bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colonic permeability is higher in Great Danes compared with smaller breed‐dogs
Authors: Hernot D. C. , Nery J. , Biourge V. C. , Martin L. J. , Dumon H. J. , Nguyen P. G.
Published: August 2008

Fed the same dry diet, large dogs show poorer fecal quality than small ones. A high colonic permeability could explain a low water and electrolyte net balance leading to high fecal water content. This experiment was conducted to evaluate colonic permeability in dogs varying in body size and to determine whether colonic permeability is related to fecal sodium concentration and fecal quality. Four breeds of dogs were used: six Miniature Poodles (MP), six Standard Schnauzers (SS), six Giant Schnauzers (GS) and six Great Danes (GD). Colonic permeability was evaluated using the ratio of urinary lactulose to sucralose (L:S) after oral administration. Fecal sodium concentration was measured by flame photometry. The urinary L:S ratio was significantly lower in GD, indicating a higher colonic permeability, than in the three other breeds (0.35 ± 0.12 for GD and 0.51 ± 0.05 for MP). GD also presented the higher fecal sodium concentrations and the poorest fecal quality. The higher fecal sodium concentration observed in GD could be explained by the higher colonic permeability and both these variables could be important explanations for higher fecal moisture in large dogs.
Biologically based insecticides for the control of immature Australian mosquitoes: a review
Authors: Russell Tanya L , Kay Brian H
Published: August 2008

Abstract  Our review outlines changes in insecticide usage for mosquito control against Australian mosquitoes, with a focus on biologically based insecticides. The most widely used microbial insecticide is Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis de Barjac (Bti) and it is regularly used in estuaries and freshwater. In comparison, the use of Bacillus sphaericus (Neide) is limited to freshwater. The only insect growth regulator registered for mosquito control in Australia is s‐methoprene, and it is used in both estuaries and freshwater. Although biologically based insecticides have been used for more than 10 years, there remains knowledge gaps surrounding the use of specific formulations in specific habitats: for example, VectoBac WG (Bti) and VectoBac G (Bti) in containers containing freshwater, or Altosid pellets (s‐methoprene) in ground‐pool freshwater habitats. Where broad‐scale mosquito control programs have been implemented in Australia, a reduction in the incidence of mosquito‐borne disease, mainly Ross River virus, has been recorded. Therefore, the future application of these products is supported. The use of insecticides should be integrated with public education, biological control, physical habitat modification and coupled with spatial risk assessment.
A revision of Australian Thrasorinae (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) with a description of a new genus and six new species
Authors: Buffington Matthew L
Published: August 2008

Abstract  A new genus of Thrasorinae (Hymenoptera: Figitidae) is described from Australia, and includes specimens reared from an unidentified Ophelimus species (Eulophidae: Ophelimini) on Eucalyptus cinerea (Myrtaceae). Mikeius, new genus, includes six species: M. berryi sp. n., M. gatesi sp. n., M. grandawi sp. n., M. hartigi (Girault) n. comb., M. neumanni sp. n. and M. schauffi sp. n.; M. hartigi is designated as the type species of Mikeius. Thrasorus Weld is revised, and the description of T. schmidtae sp. n. is provided, as well as a redescription of T. pilosus Weld. All records to date indicate that species of Mikeius and Thrasorus are associated with hosts that induce galls on species of Acacia and Eucalyptus, although most of these host records await verification. A list of world species of Thrasorinae is provided.
Charismatic Leadership and Objective Performance Indicators
Authors: Rowold Jens , Laukamp Linda
Published: August 2008

Recent empirical and theoretical work has advanced our understanding of charismatic leadership in organisations. Despite this progress, only a few studies have tested the hypothesis that charismatic leadership might be related to objective, organisationally relevant indicators. In order to address this research gap, the present study tested whether charismatic leadership was related to followers’ absenteeism, their training and development activities, as well as branch‐level profit. Charismatic leadership was defined according to Conger and Kanungo's (1998) theory. It could be demonstrated that facets of charismatic leadership were negatively related to followers’ absenteeism, but positively related to their training and development activity. Moreover, charismatic leadership showed a positive relationship to profit. In sum, the results contribute to theory and practice of charismatic leadership.

Un travail empirique et théorique récent a fait progresser notre compréhension du leadership charismatique dans les organisations. Malgré ce progrès, seules quelques études ont testé l’hypothèse selon laquelle un leadership charismatique serait liéà des facteurs objectifs et pertinents pour l’organisation. Pour une compréhension plus approfondie des effets du leadership chatismatique, la présente étude teste si ce style de leadership est lié aux suiveurs, à l’absentéisme, aux activités de formation et de développement ainsi qu’aux bénéfices au niveau de la branche. Le leadership charismatique est défini en accord avec la théorie de Conger et Kanungo (1998). On a pu démontrer que les facettes du leadership charismatique sont liées négativement aux suiveurs, à l’absentéisme et positivement à l’activité de formation et de dévelpppement. En outre, le leadership charismatique montre une relation positive au profit. En somme, les résultats contribuent à la théorie et à la pratique du leadership charismatique.
Small and large number processing in infants and toddlers with Williams syndrome
Authors: Van Herwegen Jo , Ansari Daniel , Xu Fei , Karmiloff‐Smith Annette
Published: August 2008

Previous studies have suggested that typically developing 6‐month‐old infants are able to discriminate between small and large numerosities. However, discrimination between small numerosities in young infants is only possible when variables continuous with number (e.g. area or circumference) are confounded. In contrast, large number discrimination is successful even when variables continuous with number are systematically controlled for. These findings suggest the existence of different systems underlying small and large number processing in infancy. How do these develop in atypical syndromes? Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare neurocognitive developmental disorder in which numerical cognition has been found to be impaired in older children and adults. Do impairments of number processing have their origins in infancy? Here this question is investigated by testing the small and large number discrimination abilities of infants and toddlers with WS. While infants with WS were able to discriminate between 2 and 3 elements when total area was confounded with numerosity, the same infants did not discriminate between 8 and 16 elements, when number was not confounded with continuous variables. These findings suggest that a system for tracking the features of small numbers of object (object‐file representation) may be functional in WS, while large number discrimination is impaired from an early age onwards. Finally, we argue that individual differences in large number processing in infancy are more likely than small number processing to be predictive of later development of numerical cognition.
Playing linear numerical board games promotes low‐income children's numerical development
Authors: Siegler Robert S. , Ramani Geetha B.
Published: August 2008

The numerical knowledge of children from low‐income backgrounds trails behind that of peers from middle‐income backgrounds even before the children enter school. This gap may reflect differing prior experience with informal numerical activities, such as numerical board games. Experiment 1 indicated that the numerical magnitude knowledge of preschoolers from low‐income families lagged behind that of peers from more affluent backgrounds. Experiment 2 indicated that playing a simple numerical board game for four 15‐minute sessions eliminated the differences in numerical estimation proficiency. Playing games that substituted colors for numbers did not have this effect. Thus, playing numerical board games offers an inexpensive means for reducing the gap in numerical knowledge that separates less and more affluent children when they begin school.
Core information processing deficits in developmental dyscalculia and low numeracy
Authors: Iuculano Teresa , Tang Joey , Hall Charles W.B. , Butterworth Brian
Published: August 2008

There are two different conceptions of the innate basis for numerical abilities. On the one hand, it is claimed that infants possess a ‘number module’ that enables them to construct concepts of the exact numerosities of sets upon which arithmetic develops (e.g.

Butterworth, 1999

;

Gelman & Gallistel, 1978

). On the other hand, it has been proposed that infants are equipped only with a sense of approximate numerosities (e.g.

Feigenson, Dehaene & Spelke, 2004

), upon which the concepts of exact numerosities are constructed with the aid of language (

Carey, 2004

) and which forms the basis of arithmetic (

Lemer, Dehaene, Spelke & Cohen, 2003

). These competing proposals were tested by assessing whether performance on approximate numerosity tasks is related to performance on exact numerosity tasks. Moreover, performance on an analogue magnitude task was tested, since it has been claimed that approximate numerosities are represented as analogue magnitudes. In 8–9‐year‐olds, no relationship was found between exact tasks and either approximate or analogue tasks in normally achieving children, in children with low numeracy or in children with developmental dyscalculia. Low numeracy was related not to a poor grasp of exact numerosities, but to a poor understanding of symbolic numerals.
Basic number processing deficits in ADHD: a broad examination of elementary and complex number processing skills in 9‐ to 12‐year‐old children with ADHD‐C
Authors: Kaufmann Liane , Nuerk Hans‐Christoph
Published: August 2008

ADHD (attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder) and academic difficulties are frequently associated, but to date this link is poorly understood. In order to explore which components of number processing and calculation skills may be disturbed in children with ADHD we presented a series of respective tasks to 9‐ to 12‐year‐old children with ADHD‐combined type and matched children without ADHD (of any type) without concomitant dyscalculia and/or dyslexia. Overall, group differences were not significant regarding overlearned and explicitly trained simple and complex calculation skills. More basic number processing skills are – for instance – the ability to compare one‐digit numbers according to their magnitude (so‐called magnitude comparison), to count or to transcode numbers, i.e. to write down an Arabic number ‘21’ in verbal dictation. Significant differences favouring control children in basic number processing skills were obtained in a number comparison task and in a dot enumeration task. Importantly, our results cannot be explained by group differences regarding specific working memory and executive function components. Thus, number processing skills and in particular the processing of numerical magnitude should be investigated in children diagnosed with ADHD even when no comorbid learning disabilities are reported.
Akademiker im irischen Exil: Ernst Lewy (1881–1966)1
Authors: Holfter Gisela
Published: August 2008

Ernst Lewy, bis 1935 Professor der Allgemeinen Sprachwissenschaften der Universität Berlin und anerkannter Spezialist der finnougrischen Sprachen, war einer der bislang wenig beachteten Wissenschaftler, die in Irland Zuflucht fanden. Während das irische Exil nur für eine sehr geringe Anzahl von Flüchtlingen Realität wurde, war die Zahl der Akademiker unter ihnen verhältnismäßig groß, allerdings erfuhr bislang generell nur Nobelpreisträger Erwin Schrödinger größere Aufmerksamkeit. Ernst Lewy, dessen Lebensweg hier nachgezeichnet wird, war ein kreativer und produktiver Forscher mit beeindruckenden Sprachfertigkeiten und ein charismatischer Dozent, der u.a. Walter Benjamin beeindruckte und Wolfgang Steinitz, den späteren Vize‐Präsidenten der deutschen Akademie der Wissenschaften der DDR, sehr beeinflusste. Auch für die Literaturwissenschaft ist sein Beitrag nicht unerheblich: er war der erste Herausgeber einer Gesamtausgabe der Werke von Jacob Michael Reinhold Lenz und beschäftigte sich mit der Sprache Goethes. Dennoch verbrachte er die meiste Zeit seines Schaffens als Einzelkämpfer und fühlte sich abgeschnitten vom akademischen Leben, lebte die letzten dreißig Jahre seines Lebens in einem Land, dessen Umgangssprache er erst spät mächtig war, als Sprachwissenschaftler der eigenen Sprache beraubt. Seine Sprachstudien und Briefwechsel beginnen wieder auf Interesse zu stoßen.
The Everyday Life of Adults with Down Syndrome
Authors: Carr Janet
Published: August 2008

Background  Aspects of daily life have been considered in a population of people with Down syndrome, followed repeatedly from infancy to 21‐years old, and again at 30‐, 35‐ and 40‐years old. A control sample of non‐disabled babies were seen at the same ages.

Method  Parents (usually the mothers) and/or carers were interviewed about the people’s health, independence, occupation, leisure activities and social relationships.

Results and Conclusions  The health of the people with Down syndrome continued to be reasonably good though less good than that of the controls. Engagement in further education increased and attendance at social education centres decreased, while a minority were in employment. Over two‐thirds participated in at least one sport, and although participation decreased over time the fall‐off was no more than is seen in the general population. Fewer than half the people with Down syndrome were thought capable of being left in the house alone for over an hour or to go out alone beyond the garden, and social relationships for the majority were limited.
Drinking Typography Established by Scheduled Induction Predicts Chronic Heavy Drinking in a Monkey Model of Ethanol Self‐Administration
Authors: Grant Kathleen A. , Leng Xiaoyan , Green Heather L. , Szeliga Kendall T. , Rogers Laura S. M. , Gonzales Steven W.
Published: August 2008

Background: We have developed an animal model of alcohol self‐administration that initially employs schedule‐induced polydipsia (SIP) to establish reliable ethanol consumption under open access (22 h/d) conditions with food and water concurrently available. SIP is an adjunctive behavior that is generated by constraining access to an important commodity (e.g., flavored food). The induction schedule and ethanol polydipsia generated under these conditions affords the opportunity to investigate the development of drinking typologies that lead to chronic, excessive alcohol consumption.

Methods: Adult male cynomolgus monkeys(Macaca fascicularis)were induced to drink water and 4% (w/v in water) ethanol by a Fixed‐Time 300 seconds (FT‐300 seconds) schedule of banana‐flavored pellet delivery. The FT‐300 seconds schedule was in effect for 120 consecutive sessions, with daily induction doses increasing from 0.0 to 0.5 g/kg to 1.0 g/kg to 1.5 g/kg every 30 days. Following induction, the monkeys were allowed concurrent access to 4% (w/v) ethanol and water for 22 h/day for 12 months.

Results: Drinking typographies during the induction of drinking 1.5 g/kg ethanol emerged that were highly predictive of the daily ethanol intake over the next 12 months. Specifically, the frequency in which monkeys ingested 1.5 g/kg ethanol without a 5‐minute lapse in drinking (defined as a bout of drinking) during induction strongly predicted (correlation 0.91) subsequent ethanol intake over the next 12 months of open access to ethanol. Blood ethanol during induction were highly correlated with intake and with drinking typography and ranged from 100 to 160 mg% when the monkeys drank their 1.5 g/kg dose in a single bout. Forty percent of the population became heavy drinkers (mean daily intakes >3.0 g/kg for 12 months) characterized by frequent “spree” drinking (intakes >4.0 g/kg/d).

Conclusion: This model of ethanol self‐administration identifies early alcohol drinking typographies (gulping the equivalent of 6 drinks) that evolve into chronic heavy alcohol consumption in primates (drinking the equivalent of 16 to 20 drinks per day). The model may aid in identifying biological risks for establishing harmful alcohol drinking.
Identity Agents: Parents as Active and Reflective Participants in Their Children's Identity Formation
Authors: Schachter Elli P. , Ventura Jonathan J.
Published: August 2008

The paper introduces the concept ofidentity agents. This concept refers to those individuals who actively interact with children and youth with the intention of participating in their identity formation, and who reflectively mediate larger social influences on identity formation. This contrasts with the focus of mainstream research in the identity field that tends to portray adolescents as the sole reflective agents involved in mature identity development. The paper presents a theoretical analysis presenting the importance of the concept for the formulation of a comprehensive contextual theory of identity formation. The particulars of this concept are illustrated through the presentation of a qualitative report of religious parents actively encouraging their children's processes of identification, co‐participating in their children's identity's formation, and reflectively deliberating their parental roles and goals in regards to this process.
Patterns of Racial Socialization and Psychological Adjustment: Can Parental Communications About Race Reduce the Impact of Racial Discrimination?
Authors: Neblett Enrique W. , White Rhonda L. , Ford Kahlil R. , Philip Cheri L. , Nguyên Hoa X. , Sellers Robert M.
Published: August 2008

This study uses two waves of data to examine the relations among racial discrimination experiences, patterns of racial socialization practices, and psychological adjustment in a sample of 361 African American adolescents. Using latent class analyses, we identified four patterns of child‐reported racial socialization experiences: Moderate Positive, High Positive, Low Frequency, and Moderate Negative. Experiencing racial discrimination was associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, more perceived stress, and lower levels of well‐being. On average, adolescents who experienced High Positive patterns of racial socialization reported the most positive psychological adjustment outcomes, while adolescents in the Low Frequency and Moderate Negative clusters reported the least favorable outcomes. Results suggest that High Positive racial socialization buffers the negative effects of racial discrimination on adolescents' perceived stress and problem behaviors. Together, the findings suggest that various patterns of racial socialization practices serve as risk, compensatory, and protective factors in African American adolescent psychological adjustment.
Culture, Son Preference, and Beliefs About Masculinity
Authors: Mahalingam Ramaswami , Balan Sundari
Published: August 2008

We examined whether endorsing hyper‐masculine attitudes positively related to the psychological well‐being of adolescent boys (N=233) in an extreme son preference community, in Tamilnadu, India. A survey with masculinity and measures of psychological well‐being was administered. We predicted that endorsement of masculinity would positively relate to personal strength, academic achievement, and positive psychological outcomes. Using regression analyses, we found that greater endorsement of masculinity predicted lower self‐reported depression (b=−.48, p<.001), lower internalized shame (b=−.48, p<.001), higher academic performance (b=.15, p<.05), and higher personal strength (b=.43, p<.001). We discuss the relevance of our findings for developing interventions to combat extreme female neglect.
Mother–Adolescent Conflict: Adolescent Goals, Maternal Perspective‐Taking, and Conflict Intensity
Authors: Lundell Leah J. , Grusec Joan E. , McShane Kelly E. , Davidov Maayan
Published: August 2008

Younger and older adolescents were interviewed about their goals in recent disagreements with their mothers. Six goals were identified: instrumental (simply gaining their immediate desire); dyadic concern; achieving emotional support; autonomy; dominance; and nonengagement (avoidance of conflict). Younger adolescents reported significantly more instrumental and significantly fewer emotional support and dominance goals than did older adolescents. Maternal perspective‐taking predicted more dyadic concern and fewer dominance goals, as well as more nonengagement goals for younger adolescents. Dominance goals mediated the effect of maternal dyadic perspective‐taking on conflict intensity for older adolescents.
Stochastic Volatility in a Macro‐Finance Model of the U.S. Term Structure of Interest Rates 1961–2004
Authors: SPENCER PETER D.
Published: August 2008

This paper generalizes the standard homoscedastic macro‐finance model by allowing for stochastic volatility, using the “square root” specification of the mainstream finance literature. Empirically, this specification dominates the standard model because it is consistent with the square root volatility found in macroeconomic time series. Thus it establishes an important connection between the stochastic volatility of the mainstream finance model and macro‐economic volatility of the Okun–Friedman type. This research opens the way to a richer specification of both macro‐economic and term structure models, incorporating the best features of both macro‐finance and mainstream finance models.
Financial Crisis, Fiscal Policy, and the 1995 GDP Contraction in Mexico
Authors: MEZA FELIPE
Published: August 2008

In 1995 Mexico experienced its largest contraction of gross domestic product (GDP) since the early twentieth century. I propose a simple mechanism to partially account for the contraction: the effects of changes in fiscal policy. The contraction of GDP was preceded by a financial crisis. The government responded by raising taxes and reducing spending. Using a model with taxation and government consumption, and the business cycle accounting methodology, I measure the impact of fiscal policy. Fiscal policy accounts for 20.7% of the fall in output.
Inflation and Growth: Impatience and a Qualitative Equivalence
Authors: CHEN BEEN‐LON , HSU MEI , LU CHIA‐HUI
Published: August 2008

This paper studies the role of an endogenous time preference on the relationship between inflation and growth in the long run in both the money‐in‐utility‐function (MIUF) and transactions‐costs (TC) models. We establish a qualitative equivalence between the two models in a setup without a labor–leisure tradeoff. When the time preference is decreasing (or increasing) in consumption and real balances, both the MIUF and TC models are qualitatively equivalent in terms of predicting a negative (or positive) relationship between inflation and growth in a steady state. Both a decreasing and an increasing time preference in consumption are consistent with the arguments found within the literature. While a decreasing time preference in real balances corroborates with empirical evidence, there is no evidence in support of an increasing time preference in real balances.
Synthesis and Microwave Dielectric Properties of MgSiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Song Myung‐Eun , Kim Jin‐Seong , Joung Mi‐Ri , Nahm Sahn , Kim Young‐Sik , Paik Jong‐Hoo , Choi Byung‐Hyun
Published: August 2008

MgSiO3 ceramics were synthesized and their microwave dielectric properties were investigated. The Mg2SiO4 phase was formed at temperatures lower than 1200°C, while the orthorhombic MgSiO3 phase started to form by the reaction of SiO2 and Mg2SiO4 in the specimen fired at 1200°C. The structure of the MgSiO3 ceramics was transformed from orthorhombic to monoclinic when the sintering temperature exceeded 1400°C. A dense microstructure was developed for the specimens sintered at above 1350°C. The excellent microwave dielectric properties of ɛr=6.7, Q×f=121 200 GHz, and τf=−17 ppm/°C were obtained from the MgSiO3 ceramics sintered at 1380°C for 13 h.
Oxidation Behavior of Ferritic Steel Alloy Coated with Highly Dense Conducting Ceramics by Aerosol Deposition
Authors: Choi Jong‐Jin , Park Dong‐Soo , Hahn Byung‐Dong , Ryu Jungho , Yoon Woon‐Ha
Published: August 2008

Conducting La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 (LSM) ceramic layers with a thickness of ∼10 μm were deposited on ferritic stainless steel (SS) by aerosol deposition for use as an oxidation resistance coating layer in the metallic interconnects of solid oxide fuel cell. The microstructural evolution and electrical properties of the LSM‐coated SS were observed. The coated layers were fairly dense without pores or cracks, and maintained good adhesion even after oxidation at 800°C for 1000 h in air atmosphere. The surface of the bare SS after heat treatment at 800°C for 1000 h was covered with Cr‐containing oxide scales, and the electrical conductivity was sharply decreased. However, the LSM‐coated SS alloy showed a surface microstructure with almost no chromic oxide formation and maintained good electrical conductivity after the heat treatment. Close observation of the interface between LSM and SS indicated the presence of ∼500‐nm‐thick Cr2O3 and MnCr2O4 spinel phase, which may have caused the long‐time deterioration of the interconnector performance. The area‐specific resistance of the LSM‐coated alloy after heat treatment at 800°C for 1000 h was 10.4 mΩ·cm2.
Construction of a taste‐blind medaka fish and quantitative assay of its preference–aversion behavior
Authors: Aihara Y. , Yasuoka A. , Iwamoto S. , Yoshida Y. , Misaka T. , Abe K.
Published: August 2008

In vertebrates, the taste system provides information used in the regulation of food ingestion. In mammals, each cell group within the taste buds expresses either the T1R or the T2R taste receptor for preference–aversion discrimination. However, no such information is available regarding fish. We developed a novel system for quantitatively assaying taste preference–aversion in medaka fish. In this study, we prepared fluorescently labeled foods with fine cavities designed to retain tastants until they were bitten by the fish. The subjects were fed food containing a mixture of amino acids and inosine monophosphate (AN food), denatonium benzoate (DN food) or no tastant (NT food), and the amounts of ingested food were measured by fluorescence microscopy. Statistical analysis of the fluorescence intensities yielded quantitative measurements of AN food preference and DN food aversion. We then generated a transgenic fish expressing dominant‐negative Gαi2 both in T1R‐expressing and in T2R‐expressing cells. The feeding assay revealed that the transgenic fish was unable to show a preference for AN food and an aversion to DN food. The assay system was useful for evaluating taste‐blind behaviors, and the results indicate that the two taste signaling pathways conveying preferable and aversive taste information are conserved in fish as well as in mammals.
Halorhodopsin from Natronomonas pharaonis Forms a Trimer Even in the Presence of a Detergent, Dodecyl‐β‐d‐maltoside
Authors: Sasaki Takanori , Kubo Megumi , Kikukawa Takashi , Kamiya Masakatsu , Aizawa Tomoyasu , Kawano Keiichi , Kamo Naoki , Demura Makoto
Published: August 2008

Halorhodopsin (HR) is a transmembrane seven‐helix retinal protein, and acts as an inward light‐driven Cl− pump. HR from Natronomonas pharaonis (NpHR) can be expressed in Escherichia coli inner membrane in large quantities. Here, we showed that NpHR forms the trimer structure even in the presence of 0.1% (2 mm) to 1% (20 mm) dodecyl‐β‐d‐maltoside (DDM), whose concentrations are much higher than the critical micelle concentration (0.17 mm). This conclusion was drawn from the following observations. (1) NpHR in the DDM solution showed an exciton‐coupling circular dichroism (CD) spectrum. (2) From the elution volume of gel filtration, the molecular mass of the NpHR–DDM complex was estimated. After evaluation of the mass of the bound DDM molecules, the mass of NpHR calculated was approximately equal to that of the trimer. (3) The cross‐linked NpHR by glutaraldehyde gave the SDS‐PAGE corresponding to the trimer. Mass spectra of these samples also support the notion of the trimer. Using the membrane fractions expressing NpHR (Escherichia coli and Halobacterium salinarum), CD spectra showed exciton‐coupling, which suggests strongly the trimer structure in the cell membrane.
Training Theory of Mind and Executive Control: A Tool for Improving School Achievement?
Authors: Kloo Daniela , Perner Josef
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT— In the preschool years, there are marked improvements in theory of mind (ToM) and executive functions. And, children’s competence in these two core cognitive domains is associated with their academic achievement. Therefore, training ToM and executive control could be a valuable tool for improving children’s success in school. This article reviews several successful training studies in preschool children showing that these two school‐related competencies can be trained. We also discuss methodological factors that may be important for the effectiveness of training programs. Finally, the review outlines implications of brain research for such training interventions.
Development of the Teenage Brain
Authors: Choudhury Suparna , Charman Tony , Blakemore Sarah‐Jayne
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT— Adolescence is a time characterized by change—hormonally, physically, and mentally. We now know that some brain areas, particularly the frontal cortex, continue to develop well beyond childhood. There are two main changes with puberty. First, there is an increase in axonal myelination, which increases transmission speed. Second, there is a gradual decrease in synaptic density, indicating significant pruning of connections. These neural changes make it likely that cognitive abilities relying on the frontal cortex, such as executive functions and social‐cognitive abilities, also change during adolescence. Here, we review recent research that has demonstrated development during adolescence of a variety of social‐cognitive abilities and their neural correlates.
Jusa and Barsuchi Log Volcanogenic Massive Sulfide Deposits from the Southern Urals of Russia: Devonian Analogs of the Kuroko Deposits of NE Honshu, Japan
Authors: Glasby Geoffrey P. , Maslennikov Valery V. , Prozherova Irina A. , Petukhov Sergey I.
Published: August 2008

Chemical analysis of 60 samples from the Jusa and Barsuchi Log volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry shows that, on average, the Jusa deposit is more enriched in the chalcophilic elements than the Barsuchi Log deposit, whereas the Barsuchi Log deposit is more enriched in the lithogenous elements and Te. In addition, the yellow ores in these deposits are more enriched on average in Cu, As and Mo and the black ores more enriched in Zn, Ga, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg and Pb relative to each other. Both these deposits are similar in composition to the Kuroko deposits of NE Honshu and may be considered to be analogs of these deposits. The Kuroko deposits, however, contain much higher concentrations of As, Ag, Sb, Ba, Hg and lower contents of Te on average than the Jusa and Barsuchi Log deposits. Based on the higher contents of Te in the Barsuchi Log deposit compared to the Jusa deposit, as well as on textural considerations, it is concluded that the Barsuchi Log deposit is intermediate between the Urals‐ and Kuroko‐type deposits, whereas the Jusa deposit is more analogous to the Kuroko‐type deposits. Based on the compositional data presented here, the Jusa and Barsuchi Log deposits may be described as Zn‐Pb‐Cu‐Ba deposits rather than as Zn‐Cu‐Ba deposits, as the Baimak‐type deposits of the west Magnitogrosk zone have previously been described.
Effect on corneal endothelial cell count of traumatic microhyphaema and hyphaema
Authors: Pong Jeffrey , Lai Jimmy
Published: August 2008

Purpose:  This study investigates changes in the corneal endothelial count in patients after non‐penetrating ocular trauma (NPOT) with associated microhyphaema or hyphaema.

Methods:  A total of 48 patients were recruited and divided into grade 1 (microhyphaema) and grade 2 (hyphaema) injury groups. Both central and inferior corneal endothelial counts were measured with specular microscopy.

Results:  Neither central nor inferior corneal endothelial counts on the injured eye showed significant decrease compared to the normal contralateral eye across the two injury groups. The mean cell count of the central cornea of the hyphaema group showed a drop of 1.9% compared to the normal controls.

Conclusion:  The duration and severity of non‐penetrating ocular trauma with microhyphaema or hyphaema did not appear to show a statistically significant loss in corneal endothelial cell count compared to the normal control.
Stones in the lacrimal gland: a rare condition
Authors: Halborg Jakob , Prause Jan Ulrik , Toft Peter Bjerre , Skjødt Karen , Tommerup Niels Rath , Nielsen Ole Faurskov , Heegaard Steffen
Published: August 2008

Purpose:  Stones (dacryoliths) in the lacrimal drainage system are relatively common. However, stones in the lacrimal gland itself are very rare. We present three cases of lacrimal gland stones and describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics and composition of the stones.

Methods:  Three patients presented with swelling in the lateral canthal region of several months’ duration. Clinical examination in each case revealed a mass adjacent to the lacrimal gland. We carried out surgical excision, histological examination and Raman spectroscopy.

Results:  Histopathological examination of the excised material showed an eosinophilic, amorphic material organized in lamellae and localized in a ductule. The findings were consistent with a stone in the lacrimal gland in all three cases. All stones were composed of proteins of similar types. After surgery, the three patients healed without complications.

Conclusions:  Lacrimal gland stones represent a very rare but relevant differential diagnosis when a patient presents with unilateral persistent conjunctivitis or with a tumour in the lateral canthus. Treatment is excision under local anaesthesia.
Stability and antibacterial potency of ceftazidime and vancomycin eyedrops reconstituted in BSS® against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Karampatakis Vasileios , Papanikolaou Theoharis , Giannousis Michael , Goulas Antonis , Mandraveli Kaliopi , Kilmpasani Maria , Alexiou‐Daniel Stella , Mirtsou‐Fidani Vassiliki
Published: August 2008

Purpose:  We aimed to study the stability and the in vitro antibacterial potency of ceftazidime and vancomycin eyedrops against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively, under different storage temperatures and light conditions.

Methods:  Solutions of ceftazidime 50 mg/ml and vancomycin 50 mg/ml were prepared by reconstituting with balanced salt solution (BSS®) and stored at 4 °C and at 24 °C with and without exposure to light. The minimum bactericidal concentrations against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were measured to evaluate the antimicrobial potency over a 4‐week period. Changes in the pH values and physical characteristics of the solutions were recorded over the same period of time.

Results:  The antibacterial potency of ceftazidime decreased significantly from days 3 and 7 onwards at storage temperatures of 24 °C and 4 °C, respectively, but was not affected by light exposure. The pH value progressed from acidic to alkaline, peaking at day 3, in all solutions. The antibacterial potency of vancomycin remained stable during the 4‐week period, but its pH showed a slight progression from acidic to less acidic, in all solutions.

Conclusions:  Ceftazidime eyedrops in BSS® appear to remain effective against P. aeruginosa for ≥ 7 days when stored at 4 °C, but were less effective when stored at 24 °C. Loss of antibacterial potency coincides with the appearance of visual and olfactory signs of degradation. The transient rise in pH at day 3 is a matter of possible concern, however, as it may affect patient tolerance. By contrast, vancomycin eyedrops in BSS® can be safely used for ≥ 4 weeks, stored at either 4 °C or 24 °C.
Turbulence Modeling of Forced Convection Heat Transfer in Two-Dimensional Ribbed Channels
Authors: Elsaadawy E. , Mortazavi H. , Hamed M. S.
Published: August 2008

Although the problem of 2D ribbed channels has been studied heavily in the literature as a benchmark or basic case for cooling of electronic packing, there is still a contradiction in the literature about the suitable turbulence model that should be used in such a problem. The accuracy of the computational predictions of heat transfer rates depends mostly on the choice of the proper turbulence model that is capable of capturing the physics of the problem, and on the corresponding wall treatment. The main objective of this work is to identify the proper turbulence model to be used in thermal analysis of electronic systems. A number of available turbulence models, namely, the standard k-ε, the renormalization group k-ε, the shear stress transport (SST), the k-ω, and the Reynolds stress models, have been investigated. The selection of the most appropriate turbulence model has been based upon comparisons with both direct numerical simulations (DNSs) and experimental results of other works. Based on such comparisons, the SST turbulence model has been found to produce results in very good agreement with the DNS and experimental results and hence it is recommended as an appropriate turbulence model for thermal analysis of electronic packaging.
A Compact Approach to On-Chip Interconnect Heat Conduction Modeling Using the Finite Element Method
Authors: Gurrum Siva P. , Joshi Yogendra K. , King William P. , Ramakrishna Koneru , Gall Martin
Published: August 2008

Over upcoming electronics technology nodes, shrinking feature sizes of on-chip interconnects and correspondingly higher current densities are expected to result in higher temperatures due to self-heating. This study describes a finite element based compact thermal modeling approach to investigate the effects of Joule heating on complex interconnect structures. In this method, interconnect cross section is assumed to be isothermal and conduction along the interconnect is retained. A composite finite element containing both metal and dielectric regions is used to discretize the interconnect stack. The compact approach predicts the maximum temperature rise in the metal to within 5–10% of the detailed numerical computations, while requiring only a fraction of elements. Computational time for the compact model solution is several seconds, versus many hours for the detailed solutions obtained through successive mesh refinement until grid independence is achieved. For a comparable number of elements, the compact model is in general much more accurate than the traditional finite element approach. To validate the simulations, temperature rise in a 500-link two-layer interconnect with a via layer was measured at several current densities. The compact method predicts the temperature rise of the 500-link chain to within 5% of the measurements thereby validating the method. The approach described here could be an efficient technique for full chip Joule heating simulations and for clock signal propagation simulations, which are performed as part of designing next generation chip architectures.
Activity of Hydroxyurea against
Leishmania mexicana
Authors: Martinez-Rojano Hugo , Mancilla-Ramirez Javier , Quiñonez-Diaz Laura , Galindo-Sevilla Norma
Published: August 2008

Leishmania mexicana
is a protozoan parasite that causes a disease in humans with frequent relapses after treatment. It is also highly resistant to the currently available drugs. For this reason, there is an urgent need for more effective antileishmanial drugs. Hydroxyurea, an anticancer drug, is toxic to replicating eukaryotic cells and has been proven to be effective in arresting the
Leishmania major
cell cycle. In this study, hydroxyurea was tested in an in vitro model of intracellular
Leishmania
infection in macrophages. The parasite density in infected macrophages was measured by microscopy after incubation for various times and treatment with hydroxyurea at different concentrations. Viable parasites that could be transformed into promastigotes by shifting the temperature to 26°C were counted every other day after the replacement of hydroxyurea with fresh medium. Meglumine antimoniate, the standard drug treatment for
Leishmania mexicana
, was used as a reference drug under the same experimental conditions. Hydroxyurea completely eliminated
Leishmania
parasites when it was used at a dosage of 10 or 100 μg/ml. Differences in the length of treatment needed to achieve elimination were as follows: the 10-μg/ml doses required 9 days, while 3 days was sufficient when 100 μg/ml was used. Hydroxyurea had a 50% effective dose of 0.015 μg/ml in vitro, which was observed on day 6 after exposure. Hydroxyurea is highly effective in killing intracellular amastigotes in vitro.
Metronidazole Lacks Antibacterial Activity in Guinea Pigs Infected with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Hoff Donald R. , Caraway Megan L. , Brooks Elizabeth J. , Driver Emily R. , Ryan Gavin J. , Peloquin Charles A. , Orme Ian M. , Basaraba Randall J. , Lenaerts Anne J.
Published: August 2008

Metronidazole, which is used for the treatment of infections caused by anaerobic organisms, was evaluated in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
-infected guinea pigs.
M. tuberculosis
can adapt to hypoxia, which is present in the primary lesions of infected guinea pigs. Metronidazole treatment (for 6 weeks at 100 mg/kg of body weight) resulted in no reduction in the bacillary burden and significantly worsened lesion inflammation.
Fluoroquinolone Enhances the Mutation Frequency for Meropenem-Selected Carbapenem Resistance in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, but Use of the High-Potency Drug Doripenem Inhibits Mutant Formation
Authors: Tanimoto Koichi , Tomita Haruyoshi , Fujimoto Shuhei , Okuzumi Katsuko , Ike Yasuyoshi
Published: August 2008

The mutation frequency for carbapenem resistance in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains that were selected with carbapenems was enhanced in the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of fluoroquinolones. The mutants showed either a loss of OprD activity or increased
mexAB
-
oprM
expression. The highest mutant isolation frequency was obtained by selection with meropenem, while doripenem inhibited mutant growth.
Development of Intergenotypic Chimeric Replicons To Determine the Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Activities of Hepatitis C Virus Polymerase Inhibitors
Authors: Herlihy Koleen J. , Graham Joanne P. , Kumpf Robert , Patick Amy K. , Duggal Rohit , Shi Stephanie T.
Published: August 2008

To address the need for broad-spectrum antiviral activity characterization of hepatitis C virus (HCV) polymerase inhibitors, we created a panel of intergenotypic chimeric replicons containing nonstructural (NS) protein NS5B sequences from genotype 2b (GT2b), GT3a, GT4a, GT5a, and GT6a HCV isolates. Viral RNA extracted from non-GT1 HCV patient plasma was subjected to reverse transcription. The NS5B region was amplified by nested PCR and introduced into the corresponding region of the GT1b (Con-1) subgenomic reporter replicon by Splicing by Overlap Extension (SOEing) PCR. Stable cell lines were generated with replication-competent chimeras for in vitro antiviral activity determination of HCV nonnucleoside polymerase inhibitors (NNIs) that target different regions of the protein. Compounds that bind to the NNI2 (thiophene carboxylic acid) or NNI3 (benzothiadiazine) allosteric sites showed 8- to >1,280-fold reductions in antiviral activity against non-GT1 NS5B chimeric replicons compared to that against the GT1b subgenomic replicon. Smaller reductions in susceptibility, ranging from 0.2- to 33-fold, were observed for the inhibitor binding to the NNI1 (benzimidazole) site. The inhibitor binding to the NNI4 (benzofuran) site showed broad-spectrum antiviral activity against all chimeric replicons evaluated in this study. In conclusion, evaluation of HCV NNIs against intergenotypic chimeric replicons showed differences in activity spectrum for inhibitors that target different regions of the enzyme, some of which could be associated with specific residues that differ between GT1 and non-GT1 polymerases. Our study demonstrates the utility of chimeric replicons for broad-spectrum activity determination of HCV inhibitors.
RamA Confers Multidrug Resistance in
Salmonella enterica
via Increased Expression of
acrB
, Which Is Inhibited by Chlorpromazine
Authors: Bailey Andrew M. , Paulsen Ian T. , Piddock Laura J. V.
Published: August 2008

Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium SL1344, in which efflux pump genes (
acrB
,
acrD
,
acrF
,
tolC
) or regulatory genes thereof (
marA
,
soxS
,
ramA
) were inactivated, was grown in the presence of 240 antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial agents in the Biolog Phenotype MicroArray. Mutants lacking
tolC
,
acrB
, and
ramA
grew significantly worse than other mutants in the presence of 48 agents (some of which have not previously been identified as substrates of AcrAB-TolC) and particularly poorly in the presence of phenothiazines, which are human antipsychotics. MIC testing revealed that the phenothiazine chlorpromazine had antimicrobial activity and synergized with common antibiotics against different
Salmonella
serovars and SL1344. Chlorpromazine increased the intracellular accumulation of ethidium bromide, which was ablated in mutants lacking
acrB
, suggesting an interaction with AcrB. High-level but not low-level overexpression of
ramA
increased the expression of
acrB
; conferred resistance to chloramphenicol, tetracycline, nalidixic acid, and triclosan and organic solvent tolerance; and increased the amount of ethidium bromide accumulated. Chlorpromazine induced the modest overproduction of
ramA
but repressed
acrB
. These data suggest that phenothiazines are not efflux pump inhibitors but influence gene expression, including that of
acrB
, which confers the synergy with antimicrobials observed.
Mouse Model of Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome Caused by Endotoxin-Free Shiga Toxin 2 (Stx2) and Protection from Lethal Outcome by Anti-Stx2 Antibody
Authors: Sauter Kristin A. D. , Melton-Celsa Angela R. , Larkin Kay , Troxell Megan L. , O'Brien Alison D. , Magun Bruce E.
Published: August 2008

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) results from infection by Shiga toxin (Stx)-producingEscherichia coliand is the most common cause of acute renal failure in children. We have developed a mouse model of HUS by administering endotoxin-free Stx2 in multiple doses over 7 to 8 days. At sacrifice, moribund animals demonstrated signs of HUS: increased blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels, proteinuria, deposition of fibrin(ogen), glomerular endothelial damage, hemolysis, leukocytopenia, and neutrophilia. Increased expression of proinflammatory chemokines and cytokines in the sera of Stx2-treated mice indicated a systemic inflammatory response. Currently, specific therapeutics for HUS are lacking, and therapy for patients is primarily supportive. Mice that received 11E10, a monoclonal anti-Stx2 antibody, 4 days after starting injections of Stx2 recovered fully, displaying normal renal function and normal levels of neutrophils and lymphocytes. In addition, these mice showed decreased fibrin(ogen) deposition and expression of proinflammatory mediators compared to those of Stx2-treated mice in the absence of antibody. These results indicate that, when performed during progression of HUS, passive immunization of mice with anti-Stx2 antibody prevented the lethal effects of Stx2.