bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Codon Usage, Amino Acid Usage, Transfer RNA and Amino-Acyl-tRNA Synthetases in Mimiviruses
Authors: Colson Philippe , Fournous Ghislain , Diene Seydina M. , Raoult Didier
Published: October 2013

Mimiviruses are giant viruses that infect phagocytic protists, including Acanthamoebae spp., which were discovered during the past decade. They are the current record holder among viruses for their large particle and genome sizes. One group is composed of three lineages, referred to as A, B and C, which include the vast majority of the Mimiviridae members. Cafeteria roenbergensis virus represents a second group, though the Mimiviridae family is still expanding. We analyzed the codon and amino acid usages in mimiviruses, as well as both the transfer RNA (tRNA) and amino acyl-tRNA synthetases. We confirmed that the codon and amino acid usages of these giant viruses are highly dissimilar to those in their amoebal host Acanthamoeba castellanii and are instead correlated with the high adenine and thymine (AT) content of Mimivirus genomes. We further describe that the set of tRNAs and amino acyl-tRNA synthetases in mimiviruses is globally not adapted to the codon and amino acid usages of these viruses. Notwithstanding, Leu(TAA)tRNA, present in several Mimivirus genomes and in multiple copies in some viral genomes, may complement the amoebal tRNA pool and may contribute to accommodate the viral AT-rich codons. In addition, we found that the genes most highly expressed at the beginning of the Mimivirus replicative cycle have a nucleotide content more adapted to the codon usage in A.castellanii.
Lausannevirus Seroprevalence among Asymptomatic Young Adults
Authors: Mueller Linda , Baud David , Bertelli Claire , Greub Gilbert
Published: October 2013

Objectives: The giant Lausannevirus was recently identified as a parasite of amoeba that replicates rapidly in these professional phagocytes. This study aimed at assessing Lausannevirus seroprevalence among asymptomatic young men in Switzerland and hopefully identifying possible sources of contact with this giant virus. Methods: The presence of anti-Lausannevirus antibodies was assessed in sera from 517 asymptomatic volunteers who filled a detailed questionnaire. The coreactivity between Lausannevirus and amoeba-resisting bacteria was assessed. Results: Lausannevirus prevalence ranged from 1.74 to 2.51%. Sporadic condom use or multiple sexual partners, although frequent (53.97 and 60.35%, respectively), were not associated with anti-Lausannevirus antibodies. On the contrary, frequent outdoor sport practice as well as milk consumption were significantly associated with positive Lausannevirus serologies (p = 0.0066 and 0.028, respectively). Coreactivity analyses revealed an association between Criblamydia sequanensis (an amoeba-resisting bacterium present in water environments) and Lausannevirus seropositivity (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Lausannevirus seroprevalence is low in asymptomatic Swiss men. However, the association between virus seropositivity and frequent sport practice suggests that this member of the Megavirales may be transmitted by aerosols and/or exposure to specific outdoor environments. Milk intake was also associated with seropositivity. Whether the coreactivity observed for C. sequanensis and Lausannevirus reflects a common mode of acquisition or some unexpected cross-reactivity remains to be determined.
Multiple sites on Streptococcus gordonii surface protein PadA bind to platelet GPIIbIIIa
Authors: Keane Ciara , Petersen Helen J. , Tilley Dorothea O. , Haworth Jennifer , Cox Dermot , Jenkinson Howard F. , Kerrigan Steve W.
Published: October 2013

Infective endocarditis is a life threatening disease caused by a bacterial infection of the endocardial surfaces of the heart. The oral pathogen, Streptococcus gordonii is amongst the most common pathogens isolated from infective endocarditis patients. Previously we identified a novel cell wall protein expressed on S. gordonii called platelet adherence protein A (PadA) that specifically interacts with platelet GPIIb/IIIa. The interaction between PadA and GPIIb/IIIa resulted in firm platelet adhesion, dense granule secretion and platelet spreading on immobilised S. gordonii. This study set out to identify specific motifs on the PadA protein that interacts with platelet GPIIb/IIIa. Proteomic analysis of the PadA protein identified two short amino acid motifs which have been previously shown to be important for fibrinogen binding to GPIIb/IIIa and contributing to the generation of outside-in signalling. Site directed mutagenesis on the PadA protein in which 454AGD was substituted to AAA, and the 383RGT was substituted to AAA suggests the RGT motif has no role in supporting platelet adhesion however plays a role in dense granule secretion and platelet spreading. In contrast to this the AGD motif has no role to play in supporting firm platelet adhesion or dense granule secretion however plays a role in platelet spreading. These results suggest that multiple sites on S. gordonii PadA interact with GPIIb/IIIa to mediate a number of platelet responses that likely contribute to the thrombotic complications of infective endocarditis.
Thirty years of changes in the decapod community from the deep-water fishing grounds off Kueishan Island, Taiwan
Authors: Wang Teng-Wei , Chan Tin-Yam , Huang Che-Wei , Chan Benny K. K.
Published: October 2013

The deep water off Kueishan Island, NE Taiwan, is a traditional fishing ground for the deep-water fishing vessels based at Dasi fishing port. Since the opening of the deep-water fishing ports at Dasi in the late 1960s, the fishing grounds off Kueishan Island have been continuously trawled, for over 50 years now. The present study compares the decapod assemblages in the catches of Dasi fishing port among four periods of time, spanning more than 30 years, namely, 1981-1990, 1991-2000, 2001-2010, 2011-2012. A total of 66 families, 203 genera and 420 species of decapod crustaceans have thus been recorded in the catches landed at Dasi fishing port from 1981 to 2012. During 1981-1990, 202 species were recorded, followed by 262 species from 1991-2000, 236 species from 2001-2010, and 265 species from 2011-2012. In all four periods, crabs (Brachyura) were the largest group, representing more than 30%, followed by Dendrobranchiata. Comparing the species composition among the four periods, each period contains a group of species exclusively found at that particular period of time. There were 26 exclusive species in 1981-1990, 49 in 1991-2000, 21 in 2001-2010 and 50 in 2011-2012. On the other hand, there are 94 species common to all four periods. Trajectory plots in the nMDS ordinations shows a gradual directional change in species composition from 1981-1990 to 1991-2000, 2001-2010 and 2011-2012. Since each consecutive period has a higher similarity with the previous than with the other periods, this suggests that the observed trend is not a random pattern. The decapod community in the waters off Kueishan Island has a very high diversity, but the species composition is unstable over time and also changing with time. Under the locally prevailing circumstances, we hypothesize this likely is a succession process in response to the continuous disturbance from the trawl fisheries.
Methyl esters from the copepod Tisbe biminiensis assayed by two transesterification methods
Authors: de Lima Lilian C. M. , Navarro Daniela M. A. F. , Souza-Santos Lília P.
Published: October 2013

The present study assessed the efficiency of two transesterification methods for the identification of fatty acids in the copepodTisbe biminiensisVolkmann-Rocco, 1973. In the first method, the samples were esterified by basic catalysis with KOH in methanol, and in the second method they were esterified by acid catalysis with BF3. Fatty acids were identified by comparison of retention times and co-injection with standard Mix C4-C24, using gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Twenty-nine fatty acids were detected in samples transesterified by basic catalysis or acid catalysis. The predominant fatty acids were C18 (19.18%), C16 (13.02%), and C12 (11.39%) for samples transesterified by acid catalysis; and C13 (25.24%), C21 (11.32%), and C18 (10.65%) for samples transesterified by basic catalysis. The results show that fatty acid analysis for copepods may be affected by the transesterification method. Sample transesterification by acid catalysis was efficient to identify monosaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, whereas transesterification by basic catalysis was efficient to identify saturated fatty acids. Essential fatty acids were present in the copepod, which suggests thatT.biminiensisis a useful food to be used in larviculture.
Begonia sandsiana sp. nov. (Begoniaceae), a remarkable calciphile from the southern karst of Papua New Guinea
Authors: TAKEUCHI WAYNE
Published: October 2013

Begonia sandsiana is described from previously unknown environments on the Juha limestone of Papua New Guinea's Southern Escarpment. The calciphilous species is the latest addition to Diploclinium, a section characterized (as presently understood) mainly by rhizomatous stems and male flowers with four tepals.
New species and records of Scolytodes (Coleoptera, Curculionidae: Scolytinae) from South America
Authors: JORDAL BJARTE H.
Published: October 2013

Seventeen new species of Scolytodes Ferrari are described from Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Argentina: Scolytodes cenchros, S. concavifrons, S. conpunctus, S. fraterniatratus, S. frontocarinatus, S. solarius and S. trigonus from Cecropia leafstalks; S. pascopomus from a fruit husk; S. obovatus, S. clusiaphilus, S. clusiapraelatus and S. uniseriatus from Clusia litter sifting; S. grossepunctatus and S. fulvus from general litter sifting; and S. inusitatus, S. sagittarius and S. sus collected by flight intercept traps. The synonymy of S. imitans and S. nitidissimus is confirmed. Additional South American records are given for S. chapuisi (Ecuador), S. interpunctatus (Peru), S. maurus (Ecuador), and S. suspectus (Ecuador), all taken from Cecropia leafstalks, and S. similis (Peru) and S. unipunctatus (Bolivia).
The Mean Sea Level Equation and Its Application to the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Pinardi N. , Bonaduce A. , Navarra A. , Dobricic S. , Oddo P.
Published: October 2013

A formalism to obtain a mean sea level equation (MSLE) is constructed for any limited ocean region and/or the global ocean by considering the mass conservation equation with compressible effects and a linear equation of state. The MSLE contains buoyancy fluxes terms representing the steric effects and the mass flux is represented by surface water fluxes and volume transport terms. The MSLE is studied for the Mediterranean Sea case using a simulation experiment for the decade 1999–2008. It is found that the Mediterranean MSL tendency is made of a steric contribution that is almost periodic in time superimposed on a stochastic-like signal due to the mass balance, dominating the MSL tendency. The MSL tendency stochastic-like term is a result of the imbalance between the volume flux at Gibraltar and the area average surface water flux.
Out-of-Phase Relationship between Boreal Spring and Summer Decadal Rainfall Changes in Southern China*
Authors: Zhu Zhiwei , Li Tim , He Jinhai
Published: October 2013

A multivariate empirical orthogonal function (MV-EOF) analysis for 1979–2010 shows that low-level circulation and rainfall over East Asia experienced a significant decadal shift around the mid-1990s. During boreal spring (March–May), the first principal component (PC) of the MV-EOF exhibits a marked decadal change around the mid-1990s, while during boreal summer (June–August) the second PC shows a pronounced decadal shift around the same time. It is further noted that the decadal rainfall change over southern China experienced an out-of-phase relationship between boreal spring and summer; that is, from the pre-1994 to the post-1994 period, the rainfall tends to decrease in boreal spring but increase in boreal summer.

A mechanism is put forward to explain the out-of-phase decadal rainfall change over southern China between boreal spring and summer. In boreal spring, the composite differences of SST between the latter and former decadal periods indicate a La Niña–like pattern with warming in the western Pacific and cooling in the eastern Pacific. This pattern leads the enhanced convection over the Maritime Continent, which may further induce anomalous subsidence and thus negative rainfall anomalies over southern China through the local Hadley circulation. In boreal summer, dominant decadal SST warming appears in the entire tropical Indian Ocean while the negative SST anomalies in eastern Pacific are much weaker. The warm SST anomaly over the Indian Ocean leads to suppressed convection over the Maritime Continent, which, through the local Hadley cell, favors the strengthening the East Asian monsoon trough and leads to a positive rainfall anomaly over southern China.
Link Between Oxidative Stress and Acute Brain Ischemia
Authors: Radak Djordje , Resanovic Ivana , Isenovic Esma R.
Published: October 2013

The pathogenesis of acute brain ischemia (ABI) is highly complex and involves multiple mechanisms including free radical generation. Imbalance between the cellular production of free radicals and the ability of cells to defend against them is referred to as oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms contributing to neuronal damage, potentially induced through the ABI. Through interactions with a large number of molecules, reactive oxygen species may irreversibly destroy or alter the function of the cellular lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and initiate cell signaling pathways after cerebral ischemia. Future investigations should focus on the understanding of oxidative stress mechanisms and neuroprotection in order to discover new treatment targets.
Rare-Earth Magnet Ingestion–Related Injuries Among Children, 2000-2012
Authors: De Roo Ana C. , Thompson Meghan C. , Chounthirath Thiphalak , Xiang Huiyun , Cowles Nancy A. , Shmuylovskaya Liliya , Smith Gary A.
Published: October 2013

This study describes the epidemiology of rare-earth magnet ingestion by children by retrospectively analyzing 72 cases of magnet ingestion collected from Saferproducts.gov and the US Consumer Product Safety Commission from 2000 through 2012. The mean child age was 6.4 years. Patients ingested between 1 and 40 magnets, most often 1 to 4 magnets. Unique circumstances of ingestion included faux piercing (19.4%) and mistaking magnets for candy (6.9%). Surgery was required in 69.7% of cases where treatment was reported. Fifty-three patients were hospitalized (73.6%), and the length of hospital stay was reported in 58.5% of those cases, ranging from 1 to 54 days. Approximately half (50.7%) of the magnets causing injury were products intended for use by adults. Study findings demonstrate that pediatric ingestion of rare-earth magnets can cause serious gastrointestinal injury. Establishing a performance standard that limits the attraction force of these magnets offers the best prevention solution to this important pediatric public health problem.
Organizational Commitment of Directors in Collaborative Tourist Organizations
Authors: Garnes Solveig , Mathisen Gro Ellen
Published: October 2013

This study focuses on commitment as a key factor for successful collaboration in tourism. Taking a corporate governance perspective, we studied directors in tourist organization boards and examined possible effects of directors’ strategic orientation (holistic orientation vs. stakeholder orientation) and compensation on organizational commitment. In line with recent behavioral perspectives on boards, this study accounted for board processes, including variables measuring intragroup conflict and effort norms. The sample included 307 directors in 98 Norwegian organizations. Findings underline the importance of recognizing the benefits of joint attempts and a community mindset among collaborators in tourist organizations. The results further indicated that board processes influence directors’ organizational commitment. The effect of a holistic orientation toward the destination and the goals and values of the collaborative organizations was mediated by both the perception of intragroup conflict and effort norms in the board. In addition, effort norms mediated the relationship between compensation and commitment.
Understanding nurses’ work: Exploring the links between changing work, labour relations, workload, stress, retention and recruitment
Authors: Hart Susan M , Warren Amy M
Published: October 2013

This article enhances our understanding of nurses’ work as they see it, in an exploration of the links between changing work, the labour relations climate, workload, stress, retention and recruitment. Conventionally separate bodies of literature on occupational health and safety, public sector industrial relations and human resource management informed the design and implementation of the study. Interviews with nurses revealed a high level of commitment but also indicated clear links between the labour relations climate, work intensification leading to high stress and poor work–life balance, retention and recruitment. The study concludes that working conditions must be improved to gain a healthy workplace and because wage increases on their own are not enough to make nursing more attractive.
Slow Delphi: An investigation into information behaviour and the Slow Movement
Authors: Poirier Elizabeth , Robinson Lyn
Published: October 2013

As part of a wider study of the relevance of the principles and practices of the Slow Movement to the information disciplines and professions, a Delphi study was carried out with 17 researchers in information behaviour and practices. A novel variant of the Delphi technique, termed the Slow Delphi, was devised for this study. This is aimed at eliciting qualitative understanding of complex conceptual topics, where there are a variety of perspectives and positions to be considered. The results of the study show a variety of points of potential applicability of Slow principles in research into information behaviour and practices, and in information provision. These include: more explicit inclusion of a temporal dimension in information behaviour models; greater recognition of the importance of the tempo of information seeking; more critical consideration of speed and scale as factors in the information environment; and the potential for individuals to exercise greater control over their information environment.
Confucianism and acceptable inequalities
Authors: Kim Sungmoon
Published: October 2013

In this article, I explore an alternative model of Confucian distributive justice, namely the ‘family model’, by challenging the central claim of recent sufficientarian justifications of Confucian justice offered by Confucian political theorists – roughly, that inequalities of wealth and income beyond the threshold of sufficiency do not matter if they reflect different merits. I argue (1) that the telos of Confucian virtue politics – moral self-cultivation and fiduciary society – puts significant moral and institutional constraints on inequality even if it meets the threshold of sufficiency and largely results from differing individual merits; (2) that the Confucian moral ideal of the family state establishes and gives justification to the ‘family model’ of distributive justice that shifts the focus from desert to vulnerability and from causal responsibility to remedial responsibility. The article concludes by presenting Confucian democracy as the socio-political institution and practice that can best realize the Confucian intuition of the family model of justice.
From Vigilance to Busyness
Authors: Snyder Benjamin H.
Published: October 2013

For many social scientists, clock time is seen as either a mechanism of economic power relations that reinforces social domination or a resource that facilitates individual market-oriented action. In this article I develop a neo-Weberian perspective that presents clock time as a moral institution that shapes social action in modernity through two “time disciplines”: regularity and density. Where regularity supports a methodical life, density maintains a life of constant activity. The article traces the history of regularity and density between the fourth and twentieth centuries: from a “culture of vigilance,” which originated in Benedictine monastic culture, to a “culture of busyness,” which arose within Protestant and Renaissance culture. It shows that although we often think of busyness, time pressure, and burnout as contemporary problems, they have long been at the root of clock time culture. By extending Weber’s approach, the paper provides deeper insight into the fraught moral life of clock time in modernity.
An investigation of electrical-assisted solid-state welding/bonding process for thin metallic sheets: Experiments and modeling
Authors: Peng Linfa , Xu Zhutian , Lai Xinmin
Published: October 2013

Efficient joining technique of thin metal sheets is required in the mass production of fuel cell bipolar plates, micro-reactor carriers and so on. Solid-state bonding (pressure welding) process is found to be a promising solution, because the process is efficient and large area welds can be achieved in one welding/bonding procedure. However, successful bonding cannot be achieved by conventional pressure welding process for some materials (e.g. stainless steel). In order to realize successful bonding and improve the bond performance, an electrical-assisted solid-state welding process was proposed in the present study. Experimental setup was developed to investigate the joining process of stainless steel and brass sheets. The effects of electric current as well as process conditions (e.g. welding pressure, sheet thickness and temperature) on the bond strength were studied experimentally. The results indicate that the maximum bond strength of stainless steel improves from 24.4 to 33.2 MPa with the increase of current density from 6.7 to 20 A/mm2. Furthermore, an analytical model to predict the shear load force was established. In the model, different deforming behaviors of the contaminant layer and the virgin metal were discussed. Good agreement between the analytical and the experimental results was observed. Based on the model, the improvement of the weld strength in the electrical-assisted solid-state welding process was characterized theoretically, which also proves the feasibility of the process.
Coupled thermal/structural contact analyses of shrink-fit tool holder
Authors: Arslan Mehmet Ali
Published: October 2013

Design of shrink-fit tool holders requires fast reliable stress analysis (from operational point of view). However, such an analysis exhibits difficulties due to its nonlinear nature. This article shows how to execute a complete cycle of design analysis iteration utilizing finite element analysis approach. Each finite element analysis cycle of iteration requires both transient thermal and structural coupled analyses. For a particular initial design, the transient heating of shrink-fit holder is first simulated, that is, the tool inner diameter hole expands due to inductive heating from its nominal value, so that cutting tool is easily inserted. Following this, both tool holder and cutting tool are allowed to cool down so that shrink-fit design forms a uniform contact pressure distribution. Finally, cutting tool is fixed at the contact interface. Then, the tool assembly is rotated (for testing) up to a cutting speed of 40,000 r/min, where transmission torque is also calculated to assess design limits for safe/efficient torque transmission. All of these analyses complete a single design cycle of iteration of the shrink-fit tool holder. Results presented include the calculation of change in shrink-fit pressure values over preload and preload + spin cases. Further assessment is also made to make sure overall elastic equivalent stresses at maximum operating speed are below yield limit of the tool holder material used in the design.
A Multifaceted Approach to Teamwork Assessment in an Undergraduate Business Program
Authors: Kemery Edward R. , Stickney Lisa T.
Published: October 2013

We describe a multifaceted, multilevel approach to teamwork learning and assessment. It includes teamwork knowledge, peer and self-appraisal of teamwork behavior, and individual and team performance on objective tests for teaching and assessing teamwork in an undergraduate business program. At the beginning of this semester-long process, students learned about various aspects of working in groups, including group development, communication, and conflict resolution. Subsequently, they engaged in problem-solving exercises and provided midsemester collaborative peer feedback. Our data indicated that nearly 80% of students achieved a passing score on a teamwork knowledge test; they achieved high marks on self- and peer assessments; and most important, more than 75% of the time, teams achieved synergy (bested their best performer) on objective tests of course knowledge. In conclusion, we explain how aspects of our approach can be used for program assessment.
Overall elastoplastic damage responses of spherical particle-reinforced composites containing imperfect interfaces
Authors: Yanase K , Ju JW
Published: October 2013

As a predominant damage mode, the interfacial damage between the reinforcements and the matrix is of importance for the composite materials. Correspondingly, in this paper, the effects of imperfect interfaces are systematically investigated in the framework of higher order micromechanics and homogenization. To examine the effects of imperfect interfaces, the equivalent stiffness of reinforcing particles is considered based on the spring interface model. By taking advantage of the equivalent stiffness, the effective stiffness and the effective yield function of a composite are systematically derived to study the overall elastoplastic damage behaviors of particle-reinforced composites. In the absence of damage, comparisons between the theoretical predictions and the available experimental data are presented to illustrate the predictive capability of proposed micromechanical framework. Subsequently, a series of parametric studies are performed to examine the characteristics of the proposed micromechanics-based damage formulation.
Periprosthetic Osteolysis after Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Yoon Hang Seob , Lee Jongseok , Choi Woo Jin , Lee Jin Woo
Published: October 2013

Background:

Periprosthetic osteolysis in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is a substantial problem. We report the incidence and characteristics of periprosthetic osteolysis and its association with clinical outcomes after TAA using the HINTEGRA ankle system.

Methods:

Between May 2004 and April 2010, 126 primary TAA were performed on 115 patients. We excluded 27 ankles with a follow-up of less than 24 months; thus, 99 ankles in 90 patients with a mean follow-up of 40.8 (range, 24–89) months were included in the study. Pain and clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analog scale and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score. Fluoroscopy was used for optimum visualization of the bone-implant interfaces on radiographs. Computed tomography (CT) was conducted on 25 ankles that exhibited progression of osteolysis.

Results:

Radiographs revealed that 37 of the 99 ankles showed radiologic evidence of osteolysis; of these, 10 demonstrated continuous progression over the study period. Helical CT scans were more accurate than radiographs for identifying and measuring periprosthetic osteolysis in TAA. None of the demographic parameters were substantially different between the 2 groups of subjects (with or without osteolysis). No major association was found between the presence of osteolysis and clinical and radiologic outcomes.

Conclusion:

Osteolysis associated with TAA may indeed be common in the postoperative period. Although most of the osteolytic lesions observed here were relatively quiescent, these lesions raise concerns in contemporary TAA because of their incidence rate and the potential for later mechanical failure as compared to arthrodesis. Early diagnosis and careful evaluation of osteolysis may provide a clinical opportunity for limited revision surgery in ankles of impending prosthesis failure.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Postsecondary ADHD Documentation Requirements
Authors: Lindstrom Will , Nelson Jason M. , Foels Patricia
Published: October 2013

Objective: To evaluate the information postsecondary institutions require when determining disability service eligibility for students with reported ADHD. Method: ADHD documentation requirements of 200 U.S. institutions were surveyed by reviewing guidelines posted on disability services websites. Results: Whereas virtually all institutions required documentation, findings revealed significant variability in requirements across institutions. Required variables most often included a qualified evaluator (80%), diagnostic statement (75%), and identification of substantial limitations (73%), but only 5 of 46 evaluated variables were required by at least 50% of institutions. Supportive data such as diagnostic criteria, standardized assessment results, and rationale for accommodations were rarely required. Conclusion: The majority of institutions required little to verify ADHD as a disability. Furthermore, there was little agreement on what components are essential for verification. When integrated with research, a large portion of guidelines failed to address identified weaknesses in ADHD diagnosis and disability determination.
Perceptive-cognitive aspects investigation in relation to indoor environment satisfaction collected from naturally ventilated multi-storey student accommodations in Malaysia
Authors: Dahlan N. D.
Published: October 2013

Investigation of occupant’s indoor environment influences can be identified through perceptive-cognitive aspects. Such an investigation leads to affective responses such as satisfied or dissatisfied, annoyed or not annoyed and hot or cold. This study investigates the perceptive-cognitive aspects of indoor environment among students who are staying in multi-storey accommodations in Klang Valley area, Malaysia. The students were asked to participate in the subjective survey in order to gather their indoor environment satisfaction votes. The objectives of this study are (1) to know how does the occupant of naturally ventilated multi-storey student accommodations respond to their indoor comfort whilst staying in an uncontrollable indoor atmosphere and (2) to identify what are the design features that contribute to the achievement of occupant’s overall indoor environment satisfaction. The main findings suggest that the uncontrollable indoor condition which occurred when occupants open their windows resulted in a more significant dissatisfaction vote toward indoor noise level in conjunction with warmer thermal sensation incidences. Moreover, despite the increasing indoor noise level recorded in rooms at higher floor levels, the findings show that room location, room orientation and shading ratio are not considered to influence the occupants’ overall indoor environment satisfaction and dissatisfaction.
What should egalitarians believe if they really are egalitarian? A reply to Martin O’Neill
Authors: Brown Alexander
Published: October 2013

In his article, ‘What Should Egalitarians Believe?’, Martin O’Neill argues, amongst other things, that egalitarians should reject both Telic and Deontic Egalitarianism and that they should adopt in their place a version of Non-Intrinsic Egalitarianism, specifically, the Pluralist Non-Intrinsic Egalitarian View. The central purpose of my article is to challenge O’Neill’s assumption that he can defend each of the various propositions that make up his position simultaneously. I do this with two arguments. First, I argue that in order to justify why egalitarians should adopt a version of Non-Intrinsic Egalitarianism, O’Neill is bound to rely on forms of egalitarianism that are either Telic or Deontic, and so he is no longer able to affirm that egalitarians should reject both Telic and Deontic Egalitarianism. Second, I argue that by allowing the inclusion of non-egalitarian reasons into the Pluralist Non-Intrinsic Egalitarian View, O’Neill opens the floodgates to an indefinite number of other non-egalitarian reasons, such that it is scarcely credible that the Pluralist Non-Intrinsic Egalitarian View really is an egalitarian view after all.
Academic Course Offerings in Social Marketing
Authors: Kelly Kathleen J.
Published: October 2013

The author reports on a data collection study undertaken to provide an overview of the academic landscape of social marketing education. In particular, where academic courses/programs in social marketing are being offered and the pedagogical approaches being used to teach these courses. This article should serve as a resource for faculty planning or currently teaching social marketing courses and for potential students in the field of social marketing.
The antiallergic mechanisms ofCitrus sunkiand bamboo salt (K-ALL) in an allergic rhinitis model
Authors: Oh Hyun-A , Kim Myong-Jo , Shin Tae-Yong , Kim Hyung-Min , Jeong Hyun-Ja
Published: October 2013

The antiallergic effects of traditional medicines have long been studied. Traditional Korean medicine, Citrus sunki and bamboo salt, has been used for the treatment of allergic diseases in Korea. K-ALL, composed of Citrus sunki and bamboo salt, is a newly prepared prescription for allergic patients. To develop the new antiallergic agent, we examined the effects of K-ALL through in vivo and in vitro models. K-ALL and naringin (an active compound of K-ALL) significantly inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. This inhibitory effect of K-ALL on histamine release was higher than effects from other known histamine inhibitors such as bamboo salt, Citrus sunki or disodium cromoglycate. K-ALL significantly inhibited systemic anaphylactic shock induced by the compound 48/80 and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis induced by the IgE. K-ALL also inhibited production and mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and the calcium ionophore A23187 on HMC-1 cells (a human mast cell line). In the ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis animal model, rub scores, histamine, IgE, inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory cell counts were all reduced by the oral or nasal administration of K-ALL (pre and posttreatment). These results indicate the great potential of K-ALL as an active immune modulator for the treatment of mast cell-mediated allergic diseases.
Preventing Obesity and Promoting Fitness
Authors: Penhollow Tina M. , Rhoads Kelley E.
Published: October 2013

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among youth has increased markedly in the past 2 decades in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2010, more than one-third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. A number of obesity prevention and intervention programs focus on the individual by utilizing intrapersonal theories to encourage the individual to eat healthy and participate in physical activity. The purpose of the current article is to go beyond the individual level and approach obesity with an ecological perspective because it may prove to have a larger influence. The ecological systems theory (EST) by Bronfenbrenner postulated that human development is influenced by a reciprocal relationship between the individual and their social system. In the context of physical activity, health behaviors occur within and are influenced by the multiple systems within which youth reside. This manuscript explores Bronfenbrenner’s EST framework comprising 4 systems: microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem. Each level of the system is explored and applied to the obesity epidemic among youth.
Inhabiting two worlds
Authors: Lemish Dafna , Pick-Alony Rotem
Published: October 2013

This study investigated the role of the news media in the lives of Jewish and Arab children in Israel. A survey of 1657 children (ages 8–18), including analysis of open-ended questions, reveals that Jewish and Arab children in Israel live in two different worlds of news. They are exposed to different sources, stories, and interpretations; they take different messages from the news; and they hold to some degree different attitudes toward their roles in their lives. The news also seem to be more heavily integrated in the lives of the Jewish majority young people than it is in the lives of the Arab ones who treat it as more important to adults. If anything, it seems that the consumption of news serves mostly to contribute to separatism and further alienation of the minority Arab young people group from Israeli society.
Investigation and management of abnormal peri-menopausal bleeding
Authors: Turnbull Hilary , Glover Alexandra , Morris Edward P , Duncan Timothy J , Nieto Joaquin J , Burbos Nikolaos
Published: October 2013

Abnormal peri-menopausal bleeding is a common clinical problem. Decisions to investigate if the menstrual disorders are related to an underlying pathology or represent physiologic changes are often complex especially as no clear guidance is available. The aim of this review is to present a summary of the current available evidence regarding the investigation tools used to evaluate women with abnormal uterine bleeding during menopausal transition and in the post-menopausal period. In this article, we focus mainly on the investigation and exclusion of endometrial carcinoma, as this represents the most common malignancy diagnosed.
Unobtrusive measurement of psychological constructs in organizational research
Authors: Hill Aaron D. , White Margaret A. , Wallace J. Craig
Published: October 2013

Measurement in organizational psychology is dominated by the use of approaches that require the cooperation of a respondent—namely, questionnaires and interviews. The goal of this article is to increase and improve the use of unobtrusive measures as a supplemental means to assess psychological constructs in organizational research. Specifically, we first illustrate the merit and necessity of utilizing unobtrusive measures. Next, we review the literature employing unobtrusive measures to assess psychological constructs and then discuss threats to validity associated with these approaches. Finally, we offer recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of unobtrusive measures in future research.
Difference of perceptions and evaluation of cognitive dysfunction in major depressive disorder patients across psychiatrists internationally
Authors: Hammi Emna El , Samp Jennifer , Rémuzat Cécile , Auray Jean-Paul , Lamure Michel , Aballéa Samuel , Kooli Amna , Akhras Kasem , Toumi Mondher
Published: October 2013

Background:

Many studies have suggested that major depressive disorder (MDD) is often associated with cognitive dysfunction. Despite this, guidance addressing assessment of cognitive dysfunction in MDD is lacking. The aim of this study was to examine psychiatrists’ perceptions and evaluation of cognitive dysfunction in routine practice in MDD patients across different countries.

Method:

A total of 61 psychiatrists in the US, Germany, France, Spain, Hong Kong, and Australia participated in an online survey about perceptions of cognitive dysfunction in MDD patients, evaluation of cognition and instruments used in cognitive evaluation.

Results:

Most psychiatrists reportedly relied on patient history interviews for cognitive evaluation (83% in France and approximately 60% in the USA, Germany, Australia and Hong Kong). The remainder used a cognitive instrument or a combination of cognitive instrument and patient history interview for assessment. Of those using instruments for cognitive assessment, only nine named instruments that were appropriate for cognitive evaluation. The remainder reported other clinical measures not intended for cognitive evaluation.

Conclusions:

Overall, psychiatrists in routine clinical practice value the assessment of cognitive in MDD. However, there is a lack of standardization in these assessments and misconceptions regarding proper assessment.
Race/Ethnicity, Foreign-Born Status, and Victimization in Seattle, WA
Authors: Wu Yuning , Altheimer Irshad
Published: October 2013

Despite growing interest in immigration, little is known about the impact of foreign-born status on victimization or the factors that account for any variation in victimization between foreign-born and U.S.-born individuals. In recognizing that not all foreign-born individuals may have the same experiences, this study takes the initiative to examine the effects of foreign-born status on risks of victimization across Whites, Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics/Latinos. Based on data from a large random sample of Seattle residents, we find that race/ethnicity and foreign-born status have some interaction effects on criminal victimization, particularly on violent victimization. While foreign-born Latinos have higher risks of property victimization than native-born Latinos, they, along with foreign-born Asians, have lower risks of violent victimization than their native-born counterparts. Indicators of routine activities/lifestyle theory attenuate, to a limited extent, the effects of race/ethnicity and foreign-born status on victimization. Research implications are discussed.
Social Compass Curriculum
Authors: Boyd LouAnne E. , Ward Deborah M.
Published: October 2013

The Social Compass Curriculum (SCC) was investigated for its effectiveness in improving core social skills in three descriptive case studies of students with autism. Treatment fidelity of the SCC was also measured in the school setting. The Social Responsiveness Scale and the Autism Social Skills Profile were completed by parents to measure pre- and postintervention social skills for three students aged 8 to 11 years who participated in the present multisite pilot study. Fidelity of implementation data were collected via a checklist during observations for three educators who implemented the intervention. Results indicate that the SCC improved core social deficits based on standardized rating scales measures. Fidelity observations revealed that 83% of teaching components were completed correctly after 3 hr of training. The results of this study aligned with the National Autism Center’s call for ongoing research of school-based interventions and school-friendly interventions for people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
’Cause You’ve Got Personality
Authors: Weinschenk Aaron
Published: October 2013

The integration of the Big Five personality traits into models of political participation represents an important advance in the political behavior literature. However, because national surveys that include political and personality measures are not widespread, such analyses have been limited in number. In addition, there have been inconsistencies within and across studies on personality and participation. The availability of more data make it possible to compare the performance of personality measurement batteries across recent political surveys, reexamine hypotheses about the link between personality and participation, test the explanatory power of personality across samples and in different contexts, and expand measures of political and civic engagement, all of which I do in this article. Personality traits do influence political participation, although the magnitude and direction of effects depend on the particular act. Extraversion has a consistent effect on participation, but the effects of Agreeableness, Openness, Conscientiousness, and Emotional Stability are much less consistent.
MicroRNA-155 controls RB phosphorylation in normal and malignant B lymphocytes via the noncanonical TGF-β1/SMAD5 signaling module
Authors: Jiang Daifeng , Aguiar Ricardo C. T.
Published: October 2013

Key Points

miR-155 regulates the RB/E2F axis in DLBCL. SMAD5 plays a dominant role in transducing TGF-β effects in B lymphocytes.
Alterations in regional homogeneity assessed by fMRI in patients with migraine without aura stratified by disease duration
Authors: Zhao Ling , Liu Jixin , Dong Xilin , Peng Yulin , Yuan Kai , Wu Fumei , Sun Jinbo , Gong Qiyong , Qin Wei , Liang Fanrong
Published: October 2013

Background

Advanced neuroimaging approaches have been employed to prove that migraine was a central nervous system disorder. This study aims to examine resting-state abnormalities in migraine without aura (MWoA) patients stratified by disease duration, and to explore the neuroimaging markers for reflecting the disease duration.

Methods

40 eligible MWoA patients and 20 matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) analysis was used to identify the local features of spontaneous brain activity in MWoA patients stratified by disease duration, and analysis was performed to investigate the correlation of overlapped brain dysfunction in MWoA patients with different disease duration (long-term and short-term) and course of disease.

Results

Compared with healthy controls, MWoA patients with long-term disease duration showed comprehensive neuronal dysfunction than patients with short-term disease duration. In addition, increased average ReHo values in the thalamus, brain stem, and temporal pole showed significantly positive correlations with the disease duration. On the contrary, ReHo values were negatively correlated with the duration of disease in the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, posterior cingulate cortex and superior occipital gyrus.

Conclusions

Our findings of progressive brain damage in relation to increasing disease duration suggest that migraine without aura is a progressive central nervous disease, and the length of the disease duration was one of the key reasons to cause brain dysfunction in MwoA patients. The repeated migraine attacks over time result in resting-state abnormalities of selective brain regions belonging to the pain processing and cognition. We predict that these brain regions are sensitive neuroimaging markers for reflecting the disease duration of migraine patients without aura.
Diacylated lipopeptide from Mycoplasma synoviae mediates TLR15 induced innate immune responses
Authors: Oven Irena , Resman Rus Katarina , Dušanić Daliborka , Benčina Dušan , Keeler Calvin L , Narat Mojca
Published: October 2013

Avian-specific toll like receptor 15 (TLR15) is functionally equivalent to a group of TLR2 family proteins that the mammalian innate immune system utilizes to recognize a broad spectrum of microbe-associated molecular patterns, including bacterial lipoproteins. In this study we examined the role of chicken TLR2 family members in the innate immune response to the avian pathogenic bacterium, Mycoplasma synoviae. We found that Mycoplasma synoviae, and specifically the N-terminal diacylated lipopeptide (MDLP) representing the amino-terminal portion of its mature haemagglutinin protein, significantly induces the expression of TLR15, but not TLR1 and TLR2 in chicken macrophages and chondrocytes. TLR15 activation is specific and depends on diacylation of the lipopeptide. Activation of TLR15 after stimulation with Mycoplasma synoviae and MDLP triggers an increase in the expression of transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B and nitric oxide production. Moreover, transfection of avian macrophage cells with small interfering RNA reduces the expression of TLR15 after stimulation with MDLP. This leads to decreased activation of the innate immune response, as measured by nitric oxide production. Additionally, pretreatment of cells with neutralizing anti-TLR15 antibody results in a notable attenuation of MDLP-driven release of nitric oxide. This positive correlation may constitute a mechanism for stimulating the innate immune response against avian mycoplasmas in chicken cells via TLR15.