bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of the MicroRNA-17–92 Cluster in the Endothelial Differentiation of Stem Cells
Authors: Tréguer Karine , Heinrich Eva-Marie , Ohtani Kisho , Bonauer Angelika , Dimmeler Stefanie
Published: July 2012

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that recently emerged as potent regulators of gene expression. The members of the miR-17–92 cluster have been shown to control endothelial cell functions and neovascularization; however, the regulation and function of the cluster in endothelial cell lineage commitment has not been explored. This project aimed to test the role of the miR-17–92 cluster during endothelial differentiation. We demonstrate that miR-17, miR-18, miR-19 and miR-20 are increased upon the induction of endothelial cell differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells. In contrast, miR-92a and the primary miR-17–92 transcript were downregulated. The inhibition of each individual miR of the cluster by cholesterol-modified antagomirs did not affect endothelial marker gene expression. Moreover, the combination of all antagomirs had no effect. These findings illustrate that although the miR-17–92 cluster regulates vascular integrity and angiogenesis, none of the members has a significant impact on the endothelial differentiation of pluripotent stem cells.
Cloning and Characterization of Chromosomal Markers from a Cot-1 Library of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Zhang L. , Xu C. , Yu W.
Published: July 2012

The cultivated peanut, Arachis hypogaea (AABB, 2n = 40), is an allotetraploid which was probably originated from a hybridization event between 2 ancestors, A. duranensis (A genome) and A. ipaensis (B genome) followed by chromosome doubling. The wild species in the Arachis section are useful genetic resources for genes that confer biotic and abiotic stress resistance for peanut breeding. However, the resource is not well exploited because little information on the genetic, cytogenetic, and phylogenetic relationships between cultivated peanut and its wild relatives is known. Characterization of its chromosome components will benefit the understanding of these issues. But the paucity of information on the DNA sequence and the presence of morphologically similar chromosomes impede the construction of a detailed karyotype for peanut chromosome identification. In our study, a peanut Cot-1 library was constructed to isolate highly and moderately repetitive sequences from the cultivated peanut, and the chromosomal distributions of these repeats were investigated. Both genome and chromosome specific markers were identified that allowed the distinguishing of A and B genomes in tetraploid peanut and a possible karyotyping of peanut chromosomes by FISH. In particular, a 115-bp tandem repetitive sequence was identified to be a possible centromere repetitive DNA, mainly localized in the centromeres of B chromosomes, and a partial retrotransposable element was also identified in the centromeres of B chromosomes. The cloning and characterization of various chromosomal markers is a major step for FISH-based karyotyping of peanut. The FISH markers are expected to provide a reference tool for sequence assembly, phylogenetic studies of peanut and its wild species, and breeding.
Integration of Linkage and Chromosome Maps of Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.)
Authors: Kataoka R. , Hara M. , Kato S. , Isobe S. , Sato S. , Tabata S. , Ohmido N.
Published: July 2012

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a forage legume and an allogamous diploid plant (2n = 14; 440 Mb). Here, we examine the 7 prometaphase chromosomes of red clover using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with ribosomal RNA sequences, pericentromeric and telomeric repeats, as well as bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones. Position of hybridization signals and chromosome condensation patterns were quantified by the help of the chromosome image analysis system ver. 4.0 (CHIAS IV). Fourteen BAC clones belonging to linkage groups (LG) 1–7 hybridized to individual chromosomes 4, 2, 6, 5, 1, 7, and 3, respectively. Quantitative analysis of FISH mapping and chromosome analysis using CHIAS IV allowed us to construct a quantitative idiogram that constitutes the comprehensive chromosome map of red clover. Chromosomal positions of the 26S rDNA locus were detected at a heterozygous locus on chromosome 6 in the variety HR, and polymorphisms of rDNA loci were observed in other varieties, although chromosomal positions of some BAC clones did not vary among HR and other varieties. These results demonstrate chromosomal collinearity among allogamous red clover varieties. This integration of genetic linkage and quantitative chromosome maps should provide valuable insight into allogamous legume genetics.
Synaptonemal Complexes in the Hybridogenetic Squalius alburnoides Fish Complex: New Insights on the Gametogenesis of Allopolyploids
Authors: Nabais C. , Pereira C. , Cuñado N. , Collares-Pereira M.J.
Published: July 2012

In the Squalius alburnoides fish complex, allotriploid females (3n = 75) reproduce mostly by meiotic hybridogenesis, producing haploid gametes by means of the elimination of the heterospecific chromosome set and recombination between the 2 homospecific genomes. A synaptonemal complexes (SCs) analysis was performed in specimens from a confined southern population (Quarteira, Portugal) to understand chromosome dynamics during gametogenesis. The comparative study between hybrid females with QAA genome composition and the parental bisexual species Squalius aradensis (2n = 50, QQ genome) evidenced: (i) that allotriploid meiocytes comprise the complete chromosome set (75 chromosomes) in prophase I, proving the heterospecific genome (Q) is only excluded after pachytene stage, and (ii) a 2-phase synaptic process where initially, exclusively homologous SCs form and the unmatched univalents remain in a bouquet conformation, followed by the establishment of extensive non-homologous SCs with multivalent associations among the later. These findings disagree with most literature concerning the meiotic process in allotriploid vertebrates, since the most accountable mechanisms (premeiotic exclusion of the unmatched chromosome set and whole genome endoduplication) were not observed.
Focal High Cell Density Generates a Gradient of Patterns in Self-Organizing Vascular Mesenchymal Cells
Authors: Cheng Henry , Reddy Aneela , Sage Andrew , Lu Jinxiu , Garfinkel Alan , Tintut Yin , Demer Linda L.
Published: July 2012

In embryogenesis, structural patterns, such as vascular branching, may form via a reaction-diffusion mechanism in which activator and inhibitor morphogens guide cells into periodic aggregates. We previously found that vascular mesenchymal cells (VMCs) spontaneously aggregate into nodular structures and that morphogen pairs regulate the aggregation into patterns of spots and stripes. To test the effect of a focal change in activator morphogen on VMC pattern formation, we created a focal zone of high cell density by plating a second VMC layer within a cloning ring over a confluent monolayer. After 24 h, the ring was removed and pattern formation monitored by phase-contrast microscopy. At days 2–8, the patterns progressed from uniform distributions to swirl, labyrinthine and spot patterns. Within the focal high-density zone (HDZ) and a narrow halo zone, cells aggregated into spot patterns, whilst in the outermost zone of the plate, cells formed a labyrinthine pattern. The area occupied by aggregates was significantly greater in the outermost zone than in the HDZ or halo. The rate of pattern progression within the HDZ increased as a function of its plating density. Thus, focal differences in cell density may drive pattern formation gradients in tissue architecture, such as vascular branching.
Heterochromatin, Sex Chromosomes and rRNA Gene Clusters in Coprophanaeus Beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Oliveira S.G. , Cabral-de-Mello D.C. , Arcanjo A.P. , Xavier C. , Souza M.J. , Martins C. , Moura R.C.
Published: July 2012

Repetitive DNA sequences constitute a high fraction of eukaryotic genomes and are considered a key component for the chromosome and karyotype evolution. For a better understanding of their evolutionary role in beetles, we examined the chromosomes of 5 species of the genus Coprophanaeus by C-banding, fluorochrome staining CMA3/DA/DAPI, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes for 18S and 5S rRNA genes. The Coprophanaeus species have identical chromosome numbers and a conserved chromosome morphology. However, they show different sex chromosome forms, XY, Xy, XYp, and heterochromatin seems to be involved in the origin and diversification of these forms. C-banding showed primarily the presence of diphasic chromosomes in all species examined. After CMA3/DA/DAPI staining, 1–9 autosomal pairs showed CMA3-positive blocks depending on the species, while DAPI-positive blocks were detected only in Coprophanaeusdardanus. FISH mapping revealed 5S rDNA signals in one autosomal pair in each species, whereas the number of pairs with 18S rDNA signals varied from 1–8 between the Coprophanaeus species. Our results suggest that distinct genetic mechanisms had been involved in the karyotype evolution of Coprophanaeus species, i.e. mechanisms maintaining the conserved number of 5S rDNA clusters and those generating variability in the amount of heterochromatin, sex chromosome forms, and distribution of 18S rDNA clusters.
Is a Sex-Determining Gene(s) Necessary for Sex-Determination in Amphibians? Steroid Hormones May Be the Key Factor
Authors: Nakamura M.
Published: July 2012

Amphibians have 2 genetic sex-determining systems, one with male (XX/XY) and one with female (ZZ/ZW) heterogamety. While the ancestral state of sex-determination is thought to be female heterogamety, male and female heterogametic types were probably once interchangeable. The Japanese frog Rana rugosa has both XX/XY and ZZ/ZW systems within a single species in certain local populations. However, steroid hormones can alter the phenotypic sex epigenetically. In R. rugosa, steroidogenic enzyme expression starts before sex-determination in the indifferent gonad, and these enzymes become active in both male and female tadpoles. Androgens are produced in the indifferent gonad of male tadpoles at high levels, whereas estrogens are synthesized in females. In this regard, the observed enhanced expression of the hormone-metabolizing genes, CYP19 in the female gonad and CYP17 in males, may be crucial for sex-determination. Moreover, with FSH known to increase estrogen synthesis in the vertebrate ovary, observed upregulation of FSH receptor (FSHR) expression in the indifferent gonad of female tadpoles is intriguing. These data suggest that steroid hormones could be crucial for sex-determination in R. rugosa, with the consequence that upregulation of CYP19 and FSHR expression is necessary for female and CYP17 for male sex-determination.
A Novel AMH Missense Mutation in a Patient with Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome
Authors: van der Zwan Y.G. , Brüggenwirth H.T. , Drop S.L.S. , Wolffenbuttel K.P. , Madern G.C. , Looijenga L.H.J. , Visser J.A.
Published: July 2012

Persistent Müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS) is characterized by the presence of a uterus, fallopian tubes, and the upper part of the vagina in phenotypic normal male patients. Here, we report a patient diagnosed with PMDS with a novel homozygous missense mutation in the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) gene (single nucleotide insertion (C) at position 208 (c.208dup, p.Leu70fs)) leading to a frameshift and the introduction of a premature stop codon. Biopsy of both gonads revealed that germ cells were present in an irregular distribution. However, the absence of OCT3/4, PLAP and c-KIT expression indicated physiological maturation.
ADAMTS13 exerts a thrombolytic effect in microcirculation
Authors: Demers Melanie , Voorhees Jaymie R. , Wong Siu , Ho-Tin-Noé Benoit , Crescente Marilena , Thomas Grace M. , Wagner Denisa D.
Published: July 2012

Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) is the drug of choice for thrombolysis, but it is associated with a significant risk of bleeding and is not always successful. By cleaving von Willebrand factor (VWF), the metalloprotease ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin-like and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type I repeats-13) down-regulates thrombus formation in injured vessels. We investigated whether recombinant ADAMTS13 (r-ADAMTS13) induces thrombolysis in vivo in mice. Thrombosis was produced by ferric chloride-induced (FeCl3) injury in the venules of a dorsal skinfold chamber. Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, vehicle), r-tPA or r-ADAMTS13, supplemented with hirudin (to stop ongoing thrombin generation), was directly applied onto the occluded vessel, and thrombus dissolution was evaluated by intravital microscopy. The incidence of blood flow restoration significantly increased 30 minutes (min) after r-ADAMTS13 vs. PBS treatment (60% vs. 0%, p<0.05) and 60 min after r-tPA treatment (75% vs. 17%, p<0.05). Both r-tPA and r-ADAMTS13 significantly reduced thrombus size 60 min after their superfusion (53.2% and 62.3% of the initial thrombus size, p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Bleeding occurred in all r-tPA-treated chambers, while it was absent in mice treated with r-ADAMTS13 or PBS. We observed that, similar to r-tPA, r-ADAMTS13 can dissolve occlusive thrombi induced by FeCl3 injury in venules. In contrast to r-tPA, the in vivo thrombolytic effect of ADAMTS13 was not associated with any signs of haemorrhage. ADAMTS13 could represent a new therapeutic option for thrombolysis.
Levels of prolactin in relation to coagulation factors and risk of venous thrombosis
Authors: Debeij Jan , van Zaane Bregje , Dekkers Olaf M. , Smit Jan W. A. , Büller Harry R. , Rosendaal Frits R. , Gerdes Victor E. A. , Cannegieter Suzanne C. , Stuijver Danka J. F.
Published: July 2012

The pituitary hormone prolactin is thought to influence coagulation. We aimed to study the relation between prolactin levels, coagulation factors and risk of venous thrombosis (VT). We used data from a large population based case-control study into aetiology of first VT (MEGA-study). Prolactin levels were determined in 2,068 patients with VT and 2,785 age- and sex matched control subjects. The relation between levels of coagulation factors and prolactin was studied among the controls. In addition, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated for the risk of VT for different cut-off points of prolactin levels based on percentiles determined in the controls. Restricted analysis was performed among cases in whom blood was sampled within six months after VT. We found a rise in factor VIII and von Willebrand factor with increasing levels of prolactin in the controls. An increased risk of VT was observed when blood was sampled within six months after thrombosis (OR 2.9, 95%CI 1.1–8.1) for prolactin levels above the 99th percentile (42.6 μg/l) relative to levels between the 20th to 80th percentile. When blood was sampled more than six months after VT no clear association could be observed (OR 1.3, 95%CI 0.7–2.3). In conclusion, we found a modest association between pro-lactin and symptomatic venous thromboembolism, particularly when blood was sampled close to the event. This may be explained by a causal relation or by prolactin being a marker of stress due to the thrombotic event.
Functional characterisation of Vizottin, the first factor Xa inhibitor purified from the leech Haementeria vizottoi
Authors: Oliveira Daniella , Alvarez-Flores Miryam , Lopes Adriana , Chudzinski-Tavassi Ana
Published: July 2012

The strategic position of factor Xa (FXa) in blood coagulation makes it a compelling target for the development of new anticoagulants. Bloodsucking animals have in their salivary glands mixtures of anticoagulants, which could be used for designing novel antithrombotic compounds. Herein, we describe Vizottin, the first FXa inhibitor from the salivary complex of the leech Haementeria vizottoi. Vizottin was purified by gel filtration and reverse-phase chromatography, and shown to have anticoagulant effects in human plasma, prolonging the recalcification time in a dose-dependent manner (IC50 40 nM). Vizottin induced blood incoagulability in FX-deficient plasma, whereas in normal and reconstituted plasma, Vizottin doubled the prothrombin time at 160 nM. This peptide competitively inhibited human FXa (Ki 2 nM) like FXa inhibitors from other leeches, albeit via a distinct mechanism of action. At high concentrations, vizottin inhibited the amidolytic activity of factor VIIa/tissue factor (IC50 96.4 nM). Vizottin inhibited FXa in the prothrombinase complex and Gla-domainless FXa. Moreover, vizottin did not interfere with FX activation induced by RVV-X, a known enzyme that requires the Gla-domain of FX for activation. Competition experiments in the presence of FXa and GGACK-FXa (active site blocked) demonstrated that the inhibition of FXa by vizottin is through binding to the active site rather than an exosite. This novel inhibitor appears to exert its inhibitory effects through direct binding to the active site of FXa in a time-dependent manner, but not involving a tight-binding model. In this context, vizottin is a promising model for designing novel anticoagulants for the treatment of thrombotic diseases.
New direct oral anticoagulants – current therapeutic options and treatment recommendations for bleeding complications
Authors: Seifried Erhard , Miesbach Wolfgang
Published: July 2012

To date, clinical studies show that the incidence of spontaneous bleeding with new direct oral anticoagulants (DOAs) is comparable to that of established anticoagulants. However, unlike vitamin K antagonists, there are currently no clinically available antidotes or approved reversal agents for new DOAs. Restoring normal coagulation is important in many cases, such as emergency surgeries, serious bleedings, or anticoagulant overdosing. Attempts have been made to restore normal coagulation after treatment with new DOAs using compounds such as recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa), prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC), or FEIBA (factor eight inhibitor bypassing activity). Limited pre-clinical data and even less clinical evidence are available on the usefulness of these methods in restoring normal coagulation for the emergency management of critical bleeding episodes. Evaluating the utility of DOAs is further complicated by the fact that it is unknown how predictive established test systems are of the bleeding risks. Clinical practice requires further evaluation of the emergency management options for the new DOAs to define the agents and the doses that are most useful. Furthermore, patients receiving long-term treatment with a DOA are likely to undergo elective surgery at some point, and there is lack of evidence regarding perioperative treatment regimens under such conditions. This review summarises potential bleeding management options and available data on the new DOAs.
Should We Recommend Oral Anticoagulation Therapy in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation Undergoing Coronary Artery Stenting With a High HAS-BLED Bleeding Risk Score?
Authors: Ruiz-Nodar Juan M. , Marín Francisco , Roldán Vanessa , Valencia José , Manzano-Fernández Sergio , Caballero Luis , Hurtado José A. , Sogorb Francisco , Valdés Mariano , Lip Gregory Y.H.
Published: July 2012

Background—

Recent European guidelines for the management of atrial fibrillation recommend oral anticoagulation (OAC) in patients with CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75 years, diabetes, history of previous stroke, vascular disease, age 65–74 years, and sex category [female]) ≥1. The HAS-BLED score (Hypertension, Abnormal renal/liver function, Stroke, Bleeding history or predisposition, Labile international normalized ratio, Elderly [>65 years], Drugs/alcohol concomitantly) has been suggested to assess bleeding risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (score ≥3 indicates high risk of bleeding). Despite the guidelines, this approach has never been tested in a cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation.

Methods and Results—

We studied 590 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention/stenting and CHA
2
DS
2
-VASC score >1 (ie, OAC recommended). We compared patients with low-intermediate bleeding risk (HAS-BLED 0–2) and high risk (HAS-BLED ≥3), the relation between CHA
2
DS
2
-VASC and HAS-BLED, and the benefit and risks of the use of OAC in patients with high bleeding risk. The development of any bleeding episode, thromboembolism, mortality, cardiac events, and the composite major adverse cardiac events (ie, death, acute myocardial infarction, and/or target lesion revascularization) end point was recorded as well as the composite major adverse events (ie, major adverse cardiac events, major bleeding, or thromboembolism) end point at 1-year follow-up. Of the study cohort, 420 (71%) had a HAS-BLED score ≥3, and patients who were on OAC at discharge had lower mortality rate (9.3% versus 20.1%;
P
<0.01) and major adverse cardiac events (13.0% versus 26.4%;
P
<0.01) but with a similar major adverse event (20.5% versus 27.6%;
P
=0.11) and higher major bleeding rate (11.8% versus 4.0%;
P
<0.01). In a Cox multivariable analysis in patients with HAS-BLED ≥3, predictors of increased death were chronic renal failure and heart failure (both
P
<0.05), whereas OAC at discharge was associated with a reduced death rate (
P
<0.01). Predictors of major bleeding were chronic renal failure and the use of drug-eluting stents (both
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

Most patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention/stenting have a high risk for major bleeding (HAS-BLED score ≥3). Even in these patients, OAC improves prognosis in these patients (reduced mortality and major adverse cardiac events) with an increase in major bleeding.
Comparative Efficacy and Safety of New Oral Anticoagulants in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Schneeweiss Sebastian , Gagne Joshua J. , Patrick Amanda R. , Choudhry Niteesh K. , Avorn Jerry
Published: July 2012

Background—

Dabigatran, an oral thrombin inhibitor, and rivaroxaban and apixaban, oral factor Xa inhibitors, have been found to be safe and effective in reducing stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. We sought to compare the efficacy and safety of the 3 new agents based on data from their published warfarin-controlled randomized trials, using the method of adjusted indirect comparisons.

Methods and Results—

We included findings from 44 535 patients enrolled in 3 trials of the efficacy of dabigatran (Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy [RELY]), apixaban (Apixaban for Reduction in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation [ARISTOTLE]), and rivaroxaban (Rivaroxaban Once Daily Oral Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared With Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation [ROCKET-AF]), each compared with warfarin. The primary efficacy end point was stroke or systemic embolism; the safety end point we studied was major hemorrhage. To address a lack of comparability between trial populations caused by the restriction of ROCKET-AF to high-risk patients, we conducted a subgroup analysis in patients with a CHADS
2
score ≥3. We found no statistically significant efficacy differences among the 3 drugs, although apixaban and dabigatran were numerically superior to rivaroxaban. Apixaban produced significantly fewer major hemorrhages than dabigatran and rivaroxaban.

Conclusions—

An indirect comparison of new anticoagulants based on existing trial data indicates that in patients with a CHADS
2
score ≥3 dabigatran 150 mg, apixaban 5 mg, and rivaroxaban 20 mg resulted in statistically similar rates of stroke and systemic embolism, but apixaban had a lower risk of major hemorrhage compared with dabigatran and rivaroxaban. Until head-to-head trials or large-scale observational studies that reflect routine use of these agents are available, such adjusted indirect comparisons based on trial data are one tool to guide initial therapeutic choices.
Effect of QRS Duration and Morphology on Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Outcomes in Mild Heart Failure
Authors: Gold Michael R. , Thébault Christophe , Linde Cecilia , Abraham William T. , Gerritse Bart , Ghio Stefano , St. John Sutton Martin , Daubert Jean-Claude
Published: July 2012

Background—

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) decreases mortality, improves functional status, and induces reverse left ventricular remodeling in selected populations with heart failure. We aimed to assess the impact of baseline QRS duration and morphology and the change in QRS duration with pacing on CRT outcomes in mild heart failure.

Methods and Results—

Resynchronization Reverses Remodeling in Systolic Left Ventricular Dysfunction (REVERSE) was a multicenter randomized trial of CRT among 610 patients with mild heart failure. Baseline and CRT-paced QRS durations and baseline QRS morphology were evaluated by blinded core laboratories. The mean baseline QRS duration was 151±23 milliseconds, and 60.5% of subjects had left bundle-branch block (LBBB). Patients with LBBB experienced a 25.3-mL/m
2
mean reduction in left ventricular end-systolic volume index (
P
<0.0001), whereas non-LBBB patients had smaller decreases (6.7 mL/m
2
;
P
=0.18). Baseline QRS duration was also a strong predictor of change in left ventricular end-systolic volume index with monotonic increases as QRS duration prolonged. Similarly, the clinical composite score improved with CRT for LBBB subjects (odds ratio, 0.530;
P
=0.0034) but not for non-LBBB subjects (odds ratio, 0.724;
P
=0.21). The association between clinical composite score and QRS duration was highly significant (odds ratio, 0.831 for each 10-millisecond increase in QRS duration;
P
<0.0001), with improved response at longer QRS durations. The change in QRS duration with CRT pacing was not an independent predictor of any outcomes after correction for baseline variables.

Conclusion—

REVERSE demonstrated that LBBB and QRS prolongation are markers of reverse remodeling and clinical benefit with CRT in mild heart failure.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00271154.
Developmental Differences in the Control of Action Selection by Social Information
Authors: Dumontheil Iroise , Hillebrandt Hauke , Apperly Ian A. , Blakemore Sarah-Jayne
Published: July 2012

Our everyday actions are often performed in the context of a social interaction. We previously showed that, in adults, selecting an action on the basis of either social or symbolic cues was associated with activations in the fronto-parietal cognitive control network, whereas the presence and use of social versus symbolic cues was in addition associated with activations in the temporal and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) social brain network. Here we investigated developmental changes in these two networks. Fourteen adults (21–30 years of age) and 14 adolescents (11–16 years) followed instructions to move objects in a set of shelves. Interpretation of the instructions was conditional on the point of view of a visible “director” or the meaning of a symbolic cue (Director Present vs. Director Absent) and the number of potential referent objects in the shelves (3-object vs. 1-object). 3-object trials elicited increased fronto-parietal and temporal activations, with greater left lateral prefrontal cortex and parietal activations in adults than adolescents. Social versus symbolic information led to activations in superior dorsal MPFC, precuneus, and along the superior/middle temporal sulci. Both dorsal MPFC and left temporal clusters exhibited a Director × Object interaction, with greater activation when participants needed to consider the directors' viewpoints. This effect differed with age in dorsal MPFC. Adolescents showed greater activation whenever social information was present, whereas adults showed greater activation only when the directors' viewpoints were relevant to task performance. This study thus shows developmental differences in domain-general and domain-specific PFC activations associated with action selection in a social interaction context.
Changing attitude to mental illness among community mental health volunteers in south-western Nigeria
Authors: Abayomi O , Adelufosi AO , Olajide A
Published: July 2012

Background:

Community-based mental health services may be impaired by stigmatization and social distance towards persons with mental illness. Little is known about the impact of education on the attitude of volunteers for mental health programmes. This study aimed to examine the effect of an educational programme on the attitude of community volunteers towards mental illness.

Methods:

Thirty-one volunteers for a community mental health programme completed the Familiarity with Mental Illness Questionnaire and a modified version of the Bogardus Social Distance Scale (Bogardus, 1925) before and after an educational programme.

Results:

At the end of the educational session, perceived dangerousness was significantly reduced and attitude (social distance) towards persons with mental illness showed significant improvement.

Conclusion:

Attitudes of community volunteers towards persons with mental illness improve with educational programmes. This may lead to improved treatment and care of individuals who are mentally ill.
The Hermeneutic of Reform as a Task for Theology
Authors: Routhier Gilles
Published: July 2012

The lecture on hermeneutics given by Pope Benedict XVI to the Roman curia on 22 December 2005 led to various interpretations. Many thought that the pope then proposed practising a hermeneutic of continuity, when he explicitly opposed to a hermeneutic of discontinuity one of reform. Read in its context, however, it is clear that this magisterial lecture was addressed to the Lefebvrists, who wished to be re-integrated into the Catholic Church. In fact, an attentive reading of the text shows that Benedict XVI takes up those themes that he had developed earlier in his negotiations with Mgr Marcel Lefebvre, who not only rejected the Vatican II Council and wished to abolish and revise certain documents, but also claimed that the Church that adheres to the Council is a new Church, a modernist Church, that is in rupture with tradition.
Desire, Bias, and Love: Revisiting Lonergan’s Philosophical Anthropology
Authors: Dadosky John D.
Published: July 2012

This article explores several points for development in Bernard Lonergan’s (1904–1984) philosophical anthropology. First, it addresses the four basic desires he lists in De Redemptione and seeks to place the unrestricted desire to know in the context of those desires. Secondly, it explores the possibility of an additional intellectualist bias in addition to the four biases that Lonergan explicated. Thirdly, it brings Lonergan’s notion of love into dialogue with C.S. Lewis’s The Four Loves in order to clarify and fill in some of the gaps in Lonergan’s treatment of love.
‘My Children Have Defeated Me!’ Finding and Nurturing Theological Dissent
Authors: Admirand Peter
Published: July 2012

Two main strands will be developed in this article: theological dissent is ultimately rooted in a relationship with (and thus at times questioning) God; all of us will be challenged to practise distinctive forms of dissent for and against various authorities, dogmas, laws, and mores. Thankfully, we have a range of biblical and Talmudic guides and examples to consult. Building upon these strands, this article will develop (and foster) what it means to seek and nurture theological dissent, especially in the context of religious pluralism and interreligious dialogue.
A numerical and experimental study of the material properties determining the crushing behaviour of pultruded GFRP profiles under lateral compression
Authors: Regel Franziska , van Hattum Ferrie WJ , Dias Gustavo R
Published: July 2012

The present work aims at determining the critical material properties that can be used to tailor the crush behaviour of pultruded GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer) box-beams, as can be found in, for example, roadside furniture such as guard-rails. For this purpose, the mechanical behaviour and energy absorption mechanisms of the constituent pultruded box-beam sections subjected to lateral compressive loading, the dominating load case in composite structures when used as roadside furniture, have been studied. The analysed pultruded profiles consist of E-glass fibre reinforcements with two different lay-up configurations in a polyester matrix. The lateral crushing of profile sections is experimentally evaluated and further numerically studied using commercially available tools, applying readily available models incorporated in the software, in analogy to common practice in designing structures, to identify design and material parameters for improving the fracture behaviour of pultruded GFRP profiles. From the analyses, it is shown that the junctions between flanges and webs are the weakest points of box-beam sections: here, high shear stress concentrations in combination with occurring matrix failure lead to further damage such as delamination and tearing. This behaviour is well-described using the Hashin damage model within ABAQUS. Predicted failure behaviour corresponds with observed experimental results, whereas the material stiffness is underestimated. It is shown that the out-of-plane properties (transverse tensile and shear strength) are the dominant parameters affecting the overall performance.
Drilling of polymer matrix composites: A review
Authors: Khashaba UA
Published: July 2012

This article addresses the effects of drilling parameters on the machinability parameters in drilling polymeric composite materials. Drilling parameters include: feed, speed, drill wear, drill geometry, drilling with special tools, and composite materials parameters. The machinability parameters include: thrust force, torque, residual strength, surface roughness, and mechanical and thermal damages of the composite materials. Delamination associated with drilling processes can often be the limiting factor for composite materials in structural applications. It results in reducing the structural strength, poor assembly tolerance and, hence, it has the potential for long-term performance deterioration. Therefore, special interest will be given for reporting factors affecting the delamination onset, delamination mechanisms, measurements, assessments, and delamination-free techniques in drilling fiber-reinforced composites.
Investigation of impact behavior of epoxy reinforced with nanometer- and micrometer-sized silicon carbide particles
Authors: Kavitha N , Balasubramanian M , Kennedy A Xavier
Published: July 2012

The effects of particle size and silane treatment on the impact strength are experimentally evaluated for epoxy reinforced with nanometer- and micrometer-sized SiC particles. These nano and microcomposites are fabricated using two different sizes of SiC particles: 60–100 nm and 2–4 mm in diameter. The weight fraction of particles is fixed at 1.5% and the particles are dispersed using ultrasonication. For the purpose of investigating the effect of particle–matrix adhesion on the failure process, composites are fabricated using both as received and silane treated SiC particles and γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane is used as an organofunctional coupling agent to control adhesion properties. Impact energy is measured using Frank IZod impact pendulum instrument. Additionally, fractured surfaces are observed under a scanning electron microscope to investigate particle bonding, particle dispersion, and toughening mechanism. Particle size along with dispersion and bonding are observed to affect the impact strength. It is observed that both the improved particle dispersion and bonding due to silane treatment lead to an increase in impact strength. With regards to particle size, the composites with nanometer-sized SiC particles are having greater impact strength compared to micrometer-sized particles.
Fatigue equation considerations for the American Society of Civil Engineers pre-standard for load and resistance factor design of pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer structures
Authors: Dittenber David B , Rao Hota VS Ganga
Published: July 2012

A recently completed pre-standard for load and resistance factor design of pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer structures includes an S-N fatigue life prediction model for the design of components, which will experience cyclic loading. The prediction is independent of material and geometric properties and is shown to be overly conservative when applied to experimental data. A different model, developed at the Constructed Facilities Center at West Virginia University, is combined with the pre-standard model in order to incorporate material and geometric properties and improve life prediction accuracy from an over-prediction of 50× cycles to failure to only 5×.
The cost of exposing cheating
Authors: Daxecker Ursula E
Published: July 2012

This article investigates the relationship between international election observation, election fraud, and post-election violence. While international electoral missions could in principle mitigate the potential for violence by deterring election fraud, the ability of international observers to detect manipulation may in fact induce violent uprisings. Serious irregularities documented by international observers provide credible information on election quality, which draws attention to election outcomes and alleviates coordination problems faced by opposition parties and society. When elections are manipulated to deny citizens an opportunity for peaceful contestation and international observers publicize such manipulation, violent interactions between incumbents, opposition parties, and citizens can ensue. Consequently, the author expects that fraudulent elections monitored by international organizations will have an increased potential for subsequent violence. This expectation is evaluated empirically in an analysis of post-election conflict events for African elections in the 1997–2009 period. Using original data on electoral manipulation and reputable international election observation missions, findings show that the presence of election fraud and international observers increases the likelihood of post-election violence. Matching methods are employed to account for the possibility that international observers’ decisions to monitor elections are endogenous to the occurrence of violence in the electoral process. Results for matched samples confirm the findings in the unmatched sample. A variety of robustness tests show that the results are not influenced by the operationalization of independent variables and influential observations.
Comparison of high-volume instrument and advanced fiber information systems based on prediction performance of yarn properties using a radial basis function neural network
Authors: Turhan Yildiray , Toprakci Ozan
Published: July 2012

In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model is presented in order to predict the tenacity and hairiness of carded cotton yarns. Fiber measurement values generated by using a high-volume instrument (HVI) and an advanced fiber information system (AFIS) were used in the ANN model as input parameters. The radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) was used as ANN structure. The best RBFNN model was determined by analyzing the effect of epochs and the number of neurons on prediction performance. By using this ANN structure, the comparison between the performance of predicting yarn properties from HVIs and from AFISs was carried out. In the study, four different yarn counts (Ne20, Ne24, Ne30, and Ne40) for 10 different blends were applied. Each yarn count was spun at 4.34αe twist factor. In this study, the model presented a good rate of accuracy for predicting yarn tenacity and hairiness by using HVI and AFIS fiber values. The study showed that there was no significant difference between the accuracy of predicting these yarn properties from HVI fiber measurement results and those from an AFIS by using the RBF. From the results, it was noted that the performance of predicting yarn hairiness was better than that of predicting yarn tenacity. Also, this study could provide researchers with exclusive information on how to select the most appropriate ANN architecture and how to evolve the model for testing.
A novel synthesis, characterization and application of Fe and Co anionic metal complex azo dyes based on environmental considerations
Authors: Zarkogianni Maria , Argyropoulos Georgios , Dimitriadou Stamatina , Anthemidis Aristidis , Nikolaidis Nikolaos , Tsatsaroni Eforia
Published: July 2012

The synthesis and characterization of a novel Fe-complex as a substitute for the Cr-complex and Co-complex acid azo dyes was carried out and the subsequent use of ultra-filtration was studied with the aim of purifying the metal complex dyes and thus increasing dye strength and solubility and additionally reducing the free heavy metal present in the final dye. A drastic reduction in the content of inorganic additives and free metal was achieved by the ultra-filtration process. The ultra-filtrated and non-ultra-filtrated dyes were used to dye wool and nylon fabric. Colour measurements and fastness properties were performed on the dyeings made on wool and nylon and compared with the Cr-complex dyeings thus examining the possibility of using successfully the Fe-complex dye as possible replacement of the Cr- and Co-complex dyes. The synthesis of the Fe-complex dye combined with the implementation of ultra-filtration technology results in producing a more environmentally friendly innovative dye with greatly improved purity and solubility.
A Public Road to Globalization
Authors: Zehavi Amos , Zer Noa
Published: July 2012

Public service leaders increasingly behave as public entrepreneurs in search of new funding sources for cash-strapped institutions. This study focuses attention on customer internationalization—that is the extension of public services to individual foreign clients—as an important emerging form of public sector commercialization. The main objective is to characterize this new phenomenon in terms of motivation, process, and probable outcomes. Special attention is dedicated to customer internationalization’s impact on the access to quality and equity of services for domestic service recipients. Based on a cross-field comparison of customer internationalization in Israeli universities and hospitals, this study explores this new phenomenon and highlights its ambiguous effect on services for domestic clients.
A Critique of the Literature on Parenting Gifted Learners
Authors: Jolly Jennifer L. , Matthews Michael S.
Published: July 2012

Despite numerous calls for research on parents of gifted learners, researchers have given only cursory treatment to the topic. In this article, the authors review and synthesize 53 sources, published since 1983, on parents of gifted learners. Existing research on parents of gifted learners may be categorized into three thematic areas that include (a) parent influence, (b) parent perceptions of giftedness and ability, and (c) parent satisfaction with gifted programming. Theory-driven research is conspicuously absent from this body of work, and study designs emphasize self-report measures and lack control groups. The analysis of this literature reveals gaps in the research record and offers recommendations about where future research should be focused. These areas include attitudes, values, and expectations of families of underserved gifted children; relationships between parents and schools; parents’ understanding of giftedness; parents of gifted underachievers; and how parents support and influence their children at home.
Roland Allen’s Apostolic Principles: An Analysis of his ‘The Ministry of Expansion’
Authors: Rutt Steven
Published: July 2012

This paper discusses various apostolic principles of indigenization located within the missiological writings of Roland Allen. It argues for a relevant application of these first principles within global Christian mission today. Attention will be given to aspects of ‘The Ministry of Expansion: the Priesthood of the Laity’, an unpublished work by Allen who in his day challenged certain western missionary methods which he believed were not apostolic in origin.
Would Roland Allen still have anything to say to us today?
Authors: Allen Hubert J. B.
Published: July 2012

The Rev’d Roland Allen’s grandson ventures to speculate on the attitudes his grandfather might be expected to have adopted regarding several of today’s controversial issues. After rehearsing briefly Roland’s published and unpublished work, Hubert Allen reviews, both on the basis of Roland’s expressed opinions and by inference from remarks made by him or by members of his immediate family, how he believes his grandfather would have reacted to six matters of current or recent controversy, namely: Modern Translations of the Bible, The Role of Women in the Church, Homosexuality, Ecumenism, Inter-Faith Dialogue, and the proposed Anglican Covenant.
Sacraments for Growth in Mission: Eucharistic Faith and Practice in the Theology of Roland Allen
Authors: Talltorp Åke
Published: July 2012

Roland Allen (1868–1947) emerged as an independent missionary and theologian within the Anglican Mission to North China from 1895 to 1903. For the rest of his life, he continued as a freelance missiological writer, debater and priest for some time connected to the interdenominational World Dominion Press. As a theologian and churchman, with a genuine incarnational ecclesiology as his foundation, he combined a Catholic view of Anglicanism with a deliberate concern for local Christian initiatives and the spontaneous expansion of local Christian communities within their own environment. Basic in his ecclesiology was his view of the Church as a sacramental body, a network of local fellowships celebrating the Sacraments. Therefore, these nurtured local Christian ‘Churches’ are to be regarded and treated as the proper agents of Evangelization. In order to implement this understanding of mission he encouraged experiments with ordination of local voluntary clergy to open up the access to a sacramental life, and, thereby, promoting growth and expansion in mission.
An Analysis of Roland Allen’s Missionary Ecclesiology
Authors: Rutt Steven
Published: July 2012

The impetus toward an indigenous Church missiology in the 20th century was defined and defended within Roland Allen’s missionary ecclesiology. This paper attempts to understand Roland Allen’s missionary ecclesiology which emerged from his apostolic ecclesiology and evangelical faith.
“You’re going to eat that?” Relationship processes and conflict among mixed-weight couples
Authors: Burke Tricia J. , Randall Ashley K. , Corkery Shannon A. , Young Valerie J. , Butler Emily A.
Published: July 2012

This study examines conflict among heterosexual mixed-weight (i.e., one overweight and one healthy weight partner) and matched-weight couples ( N = 43 couples). Participant sex, eating together, partner health support, and negative partner influence were examined as moderators of the association between weight status and conflict. Using dyadic models, we found that mixed-weight couples, specifically couples including overweight women and healthy weight men, reported greater conflict both generally and on a daily basis, compared to matched-weight couples; however, general conflict was reduced with greater perceived support from the partner. Mixed-weight couples who reported eating together more frequently also reported greater general conflict. These findings suggest that mixed-weight couples may experience more conflict than matched-weight couples, but perceived support from the partner can buffer this conflict. This research suggests that interpersonal dynamics associated with mixed-weight status might be important for romantic partners’ relational and personal health.