bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Down the rabbit‐hole
Authors: Iredale Alison
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the ideas of John Dewey on experience and experiential learning. The context is that of trainee teachers participating in a higher education (HE) through in‐service initial teacher training (ITT) for the Lifelong Learning sector in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses recent practitioner research conducted with trainee teachers to explore and contextualise Deweyan ideas and practices around notions of experience and experiential learning. The research methodology is qualitative, interpretive and, reflexive. What is actively sought, and welcomed are examples of congruence, dissonance, conflation and confusion in relation to several theoretical perspectives, one of which is Dewey's ideas on experience and experiential learning.

Findings

It is argued that initial teacher training should be broad based and situated, rather than focused on mastery or competency, in order to counteract the funnelled and routinised nature of much of current teaching practice in the sector.

Research limitations/implications

Trainee teachers participate in classroom practice by developing firstly a situated understanding of the concepts and principles surrounding teacher knowledge; secondly strategies for using these in a future situation and thereby assimilating, accommodating and negotiating shared beliefs, identities and values from the practices of a situated community. These are interpreted by Ottesen as knowledge and experience of concepts as taught, derived from knowledge and experience of practice as applied.

Originality/value

This research suggests that increasingly, given the heavily regulated nature of the lifelong learning workplace, trainee teachers have a limited “fund”, or repertoire of experiences through which to sift for appropriate strategies to employ in a specific situation, leaving their capacity to reflect fairly fruitless without the help of others.
Academic excellence as selection criteria among Malaysian employers
Authors: Hashim Junaidah
Published: February 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether or not performance of employees is determined by merit of their academic excellence, which is measured by cumulative grade point average (CGPA). This paper thus attempts to measure the variables that could possibly influence employees’ performance, such as job satisfaction, motivation and involvement in co‐curriculum activities.

Design/methodology/approach

An adapted version of the questionnaire used by Sarmiento et al. was utilised to assess the perceived performance of employees. Ability construct was measured in terms of employee academic qualification and skills. A 13‐item scale based on Porter was used to measure motivation. A 14‐item scale based on Hackman and Oldham's Job Diagnostic Survey was used to measure job satisfaction. In total, 340 respondents from 87 companies participated in this study.

Findings

The findings revealed that there is a weak relationship between employees’ performance with CGPA. The findings also revealed that there is a weak relationship between employees’ performance and their job satisfaction, motivation and ability.

Research limitations/implications

It would be meaningful for future research if actual performance appraisal report could be obtained.

Practical implications

Company policy makers need to provide a wider employment opportunity to everyone and not merely to candidates based on merit of their academic excellence. Many graduates may be missing out on employment opportunities while they may be the right candidates.

Originality/value

This paper illustrates that academic excellence, which is the main selection criterion used by most employers, is not a determinant of employees’ performance.
Plant diversity and community structure of Wadi Gimal protected area, Red Sea Coast of Egypt
Authors: Galal Tarek M. , Fahmy Ahmed G.
Published: February 2012

The present study deals with the analysis of the floristic composition and plant diversity of Wadi Gimal protectorate. Its major aim is to identify community types and environmental factors that affect their growth and distribution. These quantitative data provide rangers with knowledge that is necessary for monitoring and managing plant communities within the protected areas, as well as restoration of vegetation‐depleted habitats. Twenty‐seven stands were selected along the length of Wadi and its tributaries. Thirty‐five species were recorded in Wadi Gimal; with Poaceae as the dominant family and Phanerophytes dominating over other life forms. Saharo‐Arabians were the predominant chorological element. Six vegetation groups were recognized in Wadi Gimal. Zilla spinosa (VG C) which inhabited the Wadi bed had the highest species richness, species turnover, relative evenness and relative concentration of dominance. Capparis sinaica (VG A) which inhabited the mountain slope had the lowest species richness, relative evenness and relative concentration of dominance, while Salvadora persica group had the lowest species turnover. Phoenix dactylifera–Hyphaene thebaica (VG F) which dominated the deltaic part of Wadi, had the highest salinity; whilst Acacia ehrenbergiana (VG E) which dominated the upper‐stream part of the Wadi had the lowest value of salinity.
Efficacy and safety of recombinant human C1‐inhibitor for the treatment of attacks of hereditary angioedema: European open‐label extension study
Authors: Moldovan D. , Reshef A. , Fabiani J. , Kivity S. , Toubi E. , Shlesinger M. , Triggiani M. , Montinaro V. , Cillari E. , Realdi G. , Cancian M. , Visscher S. , Zanichelli A. , Relan A. , Cicardi M.
Published: February 2012

Background

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) owing to C1 inhibitor deficiency is an autosomal dominant disorder, characterized by recurrent, potentially life‐threatening, localized attacks of tissue swelling. Current treatment involves the infusion of C1 inhibitor protein (C1‐INH) isolated from human plasma.

Objectives

This open‐label extension to a European, Israeli and Argentinean randomized study (NCT00262301) aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of recombinant human C1 inhibitor (rhC1‐INH) as a first‐line treatment following an HAE attack, together with its effect on subsequent attacks.

Methods

An HAE‐specific visual analogue scale (VAS) 0–100 mm was used by patients to assess the severity of attack at four anatomical locations. Patients were treated with one, single‐vial, fixed‐dose of rhC1‐INH (2100 U), followed by up to two further vials at the investigators discretion. The primary end‐point was the time from first rhC1‐INH injection to first onset of relief of symptoms (≥ 20 mm decrease on VAS). Response to treatment was defined as the onset of relief within 4 h.

Results

A total of 57 patients were treated for 194 HAE attacks. Overall, sustained relief of symptoms was achieved in 87% of rhC1‐INH‐treated patients within 4 h of treatment, with 57% of attacks requiring only one vial of rhC1‐INH. When categorized by successive attacks experienced by individual patients, the response rate to rhC1‐INH treatment was 96%, 83%, 87%, 80% and 80% for attacks 1–5 respectively. Treatment with rhC1‐INH was well tolerated, with no discontinuations owing to treatment‐emergent adverse events and no adverse events relating to immunogenicity.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Treatment with rhC1‐INH provides fast‐onset relief for an HAE attack, with a high rate of therapeutic response maintained throughout subsequent attacks.
Patient‐ and caregiver‐reported bleeding symptoms and reasons for starting and stopping treatment with recombinant factor VIIa: analysis of the Dosing Observational Study in Haemophilia (DOSE)
Authors: VALENTINO L. A. , WALSH C. E. , REDING M. T. , YOUNG G. A. , LEVENDOGLU‐TUGAL O. , COOPER D. L.
Published: February 2012

Summary.  Acute haemorrhage treatment in patients with congenital haemophilia with inhibitors (CHwI) has transitioned to home. Patient/caregiver perceptions of bleeding symptoms and reasons for starting/stopping treatment were investigated. Frequently bleeding CHwI patients (≥4 episodes in 3 months) prescribed recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) as first‐line therapy, or their caregivers, completed daily diaries for 3–6 months capturing bleeding symptoms and treatment decisions. Thirty‐eight patients reported 131 joint, 19 muscle and 44 other bleeding events. Symptoms (all/joint/muscle haemorrhages) included pain (78.9%/90.1%/89.5%), joint swelling (44.8%/65.6%/5.3%), decreased mobility (41.2%/48.9%/68.4%), local warmth (21.1%/26.0%/15.8%), other swelling (16.0%/6.9%/47.4%), irritability (14.9%/16.8%/10.5%), visible bleeding (12.4%/7.6%/5.3%) and redness (10.3%/6.1%/10.5%). Most patients/caregivers recognized when bleeds started (58.4%/58.0%), but were less clear when bleeds stopped (43.5%/33.3%). Medication was commonly started by patients/caregivers when bleeds were identified (73.7%/47.4%) or when concerned bleeds might start (32.9%/27.6%). Common reasons for delays in starting medication by patients included ‘I thought it might not be a bleed’ (48.9%), ‘I wanted to see if the bleed progressed’ (46.8%) and ‘I thought it was just joint pain’ (44.7%). Common reasons for caregivers were: ‘I wanted to see if it progressed’ (37.9%), ‘I didn’t have medication’ (20.7%) and ‘I thought it might not be a bleed’ (17.2%). Reasons for stopping medication for patients/caregivers were pain cessation/stabilization (93.9%/54.7%), arrest of swelling progression (60.6%/46.9%) and improved mobility (50.0%/35.9%). Patients/caregivers have difficulty in determining bleed onset and particularly resolution, both quite necessary for treatment decisions and clinical trials. Caregivers’ inability to assess resolution in children may lead to longer treatment duration seen in the Dosing Observational Study in Haemophilia (DOSE).
Roles of Oxytocin Neurones in the Control of Stress, Energy Metabolism, and Social Behaviour
Authors: Onaka T. , Takayanagi Y. , Yoshida M.
Published: February 2012

Oxytocin neurones are activated by stressful stimuli, food intake and social attachment. Activation of oxytocin neurones in response to stressful stimuli or food intake is mediated, at least in part, by noradrenaline/prolactin‐releasing peptide (PrRP) neurones in the nucleus tractus solitarius, whereas oxytocin neurones are activated after social stimuli via medial amygdala neurones. Activation of oxytocin neurones induces the release of oxytocin not only from their axon terminals, but also from their dendrites. Oxytocin acts locally where released or diffuses and acts on remote oxytocin receptors widely distributed within the brain, resulting in anxiolytic, anorexic and pro‐social actions. The action sites of oxytocin appear to be multiple. Oxytocin shows anxiolytic actions, at least in part, via serotoninergic neurones in the median raphe nucleus, has anorexic actions via pro‐opiomelanocortin neurones in the nucleus tractus solitarius and facilitates social recognition via the medial amygdala. Stress, obesity and social isolation are major risk factors for mortality in humans. Thus, the oxytocin–oxytocin receptor system is a therapeutic target for the promotion of human health.
Comparison of colonization capacity by asexual spores of Heterobasidion species in Norway spruce wood
Authors: Gunulf A. , Rönnberg J. , Berglund M.
Published: February 2012

Two species of the tree pathogenic fungus Heterobasidion spp. exist in Sweden, Heterobasidion annosum s.s. and Heterobasidion parviporum. Both species are known to infect Norway spruce (Picea abies). The aim of the study was to examine the interspecific competition between H. annosum s.s. and H. parviporum as well as their colonization rate in fresh Norway spruce wood. Equal amount of conidiospores from each species was sprayed together on 30 fresh, previously uninfected, Norway spruce billets. After incubation in a greenhouse, the proportion of Heterobasidion spp. colonies belonging to each species was recorded. Of the 196 colonies isolated from the upper part of billets, 195 were H. parviporum. All isolated colonies further down in the billets were H. parviporum. To study the colonization rate, H. annosum s.s. and H. parviporum were sprayed alone on 30 spruce billets each, incubated and growth recorded both vertically and horizontally. H. parviporum grew further down in the billets (p = 0.008) and covered a larger area (p < 0.001) than H. annosum s.s. While H. annosum s.s. and H. parviporum both infected fresh Norway spruce wood H. parviporum outgrew and outcompeted H. annosum s.s during the early colonization stage.
Changes in Peroxidase Activity and Transcript Level of the MYB1 Gene in Transgenic Tobacco Plants Silenced for the RDR‐1 Gene After Systemic Infection with Potato virus Yo
Authors: Rakhshandehroo Farshad , Behboodi Behrooz Shahsavan , Mohammadi Mojtaba
Published: February 2012

RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RDR‐1) is known to be induced by salicylic acid and is involved in basal resistance in plants against pathogen infection. Transgenic lines of tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samsun NN) variably silenced for RDR‐1 gene were assayed for peroxidase (POX) activity following a systemic infection with Potato virus Y strain O (PVYo). Guaiacol‐POX specific activity increased more than twofold in un‐inoculated upper leaves of susceptible tobacco lines silenced for RDR‐1, 30 days after inoculation with PVYo relative to the wild type. The number and intensity of POX isozymes in intercellular fluid of leaves showing systemic symptoms varied among the transgenic lines. Transgenic line R‐5‐1 susceptible to PVYo infection with much lower accumulation of RDR‐1 transcript showed two new POX activity bands compared to R‐14‐1 line that is moderately suppressed for RDR‐1. Using semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR, RDR‐1, MYB1 (transcription factor) and PVYo RNA accumulation levels were assessed. Transgenic lines with a greater degree of susceptibility to the virus infection exhibited lower levels of transcript accumulation for both RDR‐1 and MYB1 genes. These results suggest that down‐regulation of RDR‐1 transcript can lead to an alteration in expression pattern of defence‐related genes such as POX and MYB1 and enhanced accumulation of PVYo in tobacco plants.
PCR‐based Rapid Assay for Discriminative Detection of Latent Infections of Rice Bacterial Blight
Authors: Song Eun‐Sung , Lee Byoung‐Moo , Lee Chang‐Soo , Park Young‐Jin
Published: February 2012

A triplex PCR method has been developed for the race‐specific detection of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), the bacterial blight (BB) pathogen of rice. For this, three primer sets were designed: for specific internal regions of two genes (hpaA and XorII very‐short‐patch‐repair endonuclease) and for a genomic locus derived from an amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fragment specific for the K3 and K5 races. The sizes of the PCR products when using XOOF/XOOR, XRMF/XRMR and XAF3F/XAF3R primer pairs were 327, 427 bp and 1 kb, respectively, when the assay was applied to detect the pathogen in solution and lesion exudates, and as a template. Amplicons were obtained without the need for any prior processing (e.g. DNA preparation from infected leaf or bacterial cell isolation from the lesion). Furthermore, the pathogen could be quickly detected in the asymptomatic rice leaf 3 days after inoculation and at a distance of 6 cm from the lesion site. This PCR‐based simple and rapid assay will be a useful method for the detection and identification of Xoo as well as for disease forecasting in paddy fields.
Biology, Epidemiology and Management of the Pathogenic Fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid with Special Reference to Charcoal Rot of Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill)
Authors: Gupta Girish K. , Sharma Sushil K. , Ramteke Rajkumar
Published: February 2012

The fungus Macrophomina phaseolina is a causative agent of diseases in more than 500 plant species. The fungus is primarily soil‐inhabiting but is also seed‐borne in many crops including soybean. It survives in the soil mainly as microsclerotia that germinate repeatedly during the crop‐growing season. Low C : N ratio in the soil and high bulk density as well as high soil moisture content adversely affect the survival of sclerotia. The disease can be managed to some extent by cultural practices, organic amendments, seed treatment and genetic host resistance. The scattered literature on these aspects is reviewed in this paper.
An ecological–economic model on the effects of interactions between escaped farmed and wild salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Liu Yajie , Diserud Ola H. , Hindar Kjetil , Skonhoft Anders
Published: February 2012

This study explores the ecological and economic impacts of interactions between escaped farmed and wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar, Salmonidae) over generations. An age‐ and stage‐structured bioeconomic model is developed. The biological part of the model includes age‐specific life‐history traits such as survival rates, fecundity and spawning successes for wild and escaped farmed salmon, as well as their hybrids, while the economic part takes account of use and non‐use values of fish stock. The model is simulated under three scenarios using data from the Atlantic salmon fishery and salmon farming in Norway. The social welfare is derived from harvest and wild salmon while the economic benefits of fishing comprise both sea and river fisheries. The results reveal that the wild salmon stock is gradually replaced by salmon with farmed origin, while the total social welfare and economic benefit decline, although not at the same rate as the wild salmon stock.
The Regulation of Nicotine in the United Kingdom: How Nicotine Gum Came to Be a Medicine, but Not a Drug
Authors: Rooke Catriona , Cloatre Emilie , Dingwall Robert
Published: February 2012

This article explores the utility of actor‐network theory (ANT) as a tool for socio‐legal research. ANT is deployed in a study of the evolution of divided regulatory responsibility for tobacco and medicinal nicotine (MN) products in the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on how the latter came to be regulated as a medicine. We examine the regulatory decisions taken in the United Kingdom in respect of the first MN product: a nicotine‐containing gum developed in Sweden, which became available in the United Kingdom in 1980 as a prescription‐only medicine under the Medicines Act 1968. We propose that utilizing ANT to explore the development of nicotine gum and the regulatory decisions taken about it places these decisions into the wider context of ideas about tobacco control and addiction, and helps us to understand better how different material actors acted in different networks, leading to very different systems of regulation.
Bodies of Science and Law: Forensic DNA Profiling, Biological Bodies, and Biopower
Authors: Toom Victor
Published: February 2012

How is jurisdiction transferred from an individual's biological body to agents of power such as the police, public prosecutors, and the judiciary, and what happens to these biological bodies when transformed from private into public objects? These questions are examined by analysing bodies situated at the intersection of science and law. More specifically, the transformation of ‘private bodies’ into ‘public bodies’ is analysed by going into the details of forensic DNA profiling in the Dutch jurisdiction. It will be argued that various ‘forensic genetic practices’ enact different forensic genetic bodies'. These enacted forensic genetic bodies are connected with various infringements of civil rights, which become articulated in exploring these forensic genetic bodies’‘normative registers’.
Geoengineering: Re‐making Climate for Profit or Humanitarian Intervention?
Authors: Jean Buck Holly
Published: February 2012

Climate engineering, or geoengineering, refers to large‐scale climate interventions to lower the earth's temperature, either by blocking incoming sunlight or removing carbon dioxide from the biosphere. Regarded as ‘technofixes’ by critics, these strategies have evoked concern that they would extend the shelf life of fossil‐fuel driven socio‐ecological systems for far longer than they otherwise would, or should, endure. A critical reading views geoengineering as a class project that is designed to keep the climate system stable enough for existing production systems to continue operating. This article first examines these concerns, and then goes on to envision a regime driven by humanitarian agendas and concern for vulnerable populations, implemented through international development and aid institutions. The motivations of those who fund research and implement geoengineering techniques are important, as the rationale for developing geoengineering strategies will determine which techniques are pursued, and hence which ecologies are produced. The logic that shapes the geoengineering research process could potentially influence social ecologies centuries from now.
Causes of death in patients with multiple sclerosis and matched referent subjects: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lalmohamed A. , Bazelier M. T. , Van Staa T. P. , Uitdehaag B. M. J. , Leufkens H. G. M. , De Boer A. , De Vries F.
Published: February 2012

Background and purpose:  Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been associated with increased mortality rates. However, influence of lifestyle parameters remains unknown, and inconsistencies exist regarding findings for causes of death.

Methods:  We conducted a population‐based cohort study using the General Practice Research Database, Hospital Episode Statistics, and national death certificates (January 2001 through March 2008). To each patient with MS (n = 1270), up to six referent subjects without MS were matched by age, gender, and practice. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate mortality rate ratios (HRs).

Results:  Patients with MS had a 3.5‐fold increased mortality rate for all‐cause mortality, compared with referent subjects (HR 3.51, 95% CI 2.63–4.69). The rate further increased amongst current smokers (HR 6.72, 95% CI 4.16–10.87) (but not in ex‐smokers) and subjects with a body mass index of <20 kg/m2 (HR 6.67, 95% CI 3.50–12.73). The HR was highest for infectious/respiratory‐related deaths (HR 7.69, 95% CI 4.92–12.02) and was significantly increased for deaths related to cardiovascular diseases (2.4‐fold) and cancer (1.9‐fold), but not for accidents and suicide related deaths.

Conclusion:  British patients with MS have a 3.5‐fold increased mortality rate compared with the general population. Smoking and respiratory diseases are major (potentially preventable) factors related to increased mortality rate amongst patients with MS.
Content Validity and Cognitive Tests: Response to Kehoe (), Ployhart (), and Sackett ()
Authors: Schmidt Frank L.
Published: February 2012

The most important fact emerging from the combination of my article and the three commentaries is the consensus judgment that content validity is appropriate scientifically and professionally for use with tests of specific cognitive skills used in job performance. This is important because the 1978 Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures have typically been interpreted as not permitting such usage, and this is particularly the case in the interpretation given to the Guidelines by federal government enforcement agencies. Although the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology Principles and the Standards do not prohibit such usage, many industrial–organizational psychologists believe that it is not professionally or scientifically appropriate to employ content validity methods with cognitive measures. The hope is that this series will convince them otherwise. On this point, all four authors in the series are in agreement. The major disagreement among us concerns whether specific cognitive skills used in content valid tests must be considered constructs or not. My position, and apparently that of Kehoe, is that they need not be so considered. I argue that constructs must be invoked only in the context of a substantive theory. Sackett and Ployhart, on the other hand, argue that all measures taken on people must be viewed as constructs, regardless of whether any theoretical propositions and assumptions are involved. In this response, I present reasons why this need not be the case.
The Poverty of Ontological Reasoning
Authors: TSILIPAKOS LEONIDAS
Published: February 2012

This article argues against ontology as an intelligible project for social theory. Ontological questions have proliferated in social thought in the past decades mainly as a way of recasting traditional sociological questions about individuals/society and structure/agency. Far from being an advance in our understanding, however, this form of reasoning has frequently brought confusion. This is demonstrated with detailed reference to a contribution from an ongoing debate, centred on the issue whether social structures are causally efficacious. I argue that the ontological project is mainly fuelled by a misconception of language and that, once this picture is exposed as incoherent, ontology loses its intelligibility.
A Modelling study on skimmed milk lactose hydrolysis and β‐galactosidase stability using three reactor types
Authors: AKGÜL FATMA BETÜL , DEMIRHAN ELÇIN , ÖZBEK BELMA
Published: February 2012

The hydrolysis of lactose in skimmed milk and β‐galactosidase inactivation studies were carried out in three different devices – bioreactor, sonicator and homogeniser – to evaluate the performance of such reactors that have different operational systems. The experiments were carried out using β‐galactosidase produced from Kluyveromyces marxianus lactis. At the optimum process conditions obtained from the experiments performed in bioreactor, sonicator and homogeniser, 89%, 90% and 54% of lactose were hydrolysed and the enzyme lost its activity by 14%, 13% and 24%, respectively, at the end of the processing time of 30 min. The commercial milk lactose content (1 g/L lactose) was reached at 60 min for bioreactor and sonicator. After evaluation of the data, it was found that the kinetics of hydrolysis and enzyme inactivation could be represented by a first‐order kinetic model and a single‐step non‐first‐order enzyme inactivation kinetic model, respectively, for all process conditions applied. The activation energy for hydrolysis reaction and the enzymatic inactivation energy values were also calculated.
STUDIES OF CERAMIC TILES ATTRIBUTED TO GABRIEL DEL BARCO
Authors: CARVALHO R. S. , CARVALHO A. P. , VAZ M. F.
Published: February 2012

This study reports the mineralogical and chemical characterization of the ceramic body of tiles created by Gabriel del Barco, an important tile painter in Lisbon from the 17th century. Six tile panels were studied: four are signed and two are attributed to the painter. The results obtained from the signed panels revealed that the samples have almost the same characteristics, with a magnesium‐rich phase, meaning that the artist, or the pottery where the tiles were made, kept to the same manufacturing procedure over some time. In contrast to this, the results of samples from the masterpiece Vista de Lisboa showed some heterogeneity, as two patterns were observed. However, one of these patterns matches with the one observed in the signed tile panels. Although a more detailed study still needs to be done, these findings, together with historical sources linked to painting characteristics, suggest that Gabriel del Barco was also the author of the non‐signed tiles.
Inhibition of hepatitis B Virus replication by hepatocyte nuclear factor 4‐alpha specific short hairpin RNA
Authors: He Fang , Chen En‐Qiang , Liu Li , Zhou Tao‐You , Liu Cong , Cheng Xing , Liu Feng‐Jun , Tang Hong
Published: February 2012

Background

Previous studies showed that hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α) may play a critical role in hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the effect of knocking down of HNF4α with RNA interference technique on HBV replication in a HBV replication mouse model.

Methods

Four HNF4α, specific short hairpin RNA (shRNA)‐producing plasmids were constructed. HBV mRNA and DNA replication intermediates were analysed using Northern and Southern blot respectively. The expression of HNF4α and HBV core antigen (HBcAg) was detected using immunohistochemistry technique.

Results

One of the HNF4α shRNAs, HNF4α shRNA1, efficiently inhibited the expression of HNF4α in HepG2 cells and mice liver. HBV RNA transcripts and DNA replication intermediates in HNF4α shRNA1 group were decreased 67.3 and 76%, respectively, in HepG2 cells, and 68.1 and 70.6% in mice liver respectively. The expression level of HBcAg in the liver was also decreased with the inhibition of HNF4α expression.

Conclusions

These results suggested that decreasing of HNF4α expression was associated with the reduced level of HBV replication in HepG2 cells and mice liver. These data indicated that HNF4α played a critical role in HBV replication in vivo, and HNF4α shRNA could inhibit HBV replication in vivo.
The Impact of Ballot Type on Voter Errors
Authors: Herrnson Paul S. , Hanmer Michael J. , Niemi Richard G.
Published: February 2012

Studies of ballots have traditionally focused on roll‐off, candidate order, and partisan advantage. This study is among the first to assess the impact of ballots on individual‐level voter errors. We develop new hypotheses by bringing together theoretical insights from usability research and political science about the effects of ballots with and without a straight‐party voting option. By comparing voters’ intentions to the votes they cast, we are able to create two measures of voter errors: votes unintentionally cast for the wrong candidate and unintentional undervotes. Voters generally make fewer errors of both types when using a standard office‐bloc ballot than when using an office‐bloc ballot with a straight‐party option, with the number of wrong‐candidate errors substantially exceeding the number of unintentional undervotes. Voters’ background characteristics have a significant impact on their ability to vote without error. Our results offer a new perspective for evaluating the use of the straight‐party option.
Taking Sides in Other People’s Elections: The Polarizing Effect of Foreign Intervention
Authors: Corstange Daniel , Marinov Nikolay
Published: February 2012

What do voters think when outside powers become de facto participants in a country’s election? We conceptualize two types of foreign intervention: a partisan stance, where the outsider roots for a particular candidate slate, and a process stance, where outsiders support the democratic process. We theorize that a partisan outside message will polarize partisan actors domestically on the issue of appropriate relations with the outsiders: partisans who are supported will want closer relations with the outside power, and partisans who are opposed will favor more distant relations. A process message, in contrast, will have a moderating effect on voters’ attitudes. We present evidence of partisan polarization along those lines from a survey experiment we conducted in Lebanon in the wake of the 2009 parliamentary elections. We discuss the implications of our findings for future studies of how outsiders can encourage moderate electoral outcomes in democratizing states.
Differential Effects of Ivabradine and Ryanodine on Pacemaker Activity in Canine Sinus Node and Purkinje Fibers
Authors: SOSUNOV EUGENE A. , ANYUKHOVSKY EVGENY P.
Published: February 2012

Effects of Ivabradine and Ryanodine on Cardiac Pacemakers.

Introduction:
It is generally accepted that at least 2 major mechanisms contribute to sinus node (SN) pacemaking: a membrane voltage (mainly If) clock and a calcium (Ca) clock (localized submembrane sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release during late diastolic depolarization). The aim of this study was to compare the contributions of each mechanism to pacemaker activity in SN and Purkinje fibers (PFs) exhibiting normal or abnormal automaticity.

Methods and Results:
Conventional microelectrodes were used to record action potentials in isolated spontaneously beating canine SN and free running PF in control and in the presence of 0.1 μM isoproterenol. Ryanodine (0.1–3 μM) and ivabradine (3 μM) were used to inhibit sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release or If, respectively. To induce automaticity at low membrane potentials, PFs were superfused with BaCl2. In SN, ivabradine reduced the rate whereas ryanodine had no effect. Isoproterenol significantly accelerated automatic rate, which was decreased by ivabradine and ryanodine. In normally polarized PFs, ryanodine had no effects on the automatic rate in the absence or presence of isoproterenol, whereas ivabradine inhibited both control and isoproterenol‐accelerated automaticity. In PF depolarized with BaCl2, ivabradine decreased BaCl2‐induced automatic rate while ryanodine had no effect.

Conclusion:
In canine SN, If contributes to both basal automaticity and β‐adrenergic‐induced rate acceleration while the ryanodine‐inhibited Ca clock appears more involved in β‐adrenergic regulation of pacemaker rate. In PF, normal automaticity depends mainly on If. Inhibition of basal potassium conductance results in high automatic rates at depolarized membrane potentials with SN‐like responses to inhibition of membrane and Ca clocks. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 650–655, June 2012)
Long‐Term Follow‐Up in Patients with Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
Authors: LI CHENG‐HUNG , LIN YENN‐JIANG , HUANG JIN‐LONG , WU TSU‐JUEY , CHENG CHEN‐CHUAN , LIN WEI‐SHIANG , TUAN TA‐CHUAN , CHANG SHIH‐LIN , LO LI‐WEI , HU YU‐FENG , CHAO TZE‐FAN , CHUNG FA‐PO , TSAI CHIN‐FENG , TSAO HSUAN‐MING , CHEN SHIH‐ANN
Published: February 2012

Long‐Term Prognosis in Patients with ARVC. Introduction: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a major cause of sudden cardiac death due to tachyarrhythmias. The purpose of this study was to investigate the long‐term prognosis in patients with ARVC and the incidence of rapid ventricular arrhythmias during follow‐up.

Methods: Thirty ARVC patients (19 male, 63.3%, mean age 48 ± 15 years) fulfilling modified Task Force criteria 2010 were included. Of them, 13 patients (43.3%) received implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Rapid ventricular arrhythmia was defined as electrical storm or the occurrence of ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF) with a cycle length of 240 ms or less that necessitate shock delivery to 2 or more times within a 24‐hour period.

Results: With a mean follow‐up of 68 ± 10 months, 6 patients (20%) with ICD implantation had recurrent rapid VT/VF. One (3.3%) of them died of multiple shocks and SCD, and 5 (16.7%) had multiple ICD therapies due to VT/VF and electrical storm. The interval between the diagnosis of ARVC and occurrence of rapid VT/VF was 13.4 ± 4.9 months. Most (5/6, 83.3%) events of recurrent rapid VT/VF occurred within 2 years. Ablated patients who did not receive an ICD implant were totally free of rapid VT/VF.

Conclusions: For patients with ARVC, long‐term prognosis is favorable. During a long‐term follow‐up, patients meeting the criteria for ICD implantation have a higher rate of rapid and potentially life‐threatening arrhythmias. However, early and clustered recurrence of rapid VT/VF in patients with an ICD is common, whereas late occurrence of rapid VT/VF is very rare. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 750‐756, July 2012)
Xenobiotic metabolism capacities of human skin in comparison with a 3D‐epidermis model and keratinocyte‐based cell culture as in vitro alternatives for chemical testing: phase II enzymes
Authors: Götz Christine , Pfeiffer Roland , Tigges Julia , Ruwiedel Karsten , Hübenthal Ulrike , Merk Hans F , Krutmann Jean , Edwards Robert J. , Abel Josef , Pease Camilla , Goebel Carsten , Hewitt Nicola , Fritsche Ellen
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  The 7th Amendment to the EU Cosmetics Directive prohibits the use of animals in cosmetic testing for certain endpoints, such as genotoxicity. Therefore, skin in vitro models have to replace chemical testing in vivo. However, the metabolic competence neither of human skin nor of alternative in vitro models has so far been fully characterized, although skin is the first‐pass organ for accidentally or purposely (cosmetics and pharmaceuticals) applied chemicals. Thus, there is an urgent need to understand the xenobiotic‐metabolizing capacities of human skin and to compare these activities to models developed to replace animal testing. We have measured the activity of the phase II enzymes glutathione S‐transferase, UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase and N‐acetyltransferase in ex vivo human skin, the 3D epidermal model EpiDerm 200 (EPI‐200), immortalized keratinocyte‐based cell lines (HaCaT and NCTC 2544) and primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes. We show that all three phase II enzymes are present and highly active in skin as compared to phase I. Human skin, therefore, represents a more detoxifying than activating organ. This work systematically compares the activities of three important phase II enzymes in four different in vitro models directly to human skin. We conclude from our studies that 3D epidermal models, like the EPI‐200 employed here, are superior over monolayer cultures in mimicking human skin xenobiotic metabolism and thus better suited for dermatotoxicity testing.
Educational achievement and vocational career in twins – a Swedish national cohort study
Authors: Hjern Anders , Ekeus Cecilia , Rasmussen Finn , Lindblad Frank
Published: February 2012

Aim:  To investigate how being born and raised as a twin is associated with IQ, educational achievement and vocational career.

Methods:  Register study in a national birth cohort, complemented with a siblings study. The study population included 13 368 individuals born and raised as twins and 837 752 singletons, including 3019 siblings of twins, in the Swedish birth cohorts of 1973–1981. Our outcome measures were mean grade points on a five point scale from ninth grade of primary school at 15–16 years, IQ tests on a nine grade point scale from male conscripts at 18–19 years, highest completed education, disability benefits, work income and employment at 27–35 years of age.

Results:  Twins had slightly better mean grade point averages in ninth grade; +0.08 (95% CI 0.04–0.11) and more often had completed a university education in young adulthood; OR 1.16 (1.02–1.21) compared with singleton siblings, despite male twins having a slightly lower IQ at military conscription compared with male singletons. Employment rates, mean income and disability benefits were similar in twins and singletons.

Conclusions:  Twins have slightly better educational careers and similar vocational careers compared with those born as singletons.
Optimal growth with heterogeneous agents and the twisted turnpike: An example
Authors: Becker Robert A.
Published: February 2012

The dynamics of a welfare‐maximizing, heterogeneous‐agent, one‐sector optimal Ramsey model is analyzed assuming two agents, each with a distinct discount factor and log utility. Production is Cobb–Douglas. Explicit time‐varying policy functions are derived, one for each period. A twisted turnpike property and eventually monotone dynamics are demonstrated to govern the evolution of the economy’s aggregate capital stock.
The Effect of Spatial Structure of Pasture Tree Cover on Avian Frugivores in Eastern Amazonia
Authors: Lasky Jesse R. , Keitt Timothy H.
Published: February 2012

The movement of frugivores between remnant forests and successional areas is vital for tropical forest tree species to colonize successional habitats. The response of these species to the spatial structure of pasture tree cover is largely unknown. We studied avian frugivores that were found in primary forest edges and large pastures in easternAmazonia,Brazil. We determined how the small‐scale spatial structure of pasture trees at forest edges affects five response variables: bird presence, visitation rate, duration of visit, species richness, and an index accounting for species’ level of frugivory and abundance in forests. We used hierarchical linear models to estimate the effect of four predictor variables on response variables: (1) clustering of pasture trees; (2) percent canopy cover of pasture trees; (3) distance of pasture tree to forest edge; and (4) tree crown area. The study species, many of which are widely distributed in the Neotropics, were generally insensitive to percent cover and clustering of trees. Frugivore visitation to individual trees remained constant as cover increased. Visitation was positively correlated with focal tree distance to forest edge and crown area. The positive relationship between distance and visitation rates may be due to the increased abundance of some resource further from forests. If pastures were abandoned the distance from forest edges would not likely limit frugivore visitation and seed deposition under large pasture trees in our study (i.e., up to 200 m distant).
News Coverage of New Presidents in The New York Times, 1981‐2009
Authors: FARNSWORTH STEPHEN J. , LICHTER S. ROBERT
Published: February 2012

Content analysis of front‐page The New York Times stories during the first year of the Barack Obama presidency revealed news coverage that was far more positive in tone than that received during the first year of the Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush presidencies. Overall, the Obama findings reveal a media honeymoon in that influential newspaper, a sharp contrast from first‐year coverage of other presidents during the modern era of a more combative press. The positive policy coverage Obama received in the Times was also significantly more positive than on evening newscasts of network television and on Fox News’ Special Report.

Un análisis de los reportajes en primera plana del New York Times durante el primer año de presidencia de Barack Obama reveló reportajes con un tono mucho más positivo que aquel recibido durante el primer año de las presidencias de Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton y George W. Bush. En conjunto, estos hallazgos muestran una luna de miel del influyente periódico con Barack Obama, un marcado contraste con la cobertura que recibieron otros presidentes durante la era moderna de una prensa más competitiva. La positiva cobertura que Obama recibió del Times también fue significativamente más positiva que la recibida por noticieros vespertinos en cadenas televisivas y en el programa Fox News’ Special Report.

Related Articles:“Media Use in the Contemporary Presidency,” (1996): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.1996.tb00441.x/abstract“Selective Media Exposure and Partisan Differences,” (2011): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00288.x/abstract“The Influence of Media Policy Narratives on Public Opinion,” (2011): http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2009.00175.x/abstract
‘Twisting the Wrist’: Teaching South Asian Religions in the Contemporary Academy
Authors: Suthren Hirst Jacqueline , Zavos John
Published: February 2012

Research into South Asian religious traditions has developed rapidly over the past two decades or so, contributing to and reflecting both a critical reflexive turn in the discipline of Religious Studies, and the growing influence of Postcolonial theory in the Humanities and Social Sciences. In this article, we explore the implications of these developments for teaching about South Asian religious traditions in the contemporary academy. We argue that a particular challenge is presented by the persistent influence of the world religions paradigm in Higher Education teaching environments, notwithstanding the emergence of new research agendas. We review the approach taken towards concepts of ‘religion’ and ‘religions’ in a series of recently published volumes directed at students of South Asian religious traditions, and ask how these approaches are reflected in the organisation and pedagogic concerns of these volumes. We then go on to suggest particular strategies for approaching teaching about South Asian religious traditions, emphasising the importance of multiple ways of contextualising data, and encouraging critical reflection on this multiplicity. We use the metaphor of the kaleidoscope to explain this approach, encouraging students to ‘twist the wrist’ in order to view case studies in different contexts, and so build up nuanced, critically aware pictures of the diverse traditions they are studying.
Characterization of Listeria Monocytogenes Isolates in Import Food Products of China from 8 Provinces Between 2005 and 2007
Authors: Wang Ping , Yang Hairong , Hu Yue , Yuan Fei , Zhao Guiming , Zhao Yongsheng , Chen Ying
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  A total of 48 Listeria monocytogenes isolates of different import food products from 8 provinces between 2005 and 2008 were characterized. The serotype and virulence were confirmed for each strain and molecular subtyping were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Twenty five strains were assigned to serotype 1/2a, and 11 isolates to serotype 1/2b, serotype 4b were found in 7 isolate, and the remaining 5 strains were grouped into serotypes 1/2c, 4a, and 4e. Molecular subtyping schemes found thirty two sequence types (STs) among these isolates and the majority of L. monocytogenes strains belonged to lineage II (56%), followed by lineage I (38%), lineage III (6%). Two molecular subtype clusters, cluster A included all isolates of lineage II, while cluster B contained the isolates of lineages I and lineages III. Two L. monocytogenes strains were not grouped in either of the two clusters. Fifty three isolates were as virulent as L. monocytogenes reference strain EGD in mouse virulence assay, while the isolates 22213 and 22265 had low pathogenicity. These results provide the first molecular insight into the L. monocytogenes strains isolated from import food products of 8 provinces in China and indicate the potential risk to cause human disease if intake by contaminated foods. MLST could be used as a routine subtyping method of L. monocytogenes isolates. In China, inspection and quarantine strategies of imported foods should be strengthened.

Practical Application:  There is a potential risk of listeriosis in China and routine subtyping of L. monocytogenes isolates is important. It is necessary for food hygiene management to strengthen the supervision of imported foods.
Zinc transporters and their role in the pancreatic β‐cell
Authors: Lemaire Katleen , Chimienti Fabrice , Schuit Frans
Published: February 2012

Zinc is an essential nutrient with tremendous importance for human health, and zinc deficiency is a severe risk factor for increased mortality and morbidity. As abnormal zinc homeostasis causes diabetes, and because the pancreatic β‐cell contains the highest zinc content of any known cell type, it is of interest to know how zinc fluxes are controlled in β‐cells. The understanding of zinc homeostasis has been boosted by the discovery of multiprotein families of zinc transporters, and one of them – zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) – is abundantly and specifically expressed in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. In this review, we discuss the evidence for a physiological role of ZnT8 in the formation of zinc‐insulin crystals, the physical form in which most insulin is stored in secretory granules. In addition, we cross‐examine this information, collected in genetically modified mouse strains, to the knowledge that genetic variants of the human ZnT8 gene predispose to the onset of type 2 diabetes and that epitopes on the ZnT8 protein trigger autoimmunity in patients with type 1 diabetes. The overall conclusion is that we are still at the dawn of a complete understanding of how zinc homeostasis operates in normal β‐cells and how abnormalities lead to β‐cell dysfunction and diabetes. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2012.00199.x, 2012)