bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Order Memory Assessed during Spatiotemporal Navigation As a Behavioral Cognitive Marker for Differential Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Bellassen Virginie , Iglói Kinga , de Souza Leonardo Cruz , Dubois Bruno , Rondi-Reig Laure
Published: February 2012

Episodic memory impairment is a hallmark for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Most actual tests used to diagnose Alzheimer's disease do not assess the spatiotemporal properties of episodic memory and lead to false-positive or -negative diagnosis. We used a newly developed, nonverbal navigation test for Human, based on the objective experimental testing of a spatiotemporal experience, to differentially Alzheimer's disease at the mild stage (N= 16 patients) from frontotemporal lobar degeneration (N= 11 patients) and normal aging (N= 24 subjects). Comparing navigation parameters and standard neuropsychological tests, temporal order memory appeared to have the highest predictive power for mild Alzheimer's disease diagnosis versus frontotemporal lobar degeneration and normal aging. This test was also nonredundant with classical neuropsychological tests. As a conclusion, our results suggest that temporal order memory tested in a spatial navigation task may provide a selective behavioral marker of Alzheimer's disease.
Coding of Microsaccades in Three-Dimensional Space by Premotor Saccadic Neurons
Authors: Van Horn Marion R. , Cullen Kathleen E.
Published: February 2012

Microsaccades are small, involuntary eye movements that are produced during fixation. While accurate visual perception requires precise binocular coordination during fixation, previous studies of the neural control of microsaccades measured the movement of one eye only. Here we show how premotor saccadic neurons control these small fixational eye movements in three-dimensional space. Microsaccadic eye movements, produced by monkeys trained to fixate targets presented at different depths, were similarly distributed in three-dimensional space during both near and far viewing. Single unit recordings of the neural activity of premotor neurons further revealed that the brainstem saccadic circuitry controls these minute disconjugate shifts of gaze by preferentially encoding the dynamic movement of an individual eye (i.e., integrated control of conjugate and vergence motion). These findings challenge the traditional notion that microsaccades are strictly conjugate and have important implications for studies that use microsaccades to evaluate visual and attentional processing, as well as certain neurological disorders.
Generation of a Pain Memory in the Primary Afferent Nociceptor Triggered by PKCε Activation of CPEB
Authors: Bogen Oliver , Alessandri-Haber Nicole , Chu Carissa , Gear Robert W. , Levine Jon D.
Published: February 2012

Isolectin B4-positive [IB4(+)] primary afferent nociceptors challenged with an inflammatory or neuropathic insult develop a PKCε-dependent long-lasting hyperalgesic response to a subsequent challenge by the proinflammatory cytokine prostaglandin E2(PGE2), a phenomenon known as hyperalgesic priming. Here we demonstrate that the neuroplasticity underlying nociceptor priming requires 72 h to be established; rats that have been challenged with the inflammatory mediator TNFα 24 or 48 h ahead of PGE2do not show the enhanced and prolonged hyperalgesic response by which primed IB4(+)-nociceptors are being characterized. Moreover, as the underlying plasticity can be interrupted by the peripheral administration of the protein translation inhibitor anisomycin it is reflected by changes in the peripheral protein expression pattern. Finally, the induction of priming by the selective PKCε agonist, psi ε receptor for activated c kinase (ψεRACK) can be prevented, but not reversed by intrathecal injections of antisense oligodeoxynucleotides for the cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding protein (CPEB) mRNA, a master regulator of protein translation that coimmunoprecipitated with PKCε and is almost exclusively expressed by IB4(+)-nociceptors. Our results suggest that CPEB is downstream of PKCε in the cellular signaling cascade responsible for the induction of priming, raising the intriguing possiblity that prion-like misfolding could be a responsible mechanism for the chronification of pain.
Redundant Catecholamine Signaling Consolidates Fear Memory via Phospholipase C
Authors: Ouyang Ming , Young Matthew B. , Lestini Melissa M. , Schutsky Keith , Thomas Steven A.
Published: February 2012

Memories for emotionally arousing experiences are typically vivid and persistent. The recurrent, intrusive memories of traumatic events in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are an extreme example. Stress-responsive neurotransmitters released during emotional arousal are proposed to enhance the consolidation of fear memory. These transmitters may include norepinephrine and epinephrine (NE/E) because stimulating β-adrenergic receptors shortly after training can enhance memory consolidation. However, mice lacking NE/E acquire and consolidate fear memory normally. Here, we show by using pharmacologic and genetic manipulations in mice and rats that NE/E are not essential for classical fear memory consolidation because signaling by the β2-adrenergic receptor is redundant with signaling by dopamine at the D5-dopaminergic receptor. The intracellular signaling that is stimulated by these receptors to promote consolidation uses distinct G proteins to redundantly activate phospholipase C. The results support recent evidence indicating that blocking β-adrenergic receptors alone shortly after trauma may not be sufficient to prevent PTSD.
Plasticity of Subventricular Zone Neuroprogenitors in MPTP (1-Methyl-4-Phenyl-1,2,3,6-Tetrahydropyridine) Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease Involves Cross Talk between Inflammatory and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways: Functional Consequences for Neuroprotection and Repair
Authors: L'Episcopo Francesca , Tirolo Cataldo , Testa Nunzio , Caniglia Salvatore , Morale Maria C. , Deleidi Michela , Serapide Maria F. , Pluchino Stefano , Marchetti Bianca
Published: February 2012

In Parkinson's disease (PD), neurogenesis is impaired in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of postmortem human PD brains, in primate nonhuman and rodent models of PD. The vital role ofWingless-type MMTV integration site (Wnt)/β-cateninsignaling in the modulation of neurogenesis, neuroprotection, and synaptic plasticity coupled to our recent findings uncovering an active role for inflammation andWnt/β-cateninsignaling in MPTP-induced loss and repair of nigrostriatal dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons prompted us to study the impact of neuroinflammation and theWnt/β-cateninpathway in the response of SVZ neuroprogenitors (NPCs) in MPTP-treated mice.In vivoexperiments, using bromodeoxyuridine and cell-specific markers, andex vivotime course analyses documented an inverse correlation between the reduced proliferation of NPCs and the generation of new neuroblasts with the phase of maximal exacerbation of microglia reaction, whereas a shift in the microglia proinflammatory phenotype correlated with a progressive NPC recovery.Ex vivoandin vitroexperiments using microglia–NPC coculture paradigms pointed to NADPH-oxidase (gpPHOX91), a major source of microglial ROS, and reactive nitrogen species as candidate inhibitors of NPC neurogenic potential via the activation of glycogen synthase 3 (pGSK-3βTyr216), leading to loss of β-catenin, a chief downstream transcriptional effector. Accordingly, MPTP/MPP+(1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) caused β-catenin downregulation and pGSK-3βTyr216overexpression, whereas manipulation ofWnt/β-cateninsignaling with RNA interference-mediatedGSK-3β knockdown or GSK-3β antagonism reversed MPTP-induced neurogenic impairmentex vivo/in vitroorin vivo. Reciprocally, pharmacological modulation of inflammation prevented β-catenindownregulation and restored neurogenesis, suggesting the possibility to modulate this endogenous system with potential consequences for DAergic neuroprotection and self-repair.
Angiotensin Type 1A Receptors in C1 Neurons of the Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla Modulate the Pressor Response to Aversive Stress
Authors: Chen Daian , Jancovski Nikola , Bassi Jaspreet K. , Nguyen-Huu Thu-Phuc , Choong Yan-Ting , Palma-Rigo Kesia , Davern Pamela J. , Gurley Susan B. , Thomas Walter G. , Head Geoffrey A. , Allen Andrew M.
Published: February 2012

The rise in blood pressure during an acute aversive stress has been suggested to involve activation of angiotensin type 1A receptors (AT1ARs) at various sites within the brain, including the rostral ventrolateral medulla. In this study we examine the involvement of AT1ARs associated with a subclass of sympathetic premotor neurons of the rostral ventrolateral medulla, the C1 neurons. The distribution of putative AT1AR-expressing cells was mapped throughout the brains of three transgenic mice with a bacterial artificial chromosome-expressing green fluorescent protein under the control of the AT1AR promoter. The overall distribution correlated with that of the AT1ARs mapped by other methods and demonstrated that the majority of C1 neurons express the AT1AR. Cre-recombinase expression in C1 neurons of AT1AR-floxed mice enabled demonstration that the pressor response to microinjection of angiotensin II into the rostral ventrolateral medulla is dependent upon expression of the AT1AR in these neurons. Lentiviral-induced expression of wild-type AT1ARs in C1 neurons of global AT1AR knock-out mice, implanted with radiotelemeter devices for recording blood pressure, modulated the pressor response to aversive stress. During prolonged cage-switch stress, expression of AT1ARs in C1 neurons induced a greater sustained pressor response when compared to the control viral-injected group (22 ± 4 mmHg for AT1AR vs 10 ± 1 mmHg for GFP;p< 0.001), which was restored toward that of the wild-type group (28 ± 2 mmHg). This study demonstrates that AT1AR expression by C1 neurons is essential for the pressor response to angiotensin II and that this pathway plays an important role in the pressor response to aversive stress.
Nicotine-Induced Upregulation of Native Neuronal Nicotinic Receptors Is Caused by Multiple Mechanisms
Authors: Govind Anitha P. , Walsh Heather , Green William N.
Published: February 2012

Nicotine causes changes in brain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) during smoking that initiate addiction. Nicotine-induced upregulation is the long-lasting increase in nAChR radioligand binding sites in brain resulting from exposure. The mechanisms causing upregulation are not established. Many different mechanisms have been reported with the assumption that there is a single underlying cause. Using live rat cortical neurons, we examined for the first time how exposure and withdrawal of nicotine shape the kinetics of native α4β2-containing nAChR upregulation in real time. Upregulation kinetics demonstrates that at least two different mechanisms underlie this phenomenon. First, a transient upregulation occurs that rapidly reverses, faster than nAChR degradation, and corresponds to nAChR conformational changes as assayed by conformational-dependent, subunit-specific antibodies. Second, a long-lasting process occurs correlating with increases in nAChR numbers caused by decreased proteasomal subunit degradation. Previous radioligand binding measurements to brain tissue have measured the second process and largely missed the first. We conclude that nicotine-induced upregulation is composed of multiple processes occurring at different rates with different underlying causes.
Intersecting Factors Lead to Absolute Pitch Acquisition That is Maintained in a “Fixed do” Environment
Authors: Wilson Sarah J. , Lusher Dean , Martin Catherine L. , Rayner Genevieve , McLachlan Neil
Published: February 2012

the skill of absolute pitch (ap) has been proposed as an ideal paradigm for investigating the complex relationships that exist between the genome and its expression at a cognitive and behavioral level (the phenotype). Yet despite this, we still have limited understanding of the early conditions that might be necessary or sufficient for development of this skill, and the influence of the current music environment has not been explored. To investigate these issues we undertook a detailed characterization of the early and current music environment of 160 musicians, and then identified factors predictive of varying extent of AP ability. The results demonstrate a similar contribution of past and present environmental influences, with a combination of factors (rather than any given factor) most salient in AP musicians. The novel finding for the role of the current environment suggests that auditory processing models emphasizing plasticity effects are relevant to AP ability.
Effect of Enculturation on the Semantic and Acoustic Correlates of Polyphonic Timbre
Authors: Alluri Vinoo , Toiviainen Petri
Published: February 2012

polyphonic timbre perception was investigated in a cross-cultural context wherein Indian and Western nonmusicians rated short Indian and Western popular music excerpts (1.5 s, n = 200) on eight bipolar scales. Intrinsic dimensionality estimation revealed a higher number of perceptual dimensions in the timbre space for music from one's own culture. Factor analyses of Indian and Western participants' ratings resulted in highly similar factor solutions. The acoustic features that predicted the perceptual dimensions were similar across the two participant groups. Furthermore, both the perceptual dimensions and their acoustic correlates matched closely with the results of a previous study performed using Western musicians as participants. Regression analyses revealed relatively well performing models for the perceptual dimensions. The models displayed relatively high cross-validation performance. The findings suggest the presence of universal patterns in polyphonic timbre perception while demonstrating the increase of dimensionality of timbre space as a result of enculturation.
Physicians’ workforce and the current impact of international migration in Hungary
Authors: Balázs Péter
Published: February 2012

After 1989, as a result of the free international migration, there were significant changes in the physicians’ workforce of Hungary. Nevertheless, the real breakthrough happened only after 1 May, 2004, when Hungary joined the European Union. The last free market restrictions imposed by Austria and Germany (on the new member states who joined in 2004) were lifted on 1 May, 2011. Aims: Since no scientific or comprehensive evaluation dealt with the physicians’ recent migration after 2004, let alone the day-to-day mass media communication, this study presents and analyses the changes between 1 January, 2006 and 31 December, 2010. Methods: Data were obtained from the health care administration and by the national demographic statistics. Results: It is clearly indicated that Hungary lost about 3,900 physicians in the course of these 5 years. Conclusions: There is clear evidence of a disturbed workforce balance and it must be taken into account that without any measures a serious lack of doctors will emerge in the following 1–2 years. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 250–256.
Hydration and Proton Transfer in 3M™ PEM Ionomers: An Ab Initio Study
Authors: Clark Jeffrey K. , Paddison Stephen J.
Published: February 2012

Electronic structure calculations were performed to study the effects local hydration, neighboring side chain connectivity, and protogenic group separation have in facilitating proton dissociation and transfer in fragments of 3M ionomers under conditions of low hydration. Two different types of ionomers, each consisting of a poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) backbone, were considered: (1) perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomeric fragments containing two pendant side chains (–O(CF2)4SO3H) of distinct separation along the PTFE backbone to model different equivalent weight ionomers and (2) single side chain fragments of three bis(sulfonyl imide)- based fragments with multiple and distinct acid groups per side chain having structural and chemical differences mediating protogenic group separation (side chains: –O(CF2)4SO2(NH)- SO2C6H4SO3H) with the sulfonic acid group located in either the meta or the ortho position on the phenyl ring and –O(CF2)4SO2(NH)SO2(CF2)3SO3H). Fully optimized structures of these fragments with and without the addition of water molecules at the B3LYP/6-311G** level revealed that both side chain connectivity and protogenic group separation, along with local hydration, are key contributors to proton dissociation and the energetics of proton transfer in these materials. Specifically, cooperative interaction between protogenic groups through hydrogen bonding and electron withdrawing –CF2– groups are critical for first proton dissociation and the state of the dissociated proton at low levels of hydration. However, the close proximity of protogenic groups in the ortho bis acid precluded second proton dissociation at low hydration as the relatively fixed protogenic group separation promoted interactions between water molecules, while the labile side chains in the PFSA ionomers allowed for greater freedom in the hydrogen bond network formed. Potential energy profiles for proton transfer were determined at the B3LYP/6-31G** level. The energetic penalty associated with proton transfer was found to be strongly dependent on the surrounding hydrogen bond network and the state of the dissociated proton(s), as well as, the separation between protogenic groups.
Design of semi-interpenetrating networks based on poly(ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate) and oligo(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether
Authors: Tripodo Guiseppe , Wischke C. , Lendlein A.
Published: February 2012

The synthesis of semi-interpenetrating networks (SIPN) based on linear poly(ethyl 2-cyanoacrylate) (PECA) and oligo(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (OEGDG) based polymer networks was motivated by the hypothesis that the brittleness of polycyanoacrylates may be overcome by incorporating them into a polymer network architecture. A sequential synthetic route was applied, in which first PECA was prepared by anionic polymerization. Subsequently, OEGDG was crosslinked with different anhydrides and curing catalysts to form networks with hydrolyzable ester bonds and interpenetrating PECA. These SIPNs showed a low water uptake compared to other polyether based networks. Some of the obtained materials were transparent and exhibited a great flexibility, which was maintained also after 24 h of immersion in water and subsequent drying. Such networks could be components of future stimuli-sensitive material systems.
Metabolic evaluation of dairy cows submitted to three different strategies to decrease the effects of negative energy balance in early postpartum
Authors: García Alejandra M.B , Cardoso Felipe C , Campos Rómulo , Thedy Diego X , González Félix H.D
Published: February 2012

In early lactation dairy cattle suffer metabolic alterations caused by negative energy balance, which predisposes to fatty liver and ketosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic condition of high yielding dairy cows subjected to three treatments for preventing severe lipomobilization and ketosis in early lactation. Fifty four multiparous Holstein cows yielding >30 L/day were divided into four groups: control (CN= no treatment), glucose precursor (PG= propylene-glycol), hepatic protector (Mp= Mercepton®), and energy supplement with salts of linolenic and linoleic faty acids (Mg-E= Megalac-E®). Treatments were administrated randomly at moment of calving until 8 weeks postpartum. Blood samples were collected on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 postpartum. Body condition score (BCS) was evaluated at the same periods and milk yield was recorded at 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th weeks of lactation. Concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), albumin, AST, ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), cholesterol, glucose, total protein, urea and triglycerides were analyzed in blood samples. Cut-off points for subclinical ketosis were defined when BHBA >1.4 mmol/L and NEFA >0.7 mmol/L. General occurrence of subclinical ketosis was 24% during the period. An ascendant curve of cholesterol and glucose was observed from the 1st to the 8th week of lactation, while any tendency was observed with BHBA and NEFA, although differences among treatments were detected (p<0.05). BCS decreased from a mean of 3.85 at 1st week to 2.53 at 8th week of lactation (p=0.001). Milk yield was higher in the Mg-E group compared with the other treatment groups (p<0.05) Compared with the CN group, the treatments with Mp and PG did not show significant differences in blood biochemistry and milk yield. Cows receiving PG and Mg-E showed higher values of BHBA and NEFA (P<0.05), indicating accentuated lipomobilization. Supplementation with Mg-E also resulted in significant higher concentrations of cholesterol, BHBA, urea, AST and lower values of glycemia. This performance may be explained by the highest milk yield observed with this treatment. Treatments with PG and Mp did not improve milk yield, compared with control cows, but did not show metabolic evidence of ketosis, fat mobilization or fatty liver. These results suggest that treatment with Mg-E improves milk production but induces a higher negative energy balance leading to moderated lipomobilization and ketone bodies production, increasing the risk of fatty liver.
Morphology and topographic anatomy of the spinal cord of the red-footed tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria Spix, 1824)
Authors: Carvalho Rafael C , Sousa Alana L , Oliveira Sâmia C.R , Pinto Ana C.B.C. F , Fontenelle José H , Cortopassi Silvia R.G
Published: February 2012

The aim of this study was to describe the topography of the spinal cord of the red-footed tortoise to establish a morphological basis for applied research in anesthesiology and morphology. Six tortoises from the state of Maranhão (Brazil) that had died of natural causes were used. The common carotid artery was used to perfuse the arterial system with saline solution (heated to 37ºC) and to fix the material with a 20% formaldehyde solution. The specimens were then placed in a modified decalcifying solution for 72 hours to allow dorsal opening of the carapace with a chisel and an orthopedic hammer. Dissection of the dorsal musculature and sectioning of the vertebral arches were performed to access the spinal cord. The results revealed the spinal cord of G. carbonaria to be an elongated, whitish mass that reached the articulation between the penultimate and last caudal vertebrae. The cervical intumescence (Intumescentia cervicalis) was located between vertebral segments C5 and T1, whereas the lumbosacral intumescence (Intumescentia lumbalis) was located between T6 and Ca1.
Fotodegradação de compósitos de poliestireno/argila montmorilonita: efeito do tipo de argila e presença de sal
Authors: Oliveira Camila F. de P. , Demarquette Nicole R. , Carastan Danilo J. , Fechine Guilhermino J. M.
Published: February 2012

Compósitos de poliestireno/montmorilonita (PS/MMT) contendo 2,5% em peso de argila foram preparados com dois tipos de argila modificada com sais quaternários de amônio. Também foram preparadas amostras do PS + sal quaternário de amônio, utilizando-se proporção de sal semelhante à usada na modificação da argila. Todas as amostras foram expostas à radiação UV por períodos de até 12 semanas, e em seguida foram realizados testes para avaliar as modificações em massa molar, propriedades mecânicas (tração e impacto), estrutura química (FTIR) e superfície de fratura (MEV) dessas amostras. Os resultados mostraram que compostos metálicos existentes na argila catalisam o processo fotodegradativo do PS e a presença isolada do sal não altera significativamente o comportamento do PS frente à radiação UV.
Allowable levels of take for the trade in Nearctic songbirds
Authors: Johnson Fred A. , Walters Matthew A. H. , Boomer G. Scott
Published: February 2012

The take of Nearctic songbirds for the caged‐bird trade is an important cultural and economic activity in Mexico, but its sustainability has been questioned. We relied on the theta‐logistic population model to explore options for setting allowable levels of take for 11 species of passerines that were subject to legal take in Mexico in 2010. Because estimates of population size necessary for making periodic adjustments to levels of take are not routinely available, we examined the conditions under which a constant level of take might contribute to population depletion (i.e., a population below its level of maximum net productivity). The chance of depleting a population is highest when levels of take are based on population sizes that happen to be much lower or higher than the level of maximum net productivity, when environmental variation is relatively high and serially correlated, and when the interval between estimation of population size is relatively long (≥5 years). To estimate demographic rates of songbirds involved in the Mexican trade we relied on published information and allometric relationships to develop probability distributions for key rates, and then sampled from those distributions to characterize the uncertainty in potential levels of take. Estimates of the intrinsic rate of growth (r) were highly variable, but median estimates were consistent with those expected for relatively short‐lived, highly fecund species. Allowing for the possibility of nonlinear density dependence generally resulted in allowable levels of take that were lower than would have been the case under an assumption of linearity. Levels of take authorized by the Mexican government in 2010 for the 11 species we examined were small in comparison to relatively conservative allowable levels of take (i.e., those intended to achieve 50% of maximum sustainable yield). However, the actual levels of take in Mexico are unknown and almost certainly exceed the authorized take. Also, the take of Nearctic songbirds in other Latin American and Caribbean countries ultimately must be considered in assessing population‐level impacts.
Open and closed seascapes: Where does habitat patchiness create populations with high fractions of self‐recruitment?
Authors: Pinsky Malin L. , Palumbi Stephen R. , Andréfouët Serge , Purkis Sam J.
Published: February 2012

Which populations are replenished primarily by immigrants (open) and which by local production (closed) remains an important question for management with implications for response to exploitation, protection, and disturbance. However, we lack methods for predicting population openness. Here, we develop a model for openness and show that considering habitat isolation explains the existence of surprisingly closed populations in high‐dispersal species, including many marine organisms. Relatively closed populations are expected when patch spacing is more than twice the standard deviation of a species' dispersal kernel. In addition, natural scales of habitat patchiness on coral reefs are sufficient to create both largely open and largely closed populations. Contrary to some previous interpretations, largely closed marine populations do not require mean dispersal distances that are unusually short, even for species with relatively long pelagic larval durations. We predict that habitat patchiness has strong control over population openness for many marine and terrestrial species with a highly dispersive life stage and relatively sedentary adults. This information can be used to make initial predictions about where populations will be more or less resilient to local exploitation and disturbance.
Community ecology of invasions: direct and indirect effects of multiple invasive species on aquatic communities
Authors: Preston Daniel L. , Henderson Jeremy S. , Johnson Pieter T. J.
Published: February 2012

With many ecosystems now supporting multiple nonnative species from different trophic levels, it can be challenging to disentangle the net effects of invaders within a community context. Here, we combined wetland surveys with a mesocosm experiment to examine the individual and combined effects of nonnative fish predators and nonnative bullfrogs on aquatic communities. Among 139 wetlands, nonnative fish (bass, sunfish, and mosquitofish) negatively influenced the probability of occupancy of Pacific treefrogs (Pseudacris regilla), but neither invader correlated strongly with occupancy by California newts (Taricha torosa), western toads (Anaxyrus boreas), or California red‐legged frogs (Rana draytonii). In mesocosms, mosquitofish dramatically reduced the abundance of zooplankton and palatable amphibian larvae (P. regilla and T. torosa), leading to increases in nutrient concentrations and phytoplankton (through loss of zooplankton), and rapid growth of unpalatable toad larvae (through competitive release). Bullfrog larvae reduced the growth of native anurans but had no effect on survival. Despite strong effects on natives, invaders did not negatively influence one another, and their combined effects were additive. Our results highlight how the net effects of multiple nonnative species depend on the trophic level of each invader, the form and magnitude of invader interactions, and the traits of native community members.
Academic Demands are Associated with Reduced Alcohol Consumption by College Students: Evidence from a Daily Analysis
Authors: Butler Adam B. , Spencer Desiree , Dodge Kama
Published: February 2012

There is little empirical evidence linking academic demands or rigor to alcohol consumption by college students. In a 3-week daily study of fulltime college students at a public, residential campus in the United States, both current day and next day's academic demands were negatively related to alcohol consumption, and these relationships were mediated by daily academic effort. Academic demands on the previous day were not related to alcohol consumption, indicating that students do not engage in compensatory or celebratory drinking when demands end. The results suggest that enhancing academic expectations and rigor may be an appropriate intervention target to reduce student drinking.
The Effects of Drinking Status and Believability of Ads Featured in a Social Norms Campaign on College Students' Estimation and Accuracy of other Students' Celebratory Drinking
Authors: Park Hee Sun , Smith Sandi , Klein Katherine A.
Published: February 2012

This study examined estimation and accuracy of normative perceptions for students during one celebratory drinking occasion. Students who drank on St. Patrick's Day overestimated the percentage of others who also drank, whereas the students who did not drink on St. Patrick's Day underestimated the percentage of others who also did not drink. The students' drinking behaviors on St. Patrick's Day did not substantially differentiate their accuracy scores. However, of the students who drank on St. Patrick's Day, those who did not believe the ads showed stronger overestimation of others who drank than did those who believed the ads.
An Empirical Assessment of the Above the Influence Advertising Campaign
Authors: Scheier Lawrence M. , Grenard Jerry L. , Holtz Kristen D.
Published: February 2012

This study evaluated the efficacy of Above the Influence (ATI), a national media-based health persuasion campaign to deter youth drug use. The campaign uses public service anti-drug prevention messages and targets youth between the ages of 14 and 16, a period of heightened susceptibility to peer influences. The evaluation utilized mall intercepts from geographically dispersed regions of the country. Theoretical impetus for the campaign combines elements of the theory of reasoned action (TRA), persuasion theory, and the health belief model. A series of structural equation models were tested with four randomly drawn cross-validation samples ( N = 3,000). Findings suggest that awareness of ATI is associated with greater anti-drug beliefs, fewer drug use intentions, and less marijuana use. Congruent with the TRA, changes in beliefs and intentions are intermediate steps linking campaign awareness with behavior. This study provides further evidence of positive campaign effects and may strengthen reliance on mass media health persuasion campaigns as a useful adjunct to other programs targeting youth.
“Lemnos deeds” in the Byzantine literature: Two examples
Authors: Radic Radivoj
Published: February 2012

Herodotus speaks about an event from the ancient history that took place on
Lemnos in the 7th century B.C. (VI, 137-138). It is when the Pelasgians
killed the Athenian women, whom they had kidnapped beforehand and brought to
the island, together with their children. The father of the history
inaugurated the term ?Lemnos deeds? which was later also used by the tragedy
playwright Aeschylus. This term, with its extremely negative connotation,
continued to be used in the Byzantine period. The work makes reference to two
examples from the late Byzantine literature. The first relates to the famous
historian Nikephoros Gregoras and his voluminous ?Roman History? written in
mid 14th century, and the second one to Mazaris, author of the satirical text
about the voyage to the underworld, written at the beginning of the 15th
century. Both Byzantine authors used this phrase in the most appropriate
manner, which had also found its place with every reason in the collections
of ancient Greek proverbs.
Sluzba svetom arhiepiskopu Jevstatiju Danila drugog u prepisu XV veka
Authors: Jovanovic Tomislav
Published: February 2012

nema
Luka Stulic i Lord Nort - prilog poznavanju veza Dubrovnika i Engleske u XIX veku
Authors: Frajnd Marta
Published: February 2012

nema
Vojislav Ilic i Drustvo sv. Save – jedno nepoznato pismo
Authors: Opsenica Dragoslav
Published: February 2012

nema
Jedno retko bibliografsko izdanje iz vremena Prvog svetskog rata stampano u Solunu 1918. godine
Authors: Stojancevic Vladimir
Published: February 2012

nema
Iz prepiske Milosa Ivkovica
Authors: Zivkovic-Hristic Zoran
Published: February 2012

nema
Palmoticev Pavlimir u Mostaru po sjecanju Vladimira Corovica
Authors: Arezina Mirjana
Published: February 2012

nema
Infant and Toddler Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Salardi Silvana , Porta Massimo , Maltoni Giulio , Rubbi Flavia , Rovere Silvia , Cerutti Franco , Iafusco Dario , Tumini Stefano , Cauvin Vittoria ,   the Diabetes Study Group of the Italian Society of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology (ISPED)
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of the prepubertal duration of diabetes on the occurrence of complications in two groups of patients after the same number of years of the disease.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This multicenter study enrolled 105 patients aged 16–40.3 years; 53 were prepubertal at diagnosis (aged 0–3) and 52 were pubertal (Tanner stage) and aged 9–14.9. The mean duration of disease was 19.8 and 19.5 years for prepubertal and pubertal patients, respectively. In all patients, retinal photographs were taken and centrally graded. Urinary albumin excretion (UAE; 86 case subjects), blood pressure (BP; 89 case subjects), and lifetime HbA1c (72 case subjects) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) was higher in pubertal than in prepubertal patients, both for any grade DR (71 vs. 40%, P = 0.002) and for mild or more severe DR (P = 0.005). The prevalence of abnormal UAE was not different in the two groups. Hypertension was found only in three patients, all pubertal at diagnosis. In the small group with moderate-to-severe DR, lifetime HbA1c levels, as percentages above the upper normal reference value, were higher (P < 0.01) in prepubertal than in pubertal patients.

CONCLUSIONS

If diabetes is diagnosed in infants or toddlers and the prepubertal duration of diabetes is very long, the patients seem to be protected against DR. This protection disappears if lifetime metabolic control is bad. Instead, when onset is at puberty, the DR risk is higher and less dependent on metabolic control and may be influenced by age-related factors, such as BP.
Achievement of Target A1C Levels With Negligible Hypoglycemia and Low Glucose Variability in Youth With Short-Term Type 1 Diabetes and Residual β-Cell Function
Authors: Sherr Jennifer , Tamborlane William V. , Xing Dongyuan , Tsalikian Eva , Mauras Nelly , Buckingham Bruce , White Neil H. , Arbelaez Ana Maria , Beck Roy W. , Kollman Craig , Ruedy Katrina ,   the Diabetes Research in Children Network (DirecNet) Study Group
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

To determine exposure to hyper- and hypoglycemia using blinded continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) profiles in youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with residual β-cell function during the first year of insulin treatment.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Blinded, 3–7 day CGM profiles were obtained in 16 short-term T1D patients (age 8–18 years, T1D duration 6–52 weeks) who had peak C-peptide levels ranging from 0.46 to 1.96 nmol/L during a mixed-meal tolerance test. Results in this short-term group were compared with those in 34 patients with well-controlled, longer-term T1D (duration ≥5 years), matched for age and A1C with the short-term T1D group, and with those in 26 age-matched nondiabetic individuals.

RESULTS

Despite matching for A1C, and therefore similar mean sensor glucose levels in the two T1D groups, short-term T1D participants had a lower frequency of hypoglycemia (0.3 vs. 7.6%, P < 0.001), a trend toward less hyperglycemia (17 vs. 32%, P = 0.15), and a greater percentage in the target range (median 77 vs. 60%, P = 0.02). Indeed, the percentage of sensor glucose levels ≤70 mg/dL in the short-term T1D group (0.3%) did not differ from those in the nondiabetic group (1.7%, P = 0.73). The coefficient of variation of sensor glucose levels (an index of glucose variability) was lower in short-term vs. longer-term T1D participants (27 vs. 42%, respectively, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In youth with short-term T1D who retain residual β-cell function, there is negligible exposure to hypoglycemia and lower glucose variability than in youth with well-controlled T1D of longer duration.
An overview of recent advances in HPLC instrumentation
Authors: Zotou Anastasia
Published: February 2012

This review highlights the fundamentals and the most prominent advances in the field of HPLC instrumentation over the last decades. Fundamental aspects and practical considerations of column switching, conventional (heart-cut) and comprehensive two-dimensional LC are presented. Different aspects of microcolumn- and nanoliquid-chromatography are reviewed. Recent progress in column technology and the demands and developments in instrumentation and accessories for miniaturized LC are also discussed. In the field of miniaturization, particularly in chip-based nano-LC systems, some aspects on micro-fluidic chip fabrication, using particle-packed HPLC microchips or polymer-based monoliths, are addressed. An introduction to ultra performance LC (UPLC) is also presented.
Review of recent developments of on-line sample stacking techniques and their application in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Chen Yonglei , Lü Wenjuan , Chen Xingguo , Teng Min
Published: February 2012

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has become one of the most useful tools in separation science because of its high separation efficiency, low cost, versatility, ease of sample preparation and automation. However, some limitations of CE, such as poor concentration sensitivity due to its lower sample loading and shorter optical path length, limits its further applications in separation science. In order to solve this problem, various on-line sample preconcentration techniques such as transient isotachophoresis preconcentration, field-enhanced sample stacking, micelle to solvent stacking, micelle collapse, dynamic pH junction, sweeping, solid phase extraction, single drop microextraction and liquid phase microextraction have been combined with CE. Recent developments, applications and some variants together with different combinations of these techniques integrating in CE are reviewed here and our discussions will be confined to the past three years (2008–2011).
On some aspects of the definition of scattering states in quantum field theory
Authors: Tóth Gábor
Published: February 2012

The problem of extending quantum-mechanical formal scattering theory to a more general class of models that also includes quantum field theories is discussed, with the aim of clarifying certain aspects of the definition of scattering states. As the strong limit is not suitable for the definition of scattering states in quantum field theory, some other limiting procedure is needed. Two possibilities are considered, the abelian limit and adiabatic switching. Formulas for the scattering states based on both methods are discussed, and it is found that generally there are significant differences between the two approaches. As an illustration of the applications and the features of these formulas, S-matrix elements and energy corrections in two quantum field theoretical models are calculated using (generalized) old-fashioned perturbation theory. The two methods are found to give equivalent results.
Tracheobronchial mucoid pseudotumor
Authors: Itoi Satoshi , Ohara Gen , Kagohashi Katsunori , Kawaguchi Mio , Kurishima Koichi , Satoh Hiroaki
Published: February 2012

The topic of large mucoid plug of tracheobronchus simulating a tumor lacks scientific research and publication. We report such a case presenting as a pseudo-tumor in an elderly population. The plug was easily removed with a flexible bronchoscope. Microscopically, neither malignant cells nor microbial agents were present in the mucoid plug, confirming the diagnosis of a mucoid pseudotumor. If a collection of mucus, indistinguishable from a true tumor, is detected in the tracheobronchial tree particularly on CT scan, we should consider performing bronchoscopy, as such tracheobronchial mucoid pseudotumor may be distinguished from true tumors by this procedure.
Measurement of Head Scatter Factor for Linear Accelerators using Indigenously Designed Columnar Mini Phantom
Authors: Appasamy Murugan , Xavier Sidonia , Kuppusamy Thayalan , Velayudham Ramasubramanian
Published: February 2012

Measurement of Head Scatter Factor for Linear Accelerators using Indigenously Designed Columnar Mini Phantom

A columnar mini phantom is designed as recommended by ESTRO to measure the Head Scatter Factor (Sc) for 6 MV beam of two linear accelerators. The measurement of Sc at different orientations of the chamber, parallel and perpendicular at 1.5 cm depth predicts the deviation of 2.05% and 1.9% for Elekta and Siemens linear accelerators respectively. The measurement of Sc at 1.5 cm is higher compared to 10 cm depth for both the linear accelerators suggesting the electron contamination at 1.5 cm depth. The effect of wedges on Sc yields a significant contribution of 3.5% and 5% for Siemens and Elekta linear accelerators respectively. The collimator exchange effect reveals the opening of upper jaw increases the Sc irrespective of the linear accelerator. The result emphasizes the need of Sc measurement at 10 cm. The presence of wedge influences the Sc value and the SSD has no influence on Sc. The measured Sc values are in good agreement with the published data.
Direct and indirect measurements relevant to the assessment of fatigue of the respiratory muscles - review
Authors: Kuraszkiewicz Bożena
Published: February 2012

Direct and indirect measurements relevant to the assessment of fatigue of the respiratory muscles - review

The purpose of this review is to present selected tests available with the potential to detect the development of respiratory muscle fatigue in normal subjects and patients. All reviewed techniques represent a part of a variety of measures and indices, which have been employed to assess this complex process at the present time.
Current role of grasslands in development of agriculture and rural areas in Poland - an example of mountain voivodships małopolskie and podkarpackie
Authors: Jankowska-Huflejt Halina , Wróbel Barbara , Twardy Stanisław
Published: February 2012

Current role of grasslands in development of agriculture and rural areas in Poland - an example of mountain voivodships małopolskie and podkarpackie

In paper the current situation of agriculture activity in mountain areas in Poland on the example of two mountain voivodships: małopolskie and podkarpackie was presented. Particular the role of permanent grasslands in development of agriculture and rural areas was highlighted. The tools for support of agriculture development in mountain areas i.e. LFA payments, payments for cow and sheep raising were presented. The future prospects of the development of mountain areas in Poland were showed.
Application of sorption tests to estimate selected properties of alluvial soils in Żuławy Elbląskie
Authors: Olchawa Andrzej , Terlikowski Jerzy
Published: February 2012

Application of sorption tests to estimate selected properties of alluvial soils in Żuławy Elbląskie

The specific surface area and hence the sorption or desorption moisture at constant water vapour pressure will increase with increasing content of humus and clay fraction in soils. Adopting such an assumption, preliminary experimental studies were performed to assess the possibility of using sorption/desorption tests to determine some features of alluvial soils from Żuławy such as cation exchange capacity CEC and the specific external surface area Se. Results of the sorption tests were compared with the analyses of the same soil properties determined with standard methods to evaluate the usefulness of the former. Preliminary studies showed a high similarity in the determination of CEC and Se with both methods. Confirmed usefulness of sorption/desorption methods for determination of the specific surface area of mineral soil particles and particularly for analyses of cation exchange capacity would bring a significant simplification of studies and a possibility of their dissemination due to the ease of such analyses. Determination of the specific surface area with the sorption and desorption method does not require sophisticated equipment and laborious and costly preliminary procedures. Dissemination of this method and recognition it as a reference one would, however, need further studies on various soil types.
Trichosanthes dioica root extract induces tumor proliferation and attenuation of antioxidant system in albino mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma
Authors: Bhattacharya Sanjib , Haldar Pallab
Published: February 2012

Trichosanthes dioicaroot extract induces tumor proliferation and attenuation of antioxidant system in albino mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Trichosanthes dioicaRoxb. (Cucurbitaceae), called pointed gourd in English, is a dioecious climber grown widely in the Indian subcontinent. The present study assessed the influence of treatment of hydroalcoholic extract ofTrichosanthes dioicaroot (TDA) on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in Swiss albino mice with effects on antioxidant systems. Twenty-four hours after intraperitoneal inoculation of tumor (EAC) cells in mice, TDA was administered at 25 and 50 mg/kg for 8 consecutive days. On the 9thday, half of the mice were sacrificed for estimation of tumor proliferation, hematological, and hepatic antioxidative parameters. The rest were kept for assessment of survival parameters. TDA exhibited dose dependent and significant increase in tumor weight, tumor volume, packed cell volume and viable cells and reduced non-viable cells and life span of EAC bearing animals. Hematological parameters were significantly worsened in TDA-treated mice. TDA treatment significantly aggravated the hepatic antioxidative parameters. The present study demonstrated thatT. dioicaroot possessed tumor promoting activity in EAC bearing albino mice, plausibly mediated by attenuation of endogenous antioxidant systems.