bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The PGE2-EP4 receptor is necessary for stimulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in response to low dietary salt intake in vivo
Authors: Pöschke Antje , Kern Niklas , Maruyama Takayuki , Pavenstädt Hermann , Narumiya Shuh , Jensen Boye L. , Nüsing Rolf M.
Published: September 2012

Increased cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression and PGE2synthesis have been shown to be prerequisites for renal renin release after Na+deprivation. To answer the question of whether EP4 receptor type of PGE2mediates renin regulation under a low-salt diet, we examined renin regulation in EP4+/+, EP4−/−, and in wild-type mice treated with EP4 receptor antagonist. After 2 wk of a low-salt diet (0.02% wt/wt NaCl), EP4+/+mice showed diminished Na+excretion, unchanged K+excretion, and reduced Ca2+excretion. Diuresis and plasma electrolytes remained unchanged. EP4−/−exhibited a similar attenuation of Na+excretion; however, diuresis and K+excretion were enhanced, and plasma Na+concentration was higher, whereas plasma K+concentration was lower compared with control diet. There were no significant differences between EP4+/+and EP4−/−mice in blood pressure, creatinine clearance, and plasma antidiuretic hormone (ADH) concentration. Following salt restriction, plasma renin and aldosterone concentrations and kidney renin mRNA level rose significantly in EP4+/+but not in EP4−/−and in wild-type mice treated with EP4 antagonist ONO-AE3–208. In the latter two groups, the low-salt diet caused a significantly greater rise in PGE2excretion. Furthermore, mRNA expression for COX-2 and PGE2synthetic activity was significantly greater in EP4−/−than in EP4+/+mice. We conclude that low dietary salt intake induces expression of COX-2 followed by enhanced renal PGE2synthesis, which stimulates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system by activation of EP4 receptor. Most likely, defects at the step of EP4 receptor block negative feedback mechanisms on the renal COX system, leading to persistently high PGE2levels, diuresis, and K+loss.
Cycle-by-cycle assembly of respiratory network activity is dynamic and stochastic
Authors: Carroll Michael S. , Ramirez Jan-Marino
Published: September 2012

Rhythmically active networks are typically composed of neurons that can be classified as silent, tonic spiking, or rhythmic bursting based on their intrinsic activity patterns. Within these networks, neurons are thought to discharge in distinct phase relationships with their overall network output, and it has been hypothesized that bursting pacemaker neurons may lead and potentially trigger cycle onsets. We used multielectrode recording from 72 experiments to test these ideas in rhythmically active slices containing the pre-Bötzinger complex, a region critical for breathing. Following synaptic blockade, respiratory neurons exhibited a gradient of intrinsic spiking to rhythmic bursting activities and thus defied an easy classification into bursting pacemaker and nonbursting categories. Features of their firing activity within the functional network were analyzed for correlation with subsequent rhythmic bursting in synaptic isolation. Higher firing rates through all phases of fictive respiration statistically predicted bursting pacemaker behavior. However, a cycle-by-cycle analysis indicated that respiratory neurons were stochastically activated with each burst. Intrinsically bursting pacemakers led some population bursts and followed others. This variability was not reproduced in traditional fully interconnected computational models, while sparsely connected network models reproduced these results both qualitatively and quantitatively. We hypothesize that pacemaker neurons do not act as clock-like drivers of the respiratory rhythm but rather play a flexible and dynamic role in the initiation and stabilization of each burst. Thus, at the behavioral level, each breath can be thought of as de novo assembly of a stochastic collaboration of network topology and intrinsic properties.
The Association between Marital Transitions, Body Mass Index, and Weight: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Dinour Lauren , Leung May May , Tripicchio Gina , Khan Sahar , Yeh Ming-Chin
Published: September 2012

Objective. To examine the association between different marital transitions and changes in body mass index (BMI) and body weight.Methods. A systematic literature search was conducted for peer-reviewed articles published between January 1990 and December 2011. Longitudinal studies were included if they compared dependent variables, such as BMI or weight, before and after a change in marital status.Results. Twenty articles were included: 4 articles described only transitions into marriage and/or cohabitation, 2 articles described only transitions out of marriage and/or cohabitation, and 14 articles described both. Overall, transitions into marriage were associated with weight gain, whereas transitions out of marriage were associated with weight loss. No major differences were observed between genders or across specific marital transition states.Conclusions. Additional research is warranted to better understand this phenomenon and the impact of marital transitions on obesity and obesity-related behaviors. This paper highlights potential opportunities to incorporate programs, practices, and policies that aim to promote and support healthy weights and lifestyles upon entering or leaving a marriage or cohabiting relationship.
Diagnosis and Management of Bacterial Meningitis in the Paediatric Population: A Review
Authors: Tacon Catherine L. , Flower Oliver
Published: September 2012

Paediatric bacterial meningitis is a neurological emergency which, despite advances in medical management, still has a significant morbidity and mortality. Over recent decades new vaccines have led to a change in epidemiology of the disease; however, it remains a condition that requires a high index of suspicion, prompt diagnosis, and early management in the emergency department. New laboratory techniques and clinical tools are aiding the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, yet some controversies still exist in its management. This paper outlines the changing epidemiology of the disease, current diagnostic techniques as well as controversies and advances in the management of bacterial meningitis in the paediatric population.
Hydatid Disease Simulating Acute Abdomen: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Lianos Georgios , Baltogiannis Georgios , Lazaros Avrilios , Vlachos Konstantinos
Published: September 2012

Introduction. Hydatid disease is caused by the tapewormEchinococcus granulosusand is still a matter of public health in many regions of the world, where it is an endemic parasitic disease. Although the liver is the most involved organ, hydatidosis can be found anywhere in the human body. Rare forms of location may lead to diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas.Case Report. Herein we report a rare case of acute abdominal pain and progressively increasing abdominal distension due to abdominal and multiple splenic echinococcosis in a 72-year-old Caucasian male. We also provide a brief review of the literature.Conclusion. Although hydatid disease is found most often in the liver and lungs, rarely any organ of the body can be involved by this zoonosis. Though rare, the possibility of unusual location of echinococcosis must always be considered by the operating surgeon, when dealing with diffuse abdominal pain in endemic areas, because any misinterpretation may result in unfavorable outcomes.
Growth and Physiological Responses ofPhaseolusSpecies to Salinity Stress
Authors: Bayuelo-Jiménez J. S. , Jasso-Plata N. , Ochoa I.
Published: September 2012

This paper reports the changes on growth, photosynthesis, water relations, soluble carbohydrate, and ion accumulation, for two salt-tolerant and two salt-sensitivePhaseolusspecies grown under increasing salinity (0, 60 and 90 mM NaCl). After 20 days exposure to salt, biomass was reduced in all species to a similar extent (about 56%), with the effect of salinity on relative growth rate (RGR) confined largely to the first week. RGR of salt-tolerant species was reduced by salinity due to leaf area ratio (LAR) reduction rather than a decline in photosynthetic capacity, whereas unit leaf rate and LAR were the key factors in determining RGR on salt-sensitive species. Photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance decreased gradually with salinity, showing significant reductions only in salt-sensitive species at the highest salt level. There was little difference between species in the effect of salinity on water relations, as indicated by their positive turgor. Osmotic adjustment occurred in all species and depended on higher K+, Na+, and Cl−accumulation. Despite some changes in soluble carbohydrate accumulation induced by salt stress, no consistent contributions in osmotic adjustment could be found in this study. Therefore, we suggest that tolerance to salt stress is largely unrelated to carbohydrate accumulation inPhaseolusspecies.
History and Status ofEucalyptusImprovement in Florida
Authors: Rockwood Donald L.
Published: September 2012

The first organizedEucalyptusresearch in Florida was begun by the Florida Forests Foundation in 1959 in southern Florida. This research was absorbed by the USDA Forest Service and the Florida Division of Forestry in 1968. In the early 1970s, the Eucalyptus Research Cooperative formed to provide additional support emphasizedE. grandis,E. robusta,E. camaldulensis, andE. tereticornisand developed cultural practices for commercial plantations in southern Florida. In 1978, this cooperative united with the Hardwood Research Cooperative at North Carolina State University until 1985 when the 14-year effort ended after three severe freezes from 1983 to 1985.Eucalyptusplanting and research were continued with a Florida-wide focus by the University of Florida and collaborators starting in 1980. The collective accomplishments in terms of genetic resources and commercial planting are summarized. For example, fast-growing, freeze-resilientE. grandisseedlings are produced by advanced generation seed orchards, fiveE. grandiscultivars are commercially available, as areE. amplifoliaandCorymbia torellianaseeds. Genetic improvement of these and other species is ongoing due to beneficial collaborations. Short Rotation Woody Crop systems are promising for increasing productivity and extending uses beyond conventional pulpwood to applications such as windbreaks, dendroremediation, and energy wood.
Sedation in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Flower Oliver , Hellings Simon
Published: September 2012

Several different classes of sedative agents are used in the management of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). These agents are used at induction of anaesthesia, to maintain sedation, to reduce elevated intracranial pressure, to terminate seizure activity and facilitate ventilation. The intent of their use is to prevent secondary brain injury by facilitating and optimising ventilation, reducing cerebral metabolic rate and reducing intracranial pressure. There is limited evidence available as to the best choice of sedative agents in TBI, with each agent having specific advantages and disadvantages. This review discusses these agents and offers evidence-based guidance as to the appropriate context in which each agent may be used. Propofol, benzodiazepines, narcotics, barbiturates, etomidate, ketamine, and dexmedetomidine are reviewed and compared.
Role of Optical Coherence Tomography on Corneal Surface Laser Ablation
Authors: Ventura Bruna V. , Moraes Haroldo V. , Kara-Junior Newton , Santhiago Marcony R.
Published: September 2012

This paper focuses on reviewing the roles of optical coherence tomography (OCT) on corneal surface laser ablation procedures. OCT is an optical imaging modality that uses low-coherence interferometry to provide noninvasive cross-sectional imaging of tissue microstructurein vivo.There are two types of OCTs, each with transverse and axial spatial resolutions of a few micrometers: the time-domain and the fourier-domain OCTs. Both have been increasingly used by refractive surgeons and have specific advantages. Which of the current imaging instruments is a better choice depends on the specific application. In laserin situkeratomileusis (LASIK) and in excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), OCT can be used to assess corneal characteristics and guide treatment decisions. OCT accurately measures central corneal thickness, evaluates the regularity of LASIK flaps, and quantifies flap and residual stromal bed thickness. When evaluating the ablation depth accuracy by subtracting preoperative from postoperative measurements, OCT pachymetry correlates well with laser ablation settings. In addition, OCT can be used to provide precise information on the morphology and depth of corneal pathologic abnormalities, such as corneal degenerations, dystrophies, and opacities, correlating with histopathologic findings.
Chlamydia Trachomatis Tonsillopharyngitis
Authors: Öztürk Özmen , Seven Hüseyin
Published: September 2012

Reports about the extragenital spread ofChlamydia trachomatis (CT)to oropharynx are limited. We report a male patient with progressive tonsillopharyngitis resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid therapy. The patient presented 9 days after an orogenital and oroanal sexual intercourse with a female sex worker. The microimmunofluorescence revealedCTtonsillopharyngitis, and after completing a one-week course ofdoxycycline, the patient recovered completely. More cases ofCTtonsillopharyngitis may be revealed if attention is paid to an association of sexual activity with enduring tonsillopharyngitis.
Constrictive Pericarditis Associated with Atypical Antipsychotics
Authors: Chen Kuan-chin Jean , Goela Aashish , Teefy Patrick , Guo L. Ray
Published: September 2012

We report the successful surgical intervention in a case of constrictive pericarditis after long-term use of atypical antipsychotics. Pericarditis developed in our patient with a longstanding history of schizophrenia treated with atypical antipsychotics. Pericardiectomy was undertaken, and the patient's presenting symptom of shortness of breath resolved subsequently with an uneventful postoperative course.
Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway: Key Mediator in Oxidative Stress and Potential Therapeutic Target in ALS
Authors: Petri Susanne , Körner Sonja , Kiaei Mahmoud
Published: September 2012

Nrf2 (nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2) is a basic region leucine-zipper transcription factor which binds to the antioxidant response element (ARE) and thereby regulates the expression of a large battery of genes involved in the cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory defence as well as mitochondrial protection. As oxidative stress, inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunctions have been identified as important pathomechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), this signaling cascade has gained interest both with respect to ALS pathogenesis and therapy. Nrf2 and Keap1 expressions are reduced in motor neurons in postmortem ALS tissue. Nrf2-activating compounds have shown therapeutic efficacy in the ALS mouse model and other neurodegenerative disease models. Alterations in Nrf2 and Keap1 expression and dysregulation of the Nrf2/ARE signalling program could contribute to the chronic motor neuron degeneration in ALS and other neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, Nrf2 emerges as a key neuroprotective molecule in neurodegenerative diseases. Our recent studies strongly support that the Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway is an important mediator of neuroprotection and therefore represents a promising target for development of novel therapies against ALS, Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).
Dual Roles of PARP-1 Promote Cancer Growth and Progression
Authors: Schiewer Matthew J. , Goodwin Jonathan F. , Han Sumin , Brenner J. Chad , Augello Michael A. , Dean Jeffry L. , Liu Fengzhi , Planck Jamie L. , Ravindranathan Preethi , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , McCue Peter , Gomella Leonard G. , Raj Ganesh V. , Dicker Adam P. , Brody Jonathan R. , Pascal John M. , Centenera Margaret M. , Butler Lisa M. , Tilley Wayne D. , Feng Felix Y. , Knudsen Karen E.
Published: September 2012

PARP-1 is an abundant nuclear enzyme that modifies substrates by poly(ADP-ribose)-ylation. PARP-1 has well-described functions in DNA damage repair and also functions as a context-specific regulator of transcription factors. With multiple models, data show that PARP-1 elicits protumorigenic effects in androgen receptor (AR)–positive prostate cancer cells, in both the presence and absence of genotoxic insult. Mechanistically, PARP-1 is recruited to sites of AR function, therein promoting AR occupancy and AR function. It was further confirmed in genetically defined systems that PARP-1 supports AR transcriptional function, and that in models of advanced prostate cancer, PARP-1 enzymatic activity is enhanced, further linking PARP-1 to AR activity and disease progression. In vivo analyses show that PARP-1 activity is required for AR function in xenograft tumors, as well as tumor cell growth in vivo and generation and maintenance of castration resistance. Finally, in a novel explant system of primary human tumors, targeting PARP-1 potently suppresses tumor cell proliferation. Collectively, these studies identify novel functions of PARP-1 in promoting disease progression, and ultimately suggest that the dual functions of PARP-1 can be targeted in human prostate cancer to suppress tumor growth and progression to castration resistance.

Significance: These studies introduce a paradigm shift with regard to PARP-1 function in human malignancy, and suggest that the dual functions of PARP-1 in DNA damage repair and transcription factor regulation can be leveraged to suppress pathways critical for promalignant phenotypes in prostate cancer cells by modulation of the DNA damage response and hormone signaling pathways. The combined studies highlight the importance of dual PARP-1 function in malignancy and provide the basis for therapeutic targeting. Cancer Discov; 2(12); 1134–49. ©2012 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1065
The Effects of Topical Coenzyme Q10 and Vitamin E d-α-Tocopheryl Polyethylene Glycol 1000 Succinate after Cataract Surgery: A Clinical and in vivo Confocal Study
Authors: Fogagnolo Paolo , Sacchi Matteo , Ceresara Gaia , Paderni Ruggiero , Lapadula Paolo , Orzalesi Nicola , Rossetti Luca
Published: September 2012

Purpose: To evaluate the postoperative effects of topical coenzyme Q10 + vitamin E d-α-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (CoQ10) after cataract surgery. Methods: 40 consecutive patients were randomized to receive CoQ10 or saline solution (SS) twice daily for 9 months after uneventful cataract surgery with a temporal port. Before surgery, on day 14 and at months 3, 6 and 9, they underwent non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT) testing, Schirmer test, BUT, aesthesiometry as well as in vivo confocal microscopy of the subbasal nerve plexus of the cornea (SBP). The density of the subbasal nerves was calculated in the central (CFD) and temporal (TFD) cornea (number of fibres per field). Results: On day 14, surgery reduced CFD and TFD, respectively, by 25–35 and 50%; indices of ocular surface stability were all impaired. The treatment with CoQ10 was associated with faster nerve regeneration than SS (at month 3, CFD +1.5 ± 1.9 vs. +0.2 ± 1.8, p = 0.04, and TFD +2.5 ± 1.7 vs. +1.0 ± 1.6, p = 0.007; at month 6, TFD +2.7 ± 1.9 vs. +1.4 ± 1.5, p = 0.02) and better stability of ocular surface (NIBUT and BUT) throughout the study. No relevant side effects were found, apart from occasional burning in 10% of CoQ10 patients. Conclusions: Changes of the corneal nerves occurring after cataract surgery may influence the integrity of the ocular surface. Treatment with topical CoQ10 has a positive effect in restoring SBP anatomy and ocular surface stability.
Moisture Modes and the Eastward Propagation of the MJO
Authors: Sobel Adam , Maloney Eric
Published: September 2012

The authors discuss modifications to a simple linear model of intraseasonal moisture modes. Wind–evaporation feedbacks were shown in an earlier study to induce westward propagation in an eastward mean low-level flow in this model. Here additional processes, which provide effective sources of moist static energy to the disturbances and which also depend on the low-level wind, are considered. Several processes can act as positive sources in perturbation easterlies: zonal advection (if the mean zonal moisture gradient is eastward), modulation of synoptic eddy drying by the MJO-scale wind perturbations, and frictional convergence. If the sum of these is stronger than the wind–evaporation feedback—as observations suggest may be the case, though with considerable uncertainty—the model produces unstable modes that propagate weakly eastward relative to the mean flow. With a small amount of horizontal diffusion or other scale-selective damping, the growth rate is greatest at the largest horizontal scales and decreases monotonically with wavenumber.
Improvement of Liquid Water Content Retrieval Accuracy by Multilevel Detection in Cloud Tomography
Authors: Zhou Jun , Lei Hengchi , Ji Lei
Published: September 2012

A new multilevel detection scheme for cloud tomography is developed. This scheme solves problems intrinsic to conventional single-level detection, such as the lateral boundary problem and the low accuracy of liquid water content (LWC) retrieval for clouds without distinct liquid water cores. Sensitivity studies show that the new multilevel detection scheme can significantly enhance the well posedness of the inverse problem and increases the accuracy of the retrieval. These improvements are achieved not only for clouds with distinct liquid water cores but also for clouds with weak or no liquid water cores, which are difficult to accurately reconstruct using a single-level detection scheme. The settlement of the lateral boundary problem also leads to a natural and easy way of solving the detection time limit problem in cloud tomography. By using a multi-aircraft flight (MAF) scheme, segmental retrieval can be applied to make the applicable scope of cloud tomography much broader. Considering the detection time limit and the cost in practice, the feasible flight scheme at present is MAF with two detection levels. Although only one detection level is added to the conventional single-level scheme, the accuracy of LWC retrieval can be improved by 1.4%–13.1%.
Simulation training to improve blood management: an approach to globalizing instruction in patient safety
Authors: Sokolowski John A , Banks Catherine M , Hakim Paul
Published: September 2012

In keeping with intent of this special issue—innovative ways to use modeling and simulation as an enabling technology—this paper addresses a global call for change in medical practice due to shifting populations, rising health risks, and increased expectation of governments to ensure patient safety. In advanced countries the basic economics of supply and demand are making a therapeutic commodity—blood—a costly treatment. In advancing states the rapid deformation of stored red blood cells and the prevalence of patient infection make standard transfusion medicine hazardous. As a result the World Health Organization has issued a call for alternatives to transfusion practice within the medical community. This paper introduces the implementation of patient blood management as that alternative standard of care, and it outlines an effective means to educate medical professionals via a web-based immersive simulation training tool. This tool was developed from evidence-based medicine, engineering and mathematical modeling, and simulations drawn from patient case studies. The medical instruction comprising this tool and its portability can readily serve a global audience of practitioners who are unfamiliar with these techniques and who are without an expedient means to obtain training. The tool is a multidisciplinary effort drawing on engineering, computer science, social science, and medical expertise. And just as this special issue stresses that simulation represents probably the only methodology to provide the human race with a tool for enabling control of mankind’s evolution. Representing the cornerstone for anticipating future critical situations, this tool responds to an imminent dilemma in the global medical community.
Problem Gambling and Mental Health Comorbidity in Canadian Federal Offenders
Authors: Preston Denise L. , McAvoy Steven , Saunders Crystal , Gillam Laura , Saied Aqeel , Turner Nigel E.
Published: September 2012

This article examines the relationship between problem gambling, mental health, and criminal behavior in a sample of incarcerated Canadian male federal offenders ( N = 254). In particular, the study compared correlates of problem gambling in the offender population with the correlates of problem gambling in a nonoffender population from a previous study. The offenders were assessed using self-report tests, interviews, and a file review. Of these offenders, 106 were interviewed in more depth. Results indicated that problem gambling was significantly correlated with social anxiety, depression, substance abuse, impulsiveness, and current and childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. In addition, the results indicated that the correlates of problem gambling were similar in offender and nonoffender populations. The relationship of gambling problems to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, ADHD, and impulsiveness suggests that any intervention for this population needs to be comprehensive and take into consideration a broad range of clinical needs.
Reliability, Validity, and Predictive Utility of the 25-item Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS)
Authors: Tangney June Price , Stuewig Jeffrey , Furukawa Emi , Kopelovich Sarah , Meyer Patrick J. , Cosby Brandon
Published: September 2012

Theory, research, and clinical reports suggest that moral cognitions play a role in initiating and sustaining criminal behavior. The 25-item Criminogenic Cognitions Scale (CCS) was designed to tap 5 dimensions: notions of entitlement; failure to accept responsibility; short-term orientation; insensitivity to impact of crime; and negative attitudes toward authority. Results from 552 jail inmates support the reliability, validity, and predictive utility of the measure. The CCS was linked to criminal justice system involvement, self-report measures of aggression, impulsivity, and lack of empathy. Additionally, the CCS was associated with violent criminal history, antisocial personality, and clinicians’ ratings of risk for future violence and psychopathy (PCL:SV). Furthermore, criminogenic thinking upon incarceration predicted subsequent official reports of inmate misconduct during incarceration. CCS scores varied somewhat by gender and race. Research and applied uses of CCS are discussed.
Decision Making in the Crime Commission Process
Authors: Beauregard Eric , Leclerc Benoit , Lussier Patrick
Published: September 2012

Based on a rational choice approach, this study compares the decision making involved in the crime commission process of rapists ( n = 30), child molesters ( n = 17), and victim-crossover sex offenders ( n = 22). Using a mixed-methods framework and following Clarke and Cornish’s decision-making model, the authors organized offenders’ narratives collected during semistructured interviews into three major areas: (a) offense planning (i.e., premeditation of the crime, estimation of risk of apprehension by the offender, and forensic awareness of the offender); (b) offense strategies (i.e., use of a weapon, use of restraints, use of a vehicle, and level of force used; and (c) aftermath (i.e., event leading to the end of crime and victim release site location choice). Results emphasize the important role of situational factors and age of the victim on the decision-making process of serial sex offenders. Moreover, results show that because of particular choice-structuring properties, the decision making varies across different groups of serial sex offenders.
National Symbolism and Tortilla Price Increases in Urban San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas
Authors: López Arévalo Jorge , Sovilla Bruno , Velasco Germán Martínez
Published: September 2012

In the past few years Mexico has experienced an increase in the price of tortillas much greater than that of the national consumer price index, the minimum wage, and their basic ingredients (corn and corn flour) that has affected the urban families that buy this basic product in the market. Since the tortilla constitutes a symbolic value for the immense majority of Mexicans, it has remained exposed to the laws of the market, increasingly losing its ritual character of time immemorial. Even when its price has increased, its deep roots in Mexican culture have permitted it to remain a basic product for daily consumption, thus generating strong tensions between its price and its cultural-nutritive role. An analysis of the impact of the increase in the price of tortillas on the consumption of low- and high-income households in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, establishes that tortillas represent a Giffen good—a product for which a price increase, far from diminishing its demand, increases it—for poor urban households.

En los últimos años se ha apreciado en México un incremento en el precio de la tortilla muy superior al índice nacional de precios al consumidor, al del salario mínimo y al de sus insumos básicos (maíz en grano y harina de maíz), que ha afectado a las familias residentes en zonas urbanas, las que adquieren este producto básico en el mercado. La tortilla, en tanto que constituye un valor simbólico para la inmensa mayoría de los mexicanos, ha quedado expuesta a las leyes del mercado, perdiendo cada vez más su carácter ritual que tuvo en tiempos immemoriales. Cuando su precio ha tendido al incremento, su arraigo en la cultura mexicana le ha permitido mantenerse como un producto básico de consumo diario, generando así fuertes tensiones entre su precio y su papel cultural-alimenticio. Un análisis del impacto del aumento del precio de la tortilla en el consumo de hogares de ingresos bajo y alto en San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, establece que la tortilla representa un bien Giffen—un producto que ante un aumento de precio, lejos de disminuir su demanda, ésta aumenta—para los hogares pobres urbanos.
Cyberbullying: An increasing challenge for schools
Authors: von Marées Nandoli , Petermann Franz
Published: September 2012

The use of information and communication technology (ICT) has not only brought advantages to mankind. One downside is the emergence and increase of cyberbullying in schools. Affecting students of all ages, teachers, parents, and other educators, this special form of bullying is an increasing challenge for schools. This article offers an overview of the current state of research regarding prevalence and forms of cyberbullying; its psychosocial correlates in victims, bullies, and bully-victims; possible avenues for prevention and intervention approaches for school practitioners; and implications for future research.
Revisiting cyberbullying in schools using the quality circle approach
Authors: Paul Simone , Smith Peter K. , Blumberg Herbert H.
Published: September 2012

An earlier study reported the use of Quality Circles (QC) in a UK school in the context of understanding and reducing bullying and cyberbullying. Here, we report further work in the same school setting. The QC approach allows explorative analysis of problems in school settings, whereby students embark on a problem-solving exercise over a period of time. The process involves identifying key issues and prioritizing concerns, analysing problems and generating solutions, through participation in a series of workshops. The purpose of this research was to explore further the use of QCs as an effective means of gathering information on bullying and cyberbullying in school, and how these might have changed over one academic year; as well as to examine the use of QCs in empowering pupils and in producing pupil-led solutions. This study validated the use of QCs as an engaging process for pupils ( N = 30) which encourages a range of suggested solutions to problems. The information gained from the QCs supported a transitory notion of bullying behaviour, whereby forms of bullying and cyberbullying continue to alter over time, thus prevention programmes must adapt to the changeable nature of this behaviour to remain effective.
Parents’ Perceptions of Their Adolescent Sons’ Recovery in a Therapeutic Community for Addicted Clients
Authors: Chen Gila , Elisha Ety , Timor Uri , Ronel Natti
Published: September 2012

A qualitative phenomenological study of parents of addicted male adolescents who were residents of a Jewish therapeutic community (TC) describes and interprets the parents’ perceptions of the recovery process. Deep, semistructured interviews with 14 parents provided the data. The parents’ perceptions were clustered into three main themes of meaning: (a) the process of change, (b) the experiences of family members in the course of the son’s recovery process, and (c) the parents’ perception of the treatment at Retorno. According to the parents, the admission of their sons into the TC brought notable relief to the family life, which enabled the whole family to begin a recovery process. The findings support the positive criminology perspective that emphasizes the disintegration–integration vector as significant in the recovery process. Recommendations for intervention planning are provided.
Altered processing of emotional stimuli in migraine: An event-related potential study
Authors: Andreatta Marta , Puschmann Anne Kathrin , Sommer Claudia , Weyers Peter , Pauli Paul , Mühlberger Andreas
Published: September 2012

Background:

Migraine patients report psychosocial stress to be among the major triggers for their migraine attacks. The mechanisms underlying the onset of migraine attacks are not yet fully understood. Neuroimaging studies have shown changes in the cortical excitability of migraine patients. Here, we investigated cortical activation related to processing of emotional stimuli in individuals with migraine.

Method:

Twenty-four participants suffering from migraine attacks and 25 healthy volunteers had to passively observe pictures of emotional facial expressions (angry, happy and neutral). Electro-cortical activity was continuously recorded by means of an electroencephalogram (EEG), and ratings of valence (unpleasant vs. pleasant) and arousal (calm vs. exciting) were collected.

Results:

The migraine and control group did not differ in their ratings of valence and arousal of the visual stimuli. However, participants with migraine, in contrast to healthy controls, showed larger N170 amplitudes toward angry facial expressions compared to neutral ones.

Discussion:

Individuals with migraine may have an altered cortical activity linked to the processing of emotional information. Thus, these individuals may process high arousing and threatening events preferentially, and this facilitated processing may be related to their already high cortical excitability.
Early Motherhood and the Disruption in Significant Attachments
Authors: Jacobs Janet , Mollborn Stefanie
Published: September 2012

Based on a qualitative study of 48 teenage mothers living in the Denver metropolitan area, this research examines the loss of multiple attachments, including mothers, siblings, and other extended family members and friends, among African American and Latina girls who become young mothers. Through life history narratives, this article explores the isolating effects of teen motherhood on the relational world of young mothers and the transition to “forced autonomy” that emerges out of the relationship strains in the teen mothers’ lives. Faced with ruptures in significant childhood attachments and strains in the mother–daughter bond, young mothers develop strategies of accommodation to cope with the disruptions to connectivity and the demands of forced autonomy that are the result of early motherhood. These findings are interpreted through the frame of self-in-relation theory as this theoretical perspective has been informed by the scholarship on race and ethnicity. In reengaging the discourse on race, class, and gender, our findings contribute to the field in a number of significant and related ways: first, through an investigation into relationship loss and repair among teen mothers; second, by addressing the conditions under which teen mothers gain acceptance in their families; and third, in applying self-in-relation theory to the experience of adolescent girls of color whose relational lives are disrupted by the stigma and adversity of teen motherhood.
Campaign-Related Social Networking and the Political Participation of College Students
Authors: Rice Laurie L. , Moffett Kenneth W. , Madupalli Ramana
Published: September 2012

College students politically participate through traditional mechanisms at lower rates than their elders. Yet, members of this group may participate by other means, like friending candidates and joining political groups through social networking websites. We argue that these online activities serve as a meaningful form of civic engagement by broadening who participates and encouraging other forms of participation. Using a survey of randomly chosen undergraduates at a large Midwestern university, we discover that important distinctions exist between those who friend or join these online social networks and those who participate in more traditional off-line political activities. While interest in politics is a precursor to off-line engagement, it does not predict friending or joining an online social network that is political in nature. However, friending candidates or joining such networks appears to mobilize college students to engage in other forms of political participation.
Mindful Organizing as a Paradigm to Develop Managers
Authors: Gebauer Annette
Published: September 2012

How can managers prepare for extreme but exceptional events and for the challenge of managing complexity and uncertainty in their daily business? Confronted with the challenge of achieving high and reliable performance in risk-prone, fast-paced, and unpredictable environments, managers and management scholars can learn a lot from the organizing principles of mindful organizing (MO). MO is based on lessons learned from the high-reliability seeking of organizations such as aircraft carriers and nuclear power plants as well as from the analysis of severe crisis events in these organizations. MO provides the guiding principles and proactive managerial mind-set to build collective organizational capabilities for anticipating the evolution of unexpected events and acting resiliently in times of crisis. The paradigm of MO differs from the rationality-based classical management paradigm, takes the complexity and unpredictability of organizations into account, and puts the design of sensemaking processes at the center of managerial attention. This article explores how the managerial paradigm of MO can be used in action-learning management development programs. I explain how to use the staff ride, a qualitative event analysis focusing on individual and collective sensemaking, to illustrate for managers how unexpected events evolve and how to develop collective patterns of mindfulness.
The Family Genogram Interview
Authors: Platt Lisa F. , Skowron Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2012

The purpose of the current study was to develop and test the psychometric properties of the Family Genogram Interview (FGI), a standardized genogram format theoretically grounded in Bowen Family Systems Theory. The sample consisted of 50 heterosexual, married women who had at least one child between 4 and 10 years of age, who completed the FGI with a trained interviewer. The results indicate the FGI has good interinterviewer reliability while construct validity assessments yielded mixed results. The results indicate the FGI is a positive step toward standardization and advancement of genogram interviewing in research and clinical applications. Limitations and directions for future studies are discussed.
Competence, Agreement, and Luck
Authors: Hruschka Daniel J. , Maupin Jonathan N.
Published: September 2012

The cultural consensus model (CCM) is a frequently used model of cultural diversity, which predicts how individuals from a common cultural background would share knowledge in a specific domain. Cultural competence, or the degree to which an individual agrees with a local cultural truth, is a central concept in CCM, and many uses of competence estimates rest on the assumption that they reflect real variation among individuals in their knowledge of a cultural truth. However, Weller has shown that even in situations where there are no real differences among individuals in their underlying competences, the CCM will still estimate individual competences that appear to vary, sometimes substantially. To address this issue, we describe a test of the null hypothesis that there is no real difference in competence among individuals. We also present tables with specific cutoffs for this test across a range of data set characteristics. These can help researchers decide whether a specific set of data warrants further analyses of individual differences in competence.
Chronic Conditions, Behavioral Health, and Use of Health Services Among Asian American Men
Authors: Huang Bu , Appel Hoa B. , Nicdao Ethel G. , Lee Hyung J. Daniel , Ai Amy L.
Published: September 2012

Although the Asian American population is increasing, Asian American men’s health remains underinvestigated. This study examined the overall pattern of their health and health care usage. Using a nationally representative sample ( N = 998) from the National Latino and Asian American Study (2002-2003), the first comprehensive epidemiological survey, rates of chronic conditions, behavioral health, and mental health service utilization (e.g., general medical, specialty mental health, and any medical services) were computed. The ages ranged from 18 to 95 and the mean age was 41. Of the sample, there were no ethnic subgroup differences in most of the physical and chronic conditions, with the exception of allergies/hay fever, arthritis, asthma, and high blood pressure. Behavioral health problems and substance use varied among Asian American men with more Vietnamese American men reporting that they are current smokers and more Filipino American men reporting having ever used drugs and having higher rates of obesity. Levels of mental health status and health services–seeking behaviors also varied among Asian subgroups. Variations exist among the three subgroups of Asian American men with regard to chronic, behavioral, and mental health issues. The results provide greater understanding of the heterogeneity and relationships among the Asian American subgroups with respect to physical, behavioral, and mental health concerns. Similarities and differences in prevalence rates and use of health services must include examining the social context. Social factors such as immigration status, living environments, lifestyle, culture, and health insurance may help explain the variations among Asian American men.
Beneficiaries’ Perspective on Service Learning
Authors: Akpabio Eno
Published: September 2012

The literature on service learning is replete with the benefits of this pedagogical approach to students as well as the community. The literature is almost silent on the viewpoints of beneficiaries of service learning projects. The overarching aim of this study was to obtain the reaction of beneficiaries to campaign materials produced by students of an advertising and public relations campaigns course at the University of Botswana. Using in-depth interviews, officials of 13 organizations were asked to evaluate the campaign materials in the indices of how these are aligned to corporate outlook and the brief they gave the students as well as to find out their attitudes toward the concepts. Majority of respondents expressed favorable attitude toward the campaign materials and indicated a willingness to flight the campaigns to give greater mileage to their marketing efforts.
A MultiSite GatewayTM vector set for the functional analysis of genes in the model Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Nagels Durand Astrid , Moses Tessa , De Clercq Rebecca , Goossens Alain , Pauwels Laurens
Published: September 2012

Background

Recombinatorial cloning using the GatewayTM technology has been the method of choice for high-throughput omics projects, resulting in the availability of entire ORFeomes in GatewayTM compatible vectors. The MultiSite GatewayTM system allows combining multiple genetic fragments such as promoter, ORF and epitope tag in one single reaction. To date, this technology has not been accessible in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, one of the most widely used experimental systems in molecular biology, due to the lack of appropriate destination vectors.

Results

Here, we present a set of three-fragment MultiSite GatewayTM destination vectors that have been developed for gene expression in S. cerevisiae and that allow the assembly of any promoter, open reading frame, epitope tag arrangement in combination with any of four auxotrophic markers and three distinct replication mechanisms. As an example of its applicability, we used yeast three-hybrid to provide evidence for the assembly of a ternary complex of plant proteins involved in jasmonate signalling and consisting of the JAZ, NINJA and TOPLESS proteins.

Conclusion

Our vectors make MultiSite GatewayTM cloning accessible in S. cerevisiae and implement a fast and versatile cloning method for the high-throughput functional analysis of (heterologous) proteins in one of the most widely used model organisms for molecular biology research.
Steam-cooking rapidly destroys and reverses onion-induced antiplatelet activity
Authors: Hansen Emilie A , Folts John D , Goldman Irwin L
Published: September 2012

Background

Foods in the diet that can aid in the prevention of diseases are of major interest. Onions are key ingredients in many cuisines around the world and moreover, onion demand has trended higher over the past three decades. An important pharmacological aspect of onion is the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation. Raw onions inhibit platelet aggregation; however, when onions are boiled or heated, antiplatelet activity may be abolished.

Methods

Onion quarters were steamed for 0, 1, 3, 6, 10, and 15 min. The in vitro antiplatelet activity of a yellow hybrid storage onion was examined at these times on the blood of 12 human subjects using in vitro whole blood aggregometry.

Results

Contrary to findings reported for boiling, antiplatelet activity was destroyed between 3 and 6 min of steaming, and at 10 min of steaming, cooked onions stimulated platelet activity. Extracts from cooked onion had the potential to reverse the inhibitory effect on blood platelets by 25%. Responses were consistent across all donors. Total polyphenolic concentration and soluble solids were not affected by steaming time.

Conclusions

The potential value of cooked onion preparations may result in destruction or reversal of antiplatelet activity, without affecting the polyphenolic concentration.