and identified as an independent prognostic factor in ESCC (P = 0.017, univariate Cox; P = 0.022, multivariate Cox). More importantly, stratified analysis indicated that high miR‐142‐3p expression was correlated to a poor prognosis within good‐prognosis groups comprised of ESCC patients with small tumor size, negative lymph node metastasis, or early stage (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The main findings suggest that miR‐142‐3p is involved in the progression of ESCC and is a potential prognostic biomarker for ESCC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:175–182. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor is correlated with tumor metastasis and prognosis in patients with osteosarcoma
Authors: Wang Yin‐He , Han Xiao‐Dong , Qiu Yong , Xiong Jin , Yu Yang , Wang Bin , Zhu Ze‐Zhang , Qian Bang‐Ping , Chen Yi‐Xin , Wang Shou‐Feng , Shi Hong‐Fei , Sun Xu
Published: August 2011

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) with metastasis and prognosis of osteosarcoma patients.

Methods

RT‐PCR and Western blot assays were performed to detect IGF‐1R mRNA and protein expression in 26 osteosarcoma and noncancerous bone tissues. Immunohistochemistry was performed to analyze the correlation of IGF‐1R expression in 84 osteosarcoma tissues with clinicopathological factors or survival of patients. Lentivirus‐mediated RNA interference system was employed to downregulate IGF‐1R expression and analyze the effects of IGF‐1R downregulation on invasion and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells.

Results

The relative levels of IGF‐1R mRNA and protein expression were significantly higher in osteosarcoma tissues than in corresponding noncancerous bone tissues. The expression of IGF‐1R protein was closely associated with surgical stage and distant metastasis of osteosarcoma patients. Osteosarcoma patients with high IGF‐1R expression had poorer survival, and multivariate Cox analyses showed that high IGF‐1R expression was an independent prognostic maker. Lentivirus‐mediated targeting IGF‐1R could significantly inhibit adhesion, migration, invasion, and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells, which might be correlated with of inactivation of Akt signaling pathway.

Conclusions

IGF‐1R is an independent prognostic marker for osteosarcoma patients and increased expression of this molecular is correlated with metastasis of osteosarcoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:235–243. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of poly(arylene ether sulfone)s with trans‐1,4‐cyclohexylene ring containing ester linkages
Authors: Zhang Bin , Turner S. Richard
Published: August 2011

trans‐1,4‐Cyclohexylene ring containing acid chloride monomers were incorporated into poly(arylene ether sulfone) (PAES) backbones to study their effect on mechanical and thermal properties. The trans‐1,4‐cyclohexylene ring containing acid chloride monomers were synthesized and characterized by NMR and high‐resolution mass spectrum. trans‐1,4‐Cyclohexylene containing PAESs were synthesized from the acid chloride monomers and hydroxyl terminated polysulfone oligomers with a pseudo‐interfacial method and a solution method. These PAESs, with trans‐1,4‐cyclohexylene ring containing ester linkages, were fully characterized by NMR, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), size exclusion chromatography, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The tensile properties were also evaluated. The polymers made with the pseudo‐interfacial method had relatively low molecular weights when compared to the solution method where much higher molecular weight polymers were obtained. Crystallinity was promoted in the low molecular weight biphenol‐based PAES samples with the pseudo‐interfacial method. The crystallinity was confirmed by both the DSC and the wide angle X‐ray diffraction results. The tensile test results of the high molecular weight polymers suggested that incorporation of the trans‐1,4‐cyclohexylene ring containing linkage slightly improved the ultimate elongations while maintaining the Young's moduli. The trans‐1,4‐cyclohexylene ring containing PAESs also showed higher sub‐Tg relaxations in DMA when compared with their terephthaloyl containing analog. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Differences in carotenoid accumulation among three feeder‐cricket species: implications for carotenoid delivery to captive insectivores
Authors: Ogilvy Victoria , Fidgett Andrea L. , Preziosi Richard F.
Published: August 2011

There are a limited number of feeder‐invertebrates available to feed captive insectivores, and many are deficient in certain nutrients. Gut‐loading is used to increase the diversity of nutrients present in the captive insectivore diet; however, little is known about delivery of carotenoids via gut‐loading. Carotenoids may influence health and reproduction due to their roles in immune and antioxidant systems. We assessed interspecific variation in carotenoid accumulation and retention in three feeder‐cricket species (Gryllus bimaculatus, Gryllodes sigillatus and Acheta domesticus) fed one of three diets (wheat‐bran, fish‐food based formulated diet, and fresh fruit and vegetables). Out of the three species of feeder‐cricket in the fish‐food‐based dietary treatment group, G. bimaculatus had the greatest total carotenoid concentration. All cricket species fed the wheat‐bran diet had very low carotenoid concentrations. Species on the fish‐food‐based diet had intermediate carotenoid concentrations, and those on the fruit and vegetable diet had the highest concentrations. Carotenoid retention was poor across all species. Overall, this study shows that, by providing captive insectivores with G. bimaculatus crickets recently fed a carotenoid‐rich diet, the quantity of carotenoids in the diet can be increased. Zoo Biol 31:470–478, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of labor on differential gene expression in parturient women, placentas, and fetuses at term pregnancy
Authors: Peng Hsiu‐Huei , Kao Chuan‐Chi , Chang Shuenn‐Dyh , Chao An‐Shine , Chang Yao‐Lung , Wang Chao‐Nin , Cheng Po‐Jen , Lee Yun‐Shien , Wang Tzu‐Hao , Wang Hsin‐Shih
Published: August 2011

Labor and its associated pain are thought to have unique impacts on parturient women. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of labor and associated pain on differential gene expression profiles in the maternal, fetal, and placental compartments. We used microarrays to analyze maternal blood (MB), fetal cord blood (CB), and placental tissue samples in pregnant women after term vaginal deliveries (laboring group) and in term pregnant women after scheduled Ceasarean sections (nonlaboring group). The upregulated genes in the MB of the laboring group are involved in cytokine and nuclear factor‐kappa B signaling pathways, regulation of the networks of toll‐like receptor 4, and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3. Upregulated genes in the CB of the laboring group are involved in responding to stress and stimuli by regulating the network genes of the T‐cell receptor beta locus and the FK506 binding protein 8. Differentially expressed genes in the placenta of the laboring group are involved in nitric oxide transport, gas transport, response to hydrostatic pressure, oxygen transport, acute phase responses, and the tumor necrosis factor‐mediated signaling pathway, which are important during the transient hypoxemia and hypoperfusion that occur in the placenta during uterine contractions. Interestingly, few of the genes exhibited simultaneous changes in all three compartments, indicating that different pathways and complex interactions may be involved in human labor. In conclusion, human labor and its associated pain elicit unique gene regulatory changes in MB, placenta, and CB.
Targeted Preventive Care May Be Needed for Adults with Congenital Spine Anomalies
Authors: Wilson Richard , Lewis Steven A. , Dicianno Brad E.
Published: August 2011

Objective

To compare hospitalizations caused by spina bifida–sensitive conditions, ambulatory care–sensitive conditions in adults with spina bifida and in the general population, our aim was to provide information about whether preventive health efforts already underway in the hospitalized general population are adequate for preventive care in spina bifida and congenital spine anomalies.

Design

Retrospective secondary data analysis.

Patients (or Participants)

Records of hospitalized individuals who were 18 years of age and older.

Methods

Comparison between individuals hospitalized with spina bifida and the general population using data from the California State Inpatient Database from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project for 2004 of adults.

Main Outcome Measurements

Prevalence of spina bifida–sensitive conditions and ambulatory care–sensitive conditions as reason for hospitalization and 30‐day readmission.

Results

As compared with the general population, persons with spina bifida who were hospitalized in 2004 had a significantly greater number of hospitalizations, number of hospitalizations associated with both spina bifida–sensitive conditions and ambulatory care–sensitive conditions, and number of 30‐day readmissions. Stratification by age shows that the admissions for spina bifida sensitive conditions were greater in persons with spina bifida than in the general population for all age groups. In contrast, only in the youngest age group did those with spina bifida experience greater hospitalizations for ambulatory care‐sensitive conditions.

Conclusions

This study provides further evidence that persons with spina bifida have hospitalizations that are beyond what the general population experiences. These conditions may be potentially preventable with appropriate ambulatory care. This group also had a greater risk for readmission within 30 days of discharge from their last hospitalization. More research is needed on the efficacy of programs aimed at prevention of these conditions.
Elite Influence on Public Opinion in an Informed Electorate
Authors: BULLOCK JOHN G.
Published: August 2011

An enduring concern about democracies is that citizens conform too readily to the policy views of elites in their own parties, even to the point of ignoring other information about the policies in question. This article presents two experiments that undermine this concern, at least under one important condition. People rarely possess even a modicum of information about policies; but when they do, their attitudes seem to be affected at least as much by that information as by cues from party elites. The experiments also measure the extent to which people think about policy. Contrary to many accounts, they suggest that party cues do not inhibit such thinking. This is not cause for unbridled optimism about citizens' ability to make good decisions, but it is reason to be more sanguine about their ability to use information about policy when they have it.
Clarifying the Concept of Representation
Authors: MANSBRIDGE JANE
Published: August 2011

This response to Andrew Rehfeld's “Representation Rethought” (American Political Science Review2009) takes up his criticisms of my “Rethinking Representation” (American Political Science Review2003) to advance a more relational and systematic approach to representation. To this end, it suggests replacing the “trustee” concept of representation with a “selection model” based on the selection and replacement of “gyroscopic” representatives who are both relatively self-reliant in judgment and relatively nonresponsive to sanctions. It explores as well the interaction between representatives’ (and constituents’) perceptions of reality and their normative views of what the representative ought to represent. Building from the concept of surrogate representation and other features of legislative representation, it argues for investigating, both normatively and empirically, not only the characteristics of individual representatives emphasized by Rehfeld's analysis but also the representative–constituent relationship and the larger representative system, including both elected and nonelected representatives, inside and outside the legislature.
Fruit and vegetable intake and cognitive decline in middle-aged men and women: the Doetinchem Cohort Study
Authors: Nooyens Astrid C. J. , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. Bas , van Boxtel Martin P. J. , van Gelder Boukje M. , Verhagen Hans , Verschuren W. M. Monique
Published: August 2011

To postpone cognitive decline and dementia in old age, primary prevention is required earlier in life during middle age. Dietary components may be modifiable determinants of mental performance. In the present study, habitual fruit and vegetable intake was studied in association with cognitive function and cognitive decline during middle age. In the Doetinchem Cohort Study, 2613 men and women aged 43–70 years at baseline (1995–2002) were examined for cognitive function twice, with a 5-year time interval. Global cognitive function and the domains memory, information processing speed and cognitive flexibility were assessed. Dietary intake was assessed with a semi-quantitative FFQ. In multivariate linear regression analyses, habitual fruit and vegetable intake was studied in association with baseline and change in cognitive function. Higher reported vegetable intake was associated with lower information processing speed (P = 0·02) and worse cognitive flexibility (P = 0·03) at baseline, but with smaller decline in information processing speed (P < 0·01) and global cognitive function (P = 0·02) at follow-up. Total intakes of fruits, legumes and juices were not associated with baseline or change in cognitive function. High intakes of some subgroups of fruits and vegetables (i.e. nuts, cabbage and root vegetables) were associated with better cognitive function at baseline and/or smaller decline in cognitive domains. In conclusion, total intake of fruits and vegetables was not or inconsistently associated with cognitive function and cognitive decline. A high habitual consumption of some specific fruits and vegetables may diminish age-related cognitive decline in middle-aged individuals. Further research is needed to verify these findings before recommendations can be made.
Effects of a Chinese medical herbs complex on cellular immunity and toxicity-related conditions of breast cancer patients
Authors: Zhuang S. R. , Chiu H. F. , Chen S. L. , Tsai J. H. , Lee M. Y. , Lee H. S. , Shen Y. C. , Yan Y. Y. , Shane G. T. , Wang C.-K.
Published: August 2011

Rose geranium (Pelargonium graveolens, Geraniaceae) has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, and promotes wound healing. Similarly,Ganoderma tsugae(Ganodermataceae),Codonopsis pilosula(Campanulaceae) andAngelica sinensis(Apiaceae) are traditional Chinese herbs associated with immunomodulatory functions. In the present study, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to examine whether the Chinese medicinal herb complex, RG-CMH, which represents a mixture of rose geranium and extracts ofG. tsugae, C. pilosula and A. sinensis, can improve the immune cell count of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy to prevent leucopenia and immune impairment that usually occurs during cancer therapy. A total of fifty-eight breast cancer patients who received chemotherapy or radiotherapy were enrolled. Immune cell levels in patient serum were determined before, and following, 6 weeks of cancer treatment for patients receiving either an RG-CMH or a placebo. Administration of RG-CMH was associated with a significant reduction in levels of leucocytes from 31·5 % for the placebo group to 13·4 % for the RG-CMH group. Similarly, levels of neutrophils significantly decreased from 35·6 % for the placebo group to 11·0 % for the RG-CMH group. RG-CMH intervention was also associated with a decrease in levels of T cells, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells compared with the placebo group. However, these differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. In conclusion, administration of RG-CMH to patients receiving chemotherapy/radiotherapy may have the capacity to delay, or ease, the reduction in levels of leucocytes and neutrophils that are experienced by patients during cancer treatment.
Observations and Experiments on some Larval Trematodes of Freshwater Snails and Fish from Southern Iceland
Authors: Blair David
Published: August 2011

During the Glasgow University Iceland Expedition in 1972 freshwater snails and fish in southern Iceland were sampled for larval trematodes. This survey was prompted by the lack of literature concerning larval trematodes there. Indeed, the apparent absence of liver fluke Fasciola hepatica (L.1758) from Iceland, (Palsson, pers. comm.) despite the presence of its molluscan and definitive hosts and the low summer temperatures, might lead to the supposition that climatic conditions are too harsh to permit completion of many trematode life-cycles. A number of adult trematodes have been reported from migratory birds in Iceland (Brinkmann 1956), although these parasites could have been acquired elsewhere. However, Crepidostomum farionis (Müller, 1784) from the gut of trout and char in Iceland (Brinkmann 1956) presumably completes its life cycle in freshwater there, although this has yet to be demonstrated.
The nature, frequency and course of psychiatric disorders in the first year after traumatic brain injury: a prospective study
Authors: Gould K. R. , Ponsford J. L. , Johnston L. , Schönberger M.
Published: August 2011

Background

Psychiatric disorders are common following traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, few studies have examined the course of disorder development and the influence of pre-injury psychiatric history. The present study aimed to examine the frequency of, and association between, psychiatric disorders occurring pre- and post-injury, and to examine the post-injury course of disorders.

Method

Participants were 102 adults (75.5% male) with predominantly moderate-severe TBI. Participants were initially assessed for pre-injury and current disorders, and reassessed at 3, 6 and 12 months post-injury using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Disorders (SCID).

Results

Over half of the participants had a pre-injury psychiatric disorder; predominantly substance use, mood, and anxiety disorders. In the first year post-injury, 60.8% of participants had a psychiatric disorder, commonly anxiety and mood disorders. Post-injury disorders were associated with the presence of a pre-injury history (p<0.01), with 74.5% of participants with a pre-injury psychiatric history experiencing a post-injury disorder, which commonly presented at initial assessment or in the first 6 months. However, 45.8% of participants without a pre-injury history developed a novel post-injury disorder, which was less likely to emerge at the initial assessment and generally developed later in the year.

Conclusions

Despite evidence that most post-injury psychiatric disorders represent the continuation of pre-existing disorders, a significant number of participants developed novel psychiatric disorders. This study demonstrates that the timing of onset may differ according to pre-injury history. There seem to be different trajectories for anxiety and depressive disorders. This research has important implications for identifying the time individuals are most at risk of psychiatric disorders post-injury.
Integrating Bayesian analysis and mechanistic theories in grounded cognition
Authors: Barsalou Lawrence W.
Published: August 2011

Grounded cognition offers a natural approach for integrating Bayesian accounts of optimality with mechanistic accounts of cognition, the brain, the body, the physical environment, and the social environment. The constructs ofsimulatorandsituated conceptualizationillustrate how Bayesian priors and likelihoods arise naturally in grounded mechanisms to predict and control situated action.
Mechanistic curiosity will not kill the Bayesian cat
Authors: Borsboom Denny , Wagenmakers Eric-Jan , Romeijn Jan-Willem
Published: August 2011

Jones & Love (J&L) suggest that Bayesian approaches to the explanation of human behavior should be constrained by mechanistic theories. We argue that their proposal misconstrues the relation between process models, such as the Bayesian model, and mechanisms. While mechanistic theories can answer specific issues that arise from the study of processes, one cannot expect them to provide constraints in general.
More varieties of Bayesian theories, but no enlightenment
Authors: Bowers Jeffrey S. , Davis Colin J.
Published: August 2011

We argue that Bayesian models are best categorized as methodological or theoretical. That is, models are used as tools to constrain theories, with no commitment to the processes that mediate cognition, or models are intended to approximate the underlying algorithmic solutions. We argue that both approaches are flawed, and that the Enlightened Bayesian approach is unlikely to help.
Survival in a world of probable objects: A fundamental reason for Bayesian enlightenment
Authors: Edelman Shimon , Shahbazi Reza
Published: August 2011

The only viable formulation of perception, thinking, and action under uncertainty is statistical inference, and the normative way of statistical inference is Bayesian. No wonder, then, that even seemingly non-Bayesian computational frameworks in cognitive science ultimately draw their justification from Bayesian considerations, as enlightened theorists know fully well.
Relating Bayes to cognitive mechanisms
Authors: Herschbach Mitchell , Bechtel William
Published: August 2011

We support Enlightenment Bayesianism's commitment to grounding Bayesian analysis in empirical details of psychological and neural mechanisms. Recent philosophical accounts of mechanistic science illuminate some of the challenges this approach faces. In particular, mechanistic decomposition of mechanisms into their component parts and operations gives rise to a notion of levels distinct from and more challenging to accommodate than Marr's.
Cognitive systems optimize energy rather than information
Authors: Markman Arthur B. , Otto A. Ross
Published: August 2011

Cognitive models focus on information and the computational manipulation of information. Rational models optimize the function that relates the input of a process to the output. In contrast, efficient algorithms minimize the computational cost of processing in terms of time. Minimizing time is a better criterion for normative models, because it reflects the energy costs of a physical system.
Is everyone Bayes? On the testable implications of Bayesian Fundamentalism
Authors: Speekenbrink Maarten , Shanks David R.
Published: August 2011

A central claim of Jones & Love's (J&L's) article is that Bayesian Fundamentalism is empirically unconstrained. Unless constraints are placed on prior beliefs, likelihood, and utility functions, all behaviour – it is proposed – is consistent with Bayesian rationality. Although such claims are commonplace, their basis is rarely justified. We fill this gap by sketching a proof, and we discuss possible solutions that would make Bayesian approaches empirically interesting.
Post hoc rationalism in science
Authors: Uhlmann Eric Luis
Published: August 2011

In advocating Bayesian Enlightenment as a solution to Bayesian Fundamentalism, Jones & Love (J&L) rule out a broader critique of rationalist approaches to cognition. However, Bayesian Fundamentalism is merely one example of the more general phenomenon of Rationalist Fundamentalism: the tendency to characterize human judgments as rational and optimal in a post hoc manner, after the empirical data are already known.
Mutations in ZIC3 and ACVR2B are a common cause of heterotaxy and associated cardiovascular anomalies
Authors: Ma Lijiang , Selamet Tierney Elif Seda , Lee Teresa , Lanzano Patricia , Chung Wendy K.
Published: August 2011

Background

Heterotaxy syndrome is caused by left–right asymmetry disturbances and is associated with abnormal lateralisation of the abdominal and thoracic organs. The heart is frequently involved and the severity of the abnormality usually determines the outcome.

Methods

We performed a direct sequence analysis of the coding sequence of genes includingZinc Finger Protein of the Cerebellum 3, Left–Right Determination Factor 2, Activin A Receptor Type IIB, and Crypticin 47 patients with laterality defects and congenital cardiac disease.

Results

Of the 47 patients, 31 (66%) had atrioventricular septal defects, 34 (72%) had abnormal systemic venous return, 25 (53%) had transposed or malposed great arteries, and 20 (43%) had pulmonary venous abnormalities. We identified two novel genetic changes inZinc Finger Protein of the Cerebellum 3, and these variants were not present in 100 ethnically matched control samples. One previously reported missense mutation inActivin A Receptor Type IIBwas identified in two unrelated subjects. The genetic changes identified in this study are all located in conserved regions and are predicted to affect protein function in left–right axis formation and cardiovascular development.

Conclusions

Mutations inZinc Finger Protein of the Cerebellum 3andActivin A Receptor Type IIBwere identified in 4 of the 47 patients with heterotaxy syndrome for a yield of approximately 8.5%. Our results expand the mutation spectrum of monogenic heterotaxy syndrome with associated cardiac anomalies and suggest that there are other causes of heterotaxy yet to be identified.
Influence of L2 proficiency on speech movement variability: Production of prosodic contrasts by Bengali–English speakers
Authors: CHAKRABORTY RAHUL
Published: August 2011

This paper examines the influence of age of immersion and proficiency in a second language on speech movement consistency in both a first and a second language. Ten monolingual speakers of English and 20 Bengali–English bilinguals (10 with low L2 proficiency and 10 with high L2 proficiency) participated. Lip movement variability was assessed based on bilingual participants’ production of four real and four novel words embedded in Bengali (L1) and English (L2) sentences. Lip movement variability was evaluated across L1 and L2 contexts for the production of real and novel words with trochaic and iambic stress pattern. Adult bilinguals produced equally consistent speech movement patterns in their production of L1 and L2 targets. Overall, speakers’ L2 proficiency did not influence their movement variability. Unlike children, the speech motor systems of adult L2 speakers exhibit a lack of flexibility which could contribute to their increased difficulties in acquiring native-like pronunciation in L2.
Measurements of high‐frequency light fluctuations induced by sea surface waves with an Underwater Porcupine Radiometer System
Authors: Darecki Miroslaw , Stramski Dariusz , Sokólski Maciej
Published: August 2011

Under clear skies the underwater light field within the near‐surface ocean shows large fluctuations caused by focusing of sunlight by surface waves. The downwelling light at near‐surface depths can fluctuate greatly on times scales as short as milliseconds and distances less than 1 cm. Specially designed radiometers and measurement strategies are required to adequately characterize these fluctuations. We developed an Underwater Porcupine Radiometer System which has a capability to measure light fluctuations with a sampling frequency of 1 kHz. This instrument is equipped with 23 radiometric sensors for measuring time series of the downward plane irradiance, Ed(t), at several light wavelengths λ and the downwelling radiance L(t) at λ = 532 nm for different zenith angles within two orthogonal azimuthal planes. We describe the critical components of the Porcupine instrument and measurement protocols, and present example results from measurements made at near‐surface depths in the ocean. We show that the irradiance collector of a few millimeters in diameter or smaller is required to provide adequate measurement of light flashes produced by wave focusing. The measurements with larger irradiance collectors can result in deceptive reduction of the measured intensity of fluctuations. The brightest flashes of irradiance or radiance can exceed the time‐averaged irradiance or radiance by an order of magnitude and the duration of flashes is typically on the order of milliseconds to tens of milliseconds. The intensity of light fluctuations decreases rapidly with depth and is higher at longer light wavelengths compared with shorter wavelengths within the visible spectral range.
The genome of the obligate endobacterium of an AM fungus reveals an interphylum network of nutritional interactions
Authors: Ghignone Stefano , Salvioli Alessandra , Anca Iulia , Lumini Erica , Ortu Giuseppe , Petiti Luca , Cruveiller Stéphane , Bianciotto Valeria , Piffanelli Pietro , Lanfranco Luisa , Bonfante Paola
Published: August 2011

As obligate symbionts of most land plants, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have a crucial role in ecosystems, but to date, in the absence of genomic data, their adaptive biology remains elusive. In addition, endobacteria are found in their cytoplasm, the role of which is unknown. In order to investigate the function of the Gram-negative Candidatus Glomeribacter gigasporarum, an endobacterium of the AMF Gigaspora margarita, we sequenced its genome, leading to an ∼1.72-Mb assembly. Phylogenetic analyses placed Ca. G. gigasporarum in the Burkholderiaceae whereas metabolic network analyses clustered it with insect endobacteria. This positioning of Ca. G. gigasporarum among different bacterial classes reveals that it has undergone convergent evolution to adapt itself to intracellular lifestyle. The genome annotation of this mycorrhizal-fungal endobacterium has revealed an unexpected genetic mosaic where typical determinants of symbiotic, pathogenic and free-living bacteria are integrated in a reduced genome. Ca. G. gigasporarum is an aerobic microbe that depends on its host for carbon, phosphorus and nitrogen supply; it also expresses type II and type III secretion systems and synthesizes vitamin B12, antibiotics- and toxin-resistance molecules, which may contribute to the fungal host's ecological fitness. Ca. G. gigasporarum has an extreme dependence on its host for nutrients and energy, whereas the fungal host is itself an obligate biotroph that relies on a photosynthetic plant. Our work represents the first step towards unraveling a complex network of interphylum interactions, which is expected to have a previously unrecognized ecological impact.
Reliability and Intermethod Agreement for Body Fat Assessment Among Two Field and Two Laboratory Methods in Adolescents
Authors: Vicente‐Rodríguez Germán , Rey‐López Juan P. , Mesana Maria I. , Poortvliet Eric , Ortega Francisco B. , Polito Angela , Nagy Eniko , Widhalm Kurt , Sjöström Michael , Moreno Luis A. ,   On Behalf of the HELENA Study Group
Published: August 2011

To increase knowledge about reliability and intermethods agreement for body fat (BF) is of interest for assessment, interpretation, and comparison purposes. It was aimed to examine intra‐ and inter‐rater reliability, interday variability, and degree of agreement for BF using air‐displacement plethysmography (Bod‐Pod), dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), and skinfold measurements in European adolescents. Fifty‐four adolescents (25 females) from Zaragoza and 30 (14 females) from Stockholm, aged 13–17 years participated in this study. Two trained raters in each center assessed BF with Bod‐Pod, DXA, BIA, and anthropometry (DXA only in Zaragoza). Intermethod agreement and reliability were studied using a 4‐way ANOVA for the same rater on the first day and two additional measurements on a second day, one each rater. Technical error of measurement (TEM) and percentage coefficient of reliability (%R) were also reported. No significant intrarater, inter‐rater, or interday effect was observed for %BF for any method in either of the cities. In Zaragoza, %BF was significantly different when measured by Bod‐Pod and BIA in comparison with anthropometry and DXA (all P < 0.001). The same result was observed in Stockholm (P < 0.001), except that DXA was not measured. Bod‐Pod, DXA, BIA, and anthropometry are reliable for %BF repeated assessment within the same day by the same or different raters or in consecutive days by the same rater. Bod‐Pod showed close agreement with BIA as did DXA with anthropometry; however, Bod‐Pod and BIA presented higher values of %BF than anthropometry and DXA.