bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Assessment of Psychological Noise Reduction by Landscape Plants
Authors: Yang Fan , Bao Zhi Yi , Zhu Zhu Jun
Published: April 2011

The emphasis in the term ‘Green Transportation’ is on the word ‘green’. Green transportation focuses on the construction of a slow transport system with a visually pleasing, easy and secure trip environment composed of urban parks, green roadside spaces and some other space that is full of landscape plants. This trip environment encourages residents to make trip choices that reduce fuel consumption and pollution and is one of the most important ways of popularizing green transportation. To study the psychological benefits provided by urban parks and other landscape environments, we combined a subjective approach (a questionnaire) with an objective quantitative approach (emotional tests using an electroencephalogram; EEG). Using a questionnaire survey, we found that 90% of the subjects believed that landscape plants contribute to noise reduction and that 55% overrated the plants’ actual ability to attenuate noise. Two videos (showing a traffic scene and a plant scene) were shown to 40 participants on video glasses. We detected and recorded EEG values with a portable electroencephalograph, and a comparison between the results of the two groups revealed that there was a highly significant asymmetry between the EEG activity of the vegetation scene and traffic scene groups. The results suggest that the emotions aroused by noise and visual stimuli are manifested in the synchronization of beta frequency band and the desynchronization of alpha frequency band, indicating that landscape plants can moderate or buffer the effects of noise. These findings indicate that landscape plants provide excess noise attenuating effects through subjects’ emotional processing, which we term ‘psychological noise reduction’.
Reactive Oxygen Species Released from Hypoxic Hepatocytes Regulates MMP-2 Expression in Hepatic Stellate Cells
Authors: Li Jing , Fan Renhua , Zhao Susu , Liu Leilei , Guo Shanshan , Wu Nan , Zhang Wandong , Chen Pingsheng
Published: April 2011

Hypoxia is a common environmental stress factor and is associated with fibrogenesis. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), produced by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), plays an important role in liver fibrogenesis. However, inconsistent results have been reported on the impact of hypoxia on MMP-2 expression and activity in HSCs. We speculated that cell–cell interaction is involved in the regulation of MMP-2 expression and activity at low oxygen level in vivo. Therefore, in this report we investigated the mechanism by which hypoxic hepatocytes regulates MMP-2 expression in HSCs. Our results showed that the conditioned medium from hypoxia-treated rat hepatocytes strongly induced the expression of MMP-2 mRNA and protein in rat HSC-T6 cells. Reduced glutathione neutralized ROS released from hypoxic hepatocytes, leading to reduced MMP-2 expression in HSC-T6 cells. In addition, phospho-IκB-α protein level was increased in HSC-T6 cells treated with hypoxia conditioned medium, and NF-κB signaling inhibitor inhibited MMP-2 expression in HSC-T6 cells. Taken together, our data suggest that ROS is an important factor released by hypoxic hepatocytes to regulate MMP-2 expression in HSCs, and NF-κB signaling is crucially involved in ROS-induced MMP-2 expression in HSCs. Our findings suggest that strategies aimed at antagonizing the generation of ROS in hypoxic hepatocytes and inhibiting NF-κB signaling in HSCs may represent novel therapeutic options for liver fibrosis.
A Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship (QSPR) Study of Aliphatic Alcohols by the Method of Dividing the Molecular Structure into Substructure
Authors: Liu Fengping , Cao Chenzhong , Cheng Bin
Published: April 2011

A quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) analysis of aliphatic alcohols is presented. Four physicochemical properties were studied: boiling point (BP), n-octanol–water partition coefficient (lg POW), water solubility (lg W) and the chromatographic retention indices (RI) on different polar stationary phases. In order to investigate the quantitative structure–property relationship of aliphatic alcohols, the molecular structure ROH is divided into two parts, R and OH to generate structural parameter. It was proposed that the property is affected by three main factors for aliphatic alcohols, alkyl group R, substituted group OH, and interaction between R and OH. On the basis of the polarizability effect index (PEI), previously developed by Cao, the novel molecular polarizability effect index (MPEI) combined with odd-even index (OEI), the sum eigenvalues of bond-connecting matrix (SX1CH) previously developed in our team, were used to predict the property of aliphatic alcohols. The sets of molecular descriptors were derived directly from the structure of the compounds based on graph theory. QSPR models were generated using only calculated descriptors and multiple linear regression techniques. These QSPR models showed high values of multiple correlation coefficient (R > 0.99) and Fisher-ratio statistics. The leave-one-out cross-validation demonstrated the final models to be statistically significant and reliable.
Investigation of the Interactions between the Hydrophobic Cavities of Cyclodextrins and Pullulanase
Authors: Yu Bo , Wang Jinpeng , Zhang Huanxin , Jin Zhengyu
Published: April 2011

The effects of cyclodextrins and derivatives on the activity and structure of pullulanase were investigated in this study. Our results showed that cyclodextrins and derivatives decreased the activity of pullulanase. This decrease was attributed to the interaction between the hydrophobic cavities of cyclodextrins and pullulanase. The hydrophobic cavity was confirmed to encapsulate the groups of pullulanase molecules by the addition of competitive guests. The results obtained from fluorescence spectroscopy analysis showed that β-CD showed more efficient interactions with pullulanase molecules and the side chain groups of cyclodextrin significantly prevented the interaction between the hydrophobic cavities of β-CD and pullulanase molecules. These findings suggest that the geometric dimension of hydrophobic cavities was crucial for matching between cyclodextrins and pullulanase and steric hindrance caused by side chains led to the decrease of the interaction.
Role of 5-HT3 Receptors in the Antidepressant Response
Authors: Bétry Cécile , Etiévant Adeline , Oosterhof Chris , Ebert Bjarke , Sanchez Connie , Haddjeri Nasser
Published: April 2011

Serotonin (5-HT)3 receptors are the only ligand-gated ion channel of the 5-HT receptors family. They are present both in the peripheral and central nervous system and are localized in several areas involved in mood regulation (e.g., hippocampus or prefrontal cortex). Moreover, they are involved in regulation of neurotransmitter systems implicated in the pathophysiology of major depression (e.g., dopamine or GABA). Clinical and preclinical studies have suggested that 5-HT3 receptors may be a relevant target in the treatment of affective disorders. 5-HT3 receptor agonists seem to counteract the effects of antidepressants in non-clinical models, whereas 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as ondansetron, present antidepressant-like activities. In addition, several antidepressants, such as mirtazapine, also target 5-HT3 receptors. In this review, we will report major advances in the research of 5-HT3 receptor’s roles in neuropsychiatric disorders, with special emphasis on mood and anxiety disorders.
A Turbo Drive for the Global Reduction of Energy-Related CO2 Emissions
Authors: Verbruggen Aviel
Published: April 2011

The Copenhagen Accord performed a seizure in the COP ungainly crawl. The Accord’s urgent combat against climate change and deep cuts in emissions require a policy reversal, ending the zero sum games on pledged caps, creating clarity on immediate marching directions and eliciting worldwide action by today’s operational institutes at all levels. For reducing energy-related CO2 emissions, all turbo drive components are available. First the global 2 °C ceiling needs translation into, by country, marching directions and indicative future paths of their national average CO2 emissions per person. The latter intensity indicator is the product of three driving intensities: wealth per person, energy used for wealth production, and CO2 emissions of energy use, all observed annually for virtually all countries in the world. Second, parties should commit to nearby year improvements on the three driving intensities. Third, transfers from rich to poor countries depend on ability to pay and on ability to spend, and on countries’ mitigation progress. The approach dissolves main barriers to mitigation progress, like: outdated emissions baselines; illusory global instruments; bureaucratic MRV (monitoring, reporting and verification) concepts; blocked graduation of parties; unclear transfer mechanisms. In revamping the jammed COP rituals, UNFCCC now leaves operations to established global institutes and mainly to the parties acting in common resolve, stimulated and verified by a lightweight, transparent global framework.
La tiercéïté symbolique, fondement de la discontinuité psychique entre animaux et humains
Authors: Vidal Jean-Marie
Published: April 2011

Résumé La compréhension de notre spécificité humaine peut prendre appui à la fois sur une interrogation des opinions et théories que nous « prenons à notre compte », et sur une herméneutique croisant le plus grand nombre d’indices éthologiques et anthropologiques (psychopathologiques compris). L’éthologie a apporté deux réfutations scientifiques majeures : l’une contredit la conception de « l’animal-machine » ; l’autre réfute l’hypothèse de quelque « animal pré-humain » qui montrerait aujourd’hui des conduites symboliques. De son côté, l’anthropologie a amplement réfuté les hypothèses de quelque « demi-humain », « demi-langue » ou « demi-culture ». Cette discontinuité psychique peut se formuler en termes de secondéité des systèmes signalétiques éthologiques, et en tiercéïté des structures symboliques anthropologiques. Elle éclaire le fonctionnement autistique en tant que « trouble envahissant de la tiercéïté » et, en retour, elle se voit confirmée.
La dame aux hamsters
Authors: Robert Michel
Published: April 2011

Résumé La relation à l’animal est au centre de la réflexion proposée dans ce travail. À l’aide de la description et de l’analyse d’une relation médecin-patient prolongée, l’auteur commente les modalités de la symbolisation primaire. Les notions de transfert de base et de partage d’affect sont redéfinies.
Animalité incestualité
Authors: Defontaine Jeanne
Published: April 2011

Résumé Ce texte est une réflexion sur une forme particulière d’incestualité que l’auteur nomme « effet Tamagushi ». Cet effet, présent dans certaines familles, porte sur les liens parent/enfant, mais on le trouve également dans les couples. L’auteur se pose la question de savoir si l’on peut considérer cette forme d’incestualité comme le reliquat d’une certaine forme d’animalité qui marquerait les relations parent/enfant au sein de certaines familles. Ce texte tente de reprendre cette notion inventée par Paul-Claude Racamier mais sujette à beaucoup de controverses et essaie de l’appréhender sous un nouvel angle, à partir d’un travail clinique effectué avec une famille dont elle relate certains extraits.
Le rôle d'un fleuve comme limite ou frontière au Moyen Âge. La Meuse, de Sedan à Maastricht
Authors: Suttor Marc
Published: April 2011

The role of a river as a boundary or border in the Middle Ages: The Meuse, from Explaining the role of the Middle Meuse, from Sedan to Maastricht, with reference to the spatial definition used by the authorities of the Roman period in the 16 th century, proved difficult until the 12 th century. It is therefore necessary to give a geographical definition of the concepts of boundary and border and to make a few methodological comments regarding this issue. When borders become fixed, it can be observed that the river ceases to be a theoretical spatial reference point but instead becomes a very real one. When the Meuse becomes a border, it operates as such for navigation at least within its navigable course. But it seems impossible to assign to the river a systematic function as regards demarcation lines between different local powers. It is also important to stress the constant interest these powers have shown in the river.
La dame courtoise et la littérature dans Les Miracles de Nostre Dame de Gautier de Coinci
Authors: Benoit Jean-Louis
Published: April 2011

The courtly lady and literature in Les miracles de nostre dame by Gautier The prominent position given to women and love is characteristic of courtly ideology. Les miracles de Nostre Dame in French is an attempt to compete with this literature. Gautier de Coinci denounces the devastation wreaked by fin’amor, which he condemns as immoral. This in no way prevents him from repeating all the motifs of the courtly depictions of love. He advances the immaculate model of the Empress, a married courtly lady, beautiful and faithful even to the point of martyrdom. The noblest union is that with God in the consecrated life. A holy friendship between a man and a woman is also possible, even beneficial. The courtly lady par excellence is the Virgin Mary, who is the true feminine ideal. It is entirely appropriate to refer to this perspective as “an attempt to convert” or “the evangelization of profane culture.” This perspective is also perceptible in lyric poetry which, through a process of “forgery, ” echoes the forms of profane lyric poetry in order to redirect it. The poet also mines the hymnological tradition, establishing a fruitful link between the profane and the sacred, which are interwoven.
Yeast as a Model System to Study Tau Biology
Authors: De Vos Ann , Anandhakumar Jayamani , Van den Brande Jeff , Verduyckt Mathias , Franssens Vanessa , Winderickx Joris , Swinnen Erwin
Published: April 2011

Hyperphosphorylated and aggregated human protein tau constitutes a hallmark of a multitude of neurodegenerative diseases called tauopathies, exemplified by Alzheimer′s disease. In spite of an enormous amount of research performed on tau biology, several crucial questions concerning the mechanisms of tau toxicity remain unanswered. In this paper we will highlight some of the processes involved in tau biology and pathology, focusing on tau phosphorylation and the interplay with oxidative stress. In addition, we will introduce the development of a human tau‐expressing yeast model, and discuss some crucial results obtained in this model, highlighting its potential in the elucidation of cellular processes leading to tau toxicity.
A Review of Social and Relational Aspects of Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease Informed by Healthcare Provider Experiences
Authors: Bell Emily , Maxwell Bruce , McAndrews Mary Pat , Sadikot Abbas F. , Racine Eric
Published: April 2011

Background. Although the clinical effectiveness of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson's disease is established, there has been less examination of its social aspects.Methods and Results. Building on qualitative comments provided by healthcare providers, we present four different social and relational issues (need for social support, changes in relationships (with self and partner) and challenges with regards to occupation and the social system). We review the literature from multiple disciplines on each issue. We comment on their ethical implications and conclude by establishing the future prospects for research with the possible expansion of DBS for psychiatric indications.Conclusions. Our review demonstrates that there are varied social issues involved in DBS. These issues may have significant impacts on the perceived outcome of DBS by patients. Moreover, the fact that the social impact of DBS is still not well understood in emerging psychiatric indications presents an important area for future examination.
Enolase: A Key Player in the Metabolism and a Probable Virulence Factor of Trypanosomatid Parasites—Perspectives for Its Use as a Therapeutic Target
Authors: Avilán Luisana , Gualdrón-López Melisa , Quiñones Wilfredo , González-González Limari , Hannaert Véronique , Michels Paul A. M. , Concepción Juan-Luis
Published: April 2011

Glycolysis and glyconeogenesis play crucial roles in the ATP supply and synthesis of glycoconjugates, important for the viability and virulence, respectively, of the human-pathogenic stages ofTrypanosoma brucei,Trypanosoma cruzi,andLeishmaniaspp. These pathways are, therefore, candidate targets for antiparasite drugs. The glycolytic/gluconeogenic enzyme enolase is generally highly conserved, with similar overall fold and identical catalytic residues in all organisms. Nonetheless, potentially important differences exist between the trypanosomatid and host enzymes, with three unique, reactive residues close to the active site of the former that might be exploited for the development of new drugs. In addition, enolase is found both in the secretome and in association with the surface ofLeishmaniaspp. where it probably functions as plasminogen receptor, playing a role in the parasite’s invasiveness and virulence, a function possibly also present in the other trypanosomatids. This location and possible function of enolase offer additional perspectives for both drug discovery and vaccination.
Assessment of the Relationship between Coastal Morphometry, Bottom Dynamic Conditions and the Critical Depth
Authors: Lindgren Dan , Karlsson Magnus
Published: April 2011

Coastal sediment can be classified by functional bottom type, depending on whether cohesive fine material is eroded (E), transported (T) or deposited/accumulated (A) there. The assessment of such bottom dynamic conditions is useful in many ways, including as a fundament for structuring mass balance models. In this paper more than 200 recently investigated Swedish coastal areas were analyzed using geographic information systems (GIS). Statistical relationships between morphometry, the average proportion of A-areas (BA) and the average critical depth (DTA), which separates ET-areas from A-areas, were investigated. Many morphometric parameters showed significant correlation with both BA and DTAand multiple regression models were obtained that could explain much of the variation in these parameters. Parameters describing sheltering effects from islands, mean depth and mean slope were important in this context. Large differences were found in empirical BA-values from two different sources. Furthermore, a new empirical dataset was presented for 209 Swedish coastal areas.
MS/MS studies on the selective on-line detection of sesquiterpenes using a Flowing Afterglow–Tandem Mass Spectrometer (FA-TMS)
Authors: Rimetz-Planchon J. , Dhooghe F. , Schoon N. , Vanhaecke F. , Amelynck C.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. A Flowing Afterglow-Tandem Mass Spectrometer (FA-TMS) was used to investigate the feasibility of selective on-line detection of a series of seven sesquiterpenes (SQTs). These SQTs were chemically ionized by either H3O+ or NO+ reagent ions in the FA, resulting among others in protonated SQT and SQT molecular ions, respectively. These and other Chemical Ionization (CI) product ions were subsequently subjected to dissociation by collisions with Ar atoms in the collision cell of the tandem mass spectrometer. The fragmentation spectra show similarities with mass spectra obtained for these compounds with other instruments such as a Proton Transfer Reaction-Linear Ion Trap (PTR-LIT), a Proton Transfer Reaction-Mass Spectrometer (PTR-MS), a Triple Quadrupole-Mass Spectrometer (QqQ-MS) and a Selected Ion Flow Tube-Mass Spectrometer (SIFT-MS). Fragmentation of protonated SQT is characterized by fragment ions at the same masses but with different intensities for the individual SQT. Distinction of SQTs is based on well-chosen intensity ratios and collision energies. The fragmentation patterns of SQT molecular ions show specific fragment ion tracers at m/z 119, m/z162, m/z 137 and m/z 131 for α-cedrene, δ-neoclovene, isolongifolene and α-humulene, respectively. Consequently, chemical ionization of SQT by NO+, followed by MS/MS of SQT+ seems to open a way for selective quantification of SQTs in mixtures.
An assessment of differences in lower stratospheric temperature records from (A)MSU, radiosondes, and GPS radio occultation
Authors: Ladstädter F. , Steiner A. K. , Foelsche U. , Haimberger L. , Tavolato C. , Kirchengast G.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Uncertainties for upper-air trend patterns are still substantial. Observations from the radio occultation (RO) technique offer new opportunities to assess the existing observational records there. Long-term time series are available from radiosondes and from the (Advanced) Microwave Sounding Unit (A)MSU. None of them were originally intended to deliver data for climate applications. Demanding intercalibration and homogenization procedures are required to account for changes in instrumentation and observation techniques. In this comparative study three (A)MSU anomaly time series and two homogenized radiosonde records are compared to RO data from the CHAMP, SAC-C, GRACE-A and F3C missions for September 2001 to December 2009. Differences of monthly anomalies are examined to assess the differences in the datasets due to structural uncertainties. The difference of anomalies of the (A)MSU datasets relative to RO shows a statistically significant trend of about (−0.2 ± 0.05) K at all latitudes. This signals a divergence of the two datasets over time. The radiosonde network has known deficiencies in its global coverage, with sparse representation of most of the Southern Hemisphere, the tropics and the oceans. In this study the error that results from sparse sampling is estimated and accounted for by subtracting it from radiosonde and RO datasets. Surprisingly the sampling error correction is also important in the Northern Hemisphere (NH), where the radiosonde network is dense over the continents but does not capture large atmospheric variations in NH winter. Considering the sampling error, the consistency of radiosonde and RO anomalies is improving substantially; there is no significant trend in the anomaly differences at global scale and in the NH. Regarding (A)MSU, its poor vertical resolution poses another problem by missing important features of the vertical atmospheric structure. This demonstrates the advantage of homogeneously distributed measurements with high vertical resolution.
Atmospheric wave induced O2 and OH airglow intensity variations: effect of vertical wavelength and damping
Authors: Takahashi H. , Onohara A. , Shiokawa K. , Vargas F. , Gobbi D.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. From nocturnal variations of the airglow O2 (0-1) and OH Meinel (6-2) band emission intensity and the rotational temperature, gravity waves and the damping effect in the MLT region were investigated. The data set was obtained from photometer measurements at Rikubetsu (43.5° N, 143.8° E), Japan, from March 2004 to August 2005. The ratio of the amplitude of oscillation and their phase difference between the two emissions were calculated when simultaneous periodic variations were observed. The ratio showed a linear correlation with the phase difference. The vertical wavelength and damping rate were estimated by using a model calculation carried out by previous works. The results show that the wave damping is significant when the vertical wavelength is shorter than 30–40 km. Krassovsky's parameter η, which represents a ratio between the emission intensity and temperature oscillations, was also calculated. The results show that the η also depends on the damping effect.
Carbon allocation and carbon isotope fluxes in the plant-soil-atmosphere continuum: a review
Authors: Brüggemann N. , Gessler A. , Kayler Z. , Keel S. G. , Badeck F. , Barthel M. , Boeckx P. , Buchmann N. , Brugnoli E. , Esperschütz J. , Gavrichkova O. , Ghashghaie J. , Gomez-Casanovas N. , Keitel C. , Knohl A. , Kuptz D. , Palacio S. , Salmon Y. , Uchida Y. , Bahn M.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. The terrestrial carbon (C) cycle has received increasing interest over the past few decades, however, there is still a lack of understanding of the fate of newly assimilated C allocated within plants and to the soil, stored within ecosystems and lost to the atmosphere. Stable carbon isotope studies can give novel insights into these issues. In this review we provide an overview of an emerging picture of plant-soil-atmosphere C fluxes, as based on C isotope studies, and identify processes determining related C isotope signatures. The first part of the review focuses on isotopic fractionation processes within plants during and after photosynthesis. The second major part elaborates on plant-internal and plant-rhizosphere C allocation patterns at different time scales (diel, seasonal, interannual), including the speed of C transfer and time lags in the coupling of assimilation and respiration, as well as the magnitude and controls of plant-soil C allocation and respiratory fluxes. Plant responses to changing environmental conditions, the functional relationship between the physiological and phenological status of plants and C transfer, and interactions between C, water and nutrient dynamics are discussed. The role of the C counterflow from the rhizosphere to the aboveground parts of the plants, e.g. via CO2 dissolved in the xylem water or as xylem-transported sugars, is highlighted. The third part is centered around belowground C turnover, focusing especially on above- and belowground litter inputs, soil organic matter formation and turnover, production and loss of dissolved organic C, soil respiration and CO2 fixation by soil microbes. Furthermore, plant controls on microbial communities and activity via exudates and litter production as well as microbial community effects on C mineralization are reviewed. The last part of the paper is dedicated to physical interactions between soil CO2 and the soil matrix, such as CO2 diffusion and dissolution processes within the soil profile. From the presented evidence we conclude that there exists a tight coupling of physical, chemical and biological processes involved in C cycling and C isotope fluxes in the plant-soil-atmosphere system. Generally, research using information from C isotopes allows an integrated view of the different processes involved. However, complex interactions among the range of processes complicate or impede the interpretation of isotopic signals in CO2 or organic compounds at the plant and ecosystem level. This is where new research approaches should be aimed at.
A Cross-National Comparison of Aggressors, Victims and Defenders in Preschools in England, Spain and Italy
Authors: Monks Claire P. , Palermiti Annalisa , Ortega Rosario , Costabile Angela
Published: April 2011

There is a small, but growing, body of research investigating peer-victimisation between preschoolers, an age which has been identified as being important both theoretically and practically for the development of interventions. This study compares aggressive and defending behaviour and victim status of preschoolers in three European countries; England, Spain and Italy. The results provide further confirmation that some children behave aggressively towards their peers during preschool in each of the countries studied. There are similarities between preschool children involved in peer-victimisation in the three countries in terms of the roles taken, sex differences and the types of aggressive behaviours used and experienced by the children. There were differences in the profiles of children identified as taking the roles by teachers and peers. Overall, it was found that those children identified by peers or teachers as being aggressive were more likely to be male, rated as physically strong and more likely to be rejected by classmates. Also, in general, the targets of peer-victimisation differed depending on the reporter. Peer-nominated victims were not identifiable in terms of gender, popularity or physical strength. Teacher-nominated victims were more likely to be socially rejected and physically weak. There are several subtle differences between the countries which deserve further investigation. The findings are discussed in relation to furthering our understanding of the development of peer-victimisation in preschools and the need for interventions which address this phenomenon.
The Uncertain Universality of the Macbeth Effect with a Spanish Sample
Authors: Gámez Elena , Díaz José M. , Marrero Hipólito
Published: April 2011

Recently a psychological mechanism has been proposed between bodily purity and moral purity: the “Macbeth effect”. The act of washing their hands seems to free individuals of their guilt. However, the universality of this psychological mechanism is an empirical question that should be studied. In four studies we replicated the original Zhong & Liljenquist's experiments with Spanish samples. We were unsuccessful in replicating the Zhong & Liljenquist's results that supported cleansing as a psychological mechanism for compensating guilty: results couldn't confirm an increased mental accessibility of cleansing-related concepts or even a greater desire for cleansing products, neither a greater likelihood of taking antiseptic wipes. In addition we didn't find that physical cleansing alleviates the upsetting consequences of unethical behaviour. Spanish samples showed sensibility to morality and helping behaviour but not with cleansing as a way to reduce their threatened morality.
Young Adults' Knowledge of Politics: Evaluating the Role of Socio-Cognitive Variables Using Structural Equations
Authors: Brussino Silvina , Medrano Leonardo , Sorribas Patricia , Rabbia Hugo H.
Published: April 2011

The aim of this study was to create an explanatory model that allows analyzing the predictive power of a set of variables related to political knowledge; more specifically, to analyze the relationship between the education level of young adults and the variables, interest in politics and internal political efficacy. We also analyzed the combined relationship between these variables, together with age, and political knowledge. We worked with a sample group of 280 young adults between the ages of 18-30 from the city of Córdoba (Argentina). The data was subjected to a structural equation modelling SEM analysis, which allowed for the corroboration of the following hypotheses: the higher the education level, the more the interest in politics; the higher the education level, the better the perception of internal political efficacy; the higher the education level, the more the political knowledge; the more the interest in politics, the more the political knowledge; and the better the perception of internal political efficacy, the more interest in politics. Moreover, the following hypotheses could not be verified: the older an individual, the more the political knowledge; and the better the perception of internal political efficacy, the more the political knowledge. The model obtained allows for discussion of the explanatory value of these socio-cognitive variables.
Does Unconscious Information Affect Cognitive Activity?: A Study Using Experimental Priming
Authors: Filippova Margarita G.
Published: April 2011

In a series of three experiments the influence that information unrecognised by the subjects has on the effectiveness of occurring cognitive activity is studied. With this aim 3 types of stimulus were compared which for one reason or another were not afforded sufficient attention, namely: unconscious meanings of polysemantic information, stimuli presented at the subliminal level, and intentionally ignored distractors. All the listed types of stimuli are united in that the subjects were not able to give an account of them, i.e., these stimuli were not processed attentively. It is assumed that each of the types of stimuli studied is in actuality perceived, which can be judged by the impact they have on occurring cognitive activity. The purpose of the present research is the comparison of this impact: apart from the determination of the impact of unperceived stimuli on the information directly associated with them (priming-effect registration), also identified is the presence/absence of an overall interference effect rendered by the unperceived stimuli on the performance of occurring cognitive activity. To this end, each experiment had a control condition the aim of which was the creation of the possibility for the subjects to perceive stimuli unnoticed under experimental conditions. An experimental priming paradigm was used in combination with image-classification and lexical-decision tasks.

The results of the experiments conducted demonstrate that all types of stimuli ‘slipping the attention’ are assimilated, but their effect on occurring cognitive activity is varied. Thus, subliminally presented information aids, and distractors, on the contrary, hinder the solution of tasks associated with them, whereas unperceived meanings of polysemantic information hinder not only the solution of the tasks directly associated with them, but also the performance of any other cognitive activity for which they serve as a context. The effect of subliminal stimuli on occurring cognitive activity in the present research is explained by the spreading activation in the memory, the effect of distractors – by the inhibition of irrelevant representations in the information-processing system. For an explanation of the consequence of unperceived meanings of polysemanticity, not only an inhibition model was used, but also an unconscious negative choice model which assumed the necessity of making a special decision on non-perception.
Hegemonic and Polemical Beliefs: Culture and Consumption in the Social Representation of Wine
Authors: Monaco Grégory Lo , Guimelli Christian
Published: April 2011

Wine, in France, is a cultural product. However, the issue of wine consumption has been at the centre of a recurring social debate. We decided to focus our study on the effect of consumption practices on this social representation as well as the variations in position-taking in very different normative contexts. Results revealed two distinct social representations according to consumption practice. Moreover, Guttman effect in principal component analysis uncovered a unique phenomenon which showed that participants (consumer vs. non consumer) were inclined to act differently only in the case of polemical issues when they perceived the investigator as a consumer vs. non consumer. Indeed, in the case of hegemonic beliefs they were inclined to act in the same way and their answers were not influenced by the status of the investigator. Results are discussed around the question of the links between social representations and social identity.
Mediated Moderation or Moderated Mediation: Relationship between Length of Unemployment, Resilience, Coping and Health
Authors: Sojo Víctor , Guarino Leticia
Published: April 2011

The aim of the present research was to evaluate a model of mediated moderation vs. moderated mediation that could explain the relationship between length of unemployment, dispositional resilience, coping styles and depression and social functioning of Venezuelan unemployed individuals. Self-report measures were administered to a sample of 328 unemployed residents in Caracas, Venezuela. Results indicated that emotional coping acted as a mediator in the relationship between resilience and depression. Individuals with greater resilience used more detachment coping when unemployment was longer, while individuals with poorer resilience in the same situation used less avoidance coping. Resilience acted as a protective moderating factor between longer periods of unemployment and social functioning, a process mediated by detachment coping. Overall, results supported a mediated moderation model, with resilience as the moderating factor and coping as the mediator in the relation between stress due to the length of unemployment and well-being.
The Multidimensional Structure of Physical Self-Concept
Authors: Esnaola Igor , Infante Guillermo , Zulaika Luis
Published: April 2011

The present study aims to analyze the dimensionality of physical self-concept through confirmatory factor analysis of the AFI questionnaire (Esnaola, 2005; Esnaola & Goñi, 2006) and to compare two models: a) a quadri-dimensional model in which physical self-concept is made up of the sub-domains ability, condition, attractiveness and strength, and, b) a three-factor model in which the items corresponding to ability and condition are grouped together as one factor. The sample consists of 1,259 participants ranging in age from 12 to 84 years old (700 women and 556 men) who were divided into four groups as a function of age: 627 adolescents (12-18 years old), 272 young people (19-30 years old), 248 middle-aged adults (31-49 years old) and 112 people over 55, all living in the Basque Autonomous Region of Spain. The results indicate that the quadri-dimensional model of physical self-concept fits the data better than the three-dimensional model (which showed poor goodness of fit) for the study's total sample, as well as within the male and female sub-samples. Furthermore, the four-factor model was found to be stable throughout adolescence, youth and middle-age, but not for the group of adults over 55.
Changes in Body Dissatisfaction Relative to Gender and Age: The Modulating Character of BMI
Authors: Bully Paola , Elosua Paula
Published: April 2011

This study examines the level of body satisfaction in adolescents, and its association with age, sex and body mass index. A non-clinical group was made up of 935 adolescents (484 boys and 451 girls), aged between 10 and 18 years. The body image was assessed by the Body Dissatisfaction scale within the Eating Disorder Inventory (Garner, 1998, 2004) and by the indirect indicator Ideal Body Mass Index. The results showed that the Body Mass Index is an important covariable in the study of body dissatisfaction. Body dissatisfaction mean values increased in the female sample. The males' values did not change throughout adolescence.
Psychological Factors Related to Eating Disordered Behaviors: A Study with Portuguese Athletes
Authors: Silva Luiz , Gomes A. Rui , Martins Carla
Published: April 2011

This study analyzes eating disordered behaviors in a sample of Portuguese athletes and explores its relationship with some psychological dimensions. Two hundred and ninety nine athletes (153 male, 51.2%) practicing collective (65.2%) or individual sports (34.8%) were included. The assessment protocol included theEating Disorder Examination Questionnaire(EDE-Q) (Fairburn & Beglin, 1994); theSport Condition Questionnaire(Bruin et al., 2007; Hall et al., 2007); theSport Anxiety Scale(Smith et al., 2006); theTask and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire(Duda, 1992; Duda & Whitehead, 1998); theCognitive Evaluation of Sport–Threat Perceptions(Cruz, 1994; Lazarus, 1991); and theSelf-Presentation Exercise Questionnaire(Gammage et al., 2004). Results revealed that: i) no case of clinical significance was detected in the four dimensions of the EDE-Q simultaneously; ii) females scored higher on the EDE-Q Global Score, and athletes with the better sport results scored higher on the Restraint subscale; iii) athletes with a higher desire to weigh less scored higher on the EDE-Q Global Score; iv) athletes with lower scores on EDE-Q displayed more positive results on the psychological measures; v) several psychological dimensions were identified as predictors of eating disordered behaviors. In conclusion, the prevalence of eating disordered behaviors was negligible in this study, yet the relationship of this problem with personal, sport and psychological factors was evident.
Predictors of the Pain Perception and Self-Efficacy for Pain Control in Patients with Fibromyalgia
Authors: Sánchez Ana I. , Martínez M. Pilar , Miró Elena , Medina Ana
Published: April 2011

Objective: This study analyzes the role of a number of cognitive-affective dimensions in the experience and coping of pain in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). Specifically, it was examined whether anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing and pain-related anxiety predict the pain perception and the self-efficacy expectations in these patients.Method: Seventy-four fibromyalgia patients were asked to complete a questionnaire survey including theChronic Pain Self-Efficacy Scale, theHospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, thePain Anxiety Symptoms Scale-20, thePain Catastrophizing Scale, and theShort-form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Results: Some relevant correlation and predicting patterns were identified. Physiological anxiety was the best predictor of the sensorial dimension of pain. Pain fear was a significant predictor of the pain intensity. Helplessness was the best predictor of the affective dimension of pain, whereas depression was a significant predicting variable of the self-efficacy expectations.Conclusions: This study shows the relevance of the pain-related anxiety in the pain perception, and of the depression in the self-efficacy expectations in FM patients. Clinical applications of the findings and further research lines in this area are discussed.
A New Neurofeedback Protocol for Depression
Authors: Dias Álvaro Machado , van Deusen Adrian
Published: April 2011

Context: Neurofeedback represents an exciting complementary option in the treatment of depression that builds upon a huge body of research on electroencephalographic correlates of depression. Objective: The objectives of this article are threefold: review the literature on neurofeedback protocols for depression; introduce a new protocol, which aims to synthesize the best qualities of the currently available protocols; and present the results of a small clinical experiment with the new protocol. Method: Structured survey of the literature; software development; clinical trial with one subject, submitted to ten sessions of neurofeedback (one hour each). Results: Currently there are twenty-one articles in neurofeedback for depression, among which only six present original experimental results. All of them report positive results with the technique. The most used protocols focus on Alpha inter-hemispheric asymmetry, and Theta/Beta ratio within the left prefrontal cortex. Our new protocol integrates both dimensions in a single circuit, adding to it a third programming line, which divides Beta frequencies and reinforces the decrease of Beta-3, in order to reduce anxiety. The favorable outcome of our clinical experiment, suggests that new research with this protocol is worthwhile.
Spanish Version of the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ-S)
Authors: González-Ramírez Mónica Teresa , Mendoza-González María Eugenia
Published: April 2011

The concept of prospective memory is relatively recent. Thus, it is necessary to have instruments to assess it, in interaction with retrospective memory. The Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ; Smith et al., 2000) is an instrument that has been effectively used for assessment in several languages. Nevertheless, there is still no Spanish adaptation. The aim of this study was to translate the PRMQ and obtain information about its psychometric properties. A back translation process was applied to the PRMQ. The resulting PRMQ-S was self-administered to 520 subjects after applying the pilot test. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test competing models of its latent structure. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. The results showed an adequate internal consistency of the total scale and the Prospective and Retrospective scales were: .89, .84 and .76, respectively. The factor structure was compared with the original study. Our results suggested a disagreement with the tripartite model defended by the authors of the PRMQ. Since there is a high correlation between two factors in the bi-factor model, and the tripartite model showed non-significant loadings to the two specific factors, we recommend that the PRMQ-S be used as one general memory score. We demonstrated adequate psychometric properties of the PRMQ-S if it is used as unique measurement of memory failures. These results are relevant due to the need for a short and accurate instrument in our language that explores memory failures, which has a major impact on the activities of daily living.
Indicadores sistêmicos da sustentabilidade urbana: uma alternativa adaptável e aplicável no âmbito dos países em desenvolvimento - DOI 10.5216/ag.v4i12.12778
Authors: Carvajal Andrés Felipe
Published: April 2011

Algumas ideias para o debate de medir a sustentabilidade urbana usando indicadores são apresentadas neste documento, que por sua vez, sugere a abordagem da Teoria das Síndromes de Mudança Global criado pelo Conselho Consultivo de mudança global para Governo Federal da Alemanha (WBGU), e adaptada pelo Centro Nacional Suíço de Competência em Pesquisa Norte-Sul (NCCR N-S), como uma valiosa ferramenta para a criação de indicadores sistêmicos, o que permitirá abordar de forma abrangente as questões urbanas. Finalmente, explica-se com exemplo da intensidade de Síndrome de Favela, a forma como a abordagem NCCR N-S constrói um indicador que é aplicável no contexto dos países em desenvolvimento e sugere alguns ajustes para cobrir mais aspectos para avaliar o estado de os problemas associados com a urbanização não planejada e informal.
A dimensão política e econômica no “Mundo do Samba” paulistano - DOI 10.5216/ag.v4i12.12783
Authors: Dozena Alessandro
Published: April 2011

Este artigo objetivou compreender os diferentes usos do território na cidade de São Paulo sob a perspectiva particular da dimensão política e econômica manifestada no “Mundo do Samba Paulistano”. Considerando-se os depoimentos dos sambistas e entrevistados, houve a abordagem das negociações presentes no samba paulistano, da geração de empregos durante a fase pré-carnavalesca, da movimentação da economia e das ações políticas.
Construir Palmas? uma análise da construção da capital do Tocantins - DOI 10.5216/ag.v4i12.12788
Authors: De Brito Eliseu Pereira
Published: April 2011

Este trabalho tem por objetivo principal analisar, a partir de uma leitura no nome da Praça do Sol, que posteriormente veio a ser a Praça dos Girassóis, o processo de construção da cidade de Palmas, através de seus símbolos materializados nasconstruções e representações nesta praça. Leituras de Bourdieu (1998), Harvey (1979) e Choay (1979) possibilitaram nortear a pesquisa para entender o significado dos nomes dados a esta praça relacionando-os com a estratégia de implantação da cidade de Palmas. Entendeu-se, no trabalho, que as cidades ‘pós-modernistas’, se é que se pode chamar o plano urbanístico de Palmas, são em si contraditórias, pois sua materialidade é instável, é moldada pelo imitar das imagens da mídia, podendo ser mudadas ao apertar de um botão, serem adaptadas onde e como se quiser. O sol e os girassóis, utilizados para nomear a principal praça da cidade, receberam significados que traduzem a ansiedade dos planejadores e construtores de Palmas. Os objetivos foram mutantes de acordo com as estratégias que possibilitaram Palmas se consolidar como cidade. Neste norte, não é mais plantar girassol que simboliza o nome da praça, antes, é uma singularidade aceita pelos moradores da cidade, induzidos por um conjunto de artífices. Este olhar permitiu que fosse discutido pontos que traduzem o objetivo dos idealizadores de Palmas.