bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predictors of Body Appearance Cognitive Distraction During Sexual Activity in Men and Women
Authors: Pascoal Patrícia , Narciso Isabel , Pereira Nuno Monteiro 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Cognitive distraction is a core concept in cognitive models of sexual dysfunction. Body appearance cognitive distraction during sexual activity (BACDSA) has been mainly studied among female college samples. However, the relative contribution of different indicators of body dissatisfaction among men and women from community samples, including the contribution of relationship variables to BACDSA, has yet to be examined.

Aim
The aim of this study was to examine the extent to which aspects of body dissatisfaction and relationship variables predict BACDSA.

Methods
A total of 669 cohabitating, heterosexual, Portuguese participants (390 women and 279 men) with no sexual problems completed an anonymous online survey. The survey included a sociodemographic questionnaire and a set of questionnaires assessing body- and relationship-related variables.

Main Outcome Measures
We used a single item measure of the participant’s satisfaction with the opinion that they perceive their partner has about the participant’s body (PPO); the Global Body Dissatisfaction Subscale of the Body Attitudes Test (GBD); a version of the Contour Drawing Rating Scale; the Global Measure of Relationship Satisfaction; and the Inclusion of Other in Self Scale. Focus on specific body parts during sexual activity (FBP) and relationship length were assessed with an open-ended question.

Results
Hierarchical multiple regression indicated that GBD and FBP were the only body dissatisfaction variables that significantly predicted BACDSA in both men and women. The relationship variables significantly increased the amount of variance explained in BACDSA for both men and women. However, PPO was the only significant relationship variable that predicted BACDSA and only in women.

Conclusions
Body and relationship variables are significant factors in body appearance cognitive distraction. They require further research and assessment, particularly for clinical intervention.
Effect of Allopurinol on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Agarwal Vikram , Hans Nidhi , Messerli Franz H. 
Published: August 2012

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2013; 15:435–442 ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Allopurinol is a potent xanthine oxidase inhibitor that is used in hyperuricemic patients to prevent gout. It has also been shown to decrease cardiovascular complications in a myriad of cardiovascular conditions. However, studies have reported conflicting evidence on its effects on blood pressure (BP). A systematic review was conducted using Medline, PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for all the longitudinal studies that assessed the efficacy of allopurinol on systolic and diastolic BP. A total of 10 clinical studies with 738 participants were included in the analysis. Compared with the control group, systolic BP decreased by 3.3 mm Hg (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–5.3 mm Hg; P=.001) and diastolic BP decreased by 1.3 mm Hg (95% CI, 0.1–2.5 mm Hg; P=.03) in patients treated with allopurinol. When analysis was restricted to the higher‐quality randomized controlled trials, similar changes in systolic and diastolic BPs were found: 3.3 mm Hg (95% CI, 0.8–5.8 mm Hg; P<.001) and 1.4 mm Hg (95% CI, 0.1–2.7 mm Hg; P=.04), respectively. Allopurinol is associated with a small but significant reduction in BP. This effect can be potentially exploited to aid in controlling BP in hypertensive patients with hyperuricemia.
Cross‐Language Identification of Spanish Consonants in English
Authors: Rose Marda 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPrevious research has shown that first language (L1) American English speakers discriminate the Spanish /ɾ/‐/r/ and /ɾ/‐/t/ contrasts significantly better than the /ɾ/‐/d/ contrast, regardless of their proficiency level in Spanish (Rose, 2010a). Therefore, the current study follows the framework of the Perceptual Assimilation Model (e.g., Best, 1995) and its application to the L2 context (PAM‐L2; Best & Tyler, 2007) to ascertain why L1 English speakers discriminate certain L2 Spanish contrasts before others. Thirteen L1 English speakers with little (n = 6) or no Spanish experience (n = 7) completed a cross‐language mapping task. Results indicate that native English speakers experience difficulty discriminating the /ɾ/‐/d/ contrast because they categorize the Spanish /ɾ/ and /d/ to similar phonemic categories in English. Results further suggest that both L2 Spanish experience and lexical context affect how L2 consonants are categorized in an L1.
Is Thinking Aloud Reactive When Writing in the Heritage Language?
Authors: Yanguas Iñigo , Lado Beatriz 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCritics argue that requiring subjects to verbalize their thoughts while completing certain language tasks increases the participants’ cognitive load and impairs their final performance (e.g., Jourdenais, 2001). Despite the importance of this claim for language instructors, few studies have produced contradicting evidence after an empirical study (e.g., Goo, 2010).This study investigates whether thinking aloud in either English or Spanish hindered performance during a semi‐guided writing task completed by 37 college students whose heritage language (HL) is Spanish. This study also explores the validity of implementing think‐alouds to investigate HL writing, an area which requires more research. Results indicate that thinking aloud while writing in the HL benefits fluency and accuracy. These results support studies that found positive reactivity and those concluding that concurrent verbalizations should be employed with caution.
What H.M. Taught Us
Authors: Eichenbaum Howard 
Published: August 2012

AbstractStudies on H.M. generated five main findings: that memory is a distinct psychological function, that amnesia spares short-term and working memory, that amnesia is an impairment of declarative and episodic memory, that the hippocampus is a core brain structure supporting memory, and that the hippocampus supports the permanent consolidation of memories. Each of these basic findings has recently been challenged, but a consideration of these studies suggests the new observations serve to support the original findings on H.M. and improve our understanding of the memory functions of the hippocampal system.
Genetic polymorphisms associated with anti-malarial antibody levels in a low and unstable malaria transmission area in southern Sri Lanka
Authors: Dewasurendra Rajika L , Suriyaphol Prapat , Fernando Sumadhya D , Carter Richard , Rockett Kirk , Corran Patrick , Kwiatkowski Dominic , Karunaweera Nadira D ,   in collaboration with the 7 MalariaGEN Consortium
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
The incidence of malaria in Sri Lanka has significantly declined in recent years. Similar trends were seen in Kataragama, a known malaria endemic location within the southern province of the country, over the past five years. This is a descriptive study of anti-malarial antibody levels and selected host genetic mutations in residents of Kataragama, under low malaria transmission conditions.

Methods
Sera were collected from 1,011 individuals residing in Kataragama and anti-malarial antibodies and total IgE levels were measured by a standardized ELISA technique. Host DNA was extracted and used for genotyping of selected SNPs in known genes associated with malaria. The antibody levels were analysed in relation to the past history of malaria (during past 10 years), age, sex, the location of residence within Kataragama and selected host genetic markers.

Results
A significant increase in antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum antigens AMA1, MSP2, NANP and Plasmodium vivax antigen MSP1 in individuals with past history of malaria were observed when compared to those who did not. A marked increase of anti-MSP1(Pf) and anti-AMA1(Pv) was also evident in individuals between 45–59 years (when compared to other age groups). Allele frequencies for two SNPs in genes that code for IL-13 and TRIM-5 were found to be significantly different between those who have experienced one or more malaria attacks within past 10 years and those who did not. When antibody levels were classified into a low-high binary trait, significant associations were found with four SNPs for anti-AMA1(Pf); two SNPs for anti-MSP1(Pf); eight SNPs for anti-NANP(Pf); three SNPs for anti-AMA1(Pv); seven SNPs for anti-MSP1(Pv); and nine SNPs for total IgE. Eleven of these SNPs with significant associations with anti-malarial antibody levels were found to be non–synonymous.

Conclusions
Evidence is suggestive of an age–acquired immunity in this study population in spite of low malaria transmission levels. Several SNPs were in linkage disequilibrium and had a significant association with elevated antibody levels, suggesting that these host genetic mutations might have an individual or collective effect on inducing or/and maintaining high anti–malarial antibody levels.
Development of an interactive model for planning the care workforce for Alberta: case study
Authors: Bloom Judy , Duckett Stephen , Robertson Andrea 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Introduction
In common with other jurisdictions, Alberta faces challenges in ensuring a balance in health worker supply and demand. As the provider organization with province-wide responsibility, Alberta Health Services needed to develop a forecasting tool to inform its position on key workforce parameters, in the first instance focused on modeling the situation for Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and health care aides. This case study describes the development of the model, highlighting the choices involved in model development.

Case description
A workforce planning model was developed to test the effect of different assumptions (for instance about vacancy rates or retirement) and different policy choices (for example about the size of intakes into universities and colleges, different composition of the workforce). This case study describes the choices involved in designing the model. The workforce planning model was used as part of a consultation process and to develop six scenarios (based on different policy choices).

Discussion and evaluation
The model outputs highlighted the problems with continuation of current workforce strategies and the impact of key policy choices on workforce parameters.

Conclusions
Models which allow for transparency of the underlying assumptions, and the ability to assess the sensitivity of assumptions and the impact of policy choices are required for effective workforce planning.
Chemoattraction of macrophages by secretory molecules derived from cells expressing the signal peptide of eosinophil cationic protein
Authors: Liu Yu-Shu , Tsai Pei-Wen , Wang Yong , Fan Tan-chi , Hsieh Chia-Hung , Chang Margaret Dah-Tsyr , Pai Tun-Wen , Huang Chien-Fu , Lan Chung-Yu , Chang Hao-Teng 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundEosinophil cationic protein is a clinical asthma biomarker that would be released into blood, especially gathered in bronchia. The signal peptide of eosinophil cationic protein (ECPsp) plays an important role in translocating ECP to the extracellular space. We previously reported that ECPsp inhibits microbial growth and regulates the expression of mammalian genes encoding tumor growth factor-α (TGF-α) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).ResultsIn the present study, we first generated a DNA microarray dataset, which showed that ECPsp upregulated proinflammatory molecules, including chemokines, interferon-induced molecules, and Toll-like receptors. The levels of mRNAs encoding CCL5, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL16, STAT1, and STAT2 were increased in the presence of ECPsp by 2.07-, 4.21-, 7.52-, 2.6-, 3.58-, and 1.67-fold, respectively. We then constructed a functional linkage network by integrating the microarray dataset with the pathway database of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Follow-up analysis revealed that STAT1 and STAT2, important transcriptional factors that regulate cytokine expression and release, served as hubs to connect the pathways of cytokine stimulation (TGF-α and EGFR pathways) and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, integrating TGF-α and EGFR with the functional linkage network indicated that STAT1 and STAT2 served as hubs that connect two functional clusters, including (1) cell proliferation and survival, and (2) inflammation. Finally, we found that conditioned medium in which cells that express ECPsp had been cultured could chemoattract macrophages. Experimentally, we also demonstrated that the migration of macrophage could be inhibited by the individual treatment of siRNAs of STAT1 or STAT2. Therefore, we hypothesize that ECPsp may function as a regulator for enhancing the migration of macrophages through the upregualtion of the transcriptional factors STAT1 and STAT2.ConclusionThe increased expression and release of various cytokines triggered by ECPsp may attract macrophages to bronchia to purge damaged cells. Our approach, involving experimental and computational systems biology, predicts pathways and potential biological functions for further characterization of this novel function of ECPsp under inflammatory conditions.
Phenomics of rice early vigour and drought response: Are sugar related and morphogenetic traits relevant?
Authors: Rebolledo Maria-Camila , Dingkuhn Michael , Clément-Vidal Anne , Rouan Lauriane , Luquet Delphine 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Early vigour (biomass accumulation) is a useful but complex trait in rainfed rice (Oryza sativa L). Little is known on trade-offs with drought tolerance. This study explored the relevance of (sugar) metabolic and morphogenetic traits to describe the genetic diversity of rice early vigour and its phenotypic plasticity under drought conditions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to characterize on a panel of 43 rice genotypes plant morphogenesis and sugar concentration in expanded (source) and expanding (sink) leaves.

Results
Across genotypes in control treatment, leaf starch concentration was negatively correlated with organogenetic development rate (DR, defined as leaf appearance rate on main stem). Genotypes with small leaves had high DR and tiller number but low leaf starch concentration. Under drought, vigorous genotypes showed stronger growth reduction. Starch concentration decreased in source leaves, by contrast with soluble sugars and with that observed in sink leaves. Accordingly, genotypes were grouped in three clusters differing in constitutive vigour, starch storage and growth maintenance under drought showing a trade off between constitutive vigour and drought tolerance.

Conclusions
It was therefore suggested that non structural carbohydrates, particularly starch, were relevant markers of early vigour. Their relevance as markers of growth maintenance under drought needs to be further explored. Results are discussed regarding novel process based traits to be introduced in the GRiSP (Global Rice Science Partnership) phenotyping network.
Curcumin inhibition of JNKs prevents dopaminergic neuronal loss in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease through suppressing mitochondria dysfunction
Authors: Pan Jing , Li Hui , Ma Jian-Fang , Tan Yu-Yan , Xiao Qin , Ding Jian-Qing , Chen Sheng-Di 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Curcumin,a natural polyphenol obtained from turmeric,has been implicated to be neuroprotective in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders although the mechanism remains poorly understood. The results of our recent experiments indicated that curcumin could protect dopaminergic neurons from apoptosis in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The death of dopaminergic neurons and the loss of dopaminergic axon in the striatum were significantly suppressed by curcumin in MPTP mouse model. Further studies showed that curcumin inhibited JNKs hyperphosphorylation induced by MPTP treatment. JNKs phosphorylation can cause translocation of Bax to mitochondria and the release of cytochrome c which both ultimately contribute to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. These pro-apoptosis effect can be diminished by curcumin. Our experiments demonstrated that curcumin can prevent nigrostriatal degeneration by inhibiting the dysfunction of mitochondrial through suppressing hyperphosphorylation of JNKs induced by MPTP. Our results suggested that JNKs/mitochondria pathway may be a novel target in the treatment of PD patients.
Systemic propolis stimulates new bone formation at the expanded suture
Authors: Altan Burcu A. , Kara Isa M. , Nalcaci Ruhi , Ozan Fatih , Erdogan Serif M. , Ozkut Mahmut M. , Inan Sevinc 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To investigate the effects of systemically given propolis on the expanded premaxillary suture in a rat study model.

Materials and Methods:
The 24 rats were randomly divided into three groups—only expansion (OE), expansion plus propolis (PRO), and nonexpansion (control) groups. After the 5-day expansion period was completed, the OE and PRO groups underwent 12 days of mechanical retention. At the end of this period, the animals were euthanatized and their pre-maxillae were dissected and fixed. Histomorphometric examination was performed to determine the number of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and capillaries as well as the intensity of inflammatory cells and amount of new bone formation.

Results:
Statistical analysis showed that the intensities of inflammatory cells, number of osteoblasts, and amount of new bone formation were greater in the PRO group than in the other groups. The PRO group also had more osteoclasts and new capillaries.

Conclusion:
Systemic use of propolis may hasten new bone formation at the expanded suture in rats.
The emergence of an ‘evolutionary geomorphology’?
Authors: Steiger Johannes , Corenblit Dov 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Earth surface processes and landforms are modified through the actions of many microorganisms, plants and animals. As organism-driven landform modifications are sometimes to the advantage of the organism, some of these landform features have become adaptive functional components of ecosystems, concurrently affecting and responding to ecological and evolutionary processes. These recent eco-evolutionary insights, focused on feedback among geomorphologic, ecological and evolutionary processes, are currently leading to the emergence of what has been called an ‘evolutionary geomorphology’, with explicit consideration of feedbacks among the evolution of organisms, ecosystem structure and function and landform organization at the Earth surface. Here we provide an overview in the form of a commentary of this emerging sub-discipline in geosciences and ask whether the use of the term ‘evolutionary geomorphology’ is appropriate or rather misleading.
Currículo e “Novas Tecnologias” em tempos de globalização
Authors: Sossai Fernando Cesar , Mendes Geovana Mendonça Lunardi , Pacheco José Augusto 
Published: August 2012

Neste ensaio discutimos arranjos epistemológicos que supostamente inscrevem o campo dos estudos curriculares em uma agenda cosmopolita de reflexão. Além disso, analisamos como os estudos curriculares, sob a premissa do diálogo com o fenômeno da globalização, colocam-se a produzir metáforas, epítetos e jargões curriculares cada vez mais alegóricos. Nessa direção, refletimos também sobre o reenquadramento dos estudos curriculares enquanto lugar de práticas de significação, bem como acerca do caráter ambivalente que o processo de digressão sobre a globalização possibilita no próprio campo. No perscrutar desses sentidos, adotamos como lócus de reflexão os híbridos contextos curriculares do Brasil e de Portugal na expectativa de problematizar uma questão basilar: a equivalência semântica das propaladas “novas tecnologias educacionais” a veículos da globalização imaginariamente habilitadas à “atualização” do currículo escolar. Nesse fazer, adotamos como questões referenciais a relação entre currículo e globalização de modo a refletir sobre alguns dos argumentos que têm sido utilizados para interrogar o campo dos estudos curriculares frente aos ensejos de propagandeadas tecnologias capazes de promover o trânsito entre o local e o global.
Diante do abismo digital: mídia-educação e mediações culturais
Authors: Fantin Monica , Girardello Gilka Elvira Ponzi 
Published: August 2012

Este artigo discute a inclusão digital na perspectiva da educação e da cultura, com destaque para as formas como a questão se apresenta no Brasil, mas entendendo que elas não são exclusivas desse contexto. Diante dos complexos desafios à inclusão digital no contexto da globalização, o artigo enfatiza a importância de que as crianças e os jovens possam se apropriar de forma significativa das novas tecnologias e linguagens, numa perspectiva de que a inclusão significa muito mais do que o acesso às tecnologias, configurando-se em uma das frentes de luta contra a desigualdade. As autoras propõem que o enfrentamento da barreira digital seja enriquecido com a valorização das mediações culturais. Nesse sentido, discutem as possibilidades de uma abordagem culturalista de mídia-educação para promover uma inclusão digial que seja experiência de cidadania, pertencimeto e participação crítica e criativa na cultura.
Mídia-Educação – entre a teoria e a prática
Authors: Tufte Birgitte , Christensen Ole 
Published: August 2012

O artigo inicia focando as discussões atuais sobre a definição de mídia-educação, referindo-se a uma recente conferência internacional. Hoje contamos com perspectivas interessantes em relação às mídias e às crianças. As tecnologias de mídia mudam rapidamente, assim como o uso que as crianças fazem delas, o que lhes traz habilidades que a geração anterior não tinha. Isto desafia a forma e o conteúdo da mídia-educação, bem como todo o currículo escolar. O artigo discute uma abordagem educacional ampla, teórico-prática, ao tema das mídias e da informação. Parte das experiências de cooperação dos autores com professores do sistema escolar dinamarquês, sendo apresentados dois modelos: o primeiro, que tem sido usado há muitos anos em relação aos meios de comunicação tradicionais, como a imprensa, a TV e o vídeo – o chamado modelo em zig-zag. E o segundo, voltado ao ensino no novo contexto multimídia. O primeiro projeto descreve como ensinar sobre cinema em classes do primeiro ao terceiro ano do ensino primário, e o segundo descreve o desenvolvimento de uma ferramenta de cinema para professores, incluindo o que os autores chamam de “modelo tufão”, uma segunda versão do modelo em zig-zag. O artigo conclui com uma discussão sobre o futuro da mídia-educação.
Sistemas municipais de ensino no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil: um olhar atento para o professor
Authors: Werle Flávia Obino Corrêa , Corrêa Carolina Obino , Andrade Alenis Cleusa de 
Published: August 2012

O artigo discute políticas educacionais de âmbito municipal tomando como foco o tema da formação e valorização do magistério. Analisa leis de sistemas municipais de ensino (SME) do Rio Grande do Sul (RS) e a importância da descentralização, da articulação da educação municipal em forma de sistema de ensino. O trabalho estrutura-se em cinco partes. A primeira apresenta um debate teórico sobre autonomia política de governos locais com base em Giddens (1991, 2002). A segunda analisa as políticas educacionais situando leis de SME como parte do mundo constitucional. A terceira apresenta a valorização do magistério na legislação brasileira. A quarta apresenta a metodologia, enquanto a quinta parte analisa leis de SME de municípios do Rio Grande do Sul explicitando suas características no tocante à importância do professor e do diretor de escola, aos que oferecem apoio pedagógico e aos servidores e funcionários que atuam no SME. Reafirma-se a importância da autonomia política dos governos locais.