bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drugs that target pathogen public goods are robust against evolved drug resistance
Authors: Pepper John W.
Published: March 2012

Pathogen drug resistance is a central problem in medicine and public health. It arises through somatic evolution, by mutation and selection among pathogen cells within a host. Here, we examine the hypothesis that evolution of drug resistance could be reduced by developing drugs that target the secreted metabolites produced by pathogen cells instead of directly targeting the cells themselves. Using an agent‐based computational model of an evolving population of pathogen cells, we test this hypothesis and find support for it. We also use our model to explain this effect within the framework of standard evolutionary theory. We find that in our model, the drugs most robust against evolved drug resistance are those that target the most widely shared external products, or ‘public goods’, of pathogen cells. We also show that these drugs exert a weak selective pressure for resistance because they create only a weak correlation between drug resistance and cell fitness. The same principles apply to design of vaccines that are robust against vaccine escape. Because our theoretical results have crucial practical implications, they should be tested by empirical experiments.
Genotype-Phenotype Associations in a Nonmodel Prokaryote
Authors: Enstrom Mark , Held Kiara , Ramage Beth , Brittnacher Mitchell , Gallagher Larry , Manoil Colin
Published: March 2012

To help define the biological functions of nonessential genes of
Francisella novicida
, we measured the growth of arrayed members of a comprehensive transposon mutant library under a variety of nutrition and stress conditions. Mutant phenotypes were identified for 37% of the genes, corresponding to ten carbon source utilization pathways, nine amino acid- and nucleotide-biosynthetic pathways, ten intrinsic antibiotic resistance traits, and six other stress resistance traits. The greatest surprise of the analysis was the large number of genotype-phenotype relationships that were not predictable from studies of
Escherichia coli
and other model species. The study identified candidate genes for a missing glycolysis function (phosphofructokinase), an unusual proline-biosynthetic pathway, parallel outer membrane lipid asymmetry maintenance systems, and novel antibiotic resistance functions. The analysis provides an evaluation of annotation predictions, identifies cases in which fundamental processes differ from those in model species, and helps create an empirical foundation for understanding virulence and other complex processes.

IMPORTANCE
The value of genome sequences as foundations for analyzing complex traits in nonmodel organisms is limited by the need to rely almost exclusively on sequence similarities to predict gene functions in annotations. Many genes cannot be assigned functions, and some predictions are incorrect or incomplete. Due to these limitations, genome-scale experimental approaches that test and extend bioinformatics-based predictions are sorely needed. In this study, we describe such an approach based on phenotypic analysis of a comprehensive, sequence-defined transposon mutant library.
GEOMETRY OF SPIN ANDSPINcSTRUCTURES IN THE M-THEORY PARTITION FUNCTION
Authors: SATI HISHAM
Published: March 2012

We study the effects of having multiple Spin structures on the partition function of the spacetime fields in M-theory. This leads to a potential anomaly which appears in the eta invariants upon variation of the Spin structure. The main sources of such spaces are manifolds with nontrivial fundamental group, which are also important in realistic models. We extend the discussion to the Spinccase and find the phase of the partition function, and revisit the quantization condition for the C-field in this case. In type IIA string theory in 10 dimensions, the (mod 2) index of the Dirac operator is the obstruction to having a well-defined partition function. We geometrically characterize manifolds with and without such an anomaly and extend to the case of nontrivial fundamental group. The lift to KO-theory gives the α-invariant, which in general depends on the Spin structure. This reveals many interesting connections to positive scalar curvature manifolds and constructions related to the Gromov–Lawson–Rosenberg conjecture. In the 12-dimensional theory bounding M-theory, we study similar geometric questions, including choices of metrics and obtaining elements of K-theory in 10 dimensions by pushforward in K-theory on the disk fiber. We interpret the latter in terms of the families index theorem for Dirac operators on the M-theory circle and disk. This involves superconnections, eta forms, and infinite-dimensional bundles, and gives elements in Deligne cohomology in lower dimensions. We illustrate our discussion with many examples throughout.
CA5W1HOnto: Ontological Context-Aware Model Based on 5W1H
Authors: Kim Jeong-Dong , Son Jiseong , Baik Doo-Kwon
Published: March 2012

Ubiquitous computing is necessary to define models for broad contextual information arising out of surrounding environment. It also helps comprehend how to model a mechanism of selectively collecting useful pieces of contextual information and of providing relevant intelligent services. Further, studies are also required on how to process contextual information, its maintenance, and reasoning. However, current context-aware researches are still in need of modeling techniques reflecting ontological characteristics. As a result, it is impossible to effectively provide relevant intelligent services. They are limited as well in terms of contextual reasoning and interoperability across different pieces of contextual information. Aware of the issues, this study proposes an ontology-based context-aware modeling technique, along with a relevant framework, in order to enable efficient specification of contextual information and, thereby, further to provide intelligent context-aware services for context management and reasoning. Moreover, we mobilize the maxim of “five Ws and one H” to process physical and logical contextual information and to support our proposed technique. The maxim-applied modeling technique sets forth an intuitive context-aware schema and demonstrates high applicability to sharing and integration of contextual information. Meanwhile, the ontology-based modeling supports reasoning on contextual information and facilitates more intelligent and reliable services.
Comparative Study of the Effect of Baicalin and Its Natural Analogs on Neurons with Oxygen and Glucose Deprivation Involving Innate Immune Reaction of TLR2/TNFα
Authors: Li Hui-Ying , Hu Jun , Zhao Shuang , Yuan Zhi-Yi , Wan Hong-Jiao , Lei Fan , Ding Yi , Xing Dong-Ming , Du Li-Jun
Published: March 2012

This work is to study the baicalin and its three analogs, baicalin, wogonoside, and wogonin, on the protective effect of neuron from oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression in OGD damage. The results showed that baicalin and its three analogs did protect neurons from OGD damage and downregulated protein level of TLR2. D-Glucopyranosiduronic acid on site 7 in the structure played a core of cytotoxicity of these flavonoid analogs. The methoxyl group on carbon 8 of the structure had the relation with TLR2 protein expression, as well as the anti-inflammation. In addition, we detected caspase3 and antioxidation capability, to investigate the effect of four analogs on cell apoptosis and total antioxidation competence in OGD model.
Low Resolution Limits and Inaccurate Algorithms Decrease Significantly the Value of Late Loss in Current Drug-Eluting Stent Trials
Authors: Dahm Johannes B. , van Buuren Frank
Published: March 2012

Quantitative coronary and vascular angiography (QCA resp., QVA) remains the current gold standard for evaluation of restenosis. Late loss as one of the most commonly accepted parameters to highlight efficacy of the various devices has shown high correlation to clinical parameters but, surprisingly, has no impact on the evaluation of the remaining amount of restenostic tissue. The current clinical practice leads to unrealistic late loss calculations. Smaller late loss differences are usually not greater than the inherited resolution limits of QCA, which is especially the case in small differences between the various stents in the drug-eluting stent era. Late loss include additional systematic and random errors, due to the fact that measurements were taken at two different time points including the inherited resolution and calibration limits of QCA on two occasions. Due to the limited value of late loss in discriminating the small differences between the one and other DES,late lumen area lossand clearly defined calculation algorithms (e.g.,MLD-relocation) should be used in future DES studies also to fulfill the more stringent regulatory requirements.
Molecular Imaging in Therapeutic Efficacy Assessment of Targeted Therapy for Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hu Yanni , Tian Mei , Zhang Hong
Published: March 2012

Membrane distillation is a thermally driven membrane process for seawater desalination and purification at moderate temperatures and pressures. A hydrophobic micro-porous membrane is used in this process, which separates hot and cold water, allowing water vapor to pass through; while restricting the movement of liquid water, due to its hydrophobic nature. This paper provides an experimental investigation of heat and mass transfer in tubular membrane module for water desalination. Different operating parameters have been examined to determine the mass transport mechanism of water vapor. Based on the experimental results, the effects of operating parameters on permeate flux and the heat transfer analysis have been presented and discussed in details.
Efficiency of Ferritin as an MRI Reporter Gene in NPC Cells Is Enhanced by Iron Supplementation
Authors: Feng Yupeng , Liu Qicai , Zhu Junfeng , Xie Fukang , Li Li
Published: March 2012

Background. An emerging MRI reporter, ferritin heavy chain (FTH1), is recently applied to enhance the contrast and increase the sensitivity of MRI in the monitoring of solid tumors. However, FTH1-overexpression-related cytotoxicity is required to be explored.Methods. By using the Tet-Off system, FTH1 overexpression was semi-quantitativiely and dynamicly regulated by doxycycline in a NPC cell line. Effects of FTH1 overexpression on the proliferation, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and migration of NPC cells were investigatedin vitro, and MR relaxation rate was measuredin vitroandin vivo.Results.In vitroandin vivooverexpression of FTH1 significantly increased the transverse relaxivity (R2), which could be enhanced by iron supplementation.In vitro, overexpression of FTH1 reduced cell growth and migration, which were not reduced by iron supplementation. Furthermore, cells were subcutaneously inoculated into the nude mice. Results showed FTH1 overexpression decreased tumor growth in the absence of iron supplementation but not in the presence of iron supplementation.Conclusion. To maximizeR2and minimize the potential adverse effects, supplementation of iron at appropriate dose is recommended during the application of FTH1 as a reporter gene in the monitoring of NPC by MRI.
Age-Related Neurodegeneration and Memory Loss in Down Syndrome
Authors: Lockrow Jason P. , Fortress Ashley M. , Granholm Ann-Charlotte E.
Published: March 2012

Down syndrome (DS) is a condition where a complete or segmental chromosome 21 trisomy causes variable intellectual disability, and progressive memory loss and neurodegeneration with age. Many research groups have examined development of the brain in DS individuals, but studies on age-related changes should also be considered, with the increased lifespan observed in DS. DS leads to pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by 40 or 50 years of age. Progressive age-related memory deficits occurring in both AD and in DS have been connected to degeneration of several neuronal populations, but mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Inflammation and oxidative stress are early events in DS pathology, and focusing on these pathways may lead to development of successful intervention strategies for AD associated with DS. Here we discuss recent findings and potential treatment avenues regarding development of AD neuropathology and memory loss in DS.
Nonsterol Triterpenoids as Major Constituents ofOlea europaea
Authors: Stiti Naïm , Hartmann Marie-Andrée
Published: March 2012

Plant triterpenoids represent a large and structurally diverse class of natural products. A growing interest has been focused on triterpenoids over the past decade due to their beneficial effects on human health. We show here that these bioactive compounds are major constituents of several aerial parts (floral bud, leaf bud, stem, and leaf) of olive tree, a crop exploited so far almost exclusively for its fruit and oil.O. europaeacallus cultures were analyzed as well. Twenty sterols and twenty-nine nonsteroidal tetra- and pentacyclic triterpenoids belonging to seven types of carbon skeletons (oleanane, ursane, lupane, taraxerane, taraxastane, euphane, and lanostane) were identified and quantified by GC and GC-MS as free and esterified compounds. The oleanane-type compounds, oleanolic acid and maslinic acid, were largely predominant in all the organs tested, whereas they are practically absent in olive oil. In floral buds, they represented as much as 2.7% of dry matter. In callus cultures, lanostane-type compounds were the most abundant triterpenoids. In all the tissues analyzed, free and esterified triterpene alcohols exhibited different distribution patterns of their carbon skeletons. Taken together, these data provide new insights into largely unknown triterpene secondary metabolism ofOlea europaea.
Organic Matter and Barium Absorption by Plant Species Grown in an Area Polluted with Scrap Metal Residue
Authors: Abreu Cleide Aparecida , Cantoni Mariana , Coscione Aline Renée , Paz-Ferreiro Jorge
Published: March 2012

The effect of organic matter addition on Ba availability toHelianthus annuusL.,Raphanus sativusL., andRicinus communisL. grown on a Neossolo Litólico Chernossólico fragmentário (pH 7.5), contaminated with scrap residue was evaluated. Four rates (0, 20, 40, and 80 Mg ha−1, organic carbon basis) of peat or sugar cane filter, with three replicates, were tested. Plant species were grown until the flowering stage. No effect of organic matter addition to soil on dry matter yield of oilseed radish shoots was observed, but there was an increase in sunflower and castor oil plant shoots when sugar cane filter cake was used. The average Ba transferred from roots to shoots was more than 89% for oilseed radish, 71% for castor oil plants, and 59% for sunflowers. Organic matter treatments were not efficient in reducing Ba availability due to soil liming.
Feline Neural Progenitor Cells II: Use of Novel Plasmid Vector and Hybrid Promoter to Drive Expression of Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Transgene
Authors: You X. Joann , Yang Jing , Gu Ping , Liew Chee Gee , Klassen Henry J.
Published: March 2012

Sustained transgene expression is required for the success of cell transplant-based gene therapy. Most widely used are lentiviral-based vectors which integrate into the host genome and thereby maintain sustained transgene expression. This requires integration into the nuclear genome, and potential risks include activation of oncogenes and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. Plasmids have been used; however lack of sustained expression presents an additional challenge. Here we used the pCAG-PyF101-eGFP plasmid to deliver the human GDNF gene to cat neural progenitor cells (cNPCs). This vector consists of a CAGG composite promoter linked to the polyoma virus mutant enhancer PyF101. Expression of an episomal eGFP reporter and GDNF transgene were stably maintained by the cells, even following induction of differentiation. These genetically modified cells appear suitable for use in allogeneic models of cell-based delivery of GDNF in the cat and may find veterinary applications should such strategies prove clinically beneficial.
AMPKα Modulation in Cancer Progression: Multilayer Integrative Analysis of the Whole Transcriptome in Asian Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kim Yon Hui , Liang Han , Liu Xiuping , Lee Ju-Seog , Cho Jae Yong , Cheong Jae-Ho , Kim Hoguen , Li Min , Downey Thomas J. , Dyer Matthew D. , Sun Yongming , Sun Jingtao , Beasley Ellen M. , Chung Hyun Cheol , Noh Sung Hoon , Weinstein John N. , Liu Chang-Gong , Powis Garth
Published: March 2012

Gastric cancer is the most common cancer in Asia and most developing countries. Despite the use of multimodality therapeutics, it remains the second leading cause of cancer death in the world. To identify the molecular underpinnings of gastric cancer in the Asian population, we applied an RNA-sequencing approach to gastric tumor and noncancerous specimens, generating 680 million informative short reads to quantitatively characterize the entire transcriptome of gastric cancer (including mRNAs and miRNAs). A multilayer analysis was then developed to identify multiple types of transcriptional aberrations associated with different stages of gastric cancer, including differentially expressed mRNAs, recurrent somatic mutations, and key differentially expressed miRNAs. Through this approach, we identified the central metabolic regulator AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)α as a potential functional target in Asian gastric cancer. Furthermore, we experimentally showed the translational relevance of this gene as a potential therapeutic target for early-stage gastric cancer in Asian patients. Together, our findings not only provide a valuable information resource for identifying and elucidating the molecular mechanisms of Asian gastric cancer, but also represent a general integrative framework to develop more effective therapeutic targets. Cancer Res; 72(10); 2512–21. ©2012 AACR.
Upregulated Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Tissue Inhibitors of Matrix Metalloproteinases in BALB/c Mouse Brain Challenged with Japanese Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Shukla Vibha , Kumar Shakya Akhalesh , Dhole T.N. , Misra Usha Kant
Published: March 2012

Background: Uncontrolled immune responses in the nervous system are potentially damaging following Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) act together to control the proteolysis of extracellular matrix. Disbalances in the MMP/TIMP system during virally induced neurodegenerative processes and inflammations are responsive to changes in the progression of diseases. Methods: The expression of MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-3 in JEV-infected mouse brain was analyzed by RT-PCR for semiquantitation and ELISA for estimation of protein along with brain histopathology at different days postinoculation (dpi). Gelatin gel zymography was performed for MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities. Results: In the virus-infected group, expression of MMP-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-3 was found to be increased from 1 dpi to 6 dpi as compared to controls by both RT-PCR and ELISA. The expressions of MMPs and TIMPs at mRNA and protein levels were in concordance with each other. Post hoc multiple comparison analysis between days revealed that, in the virus-infected groups, significant increases (p < 0.05) in MMP and TIMP levels were observed between various dpi at both mRNA and protein levels. Only the MMP-7 protein level at 6 dpi was not significant compared to 5 dpi (p = 0.99). Conclusion: Overexpression of MMPs and TIMPs is associated with disease severity in the central nervous system (CNS) during JEV infection. Our results showed that JEV infection can alter the expression of MMPs and TIMPs in the CNS. Thus, assessing these important immune mediators in CNS infection appears to play an important role in the development of symptoms and may help to understand the JEV-induced neurological disorders. More studies are required on this important enzymatic system to study their role in immune mediated pathogenesis.
Portal Vein Embolization before Extended Hepatectomy for Biliary Cancer: Current Technique and Review of 494 Consecutive Embolizations
Authors: Ebata Tomoki , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Igami Tsuyoshi , Sugawara Gen , Takahashi Yu , Nagino Masato
Published: March 2012

Backgrounds: Portal vein embolization (PVE) has been widely applied before extended hepatectomy; however, its clinical utility for patients with biliary cancer has not been fully addressed. Methods: Between 1991 and 2010, 494 patients with cholangiocarcinoma (n = 353) or gallbladder cancer (n = 141) underwent PVE before extended hepatectomy. PVE was performed by a transhepatic ipsilateral approach using fibrin glue or absolute ethanol with steel coils. Surgical outcomes of this cohort were retrospectively reviewed. Results: PVE-related complications requiring interventions were found in 3 (0.6%) of the 494 patients; no patient died of these complications. Among the 494 patients, 122 (24.7%) did not undergo subsequent hepatectomy. The unresectability rate was significantly higher in patients with gallbladder cancer than in those with cholangiocarcinoma [43.2% (61/141) and 17.3% (61/353), respectively, p < 0.001]. The remaining 372 patients underwent hepatectomy, and 24 (6.5%) died of postoperative complications [13 of 80 (16.3%) with gallbladder cancer vs. 11 of 292 (3.8%) with cholangiocarcinoma, p < 0.05]. The overall survival for patients with cholangiocarcinoma was significantly better than that for patients with gallbladder cancer, where the 5-year survival rate was 39 and 23%, respectively (p < 0.001). Thirty-six patients with cholangiocarcinoma and 10 patients with gallbladder cancer survived more than 5 years after extended surgery. Conclusion: PVE can be performed safely in patients with cholestatic liver, and it has a potential benefit for patients with advanced biliary cancer who are to undergo extended, difficult hepatectomy.
Vitamin E Supplementation and the Risk of Heart Failure in Women
Authors: Chae Claudia U. , Albert Christine M. , Moorthy M.V. , Lee I-Min , Buring Julie E.
Published: March 2012

Background—

Oxidative stress may contribute to the development of heart failure (HF); however, an increased risk of HF has been observed with antioxidant therapy in secondary prevention trials. No large clinical trials have addressed the role of antioxidant therapy in the primary prevention of HF.

Methods and Results—

We examined the effect of vitamin E and HF risk in 39 815 initially healthy women, aged at least 45 years at baseline, who were enrolled in the Women's Health Study, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of vitamin E (600 IU every other day). Over a median follow-up of 10.2 years, there were 220 incident HF events. In proportional hazards models, adjusting for age and randomized aspirin and beta carotene treatment, vitamin E assignment did not significantly affect HF risk (hazards ratio [HR], 0.93; 95% CI, 0.71–1.21;
P
=0.59). These results did not change with multivariate adjustment for other risk factors, including interim myocardial infarction. In a prespecified subgroup analysis, vitamin E was inversely related to developing HF with normal ejection fraction (≥50%) with HR 0.59 (95% CI, 0.38–0.92;
P
=0.02), but there was no statistically significant effect on the risk of developing systolic HF (HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 0.84–1.89;
P
=0.26).

Conclusions—

In this population of apparently healthy women, vitamin E did not affect the overall risk of HF. The possible benefit on diastolic HF requires confirmation in larger populations.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00000479.
The treatment outcome of psychotic disorders by traditional healers in central Sudan
Authors: Sorketti Ehab Ali , Zainal Nor Zuraida , Habil Mohamad Hussain
Published: March 2012

Background:

Alternative and traditional healing methods are common and popular in Sudan, particularly for treating people with mental disorders, but little information is available about the outcome of theses traditional healing approaches.

Objectives:

To study the outcome of treating patients with psychotic disorders by traditional healers, and to understand the type of services, interventions procedures and treatments methods used by traditional healers to manage patients with psychotic disorders.

Method:

A prospective follow-up quantitative study of a cohort of inpatients with psychotic disorders was carried out from admission until discharge. Subjects were people with psychotic disorders undergoing treatment in traditional healer centres in central Sudan. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to diagnose the psychotic disorders and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was used to assess the severity of psychotic symptoms on admission and discharge from the traditional healer centre.

Results:

We interviewed 129 inpatients with psychotic disorders on admission and discharge from the traditional healers centres. There was a significant reduction in the PANSS score ( p = .0001) after a mean period of stay of 4.5 months. The mean for the overall PANSS score was 118.36 on admission and 69.36 on discharge.

Conclusion:

Although traditional-healing approaches produce a significant improvement in the signs and symptoms of psychotic disorders measured on the PANSS, they need to be further investigated, assessed and studied.
Living with a depressed person in Denmark: A qualitative study
Authors: Hansen Jeppe Oute , Buus Niels
Published: March 2012

Background:

Strategies for coping with the burdens of living with a depressed person affect a family’s psychosocial environment.

Aim:

The aim of this qualitative study was to explore how relatives make personal sense of living with a depressed family member.

Methods:

Thirteen cohabitant relatives were interviewed either individually or in a focus group. The transcribed interviews were interpreted thematically.

Results:

Relatives went through a psychosocial transformation process driven by the twin challenges of their attitudes towards the depressed family member and of stigma.

Conclusions:

More could be done to resolve families’ need for information and for emotional and practical support promoting recovery.
Dentin-cement Interfacial Interaction
Authors: Atmeh A.R. , Chong E.Z. , Richard G. , Festy F. , Watson T.F.
Published: March 2012

The interfacial properties of a new calcium-silicate-based coronal restorative material (Biodentine™) and a glass-ionomer cement (GIC) with dentin have been studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), micro-Raman spectroscopy, and two-photon auto-fluorescence and second-harmonic-generation (SHG) imaging. Results indicate the formation of tag-like structures alongside an interfacial layer called the “mineral infiltration zone”, where the alkaline caustic effect of the calcium silicate cement’s hydration products degrades the collagenous component of the interfacial dentin. This degradation leads to the formation of a porous structure which facilitates the permeation of high concentrations of Ca2+, OH-, and CO32- ions, leading to increased mineralization in this region. Comparison of the dentin-restorative interfaces shows that there is a dentin-mineral infiltration with the Biodentine, whereas polyacrylic and tartaric acids and their salts characterize the penetration of the GIC. A new type of interfacial interaction, “the mineral infiltration zone”, is suggested for these calcium-silicate-based cements.
Reaching Psychology Majors Early About the Importance of Career Planning
Authors: Prehar Cynthia A. , Ignelzi Debra A.
Published: March 2012

The American Psychological Association has affirmed the importance of career planning and development in undergraduate psychology education. In an effort to improve instruction in this area, we developed a career planning intervention designed to reach a large number of prospective psychology majors early in their college careers. The presentation, based on career and college student development models, introduces students to four stages of career development: self-assessment, career exploration, gaining experience, and implementing a plan. Evaluations suggest that students found the presentation useful and that it generated interest in visiting with a career counselor.
Increasing Academic Self-Efficacy in Statistics With a Live Vicarious Experience Presentation
Authors: Bartsch Robert A. , Case Kim A. , Meerman Heather
Published: March 2012

This study investigated the effect of a vicarious experience on the academic self-efficacy of graduate students enrolled in a statistics and research methods course. Participants ( N = 39) completed a self-efficacy scale during the first two meetings of the course. Two weeks later, a portion of these students participated in a randomly assigned intervention to increase statistics self-efficacy. In the experimental condition, a former statistics student came to the class and explained her own math anxieties and outlined the behaviors that led to her personal success in the same course. Comparison students wrote about the characteristics of a successful student in the course without the experience of a peer model presentation. Analysis of pre- and postintervention academic self-efficacy indicated students in the peer model group showed a significant increase compared to the writing group. We discuss the potential of using live vicarious experience presentations to increase self-efficacy in psychology statistics courses.
Teaching Students About Facial Composites Using the FACES Software
Authors: Masip Jaume , Garrido Eugenio , Herrero Carmen , Ullán Ana M. , Conde Jorge
Published: March 2012

An active learning exercise was carried out in an eyewitness psychology course in which students first built up a facial composite of a famous person using the FACES software. Then, the students had to name the person depicted in each composite. The results of this exercise were then described by the instructor during a theoretical lecture about facial composites. The students experienced for themselves how difficult it is to build and identify facial composites of familiar faces. Pre-post analyses showed that the exercise was effective in changing students’ initially optimistic beliefs about the utility of facial composites.
Validation of an Online Orientation Seminar to Improve Career and Major Preparedness
Authors: Atchley Paul , Hooker Emily , Kroska Emily , Gilmour Alexandra
Published: March 2012

Career planning and development for undergraduates is a goal for our field, yet the majority of psychology departments do not offer a course to meet this goal. This article examines an online psychology orientation course that requires relatively few instructional resources to achieve success. Outcomes for the course are measured by student work along four dimensions: knowledge of the major, planning for the future, career knowledge, and self-assessment of fit. The analysis shows very large gains in student performance for major knowledge and planning for the future and moderate gains in the other areas. This work suggests that the online model is one potentially powerful tool for preparing undergraduate psychology majors to succeed in the major and after graduation.
Enhancing and Assessing Critical Thinking in a Psychological Research Methods Course
Authors: Stark Emily
Published: March 2012

This article presents an assessment of critical thinking skills and paranormal beliefs in students taking a research methods course. The course emphasized separating scientific claims from pseudoscientific assumptions and used real-world examples to teach students to think critically; however, the course did not use examples of the paranormal to teach about pseudoscience. There was a significant decrease in students’ paranormal beliefs at the end of the course and significant improvement in their abilities to evaluate psychological research; however, there was not a significant change in their general critical thinking abilities. In addition, all measures related to course performance, such that students who showed lower levels of paranormal beliefs and greater general critical thinking abilities at the outset of the course earned more total points. The author discusses how the course builds skills recommended for psychology majors and identifies areas for future research in scientific thinking and belief in pseudoscience.
Mediation of school bonding and peer norms on the reciprocal effects of friend victimization and problem behavior
Authors: Morrison Gale M. , You Sukkyung , Sharkey Jill D. , Felix Erika D. , Griffiths Amy J.
Published: March 2012

Peer victimization is a pervasive problem among children and associated with numerous psychological and behavioural problems for all participants. Research is needed to understand the complex relations between factors that increase risk of victimization and its consequences. We used autoregressive cross-lagged modelling with self-report data to examine the longitudinal reciprocal effects of victimization by friends with problem behaviour, as well as the mediating effects of school bonding and peer norms. Participants were 316 4th grade students in socioeconomically disadvantaged elementary schools in California, USA, most of whom were Latino/a American (89.9%). Results indicated a causal path from peer victimization by friends in 4th grade to problem behaviour in 5th grade, which was fully mediated by school bonding and peer norms for academics in 5th grade. These results confirm the need to monitor and respond to peer victimization by friends in any setting. Moreover, results demonstrate the importance of creating opportunities to positively engage students in school activities that teach or ensure positive social interactions and exposure to peers that are engaged in normative social and academic behaviours.
Do type of childcare and age of entry predict behavior problems during early childhood? Results from a large Norwegian longitudinal study
Authors: Lekhal Ratib
Published: March 2012

Associations between type and age of entry into Norwegian universally-accessible childcare and children’s behavior problems at age 3 years were examined in this study. Data from 73,068 children in the large population-based, prospective Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) were used, and included information about childcare arrangements, behavior problems, and a variety of covariates. The results provided little support for childcare being related to children’s behavior problems at age 3 years when controlling for covariates. In fact, previous research has indicated that children may benefit from Norway’s childcare in other areas, such as language development. Results are discussed in relation to differences in countries' early childhood policies as a possible factor explaining discrepancies across studies.
The determinants of parental childrearing behavior trajectories: The effects of parental and child time-varying and time-invariant predictors
Authors: Roskam Isabelle , Meunier Jean Christophe
Published: March 2012

“Why do parents parent the way they do?” remains an important question since it concerns both scientific issues, such as the stability or change of childrearing behavior, and clinical issues, such as the way to promote positive parenting in evidence-based programs. Using an accelerated design, the aim of this study was to examine several parental and child predictors of childrearing behavior trajectories among 373 mothers and 356 fathers of 2- to 9-year-old children. Hypotheses were drawn from Belsky (1984) and subsequent studies of the determinants of parenting. The parental and child predictors were assessed and analyzed as time-varying (parental self-efficacy beliefs and child externalizing behavior) or time-invariant (parental educational level and personality traits) predictors, according to their conceptual properties. The results show a linear decrease in both supportive and controlling childrearing behavior in mothers and an improvement in supportive but a decrease in controlling childrearing behavior in fathers over time. Moreover, the results support the idea that childrearing behavior is determined by multiple factors, in particular the parents’ self-efficacy beliefs and the child’s behavior. Finally, the results confirm the hypothesis of a greater influence of child predictors than of parental ones in the case of mothers, while the reverse hypothesis of a greater predictive power of parental variables than of child ones is confirmed for fathers. The results are discussed both for research and clinical purposes.
Democratic authority, public Islam, and Shi’i jurisprudence in Iran and Iraq: Hussain Ali Montazeri and Ali Sistani
Authors: Rahimi Babak
Published: March 2012

This article compares the democratic thought and practice of two influential Shi’i Muslim theologians in Iran and Iraq. It argues that a new conception of Shi’i traditional authority has been developed by senior clerics Hussain Ali Montazeri and Ali Sistani offering a new model of clerical authority closely connected to the democratic values of popular sovereignty and accountability: ‘democratic Usulism.’ Such a new paradigm envisions a form of religious legitimization that is led by elected rulers who are ultimately ‘guided’ by the sacred law of Islamic legal norms, while being held accountable to the people. The paradigm operates either as a counter-discourse to theocratic authoritarianism, currently prevalent in Iran, or as a democratic theology of citizenship and electoral participation, as in the case of Iraq. In broad terms, the two cases represent a major trend in Shi’i political theology that can be viewed as part of the global upsurge of public religions, some of which serve to counter authoritarianism (both secular and theocratic) and promote democratic rule.
From ‘regionalism’ to ‘localism’: Opportunities and challenges for North East England
Authors: Shaw Keith , Robinson Fred
Published: March 2012

The Coalition Government has abolished regional institutions, with ‘localism’ now regarded as the best approach for promoting economic development and shaping and delivering public services. This article provides an early assessment of the shift by drawing upon research in the North East of England, where the dismantling of the regional tier is likely to have a considerable impact given its long history of regional economic interventions and the traditionally strong level of support for the idea of a coherent regional voice. For some in the region, the changes have generated concerns about the end of the ‘North East’ and scepticism about the Government’s motives for promoting localism. Others articulate a more sanguine view: that there is life ‘after the region’ and that, in any case, the long-standing focus on the ‘North East’, as an administrative and economic construct, was itself problematic. Now, there are signs that a ‘commonsense’ regionalism may be emerging – a pragmatism that recognises that, while the North East needs to take advantage of new opportunities under localism, coordination and integration at the regional level will still be required.
Does the UK need a SCORE? US and UK SME advisory services compared
Authors: Botham Ron
Published: March 2012

Within the context of recent government proposals for the reform of small business advisory services, this article assesses whether an organisation such as the United States Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE) would be a desirable component of a future UK system for informing and advising would be business founders and SMEs. Following a review of SCORE, UK Government proposals and the transferability of the concept, it is concluded the idea of a ‘UK SCORE’ is worthy of further consideration.
Analyzing bias in prominent climatic data sets
Authors: Svoma Bohumil M. , Cerveny Randall
Published: March 2012

The majority of documented climatic data set biases can be divided into two categories: physical biases and calendar biases. Factors affecting the consistency and accuracy of the variable measurement (physical bias) throughout the data record include systematic measurement error and changes in instrumentation, time of observation, measurement site location, observation methods, and surrounding land use/land cover. Factors influencing data aggregated from shorter temporal scales to longer temporal scales (i.e. days to years or days to months) are calendar biases and have been studied to a much lesser extent than physical biases. Previous homogenization efforts for prominent temperature and precipitation data sets are detailed in this review. Numerous physical biases are accounted for in these homogenization efforts and a debate exists in the literature regarding the effectiveness of these bias adjustment methods, leading some investigators to question the suitability of these adjusted data sets for the identification of large-scale climate change signals. Calendar biases are not addressed in previous homogenization efforts. After a brief analysis, a calendar bias known to exist in homogenized data sets (the leap year bias) is identified in the CRUTEM3v, an important global monthly near-surface air temperature data set.
Vibration Perception Thresholds in Children With Idiopathic Toe Walking Gait
Authors: Williams Cylie M. , Tinley Paul , Curtin Michael , Nielsen Sharon
Published: March 2012

This study investigated the vibration perception differences between children with an idiopathic toe walking gait and their non–toe walking peers. Sixty children, between the ages of four and eight years, were grouped into an idiopathic toe walking group and non–toe walking group. Vibration perception threshold was assessed at the right hallux. A highly significant difference in the vibration perception threshold between the groups was determined. The idiopathic toe walking group demonstrated a lower vibration perception threshold ( P = .001), indicating this group was highly sensitive to vibration input. This change in vibration perception could be symptomatic of physiological changes in the localized receptors within the skin or at a neural perception level. Heightened sensitivity to touch has not yet been explored with children who have an idiopathic toe walking gait. This finding could assist in understanding this gait pattern and allow further research into improved treatment options.
Mycotic Aneurysm and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Following Tubercular Meningitis in an Infant With Congenital Tuberculosis and Cytomegalovirus Disease
Authors: Gupta Kirti , Radotra Bishan Dass , Suri Deepti , Sharma Kusum , Saxena Akshay Kumar , Singhi Pratibha
Published: March 2012

We describe autopsy findings in a 5-month-old infant with disseminated tuberculosis and congenital cytomegalovirus disease. The infant manifested with tubercular meningitis complicating as ruptured mycotic right middle cerebral artery aneurysm. Infiltrative, proliferative, and necrotizing vascular pathologies have been described; however, the occurrence of these is dependent on the duration of illness. The vessel pathology appears to be a payback of its immersion in the local inflammatory cell–rich exudates. Strokes early in the course of the disease are believed to be a consequence of vasospasm, and those occurring later during the disease course are due to proliferative intimal disease. Intracranial mycotic aneurysm following tubercular meningitis developing at such a young age has not been reported in the literature. The lung lesions in a congenitally transmitted tuberculosis and cytomegalovirus disease have also been elaborated.
Botulinum Toxin Type A for the Treatment of Equinus Deformity in Patients With Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II
Authors: Nava Esmeralda , Weber Peter , Gautschi Matthias , Nuoffer Jean-Marc , Grunt Sebastian
Published: March 2012

Mucopolysaccharidoses are lysosomal storage disorders that are caused by a deficiency in the enzymes that degrade glycosaminoglycans. The accumulation of glycosaminoglycans affects multiple systems, resulting in coarse facial features, short stature, organomegaly, and variable neurological changes from normal intelligence to severe mental retardation and spasticity. Effects on the musculoskeletal system include dysostosis multiplex, joint stiffness, and muscle shortening. This article reports 2 patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type II (Hunter syndrome) who showed progressive equinus deformity of the feet. Both patients were treated with intramuscular botulinum toxin type A injections in the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscles, followed by serial casting. In both patients, passive range of motion, muscle tone, and gait performance were significantly improved. Botulinum toxin type A injections followed by serial casting are a therapeutic option for contractures in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis. However, the long-term effects and the effect of application in other muscles remain unknown.
Roles of hydrophobicity and charge density on the dynamics of polyelectrolyte complex formation and stability under modeled physicochemical blood conditions
Authors: Leclercq Laurent , Boustta Mahfoud , Vert Michel
Published: March 2012

To improve the understanding of the physicochemical behavior of polyplexes (DNA-polycation complexes) and to avoid the complexity of blood, the formation and stability of polyelectrolyte complexes of degradable polycations and polyanions, we previously studied under pH, temperature, and ionic strength typical of human blood. In this study, the investigation is extended to polycationic macromolecules added into mixtures of polyanions selected to mimic polyanionic species present in blood. The poly(l-lysine) polycation was added to binary mixtures of degradable polyanions with different charge densities and hydrophobicity. The polyanions were poly(l-lysine citramide imide), poly(l-lysine citramide), and poly(l-lysine citramide) partially esterified with heptyl groups. We found selectivity and fractionation in the molar mass, which depended on the structural characteristics of the polyanions. The affinity of polycationic poly(l-lysine) macromolecules to polyanions increased in the following order: poly(l-lysine citramide imide) < poly(l-lysine citramide) < hydrophobized poly(l-lysine citramide). These data complements the previous information with respect to the possibility of polyplex destabilization and/or the interactions of polycationic macromolecules in excess with the polyanionic species present in blood, depending on the physicochemical characteristics of the polyplex, the excess polycation, and blood elements.
Effect of nanoclay on thickness swelling behavior in the extrusion foaming of wood flour/polyethylene composites
Authors: Kord Behzad
Published: March 2012

This study investigates the effect of nanoclay on the cell morphology and thickness swelling behavior in the extrusion foaming of wood flour/polyethylene composites with a chemical blowing agent. To meet this objective, the nanoclay, high-density polyethylene, and coupling agent were compounded and then the granules were mixed with wood flour and blowing agent in a twin-screw extruder. Consequently, foaming process was completed in the injection stage. The amount of wood flour was fixed at 50 wt% for all samples. For nanoclay and chemical blowing agent, different levels of 0, 2, 4 per hundred resins (phr) and 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 phr were considered, respectively. The results indicate that the addition of clay generally reduces the cell size, increases the cell density, and facilitates foam expansion. Furthermore, the thickness swelling of the composite decreased with increase in nanoclay. The composites containing 1.5 phr of foaming agent exhibited higher thickness swelling value and swelling rate parameter ( KSR) than those containing nanoclay. The swelling model provided a good predictor of the hygroscopic thickness swelling process of wood flour/polyethylene/nanoclay hybrid foamed composites.