bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Architecture of Seed Dormancy in U.S. Weedy Rice in Different Genetic Backgrounds
Authors: Subudhi Prasanta K. , Parco Arnold , Singh Pradeep K. , DeLeon Teresa , Karan Ratna , Biradar Hanamareddy , Cohn Marc A. , Brar Darshan S. , Sasaki Takuji
Published: November 2012

Seed dormancy (SD) is a key domestication trait closely related to preharvest sprouting tolerance. Wild and weedy rices (Oryza spp.) exhibit higher degrees of seed dormancy compared to the cultivated rice. Red rice (Oryza sativa L.), a major weed in the rice growing areas of the southern United States, was used to elucidate the genetic architecture of SD. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis conducted in two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations developed from the crosses involving two rice cultivars (Bengal and Cypress) and a red rice accession (PSRR‐1) revealed six to seven QTL for seed dormancy, which accounted for 49 to 52% of the total phenotypic variance. The magnitude of the QTL contribution to phenotypic variance was influenced by genetic backgrounds. The majority of QTL had minor effects, except the QTL linked to Rc and Sdr4. The genetic architecture for seed dormancy in U.S. red rice was distinct compared with the earlier reported weedy accessions. Four QTL were mapped onto similar positions in both populations. Both cultivars and red rice contributed alleles for increased SD. Most of the digenic epistatic interactions involved loci other than the QTL with main effects. The nucleotide polymorphisms at the Sdr4 locus could not explain the phenotypic variation for seed dormancy in our materials. The variation in SD among the rice cultivars could be attributed to segregation of minor QTL, which may be exploited to improve preharvest sprouting tolerance.
Physical Mapping of Puroindoline b‐2 Genes in Wheat using ‘Chinese Spring’ Chromosome Group 7 Deletion Lines
Authors: Geng Hongwei , Beecher Brian S. , He Zhonghu , Morris Craig F.
Published: November 2012

The puroindoline genes (Puroindoline a‐D1 and Puroindoline b‐D1), located very near to the distal end of the short arm of chromosome 5D (distal to fraction arm length of 0.78) have a significant effect on grain hardness. Puroindoline b‐2 (Pinb‐2) is another puroindoline gene family that exists as a homoeologous series on group 7 chromosomes. However, a more detailed localization (physical mapping) of the Pinb‐2 genes has not been conducted. In the present study, 24 group 7 long‐arm chromosome deletion stocks of ‘Chinese Spring’ were used to physically map three Pinb‐2 variant genes: Pinb‐2v1, Pinb‐2v2, and Pinb‐2v4. All three genes were found to be physically located on the most distal 0.11 to 0.16 fraction arm length of chromosomes 7AL, 7BL, and 7DL in Chinese Spring. These results contribute insight into wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genome synteny, structure, and organization and provide a useful metric for germplasm and population relationships. Future studies may further resolve the physical mapping of Pinb‐2 genes at the ends of group 7 chromosomes and contribute to a better understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of kernel hardness.
Identification of Mycosphaerella Blight Resistance in Wild Pisum Species for Use in Pea Breeding
Authors: Jha Ambuj Bhushan , Warkentin Thomas D. , Gurusamy Valarmathi , Tar'an Bunyamin , Banniza Sabine
Published: November 2012

Mycosphaerella blight caused by Mycosphaerella pinodes (Berk. and Blox.) Vestergren is the most important disease of pea (Pisum sativum L.) in the world. It reduces seed yield and quality and limits the areas where field pea can effectively be grown. Extensive studies have failed to identify high levels of resistance. However, some accessions of Pisum fulvum Sm., a wild relative of field pea, may be a source of new resistance genes. The objective of this study was to identify mycosphaerella blight‐resistant wild pea accessions for use in introgression breeding in Canada. Twenty‐six P. fulvum accessions and 18 accessions of wild subspecies of P. sativum {subsp. elatius (Steven ex M. Bieb.) Asch. & Graebn., subsp. transcaucasicum Govorov, subsp. asiaticum Govorov, subsp. sativum var. arvense (L.) Poir., and Pisum abyssinicum A. Braun [syn. P. sativum subsp. abyssinicum (A. Braun) Govorov]} were evaluated along with the check cultivars CDC Striker (moderate resistance) and Alfetta (poor resistance). Among the 44 wild accessions tested under greenhouse condition, 12 accessions had significantly lower disease scores than CDC Striker (P < 0.0001). The 18 most promising accessions along with checks including ‘Radley’ (moderate resistance), CDC Striker, and Alfetta were evaluated for disease resistance under field conditions. None of these accessions had significantly lower disease scores than Radley and CDC Striker. Pisum fulvum accessions PI595937, P651, W615017, and PI560061 and P. sativum subsp. elatius accession PI344538 were considered the most promising for resistance breeding.
Relevance of Specific versus General Combining Ability in Winter Wheat
Authors: Gowda Manje , Longin C. Friedrich H. , Lein Volker , Reif Jochen C.
Published: November 2012

Knowledge of quantitative genetic parameters is crucial in allocating resources for different steps of multistage selection programs. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the magnitude of variance of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects and their interaction with environments in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). We used four data sets (Exp. 1, 2, 3, and 4) generated in commercial hybrid winter wheat breeding programs with a total of 940 hybrids evaluated in multienvironment trials in 2010 and 2011 in France. In at least three out of four experiments, general combining ability variance for females (σ2GCA‐F), specific combining ability variance (σ2SCA), general combining ability of females × environment interaction variance (σ2GCA‐F×E), and general combining ability of males × times environment interaction variance (σ2GCA‐M×E) were significantly larger than zero but general combining ability variance for males (σ2GCA‐M) was significant only in Exp. 4. For Exp. 3, we found no significant difference between the best performing hybrid and the best performing commercial variety. In contrast, 1.8% of hybrids in Exp. 2 and more than 21% of the hybrids in Exp. 1 and 4 significantly (P < 0.05) outperformed the best commercial variety included in the respective experiment. This superiority was even apparent when projecting our findings on line varieties of the same cycle of selection. In Exp. 2, 3, and 4, general combining ability variance (σ2GCA) was more pronounced compared to σ2SCA. Moreover, correlation between GCA predicted and observed hybrid performance was medium to high (rExp.1 = 0.50, P < 0.01; rExp.2 = 0.90, P < 0.01; rExp.3 = 0.59, P < 0.01; and rExp.4 = 0.92, P < 0.01). Consequently, selection based on GCA effects is promising in hybrid wheat breeding program.
Breeding for Earliness in Pigeonpea: Development of New Determinate and Nondeterminate Lines
Authors: Vales M. I. , Srivastava R. K. , Sultana R. , Singh S. , Singh I. , Singh G. , Patil S. B. , Saxena K. B.
Published: November 2012

Considering the increasing demand for pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.], especially in India, breeders have realized the need to develop high‐yielding, super‐early maturing (<90 d) lines that could be planted in a wider range of latitudes and/or altitudes to enhance the crop adaptation and to diversify the legume‐based cropping systems. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) initiated a breeding program in 2006 to develop “super‐early” (flowering in <50 d) determinate (DT) and nondeterminate (NDT) pigeonpea lines. Eleven parental lines with days to 50% flowering ranging from 49 d (MN 5) to 103 d (ICP 6974) were crossed using a full diallel mating design. A pedigree‐based approach was followed to select for early flowering. The selection gain was larger initially (reduction of 7 d) but there was less reduction (2 d) from F3 to F4. Determinate and NDT lines that flowered in 45 to 56 d at ICRISAT‐Patancheru reached advanced (F5 and F6) generations. The newly developed lines flowered and matured at a higher latitudes (tested at 30° N vs. 17° N) and altitudes (tested at 1250, 545, and 247 m asl). These lines could be used in new cropping systems (i.e., pigeonpea–wheat [Triticum aestivum L.]) that would allow expanding pigeonpea production to nontraditional planting areas (i.e., wider latitudes and higher altitudes) and could even offer wider planting time flexibility to farmers.
Variability and Stability for Kernel Iron and Zinc Contents in the ICRISAT Mini Core Collection of Peanut
Authors: Upadhyaya Hari D. , Dronavalli Naresh , Singh Sube , Dwivedi S. L.
Published: November 2012

Iron and zinc are essential minerals in human and animal nutrition. Low genetic variability has been a major bottleneck in genetic enhancement of the nutritional status of food crops and/or cultivars. Recently, peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is gaining importance as a food in the world. We assessed the nutritional quality of 184 peanut mini core accessions along with four control cultivars to identify stable genotypes with high kernel Fe and Zn contents and with good agronomic performance for use in crop improvement. Significant genotypic and genotype × environment interactions were observed for both nutritional traits and all agronomic traits in the entire mini core collection and within each of subsp. fastigiata Waldron and subsp. hypogaea. Forty‐eight accessions with higher Fe content, 43 accessions with high Zn content, and 23 accessions high in both minerals coupled with superior agronomic traits were identified. Among them, ICG 4750, ICG 7963, ICG 14705, and ICG 15419 were highly diverse and stable for either or both nutrients, produced pod yield similar to or greater than the control cultivars, and have high shelling percentage, except ICG 15419, and high 100‐seed weight, except ICG 4750. High positive correlation between Fe and Zn contents in peanut kernels will be desirable and useful for breeders as selection for either of the nutrients would be effective for both the nutrients.
Identification of Pm8 Suppressor at the Pm3 Locus in Soft Red Winter Wheat
Authors: Hao Yuanfeng , Chen Zhenbang , Wang Yingying , Bland Dan , Parks Ryan , Cowger Christina , Johnson Jerry
Published: November 2012

The 1BL.1RS wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–rye (Secale cereale L.) translocation possesses genes Pm8, Yr9, Lr26, and Sr31 for resistance to several major fungal pathogens of small grain cereals. However, not all wheat cultivars with the 1RS translocation are resistant to Pm8‐avirulent isolates of Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), the causal pathogen of wheat powdery mildew. A suppressor is postulated to limit the function of Pm8 in certain genetic backgrounds, such as ‘AGS 2000’. To illustrate the genetic basis of the suppressor in AGS 2000, a 178 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was used by crossing AGS 2000 with another 1BL.1RS cultivar Pioneer 26R61 (Pm8 effective). A single Bgt isolate, Ken‐2‐5, avirulent to Pm8 and virulent to Pm3a was chosen to inoculate the entire RIL population at the seedling stage. One major quantitative trait locus (QTL), QSuPm.uga‐1AS, was stably detected as having an inhibiting effect on Pm8 in AGS 2000, and the QTL was postulated to be Pm3a based on its location. Further evidence of the Pm8‐suppressing nature of Pm3a was obtained when eight lines from the 2010 Gulf Atlantic Wheat Nursery were inoculated with Ken‐2‐5. The eight lines all have Pm8 (1BL.1RS) but were susceptible, as they also have Pm3a. In addition, a functional locus, QPm.uga‐7AL, was identified in Pioneer 26R61, where it accounted for up to 41% of phenotypic variation in resistance to isolate Ken‐2‐5. QPm.uga‐7AL was flanked by simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers Xcfa2257 and Xwmc525 on 7AL, and its relationship with other known Pm loci on this chromosome arm remains uncertain.
Jump degrees of torsion-free abelian groups
Authors: Andersen Brooke M. , Kach Asher M. , Melnikov Alexander G. , Solomon Reed
Published: November 2012

We show, for each computable ordinal α and degree a > 0(α), the existence of a torsion-free abelian group with proper αth jump degree a.
Homogeneously Suslin sets in tame mice
Authors: Schlutzenberg Farmer
Published: November 2012

This paper studies homogeneously Suslin (hom) sets of reals in tame mice. The following results are established: In 0¶the hom sets are precisely thesets. InMnevery hom set is correctly, and (δ+ 1)-universally Baire whereδis the least Woodin. InMω, every hom set is <λ-hom, whereλis the supremum of the Woodins.
Interpreting true arithmetic in the local structure of the enumeration degrees
Authors: Ganchev Hristo , Soskova Mariya
Published: November 2012

We show that the theory of the local structure of the enumeration degrees is computably isomorphic to the theory of first order arithmetic. We introduce a novel coding method, using the notion of a -pair, to code a large class of countable relations.
Undecidability of representability as binary relations
Authors: Hirsch Robin , Jackson Marcel
Published: November 2012

In this article we establish the undecidability of representability and of finite representability as algebras of binary relations in a wide range of signatures. In particular, representability and finite representability are undecidable for Boolean monoids and lattice ordered monoids, while representability is undecidable for Jónsson's relation algebra. We also establish a number of undecidability results for representability as algebras of injective functions.
Forking in VC-minimal theories
Authors: Cotter Sarah , Starchenko Sergei
Published: November 2012

We consider VC-minimal theories admitting unpackable generating families, and show that in such theories, forking of formulae over a model M is equivalent to containment in global types definable over M, generalizing a result of Dolich on o-minimal theories in [4].
Reverse mathematics and a Ramsey-type König's Lemma
Authors: Flood Stephen
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we propose a weak regularity principle which is similar to both weak König's lemma and Ramsey's theorem. We begin by studying the computational strength of this principle in the context of reverse mathematics. We then analyze different ways of generalizing this principle.
Determination of glibenclamide, metformin hydrochloride and rosiglitazone maleate by reversed phase liquid chromatographic technique in tablet dosage form
Authors: Havele Shweta , Dhaneshwar Sunil
Published: November 2012

A simple, precise and accurate high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
method was developed for the simultaneous estimation of metformin
hydrochloride, rosiglitazone maleate, glibenclamide present in multicomponent
dosage forms. Chromatography was performed on a 25 cm ? 4.6 mm i.d., 5-?m
particle, C18 column with 78:22 (v/v) methanol: 20 mM potassium dihydrogen
phosphate buffer as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min and UV
detection at 238 nm for metformin hydrochloride, rosiglitazone maleate, and
glibenclamide. The total elution time was shorter than 9 min. This method was
found to be precise and reproducible. This proposed method was successfully
applied for the analysis of metformin hydrochloride, rosiglitazone maleate,
glibenclamide as a bulk drug and in pharmaceutical formulation without any
interference from the excipients.
Hydrodynamics of a self-agitated draft tube airlift reactor
Authors: Tekic Miodrag , Sijacki Ivana , Tokic Milenko , Kojic Predrag , Petrovic Dragan , Lukic Natasa , Popovic Svetlana
Published: November 2012

The main hydrodynamic characteristics of a novel-constructed, self-agitated
draft tube airlift reactor (DT-ALR) were investigated. Ten impellers, driven
only by the means of gas throughput and induced liquid circulation, were
inserted in the draft tube. The insertion of impellers caused bubble breakup
and reduction of both mean bubble size and coalescence, even under the
conditions of high gas throughputs. Although the impellers induced energy
losses, the resistance to the flow was relatively lower due to their
rotation, unlike the internals used in other research reported in the
literature. In comparison to the conventional configuration of a DT-ALR, it
was found that the presence of impellers led to significant changes in
hydrodynamics: riser gas holdup and mixing time increased, while overall gas
holdup and liquid velocity in the downcomer decreased.
Synthesis and electrochemical characterization of substituted indolizine carboxylates
Authors: Soare Maria-Laura , Ungureanu Eleonora-Mihaela , Georgescu Emilian , Birzan Liviu
Published: November 2012

This work is devoted to the synthesis and characterization of new indolizine
derivatives. Particular attention was paid to the electrochemical
investigations by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. The
redox processes for each compound were established, analyzed and assessed to
the particular functional groups at which they take place. This assessment
was based on detailed comparison between the electrochemical behaviour of the
compounds, similarities in their structure, as well as substituent effects.
Impact of urban gardening in equatorial zone on soils and metal transfer to vegetables
Authors: Ondo Aubin , Prudent Pascale , Massiani Catherine , Biyogo Menye , Domeizel Mariane , Rabier Jacques , Eba François
Published: November 2012

This study aimed at assessing the impact of urban agriculture on
physicochemical soil properties and the metal uptake by some leafy vegetables
cultivated in urban soils of Libreville, Gabon. Cultivated and uncultivated
top-soil and vegetable samples were collected on two urban garden sites, and
analyzed. The results showed that there was strong acidification and a
decrease of nutrient and metal concentrations in soils due of agricultural
practices. The metal transfer to plants was important, with the exception of
iron. The non-essential metal cadmium and lead were not detectable in plant
tissues. Amaranth accumulated more metals than other vegetables. Amaranth and
Roselle were vegetables that preferentially concentrated metals in their
leaves and can therefore be used for metal supplementation in food chain.
Globalization and the Teaching of Psychology: A Call to Action
Authors: Buskist William , Zuckerman Carrie , Busler Jessica
Published: November 2012

How can psychology teachers help their students understand and adapt to the likely impact of globalization on their lives? In this article, the authors outline a rationale as to why this question is relevant for the teaching of psychology and issue a call to action. They call on all teachers of psychology to infuse globalization issues and cultural awareness, where applicable, into their courses. They offer several suggestions for key issues teachers should consider in answering this call. They highlight the importance of teachers adopting an empirical approach to their teaching and collecting data regarding the effectiveness of their pedagogy on student learning outcomes, cultural awareness skills, and attitudes about cultural diversity.
On the Importance of Discovering Water: Educating Psychologists for the Global Village
Authors: Mitterer John O.
Published: November 2012

The current education of undergraduate psychology students leaves them relatively unable to address problems posed by a rapidly emerging worldwide society. In particular, teachers of psychology too often educate their students as naïve empiricists who lack the intellectual tools to identify and question the often-unarticulated cultural assumptions that maintain cultural status quos. An alternative approach to educating these students is to stress a more ironic postmodern epistemology/ontology in order to teach them to better critique their own cultures and help find solutions to global problems.
The Role of Culture Bump in Developing Intercultural Communication Competency and Internationalizing Psychology Education
Authors: Archer Carol M. , Nickson Stacey C.
Published: November 2012

This article describes the Culture Bump Approach to intercultural training across three separate projects and its impact on the behavior and attitudes of participants in these projects. The authors analyzed participants' self-assessments using Bennett's Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity and found a higher level of positive response than this model would predict, and they discuss this result in terms of culture bump theory. In particular, they highlight the Culture Bump Approach's inclusion of human commonalities and its micro-cultural approach rather than a macro-cultural approach. Finally, they explore how the Culture Bump Approach is salient in promoting integration and connectivity in higher education and its importance in teaching psychology at the college and university level.
International Psychology Program Development: The Changing Face of Psychology
Authors: Pasha-Zaidi Nausheen , Lutz Barbara
Published: November 2012

Globalization has promoted a renaissance in the teaching and learning of psychology wherein western paradigms that have dominated the field are now being viewed critically by scholars, especially in non-western and culturally diverse contexts. As the notion of a ‘community’ expands beyond local and national boundaries, the need for academic programs in international psychology is growing. However, international psychology program development comes with unique challenges that must be addressed to ensure that future psychologists are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to address diverse topics and populations. The authors look at existing programs in international psychology, explore the wraparound approach as a model for positively integrating western and non-western methodologies, and discuss recommendations for the implementation of international psychology in higher education.
Embedding Intercultural Competence Development in the Psychology Curriculum
Authors: Mak Anita S.
Published: November 2012

Psychology educators recognize the importance of preparing graduates who are interculturally competent. This article outlines and reflects on teaching practices intended to embed intercultural awareness and skills in a health psychology curriculum. It includes descriptions of activities consisting of tutorials involving a schematic approach to mapping intercultural interactions for stress reduction and health communication and a reflective learning journal on culture and health.
Learning from Peers around the Globe without Leaving Campus
Authors: Eppler Marion A. , Cavanaugh S. Austin
Published: November 2012

This article describes an undergraduate course that gives students first-hand experience with a variety of cultures using video conferencing and online instant messaging. Learning about psychology and culture is brought to life as American college students develop personal relationships with peers residing in Europe, Latin America, Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, northern Africa, and the Middle East. Students explored cultural differences in education, human development, religious beliefs, attitudes, and stereotypes via readings and synchronous interaction with international peers.
The Crossing Borders Program: Increasing Intercultural Competency via Structured Social Interactions
Authors: Wickline Virginia B.
Published: November 2012

Increasing diversity in American college classrooms and recent trends toward globalization require professors to teach more creatively in order to encourage students' face-to-face intercultural interactions and resulting competencies. At a commuter campus with a heterogeneous student population, a series of large-group activities and small-group dialogues between American and international students resulted in satisfaction and growth for a majority of American participants. Areas of self-reported growth primarily involved intercultural competencies, including knowledge of, attitudes toward, and skills when interacting with others from different cultures.
Globalization Influences on Teaching Psychology in Saudi Arabia
Authors: El-Naggar Abdelwahab M.
Published: November 2012

In the past two decades, the teaching of psychology in King Saudi University (KSU) has been strongly influenced by globalization. The combination of Saudi faculty earning advanced degrees in western countries, establishing a teaching and learning center that has brought western consultants to advise faculty and administrators on issues surrounding teaching and learning, and seeking institutional and program accreditation has strongly influenced how KSU professors teach psychology. Western influence has been particularly strong on the curricular issues, methods used to teach psychology, and approaches to assess student learning.
Expressions of the Self in Individualistic vs. Collective Cultures: A Cross-Cultural-Perspective Teaching Module
Authors: Carducci Bernardo J.
Published: November 2012

To help instructors develop lecture material to introduce the cross-cultural perspective in psychology, the author describes a self-contained teaching module that includes a summary of information, along with supporting references, describing the importance of the cross-cultural perspective while introducing students to two fundamental concepts in the study of the cross-cultural perspective: individualistic and collectivistic cultures. A series of selected topics relating to the expressions of the self (e.g., feelings of happiness and shame/guilt and explanations of personal success and failure) is presented to illustrate these cultural differences. To supplement lecture material and facilitate in-class discussion of these cultural differences, each selected topic includes a brief summary of the major findings, illustrative examples, and supporting references. The nature of the information in this teaching module is appropriate for use by instructors teaching a variety of courses seeking a concise introduction to the topic of the cross-cultural perspective in psychology.
Adolescents' Identity Development during Political and Social Transitions: A Unit for Undergraduate Psychology Classes
Authors: Amadeo Jo-Ann , Hennessy Natasa , Torney-Purta Judith
Published: November 2012

Since the end of the cold war, unprecedented developments propelled by the opening of former communist countries and the rapid intensification of communication associated with the Internet have occurred. This new socioeconomic and sociopolitical context creates a need to prepare younger generations for life in an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world. Unfortunately, it is still possible for students to graduate from college with minimal exposure to global issues. This dilemma prompted the authors to develop a unit for an undergraduate developmental psychology course at the University of Maryland (USA) to explore major political, social, and economic transitions before and after the fall of communism and how these social conditions influence adolescent development. They structured the unit within the theoretical frameworks of the ecology of human development, the developmental niche, and psychosocial theory. Comments during the class sessions and the end-of-unit assessment from the pilot class indicated that this unit helped to elaborate students' worldviews about unfamiliar environments and increased their awareness of the influence of context on human development.
Audit Quality: Insights from the Academic Literature
Authors: Knechel W. Robert , Krishnan Gopal V. , Pevzner Mikhail , Shefchik Lori B. , Velury Uma K.
Published: November 2012

This study presents a review of academic research on audit quality. We begin with a review of existing definitions of audit quality and describe general frameworks for establishing audit quality. Next, we summarize research on indicators of audit quality such as inputs, process, and outcomes. Finally, we offer some suggestions for future research. The study should be useful to academics interested in audit quality as well as to the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) and other regulators.
Regulation of angiogenesis by hypoxia: the role of microRNA
Authors: Madanecki Piotr , Kapoor Niren , Bebok Zsuzsa , Ochocka Renata , Collawn James , Bartoszewski Rafal
Published: November 2012

Understanding the cellular pathways that regulate angiogenesis during hypoxia is a necessary aspect in the development of novel treatments for cardiovascular disorders. Although the pathways of angiogenesis have been extensively studied, there is limited information on the role of miRNAs in this process. miRNAs or their antagomirs could be used in future therapeutic approaches to regulate hypoxia-induced angiogenesis, so it is critical to understand their role in governing angiogenesis during hypoxic conditions. Although hypoxia and ischemia change the expression profile of many miRNAs, a functional role for a limited number of so-called hypoxamiRs has been demonstrated in angiogenesis. Here, we discuss the best examples that illustrate the role of hypoxamiRs in angiogenesis.
Factors Influencing Consumer Behaviour towards Store Brand: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Fan Xiaojun , Qian Yi , Huang Pei
Published: November 2012

In order to improve the effectiveness of store brand management, this study presents a meta-analysis that aggregates empirical findings from the literature on consumer behaviour towards store brands. First, the study provides a quantitative summary of bivariate findings regarding the way consumer-related factors influence store brand success. Second, the authors analyse the moderating effect of market context, product category and data type on store brand success. The resulting analysis suggest that price consciousness, quality consciousness, familiarity with store brands and perceived quality of store brands are the four most important factors that significantly influence consumer behaviour towards store brands. Market context and product category also exert significant moderating effects on the influence of some factors on consumer behaviour towards store brands. On the basis of these findings, this study concludes with a discussion of practical implications and possible directions for future research.
Children's Attitudinal Reactions to TV Advertisements: The African Experience
Authors: Gbadamosi Ayantunji , Hinson Robert E. , Tukamushaba Eddy K. , Ingunjiri Irene
Published: November 2012

This paper is aimed at exploring African children's attitudinal reactions to television advertisements. A total of 65 children from four African countries - Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda - participated in 12 focus group discussions on the subject matter. Findings suggest that they like television advertising in relation to its entertainment features - especially when the messages feature children characters, cartoons, music, celebrities and humour - and those promoting foods. They also derive excitement from advertising messages that are presented in Pidgin language and/or humorously integrated with local languages. However, they have an aversion to messages that terrify them and those they consider boring. This paper supplements the existing literature on the attitudes of children to advertising, but from Africa as a different contextual platform. It also suggests directions for the effective use of marketing communications strategies in relation to television advertising for marketers and other bodies with special roles in communicating with children such as government agencies and NGOs.
Myths and Realities of Respondent Engagement in Online Surveys
Authors: Guin Theo Downes-Le , Baker Reg , Mechling Joanne , Ruyle Erica
Published: November 2012

This paper describes an experiment in which a single questionnaire was fielded in four different styles of presentation: Text Only, Decoratively Visual, Functionally Visual and Gamified. Respondents were randomly assigned to only one presentation version. To understand the effect of presentation style on survey experience and data quality, we compared response distributions, respondent behaviour (such as time to complete), and self-reports regarding the survey experience and level of engagement across the four experimental presentations. While the functionally visual and gamified treatments produced higher satisfaction scores from respondents, we found no real differences in respondent engagement measures. We also found few differences in response patterns.
Why Art Thou Resisting?: Consumer Resistance to the ‘Citizen Argument’ of Retailers
Authors: Mejri Chiraz Aouina , Bhatli Dhruv , Benhallam Mouna
Published: November 2012

Recent studies on corporate social responsibility (CSR) illustrate the positive consumer reaction to the socially responsible practices of retailers, and outline the upside for retailers to engage in these practices. However, little is known about the downside of these practices: consumer negative reaction due to the ambiguous and complex nature of consumer reaction, and consumers' resistance to the ‘citizen argument’ put forth by retailers. This research, through 17 interviews, fills this gap to explore the complex nature of consumer reaction to CSR practices, and investigates motivations and manifestations of consumer resistance to the ‘citizen argument’ of mass-market retailers. The findings reveal consumer responses to CSR practices (their resistant behaviour), their causes, and classify them in two forms - resistance to the consumerist practice attributed to retailing, and resistance to an ‘insidious’ commitment to sustainable development where sincerity is claimed by the mass-market retailers.
The Physicochemical Characteristics of Ibiekuma River Ekpoma, Nigeria
Authors: Omotoriogun Taiwo Crossby , Uyi Osariyekemwen Osa , Egbon Ikponmwosa Nathaniel
Published: November 2012

The Ibiekuma River is an important source of livelihood to its catchment. It contributes enormously to research success and living standard of students and staffs of the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Nigeria. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of anthropogenic activities on the physicochemical properties of Ibiekuma River. Twenty seven water samples were collected at four stations during the study period and analyzed accordingly. The results obtained shows that the physicochemical parameters of the river were in conformity with the World Health Organization (WHO), National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) safe limits, except for pH values which ranged from 4.69 to 4.81. The heavy metal concentrations were found to be within the limit of the guidelines prescribed by WHO and NAFDAC. Also, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the concentrations of the physicochemical parameters across the four stations sampled along the Ibiekuma River. Water obtained from Ibiekuma River will be fit for domestic use, only if purified. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jowe.v6i0.5242 J Wet Eco 2012 (6): 01-06
Plant Species Diversity and Composition of Two Wetlands in the Nairobi National Park, Kenya
Authors: Ruto WKS , Kinyamario JI , Ng'etich NK , Akunda E , Mworia JK
Published: November 2012

Two wetlands (Hyena and Nalogomon) in the Nairobi National Park were investigated by comparing plant composition in and around their immediate vicinity. The most common aquatic plant species in the Hyena wetland was Cyperus dives while in the Nalogomon wetland was Typha domingensis. The terrestrial vegetation surrounding Hyena wetland dominated by while that of surrounding Nalogomon wetland was the grass Hyparrhemia rufa. It was also noted that Hyena Dam waters were colonized by aquatic weeds, namely Gunnera perpensa, Enhydra fluctuans and Ludwigia abyssinica, that were absent in Nalogomon wetland waters. This could have been due to eutrophication of the waters of Hyena Dam as it originated from human settlements (city estates) outside the park boundary. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jowe.v6i0.5909 J Wet Eco 2012 (6): 07-15
Environmental Influences on the Distribution of Mangroves on Bahamas Island
Authors: Strauch Ayron M , Cohen Sam , Ellmore George S
Published: November 2012

Mangrove forests provide valuable ecosystem services but are declining in many tropical locations. The abundance of mangrove species in coastal fringe forests is related to biotic processes such as species succession or competition and abiotic factors, including nutrient availability, physiochemical water quality, soil composition, and tidal inundation. We examined the abundance of Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia germinans relative to environmental factors, including porewater chemistry, soil substrate, and distance from the ocean, on Bahamas Island. In this system, R. mangle were primarily found in litter-dominated soils and abundances were positively related to distance from the ocean, while A. germinans was only found in sandy soils closest to the ocean. Although phosphate, alkalinity, and salinity in porewater did not explain the distribution of species, free chloride varied significantly with distance from the ocean. These results suggest that soil conditions and tidal inundation may help determine the distribution of mangrove species on Caribbean islands. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jowe.v6i0.6081 J Wet Eco 2012 (6): 16-24
Motor evoked potential monitoring of the vagus nerve with transcranial electrical stimulation during skull base surgeries
Authors: Ito Eiji , Ichikawa Masahiro , Itakura Takeshi , Ando Hitoshi , Matsumoto Yuka , Oda Keiko , Sato Taku , Watanabe Tadashi , Sakuma Jun , Saito Kiyoshi
Published: November 2012

Object

Dysphasia is one of the most serious complications of skull base surgeries and results from damage to the brainstem and/or cranial nerves involved in swallowing. Here, the authors propose a method to monitor the function of the vagus nerve using endotracheal tube surface electrodes and transcranial electrical stimulation during skull base surgeries.

Methods

Fifteen patients with skull base or brainstem tumors were enrolled. The authors used surface electrodes of an endotracheal tube to record compound electromyographic responses from the vocalis muscle. Motor neurons were stimulated using corkscrew electrodes placed subdermally on the scalp at C3 and C4. During surgery, the operator received a warning when the amplitude of the vagal motor evoked potential (MEP) decreased to less than 50% of the control level. After surgery, swallowing function was assessed clinically using grading criteria.

Results

In 5 patients, vagal MEP amplitude permanently deteriorated to less than 50% of the control level on the right side when meningiomas were dissected from the pons or basilar artery, or when a schwannoma was dissected from the vagal rootlets. These 5 patients had postoperative dysphagia. At 4 weeks after surgery, 2 patients still had dysphagia. In 2 patients, vagal MEPs of one side transiently disappeared when the tumors were dissected from the brainstem or the vagal rootlets. After surgery, both patients had dysphagia, which recovered in 4 weeks. In 7 patients, MEP amplitude was consistent, maintaining more than 50% of the control level throughout the operative procedures. After surgery all 7 patients were neurologically intact with normal swallowing function.

Conclusions

Vagal MEP monitoring with transcranial electrical stimulation and endotracheal tube electrode recording was a safe and effective method to provide continuous real-time information on the integrity of both the supranuclear and infranuclear vagal pathway. This method is useful to prevent intraoperative injury of the brainstem corticobulbar tract or the vagal rootlets and to avoid the postoperative dysphagia that is often associated with brainstem or skull base surgeries.
Lack of functionality and need for revision of an Ommaya reservoir placed into a cavum septum pellucidum
Authors: Mascitelli Justin , De Los Reyes Kenneth , Steinberger Jeremy , Zou Hongyan
Published: November 2012

Ommaya reservoirs are routinely placed for the administration of intrathecal chemotherapy or antibiotics. There is scant literature that addresses the functionality of an Ommaya catheter placed exclusively within a cavum septum pellucidum (CSP). In this case, the authors placed an Ommaya reservoir in a 30-year-old man with Burkitt lymphoma in the CNS for intrathecal chemotherapy. The catheter tip was placed within a large CSP. The authors demonstrated failure of the system by injecting contrast agent into the reservoir and obtaining immediate and delayed CT scans that failed to demonstrate contrast dissemination into the ventricular system. An Ommaya reservoir placed exclusively within a CSP is potentially not functional, and can be dangerous if used for intrathecal drug therapy.
Antibacterial therapeutic drug monitoring in cerebrospinal fluid: difficulty in achieving adequate drug concentrations
Authors: Lonsdale Dagan O. , Udy Andrew A. , Roberts Jason A. , Lipman Jeffrey
Published: November 2012

This report illustrates the difficulty in managing CNS infection in neurosurgical patients, the altered drug pharmacokinetics associated with critical illness, and the role that therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of CSF can play in assisting clinical decision making.

The authors present a case of external ventricular drain–related ventriculitis in a critically ill patient who initially presented with a subarachnoid hemorrhage. They discuss the physiological changes found in such patients, in particular augmented renal clearance (demonstrated in this patient by a measured creatinine clearance of 375 ml/min/1.73 m2), noting the effect this had on drug pharmacokinetics and leading to dosing requirements 2–3 times those recommended in standard regimens.

The authors consider the bacterial “kill” characteristics of 2 different antibacterial agents (meropenem and vancomycin) and describe the unique approach of using plasma and CSF TDM to achieve optimal drug exposure at the site of infection while limiting toxic side effects. The authors demonstrate that simply using plasma TDM as a surrogate marker for drug concentration in the CNS may lead to underdosing, exemplified in this patient by CSF vancomycin concentrations as little as 13% of that in plasma. Finally, by measuring CSF and plasma ratios, the authors illustrate the disparity in pharmacokinetic properties between drugs, reminding the clinician of the importance of CNS penetration when selecting antibacterial agents in such cases.

This work raises an important hypothesis in the accurate prescription of antibacterial agents in neurosurgical critical care, namely underdosing in the context of augmented elimination and impaired target site penetration. However, prior to any recommendations regarding empirical dose modification, more data are clearly needed, particularly with respect to the safety and efficacy of such an approach. In this respect, the authors would advocate further research using TDM in the management of CNS infection in this setting, in addition to work defining plasma and CSF concentrations associated with antibacterial efficacy and toxicity.
Transcardiac cerebral angiography in a child
Authors: Komiyama Masaki , Ishiguro Tomoya , Terada Aiko , Murakami Yosuke
Published: November 2012

The authors present a case in which transfemoral venous, transcardiac cerebral angiography was performed. In this 5-year-old girl with PHACE syndrome, both transfemoral and transbrachial arterial routes could not be used due to aortic interruption and aneurysmal dilation and small looping of the proximal portion of bilateral subclavian arteries. A 5-F balloon-tipped double-lumen catheter was advanced to the right atrium of the heart from the femoral vein. The catheter was then advanced to the left atrium through the patent foramen ovale and was further advanced to the left ventricle and then to the ascending aorta. The balloon catheter was exchanged for a 4-F catheter. Bilateral common carotid angiography was performed without difficulty. This transcardiac approach is useful in the unusual situation in which both femoral and brachial arterial routes are not available.
Glycerol rhizotomy and radiofrequency thermocoagulation for trigeminal neuralgia in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bender Matthew T. , Pradilla Gustavo , Batra Sachin , See Alfred P. , James Carol , Pardo Carlos A. , Carson Benjamin S. , Lim Michael
Published: November 2012

Object

Patients with trigeminal neuralgia due to multiple sclerosis (TN-MS) and idiopathic TN (ITN) who underwent glycerol rhizotomy (GR) and radiofrequency thermocoagulation with glycerol rhizotomy (RFTC-GR) were compared to investigate the effectiveness of these percutaneous ablative procedures in the TN-MS population.

Methods

Between 1998 and 2010, 822 patients with typical TN were evaluated; 63 (8%) had TN-MS and 759 (92%) had ITN. Pain relief comparisons were made between 22 GR procedures in patients with TN-MS and 470 GR procedures in patients with ITN; 50 RFTC-GR procedures in patients with TN-MS and 287 RFTC-GR procedures in patients with ITN were compared. Analysis of time to recurrence included only procedures that achieved complete pain relief without medications.

Results

After 15 of the GR procedures (68%) in patients with TN-MS and 315 of the procedures (67%) in those with ITN, the patients were pain free without medications (p = 0.736). After 36 of the RFTC-GR procedures (72%) in patients with TN-MS and 210 of the procedures (73%) in those with ITN, the patients were pain free without medications (p = 0.657). The difference in pain relief between GR and RFTC-GR for patients with TN-MS was not significant (p = 0.447). The median time to failure of GR was 20 months in patients with TN-MS compared with 25 months in those with ITN (p = 0.403). The median time to failure of RFTC-GR was 26 months in the TN-MS population compared with 21 months in the ITN population (p = 0.449). Patients with TN-MS experienced similar times to recurrence whether they were treated with GR or RFTC-GR (p = 0.431).

Conclusions

Pain relief and durability of relief outcomes of GR and RFTC-GR were similar in patients with TN-MS and ITN, reinforcing their use as preferred treatments of TN-MS. The GR and RFTC-GR achieved comparable outcomes in patients with TN-MS, suggesting that both can be used to good effect.
Clinical features and functional recovery of traumatic isolated oculomotor nerve palsy in mild head injury with sphenoid fracture
Authors: Lin Chao , Dong Yan , Lv Liquan , Yu Mingkun , Hou Lijun
Published: November 2012

Object

The aim of this study was to provide information about long-term functional outcome in patients with isolated oculomotor nerve palsy following minor head injury and to discuss surgical treatment of these patients, especially those with accompanying sphenoid fracture.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was made of 26 patients with traumatic isolated oculomotor nerve palsy. The severity of oculomotor nerve palsy and the functional recovery were evaluated based on extraocular muscle movement, eyelid movement, and pupil size. On average, patients were evaluated 3.6 days after the initial injury, and the average follow-up period was 14.2 months (range 3 months–2 years).

Results

Twenty men and six women were enrolled in this study. The most common cause of trauma was motor vehicle accident in 17 (65.4%) of 26. Among all the recorded symptoms, internal ophthalmoplegia was most frequently seen. The recovery rates of ptosis, external ophthalmoplegia, and internal ophthalmoplegia were 95% (19 of 20 patients), 83.3% (15 of 18 patients), and 50% (13 of 26 patients), respectively. The 6 patients with sphenoid fracture underwent surgical decompression of the superior orbital fissure, after which all patients experienced recovery from ptosis and external ophthalmoplegia and 66.7% (4 of 6 patients) recovered from internal ophthalmoplegia.

Conclusions

Limited eye movement may be a major factor that negatively affects functional recovery after mild head injury. Sphenoid fracture might be one of the potential mechanisms involved in traumatic isolated oculomotor nerve palsy after mild head injury. Surgical decompression should be considered when there is evidence of bone compression of the superior orbital fissure.