Home About us Contact | |||
FL
Terms modified by FL Selected AbstractsGeneration of mice harboring a Sox6 conditional null allele,GENESIS: THE JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 5 2006Bogdan Dumitriu Abstract Sox6 belongs to the family of Sry-related HMG box transcription factors, which determine cell fate and differentiation in various lineages. Sox6 is expressed in several tissues, including cartilage, testis, neuronal, and erythropoietic tissues. Mice lacking Sox6 have revealed critical roles for Sox6 in several of these tissues, but their multiple defects and early lethality has limited studies in specific cell types and in postnatal mice. We show here that we have generated mice harboring a Sox6 conditional null allele (Sox6fl+) by flanking the second coding exon with loxP sites. This allele encodes wildtype Sox6 protein, is expressed normally, and is efficiently converted into a null allele (Sox6fl,) by Cre-mediated recombination in somatic and germ cells. Sox6fl+/fl+ mice are indistinguishable from wildtype mice, and Sox6fl,/fl, mice from Sox6,/, mice. These Sox6 conditional null mice will thus be valuable for further uncovering the roles of Sox6 in various processes in vivo. genesis 44:219,224, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Flow cytometric evaluation of CD38 expression assists in distinguishing follicular hyperplasia from follicular lymphoma,CYTOMETRY, Issue 5 2009Kristin Mantei Abstract The distinction of follicular lymphoma (FL) from reactive follicular hyperplasia (FH) can be a diagnostic challenge in flow cytometry. In this study, the median fluorescent intensity (MFI) of CD38 as assessed by flow cytometry on B and T cell subpopulations in 102 lymph nodes specimens with histopathologically confirmed FL was compared with 55 cases of FH. The MFI of CD38 was highly significantly reduced in the neoplastic B cells in FL when compared with the reactive germinal center B cells in FH (P < 1.0E-16). The MFI of CD38 did not differ between the non-neoplastic B-cells in FL and nongerminal center B-cells in FH (P = 0.14) or between T-cells and non-neoplastic B-cells in FL (P = 0.63). A marginal increase in the MFI of CD38 was seen for T cells in FL compared with FH (P = 0.04). An increased difference in the MFI of CD38 was identified for T-cells compared with nongerminal center B-cells in FH (P = 0.005). No difference in CD38 expression was seen between Grades 1, 2, or 3 FL. The study also confirmed increased expression of CD10 (P < 1.0E-9), decreased CD19 (P < 1.0E-22), and CD20 (P < 1.0E-16) in FL in comparison with FH, as has been previously reported. This study identified decreased CD38 as a common finding in FL in comparison with FH and provides an additional tool to help differentiate FL from FH by flow cytometry. © 2009 Clinical Cytometry Society [source] An Essay on the Role of Language in Collegiate Foreign Language Programmatic Reform,DIE UNTERRICHTSPRAXIS/TEACHING GERMAN, Issue 2 2009Hiram Maxim This position paper argues that collegiate foreign language (FL) education has lost sight of the central role that language plays in the profession. Regardless of one's sub-field within foreign language education (i.e., linguistic, literary, or cultural studies), the profession shares the common focus of exploring how to make and interpret meaning in and through language. The paper therefore recommends that an acknowledgement of and re-commitment to this foundational principle provides common ground to effect the types of change within departments that have long been called: the integration of upper- and lower-level instruction; the reform of graduate student teacher education to foster curricular thinking; the explicit and systematic attention to the development of advanced language abilities; and the establishment of a collaborative departmental culture centered around publicly shared beliefs and concerns. [source] PARTIAL REGRESSION OF DUODENAL LESIONS OF INTESTINAL FOLLICULAR LYMPHOMA AFTER ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENTDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 4 2010Tomonori Yaguchi A 51-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of duodenal lesions of lymphoma. Endoscopy showed multiple tiny smooth whitish granules in the second portion of the duodenum including the papilla of Vater. Biopsy specimens showed medium-sized centrocyte-like cells forming lymphoid follicles, and immunohistology showed positive staining for bcl-2 and CD10. A small bowel series showed multiple granular lesions extending from the second portion of the duodenum to the proximal jejunum and the proximal ileum. On the basis of these findings, the tumor was diagnosed as stage I follicular lymphoma (FL). Although the patient was negative for Helicobacter pylori, he underwent antibiotic treatment. The lesions improved 3 months after antibiotic treatment, but biopsy specimens showed residual lymphoma cells. The patient therefore received combination chemotherapy with rituximab. Endoscopy 4 months later showed regression of FL, and there was no evidence of recurrence during 3 years of follow up. The partial regression of duodenal lesions of intestinal FL may be due to the effect of antibiotic treatment. [source] Stakeholders in Comprehensive Validation of Standards-Based Assessments: A CommentaryEDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT: ISSUES AND PRACTICE, Issue 1 2002Linda Crocker Linda Cracker is a Professor of Educational Psychology, University ofFlorida, P.O. Box 11 7047 Gainesville, FL 32611-7043. Her areas of specialization are assessment development, validation, and test-taking behavior. [source] On-line sample stacking and short-end injection CE for the determination of fluoxetine and norfluoxetine in plasma: Method development and validation using experimental designsELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 18 2007Chia-Chia Lu Abstract A short-end injection CE method combining field-amplified sample stacking (FASS) is presented for the analysis of fluoxetine (FL) and norfluoxetine in plasma. In this study, FASS enhanced the sensitivity about 1100-fold, while short-end injection reduced the analysis time to less than 4,min. Parameters involved in the separations were investigated using a central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology to optimize the separation conditions in a total of only 32 runs. Samples injected into the capillary for 99.9,s at a voltage of ,5,kV were stacked in a water plug (0.5,psi, 9,s). Baseline resolution of FL and its major metabolite was achieved using a BGE formulation consisting of phosphate,triethanolamine at low pH, and a separation voltage of ,10,kV. Five percent methanol was added as organic modifier to enhance selectivity and resolution. The linear range was between 10 and 500,ng/mL (r >0.9946), covering the expected plasma therapeutic ranges. The LOD in plasma were 4,ng/mL (S/N,=,3), a value comparable to that obtained using LC-MS, showing the success of the on-line stacking technique. Our method was also successfully validated in quantification and pharmacokinetic studies with three volunteer plasma samples and could be applied to pharmacogenetic studies. [source] A historical record of mercury contamination in southern florida (USA) as inferred from avian feather tissue: Contribution R-09888 of the Journal Series, Florida Agricultural Experiment StationENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2004Peter C. Frederick Abstract During the late 1980s, the upper trophic-level biota of the Everglades (FL, USA) was recognized as being highly contaminated with mercury (Hg). However, the timing and pattern of that increase is poorly known, and no information is available about mercury contam ination in Everglades wildlife prior to 1974. We measured methylmercury concentrations in feathers of white ibises (n = 33), great egrets (n = 7), anhingas (n = 21), and great blue herons (n = 12) from museum specimens collected from 1910 through 1980 and combined them with more recent feather samples collected from live birds (1985,2000, n = 98, 37, 49, and 7, respectively). We found no evidence of contamination of museum samples with inorganic mercuric preservatives (0.01,0.28% of total Hg in feathers). All species showed relatively low concentrations of mercury through the 1970s (<5 ,l/L dry wt for anhingas, ibises, and egrets, <10 ,l/L for herons). Samples from all species taken during the 1990s showed a large and significant increase (4,5X) in MeHg concentration. This evidence suggests that most of the increase in Hg deposition during the 20th century in south Florida occurred during the last two to three decades, which is consistent with information about local source deposition. Contamination levels prior to the 1970s appear to have been associated with normal reproduction in these birds, suggesting partial evidence for a threshold of reproductive impairment. [source] Investigation of an onsite wastewater treatment system in sandy soil: Site characterization and fate of anionic and nonionic surfactantsENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 12 2002Allen M. Nielsen Abstract This study reports on the fate of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), alcohol ethoxylate (AE), and alcohol ether sulfate (AES) surfactants in a home septic system near Jacksonville (FL, USA) that has been used since 1976. The drainfield at this site resides in fine sand (<6% silt and clay) with an unsaturated zone that ranges from 0 to 1.3 m. During the wettest times of the year, it is likely that effluent from the septic system passes directly into the groundwater without exposure to an unsaturated zone of soil. Groundwater was collected during two sampling events, representing seasonal high and low groundwater table levels, and analyzed for the surfactants LAS, AES, and AE. During the wet season, the unsaturated zone was approximately 0.01 m beneath the drainfield. During the dry season, the unsaturated zone was about 0.4 m below the drainfield. Alcohol ethoxylate was not detected in any groundwater samples during either sampling. Alcohol ether sulfate was not found in the dry season sampling, but traces of AES had migrated downgradient about 4.7 m horizontally and 1.8 m vertically in the wet season. Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate was detected in some dry season samples and had moved downgradient some 11.7 m horizontally and 3.7 m vertically in the wet season. These observations demonstrate that these surfactants were removed to a great extent; otherwise, they would have traveled more than 260 m downgradient, which is the calculated distance that a conservative tracer like bromide would have moved downgradient over the life of the system. The most likely removal mechanisms for these surfactants were biodegradation and sorption. Therefore, this study indicates that LAS, AE, and AES are readily removed from groundwater in soils below septic system drainfields even in situations with minimal unsaturated soil zones. [source] Probabilistic risk assessment of reproductive effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Southeast United States coastENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 12 2002Lori H. Schwacke Abstract High levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been reported in the tissues of some species of marine mammals. The high concentrations are of concern because a growing body of experimental evidence links PCBs to deleterious effects on reproduction, endocrine homeostasis, and immune system function. Much of the recent research has focused on determining the exposure of marine mammal populations to PCBs, but very little effort has been devoted to the actual risk assessments that are needed to determine the expected impacts of the documented exposures. We describe a novel risk assessment approach that integrates measured tissue concentrations of PCBs with a surrogate dose-response relationship and leads to predictions of health risks for marine mammals as well as to the uncertainties associated with these predictions. Specifically, we use PCB tissue residue data from three populations of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), study the feasibility of published dose-response data from a surrogate species, and combine this information to estimate the risk of detrimental reproductive effects in female dolphins. Our risk analyses for dolphin populations near Beaufort (NC, USA), Sarasota (FL, USA), and Matagorda Bay (TX, USA) indicate a high likelihood that reproductive success, primarily in primiparous females, is being severely impaired by chronic exposure to PCBs. Excess risk of reproductive failure, measured in terms of stillbirth or neonatal mortality, for primiparous females was estimated as 60% (Beaufort), 79% (Sarasota), and 78% (Matagorda Bay). Females of higher parity, which have previously off-loaded a majority of their PCB burden, exhibit a much lower risk. [source] Operative Results without Invasive Monitoring in Patients with Frontal Lobe Epileptogenic LesionsEPILEPSIA, Issue 10 2001A. Mariottini Summary: ,Purpose: To further explore the still controversial issues regarding whether all or most candidates for epilepsy surgery should be investigated preoperatively with invasive long-term video-EEG monitoring techniques (ILTVE). Methods: We studied five patients with intractable seizures since early childhood using the same protocol: clinical evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences, long-term video-EEG (LTVE) monitoring with scalp electroencephalogram (EEG), interictal single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and neuropsychological testing. The patients' seizures had clinical features suggesting a frontal lobe (FL) origin. MRI scans revealed focal cortical dysplasia (CD) in four patients and a probable gliotic lesion in the fifth. The findings in both PET and SPECT images were congruent with those of the MRI. Scalp LTVE failed to localize the ictal onset, although the data exhibited features suggestive of both CDs and FL seizures. On the basis of these results, surgery was performed with intraoperative corticography, and the cortical area exhibiting the greatest degree of spiking was ablated. Results: Histopathologic study of four of the resected specimens confirmed the presence of CD, whereas in the fifth, there were features consistent with a remote encephaloclastic lesion. There were no postoperative deficits. Seizures in three of the patients were completely controlled at 2,3.5 years of follow-up; a fourth patient is still having a few seizures, which have required reinstitution of pharmacotherapy, and the fifth has obtained 70% control. All patients have had significant improvement in psychosocial measures. For comparison, five patients with generally similar clinical and neuroradiologic features to the previous group underwent preoperative ILTVE monitoring. The surgical outcomes between the two groups have not differed significantly. Conclusions: We conclude that patients with FL epilepsies may be able to undergo successful surgery without preoperative ILTVE monitoring, provided there is high concordance between neuroimaging tests (MRI, SPECT, PET) and the seizure phenotypes, even when routine EEGs and scalp LVTE fail to localize ictal onset unambiguously. The surgical outcomes of these patients generally paralleled those of the other subjects who also had FL epilepsy but who were operated on only after standard ILTVE monitoring. [source] A molecular analysis of biclonal follicular lymphoma: further evidence for bone marrow origin and clonal selectionEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2009Yuichi Nakamura Abstract We report a follicular lymphoma (FL) case presenting the coexistence of two tumor cell subpopulations in lymph node (LN) and bone marrow (BM), which exhibited an inverse pattern of immunoglobulin light (IgL) chain gene rearrangement and expression: Ig,,,+ in LN and Ig,+,, in BM. These tumor clones shared an identical BCL2-IgH recombination, accompanying t(14;18)(q32;q21) translocation, and an identical variable, diversity and joining segments joining with clone-specific VH somatic hypermutations on the untranslocated IgH allele. Our study provides further evidence that FL clones, originating from common progenitor cells, can be developed independently at different sites and with different IgL expression after immune selection. [source] High-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for follicular lymphoma undergoing transformation to diffuse large B-cell lymphomaEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2008Mehdi Hamadani Abstract The transformation of follicular lymphoma (FL) to high-grade histology occurs in up to 70% of patients. The role of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in transformed FL is poorly defined. Twenty-four FL patients with histologically confirmed transformation to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma underwent unpurged autologous HSCT at our institution. Their median age was 56 yr. The median number of prior chemotherapies was 2 (range 1,6). Thirteen patients had residual nodal disease measuring more than 2 cm and four patients had bulky disease at the time of HSCT. Six patients had refractory disease at transplantation. At a median follow-up of 38 months, 3-yr progression-free survival following autologous HSCT was 40%. The 3-yr overall survival was 52%. The cumulative incidence of relapse and non-relapse mortality rate was 41% and 25%, respectively. [source] CD34+ cells derived from fetal liver contained a high proportion of immature megakaryocytic progenitor cellsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2000Dong-Chu Ma Abstract: Endoreplication and maturation of the megakaryocyte (MK) may be retarded or delayed during ontogenesis. In this study, CD34+ cells were isolated from both human fetal liver and adult bone marrow and incubated with thrombopoietin (TPO). The cell number, morphological characteristics, platelet-associated antigen phenotype, maturation stage and DNA ploidy of CD41+cells were examined from day 0 to day 12 in culture. 1) TPO stimulated the proliferation of fetal liver (FL)-derived CD34+ cells with a mean 73.14-fold increase of CD41+ cells after 12 d in culture. Adult BM-derived CD34+ cells increased only slightly, with a mean 8.18-fold increase of CD41+ cells. 2) Although the membrane phenotype of both FL CD34+ -derived MKs and BM CD34+ -derived MKs analyzed with CD41a, CD42a, CD61 and CD34 were similar, all FL CD34+ -derived MKs were in maturation stage I and II and in low ploidy (<4N) class. By comparison, BM CD34+ MKs possessed 15% MKs in maturation stage III and IV and with 23% MKs in high ploidy class (>4N). 3) Most of cultured FL-derived CD34+ cells did not have a well developed demarcation system (DM) and numerous ,-granules after 12 d incubation. von Willebrand factor (vWF) appeared earlier on the cultured BM-derived CD34+ cells than on FL-derived CD34+ cells. 4) The expression of both cyclin E and cyclin B1 progressively increased in FL CD34+cells induced by TPO during 12 d in culture. 5) The expression of cyclin D1 gradually decreased in FL CD34+cells induced by TPO over 12 d incubation. 6) Immunocytochemical analysis showed that cyclin D3 was detected only in cytoplasm of cultured FL-derived CD34+ cells, whereas in both cytoplasm and nuclei of cultured BM-derived CD34+ cells. These data suggest that FL-derived CD34+ cells contain a high proportion of immature megakaryocytic progenitor cells. It further suggests that TPO can push these progenitor cells into proliferation by upregulating the expression of cyclins B1 and E, and drive a high proportion of cells into megakaryocytic lineage. [source] Treatment of neonatal mice with Flt3 ligand leads to changes in dendritic cell subpopulations associated with enhanced IL-12 and IFN-, productionEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 7 2004Sabine Vollstedt Abstract Treatment with the hematopoietic growth factor Flt3 ligand (FL) increases DC numbers in neonatal mice and enhances their resistance against intracellular pathogens. Flow cytometric analysis showed the presence of conventional DC (cDC) and plasmacytoid pre-DC (pDC) in neonatal spleens from untreated and FL-treated mice. CD8, and MHC class,II expression on cDC and pDC was higher on DC from FL-treated mice than on DC from control littermates. After FL treatment, two additional subpopulations of DC-lineage cells were found that were able to produce IL-12 and IFN-,. The IL-12 production of cDC from FL-treated animals was more than 50-fold increased and their ability to stimulate T,cell proliferation was also increased. We conclude that the enhanced resistance against intracellular pathogens was due to increased numbers of DC-lineage cells and their increased ability to produce the essential cytokines. [source] Degree of conversion and permeability of dental adhesivesEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ORAL SCIENCES, Issue 6 2005Milena Cadenaro The aim of this study was to analyse the extent of polymerization of different adhesive films in relation to their permeability. One adhesive of each class was investigated: OptiBond FL; One-Step; Clearfil Protect Bond; and Xeno III. Adhesive films were prepared and cured with XL-2500 (3M ESPE) for 20, 40 or 60 s. Polymerization kinetic curves of the adhesives tested were obtained with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and data were correlated with microhardness. The permeability of the adhesives under the same experimental conditions was evaluated on human extracted teeth connected to a permeability device and analysed statistically. The results showed that the extent of polymerization obtained from DSC exotherms was directly correlated with microhardness. An increased level of polymerization after prolonged light-curing was confirmed for all adhesives. Simplified adhesives exhibited a lower extent of polymerization and showed incomplete polymerization, even after 60 s. An inverse correlation was found between the degree of cure and the permeability. This study supports the hypothesis that the permeability of simplified adhesives is correlated with incomplete polymerization of resin monomers and the extent of light exposure. These adhesives may be rendered less permeable by using longer curing times than those recommended by the respective manufacturer. [source] Discussion on ,Personality psychology as a truly behavioural science' by R. Michael FurrEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 5 2009Article first published online: 14 JUL 200 Yes We Can! A Plea for Direct Behavioural Observation in Personality Research MITJA D. BACK and BORIS EGLOFF Department of Psychology, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany mback@uni-leipzig.de Furr's target paper (this issue) is thought to enhance the standing of personality psychology as a truly behavioural science. We wholeheartedly agree with this goal. In our comment we argue for more specific and ambitious requirements for behavioural personality research. Specifically, we show why behaviour should be observed directly. Moreover, we illustratively describe potentially interesting approaches in behavioural personality research: lens model analyses, the observation of multiple behaviours in diverse experimentally created situations and the observation of behaviour in real life. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Categories of Behaviour Should be Clearly Defined PETER BORKENAU Department of Psychology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany p.borkenau@psych.uni-halle.de The target paper is helpful by clarifying the terminology as well as the strengths and weaknesses of several approaches to collect behavioural data. Insufficiently considered, however, is the clarity of the categories being used for the coding of behaviour. Evidence is reported showing that interjudge agreement for retrospective and even concurrent codings of behaviour does not execeed interjudge agreement for personality traits if the categories being used for the coding of behaviour are not clearly defined. By contrast, if the behaviour to be registered is unambiguously defined, interjudge agreement may be almost perfect. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Behaviour Functions in Personality Psychology PHILIP J. CORR Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK Philip.Corr@btopenworld.com Furr's target paper highlights the importance, yet under-representation, of behaviour in published articles in personality psychology. Whilst agreeing with most of his points, I remain unclear as to how behaviour (as specifically defined by Furr) relates to other forms of psychological data (e.g. cognitive task performance). In addition, it is not clear how the functions of behaviour are to be decided: different behaviours may serve the same function; and identical behaviours may serve different functions. To clarify these points, methodological and theoretical aspects of Furr's proposal would benefit from delineation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. On the Difference Between Experience-Sampling Self-Reports and Other Self-Reports WILLIAM FLEESON Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA fleesonW@wfu.edu Furr's fair but evaluative consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of behavioural assessment methods is a great service to the field. As part of his consideration, Furr makes a subtle and sophisticated distinction between different self-report methods. It is easy to dismiss all self-reports as poor measures, because some are poor. In contrast, Furr points out that the immediacy of the self-reports of behaviour in experience-sampling make experience-sampling one of the three strongest methods for assessing behaviour. This comment supports his conclusion, by arguing that ESM greatly diminishes one the three major problems afflicting self-reports,lack of knowledge,and because direct observations also suffer from the other two major problems afflicting self-reports. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. What and Where is ,Behaviour' in Personality Psychology? LAURA A. KING and JASON TRENT Department of Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia, USA kingla@missouri.edu Furr is to be lauded for presenting a coherent and persuasive case for the lack of behavioural data in personality psychology. While agreeing wholeheartedly that personality psychology could benefit from greater inclusion of behavioural variables, here we question two aspects of Furr's analysis, first his definition of behaviour and second, his evidence that behaviour is under-appreciated in personality psychology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Naturalistic Observation of Daily Behaviour in Personality Psychology MATTHIAS R. MEHL Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA mehl@email.arizona.edu This comment highlights naturalistic observation as a specific method within Furr's (this issue) cluster direct behavioural observation and discusses the Electronically Activated Recorder (EAR) as a naturalistic observation sampling method that can be used in relatively large, nomothetic studies. Naturalistic observation with a method such as the EAR can inform researchers' understanding of personality in its relationship to daily behaviour in two important ways. It can help calibrate personality effects against act-frequencies of real-world behaviour and provide ecological, behavioural personality criteria that are independent of self-report. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Measuring Behaviour D. S. MOSKOWITZ and JENNIFER J. RUSSELL Department of Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada dsm@psych.mcgill.ca Furr (this issue) provides an illuminating comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of various methods for assessing behaviour. In the selection of a method for assessing behaviour, there should be a careful analysis of the definition of the behaviour and the purpose of assessment. This commentary clarifies and expands upon some points concerning the suitability of experience sampling measures, referred to as Intensive Repeated Measurements in Naturalistic Settings (IRM-NS). IRM-NS measures are particularly useful for constructing measures of differing levels of specificity or generality, for providing individual difference measures which can be associated with multiple layers of contextual variables, and for providing measures capable of reflecting variability and distributional features of behaviour. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Behaviours, Non-Behaviours and Self-Reports SAMPO V. PAUNONEN Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada paunonen@uwo.ca Furr's (this issue) thoughtful analysis of the contemporary body of research in personality psychology has led him to two conclusions: our science does not do enough to study real, observable behaviours; and, when it does, too often it relies on ,weak' methods based on retrospective self-reports of behaviour. In reply, I note that many researchers are interested in going beyond the study of individual behaviours to the behaviour trends embodied in personality traits; and the self-report of behaviour, using well-validated personality questionnaires, is often the best measurement option. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. An Ethological Perspective on How to Define and Study Behaviour LARS PENKE Department of Psychology, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK lars.penke@ed.ac.uk While Furr (this issue) makes many important contributions to the study of behaviour, his definition of behaviour is somewhat questionable and also lacks a broader theoretical frame. I provide some historical and theoretical background on the study of behaviour in psychology and biology, from which I conclude that a general definition of behaviour might be out of reach. However, psychological research can gain from adding a functional perspective on behaviour in the tradition of Tinbergens's four questions, which takes long-term outcomes and fitness consequences of behaviours into account. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. What is a Behaviour? MARCO PERUGINI Faculty of Psychology, University of Milan,Bicocca, Milan, Italy marco.perugini@unimib.it The target paper proposes an interesting framework to classify behaviour as well as a convincing plea to use it more often in personality research. However, besides some potential issues in the definition of what is a behaviour, the application of the proposed definition to specific cases is at times inconsistent. I argue that this is because Furr attempts to provide a theory-free definition yet he implicitly uses theoretical considerations when applying the definition to specific cases. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Is Personality Really the Study of Behaviour? MICHAEL D. ROBINSON Department of Psychology, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA Michael.D.Robinson@ndsu.edu Furr (this issue) contends that behavioural studies of personality are particularly important, have been under-appreciated, and should be privileged in the future. The present commentary instead suggests that personality psychology has more value as an integrative science rather than one that narrowly pursues a behavioural agenda. Cognition, emotion, motivation, the self-concept and the structure of personality are important topics regardless of their possible links to behaviour. Indeed, the ultimate goal of personality psychology is to understanding individual difference functioning broadly considered rather than behaviour narrowly considered. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Linking Personality and Behaviour Based on Theory MANFRED SCHMITT Department of Psychology, University of Koblenz-Landau, Landau, Germany schmittm@uni-landau.de My comments on Furr's (this issue) target paper ,Personality as a Truly Behavioural Science' are meant to complement his behavioural taxonomy and sharpen some of the presumptions and conclusions of his analysis. First, I argue that the relevance of behaviour for our field depends on how we define personality. Second, I propose that every taxonomy of behaviour should be grounded in theory. The quality of behavioural data does not only depend on the validity of the measures we use. It also depends on how well behavioural data reflect theoretical assumptions on the causal factors and mechanisms that shape behaviour. Third, I suggest that the quality of personality theories, personality research and behavioural data will profit from ideas about the psychological processes and mechanisms that link personality and behaviour. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Apparent Objectivity of Behaviour is Illusory RYNE A. SHERMAN, CHRISTOPHER S. NAVE and DAVID C. FUNDER Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA funder@ucr.edu It is often presumed that objective measures of behaviour (e.g. counts of the number of smiles) are more scientific than more subjective measures of behaviour (e.g. ratings of the degree to which a person behaved in a cheerful manner). We contend that the apparent objectivity of any behavioural measure is illusory. First, the reliability of more subjective measures of behaviour is often strikingly similar to the reliabilities of so-called objective measures. Further, a growing body of literature suggests that subjective measures of behaviour provide more valid measures of psychological constructs of interest. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Personality and Behaviour: A Neglected Opportunity? LIAD UZIEL and ROY F. BAUMEISTER Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA Baumeister@psy.fsu.edu Personality psychology has neglected the study of behaviour. Furr's efforts to provide a stricter definition of behaviour will not solve the problem, although they may be helpful in other ways. His articulation of various research strategies for studying behaviour will be more helpful for enabling personality psychology to contribute important insights and principles about behaviour. The neglect of behaviour may have roots in how personality psychologists define the mission of their field, but expanding that mission to encompass behaviour would be a positive step. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Police interview competencies: assessment and associated traitsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PERSONALITY, Issue 7 2006Filip De Fruyt Abstract The present study empirically examines the structure of police interview competencies in self-reports of 230 police investigators suggesting five major underlying dimensions, that is, ,Careful-tenacious', ,Controlled-non-reactive', ,Dominant-insisting', ,Communicative' and ,Benevolent'. These dimensions discriminate performance in a series of interview vignettes, grouped in terms of type of case (interviewing a suspect, a witness or a victim) and type of suspect. In addition self-ratings on these dimensions are related to self-estimated interview effectiveness in the same vignettes. Participants are further administered the NEO PI-R (Costa, P. T., & McCrae, R. R. (1992). Professional manual: Revised NEO personality inventory (NEO-PI-R) and NEO five-factor-inventory (NEO-FFI). Odessa, FL: Psychological Assessment Resources), enabling an examination of the relationship between the competence dimensions and their personality trait building blocks. The implications of this study for the development and coaching of police interview competencies are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Short-term dynamics of bacterial communities in a tidally affected coastal ecosystemFEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2008Beate Rink Abstract Tidal effects on the composition of free-living (FL) and particle-associated (PA) bacterial communities were studied in a tidal flat ecosystem in the southern North Sea. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis targeting the 16S rRNA gene and the 16S rRNA of Bacteria, Bacteroidetes, Alphaproteobacteria and the Roseobacter clade was applied. Despite strong tidal variations in the quantity and, depending on the season, also the quality of suspended matter as well as variations in bacterial activity, the bacterial community composition remained rather stable. FISH showed some variations of the community composition, but these were not related to typical tidal situations. Variations were higher during tidal cycles in May and July compared with November. Bacteroidetes, Alpha - and Gammaproteobacteria constituted the majority of the bacterial communities but relative proportions of the different groups varied considerably. On particles, Betaproteobacteria were also detected to substantial proportions. The Roseobacter clade constituted up to 90% of FL but only 30% of PA Alphaproteobacteria. Banding patterns of the Bacteroidetes -specific amplicons, and in particular those targeting the 16S rRNA, revealed tidally induced effects, as several bands appeared or disappeared at distinct events such as slack water or resuspension. Sequencing of prominent bands revealed predominantly phylotypes reported previously from this ecosystem. [source] Population dynamics and stock status of cobia, Rachycentron canadum, caught in Australian recreational and commercial coastal fisheriesFISHERIES MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY, Issue 3 2010G. C. FRY Abstract, Age and growth of Rachycentron canadum (L.) was studied in northern and eastern Australia to provide data for a preliminary assessment of the stock and to explore possible fisheries management strategies using minimum legal lengths. Fish collected from commercial and recreational fisheries ranged in size and weight from 125 to 1633 mm fork length (FL) and 0.031 to 55 kg respectively. Annual growth increments in sectioned otoliths formed by November,December. Estimated ages ranged from 0 to 7 yr for both genders. Longevity was estimated to be at least 13 yr. Von Bertalanffy growth function parameters were L = 1160 mm FL, K = 0.63 yr,1 and t0 = ,0.21 yr,1. Rachycentron canadum reach 600 mm FL in their first year and over 1000 mm FL in 3 years. Natural and total mortalities were estimated at 0.35 yr,1 and 0.85 yr,1, respectively. Populations of R. canadum may be vulnerable to growth overfishing under the current minimum legal length of 750 mm total length (TL) in Queensland waters. An increase in minimum legal length to 850 mm TL is recommended. [source] Circle hooks, ,J' hooks and drop-back time: a hook performance study of the south Florida recreational live-bait fishery for sailfish, Istiophorus platypterusFISHERIES MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2007E. D. PRINCE Abstract, This study evaluates the performance of two types of non-offset circle hooks (traditional and non-traditional) and a similar-sized ,J' hook commonly used in the south Florida recreational live-bait fishery for Atlantic sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus (Shaw). A total of 766 sailfish were caught off south Florida (Jupiter to Key West, FL, USA) to assess hook performance and drop-back time, which is the interval between the fish's initial strike and exertion of pressure by the fisher to engage the hook. Four drop-back intervals were examined (0,5, 6,10, 11,15 and >15 s), and hook performance was assessed in terms of proportions of successful catch, undesirable hook locations, bleeding events and undesirable release condition associated with physical hook damage and trauma. In terms of hook performance, the traditionally-shaped circle hook had the greatest conservation benefit for survival after release. In addition, this was the only hook type tested that performed well during each drop-back interval for all performance metrics. Conversely, ,J' hooks resulted in higher proportions of undesirable hook locations (as much as twofold), bleeding and fish released in undesirable condition, particularly during long drop-back intervals. Non-traditional circle hooks had performance results intermediate to the other hook types, but also had the worst performance relative to undesirable release condition during the first two drop-back intervals. Choice of hook type and drop-back interval can significantly change hook wounding, and different models of non-offset circle hooks should not be assumed to perform equivalently. [source] Diel variation in the seagrass ichthyofaunas of three intermittently open estuaries in south-eastern Australia: implications for improving fish diversity assessmentsFISHERIES MANAGEMENT & ECOLOGY, Issue 2 2001S. P. Griffiths Diel variation in the ichthyofaunas associated with Zostera capricorni Ascherson was investigated in three intermittently open estuaries in the Illawarra region, New South Wales. Each estuary showed differing diel shifts in fish assemblages, which appeared to be related to estuary size. In the largest estuary (Lake Illawarra) significantly more species were caught during the night than the day for all months. In contrast, there was little diel variation in the fish assemblages at Werri Lagoon and Shellharbour Lagoon, although many species were only caught during the night at both estuaries. The distinct diel changes at Lake Illawarra was thought to be attributable to the relatively deep channels adjacent to the seagrass beds which are better habitats for larger fishes compared with the shallow sand bars without deep channels throughout the two smaller estuaries. The composition of fish species within the three estuaries were significantly different, although each assemblage was characterised by large numbers of small-sized fish (<100 mm FL) indicating the importance of intermittently open estuaries as fish habitats. It was concluded that night sampling provided a more complete picture of the ichthyofaunas associated with Z. capricorni. As a result, inclusion of night sampling in fish diversity assessments would increase the chance of catching diurnally rare species and therefore attain a better representation of the true community structure. [source] Interannual variability in hatching period and early growth of juvenile walleye pollock, Theragra chalcogramma, in the Pacific coastal area of HokkaidoFISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2007AKIRA NISHIMURA ABSTRACT Juvenile walleye pollock of the Japanese Pacific population were collected from the Funka Bay [spawning ground; 16,64 mm fork length (FL)] in spring and the Doto area (nursery ground; 70,146 mm FL) in summer. Hatch dates were estimated by subtracting the number of otolith daily increments from sampling dates, and their early growth was back-calculated using otolith radius,somatic length relationships. Interannual change of the hatching period was observed during 2000,02, and the peaks ranged from mid-February in 2000 to early-April in 2002. In 2000, when a strong year class occurred, early life history of the surviving juveniles could be characterized by early hatching and slower growth in the larval stage (<22 mm length). Higher growth rate in 2001 and 2002 did not always lead to good survival and recruitment success. Even though their growth was slow in 2000, the larvae hatched early in the season had larger body size on a given date than faster-growing larvae hatched in later season in 2001 and 2002. Bigger individuals at a certain moment may have advantage for survival. The delay of hatching period may result in higher size-selective mortality, and as a necessary consequence, back-calculated growth in 2001 and 2002 could shift towards higher growth rate, although abundance of such a year class would be at the lower level. Variability in spawning period, early growth and their interaction might have a strong relation to larval survival through cumulative predation pressure or ontogenetic changes in food availability. [source] Vertical movements of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) associated with islands, buoys, and seamounts near the main Hawaiian Islands from archival tagging dataFISHERIES OCEANOGRAPHY, Issue 3 2003Michael K. Musyl Abstract To learn more about the movement patterns of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus), we deployed archival tags on 87 fish ranging in fork length from 50 to 154 cm. Thirteen fish were recaptured, from which 11 archival tags were returned, representing in aggregate 943 days-at-liberty. We successfully retrieved data from 10 tags, representing 474 days in aggregate. The largest fish recaptured was 44.5 kg [131 cm fork length (FL)] and the smallest 2.8 kg (52 cm). The deepest descent recorded was 817 m, the coldest temperature visited 4.7°C, and minimum oxygen level reached ,1 mL L,1. Fish spent little time at depths where water temperatures were below 7°C and oxygen levels less than ,2 mL L,1. Five fish were recaptured near the offshore weather buoy where they were tagged. Based on vertical movement patterns, it appeared that all stayed immediately associated with the buoy for up to 34 days. During this time they remained primarily in the uniform temperature surface layer (i.e. above 100 m). In contrast, fish not associated with a floating object showed the W-shaped vertical movement patterns during the day characteristic of bigeye tuna (i.e. descending to ,300,500 m and then returning regularly to the surface layer). Four fish were tagged and subsequently recaptured near Cross Seamount up to 76 days later. These fish exhibited vertical movement patterns similar to, but less regular than, those of fish not associated with any structure. Bigeye tuna appear to follow the diel vertical movements of the deep sound scattering layer (SSL) organisms and thus to exploit them effectively as a prey resource. Average night-time depth was correlated with lunar illumination, a behaviour which mimics movements of the SSL. [source] Prognostic significance of secondary cytogenetic alterations in follicular lymphomasGENES, CHROMOSOMES AND CANCER, Issue 12 2008Nathalie A. Johnson Follicular lymphoma (FL) is an indolent lymphoma with a long median survival. Transformation to a more aggressive histology (TLy) is a major cause of mortality. The critical events leading to TLy are unknown. We assessed the prognostic significance of secondary cytogenetic alterations on overall survival (OS) and transformation from 210 diagnostic FL biopsies. We analyzed serial and transformed karyotypes for recurrent alterations that predict transformation. Over 10 years, 31% of cases developed TLy. The only alteration in diagnostic karyotypes that correlated with an inferior OS was an additional X chromosome in males only (P = 0.005) suggesting that other mechanisms including epigenetic factors and over-expression of genes on the X chromosome may play a role in FL pathogenesis. In transformed karyotypes, 8q24 (MYC) translocations were common (14/37) and resulted in a median survival of 3 months posttransformation (P = 0.01). In serially obtained biopsies (28 pts), 43% of the later biopsies lacked the cytogenetic alterations found in the original FL karyotype, suggesting that karyotypic progression of FL is not strictly linear in all cases. Consequently, studying clonal evolution in FL using serial biopsies may not represent the full complexity of genetic alterations leading to transformation. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Identification of novel alternatively spliced BRCA1-associated RING domain (BARD1) messenger RNAs in human peripheral blood lymphocytes and in sporadic breast cancer tissuesGENES, CHROMOSOMES AND CANCER, Issue 9 2007Grazia Lombardi BARD1 (BRCA1-associated RING domain) is the dominant binding partner of BRCA1 in vivo. The BARD1 gene has been reported to be mutated in a subset of breast and ovarian cancer patients and BARD1 germ-line mutations have been identified in breast cancer patients negative for BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene alterations. In the present study, we show by RT-PCR and direct sequencing analysis the occurrence of seven novel and one previously identified BARD1 splicing variants in human lymphocytes and breast cancers. Two of the eight variants (BARD1, and BARD1 ,RIN) preserve a correct open reading frame and could encode BARD1 internally deleted proteins, while the remaining six variants display premature stop codons. Characterization of the relative expression of BARD1 FL, BARD1,, and BARD1 ,RIN using quantitative PCR analysis indicated that the mean expression levels of BARD1 FL, BARD1,, and BARD1 ,RIN were significantly higher in tumors than in morphologically normal tissues and lymphocytes. However, we were unable to identify either qualitatively or quantitatively tumor-specific expression patterns of the identified BARD1 splicing variants. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Effects of storm frequency on dune vegetationGLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY, Issue 10 2010ELISE S. GORNISH Abstract In the Gulf of Mexico, barrier islands absorb the majority of wind and wave action from storms, which modifies their dune morphology and vegetation dynamics. Storm frequency is predicted to increase as a result of climate change, yet the effects of this change on coastal ecosystems remain poorly understood. Using estimates of plant growth in storm and nonstorm years from long-term census data describing the dynamics of dune vegetation on St. George Island, FL, we built a first-order model that predicts how dune communities will respond to a change in storm frequency. It predicts that an increasing frequency of storms will result in a change in the vegetation across the dunes. The fore- and interdune communities are predicted to become more similar to one another through the dominance of a small number of common storm-resilient species. Alternatively, the backdune community is predicted to become more distinct through an increase in rare species that represent primary succession. Finally, the model predicts that many species will not respond to an increase in the number of storms per year in the same manner in which they respond to current storm frequency. This model is beneficial both for the development of more complex approaches to predicting effects of climate change and for informing preventative management techniques. [source] Language and Regional Differences in Evaluations of Medicare Managed Care by HispanicsHEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, Issue 2 2008Robert Weech-Maldonado Objectives. This study uses the Consumer Assessments of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) survey to examine the experiences of Hispanics enrolled in Medicare managed care. Evaluations of care are examined in relationship to primary language (English or Spanish) and region of the country. Data Sources. CAHPS 3.0 Medicare managed care survey data collected in 2002. Study Design. The dependent variables consist of five CAHPS multi-item scales measuring timeliness of care, provider communication, office staff helpfulness, getting needed care, and health plan customer service. The main independent variables are Hispanic primary language (English or Spanish) and region (California, Florida, New York/New Jersey, and other states). Ordinary least squares regression is used to model the effect of Hispanic primary language and region on CAHPS scales, controlling for age, gender, education, and self-rated health. Data Collection/Extraction Methods. The analytic sample consists of 125,369 respondents (82 percent response rate) enrolled in 181 Medicare managed care plans across the U.S. Of the 125,369 respondents, 8,463 (7 percent) were self-identified as Hispanic. The survey was made available in English and Spanish, and 1,353 Hispanics completed one in Spanish. Principal Findings. Hispanic English speakers had less favorable reports of care than whites for all dimensions of care except provider communication. Hispanic Spanish speakers reported more negative experiences than whites with timeliness of care, provider communication, and office staff helpfulness, but better reports of care for getting needed care. Spanish speakers in all regions except Florida had less favorable scores than English-speaking Hispanics for provider communication and office staff helpfulness, but more positive assessments for getting needed care. There were greater regional variations in CAHPS scores among Hispanic Spanish speakers than among Hispanic English speakers. Spanish speakers in Florida had more positive experiences than Spanish speakers in other regions for most dimensions of care. Conclusions. Hispanics in Medicare managed care face barriers to care; however, their experiences with care vary by language and region. Spanish speakers (except FL) have less favorable experiences with provider communication and office staff helpfulness than their English-speaking counterparts, suggesting language barriers in the clinical encounter. On the other hand, Spanish speakers reported more favorable experiences than their English-speaking counterparts with the managed care aspects of their care (getting needed care and plan customer service). Medicare managed care plans need to address the observed disparities in patient experiences among Hispanics as part of their quality improvement efforts. Plans can work with their network providers to address issues related to timeliness of care and office staff helpfulness. In addition, plans can provide incentives for language services, which have the potential to improve communication with providers and staff among Spanish speakers. Finally, health plans can reduce the access barriers faced by Hispanics, especially among English speakers. [source] The Impact of Welfare Reform on Insurance Coverage before Pregnancy and the Timing of Prenatal Care InitiationHEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH, Issue 4 2007Norma I. Gavin Objective. This study investigates the impact of welfare reform on insurance coverage before pregnancy and on first-trimester initiation of prenatal care (PNC) among pregnant women eligible for Medicaid under welfare-related eligibility criteria. Data Sources. We used pooled data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System for eight states (AL, FL, ME, NY, OK, SC, WA, and WV) from 1996 through 1999. Study Design. We estimated a two-part logistic model of insurance coverage before pregnancy and first-trimester PNC initiation. The impact of welfare reform on insurance coverage before pregnancy was measured by marginal effects computed from coefficients of an interaction term for the postreform period and welfare-related eligibility and on PNC initiation by the same interaction term and the coefficients of insurance coverage adjusted for potential simultaneous equation bias. We compared the estimates from this model with results from simple logistic, ordinary least squares, and two-stage least squares models. Principal Findings. Welfare reform had a significant negative impact on Medicaid coverage before pregnancy among welfare-related Medicaid eligibles. This drop resulted in a small decline in their first-trimester PNC initiation. Enrollment in Medicaid before pregnancy was independent of the decision to initiate PNC, and estimates of the effect of a reduction in Medicaid coverage before pregnancy on PNC initiation were consistent over the single- and two-stage models. Effects of private coverage were mixed. Welfare reform had no impact on first-trimester PNC beyond that from reduced Medicaid coverage in the pooled regression but separate state-specific regressions suggest additional effects from time and income constraints induced by welfare reform may have occurred in some states. Conclusions. Welfare reform had significant adverse effects on insurance coverage and first-trimester PNC initiation among our nation's poorest women of childbearing age. Improved outreach and insurance options for these women are needed to meet national health goals. [source] Low dose radiotherapy in indolent lymphomas, enough is enough,HEMATOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 2 2009R. L. M. Haas MD. Abstract Follicular lymphomas, as a prototype of all indolent lymphomas, are exquisitely radiation sensitive. This review paper highlights the clinical presentation of this lymphoma entity. Literature data are presented on first line curative irradiation in stage I and II patients, low-dose total body irradiation (TBI) in stage III and IV patients in first line and low-dose IF-RT (involved field radiotherapy) in patients with relapse. The clinical aspects of 2,×,2,Gy IF-RT in follicular lymphoma (FL) are presented as well as the in vivo imaging of the apoptotic cell death underlying the clinical response. Finally, by gene expression profiling, possible molecular-biological pathways are described involved in the low dose irradiation of FL. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Prognosis of follicular lymphomasHEMATOLOGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 2 2006Stefano Luminari Abstract Follicular lymphoma (FL) is as an indolent neoplasia with median survival measured in decades. Nevertheless, some patients have poor progression-free survival and overall survival. Several treatment approaches are proposed for patients with FL, however criteria to rationalize treatment decisions are lacking. Studies have been performed to build up prognostic indices that are useful for defining risk-adapted treatment recommendations. Available indices are based on parameters that have an independent role in predicting patient survival and that are variably correlated with the features of the disease, with the characteristics of the patient and with the effects of treatment. Two new prognostic indices have recently been proposed for FL: the Italian Lymphoma Intergroup (ILI) index and the Follicular Lymphoma International prognostic Index (FLIPI). Both indices are based on large series of patients and exhibit differences in their ability to discriminate between patients with different probabilities of survival. In recent years, with the advent of gene expression profile studies, our knowledge of the biology of FL is changing as novel data become available about the lymphoma cell and about the role of the microenvironment; these studies have already provided novel prognostic tools for identifying patients with more aggressive disease. Further data and large international cooperative studies are needed to translate into clinical practice the novel acquisitions of biology and therapeutics. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] |