bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of boundary‐permeated self and patriotism on social participation in the Beijing Olympic Games
Authors: Yang Yiyin , Chen Manqi , Chen Wuqing , Ying Xiaoping , Wang Bing , Wang Junxiu , Kolstad Arnulf
Published: May 2010

Indigenous theories proposed that the self boundary of Chinese has permeability. The present study examines the moderating effect of the boundary‐permeated self on Beijing residents' support and participation in the Beijing Olympic Games (BOG). In a survey after BOG, data about the boundary‐permeated self, patriotism, BOG focus, and BOG participation were collected. The results indicate that the boundary‐permeated self moderated the relationship between patriotism and participation in BOG. For respondents with a high permeability of the self boundary, their national focus and participation became more positive as their patriotism increased; for respondents with low permeability, their participation was high regardless of their patriotism level.
The good old days and a better tomorrow: Historical representations and future imaginations of China during the 2008 Olympic Games
Authors: Cheng Shirley Y. Y. , Chao Melody Manchi , Kwong Jessica , Peng Siqing , Chen Xia , Kashima Yoshihisa , Chiu Chi‐yue
Published: May 2010

Based on the stereotype content model, we examined Mainland and Hong Kong Chinese' historical representations and future imaginations of China during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Among Mainland Chinese, China's unprecedented economic growth and the resulted value competition led to the expectation of a more competent China in the future (vs now; a ‘better tomorrow effect’) and a perception of a warmer and more moral China in the past (vs now; the ‘good old days effect’). As the Olympics proceeded, the perceived compatibility of competence and warmth/morality increased and the good old days effect diminished. Hong Kong Chinese, who also witnessed China's growth but did not directly experience the cultural implications of globalization in Mainland China, displayed the better tomorrow effect only.
From international sports to international competition: Longitudinal study of the Beijing Olympic Games
Authors: Li Yan‐mei , Sakuma Isao , Murata Koji , Fujishima Yoshitsugu , Cheng Wei‐min , Zhai Cheng‐xi , Wang Fang , Yamashita Reiko , Oe Tomoko , Kim Jiyoon
Published: May 2010

To investigate whether and how the Beijing Olympic Games influenced the Chinese competitiveness towards foreigners, we conducted a three‐wave longitudinal study and found that participants' competitiveness towards foreigners from five comparison target nations, particularly towards Japanese, South Koreans and Kenyans, was higher during the Games than before and/or after. We further found that nationalism predicted the competitiveness toward Japanese and South Koreans, but did not predict the competitiveness toward Americans, Russians and Kenyans. Additionally, we found that patriotism played little role in the effects of the Games on competitiveness towards foreigners. We herein discuss the relationship between national comparisons, nationalism and national conflict.
One World, Just a Dream? Effects of the Beijing Olympic icon on perceived differences between Eastern and Western culture
Authors: Rosner Jennifer L. , Li Yanmei , Chao Melody Manchi , Hong Ying‐yi
Published: May 2010

The Beijing Olympic Games, aspiring towards ‘One World, One Dream’, were intended to elicit feelings of international unity. As such, once reminded of the Beijing Games, people should perceive fewer differences between cultures. Alternatively, given its competitive nature, the Beijing Games may lead people to contrast cultures and see heightened intergroup differences. Findings supported the latter process. After being primed with the Beijing Olympic icon, Chinese and American participants high in nationalism and patriotism perceived greater differences between Chinese and American cultures, compared to those low in nationalism and patriotism. Among Chinese participants who believe society is malleable, exposure to the icon increased perceived cultural differences, compared with those unexposed to the icon. Chinese participants who believe society is fixed saw similarly high levels of differentiation between the cultures, whether or not they were exposed to the icon. Implications for Sino‐American relations and globalization are discussed.
CAPACITY EXPANSION IN MARKETS WITH INTER‐TEMPORAL CONSUMPTION EXTERNALITIES
Authors: KITAMURA HIROSHI
Published: May 2010

This paper analyses market capacity expansion in the presence of inter‐temporal consumption externalities such as consumer learning, networks and bandwagon effects. An externality leads to an endogenous shift of market demand that responds to past market capacity. Whereas market capacity grows in waves, its magnitude depends on the degree of market concentration. The competitive environment contributes to S‐shaped time patterns of market capacity expansion. On the other hand, using a low introductory price, a monopolist plans an initially larger amount of market cultivation than a competitive market capacity expansion.
ON THE ROBUSTNESS OF PRIVATE LEADERSHIP IN MIXED DUOPOLY
Authors: MATSUMURA TOSHIHIRO , OGAWA AKIRA
Published: May 2010

We investigate a mixed duopoly where a state‐owned public enterprise competes against a profit‐maximising private enterprise. We analyse whether private leadership or public leadership is robust in the observable delay game. We find that private leadership is always risk dominant. We also investigate how ownership structure in a public firm affects the equilibrium distribution of roles. We find that the roles are as follows: (1) Cournot, when the degree of privatisation is low, (2) private leadership, when it is middle, (3) both private leadership and public leadership, when it is high. The result implies that private leadership is again more robust.
Pharmacokinetics, protein‐binding‐adjusted inhibitory quotients for atazanavir/ritonavir 300/100 mg in treatment‐naïve HIV‐infected patients*
Authors: Lambert‐Niclot S , Machouf N , Peytavin G , Soulie C , Wirden M , Simon A , Murphy RL , Katlama C , Thomas R , Calvez V , Marcelin A‐G
Published: May 2010

Objectives

Studies have shown the importance of having a high protein‐binding‐adjusted inhibitory quotient (IQ) for protease inhibitors (PIs) boosted with ritonavir. The objective of this study was to explore the virological response when combination atazanavir/ritonavir was administered to treatment‐naïve patients.

Methods

Protein‐binding‐adjusted IQs were calculated in 100 treatment‐naïve patients initiating therapy with atazanavir 300 mg/ritonavir 100 mg plus two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

Results

The median atazanavir trough level was 635 ng/mL [interquartile range (IQR) 342–1000] and the median atazanavir protein‐binding‐adjusted IQ was 45 (IQR 24–71). Eighty‐four per cent of patients had a successful virological response, and those who failed did not develop resistance. The IQ for boosted atazanavir is high, resulting in rare treatment failure without resistance mutations.

Conclusions

This study showed that the protein‐binding‐adjusted IQ of atazanavir is close to those measured for lopinavir and darunavir used once daily in first‐line treatment. Finally the selection of resistance in the case of virological failure (plasma viral load >400 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL) to atazanavir/ritonavir used in first‐line therapy seems uncommon, as it is for all boosted PIs.
Acquired hepatocerebral degeneration: clinical characteristics and MRI findings
Authors: Fernández‐Rodriguez R. , Contreras A. , De Villoria J. G. , Grandas F.
Published: May 2010

Objective:  To determine the prevalence of acquired hepatocerebral degeneration (AHD), its clinical and neuroimaging characteristics and response to treatments.

Background:  Acquired hepatocerebral degeneration is a chronic encephalopathy with predominant motor signs in the context of severe liver disease. Its clinical picture is not well defined, and its prevalence and risk factors are not well known.

Methods:  Review of a database of 1000 patients with cirrhosis to identify cases of AHD. Clinical and neuroimaging data, follow‐up and response to treatments, including liver transplantation, were recorded.

Results:  Eight patients with AHD were identified. Its prevalence was 0.8% of patients with cirrhosis. The main risk factor for AHD was the presence of portosystemic shunts. Movement disorders, especially a combination of parkinsonism and cerebellar signs were observed in all patients. All AHD cases showed on MRI T1‐weighted images hyperintensities in the globus pallidus, and 75% had extrapallidal involvement as well. Antiparkisonian drugs and treatments to prevent acute encephalopathies were ineffective. Three patients who underwent liver transplantation did not experience neurological improvement. Persistence of portosystemic shunts was demonstrated in two cases.

Conclusions:  Acquired hepatocerebral degeneration is a chronic encephalopathy which occurs in ∼1% of patients with liver cirrhosis and seems related to portosystemic shunts. Its is characterized by a combination of parkinsonism and cerebellar signs. MRI pallidal and extrapallidal lesions are seen in most patients, probably reflecting intracerebral deposits of manganese. Liver transplant did not improve the neurological signs in our patients, perhaps because of the persistence of portosystemic shunts.
Myasthenia gravis requiring pyridostigmine treatment in a national population cohort
Authors: Andersen J. B. , Engeland A. , Owe J. F. , Gilhus N. E.
Published: May 2010

Background:  Pyridostigmine is the first drug of choice for patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). The drug is not prescribed regularly to any other patient groups. We aimed to determine the prevalence, incidence and gender‐specific characteristics of patients with MG needing drug treatment in a well‐defined population cohort.

Methods:  Data were retrieved from the Norwegian Prescription Database (NorPD) 2004–2007, containing information on all dispensed drugs in Norway. The study population comprised 677 recipients of pyridostigmine who met the following inclusion criteria (one or more): (i) More than one prescription 1 January 2004–31 December 2007, (ii) prescription from a specialist in neurology, (iii) prescription for MG being specified in NorPD.

Results:  A total of 435 (64%) women and 242 men were included; female:male ratio 1.8:1. Point prevalence (1 January 2008) of symptomatic MG was 131 per million; 92 for men, 170 for women. Seventy‐four new users of pyridostigmine were registered in 2007 (42 women, 32 men), i.e. the incidence rate for 2007 being 16 per million; 14 for men, 18 for women. Mean age of incident cases was 59 years; 64 and 55 years, respectively. Prevalence and incidence were significantly higher in the age group ≥50 years than <50 years (P < 0.001), and highest at 70–79 years. Prevalence and incidence did not differ in the five geographical health regions in Norway.

Conclusions:  Reported prevalence and incidence are amongst the highest found in similar studies. This may be explained by optimal case identification, higher incidence of drug requiring MG amongst the elderly, and recurrences of previous MG.
A theory of chemicals regulation and testing
Authors: Gabbert Silke , Weikard Hans‐Peter
Published: May 2010

Risk management of chemicals requires information about their adverse effects such as toxicity and persistence, for example. Testing of chemicals allows for improving the information base for regulatory decision‐making on chemicals' production and use. Testing a large number of chemicals with limited time and resources forces a prioritization of chemicals. This paper proposes a decision model that provides a ranking of chemicals according to “urgency to test”. The model adopts a value‐of‐information approach describing the expected welfare gains from regulatory actions that respond to test information. We determine the value‐of‐information of tests revealing chemicals' levels of toxicity and persistence. We compare our findings to the prioritization of chemicals in the new European Chemicals Regulation “REACH”, where several tens of thousands of chemicals are to be tested in order to fill existing information gaps and to implement more effective risk management. We find that the main lines of chemicals' prioritization under REACH receive backing from our decision model. However, prioritization for testing can be further improved by accounting for testing costs and the sensitivity of regulatory action with respect to the test information.
The Federal Home Loan Bank System: The Lender of Next‐to‐Last Resort?
Authors: ASHCRAFT ADAM , BECH MORTEN L. , FRAME W. SCOTT
Published: May 2010

The Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) System is a large cooperatively owned government‐sponsored liquidity facility that lends predominately to U.S. depository institutions. This paper documents the significant role played by the FHLB System at the outset of the recent financial crisis and provides evidence on the uses of FHLB funding by member banks and thrifts during that time. We then compare lending activity by the FHLB System and the Federal Reserve during 2007 and 2008, discuss the types of institutions seeking government‐sponsored liquidity at various times, and identify the trade‐offs faced by borrowers eligible to tap liquidity from both facilities.
Depositor Behavior under Macroeconomic Risk: Evidence from Bank Runs in Emerging Economies
Authors: LEVY‐YEYATI EDUARDO , MARTÍNEZ PERÍA MARÍA SOLEDAD , SCHMUKLER SERGIO L.
Published: May 2010

Depositor behavior has been associated with bank‐specific characteristics, random runs, or contagion episodes. Using evidence on the 2000–02 bank runs in Argentina and Uruguay, this paper shows that macroeconomic risk is also important. Few macroeconomic shocks can quickly cause large runs. Macroeconomic risk affects deposits regardless of traditional bank‐specific characteristics. Furthermore, bank exposure to macroeconomic factors can explain differences in deposit withdrawals. During crises, the evolution of bank‐specific characteristics is mainly driven by macroeconomic factors, while the informational content of bank‐specific variables declines. Overall, depositors seem responsive to risk in a broader sense than that often considered by the literature.
The Empirics of International Monetary Transmission: Identification and the Impossible Trinity
Authors: BLUEDORN JOHN C. , BOWDLER CHRISTOPHER
Published: May 2010

The transmission of monetary policy across borders is central to many open economy models. Research has tried to evaluate the “impossible trinity” through estimating international interest rate linkages under alternative exchange rate regimes using realized base country interest rates. Such interest rates include anticipated and endogenous elements, which need not propagate internationally. We compare international interest rate responses under pegged and non‐pegged regimes to identified, unanticipated, and exogenous U.S. interest rate changes and realized U.S. interest rate changes. We find important differences in estimated transmission from the two sets of measures—identified interest rate changes demonstrate a greater concordance with the impossible trinity than realized rate changes.
Portfolio Inertia and Stock Market Fluctuations
Authors: BILIAS YANNIS , GEORGARAKOS DIMITRIS , HALIASSOS MICHAEL
Published: May 2010

This paper uses population‐wide data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics and the Survey of Consumer Finances to resolve the conflict between overtrading and inactivity shown in administrative data on brokerage and retirement accounts, respectively. Considerable inertia is found and linked to characteristics (e.g., limited education or resources), but less to index movements: the downswing has encouraged staying out, rather than getting out, of the market. The small minority with brokerage accounts exhibits important differences in trading patterns relative to the population and invests small fractions of wealth in brokerage accounts. Results strengthen the case for default options in retirement accounts and built‐in trading provisions in mutual funds.
The Importance of Adverse Selection in the Credit Card Market: Evidence from Randomized Trials of Credit Card Solicitations
Authors: AGARWAL SUMIT , CHOMSISENGPHET SOUPHALA , LIU CHUNLIN
Published: May 2010

Analyzing unique data from multiple large‐scale randomized marketing trials of preapproved credit card solicitations by a large financial institution, we find that consumers responding to the lender's inferior solicitation offers have poorer credit quality attributes. This finding supports the argument that riskier type borrowers are liquidity or credit constrained and, thus, have higher reservation loan interest rates. We also find a more severe deterioration ex post in the credit quality of the booked accounts of inferior offer types relative to superior offers. After controlling for a cardholder's observable risk attributes, demographic characteristics, and adverse economic shocks, we find that cardholders who responded to the inferior credit card offers are significantly more likely to default ex post. Our results provide evidence on the importance of adverse selection effects in the credit card market.
Bank Debt versus Bond Debt: Evidence from Secondary Market Prices
Authors: ALTMAN EDWARD I. , GANDE AMAR , SAUNDERS ANTHONY
Published: May 2010

This paper uses a new data set of daily secondary market prices of loans to analyze the specialness of banks as monitors. Consistent with a monitoring advantage of loans over bonds, we find the secondary loan market to be informationally more efficient than the secondary bond market prior to a loan default. Specifically, we find that secondary market loan returns Granger cause secondary market bond returns prior to a loan default. In contrast, secondary market bond returns do not Granger cause secondary market loan returns prior to a loan default.
Sacred Violations, Perceptions of Injustice, and Anger in Muslims
Authors: Brown Allan , Abernethy Alexis , Gorsuch Richard , Dueck Alvin C.
Published: May 2010

Anger has been at the center of religiopolitical conflicts and has been associated with well‐being. This study examined the role of Muslim anger in sociopolitical events perceived as a sacred violation. A Muslim sample (N = 151) identified adverse political events that have deeply affected them; and completed measures of anger, sacred violations, perceptions of injustice, and religiousness. Sacred violations and perceptions of injustice were associated with greater levels of anger, with sacred violations being the stronger predictor. Post hoc analyses revealed that surrender problem‐solving style increased anger control. The findings provide broad support for the importance of religious appraisals of adverse political events in Muslim anger.
The Role of Racial Identity in Perceived Racism and Psychological Stress Among Black American Adults: Exploring Traditional and Alternative Approaches
Authors: Pieterse Alex L. , Carter Robert T.
Published: May 2010

This investigation tested whether racial identity status attitudes moderated the relationship between perceived racism and psychological functioning in a sample of 340 Black American adults. The study utilized 2 approaches to racial identity assessment: the standard group‐means approach, plus a profile analysis of individual racial identity statuses. Results based on the group‐means approach indicated that racial identity did not moderate the relationship between racism and psychological functioning. Findings based on the profile analysis, however, indicated that individuals whose profile type was identified as internalization‐dominant exhibited the lowest levels of general life stress, the lowest levels of psychological distress, and the highest levels of psychological well‐being. Implications for ongoing research are discussed.
Alibi Believability: The Effect of Prior Convictions and Judicial Instructions
Authors: Allison Meredith , Brimacombe C. A. Elizabeth
Published: May 2010

Undergraduates (N = 339) listened to a simulated police interview with a defendant concerning his alibi. We studied the impact of (a) the strength of the alibi evidence; (b) defendant's prior convictions; (c) judge's instructions on prior conviction evidence; and (d) perceivers' need for cognition (NFC) on alibi believability and defendant guilt ratings. Defendants previously convicted of the same crime as the current charge were seen as more likely to be guilty than defendants previously convicted of a different crime. Judge's instructions did not affect guilt ratings. NFC was less influential than anticipated, but did affect participants' understanding and recall of judicial instructions. Strong alibis were seen as more believable and led to lower guilt ratings than weak alibis.
Are the Sectors Compatible? International Development Work and Lessons for a Business–Nonprofit Partnership Framework
Authors: Mannell Jeneviève
Published: May 2010

In recent years, there has been increased involvement of the for‐profit sector in the development of nonprofit frameworks for organizational transformation of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). The present paper uses a social psychological approach to examine an exchange between the sectors in which business management consultants travel to developing countries to offer their skills to NGOs. Social representations theory provides a means of delving into the various meanings these business management consultants attribute to international development and the NGO work environment. The study reveals that consultants tend to interpret the NGO sector and international development through a lens of profit and efficiency, and that experience working with an NGO may actually strengthen this perspective.
Exertion–Attention–Flow Linkage Under Different Workloads
Authors: Connolly Cathleen T. , Tenenbaum Gershon
Published: May 2010

This study explored a proposed conceptual scheme examining the relationship between perceived exertion, flow, and the attention strategies of association and dissociation. After establishing a maximal baseline, 60 rowers performed at 30%, 50%, and 75% of maximal workloads for 10 min on a rowing ergometer. Results revealed that as workload increased, attention shifted from dissociation to association. Flow also showed a change in endorsement of the 9 dimensions. We found a main effect for gender, but not for experience. Women exhibited higher global flow than did men during the 75% and maximal sessions. Results lend preliminary support for the proposed conceptual scheme in which perceived effort affects attention focus and flow experience. Applied recommendations for coaches and athletes are presented.
Dynamics of Friendship Reciprocity Among Professional Adults
Authors: Olk Paul M. , Gibbons Deborah E.
Published: May 2010

Friendship is generally a reciprocal relation, yet many enduring ties are not symmetrical. Sometimes, only one member of a dyad considers the other a friend, or may see their relation as a close friendship while the other does not. Existing theories imply that personal and social attributes may influence the likelihood of reciprocity in friendship. In this longitudinal study, we found that demographic and educational attributes had little effect, but relative gregariousness and popularity consistently influenced development and persistence of unequally reciprocated friendships in 2 cohorts of executive MBA students. Additionally, higher gatekeeping power predicted greater tendency to befriend members of different age categories. Although gatekeeping power correlated directly with unequal reciprocity, the effect was mediated by gregariousness and popularity.
When Does Soldier Patriotism or Nationalism Matter? The Role of Transformational Small‐Unit Leaders
Authors: Griffith James
Published: May 2010

Patriotism and nationalism, 2 sets of attitudes often associated with the military, are examined in relation to perceived combat readiness and intention to remain in military service. Transformational leadership served as an intervening variable in these relationships. Survey data obtained from a sample of Army National Guard soldiers (N = 415) were used to examine relationships. Among junior‐ranking enlisted soldiers, both patriotism and nationalism showed significant, positive associations with perceived combat readiness and intention to remain in military service. The structural equation model fit soldiers' nationalistic attitudes best, having a considerable indirect effect through transformational leadership on perceived combat readiness. Implications of nationalistic and patriotic attitudes combined with charismatic leaders to benefit soldier readiness and retention are discussed.
The Use of Cognitive Mapping in Eliciting and Evaluating Group Cognitions
Authors: Curşeu Petru Lucian , Schalk René , Schruijer Sandra
Published: May 2010

A holistic method for eliciting and evaluating group cognition was introduced and tested. In the study, 359 undergraduate students were assigned to 72 groups, consisting of 4 to 6 members who worked on research projects lasting for 14 weeks. In order to evaluate the way groups represent the specific knowledge related to their tasks, we used a conceptual mapping technique. Conceptual mapping proved to be a fruitful way to understand the way groups represent their knowledge. The conceptual maps were stable in time and had explanatory power for groups' performance.
Do different yolk androgens exert similar effects on the morphology or behaviour of Japanese quail hatchlingsCoturnix japonica?
Authors: Hegyi Gergely , Schwabl Hubert
Published: May 2010

Avian eggs contain variable levels of several maternal androgens that may all be important in adjusting offspring phenotype at the individual or brood level. Most studies have focused on experimental manipulations of testosterone (T), and the other yolk androgens such as androstenedione (A4) and 5‐alpha‐dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were so far neglected. However, in species where the amount of A4in the yolk much exceeds that of the other androgens, A4could represent the dominant agent of androgen‐mediated maternal effects, in which case manipulations of T would be misdirected. We conducted our study in a species with high yolk A4and relatively low T and DHT levels, the Japanese quailCoturnix japonica. We injected unincubated eggs with a physiological dose of either A4, T, or DHT, and measured hatchling growth, as well as behaviour in an open field test. T treatment non‐significantly increased social reinstatement behaviour in the open field test, but it seemed to significantly suppress early skeletal growth and mass gain. The A4and DHT treatments, in contrast, significantly increased reinstatement behaviour, but did not affect mass and size growth. These results suggest that future investigations should view yolk androgens as integrated components of the complex yolk steroid environment.
Life history variation between high and low elevation subspecies of horned larks Eremophila spp.
Authors: Camfield Alaine F. , Pearson Scott F. , Martin Kathy
Published: May 2010

Environmental variation along elevational gradients can strongly influence life history strategies in vertebrates. We investigated variation in life history patterns between a horned lark subspecies nesting in high elevation alpine habitat Eremophila alpestris articola and a second subspecies in lower elevation grassland and sandy shoreline habitats E. a. strigata. Given the shorter breeding season and colder climate at the northern alpine site we expected E. a. articola to be larger, have lower fecundity and higher apparent survival than E. a. strigata. As predicted, E. a. articola was larger and the trend was toward higher apparent adult survival for E. a. articola than E. a. strigata (0.69 vs 0.51). Contrary to our predictions, however, there was a trend toward higher fecundity for E. a. articola (1.75 female fledglings/female/year vs 0.91). The larger clutch sizes, higher nest survival, and shorter renesting intervals have apparently allowed E. a. articola to compensate for the short breeding season. Estimates of population growth rate (λ) predicted a stable population for E. a. articola (λ=1.00) and a rapidly declining population for E. a. strigata (λ=0.62) this may provide an explanation for the deviations from our expectation of higher reproduction in E. a. strigata. We suggest that anthropogenic influences (e.g. habitat loss and degradation and increased nest predator abundance) to E. a. strigata nesting sites may be responsible for reducing annual fecundity to the point where it is almost half that of E. a. articola. This result suggests that human influenced habitat changes that, in turn, change demographic rates may result in vital rates that do not accurately reflect historically divergent life histories between the two groups. Our results underscore the importance of including estimates of multiple traits in life history studies to provide insight into compensatory interactions among components of demographic rates and to identify recent changes to demographic rates that might result in a mismatch between observed and predicted life history strategies.
Nestling birds put their best flange forward
Authors: Dugas Matthew B.
Published: May 2010

The offspring of caring parents may evolve specialized traits uniquely adaptive during their dependence on parental care. For example, the mouths of passerine nestlings are often bordered by enlarged and colorful rictal flanges expressed only during the nestling period. Although these traits are commonly hypothesized to act as visual signals during begging, non‐communication functions for the specialized mouth have been proposed as well. To test the hypothesis that nestling flange colors have evolved largely or exclusively as visual signals, I compared the reflectance of flange tissue that would be visible to parents during begging to that of flange tissue not exposed during begging in nestling house sparrowsPasser domesticusand cliff swallowsPetrochelidon pyrrhonota. Specifically, I tested the prediction that both condition‐dependent color parameters and those associated with visual conspicuousness would be expressed more intensely in tissue displayed during begging. Consistent with this prediction, flange tissue exposed during begging was brighter (reflected more total light), more UV‐rich, and had more intense carotenoid‐based coloration than hidden tissue. These differences do not exclude a non‐signaling function for flanges, but are consistent with the hypothesis that flange colors have evolved as visual signals.
Mice lacking Asic3 show reduced anxiety‐like behavior on the elevated plus maze and reduced aggression
Authors: Wu W.‐L. , Lin Y.‐W. , Min M.‐Y. , Chen C.‐C.
Published: May 2010

Sensing external stimulation is crucial for central processing in the brain and subsequent behavioral expression. Although sensory alteration or deprivation may result in behavioral changes, most studies related to the control of behavior have focused on central mechanisms. Here we created a sensory deficit model of mice lacking acid‐sensing ion channel 3 (Asic3−/−) to probe behavioral alterations. ASIC3 is predominately distributed in the peripheral nervous system. RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry used to examine the expression of Asic3 in the mouse brain showed near‐background mRNA and protein levels of ASIC3 throughout the whole brain, except for the sensory mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus. Consistent with the expression results, Asic3 knockout had no effect on synaptic plasticity of the hippocampus and the behavioral tasks of motor function, learning and memory. In anxiety behavior tasks, Asic3−/− mice spent more time in the open arms of an elevated plus maze than did their wild‐type littermates. Asic3−/− mice also displayed less aggressiveness toward intruders but more stereotypic repetitive behaviors during resident–intruder testing than did wild‐type littermates. Therefore, loss of ASIC3 produced behavioral changes in anxiety and aggression in mice, which suggests that ASIC3‐dependent sensory activities might relate to the central process of emotion modulation.
Neither single‐marker nor haplotype analyses support an association between the dopamine transporter gene and heroin dependence in Han Chinese
Authors: Yeh Y.‐W. , Lu R.‐B. , Tao P.‐L. , Shih M.‐C. , Lin W.‐W. , Huang S.‐Y.
Published: May 2010

Much evidence suggests that dysfunction of dopamine transporter‐mediated dopamine transmission may be involved in the pathophysiology of substance abuse and dependence. The aim of this study was to examine whether the dopamine transporter gene (DAT1; SLC6A3) is associated with the development of heroin dependence (HD) and whether DAT1 influences personality traits in patients with HD. Polymorphisms of DAT1 were analyzed in a case–control study of 1046 Han Chinese (615 patients and 431 controls). All participants were screened using a Chinese version of the modified Schedule of Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia‐Lifetime and all patients met the criteria for HD. Furthermore, a Chinese version of the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ) was used to assess personality traits in the patient group and examine the association between their personality traits and DAT1 polymorphisms. Of the patient group, 271 completed the TPQ. No statistically significant differences in allele or genotype frequencies of all investigated variants between HD patients and controls were observed. In haplotype analyses, four haplotype blocks of DAT1 were not associated with the development of HD. These DAT1 polymorphisms did not influence novelty seeking and harm avoidance scores in HD patients. This study suggests that the DAT1 gene may not contribute to the risk of HD and specific personality traits in HD among the Han Chinese population.
The validity and internal structure of the Bipolar Depression Rating Scale: data from a clinical trial of N-acetylcysteine as adjunctive therapy in bipolar disorder
Authors: Berk Michael , Dodd Seetal , Dean Olivia M , Kohlmann Kristy , Berk Lesley , Malhi Gin S
Published: May 2010

Berk M, Dodd S, Dean OM, Kohlmann K, Berk L, Malhi GS. The validity and internal structure of the Bipolar Depression Rating Scale: data from a clinical trial of N-acetylcysteine as adjunctive therapy in bipolar disorder.

Background:

The phenomenology of unipolar and bipolar disorders differ in a number of ways, such as the presence of mixed states and atypical features. Conventional depression rating instruments are designed to capture the characteristics of unipolar depression and have limitations in capturing the breadth of bipolar disorder.

Method

The Bipolar Depression Rating Scale (BDRS) was administered together with the Montgomery Asberg Rating Scale (MADRS) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) in a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial of N-acetyl cysteine for bipolar disorder (N = 75).

Results:

A factor analysis showed a two-factor solution: depression and mixed symptom clusters. The BDRS has strong internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.917), the depression cluster showed robust correlation with the MADRS (r = 0.865) and the mixed subscale correlated with the YMRS (r = 0.750).

Conclusion:

The BDRS has good internal validity and inter-rater reliability and is sensitive to change in the context of a clinical trial.
Pressure ulcer prevalence across Welsh orthopaedic units and community hospitals: surveys based on the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel minimum data set
Authors: James Jane , Evans Julie A , Young Trudie , Clark Michael
Published: May 2010

The survey used the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP) methodology for the collection of pressure ulcer prevalence data. The orthopaedic survey was conducted across all National Health Service Trusts in Wales between 2 and 6 July 2007 while the community hospital survey covering 25% of all community hospital beds was conducted between 21 April 2008 and 2 May 2008. Data were gathered upon 1196 patients (581, 48·6% within orthopaedic units with 615 located in community hospitals). Of these patients, 81 (13·9%) and 162 (26·7%) had pressure ulcers in orthopaedic and community hospitals, respectively. Where patients presented with multiple pressure ulcers, the most severe pressure ulcer was recorded. Across both surveys, most pressure ulcers were reported to be either category I or II with 91 category I wounds (33 in orthopaedic units and 58 in community hospitals). Severe (categories III and IV) pressure ulcers affected 78 patients (19 in orthopaedic units and 59 in community hospitals). Adoption of the EPUAP pressure ulcer prevalence methods can help achieve consistent data upon pressure ulcer prevalence in different health care organisations and specialities. The adoption of a consistent data collection capture methodology is a clear prerequisite for the compilation of meaningful pressure ulcer prevalence data sets at a national level.
Biofilms and bacterial imbalances in chronic wounds: anti‐Koch
Authors: Percival Steven L , Thomas John G , Williams David W
Published: May 2010

Microbial imbalances and synergistic relationships between bacteria in medically important biofilms are poorly researched. Consequently, little is known about how synergy between bacteria may increase the net pathogenic effect of a biofilm in many diseases and infections, including chronic wounds. Microbial synergy in chronic wounds may increase virulence and pathogenicity, leading to enhanced tissue degradation, malodour and in some cases, an impairment of the host immune response. Microbial synergy and growth within a biofilm provide a competitive advantage to the microorganisms cohabiting in a wound, thereby promoting their survival and tolerance and resistance to antimicrobial agents. The aim of this article was to provide greater insight into microbial imbalances found within wound biofilms and the significance they may have on non healing and infected wounds. We also present two possible hypotheses which could explain the role microorganisms play in non healing chronic wounds and offer possible strategies for combating harmful and detrimental biofilms.
The use of a dermal substitute to preserve maximal foot length in diabetic foot wounds with tendon and bone exposure following urgent surgical debridement for acute infection
Authors: Clerici Giacomo , Caminiti Maurizio , Curci Vincenzo , Quarantiello Antonella , Faglia Ezio
Published: May 2010

In this study, we evaluated the utility of a dermal substitute for preserving maximal foot length after urgent surgical debridement. Patients referred to our Diabetic Foot Center with foot lesions were assessed for sensory–motor neuropathy, infection and critical limb ischaemia. The presence of acute foot infection indicated the need for immediate surgical debridement. The degree of amputation, if necessary, was based on the amount of apparently non infected vital tissue. When vital tendon/bone tissue remained exposed, the lesion was covered with a dermal substitute. From January to December 2008, 393 patients underwent surgical treatment for diabetic foot syndrome; 30 patients underwent immediate surgical debridement resulting in exposed tendon and/or bone tissues. An average of 4·4 ± 2·1 days following surgical debridement, all 30 patients underwent dermal regeneration template grafting to cover‐exposed healthy tendon and bone tissues, instead of achieving primary wound closure with a proximal amputation. After 21 days, a skin graft was performed. Complete wound healing occurred in 26 patients (86·7%). In these patients, the amputation level was significantly more distal (P < 0·003) with respect to that potentially required for immediate wound closure. The average healing time was 74·1 ± 28·9 days. Four patients underwent a more proximal amputation. No patients underwent major amputation. The use of the dermal substitute for treating exposed tendon and bone tissues allowed timely wound healing and preserved maximal foot length. Continued follow‐up will allow assessment of long‐term relapse and complication rates. Such treatment could constitute part of the comprehensive management of diabetic wounds.
Influence of the timing of switching a protein‐free to a protein‐containing diet on the wound healing process in a rat all‐layer skin defect
Authors: Tsuda Kyoko , Nakatani Toshio , Sugama Junko , Okuwa Mayumi , Sanada Hiromi
Published: May 2010

We prepared full thickness skin defects in rats fed on a protein‐free diet as a hypoproteinaemia model, then switched the animals to a diet containing a normal protein level 1, 6 or 12 days after wounding (inflammatory, granulation and rearrangement phases of the wound healing process) to examine whether improvement in the low‐protein state promotes subsequent wound healing. The interval until wound healing in rats fed on a normal protein diet was significantly shorter, whereas that in rats continuously fed on a protein‐free diet was significantly longer than those of other groups. Early correction tended to accelerate wound healing. Although wound contraction in groups receiving a protein‐corrected or protein‐free diet remained similar until 15 days after wounding, thereafter the duration of the rearrangement phase was significantly longer in the protein‐free group than in the other groups. The collagen level per unit of granulation tissue area during wound healing was significantly lower in the protein‐free group than in the other groups. These findings indicate that protein correction at any time after wounding accelerates wound healing, although early correction is more effective, and reduces the duration of the rearrangement phase more than those of the inflammatory and granulation phases because of the deposit of collagen.
Starch Synthesis and Programmed Cell Death during Endosperm Development in Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack)
Authors: Li Chun‐Yan , Li Wei‐Hua , Li Cheng , Gaudet Denis A. , Laroche André , Cao Lian‐Pu , Lu Zhen‐Xiang
Published: May 2010

Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) grains synthesize and accumulate starch as their main energy source. Starch accumulation rate and synthesis activities of ADP‐glucose pyrophosphorylase, soluble starch synthases, granule‐bound starch synthase and starch‐branching enzyme showed similar pattern of unimodal curves during endosperm development. There was no significant difference in activity of the starch granule‐bound protein isolated from total and separated starch granules at different developmental stages after anthesis in triticale. Evans Blue staining and analysis of DNA fragmentation indicated that cells of triticale endosperm undergo programmed cell death during its development. Dead cells within the endosperm were detected at 6 d post anthesis (DPA), and evidence of DNA fragmentation was first observed at 21 DPA. The period between initial detection of PCD to its rapid increase overlapped with the key stages of rapid starch accumulation during endosperm development. Cell death occurred stochastically throughout the whole endosperm, meanwhile, the activities of starch biosynthetic enzymes and the starch accumulation rate decreased in the late stages of grain filling. These results suggested that the timing and progression of PCD in triticale endosperm may interfere with starch synthesis and accumulation.
Genomic Distribution of Quantitative Trait Loci for Yield and Yield‐related Traits in Common Wheat
Authors: Zhang Li‐Yi , Liu Dong‐Cheng , Guo Xiao‐Li , Yang Wen‐Long , Sun Jia‐Zhu , Wang Dao‐Wen , Zhang Aimin
Published: May 2010

A major objective of quantitative trait locus (QTL) studies is to find genes/markers that can be used in breeding programs via marker assisted selection (MAS). We surveyed the QTLs for yield and yield‐related traits and their genomic distributions in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the available published reports. We then carried out a meta‐QTL (MQTL) analysis to identify the major and consistent QTLs for these traits. In total, 55 MQTLs were identified, of which 12 significant MQTLs were located on wheat chromosomes 1A, 1B, 2A, 2D, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4D and 5A. Our study showed that the genetic control of yield and its components in common wheat involved the important genes such as Rht and Vrn. Furthermore, several significant MQTLs were found in the chromosomal regions corresponding to several rice genomic locations containing important QTLs for yield related traits. Our results demonstrate that meta‐QTL analysis is a powerful tool for confirming the major and stable QTLs and refining their chromosomal positions in common wheat, which may be useful for improving the MAS efficiency of yield related traits.
Fingerprinting Analysis of Saposhnikovia divaricata using 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Xin Yue‐Yang , Deng An‐Jun , Du Guan‐Hua , Zhang Jin‐Lan , Qin Hai‐Lin
Published: May 2010

The 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) fingerprints of fractionated non‐polar and polar extracts (control substance for plant drug [CSPD] A and B) from the roots of 12 specimens of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk were achieved with Fourier Transform (FT)‐NMR spectrometer and assigned by comparison to each other and to the 1H NMR spectra of the isolated individual compounds. These fingerprints were found to be uniform in terms of the specificity for the implication of all 12 specimens being systematically of the same origin. The uniformity was further affirmed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which also revealed exactly identical specificity for the identified S. divaricata species with the 1H NMR appearances of corresponding CSPD on the part of the composition of characteristic constituents when comparing to corresponding individual compounds. This investigation unambiguously shows that the specific signals from the chemotaxonomically significant compounds of chromones and coumarins in S. divaricata are exhibited distinctively in the composite features of both 1H NMR fingerprints and HPLC profiles. The 1H NMR and HPLC profiles established can successfully be used as reference for the authentication of the origin of S. divaricata species as well as for chemotaxonomic studies.
Longitudinal changes in subjective and objective visual function in diabetics 5 years after cataract surgery
Authors: Lundqvist Britta , Mönestam Eva
Published: May 2010

Purpose:  To investigate and compare the long‐term subjective and objective visual functional results of phacoemulsification in diabetics and non‐diabetics.

Methods:  A prospective, longitudinal, population‐based study comprising 57 diabetics and 473 non‐diabetics, who had cataract surgery during a 1‐year period at Norrlands University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden. Visual acuity data, visual function questionnaire (VF‐14) responses, and level of diabetic retinopathy were recorded pre‐ and postoperatively as well as 5 years after surgery.

Results:  Four months postoperatively, the median VF‐14 total score for both the diabetics and the non‐diabetics was 100; at 5 years, the score decreased to 96.4 and 97.2, respectively (p = 0.81). The median best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the operated eye was logMAR 0.046 (Q1:Q3 = 0:0.15) for both the diabetics and the non‐diabetics 4–8 weeks postoperatively. Five years later, the BCVA for the diabetics was logMAR 0.14 (Q1:Q3 = 0.02:0.34) and for the non‐diabetics 0.1 (Q1:Q3 = 0.02:0.3), (p = 0.34). Five years after surgery, 26% of the diabetics and 22% of the non‐diabetics had a reduction in VF14‐score of 10 points or more (p = 0.64) compared with 4 months postoperatively. One‐third of both the diabetics (18/57) and the non‐diabetics (149/473) had lost more than 0.1 log MAR unit in BCVA of the operated eye (p = 0.86).

Conclusion:  Subjective and objective visual function 5 years after cataract surgery remained stable in most surviving diabetics and non‐diabetics. The longitudinal visual function in diabetics was not significantly worse compared with non‐diabetics.