bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brief interventions are effective in reducing alcohol consumption in opiate‐dependent methadone‐maintained patients: Results from an implementation study
Authors: DARKER CATHERINE D. , SWEENEY BRION P. , EL HASSAN HAYTHAM O. , SMYTH BOBBY P. , IVERS JO‐HANNA H. , BARRY JOE M.
Published: September 2011

Introduction and Aims. An implementation study to test the feasibility and effectiveness of brief interventions (BIs) to reduce hazardous and harmful alcohol consumption in opiate‐dependent methadone‐maintained patients.

Design and Methods. Before and after intervention comparison of Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT‐C) scores from baseline to 3 month follow up. Seven hundred and ten (82%) of the 863 eligible methadone‐maintained patients within three urban addiction treatment clinics were screened. A World Health Organization protocol for a clinician‐delivered single BI to reduce alcohol consumption was delivered. The full AUDIT questionnaire was used at baseline (T1) to measure alcohol consumption and related harms; and in part as a screening tool to exclude those who may be alcohol‐dependent. AUDIT‐C was used at 3 month follow up (T2) to assess any changes in alcohol consumption.

Results. One hundred and sixty (23% of overall sample screened) ‘AUDIT‐positive’ cases were identified at baseline screening with a mean total full AUDIT score of 13.5 (SD 6.7). There was a statistically significant reduction in AUDIT‐C scores from T1 (
, SD = 2.35) to T2 (, SD = 2.66) for the BI group (z = −3.98, P < 0.01). There was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of men who were AUDIT‐positive from T1 to T2 (χ2 = 8.25, P < 0.003).

Discussion and Conclusions. It is feasible for a range of clinicians to screen for problem alcohol use and deliver BI within community methadone clinics. Opiate‐dependent patients significantly reduced their alcohol consumption as a result of receiving a BI. [Darker CD, Sweeney BP, El Hassan HO, Smyth BP, Ivers J‐HH, Barry JM. Brief interventions are effective in reducing alcohol consumption in opiate‐dependent methadone‐maintained patients: Results from an implementation study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:348–356]
The Effects of Culture and Structure on Strategic Flexibility during Business Model Innovation
Authors: Bock Adam J. , Opsahl Tore , George Gerard , Gann David M.
Published: September 2011

abstract

This study uses responses from 107 multinational firms to reveal CEO perceptions of the drivers of strategic flexibility during business model innovation. While the positive effect of creative culture is confirmed, partner reliance reduces strategic flexibility during business model innovation. Further, structural change is disaggregated into efforts that either focus managerial attention on core activities or reconfigure existing activities. CEOs perceive that structural flexibility requires structural simplification while retaining control of non‐core functions. We find that the relative magnitude of business model innovation effort moderates the effect of reconfiguration on strategic flexibility. The implications for theories of organizational design and dynamic capabilities are discussed.
A Response to Farrell
Authors: Hayward Keith
Published: September 2011

This article responds directly to an article published in this journal in February 2010 by Graham Farrell entitled ‘Situational crime prevention and its discontents: rational choice and harm reduction versus “cultural criminology” ’. (Farrell's article, in turn, was a rejoinder to my original 2007 article ‘Situational crime prevention and its discontents: rational choice theory versus the “culture of now” ’). In his article, Farrell sets out a case for the role of ‘harm reduction’ and rational choice theory as tools to reduce the contemporary crime problem, concluding that ‘Cultural criminology seems to offer little, if anything, useful to inform crime reduction efforts’. This article rejects this statement and offers a counter critique of the instrumental approach promoted by Farrell. Importantly, this response article is not intended as an outright critique of situational crime prevention per se, rather it is an assessment of Farrell's specific critical logic and the various shortcomings associated with his argument.
‘We Know in Part’: How the Positive Apophaticism of Aquinas Transforms the Negative Theology of Pseudo‐Dionysius
Authors: Darley Alan Philip
Published: September 2011

There has been a new reception and revival of interest in the Pseudo‐Dionysius both in popular and academic circles, which has impacted Thomistic scholarship. Scholars roughly from the time of Vatican II have stressed the importance of Pseudo‐Dionysius to Thomistic thought, in reaction to a previous emphasis on the ‘Aristotelian’ and analytic aspects of Thomistic thought. Whilst this approach uncovered a largely neglected area, the converse now appears to be the case: the Dionysian influence on Thomas is disproportionately exaggerated, leading to a false identification of the two thinkers. This paper argues that whereas the negative theology of Pseudo‐Dionysius entailed the unknowability of God as the One beyond language, concept and being, Thomas developed a ‘positive apophaticism’ that transformed Denys in light of Augustine, Aristotle and, most importantly, Scripture itself.

I first trace the roots of apophaticism showing how neo‐Platonism leads to equivocal God‐talk and why Aquinas goes further than Dionysius in his rejection of equivocity. I then show how the unknowability of God taught by Dionysius is qualified by Thomas through his teaching on the ‘quidditative’ knowledge in the next life and through the doctrine of analogy in the present life that makes possible the naming of God using positive ‘perfection terms.’

The primary perfection term is Being which, in contrast to the Dionysian God ‘beyond being,’ applies to God literally and pre‐eminently. This has implications for epistemology since, as Aristotle showed, knowledge and rational discourse are grounded in Being. The reason Denys' theology leads to an absolute unknowing is because He denies that God is identical with Being, whereas Aquinas' metaphysics, while denying univocal being, retains true speech about God, including logical discourse by analogy.

I finally explain how in spite of believing Dionysius to be a first century apostolic convert, Thomas was able to transform his teaching because of presuppositions regarding the authority of Scripture that he interprets in light of Augustine, Aristotle and a developing understanding of a ‘literal’ sense that stands in contrast to the ‘anagogical’ hermeneutic of Dionysius. This results in an undermining of Dionysian elitism that anticipates the work of the Reformers, beginning with John Wyclif. In the contemporary context, Thomas' ‘positive apophaticism’ offers a powerful resource for addressing an increasingly agnostic culture.
Merkel cell carcinoma – pathogenesis, clinical aspects and treatment
Authors: Schrama D. , Becker J.C.
Published: September 2011

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin demonstrating a high rate of recurrence and metastasis. Indeed, 5‐year rates for MCC specific survival are only about 60%. Although MCCs’ incidence is rapidly increasing, it is still a very rare tumour. In this regard, the American Cancer Society had estimated for 2008 almost 1500 new cases in the USA. Recently, the newly identified Merkel cell polyomavirus has been found associated with most of the MCC cases. Nevertheless, the pathogenesis of MCC is not yet fully understood. Here, we will summarize recent findings of the pathogenesis of MCC, present an overview of clinical aspects and discuss treatment options for MCCs.
DNA polymorphisms and tissue cyclooxygenase‐2 expression in oral lichen planus: a case‐control study
Authors: Abdel Hay R.M. , Fawzy M.M. , Metwally D. , Kadry D. , Ezzat M. , Rashwan W. , Rashed L.A.
Published: September 2011

Background  Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder defined as a precancerous condition. Special attention has been paid to the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and its potential role in development of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms that affect gene function or expression and contribute to disease predisposition has become a major area of investigation toward understanding the mechanisms for cancer.

Objective  The objective of this study is to investigate the association between the COX‐2 765G>C gene polymorphism, tissue COX‐2 expression and the development of OLP as a chronic inflammatory condition.

Methods  This study was done on 50 patients with OLP and 50 healthy controls. COX‐2 activity was assessed by measuring tissue prostaglandin E (PGE)2 levels by enzyme immunometric assay kit. COX‐2 765G>C gene polymorphism was assessed by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) followed by restricted fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).

Results  OLP patients showed statistically significant higher mean PGE2 than the control group. We did not observe any statistically significant differences in genotype distribution or allele frequency between the patients and the control group (P > 0.05). Odds ratio showed no statistically significant association between COX‐2 765G>C polymorphism and lichen planus.

Conclusion  The present evidence thus indicates that variation in the COX‐2 gene is unlikely to be of relevance to the aetiology of OLP. As this is the first report concerning the COX‐2 ‐765G>C gene polymorphism and the risk of OLP, additional studies with larger sample size will be required to confirm these findings.
Screening for Intellectual Disability in Children: A Review of the Literature
Authors: McKenzie Karen , Megson Paula
Published: September 2011

Background  Early identification of possible intellectual disability can help children and families access appropriate services and support more quickly. There has been an increasing interest in the use of screening tools for this purpose. This study reviews the literature in relation to such tools.

Methods  A literature search was carried out for English language articles from 1990 to 2009 using a range of databases. Secondary searches were carried out from references of relevant articles.

Results  Only one article was identified which examined the ability of an assessment to specifically identify children with a potential intellectual disability; however, no information was provided about sensitivity, specificity or cut‐off points.

Conclusions  There is not, as yet, a screening tool that can reliably identify children with a probable intellectual disability. Further research in this area is needed.
Partial characterisation of enterocin KP produced by Enterococcus faecalis KP, a cheese isolate
Authors: ISLEROGLU HILAL , YILDIRIM ZELIHA , TOKATLI MEHMET , ONCUL NILGUN , YILDIRIM METIN
Published: September 2011

Enterococcus faecalis KP, a bacteriocin‐producing strain, was identified using 16S rRNA gene sequence homology (99%). Enterocin KP from E. faecalis KP was sensitive to papain and ß‐mercaptoethanol, but resistant to trypsin, pepsin, lipase, catalase, α‐amylase, organic solvents, detergents, EDTA and heat treatment (90°C/30 min). It was active at a wide pH range (2.0–8.0) and produced at maximum level in de Mann Rogosa Sharpe broth at 32°C with an inoculum amount of 0.1–1.0% and an initial pH of 5.5–7.5. It was active against some Gram‐positive bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes. It showed bactericidal activity against L. monocytogenes and its molecular weight was approximately 5.8 kDa.
Enhanced innate immune responsiveness and intolerance to intestinal endotoxins in human biliary epithelial cells contributes to chronic cholangitis
Authors: Mueller Tobias , Beutler Claudia , Picó Almudena Hurtado , Shibolet Oren , Pratt Daniel S. , Pascher Andreas , Neuhaus Peter , Wiedenmann Bertram , Berg Thomas , Podolsky Daniel K.
Published: September 2011

Background

Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) orchestrate the innate immune defence in human biliary epithelial cells (BECs). Tight control of PRR signalling provides tolerance to physiological amounts of intestinal endotoxins in human bile to avoid constant innate immune activation in BECs.

Aims

We wanted to determine whether inappropriate innate immune responses to intestinal endotoxins contribute to the development and perpetuation of chronic biliary inflammation.

Methods

We examined PRR‐mediated innate immune responses and protective endotoxin tolerance in primary BECs isolated from patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), alcoholic liver disease and patients without chronic liver disease. Expression studies comprised northern blots, RT‐PCR, Western blots and immunocytochemistry. Functional studies comprised immuno‐precipitation Western blots, FACS for endotoxin uptake, and NF‐κB activation assays and ELISA for secreted IL‐8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α.

Results

Primary BECs from explanted PSC livers showed reversibly increased TLR and NOD protein expression and activation of the MyD88/IRAK signalling complex. Consecutively, PSC BECs exhibited inappropriate innate immune responses to endotoxins and did not develop immune tolerance after repeated endotoxin exposures. This endotoxin hyper‐responsiveness was probably because of the stimulatory effect of abundantly expressed IFN‐γ and TNF‐α in PSC livers, which stimulated TLR4‐mediated endotoxin signalling in BECs, leading to increased TLR4‐mediated endotoxin incorporation and impaired inactivation of the TLR4 signalling cascade. As TNF‐α inhibition partly restored protective innate immune tolerance, endogenous TNF‐α secretion probably contributed to inappropriate endotoxin responses in BECs.

Conclusion

Inappropriate innate immune responses to intestinal endotoxins and subsequent endotoxin intolerance because of enhanced PRR signalling in BECs probably contribute to chronic cholangitis.
Comparison of Femoral Angulation Measurement Between Radiographs and Anatomic Specimens Across a Broad Range of Varus Conformations
Authors: Palmer Ross H. , Ikuta Courtney L. , Cadmus Jill M.
Published: September 2011

Objective

To determine if measurement of anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) from radiographs is valid across a broad range of femoral varus conformations.

Study Design

Radiographic and anatomic study.

Sample Population

Large breed canine cadavers (n= 5) and femora (n= 10).

Methods

Cadavers were held in dorsal recumbency and 8 craniocaudal radiographic projections made of each femur: 1 image pre‐ and postosteotomy and at each of 6 progressive levels of induced distal varus deformity. Femurs were collected. Three blinded examiners independently measured varus on each radiograph (R‐aLDFA) and femoral specimen (S‐aLDFA) on 3 separate occasions. Intra‐ and interobserver variance inR‐aLDFAandS‐aLDFAmeasurements were determined. The strength of relationship betweenR‐aLDFAandS‐aLDFAand positive and negative predictive values forR‐aLDFAwere calculated.

Results

Intra‐ and interobserver variance inR‐aLDFA(mean, 0.54% and 0.40%, respectively) andS‐aLDFA(mean, 0.43% and 0.41%, respectively) were acceptable. The strength of relationship betweenR‐aLDFAandS‐aLDFA(adjustedR2= 78.2%) was marginally below the acceptance criterion of 80%. UsingaLDFA≥ 102° as an indication for corrective femoral osteotomy, radiography was successful in correctly identifying corrective femoral osteotomy candidates (positive predictive value) and noncandidates (negative predictive value) 72% and 96% of the time, respectively.

Conclusion

R‐aLDFAdid not reach the desired accuracy for femoral varus measurement across the range of conformations evaluated.
Differential Decomposition Patterns in Charred Versus Un‐Charred Remains
Authors: Gruenthal Ariel , Moffatt Colin , Simmons Tal
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Although researchers have examined many aspects of fire modification, the rate and pattern of decomposition in charred remains have not been studied previously. This study utilized 48 domestic pigs, divided into 24 charred (head, neck, and limbs burned to Crow–Glassman level 1 and torso to level 2) and 24 un‐charred pig carcasses. Decomposition of control carcasses was scored at 50 accumulated degree days (ADD) intervals, and charred carcasses were also observed and photographed at this time. A Charred Body Scale was subsequently created, and charred carcasses were scored retrospectively for the same ADD intervals. Analysis using a mixed‐effect repeated measures model indicated that, while decomposition rate was not statistically different between the two groups (p = 0.2692), the charred remains initially displayed an ostensibly more advanced pattern. Body regions displaying significant charring decomposed at a faster rate (p < 0.001), while areas with very light levels of charring decomposed at a significantly slower rate (p < 0.001).
Haplotypic Blocks of X‐linked STRs for Forensic Cases: Study of Recombination and Mutation Rates*
Authors: Castañeda María , Mijares Verónica , Riancho José A. , Zarrabeitia María T.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  In complex kinship cases, markers situated in haplotypic blocks may provide additional clues to other unlinked markers. We have established a protocol to amplify six X‐chromosome microsatellites, located in two haplotype blocks, using PCR with fluorochrome‐labeled primers and capillary electrophoresis. The segregation stability was explored in 92 unrelated families with individuals from three generations. Sixty‐one different haplotypes were found in the DXS10079‐DXS10074‐DXS10075 block in the grandfathers and 96 in the mothers, with estimated haplotype diversities of 0.9828 and 0.9842, respectively. Fifty and 73 different haplotypes were found in the DXS6801‐DXS6809‐DXS6789 block in the grandfathers and the mothers, with estimated haplotype diversities of 0.9711 and 0.9742, respectively. We observed 10 between‐cluster and one within‐cluster recombinations in 99 female meioses. The overall per‐locus mutation rate was 0.0034. This protocol allows for the characterization of the alleles of two sets of linked markers of the X‐chromosome that can be useful in complex forensic cases.
Na+,K+-ATPase activity is increased in rats subjected to chronic administration of ketamine
Authors: De Luca Renata D. , Fraga Daiane de B. , Ghedim Fernando V. , Kolling Janaína , Ferreira Andrea G. K. , Cunha Aline A. , Wyse Angela T. S. , Zugno Alexandra I.
Published: September 2011

De Luca RD, Fraga DB, Ghedim FV, Kolling J, Ferreira AGK, Cunha AA, Wyse ATS, Zugno AI. Na+,K+-ATPase activity is increased in rats subjected to chronic administration of ketamine.

Objective: Schizophrenia is a devastating psychiatric disorder. Symptoms of schizophrenia can be divided into positive, negative and cognitive, and the physiopathology is still been unknown. Na+,K+-ATPase is a protein in its role as a maintainer of fluid balance in all mammals and alterations in this enzyme could cause brain abnormalities. The aim of our study was to investigate the activity of this enzyme in rats submitted to chronic administration of ketamine.

Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were submitted to sub-anaesthetic doses of the 25 mg/kg ketamine by seven consecutive days and the Na+,K+-ATPase activity was analysed in prefrontal and hippocampus of rats.

Results: We observed an increase in Na+,K+-ATPase activity in prefrontal cortex administration of 25 mg/kg ketamine. However, ketamine has no effect in hippocampus.

Conclusion: This evidence indicates that the alteration in Na+,K+-ATPase may be related with glutamatergic system and consequently could be related to the development of schizophrenia.
Effect of ill‐fitting dentures on the swallowing duration in patients using polygraphy
Authors: Monaco Annalisa , Cattaneo Ruggero , Masci Chiara , Spadaro Alessandro , Marzo Giuseppe
Published: September 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00536.x

Effect of ill‐fitting dentures on the swallowing duration in patients using polygraphy

Background:  Surface electromyography (SEMG) has been widely used in the recent years to study swallowing physiology, offering a valid and reliable tool for identifying normal swallowing. The goal of our study was to assess the contribution of denture fitness in the age‐related increase of swallowing duration.

Methods:  Twenty denture wearers and 20 dentate individuals were analysed using SEMG and a computerised kinesiography of mandibular movement. Three spontaneous saliva swallowings were recorded for each patient with both their old and new prostheses. Three spontaneous saliva swallowings were recorded for each dentate person in two different recording sessions.

Results:  Old prosthesis mean swallowing time was 1.84 (SD ± 0.85) seconds while the new well‐fitting prostheses needed a 1.28 (SD ± 0.55) (p = 0.0009) swallowing time. The difference in swallowing time was significant (p = 0.01) between dentate subjects and individuals wearing an old prosthesis. No significant difference was found between dentate subjects and the same prosthesis wearers when a new well‐fitting prosthesis was worn.

Conclusion:  Data presented in this work suggest that part of the increased duration of swallowing showed by elderly and healthy people is because of incorrect an dental prosthesis. Prolongation of swallowing duration in the elderly population could be reconsidered in the light of the quality of dental device worn by the aged population.
Influences of age and maxillary anterior teeth status on patient’s satisfaction with dental appearance and tooth colour
Authors: Lajnert Vlatka , Pavičić Daniela K. , Gržić Renata , Kovač Zoran , Pahor Đana , Kuis̆ Davor , Simonić‐Kocijan Sunčana , Antonić Robert , Bakarčić Danko
Published: September 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00543.x

Influences of age and maxillary anterior teeth status on patient’s satisfaction with dental appearance and tooth colour

Objectives:  To study the impact of age, gender, tooth colour and maxillary anterior teeth status on patient’s satisfaction with their dental appearance.

Material and methods:  A total of 259 Caucasian subjects participated in the study (119 men, mean age 56 years; 140 women, mean age 61 years) divided into three age groups (young <35 age; middle aged 35–54 age; old ≥55 age). Their maxillary anterior teeth status was classified into three groups: (1) natural teeth (NTG) group; (2) composite filling group (CFG) and (3) porcelain‐fused‐to‐metal fixed prosthodontic restoration group (FPDG). The participants judged appearance and tooth colour using a scale with three categories: completely dissatisfied, moderately dissatisfied and completely satisfied.

Results:  Almost half of the participants were completely satisfied with their dental appearance and tooth colour. Half of the ‘young’ and ‘middle‐aged’ participants with natural maxillary anterior teeth were completely satisfied and half of the ‘old’ participants were moderately satisfied with their dental appearance and tooth colour. The majority of participants with composite restorations (45–51%) were moderately satisfied with their dental appearance, one‐third of ‘young’ and ‘middle‐aged’ participants were moderately satisfied or dissatisfied with their tooth colour and more than 70% of older participants were dissatisfied with their tooth colour (p > 0.05).

Conclusions:  Satisfaction with the appearance of the maxillary anterior teeth differed both between individuals of different age and different dental status.
Leu138 in bovine prion peptide fibrils is involved in seeding discrimination related to codon 129 M/V polymorphism in the prion peptide seeding experiment
Authors: Liao Tai‐Yan , Lee Lily Y.‐L. , Chen Rita P.‐Y.
Published: September 2011

The risk of acquiring variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease is closely related to polymorphism at codon 129 of the human prion gene, because almost all variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease patients are Met/Met homozygotes. Although animal transmission experiments corroborated this seeding discrimination, the origin of the differential seeding efficiency of the bovine prion seed for human codon 129 polymorphism remained elusive. Here, we used a short prion protein (PrP) peptide as a model system to test whether seeding discrimination can be found in this simple system. We used a previously developed ‘seed‐titration method’ and time‐resolved CD spectroscopy to compare sequence‐dependent seeding efficiency regarding codon 129 polymorphism. Our results showed that the Met→Val substitution on the human PrP (huPrP) peptide decreased seeding efficiency by 10 times when fibrils formed from bovine PrP (bPrP) peptide were used as the seed. To explore whether the different seeding barrier is due to the chemical and structural properties of Met and Val or whether another residue is involved in this peptide model, we constructed three bPrP mutants, V112M, L138I and N143S, in each of which one residue was replaced by the corresponding human residue. Our data showed that Leu138 in the bPrP seed might be the key residue causing the different seeding efficiencies related to 129M/V polymorphism and the interference effect of huPrP129V in the huPrP129M/V mixture. We propose a ‘surface competition hypothesis’ to explain the big seeding barrier caused by 129V in the PrP peptide seeding experiment.

Structured digital abstract

 huPrP aggregates with bPrP by circular dichroism (View Interaction 1, 2)

 bPrP aggregates with bPrP by circular dichroism (View interaction)

 bPrP aggregates with bPrP by electron microscopy (View interaction)

 bPrP aggregates with bPrP by fluorescence technology (View interaction)

 huPrP aggregates with huPrP by electron microscopy (View interaction)

 huPrP aggregates with huPrP by fluorescence technology (View interaction)

 huPrP aggregates with huPrP by circular dichroism (View interaction)
A strong parietal hub in the small‐world network of coloured‐hearing synaesthetes during resting state EEG
Authors: Jäncke Lutz , Langer Nicolas
Published: September 2011

We investigated whether functional brain networks are different in coloured‐hearing synaesthetes compared with non‐synaesthetes. Based on resting state electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, graph‐theoretical analysis was applied to functional connectivity data obtained from different frequency bands (theta, alpha1, alpha2, and beta) of 12 coloured‐hearing synaesthetes and 13 non‐synaesthetes. The analysis of functional connectivity was based on estimated intra‐cerebral sources of brain activation using standardized low‐resolution electrical tomography. These intra‐cerebral sources of brain activity were subjected to graph‐theoretical analysis yielding measures representing small‐world network characteristics (cluster coefficients and path length). In addition, brain regions with strong interconnections were identified (so‐called hubs), and the interconnectedness of these hubs were quantified using degree as a measure of connectedness. Our analysis was guided by the two‐stage model proposed by Hubbard and Ramachandran (2005). In this model, the parietal lobe is thought to play a pivotal role in binding together the synaesthetic perceptions (hyperbinding). In addition, we hypothesized that the auditory cortex and the fusiform gyrus would qualify as strong hubs in synaesthetes. Although synaesthetes and non‐synaesthetes demonstrated a similar small‐world network topology, the parietal lobe turned out to be a stronger hub in synaesthetes than in non‐synaesthetes supporting the two‐stage model. The auditory cortex was also identified as a strong hub in these coloured‐hearing synaesthetes (for the alpha2 band). Thus, our a priori hypotheses receive strong support. Several additional hubs (for which no a priori hypothesis has been formulated) were found to be different in terms of the degree measure in synaesthetes, with synaesthetes demonstrating stronger degree measures indicating stronger interconnectedness. These hubs were found in brain areas known to be involved in controlling memory processes (alpha1: hippocampus and retrosplenial area), executive functions (alpha1 and alpha2: ventrolateral prefrontal cortex; theta: inferior frontal cortex), and the generation of perceptions (theta: extrastriate cortex; beta: subcentral area). Taken together this graph‐theoretical analysis of the resting state EEG supports the two‐stage model in demonstrating that the left‐sided parietal lobe is a strong hub region, which is stronger functionally interconnected in synaesthetes than in non‐synaesthetes. The right‐sided auditory cortex is also a strong hub supporting the idea that coloured‐hearing synaesthetes demonstrate a specific auditory cortex. A further important point is that these hub regions are even differently operating at rest supporting the idea that these hub characteristics are predetermining factors of coloured‐hearing synaesthesia.
Plagiarism and scientific writing: a personal commentary
Authors: Ponniah Irulandy
Published: September 2011

Abstract There have been a number of papers that have addressed the issue of plagiarism. Nevertheless, the charges of plagiarism usually merit little attention with experts, because it is still not clear what sort of copying actually constitutes plagiarism. Another problem that eludes consensus is whether plagiarism was committed with or without intention. This paper discusses certain issues relating to plagiarism and differentiates between intentional and unintentional forms of plagiarism.
Topological Structural Synthesis of 4-DOF Serial-Parallel Hybrid Mechanisms
Authors: Zeng Qiang , Fang Yuefa , Ehmann Kornel F.
Published: September 2011

This paper analyzes the basic forms of 4-DOF spatial motions through the introduction of logical propositions for the topological structural synthesis of multiloop hybrid spatial mechanisms. The proposed method for the topological structural synthesis is based on displacement group theory and consists of two elements. First, spatial multiloop detachment (SMD) is proposed for the analysis of the output motion relations in multiloop topological arrangements. Second, configuration cards for displacement subsets of subchains (CCDS) are developed for subchain design. To demonstrate the applicability of SMD and CCDS to the four basic forms of 4-DOF motions, 12 novel serial-parallel hybrid mechanisms are synthesized that include the nonspanning tree netted form of topological arrangements.
Charge trapping characteristics of Au nanocrystals embedded in remote plasma atomic layer-deposited Al2O3 film as the tunnel and blocking oxides for nonvolatile memory applications
Authors: Lee Jaesang , Kim Hyungchul , Park Taeyong , Ko Youngbin , Ryu Jaehun , Jeon Heeyoung , Park Jingyu , Jeon Hyeongtag
Published: September 2011

Remote plasma atomic layer deposited (RPALD) Al2O3 films were investigated to apply as tunnel and blocking layers in the metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor memory utilizing Au nanocrystals (NCs) for nonvolatile memory applications. The interface stability of an Al2O3 film deposited by RPALD was studied to observe the effects of remote plasma on the interface. The interface formed during RPALD process has high oxidation states such as Si+3 and Si+4, indicating that RPALD process can grow more stable interface which has a small amount of fixed oxide trap charge. The significant memory characteristics were also observed in this memory device through the electrical measurement. The memory device exhibited a relatively large memory window of 5.6 V under a 10/−10 V program/erase voltage and also showed the relatively fast programming/erasing speed and a competitive retention characteristic after 104 s. These results indicate that Al2O3 films deposited via RPALD can be applied as the tunnel and blocking oxides for next-generation flash memory devices.
A Diverse Assemblage of Late Cretaceous Dinosaur and Bird Feathers from Canadian Amber
Authors: McKellar Ryan C. , Chatterton Brian D. E. , Wolfe Alexander P. , Currie Philip J.
Published: September 2011

Late Cretaceous amber entombs both dinosaur protofeathers and avian feathers of modern aspect.
RETRACTED: Unclicking the Click: Mechanically Facilitated 1,3-Dipolar Cycloreversions
Authors: Brantley Johnathan N. , Wiggins Kelly M. , Bielawski Christopher W.
Published: September 2011

Application of ultrasound can cleanly reverse a widely used chemical coupling reaction.
Refining Quantum Cryptography
Authors: Hughes Richard , Nordholt Jane
Published: September 2011

Recent hacking efforts on quantum cryptography systems have resulted in new approaches for more secure communication networks.
Deep Mantle Cycling of Oceanic Crust: Evidence from Diamonds and Their Mineral Inclusions
Authors: Walter M. J. , Kohn S. C. , Araujo D. , Bulanova G. P. , Smith C. B. , Gaillou E. , Wang J. , Steele A. , Shirey S. B.
Published: September 2011

Tiny minerals trapped inside Brazilian diamonds show that Earth’s carbon cycle extends down to the lower mantle.
Preventing the Next Fukushima
Authors: Bunn Matthew , Heinonen Olli
Published: September 2011

Weak authority and largely voluntary standards limit global institutions' impact on nuclear safety and security.
Acetylcholine-Synthesizing T Cells Relay Neural Signals in a Vagus Nerve Circuit
Authors: Rosas-Ballina Mauricio , Olofsson Peder S. , Ochani Mahendar , Valdés-Ferrer Sergio I. , Levine Yaakov A. , Reardon Colin , Tusche Michael W. , Pavlov Valentin A. , Andersson Ulf , Chavan Sangeeta , Mak Tak W. , Tracey Kevin J.
Published: September 2011

A neural circuit that involves a specialized population of memory T cells regulates the immune response.
Mechanically Throwing a Reaction into Reverse
Authors: Leibfarth Frank A. , Hawker Craig J.
Published: September 2011

A traditionally irreversible reaction that led to very stable chemical bonds could be reversed by pulling the molecule apart in solution with mechanical forces.
Meeting Brings Attention But Little Action on Chronic Diseases
Authors: Reardon Sara
Published: September 2011

Some public health experts and advocates are finding their enthusiasm about an upcoming meeting of U.N. member states to discuss the growing pandemic of noncommunicable diseases a bit quashed.
Role of Euphalerus ostreoides (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) in manipulating leaflet ontogenesis of Lonchocarpus muehlbergianus (Fabaceae)
Authors: Isaias Rosy Mary dos Santos , Coelho Denis de Oliveira , Carneiro Renê Gonçalves da Silva
Published: September 2011

This study deals with the ontogenesis of leaflets and galls induced by Euphalerus ostreoides Crawf. on the second-order veins of leaflets of Lonchocarpus muehlbergianus Hassl. Leaflets had a median submarginal developmental pattern with four layers of ground meristem. Procambial strands were differentiated from the median layers. Simple nonglandular trichomes were differentiated from the protoderm and abscised before leaflet maturation. Mature leaflets had uniseriate epidermis and isolateral mesophyll. Galls were bivalve-shaped, with a single nymphal chamber and glabrous outer epidermis. Sparse trichomes occurred on the margin of the valves and inner epidermis. Cecidogenesis led to vascular neoformation, cell hypertrophy, and conspicuous hyperplasia of the cortical layers, with cytological distinctiveness. Histochemistry of invertases indicated that sugars supplied plant cell machinery. The developmental pattern of nongalled leaf tissues of L. muehlbergianus, as well as the variations caused by the feeding activity of E. ostreoides, were in accordance with a developmental model proposed for Psyllidae galls in the Neotropics. The valves are vascularized leafy appendages that originated from the most adaxial layers of the ground meristem. Vascularization supplied additional feeding sites to E. ostreoides, as well as water uptake, which were of major importance in the determination of the final shape of the gall.
SPHERICALLY SYMMETRIC GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE OF A DUST CLOUD IN EINSTEIN–GAUSS–BONNET GRAVITY
Authors: ZHOU KANG , YANG ZHAN-YING , ZOU DE-CHENG , YUE RUI-HONG
Published: September 2011

We explore the gravitational collapse of a spherically symmetric dust cloud in the Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity without a cosmological constant, and obtain three families of LTB-like solutions. It is shown that the Gauss–Bonnet term has a profound influence on the nature of singularities, and the global structure of spacetime changes drastically from the analogous general relativistic case. Interestingly, the formation of a naked, massive and uncentral singularity, allowed in five-dimensional spacetime, is forbidden if D≥6. Moreover, such singularity is gravitational strong and a serious counterexample to CCH.
COSMOLOGY OF EINSTEIN–VLASOV SYSTEM IN A WEAK MODIFICATION OF GENERAL RELATIVITY
Authors: CORDA CHRISTIAN
Published: September 2011

In earlier work it was shown that a weak modification of general relativity, in the linearized approach, renders a spherically symmetric and stationary model of the Universe. This was due to the presence of a third mode of polarization in the linearized gravity in which a "curvature energy" term is present. Such term was identified as the Dark Energy of the Universe.

In this paper a more realistic model is discussed. A different cosmological solution to the Einstein–Vlasov system is analyzed. This solution shows reasonable results which are within the standard bounds predicted by the cosmological observations.
SPIℂA'S MULTI-PARTY NEGOTIATION PROTOCOL: IMPLEMENTATION USING YAWL
Authors: BACCARIN E. , MADEIRA E. R. M. , MEDEIROS C. B. , VAN DER AALST W. M. P.
Published: September 2011

A supply chain comprises several different kinds of actors that interact either in an ad hoc fashion (e.g. an eventual deal) or in a previously well-planned way. In the latter, how the interactions develop is described in contracts that are agreed on before the interactions start. This agreement may involve several partners, thus a multi-party contract is better suited than a set of bi-lateral contracts. If one is willing to negotiate automatically such kind of contracts, an appropriate negotiation protocol should be at hand. However, the ones for bi-lateral contracts are not suitable for multi-party contracts, e.g. the way to achieve consensus when only two negotiators are haggling over some issues is quite different if there are several negotiators involved. In the first case, a simple bargain would suffice, but in the latter a ballot process is needed. This paper briefly presents our negotiation protocol for electronic multi-party contracts which seamlessly combines several negotiation styles. It also elaborates on the main negotiation patterns the protocol allows for: bargain (for peer-to-peer negotiation), auction (when there is competition among the negotiators) and ballot (when the negotiation aims at consensus) and presents other patterns that can be built on these basic ones. Finally, it describes an implementation of this protocol based on Web services, and built on the YAWL Workflow Management System.
Does Corporate Diversification Reduce Firm Risk? Evidence from Diversifying Acquisitions
Authors: Anderson Randy I. , Stowe John D. , Xing Xuejing
Published: September 2011

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically whether corporate diversification reduces the risk of the diversifying firm. We investigate this issue using a sample of diversifying acquisitions and various risk measures. We find that corporate diversification tends to decrease the risk of some firms but increase the risk of many others. On average corporate diversification does not lower firm risk. These findings call into question the notion that corporate diversification strictly reduces firm risk.
Spontaneous autoimmune gastritis and hypochlorhydria are manifest in the ileitis-prone SAMP1/YitFcs mice
Authors: Ernst P. B. , Erickson L. D. , Loo W. M. , Scott K. G. , Wiznerowicz E. B. , Brown C. C. , Torres-Velez F. J. , Alam M. S. , Black S. G. , McDuffie M. , Feldman S. H. , Wallace J. L. , McKnight G. W. , Padol I. T. , Hunt R. H. , Tung K. S.
Published: September 2011

SAMP1/YitFcs mice serve as a model of Crohn's disease, and we have used them to assess gastritis. Gastritis was compared in SAMP1/YitFcs, AKR, and C57BL/6 mice by histology, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Gastric acid secretion was measured in ligated stomachs, while anti-parietal cell antibodies were assayed by immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot assay. SAMP1/YitFcs mice display a corpus-dominant, chronic gastritis with multifocal aggregates of mononuclear cells consisting of T and B lymphocytes. Relatively few aggregates were observed elsewhere in the stomach. The infiltrates in the oxyntic mucosa were associated with the loss of parietal cell mass. AKR mice, the founder strain of the SAMP1/YitFcs, also have gastritis, although they do not develop ileitis. Genetic studies using SAMP1/YitFcs-C57BL/6 congenic mice showed that the genetic regions regulating ileitis had comparable effects on gastritis. The majority of the cells in the aggregates expressed the T cell marker CD3 or the B cell marker B220. Adoptive transfer of SAMP1/YitFcs CD4+T helper cells, with or without B cells, into immunodeficient recipients induced a pangastritis and duodenitis. SAMP1/YitFcs and AKR mice manifest hypochlorhydria and anti-parietal cell antibodies. These data suggest that common genetic factors controlling gastroenteric disease in SAMP1/YitFcs mice regulate distinct pathogenic mechanisms causing inflammation in separate sites within the digestive tract.
Does cerebral oxygen delivery limit incremental exercise performance?
Authors: Subudhi Andrew W. , Olin J. Tod , Dimmen Andrew C. , Polaner David M. , Kayser Bengt , Roach Robert C.
Published: September 2011

Previous studies have suggested that a reduction in cerebral oxygen delivery may limit motor drive, particularly in hypoxic conditions, where oxygen transport is impaired. We hypothesized that raising end-tidal Pco2 (PetCO2) during incremental exercise would increase cerebral blood flow (CBF) and oxygen delivery, thereby improving peak power output (Wpeak). Amateur cyclists performed two ramped exercise tests (25 W/min) in a counterbalanced order to compare the normal, poikilocapnic response against a clamped condition, in which PetCO2 was held at 50 Torr throughout exercise. Tests were performed in normoxia (barometric pressure = 630 mmHg, 1,650 m) and hypoxia (barometric pressure = 425 mmHg, 4,875 m) in a hypobaric chamber. An additional trial in hypoxia investigated effects of clamping at a lower PetCO2 (40 Torr) from ∼75 to 100% Wpeak to reduce potential influences of respiratory acidosis and muscle fatigue imposed by clamping PetCO2 at 50 Torr. Metabolic gases, ventilation, middle cerebral artery CBF velocity (transcranial Doppler), forehead pulse oximetry, and cerebral (prefrontal) and muscle (vastus lateralis) hemoglobin oxygenation (near infrared spectroscopy) were monitored across trials. Clamping PetCO2 at 50 Torr in both normoxia ( n = 9) and hypoxia ( n = 11) elevated CBF velocity (∼40%) and improved cerebral hemoglobin oxygenation (∼15%), but decreased Wpeak (6%) and peak oxygen consumption (11%). Clamping at 40 Torr near maximal effort in hypoxia ( n = 6) also improved cerebral oxygenation (∼15%), but again limited Wpeak (5%). These findings demonstrate that increasing mass cerebral oxygen delivery via CO2-mediated vasodilation does not improve incremental exercise performance, at least when accompanied by respiratory acidosis.
Functional impairment of skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism during knee extension exercise after bed rest
Authors: Salvadego Desy , Lazzer Stefano , Marzorati Mauro , Porcelli Simone , Rejc Enrico , Šimunič Bostjan , Pišot Rado , di Prampero Pietro Enrico , Grassi Bruno
Published: September 2011

A functional evaluation of skeletal muscle oxidative metabolism during dynamic knee extension (KE) incremental exercises was carried out following a 35-day bed rest (BR) (Valdoltra 2008 BR campaign). Nine young male volunteers (age: 23.5 ± 2.2 yr; mean ± SD) were evaluated. Pulmonary gas exchange, heart rate and cardiac output (by impedance cardiography), skeletal muscle (vastus lateralis) fractional O2extraction, and brain (frontal cortex) oxygenation (by near-infrared spectroscopy) were determined during incremental KE. Values at exhaustion were considered “peak”. Peak heart rate (147 ± 18 beats/min before vs. 146 ± 17 beats/min after BR) and peak cardiac output (17.8 ± 3.3 l/min before vs. 16.1 ± 1.8 l/min after BR) were unaffected by BR. As expected, brain oxygenation did not decrease during KE. Peak O2uptake was lower after vs. before BR, both when expressed as liters per minute (0.99 ± 0.17 vs. 1.26 ± 0.27) and when normalized per unit of quadriceps muscle mass (46.5 ± 6.4 vs. 56.9 ± 11.0 ml·min−1·100 g−1). Skeletal muscle peak fractional O2extraction, expressed as a percentage of the maximal values obtained during a transient limb ischemia, was lower after (46.3 ± 12.1%) vs. before BR (66.5 ± 11.2%). After elimination, by the adopted exercise protocol, of constraints related to cardiovascular O2delivery, a decrease in peak O2uptake and muscle peak capacity of fractional O2extraction was found after 35 days of BR. These findings suggest a substantial impairment of oxidative function at the muscle level, “downstream” with respect to bulk blood flow to the exercising muscles, that is possibly at the level of blood flow distribution/O2utilization inside the muscle, peripheral O2diffusion, and intracellular oxidative metabolism.
Ameliorative Effects of Herbal Combinations in Hyperlipidemia
Authors: Visavadiya Nishant P. , Narasimhacharya A. V. R. L.
Published: September 2011

The roots ofGlycyrrhiza glabra, Withania somnifera, Asparagus racemosus, and Chlorophytum borivilianumand seeds ofSesamum indicumare ayurvedic medicinal plants used in India to treat several ailments. Our previous studies indicated that these plants possess hypolipidemic and antioxidant potential. The present study was aimed at investigating the composite effects of these plants on hypercholesterolemic rats. Three different combinations (5 gm%, given for four weeks) used in this study effectively reduced plasma and hepatic lipid profiles and increased fecal excretion of cholesterol, neutral sterol, and bile acid along with increasing the hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity and bile acid content in hypercholesterolemic rats. Further, all three combinations also improved the hepatic antioxidant status (catalase, SOD, and ascorbic acid levels) and plasma total antioxidant capacity with reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation. Overall, combination I had the maximum effect on hypercholesterolemic rats followed by combinations II and III due to varying concentrations of the different classes of phytocomponents.
A Case of Sarcoidosis with Unusual Radiographic Findings that Developed 5 Years after Silicone Augmentation Mammoplasty Complicated by Miliary Tuberculosis during Corticosteroid Treatment
Authors: Miyashita Tomoko , Yoshioka Katsunobu , Nakamura Tomoyuki , Yamagami Keiko
Published: September 2011

A 54-year-old woman with a past history of silicone augmentation mammoplasty was admitted with fever and dyspnea with diffuse interstitial shadows on computed tomography (CT). Although radiological findings were atypical, we diagnosed sarcoidosis by laboratory, microbiological, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis. Corticosteroids ameliorated the condition, but she had recurrent of fever and CT revealed miliary nodules while interstitial shadows disappeared. Liver biopsy showed that noncaseating granuloma and Ziehl-Neelsen stain was positive. We diagnosed miliary tuberculosis which developed during corticosteroid therapy. Antituberculotic therapy resulted in favorable outcome. Possibility exists that onset of sarcoidosis was induced by mammoplasty, namely, human adjuvant disease.