bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A model for the dynamics of rowing boats
Authors: Formaggia Luca , Miglio Edie , Mola Andrea , Montano Antonio
Published: November 2008

A model of a rowing scull has been developed, comprising the full motion in the symmetry plane and the interaction with the hydrodynamics. A particular emphasis has been given to the energy dissipation due to the secondary movements activated by the motion of the rowers and the intermittent forcing terms. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed procedure. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GLT‐1 upregulation impairs prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex in adult rats
Authors: Bellesi Michele , Melone Marcello , Gubbini Alessandro , Battistacci Silvia , Conti Fiorenzo
Published: November 2008

We tested the hypothesis that glutamate transporter GLT‐1 (also known as EAAT2) plays a role in the regulation of prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle reflex, a simple form of information processing which is reduced in schizophrenia. To do this, we studied PPI in rats treated with ceftriaxone (200 mg/kg/day for 8 days), an antibiotic that selectively enhances GLT‐1 expression and activity. We showed that ceftriaxone‐induced GLT‐1 upregulation is associated with impaired PPI of the startle, that this effect is reversed by dihydrokainate, a GLT‐1 antagonist, that GLT‐1 expression correlates negatively with PPI, and that PPI normalizes when GLT‐1a levels return to baseline. Our data indicate that GLT‐1 regulates PPI of the startle reflex. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microglial expression of αvβ3 and αvβ5 integrins is regulated by cytokines and the extracellular matrix: β5 Integrin null microglia show no defects in adhesion or MMP‐9 expression on vitronectin
Authors: Milner Richard
Published: November 2008

As the primary immune effector cells in the CNS, microglia play a central role in regulating inflammation. The extracellular matrix (ECM) protein vitronectin is a strong inducer of microglial activation, switching microglia from a resting into an activated potentially destructive phenotype. As the activating effect of vitronectin is mediated by αv integrins, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the requirement of the αvβ5 integrin in mediating microglial adhesion and activation to vitronectin, by studying these events in β5 integrin‐null murine microglia. Surprisingly, β5 integrin null microglia were not defective in adhesion to vitronectin. Further analysis showed that microglia express the αvβ3 integrin, in addition to αvβ5. Flow cytometry revealed that microglial αv integrin expression is regulated by cytokines and ECM proteins. αvβ3 integrin expression was downregulated by IFN‐γ, TNF, LPS, and TGF‐β1. αvβ5 expression was also reduced by IFN‐γ, TNF, and LPS, but strongly increased by the antiactivating factors TGF‐β1 and laminin. Gel zymography revealed that β5 integrin null microglia showed no deficiency in their expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 in response to vitronectin. Taken together, these data show that microglia express two different αv integrins, αvβ3 and αvβ5, and that expression of these integrins is independently regulated by cytokines and ECM proteins. Furthermore, it reveals that the αvβ5 integrin is not essential for mediating microglial adhesion and MMP‐9 expression in response to vitronectin. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Collation, assessment and analysis of literaturein vitrodata on hERG receptor blocking potency for subsequent modeling of drugs' cardiotoxic properties
Authors: Polak Sebastian , Wiśniowska Barbara , Brandys Jerzy
Published: November 2008

The assessment of the torsadogenic potency of a new chemical entity is a crucial issue during lead optimization and the drug development process. It is required by the regulatory agencies during the registration process. In recent years, there has been a considerable interest in developingin silicomodels, which allow prediction of drug–hERG channel interaction at the early stage of a drug development process. The main mechanism underlying an acquired QT syndrome and a potentially fatal arrhythmia called torsades de pointes is the inhibition of potassium channel encoded by hERG (the human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene). The concentration producing half‐maximal block of the hERG potassium current (IC50) is a surrogate marker for proarrhythmic properties of compounds and is considered a test for cardiac safety of drugs or drug candidates. The IC50values, obtained from data collected during electrophysiological studies, are highly dependent on experimental conditions (i.e. model, temperature, voltage protocol). For thein silicomodels' quality and performance, the data quality and consistency is a crucial issue. Therefore the main objective of our work was to collect and assess the hERG IC50data available in accessible scientific literature to provide a high‐quality data set for further studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitroinflammatory response of nanostructured titania, silicon oxide, and polycaprolactone
Authors: Ainslie Kristy M. , Tao Sarah L. , Popat Ketul C. , Daniels Hugh , Hardev Veeral , Grimes Craig A. , Desai Tejal A.
Published: November 2008

Nanostructured materials are ubiquitous in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and biosensing applications. Nonetheless, little is known about the inflammatory response of materials differing in surface nanoarchitecture. Here we report human monocyte viability and morphology, in addition to inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1α and B, IL‐6, IL‐10, IFN‐α and γ, TNF‐α, IL‐12, MIP‐1α and β), and reactive oxygen species production on several nanostructured surfaces, compared to flat surfaces of the same material. The surfaces studied were titiania nanotubes, short and long silicon oxide, and polycaprolactone nanowires. The results indicate that inflammation on titanium, polycaprolactone, and silicon oxide materials can be reduced by restructuring the surface with nanoarchitecture. Nanostructured surfaces display a reduced inflammation response compared to a respective flat control, with significant differences between titanium and nanotubular titanium. Little difference is observed in the inflammatory response between short and long nanowires of PCL and silicon oxide. All surfaces are significantly less inflammatory than the positive control, lipopolysaccharide. Additionally, we show that flat titanium is more inflammatory than silicon oxide and polycaprolactone. This study shows that nanoarchitecture can be used to reduce the inflammatory response of human monocytesin vitro. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Sustained release of antibiotics from injectable and thermally responsive polypeptide depots
Authors: Adams Samuel B. , Shamji Mohammed F. , Nettles Dana L. , Hwang Priscilla , Setton Lori A.
Published: November 2008

Biodegradable polymeric scaffolds are of interest for delivering antibiotics to local sites of infection in orthopaedic applications, such as bone and diarthrodial joints. The objective of this study was to develop a biodegradable scaffold with ease of drug loading in aqueous solution, while providing for drug depot delivery via syringe injection. Elastin‐like polypeptides (ELPs) were used for this application, biopolymers of repeating pentapeptide sequences that were thermally triggered to undergo in situ depot formation at body temperature. ELPs were modified to enable loading with the antibiotics, cefazolin, and vancomycin, followed by induction of the phase transition in vitro. Cefazolin and vancomycin concentrations were monitored, as well as bioactivity of the released antibiotics, to test an ability of the ELP depot to provide for prolonged release of bioactive drugs. Further tests of formulation viscosity were conducted to test suitability as an injectable drug carrier. Results demonstrate sustained release of therapeutic concentrations of bioactive antibiotics by the ELP, with first‐order time constants for drug release of ∼25 h for cefazolin and ∼500 h for vancomycin. These findings illustrate that an injectable, in situ forming ELP depot can provide for sustained release of antibiotics with an effect that varies across antibiotic formulation. ELPs have important advantages for drug delivery, as they are known to be biocompatible, biodegradable, and elicit no known immune response. These benefits suggest distinct advantages over currently used carriers for antibiotic drug delivery in orthopedic applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Software news and updates electronegativity equalization method: Parameterization and validation for organic molecules using the Merz‐Kollman‐Singh charge distribution scheme
Authors: Jiroušková Zuzana , Vařeková Radka Svobodová , Vaněk Jakub , Koča Jaroslav
Published: November 2008

The electronegativity equalization method (EEM) was developed by Mortier et al. as a semiempirical method based on the density‐functional theory. After parameterization, in which EEM parameters Ai, Bi, and adjusting factor κ are obtained, this approach can be used for calculation of average electronegativity and charge distribution in a molecule. The aim of this work is to perform the EEM parameterization using the Merz‐Kollman‐Singh (MK) charge distribution scheme obtained from B3LYP/6‐31G* and HF/6‐31G* calculations. To achieve this goal, we selected a set of 380 organic molecules from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) and used the methodology, which was recently successfully applied to EEM parameterization to calculate the HF/STO‐3G Mulliken charges on large sets of molecules. In the case of B3LYP/6‐31G* MK charges, we have improved the EEM parameters for already parameterized elements, specifically C, H, N, O, and F. Moreover, EEM parameters for S, Br, Cl, and Zn, which have not as yet been parameterized for this level of theory and basis set, we also developed. In the case of HF/6‐31G* MK charges, we have developed the EEM parameters for C, H, N, O, S, Br, Cl, F, and Zn that have not been parameterized for this level of theory and basis set so far. The obtained EEM parameters were verified by a previously developed validation procedure and used for the charge calculation on a different set of 116 organic molecules from the CSD. The calculated EEM charges are in a very good agreement with the quantum mechanically obtained ab initio charges. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Prediction of antibacterial compounds by machine learning approaches
Authors: Yang Xue‐Gang , Chen Duan , Wang Min , Xue Ying , Chen Yu‐Zong
Published: November 2008

The machine learning (ML) as well as quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) method has been explored for predicting compounds with antibacterial activities at impressive performance. It is desirable to test additional ML methods, select most representative sets of molecular descriptors, and subject the developed prediction models to rigorous evaluations. This work evaluated three ML methods, support vector classification (SVC), k‐nearest neighbor (k‐NN), and C4.5 decision tree, which were trained and tested by 230 antibacterial and 381 nonantibacterial compounds. A well‐established feature selection method was used to select representative molecular descriptors from a larger pool than that used in reported studies. The performance of the developed prediction models was tested by 5‐fold cross‐validation and independent evaluation set. SVC produced the best prediction accuracies of 96.66 and 98.15% for antibacterial compounds, and 99.50 and 98.02% for nonantibacterial compounds respectively, which are slightly improved against those of the reported ML as well as QSAR models and outperform the k‐NN and C4.5 decision tree models developed in this work. Our study suggests that ML methods, particularly SVC, are potentially useful for facilitating the discovery of antibacterial agents. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2009
Influence of cell volume changes on autophagic proteolysis in the perfused liver of air‐breathing walking catfish (Clarias batrachus)
Authors: Biswas Kuheli , Khongsngi James L. , Häussinger Dieter , Saha Nirmalendu
Published: November 2008

Exposure of perfused liver of walking catfish (Clarias batrachus) to hypotonicity (−80 mOsmol/L) caused swelling of liver cells as evidenced by the increase in liver mass by 11.5%, and inhibition of [3H]leucine release (as a measure of proteolysis) by 37% from the radiolabeled perfused liver. Whereas, exposure of perfused liver to hypertonicity (+80 mOsmol/L) caused shrinkage of liver cells as evidenced by the decrease in liver mass by 10.4%, and stimulation of [3H]leucine release by 24%. Infusion of amino acids such as glutamine plus glycine (2 mM each) also caused increase in liver cell volume as evidenced by the increase in liver mass by 8.9%, and inhibition of [3H]leucine release by 29%. Adjustment of anisotonicity of the media without changing the NaCl concentration in the media had almost similar effects on proteolysis in the perfused liver. A direct correlation of cell volume changes or hydration status of liver cells with that of proteolysis was observed in the perfused liver regardless of whether the cell volume increase/decrease was evoked by anisotonic perfusion media or by the addition of amino acids. Thus, it appears that the increase/decrease in hepatic cell volume could be one of the important modulators for adjusting the autophagic proteolysis in walking catfish probably to avoid the adverse affects of osmotically induced cell volume changes, to preserve the hepatic cell function and for proper energy supply under osmotic stress. This is the first report of cell volume‐sensitive changes of autophagic proteolysis in hepatic cells of any teleosts. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:115–124, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Special quality traits of coloured potato breeding clones: Anthocyanins, soluble phenols and antioxidant capacity
Authors: Wegener Christina B. , Jansen Gisela , Jürgens Hans‐Ulrich , Schütze Wolfgang
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUD: Coloured potato varieties rich in anthocyanins are of increasing interest in breeding to upgrade the nutritional quality of tubers. The objective of this study was to examine purple fleshed breeding clones for anthocyanins, soluble phenols and their antioxidant capacity, and to compare them in this respect with purple and white/yellow fleshed potato cultivars.

RESULTS: Within the coloured potato group, the breeding clones had the highest contents of anthocyanins, with values ranging from 0.94 to 1.75 g kg−1 fresh weight. In cultivars and clones with purple flesh the amounts of soluble phenols were 2.6‐times higher than in white/yellow fleshed potatoes. In addition, coloured clones exhibited 4.4‐fold higher antioxidant activity, which was correlated with phenols and anthocyanins. But there were no major differences between the two potato groups in dry matter, starch, crude protein and reducing sugars.

CONCLUSIONS: The involvement of purple fleshed potatoes in breeding led to increased anthocyanin and phenol contents of the resulting progeny. The high level of bioactive plant phenols coincided with an enhanced antioxidant activity, known for its positive health effects. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
The MAGi RNA extraction method: a highly efficient and simple procedure for fresh and dry plant tissues
Authors: Ince Ayşe Gül , Karaca Mehmet
Published: November 2008

BACKGROUND: Samples from different plant species, different organs or tissues at different times of the year, usually show great differences in their cell compositions, pH, and the endogenous RNase activities, decreasing the RNA yield and quality.

RESULTS: In this study we describe a reagent and a simple total RNA isolation method for plant organs, tissues and dry seeds. The RNA extraction reagent (MAGi) is non‐toxic and can be stored at room temperature for several months to years. The principle of the total RNA extraction is that tissues are lysed in extraction solution with the aid of mortar homogenization–maceration, and cellular proteins, polysaccharides and DNA are removed from the RNA. We tested the reported method on more than 16 different types of plant seed and 15 different tissues and organs of pepper.

CONCLUSION: The RNA extraction procedure reported in the present study greatly reduces the time required to isolate dry seed total RNA and other tissues by more than half as compared with the previously reported methods. The range of typical RNA yield and quality represents a significant improvement over existing protocols. The quality is high enough to be considered as suitable method for RT‐PCR, cDNA library construction and microarray gene expression studies. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Macromol. Mater. Eng. 11/2008
Authors: De Debasish , Gaymans Reinoud J.
Published: November 2008

Cover: The cover picture shows nanometer‐sized curved crystalline ribbons of polyurethanes with 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) (MDI) units, as were observed by atomic force microscopy phase‐angle analysis (1 µm × 1 µm). The polymer chains run perpendicular to the ribbon length. Further details can be found in the article by D. De and R. J. Gaymans* on page 887.
Efficient simulation of multi‐body contact problems on complex geometries: A flexible decomposition approach using constrained minimization
Authors: Dickopf Thomas , Krause Rolf
Published: November 2008

We consider the numerical simulation of non‐linear multi‐body contact problems in elasticity on complex three‐dimensional geometries. In the case of warped contact boundaries and non‐matching finite element meshes, particular emphasis has to be put on the discretization of the transmission of forces and the non‐penetration conditions at the contact interface. We enforce the discrete contact constraints by means of a non‐conforming domain decomposition method, which allows for optimal error estimates. Here, we develop an efficient method to assemble the discrete coupling operator by computing the triangulated intersection of opposite element faces in a locally adjusted projection plane but carrying out the required quadrature on the faces directly. Our new element‐based algorithm does not use any boundary parameterizations and is also suitable for isoparametric elements. The emerging non‐linear system is solved by a monotone multigrid method of optimal complexity. Several numerical examples in 3D illustrate the effectiveness of our approach. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adult neural stem cells and their role in brain pathology
Authors: Yadirgi G , Marino S
Published: November 2008

Stem cells are multipotent cells that can give rise to a differentiated progeny as well as self‐renew. The balanced coordination of these two stem cell fates is essential for embryonic development and tissue homeostasis in the adult. Perturbed stem cell function contributes significantly to a variety of pathological conditions, eg impaired self‐renewal capacity due to cellular senescence contributes to ageing, and degenerative diseases or impaired stem cell differentiation by oncogenic mutations contribute to cancer formation. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms involved in regulating the normal function of neural stem cells in the adult mammalian brain and on the involvement of these cells in brain pathology. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining the predictive value of Read/OXMIS codes to identify incident acute myocardial infarction in the General Practice Research Database
Authors: Hammad Tarek A. , McAdams Mara A. , Feight Andrea , Iyasu Solomon , Dal Pan Gerald J.
Published: November 2008

Purpose

To determine (1) the positive predictive value (PPV) of multiple Read/OXMIS codes to identify incident acute myocardial infarction (AMI) cases in General Practice Research Database (GPRD); (2) the ability to capture the correct timing of the clinical event.

Methods

A random sample of 238 records (from 155 general practitioner (GP) practices) with AMI codes, between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2004, was selected from GPRD. Questionnaires were sent to the GPs to verify the diagnosis and timing of code‐identified incident AMI events and collect supporting information. We calculated the PPV of the AMI codes as the proportion of code‐identified AMIs that the GPs confirmed as AMI cases. Two physicians from Food and Drug administration (FDA), blinded to the GP response, reviewed the supporting hospital records returned by GPs for 98 AMI cases.

Results

A total of 217 questionnaires were completed (91% response rate). The PPV of the AMI codes was 93% (201/217). Thirty one (15%) cases had a different event date than the one recorded in the electronic medical records (EMR); 28 (90%) of the dates were within 15 days. One GP indicated that a patient had a previous AMI, 110 days before the codes that captured the AMI diagnosis. A total of 159 (79%) AMI cases were hospitalized; hospital records were provided for 98 patients. Physician review of the hospital records found that 96% of these records had enough information for classification, but not independent diagnosis, of AMI.

Conclusions

Information in GPRD is sufficient to identify incident AMI cases and determine the event date with reasonable accuracy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parental styles, gender and the development of hope and self‐esteem
Authors: Heaven Patrick , Ciarrochi Joseph
Published: November 2008

We examined the developmental trajectory of trait hope and self‐esteem over 4 years and the impact of gender and perceived parental styles on these trajectories. Participants were 884 high school students. There was a general decline in hope and self‐esteem over time, with females declining more rapidly than males. Girls had higher hope than boys in Grade 7, but lower hope by Grade 10. Perceived parental authoritativeness at Time 1 was related to high hope across the 4 years, whilst perceived parental authoritarianism was related to low self‐esteem. We discuss the importance of perceived parental styles for adolescent well being, as well as possible explanations for changes in hope and self‐esteem. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactivity of C4‐indolyl substituted 1,4‐dihydropyridines toward superoxide anion (O2•) in dimethylsulfoxide
Authors: Salazar Ricardo , Navarrete‐Encina P. A. , Squella J. A. , Camargo C. , Núñez‐Vergara Luis J.
Published: November 2008

Reactivity of two new C4‐indolyl substituted 1,4‐dihydropyridines (1,4‐DHPs) toward superoxide anion (O2•) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) is reported. Reactivity was followed by electrochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to identify the final products of the reaction. C4 indolyl‐substituted‐1,4‐DHPs reacted toward O2•at significant rates, according to the calculated kinetic rate constants. Results are compared with 4‐phenyl‐DHP and the commercial 1,4‐DHPs, nimodipine, nisoldipine, and amlodipine. Indolyl‐substituted 1,4‐DHPs were more reactive than the commercial derivatives. The direct participation of proton of the 1‐position of the secondary amine in the quenching of O2•was demonstrated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Erratum: Combining p‐values in large‐scale genomics experiments. DOI: 10.1002/pst.304. Pharmaceut. Statist. 2007; 6: 217–226
Authors: Zaykin Dmitri , Zhivotovsky Lev , Czika Wendy , Shao Susan , Wolfinger Russell
Published: November 2008

In this article, Śidák values in Table 1 and Figure 2 were reported incorrectly. In Table 1, the first column of the results (Śidák) should read as 0.738, 0.335, 0.529, 0.178, 0.327, 0.138, 0.203, 0.290. Consequently, the value in bold should be 0.879, under ‘RTP (10)’. In Figure 2, the first point (at K=1, which corresponds to Śidák) in both graphs is incorrect: power at K=1 in graph (a) should be at 0.199; expected–log(p‐value) at K=1 in graph (b) should be at 1.949.

The only affected sentence in the manuscript text is in Appendix 2: ‘Interestingly, there is no monotonicity in going from K=1 (Śidák correction) to K=2,3, etc.’ (there is in fact monotonicity).

Incorrect values do not affect any other discussion or conclusions of the paper.
Optimization of automated gas sample collection and isotope ratio mass spectrometric analysis of δ13C of CO2 in air
Authors: Zeeman Matthias J. , Werner Roland A. , Eugster Werner , Siegwolf Rolf T. W. , Wehrle Günther , Mohn Joachim , Buchmann Nina
Published: November 2008

The application of 13C/12C in ecosystem‐scale tracer models for CO2 in air requires accurate measurements of the mixing ratios and stable isotope ratios of CO2. To increase measurement reliability and data intercomparability, as well as to shorten analysis times, we have improved an existing field sampling setup with portable air sampling units and developed a laboratory setup for the analysis of the δ13C of CO2 in air by isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). The changes consist of (a) optimization of sample and standard gas flow paths, (b) additional software configuration, and (c) automation of liquid nitrogen refilling for the cryogenic trap. We achieved a precision better than 0.1‰ and an accuracy of 0.11 ± 0.04‰ for the measurement of δ13C of CO2 in air and unattended operation of measurement sequences up to 12 h. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface analysis on discharged MnO2 cathode using XPS and SIMS techniques
Authors: Minakshi Manickam , Thurgate Stephen
Published: November 2008

Manganese dioxide (MnO2) appears to be an effective cathode material for a battery system. No studies on lithium insertion in aqueous media are known to the best of our knowledge. However, in one of our previous papers we reported that lithium could be intercalated into a MnO2 host compound using an aqueous LiOH electrolyte; however simple chemistry suggests that it should not. It is found that a battery with LiOH electrolyte functions quite differently from the cell that uses Li2SO4. This paper describes the surface modifications that accompany the electrochemical behavior of MnO2 during redox (discharge) processes in the lithium hydroxide and sulfate media. XPS and SIMS techniques were used to study the resultant surface of the MnO2 cathode and the spectra reveal that the formation of an insoluble layer of Li2CO3 precedes the process of reduction. SEM was used to study the microstructure of the MnO2 cathode. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The biochemistry, metabolism and inherited defects of the pentose phosphate pathway: A review
Authors: Wamelink M. M. C. , Struys E. A. , Jakobs C.
Published: November 2008

The recent discovery of two defects (ribose‐5‐phosphate isomerase deficiency and transaldolase deficiency) in the reversible part of the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) has stimulated interest in this pathway. In this review we describe the functions of the PPP, its relation to other pathways of carbohydrate metabolism and an overview of the metabolic defects in the reversible part of the PPP.
Defining a Family of Cognitive Diagnosis Models Using Log-Linear Models with Latent Variables
Authors: Henson Robert A. , Templin Jonathan L. , Willse John T.
Published: November 2008

This paper uses log-linear models with latent variables (Hagenaars, in Loglinear Models with Latent Variables, 1993) to define a family of cognitive diagnosis models. In doing so, the relationship between many common models is explicitly defined and discussed. In addition, because the log-linear model with latent variables is a general model for cognitive diagnosis, new alternatives to modeling the functional relationship between attribute mastery and the probability of a correct response are discussed.
X‐ray structure of the metal‐sensor CnrX in both the apo‐ and copper‐bound forms
Authors: Pompidor Guillaume , Maillard Antoine P. , Girard Eric , Gambarelli Serge , Kahn Richard , Covès Jacques
Published: November 2008

Both the X‐ray structures of the apo‐ and the copper‐bound forms of the metal‐sensor domain (residues 31–148) of CnrX from Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 were obtained at 1.74 Å resolution from a selenomethionine derivative. This four‐helix hooked‐hairpin is the first structure of a metal‐sensor in an ECF‐type signaling pathway. The copper ion is bound in a type 2‐like center with a 3N1O coordination in the equatorial plane and shows an unprecedented remote fifth axial ligand with Met93 contributing a weak S–Cu bond. The signal onset cannot be explained by conformational changes associated with CnrX metallation.
First documentation of the Ordovician Guttenberg δ13C excursion (GICE) in Asia: chemostratigraphy of the Pagoda and Yanwashan formations in southeastern China
Authors: BERGSTRÖM STIG M. , XU CHEN , SCHMITZ BIRGER , YOUNG SETH , JIA-YU RONG , SALTZMAN MATTHEW R.
Published: November 2008

The only published δ13C data from the Ordovician of China are from the Lower and Upper Ordovician, and only the latter records include a significant excursion, namely the Hirnantian excursion (HICE). Our recent chemostratigraphic work on the Upper Ordovician (Sandbian–Katian) Pagoda and Yanwashan formations at several localities on the Yangtze Platform and Chiangnan (Jiangnan) slope belt has resulted in the recognition of a positive δ13C excursion that has values of ~+1.5‰ above baseline values. This excursion starts a few metres above a stratigraphic interval withB. alobatusSubzone conodonts as well as graptolites of theN. gracilisZone. The distinctive conodontsAmorphognathusaff.Am. ventilatusandHamarodus europaeusfirst occur at, or very near, the excursion interval. Because these conodonts appear in the stratigraphic interval of the Guttenberg δ13C excursion (GICE) in Estonia, we identify the Chinese excursion as the GICE. This is the first record of the GICE in the entire Asian continent. It confirms that GICE is a global excursion and provides an illustration of how δ13C chemostratigraphy, combined with new biostratigraphic data, solves the problem of the previously controversial age of the Pagoda Formation and how this classical stratigraphic unit correlates with the Baltoscandian and North American successions.
GALTON’S LEGACY TO RESEARCH ON INTELLIGENCE
Authors: JENSEN ARTHUR R.
Published: November 2008

In the 1999 Galton Lecture for the annual conference of The Galton Institute, the author summarizes the main elements of Galton’s ideas about human mental ability and the research paradigm they generated, including the concept of ‘general’ mental ability, its hereditary component, its physical basis, racial differences, and methods for measuring individual differences in general ability. Although the conclusions Galton drew from his empirical studies were seldom compelling for lack of the needed technology and methods of statistical inference in his day, contemporary research has generally borne out most of Galton’s original and largely intuitive ideas, which still inspire mainstream scientific research on intelligence.
WOMEN’S SOCIAL POWER, CHILD NUTRITION AND POVERTY IN MALI
Authors: SIMON DOMINIQUE , ADAMS ALAYNE M. , MADHAVAN SANGEETHA
Published: November 2008

While the macro-level association between poverty and child malnutrition is well-established, the concept of ‘poverty’ and its operationalization in terms of measures of socioeconomic status shed little or no light on the mechanisms through which malnutrition is created and/or prevented. This paper investigates a woman’s social power, one such mechanism that may mediate the impact of poverty on childhood nutrition. This micro-level factor is examined using survey data on 402 children 5 years of age and younger and their 261 Fulbe mothers in rural Mali. A conceptual model of social power is developed and used to test the hypothesis that a mother’s social power can predict her child’s nutritional status.
REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH KNOWLEDGE AND USE OF SERVICES AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN DAKAR, SENEGAL
Authors: KATZ KAREN , NARÉ CHRISTINE
Published: November 2008

A study was conducted in Dakar, Senegal, to measure reproductive health knowledge and contraceptive use among young adults, and access to family planning services. A household survey was conducted with 1973 single and married women aged 15–24 and 936 single men aged 15–19. Two focus groups and a simulated client study were also conducted. The survey and focus groups noted gaps in knowledge of family planning methods and reproductive health. There were misconceptions about methods and only one-third of men and women aged 15–19 correctly identified the time of the menstrual cycle when a women is most likely to get pregnant. Contraceptive use at time of first premarital sexual experience was less than 30%. The simulated client study noted many barriers to services. ‘Clients’ felt uncomfortable in the clinics and felt that providers were reluctant to take care of them. None of the ‘clients’ who requested contraception received it.
NEUROECONOMICS AND THE ECONOMIC SCIENCES
Authors: McCabe Kevin A.
Published: November 2008

Neuroeconomics is the newest of the economic sciences with a focus on how the embodied human brain interacts with its institutional and social environment to make economic decisions. This paper presents an overview of neuroeconomics methods and reviews a number of results in this emerging field of study.
THE POTENTIAL OF NEUROECONOMICS
Authors: Camerer Colin F.
Published: November 2008

The goal of neuroeconomics is a mathematical theory of how the brain implements decisions, that is tied to behaviour. This theory is likely to show some decisions for which rational-choice theory is a good approximation (particularly for evolutionarily sculpted or highly learned choices), to provide a deeper level of distinction among competing behavioural alternatives, and to provide empirical inspiration for economics to incorporate more nuanced ideas about endogeneity of preferences, individual difference, emotions, endogeneous regulation of states, and so forth. I also address some concerns about rhetoric and practical epistemology. Neuroscience articles are necessarily speculative and the science has proceeded rapidly because of that rhetorical convention. Single-study papers are encouraged and are necessarily limited in what can be inferred, so the sturdiest cumulation of results, and the best guide forward, comes in review journals which compile results and suggest themes. The potential of neuroeconomics is in combining the clearest experimental paradigms and statistical methods in economics, with the unprecedented capacity to measure a range of neural and cognitive activity that economists like Edgeworth, Fisher and Ramsey daydreamed about but did not have.
FROM COGNITIVE SCIENCE TO COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE TO NEUROECONOMICS
Authors: Quartz Steven R.
Published: November 2008

As an emerging discipline, neuroeconomics faces considerable methodological and practical challenges. In this paper, I suggest that these challenges can be understood by exploring the similarities and dissimilarities between the emergence of neuroeconomics and the emergence of cognitive and computational neuroscience two decades ago. From these parallels, I suggest the major challenge facing theory formation in the neural and behavioural sciences is that of being under-constrained by data, making a detailed understanding of physical implementation necessary for theory construction in neuroeconomics. Rather than following a top-down strategy, neuroeconomists should be pragmatic in the use of available data from animal models, information regarding neural pathways and projections, computational models of neural function, functional imaging and behavioural data. By providing convergent evidence across multiple levels of organization, neuroeconomics will have its most promising prospects of success.
TWO STYLES OF NEUROECONOMICS
Authors: Ross Don
Published: November 2008

I distinguish between two styles of research that are both called “neuroeconomics”.Neurocellular economics(NE) uses the modelling techniques and mathematics of economics – constrained maximization and equilibrium analysis – to model relatively encapsulated functional parts of brains. This approach rests upon the fact that brains are, like markets, massively distributed information-processing networks over which executive systems can exert only limited and imperfect governance. Harrison's (2008) deepest criticisms of neuroeconomics do not apply to NE. However, the more famous style of neuroeconomics isbehavioural economics in the scanner. This is often motivated by complaints about conventional economics frequently heard from behavioural economists. It attempts to use neuroimaging data to justify arguments for replacing standard aspects of microeconomic theory by facts and conjectures about human psychology. Harrison's grounds for unease about neuroeconomics apply to most BES, or at least to its explicit methodology. This methodology is naively reductionist and illegitimately assumes that economics should not do what all successful science does, namely, model abstract aspects of its target phenomena instead of would-be complete and fully ecologically situated facsimiles of them.
AGAINST SIMPLICITY AND COGNITIVE INDIVIDUALISM
Authors: Wilcox Nathaniel T.
Published: November 2008

Neuroeconomics illustrates our deepening descent into the details of individual cognition. This descent is guided by the implicit assumption that “individual human” is the important “agent” of neoclassical economics. I argue here that this assumption is neither obviously correct, nor of primary importance to human economies. In particular I suggest that the main genius of the human species lies with its ability to distribute cognition across individuals, and to incrementally accumulate physical and social cognitive artifacts that largely obviate the innate biological limitations of individuals. If this is largely why our economies grow, then we should be much more interested in distributed cognition in human groups, and correspondingly less interested in individual cognition. We should also be much more interested in the cultural accumulation of cognitive artefacts: computational devices and media, social structures and economic institutions.
NEUROECONOMICS: A REJOINDER
Authors: Harrison Glenn W.
Published: November 2008

Nobody in this debate questions the point that neuroeconomics remains full of potential, and little else as yet. If so, that really is progress of sorts. I was getting afraid that we would have to open nominations for theCaptain Ahab Awardfor obsessive work on the promotion of neuroeconomics.
Coercion, voluntary compliance and protest: the role of trust and legitimacy in combating local opposition to protected areas
Authors: STERN MARC J.
Published: November 2008

Protected areas (PAs) have long struggled to successfully enforce compliance with their regulations. Even some of the best-funded PAs in the world face shortcomings in using enforcement as an effective deterrent to PA opposition. This suggests that traditional enforcement on its own may be insufficient for effective resource protection. Research was undertaken to understand why some would-be offenders refrain from harmful actions toward neighbouring national parks while others do not. Perceptions of the trustworthiness of PA managers were the most consistent predictors of exercised restraint on behalf of those living within the immediate vicinities of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Virgin Islands National Park and Podocarpus National Park. These trust assessments were most commonly based upon respondents' perceptions of positive personal interactions between PA managers and the public, of PA managers' receptiveness to local input, of the benefits and disadvantages associated with PA presence, and of PA officials' effective performance of their duties and equitable treatment of different groups. The study reveals trust and legitimacy as key factors related to voluntary compliance in situations where general agreement with PA regulations does not necessarily exist and provides insight into how trust and legitimacy can be developed or eroded.
The impact of hunting with dogs on wildlife harvests in the Bosawas Reserve, Nicaragua
Authors: KOSTER JEREMY
Published: November 2008

Although they are used throughout the Neotropics, the impact of dogs on the composition of wildlife harvests has received little systematic attention. In the Bosawas Biosphere Reserve of Nicaragua, indigenous hunters rely heavily on dogs to locate prey. Hunting harvest data over a year-long period in two indigenous Mayangna and Miskito communities indicate that the use of hunting dogs is significantly associated with the harvests of several terrestrial mammalian species. The use of dogs is also a significant predictor of the extent to which the species composition of harvests deviates from Neotropical averages. Although dogs appear to have little effect on the sex profiles of harvested game species, the use of dogs is significantly associated with hunting in agricultural landscapes. From a conservation perspective, the disadvantages of dogs include their indiscriminate pursuit of prey species, including species that hunters would not otherwise pursue. Advantages of dogs include their relative ineffectiveness in pursuits of species that are particularly vulnerable to overhunting, such as primates and white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari). Hunting dogs may be an economical option for many Neotropical societies, and their role in wildlife management plans merits increased attention from conservationists.
A sociotonetic analysis of Sui dialect contact
Authors: Stanford James N.
Published: November 2008

Sui clan exogamy can serve as a laboratory for investigation of dialect contact and immigration. The Sui people, an indigenous minority of southwest China, have marriage customs requiring that a wife and husband have different clan origins, and the wife permanently immigrates to the husband's village at the time of marriage. Due to subtle interclan dialect variation, a married woman may have different dialect features than her husband and other local villagers. This study presents an acoustic analysis of such clan-level variation in lexical tone, asociotoneticanalysis. Results show that the immigrant women maintain the tone variants of their home clan dialects to a high degree despite spending a decade or more in the husband's village, thus illustrating a case where linguistic identity is maintained in the face of close, long-term contact.
Stereotypes, variation and change: Understanding the change of coronal sonorants in a rural variety of Modern Greek
Authors: Pappas Panayiotis A.
Published: November 2008

The results of a study of the variation between the palatal and alveolar pronunciation of the coronal sonorants /l/ and /n/ in a rural Greek community are presented. The study integrates the methodologies of both large surveys and ethnographic studies and shows that there is change in progress as younger speakers adopt the alveolar pronunciation through contact with urban varieties. The results of the statistical analysis indicate that the variation is determined by factors such as gender, education, attitude toward the local community, and awareness of the variation. The responses given in the interviews reveal that the palatal pronunciation is stigmatized asvlachika, a term that connotes rural rather than urban, uneducated rather than educated, and naive rather than sophisticated attributes. This information coupled with a closer look at the behavior of particular individuals helps elucidate aspects of the pattern of variation that at first appear to be counterintuitive.
Migration and Selection
Authors: Emmer Pieter
Published: November 2008

Over the past forty years our ideas about migration have changed dramatically. In fact, I know of hardly any other aspect of our daily lives that has seen such a complete reversal of appreciation. Until the 1970s, immigration was something to be proud of. Over the past few decades though, we seem to have forgotten that it is far better to live in a country that people are queuing to enter rather than one that they are desperate to leave. In fact, the modern migrant and the present-day smoker have something in common: both have become outcasts almost overnight. In the Netherlands, we even have coined a new term in order to express our dislike of the modern migrant: ‘fortune seeker’. That word seems somehow to make him or her different from, and less desirable than, the classic migrant of the past centuries.
Language and Music: What do they have in Common and how do they Differ? A Neuroscientific Approach
Authors: Johansson Barbro B.
Published: November 2008

The concept of two largely independent systems, with strict left hemisphere lateralization of language and predominantly right lateralization of music is being challenged by the alternative view that language and music are closely related cognitive and neural systems with complex constellations of sub-processes, some of which are shared, and others that are not. Neurophysiologic data demonstrating similar syntax and semantics processing together with similarities in the development of the two domains in the infant brain support that language and music have much in common and complement each other. Close interaction between the two hemispheres is needed for optimal functioning of both language and music. Thus, the right hemisphere has an important role for understanding complex natural language such as stories and metaphors. Learning to read, write and musical training induces functional and anatomical changes in functionally relevant connections, and modifies hemispheric asymmetries for specific functions. Comparative research on music and language provides a way to study basic brain mechanisms and how the brain transfers acoustic stimuli into the unique human abilities for language and music, and may help bridge the divide between the sciences and the humanities.
Language, Perception and Action. How Words are Grounded in the Brain
Authors: Jeannerod Marc
Published: November 2008

Language processing is grounded in brain function. Words of different semantic categories are processed in different cortical areas. Several examples of this distributed processing are given: colour words are processed in visual areas, whereas action words are processed in motor areas. The processing of action words in described in more details. A pathological condition, Parkinson’s disease, is used as an illustration of a motor impairment that selectively affects the comprehension of action words. This comprehension impairment is attributed to a difficulty in accessing the procedural knowledge carried by this specific class of words.
Tolerance and Pluralism. Civic Components of Polish Pendulum Migrants’ Identity in Belgium
Authors: Niedźwiedzki Dariusz
Published: November 2008

This paper focuses on the reconstruction of social identity in which Polish pendulum migrants to Belgium engage, and pays specific attention to the civic components of this process. Social identity is here understood as an interactional, changing, and contextual phenomenon. Migration means being in a world in which neighbouring families and surrounding actors represent completely different cultures with different customs, traditions and lifestyles. The reconstruction of identity is an essential condition for adaptation and assimilation in the new place of settlement. This process of identity reconstruction, based on changes in stereotypes, is linked with the acceptance of pluralism as an important feature of the socio-cultural reality. The acceptance of a pluralist world brings migrants to a wider tolerance of diversity. This paper examines different circumstances of the processes mentioned in concrete empirical reality.