bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Mu‐ and Delta‐Opioid Receptor Binding in Alcohol‐Dependent and Healthy Control Subjects
Authors: Weerts Elise M. , Wand Gary S. , Kuwabara Hiroto , Munro Cynthia A. , Dannals Robert F. , Hilton John , Frost J. James , McCaul Mary E.
Published: June 2011

Background: The endogenous opioid system plays a significant role in alcohol dependence. The goal of the current study was to investigate regional brain mu‐opioid receptor (MOR) and delta‐opioid receptor (DOR) availability in recently abstinent alcohol‐dependent and age‐matched healthy control men and women with positron emission tomography (PET) imaging.

Methods: Alcohol‐dependent subjects completed an inpatient protocol, which included medically supervised withdrawal and PET imaging on day 5 of abstinence. Control subjects completed PET imaging following an overnight stay. PET scans with the MOR‐selective ligand [11C]carfentanil (CFN) were completed in 25 alcohol‐dependent and 30 control subjects. Most of these same subjects (20 alcohol‐dependent subjects and 18 controls) also completed PET scans with the DOR‐selective ligand [11C]methylnaltrindole (MeNTL).

Results: Volumes of interest and statistical parametric mapping analyses indicated that alcohol‐dependent subjects had significantly higher [11C]CFN binding potential (BPND) than healthy controls in multiple brain regions including the ventral striatum when adjusting for age, gender, and smoking status. There was an inverse relationship between [11C]CFN BPNDand craving in several brain regions in alcohol‐dependent subjects. Groups did not differ in [11C]MeNTL BPND; however, [11C]MeNTL BPNDin caudate was positively correlated with recent alcohol drinking in alcohol‐dependent subjects.

Conclusions: Our observation of higher [11C]CFN BPNDin alcohol‐dependent subjects can result from up‐regulation of MOR and/or reduction in endogenous opioid peptides following long‐term alcohol consumption, dependence, and/or withdrawal. Alternatively, the higher [11C]CFN BPNDin alcohol‐dependent subjects may be an etiological difference that predisposed these individuals to alcohol dependence or may have developed as a result of increased exposure to childhood adversity, stress, and other environmental factors known to increase MOR. Although the direction of group differences in [11C]MeNTL BPNDwas similar in many brain regions, differences did not achieve statistical significance, perhaps as a result of our limited sample size. Additional research is needed to further clarify these relationships. The finding that alcohol‐dependent subjects had higher [11C]CFN BPNDis consistent with a prominent role of the MOR in alcohol dependence.
Psychological Mediators of the Sport Injury—Perceived Risk Relationship
Authors: Deroche Thomas , Stephan Yannick , Woodman Tim , Le Scanff Christine
Published: June 2011

Drawing upon both heuristic‐ and threat‐based approaches, we sought to examine whether perceived similarity with injury‐prone people and perceived control over injury occurrence would directly contribute to perceived risk and whether these variables would mediate the previous injury–perceived risk relationship. Judokas (n = 207) reported the number of injuries experienced in the past year and then completed measures of perceived similarity, perceived control, and injury risk perception. Analyses revealed that perceived similarity and perceived control directly contributed to perceived risk of injury; only perceived similarity acted as a partial mediator of the injury–perceived risk relationship. These findings are discussed in relation to the potential influence of the sport context, which universally involves the acceptance of a high risk of injury.
Loss Aversion and Anchoring in Commercial Real Estate Pricing: Empirical Evidence and Price Index Implications
Authors: Bokhari Sheharyar , Geltner David
Published: June 2011

Loss aversion behavior plays a major role in the pricing of commercial properties, and it varies both across the type of market participants and across the cycle. We find that sophisticated and more experienced investors are at least as loss averse as their counterparts and that loss aversion operated most strongly during the cycle peak in 2007. We also document a possible anchoring effect of the asking price in influencing buyer valuation and subsequent transaction price. We demonstrate the importance of behavioral phenomena in constructing hedonic price indices, and we find that the impact of loss aversion is attenuated at the aggregate market level. This suggests that the pricing and volume cycle during 2001–2009 was little affected by loss aversion.
A Bayesian Adjustment for Multiplicative Measurement Errors for a Calibration Problem with Application to a Stem Cell Study
Authors: Zhang Peng , Liu Juxin , Dong Jianghu , Holovati Jelena L. , Letcher Brenda , McGann Locksley E.
Published: June 2011

Summary We develop a Bayesian approach to a calibration problem with one interested covariate subject to multiplicative measurement errors. Our work is motivated by a stem cell study with the objective of establishing the recommended minimum doses for stem cell engraftment after a blood transplant. When determining a safe stem cell dose based on the prefreeze samples, the postcryopreservation recovery rate enters in the model as a multiplicative measurement error term, as shown in the model (2). We examine the impact of ignoring measurement errors in terms of asymptotic bias in the regression coefficient. According to the general structure of data available in practice, we propose a two‐stage Bayesian method to perform model estimation via R2WinBUGS (Sturtz, Ligges, and Gelman, 2005, Journal of Statistical Software 12, 1–16). We illustrate this method by the aforementioned motivating example. The results of this study allow routine peripheral blood stem cell processing laboratories to establish recommended minimum stem cell doses for transplant and develop a systematic approach for further deciding whether the postthaw analysis is warranted.
Enhanced Densification and Thermoelectric Performance of In4Sn3O12 by Reactive Sintering in the In‐Sn‐Ga‐O System
Authors: Zhou T. , Bhame S. D. , Guilmeau E. , Marinel S. , Raveau B.
Published: June 2011

The thermoelectric properties of the fluorite‐related oxide, In4Sn3O12, have been investigated by studying the system In4−xGaxSn3O12, with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15. It has been shown that Ga does not enter the In4Sn3O12 matrix, and two secondary phases form via the Ga introduction: SnO2 and Ga2In6Sn2O16. By reactive sintering between In2O3, SnO2, and Ga2O3 precursors, the density of the samples is considerably increased from 66% (actual density/theoretical density) for x = 0 up to 90% for x = 0.15, which significantly decreases the electrical resistivity. This is attributed to the large number of grain boundaries localized among the secondary phases, which inhibit the grain growth and hence favor the densification. The phase In4Sn3O12 is for the first time reported to exhibit a semi‐metallic behavior. The Seebeck coefficient does not change significantly with respect to the pristine matrix in accordance with the fact that Ga does not play any role as a doping agent. The thermal conductivity increases with the Ga content. The maximum figure of merit, ZT = 0.23, at 1000 K obtained at a very low Ga content (x = 0.05), is comparable to the value obtained for Ge doped In2O3 (ZT ~ 0.3). This study suggests that In4Sn3O12 can be a potential material for thermoelectric applications.
The Effects of Residual Stress Distributions on Indentation‐induced Microcracking in B4C–TiB2 Eutectic Ceramic Composites
Authors: White Ryan M. , Dickey Elizabeth C.
Published: June 2011

The boron carbide (B4C) titanium diboride (TiB2) ceramic eutectic is being investigated for armor and tribological applications. Electron diffraction shows [110] TiB2//[211] B4C//growth direction, (0001) TiB2//(20) B4C is parallel to the interface plane, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging reveals no interface phase. Thermal residual stress distributions are calculated via finite element modeling of an experimental eutectic microstructure. The B4C matrix is found to be about 400 MPa in compression, and the TiB2 lamellae approximately 1.3 GPa in tension. Stress and strain energy concentrations are found at the tips of TiB2 lamellae. TEM of deformed materials correlates well with the finite element calculations, showing preferential fracture in areas of stress concentration. Interfacial delamination and crack deflection are also observed in deformed materials.
A Rapid‐Doping Method for High‐Throughput Discovery Applied to Thick‐Film PTCR Materials
Authors: Chen Yulong , Evans Julian R.G. , Yang Shoufeng
Published: June 2011

A novel high‐throughput combinatorial library preparation technique for ceramics requiring low levels of dopant is demonstrated and assessed for the case of donor‐doped barium titanate (BT) materials with positive temperature coefficient of resistance (PTCR). The droplet‐doping process is performed by infiltrating liquid dopant precursors into porous BT disks and viewed using a high‐speed camera. The resulting dopant distribution in the body of the disk shows high uniformity as assessed by energy dispersive (EDS) and wavelength dispersive (WDS) spectroscopies. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements and resistivity–temperature (ρ–T) curves show evidence of the changes in structure and PTCR profiles with change in composition and are closely matched to previously published data for samples made by conventional ceramic routes. The procedure, thus validated, has the potential to deliver dopant‐doped BT‐based PTCR libraries rapidly with a very wide range of dopant mixtures and concentrations for electrical property measurement and deserves to be applied to other low‐level dopant ceramic systems.
Basophils: emerging roles in the pathogenesis of allergic disease
Authors: Schroeder John T.
Published: June 2011

Summary:  After approximately 130 years since their discovery as rare granulocytes that circulate in blood, basophils are just now gaining respect as significant contributors in the pathogenesis underlying allergic inflammation and disease. While long known for secreting preformed and newly synthesized mediators and for selectively infiltrating tissue during immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated inflammation, their role has largely been viewed as redundant to that of tissue mast cells in functioning as effector cells. This line of thought has persisted even though it has been known in humans for approximately 20 years that basophils additionally produce relatively large quantities of cytokines, e.g. interleukin‐4 (IL‐4)/IL‐13, that are central for the manifestations of allergic disease. Studies using novel IL‐4 reporter mice have significantly added to the in vivo importance of basophils as IL‐4 producing cells, with recent findings indicating that these cells also function as antigen‐presenting cells essential in initiating T‐helper 2 responses. If confirmed and translated to humans, these provocative findings will give new meaning to the role basophils have in allergic disease, and in immunology overall.
Human asthma phenotypes: from the clinic, to cytokines, and back again
Authors: Bhakta Nirav R. , Woodruff Prescott G.
Published: June 2011

A large body of experimental evidence supports the hypothesis that T‐helper 2 (Th2) cytokines orchestrate allergic airway inflammation in animal models. However, human asthma is heterogeneous with respect to clinical features, cellular sources of inflammation, and response to common therapies. This disease heterogeneity has been investigated using sputum cytology as well as unbiased clustering approaches using cellular and clinical data. Important differences in cytokine‐driven inflammation may underlie this heterogeneity, and studies in human subjects with asthma have begun to elucidate these molecular differences. This molecular heterogeneity may be assessed by existing biomarkers (induced sputum evaluation or exhaled nitric oxide testing) or may require novel biomarkers. Effective testing and application of emerging therapies that target Th2 cytokines will depend on accurate and easily obtained biomarkers of this molecular heterogeneity in asthma. Furthermore, whether other non‐Th2 cytokine pathways underlie airway inflammation in specific subsets of patients with asthma is an unresolved question and an important goal of future research using both mouse models and human studies.
Epithelial cells and airway diseases
Authors: Proud David , Leigh Richard
Published: June 2011

Summary:  The airway epithelial cell is the initial cell type impacted both by inhaled environmental factors, such as pathogens, allergens, and pollutants, and inhaled medications for airway diseases. As such, epithelial cells are now recognized to play a central role in the regulation of airway inflammatory status, structure, and function in normal and diseased airways. This article reviews our current knowledge regarding the roles of the epithelial cell in airway inflammation and host defense. The interactions of inhaled environmental factors and pathogens with epithelial cells are also discussed, with an emphasis on epithelial innate immune responses and contributions of epithelial cells to immune regulation. Recent evidence suggesting that epithelial cells play an active role in inducing several of the structural changes, collectively referred to airway remodeling, seen in the airways of asthmatic subjects is reviewed. Finally, the concept that the epithelium is a major target for the actions of a number of classes of inhaled medications is discussed, as are the potential mechanisms by which selected drugs may alter epithelial function.
The Polymorphic HCMV Glycoprotein UL20 Is Targeted for Lysosomal Degradation by Multiple Cytoplasmic Dileucine Motifs
Authors: Jelcic Ivan , Reichel Johanna , Schlude Christoph , Treutler Eva , Sinzger Christian , Steinle Alexander
Published: June 2011

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread and persistent beta‐herpesvirus. The large DNA genome of HCMV encodes many proteins that are non‐essential for viral replication including numerous proteins subverting host immunosurveillance. One of them is the barely characterized UL20, which is encoded adjacent to the well‐defined immunoevasins UL16 and UL18. UL20 is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein with an immunoglobulin‐like ectodomain that is highly polymorphic among HCMV strains. Here, we show that the homodimeric UL20, by virtue of its cytoplasmic domain, does not reach the cell surface but is targeted to endosomes and lysosomes. Accordingly, UL20 exhibits a short half‐life because of rapid lysosomal degradation. Trafficking of UL20 to lysosomes is determined by several, independently functioning dileucine‐based sorting motifs in the cytoplasmic domain of UL20 and involves the adaptor protein (AP) complex AP‐1. Combined substitution of three dileucine motifs allowed strong cell surface expression of UL20 comparable to UL20 mutants lacking the cytoplasmic tail. Finally, we show that the intracellularly located UL20 also is subject to lysosomal degradation in the context of viral infection. Altogether, from these data, we hypothesize that UL20 is destined to efficiently sequester yet‐to‐be defined cellular proteins for degradation in lysosomes.
Adolescent risk factors for poisonings – a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kivistö Juho E , Rimpelä Arja , Mattila Ville M
Published: June 2011

Aim:  This study assessed whether adolescents’ socioeconomic background, health and health behaviours are associated with later risk of poisoning hospitalization.

Methods:  A prospective cohort of 54 169 Finns aged 14–18 years was followed for an average of 10.6 years. The end‐point of the study was poisoning hospitalization, death or termination of follow‐up in 2001. The relationships of socioeconomic background, health and health behaviour characteristics with poisoning hospitalization were studied with adjusted Cox’s proportional hazard model.

Results:  We identified 443 persons (0.8%) with a diagnosed poisoning leading to hospital admission. The mean age at the time of the poisoning hospitalization was 22.7 years. The strongest risk factors for poisoning hospitalization in males were more than three stress symptoms weekly (HR 1.9), poor school success (HR 1.9) and not living with both of the parents in adolescence (HR 1.8). In females, the strongest risk factors were more than three stress symptoms weekly (HR 2.1), poor school success (HR 2.2) and recurring drunkenness as drinking style (HR 1.7).

Conclusion:  Poor school performance, health and health‐compromising behaviour adopted in adolescence are associated with a poisoning hospitalization risk in adulthood. Daily smoking and recurring drunkenness were strongly associated with a later poisoning hospitalization.
RELIABILITY OF T2‐WEIGHTED SAGITTAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGES FOR DETERMINING THE LOCATION OF COMPRESSIVE DISk HERNIATION IN DOGS
Authors: GUILLEM GALLACH R. , SURAN J. , CÁCERES A. V. , REETZ J. A. , BROWN D. C. , MAI W.
Published: June 2011

Magnetic resonance imaging is used commonly to diagnose intervertebral disk herniation in dogs. It is common to locate areas of suspected compression on sagittal T2‐weighted (T2‐W) images and then obtain limited transverse images in these areas to reduce the acquisition time (a step‐by‐step approach). Our objective was to assess the frequency of correct localization of spinal cord compression due to disk herniation using only the sagittal images. The results from isolated readings of the sagittal T2‐W images alone or combined with a single‐shot fast spin echo (SSFSE) slab in 118 dogs were compared with a gold standard, based on a consensual reading of all images available, including complete transverse images across the entire spinal segments under study. The sites of compression were localized correctly from the sagittal images in 89.8% of dogs. If only the most significant lesions were accounted for, the percentage increased up to 95.2%. In 54.9% of the readings with incorrect localization, the actual compressive site was immediately adjacent to the one suspected from review of the sagittal images. The frequency of correct localization was higher in the cervical region, and was increased by examination of the SSFSE slab. The most common cause of disagreement was the presence of multiple degenerate bulging disks. Based on these results we recommend obtaining transverse images across the entire segment when multiple bulging disks are present. It is also recommended to obtain transverse images across the spaces immediately adjacent to the suspected site of herniation from review of the sagittal images.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—GASTRIC PNEUMATOSIS IN A CAT
Authors: LANG LINDA G. , GREATTING HILLARY H. , SPAULDING KATHY A.
Published: June 2011

Gastrointestinal foreign bodies were removed surgically from a 9‐year‐old Siamese cat. Two days later the cat became lethargic and started regurgitating. A degenerative leukocytosis and drop in packed cell volume were present. Gastric wall thickening with intramural gastric air was detected radiographically and sonographically. Gastric ulceration with a focal necrotic area was seen endoscopically. At surgery, the stomach wall was emphysematous. Clinical signs resolved following partial gastrectomy and medical management. Intramural gastric air with declining clinical course was a significant impetus to return to surgery.
THE USE OF DIFFUSION TENSOR IMAGING TO EVALUATE THE SPINAL CORD IN NORMAL AND ABNORMAL DOGS
Authors: PEASE ANTHONY , MILLER REX
Published: June 2011

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a specialized magnetic resonance sequence to determine the direction of water molecule motion. Our hypothesis was that information derived from DTI will be significantly different in dogs with a spinal cord lesion compared with a normal dog. Eleven normal dogs and six dogs with a spinal cord lesions were imaged. DTI was performed along with standard T1‐ and T2‐weighted sequences in transverse and sagittal planes. Fractional anisotrophy and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were obtained using regions of interests centered on the cranial aspect, middle cranial, middle caudal, and caudal aspects of the spinal cord. In normal dogs, the DTI sequence was characterized by normal fiber tracking with no statistical difference between the four sections of spinal cord (P>0.05). In the dogs with a spinal cord lesion, there was a significant difference in fractional anisotropy between the two groups (P=0.0003) and the ADC analysis statistical significance (P=0.048) at the caudal most site. Based on these findings, DTI is a potentially useful method to evaluate the spinal cord in dogs.
STANDING LOW‐FIELD MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING APPEARANCE OF NORMAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENTS OF THE EQUINE DISTAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT
Authors: GUTIERREZ‐NIBEYRO SANTIAGO D. , WERPY NATASHA M. , WHITE II NATHANIEL A. , McCUTCHEON L. JILL , WENG HSIN‐YI , CHRISTOPHER JOHN M.
Published: June 2011

High‐ and low‐field magnetic resonance (MR) imaging systems are available for clinical diagnosis of collateral desmopathy of the equine distal interphalangeal joint (DIJ). Knowledge of the normal appearance, size, shape, and signal variation of these ligaments on high‐ and low‐field MR images is essential when assessing desmopathy detected by MR imaging. However, there are no descriptions of the normal features of DIJ collateral ligaments on images obtained with a standing low‐field MR system. Low‐field MR imaging characteristics of normal collateral ligaments of the DIJ of cadaver feet were corroborated with high‐field MR imaging and histologic examination to exclude desmopathy. The size and shape of the collateral ligaments of the DIJ was similar among limbs; however, the signal pattern of the ligaments varied depending on the segment of the ligament being assessed and the MR sequence used. In limbs positioned within the magnet as recommended for clinical MR imaging, collateral ligaments of the DIJ have heterogeneous signal pattern with a peripheral region of increased signal intensity at the level of the middle phalanx that can be confused with a desmopathy. The MR imaging characteristics of normal collateral ligaments of the DIJ are related to their anatomy and fiber configuration. The results of this study support the presence of magic angle effect within the axial margin of the CL of the DIJ at the level of fiber divergence within the proximal to mid‐portion of the ligament.
PLATO'S PHILOSOPHY OF LISTENING
Authors: Haroutunian‐Gordon Sophie
Published: June 2011

In the article, Sophie Haroutunian‐Gordon asks, Did Plato have a philosophy of listening, and if so, what was it? Listening is the counterpart of speaking in a dialogue, and it is no less important. Indeed, learning from the dialogue is less likely to occur as people participate unless listening as well as speaking takes place. Haroutunian‐Gordon defines a philosophy of listening as a set of beliefs that fall into four categories: (1) the aim of listening; (2) the nature of listening; (3) the role of the listener; and (4) the relation between the listener and the speaker. The beliefs, as they fall into these four categories, have implications for one another, and, because they are logically related, constitute a philosophy of listening. In the article, Haroutunian‐Gordon argues that Plato had a philosophy of listening and describes its components.
TOWARD AN ARISTOTELIAN CONCEPTION OF GOOD LISTENING
Authors: Rice Suzanne
Published: June 2011

In this essay Suzanne Rice examines Aristotle's ideas about virtue, character, and education as elements in an Aristotelian conception of good listening. Rice begins by surveying of several different contexts in which listening typically occurs, using this information to introduce the argument that what should count as “good listening” must be determined in relation to the situation in which listening actually occurs. On this view, Rice concludes, there are no “essential” listening virtues, but rather ways of listening that may be regarded as virtuous in the context of particular concrete circumstances.
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW? JEAN‐JACQUES ROUSSEAU ON LISTENING EDUCATION
Authors: Laverty Megan J.
Published: June 2011

In this essay Megan J. Laverty argues that Jean‐Jacques Rousseau's conception of humane communication and his proposal for teaching it have implications for our understanding of the role of listening in education. She develops this argument through a close reading of Rousseau's most substantial work on education, Emile: Or, On Education. Laverty elucidates Rousseau's philosophy of communication, beginning with his taxonomy of the three voices—articulate, melodic, and accentuated—illustrating the ways in which they both enhance and obfuscate understanding. Next, Laverty provides an account of Rousseau's philosophical psychology, with specific reference to amour‐propre and amour de soi. Listening plays a central role in Rousseau's philosophy of communication, Laverty maintains, because it is in the act of listening that humans fulfill, or fail to fulfill, the imperative that we seek to understand others.
First Language of Test Takers and Fairness Assessment Procedures
Authors: Sinharay Sandip , Dorans Neil J. , Liang Longjuan
Published: June 2011

Over the past few decades, those who take tests in the United States have exhibited increasing diversity with respect to native language. Standard psychometric procedures for ensuring item and test fairness that have existed for some time were developed when test‐taking groups were predominantly native English speakers. A better understanding of the potential influence that insufficient language proficiency may have on the efficacy of these procedures is needed. This paper represents a first step in arriving at this better understanding. We begin by addressing some of the issues that arise in a context in which assessments in a language such as English are taken increasingly by groups that may not possess the language proficiency needed to take the test. For illustrative purposes, we use the first‐language status of a test taker as a surrogate for language proficiency and describe an approach to examining how the results of fairness procedures are affected by inclusion or exclusion of those who report that English is not their first language in the fairness analyses. Furthermore, we explore the sensitivity of the results of these procedures, differential item functioning (DIF) and score equating, to potential shifts in population composition. We employ data from a large‐volume testing program for this illustrative purpose. The equating results were not affected by either inclusion or exclusion of such test takers in the analysis sample, or by shifts in population composition. The effect on DIF results, however, varied across focal groups.
3D‐QSAR and Docking Studies on the HEPT Derivatives of HIV‐1 Reverse Transcriptase
Authors: Sree Latha Ramaswamy , Vijayaraj Ramadoss , Azhagiya Singam Ettayapuram Ramaprasad , Chitra Krishnaswamy , Subramanian Venkatesan
Published: June 2011

Three‐dimensional Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship (3D‐QSAR) has been derived for a set of HEPT derivatives of HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase (RT) using Comparative Molecular Field Analysis (CoMFA). The CoMFA models have been developed using two different alignment procedures such as common substructure and bioactive conformation. The CoMFA model I is derived from a common substructure procedure that includes steric and electrostatic fields with the cross‐validated q2 and the non‐cross‐validated r2 value of 0.86 and 0.97, respectively. The same for the CoMFA model II that is derived based on the bioactive conformation are 0.19 and 0.77, respectively. It is evident from the results that the common substructure‐based alignment model has good statistical significance when compared with that of bioactive conformation for the selected systems in this study. The docking study revealed that the conformational flexibility observed at the R3 position favors different orientations of the substitution at the active site of HIV‐1 RT and thereby leads to inconsistency in the CoMFA alignment based on bioactive conformation.
Are migratory monarchs really declining in eastern North America? Examining evidence from two fall census programs
Authors: DAVIS ANDREW K.
Published: June 2011

Abstract.  1. The status of the eastern North American monarch butterfly population is a highly sensitive issue, given that winter and breeding habitats are being lost at an alarming rate each year, and because of this, most believe the population to be declining, although there has been little empirical data to support this idea. In a recent forum article of this journal, Brower et al. (2011) report a statistically significant decline in winter colony size over a 17‐year period and suggest that this is the first sign of impending collapse.

2. I conducted an analysis of numbers of migrating monarchs from two fall monitoring stations in the United States (Cape May, NJ and Peninsula Point, MI), which span 15 and 19 years, respectively, and at both locations there was no significant linear trend in average monarch numbers counted over time, which is in marked contrast to the conclusion drawn by Brower et al. (2011).

3. Although I identify several possible reasons for the discrepancy between the fall census counts and size of the overwintering areas, these differing patterns argue for a more balanced perspective regarding the status of this population, and certainly for considering more than one phase of the life cycle. Even though it is difficult to imagine how monarchs will fare in the future with so many threats to their population, the data presented here suggest that the population remains stable for now, probably because of the high fecundity of the species and its ability to rebound from small winter numbers.
Association of ADAM33 gene polymorphisms with asthma in a Chinese population
Authors: Chi Xiangyu , Wang Laicheng , Wang Jing , Li Qing , Wang Xuequn , Wang Jianping , Xiao Wei
Published: June 2011

Background and Aim:  Asthma is a very common disease involving genetic and environmental factors. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase 33 (ADAM33) has been one of the most exciting candidate genes for asthma since its first association with the disease in the white population. Recently, studies on the association of ADAM33 gene polymorphisms with the risk of asthma have been controversial. We therefore focused on testing the hypothesis that either single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ADAM33 gene may be associated with asthma risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential relationship between polymorphisms of ADAM33 and asthma in a Han population in China.

Methods:  A case control study was conducted in a Han population of eastern Chinese population. A total of 329 asthma patients and a control group of 316 healthy volunteers were recruited for this study. Four polymorphic sites (F+1, S2, T2 and V4) were selected for genotyping. Genotypes were determined by the allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction with fluorescence melting curves and DNA sequencing method. Data were analysed using the chi‐squared test software.

Results:  Statistically significant differences in the distributions of the S2 site between patients and controls were observed (χ2 = 7.140, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  These preliminary results suggest an association between ADAM33 polymorphisms S2 C/G and asthma in a Chinese Han population. The SNPs (F+1 C/T, T2 G/A and V4 C/G) of the ADAM33 gene may be the causal variants in asthma disease, but the strength of this evidence is limited by our small sample size.

Please cite this paper as: Chi X, Wang L, Wang J, Li Q, Wang X, Wang J and Xiao W. Association of ADAM33 gene polymorphisms with asthma in a Chinese population. Clin Respir J 2013; 7: 16–20.
Revenue Management with End‐of‐Period Discounts in the Presence of Customer Learning
Authors: Ovchinnikov Anton , Milner Joseph M.
Published: June 2011

Consider a firm that sells identical products over a series of selling periods (e.g., weekly all‐inclusive vacations at the same resort). To stimulate demand and enhance revenue, in some periods, the firm may choose to offer a part of its available inventory at a discount. As customers learn to expect such discounts, a fraction may wait rather than purchase at a regular price. A problem the firm faces is how to incorporate this waiting and learning into its revenue management decisions. To address this problem we summarize two types of learning behaviors and propose a general model that allows for both stochastic consumer demand and stochastic waiting. For the case with two customer classes, we develop a novel solution approach to the resulting dynamic program. We then examine two simplified models, where either the demand or the waiting behavior are deterministic, and present the solution in a closed form. We extend the model to incorporate three customer classes and discuss the effects of overselling the capacity and bumping customers. Through numerical simulations we study the value of offering end‐of‐period deals optimally and analyze how this value changes under different consumer behavior and demand scenarios.
Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial Assessing the Efficacy of Denamarin for Prevention of CCNU‐Induced Hepatopathy in Tumor‐Bearing Dogs
Authors: Skorupski K.A. , Hammond G.M. , Irish A.M. , Kent M.S. , Guerrero T.A. , Rodriguez C.O. , Griffin D.W.
Published: June 2011

Background: Increases in liver enzymes occur in up to 86% of dogs receiving CCNU and can result in treatment delay or early discontinuation of treatment. Denamarin contains S‐adenosylmethionine and silybin, both of which have been investigated as treatments for various liver diseases.

Hypothesis: Dogs on CCNU receiving Denamarin have lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity than dogs not receiving Denamarin. Dogs on Denamarin are less likely to require treatment delay because of hepatopathy and are more likely to complete their prescribed course of CCNU.

Animals: Dogs with lymphoma, mast cell tumor, or histiocytic sarcoma that were prescribed CCNU with or without corticosteroids and with normal ALT activity were eligible for enrollment.

Methods: Dogs were prospectively randomized to receive either concurrent Denamarin during CCNU chemotherapy or to receive CCNU alone. Liver‐specific laboratory tests were run before each dose of CCNU.

Results: Increased liver enzyme activity occurred in 84% of dogs receiving CCNU alone and in 68% of dogs on concurrent Denamarin. Dogs receiving CCNU alone had significantly greater increases in ALT, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin and a significantly greater decrease in serum cholesterol concentrations than dogs receiving concurrent Denamarin. Dogs receiving CCNU alone were significantly more likely to have treatment delayed or discontinued because of increased ALT activity.

Conclusions: Increased liver enzyme activity occurs commonly in dogs receiving CCNU chemotherapy. These results support the use of concurrent Denamarin to minimize increased liver enzyme activity in dogs receiving CCNU chemotherapy. Denamarin treatment also increases the likelihood of dogs completing a prescribed CCNU course.
Characterization of Chronic Pancreatitis in English Cocker Spaniels
Authors: Watson P.J. , Roulois A. , Scase T. , Holloway A. , Herrtage M.E.
Published: June 2011

Background: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is common in dogs. The cause is unknown. In humans, different causes of pancreatitis have histologically distinct appearances. The histopathologic lesions in English Cocker Spaniels (ECS) with CP were noted to be histologically different than those of other breeds with CP.

Hypothesis: CP in ECS is distinct from CP in other breeds and is characterized by a duct destruction similar to what is observed in autoimmune CP of humans.

Animals: Eight ECS and 9 other breeds with histologically confirmed CP recruited over an 8‐year period and 50 postmortem control dogs with CP.

Methods: Clinical, clinicopathological, and ultrasonographic findings were recorded. Histological sections were compared with a normal dog and 59 dogs of other breeds with CP. Immunohistochemistry using anti‐CD3, anti‐CD79a, and anti‐cytokeratin antibodies was used to evaluate distribution and type of lymphocytic inflammation and appearance of pancreatic ducts.

Results: Four male and 4 female ECS presented at a mean age of 7.2 years. Clinical signs were similar in ECS and other breeds. The pancreas was enlarged and hypoechoic in 4 ECS and 2 controls. Histopathology was characterized by interlobular and periductular fibrosis and inflammation in ECS compared with intralobular disease in most other breeds. Immunohistochemistry identified prominent anti‐CD3+ lymphocytic infiltrates around venules and ducts and a marked absence of interlobular ducts in ECS compared with mixed T‐cell infiltration and ductular hyperplasia in most other breeds with CP.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance: CP in ECS is distinct from CP in other breeds and is notably duct destructive.
The Health Anxiety Questionnaire
Authors: Lucock Michael P. , Morley Stephen
Published: June 2011

Despite its high prevalence and implications for health care resources, health anxiety is still a relatively neglected area of research. This paper describes the development of the Health Anxiety Questionnaire (HAQ), a measure based on a cognitive–behavioural analysis of health anxiety. The measure was developed to identify individuals with high levels of concern about their health. Psychiatric and medical samples were used in the reported studies. The HAQ was found to have good internal consistency (coefficient alpha and split‐half reliability) and short‐term temporal stability (test–retest reliability). Long‐term stability (one year) was modest but predictably responsive to external events. Analysis of the structure of the HAQ (cluster and factor analyses) revealed four factors: worry and health preoccupation, fear of illness and death, reassurance‐seeking behaviour and the extent to which symptoms interfere with a person's life. Studies of the HAQ's validity indicate that it has appropriate discriminate validity. It is concluded that the HAQ appears to reflect relatively enduring features consistent with the cognitive–behavioural model of health anxiety. It is anticipated that the HAQ should be able to predict response to reassurance following medical examination.
The Edinburgh cohort of HIV‐positive drug users: The effects of depressed mood and drug use upon neuropsychological function
Authors: Egan Vincent , Deary Ian J. , Brettle Ray P.
Published: June 2011

The effect of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on cognitive function drug users is subject to the effects of drug use and depression. The current study tested the effect of these potential confounders in 244 HIV‐positive drug users (147 asymptomatic, 97 symptomatic) and 42 confirmed HIV‐negative drug users. No difference was found between HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative groups for measures of drug use, negative mood, or verbal IQ. Symptomatic HIV‐positive patients were significantly more impaired on measures of non‐verbal performance intelligence and memory than HIV‐negative or HIV‐positive asymptomatic patients. Structural modelling of the data suggested associations between falling CD4 count and impaired non‐verbal performance; low mood, greater benzodiazepine use and poorer memory; and higher opiate use and slight impairment on non‐verbal performance. Drug use and low mood did not act upon low CD4 count to affect non‐verbal cognitive performance. Our results suggest cognitive impairment in HIV‐positive drug users attributable to HIV illness can be detected, and that concurrent drug use and mood are not major confounders, provided such factors are recognized to begin with.
Predictors of future behaviour: A review of the psychological literature on blood donation
Authors: Ferguson Eamonn
Published: June 2011

Purpose. This paper explores the relative efficacy of different theoretical models to predict future behaviour. The behaviour studied in this case was the number of future blood donations. Based on this review, a commentary is provided on possible practical interventions.

Method. Studies were included if they tested a theory and measured the number of actual donations over time. Both conventional and meta‐analytic techniques were used to ascertain the efficacy of various theoretical models to predict the number of future blood donations.

Results. Intentionality, from the theory of planned/reasoned action, emerged as the best predictor of future donor behaviour, but appeared to offer little in the way of suggesting interventions. The predictive power of intentionality reduced as the time interval between its measurement and the recording of actual donor behaviour increased. A number of organizational factors (e.g. waiting time) were identified as important and good predictors of future behaviour. Such factors offer possible interventions. Further, the stage‐like nature of blood donor behaviour is highlighted.

Conclusions. The transtheoretical model of behaviour change is introduced both as a viable alternative to theories like reasoned action and a conceptual framework for organizing interventions. The transtheoretical model is seen as applicable to the blood donation situation as it captures something of the stages of blood donation. It is also argued that other theoretical perspectives (e.g. self‐efficacy) need to be examined in this context.
Behavioural and mental health profiles in childhood hay fever
Authors: Watten Reidulf G. , Faleide Asbjørn O.
Published: June 2011

Objectives. To investigate the association between childhood hay fever and emotional and behavioural disturbances.

Design. Cross‐sectional controlled clinical study. The hay fever group was compared with an age‐matched control group without any atopic symptoms. Mean age for the groups was 7.8 years (SD 0.7).

Method. The dependent variables were normalized t‐scores on the Child Behavior Check List (CBCL 4–16, version 2.2; Achenbach & Edelbrock, 1983). In series of ANOVAs, the hay fever group (N = 43, 23 boys and 20 girls) was compared with healthy controls (N = 51, 28 boys and 23 girls).

Results. The hay fever group had significantly higher scores on depression, withdrawal, somatic complaints and aggression. They also had a significantly higher total problem score and higher scores on the internalizing and the externalizing scales. There were no differences on the social competence scales.

Conclusions. Children suffering from hay fever show other behavioural and emotional coping patterns than normals. Investigators should be reluctant in attributing the CBCL somatic symptom scale to psychological disturbances.
The structure of the Readiness to Change Questionnaire: A test of Prochaska & DiClemente's transtheoretical model
Authors: Budd Richard J. , Rollnick Stephen
Published: June 2011

The structure of the Readiness to Change Questionnaire (RCQ) is examined on a sample of 174 male heavy drinkers. It is shown that the RCQ items assessing the precontemplation, contemplation and action stages of Prochaska & DiClemente's model lack discriminant validity and that these three stages are not related in a simplex structure. A hierarchical factor model is fitted to the present data, producing a global second‐order factor termed ‘readiness to change’. It is shown that the RCQ items can be rescored to form a continuous measure of ‘readiness to change’ and evidence of the reliability and predictive validity of this scale is presented. The theoretical implications of these results are considered.
Constructs and models in health psychology: The case of personality and illness reporting in diabetes mellitus
Authors: Deary Ian J. , Clyde Zoe , Frier Brian M.
Published: June 2011

Objectives. Construct overlap among important variables in health psychology was studied. Competing theories related to the reporting of medically unexplained symptoms (somatization) and illness severity were examined. These objectives were studied in the setting of insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).

Design. A correlational design was employed. Sufficient numbers of participants were sought in order to test theories of symptom reporting using structural equation modelling and other multivariate techniques.

Methods. Two hundred and two people with IDDM attending a diabetes out‐patient clinic acted as participants. Personality traits, alexithymia and illness‐related coping factors were the key psychological constructs studied. Experience of medically unexplained symptoms (somatization) and diabetes severity were measured.

Results. Neuroticism, alexithymia and negative emotion coping were all significantly related to somatization, and there was significant construct overlap. Competing models of symptom reports—transactional versus negative affectivity—were formulated and tested using structural equation modelling. However, the best fitting model was one that integrated features of both. Constructs showed considerable overlap, with evidence for a very general factor related to the reporting of negative affects and bodily disturbances. However, there is also evidence of unique variance in constructs, especially that of negative emotion coping.

Conclusions. Important constructs used in health psychology show significant overlap, and this general source of variance warrants further study. Despite overlap, constructs contributed unique variance to health outcomes. Transactional and negative affectivity models of symptom reporting may be reconciled in an integrated model. Generalization of the models tested here to other illness samples and healthy individuals is recommended. Suggestions are made for further research to refine constructs in health psychology and to limit their present profusion.
Health and romance: Understanding unprotected sex in relationships between gay men
Authors: Flowers Paul , Smith Jonathan A. , Sheeran Paschal , Beail Nigel
Published: June 2011

Objectives. To explore the theoretical utility of current health psychology in understanding the occurrence of unprotected anal sex amongst gay men in relationships.

Design. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was employed to highlight the utility of incorporating the perspective of gay men in addressing a theoretical understanding of sexual decision making.

Methods. Twenty in‐depth interviews were conducted with working‐class gay men from a small South Yorkshire town. These were transcribed and analysed for recurrent themes which reflect the way gay men thought about sex and relationships.

Results. There were many differences between the way gay men thought about sexual activity and the way health psychology assumes men think about it. Within the context of romantic relationships men often privileged the expression of commitment, trust and love as more important than their own health.

Conclusions. Psychological theory relating to sexual health would benefit from a consideration of the way gay men report thinking about sexual behaviour in the context of romantic relationships. Such an informed theory would direct sexual health promotion beyond the simple provision of condoms.