bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Etioplasts with protochlorophyll and protochlorophyllide forms in the under‐soil epicotyl segments of pea (Pisum sativum) seedlings grown under natural light conditions
Authors: Vitányi Beáta , Kósa Annamária , Solymosi Katalin , Böddi Béla
Published: October 2012

To study if etiolation symptoms exist in plants grown under natural illumination conditions, under‐soil epicotyl segments of light‐grown pea (Pisum sativum) plants were examined and compared to those of hydroponically dark‐grown plants. Light‐, fluorescence‐ and electron microscopy, 77 K fluorescence spectroscopy, pigment extraction and pigment content determination methods were used. Etioplasts with prolamellar bodies and/or prothylakoids, protochlorophyll (Pchl) and protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) forms (including the flash‐photoactive 655 nm emitting form) were found in the (pro)chlorenchyma of epicotyl segments under 3 cm soil depth; their spectral properties were similar to those of hydroponically grown seedlings. However, differences were found in etioplast sizes and Pchlide:Pchl molar ratios, which indicate differences in the developmental rates of the under‐soil and of hydroponically developed cells. Tissue regions closer to the soil surface showed gradual accumulation of chlorophyll, and in parallel, decrease of Pchl and Pchlide. These results proved that etioplasts and Pchlide exist in soil‐covered parts of seedlings even if they have a 3–4‐cm long photosynthetically active shoot above the soil surface. This underlines that etiolation symptoms do develop under natural growing conditions, so they are not merely artificial, laboratory phenomena. Consequently, dark‐grown laboratory plants are good models to study the early stages of etioplast differentiation and the Pchlide–chlorophyllide phototransformation.
Root‐derived auxin contributes to the phosphorus‐deficiency‐induced cluster‐root formation in white lupin (Lupinus albus)
Authors: Meng Zhi Bin , You Xue Di , Suo Dong , Chen Yun Long , Tang Caixian , Yang Jian Li , Zheng Shao Jian
Published: October 2012

Formation of cluster roots is a typical morphological response to phosphorus (P) deficiency in white lupin (Lupinus albus), but its physiological and molecular mechanisms are still unclear. We investigated the role of auxin in the initiation of cluster roots by distinguishing the sources of auxin, measuring the longitudinal distribution patterns of free indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) along the root and the related gene expressions responsible for polar auxin transport (PAT) in different developmental stages of cluster roots. We found that removal of shoot apex or primary root apex and application of auxin‐influx or ‐efflux transport inhibitors, 3‐chloro‐4‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid, N‐1‐naphthylphthalamic acid and 2,3,5‐triiodobenzoic acid, to the stem did not affect the number of cluster roots and the free‐IAA concentration in the roots of P‐deficient plants, but when these inhibitors were applied directly to the growth media, the cluster‐root formation was greatly suppressed, suggesting the fundamental role of root‐derived IAA in cluster‐root formation. The concentration of free IAA in the roots was higher in P‐deficient plants than in P‐adequate ones, and the highest in the lateral‐root apex and the lowest in the mature cluster roots. Meanwhile the expression patterns of LaAUX1, LaPIN1 and LaPIN3 transcripts related to PAT was consistent with concentrations of free IAA along the lateral root, indicating the contribution of IAA redistribution in the cluster‐root development. We proposed that root‐derived IAA plays a direct and important role in the P‐deficiency‐induced formation of cluster roots.
Carbohydrate and nitrogen stores in Festuca paniculata under mowing explain dominance in subalpine grasslands
Authors: Baptist F. , Secher‐Fromell H. , Viard‐Cretat F. , Aranjuelo I. , Clement J.‐C. , Creme A. , Desclos M. , Laine P. , Nogues S. , Lavorel S.
Published: October 2012

Cessation of traditional management threatens semi‐natural grassland diversity through the colonisation or increase of competitive species adapted to nutrient‐poor conditions. Regular mowing is one practice that controls their abundance. This study evaluated the ecophysiological mechanisms limiting short‐ and long‐term recovery after mowing for Festuca paniculata, a competitive grass that takes over subalpine grasslands in the Alps following cessation of mowing. We quantified temporal variations in carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content, starch, fructan and total soluble sugars in leaves, stem bases and roots of F. paniculata during one growth cycle in mown and unmown fields and related them to the dynamics of soil mineral N concentration and soil moisture. Short‐term results suggest that the regrowth of F. paniculata following mowing might be N‐limited, first because of N dilution by C increments in the plant tissue, and second, due to low soil mineral N and soil moisture at this time of year. However, despite short‐term effects of mowing on plant growth, C and N content and concentration at the beginning of the following growing season were not affected. Nevertheless, total biomass accumulation at peak standing biomass was largely reduced compared to unmown fields. Moreover, lower C storage capacity at the end of the growing season impacted C allocation to vegetative reproduction during winter, thereby dramatically limiting the horizontal growth of F. paniculata tussocks in the long term. We conclude that mowing reduces the growth of F. paniculata tussocks through both C and N limitation. Such results will help understanding how plant responses to defoliation regulate competitive interactions within plant communities.
Resistance of European tree species to drought stress in mixed versus pure forests: evidence of stress release by inter‐specific facilitation
Authors: Pretzsch H. , Schütze G. , Uhl E.
Published: October 2012

While previous studies focused on tree growth in pure stands, we reveal that tree resistance and resilience to drought stress can be modified distinctly through species mixing. Our study is based on tree ring measurement on cores from increment boring of 559 trees of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.), European beech (Fagus sylvatica [L.]) and sessile oak (Quercus petraea (Matt.) Liebl.) in South Germany, with half sampled in pure, respectively, mixed stands. Indices for resistance, recovery and resilience were applied for quantifying the tree growth reaction on the episodic drought stress in 1976 and 2003. The following general reaction patterns were found. (i) In pure stands, spruce has the lowest resistance, but the quickest recovery; oak and beech were more resistant, but recover was much slower and they are less resilient. (ii) In mixture, spruce and oak perform as in pure stands, but beech was significantly more resistant and resilient than in monoculture. (iii) Especially when mixed with oak, beech is facilitated. We hypothesise that the revealed water stress release of beech emerges in mixture because of the asynchronous stress reaction pattern of beech and oak and a facilitation of beech by hydraulic lift of water by oak. This facilitation of beech in mixture with oak means a contribution to the frequently reported overyield of beech in mixed versus pure stands. We discuss the far‐reaching implications that these differences in stress response under intra‐ and inter‐specific environments have for forest ecosystem dynamics and management under climate change.
Relationships between intra‐specific variation in seed size and recruitment in four species in two contrasting habitats
Authors: Lönnberg K. , Eriksson O.
Published: October 2012

Large seeds contain more stored resources, and seedlings germinating from large seeds generally cope better with environmental stresses such as shading, competition and thick litter layers, than seedlings germinating from small seeds. A pattern with small‐seeded species being associated with open habitats and large‐seeded species being associated with closed (shaded) habitats has been suggested and supported by comparative studies. However, few studies have assessed the intra‐specific relationship between seed size and recruitment, comparing plant communities differing in canopy cover. Here, seeds from four plant species commonly occurring in ecotones between open and closed habitats (Convallaria majalis, Frangula alnus, Prunus padus and Prunus spinosa) were weighed and sown individually (3200 seeds per species) in open and closed‐canopy sites, and seedling emergence and survival recorded over 3 years. Our results show a generally positive, albeit weak, relationship between seed size and recruitment. In only one of the species, C. majalis, was there an association between closed canopy habitat and a positive seed size effect on recruitment. We conclude that there is a weak selection gradient favouring larger seeds, but that this selection gradient is not clearly related to habitat.
Effects of temperature, salinity and their interaction on growth of the benthic dinoflagellate Ostreopsis cf. ovata (Dinophyceae) from Japanese coastal waters
Authors: Yamaguchi Haruo , Yoshimatsu Takamichi , Tanimoto Yuko , Sato Shinya , Nishimura Tomohiro , Uehara Keita , Adachi Masao
Published: October 2012

Benthic dinoflagellates of the genus Ostreopsis produce palytoxin (PTX)‐like compounds. The worldwide distributed Ostreopsis ovata/O. cf. ovata is potentially responsible for outbreaks of human health problems around the coasts of tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. The present study examined growth responses of an O. cf. ovata strain s0662 collected from coastal waters of Japan with 35 different combinations of temperature (15–35°C) and salinity (20–40) and discusses the bloom dynamics of the organism in Japanese coastal environments. The O. cf. ovata strain s0662 tolerated a wide range of temperature (17.5–35°C) and salinity (25–40). Results of a two‐way ANOVA showed significant effects of temperature‐salinity interaction on growth rates and biomass yields of the O. cf. ovata strain (F(24,70) > 127, P < 0.001). The strain showed a maximal growth rate (1.03 divisions day−1) and biomass yield (240 relative fluorescence) at temperature 25°C and salinity 30. The high growth rates of over 1.0 division day−1 were obtained in conditions of temperature 25–30°C and salinity 30–35, which indicates that strain s0662 prefers high temperature and salinity conditions. The growth rates of O. cf. ovata under the optimal conditions were higher than those of other benthic toxic‐dinoflagellates, Coolia monotis, Gambierdiscus toxicus, and Prorocentrum lima (Dinophyceae) previously reported. Taken together, we suggest that O. cf. ovata is able to grow faster than the other benthic dinoflagellates in waters of high temperature and salinity. The physiological feature probably confers an ecological advantage on O. cf. ovata in the bloom development during warmer seasons in Japan and may be responsible for outbreaks of PTX‐like poisoning in the region especially during the warmer seasons.
Sirtuin 1 activator SRT1720 suppresses inflammation in an ovalbumin‐induced mouse model of asthma
Authors: ICHIKAWA TOMOMI , HAYASHI RYUJI , SUZUKI KENSUKE , IMANISHI SHINGO , KAMBARA KENTA , OKAZAWA SEISUKE , INOMATA MINEHIKO , YAMADA TORU , YAMAZAKI YU , KOSHIMIZU YUKIKO , MIWA TOSHIRO , MATSUI SHOKO , USUI ISAO , URAKAZE MASAHARU , MATSUYA YUJI , SASAHARA MASAKIYO , TOBE KAZUYUKI
Published: October 2012

Background and objective:  In asthma, reduced histone deacetylase activity and enhanced histone acetyltransferase activity in the lungs have been reported. However, the precise function of Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), a class III histone deacetylase, and the effect of the Sirt1 activator SRT1720 on allergic inflammation have not been fully elucidated.

Methods:  The effect of SRT1720, a synthetic activator of Sirt1, in an ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced asthma mouse model was investigated. The effect of SRT1720 and resveratrol on OVA stimulation in splenocytes from OVA‐sensitized and challenged mice was also examined.

Results:  In OVA‐sensitized and challenged mice (OVA mice) compared with saline‐sensitized and challenged mice (control mice), Sirt1 messenger RNA expression in the lungs was decreased (P = 0.02), while cellular infiltration, airway eosinophilia and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid levels of interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐13 were increased (P < 0.01). In OVA mice, SRT1720 treatment decreased total and eosinophil cell counts and IL‐5 and IL‐13 levels in the BAL fluid compared with the vehicle treatment (P < 0.05). In OVA mice, SRT1720 treatment also decreased inflammatory cell lung infiltrates histologically (P = 0.002). Both SRT1720 and resveratrol suppressed OVA‐induced cell proliferation and IL‐6 (P < 0.05) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) (P < 0.05) production in splenocytes (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:  The Sirt1 activator SRT1720 suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration and cytokine production in an OVA‐induced mouse model of asthma. SRT1720 and resveratrol suppressed OVA‐induced splenocyte proliferation and TNF‐α and IL‐6 production. Sirt1 activators might have beneficial effects in asthmatics by suppressing inflammation.
Analysis of procedural sedation provided by pediatricians
Authors: Monroe Kimberly K. , Beach Michael , Reindel Rebecca , Badwan Laura , Couloures Kevin G , Hertzog James H. , Cravero Joseph P.
Published: October 2012

Background

Pediatric procedural sedation outside of the operating room is performed by a variety of pediatric specialists. Using the database from the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium (PSRC), patient demographics, medications used, diagnoses, complications, and procedures involved when pediatricians provided sedation in this cohort, were described. ‘Pediatrician’ was defined as a general pediatrician, cardiologist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, hematologist/oncologist, neurologist, pulmonologist or hospitalist.

Methods

Data were collected by the PSRC, a group of 35 institutions dedicated to improving sedation care for children. Members prospectively enrolled consecutive patients who received sedation or anesthesia for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Data on demographics, primary diagnoses, procedures, medications, interventions, and complications were collected and stored on a Web‐based data collection tool.

Results

A total of 12 113 sedations performed by pediatricians were submitted from 1 July 2004 to 31 December 2008, compared to 119 665 cases performed by non‐pediatricians. Pediatrician patients were more frequently non‐emergency American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I or II, aged 2–8 years old, with a neurologic primary diagnosis, being sedated for a radiologic procedure with a sedative. Distraction techniques were used more frequently in the pediatrician group (11.9% vs 3.1%). The most common complication encountered was inadequate sedation, which occurred 2.2% of the time.

Conclusions

Pediatricians sedate for a variety of patients within the PSRC, but the patients tended to be younger, predominately ASA class I or II, non‐emergency, and undergoing non‐painful procedures when compared to non‐pediatrician providers. The patient demographics, medications used, diagnoses, complications, and procedures involved varied between the groups significantly. Complication rates were similar between the groups.
Effect of heavy metals in the meconium on preterm mortality: Preliminary study
Authors: Turker Gülcan , Özsoy Gamze , Özdemir Semra , Barutçu Bora , Gökalp Ayse Sevim
Published: October 2012

Background

There have been many studies that have investigated the risk factors of mortality in preterm infants, but none has shown an association between preterm mortality and exposure to heavy metals or trace elements. The aim of this study was therefore to measure the levels of toxic metals (lead, cadmium) and trace elements (zinc, iron, copper) in meconium samples and elucidate their association with preterm mortality.

Methods

Metals and trace elements were measured in the meconium of 304 preterm infants using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer.

Results

The level of heavy metals and trace elements in non‐surviving infants was significantly higher than in surviving infants. Moreover, the level of heavy metals and trace elements in non‐surviving infants whose gestational age was <30 weeks (n = 11) was significantly higher than in surviving infants (n = 12). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that gestational age and meconium lead level predicted early mortality in premature newborns. Furthermore, this curve analysis showed that, when comparing meconium lead level and gestational age, meconium lead level had a similar effect on mortality as gestational age.

Conclusion

Meconium lead level and gestational age are associated with increased mortality risk in preterm neonates.
Early childhood predictors of age of initiation to use of cannabis: A birth prospective study
Authors: Hayatbakhsh Reza , Williams Gail M. , Bor William , Najman Jake M.
Published: October 2012

Introduction and Aims

Early age of cannabis use predicts subsequent illicit drug abuse and other psychosocial problems. Identification of factors associated with early cannabis use may contribute to the development of preventive interventions. This study aimed to examine the early life predictors of age of initiation to cannabis.

Design and Methods

Data were fromMaterHospital andUniversity ofQueenslandStudy ofPregnancy, a population‐based prospective birth cohort study. Participants were a cohort of 3488 young adults who self‐reported frequency and age of onset of cannabis use at the 21 year follow up.

Results

Of 3488 young adults, 48.9% (51.8% men and 46.4% women) reported having ever used cannabis. For those who had ever used cannabis, age of onset had mean and median of 15.8 and 16.0 years, respectively. In multivariate analysis child's gender, change in maternal marital status, quality of marital relationship, maternal cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption and maternal depression when the child was 5 years statistically significantly predicted age of initiation to cannabis use.

Discussion and Conclusions

The present study explores the impact of early childhood factors associated with age of onset of cannabis use. It is suggested that the family environment within which children are reared, including factors such as parents' marital circumstances, has a major influence on initiation to cannabis use in adolescence. Research is needed to disentangle the pathways of association between these early life factors and early initiation to use of cannabis.
Butcher, Neil (2011) A basic guide to open educational resources Commonwealth of learning (Vancouver) isbn 978‐1‐894975‐41‐4 133 pp CDN$12 (free download) http://www.col.org/resources/publications/Pages/detail.aspx?PID=357Commonwealth of learning (2011) Guidelines for open educational resources in higher educationCommonwealth of learning (Vancouver) isbn 978‐1‐894975‐42‐1 22 pp + dvd CDN$12 (free download) http://www.col.org/resources/publications/Pages/detail.aspx?PID=364
Authors: Thomas Michael
Published: October 2012

A basic guide to open educational resources (oer) and Guidelines for open educational resources in higher education are two slim volumes that provide a detailed, succinct and immensely valuable overview of oer policy and practice that should be useful across all sectors of education, from schools to universities. If these books are relevant to you, I recommend you download or buy copies.

Michael Thomas
Hinrichs, Randy & Wankel, Charles ed (2011) Transforming virtual world learningEmerald (Bingley, UK) isbn 978‐1‐78052‐052‐0 366 pp £49.99 http://www.emeraldinsight.com/books.htm?issn=2044‐9968&volume=4
Authors: Sharma Ramesh
Published: October 2012

For educators venturing into 3d virtual worlds, this volume offers practical suggestions and examples for all stages: planning, design, development and deployment of learning experiences, moving them into “thinking in 3d”. While its content may be relevant to you, I advise you will probably find only parts of it of use or interest.

Ramesh Sharma
Lake, Robert (2012) Vygotsky on educationPeter Lang (New York & Bern) isbn 978‐1‐4331‐1355‐0 173 pp £12 http://www.peterlang.com/index.cfm?event=cmp.ccc.seitenstruktur.detailseiten&seitentyp=product&pk=58467&concordeid=311355
Authors: Cowan John
Published: October 2012

This primer claims no more than to be an introduction to the life and work of Lev Vygotsky. In 163 highly readable pages that are rich in content, it conveys much more explanation in depth of Vygotsky's teaching than this reviewer managed to assimilate over years of struggling with somewhat turgid texts. It also infectiously conveys enthusiasm for Vygotsky's principles. If you expect its content to be relevant, I recommend you buy your own copy.

John Cowan
Ribble, Mike (2011) Digital citizenship in schoolsISTE & Eurospan (London) isbn 978‐1‐56484‐301‐2 166 pp $39.95 ($27.97 to members) http://www.iste.org/store/product.aspx?ID=2111
Authors: Dettori Giuliana
Published: October 2012

This interesting book, addressed to school teachers and technology leaders, aims to build awareness of what are inappropriate behaviours in technology use and why they are potentially dangerous. Digital citizenship—the application of norms for productive and appropriate technology use—is relevant to all in our technology‐rich society, and should be an integral part of technology education. If this book is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend you borrow a copy.

Giuliana Dettori
Modeling of Shotcrete Application for Use in a Real‐Time Training Simulator
Authors: Velez Gorka , Matey Luis , Amundarain Aiert , Suescun Ángel , Marín Juan Andrés , de Dios Carlos
Published: October 2012

Simulators provide significant advantages in training operators of concrete spraying machinery, such as economic savings, the practical absence of safety risks, and environmental and educational benefits. The main challenge in developing a real‐time training simulator for concrete spraying machinery lies in the modeling of shotcrete application. This article presents a novel method that models and simulates in real time the three main factors influencing shotcrete sprayability: adhesion, cohesion, and rebound. Furthermore, thanks to the addition of an obstacle model, the method makes it possible to spray onto additional supporting elements, which is a typical shotcrete application. The proposed method considers a wet‐mix thick flow spraying process and is based on experiments that were run with a real concrete spraying machine and complemented by expert advice. The method was developed and evaluated using a user‐centered methodology, resulting in realistic shotcrete application modeling that meets the needs for training concrete spraying machinery operators.
Catenae: Introducing a Novel Unit of Syntactic Analysis
Authors: Osborne Timothy , Putnam Michael , Groß Thomas
Published: October 2012

Abstract. This paper introduces a novel unit of syntactic analysis, thecatena(Latin for ‘chain’; pluralcatenae). The catena is defined in a dependency‐based grammar as a word or a combination of words that is continuous with respect to dominance. According to this definition, any dependency tree or any subtree (complete or partial) of a dependency tree qualifies as a catena. The paper demonstrates that idioms are stored as catenae and that the elided material of ellipsis mechanisms (e.g., answer fragments, gapping, stripping, VP ellipsis, pseudogapping, sluicing, and comparative deletion) is a catena. Constituents are always catenae, but many catenae arenotconstituents. Based on the flexibility and utility of the catena concept, the claim is put forth and defended that the catena is the fundamental unit of syntax, not the constituent.
Chi‐squared portmanteau tests for structural VARMA models with uncorrelated errors
Authors: Katayama Naoya
Published: October 2012

We consider portmanteau tests for testing the adequacy of structural vector autoregressive moving average models with uncorrelated errors. Under the assumption that errors are uncorrelated but non‐independent, it is known that the Ljung–Box (or Box–Pierce) portmanteau test statistic is asymptotically distributed as a weighted sum of chi‐squared random variables which can be far from the chi‐square distribution usually employed. We therefore propose a new portmanteau statistic that is asymptotically chi‐squared even in the presence of uncorrelated but non‐independent errors. Monte Carlo experiments illustrate the finite sample performance for the proposed portmanteau test.
Randomized double blind trial of prednisolone and azathioprine, vs. prednisolone and placebo, in the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Chams‐Davatchi C. , Mortazavizadeh A. , Daneshpazhooh M. , Davatchi F. , Balighi K. , Esmaili N. , Akhyani M. , Hallaji Z. , seirafi H. , Mortazavi H.
Published: October 2012

Background  The classic treatment for pemphigus vulgaris is prednisolone. Immunosuppressive drugs can be used in association.

Objective  To compare the efficacy of Azathioprine in reducing the Disease Activity Index (DAI).

Patients and methods  A double blind randomized controlled study was conducted on 56 new patients, assigned to two therapeutic groups: (i) prednisolone plus placebo; (ii) prednisolone plus Azathioprine. Patients were checked regularly for 1 year. ‘Complete remission’ was defined as healing of all lesions after 12 months, and prednisolone <7.5 mg daily, (DAI ≤ 1). Analysis was done by ‘Intention To Treat’ (ITT) and ‘Treatment Completed Analysis’ (TCA).

Results  Both groups were similar in age, gender, disease duration, and DAI. Primary endpoint: By ITT and TCA, the mean DAI improved in both groups with no significant difference between them. The difference became significant for the last trimester (3 months; ITT: P = 0.033, TCA: P = 0.045). Secondary endpoint: The total steroid dose decreased significantly in both groups, with no significant difference between them, except for the last trimester (ITT: P = 0.011, TCA: P = 0.035). The mean daily steroid dose decreased gradually in both groups becoming statistically significant in favour of azathioprine, in the last trimester, especially at 12th months (ITT: P = 0.002, TCA: P = 0.005). Complete remission was significant at 12 months only for TCA (AZA/Control: 53.6%/39.9%, P = 0.043).

Limitations  Sample size was rather small to demonstrate all differences. Other limitations include the choice of primary and secondary endpoints and the unavailability to measure thiopurine methyltransferase activity.

Conclusion  Azathioprine helps to reduce prednisolone dose in long‐run.
Exploring Genomic Structure Differences and Similarities between the Greek and European HapMap Populations: Implications for Association Studies
Authors: Stathias Vasileios , Sotiris Georgios R. , Karagiannidis Iordanis , Bourikas Georgios , Martinis Georgios , Papazoglou Dimitrios , Tavridou Anna , Papanas Nikolaos , Maltezos Efstratios , Theodoridis Marios , Vargemezis Vassilios , Manolopoulos Vangelis G. , Speed William C. , Kidd Judith R. , Kidd Kenneth K. , Drineas Petros , Paschou Peristera
Published: October 2012

Studies of the genomic structure of the Greek population and Southeastern Europe are limited, despite the central position of the area as a gateway for human migrations into Europe. HapMap has provided a unique tool for the analysis of human genetic variation. Europe is represented by the CEU (Northwestern Europe) and the TSI populations (Tuscan Italians from Southern Europe), which serve as reference for the design of genetic association studies. Furthermore, genetic association findings are often transferred to unstudied populations. Although initial studies support the fact that the CEU can, in general, be used as reference for the selection of tagging SNPs in European populations, this has not been extensively studied across Europe. We set out to explore the genomic structure of the Greek population (56 individuals) and compare it to the HapMap TSI and CEU populations. We studied 1112 SNPs (27 regions, 13 chromosomes). Although the HapMap European populations are, in general, a good reference for the Greek population, regions of population differentiation do exist and results should not be light‐heartedly generalized. We conclude that, perhaps due to the individual evolutionary history of each genomic region, geographic proximity is not always a perfect guide for selecting a reference population for an unstudied population.
Orienting response elicitation by personally significant information under subliminal stimulus presentation: Demonstration using the Concealed Information Test
Authors: Maoz Keren , Breska Assaf , Ben‐Shakhar Gershon
Published: October 2012

Considerable evidence suggests that subliminal information can trigger cognitive and neural processes. Here, we examined whether elicitation of orienting response by personally significant (PS) verbal information requires conscious awareness of the input. Subjects were exposed to the Concealed Information Test (CIT), in which autonomic responses for autobiographical items are typically larger than for control items. These items were presented subliminally using two different masking protocols: single or multiple presentation of the masked item. An objective test was used to verify unawareness to the stimuli. As predicted, PS items elicited significantly stronger skin conductance responses than the control items in both exposure conditions. The results extend previous findings showing that autonomic responses can be elicited following subliminal exposure to aversive information, and also may have implications on the applied usage of the CIT.
Discrimination of stress in speech and music: A mismatch negativity (MMN) study
Authors: Peter Varghese , Mcarthur Genevieve , Thompson William Forde
Published: October 2012

The aim of this study was to determine if duration‐related stress in speech and music is processed in a similar way in the brain. To this end, we tested 20 adults for their abstract mismatch negativity (MMN) event‐related potentials to two duration‐related stress patterns: stress on the first syllable or note (long‐short), and stress on the second syllable or note (short‐long). A significant MMN was elicited for both speech and music except for the short‐long speech stimulus. The long‐short stimuli elicited larger MMN amplitudes for speech and music compared to short‐long stimuli. An extra negativity—the late discriminative negativity (LDN)—was observed only for music. The larger MMN amplitude for long‐short stimuli might be due to the familiarity of the stress pattern in speech and music. The presence of LDN for music may reflect greater long‐term memory transfer for music stimuli.
Feedback‐related potentials are sensitive to sequential order of decision outcomes in a gambling task
Authors: Osinsky Roman , Mussel Patrick , Hewig Johannes
Published: October 2012

The feedback negativity (FN) has been repeatedly linked to expectancies about decision outcomes. Sequential outcome order is likely to influence such expectancies but has been widely disregarded. We therefore investigated whether the three‐trial order of decision outcomes in a gambling task influences the FN as well as the P200 and P300. All three deflections were not only influenced by the outcome valence of the current trial but also by the outcomes of the two preceding trials. In detail, the FN and P300 to any current trial outcome were largest when the outcomes in the two preceding trials had an opposite valence. The P200 was highest in the context of two directly preceding wins, indicating that it may reflect representations of local outcome history. Our findings demonstrate that neural systems involved in decision outcome processing dynamically and continuously integrate the local outcome history for the evaluation of present outcomes.
When good news is scarce and bad news is good: Government responsibilities and opposition possibilities in political agenda‐setting
Authors: Thesen Gunnar
Published: October 2012

Recent studies have drawn attention to the political contingencies of the media's political agenda‐setting influence, finding, for instance, that issues from the media agenda are more likely to attract attention if a party enjoys ownership of the issue. Supplementing the debate on why political parties respond to news, it is argued in this article that ownership is only part of the picture and that policy responsibility, together with news tone, constitutes a stronger explanation of news politicisation. Opposition parties respond to bad news because they reflect negative developments in social problems for which the government could be held responsible. The government responds to good news that reflects positive developments in social problems because this could politicise policy success, but is also forced to react when news explicitly address government responsibility and thereby threatens its image as responsive and competent. Furthermore, it is shown that news tone and policy responsibility condition the incentive to politicise owned issues from the media agenda. Thus, opposition parties will not politicise owned issues when news is good because this could draw attention to government success, while government is unable and unwilling to prioritise owned issues when news is bad and instead is likely to make use of its ownership strengths when news is good and the pressure to respond is low. The arguments are tested on a large‐N sample of radio news stories from Denmark (2003–2004). Opposition response is measured through parliamentary questions spurred by the news stories, while government response is indicated by references to these stories in the prime minister's weekly press meeting. Results confirm the expectations, suggesting that parties care more about the tone of news stories and the type of attention they might produce, rather than what type of issues they could serve to politicise.
Oligarchy and Democracy in Post-Suharto Indonesia
Authors: Fukuoka Yuki
Published: October 2012

This article presents a systematic review of the literature of oligarchy in Indonesia, which offers a distinctive interpretation of political change in Indonesia. The article argues that this literature is significant in two important ways. First, it invites ongoing rethinking of the ways in which authoritarian regimes fall. In the mainstream literature of democratisation, the fall of authoritarian regimes is often portrayed as the triumph of pro-democratic civil society mobilisation. Whereas many Indonesianists embrace this mainstream account in explaining the fall of the Suharto regime, the oligarchy literature suggests that its fall was driven not so much by the rise of civil society forces as by tensions between Suharto and oligarchs, in which the former was abandoned by the latter. Second, the oligarchy literature also compels a reappraisal of the nature of Indonesia's new democracy. Unlike the mainstream account of democratisation, which holds an optimistic view that the country is in the ‘consolidation’ stage towards a liberal democracy, the oligarchy literature sees political transition in Indonesia as a journey to an illiberal type of democracy: namely, oligarchical democracy.
The European Public Sphere: Myth, Reality or Aspiration?
Authors: Nitoiu Cristian
Published: October 2012

The discussion about the public sphere only began to have significant relevance within the setting of the European Union in the middle of the 1990s when a growing degree of attention was directed towards European integration and the role of national and transnational media in providing thrust for it. Since then, the notion of the public sphere has been seen as a central feature of European democracies, shaping the coherence of political systems and decision-making processes. There has also been a tendency in the literature to perceive the European public sphere (EPS) as having positive effects on the EU by endowing it with legitimacy and providing a space where its institutions and leaders can be made more transparent and accountable. What is disputed throughout this scholarship is the possibility of creating an overarching European public sphere that would act as a transnational discursive space uniting various communication fluxes and actors from all strata of society. However, the answers provided by scholars for this puzzle are at most ambiguous or undecided and seem to be torn between viewing the EPS as aspiration, myth or reality.
Reactivity in Pain‐Free Subjects and a Clinical Pain Population: Evaluation of the Kohn Reactivity Scale‐Dutch Version
Authors: Veldhuijzen Dieuwke S. , Noordermeer Siri D.S. , van Wijck Albert J.M. , Snijders Tom J. , Geenen Rinie
Published: October 2012

Background

Patients with pain are more reactive to various types of sensations, not limited to pain alone. A potential useful instrument to assess reactivity is the Kohn Reactivity Scale (KRS). This study examines the psychometric characteristics of the KRS‐Dutch version and its ability to differentiate between subjects with and without pain.

Methods

Internal consistency, convergent validity, and test–retest reliability of the Dutch translation of the KRS were assessed in 321 pain‐free control subjects and different subgroups of this sample. Subsequently, reactivity scores were compared between the pain‐free subjects and 291 pain patients who were referred to a pain clinic for treatment.

Results

Reliability analyses indicated good internal consistency (α ≥ 0.77) and high test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation = 0.95) of the KRS in the control subjects. Validity analyses yielded positive correlations of the KRS with related constructs like pain vigilance and awareness (r = 0.37), symptom severity (r = 0.29), and the personality characteristic neuroticism (r = 0.20). Pain patients had overall significantly higher KRS scores than the pain‐free subjects indicating increased reactivity, particularly for the patients with medically unexplained pain.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the KRS is a useful instrument to screen for reactivity in pain patients, which may be of particular relevance for those suffering from medically unexplained pain.
Transforming Leadership and theObama Presidency
Authors: Engbers Trent , Fucilla Louis
Published: October 2012

Objective

This study seeks to identify the political speech of President Obama to better understand the leadership techniques utilized.

Methods

Political speech is coded using textual analysis and leadership frames are grouped into transactional and transforming categories.

Results

The findings of this study suggest that President Obama does seek to use transformational leadership but that this transformational leadership is more often found in rational persuasion than inspirational appeals.

Conclusion

The informal powers of the presidency do include the power to inspire but for President Obama this power secondary to appeals to reason.
It's Complicated: Latinos, President Obama, and the 2012 Election*
Authors: Wallace Sophia J.
Published: October 2012

Objective

Assess Latino support past, present, and future for President Obama and his policies, and the role of the Latino vote in the 2012 election.

Methods

Examine Latino voting patterns, administrative decisions and legislation enacted by President Obama affecting Latinos, and Latino public opinion polls to evaluate potential support for Obama by Latinos.

Results

Despite disappointment and anger over immigration policy by President Obama, Latinos still indicate high levels of support for him and willingness to vote for him in the 2012 elections. Obama has demonstrated his commitment to issues salient to the Latino community in addition to appointing a large number of Latinos to top‐ranking government positions. The influence of the Latino vote in 2012 is dependent on voter mobilization in competitive places.

Conclusion

Latinos in the 2012 election could play a significant role in the presidential race but also in congressional races if they turn out in high numbers in competitive places to ensure their numbers result in influence.
Barack Obama's “Fight” to End Poverty: Rhetoric and Reality
Authors: Fording Richard C. , Smith Joseph L.
Published: October 2012

Objectives

In this article we examine President Barack Obama's leadership on the issue of poverty. Our analysis seeks to address three specific objectives. First, we begin by examining the Obama administration's anti‐poverty efforts and their relationship with recent trends in the U.S. poverty rate. Second, we examine President Obama's rhetorical leadership on the issue of poverty, both in absolute terms and compared to other recent presidents. Compared to other recent presidents, how often has Obama talked about issues related to poverty and poor people? Third, we discuss the implications of our results for theories of presidential leadership.

Methods

We rely on a series of analyses of aggregate poverty trends, as well as content analyses of presidential weekly radio addresses.

Results

Our analyses find that contrary to the claims of critics, although the poverty rate has risen during President Obama's first term in office, recent increases in poverty have actually been somewhat lower that what would be expected given the state of the economy. The evidence indicates that one important reason for this is the implementation of ARRA. We find considerable support for claims that President Obama has demonstrated relatively little rhetorical leadership on the issue of poverty, although the frequency with which he has emphasized issues related to poverty is not significantly different compared to past presidents.

Conclusion

President Obama has had some objective success in his anti‐poverty efforts, but his leadership style on this issue can be characterized more as a “facilitator” rather than a “director” of change.
Repetitive TASER X26 Discharge Resulted in Adverse Physiologic Events with a Dose–Response Relationship Related to the Duration of Discharge in Anesthetized Swine Model
Authors: Park Eun‐Jung , Choi Sang‐Cheon , Ahn Jung‐Hwan , Min Young‐Gi
Published: October 2012

The objectives of our study were to investigate the dose–response relationship of the TASER X26 discharge duration in an anesthetized swine model. Fourteen swines were anesthetized and then exposed to TASER X26 discharge for 5 sec (n = 5) or for 10 sec (n = 6). The sham control group (n = 3) was anesthetized and studied using the same protocol except TASER X26 discharges during the experiments. Hemodynamic parameters were obtained. Blood pressure and total peripheral resistance decreased significantly after TASER discharge and returned to baseline value at 15 min after 5 sec of TASER discharge but did not return to baseline values during the 30‐min observation period after 10 sec of TASER discharge. Repetitive TASER X26 discharge resulted in adverse physiologic events with a dose–response relationship related to the duration of TASER X26 discharge in an anesthetized swine model.
Assessment of the TASER XREP Blunt Impact and Penetration Injury Potential Using Cadaveric Testing
Authors: Lucas Scott R. , McGowan Joseph C. , Lam Tack C. , Yamaguchi Gary T. , Carver Matthew , Hinz Andrew
Published: October 2012

TASER International's extended range electronic projectile (XREP) is intended to be fired from a shotgun, impact a threat, and apply remote neuromuscular incapacitation. This study investigated the corresponding potential of blunt impact injury and penetration. Forty‐three XREP rounds were deployed onto two male human cadaver torsos at impact velocities between 70.6 and 95.9 m/sec (232 and 315 ft/sec). In 42 of the 43 shots fired, the XREP did not penetrate the abdominal wall, resulting in superficial wounds only. On one shot, the XREP's nose section separated prematurely in flight, resulting in penetration. No bony fractures were observed with any of the shots. The viscous criterion (VC), blunt criterion (BC), and energy density (E/A) were calculated (all nonpenetrating tests, average ± 1 standard deviation: VC: 1.14 ± 0.94 m/sec, BC: 0.77 ± 0.15, E/A: 22.6 ± 4.15 J/cm2) and, despite the lack of injuries, were generally found to be greater than published tolerance values.
Secular Trend in the Development of Permanent Teeth in a Population of Istria and the Littoral Region of Croatia
Authors: Sasso Anja , Špalj Stjepan , Mady Maričić Barbara , Sasso Antun , Ćabov Tomislav , Legović Mario
Published: October 2012

The study evaluated secular trends in dental development during a period of 30 years, correlation between dental and chronological age in Istria and the littoral region of Croatia. The sample consisted of 1000 panoramic radiographs of children, aged 6–16 years (mean 10.0 ± 1.8), taken in the period 1977–1979 (N = 500; 243 females) and 2007–2009 (N = 500; 299 females). Dental age was assessed according to Demirjian's method. Correlation between chronological and dental age was linear, positive, high, and statistically significant in both periods and genders, ranging from 0.73 to 0.86. Dental age was underestimated when compared to chronological age by 1 year on average, more 30 years ago (−1.35 ± 1.17) than today (−0.63 ± 1.09), less for girls (−0.80 ± 1.22) than boys (−1.21 ± 1.10). A statistically significant positive secular trend in acceleration of dental development was present of 0.72 years during the 30‐year period and was more significant in girls than boys (0.83‐ and 0.51‐year acceleration).
The Awareness of Consequences Scale: An Exploration, Empirical Analysis, and Reinterpretation
Authors: Ryan Anthony M. , Spash Clive L.
Published: October 2012

The value–belief–norm model assumes that egoistic, social‐altruistic, and biospheric value orientations causally influence how people cognitively structure beliefs regarding adverse environmental consequences. Empirical studies have administered the Awareness of Consequences (AC) scale to differentiate between these 3 orientations. We report an analysis that challenges previous work in the field. Evidence is presented that indicates the AC scale should be reinterpreted as a measure of beliefs supporting environmental action and beliefs supporting environmental inaction. The beliefs supporting environmental action appear to be differentiable according to beliefs in the positive consequences from environmental protection and the seriousness of environment harm. This has major implications for the value–belief–norm model and its application.
Perceptions of Older Versus Younger Workers in Terms of Big Five Facets, Proactive Personality, Cognitive Ability, and Job Performance
Authors: Truxillo Donald M. , McCune Elizabeth A. , Bertolino Marilena , Fraccaroli Franco
Published: October 2012

We examined whether older and younger workers are perceived differently in terms of job‐related individual differences and dimensions of job performance. Findings across 2 experimental studies indicated that older workers were perceived more positively in terms of crystallized intelligence and facets of conscientiousness, while younger workers were perceived more positively in terms of fluid intelligence and proactive personality. With regard to work performance, older workers were perceived more positively in terms of organizational citizenship behavior directed toward the organization. Similar perceptions were held by older and younger respondents. Results illustrate that job performance dimensions and work‐related individual differences may provide useful frameworks for understanding stereotypes regarding older and younger workers.