bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal stress disturbs hippocampal KIF17 and NR2B in spatial cognition in male offspring
Authors: Zhao Depeng , Liu Dan , Chen Xueyu , Wang Kai , Zhang Ai , Kang Jiuhong , Zhou Qian , Duan Tao
Published: December 2012

Numerous studies have demonstrated that prenatal stress disturbs the hippocampal‐mediated learning and memory processes in offspring. The underlying mechanisms for this effect, however, remain vague. It is well documented that N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors play a pivotal role in learning and memory, which are related to dynamically trafficking and regulating NMDA receptors by their response motor proteins. Over the past few years, increasing numbers of studies have elucidated that hippocampal‐mediated learning and memory are regulated by KIF17 (kinesin superfamily motor protein 17), which specifically transports and regulates the NMDA receptor subunit NR2B in hippocampal neurons. The present study shows the influence of prenatal stress on KIF17 and NR2B expression and hippocampal NR2A/NR2B ratio partially reflecting function of KIF17, using mice as models. It was found that prenatal stress significantly decreased the hippocampal KIF17 and NR2B level in offspring at postnatal stages of 3 weeks and 9 weeks. Moreover, hippocampal KIF17 in the prenatally stressed pups continued to be weakened even after serial Morris water maze trainings, but not NR2B. Finally, the synaptic NR2A/NR2B level was upregulated in offspring exposed to prenatal stress, which revealed the dysfunction of KIF17. Thus, we conclude that prenatal stress leads to long‐lasting deterioration of the expression and function of hippocampal KIF17 in offspring, which may be related to deficits of spatial cognition caused by prenatal stress. These data underpin the hypotheses that a physiopathology of neurodevelopmental origin in early life leads to defects in learning and memory in later life. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serial cerebrospinal fluid neurofilament heavy chain levels in severe Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Dujmovic Irena , Lunn Michael P. , Reilly Mary M. , Petzold Axel
Published: December 2012

Introduction

Proximal axonotmesis results in the release of neurofilament (Nf) proteins into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in patients with Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS). High CSF levels of the phosphorylated form of Nf‐heavy chain (NfHSMI35) at GBS onset have been reported to be a poor prognostic marker, but routine measurement of CSF NfHSMI35 levels has not been done and the longitudinal profile of CSF NfHSMI35 levels in GBS is not known.

Methods

This prospective case series describes the clinical, neurophysiological, and biomarker characteristics of 3 patients with severe GBS.

Results

High and increasing levels of CSF NfHSMI35 in serial CSF samples were associated with poor clinical and electrophysiological outcome.

Conclusions

These data further suggest that CSF NfHSMI35 could be a prognostic biomarker which might indicate the development of retrograde axonal degeneration or additional proximal axonal damage during the course of GBS. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Seasonal variation in prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Scalco Renata Siciliani , Pietroski Franciane , Celli Luiz Felippe S. , Gomes Irenio , Becker Jefferson
Published: December 2012

Introduction: The influence of cold temperatures on neuropathies has been reported previously, but its impact on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is not well analyzed. Methods: We analyzed the frequency of CTS among neurophysiological evaluations according to seasonal variation in 9574 consecutive patients (4260 with CTS). Results: A higher frequency of CTS was found in the winter (50.8%), and the lowest number for CTS diagnosis was found in the summer (38.9%). In both autumn and spring the prevalence remained stable at an intermediate level between summer and winter at 42.8% and 43.5%, respectively. Conclusion: CTS frequency was much higher in winter in this center. Muscle Nerve 47: 925–927, 2013
Mast cells can regulate skeletal muscle cell proliferation by multiple mechanisms
Authors: Duchesne Elise , Bouchard Patrice , Roussel Marie‐Pier , Côté Claude H.
Published: December 2012

Introduction: Mast cells (MCs) can stimulate cell proliferation, but their specific contribution to skeletal muscle regeneration is not well defined. Methods: L6 myoblast proliferation was assessed in coculture with MCs or when grown with MC‐conditioned media. To address the in vivo implication of MCs in regeneration, rats were treated with cromolyn, and myoblast proliferation, immune cell accumulation, and myogenic factors were assessed in bupivacaine‐injured muscles. Results: In vitro, both procedures increased the L6 cell proliferation rate, and this was tryptase‐dependent. In vivo, MC stabilization increased myoblast proliferation and accumulation of macrophages CD68 and CD163 after injury. This correlated with a sequential increase in MyoD and myogenin protein level expression. Conclusions: MCs can directly stimulate muscle cell proliferation via tryptase. MCs can influence myoblast proliferation in vivo, but this effect seems to be predominantly related to their modulation of macrophage recruitment. The MC is a potential actor in the early stages of muscle healing. Muscle Nerve 48: 403–414, 2013
Study of bond stress–slip relationship and radial dilation in prestressed concrete
Authors: Benítez José Mª , Gálvez J.C. , Casati M.J.
Published: December 2012

This paper presents two test procedures for evaluating the bond stress–slip and the slip–radial dilation relationships when the prestressing force is transmitted by releasing the steel (wire or strand) in precast prestressed elements. The bond stress–slip relationship is obtained with short length specimens, to guarantee uniform bond stress, for three depths of the wire indentation (shallow, medium and deep). An analytical model for bond stress–slip relationship is proposed and compared with the experimental results. The model is also compared with the experimental results of other researchers. Since numerical models for studying bond‐splitting problems in prestressed concrete require experimental data about dilatancy angle (radial dilation), a test procedure is proposed to evaluate these parameters. The obtained values of the radial dilation are compared with the prior estimated by numerical modelling and good agreement is reached. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Control of the preferred orientations of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films and the photovoltaic conversion efficiency using a surface‐functionalized molybdenum back contact
Authors: Yoon Ju‐Heon , Kim Won‐Mok , Park Jong‐Keuk , Baik Young‐Joon , Seong Tae‐Yeon , Jeong Jeung‐hyun
Published: December 2012

The surface microstructures of molybdenum (Mo) back contacts were shown to play a crucial role in the preferred orientations of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) films. The lower surface density of Mo tends to drive the growth of CIGS films toward favoring a (220)/(204) orientation, attributed to the higher likelihood of a MoSe2 reaction. This work showed that the presence of a very thin layer on a Mo bilayer facilitated the tuning of the CIGS grain orientations from strongly favoring (112) to strongly favoring (220)/(204) without sacrificing the electrode conductivity. The efficiency of Na‐doped CIGS cells was increased toward decreasing Mo surface density, that is, increasing (220)/(204) CIGS orientation. Although slight changes in Na doping found between different Mo surface properties could contribute in part, the comparison with Na‐reduced CIGS cells showed that it was more likely due to the (220)/(204) orientation‐related enhancement of CdS/CIGS junction characteristics, which were possibly attributed to a favorable CdS reaction and a reduction in the defect metastabilities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature influence on performance degradation of hydrogenated amorphous silicon solar cells irradiated with protons
Authors: Sato Shin‐ichiro , Sai Hitoshi , Ohshima Takeshi , Imaizumi Mitsuru , Shimazaki Kazunori , Kondo Michio
Published: December 2012

This paper reports temperature influence on radiation degradation of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a‐Si : H) solar cells. Degradation behaviors of a‐Si : H solar cells irradiated with protons at 331 K are compared with that at 298 K (room temperature). Variations with time in the post‐irradiation electrical properties are also investigated. It is found that the radiation degradation of the electrical properties at 331 K is significantly smaller than that at room temperature. Also, all the electrical properties (short‐circuit current, open‐circuit voltage, output maximum, and fill factor) recover with time after irradiation even at room temperature. The characteristic time of thermal annealing of short‐circuit current is larger as the temperature is higher. These results indicate that temperature during irradiation and elapsed time from irradiation to measurement is an important parameter for radiation degradation of a‐Si : H solar cells. Therefore, these parameters should be controlled in conducting the ground radiation tests. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A longitudinal study of distress (depression and anxiety) up to 18 months after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
Authors: Neilson Kate , Pollard Annabel , Boonzaier Ann , Corry June , Castle David , Smith David , Trauer Tom , Couper Jeremy
Published: December 2012

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with head and neck cancer up to 18 months after radiotherapy.

Methods

Prospective observational study of consecutive head and neck outpatients was conducted at a tertiary cancer centre (n = 101). Eligibility included diagnosis of cancer in the head and neck region, where the patient agreed to radiotherapy with curative intent. Data were collected before commencement of radiotherapy and 3 weeks and 18 months after completion. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Tumour/treatment‐related physical symptoms were assessed using the ‘Additional Concerns’ subscale of the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer.

Results

The prevalence of identified probable cases of depression was 15% at baseline, increasing to 29% 3 weeks post‐treatment, falling to 8% at 18‐month follow‐up. The number of probable cases of anxiety was 20% at baseline, 17% at 3 weeks post‐treatment and 22% at 18‐month follow‐up. Depression scores significantly increased from baseline to 3 weeks post‐treatment and decreased at 18‐month follow‐up. Variability in depression scores was accounted for by tumour/treatment‐related physical symptoms. Anxiety scores significantly decreased between baseline and 3‐week post‐treatment and increased at 18‐month follow‐up. Younger age and more tumour/treatment‐related physical symptoms predicted anxiety scores.

Conclusions

The rates of depression in head and neck cancer patients increase following cancer treatment and are related to tumour/treatment‐related physical symptoms. Anxiety levels are higher pre‐treatment, lower immediately following cancer treatment but rise to near pre‐treatment levels more than a year after completion of cancer treatment. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein prosthesis: β‐peptides as reverse‐turn surrogates
Authors: Arnold Ulrich , Huck Bayard R. , Gellman Samuel H. , Raines Ronald T.
Published: December 2012

The introduction of non‐natural modules could provide unprecedented control over folding/unfolding behavior, conformational stability, and biological function of proteins. Success requires the interrogation of candidate modules in natural contexts. Here, expressed protein ligation is used to replace a reverse turn in bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (RNase A) with a synthetic β‐dipeptide: β2‐homoalanine–β3‐homoalanine. This segment is known to adopt an unnatural reverse‐turn conformation that contains a 10‐membered ring hydrogen bond, but one with a donor–acceptor pattern opposite to that in the 10‐membered rings of natural reverse turns. The RNase A variant has intact enzymatic activity, but unfolds more quickly and has diminished conformational stability relative to native RNase A. These data indicate that hydrogen‐bonding pattern merits careful consideration in the selection of beneficial reverse‐turn surrogates.
Theoretical study of the initial stage of InN growth on cubic zirconia (111) substrates
Authors: Guo Yao , Inoue Shigeru , Kobayashi Atsushi , Ohta Jitsuo , Fujioka Hiroshi
Published: December 2012

An initial stage of InN growth on cubic zirconia (111) substrates has been investigated using first‐principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT). We have evaluated adsorption energies of indium and nitrogen atoms on cubic zirconia (111) surfaces, and have found that the differences in the adsorption energies of the indium atoms at various adsorption sites were small, indicating that the migration of the indium atoms on zirconia (111) surfaces occurs readily. On the other hand, we have found that the differences in the adsorption energies of the nitrogen atoms at various adsorption sites were large, implying that the nitrogen atoms tend to stay at the stable site with the largest adsorption energy, which was identified as the O–Zr bridge site. These results suggest that the first layer of InN films is the nitrogen layer. In addition, we have found that the energetically favorable arrangement is comprised of InN(0001)//cubic zirconia (111) and InN $ [11\bar 20] $//cubic zirconia $ [1 \bar 10], $ which is quite consistent with previously obtained experimental data. Furthermore, the hybridization effect between N 2p and O 2p plays a crucial role in determining the interface structure for the growth of InN on cubic zirconia (111) surfaces. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hepatitis B and C in liver transplantation: new strategies to combat the enemies
Authors: Beckebaum Susanne , Kabar Iyad , Cicinnati Vito R.
Published: December 2012

Hepatitis B immune globulin‐free therapeutic regimens with a nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) or NUC combinations after liver transplantation (LT) are currently being investigated for their efficacy and safety as HBV re‐infection prophylaxis in clinical studies. Recurrence rates differ among these studies as most of them are limited by a non‐randomised study design, small sample size, lack of long‐term data and varying time intervals for the switch from combined to purely virostatic prophylaxis.

Post‐transplant pre‐emptive antiviral therapy with pegylated IFN and ribavirin is associated with low sustained virological response rates and was found to have no advantage over treatment of manifest HCV re‐infection. Safety and efficacy of triple antiviral therapy including boceprevir or telaprevir in patients with manifest HCV re‐infection are currently under investigation in clinical trials. Relevant drug interactions have been shown to occur during calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) and concomitant triple antiviral therapy, which vary with type of CNI and choice of HCV protease inhibitor. Newer direct‐acting antivirals with lower or minimal toxicity, when used in combination with immunosuppressives, are worthy of further study in LT patients.

This review focuses on hot topics in the management of hepatitis B and C patients before and after LT and offers a critical summarised selection of the corresponding relevant studies published in the current literature or presented at recent liver congresses. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive regulation for linear systems with multiple zeros at the origin
Authors: Isidori A. , Marconi L.
Published: December 2012

We consider the problem of asymptotic rejection of exogenous harmonic inputs having unknown amplitudes, phases, and frequencies on the output for a class of uncertain and nonminimum‐phase linear systems. Special emphasis is given to the case in which the controlled system has multiple zeros at the origin. It is shown how the method recently proposed to design internal models by means of regression arguments, combined with control strategies based on the redesign of the zero dynamics of the system through redefinition of the output, can be successfully used to solve the problem in presence of plant parameter uncertainties.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Some consequences of assuming simple patterns for the treatment effect over time in a linear mixed model
Authors: Bamia Christina , White Ian R. , Kenward Michael G.
Published: December 2012

Linear mixed models are often used for the analysis of data from clinical trials with repeated quantitative outcomes. This paper considers linear mixed models where a particular form is assumed for the treatment effect, in particular constant over time or proportional to time. For simplicity, we assume no baseline covariates and complete post‐baseline measures, and we model arbitrary mean responses for the control group at each time. For the variance–covariance matrix, we consider an unstructured model, a random intercepts model and a random intercepts and slopes model. We show that the treatment effect estimator can be expressed as a weighted average of the observed time‐specific treatment effects, with weights depending on the covariance structure and the magnitude of the estimated variance components. For an assumed constant treatment effect, under the random intercepts model, all weights are equal, but in the random intercepts and slopes and the unstructured models, we show that some weights can be negative: thus, the estimated treatment effect can be negative, even if all time‐specific treatment effects are positive. Our results suggest that particular models for the treatment effect combined with particular covariance structures may result in estimated treatment effects of unexpected magnitude and/or direction. Methods are illustrated using a Parkinson's disease trial. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surrogate markers for cerebral blood flow correlate with [18F]‐fallypride binding potential at dopamine D2/3 receptors in human striatum
Authors: Cumming Paul , Xiong Guoming , Fougère Christian LA , Rominger Axel , Bartenstein Peter , Buchholz Hans‐Georg , Piel Markus , Rösch Frank , Gründer Gerhard , Vernaleken Ingo
Published: December 2012

Positron emission tomography (PET) with the high affinity dopamine D2/3 receptor ligand [18F]‐fallypride affords estimates of the binding potential (BPND) in extra‐striatal regions of low receptor abundance, but the sufficient recording time for accurate measurements in striatum has been called into question. We have earlier argued that transient equilibrium measurements are obtained in striatum with [18F]‐fallypride PET recordings of 3 h duration, which may be the practical limit for clinical investigations without interrupted scanning. However, the high extraction fraction of [18F]‐fallypride predicts flow‐dependence of tracer delivery to brain, which may be a source of variance of the apparent BPND in regions of high binding. To test this prediction, we conducted a retrospective analysis of [18F]‐fallypride PET data from a group of 50 healthy volunteers (age 18–58 years [mean ± SD: 32.6 ± 10.6), who had participated in clinical studies without arterial input measurements. We used the initial 120‐s integral (AUC) of the venous confluence (VC) as a surrogate marker for cerebral blood flow (CBF) and tested for correlations between regional estimates of BPND calculated by the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM) and the individual VC‐AUC. The magnitude of BPND in a high binding region (putamen), but not in a low binding region (thalamus) correlated positively with VC‐AUC, suggesting that approximately 9% of the variance in the [18F]‐fallypride BPND in putamen can be attributed to individual differences in this surrogate marker for CBF, a contribution equal in magnitude to the effects of age on BPND in putamen of the present healthy control group. Synapse, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brain uptake and distribution of the dopamine D3/D2 receptor partial agonist [11C]cariprazine: An in vivo positron emission tomography study in nonhuman primates
Authors: Tóth Miklós , Varrone Andrea , Steiger Carsten , Laszlovszky István , Horváth Attila , Kiss Béla , Gyertyán István , Adham Nika , Halldin Christer , Gulyás Balázs
Published: December 2012

Cariprazine is a dopamine D3/D2 receptor partial agonist antipsychotic candidate, which binds with high affinity to dopamine D3 and D2 receptors (with ∼10‐fold higher in vitro affinity to D3 vs. D2 receptors) and with moderate affinity to 5‐HT1A receptors. The main objective of the present molecular imaging investigation was to evaluate the uptake and reversible binding of 11‐C labeled cariprazine in the nonhuman primate brain, in relation to the known distributions of dopamine D2 and D3 receptors. We examined the brains of two cynomolgus monkeys at baseline condition as well as during a pharmacological blocking condition, using unlabeled cariprazine or raclopride as blockers before injection of [11C]cariprazine. Of the total injected radioactivity, ∼7% entered the brain and ∼3–4% remained in the brain after 90 min, indicating good blood brain barrier penetration and slow washout. It was possible to block cariprazine binding with unlabeled cariprazine and raclopride indicating that [11C]cariprazine binds to dopamine D3/D2 receptors. Nondisplaceable binding potential (BPND) measurements, using a simplified reference tissue model and cerebellum as the reference region, yielded values of ∼1.5 and 0.3 in the striatum and thalamus, respectively. Striatum BPND values were reduced by 80 and 85% following pretreatment with 0.1 mg/kg IV injection of unlabeled cariprazine and 1 mg/kg IV injection of unlabeled raclopride, respectively. The data confirm that cariprazine, a novel antipsychotic drug candidate, enters the nonhuman primate brain readily and binds to dopamine D3/D2 receptors. Furthermore, in PET imaging [11C]cariprazine can effectively visualize dopamine D3/D2 receptors in the nonhuman primate brain. Synapse 67:258–264, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Phase I, open-label, dose-escalation study of continuous once-daily oral treatment with afatinib in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Gordon Michael S. , Mendelson David S. , Gross Mitchell , Uttenreuther-Fischer Martina , Ould-Kaci Mahmoud , Zhao Yihua , Stopfer Peter , Agus David B.
Published: December 2012

Background This trial evaluated the safety, tolerability and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of afatinib, a novel ErbB Family Blocker. Methods In this open-label, dose-escalation Phase I study, afatinib was administered continuously, orally, once-daily for 28 days to patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors. Dose escalation was performed in a 3 + 3 design, with a starting dose of 10 mg/day (d); doses were doubled for each successive cohort until the MTD was defined. The MTD cohort was expanded to a total of 19 patients. Incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs), antitumor activity and pharmacokinetics were assessed. Results Thirty patients received at least one dose of afatinib. Twenty-nine patients were evaluable for response. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) consisting of Grade 3 diarrhea were observed in two out of three patients treated at 60 mg/d. The MTD was determined at 40 mg/d. The most frequent treatment-related AEs were diarrhea and mucosal inflammation reported in 76.7 % and 43.3 % of patients respectively. Five patients had stable disease with a median progression-free survival of 111 days. No objective responses occurred. Pharmacokinetic data showed no deviation from dose-proportionality and steady-state was reached on Day 8 at the latest. Conclusions Afatinib was well tolerated with manageable side effects when administered once-daily, continuously at a dose of 40 mg.
Novel Synthesis of a New Surfactant 4‐((4‐Bromophenyl)(dodecyl)amino)‐4‐Oxobutanoic Acid Containing a Benzene Ring Using a Copper Catalyst Cross‐Coupling Reaction and its Properties
Authors: Chen Minggui , Hu Xinqi , Fu Meilong
Published: December 2012

A new surfactant 4‐((4‐bromophenyl)(dodecyl)amino)‐4‐oxobutanoic acid with a benzene spacer was synthesized via a novel copper catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction. Its structure was confirmed by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR and HRMS; its purity was checked by HPLC. Dynamic light scattering and an atomic force microscope showed that it forms an unusual large‐diameter premicellar aggregation below the CMC.
PDT‐induced HSP70 externalization up‐regulates NO production via TLR2 signal pathway in macrophages
Authors: Song Sheng , Zhou Feifan , Chen Wei R. , Xing Da
Published: December 2012

TLR2 and p85α physically interact by fluorescent resonance energy transfer (View interaction).
Phosphate accelerates displacement of Fe(III) by Fe(II) in the ferroxidase center of Pyrococcus furiosus ferritin
Authors: Honarmand Ebrahimi Kourosh , Hagedoorn Peter-Leon , Hagen Wilfred R.
Published: December 2012

The iron‐storage protein, ferritin, is widely found in all Domains of life. A conserved diiron center in ferritin catalyzes oxidation of Fe(II) and regulates storage of the resultant Fe(III) oxidation product. When this center is filled with Fe(III), in bacterial or archaeal ferritin the presence of phosphate accelerates the rate of Fe(II) oxidation. The molecular mechanism underlying this stimulatory effect of phosphate is unknown. Using site directed mutagenesis of the residues in the diiron center of the archaeal ferritin from Pyrococcus furiosus we show that phosphate facilitates displacement of Fe(III) by Fe(II) from this site. Therefore, the rate of Fe(II) oxidation increases only when the ferroxidase center is filled with Fe(III).
Evaluating the Effect of Affinity Card Programs on Customer Profitability Using Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Bakhtiari Ali , Murthi B.P.S. , Steffes Erin
Published: December 2012

Affinity card programs have become popular in recent times and account for one fifth of all credit card accounts. There is no research that links affinity card programs to customer profitability. Moreover, little is known about what type of affinity card programs would lead to higher profit. Using a large proprietary dataset we answer the above questions. We also apply propensity score matching, a relatively new technique, to control for selection bias in addressing the above issues. Contrary to previous research and common belief, we show that affinity card customers are no more profitable than non-affinity card holders. We also show that sports-based affinity programs are the least profitable and surprisingly, alumni-based affinity programs also do poorly relative to other types of affinity. On the positive side, affinity card customers are lower risk and help to lower the average risk of the portfolio of customers.
Wristwatch-Associated Ski Injury
Authors: Cope Thomas A. , McCabe Michael
Published: December 2012

Upper limb injuries are a common occurrence in snowboarders, and these may be reduced by wearing wrist guards that transmit the force of the fall across the forearm. We present a case of a 26-year-old man who experienced a displaced left radial and ulnar fracture related to wearing a wristwatch while snowboarding. The wristwatch acted as a fulcrum around which the arm was fractured, serving as a stress riser that focused the force of the fall. The fracture was treated using open reduction and internal fixation.
TT-OSL dating of Longyadong Middle Paleolithic site and paleoenvironmental implications for hominin occupation in Luonan Basin (central China)
Authors: Sun Xuefeng , Lu Huayu , Wang Shejiang , Yi Shuangwen , Shen Chen , Zhang Wenchao
Published: December 2012

Dating middle Pleistocene hominin occupations alongside the reconstruction of paleoenvironments in China between 700 and 100 ka has always been a challenging task. In this paper, we report thermally transferred optically stimulated luminescence (TT-OSL) dating results for a Middle Paleolithic site in the Luonan Basin, central China, which we have named Longyadong Cave. The results suggest that the age of cave infilling and the deposition of sediments outside the cave range between 389 ± 18 and 274 ± 14 ka. These deposits are stratigraphically and geochronologically correlated with the L4 loess and S3 paleosol units of the typical loess–paleosol sequence of the Chinese Loess Plateau, and with Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 10 to 9, respectively. On the basis of these new ages and the available paleoenvironmental data, it is suggested that the Longyadong hominins might have occupied the site both in glacial and interglacial periods, demonstrating that they coped well with environmental change in this mountainous region in warm/wet and cold/dry climates. The study further implies that the hominins abandoned the Longyadong Cave between 274 ± 14 and 205 ± 19 ka, when it was sealed by alluvial and slope deposits.
THE DANGERS OF USING SAFETY TO EXPLAIN TRANSMISSION FAILURE: A REPLY TO MARTIN SMITH
Authors: Tucker Chris
Published: December 2012

Many epistemologists hold that the Zebra Deduction (the animals are zebras, so they aren't cleverly disguised mules) fails to transmit knowledge to its conclusion, but there is little agreement concerning why it has this defect. A natural idea is, roughly, that it fails to transmit because it fails to improve the safety of its conclusion. In his ‘Transmission Failure Explained’, Martin Smith defends a transmission principle which is supposed to underwrite this natural idea. There are two problems with Smith's account. First, Smith's argument for his transmission principle relies on a dubious premise (§1). Second, even if his transmission principle is true, Smith shows neither that it prevents the Zebra Deduction from transmitting knowledge to its conclusion, nor that it secures the natural idea (§2). I suspect that the failures of Smith's account will be instructive for anyone who wants to connect transmission failure with a failure to enhance the safety, reliability or probability of one's conclusion.
THREE FORMS OF INTERNALISM AND THE NEW EVIL DEMON PROBLEM
Authors: Moon Andrew
Published: December 2012

The new evil demon problem is often considered to be a serious obstacle for externalist theories of epistemic justification. In this paper, I aim to show that the new evil demon problem (‘NEDP’) also afflicts the two most prominent forms of internalism: moderate internalism and historical internalism. Since virtually all internalists accept at least one of these two forms, it follows that virtually all internalists face the NEDP. My secondary thesis is that many epistemologists – including both internalists and externalists – face a dilemma. The only form of internalism that is immune to the NEDP, strong internalism, is a very radical and revisionary view – a large number of epistemologists would have to significantly revise their views about justification in order to accept it. Hence, either epistemologists must accept a theory that is susceptible to the NEDP or accept a very radical and revisionary view.
A Theoretically Grounded Exploration of the Social and Emotional Outcomes of Transition to Secondary School
Authors: Waters Stacey K. , Lester Leanne , Wenden Elizabeth , Cross Donna
Published: December 2012

Adolescent development involves a complex interplay between genetics, biology, and social and emotional relationships within multiple contexts of home, school and the broader community. The transition from primary to secondary school, coupled with the onset of puberty, can therefore be a difficult period for young people to negotiate at a critical period of their developmental pathway. Using a social ecological perspective, this article examines the impact of the transition experience on adolescent social and emotional health, both immediately following transition to secondary school and at the end of the first year in this new school environment. This 1-year prospective study involving 1,500 Australian Grade 8 secondary school students found that 31% of students in the sample experienced a ‘difficult’ or ‘somewhat difficult’ transition to their new school. This third of the student sample were consequently more likely to experience poorer social and emotional health, including higher levels of depression and anxiety at the end of their first year of secondary school, while controlling for these variables at the time of transition. A central message from this work exemplifies the urgent need for a longitudinal intervention trial to develop best practice guidelines for activities that help ameliorate the negative impact a change in education context can create for adolescents negotiating a rapid metamorphosis from childhood to adulthood.
Encouraging Student Access to and Use of Pastoral Care Services in Schools
Authors: Cardoso Patricia , Thomas Laura , Johnston Robyn , Cross Donna
Published: December 2012

School-based health services (SBHS) including pastoral care can play a pivotal role in addressing adolescent health and wellbeing; including their tobacco and other drug use. To maximise the benefits of these services, they need to be accessible, useful for, and acceptable to students. This formative, qualitative study involved 12 focus groups within nine lower socio-economic Western Australian Government secondary schools. The purpose was to identify student (n = 59) perceptions of the availability and usefulness of SBHS (and other identified caring staff) to reduce students’ harm associated with tobacco and other drug use. The findings suggest students were aware of the SBHS available to them, but considered them less useful if staff were regularly unavailable; presented a ‘don't care’ attitude; held solely disciplinary roles; and were based in an area of the school unfamiliar to the student. Services were considered useful when staff members built rapport with students; took time to listen; followed-up with students and displayed a general concern for the student's wellbeing. Interestingly, students acknowledged trusting health teachers more than SBHS staff for tobacco information and support. These findings have important implications for school counsellors and other school health/pastoral care staff who want to increase the likelihood of students approaching and using school support services to reduce harm associated with tobacco and other harmful drug (OHD) use.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): An Overview for Practitioners
Authors: Bowden Tim , Bowden Sandra
Published: December 2012

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers school counsellors a practical and meaningful approach to helping students deal with a range of issues. This is achieved through encouraging psychological flexibility through the application of six key principles. This article describes our introduction to ACT, ACT's application to children and adolescents, and the creation and use of our ACT-based book for young people I Just Want To Be . . . Me!.
Effects of green tea extracts on non-shivering thermogenesis during mild cold exposure in young men
Authors: Gosselin Chantal , Haman François
Published: December 2012

The effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and caffeine on non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) during cold exposure is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to quantify the effects of co-ingesting EGCG and caffeine on the thermogenic responses of a 3 h cold exposure. A total of eight healthy males were exposed to mild cold, using a liquid-conditioned suit perfused with 15°C water, on two occasions and consumed a placebo or an extract of 1600 mg of EGCG and 600 mg of caffeine (Green tea). Thermic, metabolic and electromyographic measurements were monitored at baseline and during the cold exposure. Results showed that the AUC of shivering intensity over the cold exposure period was reduced by approximately 20 % in the Green tea (266 (sem 6) % maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) × min) compared with the Placebo (332 (sem 69) %MVC × min) (P= 0·01) treatments. In contrast, the total AUC for energy expenditure (EE) was approximately 10 % higher in the Green tea (23·5 (sem 1·4) kJ/kg × 180 min) compared with the Placebo (327 (sem 74) kJ/kg 180 min) (P= 0·007) treatments. The decrease in shivering activity combined with an increase in EE, following the ingestion of EGCG and caffeine during the cold exposure, indicates that NST pathways can be significantly stimulated in adult human subjects. The present study provides an experimental approach for human investigations into the potential role of diet and bioactive food ingredients in modulating NST during cold exposure. Stimulating NST pathways in such a manner may also provide important targets in the search of targets for the management of obesity and diabetes.
Oestradiol enhances apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cells in vitro
Authors: Yart Lucile , Finot Laurence , Lollivier Vanessa , Dessauge Frederic
Published: December 2012

Ovarian steroids, oestradiol and progesterone, are required for normal mammary growth at puberty and during pregnancy. They contribute to mammary parenchyma development by stimulating mammary epithelial cell (MEC) proliferation. However several studies demonstrate that oestradiol negatively affects milk production during the declining phase of lactation, but the oestradiol effect on MEC in lactating mammary gland remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the differential effect of oestradiol on bovine MECs mimicking two physiological statuses: active and early apoptotic MECs. We demonstrated that oestradiol has a major effect on early apoptotic MECs and might accelerate MEC apoptosis by activation of caspases rather than by inducing apoptosis in active MECs. Early apoptotic MECs could be compared with senescent cells in the late-lactation mammary gland. These results suggest that the negative effect of oestradiol on milk production during the declining phase of lactation would be due to an enhancement of apoptotic processes in MECs.
Has Social Security Policy Converged? Cross-Country Evolution of Old Age Benefits, 1890–2000
Authors: Elu-Terán Alexander
Published: December 2012

The extension of social insurance during the twentieth century did not translate into homogeneous pension provision. Using a new database, this article analyzes the evolution of pensions in the long run for a sample of welfare states. The convergence in old age benefits as a share of earnings is only found for all earnings levels between 1970 and 1990. The results also underline the role as determinants of pension policy of both domestic and external factors. In line with previous literature, income per capita and the share of old people are key drivers of pensions. However, the effect of globalization is negative, especially for low and medium earnings levels.
Competing Models of Organizational Form: Risk Management Strategies and Underwriting Profitability in the Swedish Fire Insurance Market Between 1903 and 1939
Authors: Adams Michael , Andersson Lars Fredrik , Lindmark Magnus , Veprauskaite Elena
Published: December 2012

Mutual and stock insurers have coexisted and competed against each other in insurance markets for centuries. In this article, we examine the risk management strategies and underwriting profitability of the different organizational forms in Sweden's property fire insurance market between 1903 and 1939. We demonstrate that stock insurers acted as intermediaries between policyholders and reinsurers to operate effectively in the potentially high-risk segments of the fire insurance market. In contrast, nationwide mutual insurers kept larger reserves to balance fluctuations in claims experiences, while local insurance pools relied on social obligation and trust to mobilize capital after adverse fire events.
Patterns of variation in parasite component communities and infracommunities of a littoral fish species from the northern coast of Chile
Authors: Henríquez Vania , González M. Teresa
Published: December 2012

The structure and similarity of the parasite communities of fish can be evaluated at the component community (CC) and infracommunity (IC) levels. Both hierarchical levels have been used to assess parasite variations in fish at large (biogeographic) scales. However, studies evaluating the consistency between these two hierarchical levels at smaller geographical scales are scarce. In this study, the parasite assemblages of 124Paralabrax humeraliscollected by local fishermen by spear fishing at four sites (El Fierro, EF; P. Angamos, PA; Santa María, ISM; San Jorge, BSJ) in northern Chile were compared to assess the variability (or similarity) of their CCs and ICs at a limited geographical scale using multivariate analysis. At the IC level, discriminant analyses showed thatP. humeralisparasite communities varied significantly among sites; 70% of ectoparasite ICs were correctly assigned to each site, but only 55% of helminth parasite ICs were correctly classified. At the CC level, the composition of parasite communities as assessed by correspondence analyses varied significantly between sites.Tagiasp.,Neobenedeniasp. andPhilometrasp. were associated with BSJ, ISM and PA, respectively;Corynosomasp. and most digeneans were associated with both ISM and EF. Analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) showed significant variations in the degree of similarity betweenP. humeralisCCs from different sites, but not between ICs. Variations between CCs from different sites reflect fish population processes (e.g., population age, reproductive segregation) and the particular conditions of their respective habitats, whereas ICs reflect individual host movements. This study demonstrated that, when examined at a limited geographical scale, IC is better than CC at capturing the local pool of parasite assemblages when host populations are spatially segregated. Therefore, in this study, it is demonstrated that at a small geographic scale, CC variations are not reflected by IC, when host population is spatially segregated.
Regional identity and national theatre in South Sulawesi
Authors: Bodden Michael
Published: December 2012

This article details the development of Indonesian national art theatre in Makassar, South Sulawesi from the 1950s to the present. It argues that through a commitment to modernity and modern aesthetics strong bonds to the idea of the nation were formed by Makassar theatre workers. Furthermore, in charting the relationship between local Makassar theatre and national trends often pioneered in Jakarta, I argue that beginning in the New Order and continuing to the present, through several formal and stylistic changes, the deployment of local cultural elements in modern Indonesian national theatre has deepened. Yet this development represents both a renewed pride in local identity and a continuing commitment to the national community.
Educating multicultural citizens: Colonial nationalism, imperial citizenship and education in late colonial Singapore
Authors: Sai Siew-Min
Published: December 2012

This article recounts the unusual history of a national idea in late colonial Singapore from the 1930s to the early 1950s before Singapore's attainment of partial self-government in 1955. Using two different concepts, namely ‘colonial nationalism’ and ‘imperial citizenship’, it offers a genealogy of nationalism in Singapore, one that calls into question the applicability of prevailing theories of anti-colonial nationalism to the Singapore-in-Malaya context. Focusing on colonial nationalism, the article provides a historical account of English-mediated official multiculturalism through tracking shifting British colonial priorities, ideologies of governance and challenges to its authority in Singapore. This account is rarely appreciated in Singapore today given official scripting of national history that abets particular amnesias with regards to its multicultural nationhood.
Pour uneWirkungsgeschichtedes lieux: l'exemple d'Haceldama
Authors: Burnet Régis
Published: December 2012

With the example of Aceldama, this paper shows that reception history must not be confined to ideas or stories, but may take an interest in places. It should not simply explore art or literature, but also envisage geography. The site purchased by Judas with the blood of Jesus in Acts 1.19–20 has suffered, once identified (or at least defined), from this terrible acquisition. At the same time, a legend has grown around the land, which is supposed to devour corpses while a sinister reputation was established making ‘Aceldama’ the paradigm of a scary place. ThisWirkungsgeschichteshould lead us to revise an initial preconception according to which historical work should stop at the writing of the text, and a second mistaken notion according to which the work of the exegete ends with ‘defining’ the ‘meaning’ of the text. There are potentialities in texts that only the study of their effects can perceive.
La lettre aux Colossiens: une théologie de la mémoire
Authors: Dettwiler Andreas
Published: December 2012

The letter to the Colossians—most probably a deuteropauline document—reflects a theology of memory. Far from having the ambition of saying something new, the author aims at offering the addressed community a re-reading—paradoxically highly original in its form and content—of its own religious tradition so that the addressees will be able to interpret in a persuasive way their present situation, a situation that became more and more opaque and conflictual. The explicit confrontation with the ‘Colossian philosophy’ seems to be secondary at first sight, but a multiple reading of the letter allows one to discover strong ties between the non-polemical and the polemical parts of the letter. Read in this perspective, Col 2 reveals between the lines a conflict of interpretation about some central notions, such as ‘humility’, ‘intelligence’, ‘wisdom’, among others.
Not Salvation History, but Salvation Territory: The Main Subject Matter of Galatians
Authors: Grindheim Sigurd
Published: December 2012

This article argues that the central question of Paul's letter to the Galatians is not ‘what time is it?’, but ‘what has Jesus done for you?’ In Paul's explanation of Christ's work, spatial categories are more important than temporal ones, as he impresses upon the Galatians that they have been delivered from the domain of slavery and transferred into the realm of freedom. The purpose of the letter is to urge the Galatians to remain in Christ's domain and not return to slavery by submitting to the law of Moses.
Kann das Salz verderben? Philologische Erwägungen zum Salz-Gleichnis Jesu
Authors: Vattamány Gyula
Published: December 2012

This study argues in favour of a new hypothesis about the Aramaic background of Jesus' ‘salt'-parable. In light of the analysis of Bekhorot 8b, the tradition of Syriac Church fathers and the text of the Vulgate the parable seems to refer to the preserving strength instead of the taste of salt. So, according to this study, the original Aramaic version contained סרי, while the first Greek version originally contained μαραίνω which was later corrupted to μωραίνω mainly under the influence of the Latin word insulsus.