bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress, Hope, and Loneliness in Young Adolescents
Authors: Yarcheski Adela , Mahon Noreen E. , Yarcheski Thomas J.
Published: July 2011

A sample of 134 young adolescents attending a middle school responded to the Perceived Stress Scale, the Hopefulness Scale for Adolescents, and the Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale. Correlational analyses indicated that higher scores on stress were significantly associated with lower scores on hope (r = -.55) and higher scores on loneliness (r= .52). Unlike an earlier study with predominately ethnic minority adolescents, the present findings with predominately Euro-American adolescents supported the relationship proposed between stress and hope; the relationship proposed between stress and loneliness was supported.
Evaluation of a Psychosocial Intervention on Social Support Perceived Control, Coping Strategies, Emotional Distress, and Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Cousson-Géalie Florence , Bruchon-Schweitzer Marilou , Atzeni Thierry , Houede Nadine
Published: July 2011

The purpose of this research was to demonstrate that a specific psychosocial intervention changes reactions to cancer and quality of life. This study was carried out on 66 patients with a first breast cancer. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: a specific intervention group (G1, 8 sessions) or a support group (G2, 8 sessions). A control group (G3) was composed of patients who refused to participate in psychological intervention. Social support, perceived control, repression of emotions, coping strategies, emotional distress, and quality of life were assessed one week before (T1) and at the end (T2) of the psychological intervention. Results showed that G1 did not have significantly modified quality of life or psychological scores. Patients of G2 had poorer emotional quality of life, use of internal causal attributions, and minimized their illness at T1 as compared to patients of G3. At Time 2 these differences were not observed.
Self-Reported Inability to Cry as a Symptom of Anhedonic Depression in Outpatients with a Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Steer Roberta
Published: July 2011

To ascertain whether self-reported inability to cry would be associated with symptoms of anhedonic depression, the 21-item Beck Depression Inventory-II was administered to 1,050 outpatients diagnosed with a DSM-IV-TR major depressive disorder. 219 (21%) patients reported on the BDI-II Crying item that they were unable to cry, and 831 (79%) patients reported they were able to cry. Only BDI-II Loss of Interest was significantly associated with the inability to cry after the other BDI-II symptoms were controlled for using a multiple logistic-regression analysis. The inability to cry was discussed as an indicator of anhedonic depression.
Taiwanese Members' Report of Verbal Interactions and Their Relations to Demographic Variables in the Group Counseling Process
Authors: der Pan Peter Jen , Deng Liang-Yu F. , Ai Shiou-Ling Ts , Chang Shona S. H.
Published: July 2011

The purpose was to examine differences in verbal interactions during the group counseling process and the relationship between perceived verbal interactions and members' demographic variables. 42 participants were recruited and randomly assigned to one of four counseling groups. Based on the Hill Interaction Matrix, Quadrant 4 verbal interactions, consisting of Speculative and Confrontative verbal behaviors in Personal and Relationship levels, were perceived significantly more often at the closing stage than at the initial stage. Furthermore, the perceived verbal interactions were related to the demographic variables of sex, educational level, and group experience, but not acquaintanceship. The findings suggested that the higher ratings of perceived Speculative and Confrontative verbal behaviors and the lower ratings of Assertive and Silence verbal interactions must be interpreted cautiously from a cross-cultural perspective, especially in Asian cultures.
Depression Symptoms among Omani Children: Age and Sex Differences
Authors: Kazem Ali Mahdi , Alzubaidi Abdulqawi Salim
Published: July 2011

The present study explored the existence of depressive symptoms among Omani children according to sex and age. The Arabic translated version of the Multidimensional Child and Adolescent Depression Scale was administered to 1,749 children (828 boys, 921 girls) ranging in age from 10 to 18 years old ( M = 13.9, SD = 2.3) from 10 schools representing different areas of Muscat, Oman. The results showed no differences in the total mean scores on depression between boys and girls, although differences were observed on 4 of the 8 subscales. Boys had significantly higher scores on Weak concentration and Loneliness, while girls scored higher for Sleep problems and Anhedonia. Significant differences across ages also were exhibited for the total score as well as four subscales (Pessimism, Weak concentration, Anhedonia, and Fatigue), suggesting higher rates of depression among 15- to 18-year-olds.
Love Styles, Shyness, and Patterns of Emotional Self-Disclosure
Authors: Erwin Philip G. , Pressler Shirley J.
Published: July 2011

Previous research has shown a relationship between love styles and shyness. This study explored the possibility that this effect may be due to differences in patterns of self-disclosure associated with shyness. University student participants ( N = 143) completed the Love Attitudes Scale, the Emotional Self-Disclosure Scale, and the Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale. Correlations between the measures were calculated and significant results ranged from r = .18 to .30. Findings supported previous research in showing significant relationships between shyness and love styles; self-disclosure showed no relationship with shyness but did show some direct associations with love style scores. Results are discussed in relation to the importance of self-disclosure in relationship development.
Measuring Childhood Abuse and Neglect in a Group of Female Indoor Sex Workers in the Netherlands: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Dutch Version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form
Authors: Daalder Annelies L. , Bogaerts Stefan
Published: July 2011

Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on the responses to the Dutch version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form from a sample of 123 female indoor sex workers in The Netherlands. Results indicate the expected five-factor structure fit the data well. In line with Bernstein and others, the instrument was a valid measure of retrospective childhood abuse and neglect in this sample.
An Evolutionary Hypothesis of Suicide: Why it Could be Biologically Adaptive and is so Prevalent in Certain Occupations
Authors: Tanaka Midori , Kinney Dennis K.
Published: July 2011

From an evolutionary perspective, suicide is a puzzle, because it has serious adverse effects, yet is remarkably common and heritable. An hypothesis is proposed to explain this puzzle, by explaining how suicide could be adaptive through reducing risk that individuals will transmit infections to kin. Empirical evidence supports four predictions from the hypothesis. There are well-established mechanisms by which infections and immune factors increase risk for mental disorders that contribute to suicide. Suicide is more prevalent in occupations with greater exposure to infection and immune-compromising factors and at higher latitudes, where key environmental factors increase vulnerability to infection. In several other highly social species, suicide-like behaviors have evolved to reduce transmission of infections. If the hypothesis is correct, detection and treatment of underlying infections and immune dysfunction should help predict and prevent suicidal behavior, while also combating spread of infectious diseases.
Managing Antidepressants in Primary Care: Physicians' Treatment Modifications
Authors: Tamburrino Marijo B. , Nagel Rollin W. , Lynch Denis J.
Published: July 2011

To examine antidepressant management practices in primary care, patients ( N = 148) given an antidepressant for at least one month completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI–II), the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ–9), and a demographic survey. Participants' mean age was 50.7 yr. and 80% were women. Patients' charts indicated whether physicians had made changes to prescribed antidepressants or dose either 6 wk. before or 6 wk. after study entry. For the 87% of participants whose depression status could be determined, 10% met dysthymic disorder criteria and only 33% had had a medication change in the previous month. Major depressive disorder occurred in 37% but only 18% had had a medication change. Co-existing dysthymic disorder and major depressive disorder were diagnosed in 34%, with 24% receiving a medication change. Participants not receiving a medication change had mean BDI-II scores indicating moderate depression. Lack of antidepressant adjustment suggests physicians may need to monitor depressive symptoms closely using protocols and prompts.
Psychosocial Profile of People with AIDS and Their Caregivers in Egypt
Authors: Soliman Hussein H. , Almotgly Manal M. Abd
Published: July 2011

Caring for individuals with AIDS in developing countries represents a major crisis to families and natural caregivers. This study presents the psychosocial profiles of people with AIDS and their caregivers in Egypt to assess the effects of HIV/AIDS on patients, their caregivers, and the factors that influence caregiving and support. Various stressors and challenges for patients as well as hardships the caregiver faces were explored. The literature documents difficulties such as inadequate health care services, lack of resources, and stigma that patients experience in developing countries. Findings indicate an association between the psychosocial effects of AIDS on patients and their caregivers.
Comparison of Group and Individual Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy in Reducing Fear of Negative Evaluation
Authors: Dogaheh Ebrahim Rezaei , Mohammadkhani Parvaneh , Dolatshahi Behrooz
Published: July 2011

Previous studies have established the efficacy of group and individual formats of cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing fear of negative evaluation in social anxiety disorder, but the effectiveness of the group and individual therapies has not been widely assessed. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavior group therapy to individual cognitive-behavioral therapy in social anxiety disorder. 28 patients were randomly allocated to two groups of 14. Each group participated in 12 weekly sessions. The final sample was 22 participants after drop-out. Pretest and posttest data were collected using the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Controlling for pretest fear of negative evaluation and depression, cognitive-behavioral group therapy was more effective than individual cognitive-behavioral therapy in reducing fear of negative evaluation, but the clinical significance and improvement rates of the two treatment formats were equivalent.
Screening for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adult Inpatients with Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Kumar Geetha , Faden Justin , Steer Robert A.
Published: July 2011

The purpose was to assess the effectiveness of the adult ADHD Module from the MINI International Neuropsychiatrie Interview (MINI) and the Conners' Adult ADHD Rating Scales: Screening Version DSM-IV ADHD Symptoms Total Scale (CAARS-S:SV) in screening for attention-deficit/hyperactivity (ADHD) disorder in patients hospitalized for other psychiatric disorders. Assessment measures were administered to 55 (50%) female and 55 (50%) male adult (> 18 yr. old) inpatients. Only six (5%) of the 110 inpatients had been diagnosed with comorbid ADHD according to medical charts. In contrast, 55 (50%) patients met criteria for ADHD according to the MINI, and 39 (36%) patients met criteria on the CAARS-S:SV. The higher rates of prevalence for the MINI and the CAARS-S:SV were attributable to symptom criteria for ADHD being similar to those shared with comorbid disorders.
Characteristics of Juvenile Offenders with Invalid and Valid MMPI-A Profiles
Authors: Fabry Julian J. , Bertinetti Joseph F. , Guzman-Cavazos Laura
Published: July 2011

The issue of what type of juvenile offender produces an invalid versus a valid Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, Adolescent Form (MMPI–A) profile requires study. Using technical manual profile invalidation requirements from a cohort sample of 1,054 juvenile offenders, 387 produced invalid profiles, whereas 667 yielded valid profiles. Utilizing scale scores from the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI), univariate and multivariate analyses for girls, boys, and combined samples of invalid and valid MMPI-A profiles suggested similarities and differences which influenced the results for the combined samples. The groups were separated on the following MACI scales: Disclosure, Impulsivity Substance Abuse Propensity, Unruly, and Oppositional by sex and for the combined group. Also noted were other MACI scales which distinguished boys and girls in comparisons made between as well as within the invalid and valid profiles.
MBTI and Historical Data
Authors: Meunier Gary F.
Published: July 2011

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator presents a model of personality which may be useful for understanding historical personalities, but empirical verification is necessary.
When Causality Does Not Imply Correlation: More Spadework at the Foundations of Scientific Psychology
Authors: Marken Richard S. , Horth Brittany
Published: July 2011

Experimental research in psychology is based on an open-loop causal model which assumes that sensory input causes behavioral output. This model was tested in a tracking experiment where participants were asked to control a cursor, keeping it aligned with a target by moving a mouse to compensate for disturbances of differing difficulty. Since cursor movements (inputs) are the only observable cause of mouse movements (outputs), the open-loop model predicts that there will be a correlation between input and output that increases as tracking performance improves. In fact, the correlation between sensory input and motor output is very low regardless of the quality of tracking performance; causality, in terms of the effect of input on output, does not seem to imply correlation in this situation. This surprising result can be explained by a closed-loop model which assumes that input is causing output while output is causing input.
Social Adjustment, Academic Performance, and Creativity of Taiwanese Children with Tourette's Syndrome
Authors: Wei Mei-Hue
Published: July 2011

The purpose was to describe the social adjustment, academic achievement, and creativity of 127 Taiwanese children with Tourette's Syndrome and a control group of 138 Taiwanese children with typical development and reports of the parents of both groups. The Tourette's Syndrome group had significantly more disruptive behaviors than the controls; most parents reported their children with Tourette's Syndrome had high academic achievement although the children scored significantly lower than controls on the Elaboration subtest of Creative Thinking.
Distractors Interfere with Numerical Estimation in Chinese College Students as a Function of Field-Dependent or Field-Independent Cognitive Style
Authors: Xu Jihong , Si Ji-Wei , Zhang Wenxin
Published: July 2011

Field-dependent/independent groups' numerical estimation was assessed with respect to different distractors. Participants were 81 college students with field-dependent or field-independent cognitive styles. Cognitive style had a significant main effect on reaction without distractors. When the number of distractors was double the number of targets, the estimation accuracy of the field-dependent and field-independent groups differed. Under this double-distractors condition, both the field-dependent and field-independent participants used logarithmic representation more than linear representation in their numerical estimations, but no significant between-group differences were found.
Reliability and Validity of a Bilingual Measure of Religiosity in English and Vietnamese: Preliminary Results from a Pilot Study
Authors: Tran Thanh V. , Chan Keith , Nguyen Thuc-Nhi
Published: July 2011

This study reports preliminary psychometric findings for a seven-item religiosity scale in a community-based sample of Vietnamese Americans ages 18 to 83 years ( N = 119; 58% women, 42% men). A bilingual survey was distributed to Vietnamese who were evacuated during Hurricane Katrina and had returned after the disaster. Internal consistency, factorial structure validity, and criterion validity were evaluated on the scale items. The bilingual scale had good internal consistency. While exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis results provided support for a two-factor structure which captured Religious Involvement and Religious Coping, a one-factor model had slightly better fit. Individuals who scored high on the religiosity scale reported a significantly lower score on their stressful experiences during the hurricane, providing evidence of criterion validity.
Sexual Orientation and Shifts in Preferences for a Partner's Body Attributes in Short-Term versus Long-Term Mating Contexts
Authors: Lucas Margery , Koff Elissa , Grossmith Samantha , Migliorini Robyn
Published: July 2011

This study assessed the effects of short- and long-term mating contexts on preferences for body characteristics of potential relationship partners in lesbians and heterosexual women. Lesbians ( n = 41) rated figure drawings and computer-generated images of women that varied in body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, and breast size; heterosexual women ( n = 95) rated computer-generated images of men that varied in muscularity and body fat. Both lesbians and heterosexual women showed a shift in preferences toward more physically attractive partners for short-term relationships. All body aspects were affected, except that heterosexual women did not show a preference shift for male body fat. The results were interpreted in terms of a mating trade-off strategy in which mate preferences are the consequence of cost/benefit analyses and suggest that preferences for physical attributes of sexual partners may be shared by members of the same sex regardless of sexual orientation.
Willingness to Date across Race: Differences among Gay and Heterosexual Men and Women
Authors: McIntosh William D. , Dawson Bryan L. , Scott Alison J. , Locker Lawrence
Published: July 2011

Willingness to date members of other races was examined among 200 men with same-sex dating preference ( n = 100) and opposite-sex dating preference ( n = 100), and 200 women with same-sex dating preference ( n = 100) and opposite-sex dating preference ( n = 100) who were randomly selected from an Internet dating web site. Overall, results indicated a greater willingness among gay participants than heterosexual participants to date people of other races. A 2 (Sex) × 2 (Sexual Orientation) analysis of variance showed an interaction, with lesbian women more willing to date other races than gay men, while among heterosexual participants men were more willing than women to date other races. The role of mate selection theory, and the importance of the status afforded various races in U.S. society, were applied to interpret people's willingness to date other races.
Subjectivity and Environmental Influence in Relation to Sense of Authenticity
Authors: Ito Masaya , Horikoshi Masaru , Kodama Masahiro
Published: July 2011

The authors responded to criticisms raised recently by Giannini (2010) of the authors' 2009 study in which cross-age differences were examined in the sense of authenticity. Comments address three aspects of the criticism, interpretation of the results, and misunderstanding of the method used as well as the concepts. In particular, future research likely needs to focus on the subjective aspects of sense of authenticity.
Measuring Intention in Language Learning: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Dai Mei-Hsia , Tseng Wen-Ta
Published: July 2011

Intention in language learning has not been studied effectively in research on second language (L2) learning. The goal is to fill this gap by designing and testing a measure of L2 learning intention. The scale was differentiated into two distinct but correlated components, goal intention and implementation intention, within the L2 context. The two intention scales were examined for reliability and validity using a series of standard psychometric procedures. A confirmatory factor model was then constructed and tested with a sample of 333 senior high school and college students. The results showed that a modified model had good psychometric characteristics and reasonable fit to the data.
Duration Discrimination by Musicians and Nonmusicians
Authors: Güçlü Burak , Sevinc Emre , Canbeyli Resit
Published: July 2011

This study investigated the effects of stimulus modality, standard duration, sex, and laterality in duration discrimination by musicians and nonmusicians. Seventeen musicians ( M age = 24.1 yr.) and 22 nonmusicians ( M age = 26.8 yr.) participated. Auditory (1,000 Hz) and tactile (250 Hz) sinusoidal suprathreshold stimuli with varying durations were used. The standard durations tested were 0.5 and 3.0 sec. Participants discriminated comparison stimuli which had durations slightly longer and shorter than the standard durations. Difference limens were found by the method of limits and converted to Weber fractions based on the standard durations. Musicians had lower, i.e., better, Weber fractions than nonmusicians in the auditory modality, but there was no significant difference between musicians and nonmusicians in the tactile modality. Auditory discrimination was better than tactile discrimination. Discrimination improved when the standard duration was increased both for musicians and nonmusicians. These results support previous findings of superior auditory processing by musicians. Significant differences between discrimination in the millisecond and second ranges may be due to a deviation from Weber's law and the discontinuity of timing in different duration ranges reported in the literature.
Explaining Inconsistencies in Shakespeare's Character Henry V on the Basis of the Emotional Undertones of His Speeches
Authors: Whissell Cynthia
Published: July 2011

Shakespeare's character Henry V is infamous, among 20th-century analysts of drama, for his inconsistent disposition. Some analysts highlight this character's reformation and others his Machiavellian tendency to moderate his disposition in tune with changing situations. The Dictionary of Affect in Language (Whissell, 2009) was used to score the emotional undertones of words in Henry V's dialogue. Analyses of these undertones, described in terms of Pleasantness and Activation, demonstrated that the character Henry V was, in overall terms, emotionally average, that there was minimal evidence of growth or reform in him across time, and that situational factors (e.g., revelry, kingship, courtship, battle) were associated with the dramatic changes in his speeches. The character employed more passive language in private and personal situations and more active language in his (public) royal role. Four categories of Henry V's speeches (Condescension, Control, Self-definition, and the Courtship of Good Opinion), represented in both public and private discourse, reflected increasing pleasantness in emotional undertones.
A Silver Lining in Dark Clouds!
Authors: Padhye Saraswati
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v4i2.5028 NJOG 2010 Jan-Feb; 4(2): 1-2
Uterine Fibroids: A Ten Year Clinical Review in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Owolabi Alexander T , Bakare Babalola , Kuti Oluwafemi , Loto Olabisi M
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v4i2.5031 NJOG 2010 Jan-Feb; 4(2): 8-11
Clinical Pelvimetry Before and During Labour: A Comparative Study amongst Nulliparous Women
Authors: Shresth Junu , Pradhan Neelam , Rana Ashma
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v4i2.5044 NJOG 2010 Jan-Feb; 4(2): 32-39
The Effect of Hyoscine Butylbromide on the First State of Labor in Multiparous Women
Authors: Sekhavat Leila , Karbasi Sedighah Akhavan
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v4i2.5045 NJOG 2010 Jan-Feb; 4(2): 40-43
A Randomized Comparison of Rectal Misoprostol and Intramuscular Oxytocin for Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage
Authors: Hassan Zareena , Gupta Shashi
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v4i2.5046 NJOG 2010 Jan-Feb; 4(2): 44-48
Spontaneous Resolution of Massive Fetal Pleural Effusion: A Case Report
Authors: Sharma Paban , Shresta Harihar
Published: July 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v4i2.5050 NJOG 2010 Jan-Feb; 4(2): 56-58
Hypothalamic Glial-to-Neuronal Signaling during Puberty: Influence of Alcohol
Authors: Srivastava Vinod K. , Hiney Jill K. , Les Dees W.
Published: July 2011

Mammalian puberty requires complex interactions between glial and neuronal regulatory systems within the hypothalamus that results in the timely increase in the secretion of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH). Assessing the molecules required for the development of coordinated communication networks between glia and LHRH neuron terminals in the basal hypothalamus, as well as identifying substances capable of affecting cell-cell communication are important. One such pathway involves growth factors of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family that bind to specific erbB receptors. Activation of this receptor results in the release of prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2) from adjacent glial cells, which then acts on the nearby LHRH nerve terminals to elicit release of the peptide. Another pathway involves novel genes which synthesize adhesion/signaling proteins responsible for the structural integrity of bi-directional glial-neuronal communication. In this review, we will discuss the influence of these glial-neuronal communication pathways on the prepubertal LHRH secretory system, and furthermore, discuss the actions and interactions of alcohol on these two signaling processes.
Assessment of Vulnerability to Extreme Flash Floods in Design Storms
Authors: Kim Eung Seok , Choi Hyun Il
Published: July 2011

There has been an increase in the occurrence of sudden local flooding of great volume and short duration caused by heavy or excessive rainfall intensity over a small area, which presents the greatest potential danger threat to the natural environment, human life, public health and property, etc. Such flash floods have rapid runoff and debris flow that rises quickly with little or no advance warning to prevent flood damage. This study develops a flash flood index through the average of the same scale relative severity factors quantifying characteristics of hydrographs generated from a rainfall-runoff model for the long-term observed rainfall data in a small ungauged study basin, and presents regression equations between rainfall characteristics and the flash flood index. The aim of this study is to develop flash flood index-duration-frequency relation curves by combining the rainfall intensity-duration-frequency relation and the flash flood index from probability rainfall data in order to evaluate vulnerability to extreme flash floods in design storms. This study is an initial effort to quantify the flash flood severity of design storms for both existing and planned flood control facilities to cope with residual flood risks due to extreme flash floods that have ocurred frequently in recent years.
Change of Exposure Response over Time and Long-Term Risk of Silicosis among a Cohort of Chinese Pottery Workers
Authors: Sun Yi , Bochmann Frank , Morfeld Peter , Ulm Kurt , Liu Yuewei , Wang Heijiao , Yang Lei , Chen Weihong
Published: July 2011

An analysis was conducted on a cohort of Chinese pottery workers to estimate the exposure-response relationship between respirable crystalline silica dust exposure and the incidence of radiographically diagnosed silicosis, and to estimate the long-term risk of developing silicosis until the age of 65. The cohort comprised 3,250 employees with a median follow-up duration of around 37 years. Incident cases of silicosis were identified via silicosis registries (Chinese X-ray stage I, similar to International Labor Organisation classification scheme profusion category 1/1). Individual exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust was estimated based on over 100,000 historical dust measurements. The association between dust exposure, incidence and long-time risk of silicosis was quantified by Poisson regression analysis adjusted for age and smoking. The risk of silicosis depended not only on the cumulative respirable crystalline silica dust exposures, but also on the time-dependent respirable crystalline silica dust exposure pattern (long-term average concentration, highest annual concentration ever experienced and time since first exposure). A long-term “excess” risk of silicosis of approximately 1.5/1,000 was estimated among workers with all annual respirable crystalline silica dust concentration estimates less than 0.1 mg/m3, using the German measurement strategy. This study indicates the importance of proper consideration of exposure information in risk quantification in epidemiological studies.
Proteomic Analysis of Anti-Tumor Effects of 11-Dehydrosinulariolide on CAL-27 Cells
Authors: Liu Chih-I , Chen Cheng-Chi , Chen Jiing-Chuan , Su Jui-Hsin , Huang Han Hsiang , Chen Jeff Yi-Fu , Wu Yu-Jen
Published: July 2011

The anti-tumor effects of 11-dehydrosinulariolide, an active ingredient isolated from soft coral Sinularia leptoclados, on CAL-27 cells were investigated in this study. In the MTT assay for cell proliferation, increasing concentrations of 11-dehydrosinulariolide decreased CAL-27 cell viability. When a concentration of 1.5 µg/mL of 11-dehydrosinulariolide was applied, the CAL-27 cells viability was reduced to a level of 70% of the control sample. The wound healing function decreased as the concentration of 11-dehydrosinulariolide increased. The results in this study indicated that treatment with 11-dehydrosinulariolide for 6 h significantly induced both early and late apoptosis of CAL-27 cells, observed by flow cytometric measurement and microscopic fluorescent observation. A comparative proteomic analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of 11-dehydrosinulariolide on CAL-27 cells at the molecular level by comparison between the protein profiling (revealed on a 2-DE map) of CAL-27 cells treated with 11-dehydrosinulariolide and that of CAL-27 cells without the treatment. A total of 28 differential proteins (12 up-regulated and 16 down-regulated) in CAL-27 cells treated with 11-dehydrosinulariolide have been identified by LC-MS/MS analysis. Some of the differential proteins are associated with cell proliferation, apoptosis, protein synthesis, protein folding, and energy metabolism. The results of this study provided clues for the investigation of biochemical mechanisms of the anti-tumor effects of 11-dehydrosinulariolide on CAL-27 cells and could be valuable information for drug development and progression monitoring of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Friedel-Craft Acylation of ar-Himachalene: Synthesis of Acyl-ar-Himachalene and a New Acyl-Hydroperoxide
Authors: Hossini Issam , Harrad Mohamed Anoir , Ait Ali Mustapha , El Firdoussi Larbi , Karim Abdallah , Valerga Pedro , Puerta M. Carmen
Published: July 2011

Friedel-Craft acylation at 100 °C of 2,5,9,9-tetramethyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocycloheptene [ar-himachalene (1)], a sesquiterpenic hydrocarbon obtained by catalytic dehydrogenation of α-, β- and γ-himachalenes, produces a mixture of two compounds: (3,5,5,9-tetramethyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzocyclohepten-2-yl)-ethanone (2, in 69% yield), with a conserved reactant backbone, and 3, with a different skeleton, in 21% yield. The crystal structure of 3 reveals it to be 1-(8-ethyl-8-hydroperoxy-3,5,5-trimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)-ethanone. In this compound O-H…O bonds form dimers. These hydrogen-bonds, in conjunction with weaker C-H…O interactions, form a more extended supramolecular arrangement in the crystal.
HPLC Separation of All Aldopentoses and Aldohexoses on an Anion-Exchange Stationary Phase Prepared from Polystyrene-Based Copolymer and Diamine: The Effect of NaOH Eluent Concentration
Authors: Inoue Kadumi , Kitahara Kei-ichi , Aikawa Yoshihiro , Arai Sadao , Masuda-Hanada Takako
Published: July 2011

To investigate the separations of all aldopentoses (ribose, arabinose, xylose and lyxose) and aldohexoses (glucose, galactose, allose, altrose, mannose, gulose, idose and talose) on the D6 stationary phase prepared by the reaction of chloromethylated styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer and N,N,N’,N’-tetramethyl-1,6-diaminohexane, we examined the effect of varying the concentration of the NaOH eluent on the elution orders. Separations of these aldoses were achieved using a 20 mM NaOH eluent. The elution behaviors of the aldoses were probably due to not only the individual pKa values, but also the chemical structures of the cyclic aldoses.
The Uses of 2-Ethoxy-(4H)-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one in the Synthesis of Some Quinazolinone Derivatives of Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: El-Hashash Maher A. , Darwish Khalid M. , Rizk Sameh A. , El-Bassiouny Fakhry A.
Published: July 2011

The behavior of 2-ethoxy-(4H)-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one (1) towards nitrogen nucleo-philes, e.g. ethanolamine, aromatic amines (namely: p-toluidine, p-anisidine, p-hydroxyaniline, o-hydroxyaniline, o-bromoaniline, o-phenylenediamine, p-phenylene- diamine, o-tolidinediamine) p-aminobenzoic acid, glucosamine hydrochloride, 2-amino- nicotinic acid, 1-naphthalenesulfonic acid hydrazide, n-decanoic acid hydrazide, benzoic acid hydrazide, semicarbazide, aminoacids (e.g. D,L-alanine, L-asparagine, L-arginine) and derivatives of 2-aminothiodiazole has been investigated. The behavior of the benzoxazinone towards a selected sulfur nucleophile, L-cysteine, has also been discussed. Formation of an amidine salt as a reaction intermediate has been assumed. The effect of solvent in some reactions has been elucidated. The structures of all the novel quinazoline and quinazolinone derivatives, obtained by heterocyclic ring opening and ring closure were inferred by the IR, MS as well as 1H-NMR spectral analysis. Moreover, the antimicrobial potential of some of the new synthesized derivatives has been evaluated.
Climate Change and Industrial Policy
Authors: Naudé Wim
Published: July 2011

Industrial policy (IP) can make an important contribution to both environmental and social sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to explore the new rationale for IP due to climate change and to determine its implications for the how of industrial policy. Five implications are discussed, namely the need for international coordination of IPs; for putting human-development, and not emission targets, as the overriding objective of low-carbon IP; of stimulating innovation for energy efficiency, energy diversification, and carbon capture and storage; and for aligning IP with trade policies. Finally the funding needs of low-carbon IPs are discussed, and the importance of private sector funding emphasized.
Immunotoxins and Anticancer Drug Conjugate Assemblies: The Role of the Linkage between Components
Authors: Dosio Franco , Brusa Paola , Cattel Luigi
Published: July 2011

Immunotoxins and antibody-drug conjugates are protein-based drugs combining a target-specific binding domain with a cytotoxic domain. Such compounds are potentially therapeutic against diseases including cancer, and several clinical trials have shown encouraging results. Although the targeted elimination of malignant cells is an elegant concept, there are numerous practical challenges that limit conjugates’ therapeutic use, including inefficient cellular uptake, low cytotoxicity, and off-target effects. During the preparation of immunoconjugates by chemical synthesis, the choice of the hinge component joining the two building blocks is of paramount importance: the conjugate must remain stable in vivo but must afford efficient release of the toxic moiety when the target is reached. Vast efforts have been made, and the present article reviews strategies employed in developing immunoconjugates, focusing on the evolution of chemical linkers.
In vitro inhibition of feline leukaemia virus infection by synthetic peptides derived from the transmembrane domain
Authors: Boenzli Eva , Robert-Tissot Céline , Sabatino Giuseppina , Cattori Valentino , Meli Marina Luisa , Gutte Bernd , Rovero Paolo , Flynn Norman , Hofmann-Lehmann Regina , Lutz Hans
Published: July 2011

Background

The feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a gamma-retrovirus commonly affecting cats. Infection with this virus often leads to fatal outcomes and, so far, no cure is available for this disease. Synthetic peptides with structures mimicking the transmembrane protein of the viral surface proteins hold the potential to effectively interfere with viral entry by hampering the fusion of viral and host cell membranes and constitute a novel approach for the treatment of infections with retroviruses. We identified and synthetically produced 11 FeLV peptides and evaluated their potential to block FeLV infection in vitro.

Methods

Cell cultures were exposed to FeLV subgroup A prior to the addition of the peptides. The inhibitory effect of the peptides was assessed by measuring FeLV gag protein in the supernatant of peptide versus mock-treated cell cultures using an ELISA.

Results

A peptide (EPK364) of 37 amino acids in length, with sequence homology to the HIV fusion inhibitor T-20, significantly suppressed viral replication by 88%, whereas no effects were found for shorter peptides. Two structurally modified variants of EPK364 also inhibited viral replication by up to 58% (EPK397) and 27% (EPK398).

Conclusions

Our data support the identification of synthetic FeLV peptides that have the potential for a curative short-term therapy of viraemic cats. In addition, these peptides might become an important tool in xenotrans-plantation, where endogenous gammaretroviruses of the donor species might be able to infect the host.
Favorabilidad ecogeográfica para el corzo: distribución y abundancia
Authors: Acevedo P. , Real R. , Gortázar C.
Published: July 2011

Los modelos de distribución de especies (SDM) están siendo cada vez más usados para abordar cuestiones relacionadas con la ecología, biogeografía y conservación de las especies. En este estudio nos proponemos realizar un modelo de distribución para el corzo (Capreolus capreolus) en la España peninsular para estudiar los determinantes macroambientales de su rango de distribución, evaluar la favorabilidad para la especie, y la utilidad del modelo como indicador de su abundancia relativa. El modelo indica que su distribución se puede explicar en términos topográficos, climáticos, litológicos, geográficos y de presión humana. El clima fue el factor que en su efecto puro explicó un mayor porcentaje de variación, y le siguen la presión humana, la topografía, la localización espacial y la litología. El modelo obtenido predijo con elevada precisión la probabilidad de presencia de la especie y con cierto detalle su abundancia relativa.
Evaluación del estado de la población de cabra montés de los montes de Toledo: relaciones con el ciervo
Authors: Acevedo P. , Santos J. P. , Real R. , Vicente J.
Published: July 2011

La Capra pyrenaica victoriae presenta pocas poblaciones y éstas ocupan áreas reducidas, siendo considerada por ello por la IUCN como vulnerable. Son necesarios, por tanto, estudios locales encaminados a evaluar el estado de dichas poblaciones. En este trabajo estudiamos la población presente en los Montes de Toledo a través del análisis del uso que hace del hábitat, del nivel de parasitación y de la calidad de su dieta. El ciervo fue también incluido en este esquema de monitorización por ser un potencial competidor para la cabra montés. Los resultados indican que ambas especies presentan un adecuado estado poblacional (buena condición corporal, dieta de elevada calidad y valores de densidad razonables). Según los indicadores considerados no sería esperable que el ciervo supusiera un riesgo relevante para la viabilidad de la población de cabra montés. Se discuten las implicaciones de los resultados para la gestión cinegética de la cabra montés.
Elementos para una filogeografía de la cabra montés ibérica (Capra pyrenaica schinz, 1838)
Authors: García-González Ricardo
Published: July 2011

En este trabajo se realiza una revisión sintética de los trabajos clásicos y recientes que conciernen a la filogeografía de Capra pyrenaica, aportando datos de los estudios genéticos conocidos hasta la fecha, así como de nuevos hallazgos relativos a su paleontología y biometría. C. pyrenaica ha experimentado varios cuellos de botella poblacionales a lo largo de su historia que han producido pérdida de diversidad genética. Al mismo tiempo, numerosas traslocaciones y reforzamientos poblacionales pueden complicar la clarificación de su diferenciación genética a nivel intraespecífico. Se revisan algunas teorías actuales sobre la evolución de la especie, que contemplan su evolución reciente (últimos 18.000 años) a partir de ancestros afines a C. caucasica. Se examinan con cierto detalle los caracteres morfológicos en los que se basa dicha teoría (dientes y cuernos principalmente) y se evidencia la alta variabilidad de los mismos. Por otra parte, los estudios genéticos muestran una clara relación entre C. pyrenaica y el íbice de los Alpes (C. i. ibex). También muestran una diferenciación genética norte-sur entre las cabras ibéricas, ocupando el bucardo pirenaico (C. p. pyrenaica) una posición intermedia. Recientes hallazgos paleontológicos ponen de manifiesto una presencia muy antigua de Capra en la península Ibérica (Pleistoceno Inferior). Se propone la hipótesis de que los descendientes de estas cabras antiguas, podrían haber entrado en contacto con cabras afines a C. ibex en los Pirineos y sur de Francia, una o varias veces a lo largo del Pleistoceno Superior. Las características intermedias, tanto genéticas como biométricas, de las extintas cabras del Pirineo, coincidirían con esta hipótesis. Se requieren más estudios paleontológicos y genéticos (incluyendo materiales fósiles y actuales), para poder dilucidar, tanto la filogenia de C. pyrenaica como su diversificación y relaciones intraespecíficas.
Uso del conteo simultáneo supraforestal y del muestreo de distancias para estimar poblaciones de sarrio
Authors: Herrero J. , García Serrano A. , Prada C. , Fernández Arberas O.
Published: July 2011

Se comparan los resultados de estimar la abundancia de sarrio aplicando el conteo simultáneo supraforestal (BC) y el muestreo de distancias (DS) a lo largo de itinerarios, durante cuatro años (2002, 2006, 2007 y 2008) en dos macizos pirenaicos, Posets y Maladeta. Se realizaron dos operaciones anuales, una en julio (tras la paridera) y otra en noviembre (en el celo), esta última para conocer la proporción de sexos que se utiliza para corregir el número de sarrios adultos de julio. En 2008 la operación de noviembre no se pudo realizar por inclemencias meteorológicas. Para el DS se utilizan los datos del BC, calculando las distancias perpendiculares al recorrido de los grupos observados y cartografiados, con la ayuda de un Sistema de Información Geográfica. Las densidades de julio de Posets oscilaron entre 5,5 y 9,1 sarrios km-2 (BC) y entre 7,5 y 9,7 sarrios km-2 (DS) y en Maladeta entre 3,4 y 5,4 sarrios km-2 (BC) y entre 4,6 y 8,5 sarrios km-2 (DS), con coeficientes de variación (CV) del DS del 14 al 26%. El número de animales mínimo estimado con el BC está dentro del intervalo de confianza del 95% de la densidad calculada por el DS en 5 de los 8 casos. En los otros tres casos, las condiciones meteorológicas adversas durante el celo no hicieron posible el cálculo de la sex ratio. El BC aporta un número objetivo de indudable calidad y su cálculo es sencillo aunque cuenta con el inconveniente de la necesaria simultaneidad en la realización de los recorridos, la coincidencia para ello de buenas condiciones de visibilidad y la existencia de una subestima de magnitud desconocida. El DS, sin embargo, no requiere batir todo el territorio supraforestal y produce una estima de la densidad con su intervalo de confianza. No obstante, el cálculo numérico requiere cierta destreza y dedicación y el tamaño muestral debe ser elevado (n > 300 grupos avistados para un CV < 15%) que supone un esfuerzo de muestreo al menos igual al que se realiza en el BC. El BC constituye una herramienta valiosa y su uso debería continuar para estimar el tamaño mínimo poblacional y los cupos de caza derivados.
Macrophage Differentiation and Polarization via Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/Akt–ERK Signaling Pathway Conferred by Serum Amyloid P Component
Authors: Zhang Weijuan , Xu Wei , Xiong Sidong
Published: July 2011

Macrophage differentiation and polarization is influenced by, and act on, many processes associated with autoimmunity. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying macrophage polarization in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remain largely debated. We previously demonstrated that macrophage M2b polarization conferred by activated lymphocyte-derived (ALD)-DNA immunization could initiate and propagate murine lupus nephritis. Serum amyloid P component (SAP), a conserved acute-phase protein in mice, has been reported to bind to DNA and modulate immune responses. In this study, murine SAP was shown to promote macrophage-mediated ALD-DNA uptake through binding to ALD-DNA (SAP/ALD-DNA). Moreover, macrophage phenotypic switch from a proinflammatory M2b phenotype induced by ALD-DNA alone to an anti-inflammatory M2a phenotype stimulated with SAP/ALD-DNA were found because of PI3K/Akt–ERK signaling activation. Both in vivo SAP supplements and adoptive transfer of ex vivo programmed M2a macrophages induced by SAP/ALD-DNA into SLE mice could efficiently alleviate lupus nephritis. Importantly, increased IL-10 secretion, accompanied by anti-inflammatory effect exerted by M2a macrophages, was found to predominantly impede macrophage M2b polarization. Furthermore, neutralization of IL-10 notably reduced the suppressive effect of M2a macrophages. Our results demonstrate that binding of SAP to ALD-DNA could switch macrophage phenotypic polarization from proinflammatory M2b to anti-inflammatory M2a via PI3K/Akt–ERK signaling activation, thus exerting protective and therapeutic interventions on murine lupus nephritis. These data provide a possible molecular mechanism responsible for modulation of macrophage polarization in the context of lupus nephritis and open a new potential therapeutic avenue for SLE.
Galectin-1 and Galectin-8 Have Redundant Roles in Promoting Plasma Cell Formation
Authors: Tsai Chih-Ming , Guan Chin-Huey , Hsieh Hsiao-Wu , Hsu Tsui-Ling , Tu Zhijay , Wu Kuan-Jung , Lin Chun-Hung , Lin Kuo-I
Published: July 2011

Galectin (Gal) family members are a type of soluble lectin, and they play important roles in immunomodulation. Their redundant roles have been proposed. We previously found that Gal-1 promotes the formation of Ab-secreting plasma cells, but B cells from Gal-1–deficient and control animals produce comparable amounts of Abs. In the current study, we used synthetic sulfomodified N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) analogs and short hairpin RNAs for Gal-8 to demonstrate a redundancy in the effects of Gal-1 and Gal-8 on plasma cell formation. Gal-1 and Gal-8 were both expressed during plasma cell differentiation, and both Gals promoted the formation of plasma cells. Gal-1 and Gal-8 bound better to mature B cells than to plasma cells, and the expression of glycosyltransferase enzymes changed during differentiation, with a decrease in mannosyl (α-1,6-)-glycoprotein β-1,6-N-acetyl-glucosaminyltransferase and N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-1 mRNAs in plasma cells. Synthetic sulfomodified Galβ1-3GlcNAc disaccharides (type 1 LacNAcs) selectively prevented Gal-8 binding, leading to a blockade of Ab production in Gal-1–deficient B cells. Furthermore, synthetic type 1 LacNAcs that were able to block the binding of both Gals greatly reduced the effect of exogenously added recombinant Gal-1 and Gal-8 on promoting Ab production. These results reveal a novel role for Gal-8 in collaboration with Gal-1 in plasma cell formation, and suggest the possibility of using distinct LacNAc ligands to modulate the function of Gals.