bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ciliopathies in neuronal development: a clinical approach to investigation of Joubert syndrome and Joubert syndrome‐related disorders
Authors: SATTAR SHIFTEH , GLEESON JOSEPH G
Published: June 2011

A group of disorders with disparate symptomatology, including congenital cerebellar ataxia, retinal blindness, liver fibrosis, polycystic kidney disease, and polydactyly, have recently been united under a single disease mechanism called ‘ciliopathies’. The ciliopathies are due to defects of the cellular antenna known as the primary cilium, a microtubule‐based extension of cellular membranes found in nearly all cell types. Key among these ciliopathies is Joubert syndrome, displaying ataxia, oculomotor apraxia, and mental retardation* with a pathognomonic ‘molar tooth sign’ on brain magnetic resonance imaging. The importance of ciliary function in neuronal development has been appreciated only in the last decade with the classification of Joubert syndrome as a ciliopathy. This, together with the identification of many of the clinical features of ciliopathies in individuals with Joubert syndrome and the localization of Joubert syndrome’s causative gene products at or near the primary cilium, have defined a new class of neurological disease. Cilia are involved in diverse cellular processes including protein trafficking, photoreception, embryonic axis patterning, and cell cycle regulation. Ciliary dysfunction can affect a single tissue or manifest as multi‐organ involvement. Ciliary defects have been described in retinopathies such as retinitis pigmentosa and Leber congenital amaurosis (defects in photoreceptor ciliary protein complexes), renal syndromes with nephronophthisis and cystic dysplastic kidneys, and liver conditions such as fibrosis and biliary cirrhosis. Recognizing the diverse presentations of the ciliopathies and screening strategies following diagnosis is an important part of the treatment plan of children with cilia‐related disorders.
The consequences of political disagreement in interpersonal communication: New insights from a comparative perspective
Authors: HOPMANN DAVID NICOLAS
Published: June 2011

Political disagreement in interpersonal communication increases attitudinal ambivalence and can depress voter turnout. These effects seem to be driven by a wish to avoid social controversy rather than informational gains from encountering other opinions. This article shows that political disagreement in interpersonal communication increases the difficulty of deciding for which party to vote. Moreover, this effect is a result of social disapproval of one's party preference, while political expertise in interpersonal communication has no effect. For voter turnout, no direct effect of social disapproval of one's party preference is found. However, disapproval has an indirect influence on turnout via difficulty of vote choice. In sum, both political attitudes and political behaviour are affected by social pressures. Students of political attitudes and behaviour should try to include interpersonal discussion in their models in greater detail than is common practice today.
Misfits: A Feminist Materialist Disability Concept
Authors: Garland-Thomson Rosemarie
Published: June 2011

This article offers the critical conceptmisfitin an effort to further think through the lived identity and experience of disability as it is situated in place and time. The idea of a misfit and the situation of misfitting that I offer here elaborate a materialist feminist understanding of disability by extending a consideration of how the particularities of embodiment interact with the environment in its broadest sense, to include both its spatial and temporal aspects. The interrelated dynamics of fitting and misfitting constitute a particular aspect of world-making involved in material-discursive becoming. The essay makes three arguments: the concept of misfit emphasizes the particularity of varying lived embodiments and avoids a theoretical generic disabled body; the concept of misfit clarifies the current feminist critical conversation about universal vulnerability and dependence; the concept of misfitting as a shifting spatial and perpetually temporal relationship confers agency and value on disabled subjects.
Differential Effects of Ethanol on Spectral Binding and Inhibition of Cytochrome P450 3A4 with Eight Protease Inhibitors Antiretroviral Drugs
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Kumar Anil
Published: June 2011

Background:  Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) is the most abundant CYP enzyme in the liver, which metabolizes approximately 50% of the marketed drugs including antiretroviral agents. CYP3A4 induction by ethanol and its impact on drug metabolism and toxicity is known. However, CYP3A4–ethanol physical interaction and its impact on drug binding, inhibition, or metabolism is not known, except that we have recently shown that ethanol facilitates the binding of a protease inhibitor (PI), nelfinavir, with CYP3A4. The current study was designed to examine the effect of ethanol on spectral binding and inhibition of CYP3A4 with all currently used PIs that differ in physicochemical properties.

Methods:  We performed type I and type II spectral binding with CYP3A4 at 0 and 20 mM ethanol and varying PIs’ concentrations. We also performed CYP3A4 inhibition using 7‐benzyloxy‐4‐trifluoromethylcoumarin substrate and NADPH at varying concentrations of PIs and ethanol.

Results:  Atazanavir, lopinavir, saquinavir, and tipranavir showed type I spectral binding, whereas indinavir and ritonavir showed type II. However, amprenavir and darunavir did not show spectral binding with CYP3A4. Ethanol at 20 mM decreased the maximum spectral change (δAmax) with type I lopinavir and saquinavir, but it did not alter δAmax with other PIs. Ethanol did not alter spectral binding affinity (KD) and inhibition constant (IC50) of type I PIs. However, ethanol significantly decreased the IC50 of type II PIs, indinavir and ritonavir, and markedly increased the IC50 of amprenavir and darunavir.

Conclusions:  Overall, our results suggest that ethanol differentially alters the binding and inhibition of CYP3A4 with the PIs that have different physicochemical properties. This study has clinical relevance because alcohol has been shown to alter the response to antiretroviral drugs, including PIs, in HIV‐1‐infected individuals.
Risk factors for cerebral palsy in children born at term
Authors: HIMMELMANN KATE , AHLIN KRISTINA , JACOBSSON BO , CANS CHRISTINE , THORSEN POUL
Published: June 2011

Objective. To provide an overview of current research on risk factors for cerebral palsy (CP) in children born at term and hypothesize how new findings can affect the content of the CP registers worldwide. Design. A systematic search in PubMed for original articles, published from 2000 to 2010, regarding risk factors for CP in children born at term was conducted. Methods. Full text review was made of 266 articles. Main Outcome Measures. Factors from the prenatal, perinatal and neonatal period considered as possible contributors to the causal pathway to CP in children born at term were regarded as risk factors. Results. Sixty‐two articles met the criteria for an original report on risk factors for CP in children born at term. Perinatal adverse events, including stroke, were the focus of most publications, followed by genetic studies. Malformations, infections, perinatal adverse events and multiple gestation were risk factors associated with CP. The evidence regarding, for example, thrombophilic factors and non‐CNS abnormalities was inconsistent. Conclusions. Information on maternal and neonatal infections, umbilical cord blood gases at birth, mode of delivery and placental status should be collected in a standardized way in CP registers. Information on social factors, such as education level, family income and area of residence, is also of importance. More research is needed to understand the risk factors of CP and specifically how they relate to causal pathways of cerebral palsy.
Maternal and obstetric factors associated with delayed postpartum eclampsia: a national study population
Authors: KAYEM GILLES , KURINCZUK JENNIFER J. , SPARK PATSY , BROCKLEHURST PETER , KNIGHT MARIAN ,   on behalf of UK Obstetric Surveillance System
Published: June 2011

Objective. To estimate the incidence of delayed postpartum eclampsia and to investigate whether maternal characteristics and outcomes were different between women with delayed or early postpartum eclampsia. Design. Prospective population‐based study. Setting. All 229 UK hospitals with consultant‐led maternity units in the UK. Population. All women delivering between February 2005 and February 2006. Methods. Maternal characteristics and outcomes were compared between women with delayed (≥12 hours between delivery and eclampsia) and early postpartum eclampsia. Main Outcome Measures. Rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Adjusted odds ratio estimates. Results. Seventy‐six women had postpartum eclampsia, representing an incidence of 1.0/10 000 (95% CI 0.7–1.2/10 000) maternities. Among the women having postpartum eclampsia, 53 (70%; 95% CI 59–79) occurred in the first 12 hours following delivery, eight (11%; 95% CI 3–20) during hours 12–24, four (5%; 95% CI 2–13) during the 24–48 hours after delivery and 11 (14%; 95% CI 7–24) more than 48 hours after delivery. Maternal characteristics, biological and clinical symptoms in the week preceding eclampsia and neonatal outcomes were not significantly different in the delayed eclampsia group in comparison with the early postpartum eclampsia group. However, the cesarean delivery rate was higher in women with delayed eclampsia in comparison with earlier postpartum eclampsia [13 (57%) vs. 6 (11%); odds ratio 10.1, 95% CI 3.12–33.3]. Conclusions. Close follow‐up should be performed in the 12 hours following delivery in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Beyond this, the risk of eclampsia is very low, and eclampsia occurs mainly among women who have had a cesarean delivery.
External cephalic version of non‐cephalic presentation; is it worthwhile?
Authors: GOTTVALL TOMAS , GINSTMAN CHARLOTTE
Published: June 2011

A retrospective study of 186 consecutive external cephalic versions (ECV) late in the third trimester was done. Logistic regression analysis of background factors leading to a successful ECV showed that multiparity, a larger amount of amniotic fluid, measured as amniotic fluid index, and a transverse fetal position were each significantly correlated with a successful version. The total success rate was 62%, and after a successful ECV 84% of the fetuses were delivered vaginally. No severe complications were registered during the ECVs, and all babies had normal Apgar scores at delivery. Attempting ECV at least once or even twice seems to be appropriate because a successful ECV can decrease the rate of cesarean section in this group of patients and by so doing may also decrease the risk of cesarean section in future pregnancies.
Synergistic effects of multiple mechanisms drive priority effects within a tadpole assemblage
Authors: Hernandez Jason P. , Chalcraft David R.
Published: June 2011

Mounting evidence suggests that the history of species arrival to a locality can have important effects on species performance but the mechanism(s) through which priority effects are produced is not always clear. Differences in the developmental time of frog tadpoles provide an opportunity to examine mechanisms through which priority effects may influence fitness components of a late arriving taxon. Specifically, tadpoles of the southern leopard frog (Rana) can often require more than a year to complete metamorphosis so they overwinter in a pond and compete with newly deposited tadpoles in the spring. We conducted an experiment in artificial ponds to evaluate mechanisms through which overwinteringRanatadpoles influence fitness components of southern toad (Bufo) tadpoles deposited into ponds during the spring. We found that overwinteredRanareducedBufoperformance while newly hatchedRanathat enter a pond simultaneously withBufodid not. The production of this priority effect was primarily the result ofRanadepleting algal resources in a pond during the winter prior toBufoarrival. The performance ofBufodid not correspond with variation in the abundance of algae present in a pond during the spring and we found evidence to indicate that, in the absence of resource exploitation during the winter, overwinteredRanado not compete strongly withBufoduring the spring when both species co‐occur. WhenRanadeplete algal resources during the winter, however, interactions betweenRanaandBufoduring the spring became much more important as both the development rate and survival ofBufowas reduced to a greater extent than what would have been predicted by resource exploitation alone. Our results demonstrate that priority effects can result from early colonists depleting resource availability prior to the arrival of other species which can intensify behavioral/physical interactions between species when they co‐occur.
Invasion success in communities with reciprocal intraguild predation depends on the stage structure of the resident population
Authors: Montserrat M. , Magalhães S. , Sabelis M. W. , de Roos A. M. , Janssen A.
Published: June 2011

The probability of individuals being targeted as prey often decreases as they grow in size. Such size‐dependent predation risk is very common in systems with intraguild predation (IGP), i.e. when predatory species interact through predation and competition. Theory on IGP predicts that community composition depends on productivity. When recently testing this prediction using a terrestrial experimental system consisting of two phytoseiid mite species,Iphiseius degeneransas the IG‐predator andNeoseiulus cucumerisas the IG‐prey, and pollen (Typha latifolia) as the shared resource, we could not find the predicted community shift. Instead, we observed that IG‐prey excluded IG‐predators when the initial IG‐prey/IG‐predator ratio was high, whereas the opposite held when the initial ratio was low, which is also not predicted by theory. We therefore hypothesized that the existence of vulnerable and invulnerable stages in the two populations could be an important driver of the community composition. To test this, we first demonstrate that IG‐prey adults indeed attacked IG‐predator juveniles in the presence of the shared resource. Second, we show that the invasion capacity of IG‐predators at high productivity levels indeed depended on the structure of resident IG‐prey populations. Third, we further confirmed our hypothesis by mimicking successive invasion events of IG‐predators into an established population of IG‐prey at high productivity levels, which consistently failed. Our results show that the interplay between stage structure of populations and reciprocal intraguild predation is decisive at determining the species composition of communities with intraguild predation.
Salzburg Skiing for the Elderly Study: study design and intervention – health benefit of alpine skiing for elderly
Authors: Müller E. , Gimpl M. , Poetzelsberger B. , Finkenzeller T. , Scheiber P.
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study was to monitor the long‐term effects of skiing on the health‐related parameters of older individuals. This paper describes the overall study design and the intervention phase. The study utilized a randomized control group design consisting of an intervention group (n=27; age: 67.5 ± 2.8 years) and a control group (n=20; age: 67.3 ± 4.4 years). Parameters of interest were measured during pre‐, post‐ and retention‐test sessions. The intervention phase lasted for 12 weeks, with an average of 28.5 days of guided skiing. Daily heart rate (HR) profiles and global positioning system data throughout the ski day were recorded. Perceived exertion levels as well as mood status of the subjects were recorded regularly. The intervention group completed an average of 4885 vertical meters of downhill skiing, with a total skiing distance of 40.5 km/day. In the skiing phase, the average physiological load was 72.4 ± 8.9% of HRmax. The dimension “positive mood” referred to skiing (on scale of 0–10), with an average value of 7.6 ± 1.7 after skiing. The dimension of “negative mood” was much less pronounced, having a mean of 1.1 ± 1.5 after skiing. Two subjects suffered injuries while falling during skiing. The effects of the 12‐week skiing intervention on the tested parameters will be reported in the following papers of this supplementum.
Salzburg Skiing for the Elderly Study: influence of alpine skiing on aerobic capacity, strength, power, and balance
Authors: Müller E. , Gimpl M. , Kirchner S. , Kröll J. , Jahnel R. , Niebauer J. , Niederseer D. , Scheiber P.
Published: June 2011

Alpine skiing is a recreational sport with high demands on the cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems. It is assumed that skiing could have positive effects on the decline in aerobic capacity, strength, and balance ability of older individuals. In a 12‐week intervention study, 47 elderly subjects (age 60–76 years) were randomized into an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG). The IG averaged 28.5 days of guided skiing during 12 weeks. Aerobic capacity, leg power, and strength as well as postural stability were tested before, immediately after, and 10 weeks after the intervention phase. VO2maximproved by 7.2% from Pre to Post for the IG, without any change in the CG. Jump height increased on average by 6% over the 12 weeks for the IG, while jump height for the CG deteriorated by −11.7%. Dynamic maximal strength measured in both legs increased by 16% in the IG during the 12 weeks of skiing. In the CG, it increased by 7%, without being significant. In postural ability, no differences between groups or over time were noted. It appears that, in older individuals, 12 weeks of skiing leads to a significant increase in aerobic capacity, leg muscle power, and strength.
Skeletal muscle remodeling in response to alpine skiing training in older individuals
Authors: Narici M. V. , Flueck M. , Koesters A. , Gimpl M. , Reifberger A. , Seynnes O. R. , Niebauer J. , Rittweger J. , Mueller E.
Published: June 2011

This study investigated whether regular alpine skiing could reverse sarcopenia and muscle weakness in older individuals. Twenty‐two older men and women (67 ± 2 years) underwent 12 weeks of recreational skiing, two to three times a week, each session lasting∼3.5 h. An age‐matched, inactive group (n=20, 67 ± 4 years) served as a control (CTRL). Before and after the training period, knee extensors muscle thickness (Tm), pennation angle (θ) and fascicle length (Lf) of the vastus lateralis muscle were measured by ultrasound. Maximum isokinetic knee extensor torque (MIT) at an angular velocity of 60°/s was measured by dynamometry. After the training, Tm increased by 7.1% (P<0.001), Lf by 5.4% (P<0.02) and θ by 3.4% (P<0.05). The increase in Tm was matched by a significant gain in MIT (13.3%, P<0.001). No significant changes, except for a decrease in θ (2.1%, P<0.02), were found in the CTRL group. The gain in Tm in the training group correlated significantly with an increase in the focal adhesion kinase content, pointing to a primary role of this mechano‐sensitive protein in sarcomere remodeling with muscle hypertrophy. Overall, the results show that alpine skiing is an effective intervention for combating sarcopenia and weakness in old age.
Load‐sensitive adhesion factor expression in the elderly with skiing: relation to fiber type and muscle strength
Authors: Flueck M. , Eyeang‐Békalé N. , Héraud A. , Girard A. , Gimpl M. , Seynnes O. R. , Rittweger J. , Niebauer J. , Mueller E. , Narici M.
Published: June 2011

We hypothesized that 12 weeks of downhill skiing mitigates the functional deficits of knee extensor muscles in elderly subjects due to the specific recruitment of fast motor units during forceful turns on the slope. Downhill skiing led to a 1.4‐fold increase in the mean cross‐sectional area of slow (P=0.04)‐ and fast (P=0.08)‐type muscle fibers. Fold changes in the expression of the structural component of focal adhesions, gamma‐vinculin, were correlated with alterations in concentric force (r=0.64). Hypertrophy of fast fibers was more pronounced in women than in men (1.7 vs 1.1). Gender‐specific structural–functional adjustments of knee extensor muscles and attached patellar tendon were reflected by altered expression of pro‐ vs de‐adhesive proteins and a number of correlations. The de‐adhesive protein tenascin‐C was selectively increased in women compared with men (1.7 vs 1.1) while the content of the adhesive collagen XII was specifically reduced in women. The pro‐adhesive focal adhesion kinase showed a specific increase in men compared with women (1.9 vs 1.1). Our findings indicate that quantitatively matched adaptations in slow and fast motor units of extensor muscle underlie the preventive effect of skiing against sarcopenia and support that hypertrophy and reinforcement of fiber adhesion operate in the improvement of muscle strength.
Effect of alpine skiing training on tendon mechanical properties in older men and women
Authors: Seynnes O. R. , Koesters A. , Gimpl M. , Reifberger A. , Niederseer D. , Niebauer J. , Pirich C. , Müller E. , Narici M. V.
Published: June 2011

Strain is one of the parameters determining tendon adaptation to mechanical stimuli. The aim of this study was to test whether the patellar tendon strain induced during recreational alpine skiing would affect tendon mechanical properties in older individuals. Twenty‐two older males and females (67 ± 2 years) were assigned to a 12‐week guided skiing programe (IG) and 20 aged‐matched volunteers served as controls (CG). Patellar tendon mechanical properties and cross‐sectional area (CSA) were measured before and after training, with combined dynamometry and ultrasonography scanning. None of the variables changed significantly in the CG after training. In the IG, tendon stiffness and Young's modulus were increased (respectively, 14% and 12%, P<0.01), without any significant change in tendon CSA. In addition, changes in tendon stiffness were blunted in women (9%) compared with men (19%). Serum IGF‐1 concentration tended to be lower in women (−19%, P=0.07). These results demonstrate that the mechanical stimulus induced by alpine skiing is sufficient to elicit adaptive changes in patellar tendon mechanical and material properties in older subjects. Furthermore, the present sex‐specific adaptations are consistent with previous reports of lower collagen metabolic responsiveness in women and may be underpinned by anthropometric and metabolic differences.
Glucose homeostasis and cardiovascular disease biomarkers in older alpine skiers
Authors: Dela F. , Niederseer D. , Patsch W. , Pirich C. , Müller E. , Niebauer J.
Published: June 2011

Alpine skiing and ski training involves elements of static and dynamic training, and may therefore improve insulin sensitivity. Healthy men and women who where beginners/intermediate level of alpine skiing, were studied before (Pre) and immediately after (Post) 12 weeks of alpine ski training. After an additional 8 weeks a third test (retention study, Ret) was performed. The subjects were randomized into an intervention group (IG, n=22, age=66.6 ± 0.4 years) or a control group (CG, n=20, age=67.0 ± 1.0 years). Plasma glucose decreased (P<0.05) in CG, but increased (P<0.05) again at Ret, while a continued decrease was seen in IG (Ret vs Post, P<0.05). Plasma insulin decreased (P<0.05) with training in IG, while no effect was seen in CG. HOMA2 index for insulin resistance decreased (P<0.05) from 0.80 ± 0.08 to 0.71 ± 0.09 in IG. The value at Ret (0.57 ± 0.08) tended (P=0.067) to be different from Post. In CG the corresponding values were 0.84 ± 0.09, 0.81 ± 0.12 and 0.70 ± 0.09, respectively. Total cholesterol and LDL decreased in both IC and CG, a result, interpreted as seasonal variation. Biomarkers for endothelial function and low‐grade inflammation were not elevated and similar in IG and CG, and did not change. Alpine ski training improves glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity in healthy, elderly individuals.
Spinal reflex plasticity in response to alpine skiing in the elderly
Authors: Lauber B. , Keller M. , Gollhofer A. , Müller E. , Taube W.
Published: June 2011

The present study was designed to assess the influence of 12 weeks (28.5±2.6 skiing days) of alpine skiing on spinal reflex plasticity, strength and postural control in senior citizens. Therefore, soleus H‐reflexes and postural stability were measured during bipedal quiet and unstable stance in 22 (12 male and 10 female) elderly subjects aged 66.6±1 years. Furthermore, the maximal isometric force was determined in a leg press. The results showed an increased H‐reflex excitability after the training (+39%; P<0.05) while no changes occurred in the background EMG. The postural sway decreased after training (−6.6 cm; P≤0.05) and the maximal force increased (+16.1%; P<0.05). No adaptations in any parameter could be observed in the control group. The present study demonstrated that skiing training was effective to alter the spinal reflex activity in elderly individuals. The increased H‐reflexes correspond to adaptations known from strength training in young subjects. It may be assumed that alpine skiing induced a functional adaptation in that subjects have learned to integrate Ia afferent feedback more efficiently to ensure adequate motoneuron output.
Does a skiing intervention influence the psycho‐social characteristics of the elderly?
Authors: Finkenzeller T. , Müller E. , Würth S. , Amesberger G.
Published: June 2011

The purpose of this study was to assess whether a guided alpine skiing intervention lasting 12 weeks has an impact on psycho‐social dimensions, measured by subjective assessments, of individuals who are 60+ years of age. A number of well‐established questionnaires were used to measure well‐being, life satisfaction, self‐concept, health status, depression and self‐efficacy. The physical self‐concept in the domain “strength” increased significantly in the intervention group from pre‐ to post‐test and remained stable through the retention test, whereas the control group demonstrated nearly no alteration. A similar effect was obtained in life satisfaction for the dimension “friends and relatives.” On the contrary, psycho‐social aspects of the elderly were not negatively influenced. The subjects of this study had very high pre‐test scores that might reflect a ceiling effect which, in turn, can explain the marginal positive impact of the intervention. The findings of this study argue for recommending a guided alpine skiing intervention for individuals who are 60 years of age and older with high values in psycho‐social variables.
Effect of a skiing intervention on the psycho‐physiological reactivity and recovery in the elderly
Authors: Finkenzeller T. , Müller E. , Amesberger G.
Published: June 2011

This study determined the effects of a skiing intervention lasting 12 weeks on the psycho‐physiological reactivity to and recovery from mental stressors in individuals who are 60+ years of age. In accordance with the cross‐stressor hypothesis, it was assumed that a skiing intervention optimizes psycho‐physiological pre‐conditions for coping with stress. A cognitive task was used to investigate stress‐induced changes (reactivity) in the high‐frequency (HF) component of the heart rate variability (HRV) and in the skin conductance level (SCL) as well as recovery from this stressor. The intervention group demonstrated a significant increase in maximal oxygen consumption that was not accompanied by alterations in HRV at rest. In comparison with the control group, there was no difference in the alteration of the reactivity and recovery in the HF component and in the SCL after completing the training. The findings indicate that neither the psycho‐physiological reactivity nor the recovery was influenced by the skiing intervention. It may be speculated that the intensity of the skiing intervention was too low to induce such adaptations. Therefore, further studies are encouraged to enhance the duration and intensity of the exercises to achieve adaptations of the autonomous nervous system of elderly individuals.
Physical self‐concept and physical fitness in elderly individuals
Authors: Amesberger G. , Finkenzeller T. , Würth S. , Müller E.
Published: June 2011

This investigation examined the relations between physical self‐concept and physical fitness (endurance, balance, muscle strength, muscle power) for gaining knowledge about the interrelationship between subjective ratings and objective fitness scores in the elderly in three steps: (1) detecting correlations and changes in time, (2) clarifying the influence of gender, and (3) of a skiing intervention lasting 12 weeks. Physical self‐concept was assessed using a modified version of the Physical Self‐Concepts (PSK) scales (Stiller et al., 2004) reflecting three first‐order factors (endurance, strength, general sportiness) and one second‐order factor (global fitness). Objective fitness scores were obtained by VO2max, counter movement jump, concentric muscle strength, and static balance. The results reveal that elderly individuals' global physical self and general sportiness are mainly linked to VO2max and concentric muscle strength. Global physical self is predicted by VO2max in females and by physical strength (concentric muscle strength) in males, indicating gender differences. Over time, correlations between subjective ratings and objective fitness scores become stronger in the sense of convergent validity in the skiing intervention group, whereas convergent and divergent validity cannot be supported by data of the control group. In sum, physical self‐concept is an important factor in the context of physical intervention programs in the elderly.
Penile anthropometry of normal prepubertal boys in Turkey
Authors: Cinaz Peyami , Yeşilkaya Ediz , Onganlar Yaşar Hüseyin , Boyraz Mehmet , Bideci Aysun , Çamurdan Orhun , Karaoğlu A Baki
Published: June 2011

Aim:  The age‐related values of penile length must be known to determine abnormal penis sizes and to follow the treatment of underlying diseases. The aim of this study is to evaluate abnormal penile length in Turkish children by establishing novel reference values for Turkish population and to compare the mean penile length and other parameters with alternates from different ethnic populations and geography.

Methods:  This cross‐sectional study was conducted on a voluntary basis between November 2008 and November 2009 from four centres in Turkey and comprised of 1278 healthy volunteered prepubertal children. Complete stretched penile length and penis circumference measurements were used for penile length and penis circumference evaluations, respectively. All measurements were taken twice by only one investigator, and mean values were recorded.

Results:  Penile length and penis circumference for every age group were obtained, percentile curves were established and these findings were compared with the results of previous studies. Significant differences were found between penile length of Turkish children and recently used reference values.

Conclusion:  With this study, novel reference values for penile length in prepubertal children were presented to the literature.
Recolonization of vascular epiphytes in a shaded coffee agroecosystem
Authors: Toledo‐Aceves Tarin , García‐Franco José G. , Hernández‐Rojas Adriana , MacMillan Keith
Published: June 2011

Aim: Shaded coffee plantations constitute an important refuge for biodiversity. Despite the fact that epiphytic plants form a significant component of these agroecosystems, their removal from the shade trees is commonplace in Latin America. To what extent does the epiphyte community recover from this severe disturbance?

Location: Shaded coffee agroecosystem in Veracruz, Mexico (19°28′03″ N, 96°55′58″ W; 1200 m asl).

Methods: We assessed the diversity, biomass and recolonization patterns of vascular epiphytes in shade trees, 8‐9 yr after complete epiphyte removal (E−), and in control ‘non‐removal’ sites (E+). In order to evaluate the effects of prior epiphyte removal, all vascular epiphytes were completely removed from 10 trees per treatment (E− and E+); all epiphyte species collected were identified and dry biomass measured.

Results: Eight to nine years after removal, epiphyte biomass in the E− shade trees was 35% of that found in the control sites. A total of 55 epiphyte species, belonging to 12 families, were registered; 40 in E−, and 48 in E+. Six species belonging to Bromeliaceae, Orchidaceae, Cactaceae and Araceae accounted for 75% of the biomass in E+ while six species of bromeliads accounted for 76% of the biomass in E−. Some bromeliads proliferated following disturbance; however, ferns showed lower recovery.

Conclusions: Epiphyte community recovery, in terms of biomass and diversity, is considerably higher in the coffee plantation than has been previously reported for other tropical ecosystems. Epiphyte recolonization patterns reflected both the abundance of species in the surrounding matrix and certain species‐specific traits. For such agroecosytems to function as effective reservoirs of epiphyte diversity, epiphyte stripping should be avoided.
Assessing the benefits and risks of translocations in changing environments: a genetic perspective
Authors: Weeks Andrew R. , Sgro Carla M. , Young Andrew G. , Frankham Richard , Mitchell Nicki J. , Miller Kim A. , Byrne Margaret , Coates David J. , Eldridge Mark D. B. , Sunnucks Paul , Breed Martin F. , James Elizabeth A. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: June 2011

Translocations are being increasingly proposed as a way of conserving biodiversity, particularly in the management of threatened and keystone species, with the aims of maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem function under the combined pressures of habitat fragmentation and climate change. Evolutionary genetic considerations should be an important part of translocation strategies, but there is often confusion about concepts and goals. Here, we provide a classification of translocations based on specific genetic goals for both threatened species and ecological restoration, separating targets based on ‘genetic rescue’ of current population fitness from those focused on maintaining adaptive potential. We then provide a framework for assessing the genetic benefits and risks associated with translocations and provide guidelines for managers focused on conserving biodiversity and evolutionary processes. Case studies are developed to illustrate the framework.
Cholesterol and chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Honda Akira , Matsuzaki Yasushi
Published: June 2011

Cholesterol is an essential molecule for the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). This review focuses on the roles of cholesterol in HCV infection and introduces HCV events related to cholesterol metabolism and applications for cholesterol metabolism as a therapeutic target. HCV appears to alter host lipid metabolism into its preferable state, which is clinically recognized as steatosis and hypocholesterolemia. While hepatic fatty acid and triglyceride syntheses are upregulated in chronic hepatitis C patients, no direct evidence of increased hepatic de novo cholesterol biosynthesis has been obtained. Impaired VLDL secretion from hepatocytes is suggested to increase intracellular cholesterol concentrations, which may lead to hypocholesterolemia. Clinically, lower serum cholesterol levels are associated with lower rates of sustained virological responses (SVR) to pegylated‐interferon plus ribavirin therapy, but the reason remains unclear. Clinical trials targeting HMG‐CoA reductase, the rate‐limiting enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, are being conducted using statins. Anti‐HCV actions by statins appear to be caused by the inhibition of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthesis rather than their cholesterol lowering effects. Other compounds that block various steps of cholesterol metabolic pathways have also been studied to develop new strategies for the complete eradication of this virus.
A Case of Academic Misconduct: Does Self‐Interest Rule?*
Authors: JONES JOANNE , SPRAAKMAN GARY
Published: June 2011

Most analyses of academic misconduct focus on students’ integrity and what is taught at the universities. Surprisingly little attention is paid to the role of faculty members. This article presents an unusual case of academic misconduct that provides an opportunity to examine the actions and rationalizations of the students and faculty members involved in the event as well as the broader university context. The case is unusual in that the instructor initiated and facilitated the academic misconduct. The analysis of the misconduct and the subsequent events suggest that self‐interest rules and concerns for wider interests are all but silent. While the case presents a somewhat dismal view of the integrity of some accounting faculty members and future accountants, it provides interesting insight into self‐interest, rationalization, social context, and both students’ and faculty members’ integrity. The analysis discusses the mechanisms used to prevent and manage faculty member misconduct, along with limitations of self‐regulation and student reports as forms of control. The article also considers how accounting educators can encourage future accountants to act with integrity and concludes that in order to achieve that goal, accounting educators must serve as role models who act honestly.
La Femme Media Inc.: Identifying and Managing Audit Engagement Risk Factors
Authors: JONES JOANNE , IACOBELLI SANDRA , HUNG KAREN
Published: June 2011

La Femme Media Inc. (“La Femme”) is a privately owned Canadian publishing company that produces several small periodicals and a popular women’s monthly magazine. The company’s founder and majority shareholder has announced his plans to retire in the upcoming year with plans to sell his 80 percent share of the company to a minority shareholder who has not taken an active role in the business. Students are required to take on the role of the audit senior and draft a planning memo for the partner outlining the risks associated with this engagement and analyzing all significant audit and accounting issues.
The Last Golden Land?: Chinese Private Companies Go to Africa
Authors: Gu Jing
Published: June 2011

A new dynamic presence is spreading rapidly and widely across Africa: that of Chinese private enterprises. For these firms, Africa is ‘the last golden land’ of economic opportunity. Based on the most extensive survey to date of Chinese private firms, business associations and government officials across China and sub‐Saharan Africa, this paper explores the critical questions of why these enterprises are investing in Africa? What are their perspectives on Africa's investment climate? The study shows a growing number of firms that contradict the stereotype of Chinese firms in Africa. Pushed by intense competition within China's domestic marketplace and pulled by the glint of new opportunities, many small, private manufacturing firms are heading to Africa quite independently of the Chinese government. They grasp this opportunity in a ‘three jump’ pattern. The first of these ‘three jumps’ are better known, from doing business within China to exporting to Africa; and then from exporting to Africa to investing in production in Africa. The third jump is less familiar: to investing in industry parks in Africa. Chinese firms cluster in new business parks, collaborating in coordinated production. Yet simultaneously, and contrary to popular perceptions, they are most concerned about the competition they face from other Chinese firms and not by competition from African or other expatriate firms in Africa. The Chinese business sector in Africa thus has growing ‘enclave’ characteristics: enterprises are located together in business parks, and simultaneously both competing with one another and cooperating and largely doing business with one another in the supply chain. They are relatively optimistic about the investment climate in Africa, especially those obstacles created by governments and public policy. However, Africa's prospects for successfully harnessing the Chinese private firms to its development goals lies in the way each is adapting to their growing understanding of each other.
Developmental differences in sensory decision making involved in deciding to try a novel fruit
Authors: Dovey Terence M. , Aldridge Victoria K. , Dignan Wendy , Staples Paul A. , Gibson E. Leigh , Halford Jason C. G.
Published: June 2011

Objectives. This research compared sensory processing and personality traits involved in deciding to try a novel fruit (guava) in adults and children.

Design. The research employed an age, sex, and food neophobia matched between‐participant design to examine sensory decision making in choosing to eat a novel fruit.

Methods. Forty‐four adults (Study 1) and 68 children (Study 2) took part. In each study, participants were separated into two groups to investigate whether prior assessment of a familiar and liked fruit (apple) that shares similar visual characteristics to the target novel fruit (guava) increased the likelihood that an individual would decide to try it. All participants completed appetitive and familiarity ratings by sensory stages: vision, smell, and touch, prior to trying (tasting) the fruit. Participants (or their parents) also completed the general and food neophobia scales and adults also completed the sensation‐seeking scale.

Results. Twenty‐eight adults (64%) tried the guava and 16 did not (36%). In the second study, 22 children decided not to try the novel fruit (32%). Significant predictors of whether the adult tried the target fruit were Thrill and Adventure Seeking, Experience Seeking, General Neophobia, and ‘appealing to touch’. In children, Food Neophobia, concurrent presentation of a familiar fruit alongside the target and visual assessment of the target predicted decision to try the novel fruit.

Conclusions. This study suggests that touch is pertinent to adults’ decision to try a novel fruit, whereas visual cues appear to be more important for children.
Adult attachment insecurities are associated with obsessive compulsive disorder
Authors: Doron Guy , Moulding Richard , Nedeljkovic Maja , Kyrios Michael , Mikulincer Mario , Sar‐El Dar
Published: June 2011

Objectives.  Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most disabling and highly prevalent anxiety disorders (ADs). Current cognitive models of OCD implicate views about the self and world in the maintenance of the disorder. However, little research has focused on issues that may lead to vulnerability to such views. In particular, a person's attachment insecurities (attachment anxiety, avoidance) may be important risk factors increasing the likelihood of such non‐adaptive perceptions (Doron & Kyrios, 2005).

Design.  Participants meeting criteria for OCD were compared with cohorts meeting criteria for other ADs and healthy controls on a range of measures including adult attachment, OC symptoms, cognitions, and mood.

Methods.  Diagnosis of the clinical groups was established using the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for DSM‐IV (Brown, Di Nardo, & Barlow, 1994). The clinical relevance of attachment insecurities was ascertained by comparing their prevalence in an OCD sample (N= 30), an ADs sample (N= 20), and a community sample (N= 32).

Results.  Attachment anxiety was significantly higher in individuals with OCD, even when controlling for depression.

Conclusions.  Addressing attachment anxiety in individuals presenting with OCD may be important for enhancing therapeutic outcomes. However, findings are based on cross‐sectional data that preclude conclusions relating to causal influence.
Equivalent Linearized Mechanical Model for Tuned Liquid Dampers of Arbitrary Tank Shape
Authors: Love J. S. , Tait M. J.
Published: June 2011

This paper presents a model to describe the behavior of sloshing in a general tank with a uniform fluid depth. An equivalent linearized mechanical model is developed for a tuned liquid damper (TLD) with arbitrary tank geometry. The finite element method is employed to determine the mode shapes of the sloshing fluid. In general, the mode shapes of arbitrary tanks will have response components in the x- and y-directions. The mode shapes enable the generalized properties of the sloshing fluid to be determined; these properties are subsequently used to establish equivalent mechanical properties. The nonlinear damping of slat-type damping screens is linearized, permitting it to be included in the model as amplitude-dependent viscous damping. The proposed model is in excellent agreement with existing linearized models for the special cases of rectangular and circular tanks. Sinusoidal shake table tests are conducted on tanks with chamfers placed in selected corners. In the literature, no experimental testing has focused on tanks of arbitrary shape with a constant fluid depth. The proposed model is in good agreement with the experimental results for the mode dominated by motion in the direction of excitation. However, the model is found to underestimate the response of the mode which is dominated by motion perpendicular to the excitation direction. The linearized mechanical model developed can serve as a useful preliminary TLD design tool.
A Review of Carbon Nanotube Ensembles as Flexible Electronics and Advanced Packaging Materials
Authors: Kumar Satish , Cola Baratunde A. , Jackson Roderick , Graham Samuel
Published: June 2011

The exceptional electronic, thermal, mechanical, and optical characteristics of carbon nanotubes offer significant improvement in diverse applications such as flexible electronics, energy conversion, and thermal management. We present an overview of recent research on the fabrication, characterization and modeling of carbon nanotube (CNT) networks or ensembles for three emerging applications: thin-film transistors for flexible electronics, interface materials for thermal management and transparent electrodes for organic photovoltaics or light emitting diodes. Results from experimental measurements and numerical simulations to determine the electrical and thermal transport properties and characteristics of carbon nanotube networks and arrays used in the above applications are presented. The roles heterogeneous networks of semiconducting and metallic CNTs play in defining electrical, thermal, and optical characteristics of CNT ensembles are presented. We conclude with discussions on future research directions for electronics and packaging materials based on CNT ensembles.