bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nicotinic neuromodulation in auditory cortex requires MAPK activation in thalamocortical and intracortical circuits
Authors: Intskirveli Irakli , Metherate Raju
Published: February 2012

Activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) by systemic nicotine enhances sensory-cognitive function and sensory-evoked cortical responses. Although nAChRs mediate fast neurotransmission at many synapses in the nervous system, nicotinic regulation of cortical processing is neuromodulatory. To explore potential mechanisms of nicotinic neuromodulation, we examined whether intracellular signal transduction involving mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) contributes to regulation of tone-evoked responses in primary auditory cortex (A1) in the mouse. Systemic nicotine enhanced characteristic frequency (CF) tone-evoked current-source density (CSD) profiles in A1, including the shortest-latency (presumed thalamocortical) current sink in layer 4 and longer-latency (presumed intracortical) sinks in layers 2–4, by increasing response amplitudes and decreasing response latencies. Microinjection of the MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 into the thalamus, targeting the auditory thalamocortical pathway, blocked the effect of nicotine on the initial (thalamocortical) CSD component but did not block enhancement of longer-latency (intracortical) responses. Conversely, microinjection of U0126 into supragranular layers of A1 blocked nicotine's effect on intracortical, but not thalamocortical, CSD components. Simultaneously with enhancement of CF-evoked responses, responses to spectrally distant (nonCF) stimuli were reduced, implying nicotinic “sharpening” of frequency receptive fields, an effect also blocked by MEK inhibition. Consistent with these physiological results, acoustic stimulation with nicotine produced immunolabel for activated MAPK in A1, primarily in layer 2/3 cell bodies. Immunolabel was blocked by intracortical microinjection of the nAChR antagonist dihydro-β-erythroidine, but not methyllycaconitine, implicating α4β2*, but not α7, nAChRs. Thus activation of MAPK in functionally distinct forebrain circuits—thalamocortical, local intracortical, and long-range intracortical—underlies nicotinic neuromodulation of A1.
The Role of Glucosamine-Induced ER Stress in Diabetic Atherogenesis
Authors: Beriault Daniel R. , Werstuck Geoff H.
Published: February 2012

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of mortality in individuals with diabetes mellitus. However the molecular and cellular mechanisms that predispose individuals with diabetes to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of most CVD, are not understood. This paper summarizes the current state of our knowledge of pathways and mechanisms that may link diabetes and hyperglycemia to atherogenesis. We highlight recent work from our lab, and others', that supports a role for ER stress in these processes. The continued investigation of existing pathways, linking hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus to atherosclerosis, and the identification of novel mechanisms and targets will be important to the development of new and effective antiatherosclerotic therapies tailored to individuals with diabetes.
Support, Inclusion, and Special Education Teachers’ Attitudes toward the Education of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Rodríguez Isabel R. , Saldaña David , Moreno F. Javier
Published: February 2012

This study is aimed at assessing special education teachers' attitudes toward teaching pupils with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and at determining the role of variables associated with a positive attitude towards the children and their education. Sixty-nine special education teachers were interviewed. The interview included two multiple-choice Likert-type questionnaires, one about teachers’ attitude, and another about teachers’ perceived needs in relation to the specific education of the pupil with ASD. The study shows a positive view of teachers’ expectations regarding the education of pupils with ASD. A direct logistic regression analysis was performed testing for experience with the child, school relationship with an ASD network and type of school (mainstream or special) as potential predictors. Although all three variables are useful in predicting special education teachers' attitudes, the most relevant was the relationship with an ASD network. Need for information and social support are the relatively highest needs expressed by teachers.
Review of Clinical Features, Microbiological Spectrum, and Treatment Outcomes of Endogenous Endophthalmitis over an 8-Year Period
Authors: Wu Zenith H. Y. , Chan Rose P. S. , Luk Fiona O. J. , Liu David T. L. , Chan Carmen K. M. , Lam Dennis S. C. , Lai Timothy Y. Y.
Published: February 2012

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical features, microbiological spectrum, and treatment outcomes of endogenous endophthalmitis.Methods. Retrospective review of consecutive cases with infective endogenous endophthalmitis presenting from 2000 to 2007. The main outcome measure was the visual outcome at the latest follow-up visit. Other outcome measures included microbiological investigations, anatomical and clinical outcomes.Results. 22 eyes of 21 patients were included, and the mean follow-up duration was 2.7 years. Eyes with fungal endogenous endophthalmitis were more likely to have visual acuity of finger counting or better at presentation compared with those with bacterial endogenous endophthalmitis (odds , ). Gram-negative microorganisms accounted for 50% of infections, while fungal and gram-positive organisms accounted for 27.3% and 22.7%, respectively. Despite treatment, the visual outcome was poor in general as 10 (45.5%) eyes had no light perception at the latest follow-up visit and 6 (27.3%) eyes required enucleation or evisceration. Contrary to previous studies, fungal endogenous endophthalmitis did not appear to have better visual outcome compared with bacterial endogenous endophthalmitis.Conclusion. Gram-negative microorganisms were the main causative pathogens of endogenous endophthalmitis in Hong Kong. The visual prognosis of endogenous endophthalmitis is generally poor as almost 50% of eyes were blind despite treatment.
Anoikis Resistance: An Essential Prerequisite for Tumor Metastasis
Authors: Kim Yong-Nyun , Koo Kyung Hee , Sung Jee Young , Yun Un-Jung , Kim Hyeryeong
Published: February 2012

Metastasis is a multistep process including dissociation of cancer cells from primary sites, survival in the vascular system, and proliferation in distant target organs. As a barrier to metastasis, cells normally undergo an apoptotic process known as “anoikis,” a form of cell death due to loss of contact with the extracellular matrix or neighboring cells. Cancer cells acquire anoikis resistance to survive after detachment from the primary sites and travel through the circulatory and lymphatic systems to disseminate throughout the body. Because recent technological advances enable us to detect rare circulating tumor cells, which are anoikis resistant, currently, anoikis resistance becomes a hot topic in cancer research. Detailed molecular and functional analyses of anoikis resistant cells may provide insight into the biology of cancer metastasis and identify novel therapeutic targets for prevention of cancer dissemination. This paper comprehensively describes recent investigations of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying anoikis and anoikis resistance in relation to intrinsic and extrinsic death signaling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, growth factor receptors, energy metabolism, reactive oxygen species, membrane microdomains, and lipid rafts.
A Filter Algorithm with Inexact Line Search
Authors: Liu Meiling , Li Xueqian , Wu Qinmin
Published: February 2012

A filter algorithm with inexact line search is proposed
for solving nonlinear programming problems. The filter is constructed by employing
the norm of the gradient of the Lagrangian function to the infeasibility
measure. Transition to superlinear local convergence is showed for the proposed
filter algorithm without second‐order correction. Under mild conditions, the
global convergence can also be derived. Numerical experiments show the efficiency
of the algorithm.
Application of Stem Cells in Orthopedics
Authors: Schmitt Andreas , van Griensven Martijn , Imhoff Andreas B. , Buchmann Stefan
Published: February 2012

Stem cell research plays an important role in orthopedic regenerative medicine today. Current literature provides us with promising results from animal research in the fields of bone, tendon, and cartilage repair. While early clinical results are already published for bone and cartilage repair, the data about tendon repair is limited to animal studies. The success of these techniques remains inconsistent in all three mentioned areas. This may be due to different application techniques varying from simple mesenchymal stem cell injection up to complex tissue engineering. However, the ideal carrier for the stem cells still remains controversial. This paper aims to provide a better understanding of current basic research and clinical data concerning stem cell research in bone, tendon, and cartilage repair. Furthermore, a focus is set on different stem cell application techniques in tendon reconstruction, cartilage repair, and filling of bone defects.
Restenosis and Therapy
Authors: Denes Laszlo , Entz Laszlo , Jancsik Veronika
Published: February 2012

The vascular disease involves imbalanced function of the blood vessels. Risk factors playing a role in development of impaired vessel functions will be briefly discussed. In ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), ischemic hypoxia is one of the cardinal risk factors of restenosis. Various insults are shown to initiate the phenotype switch of VSMCs. The pathological process, leading to activated inflammatory process, complement activation, and release of growth factors, initiate the proliferation of VSMCs in the media and cause luminal narrowing and impaired vascular function. The review summarizes the alteration process and demonstrates some of the clinical genetic background showing the role of complement and the genotypes of mannose-binding lectin (MBL2). Those could be useful markers of carotid restenosis after stent implantation. Gene therapy and therapeutic angiogenesis is proposed for therapy in restenosis. We suggest a drug candidate (iroxanadine), which ensures a noninvasive treatment by reverse regulation of the highly proliferating VSMCs and the disturbed function of ECs.
Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity
Authors: Carrasco-Gallardo Carlos , Guzmán Leonardo , Maccioni Ricardo B.
Published: February 2012

Shilajitis a natural substance found mainly in the Himalayas, formed for centuries by the gradual decomposition of certain plants by the action of microorganisms. It is a potent and very safe dietary supplement, restoring the energetic balance and potentially able to prevent several diseases. Recent investigations point to an interesting medical application toward the control of cognitive disorders associated with aging, and cognitive stimulation. Thus, fulvic acid, the main active principle, blocks tau self-aggregation, opening an avenue toward the study of Alzheimer's therapy. In essence, this is a nutraceutical product of demonstrated benefits for human health. Considering the expected impact ofshilajitusage in the medical field, especially in the neurological sciences, more investigations at the basic biological level as well as clinical trials are necessary, in order to understand how organic molecules ofshilajitand particularly fulvic acid, one of the active principles, and oligoelements act at both the molecular and cellular levels and in the whole organism.
Isolation and Characterization of Nodule-AssociatedExiguobacterium sp. from the Root Nodules ofFenugreek(Trigonella foenum-graecum) and Their Possible Role in Plant Growth Promotion
Authors: Rajendran Geetha , Patel Maheshwari H. , Joshi Sanket J.
Published: February 2012

One of the ways to increase the competitive survivability of rhizobial biofertilizers and thus achieve better plant growth under such conditions is by modifying the rhizospheric environment or community by addition of nonrhizobial nodule-associated bacteria (NAB) that cause better nodulation and plant growth when coinoculated with rhizobia. A study was performed to investigate the most commonly associated nodule-associated bacteria and the rhizospheric microorganisms associated with theFenugreek(Trigonella foenum-graecum) plant. Isolation of nonrhizobial isolates from root nodules ofFenugreekwas carried out along with the rhizospheric isolates. About 64.7% isolates obtained fromFenugreeknodules were gram-negative coccobacilli, 29.41% were gram-positive bacilli, and all rhizospheric isolates except one were gram-positive bacilli. All the isolates were characterized for their plant growth promoting (PGP) activities. Two of the NAB isolates M2N2c and B1N2b (Exiguobacterium sp.) showed maximum positive PGP features. Those NAB isolates when coinoculated with rhizobial strain—S. meliloti, showed plant growth promotion with respect to increase in plant’s root and shoot length, chlorophyll content, nodulation efficiency, and nodule dry weight.
Massage for Children Undergoing Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Qualitative Report
Authors: Ackerman Sara L. , Lown E. Anne , Dvorak Christopher C. , Dunn Elizabeth A. , Abrams Donald I. , Horn Biljana N. , Degelman Marcia , Cowan Morton J. , Mehling Wolf E.
Published: February 2012

Background. No in-depth qualitative research exists about the effects of therapeutic massage with children hospitalized to undergo hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The objective of this study is to describe parent caregivers' experience of the effects of massage/acupressure for their children undergoing HCT.Methods. We conducted a qualitative analysis of open-ended interviews with 15 parents of children in the intervention arm of a massage/acupressure trial. Children received both practitioner and parent-provided massage/acupressure.Results. Parents reported that their child experienced relief from pain and nausea, relaxation, and greater ease falling asleep. They also reported increased caregiver competence and closeness with their child as a result of learning and performing massage/acupressure. Parents supported a semistandardized massage protocol.Conclusion. Massage/acupressure may support symptom relief and promote relaxation and sleep among pediatric HCT patients if administered with attention to individual patients' needs and hospital routines and may relieve stress among parents, improve caregiver competence, and enhance the sense of connection between parent and child.
Notch Regulation of Hematopoiesis, Endothelial Precursor Cells, and Blood Vessel Formation: Orchestrating the Vasculature
Authors: Caolo Vincenza , Molin Daniel G. M. , Post Mark J.
Published: February 2012

The development of the vascular system begins with the formation of hemangioblastic cells, hemangioblasts, which organize in blood islands in the yolk sac. The hemangioblasts differentiate into hematopoietic and angioblastic cells. Subsequently, the hematopoietic line will generate blood cells, whereas the angioblastic cells will give rise to vascular endothelial cells (ECs). In response to specific molecular and hemodynamic stimuli, ECs will acquire either arterial or venous identity. Recruitment towards the endothelial tubes and subsequent differentiation of pericyte and/or vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMCs) takes place and the mature vessel is formed. The Notch signaling pathway is required for determining the arterial program of both endothelial and smooth muscle cells; however, it is simultaneously involved in the generation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which will give rise to hematopoietic cells. Notch signaling also regulates the function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which are bone-marrow-derived cells able to differentiate into ECs and which could be considered the adult correlate of the angioblast. In addition, Notch signaling has been reported to control sprouting angiogenesis during blood vessels formation in the adult. In this paper we discuss the physiological role of Notch in vascular development, providing an overview on the involvement of Notch in vascular biology from hematopoietic stem cell to adaptive neovascularization in the adult.
Respiratory Support in Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: A Practical Guide
Authors: Dargaville Peter A.
Published: February 2012

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a complex respiratory disease of the term and near-term neonate. Inhalation of meconium causes airway obstruction, atelectasis, epithelial injury, surfactant inhibition, and pulmonary hypertension, the chief clinical manifestations of which are hypoxaemia and poor lung compliance. Supplemental oxygen is the mainstay of therapy for MAS, with around one-third of infants requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. For those ventilated, high ventilator pressures, as well as a relatively long inspiratory time and slow ventilator rate, may be necessary to achieve adequate oxygenation. High-frequency ventilation may offer a benefit in infants with refractory hypoxaemia and/or gas trapping. Inhaled nitric oxide is effective in those with pulmonary hypertension, and other adjunctive therapies, including surfactant administration and lung lavage, should be considered in selected cases. With judicious use of available modes of ventilation and adjunctive therapies, infants with even the most severe MAS can usually be supported through the disease, with an acceptably low risk of short- and long-term morbidities.
Effect of Larval Density on Development of the Coconut Hispine Beetle,Brontispa longissima(Gestro) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Murata Mika , Dung Dang Thi , Takano Shun-ichiro , Ichiki Ryoko Tabata , Nakamura Satoshi
Published: February 2012

The coconut hispine beetle,Brontispa longissimashows, aggregation in the field. To elucidate the effect of aggregation on larval developmental aspects, we examined the effects of larval density on various aspects of larval development and on survival rates. Recently we found thatB. longissimawas divided into two monophyletic clades by genetic analysis. Therefore, we also compared the results between two populations, from Ishigaki, Japan (ISH) and Papua New Guinea (PNG), which were representative of the two monophyletic clades ofB. longissima. In both ISH and PNG, the larval developmental period was shorter and the survival rate higher with rearing under high-density conditions than under isolated conditions. Similarly, fewer instars were required before pupation under high-density conditions than under isolated conditions.Brontispa longissimatherefore developed better under high-density conditions, and the trends in the density effect were similar between two monophyletic clades.
Large Pelvic Masses of Obscure Origin: Urologist’s Perspective
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Sarkar Debansu , Prasad Seema , Gupta Vikash , Ghosala Prithwiraj , Kaman L. , Yadav T.D. , Ganesamoni Raguram , Singh S.K.
Published: February 2012

Background: Large pelvic masses pose unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to varied aetiology, paucity of characteristic imaging features, lack of therapeutic algorithms and surgical difficulties in resection inside the narrow confines of the pelvis with close proximity of vital structures. Methods: Records of 22 patients with large pelvic masses in the last six years were analysed. Their demographic and clinical features were noted, along with imaging features, preoperative biopsy, surgical procedure, intraoperative difficulties, complications, adjuvant therapy and outcome. Results: There were 14 men and 8 women with a median age of 45 years. Presenting symptoms were abdominal mass, pain, lower urinary tract symptoms, urinary retention and constipation. Imaging was mostly unable to determine the organ of origin of the tumour. Histopathology revealed pelvic fibromatosis (2), chondrosarcoma (1), liposarcoma (1), haemangioendothelioma (1), lymphangioma (2), fibroleiomyoma (1), leiomyosarcoma (3), schwannoma (4), malignant nerve sheath tumour (1), rectal gastrointestinal stromal tumour (1), retrovesical hydatid cysts (3), sacral chordoma (1) and Ewing’s sarcoma (1). In 5 patients complete excision was not possible because of extension into vital structures. Fifteen patients were alive at 1–5 years of follow-up. Conclusions: Urologists, being the ‘gatekeepers of the pelvis’, are usually involved in the management of large pelvic masses. Good outcome can be achieved with careful surgical planning.
Phenotypic and Genetic Relationships between Kidney Function and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Koreans: The Healthy Twin Study
Authors: Lee Kayoung , Sung Joohon , Lee Sang Cheol , Park Seung Woo , Kim Youn Sic , Lee Joo Yeon , Song Yun-Mi
Published: February 2012

Background: The phenotypic and genetic relationships between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) were evaluated in Korean twins and families. Methods: We recruited 688 participants (296 individual twins and 392 singletons, age 30–74 years) who were without myocardial infarction and stroke among participants in the Healthy Twin Study. eGFR was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation. CIMT was measured using B-mode carotid ultrasound. Covariates were sex, Framingham risk scores, alcohol use, exercise, BMI, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and triglycerides. Quantitative genetic and linear mixed analyses were performed. Results: In adjusted models there were associations between kidney function and CIMT with [beta] estimates ranging from –0.022 to –0.032 between eGFR and CIMT, and from 0.042–0.060 between ACR and CIMT. The covariate-adjusted heritabilities for eGFR, ACR and composite CIMT were 0.75, 0.32 and 0.45, respectively (p < 0.001). The adjusted genetic correlation between eGFR and CIMT was from –0.20 to –0.28 (p < 0.05), whereas there was no genetic correlation between ACR and CIMT. Conclusion: Kidney function is a surrogate marker of carotid atherosclerosis and further studies of the pleiotropic relationships between CIMT and eGFR are warranted.
Prospective Study of the Role of Inflammation in Renal Cancer
Authors: Qayyum T. , McArdle P.A. , Lamb G.W. , Going J.J. , Orange C. , Seywright M. , Horgan P.G. , Oades G. , Aitchison M.A. , Edwards J.
Published: February 2012

Background: The local and systemic inflammatory responses provide prognostic information in cancer. The modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS) provides additional prognostic information than C-reactive protein (CRP) alone when assessing the systemic inflammation in cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the role of local and systemic inflammation in renal cancer. Methods: The cohort consisted of 79 patients who had undergone potential curative resection. Systemic inflammation, mGPS, was constructed by measuring preoperative CRP and albumin concentrations and the Klintrup-Makinen score was evaluated histologically for the local inflammatory response. Pathological parameters such as T stage, grade and tumour necrosis were also assessed. The local inflammatory response was assessed by examining all inflammatory cells at the tumour edge on diagnostic haematoxylin and eosin slides. Results: On univariate analysis, T stage (p < 0.001), grade (p = 0.044) and mGPS (p < 0.001) were significant predictors of cancer-specific survival. On multivariate analysis, mGPS (hazard ratio 8.64, 95% confidence interval 3.5–21.29, p < 0.001) was the only significant independent predictor of cancer-specific survival. Conclusion: A preoperative systemic inflammatory response as measured by the mGPS is an independent predictor of poor cancer-specific survival in renal cancer in patients undergoing potential curative resection.
Melissa officinalis Extract Inhibits Attachment of Herpes Simplex Virus in vitro
Authors: Astani Akram , Reichling Jürgen , Schnitzler Paul
Published: February 2012

Background: Extracts and essential oils of medicinal plants are increasingly of interest as novel drugs for antiherpetic agents, since the herpes simplex virus (HSV) might develop resistance to commonly used antiviral drugs. Methods: An aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis as well as phenolic extract compounds, i.e. caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid and rosmarinic acid were examined for their antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in vitro. Results: When drugs were added to HSV-1-infected cells, no antiviral effect was observed as determined by plaque reduction assay and analysis of expression of viral protein ICP0. However, the Melissa extract demonstrated a high virucidal activity against HSV-1, even at very low concentrations of 1.5 µg/ml, whereas similar results for phenolic compounds were only achieved at 100 times higher concentrations. Besides the virucidal activity, the Melissa extract and rosmarinic acid inhibited HSV-1 attachment to host cells in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that rosmarinic acid was the main contributor to the antiviral activity of Melissa extract. However, the selectivity index of Melissa extract of 875 against HSV is superior to the selectivity indices of single constituents. Conclusion: Melissa extract exhibits low toxicity, is virucidal and affects HSV-1 attachment to host cells in vitro.
Hormonal Evaluation in Premature Ejaculation
Authors: Öztürk Metin İshak , Koca Orhan , Tüken Murat , Keleş Muzaffer Oğuz , İlktaç Abdullah , Karaman M. Ihsan
Published: February 2012

Introduction: Premature ejaculation (PE) is a frequently encountered sexual dysfunction in men. It significantly impairs quality of life of the affected male and his partner. The aim of this study is to investigate the role of hormonal factors in patients with PE. Patients and Methods: 107 male patients aged between 26 and 64 years (mean 45.1 ± 10.36) who consulted our outpatient clinics with complaints of PE and 94 healthy males (48.1 ± 11.81 years) as a control group were included in the study. Results: When mean serum hormone concentrations of both groups were compared, levels of prolactin and free T4 were found to be significantly higher in the PE group relative to the control group (p < 0.05). At least one of the hormonal parameters was abnormal in 36 cases (33.6%) with PE, compared to only 22 (23.4%) of the controls. The number of hyperprolactinemic cases was found to be significantly increased in the PE group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We feel that during the evaluation of this problem, which affects great numbers of men and their partners throughout the world, consideration of potential effects of hormonal factors might be beneficial.
Treatment of the Syndrome of Inappropriate Secretion of Antidiuretic Hormone with Urea in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Coussement Julien , Danguy Christine , Zouaoui-Boudjeltia Karim , Defrance Pierre , Bankir Lise , Biston Patrick , Piagnerelli Michael
Published: February 2012

Background: Hyponatremia occurring as a result of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) is a common and potentially lethal complication in critically ill patients. Urea, by inducing renal water excretion and promoting sodium (Na) retention, has been well described as a treatment for chronic SIADH. However, there are limited data on its use for the treatment of SIADH as encountered in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We assessed the effects of urea administration for treatment of SIADH in ICU patients. Methods: Data from ICU patients treated with urea for SIADH between January 2000 and August 2010 were reviewed. The time courses of Na and urea concentrations were analyzed by variance analysis (ANOVA). Results: Records from 24 patients were analyzed. The most common etiology of SIADH was neurological (18 patients). Before urea administration, the mean serum Na concentration was 124.8 ± 5.9 mEq/l. There was a significant increase in serum Na from the second day of treatment (131.4 ± 3.5 mEq/l, p < 0.001) and a normalization of mean serum Na by the fourth day (136.2 ± 4.1 mEq/l, p < 0.001). The mean serum urea concentration also increased (from 29.8 ± 11.1 mg/dl before urea to 57.6 ± 24.0 mg/dl on the first day of treatment, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Urea administration appears useful for the treatment of SIADH-associated hyponatremia in critically ill patients. Prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these results.
The Superior Temporal Sulcus Differentiates Communicative and Noncommunicative Auditory Signals
Authors: Shultz Sarah , Vouloumanos Athena , Pelphrey Kevin
Published: February 2012

Processing the vocalizations of conspecifics is critical for adaptive social interaction. A species-specific voice-selective region has been identified in the right STS that responds more strongly to human vocal sounds compared with a variety of nonvocal sounds. However, the STS also activates in response to a wide range of signals used in communication, such as eye gaze, biological motion, and speech. These findings raise the possibility that the voice-selective region of the STS may be especially sensitive to vocal sounds that are communicative, rather than to all human vocal sounds. Using fMRI, we demonstrate that the voice-selective region of the STS responds more strongly to communicative vocal sounds (such as speech and laughter) compared with noncommunicative vocal sounds (such as coughing and sneezing). The implications of these results for understanding the role of the STS in voice processing and in disorders of social communication, such as autism spectrum disorder, are discussed.
Neural Mechanisms Mediating Contingent Capture of Attention by Affective Stimuli
Authors: Reeck Crystal , LaBar Kevin S. , Egner Tobias
Published: February 2012

Attention is attracted exogenously by physically salient stimuli, but this effect can be dampened by endogenous attention settings, a phenomenon called “contingent capture.” Emotionally salient stimuli are also thought to exert a strong exogenous influence on attention, especially in anxious individuals, but whether and how top–down attention can ameliorate bottom–up capture by affective stimuli is currently unknown. Here, we paired a novel spatial cueing task with fMRI to investigate contingent capture as a function of the affective salience of bottom–up cues (face stimuli) and individual differences in trait anxiety. In the absence of top–down cues, exogenous stimuli validly cueing targets facilitated attention in low-anxious participants, regardless of affective salience. However, although high-anxious participants exhibited similar facilitation following neutral exogenous cues, this facilitation was completely absent following affectively negative exogenous cues. Critically, these effects were contingent on endogenous attentional settings, such that explicit top–down cues presented before the appearance of exogenous stimuli removed anxious individuals' sensitivity to affectively salient stimuli. fMRI analyses revealed a network of brain regions underlying this variability in affective contingent capture across individuals, including the fusiform face area (FFA), posterior ventrolateral frontal cortex, and SMA. Importantly, activation in the posterior ventrolateral frontal cortex and the SMA fully mediated the effects observed in FFA, demonstrating a critical role for these frontal regions in mediating attentional orienting and interference resolution processes when engaged by affectively salient stimuli.
Action–Sound Coincidences Suppress Evoked Responses of the Human Auditory Cortex in EEG and MEG
Authors: Horváth János , Maess Burkhard , Baess Pamela , Tóth Annamária
Published: February 2012

The N1 auditory ERP and its magnetic counterpart (N1[m]) are suppressed when elicited by self-induced sounds. Because the N1(m) is a correlate of auditory event detection, this N1 suppression effect is generally interpreted as a reflection of the workings of an internal forward model: The forward model captures the contingency (causal relationship) between the action and the sound, and this is used to cancel the predictable sensory reafference when the action is initiated. In this study, we demonstrated in three experiments using a novel coincidence paradigm that actual contingency between actions and sounds is not a necessary condition for N1 suppression. Participants performed time interval production tasks: They pressed a key to set the boundaries of time intervals. Concurrently, but independently of keypresses, a sequence of pure tones with random onset-to-onset intervals was presented. Tones coinciding with keypresses elicited suppressed N1(m) and P2(m), suggesting that action–stimulus contiguity (temporal proximity) is sufficient to suppress sensory processing related to the detection of auditory events.
Neuronal Correlates of Perception, Imagery, and Memory for Familiar Tunes
Authors: Herholz Sibylle C. , Halpern Andrea R. , Zatorre Robert J.
Published: February 2012

We used fMRI to investigate the neuronal correlates of encoding and recognizing heard and imagined melodies. Ten participants were shown lyrics of familiar verbal tunes; they either heard the tune along with the lyrics, or they had to imagine it. In a subsequent surprise recognition test, they had to identify the titles of tunes that they had heard or imagined earlier. The functional data showed substantial overlap during melody perception and imagery, including secondary auditory areas. During imagery compared with perception, an extended network including pFC, SMA, intraparietal sulcus, and cerebellum showed increased activity, in line with the increased processing demands of imagery. Functional connectivity of anterior right temporal cortex with frontal areas was increased during imagery compared with perception, indicating that these areas form an imagery-related network. Activity in right superior temporal gyrus and pFC was correlated with the subjective rating of imagery vividness. Similar to the encoding phase, the recognition task recruited overlapping areas, including inferior frontal cortex associated with memory retrieval, as well as left middle temporal gyrus. The results present new evidence for the cortical network underlying goal-directed auditory imagery, with a prominent role of the right pFC both for the subjective impression of imagery vividness and for on-line mental monitoring of imagery-related activity in auditory areas.
Development of facesheet for honeycomb FRP sandwich panels
Authors: Chen An , Davalos Julio F
Published: February 2012

Honeycomb fiber-reinforced polymer sandwich panels with sinusoidal core geometry have shown to be successful both for new construction and rehabilitation of existing bridge decks. This investigation is aimed to study the strength properties of the facesheet and to develop an optimized facesheet configuration. A progressive failure model is developed using finite element method to predict the behavior of laminated composite plates up to failure, where the failure criteria are introduced through prescribed user-defined subroutines. The accuracy of the model is verified through correlations between finite element results and existing experimental data. This model is then applied to carry out a parametric study on facesheet. Three variables are included: material properties, including bidirectional stitched fabrics, unidirectional layer of fiber roving, and chopped strand mat; layer thickness; and layer sequences. The quality of each alternative is evaluated based on stiffness and strength performance. In order to further investigate the behavior of facesheet experimentally, coupon samples on selected configurations to evaluate compressive, bending, and shear strengths were tested. The test results are also used to validate the progress failure model developed in this study. Through this combined experimental and numerical study, the strength properties of facesheet are obtained, which permit the optimization of facesheet design.
Motor Equivalent Strategies in the Production of German /∫/ under Perturbation
Authors: Brunner Jana , Hoole Phil
Published: February 2012

The German sibilant /∫/ is produced with a constriction in the postalveolar region and often with protruded lips. By covarying horizontal lip and tongue position speakers can keep a similar acoustic output even if the articulation varies. This study investigates whether during two weeks of adaptation to an artificial palate speakers covary these two articulatory parameters, whether tactile landmarks have an influence on the covariation and to what extent speakers can foresee the acoustic result of the covariation without auditory feedback. Six German speakers were recorded with EMA. Four of them showed a covariation of lip and tongue, which is consistent with the motor equivalence hypothesis. The acoustic output, however, does not stay entirely constant but varies with the tongue position. The role of tactile landmarks is negligible. To a certain extent, speakers are able to adapt even without auditory feedback.
Group Agency, Responsibility, and Control
Authors: Strand Anders
Published: February 2012

Understanding how individual agency and group agency relate is of great importance for a range of philosophical and practical concerns, including responsibility ascription and institutional design. This article discusses the relation between corporate and individual responsibility in agency—in particular, the relation between corporate and individual control of actions. First, I criticize Christian List and Philip Pettit’s causal account of combined corporate and individual control. Second, I develop an alternative account in terms of structural control, and I show how this gives a better grasp of the issue. Third, I argue for an act-dualism that complements my account of control and sheds further light on the relation between corporate and individual agency and responsibility.
Exploring the “Learning Careers” of Irish Undergraduate Sociology Students through the Establishment of an Undergraduate Sociology Student Journal
Authors: Neville Patricia , Power Martin J. , Barnes Cliona , Haynes Amanda
Published: February 2012

In 2009, a faculty-reviewed student undergraduate journal titled Socheolas: The Limerick Student Journal of Sociology was officially launched. The journal, now in its fourth volume, is produced, edited, and managed by a small team from within the Department of Sociology at the University of Limerick in Ireland. The objective of this student journal is to allow undergraduate sociology students to have firsthand experience of the process of editing and rewriting for publication in a supportive and constructive environment. However, an evaluation of the journal’s editorial and review practices involving previous student contributors to the journal revealed the different challenges and obstacles—emotional, cognitive, as well as social—that hallmarked their progression from being consumers of sociological knowledge (as students) to being producers of sociological knowledge (as writers). The authors discuss these challenges with a view to developing an insight into the “learning careers” of some undergraduate sociology students in Ireland.
Three Faces of the State and the Nonprofit Sector
Authors: Desai Uday C. , Snavely Keith
Published: February 2012

Recent changes in the U.S. nonprofit sector reflect the influence of market-based public policies and values. In this article, the authors suggest a framework to assess the effects of these policies and values on nonprofit sector characteristics. They propose three models of the state along with three corresponding models of the nonprofit sector. Using recent implementation of market-based policies in two policy domains, foster care and job training, they find that the market-based policies have significantly altered nonprofit behavior and structure. They conclude with suggestions for research using their models of the state and the nonprofit sector.
States of Connectivity: New Questions and New Directions
Authors: Kolb Darl G. , Caza Arran , Collins Paul D.
Published: February 2012

A recent article in Organization Studies used in its title the term ‘constant connectivity’. Though we commonly think of connectivity as ‘constant’, temporal intermittency and actor agency make connectivity seldom, if ever, constant. Reflecting on studies of connectivity highlights the growing importance of recognizing and defining ‘states’ of connectivity. Several states of connectivity are reviewed, namely: hypo-connectivity, hyper-connectivity, requisite and optimal connectivity (‘flow’). As an organizational resource, understanding various states of connectivity is critical to future research. More empirical work is needed to determine how the volume of connectivity makes a difference to performance and other outcomes.
The Institutionalization of Stewardship: Theory, Propositions, and Insights from Change in the Edmonton Public Schools
Authors: Segal Lydia , Lehrer Mark
Published: February 2012

Prior scholarship on stewardship as a principle of administration largely portrays stewardship as too idealistic and dependent upon situational factors to be institutionalized in large-scale organizations. Through a case study of the Edmonton Public Schools, this study explores the extent to which stewardship can be institutionalized as a central organizing principle, thereby ensuring performance and checking corruption in ways that are consistent with the primacy of intrinsic motivation. The study deepens our understanding of the challenges that managers face in reconciling stewardship with a bureaucratic context, documents practices that have been used to deal with these challenges, and more broadly discusses how it might be possible for islands of stewardship to emerge in a world governed by assumptions of human opportunism. To this end the paper develops a model of the choice that organization members face in deciding to elect a principal-agent or a stewardship posture within large-scale organizations. This model draws on assumptions of human ambivalence in choosing between self-serving and altruistic modes of conduct.
Comparison of State Certification and Professional Association Personnel Standards in Early Childhood Special Education
Authors: Stayton Vicki D. , Smith Barbara J. , Dietrich Sylvia L. , Bruder Mary Beth
Published: February 2012

An item-by-item comparison of states’ certification standards and/or competencies for Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) with those of national professional association standards (i.e., Council for Exceptional Children [CEC] Common Core, Division for Early Childhood [DEC] of CEC ECSE, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children personnel standards when relevant) is reported in this article. Results of the content analysis are reported specific to the percentage of national standards met by states’ policies overall and the percentage of national standards met for each of the five major certification models found to be used by states for certifying personnel to work with young children with delays and disabilities. Descriptive information is also provided as to the professional association standards most and least likely to be included in state standards. Implications for state and professional association policy are provided, as well as recommendations for further research.
“Happy” Marriages in Early Nineteenth-Century France
Authors: Davidson Denise Z.
Published: February 2012

This article uses familial correspondence to examine how bourgeois families conceived of marriage in the early nineteenth-century France. It argues that the companionate model of marriage, which was gaining influence during these years, did not replace the earlier model of the arranged marriage but rather was integrated into it. Marriages continued to be arranged by families but bourgeois couples also sought love and companionship in marriage. Their sense of “happiness” was a very bourgeois kind of happiness, however, based on economic security and domestic peace within the constraints of familial obligations.
Fabrication of geometrical features using wire and arc additive manufacture
Authors: Kazanas Panagiotis , Deherkar Preetam , Almeida Pedro , Lockett Helen , Williams Stewart
Published: February 2012

Wire and arc additive manufacture enables us to build fully dense metallic parts by depositing material in layers using a welding process. Conventionally, in this process, the welding torch is always maintained in a vertical orientation, but this can cause accessibility problems and may require that the part is moved during the deposition process. The aim of the research presented in this article is to investigate the production of geometrical features using wire and arc additive manufacture with positional welding. Positional welding is particularly useful for building features with limited accessibility without having to manipulate the part. In the current work, inclined and horizontal wall features have been built using an inclined torch position. The knowledge obtained from these experiments has been further applied to build enclosed features. Additionally, a range of travel speeds has been investigated to better understand the effect of travel speed on part quality for angled walls. Factors that hinder the quality of the produced features have also been identified.
Analysis of heat transfer across phase change material filled reinforced cement concrete roof for thermal management
Authors: Ravikumar Muthaiyan , Srinivasan PSS
Published: February 2012

Analysis of heat transmission across three roof structures, namely, bare reinforced cement concrete roof, reinforced cement concrete roof with weathering coarse and reinforced cement concrete roof with phase change material above reinforced cement concrete are analysed. A transient numerical procedure is developed. The numerical procedure is validated against the available experimental data. The simulation is carried out on 365 days of year for these three roofs. The phase change material melts from 8 to 18 h and solidifies during the rest of the day. From March to August, the net heat entering into the room per day is positive, thus more and more phase change material melts and becomes liquid. The liquid portion of phase change material increases from March to August. During September to February, there is a net heat rejection per day, thus the melted phase change material becomes solid progressively, and at the end of February, almost all phase change material has become solid. Thus, there is melting cycle on daily basis and over the year. It takes care of all the external climatic variations and keeps the roof bottom surface temperature almost constant and closes to room air temperature. On yearly basis, about 56% reduction in heat transmission into the room is obtained with phase change material roof when compared to the conventional weathering coarse laid roof.
The transverse vibration of high-speed rolls
Authors: Whalley R , Abdul-Ameer A
Published: February 2012

The transverse, dynamic deflection of high-speed, wide-faced, composite tubular rolls is investigated. General procedures are proposed enabling the analysis of inter-connected units comprising both distributed parameter and rigid, pointwise models. Modelling methods, eliminating intermediate variables are employed facilitating the realisation of an overall system, input–output representation. Illustrative studies, detailing the analysis and evaluation process are presented. A high-speed, paper making machine, table roll application is considered. Whirling conditions and the effect of this problem on sheet quality and manufacturing output is commented upon.