bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aerobic capacity and running performance across a 1.6 km altitude difference in two sciurid rodents
Authors: Chappell Mark A. , Dlugosz Elizabeth M. 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARYHypoxia at high altitudes is often assumed to constrain exercise capacity,but there have been few high- versus low-altitude comparisons of species native to a wide range of altitudes. Such studies are ecologically realistic, as wild-caught animals tested at their native altitude are presumably maximally acclimated (via phenotypic plasticity) or adapted (by evolutionary change) to that altitude. We compared aerobic performance, measured as maximum oxygen consumption in forced exercise(V̇O2,max), and voluntary wheel-running in two species of sciurid rodents captured and tested at field sites that differed in altitude by 1.6 km (2165 m versus3800 m). We found reduced V̇O2,max at 3800 m in least chipmunks (Tamias minimus) but no significant effect of altitude on V̇O2,max in golden-mantled ground squirrels (Spermophilus lateralis). Individuals of both species averaged several km day–1 in wheels. Most behavioral indices of voluntary running (including mean and maximum speeds,time spent running, daily running distance, and the number and duration of running bouts) were unaffected by altitude, even in the species with reduced V̇O2,max at high altitude. Metabolic rates during running and energy costs of transport differed to some extent across altitudes but in different ways in the two species. At both test sites, voluntary running by both species was almost exclusively at speeds well within aerobic limits. We conclude that substantial differences in altitude do not necessarily result in differences in aerobic capacity in small mammals and, even if V̇O2,max is reduced at high altitude, there may be no effect on voluntary running behavior.
Diverse cell-specific expression of myoglobin isoforms in brain, kidney,gill and liver of the hypoxia-tolerant carp and zebrafish
Authors: Cossins Andrew R. , Williams Daryl R. , Foulkes Nick S. , Berenbrink Michael , Kipar Anja 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARYMyoglobin (Mb) is famous as a muscle-specific protein – yet the common carp expresses the gene (cMb1) encoding this protein in a range of non-muscle tissues and also expresses a novel isoform (cMb2)in the brain. Using a homologous antibody and riboprobes, we have established the relative amounts and cellular sites of non-muscle Mb expression in different tissues. The amounts of carp myoglobin (cMb) in supernatants of different tissues were just 0.4–0.7% relative to that of heart supernatants and were upregulated by two-to-four fold in liver, gill and brain following 5 days of hypoxic treatment. Brain exhibited both cMb proteins in western analysis, whereas all other tissues had only cMb1. We have also identified cells expressing cMb protein and cMb mRNA using immunohistology and RNA in situ hybridisation (RNA-ISH),respectively. Mb was strongly expressed throughout all cardiac myocytes and a subset of skeletal muscle fibres, whereas it was restricted to a small range of specific cell types in each of the non-muscle tissues. These include pillar and epithelial cells in secondary gill lamellae, hepatocytes, some neurones,and tubular epithelial cells in the kidney. Capillaries and small blood vessels in all tissues exhibited Mb expression within vascular endothelial cells. The cMb2 riboprobe located expression to a subset of neurones but not to endothelial cells. In zebrafish, which possesses only one Mb gene, a similar expression pattern of Mb protein and mRNA was observed. This establishes a surprisingly cell-specific distribution of Mb within non-muscle tissues in both carp and zebrafish, where it probably plays an important role in the regulation of microvascular, renal and brain function.
Understanding the Role of Trade-Ins in Durable Goods Markets: Theory and Evidence
Authors: Rao Raghunath Singh , Narasimhan Om , John George 
Published: February 2009

The act of trading in a used car as partial payment for a new car resonates with practically all consumers. Such transactions are prevalent in many other durable goods markets, ranging from golf clubs to CT scanners. What roles do trade-ins play in these markets? What motivates the seller to set up a channel to facilitate trade-ins? Intuitively, accepting a trade-in would appear to stimulate demand for the producer's product, but facilitating the resale of these used goods that substitute for new goods might also increase cannibalization. Although such transactions involve billions of dollars, we know relatively little about this practice from the extant research literature. This paper develops an analytical model that incorporates key features of real-world durable goods markets: (i) coexistence of new and used goods markets, (ii) consumer heterogeneity with respect to quality sensitivity, (iii) firms that anticipate the cannibalization problem arising from the coexistence of new and used goods, and (iv) lemon problems in resale markets, whereby sellers of used goods are better informed than buyers about the quality of their particular item. In our analysis, a trade-in policy amounts to an intervention by the firm in the used goods market, which reduces inefficiencies arising from the lemon problem. It motivates owners to purchase new goods and reduces their proclivity to hold on to purchased goods because of the low price the latter would fetch in a lemon market. We also show that trade-in programs are more valuable for less reliable products, as well as for products that deteriorate more slowly. Our analysis shows that producers in durable goods markets should consider trade-in programs as a matter of routine. Despite cannibalization concerns arising from a more active resale market, a producer's profits will inevitably rise from introducing trade-ins, given pervasive lemon problems. We test the key predictions of the model about price and volume of trade by assembling a data set of transactions of U.S. automobile consumers and find broad support for our model.
How do gelotophobes interpret laughter in ambiguous situations? An experimental validation of the concept
Authors: Ruch Willibald , Altfreder Olga , Proyer René T. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe present study was designed to examine the phenomenon of the fear of being laughed at. Three groups of adults, preselected with respect to: (1) having no fear of being laughed at, (2) being borderline with respect to the fear of being laughed at, and (3) being abnormally afraid of being laughed at (gelotophobic). All the subjects listened to tape recordings of laughter. These recordings of laughter reflected a variety of emotional qualities. The subjects rated these recordings according to several criteria and estimated the emotional-motivational state of the laughing person. The subjects were also shown 20 cartoons depicting social situations that involved laughter or the potential of someone's being laughed at and were asked to stipulate what a target person in the cartoon would think or say. It was shown that gelotophobes experienced positively motivated laughter as more unpleasant than did subjects in the non-gelotophobic groups. The gelotophobic group was also more prone to estimate that the laughing person was in a state of negative affect. Those with no fear of laughter and those on the borderline experienced an increase in mood level after the laughter perception task whereas the gelotophobes remained unaffected. Finally, in the semi-projective cartoon evaluation task, the gelotophobes gave more answers that expressed mockery and fear of being laughed at than the other subjects. The results of these experiments show that anomalies relating to individual subjects' degrees of fear of laughter (gelotophobia) exist and can be predicted by the measures described.
Intelligence and gelotophobia: The relations of self-estimated and Psychometrically measured intelligence to the fear of being laughed at
Authors: Proyer René T. , Ruch Willibald 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe present article examines the relation between the fear of being laughed at (gelotophobia) and intellectual abilities (verbal, numeric, and spatial intelligence, memory and reasoning, vocabulary, and attention) and the self-estimation of one's own abilities. In a first study, N = 167 participants completed ability tests along with a subjective measure for gelotophobia. The results indicate that gelotophobia and intellectual abilities exist independently from each other. These results were replicated in a second study (N = 177) with an independently collected data set. In this study the participants also completed a form for the self-estimation of their own abilities. Though there was a tendency for lower self-estimations of their own abilities, the mean scores were not significantly different among groups of non-gelotophobes and participants with borderline, slight, and pronounced fear of being laughed at. However, the differences between psychometrically measured and self-estimated abilities showed that gelotophobes have a lower self-estimation of their abilities regarding general intelligence, vocabulary, and attention. Taken together the studies show that gelotophobia is not related to intelligence but that gelotophobes tend to have lower self-estimations of their own abilities and underestimate their true ability (i.e., psychometrically measured) by 6 IQ-points. The general pattern of low self-estimations of abilities in gelotophobes is discussed and whether this might be a useful starting point for the development of treatments for gelotophobia.
Extending the study of gelotophobia: On gelotophiles and katagelasticists
Authors: Ruch Willibald , Proyer René T. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn Ruch and Proyer (Humor: International Journal of Humor Research 21:47–67, 2008a), the fear of being laughed at (gelotophobia) was introduced as a new individual differences phenomenon. In this article, two new laughter-related concepts are presented: gelotophilia (the joy of being laughed at) and katagelasticism (the joy of laughing at others). The main aim of the present article was an empirical verification of these three concepts. Data analyses from a construction (N = 390) and a replication sample (N = 157) led to a three factor solution for the data comprising the three concepts. Intercorrelations among the three groups suggest that there is a negative correlation between gelotophiles and gelotophobes and a positive relation between gelotophiles and katagelasticists. The correlation coefficients, however, indicate that there is a relation but that the concepts are not interchangeable. A reliable and stable standard 45-item questionnaire (PhoPhiKat-45) and an economic short form of 30 items (PhoPhiKat-30) for the assessment of the three concepts are presented. Additionally, it was shown that, contrary to what had to be expected from early literature on gelotophobia, remembered experiences of having been laughed at by parents and peers in childhood and youth cannot be considered as major contributors to the development of gelotophobic symptoms as an adult (the same is true for gelotophilia and katagelasticism). However, gelotophobes tended to remember more events of having been ridiculed by their father. Suggestions for future research and conceptual developments are given.
Were they really laughed at? That much? Gelotophobes and their history of perceived derisibility
Authors: Proyer René T. , Hempelmann Christian F. , Ruch Willibald 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe List of Derisible Situations (LDS; Proyer, Hempelmann and Ruch, List of Derisible Situations (LDS), University of Zurich, 2008) consists of 102 different occasions for being laughed at. They were retrieved in a corpus study and compiled into the LDS. Based on this list, information on the frequency and the intensity with which people recall being laughed at during a given time-span (12 months in this study) can be collected. An empirical study (N = 114) examined the relations between the LDS and the fear of being laughed at (gelotophobia), the joy of being laughed at (gelotophilia), and the joy of laughing at others (katagelasticism; Ruch and Proyer this issue). More than 92% of the participants recalled having been laughed at at least once over the past 12 months. Highest scores were found for experiencing an embarrassing situation, chauvinism of others or being laughed at for doing something awkward or clumsy. Gelotophobia, gelotophilia, and katagelasticism were related about equally to the recalled frequency of events of being laughed at (with the lowest relation to katagelasticism). Gelotophobia, gelotophilia, and katagelasticism yielded a distinct and plausible pattern of correlations to the frequency of events of being laughed at. Gelotophobes recalled the situations of being laughed at with a higher intensity than others. Thus, the fear of being laughed at exists to a large degree independently from actual experiences of being laughed at, but is related to a higher intensity with which these events are experienced.
Attitude toward Public Trust; the Discourses of Accountability and Transparency in Biobank Japan
Authors: Iwae Sosuke 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBiobank research contains potentially a lot of ethical issues, because it usually involves large numbers of individuals. So, the necessity of establishing governance framework has been emphasized in biobank research. It can be said that the core of the governance policy is fostering public trust, which also consists of two significant components: accountability and transparency. In this article, I explored how the accountability and transparency have actually been interpreted in the governance framework of Biobank Japan through the interviews with people involved in the ELSI committee. However, it became clear that both factors have not been developed in Biobank Japan owing to the closed culture and independent monitoring body with little authority. Finally, I presented several policy suggestions on how to improve public trust.
A Rockfill Triaxial Cell with Suction Control
Authors: Chávez C. , Romero E. , Alonso E. E. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
This paper describes the development of a new triaxial cell specifically built to test coarse granular material under partially saturated conditions. The partial saturation is achieved by imposing a total suction that is correlated with the relative humidity. Relative humidity control was achieved by water vapor transfer using a forced convection system, which is driven by an air pump transporting the air humidity to the sample, and it is controlled by saturated saline solutions placed in a vessel. A double-wall cell was designed to monitor global volume changes of the material on compression and shearing. In addition, the cell uses a novel technique to measure local axial and radial deformations. The use of both global and local measurements allows detecting experimental problems such as membrane penetration on isotropic compression and shearing, as well as membrane sliding on shearing at low confining stresses. Selected test results are presented to show the capability of the cell during isotropic compression and shearing made with strain and stress control. The results of the test with strain control show a nonlinear increase in strength and dilatancy of the material in relation to the decrease of the relative humidity. Also they have a tendency to reach the critical state, and it can be seen that such a critical state line is a function of the relative humidity. Under a constant deviator stress, a collapse test of the rockfill was carried out and the results showed that the deformation depends strongly on the time. Furthermore, it is larger than that produced by making a test under saturated conditions, commonly taken as final reference.
Captive Breeding of Endangered Yaqui Topminnow and Yaqui Chub for Recovery Purposes
Authors: Kline S Jason , Bonar Scott A 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Yaqui topminnow Poeciliopsis occidentalis sonoriensis and Yaqui chub Gila purpurea, two federally endangered fishes from the Rio Yaqui basin (Arizona, USA, and Sonora, Mexico), were propagated by various methods. Propagation of Yaqui topminnow was attempted in aquaria and wading pools; the greatest number of offspring was produced in 556-L, plastic wading pools. We added substrate, artificial plants, and a vertical mesh barrier to create refuge for offspring. Fish were stocked when water was 19°C; after 1 month, when water temperatures exceeded 21°C, Yaqui topminnow started to produce young continuously. On average, 7.4 offspring/d were captured from four pools collectively. Yaqui chub were propagated in 189-L, glass aquaria. We manipulated photoperiod, diet, and substrate to induce spawning of Yaqui chub, but success was only achieved after the water was chilled to 17°C for 30 d and then adjusted to 21°C over 14 d. After the water was maintained at 21°C for 3 d, we covered the bottom of each aquarium with glazed ceramic tiles and a raised plastic grid to protect eggs from predation. Broadcast spawning of Yaqui chub occurred at night; the next morning, we retrieved the tiles and the attached eggs and placed them in incubation tanks. Yaqui chub eggs hatched over the next 5 d, and the hatching success rate averaged 83%. After this initial spawn, manipulation of water temperature was not required to induce spawning, as Yaqui chub spawned each time tiles were placed in the tanks. These methods worked well, and we recommend them for propagation of Yaqui topminnow and Yaqui chub.
Persistence and sorption of fipronil degradates in urban stream sediments
Authors: Lin Kunde , Haver Darren , Oki Lorence , Gan Jay 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Fipronil, an increasingly popular insecticide used for urban pest control, is known to readily transform into several degradates that generally have similar or greater toxicity to aquatic organisms than the parent compound. However, knowledge on the fate of these degradates in the environment is obscure. In the present study, degradation kinetics and sorption of desthiofipronil, fipronil sulfide, and fipronil sulfone were investigated in urban stream sediments. All degradates showed enhanced persistence in sediments compared to fipronil under facultative or anaerobic conditions. Under facultative conditions, the estimated half-lives of desthiofipronil, fipronil sulfide, and fipronil sulfone were 217 to 497, 195 to 352, and 502 to 589 d, respectively. Under anaerobic conditions, the corresponding half-lives were over one year in one sediment, while no detectable degradation occurred in the other two sediments after 280 d. Sorption isotherms of fipronil and its degradates in the sediments were linear, with mean KOC values of 802, 1,296, 3,684, and 3,543 L/kg for fipronil, desthiofipronil, fipronil sulfide, and fipronil sulfone, respectively, suggesting that the degradates generally have a higher sorption capacity than fipronil. Sorption coefficient Kd increased up to fourfold over 280 d, suggesting an aging effect on sorption. The inherent toxicity, long persistence, and strong sorption potential highlight the importance for a better understanding of the sediment toxicity of fipronil degradates in surface water bodies.
A Brief, Clinic-Based, Safer Sex Intervention for Heterosexual African American Men Newly Diagnosed With an STD: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Crosby Richard , DiClemente Ralph J. , Charnigo Richard , Snow Gregory , Troutman Adewale 
Published: February 2009

Objective. We evaluated the efficacy of a brief, clinic-based, safer sex program administered by a lay health adviser for young heterosexual African American men newly diagnosed with a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Methods. Subsequent to STD diagnosis, eligible men (N = 266; aged 18–29 years) were randomized to either a personalized, single-session intervention (delivered by a lay health adviser) or standard of care. We conducted behavioral assessments at baseline and 3 months postintervention (retention was 74.1%). We also conducted a 6-month clinic record review. Results. Compared to men randomized to the control condition, those receiving the intervention were significantly less likely to acquire subsequent STDs (50.4% vs 31.9%; P = .002) and more likely to report using condoms during last sexual intercourse (72.4% vs 53.9%; P = .008). They also reported fewer sexual partners (mean 2.06 vs 4.15; P < .001) and fewer acts of unprotected sex (mean 12.3 vs 29.4; P = .045). Based on a 9-point rating scale, men in the intervention group had higher proficiency scores for condom application skills (mean difference = 3.17; P < .001). Conclusion. A brief clinic-based intervention delivered by a lay health adviser may be an efficacious strategy to reduce incident STDs among young heterosexual African American men.
HIV Prevention Technology Transfer: Challenges and Strategies in the Real World
Authors: Veniegas Rosemary C. , Kao Uyen H. , Rosales Ricardo , Arellanes Melissa 
Published: February 2009

Objectives. We examined implementation of evidence-based interventions for HIV prevention at community-based organizations in Los Angeles County, CA. Methods. We conducted 2 waves of interviews with 34 organization staff members. We analyzed activities reported by staff in the phases (preimplementation, implementation, and maintenance and evolution) and activities defined by the technology transfer model for evidence-based HIV prevention interventions. Results. Staff members were able to select, adapt, and implement evidence-based HIV prevention interventions despite challenges in each phase of technology transfer. Preimplementation challenges included lack of information and poor fit between the interventions and organizations' clients. Implementation challenges included retention of participants across intervention sessions and staff turnover. A challenge in the maintenance and evolution phase was enhancing staff skills in outcome monitoring and cost analyses. Conclusions. Technical assistance must be matched to the specific challenges found in each phase of technology transfer. Successful transfer of evidence-based HIV prevention interventions will depend on their continued uptake and use by organization staff. This study highlights directions for improving communications regarding appropriate modifications to these interventions and for organizational planning to continue adapted interventions.
Demographic Characteristics and Survival With AIDS: Health Disparities in Chicago, 1993–2001
Authors: Woldemichael Girma , Christiansen Demian , Thomas Sandra , Benbow Nanette 
Published: February 2009

Objectives. We examined correlations between survival and race/ethnicity, age, and gender among persons who died from AIDS-related causes. Methods. We estimated survival among 11 022 persons at 12, 36, and 60 months after diagnosis with AIDS in 1993 through 2001 and reported through 2003 to the Chicago Department of Public Health. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) by demographic and risk characteristics. Results. All demographic groups had higher 5-year survival rates after the introduction of highly active retroviral therapy (1996–2001) than before (1993–1995). The HR for non-Hispanic Blacks to Whites was 1.18 in 1993 to 1995 and 1.51 (P < .01) in 1996 to 2001. The HR for persons 50 years or older to those younger than 30 years was 1.63 in 1993–1995 and 2.28 (P < .01) in 1996–2001. The female-to-male HR was 0.90 in 1993–1995 and 1.20 (P < .02) in 1996–2001. Conclusions. The risk of death was higher for non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics than for non-Hispanic Whites. Interventions are needed to increase early access to care for disadvantaged groups.