bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A meta‐analytic examination of the relationship between job satisfaction and subjective well‐being
Authors: Bowling Nathan A. , Eschleman Kevin J. , Wang Qiang
Published: March 2010

The current meta‐analysis examined the relationship between job satisfaction and subjective well‐being (SWB). Consistent with the spillover hypothesis, we found positive relationships between job satisfaction and life satisfaction, happiness, positive affect, and the absence of negative affect. In addition, an examination of longitudinal studies suggested that the causal relationship from SWB to job satisfaction was stronger than the causal relationship from job satisfaction to SWB.
Expression of the Homeobox Genes OTX2 and OTX1 in the Early Developing Human Brain
Authors: Larsen Karen B. , Lutterodt Melissa C. , Møllgård Kjeld , Møller Morten
Published: March 2010

In rodents, the Otx2 gene is expressed in the diencephalon, mesencephalon, and cerebellum and is crucial for the development of these brain regions. Together with Otx1, Otx2 is known to cooperate with other genes to develop the caudal forebrain and, further, Otx1 is also involved in differentiation of young neurons of the deeper cortical layers. We have studied the spatial and temporal expression of the two homeobox genes OTX2 and OTX1 in human fetal brains from 7 to 14 weeks postconception by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. OTX2 was expressed in the diencephalon, mesencephalon, and choroid plexus, with a minor expression in the basal telencephalon. The expression of OTX2 in the hippocampal anlage was strong, with no expression in the adjacent neocortex. Contrarily, the OTX1 expression was predominantly located in the proliferative zones of the neocortex. At later stages, the OTX2 protein was found in the subcommissural organ, pineal gland, and cerebellum. The early expression of OTX2 and OTX1 in proliferative cell layers of the human fetal brain supports the concept that these homeobox genes are important in neuronal cell development and differentiation: OTX1 primarily in the neocortex, and OTX2 in the archicortex, diencephalon, rostral brain stem, and cerebellum.
Brain glutaminases
Authors: Márquez Javier , Martín-Rufián Mercedes , Segura Juan A. , Matés José M. , Campos-Sandoval José A. , Alonso Francisco J.
Published: March 2010

Glutaminase is considered as the main glutamate producer enzyme in brain. Consequently, the enzyme is essential for both glutamatergic and gabaergic transmissions. Glutamine-derived glutamate and ammonia, the products of glutaminase reaction, fulfill crucial roles in energy metabolism and in the biosynthesis of basic metabolites, such as GABA, proteins and glutathione. However, glutamate and ammonia are also hazardous compounds and danger lurks in their generation beyond normal physiological thresholds; hence, glutaminase activity must be carefully regulated in the mammalian brain. The differential distribution and regulation of glutaminase are key factors to modulate the metabolism of glutamate and glutamine in brain. The discovery of novel isoenzymes, protein interacting partners and subcellular localizations indicate new functions for brain glutaminase. In this short review, we summarize recent findings that point consistently towards glutaminase as a multifaceted protein able to perform different tasks. Finally, we will highlight the involvement of glutaminase in pathological states and its consideration as a potential therapeutic target.
Die Praecepta Pachoms. Untersuchung zu dem größten Abschnitt der Pachom-Regeln
Authors: Joest Christoph
Published: March 2010

There has been al long lasting debate among scholars about the origins of the Pachomian rules. It seems clear that especially the Praecepta underwent a development over a certain period of time, and some have argued that later generations added to them and that the rules represent a stage of organisation of the Pachomian Koinonia from a period long after Saint Pachomius' death. When we take a look at the structure of the Praecepta we can easily identify two sets of additions (Praecepta 108-119 and 129b-143), apart from them the order of the rules follows a clear and simple structure. If we look at the text we find that the so-called „small conclusions“ (de Clercq) give no hints whatsoever to a growing of the rules or to later additions. In fact, the writing style of the Praecepta is that of Pachomius and definitely not that of Horsiese or Theodoros (apart from Praecepta 8a). Even the above mentioned additions show this same style of writing, so we must conclude that they come from Pachomius himself no matter when they were added and who may have done it. The whole set of rules of the Praecepta represents a stage of development of the Koinonia that was reached at the end of Pachomius' life. Horsiese quotes some of them in his Liber and labels them as being issued by Pachomius or „the elders“. So there is no reason to doubt that the Praecepta one way or another stem from the great founder of cenobite monasticism: Saint Pachomius.
Madness, Philosophical or Mystical Experience? A Puzzling Text: Pseudo-Clementine Recognitiones II 61-69
Authors: Clivaz Claire
Published: March 2010

Die pseudo-klementinischen Recognitiones II 61-69 sind von modernen Kommen tatoren noch nicht ausreichend gründlich diskutiert worden. Die erwähnte Textpassage beschreibt einen beson deren Zeitpunkt in der Auseinandersetzung zwischen Petrus und Simon Magus, in dem der Apostel ein seltsames Erlebnis mit Simon teilt, das in der lateinischen Übersetzung Rufins mit folgender Formulierung beschrieben wird: extendere mentem („den Geist ausstrecken“). Dieser Ausdruck bedeutet offenbar, verschiedene Orte der Erde beobachten zu können, ohne den eigenen Aufenthaltsort physisch tatsächlich zu verlassen. Mit Blick auf die literarische Ebene hebt der vorliegende Artikel hervor, dass dieses Erlebnis von den verschiedenen Figuren entweder als Geisteskrankheit, als besondere Fähigkeit des Menschen oder aber als mystisches/philosophisches Erlebnis verstanden wird. Auf sozio-historischer Ebene zeigt der Artikel, dass Recognitiones II 61-69 die Frage nach der Wahrnehmung der Wirklichkeit in der Antike aufwirft, wie es auch in Ciceros Dialog Lucullus und in Iamblichus's De mysteriis Aegyptiorum beschrieben wird. Zum Schluss werden einige Hinweise hervorgehoben, die es ermöglichen, die Recognitiones in Anschluss an Chapman, Kelley oder Côté im syrischen Milieu des 4. Jahrhunderts zu verorten.
Education envisioned or The Miracle of Learning in Byzantium
Authors: Kalogeras Nikos
Published: March 2010

Verf. untersucht in hagiographischen Texten die literarische Strategie, Bildung und umfassendes Wissen auf visionäre, traumartige oder wunderhafte Erlebnisse zurückzuführen. Das kann sowohl die Verfasser von Heiligenviten betreffen (die ihre litera rischen Fähigkeiten somit auf den Heiligen Geist oder die heiligen Hauptpersonen ihrer Viten zurückführen) als auch die Heiligen, deren Leben erzählt wird, selbst. Neben dem wundersamen Erwerb von Sprachkenntnissen sind besonders überraschende Kenntnisse in jungem Alter verbreitete Topoi. Ein besonderes Beispiel stellt die Vita des Theodor von Edessa dar, in der für den siebenjährigen Theodor schwere Lernstörungen berichtet werden, die erst durch eine Vision und die Hinwendung zum asketisch-klerikalen Leben behoben werden.
Slow and Persistent Postinhibitory Rebound Acts as an Intrinsic Short-Term Memory Mechanism
Authors: Goaillard Jean-Marc , Taylor Adam L. , Pulver Stefan R. , Marder Eve
Published: March 2010

Many neurons exhibit postinhibitory rebound (PIR), in which neurons display enhanced excitability following inhibition. PIR can strongly influence the timing of spikes on rebound from an inhibitory input. We studied PIR in the lateral pyloric (LP) neuron of the stomatogastric ganglion of the crabCancer borealis. The LP neuron is part of the pyloric network, a central pattern generator that normally oscillates with a period of ∼1 s. We used the dynamic clamp to create artificial rhythmic synaptic inputs of various periods and duty cycles in the LP neuron. Surprisingly, we found that the strength of PIR increased slowly over multiple cycles of synaptic input. Moreover, this increased excitability persisted for 10–20 s after the rhythmic inhibition was removed. These effects are considerably slower than the rhythmic activity typically observed in LP. Thus this slow postinhibitory rebound allows the neuron to adjust its level of excitability to the average level of inhibition over many cycles, and is another example of an intrinsic “short-term memory” mechanism.
Voltage-Gated Na Channels in AII Amacrine Cells Accelerate Scotopic Light Responses Mediated by the Rod Bipolar Cell Pathway
Authors: Tian Miao , Jarsky Tim , Murphy Gabe J. , Rieke Fred , Singer Joshua H.
Published: March 2010

During night (i.e., scotopic) vision in mammals, rod photoreceptor output is conveyed to ganglion cells (GCs), the output cells of the retina, by a specialized neural circuit comprising rod bipolar (RB) and AII amacrine cells. Here, we examined how intrinsic postsynaptic conductances in AIIs contribute to transmission of rod-derived signals. Using paired recordings from synaptically coupled RBs and AIIs, we found that a voltage-gated Na conductance in AII amacrines accelerated EPSPs arising from RB synaptic input. EPSPs also could be amplified by the Na conductance when AIIs were hyperpolarized below resting membrane potential, thereby increasing the availability of Na channels. AII amacrines are coupled electrically, and coupled AII amacrines likely receive common input from individual RBs. Na channel-mediated effects on EPSPs, however, appeared to occur at the single-cell rather than the AII network level. By recording light-evoked synaptic currents from GCs, we determined that the Na channel-dependent acceleration, but not amplification, of RB output by AII amacrines is reflected in the dynamics of AII synaptic output to retinal ganglion cells: synaptic inputs to both ON and OFF GCs are slowed equivalently, although not attenuated in amplitude, when Na channels in AIIs are blocked. Thus, during scotopic vision, Na conductances in AIIs serve to accelerate RB output.
Prospective Isolation of Cortical Interneuron Precursors from Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Maroof Asif Mirza , Brown Keith , Shi Song-Hai , Studer Lorenz , Anderson Stewart A.
Published: March 2010

Despite their therapeutic potential, progress in generating fully differentiated forebrain neurons from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) has lagged behind that from more caudal regions of the neuraxis. GABAergic interneuron precursors have the remarkable ability to migrate extensively and survive after transplantation into postnatal cortex, making them an attractive candidate for use in cell-based therapy for seizures or other neuropsychiatric disorders. We have modified a mouse ESC line with an Lhx6-GFP reporter construct that allows for the isolation of newly generated cortical interneuron precursors. When transplanted into postnatal cortex, these cells can migrate into the cortical parenchyma, survive for months, and display morphological, neurochemical, and electrophysiological properties characteristic of mature interneurons. This work demonstrates that forebrain neuronal subtypes with complex traits can be generated from embryonic stem cells, and provides a novel approach to the study of cortical interneuron development and to the establishment of cell-based therapies for neurological disease.
Different Relationship of N- and P/Q-Type Ca2+Channels to Channel-Interacting Slots in Controlling Neurotransmission at Cultured Hippocampal Synapses
Authors: Cao Yu-Qing , Tsien Richard W.
Published: March 2010

Synaptic transmission at CNS synapses is often mediated by joint actions of multiple Ca2+channel subtypes, most prominently, P/Q- and N-type. We have proposed that P/Q-type Ca2+channels saturate type-preferring slots at presynaptic terminals, which impose a ceiling on the synaptic efficacy of the channels. To test for analogous interactions for presynaptic N-type Ca2+channels, we overexpressed their pore-forming CaV2.2 subunit in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons, recorded excitatory synaptic transmission from transfected cells, and dissected the contributions of N-, P/Q-, and R-type channels with subtype-specific blockers. Overexpression of CaV2.2 did not increase the absolute size of the EPSC even though somatic N-type current was augmented by severalfold. Thus, the strength of neurotransmission is saturated with regard to levels of Ca2+channel expression for both N-type and P/Q-type channels. Overexpression of Ca2+-impermeable CaV2.2 subunits decreased EPSC size, corroborating competition for channel slots. Striking asymmetries between N- and P/Q-type channels emerged when their relative contributions were compared with channel overexpression. Overexpressed N-type channels could competitively displace P/Q-type channels from P/Q-preferring slots and take over the role of supporting transmission. The converse was not found with overexpression of P/Q-type channels, regardless of their C-terminal domain. We interpret these findings in terms of two different kinds of presynaptic slots at excitatory synapses, one accepting N-type channels but rejecting P/Q-type (Nspecific) and the other preferring P/Q-type but also accepting N-type (PQpreferring). The interaction between channels and slots governs the respective contributions of multiple channel types to neurotransmission and, in turn, the ability of transmission to respond to various stimulus patterns and neuromodulators.
Reelin Regulates Postnatal Neurogenesis and Enhances Spine Hypertrophy and Long-Term Potentiation
Authors: Pujadas Lluís , Gruart Agnès , Bosch Carles , Delgado Lídia , Teixeira Cátia M. , Rossi Daniela , de Lecea Luis , Martínez Albert , Delgado-García José M. , Soriano Eduardo
Published: March 2010

Reelin, an extracellular protein essential for neural migration and lamination, is also expressed in the adult brain. To unravel the function of this protein in the adult forebrain, we generated transgenic mice that overexpress Reelin under the control of the CaMKIIα promoter. Overexpression of Reelin increased adult neurogenesis and impaired the migration and positioning of adult-generated neurons. In the hippocampus, the overexpression of Reelin resulted in an increase in synaptic contacts and hypertrophy of dendritic spines. Induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) in alert-behaving mice showed that Reelin overexpression evokes a dramatic increase in LTP responses. Hippocampal field EPSP during a classical conditioning paradigm was also increased in these mice. Our results indicate that Reelin levels in the adult brain regulate neurogenesis and migration, as well as the structural and functional properties of synapses. These observations suggest that Reelin controls developmental processes that remain active in the adult brain.
Shared Mechanisms for Opioid Tolerance and a Transition to Chronic Pain
Authors: Joseph Elizabeth K. , Reichling David B. , Levine Jon D.
Published: March 2010

Clinical pain conditions may remain responsive to opiate analgesics for extended periods, but such persistent acute pain can undergo a transition to an opiate-resistant chronic pain state that becomes a much more serious clinical problem. To test the hypothesis that cellular mechanisms of chronic pain in the primary afferent also contribute to the development of opiate resistance, we used a recently developed model of the transition of from acute to chronic pain, hyperalgesic priming. Repeated intradermal administration of the potent and highly selective μ-opioid agonist, [d-Ala2,N-MePhe4,gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO), to produce tolerance for its inhibition of prostaglandin E2hyperalgesia, simultaneously produced hyperalgesic priming. Conversely, injection of an inflammogen, carrageenan, used to produce priming produced DAMGO tolerance. Both effects were prevented by inhibition of protein kinase Cε (PKCε). Carrageenan also induced opioid dependence, manifest as μ-opioid receptor antagonist (d-Phe-Cys-Tyr-d-Trp-Orn-Thr-Pen-Thr-NH2)-induced hyperalgesia that, like priming, was PKCε and Gidependent. These findings suggest that the transition from acute to chronic pain, and development of μ-opioid receptor tolerance and dependence may be linked by common cellular mechanisms in the primary afferent.
Superposition Model Predicts EEG Occipital Activity during Free Viewing of Natural Scenes
Authors: Ossandón José P. , Helo Andrea V. , Montefusco-Siegmund Rodrigo , Maldonado Pedro E.
Published: March 2010

Visual event-related potentials (ERPs) produced by a stimulus are thought to reflect either an increase of synchronized activity or a phase realignment of ongoing oscillatory activity, with both mechanisms sharing the assumption that ERPs are independent of the current state of the brain at the time of stimulation. In natural viewing, however, visual inputs occur one after another at specific subject-paced intervals through unconstrained eye movements. We conjecture that during natural viewing, ERPs generated after each fixation are better explained by a superposition of ongoing oscillatory activity related to the processing of previous fixations, with new activity elicited by the visual input at the current fixation. We examined the electroencephalography (EEG) signals that occur in humans at the onset of each visual fixation, both while subjects freely viewed natural scenes and while they viewed a black or gray background. We found that the fixation ERPs show visual components that are absent when subjects move their eyes on a homogeneous gray or black screen. Single-trial EEG signals that comprise the ERP are predicted more accurately by a model of superposition than by either phase resetting or the addition of evoked responses and stimulus-independent noise. The superposition of ongoing oscillatory activity and the visually evoked response results in a modification of the ongoing oscillation phase. The results presented suggest that the observed EEG signals reflect changes occurring in a common neuronal substrate rather than a simple summation at the scalp of signals from independent sources.
Amphetamine-Associated Contextual Learning Is Accompanied by Structural and Functional Plasticity in the Basolateral Amygdala
Authors: Rademacher David J. , Rosenkranz J. Amiel , Morshedi Maud M. , Sullivan Elyse M. , Meredith Gloria E.
Published: March 2010

Drug seeking and the vulnerability to relapse occur when individuals are exposed to an environment with sensory cues in which drug taking has occurred. Memory formation is thought to require plasticity in synaptic circuits, and so we examined whether the memory for a drug-paired environment correlates with changes in the synaptic circuits of the basolateral amygdala (BLA), in which emotional learning is a recognized phenomenon. We used amphetamine (AMPH) as the unconditioned stimulus in the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm. Rats were conditioned with 1.0 mg/kg AMPH and tested, drug free, 72 h after the last conditioning session. Controls included a saline-conditioned group and a home cage AMPH injection group, whose exposure to the CPP apparatus was delayed by 4 h, long enough to clear the AMPH from the brain. We counted excitatory synapses in the BLA using the electron microscope and the physical disector design (stereology). Rats that expressed AMPH CPP had an increase in excitatory synapses compared with controls. Excitatory synaptic activity was measured usingin vivointracellular recordings from the BLA in anesthetized rats. We found that AMPH CPP, but not drug alone, increased measures of synaptic drive, including the frequency of synaptic events, and the paired-pulse ratio of synaptic inputs to BLA pyramidal neurons. Thein vivofindings suggest that the increase in BLA neuronal excitatory drive reflects the change in excitatory synapse number. Thus, context–drug associations are accompanied by structural and functional plasticity in the BLA, findings that have important implications for drug-seeking behavior.
Simultaneous water withholding and elevated temperature alters embryo and endosperm development in wheat
Authors: Jäger K.
Published: March 2010

Drought-tolerant Plainsman V and drought-sensitive Cappelle Desprez winter wheat genotypes were subjected to heat stress at 34/24°C combined with water withholding during early seed development in order to identify the joint effect of the stressors on embryo and endosperm development. During and after five days of treatment histological observations were made on the developing kernels and compared to yield data. Combined stress shortened the duration of the grain fill. With regard to kernel abortion, thousand-kernel weight and yield per spike, Plainsman V tolerated simultaneous elevated temperature and water withdrawal better than Cappelle Desprez. As a consequence of the stress the accumulation of B-type starch granules was almost completely absent in the endosperms of the sensitive genotype. The results indicate that compared to the drought-sensitive genotype, the tolerant genotype also showed increased tolerance of simultaneous drought and heat stress.
Examination of chemical composition and calorific value of cereal straw
Authors: Sipos P. , Nábrádi A. , Győri Z.
Published: March 2010

Representative straw samples from various cereals were analysed to determine their chemical composition and calorific value. It was found that the chemical composition data given in previous feeding tables can be applied to characterise modern varieties, as only the crude fat contents of oats and winter wheat were significantly higher than the available reference data, while the ash contents were lower. The calorific value of cereal straw was equal to or in some cases greater than that of energy grass, so cereal straw could be competitive with energy grass, due to its large cultivation area and the properties and value of its by-products.
Salt tolerance of twelve maize hybrids at the seedling stage
Authors: Maiti R. , Kousik S. , González Rodríguez H. , Rajkumar D. , Vidyasagar P.
Published: March 2010

Using a simple and novel semi-hydroponic technique, three experiments were carried out to evaluate salinity tolerance in twelve pipe-line/commercial maize hybrids at the seedling stage. For experiment 1, hybrids were evaluated at 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 M NaCl. For experiments 2 and 3, hybrids were subjected to 0.25 and 0.30 M NaCl, respectively. The technique simulates a semi-hydroponic system where the upper layers of coco peat medium receive water/or saline solution only by capillary movement, while the roots are immersed in saturated lower coco peat medium. The emergence percentage ranged from 73 to 100% under control conditions, from 50 to 100% at 0.10 M NaCl, from 46 to 100% at 0.15 M NaCl and from 43 to 96% at 0.20 M NaCl. In addition, increasing salinity decreased the shoot and the root length and the seedling dry weight. Several hybrids (VMH 4029, VMH 4028, VMH 4088, VMH 4060, VMH 4033, VMH 4046, VMH 4101) exhibited a high emergence percentage of 80–96% even at 0.3 M NaCl, revealing that these hybrids have high salinity tolerance and also the capacity to produce high yields. This confirms that salinity tolerance and high yield may be combined if pipe-line hybrids which have been confirmed for high yield over multilocation trials are selected and then tested under field conditions in saline-prone areas.
Effect of foliar fertilizer Campofort Special-Zn and plant growth regulator Rastim 30 DKV on growth, yield components and protein content in mung bean plants
Authors: Henselová M. , Slováková Ľ.
Published: March 2010

The effect of the foliar fertilizer Campofort Special-Zn (CSZn) and the plant growth regulator Rastim 30 DKV (RM) on growth, yield parameters and seed protein content was studied in mung bean [
Vigna radiata
(L.) Wilczek] plants grown under greenhouse and field conditions. CSZn at a dose of 10 l per ha, and RM at doses of 3, 30 and 60 g per ha were applied alone or in combination (before flowering and 14 days after first application). The initiation of flowering and ripening processes and the chlorophyll content Chl (
a
+
b
) were evaluated. At harvest, total yield and yield components (number of pods per plant, seed number per pod, single pod mass, seed mass per pod), germination of seeds and seed protein content were determined. RM applied alone induced intensive flowering, increased the number of pods and yield components per plant, accelerated the ripening of the pods, increased the Chl content in the leaves and delayed senescence in treated plants. The mixture of RM with CSZn (60 g + 10 l per ha) and RM alone at a dose of 60 g per ha had a retarding and morphogenic effect on the growth of treated plants and also decreased the protein content and germination of the seeds. The best results for all studied parameters were achieved in the field at a dose of 30 g RM + 10 l CSZn and under greenhouse conditions at a dose of 3 g RM + 10 l CSZn.
Downstaging of hepatocellular carcinoma with radiofrequency ablation on the Hungarian liver transplantation waiting list — Early results and learned lessons
Authors: Hartmann E. , Németh A. , Juharosi Gy. , Lénárd Zs. , Deák P. Á. , Kozma V. , Nagy P. , Gerlei Zs. , Fehérvári I. , Nemes B. , Görög D. , Fazakas J. , Kóbori L. , Doros A.
Published: March 2010

Hepatocellular carcinoma, which has developed in liver cirrhosis is a disease where liver transplantation can provide a cure both for the tumour and the underlying liver damage. However, patients can only be transplanted when the tumour number and size do not exceed the Milan criteria. Tumour ablation methods — such as radiofrequency ablation — can provide a chance to make the patient eligible for transplantation. Among the 416 Hungarian liver transplanted patients there are 6 who had received different types of ablative therapy as bridging therapy in different institutions. On the basis of analysis of the patients' data we created a guideline for the treatment of cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with the aim of developing a uniform Hungarian approach.
The iQ200 Microscopic Analyzer is valuable tool for evaluation of urinary sediment at transplanted patients
Authors: Sarvary Eniko , Lee D. , Varadi J. , Varga M. , Gaal I. , Chmel R. , Beko G. , Kanyo Z. , Nemes B. , Gerlei Zs. , Fazakas J. , Kobori L. , Herold Zs. , Németh S. , Galoczi I. , Jaray J. , Langer R.
Published: March 2010

The value of urinary cytology in the diagnosis of different pathological conditions in renal transplantation is particularly important. Manual microscopic urinalysis is a high-volume procedure that currently requires significant labour.

Objective: To automate the sediment evaluation and to make this more accurate using the Iris Diagnostics Automated Urine Microscopy Analyzer (iQ200). Our goal was to compare the manual and automated microscopic data to apply iQ200 in renal function monitoring.

Method: The iQ200 uses digital imaging and Auto Analyte Recognition software to classify urine constituents into 12 analyte categories and quantitatively report.

Results: We determined cut-off values of urine particles in every category, which correlated well with manual microscopic results. The iQ200 was more sensitive for pathological casts than manual microscopic analysis. iQ200 helped the operator to differentiate between isomorphic and dismorphic erythrocytes and between lymphocytes and granulocytes, too. Every pathological constituent could be recognized, which is very important for early recognition of renal impairment, graft rejection and urinary tract infection.

Conclusions: The iQ200 system automatically classifies 12 particles, significantly reducing the need for additional sample preparation, manual microscopic review achieving a high degree of standardization in urinalysis.
De novo malignant melanoma occurred in renal allograft: DNA typing to determine the origin of the tumour
Authors: Nemes Balázs , Toronyi É. , Rajczy K. , Szakos A. , Somlai B. , Doros A. , Chmel R. , Derner F. , Kóbori L.
Published: March 2010

Malignant diseases are considered as great challenges in clinical transplantation. It is well known that the incidence of malignancy is higher in the transplanted population if compared with the normal population. It is important to distinguish between neoplastic diseases originating from pre-existing lesions in the transplanted organs and de novo graft tumours. Post-transplant malignancy of donor origin is a rare complication of organ transplantation, most likely transmitted as micrometastases within the parenchyma of the donor organ or from circulating tumour cells contained within the organ. Malignant melanoma, although its incidence is rather low, is one of the most common donor-derived tumour inadvertently transplanted, comprising 28% of donor transmitted tumours. Malignant melanoma in the graft without dermatological localisation is extremely rare. We report a case of de novo melanoma occurring in the allograft, where transmission from the donor was excluded by DNA (desoxyribonucleic acid) investigation. We did not find any data in the literature where a malignant melanoma occurred after transplantation in the transplanted kidney without any skin lesions and the donor origin was excluded. We draw attention to the importance of the DNA typing in case of tumours occurring in immunosuppressed patients.
Radiofrequency ablation of an intercalyceal neoplasm in a transplanted kidney using percutaneous nephrostomy for cooling — Safety and early result
Authors: Kozma Veronika , Végső Gy. , Deák P. Á. , Hartmann E. , Németh A. , Török Sz. , Langer R. , Doros A.
Published: March 2010

Kidney neoplasms can occur after kidney transplantation in low percentage. In this report we delineate a rare case of neoplasm in the transplanted kidney detected on screening ultrasonographic examination. Due to the intercalyceal location of the tumor percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was planned with continuous cooling the collecting system avoiding the thermal damage. To the best of our knowledge this method has never been reported applying in transplanted kidney. The two-month CT follow-up verified no residual tumor and the kidney function remained in normal range during this period. These facts imply that the method can be safely applied.
Rotational atherectomy of a complex, highly calcified left anterior descending artery lesion
Authors: Édes I. F. , Ruzsa Z. , Szűk T. , Szabó Gy. , Merkely B.
Published: March 2010

Rotational atherectomy (RA) is an advanced coronary debulking technique, often used in cases, where traditional percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) methods (e.g. balloon predilatation, use of cutting balloons, direct stenting etc.) are inadequate. We report a case of a male patient, who previously underwent PCI of the right coronary artery (RCA) and was free of chest pain for several weeks, but his clinical symptoms have developed again. Angiography showed a “de novo”, highly calcified left anterior descending (LAD) lesion that, after high-pressure balloon inflation, failed to dilate, thus the intervention was suspended. RA was scheduled for the patient within one month. As a complication of the previous LAD dilatation attempt, a chronic dissection of the target lesion occurred. Problems arose during the direct wiring attempt of the main vessel and the true lumen was only found via plaque modification, after accessing a small septal branch. Accessing the true lumen was only possible by using a conventional cross-wire. This was exchanged to a RA wire, with the help of an over-the-wire (OTW) balloon catheter. RA and debulking of the target lesion was performed. An everolimus-eluting stent (BioMatrix, Biosensors Europe, Morges, Switzerland) was implanted, with excellent results. The patient is free of clinical symptoms since the intervention, which took place 14 months ago.
Gender-dependent effect of Gpbar1 genetic deletion on the metabolic profiles of diet-induced obese mice
Authors: Vassileva Galya , Hu Weiwen , Hoos Lizbeth , Tetzloff Glen , Yang Shijun , Liu Li , Kang Ling , Davis Harry R , Hedrick Joseph A , Lan Hong , Kowalski Timothy , Gustafson Eric L
Published: March 2010

G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1/TGR5/M-Bar/GPR131) is a cell surface receptor involved in the regulation of bile acid metabolism. We have previously shown that Gpbar1-null mice are resistant to cholesterol gallstone disease when fed a lithogenic diet. Other published studies have suggested that Gpbar1 is involved in both energy homeostasis and glucose homeostasis. Here, we examine the functional role of Gpbar1 in diet-induced obese mice. We found that body weight, food intake, and fasted blood glucose levels were similar between Gpbar1-null mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates when fed a chow or high-fat diet (HFD) for 2 months. However, insulin tolerance tests revealed improved insulin sensitivity in male Gpbar1−/− mice fed chow, but impaired insulin sensitivity when fed a HFD. In contrast, female Gpbar1−/− mice exhibited improved insulin sensitivity when fed a HFD compared with their WT littermates. Female Gpbar1−/− mice had significantly lower plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels than their WT littermates on both diets. Male Gpbar1−/− mice on HFD displayed increased hepatic steatosis when compared with Gpbar1+/+ males and Gpbar1−/− females on HFD. These results suggest a gender-dependent regulation of Gpbar1 function in metabolic disease.
BARYCENTRIC EXTENSION OF GENERALIZED MATCHING
Authors: Jensen Greg , Neuringer Allen
Published: March 2010

In most studies of choice under concurrent schedules of reinforcement, two physically identical operanda are provided. In the “real world,” however, more than two choice alternatives are often available and biases are common. This paper describes a method for studying choices among an indefinite number of alternatives when large biases are present. Twenty rats were rewarded for choosing among five operanda with reinforcers scheduled probabilistically and concurrently. Large biases were generated by differences among the operanda: two were levers and three were pigeon keys. The results showed that when reinforcer frequencies were systematically varied, an extension of Baum's (1974) Generalized Matching Model, referred to as the Barycentric Matching Model, provided an excellent description of the data, including individual bias values for each of the operanda and a single exponent indicating sensitivity to reinforcer ratios.
QUANTIFICATION OF ETHANOL'S ANTIPUNISHMENT EFFECT IN HUMANS USING THE GENERALIZED MATCHING EQUATION
Authors: Rasmussen Erin B. , Newland M. Christopher
Published: March 2010

Increases in rates of punished behavior by the administration of anxiolytic drugs (called antipunishment effects) are well established in animals but not humans. The present study examined antipunishment effects of ethanol in humans using a choice procedure. The behavior of 5 participants was placed under six concurrent variable‐interval schedules of monetary reinforcement. In three of the six concurrent schedules, punishment, in the form of monetary loss, was superimposed on one alternative. Data were analyzed according to the generalized matching equation which distinguishes between bias (allocation of behavior beyond what matching to relative reinforcer densities would predict) and sensitivity to reinforcement (how well behavior tracks relative reinforcer densities). In addition, participants completed a pencil‐tapping test. Under placebo punishment conditions, all participants demonstrated low response rates and a bias against the alternative associated with punishment, despite a resultant loss of available reinforcers. Bias against the punished alternative was dose‐dependently reduced in participants shown to be most sensitive to ethanol (0.6, 1.2, and 1.8 g/kg) in measures of overall responding and on the pencil‐tapping test. No ethanol‐induced change in bias was noted when punishment was not imposed. Sensitivity to reinforcement also decreased for participants shown to be sensitive to ethanol. In addition to extending antipunishment effects to humans, these results also show that antipunishment effects can be quantified via the matching equation.
RESISTANCE TO CHANGE AND FREQUENCY OF RESPONSE‐DEPENDENT STIMULI UNCORRELATED WITH REINFORCEMENT
Authors: Podlesnik Christopher A. , Jimenez‐Gomez Corina , Ward Ryan D. , Shahan Timothy A.
Published: March 2010

Stimuli uncorrelated with reinforcement have been shown to enhance response rates and resistance to disruption; however, the effects of different rates of stimulus presentations have not been assessed. In two experiments, we assessed the effects of adding different rates of response‐dependent brief stimuli uncorrelated with primary reinforcement on relative response rates and resistance to change. In both experiments, pigeons responded on variable‐interval 60‐s schedules of food reinforcement in two components of a multiple schedule, and brief response‐dependent keylight‐color changes were added to one or both components. Although relative response rates were not systematically affected in either experiment, relative resistance to presession feeding and extinction were. In Experiment 1, adding stimuli on a variable‐interval schedule to one component of a multiple schedule either at a low rate (1 per min) for one group or at a high rate (4 per min) for another group similarly increased resistance to disruption in the components with added stimuli. When high and low rates of stimuli were presented across components (i.e., within subjects) in Experiment 2, however, relative resistance to disruption was greater in the component presenting stimuli at a lower rate. These results suggest that stimuli uncorrelated with food reinforcement do not strengthen responding in the same way as primary reinforcers.
EMERGENT CONDITIONAL RELATIONS IN A GO/NO‐GO PROCEDURE: FIGURE—GROUND AND STIMULUS‐POSITION COMPOUND RELATIONS
Authors: Debert Paula , Huziwara Edson M. , Faggiani Robson Brino , De Mathis Maria Eugênia Simões , McIlvane William J.
Published: March 2010

Past research has demonstrated emergent conditional relations using a go/no‐go procedure with pairs of figures displayed side‐by‐side on a computer screen. The present study sought to extend applications of this procedure. In Experiment 1, we evaluated whether emergent conditional relations could be demonstrated when two‐component stimuli were displayed in figure—ground relationships—abstract figures displayed on backgrounds of different colors. Five normally capable adults participated. During training, each two‐component stimulus was presented successively. Responses emitted in the presence of some stimulus pairs (A1B1, A2B2, A3B3, B1C1, B2C2 and B3C3) were reinforced, whereas responses emitted in the presence of other pairs (A1B2, A1B3, A2B1, A2B3, A3B1, A3B2, B1C2, B1C3, B2C1, B2C3, B3C1 and B3C2) were not. During tests, new configurations (AC and CA) were presented, thus emulating structurally the matching‐to‐sample tests employed in typical equivalence studies. All participants showed emergent relations consistent with stimulus equivalence during testing. In Experiment 2, we systematically replicated the procedures with stimulus compounds consisting of four figures (A1, A2, C1 and C2) and two locations (left — B1 and right — B2). All 6 normally capable adults exhibited emergent stimulus—stimulus relations. Together, these experiments show that the go/no‐go procedure is a potentially useful alternative for studying emergent conditional relations when matching‐to‐sample is procedurally cumbersome or impossible to use.
Intimate Partner Violence Screening in the Emergency Department: U.S. Medical Residents' Perspectives
Authors: Sormanti Mary , Smith Erica
Published: March 2010

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is physical, psychological, or sexual harm committed by a current or former partner, spouse, boy/girlfriend. In the United States, the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (2003) estimates that 1.5 million women experience physical assault each year while the lifetime prevalence rate of IPV for women reaches almost 30%. Given the frequency and range of injuries and other health-related problems that result from IPV, the medical system shows promise as a central source of service provision for large numbers of abused women and their children. However, identification rates of IPV in many medical settings are low. This article describes a study that examined focus group data from 25 physicians in residency training at an urban hospital in the United States. Physicians discussed their knowledge and attitudes about IPV screening in the emergency department (ED) setting and suggestions to address perceived barriers to such screening. These data depict multiple barriers to physician screening of IPV in the ED. Findings substantiate previous research and provide new direction for enhancing IPV identification, referral, and treatment mechanisms in the ED setting including alternatives to physician mandated universal screening.
Hot Air Drying Characteristics of Sweet Potato Using Moisture Sorption Isotherm Analysis and Its Quality Changes During Drying
Authors: Orikasa Takahiro , Wu Long , Ando Yasumasa , Muramatsu Yoshiki , Roy Poritosh , Yano Toshikazu , Shiina Takeo , Tagawa Akio
Published: March 2010

Changes in the quality of sweet potato during hot air drying, such as L-ascorbic acid, sugar content, surface color and hardness, and drying characteristics, were investigated at temperatures of 30, 40, 50, and 60°C. Equilibrium moisture contents (EMC) of sweet potato samples in the desorption process were measured by a static method at the four aforementioned temperatures and six selected relative humidity levels. Using both the measured moisture content data in the drying test and the EMC values, hot air drying characteristics of sweet potato was estimated. Changes in L-ascorbic acid content of sweet potato during hot air drying was measured, wherein a first-order reaction rate equation was applied to model the change in decomposition of L-ascorbic acid content. In addition, surface color, sugar content, and surface hardness were also measured. The total color change (?E) of the samples was observed to decrease as drying temperature was increased. The effects of sample sugar concentration on surface hardening during hot air drying of sweet potato are discussed.
Sensorimotor therapy: Physical and psychological regressions contribute to an improved kinesthetic and vestibular capacity in children and adolescents with motor difficulties and concentration problems
Authors: Niklasson Mats , Niklasson Irene , Norlander Torsten
Published: March 2010

Our aim was to gain increased understanding of the effects of sensorimotor therapy on the physical and psychological development of children and young people when using the method Retraining for Balance. The records of 8 children who had completed the program were randomly selected
from a cohort of 232 with sensorimotor difficulties and concentration problems. The participants, 7 boys and 1 girl, averaged 9 years of age. The Empirical Phenomenological Psychological method (the EPP-method, Gunmar Karlsson, 1995) was used for this analysis, which resulted in 29 categories
which yielded 3 overarching themes: a) the introduction of sensorimotor exercises, b) regression to earlier sensorimotor and psychological behaviors, and c) transformations in which the sensorimotor and psychological skills of the children matured and developed. The themes formed the kinesthetic-vestibular
developmental model illustrating how sensorimotor exercises push the therapy process forward while recurrent regressions are followed by positive developmental phases. The results of the study were generalized to the remaining 224 children in the cohort by comparing each individual's records
to the kinesthetic-vestibular model.
A psychological model of entrepreneurial decision making
Authors: Miao Qing , Liu Ling
Published: March 2010

A causal model of a mechanism related to entrepreneurial decision making was built using information obtained from psychological questionnaires (the Entrepreneurial Alertness Questionnaire, Miao, 2006; The Prior Knowledge Questionnaire, derived from Shane, 2000, and 2 questionnaires
developed by Miao - The Entrepreneurial Opportunity and Entrepreneurial Decision Making Questionnaire). Based on data from 327 entrepreneurs, the hypothesized structural equation model was validated. Results indicated that the individual psychological factors (entrepreneurial alertness and
prior knowledge) were the antecedents of entrepreneurial opportunity recognition and influenced entrepreneurial decision-making criteria. Therefore, it was evident that opportunity recognition played a key mediating role in the model.
Physiological inequalities do not result in psychological inequalities in vision field: Evidence from a test of visual selective attention
Authors: Liu Xufeng , Lu Jing , Gong Jing-jing , Wu Sheng-jun , Wang Wei
Published: March 2010

It is well known that there are some characteristics of physiological inequality among vision fields. But, based on many studies, this inequality does not lead to psychological inequalities. Our aim was to assess directly the effect of vision field (foveal, parafoveal, peripheral) on
irrelevant distractors' rejection of selective attention and to determine whether or not the physiological inequalities of different vision fields bring out psychological inequalities. Results showed that there were significant differences in reaction time and error rate among 3 vision fields,
but no distractor effect. Results demonstrated that perception processing efficiency was not balanced among the 3 types of vision, but does have a similar function of distractor rejection.
User acceptance of mobile internet based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology: Investigating the determinants and gender differences
Authors: Wang Hsiu-Yuan , Wang Shwu-Huey
Published: March 2010

Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model (UTAUT; Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, & Davis, 2003), the purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of mobile Internet (m-Internet) acceptance and to understand whether or not there are gender differences
in the acceptance of m-Internet. Data collected online from 343 respondents in Taiwan were tested against the research model, using the structural equation modeling approach. The proposed model was mostly supported by the empirical data. The findings of this study provide several crucial implications
for m-Internet service practitioners and researchers.
Child acceptance-rejection behaviors of lower and upper socioeconomic status mothers
Authors: Erkan Semra , Toran Mehmet
Published: March 2010

In this study we sought to show the difference between the child acceptance-rejection behaviors of lower and upper socioeconomic status mothers, and establish whether or not their acceptance-rejection behaviors were affected by their age, and the number and sex of their children. A
total of 246 mothers living in Diyarbakır, 123 with lower and 123 with upper socioeconomic status, was enrolled in the study. Data were gathered by using a personal information form and the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire-Mother Form (Rohner, Saavedra, & Granum, 1980).
The results revealed a significant difference between lower and upper socioeconomic status mothers' child acceptance-rejection behaviors (t = 7.709; p < 0.05). While the mothers' age (r = .202; p < 0.05) and number of children (r = .238; p <
0.01) were positively correlated to their acceptance-rejection behaviors, their children's sex did not make a significant difference to the mothers' acceptance-rejection behaviors.