bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lights and Shadows: The Inquisitorial Process Against the Jesuit Congregation of Nuestra Señora de la Luz on the Mariana Islands (1758–1776)
Authors: Coello de la Rosa Alexandre
Published: June 2013

This article focuses on the controversy over the charges of sexual impropriety made against Father Franz Reittemberger within the context of worship of Nuestra Señora de la Luz (Our Lady of Light) in the mid‐eighteenth century Mariana Islands. As is well known, this cult began to spread around the Americas and the Philippines (via New Spain) starting in 1740, and it became a cohesive force in a multiethnic society perched on the outskirts of Spain's overseas empire. The Society of Jesus arrived in the Marianas' archipelago in 1668 to found a mission with the economic support of Queen Mariana de Austria, Philip IV's widow and regent of Spain. In 1758 Father Reittemberger founded the Marian devotion to Our Lady of Light. After the expulsion of the Jesuit order from the Spanish islands of the Pacific (1769), the Augustinian commissaries of the Holy Office accused the congregation's founder of the crime of sollicitatio ad turpia. In examining this Inquisition trial Jesuit and Augustinian rivalries come to the fore, revealing the larger anti‐Jesuit sentiments that drove public censure of the colonial church in the Spanish overseas possessions.
The effect of selected hydrocolloids on the rheological properties of processed cheese analogues made with vegetable fats during the cooling phase
Authors: Hanáková Zuzana , Buňka František , Pavlínek Vladimír , Hudečková Lenka , Janiš Rahula
Published: June 2013

The aim of this work was to observe the influence of different hydrocolloids on changes in the rheological properties of processed cheese and their analogues within the process of cooling depending on the type of the fat used (butter, coconut fat and palm oil). κ‐carrageenan, ι‐carrageenan, λ‐carrageenan, arabic gum and locust bean gum were used at a concentration of 1.0% w/w. With the decreasing temperature during the cooling period, an increase in the complex modulus (G*) was observed in all samples tested. Within the cooling period, the sample with the addition of κ‐carrageenan showed both the most significant increase in G* in comparison with the control and the highest values of hardness after a 7‐day storage period regardless of the type of the fat used. The samples with coconut fat were assessed as the hardest. On the other hand, the samples with palm oil showed the lowest hardness (with the same hydrocolloid used). In the gelling hydrocolloids (κ‐ and ι‐carrageenan), only small changes in temperature of coil‐to‐helix transition were observed (in range of 2–7 °C) as a result of the addition of different types of fat.
The effect of using an exopolysaccharide‐producing culture on the physicochemical properties of low‐fat and reduced‐fat Kasar cheeses
Authors: Şanli Tuba , Gursel Asuman , Şanli Ebru , Acar Esra , Benli Mehlika
Published: June 2013

A mixed starter culture containing exopolysaccharide (EPS)‐producing strains of Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus was combined with Lactobacillus helveticus LH301 and used in the manufacture of low‐fat and reduced‐fat Kasar cheeses. For comparison, low‐fat (C10) and reduced‐fat (C20) cheeses were made using EPS‐producing (EPS+) starter strain and EPS‐non‐producing (EPS−) starter strain. The physicochemical properties of the cheeses were assessed in terms of chemical composition, texture, microstructure and microbial content over 90 days. Cheeses made with EPS‐producing culture (EPS10 and EPS20) had lower protein contents than control cheeses with 10% and 20% fat in dry basis (C10 and C20). Scanning electron microscopy images showed that using EPS‐producing culture resulted in a less compact protein matrix and sponge‐like structure in the cheese samples. In general, cheeses made using EPS‐producing culture had lower total viable counts. This could be related to the reduced survivability of EPS‐producing cells in the cheese matrix during ripening due to autolysis ability.
A survey of the microbiological quality of Sharri, a hard mountain cheese from Kosovo
Authors: Rysha Agim , Markov Ksenija , Frece Jadranka , Čvek Domagoj , Delaš Frane
Published: June 2013

The microbiological quality of a hard mountain unpasteurised sheep cheese from three randomly selected manufacturing locations in Kosovo was investigated. Forty‐eight samples of row milk, coagulum, 8–10 days ripening cheese and of ready to eat cheese (45‐days in brine) were tested. Seventy‐five per cent of raw milk samples failed to comply with EU regulation 853/2004. All of coagulum and ripened cheese failed to comply with EU regulation 2073/2005 on process hygiene criteria. Despite the high incidence of coagulase‐positive staphylococci even in the final product [>105 colony‐forming units (cfu)/g], Staphylococcal enterotoxin was detected in none of the samples and no samples were positive for Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enteritidis.
Researching the influence of teaching assistants on the learning of pupils identified with special educational needs in mainstream primary schools: exploring social inclusion
Authors: Saddler Helen
Published: June 2013

As a result of their high contact time with children, particularly children identified with special educational needs, it is widely acknowledged that teaching assistants (TAs) have great influence on pupils' education (Balshaw). However, recent research into the impact of TAs on pupils' learning has questioned TAs' usefulness in improving pupils' learning (Blatchford, Bassett and Brown; Higgins). This paper argues that TAs' influence on pupils' education has not yet been researched effectively. Previous research has primarily focused on determining TAs' influence on pupils' achievement in terms of academic outcomes and has neglected to explore social outcomes. Two interconnected literature bases are reviewed in this paper; the current research exploring TAs' role and influence on pupils' learning is first explored, followed by a critical discussion of the literature regarding the process of social inclusion in mainstream primary schools. This paper concludes that for TAs' influence on pupils' learning to be effectively researched, TAs' influence on the process of social inclusion must be researched within mainstream primary schools.
Effects of Locust Bean Gum and Mono‐ and Diglyceride Concentrations on Particle Size and Melting Rates of Ice Cream
Authors: Cropper S.L. , Kocaoglu‐Vurma N.A. , Tharp B.W. , Harper W.J.
Published: June 2013

The objective of this study was to determine how varying concentrations of the stabilizer, locust bean gum (LBG), and different levels of the emulsifier, mono‐ and diglycerides (MDGs), influenced fat aggregation and melting characteristics of ice cream. Ice creams were made containing MDGs and LBG singly and in combination at concentrations ranging between 0.0% to 0.14% and 0.0% to 0.23%, respectively. Particle size analysis, conducted on both the mixes and ice cream, and melting rate testing on the ice cream were used to determine fat aggregation. No significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between particle size values for experimental ice cream mixes. However, higher concentrations of both LBG and MDG in the ice creams resulted in values that were larger than the control. This study also found an increase in the particle size values when MDG levels were held constant and LBG amounts were increased in the ice cream. Ice creams with higher concentrations of MDG and LBG together had the greatest difference in the rate of melting than the control. The melting rate decreased with increasing LBG concentrations at constant MDG levels. These results illustrated that fat aggregation may not only be affected by emulsifiers, but that stabilizers may play a role in contributing to the destabilization of fat globules.
Complex decisions made simple: a primer on stochastic dynamic programming
Authors: Marescot Lucile , Chapron Guillaume , Chadès Iadine , Fackler Paul L. , Duchamp Christophe , Marboutin Eric , Gimenez Olivier
Published: June 2013

Under increasing environmental and financial constraints, ecologists are faced with making decisions about dynamic and uncertain biological systems. To do so, stochastic dynamic programming (SDP) is the most relevant tool for determining an optimal sequence of decisions over time.

Despite an increasing number of applications in ecology,SDPstill suffers from a lack of widespread understanding. The required mathematical and programming knowledge as well as the absence of introductory material provide plausible explanations for this.

Here, we fill this gap by explaining the main concepts ofSDPand providing useful guidelines to implement this technique, including R code.

We illustrate each step ofSDPrequired to derive an optimal strategy using a wildlife management problem of the French wolf population.

Stochastic dynamic programming is a powerful technique to make decisions in presence of uncertainty about biological stochastic systems changing through time. We hope this review will provide an entry point into the technical literature aboutSDPand will improve its application in ecology.
Dispersal and predation of diaspores of Coula edulis Baill. in an evergreen forest of Gabon
Authors: Moupela Christian , Doucet Jean‐Louis , Daïnou Kasso , Tagg Nikki , Bourland Nils , Vermeulen Cédric
Published: June 2013

The African walnut (Coula edulis) is a tree species of African evergreen forests, the seeds of which are collected and traded by African people. Many animal species consume African walnut diaspores; however, their roles as dispersers or predators have yet to be clarified. In this study, we present observations conducted in two different habitats of a Gabonese region over a 3‐year period. The originality of this research resides in the combination of three complementary approaches: (i) the use of camera‐traps (ii) the exploration of land rodent burrows and (iii) the examination of elephant dung. In total, 408 camera‐trap photographs have shown seven animal species involved in the dispersal/predation of C. edulis. Among these seven frugivorous species, the bush pig was found to be the main consumer and predator of seeds. Land rodents (Muridae) are potential predators, as they damaged the seeds and buried them deep in the soil. They may also play a role in the regeneration process as a result of the loss of seeds during transportation. Finally, no seeds appeared to emerge intact from elephant faeces. These results indicate that the natural regeneration rate of this tree species is low, unless other complex mechanisms are involved.
β‐adrenoceptor blockers and pulmonary function in the general population: the Rotterdam Study
Authors: Loth Daan W. , Brusselle Guy G. , Lahousse Lies , Hofman Albert , Leufkens Hubert G. M. , Stricker Bruno H.
Published: June 2013

Aim

β‐adrenoceptor blockers have been used with caution in patients with obstructive lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), due to the potentially increased airway reactivity and risk of bronchial obstruction. Cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers have a more beneficial profile than non‐cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers and can be safely prescribed to patients with both cardiovascular disease and COPD. We hypothesized that cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers also affect pulmonary function.

Methods

This study was performed within the Rotterdam Study, a prospective population‐based cohort study. Effects of cardioselective and non‐cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers on pulmonary function were analysed using regression techniques with multivariable adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

Current use of non‐cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers was significantly associated with a lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of −198 ml (95% CI −301, −96), with a lower forced vital capacity (FVC) of −223 ml (95% CI −367, −79) and with a decreased FEV1 : FVC of −1.38% (95% CI −2.74, −0.13%). Current use of cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers was significantly associated with a lower FEV1 of −118 ml (95% CI −157, −78) and with a lower FVC of −167 ml (95% CI −222, −111), but did not affect FEV1 : FVC. After exclusion of patients with COPD, asthma and heart failure the effects of cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers remained significant for FEV1 (−142 ml [95% CI −189, −96]) and for FVC (−176 ml [95% CI −236, −117]).

Conclusion

In our study both non‐cardioselective and cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers had a clinically relevant effect on both FEV1 and FVC. In contrast to cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers, use of non‐cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers was associated with a significantly lower FEV1 : FVC.
Clinical and descriptive genetic study of polydactyly: a Pakistani experience of 313 cases
Authors: Malik S. , Ullah S. , Afzal M. , Lal K. , Haque S.
Published: June 2013

Polydactyly, a common hereditary condition with additional digits in hands and/or feet, is a very attractive model to appreciate clinical and genetic heterogeneity. In order to get an insight into its phenotypic manifestations, we ascertained a cohort of 313 independent families with polydactyly from Pakistan; 35% cases turned out to be familial while 65% were sporadic. In majority of the index cases, polydactyly was presented as an isolated digit defect. Preaxial polydactyly types were 48.24% and postaxial were 51.8%. Familial polydactylies mainly had bilateral and symmetrical presentations, whereas sporadic cases were mostly unilateral and less often symmetrical. In the 313 index subjects a total of 508 limbs with additional digits were recorded. Variable expression was evident as the involvement of upper limbs was more common than the lower, right hand than the left, and left foot than the right. The present cohort establishes interesting epidemiological attributes of polydactyly in the Pakistani population and highlights its extraordinary clinical heterogeneity. Molecular analyses of this cohort are anticipated to elucidate novel genetic factors involved in the origin of additional digits in the growing limb and may provide clues to the role of stochastic factors in the etiology of phenotypic variability in polydactyly.
Perioperative fluid infusion and its influence on anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery: implications for prevention strategies
Authors: Boesen A. K. , Maeda Y. , Rørbæk Madsen M.
Published: June 2013

Aim

This study aimed to identify modifiable risk factors for anastomotic leakage during the postoperative period to recognize areas of clinical practice that could be improved.

Method

Medical charts of patients who underwent elective open anterior resection for rectal cancer over a 5‐year period were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

One hundred and twenty‐four patients [64 men, mean age (± SD) 68.0 ± 9.0 years] underwent an anterior resection for rectal cancer during the study period. Twenty‐two (17.7%) patients had anastomotic leakage. Patients who were given more than 8000 ml of intravenous fluid during the 72‐h perioperative period had a statistically significant increased risk of developing anastomotic leakage [odds ratio (OR) 3.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–9.31, P = 0.049] and the risk increased further when patients were given more than 8500 ml of intravenous fluid (OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.29–11.5, P = 0.019). The incidence of anastomotic leakage was not influenced by baseline comorbidity or tumour stage.

Conclusion

Perioperative intravenous fluid of more than 8000 ml was associated with increased occurrence of anastomotic leakage. Vigorous monitoring of intravenous fluid use in the perioperative period may minimize this complication.
Changes in proliferation, differentiation, fibroblast growth factor 2 responsiveness and expression of syndecan‐4 and glypican‐1 with turkey satellite cell age
Authors: Harthan Laura B. , McFarland Douglas C. , Velleman Sandra G.
Published: June 2013

Myogenic satellite cells are heterogeneous multipotential stem cells that are required for muscle repair, maintenance, and growth. The membrane‐associated heparan sulfate proteoglycans syndecan‐4 and glypican‐1 differentially regulate satellite cell proliferation, differentiation, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) signal transduction, and expression of the myogenic regulatory factors MyoD and myogenin. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of age on syndecan‐4 and glypican‐1 satellite cell populations, proliferation, differentiation, FGF2 responsiveness, and expression of syndecan‐4, glypican‐1, MyoD, and myogenin using satellite cells isolated from the pectoralis major muscle of 1‐day‐old, 7‐week‐old and 16‐week‐old turkeys. Proliferation was significantly reduced in the 16‐week‐old satellite cells, while differentiation was decreased in the 7‐week‐old and the 16‐week‐old cells beginning at 48 h of differentiation. Fibroblast growth factor 2 responsiveness was highest in the 1‐day‐old and 7‐week‐old cells during proliferation; during differentiation there was an age‐dependent response to FGF2. Syndecan‐4 and glypican‐1 satellite cell populations decreased with age, but syndecan‐4 and glypican‐1 were differentially expressed with age during proliferation and differentiation. MyoD and myogenin mRNA expression was significantly decreased in 16‐week‐old cells compared to the 1‐day‐old and 7‐week‐old cells. MyoD and myogenin protein expression was higher during proliferation in the 16‐week‐old cells and decreased with differentiation. These data demonstrate an age‐dependent effect on syndecan‐4 and glypican‐1 satellite cell subpopulations, which may be associated with age‐related changes in proliferation, differentiation, FGF2 responsiveness, and the expression of the myogenic regulatory factors MyoD and myogenin.
Putting television's portrayal of schizophrenia into reverse: an evaluation of the impact on public opinion
Authors: Turner Niall , Foley Sharon R. , Kinsella Anthony , O'Callaghan Eadbhard , Clarke Mary
Published: June 2013

Aim

We examined whether it is possible to use a television programme to improve mental health literacy about schizophrenia by investigating the impact of the introduction of a realistic portrayal of schizophrenia into a popular television soap opera.

Method

A population level omnibus survey method was used. A market research company conducted face‐to‐face interviews with a representative sample of the Irish population (n = 993). A specifically developed questionnaire was used which included a question on the extent to which the relevant television programme was watched. A grouping variable ‘viewers/non‐viewers’ was then created. Groups were subsequently compared for differences in demographic characteristics, mental health literacy and attitudes towards schizophrenia.

Results

Of the sample, 370 were regarded as viewers. When compared, viewers and non‐viewers did not differ on demographic characteristics but there were significant differences between the groups in both knowledge and attitudes regarding schizophrenia. Viewers were better informed on where to go for help and were more optimistic regarding the likelihood of recovery. However, on a question regarding willingness to have an intimate relationship with someone with a previous history of mental illness, viewers had greater concerns than non‐viewers.

Conclusion

It is possible to use television dramas to educate the public about mental illnesses. Piloting of the educational material may offer an opportunity to refine the storyline so that the relevant messages are clearly communicated.
Perceived discrimination in those at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Saleem Majid M. , Stowkowy Jacqueline , Cadenhead Kristin S. , Cannon Tyrone D. , Cornblatt Barbara A. , McGlashan Thomas H. , Perkins Diana O. , Seidman Larry J. , Tsuang Ming T. , Walker Elaine F. , Woods Scott W. , Addington Jean
Published: June 2013

Aim

There is evidence to suggest that perceived discrimination may be associated with psychosis. Less is known about its potential impact on those at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of perceived discrimination in a CHR sample and its possible relationship to attenuated positive symptoms and negative self‐beliefs.

Methods

Participants were 360 CHR individuals and 180 healthy controls. Assessments included a self‐report measure of perceived discrimination, the Scale of Prodromal Symptoms and the Brief Core Schema Scale.

Results

CHR participants reported significantly more perceived discrimination. Perceived discrimination was significantly associated with negative schemas, but not with attenuated positive symptoms.

Conclusions

These results suggest that individuals at CHR for psychosis endorse a higher level of perceived discrimination, which is associated with increased negative schemas, but not attenuated positive symptoms.
Functional alteration patterns of default mode networks: comparisons of normal aging, amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Cha Jungho , Jo Hang Joon , Kim Hee Jin , Seo Sang Won , Kim Han‐Soo , Yoon Uicheul , Park Hyunjin , Na Duk L. , Lee Jong‐Min
Published: June 2013

Most default mode network (DMN) studies in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are based on the comparison of only two groups, namely patients and controls. Information derived from comparing three groups, normal, aMCI and AD, simultaneously may lead us to better understand the progression of dementia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional connectivity of DMN in the continuum from normal through aMCI to AD. Differences in functional connectivity were compared between the three groups using independent component analysis. The relationship between functional connectivity and disease progression was investigated using multiple regression analysis with Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. The results revealed differences throughout the left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), left middle temporal gyrus (MTG), right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and bilateral parahippocampal gyrus (PHG). Both patients with aMCI and those with AD showed decreased connectivity in the left PCC and left PHG compared with healthy subjects. Furthermore, patients with AD also showed decreased connectivity in the left MTG and right PHG. Increased functional connectivity was observed in the right MFG of patients with AD compared with other groups. MMSE scores exhibited significant positive and negative correlations with functional connectivity in PCC, MTG and MFG regions. Taken together, increased functional connectivity in the MFG for AD patients might compensate for the loss of function in the PCC and MTG via compensatory mechanisms in corticocortical connections.
Spreading of tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease by cell‐to‐cell transmission
Authors: Mohamed Nguyen‐Vi , Herrou Thibaut , Plouffe Vanessa , Piperno Nicolas , Leclerc Nicole
Published: June 2013

It is well documented that neurofibrillary tangles composed of aggregated tau protein propagate in a predictable pattern in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The mechanisms underlying the propagation of tau pathology are still poorly understood. Recent studies have provided solid data demonstrating that in several neurodegenerative diseases including AD, the spreading of misfolded protein aggregates in the brain would result from prion‐like cell‐to‐cell transmission. Consistent with this new concept, recent studies have reported that human tau can be released in the extracellular space by an active process of secretion, and can be endocytosed both in vitro and in vivo. Most importantly, it was reported that the spreading of tau pathology was observed along synaptically connected circuits in a transgenic mouse model where human tau overexpression was restricted in the entorhinal cortex. This indicates that secretion of tau by presynaptic neurons and its uptake by postsynaptic neurons could be the sequential events leading to the propagation of tau pathology in the brain.
The adaptive aging brain: evidence from the preservation of communication abilities with age
Authors: Ansado Jennyfer , Marsolais Yannick , Methqal Ikram , Alary Flamine , Joanette Yves
Published: June 2013

Neurofunctional reorganization with age is suspected to occur for many cognitive components including communication abilities. Several functional neuroimaging studies of elderly individuals have reported the occurrence of an interhemispheric neurofunctional reorganization characterized by more bilateral activation patterns. Other studies have indicated that the preservation of some other cognitive abilities is associated with some intrahemispheric reorganization following either a posterior–anterior or an anterior–posterior shift in aging. Interestingly, other studies have shown that age‐related neurofunctional reorganization is task‐load‐dependent. Taken together, these studies suggest that neurofunctional reorganization in aging is based on a more dynamic, flexible and adaptive neurofunctional process than previously proposed. This review summarizes the different factors that are thought to support the preservation of the semantic processing of words in aging, and highlights a multidetermined and complex set of processes such as the nature of the specific cognitive processes, task complexity and cognitive strategy, characterizing the neurofunctional reorganization in aging that allows for optimal cognitive abilities. In so doing, it provides the background for future study looking at the neurofunctional dimensions of the impact of neurodegenerative diseases on cognitive abilities.
Functional activation during reading in relation to the sulci of the angular gyrus region
Authors: Segal Emily , Petrides Michael
Published: June 2013

Neurological studies suggest that the angular gyrus region of the inferior parietal lobule may be critical for reading. However, unambiguous demonstration of angular gyrus involvement from lesion and functional neuroimaging studies is lacking, partly because of the absence of detailed morphological descriptions of this region. On the basis of our recent anatomical examination of this region and a tightly controlled functional magnetic resonance imaging paradigm, the present investigation demonstrated reading‐related activity in the region of the angular gyrus that lies between the central and posterior branches of the caudal superior temporal sulcus, namely cytoarchitectonic area PG. Analysis of functional connectivity showed increased functional coupling during reading of area PG with the language areas of Broca and Wernicke, and a region previously identified as the visual word form area. Thus, the parietal reading area has been precisely localized, and its interactions with other cortical areas during reading have been demonstrated.
Cholinergic control of morphine‐induced locomotion in rostromedial tegmental nucleus versus ventral tegmental area sites
Authors: Wasserman David I. , Wang Haoran G. , Rashid Asim J. , Josselyn Sheena A. , Yeomans John S.
Published: June 2013

M5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors expressed on ventral tegmental dopamine (DA) neurons are needed for opioid activation of DA outputs. Here, the M5 receptor gene was bilaterally transfected into neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) or the adjacent rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) in mice by means of a Herpes simplex viral vector (HSV) to increase the effect of endogenous acetylcholine. Three days after HSV‐M5 gene infusion in VTA sites, morphine‐induced locomotion more than doubled at two doses, while saline‐induced locomotion was unaffected. When the HSV‐M5 gene was infused into the adjacent RMTg, morphine‐induced locomotion was strongly inhibited. The sharp boundary between these opposing effects was found where tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and cholinesterase labelling decreases (−4.00 mm posterior to bregma). The same HSV‐M5 gene transfections in M5 knockout mice induced even stronger inhibitory behavioural effects in RMTg but more variability in VTA sites due to stereotypy. The VTA sites where HSV‐M5 increased morphine‐induced locomotion receive direct inputs from many RMTg GAD‐positive neurons, and from pontine ChAT‐positive neurons, as shown by cholera‐toxin B retrograde tracing. Therefore, morphine‐induced locomotion was decreased by M5 receptor gene expression in RMTg GABA neurons that directly inhibit VTA DA neurons. Conversely, enhancing M5 receptor gene expression on VTA DA neurons increased morphine‐induced locomotion via cholinergic inputs.
Problems and Issues in Translating International Educational Achievement Tests
Authors: Arffman Inga
Published: June 2013

The article reviews research and findings on problems and issues faced when translating international academic achievement tests. The purpose is to draw attention to the problems, to help to develop the procedures followed when translating the tests, and to provide suggestions for further research. The problems concentrate on the following: the unique and demanding purpose of the translation task, the partly contradictory task specifications and translation instructions, the indecision as to whether to produce one or two target versions, the indecision as to whether to use one or two source versions, inadequate revision and verification, deficient translator competences, and a lack of time. To solve the problems, the article suggests the following: ensuring that the translation guidelines provide a right, unequivocal, and balanced picture of the purpose of the translation task; ensuring the equivalence of the two source versions; putting more emphasis on revision, and ensuring that the verification is sufficiently thorough; using only qualified translators, providing them with training in test translation, and including also subject matter and testing specialists in the translation teams; and allotting sufficient time to the translation work. However, the main lesson from the review is that more research in the field is badly needed.
Grading as a Reform Effort: Do Standards‐Based Grades Converge With Test Scores?
Authors: Welsh Megan E. , D'Agostino Jerome V. , Kaniskan Burcu
Published: June 2013

Standards‐based progress reports (SBPRs) require teachers to grade students using the performance levels reported by state tests and are an increasingly popular report card format. They may help to increase teacher familiarity with state standards, encourage teachers to exclude nonacademic factors from grades, and/or improve communication with parents. The current study examines the SBPR grade–state test score correspondence observed across 2 years in 125 third and fifth grade classrooms located in one school district to examine the degree of consistency between grades and state test results. It also examines the grading practices of a subset of 37 teachers to determine whether there is an association between teacher appraisal style and convergence rates. A moderate degree of grade–test score convergence was observed using three agreement estimates (coefficient kappa, tau‐b correlations, and classroom‐level mean differences between grades and test scores). In addition, only small amounts of grade–test score convergence were observed between teachers; a much greater proportion of variance lay within classrooms and subjects. Appraisal style correlated weakly with convergence rates, but was most strongly related to assigning students to the same performance level as the test. Therefore using recommended grading practices may improve the quality of SBPR grades to some extent.
α‐Tocopherol and β‐carotene contents of forage species in a four‐cut system
Authors: Lindqvist H. , Nadeau E. , Jensen S. K. , Søegaard K.
Published: June 2013

α‐Tocopherol and β‐carotene concentrations were measured in herbage of birdsfoot trefoil (Bft), red clover (Rc), white clover (Wc), timothy (Ti) and perennial ryegrass (Pr) grown in four mixtures (Bft+Ti, Rc+Ti, Rc+Pr and Wc+Pr) in a small‐plot field experiment at Foulum, Denmark, over 2 years. Plots were fertilized with cattle slurry and harvested in a four‐cut system: 30 May/7 June, 5 July/12 July, 22 August/21 August and 24 October/9 October in 2005/2006. Bft was the legume with the highest α‐tocopherol concentration in most harvests [86 mg kg−1 dry matter (DM) averaged over all harvests of 2 years], whereas mean α‐tocopherol concentrations in Wc and Rc were 37 and 34 mg kg−1 DM respectively. Bft and Wc had higher β‐carotene concentrations than Rc when averaged over harvests and years (80, 67 and 44 mg kg−1 DM in Bft, Wc and Rc, respectively; P < 0·0001). Vitamin concentrations were similar in harvests 1–3, but in most sward treatments they were considerably higher in harvest 4. No clear differences were found between years. Averaged over years and harvests, mean α‐tocopherol concentrations in timothy and perennial ryegrass were 46 and 50 mg kg−1 DM, respectively, and mean β‐carotene concentrations were 54 and 62 mg kg−1 DM. In conclusion, herbage of birdsfoot trefoil generally had higher vitamin concentrations than white or red clover, but differences between the two grass species were small and inconsistent.
CONSTRUCTIONS OF JEWISH IDENTITY AND THE SPECTRE OF COLONIALISM: OF WHITE SKIN AND BLACK MASKS IN EARLY ZIONIST DISCOURSE
Authors: Stähler Axel
Published: June 2013

Early Zionist discourse was ripe with constructions of a new Jewish identity. Discussing responses to the so‐called Uganda plan of 1903–5 and notions of Jewish colonisation in Africa and elsewhere, the article investigates demarcations of Jewishness from, and identifications with, ‘blackness’ in the early twentieth‐century German Zionist press and literature and their impact on the Zionist imaginary vis‐à‐vis the colonial paradigm. Particular attention is given to Max Jungmann's ‘Briefe aus Neu‐Neuland’, published in the satiric journal Schlemiel between 1903–7. It is argued that with his fictitious account of the Zionist settlement of East Africa (which historically never happened) and with the creation of the black African Mbwapwa Jumbo and his conversion to Judaism Jungmann articulates an intricate and critical response to colonial aspirations, Jewish or otherwise, and formulates a scathing but highly perceptive commentary on the convergence of Zionist, racial, and colonial discourses.
‘ICH WOLLTE MEINE UNSCHULD ENDLICH LOSWERDEN’: THE SUBVERSION OF WILHELMINE GENDER NORMS IN FRANK WEDEKIND'S FRANZISKA
Authors: Navratil Michael
Published: June 2013

Frank Wedekind's late play Franziska (1912) has long been read primarily as a female version of the Faust myth. I argue that it is more fruitful to regard Franziska as a critical elaboration of predominant gender norms of the Wilhelmine era. Central issues that are at stake in the play include the discussion of the possibility of marriage, the natural differences between the sexes, the gender discourse of post‐idealist philosophy, censorship of discussions related to the topic of sexuality and patriarchal imaginings of gender‐related features. Setting Franziska in its socio‐historical context will expose the play's subversive potential and enable a new evaluation of its significance within Wedekind's œuvre.
Immunohistochemical study of the autophagy marker microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 in normal and steatotic human livers
Authors: Kashima Jumpei , Shintani‐Ishida Kaori , Nakajima Makoto , Maeda Hideyuki , Unuma Kana , Uchiyama Yasuo , Yoshida Ken‐ichi
Published: June 2013

Aim

Autophagy has been implicated in lipid droplet (LD) turnover. Adipose differentiation‐related protein (ADRP) and microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) monitor LD and autophagosomes, respectively. We examined whether immunohistochemical staining of ADRP and LC3 can monitor LD and autophagy, and if so, whether autophagy is related to LD turnover in post‐mortem human livers.

Methods

We performed conventional immunohistochemistry of LC3 in paraffin‐embedded human livers with different severities of steatosis, obtained at autopsy. Double immunofluorescence microscopy using anti‐LC3 and anti‐ADRP antibodies was performed to elucidate the relationship between autophagy and LD turnover.

Results

LC3 immunohistochemistry reproducibly delineated puncta in normal human livers, which were preferentially located around the central venal zone. The extent of LC3 immunostaining reduced with progressing steatosis. Double immunofluorescence for ADRP and LC3 demonstrated an inverse relationship between ADRP positive areas and LC3 positive areas, as well as the co‐localization of ADRP and LC3 on a part of small LD but not large LD.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that impaired autophagy promotes steatosis and that autophagy may be implicated in LD turnover.
Differential gene hypermethylation in genital lichen sclerosus and cancer: a comparative study
Authors: Guerrero‐Setas David , Pérez‐Janices Noemí , Ojer Amaya , Blanco‐Fernandez Laura , Guarch‐Troyas Carmen , Guarch Rosa
Published: June 2013

Aims

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the genital skin of unknown aetiology. The role of LS in penile squamous cell carcinogenesis is not well characterized. HPV has been implicated in both, as have epigenetic changes. The presence of HPV and hypermethylation of the MGMT, p16, RASSF1, RASSF2, TSLC1 and TSP1 genes were studied in penile LS; MGMT, RASSF2 and TSLC1 hypermethylation in penile cancer and TSLC1 hypermethylation in vulvar LS and cancer extends previous results reported by our group.

Methods and results

Thirty‐seven HPV genotypes and hypermethylation were evaluated by PCR/reverse‐line‐blot and methylation‐specific PCR respectively, in 27 preputial LS, 24 penile SCC, 30 vulvar SCC, 21 vulvar LS and 22 normal skin cases. HPV66 was present in 3.7% of penile LS cases, and p16 and RASSF2 hypermethylation were more frequent in penile cancer than in penile LS. p16, RASSF1, RASSF2 and TSP1 hypermethylation were similar in penile and vulvar LS.

Conclusions

Gene hypermethylation is a common event in penile LS, and occurs approximately as frequently as in vulvar LS. Certain genes can be hypermethylated as an early or late event in LS or cancer, respectively. This suggests a possible sequential role for these alterations in the transition from benign to malignant lesions.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of MYC expression in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Oberley Matthew J , Rajguru Saurabh A , Zhang Chong , Kim KyungMann , Shaw Gene R , Grindle Kreg M , Kahl Brad S , Kanugh Craig , Laffin Jennifer , Yang David T
Published: June 2013

Aim

To assess the validity and potential clinical utility of evaluating MYC expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).

Methods and results

MYC IHC was scored on a tissue microarray containing 62 MCLs and 29 controls by two pathologists. Inter‐observer correlation was high (intra‐class correlation of 0.98). MYC IHC scores correlated with MYC expression (Spearman's rank correlation 0.69, P < 0.0001) and weakly with Ki67 proliferation index (Spearman's rank correlation 0.30, P = 0.03). Six blastic MCLs did not have higher mean MYC IHC scores or MYC mRNA expression than non‐blastic MCLs. None of 57 cases assessed, including all of the blastic cases, showed MYC rearrangement by fluorescence in‐situ hybridization. Multivariate analysis with backward selection from potential predictors including age, lactate dehydrogenase, leukocyte count, MIPI score, ECOG performance status, blastic morphology and Ki67 index showed that MYC IHC score is an independent predictor of progression‐free survival (hazard ratio 2.34, 95% CI 1.42–3.88, P = 0.0009) and overall survival (hazard ratio 1.90, 95% CI 1.05–3.43, P = 0.034).

Conclusions

We show that a new monoclonal anti‐MYC antibody can enable accurate and reproducible visual assessment of MYC expression that is independently predictive of clinical outcomes in MCL.
High Mobility of Polish Women: The Ethnographic Inquiry of Barcelona
Authors: Main Izabella
Published: June 2013

This article analyses migration narratives of a small group of Polish female “repeat migrants” currently residing in Barcelona. Before settling there they lived in at least three other countries. I argue that repeat migrants experience many challenges: learning multiple languages, integrating into multiple labour markets, building multiple social networks, and adapting to cultural contexts. I asked whether these challenges have resulted in increased integration in the host societies or integration into international expatriate communities. The main findings are that the two main subgroups were 1) women who adapted well to life in Barcelona because of their Catalan partners and 2) women with international partners who tended to live in clusters of internationals. Polish immigrant women in my fieldwork perceived themselves as outsiders unless they quickly learned Spanish and Catalan. I also argue that the availability of different kinds of Urry's mobilities might influence and facilitate decisions on becoming more mobile.
HIV‐1 neutralizing antibodies: understanding nature's pathways
Authors: Mascola John R. , Haynes Barton F.
Published: June 2013

The development of an effective vaccine has been hindered by the enormous diversity of human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) and its ability to escape a myriad of host immune responses. In addition, conserved vulnerable regions on the HIV‐1 envelope glycoprotein are often poorly immunogenic and elicit broadly neutralizing antibody responses (BNAbs) in a minority of HIV‐1‐infected individuals and only after several years of infection. All of the known BNAbs demonstrate high levels of somatic mutations and often display other unusual traits, such as a long heavy chain complementarity determining region 3 (CDRH3) and autoreactivity that can be limited by host tolerance controls. Nonetheless, the demonstration that HIV‐1‐infected individuals can make potent BNAbs is encouraging, and recent progress in isolating such antibodies and mapping their immune pathways of development is providing new strategies for vaccination.
miRNAs and HIV: unforeseen determinants of host‐pathogen interaction
Authors: Swaminathan Sanjay , Murray Daniel D. , Kelleher Anthony D.
Published: June 2013

Our understanding of the complexity of gene regulation has significantly improved in the last decade as the role of small non‐coding RNAs, called microRNAs (miRNAs), has been appreciated. These 19–22 nucleotide RNA molecules are critical regulators of mRNA translation and turnover. The miRNAs bind via a protein complex to the 3′ untranslated region (3′ UTR) of mRNA, ultimately leading to mRNA translational inhibition, degradation, or repression. Although many mechanisms by which human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) infection eventually induces catastrophic immune destruction have been elucidated, the important role that miRNAs play in HIV‐1 pathogenesis is only now emerging. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that changes to endogenous miRNA levels following infection is important: in maintaining HIV‐1 latency in resting CD4+ T cells, potentially affect immune function via changes to cytokines such as interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) and IL‐10 and may predict disease progression. We review the roles that both viral and host miRNAs play in different cell types and disease conditions that are important in HIV‐1 infection and discuss how miRNAs affect key immunomodulatory molecules contributing to immune dysfunction. Further, we discuss whether miRNAs may be used as novel biomarkers in serum and the potential to modulate miRNA levels as a unique approach to combating this pathogen.
HIV‐associated chronic immune activation
Authors: Paiardini Mirko , Müller‐Trutwin Michaela
Published: June 2013

Systemic chronic immune activation is considered today as the driving force of CD4+ T‐cell depletion and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). A residual chronic immune activation persists even in HIV‐infected patients in which viral replication is successfully inhibited by anti‐retroviral therapy, with the extent of this residual immune activation being associated with CD4+ T‐cell loss. Unfortunately, the causal link between chronic immune activation and CD4+ T‐cell loss has not been formally established. This article provides first a brief historical overview on how the perception of the causative role of immune activation has changed over the years and lists the different kinds of immune activation characteristic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The mechanisms proposed to explain the chronic immune activation are multiple and are enumerated here, as well as the mechanisms proposed on how chronic immune activation could lead to AIDS. In addition, we summarize the lessons learned from natural hosts that know how to ‘show AIDS the door’, and discuss how these studies informed the design of novel immune modulatory interventions that are currently being tested. Finally, we review the current approaches aimed at targeting chronic immune activation and evoke future perspectives.
Dendritic cell dysregulation during HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Miller Elizabeth , Bhardwaj Nina
Published: June 2013

Dendritic cells (DCs) are a diverse subset of innate immune cells that are key regulators of the host response to human immunodeficiency virus‐1 (HIV‐1) infection. HIV‐1 directly and indirectly modulates DC function to hinder the formation of effective antiviral immunity and fuel immune activation. This review focuses upon the differential dysregulation of myeloid DCs (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) at various stages of HIV‐1 infection providing insights into pathogenesis. HIV‐1 evades innate immune sensing by mDCs resulting in suboptimal maturation, lending to poor generation of antiviral adaptive responses and contributing to T‐regulatory cell (Treg) development. Dependent upon the stage of HIV‐1 infection, mDC function is altered in response to Toll‐like receptor ligands, which further hinders adaptive immunity and limits feasibility of therapeutic vaccine strategies. pDC interactions with HIV‐1 are pleotropic, modulating immune responses on an axis between immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive. pDCs promote immune activation through an altered phenotype of persistent type I interferon secretion and weak antigen presentation capacity. Conversely, HIV‐1 stimulates secretion of indolemine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) by pDCs resulting in Treg induction. An improved understanding of the roles and underlying mechanisms of DC dysfunction will be valuable to the development of therapeutics to enhance HIV‐specific adaptive responses and to dampen immune activation.
Immune interventions in HIV infection
Authors: Carcelain Guislaine , Autran Brigitte
Published: June 2013

Immune‐based therapy (IBT) interventions have found a window of opportunity within some limitations of the otherwise successful combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Two major paradigms drove immunotherapeutic research to combat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. First, IBTs were proposed either to help restore CD4+ T‐cell counts in cases of therapeutic failures with cytokines, interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) or IL‐7, or to better control HIV and disease progression during treatment interruptions with anti‐HIV therapeutic candidate vaccines. The most widely used candidates were HIV‐recombinant live vector‐based alone or combined with other vaccine compounds and dendritic cell (DC) therapies. A more recent and current paradigm aims at achieving HIV cure by combining IBT with cART using either cytokines to reactivate virus production in latently infected cells and/or therapeutic immunization to boost HIV‐specific immunity in a ‘shock and kill’ strategy. This review summarizes the rationale, hopes, and mechanisms of successes and failures of these cytokine‐based and vaccine‐based immune interventions. Results from these first series of IBTs have been so far somewhat disappointing in terms of clinical relevance, but have provided lessons that are discussed in light of the future combined strategies to be developed toward an HIV cure.