bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meiotic Chromosome Interactions: Nonhomologous Centromere (Un)Coupling and Homologous Synapsis
Authors: Bardhan Amit
Published: March 2012

The fundamental function of meiosis, segregation of the maternal and paternal chromosomes, is facilitated by reciprocal recombination and intimate juxtaposition (synapsis) between the homologous chromosomes in meiotic prophase. Homolog synapsis, mediated by the synaptonemal complex (SC), is preceded by a stage of pairing between the centromeres of nonhomologous chromosomes. This pairing, named nonhomologous centromere coupling (NCC), depends upon the meiotic cohesin Rec8 and the SC protein Zip1. Nonhomologously coupled centromeres (NCCs), if remain tethered, must interfere with complete homolog synapsis (SC formation). Recent experiments demonstrate the existence of a mechanism that regulates NCC. Importantly, this is part of a regulatory network which couples dissolution of the NCCs with SC formation between the homologous chromosomes, thereby ensuring appropriate meiotic chromosome interactions. This paper reviews this network and presents speculations relating to the initiation of SC formation at centromere.
LDA and GGA Investigations of Some Ground-State Properties and the Compton Profile of Copper with the All-Electron MAPW Method
Authors: Bross Helmut
Published: March 2012

The electronic structure is self-consistently evaluated both in the local-density and the generalized-gradient approximations. The convergence with respect to the intrinsic parameters of the modified augmented plane-wave scheme is thoroughly investigated. Besides the Ar-core, the less-extended Ne-core and the most appropriate exchange-correlations functionals are considered. It is studied how some characteristic ground-state properties and the Compton profiles depend on these choices. Apart from the long wave limit of the Compton profiles, most of the other properties are found in good agreement with the experimental facts.
A. N. Whitehead and Social Theory
Authors: Halewood Michael
Published: March 2012

This book outlines A.N. Whiteheads philosophy of process and uses it to re-orient a range of topics within social theory, namely: the relation of language and the body; sexual difference and conceptions of nature; the question of realism; the concept of the social; and capitalism as process.
Japan's Open Future
Authors: Haffner John , Casas i Klett Tomas , Lehmann Jean-Pierre
Published: March 2012

Where does Japan fit in a rapidly changing world, and how should it relate to the United States and China? Three foreign commentators make a provocative and persuasive argument that the time has come for Japan to help build a stronger Asian community, and to become an engaged and conscientious global citizen.
India and China: Interactions through Buddhism and Diplomacy
Authors: Wang Bangwei , Sen Tansen
Published: March 2012

This volume collates the classic works of the preeminent Indian scholar of Chinese history and Buddhism, Professor Prabodh Chandra Bagchi (18981956).
The Anti-Politics Machine in India
Authors: Chhotray Vasudha
Published: March 2012

This book assesses the validity of anti-politics critiques of development, first popularised by James Ferguson, in the peculiar context of India. It examines the extent to which it is possible to keep politics out of a highly technocratic state watershed development programme that also seeks to be participatory.
Schumpeter's Evolutionary Economics
Authors: Andersen Esben
Published: March 2012

A much-needed modern interpretation of Joseph Schumpeter's views on innovation, entrepreneurship and creative destruction, which provides a comprehensive and detailed analysis of this great thinker's major works.
An Insider's Experience of Insurgency in India's North-East
Authors: Mukherjee J. R.
Published: March 2012

A rare analysis that  for the first time  examines the crises of a region mired in political strife and ambiguity.
South of the Crisis
Authors: Corradi Juan
Published: March 2012

The book offers an unorthodox account of why and how global capitalism has entered a phase of unsustainable crises of accumulation and legitimacy, and examines the different exit strategies open to Latin American countries.
Can We Live Forever?
Authors: Turner Bryan
Published: March 2012

An enlightening look into the medical, cultural, religious and philosophical implications of life extension.
Virtual Voyages
Authors: Arthur Paul
Published: March 2012

'Virtual Voyages' is a fascinating account of the European discovery of the elusive 'great south land' told through the literature of 'imaginary voyages'.
Power Shifts and Global Governance
Authors: Taube Günther
Published: March 2012

Power Shifts and Global Governance: Challenges from South and North explores changing architectures of global governance in the midst of great power shifts in the twenty-first century.
Mad Tales from the Raj
Authors: Ernst Waltraud
Published: March 2012

This revised and enlarged reprint provides a comprehensive assessment of the British response to mental illness among both colonizers and the colonized during the East India Company's rule in India.
The Bluejay Genome Browser
Authors: Soh Jung , Gordon Paul M.K. , Sensen Christoph W.
Published: March 2012

The Bluejay genome browser is a stand‐alone visualization tool for the multi‐scale viewing of annotated genomes and other genomic elements. Bluejay allows users to customize display features to suit their needs, and produces publication‐quality graphics. Bluejay provides a multitude of ways to interrelate biological data at the genome scale. Users can load gene expression data into a genome display for expression visualization in context. Multiple genomes can be compared concurrently, including time series expression data, based on Gene Ontology labels. External, context‐sensitive biological Web Services are linked to the displayed genomic elements ad hoc for in‐depth genomic data analysis and interpretation. Users can mark multiple points of interest in a genome by creating waypoints, and exploit them for easy navigation of single or multiple genomes. Using this comprehensive visual environment, users can study a gene not just in relation to its genome, but also its transcriptome and evolutionary origins. Written in Java, Bluejay is platform‐independent and is freely available from http://bluejay.ucalgary.ca. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 37:10.9.1‐10.9.23. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effects of the Morphology of a ZnO Buffer Layer on the Photovoltaic Performance of Inverted Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Liang Zhiqiang , Zhang Qifeng , Wiranwetchayan Orawan , Xi Junting , Yang Zhou , Park Kwangsuk , Li Chundong , Cao Guozhong
Published: March 2012

The influences of morphology and thickness of zinc oxide (ZnO) buffer layers on the performance of inverted polymer solar cells are investigated. ZnO buffer layers with different morphology and thickness varying from several nanometers to ≈55 nm are fabricated by adjusting the concentration of the precursor sol. The ZnO buffer layers with nearly same surface quality but with thickness varying from ≈7 to ≈65 nm are also fabricated by spinning coating for comparison. The photovoltaic performance is found to be strongly dependent on ZnO surface quality and less dependent on the thickness. The use of dense and homogenous ZnO buffer layers enhances the fill factor and short‐circuit current of inverted solar cell without sacrificing the open‐circuit voltage of device due to an improvement in the contact between the ZnO buffer layer and the photoactive layer. Inverted devices with a dense and homogenous ZnO buffer layer derived from 0.1 M sol exhibit an overall conversion efficiency of 3.3% which is a 32% increase compared to devices with a rough ZnO buffer layer made from 1 M sol, which exhibited a power conversion efficiency of 2.5%. The results indicate that the efficiency of inverted polymer solar cells can be significantly influenced by the morphology of the buffer layer.
Universal Polarization Switching Behavior of Disordered Ferroelectrics
Authors: Genenko Yuri A. , Zhukov Sergey , Yampolskii Sergey V. , Schütrumpf Jörg , Dittmer Robert , Jo Wook , Kungl Hans , Hoffmann Michael J. , von Seggern Heinz
Published: March 2012

Universal scaling features of polarization switching are established experimentally in rather different classes of disordered ferroelectrics: in well‐studied lead‐zirconate titanate (PZT) ferroelectrics, in recently synthesized Cu‐stabilized 0.94(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3–0.06BaTiO3 (BNT‐BT) relaxor ferroelectrics, and in classical organic ferroelectrics P(VDF‐TrFE). These scaling properties are explained by an extended concept of an inhomogeneous field mechanism (IFM) of polarization dynamics in ferroelectrics. Accordingly, disordered ferroelectrics exhibit a wide spectrum of characteristic switching times due to a statistical distribution of values of the local electric field. How this distribution can be extracted from polarization measurements is demonstrated. Generally, it is shown that the polarization response is primarily controlled by the statistical characteristics of disorder rather than by a temporal law of the local polarization switching.
2010 McDonald criteria for diagnosing pediatric multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sadaka Yair , Verhey Leonard H. , Shroff Manohar M. , Branson Helen M. , Arnold Douglas L. , Narayanan Sridar , Sled John G. , Bar‐Or Amit , Sadovnick A. Dessa , McGowan Melissa , Marrie Ruth Ann , Banwell Brenda ,   on behalf of the Canadian Pediatric Demyelinating Disease Network
Published: March 2012

Objective:

The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) rests on confirmation of central nervous system inflammatory disease that is disseminated in space and time, as evidenced clinically or by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The 2010 McDonald criteria simplified MRI requirements, and newly proposed that the criteria are also suitable for the diagnosis of pediatric MS.

Methods:

In a national prospective incident cohort study of children with acute demyelination observed for a minimum of 24 months, baseline and serial clinical and MRI examinations were used to retrospectively evaluate the 2010 and 2005 McDonald criteria using clinically relapsing disease as the gold standard.

Results:

Of 212 eligible participants, 34 experienced 2 or more clinical attacks, 58 met the 2010 criteria, and 42 met 2005 McDonald criteria. The 2010 criteria demonstrated high sensitivity (100%), specificity (86%), positive predictive value (76%), and negative predictive value (100%) for children older than 11 years with non–acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) presentations, as did the 2005 McDonald criteria. In younger children with a non‐ADEM presentation, PPV of the 2010 criteria was only 55%. None of the 50 children with ADEM met clinical criteria for MS, but 10 met 2010 and 4 met 2005 criteria.

Interpretation:

Both 2005 and 2010 McDonald criteria identify children with relapsing–remitting MS, although caution is suggested when applying these criteria in younger children. The 2010 McDonald criteria are simple and enable an early diagnosis of MS, but are not suited for application in the context of ADEM‐like presentations. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:211–223.
SALIVARY SECRETIONS FROM THE ECTOPARASITIC WASP, Eulophus pennicornis CONTAIN HYDROLASES, AND KILL HOST HEMOCYTES BY APOPTOSIS
Authors: Richards Elaine H.
Published: March 2012

The current work demonstrates that larvae of the ectoparasitic wasp, Eulophus pennicornis, produce salivary secretions (Ep S) that contain a variety of hydrolases. This includes medium to high levels of N‐acetyl‐β‐glucosaminidase activity, relatively low levels of esterase (C 4) and lipase (C 14) activity, and trace levels of esterase lipase (C 8), acid phosphatise, β‐galactosidase, β‐glucuronidase, and α‐glucosidase activity. In addition, in vitro monolayer assays indicate that both a 4 h and an 18 h incubation of hemocytes from host Lacanobia oleracea larvae in Ep S significantly increases (P < 0.001) the percentage of cells dying by apoptosis compared to the controls. Moreover, an 18 h incubation of hemocytes in Ep S (but not a 4 h incubation), also significantly increased the percentage of dead cells detected using a trypan‐blue exclusion assay. The role of ectoparasitoid salivary secretions in conditioning the host by disabling hemocyte‐mediated wound healing responses, and providing food for the developing wasp larvae is discussed.
Strong Nuclear Ring Currents and Magnetic Fields in Pseudorotating OsH4 Molecules Induced by Circularly Polarized Laser Pulses
Authors: Barth Ingo , Bressler Christian , Koseki Shiro , Manz Jörn
Published: March 2012

We design a circularly polarized laser pulse in the infrared frequency and femtosecond time domains, for excitation of the OsH4 molecule in its first excited pseudorotational state of the triply‐degenerate bend. The OsH4 molecule need not be pre‐oriented. After excitation, the central nucleus Os carries out pseudorotation about the axis parallel to the direction of propagation of the laser pulse. This pseudorotation causes a strong electric ring current with a value I=1.53 e fs−1. The mean value of the radius of the ring current is very small, R=0.0031 a0, where a0 is the Bohr radius. According to the Biot–Savart law (|${{\vec{\bf B}}}$(R=0)|∼I/R), this nuclear ring current induces the strongest magnetic field predicted so far in molecules, with a central peak absolute value |${{\vec{\bf B}}}$(R=0)|=623 T. To monitor the effect, we propose an IR‐pump–X‐ray‐probe versus an X‐ray‐probe‐only experiment, at the K‐ and L‐edges of X‐ray ionization. The results are based on the general quantum theory of excitations of pseudorotations in tetrahedral molecules AB4, driven by a circularly polarized laser pulse.
Aminopyrrolic Synthetic Receptors for Monosaccharides: A Class of Carbohydrate‐Binding Agents Endowed with Antibiotic Activity versus Pathogenic Yeasts
Authors: Nativi Cristina , Francesconi Oscar , Gabrielli Gabriele , De Simone Irene , Turchetti Benedetta , Mello Tommaso , Mannelli Lorenzo Di Cesare , Ghelardini Carla , Buzzini Pietro , Roelens Stefano
Published: March 2012

The biological activity of a set of structurally related aminopyrrolic synthetic receptors for monosaccharides has been tested versus yeast and yeast‐like microorganisms and compared to their binding affinity toward mannosides. Antibiotic activity comparable to that of well‐known polyene (amphotericin B) or azole (ketoconazole) drugs has been found for some members of the family, along with a general correlation with binding abilities. A systematic structure–activity–affinity investigation shed light on the structural and functional requirements necessary for antibiotic activity and identified the tripodal compound 1 as the most potent compound of the set. Together with toxicity tests and inhibitor localization experiments performed through fluorescence microscopy, these studies led to the characterization of a new class of carbohydrate binding agents possessing antibiotic activity, in which pyrrolic groups precisely structured on a tripodal architecture appear to be responsible for permeability through the cell wall of pathogens, as well as for antibiotic activity inside the cytoplasm.
Spin–Spin Artificial DNA Intercalated with Silver Cations: Theoretical Prediction
Authors: Kauch Małgorzata , Pecul Magdalena
Published: March 2012

The indirect nuclear spin–spin coupling constants of Ag+ cation intercalated between imidazole rings in DNA chains are calculated by means of DFT with relativistic effects taken into account by the use of the zeroth‐order regular approximation Hamiltonian (DFT‐ZORA). The calculations model how the 1J(15N,109Ag) coupling constant is affected by different types of geometry deformations and by the presence of water, which is simulated by means of the polarizable continuum model and explicitly present water molecules. Calculations for systems containing two and three imidazole pairs are also carried out to model the influence of stacking interactions. The computed 1J(15N,109Ag) spin–spin coupling constant is in the range of 85–105 Hz (depending on the computational model) and is in good agreement with the experimental value (ca. 92 Hz). This coupling constant is very little affected by the presence of solvent, stacking interactions, and geometry deformations. Such behavior is explained by visualization of the coupling path by means of coupling energy density (CED). Bigger models allow the coupling constant between two adjacent silver ions to be computed, and give a value of approximately 1 Hz, which is probably too small to be of practical interest. The 2J(15N,15N) value is calculated to be about 2.5 Hz, and is therefore of measurable magnitude.
Theoretical Insights into Chirality‐Controlled SWCNT Growth from a Cycloparaphenylene Template
Authors: Li Hai‐Bei , Page Alister J. , Irle Stephan , Morokuma Keiji
Published: March 2012

A self‐assembly mechanism for low‐temperature SWCNT growth from a [6]cycloparaphenylene ([6]CPP) precursor via ethynyl (C2H) radical addition is presented, based on non‐equilibrium quantum chemical molecular dynamics (QM/MD) simulations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. This mechanism, which maintains the (6,6) armchair chirality of a SWCNT fragment throughout the growth process, is energetically more favorable than a previously proposed Diels–Alder‐based growth mechanisms [E. H. Fort, et al., J. Mater. Chem. 2011, 21, 1373]. QM/MD simulations and DFT calculations show that C2H radicals play dual roles during SWCNT growth, by abstracting hydrogen from the SWCNT fragment and providing the carbon source necessary for growth itself. Simulations demonstrate that chirality‐controlled SWCNT growth from macrocyclic hydrocarbon seed molecules with pre‐selected edge structure can be accomplished when the reaction conditions are carefully selected for hydrogen abstraction by radical species during the growth process.
Influence of the Acetylenic Substituent on the Intramolecular Carbolithiation of Alkynes
Authors: Girard Anne‐Lise , Lhermet Rudy , Fressigné Catherine , Durandetti Muriel , Maddaluno Jacques
Published: March 2012

The intramolecular carbolithiation of a series of propargylic ethers has been performed to evaluate the influence of the terminal substituent on the efficiency and the stereochemical outcome of the cyclization. Our results show that only 5‐exo‐dig cyclizations are observed, and dihydrobenzofurans are obtained exclusively. Depending on the nature of the terminal substituent, two cases can be considered. If the terminal substituent carried by the acetylenic carbon atom is itself a carbon atom, the cyclization can occur provided the terminal propargylic position bears a coordinating element and is at least disubstituted. When the cyclization occurs, it follows an anti‐carbolithiation pathway and thus leads to the E isomer of the exocyclic double bond. Only in one case (Ph) was a mixture of the E and Z isomers of the resulting olefin recovered. The cyclization can also take place if the alkyne is directly substituted by S or Si, provided the cyclization conditions are tuned. In the case of the trimethylsilyl substituent, a syn‐carbolithiation was observed. If the double bond is recovered, in most cases, in the exocyclic position, the products can aromatize directly for SPh‐substituted substrate 24. Furthermore, in the two latter cases, when alkylation of the vinyllithium intermediate is performed, isomerization of the double bond seems instantaneous.
Hapmap‐based evaluation of ERCC2, PPP1R13L, and ERCC1 and lung cancer risk in a Chinese population
Authors: Yin Jiaoyang , Vogel Ulla , Wang Chunhong , Liang Duohong , Ma Yegang , Wang Huiwen , Yue Li , Liu Donghui , Ma Jian , Sun Xiaoling
Published: March 2012

A genomic region on chromosome 19q13.3 has been associated with cancer susceptibility. A Chinese case–control study including 339 lung cancer cases and 358 controls was conducted using haplotype‐tagging SNP (htSNP) approach and HapMap database to evaluate the role of this locus. Four htSNPs (rs6966, rs2070830, rs4802252, and rs4803817) representing 95% of the common variations in PPP1R13L, as well as fourteen htSNPs encompassing ERCC2, PPP1R13L, and ERCC1 on chromosome 19q13.3 were explored. Three haplotype blocks of strong linkage disequilibrium were identified. Overall, no single htSNP or haplotype associations were found for PPP1R13L. Highly significant differential distributions of haplotypes defined by both nine htSNPs covering ERCC2 and PPP1R13L and fourteen htSNPs covering ERCC2, PPP1R13L, and ERCC1 were found (global test P = 8.12e−005 and P = 4.82e−006, respectively). The results indicate that the biologically relevant genetic variation may be located at or near the subregion spanning from ERCC2 inton19 rs1799787 to PPP1R13L intron8 rs2070830. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seismic response of a cut‐and‐cover tunnel isolated by polymer material
Authors: Kiryu Satoshi , Murono Yoshitaka , Morikawa Hitoshi
Published: March 2012

An effective method for the seismic retrofitting of the sidewalls of cut‐and‐cover tunnels has not yet been established. Thus, a new method of seismic retrofitting for cut‐and‐cover tunnels, called the ‘polymer isolation method’, is developed here. In this method, thin walls made of polymer materials, called ‘isolation walls’, are inserted between the ground and the sidewalls of a tunnel. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in reducing the seismic response of tunnels by using some numerical simulations. It is found that the proposed method depends on the thickness of the soil cover over the tunnel and the ratio of the stiffness between the soil and the structure. Furthermore, a simple chart is proposed for convenience to represent the applicability of the polymer isolation method to the design of seismic retrofits for cut‐and‐cover tunnels. Although this particular chart has been obtained through a limited case, some other typical cases in which the chart can also be implemented for special conditions are addressed, and the applicability and the limitations of this chart are suggested for possible conditions of the ground and of tunnel structures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a low-density polyethylene-containing passive sampler for measuring dissolved hydrophobic organic compounds in open waters
Authors: Bao Lian-Jun , Xu Shi-Ping , Liang Yan , Zeng Eddy Y.
Published: March 2012

A passive water sampler with low-density polyethylene (LDPE) as the sorbent phase was built and field-tested for sensing freely dissolved concentrations of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) in fresh and coastal water. Based on the measured LDPE–water partition coefficients (Kpew) of 12 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its seven metabolites, the detection limits with the passive sampler containing 10-g LDPE ranged from 0.04 to 56.9 pg/L in the equilibrium sampling mode. Furthermore, the utility of the passive sampler in measuring dissolved HOC concentrations in open waters was examined through a comparison with solid-phase extraction combined with liquid–liquid extraction (SPE-LLE) and poly(dimethyl)siloxane (PDMS) coated fiber samplers. The total concentrations of PAHs (3.8–16 ng/L) obtained by the passive sampler were lower than those (87.7–115.5 ng/L) obtained through SPE-LLE. This large difference was probably attributable to slower water exchange in and out of the passive sampler as time progressed because of blockage by algae in eutrophia reservoirs and high dissolved organic carbon contents resulting in higher-than-expected PAH concentrations by SPE-LLE. Furthermore, the concentrations and compositional profiles of DDXs (sum of p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDT, o,p′-DDD, o,p′-DDE, and p,p′-DDMU) at site A obtained by the passive sampler agreed with the results obtained with the PDMS-coated fibers, suggesting that the passive sampler was able to reasonably quantify dissolved HOCs in seawater. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1012–1018. © 2012 SETAC
Cell membrane integrity and internalization of ingested TiO2 nanoparticles by digestive gland cells of a terrestrial isopod
Authors: Novak Sara , Drobne Damjana , Valant Janez , Pipan-Tkalec Živa , Pelicon Primož , Vavpetič Primož , Grlj Nataša , Falnoga Ingrid , Mazej Darja , Remškar Maja
Published: March 2012

The present study was motivated by the paucity of reports on cellular internalization of ingested titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (nano-TiO2). The model invertebrate (Porcellio scaber, Isopoda, Crustacea) was exposed to food dosed with nano-TiO2 containing 100, 1,000, 3,000, or 5,000 µg nano-TiO2 per gram of food. After 14 d of exposure, the amount of Ti in the entire body was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry, and elemental analyses of tissue cross sections were performed by particle induced X-ray emission. In addition, a series of toxicological markers including feeding parameters, weight change, and survival, as well as cytotoxic effects such as digestive gland cell membrane stability, were monitored. Internalization of ingested nano-TiO2 by the isopod's digestive gland epithelial cells was shown to depend on cell membrane integrity. Cell membranes were found to be destabilized by TiO2 particles, and at higher extracellular concentrations of nano-TiO2, the nanoparticles were internalized. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1083–1090. © 2012 SETAC
Effects of cumulative stress and impulsivity on smoking status
Authors: Ansell Emily B. , Gu Peihua , Tuit Keri , Sinha Rajita
Published: March 2012

Objective

The stress‐vulnerability model of addiction predicts that environmental factors, such as cumulative stress, will result in individual adaptations that decrease self‐control, increase impulsivity, and increase risk for addiction. Impulsivity and cumulative stress are risk factors for tobacco smoking that are rarely examined simultaneously in research.

Methods

We examined the indirect and direct effects of cumulative adversity in a community sample consisting of 291 men and women who participated in an assessment of cumulative stress, self‐reported impulsivity, and smoking history. Data were analyzed using bootstrapping techniques to estimate indirect effects of stress on smoking via impulsivity.

Results

Cumulative adversity is associated with smoking status via direct effects and indirect effects through impulsivity scores. Additional models examining specific types of stress indicate contributions of traumatic stress and recent life events as well as chronic relationship stressors.

Conclusions

Overall, cumulative stress is associated with increased risk of smoking via increased impulsivity and via pathways independent of impulsivity. These findings support the stress‐vulnerability model and highlight the utility of mediation models in assessing how, and for whom, cumulative stress increases risk of current cigarette smoking. Increasing self‐control is a target for interventions with individuals who have experienced cumulative adversity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of ‘ecstasy’ (MDMA) on visuospatial memory performance: findings from a systematic review with meta‐analyses
Authors: Murphy Philip N. , Bruno Raimondo , Ryland Ida , Wareing Michele , Fisk John E. , Montgomery Catharine , Hilton Joanne
Published: March 2012

To review, with meta‐analyses where appropriate, performance differences between ecstasy (3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine) users and non‐users on a wider range of visuospatial tasks than previously reviewed. Such tasks have been shown to draw upon working memory executive resources. Abstract databases were searched using the United Kingdom National Health Service Evidence Health Information Resource. Inclusion criteria were publication in English language peer‐reviewed journals and the reporting of new findings regarding human ecstasy‐users' performance on visuospatial tasks. Data extracted included specific task requirements to provide a basis for meta‐analyses for categories of tasks with similar requirements. Fifty‐two studies were identified for review, although not all were suitable for meta‐analysis. Significant weighted mean effect sizes indicating poorer performance by ecstasy users compared with matched controls were found for tasks requiring recall of spatial stimulus elements, recognition of figures and production/reproduction of figures. There was no evidence of a linear relationship between estimated ecstasy consumption and effect sizes. Given the networked nature of processing for spatial and non‐spatial visual information, future scanning and imaging studies should focus on brain activation differences between ecstasy users and non‐users in the context of specific tasks to facilitate identification of loci of potentially compromised activity in users. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric symptoms in recreational polydrug users
Authors: Parrott Andrew C. , Hatton Nicholas P. , Rowe Kathryn L. , Watts Lauren A. , Donev Rossen , Kissling Christian , Thome Johannes
Published: March 2012

Aims

Previous research has shown that recreational drug use is associated with more psychiatric symptoms and psychobiological distress. This study investigated whether symptoms of adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were also raised in polydrug users.

Methods

We assessed a non‐clinical sample of 84 unpaid volunteers (mean age 27.5 years): n = 17 light–novice polydrug users; n = 29 moderate polydrug users; and n = 38 non‐user controls (14 non‐drug users, 24 alcohol/tobacco users). They completed the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL‐90) self‐rating inventory for psychiatric symptoms, the Adult ADHD Self‐report Scale symptom checklist for adult ADHD, and also the questions on positive moods and sociability. Saliva samples provided a neuroendocrine cortisol measure.

Results

Moderate polydrug users reported significantly higher adult ADHD symptoms and SCL‐90 psychiatric symptoms and lower sociability than non‐user controls and light polydrug users. Novice–light polydrug users did not differ from control groups on any measure. There were no significant group differences in cortisol. These findings are debated using the interactive diathesis–distress model. Psychoactive drugs can affect both mood and cognition. When taken regularly, the drug‐induced psychobiological vacillation may exacerbate prior problems with mood stability and attentional–cognitive control.

Conclusions

It is not polydrug usage per se, but rather their regular‐repeated usage, that is associated with increased signs of psychiatric and attentional–hyperactivity distress. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cannabis‐related deficits in real‐world memory
Authors: Montgomery C. , Seddon A. L. , Fisk J. E. , Murphy P. N. , Jansari A.
Published: March 2012

Background

Research shows that cannabis users exhibit deficits in prospective memory (PM) and executive function, which persist beyond acute intoxication. However, many studies rely on self‐reports of memory failures or use laboratory‐based measures that may not mimic functional deficits in the real world. The present study aimed to assess real‐world memory functioning.

Method

Twenty cannabis‐only users and 20 non‐illicit drug users were recruited. Participants completed a substance use inventory and a mood scale, followed by a non‐immersive virtual reality task assessing PM and executive functioning. The task involved the participant playing the role of an office worker for the day and performing routine office duties. A number of subscales were used to assess facets of executive function (planning, adaptive thinking, creative thinking, selection, prioritisation) and PM (time‐based, event‐based and action‐based PM).

Results

Multivariate analysis of variance revealed cannabis users performed worse overall on the task, with poor performance on the planning, time‐based PM and event‐based PM subscales. In addition, indices of cannabis (length, dose, frequency, total use) were correlated with performance on these three subscales.

Conclusions

The present study expands on previously established research, providing support for the cannabis‐related deficits in PM and executive functioning, and the role of different aspects of cannabis use in these deficits. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Residual effects of ecstasy (3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine) on low level visual processes
Authors: Murray Elizabeth , Bruno Raimondo , Brown John
Published: March 2012

‘Ecstasy’ (3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine) induces impaired functioning in the serotonergic system, including the occipital lobe. This study employed the ‘tilt aftereffect’ paradigm to operationalise the function of orientation‐selective neurons among ecstasy consumers and controls as a means of investigating the role of reduced serotonin on visual orientation processing. The magnitude of the tilt aftereffect reflects the extent of lateral inhibition between orientation‐selective neurons and is elicited to both ‘real’ contours, processed in visual cortex area V1, and illusory contours, processed in V2. The magnitude of tilt aftereffect to both contour types was examined among 19 ecstasy users (6 ecstasy only; 13 ecstasy‐plus‐cannabis users) and 23 matched controls (9 cannabis‐only users; 14 drug‐naive). Ecstasy users had a significantly greater tilt magnitude than non‐users for real contours (Hedge's g = 0.63) but not for illusory contours (g = 0.20). These findings provide support for literature suggesting that residual effects of ecstasy (and reduced serotonin) impairs lateral inhibition between orientation‐selective neurons in V1, which however suggests that ecstasy may not substantially affect this process in V2. Multiple studies have now demonstrated ecstasy‐related deficits on basic visual functions, including orientation and motion processing. Such low‐level effects may contribute to the impact of ecstasy use on neuropsychological tests of visuospatial function. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parameterization and multi‐criteria calibration of a distributed storm flow model applied to a Mediterranean agricultural catchment
Authors: Hallema Dennis W. , Moussa Roger , Andrieux Patrick , Voltz Marc
Published: March 2012

The principal challenge in the parameterization of storm flow models for agricultural catchments with an artificial drainage network and fields with different degrees of tillage lies in the parsimonious definition of distributed model parameters in a way that reduces the number of calibration parameters to a justifiable minimum. This paper presents a comprehensive case study for the parameter estimation of a distributed storm flow model applied to an agricultural catchment (0.91 km2) in the Mediterranean region. Model parameterization was combined with procedures for multi‐criteria, multi‐storm calibration, where we automatically calibrated three parameters related to flow velocity and infiltration, and compared single and multi‐storm criteria that are based on discharge volume, peak flow, and the Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient. Multi‐storm calibration yielded a set of parameter values for the simulation batch with best multi‐storm overall performance, which are close to the median values in the pre‐calibration of individual storms. Our results suggest that flow velocities and proportionality of the channel infiltration rate do not vary significantly over the course of 11 years. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of satellite‐based and in situ hydro‐climatic data depicts water storage depletion in North China Region
Authors: Moiwo Juana Paul , Tao Fulu , Lu Wenxi
Published: March 2012

Water storage depletion is an increasing hydrological threat to agricultural production and social stability across the globe. It is fast approaching threshold levels especially in arid/semiarid regions with low precipitation and excessive evapotranspiration (ET). This study analyses water storage dynamics in the North China Region (NCR) – an important grain‐production base in China. It uses monthly Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) and field‐measured precipitation data products for 2002–2009. The datasets are analysed in a basin‐scale water balance equation to determine the state of storage in the NCR study area. Based on the validated satellite‐based data products with field‐measured values, average error/bias in the datasets is <10%. The analysis also shows favourable agreements among the GRACE‐derived and flux‐based storage changes at various temporal scales. Whereas the amplitudes and phases of the precipitation and ET fluxes are largely stable for 2002–2009, those of GLDAS runoff and GRACE total water storage anomaly apparently narrow out. The linear trends in the monthly, seasonal and annual storage changes are negative for the study period, suggesting storage loss. There is an apparent seasonality of storage change in the study area; with summer storage gain, winter storage loss and an overall storage loss that is on the average of 16.8 mm/yr. Storage loss is most severe in the central floodplain region (the main irrigated production zone) of the study area. Storage depletion in this important agro‐based semi‐arid region could have negative implications for the millions of people in the region and beyond in terms of water supply, crop production, food security and social stability. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glacier fragmentation effects on surface energy balance and runoff: field measurements and distributed modelling
Authors: Jiskoot Hester , Mueller Mark S.
Published: March 2012

In order to assess glacier runoff to the Upper Columbia River Basin (UCRB) and quantify energy balance effects of tributary‐trunk detachment due to recession, we used field observations to develop a distributed melt model of Shackleton Glacier, Canadian Rockies. Field data were derived from meteorological stations, ablation and snowline measurements, and weather observations between 2004 and 2010. Katabatic wind speed and direction were linked to terrain heat advection and irradiance, potentially resulting in significant cross‐glacier gradients in melt. A geographic information system‐based distributed melt model, using standard energy balance components, was developed for the 2010 melt season. Benchmark model parameterisations were derived for clear, cloudy and overcast days. Novel model parameterisations include terrain irradiance using a sky view factor and an albedo mask, and a katabatic wind ‘switch’ with valley temperature thresholds. Modelled energy balance components suggest significant sensitivities to terrain irradiance and katabatic wind, in part related to cloudiness. Glacier‐wide melt decreased by 10–15% when katabatic wind was turned off, with an interesting spatial pattern. Longwave radiation from valley walls increased local melt up to 30%, but net glacier‐wide effects were <6%. Daily glacier melt was 0.1–0.8 million m3 w.e. day−1 and peaked in early August. Net 2010 planar‐area melt was 38–50 million m3 w.e., depending on cold storage, whereas slope‐corrected‐area melt was ~4% higher. Our results indicate that katabatic wind and terrain are important in calculations of ablation in fragmenting glacier systems and that late‐summer glacier contribution to UCRB runoff at Mica Dam is ~25%. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In silico studies of potential phosphoresidues in the human nucleophosmin/B23: Its kinases and related biological processes
Authors: Ramos‐Echazábal Gioser , Chinea Glay , García‐Fernández Rossana , Pons Tirso
Published: March 2012

Human nucleophosmin/B23 is a phosphoprotein involved in ribosome biogenesis, centrosome duplication, cancer, and apoptosis. Its function, localization, and mobility within cells, are highly regulated by phosphorylation events. Up to 21 phosphosites of B23 have been experimentally verified even though the corresponding kinase is known only for seven of them. In this work, we predict the phosphorylation sites in human B23 using six kinase‐specific servers (KinasePhos 2.0, PredPhospho, NetPhosK 1.0, PKC Scan, pkaPS, and MetaPredPS) plus DISPHOS 1.3, which is not kinase specific. The results were integrated with information regarding 3D structure and residue conservation of B23, as well as cellular localizations, cellular processes, signaling pathways and protein–protein interaction networks involving both B23 and each predicted kinase. Thus, all 40 potential phosphosites of B23 were predicted with significant score (>0.50) as substrates of at least one of 38 kinases. Thirteen of these residues are newly proposed showing high susceptibility of phosphorylation considering their solvent accessibility. Our results also suggest that the enzymes CDKs, PKC, CK2, PLK1, and PKA could phosphorylate B23 at higher number of sites than those previously reported. Furthermore, PDK, GSK3, ATM, MAPK, PKB, and CHK1 could mediate multisite phosphorylation of B23, although they have not been verified as kinases for this protein. Finally, we suggest that B23 phosphorylation is related to cellular processes such as apoptosis, cell survival, cell proliferation, and response to DNA damage stimulus, in which these kinases are involved. These predictions could contribute to a better understanding, as well as addressing further experimental studies, of B23 phosphorylation. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2364–2374, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The plating of rat scar myofibroblasts on matrigel unmasks a novel phenotype; the self assembly of lumen‐like structures
Authors: El‐Helou Viviane , Gosselin Hugues , Villeneuve Louis , Calderone Angelino
Published: March 2012

During tissue healing, the primary role of myofibroblasts involves the synthesis and deposition of collagen. However, it has also been reported that selective populations of myofibroblasts can acquire the phenotype and/or differentiate to other cells types. The present study tested the hypothesis that myofibroblasts isolated from the scar of the ischemically damaged rat heart can recapitulate an endothelial cell‐like response when plated in a permissive in vitro environment. Scar myofibroblasts, neonatal and adult ventricular fibroblasts express smooth muscle α‐actin, collagen α1 type 1 and a panel of pro‐fibrotic and pro‐angiogenic peptide growth factor mRNAs. Myofibroblasts plated alone on matrigel led to the self assembly of lumen‐like structures whereas neonatal and adult rat ventricular fibroblasts were unresponsive. Myofibroblasts labeled with the fluorescent cell tracker CM‐DiI were injected in the viable myocardium of 3‐day post‐myocardial infarcted Sprague–Dawley rats and sacrificed 7 days later. Injected CM‐DiI‐labeled myofibroblasts were detected predominantly in the peri‐infarct/infarct region, highlighting their migration to the damaged region. However, engrafted myofibroblasts in the peri‐infarct/infarct region were unable to adopt an endothelial cell‐like phenotype or lead to the de novo formation of CM‐DiI‐labeled blood vessels. The non‐permissive nature of the infarct region may be attributed at least in part to the presence of growth‐promoting stimuli as TGF‐β and the β‐adrenergic agonist isoproterenol inhibited the self assembly of lumen‐like structures by myofibroblasts. Thus, when plated in a permissive in vitro environment, scar myofibroblasts can self assemble and form lumen‐like structures providing an additional novel phenotype distinguishing this population from normal ventricular fibroblasts. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2442–2450, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vibration–rotation interaction in time‐resolved coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering for gas‐phase thermometry
Authors: Marrocco Michele
Published: March 2012

Different approaches to the vibration–rotation (VR) interaction in time‐resolved intensities of coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) of light homonuclear diatomics (namely H2, N2 and O2) are here compared in view of the diagnostic refinement of the technique that has an acknowledged thermometric potential for studies in combustion science. From this perspective, VR interaction is treated in agreement with past works about conventional or frequency‐resolved CARS, and although the current theoretical context refers to optical nonlinearities excited by ultrashort laser pulses, the results confirm the strong sensitivity of H2 CARS to the VR interaction quantified by means of the Herman–Wallis (HW) factor. Indeed, depending on the model of the interaction, time‐resolved H2 signals can be subject to indeterminations on the order of 10% leading to relevant thermometric inaccuracies. Heavier diatomics are less sensitive, but the choice of an appropriate HW factor can contribute to improve the confidence in CARS thermometry with ultrashort laser pulses. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Structural Model for Examining how Destination Image, Perceived Value, and Service Quality Affect Destination Loyalty: a Case Study of Orlando
Authors: Kim Soon‐Ho , Holland Stephen , Han Hye‐Sook
Published: March 2012

The primary objectives of this study were to investigate and develop a theoretical relationship among destination image, service quality and perceived value and to empirically test the constructs that are likely to affect tourist satisfaction, which in turn influence revisit intentions and word‐of‐mouth referrals. The results of empirical study indicated that destination image influences service quality and perceived value. In addition, the findings revealed that perceived value has a significant effect on satisfaction and loyalty. These research findings contribute to an extant knowledge in this domain, specifically focused on a family‐oriented destination where it was not studied yet with these relationships. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Signaling Pathways of Immobilized FGF‐2 on Silicon‐Substituted Hydroxyapatite
Authors: de la Concepción Matesanz María , Feito María José , Ramírez‐Santillán Cecilia , Lozano Rosa María , Sánchez‐Salcedo Sandra , Arcos Daniel , Vallet‐Regí María , Portolés María‐Teresa
Published: March 2012

Therapeutic strategies for bone regeneration involve the selection of suitable biomaterials, growth factors, and cell types to mimic the cellular microenvironment where molecular and mechanical signals control the reconstruction of bone tissue. The immobilization of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐2) on powdered silicon‐substituted hydroxyapatite (Si‐HA) allows to prepare a biofunctional biomaterial able to interact with bone cells in a very specific way. The biological activity of FGF‐2/Si‐HA, evaluated in Saos‐2 osteoblasts and MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblasts through the PLCγ and MAPK/ERK signal transduction pathways, shows that FGF‐2 immobilized on Si‐HA provides the right signals to cells stimulating crucial intracellular mechanisms of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation.

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Some s‐numbers of embeddings of function spaces with weights of logarithmic type
Authors: Gąsiorowska Alicja , Skrzypczak Leszek
Published: March 2012

In this paper we deal with compact embeddings of weighted function spaces of Besov and Triebel‐Lizorkin type with weights of logarithmic growth near infinity. We obtain the exact estimates for the asymptotic behaviour of Gelfand, Kolmogorov and Weyl numbers of the embeddings. As an application we get eigenvalue estimates of some degenerate pseudodifferential operators of type. Finally we deal with the “negative spectrum” of operators Hγ = A − γV for γ → ∞, where the potential V is a positive function and A is a positive elliptic pseudodifferential operator. We concentrate on the case when the Weyl numbers and Pietsch's inequality give us better estimates then entropy numbers and Carl's inequality.