bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of adipocytes on the proliferation and differentiation of prostate cancer cells in a 3‐D culture model
Authors: Kaneko Arata , Satoh Yuji , Tokuda Yuji , Fujiyama Chisato , Udo Kazuma , Uozumi Jiro
Published: March 2010

Objective:  To investigate how the mechanism of adipocyte–prostate cancer cell interaction affects the proliferation and differentiation of prostate cancer cells.

Methods:  An androgen‐dependent cell line (LNCaP), two androgen‐independent cell lines (PC‐3, DU145), and mature adipocytes harvested from male Wistar rats were used. Cancer cells were co‐cultured with the isolated mature adipocytes in 3‐D collagen gel matrix culture. The morphology and proliferative ability of the prostate cancer cells were examined. With regard to the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) pathway, the expression of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN), Akt and Bad were determined by immunohistochemistry.

Results:  LNCaP cells co‐cultured with adipocytes formed larger clusters than those of the control. PC‐3 cells co‐cultured with adipocytes did not form larger clusters, but formed spherical and spindle‐shaped cells. The phosphorylation of Akt in PC‐3 cells was greater in the co‐cultured group compared with the controls, but there were no significant differences in the phosphorylation of Akt with regard to LNCaP and DU145 cells.

Conclusions:  Adipocytes could modulate the proliferation and differentiation of prostate cancer cell lines. Activation of the PI3K pathway might be involved in the prostate cancer cell–adipocyte interaction.
Efficacy and safety of nephron‐sparing surgery
Authors: Van Poppel Hein
Published: March 2010

To analyse the current evidence of efficacy and safety of nephron‐sparing surgery (NSS) that encompasses open partial nephrectomy (OPN), laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and robotic partial nephrectomy in the management of localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Oncological data, complications and postoperative renal function were reviewed for the most important series of partial nephrectomy. Partial nephrectomy (PN) provides similar oncological control as radical nephrectomy (RN) and is superior to RN with respect to preserving renal function and preventing chronic kidney disease. OPN remains the first treatment option for T1 renal tumors in centers without advanced laparoscopic expertise. Indications for LPN have expanded as such that LPN is suited for most renal tumors provided that the procedure is carried out in selected patients by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. Warm ischemia time should be kept within 20 min, which is currently recommended regardless of surgical approach. In experienced hands, LPN yields intermediate oncological efficacy and renal function outcome comparable to open surgery in the treatment of pT1 renal tumors. Positive surgical margin rates are comparable after LPN and OPN. In contemporary series, the morbidity of LPN is decreasing to become similar to that of OPN. Preliminary results with robotic PN are comparable to results obtained with LPN. Additional studies are required to validate these results and compare with other current methods, such as thermal ablation. NSS is effective and safe for the management of localized RCC and is the gold standard to which new ablative techniques need to be compared.
War of the weeds: Competition hierarchies in invasive species
Authors: LAWES R. A. , GRICE A. C.
Published: March 2010

Invasive plant species succeed because they are able to propagate and disperse into unoccupied habitat, outcompete and suppress other plant species or use a combination of these two strategies. Ecosystems are often invaded by multiple species and it is important to determine which species are likely to dominate plant communities through competition and which species will succeed by other means. We assessed frequency and abundance of 65 invasive species over 1700 km of riparian zone in the Burdekin catchment of North Queensland, Australia and established a dominance hierarchy for those species. The cover of every invasive and one native shrub known to have increased in abundance in historical times, was surveyed in quadrats as part of a nested hierarchical design consisting of 8030 quadrats, within 803 transects, within 90 sites. Total species cover and species frequency were derived from the results of this survey. We estimated the pairwise interactions between individual species and used a non‐parametric David Score to rank species and construct a competition hierarchy of invasive species at the quadrat and transect levels. Species frequency and cover were highly correlated (r2 = 0.81). The competition hierarchy of species at the quadrat level was moderately related to species cover, but poorly related to species frequency (r2 = 0.24 and 0.02). The competition rank of many species, including Urochloa mosambicensis and Parthenium hysterophorus, changed markedly with scale when assessed at the quadrat and transect levels. This suggests different processes influenced their competitive success at different scales. This technique enabled us to explore and accept the hypothesis that abundant species are often the most competitive. However, some exceptions were identified in this study and these species may in time become more abundant in the catchment.
The transport of nutrients and energy into the Australian Snowy Mountains by migrating bogong mothsAgrotis infusa
Authors: GREEN KEN
Published: March 2010

Although energy flows are fundamental to our understanding of the functioning of ecosystems, the extent of transport of energy and nutrients by biological agents into mountains is poorly understood. Bogong moths constitute a keystone species in the ecology of the alpine zone of mainland Australia. Although known to transport nutrients and energy essential to the functioning of the alpine ecosystem, this has never been quantified. By allocating mortality between predation, and non‐predator‐related causes, a model was constructed to calculate mortality of moths in the Snowy Mountains region of the Australian Alps. Density of predators, their food requirements and the proportion of predator diet that was moth were estimated, and energy and nutrient content of moths were measured. This allowed a first order estimate of the total mortality of moths above 1500 m in the Snowy Mountains annually (1015 million) and the annual contributions of energy (4929 GJ) and nutrients (7.2 t of nitrogen and 0.97 t of phosphorus) by these moths to the system. The deleterious effects of transportation of exogenous chemicals to the mountains have been explored elsewhere but the fertilizing effect of this transport of nutrients still requires attention.
The influence of body mass index on the cost of radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer
Authors: Bolenz Christian , Gupta Amit , Hotze Timothy , Ho Richard , Cadeddu Jeffrey A. , Roehrborn Claus G. , Lotan Yair
Published: March 2010

Study Type – Economic (cost impact) Level of Evidence 2b

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of obesity on the costs of robotic‐assisted (RALP), laparoscopic (LRP) and open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The charts of 629 patients who underwent RP (262 RALP, 211 LRP and 156 RRP) between September 2003 and April 2008 at our institution were reviewed. Clinical and pathological data were collected, including age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index (BMI), tumour stage, complications and length of stay. Direct and component costs (anaesthesia, laboratory, operating room service, radiology, room and board, pharmacy and surgical supplies) were obtained. Differences in costs were evaluated using three BMI categories (<25, normal weight; 25–<30, overweight; and ≥30 kg/m2, obese).

RESULTS

Of 629 patients, 136 (21.6%) had normal weight, 320 (50.9%) were overweight, and 173 (27.5%) were obese. Clinical and pathological characteristics were similar in the three BMI categories of the entire cohort. The median direct cost was higher for obese patients (P= 0.035). On further stratification by type of RP, costs were higher amongst obese than the other groups undergoing LRP (median US$5703 vs $5347; P= 0.002) and RRP (median $4885 vs $4377; P= 0.004). In patients who underwent RALP there were no significant differences in direct costs (median $6761 in obese vs $6745 in non‐obese; P= 0.64).

CONCLUSION

Obesity influenced the costs in patients who underwent LRP and RRP, mainly due to increased operating room service and anaesthesia costs in obese patients. RALP can be performed with no additional financial burden in obese patients.
Emergency Safe Spaces in Haiti and the Solomon Islands
Authors: Madfis Josh , Martyris Daryl , Triplehorn Carl
Published: March 2010

This paper provides background information on emergency Safe Spaces for children and specific information for responses in Haiti and the Solomon Islands. In 2007, both countries experienced natural disasters that resulted in internal displacement of thousands of people. The Save the Children Alliance created Safe Spaces for children living in camps for internally displaced persons. The project sought to accomplish ‘B‐SAFE’ strategies through emergency education, psychosocial, and protection interventions. The B‐SAFE strategies are to (B)uild relationships, cooperation, and respect among peers; to (S)creen for high‐risk children and youth; (A)ctive, structured learning and life saving information; to (F)acilitate children's natural resilience and a return to normalcy; and to (E)stablish a sense of security and self‐esteem. The project made use of child and parent surveys and observation tools that measured B‐SAFE indicators. Analysed data demonstrated an improvement in children's behavior participating in the programme.
A Case for Global Governance Theory: Practitioners Avoid It, Academics Narrow It, the World Needs It
Authors: Carver John
Published: March 2010

Manuscript Type: Perspective

Research Question/Issue: This paper promotes the furtherance of global governance theory with sufficient universal applicability to open up an entirely new area of corporate governance research, both in theoretical effectiveness and in competing practices stimulated by theory.

Research Findings/Insights: This paper does not arise from a research study, but from the argument that board governance suffers from lack of a theoretical base despite its crucial instruction and accountability function between owners and operators. Therefore, this paper is not to report research results, but to introduce a perspective on the need for conceptual coherence in the board's role, practices, and relationships – a perspective worthy of being called a global theory of governance.

Theoretical/Academic Implications: The central theme of this paper is that a global theory of corporate governance is needed, can be highly practical, and has already begun. The case is made that global governance theory will not arise from research into the elements of current board practices, but by studied attention to: (1) the purpose of boards; (2) the irreducible minimum elements of accountability among varied governance venues; and (3) the concepts and principles that would enable those universal characteristics to be optimized. The case is made that isolating the relatively few essential components of responsible governance yields a foundation that enables all other elements to vary based on cultural, legal, and idiosyncratic variables for each board.

Practitioner/Policy Implications: Any development of governance theory necessarily changes the light in which practices are viewed: board relationships with shareholders and with management; director discipline and training required to fulfill theory‐based obligations; roles of chair and committees; advisability of combination directors/executives; distinction of directly board‐controlled decisions versus those allowed to vary as management sees fit; nature and content of reporting and CEO evaluation; and a host of other issues of board practices and expressions of leadership.
Corporate‐Governance Ratings and Company Performance: A Cross‐European Study
Authors: Renders Annelies , Gaeremynck Ann , Sercu Piet
Published: March 2010

Manuscript Type: Empirical

Research Question/Issue: Prior studies have failed to unequivocally establish a positive relationship between corporate‐governance ratings and company performance, although theoretically, we would expect to find one. In this paper, we try to establish whether a positive relationship exists through modeling the relationship more carefully.

Research Findings/Insights: After controlling for selection bias and endogeneity simultaneously, we find a significant positive relationship between corporate‐governance ratings and performance. However, the strength of this relationship seems to depend on the quality of the institutional environment. Finally, we find that improvements in corporate‐governance ratings over time result in decreasing marginal benefits in terms of performance.

Theoretical/Academic Implications: Our paper contributes to the literature by showing that improved corporate‐governance ratings lead to better performance, but that econometric problems might obscure this relationship. We also show that for a sample of developed countries the institutional environment affects the relationship between governance ratings and performance. Finally, this paper contributes to the literature on the impact, regarding compliance and effectiveness, of codes of good governance.

Practitioner/Policy Implications: Our results are relevant for both companies and policy makers. They indicate that companies can improve performance by adhering to good corporate‐governance practices. For policy makers, the findings suggest that soft laws and the invisible hand of the market lead to companies improving their corporate governance.
Genetic and environmental factors and the distribution of multiple sclerosis in Europe
Authors: Handel A. E. , Handunnetthi L. , Giovannoni G. , Ebers G. C. , Ramagopalan S. V.
Published: March 2010

Background:  The observation that the incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) increases further from the equator has prompted considerable interest in the factors that might underlie this latitude gradient. Potential candidates include population frequencies of disease‐associated Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) alleles which are the major genetic component of MS susceptibility. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure and smoking have also been implicated as key environmental risk factors.

Methods:  We used multiple sources of published data on MS prevalence, HLA allele frequencies, UV index and cigarette smoking to assess the contributions of both nature and nurture to the distribution of MS within Europe.

Results:  We observed that HLA alleles unequivocally interact with a population‐wide level to determine disease risk. The UV index and smoking behaviour was also shown to correlate with disease distribution in Europe. For countries with HLA, UV and smoking data, these three factors were shown to account for 75% of the variance in MS prevalence.

Conclusions:  Genetic (HLA) and environmental (UV and smoking) risk factors thus interact in a complex manner with each other to determine a large proportion of MS susceptibility within Europe.
STRUCTURAL CHANGE AND THE GROWTH OF INDUSTRIAL SECTORS: EMPIRICAL TEST OF A GPT MODEL
Authors: Castellacci Fulvio
Published: March 2010

This paper investigates the empirical relevance of a model of structural change and the growth of industrial sectors. The model analyzes the process of diffusion of general‐purpose technologies (GPTs) and how this affects the dynamic performance of manufacturing and service industries. The empirical analysis studies the dynamics and the determinants of labor productivity growth for a large number of sectors in 18 OECD countries over the period 1970–2005. The results of dynamic panel data and cross‐sectional analysis provide support for the empirical validity of the model. Industries that are close to the core of ICT‐related GPTs are characterized by greater innovative capabilities and have recently experienced a more dynamic performance. Relatedly, countries that have been able to shift their industrial structure toward these high‐opportunity manufacturing and service industries have grown more rapidly.
Obovatol attenuates microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation by modulating redox regulation
Authors: Ock Jiyeon , Han Hyung S , Hong Su H , Lee So Y , Han Young‐Min , Kwon Byoung‐Mog , Suk Kyoungho
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  Obovatol isolated from the medicinal herb Magnolia obovata exhibits a variety of biological activities. Here, the effect of obovatol and its mechanism of action on microglial activation, neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration were investigated.

Experimental approach:  In microglial BV‐2 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we measured nitric oxide (NO) and cytokine production, and activation of intracellular signalling pathways by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blots. Cell death was assayed in co‐cultures of activated microglia (with bacterial LPS) and neurons and in LPS‐induced neuroinflammation in mice in vivo.

Key results:  Obovatol inhibited microglial NO production with an IC50 value of 10 µM. Obovatol also inhibited microglial expression of proinflammatory cytokines and inducible nitric‐oxide synthase, which was accompanied by the inhibition of multiple signalling pathways such as nuclear factor kappa B, signal transducers and activators of transcription 1, and mitogen‐activated protein kinases. In addition, obovatol protected cultured neurons from microglial toxicity and inhibited neuroinflammation in mice in vivo. One molecular target of obovatol in microglia was peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2), identified by affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry. Obovatol enhanced the reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐scavenging activity of Prx2 in vitro, thereby suppressing proinflammatory signalling pathways of microglia where ROS plays an important role.

Conclusions and implications:  Obovatol is not only a useful chemical tool that can be used to investigate microglial signalling, but also a promising drug candidate against neuroinflammatory diseases. Furthermore, our results indicate that Prx2 is a novel drug target that can be exploited for the therapeutic modulation of neuroinflammatory signalling.
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine inhibits mitochondrial complex I activity in mice: a possible mechanism underlying neurotoxicity
Authors: Puerta Elena , Hervias Isabel , Goñi‐Allo Beatriz , Zhang Steven F , Jordán Joaquín , Starkov Anatoly A , Aguirre Norberto
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose: 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) causes a persistent loss of dopaminergic cell bodies in the substantia nigra of mice. Current evidence indicates that such neurotoxicity is due to oxidative stress but the source of free radicals remains unknown. Inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes by MDMA was assessed as a possible source.

Experimental approach: Activities of mitochondrial complexes after MDMA were evaluated spectrophotometrically.In situvisualization of superoxide production in the striatum was assessed by ethidium fluorescence and striatal dopamine levels were determined by HPLC as an index of dopaminergic toxicity.

Key results: 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine decreased mitochondrial complex I activity in the striatum of mice, an effect accompanied by an increased production of superoxide radicals and the inhibition of endogenous aconitase. α‐Lipoic acid prevented superoxide generation and long‐term toxicity independent of any effect on complex I inhibition. These effects of α‐lipoic acid were also associated with a significant increase of striatal glutathione levels. The relevance of glutathione was supported by reducing striatal glutathione content with L‐buthionine‐(S,R)‐sulfoximine, which exacerbated MDMA‐induced dopamine deficits, effects suppressed by α‐lipoic acid. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine, partially prevented MDMA‐induced dopamine depletions, an effect reversed by L‐arginine but not D‐arginine. Finally, a direct relationship between mitochondrial complex I inhibition and long‐term dopamine depletions was found in animals treated with MDMA in combination with 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine.

Conclusions and implications: Inhibition of mitochondrial complex I following MDMA could be the source of free radicals responsible for oxidative stress and the consequent neurotoxicity of this drug in mice.

This article is commented on by Moncada, pp. 217–219 of this issue. To view this commentary visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00706.xand to view related papers in this issue by Pravdicet al.and Kurzet al.visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00698.xandhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00656.x
Naringin improves bone properties in ovariectomized mice and exerts oestrogen‐like activities in rat osteoblast‐like (UMR‐106) cells
Authors: Pang Wai‐Yin , Wang Xin‐Lun , Mok Sau‐Keng , Lai Wan‐Ping , Chow Hung‐Kay , Leung Ping‐Chung , Yao Xin‐Sheng , Wong Man‐Sau
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  Naringin, a flavanone glycoside in citrus fruits, has been recently reported to stimulate bone formation in vitro and in vivo. The present study was designed to determine if naringin could exert oestrogen‐like protective actions in bone.

Experimental approach:  Young C57/BL6J mice were ovariectomized (OVX) and treated orally with naringin (0.2 or 0.4 mg·g−1·day−1), 17β‐oestradiol (2 µg·g−1·day−1) or its vehicle for 6 weeks. Bone mineral densities (BMD) and polar stress‐strain index (SSI) were measured by peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Rat osteoblast‐like UMR‐106 cells were co‐incubated with the oestrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI 182780 to determine if the effects of naringin on osteoblastic functions were ER dependent. Functional transactivation of ERα and ERβ as well as ERα phosphorylation by naringin were also studied.

Key results:  Naringin at 0.4 mg·g−1·day−1 increased BMD at trabecular‐rich bone in OVX mice. Naringin (at both doses) significantly increased SSI at distal femur and lumbar spine and increased biomechanical strength (ultimate load and energy for breaking) at tibia diaphysis in OVX mice. The stimulatory effects of naringin on osteoblastic functions could be abolished by co‐incubation with ICI 182780 in UMR‐106 cells. Naringin failed to stimulate ERα‐ or ERβ‐mediated oestrogen response element‐dependent luciferase activity but could significantly induce ERα phosphorylation at serine 118, in UMR‐106 cells.

Conclusions and implications:  Naringin was effective in protecting against OVX‐induced bone loss in mice and its actions might be mediated through ligand‐independent activation of ER in osteoblastic cells.
LASSBio‐881: anN‐acylhydrazone transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily type 1 antagonist orally effective against the hypernociception induced by capsaicin or partial sciatic ligation
Authors: Tributino JLM , Santos MLH , Mesquita CM , Lima CKF , Silva LL , Maia RC , Duarte CD , Barreiro EJ , Fraga CAM , Castro NG , Miranda ALP , Guimaraes MZP
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose: Compound LASSBio‐881 is an orally effective antinociceptive that binds to cannabinoid receptors and is active mainly on the neurogenic component of pain models. We investigated whether transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily type 1 (TRPV1) channels are involved in the effects of LASSBio‐881.

Experimental approach: Modulation of capsaicin (CAP)‐ and low pH‐induced currents was evaluated in TRPV1‐expressingXenopusoocytes.In vivoeffects were evaluated in CAP‐induced acute and inflammatory changes in nociception, as well as in partial sciatic ligation‐induced thermal hypernociception.

Key results: LASSBio‐881 inhibited TRPV1 currents elicited by CAP with an IC50of 14 µM, and inhibited proton‐gated currents by 70% at 20 µM. Functional interaction with CAP was surmountable. Locally applied LASSBio‐881 decreased time spent in CAP‐elicited nocifensive behaviour by 30%, and given orally it reduced measures of CAP‐ or carrageenan‐evoked thermal hypernociception by 60 and 40% respectively. In addition, LASSBio‐881 decreased the paw withdrawal responses to thermal stimuli of animals with sciatic neuropathy 7–11 days after nerve ligation, at a dose of 300 µmol·kg−1·day−1p.o. At this dose, hyperthermia was not observed within 4 h following oral administration.

Conclusions and implications: LASSBio‐881 is a TRPV1 antagonist that apparently competes with CAP. Accordingly, LASSBio‐881 inhibited nociception in models of acute, inflammatory and neuropathic pain presumed to involve TRPV1 signalling. Thesein vivoactions were not hindered by hyperthermia, a common side effect of other TRPV1 antagonists. We propose that the antinociceptive properties of LASSBio‐881 are due to TRPV1 antagonism, although other molecular interactions may contribute to the effects of this multi‐target drug candidate.
Use of a novel radiometric method to assess the inhibitory effect of donepezil on acetylcholinesterase activity in minimally diluted tissue samples
Authors: Kikuchi Tatsuya , Okamura Toshimitsu , Arai Takuya , Obata Takayuki , Fukushi Kiyoshi , Irie Toshiaki , Shiraishi Tetsuya
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  Cholinesterase inhibitors have been widely used for the treatment of patients with dementia. Monitoring of the cholinesterase activity in the blood is used as an indicator of the effect of the cholinesterase inhibitors in the brain. The selective measurement of cholinesterase with low tissue dilution is preferred for accurate monitoring; however, the methods have not been established. Here, we investigated the effect of tissue dilution on the action of cholinesterase inhibitors using a novel radiometric method with selective substrates, N‐[14C]methylpiperidin‐4‐yl acetate ([14C]MP4A) and (R)‐N‐[14C]methylpiperidin‐3‐yl butyrate ([14C]MP3B_R), for AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) respectively.

Experimental approach:  We investigated the kinetics of hydrolysis of [14C]‐MP4A and [14C]‐MP3B_R by cholinesterases, and evaluated the selectivity of [14C]MP4A and [14C]MP3B_R for human AChE and BChE, respectively, compared with traditional substrates. Then, IC50 values of cholinesterase inhibitors in minimally diluted and highly diluted tissues were measured with [14C]MP4A and [14C]MP3B_R.

Key results:  AChE and BChE activities were selectively measured as the first‐order hydrolysis rates of [14C]‐MP4A and [14C]MP3B_R respectively. The AChE selectivity of [14C]MP4A was an order of magnitude higher than traditional substrates used for the AChE assay. The IC50 values of specific AChE and BChE inhibitors, donepezil and ethopropazine, in 1.2‐fold diluted human whole blood were much higher than those in 120‐fold diluted blood. In addition, the IC50 values of donepezil in monkey brain were dramatically decreased as the tissue was diluted.

Conclusions and implications:  This method would effectively monitor the activity of cholinesterase inhibitors used for therapeutics, pesticides and chemical warfare agents.
Selective Abortion for Down Syndrome: The Relation Between the Quality of Intergroup Contact, Parenting Expectations, and Willingness to Terminate
Authors: Lawson Karen L. , Walls‐Ingram Sheena A.
Published: March 2010

This study examines the links between familiarity with individuals with Down syndrome (DS), perceptions of parenting a child with DS, and willingness to consider selective termination subsequent to a fetal diagnosis of DS. Within a sample of childless young adults (N = 280), those reporting personal familiarity indicated both more positive attitudes toward parenting a child with DS and more certainty that they would not abort following a prenatal diagnosis. In further support of contact theory, the quality of the past intergroup interactions moderated these findings. The potential role of negative stereotypes in selective‐abortion decision making and implications for prenatal counseling protocols are discussed.
It Won't Happen to Me: An Investigation of Optimism Bias in Occupational Health and Safety
Authors: Caponecchia Carlo
Published: March 2010

Optimism bias is the tendency to think that negative events are less likely to happen to oneself than to one's peers. Optimism bias concerning occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards was assessed in 105 postgraduate students and university employees. Significant levels of optimism bias were found for several events (e.g., suffering/causing injury). Though optimism bias was not related to perceived controllability, administration of OHS by management may explain why this observation differs from findings in other domains. While further study is required, the present study demonstrates that people tend to think hazardous events at work are less likely to happen to themselves compared to others doing the same job, which has important implications for management of safety at work.
The Relationship Between Overeducation and Job Satisfaction Among Young Spanish Workers: The Role of Salary, Contract of Employment, and Work Experience
Authors: Peiró José M. , Agut Sonia , Grau Rosa
Published: March 2010

The increase of education in younger generations and the relative scarcity of qualified jobs available for them makes overeducation of young employees a social issue. We explored the relationships between overeducation and job satisfaction (extrinsic, intrinsic, social facet), as well as the direct and moderating role of salary, contract of employment, and work experience in these relationships using hierarchical regression analyses. Data were collected from a sample of 643 young Spanish employees. As expected, there were negative relationships between overeducation and all 3 satisfaction facets. Moreover, high work experience emerged as a moderating factor that buffered the negative effect of overeducation on extrinsic satisfaction. Contract of employment and salary did not moderate these relationships.
BEHAVIOR OF AVIRULENT YERSINIA PESTIS IN LIQUID WHOLE EGG AS AFFECTED BY STORAGE TEMPERATURE, ANTIMICROBIALS AND THERMAL PASTEURIZATION
Authors: GURTLER JOSHUA B. , RIVERA REBECCA B. , ZHANG HOWARD Q. , SOMMERS CHRISTOPHER H.
Published: March 2010

Yersinia spp. are psychrotrophic bacteria capable of growth at temperatures as low as −2C, known to contaminate shell eggs and liquid eggs in the U.S.A. and South America. A study was performed to determine the thermal sensitivity of avirulent Yersinia pestis in liquid whole egg (LWE), evaluate the growth pattern of the bacterium in LWE at temperatures of 4–22C and assess the ability of 10 antimicrobial compounds to inhibit the growth of attenuated Y. pestis in LWE. The estimated decimal reduction values of avirulent Y. pestis in LWE at 54C (D54) were 1.39–1.58 min, and D60 values were 13.8 and 11.4 s by the addition of 0 and 965 IU of nisin (MP Biomedicals, LLC, Solon, OH), respectively. Low molecular weight chitosan (0.5%) and an activated lactoperoxidase system (2.18 U/mL) were ineffective at inhibiting growth of Y. pestis, while 500 IU/mL of nisin inhibited populations by up to 1 log cfu/mL at 4, 10 and 15C when compared with the control. Allyl isothiocyanate, diacetyl, diethyl dicarbonate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, methylparaben, monolaurin and benzoyl peroxide inhibited the growth of attenuated Y. pestis when added at high levels.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The genus Yersinia does not currently pose a problem in pasteurized liquid egg products, although it has been isolated from eggs in the U.S.A. and Argentina. Yersiniae, which are psychrotrophic bacteria, can grow at temperatures as low as −2C; therefore, incidental or intentional contamination of liquid whole egg (LWE) with Yersinia spp. could result in multiplication to high populations, even when stored under refrigeration (ca. 4C). We have shown that avirulent Yersinia pestis is able to multiply to populations of >2, 5 and 8 log cfu/mL in LWE at 4C within 6, 14 and 26 days, respectively. This study provides information that will be helpful in determining thermal and nonthermal means of controlling yersiniae in LWE products.
Effects of Fitness Advertising on Weight and Body Shape Dissatisfaction, Social Physique Anxiety, and Exercise Motives in a Sample of Healthy‐Weight Females
Authors: Sabiston Catherine M. , Chandler Krista
Published: March 2010

The effects of exposure to fitness advertising on multiple dimensions of female body image were explored. Healthy weight females (N = 185) were randomly assigned to a model‐focused, product‐focused, or control group and completed body image inventories during a pre‐test and following exposure to fitness advertising 1 week later. There were no significant main effects for group or time on any body image measures. A group by time interaction was observed for affective body image, F(1, 179) = 45.52, p < .001, η2 = .32. Females exposed to model‐focused fitness advertising reported higher social physique anxiety compared with females in the other groups. These findings suggest that multidimensional body image perspectives are informative, especially when examining the effects of media advertising.
NM+: software implementing parentage‐based models for estimating gene dispersal and mating patterns in plants
Authors: CHYBICKI IGOR J. , BURCZYK JAROSLAW
Published: March 2010

NM+ is computer software designed for making inferences on plant gene dispersal and mating patterns by modelling parentage probabilities of offspring based on the spatially explicit neighbourhood model. NM+ requires a sample of mapped and genotyped candidate parents and offspring; however, offspring may optionally be assigned to single maternal parents (forming so‐called half‐sib progeny arrays). Using maximum likelihood, NM+ estimates a number of parameters, including proportions of offspring due to self‐fertilization, pollen immigration from outside of a defined study site, parameters of pollen (and/or seed) dispersal kernels (exponential‐power, Weibull, geometric or 2Dt) and selection gradients relating covariates (phenotypic traits) with male (and/or female) reproductive success. NM+ allows for missing data both in parents and in offspring. It accounts for null alleles and their frequencies can optionally be considered as estimable parameters. Data files are formatted in a table‐like structure so they can be easily prepared in a spreadsheet software. By default NM+ is for studying plant populations, however, it can be used for any organism as long as data requirements and model assumptions are met. NM+ runs under Windows, but it can be launched under Linux using WINE emulator. NM+ can be downloaded free of charge from http://www.genetyka.ukw.edu.pl/index_pliki/software.htm.
Ultrasound biomicroscopic study of the stability of intraocular lens implants after phacoemulsification cataract surgery
Authors: Ang Ghee Soon , Duncan Laura , Atta Hatem R.
Published: March 2010

Purpose:  To assess the postoperative stability of three‐piece intraocular lens (IOL) implants using ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).

Methods:  This is a prospective observational cohort case series. Best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) assessment, slit lamp examination, refraction and UBM evaluation were performed preoperatively and at 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months postoperatively. The anterior chamber depth (ACD) and IOL tilt angles at the 12, 6, 3 and 9 o’clock meridians were assessed.

Results:  Twenty‐one consecutive adult patients (21 study eyes) were recruited, but two dropped out from the study. The average age during cataract surgery was 71.7 years (60–83, SD 6.0). There were very slight changes in the refraction and IOL stability characteristics at all the postoperative follow‐up time points. These were not found to be statistically significant, apart from the increase in ACD from months one (3.85 ± SD 0.29) to six (3.91 ± SD 0.26) (p = 0.01, paired t‐test).

Conclusion:  There was a small but statistically significant increase in ACD between the first and sixth postoperative month, but ACD remained stable thereafter. This was not associated with any significant changes in refraction or BCVA. In contrast, IOL optic tilt remained statistically unchanged throughout the 24‐month study duration.
Research Assessment in the UK: An Overview of 1992–2008
Authors: Otley David
Published: March 2010

Research assessment of UK universities has a history going back to at least 1986. A formal review system is operated by the Higher Education Funding Councils and their predecessors, and used to inform one stream of research funding. The current system was formalised in 1992 and continued until 2008, when a decision was taken to revise it more radically. This paper reviews the UK experience over two decades and attempts to draw some lessons from it, focusing on the area of Accounting & Finance (A&F) in particular and Business & Management (B&M) more generally. It considers the assessment process as a form of performance management, and reviews its operation from that standpoint, and also considers the proposals for change that are being considered in late 2009. The author has been a participant in all the review processes since 1992 and the paper benefits from this experience. It concludes that the process has had mainly beneficial outcomes, but is also in need of substantial redesign for the future.
The ERA: A Brave New World of Accountability for Australian University Accounting Schools
Authors: De Lange Paul , O’Connell Brendan , Mathews M.R. , Sangster Alan
Published: March 2010

This study examines the potential impact of Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) on Australian university accounting schools through a series of in‐depth interviews with Heads of Schools. Using an institutional theory framework we find that the pending introduction of the ERA has brought about changes in school structures, processes and systems. A creeping isomorphism is apparent as evidenced by a sector‐wide movement towards targeting publications in highly ranked North American journals. While participants were generally positive about the overall aims of the ERA many felt that it would marginalise non‐mainstream research. Furthermore, they were of the opinion that the ERA would lead to a reduction in the standing of accounting schools within Australian universities relative to other disciplines.
Intersubband optoelectronics in the InGaAs/GaAsSb material system
Authors: Detz H. , Andrews A. M. , Nobile M. , Klang P. , Mujagić E. , Hesser G. , Schrenk W. , Schäffler F. , Strasser G.
Published: March 2010

In this article the authors report on a novel material system for optoelectronic intersubband devices. Superlattices of In0.53Ga0.47As/GaAs0.51Sb0.49 were grown by molecular beam epitaxy. Layer thickness and quality was investigated by high-resolution x-ray diffraction measurements and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images. Intersubband absorption measurements on In0.53Ga0.47As/GaAs0.51Sb0.49 superlattices, revealed at room temperature transition energies from 213 to 107 meV for In0.53Ga0.47As well widths of 4.5–11.5 nm at room temperature. These results were used to fit parameters for self-consistent superlattice band structure calculations. Finally, quantum cascade lasers with an emission wavelength of 11.3 μm and quantum well infrared photodetectors with a peak response near 5.5 μm were realized in this material system.
Lateral current injection photonic crystal membrane light emitting diodes
Authors: Long Christopher M. , Giannopoulos Antonios V. , Choquette Kent D.
Published: March 2010

A novel method for fabricating photonic crystal membrane light emitting diodes is presented. The device employs a transverse diode structure and injects carriers laterally through a photonic crystal patterned at the p-n junction within a membrane. Details of the fabrication process as well as electrical and optical characteristics of the devices are presented.
The effect of buildings on acoustic pulse propagation in an urban environment
Authors: Albert Donald G. , Liu Lanbo
Published: March 2010

Experimental measurements were conducted using acoustic pulse sources in a full-scale artificial village to investigate the reverberation, scattering, and diffraction produced as acoustic waves interact with buildings. These measurements show that a simple acoustic source pulse is transformed into a complex signature when propagating through this environment, and that diffraction acts as a low-pass filter on the acoustic pulse. Sensors located in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) positions usually recorded lower positive pressure maxima than sensors in line-of-sight positions. Often, the first arrival on a NLOS sensor located around a corner was not the largest arrival, as later reflection arrivals that traveled longer distances without diffraction had higher amplitudes. The waveforms are of such complexity that human listeners have difficulty identifying replays of the signatures generated by a single pulse, and the usual methods of source location based on the direction of arrivals may fail in many cases. Theoretical calculations were performed using a two-dimensional finite difference time domain (FDTD) method and compared to the measurements. The predicted peak positive pressure agreed well with the measured amplitudes for all but two sensor locations directly behind buildings, where the omission of rooftop ray paths caused the discrepancy. The FDTD method also produced good agreement with many of the measured waveform characteristics.
Viscous damping and spring force in periodic perforated planar microstructures when the Reynolds’ equation cannot be applied
Authors: Homentcovschi Dorel , Miles Ronald N.
Published: March 2010

A model of squeeze-film behavior is developed based on Stokes’ equations for viscous, compressible isothermal flows. The flow domain is an axisymmetrical, unit cell approximation of a planar, periodic, perforated microstructure. The model is developed for cases when the lubrication approximation cannot be applied. The complex force generated by vibrations of the diaphragm driving the flow has two components: the damping force and the spring force. While for large frequencies the spring force dominates, at low (acoustical) frequencies the damping force is the most important part. The analytical approach developed here yields an explicit formula for both forces. In addition, using a finite element software package, the damping force is also obtained numerically. A comparison is made between the analytic result, numerical solution, and some experimental data found in the literature, which validates the analytic formula and provides compelling arguments about its value in designing microelectomechanical devices.
Interaural coherence for noise bands: Waveforms and envelopes
Authors: Aaronson Neil L. , Hartmann William M.
Published: March 2010

This paper reports the results of experiments performed in an effort to find a formulaic relationship between the interaural waveform coherence of a band of noise γW and the interaural envelope coherence of the noise band γE. An interdependence described by γE=π/4+(1−π/4)(γW)2.1 is found. This relationship holds true both in a computer experiment and for binaural measurements made in two rooms using a KEMAR manikin. Room measurements are used to derive a measure of reliability for the formula. Ultimately, a user who knows the waveform coherence can predict the envelope coherence with a small degree of uncertainty.
The effect of tectorial membrane and basilar membrane longitudinal coupling in cochlear mechanics
Authors: Meaud Julien , Grosh Karl
Published: March 2010

Most mathematical models of the mammalian cochlea neglect structural longitudinal coupling. However, recent experimental data suggest that viscoelastic longitudinal coupling, in the basilar membrane (BM) and the tectorial membrane (TM), is non-negligible. In this paper, mathematical models for BM and TM longitudinal coupling are presented to determine the influence of such a coupling on the tuning of the BM. The longitudinal coupling models are added to a macroscopic linear model of the guinea pig cochlea that includes the micromechanics of the organ of Corti and outer hair cell (OHC) somatic motility. The predictions of the BM response to acoustic stimulus show that the characteristic frequency is controlled by a TM radial resonance and that TM longitudinal coupling has a more significant effect than BM longitudinal coupling. TM viscoelasticity controls the sharpness of the BM frequency response and the duration of the impulse response. The results with realistic TM longitudinal coupling are more consistent with experiments. The model predicts that OHC somatic electromotility is able to supply power to the BM at frequencies well above the cutoff of the OHC basolateral membrane. Moreover, TM longitudinal coupling is predicted to stabilize the cochlea and enable a higher BM sensitivity to acoustic stimulation.
Acoustic microstreaming around an encapsulated particle
Authors: Doinikov Alexander A. , Bouakaz Ayache
Published: March 2010

A theory is suggested to calculate acoustic microstreaming that develops around an encapsulated particle in an ultrasound field. It is assumed that the particle is suspended in an unbounded fluid and can have a gas core or a liquid core. Fluids outside and inside the particle are assumed to be viscous and compressible. No restrictions are imposed on the size of the particle relative to the sound and viscous wavelengths in the outer and inner fluids, and all modes of the particle’s motion, including the surface ones, are taken into account. The shell of the particle is assumed to be an elastic viscous compressible medium. Solutions for the sound field within the shell are also valid for any ratio between the particle size and the sound and viscous wavelengths in the shell material. Numerical examples for the cases of an encapsulated gas bubble and an encapsulated particle with a liquid core are presented.
Speech enhancement using an equivalent source inverse filtering-based microphone array
Authors: Bai Mingsian R. , Hur Kur-Nan , Liu Ying-Ting
Published: March 2010

This paper presents a microphone array technique aimed at enhancing speech quality in a reverberant environment. This technique is based on the central idea of single-input-multiple-output equivalent source inverse filtering (SIMO-ESIF). The inverse filters required by the time-domain processing in the technique serve two purposes: de-reverberation and noise reduction. The proposed approach could be useful in telecommunication applications such as automotive hands-free systems, where noise-corrupted speech signal generally needs to be enhanced. SIMO-ESIF can be further enhanced against uncertainties and perturbations by including an adaptive generalized side-lobe canceller. The system is implemented and validated experimentally in a car. As indicated by numerous performance measures, the proposed system proved effective in reducing noise in human speech without significantly compromising the speech quality. In addition, listening tests were conducted to assess the subjective performance of the proposed system, with results processed by using the analysis of variance and a post hoc Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) test to assess the pairwise difference between the noise reduction (NR) algorithms.