bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune Modulation as Adjunctive Therapy forPneumocystispneumonia
Authors: Wang Jing , Wright Terry W. , Gigliotti Francis
Published: August 2011

Pneumocystisis an opportunistic fungal respiratory pathogen that causes life-threatening pneumonia (Pcp) in patients suffering from defects in cell-mediated immunity, including those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and immunosuppression secondary to chemotherapy or organ transplantation. Despite major advances in health care, the mortality associated with Pcp has changed little over the past 25  years. Pcp remains a leading cause of death among HIV infected patients, with mortality rates of 50% or higher for patients developing severe Pcp. In addition, as more potent immunosuppressive therapies are developed for chronic inflammatory diseases, more cases of Pcp are occurring in non-HIV patients and in previously unreported clinical settings. These features highlight the importance of developing a better understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease, and the need to search for new therapeutic strategies to improve the outcome of Pcp patients. Immune-mediated inflammatory responses play an important role in the pathogenesis of Pcp, and may be even more significant in determining the outcome of Pcp than direct damage due to the organism itself. In this review we will summarize the immunopathogenic mechanisms that contribute to Pcp-associated lung injury, and discuss the potential to target these pathways for adjunctive immune modulation therapy for Pcp.
Lyapunov Function and Exponential Trichotomy on Time Scales
Authors: Zhang Ji
Published: August 2011

We study the relation between Lyapunov function and
exponential trichotomy for the linear equation xΔ = A(t)x on time scales. Furthermore,
as an application of these results, we give the roughness of exponential trichotomy on
time scales.
The Direct Medical Costs of Late Presentation (<350/mm3) of HIV Infection over a 15-Year Period
Authors: Krentz Hartmut B. , Gill M. John
Published: August 2011

We describe the immediate- and longer-term direct medical costs of care for individuals diagnosed with HIV at CD4 counts <350/mm3(“late presenters”). We collected and stratified by initial CD4 count all inpatient, outpatient, and drug costs for all newly diagnosed patients accessing HIV care within Southern Alberta from 1/1/1995 to 1/1/2010. 59% of new patients were late presenters. We found significantly higher costs for late presenters, especially inpatient costs, during the first year after accessing care. Direct medical costs remained almost twice as high for late presenters in subsequent years compared to patients presenting with CD4 counts >350/mm3despite significantly their improved CD4 counts. The sustained high cost for late presenters has implications for recent recommendations for wider routine HIV testing and the earlier initiation of cART. Earlier diagnosis and treatment, while increasing the immediate expenditures within a population, may produce both direct and indirect cost savings in the longer term.
Increased Calcification and Protein Nitration in Arteries of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Guilgen Gisah , Werneck Marília Lacerda , de Noronha Lúcia , Martins Ana Paula Camargo , Varela Alexandre M. , Nakao Lia Sumie , Pecoits-Filho Roberto
Published: August 2011

Background: Cardiovascular disease in chronic kidney disease (CKD) has peculiar characteristics. The aim of this study was to analyze atherosclerosis, vascular calcification and nitration in arteries from CKD patients. Methods: External iliac and renal artery segments from 27 stage 5 CKD patients and 25 donor controls, respectively, were collected during the transplantation procedure. Results: CKD patients presented a significantly higher degree of lesion. In a large proportion (72%) of CKD patients, we observed vascular calcifications. Immunohistochemistry for nitrotyrosine revealed a significant increase in nitrotyrosine production in arteries from CKD patients compared with control donors. In addition, within CKD patients, nitrotyrosine staining was significantly stronger in arteries with media calcification when compared with arteries without media calcification. Conclusion: The arteriopathy in the CKD patients appears in an early age and seems to be distinct from the arteriopathy of the general population, especially due to intense calcification and vascular oxidative stress.
Comparison of the Effects of Whole and Juiced Fruits and Vegetables on Enamel Demineralisation in situ
Authors: Issa A.I. , Toumba K.J. , Preston A.J. , Duggal M.S.
Published: August 2011

We compared the effect on enamel demineralisation in situ of both whole and juiced fruits and vegetables. Volunteers wore removable mandibular appliances carrying pre-demineralised human enamel slabs and consumed one of the test foods 7 times a day for 10 days. The test foods were apples, oranges, grapes, carrots, and tomatoes, consumed either whole (sugars located intrinsically) or as a juice (extrinsic or free sugars). Raisins containing 64% sugars, but intrinsic by definition, were also studied. The mineral profile of the enamel slabs was studied before and after the test period using transverse microradiography and showed further demineralisation for all test foods, irrespective of the form of consumption. Significant demineralisation was also observed with raisins. No significant differences were found between the solid and juiced foods. In conclusion, sugars present intrinsically on consumption had a similar demineralising potential as free sugars and could not be considered less cariogenic.
Advanced Glycation Urinary Protein-Bound Biomarkers and Severity of Diabetic Nephropathy in Man
Authors: Coughlan Melinda T. , Patel Sheila K. , Jerums George , Penfold Sally A. , Nguyen Tuong-Vi , Sourris Karly C. , Panagiotopoulos Sianna , Srivastava Piyush M. , Cooper Mark E. , Burrell Louise M. , MacIsaac Richard J. , Forbes Josephine M.
Published: August 2011

Background/Aims: The formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is accelerated in patients with diabetic nephropathy. The aim of this study was to ascertain if the urinary excretion of proteins modified by advanced glycation can be used as biomarkers for albuminuria in individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Methods: Community-based patients with type 1 (n = 68) or type 2 diabetes (n = 216) attending a diabetes clinic of a tertiary referral hospital were classified as having normoalbuminuria (Normo, albumin excretion rate (AER) <20 µg/min), microalbuminuria (Micro, AER 20–200 µg/min) or macroalbuminuria (Macro, AER ≧200 µg/min). Serum and urine AGE-modified proteins were measured. Results: In patients with both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, there was a clear association between the degree of albuminuria and urinary AGE-modified proteins (p < 0.0001). Exclusive to patients with type 1 diabetes, urinary excretion of the AGE carboxymethyllysine correlated with AER, whereas patients with type 2 diabetes and macroalbuminuria had an increase in urinary methylglyoxal, an AGE intermediate. These changes were independent of isotopic glomerular filtration rate levels. Serum concentrations of AGEs or soluble receptor for AGEs were not consistently associated with albuminuria in either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: Urinary excretion of proteins modified by AGEs may be useful biomarkers of albuminuria in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, warranting prospective investigation in larger diabetic cohorts.
Climatic effects on the reproductive biology of Caiman latirostris (Crocodylia: Alligatoridae)
Authors: Larriera Alejandro , Simoncini Melina Soledad , Cruz Félix Benjamín , Piña Carlos Ignacio
Published: August 2011

Reproductive aspects, like number of nests produced per season or clutch size (number of eggs per nest), of broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) may be affected by a climatic variables such as rainfall and temperature. The success of caiman reproduction is not only affected by the amount of rainfall, but also by the time elapsed during which it takes place. In this study, we present evidence of a positive relationship between the number of nests produced and the amount of precipitation on the water heads (“Bajos Submeridionales”) during March. Surprisingly, there was not a significant relationship when considering local rainfall and temperature. During one event of El Niño phenomena the number of caiman nests was the highest in eight years of monitoring, besides a remarkable low number of nests were produced during La Niña. There was not a significant relationship between clutch size and rainfall or temperature. This information is useful for the ranching programs, because managers will be able to estimate, nine months in advance, the number of nests for harvesting. Another positive aspect is that this information can be used to establish nests' searching strategies, and number of eggs to incubate and hatchlings to raise. Thus, this will help planning management strategies in support of conservation efforts for the species during extreme climatic events.
The superpopulation approach for estimating the population size of 'prolonged' breeding amphibians: Examples from Europe
Authors: Pellet Jérôme , Schmidt Benedikt R. , Wagner Norman , Lötters Stefan , Schmitt Thomas
Published: August 2011

Individual members of a population of 'prolonged' breeding amphibian species are asynchronously present at their breeding sites. Therefore, population size estimates can be misleading when based on commonly used closed or open-population capture-mark-recapture approaches. The superpopulation approach, a modified Jolly-Seber model, has been successfully applied in taxa other than amphibians with distinct migratory behaviour and where individuals are asynchronously present at the sampling site. In this paper, we suggest that the superpopulation approach is a useful population size estimator for 'prolonged' breeding amphibian species. Two case studies on European anurans show that superpopulation estimates are much higher than simple population counts. A simulation study showed that superpopulation estimates are unbiased but that accuracy can be low when either survival or detection probabilities (or both) are low. We recommend the superpopulation approach because it matches the natural history and phenology of amphibian species with prolonged breeding seasons.
Unique courtship and spawning behaviour in the wrinkled frog, Nyctibatrachus humayuni
Authors: Gramapurohit Narahari P. , Gosavi Sachin M. , Phuge Samadhan K.
Published: August 2011

Frogs of the genus Nyctibatrachus (family Nyctibatrachidae) exhibit a unique reproductive behaviour. They may completely lack or have an abbreviated amplexus, deposit terrestrial eggs and even offer paternal care. We studied the courtship and spawning behaviour of Nyctibatrachus humayuni from Matheran located in the northern region of the Western Ghats of India. The breeding season of N. humayuni coincides with the onset of south-west monsoon. Adult males vocalise from their calling sites on wet rocks/dead logs that often harbour egg clutches and females approach the calling males, resulting in a loose cephalic amplexus that lasts up to 10 minutes. The male dismounts and sits aside; then the female deposits the eggs and moves away from the spawning site or into the water. The mean clutch size and the egg diameter are found to be 30.3 ± 1.89 and 2.44 ± 0.04 mm, respectively. Once the female moves away following spawning, the male slowly moves on to the eggs and fertilises them. The males of N. humayuni appear to be territorial and offer parental care by attending the eggs only during night. Paternal egg attendance most probably reduces the risk of predation by nocturnal predators.
Embodied Signs of Elite Distinction:Franco-Mauritians’ White Skin-Colour in the Face of Change
Authors: Salverda Tijo
Published: August 2011

This article examines the symbolic elite distinction of the Franco-Mauritians’ white skin colour, as a contribution to literature on symbols of elite distinction. The case study is set to analyse how Franco-Mauritians’ white skin colour works as a sign of elite distinction in addition to cultural differences between them and other Mauritians - which are influenced by labour division and reinforced by the structure of Mauritian society. The article underlines the intricacy of physical appearance in the transition from the colonial period (ending in 1968) to independence. It also shows how such embodied signs are persistent and ambiguous.
A Rural Jewish Community in Late Roman Mesopotamia, and the Question of a “Split” Jewish Diaspora
Authors: Millar Fergus
Published: August 2011

This paper emphasises the significance of Syriac evidence for the history of the Jewish Diaspora, and then focuses on an episode in the Syriac Lives of the Eastern Saints by John of Ephesus, which records the demolition by the local Christians of the synagogue of a Jewish community established in a village in the territory of Amida. The significance of this story is explored in two inter-related ways. Firstly, there is the relevance of Syriac-speaking Christianity which, like Judaism, was practised on both sides of the Roman-Sasanid border. Secondly, the article suggests that the presence of Jewish communities in those areas of the Roman empire where Syriac or other dialects of Aramaic were spoken complicates the recently-proposed conception of a “split” Jewish Diaspora, of which a large part was unable to receive rabbinic writings because it knew only Greek. But for Jews living in areas where Aramaic or Syriac was spoken, there should have been no major linguistic barrier to the reception of the rabbinic learning of either Palestine or Babylonia.
On the Use of Scattering Kernels to Calculate Ice Cloud Bulk Optical Properties
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Ding Shouguo , Bi Lei , Yang Ping
Published: August 2011

Nonspherical ice crystal optical properties are of fundamental importance to atmospheric radiative transfer through an ice cloud and the remote sensing of its properties. In practice, the optical properties of individual ice crystals need to be integrated over particle size distributions to derive the bulk optical properties of ice clouds. Given a particle size distribution represented in terms of size bins, the conventional approach uses the microphysical and optical properties of ice crystals at the bin centers as approximations to the bin-averaged values. However, errors are incurred when the size bins are large. To reduce the potential errors, a kernel technique is utilized to calculate the bulk optical properties of ice clouds by computing the bin-averaged values instead of using the bin-center values. Comparisons between the solutions based on the conventional method and the kernel technique for different numbers of size bins from in situ measurements demonstrate that the results computed from the kernel technique are more accurate. The present study illustrates that, for a given size distribution, 40 or more size bins should be used to calculate the bulk optical properties of ice clouds by the conventional method. Although the accuracy of bulk-scattering properties can be improved by using fine bin resolutions in the single-scattering property computation, the advantage of using a precomputed database of scattering kernels allows efficient computation of ice cloud bulk optical properties without losing the accuracy.
A First Look at the Structure of the Wave Pouch during the 2009 PREDICT–GRIP Dry Runs over the Atlantic
Authors: Wang Zhuo , Montgomery Michael T. , Fritz Cody
Published: August 2011

In support of the National Science Foundation Pre-Depression Investigation of Cloud-systems in the tropics (NSF PREDICT) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration Genesis and Rapid Intensification Processes (NASA GRIP) dry run exercises and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Hurricane Intensity Forecast Experiment (NOAA IFEX) during the 2009 hurricane season, a real-time wave-tracking algorithm and corresponding diagnostic analyses based on a recently proposed tropical cyclogenesis model were applied to tropical easterly waves over the Atlantic. The model emphasizes the importance of a Lagrangian recirculation region within a tropical-wave critical layer (the so-called pouch), where persistent deep convection and vorticity aggregation as well as column moistening are favored for tropical cyclogenesis. Distinct scenarios of hybrid wave–vortex evolution are highlighted. It was found that easterly waves without a pouch or with a shallow pouch did not develop. Although not all waves with a deep pouch developed into a tropical storm, a deep wave pouch had formed prior to genesis for all 16 named storms originating from monochromatic easterly waves during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. On the other hand, the diagnosis of two nondeveloping waves with a deep pouch suggests that strong vertical shear or dry air intrusion at the middle–upper levels (where a wave pouch was absent) can disrupt deep convection and suppress storm development.

To sum up, this study suggests that a deep wave pouch extending from the midtroposphere (~600–700 hPa) down to the boundary layer is a necessary condition for tropical cyclone formation within an easterly wave. It is hypothesized also that a deep wave pouch together with other large-scale favorable conditions provides a sufficient condition for sustained convection and tropical cyclone formation. This hypothesized sufficient condition requires further testing and will be pursued in future work.
Clinical Outcomes After Endovascular Treatment of Superficial Femoral Disease in Patients With Disabling Claudication and Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Misselt A. J. , Zielinski M. D. , Medina O. I. Garcia , Oderich G. , Bjarnason H. , McKusick M. A. , Misra Sanjay
Published: August 2011

We present the midterm clinical outcomes and predictors of balloon angioplasty and stent placement in atherosclerotic femoropopliteal (FP) arterial disease. Between January 2002 and August 2006, 155 patients (men = 56%; 71.4 ± 10.5 years) underwent 171 FP angioplasty or stent for claudication (n = 82, 54%) or critical limb ischemia ([CLI] n = 70, 46%). Follow-up was obtained through September 30, 2009. The average follow-up was 3.25 ± 1.73 years. In claudicants versus CLI, the 12-month patency for TransAtlantic InterSociety Consensus II (TASC II) classification (TASC A/B) was 93% versus 80%, respectively, and TASC C/D 83% versus 80%. At 3 years, TASC A/B was 82% versus 80%, respectively, and TASC C/D was 56% versus 80%, respectively. The predictor of clinical failure in claudicants was chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) and in CLI, the predictor of amputation was hyperlipidemia.
Predictive Values of Framingham Risk and Coronary Artery Calcium Scores in the Detection of Obstructive CAD in Patients with Normal SPECT
Authors: Jang James J. , Krishnaswami Ashok , Hung Yun-Yi
Published: August 2011

A subgroup of patients with normal stress myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) have obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) on coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA). A retrospective study was performed to identify factors associated with obstructive CAD in patients with normal MPI. Bivariate differences between patients with obstructive (>50% stenosis) and nonobstructive (<50% stenosis) CAD were assessed. Of the 105 patients with normal MPI, 42 (40%) had obstructive CAD on CCTA. After a multivariable logistic regression analysis increased Framingham risk scores ([FRS] ≥10%) and coronary artery calcium scores ([CACS] >100 Agatston Units [AU]) were independently associated with obstructive CAD ( P = .006 and P < .0001, respectively). Patients with normal MPI had 13 times and 98 times higher odds of having obstructive CAD if they had a FRS ≥10% versus <10% and CACS >100 AU versus ≤100 AU, respectively. Increased FRS and CACS may stratify patients who may benefit from further evaluation for significant CAD despite normal MPI.
Admission Hyperglycemia and TIMI Frame Count in Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Yildiz Ahmet , Arat-Ozkan Alev , Kocas Cuneyt , Abaci Okay , Coskun Ugur , Bostan Cem , Olcay Ayhan , Akturk Faruk , Okcun Baris , Ersanli Murat , Gurmen Tevfik
Published: August 2011

We evaluated the relationship between admission blood glucose levels and estimated coronary flow by the thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count (TFC) method in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). The TFC of 121 consecutive patients with STEMI were evaluated after pPCI. Patients with admission glucose levels >198 mg/dL (11 mmol/L) were defined as hyperglycemic. Hyperglycemia was observed in 36 (29.8%) patients. The TFC was significantly higher in patients with hyperglycemia (70.75 [10-96] vs 56.87 [8-100], P = .04). No-reflow frequency was higher in the hyperglycemia group (44.4% vs 23.5%, P = .02). In multivariate linear regression analysis admission glucose was an independent predictor of high TFC ( B = 0.21, P = .02). Our findings suggest that admission blood glucose is a predictor of TFC which reflects coronary blood flow.
Achieving Scale at the District Level
Authors: Sanders Mavis G.
Published: August 2011

Purpose: Coburn’s (2003) multidimensional conception of scale includes four interrelated dimensions—depth, sustainability, spread, and ownership—that provide a framework to understand scale at both the school and district levels. This study was conducted to understand how reform leaders in four districts implementing the National Network of Partnership Schools’ (NNPS) framework for school, family, and community partnerships influenced progress along these four dimensions of scale. Research Methods: The study used a longitudinal qualitative case study approach. Four districts that had been members of NNPS for 5 years or longer and reported high levels of leadership for family and community engagement were selected for the study. Each district was studied for a period of 3 years. Interview, observation, and survey data were collected and analyzed. Findings: The study found that NNPS reform leaders influenced the case districts’ progress on Coburn’s dimensions of scale through a variety of facilitating practices and activities. In addition, the study found that positive relationships that the reform leaders developed with key actors within the districts and NNPS helped to explain variations in their effectiveness as facilitators of scale. Three factors—intent, knowledge and skills, and access—were found to affect the relationships forged by the focal leaders. Conclusions: The study’s findings highlight the need for more targeted studies on relationship development and maintenance at different stages of reform implementation. They also underscore the need for greater focus on district leaders’ deep understanding of reform principles and the scaling up process in order to promote more lasting school change.
Alive and well . . . or just alive? Rejoinder to Chase-Dunn and Lawrence
Authors: Sanderson Stephen K
Published: August 2011

Chase-Dunn and Lawrence respond to a critique of world-systems analysis (WSA) made in 2005. In reply I suggest that WSA does in fact excessively privilege exogenous over endogenous factors; exaggerates the extent to which a core-periphery hierarchy is based on exploitation; fails to give due consideration to recent efforts showing that foreign investment promotes development in non-core societies; and is unduly optimistic about the possibilities of a future world socialist society.
Folk Conceptions of Humanness
Authors: Bain Paul , Vaes Jeroen , Kashima Yoshihisa , Haslam Nick , Guan Yanjun
Published: August 2011

The present research explores cultural understandings of what it means to be human. We used open-ended responses to examine whether the most culturally salient aspects of humanness are captured by two theoretical dimensions: human uniqueness (HU) and human nature (HN). Australians, Italians, and Chinese ( N = 315) showed differences in the characteristics considered human and in the emphasis placed on HU and HN. These findings contribute to developing cross-cultural folk psychological models of humanness.
On the Value of Nonremovable Reminders for Behavior Modification
Authors: Koritzky Gilly , Yechiam Eldad
Published: August 2011

The authors examined the effectiveness of a novel behavior modification method for dysfunctional and impulsive habits, based on nonremovable reminders (NrRs). NrRs were implemented by having participants wear nonremovable wristbands designated to constantly remind them of their resolution to quit the targeted habit (nail-biting). Participants were 80 nail-biters who resolved to quit. The NrR approach was contrasted with an aversion-based behavioral modification technique. Recovery was assessed after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment and in a 5-month follow-up. The NrR method was associated with lower drop-out rate and was as successful as the aversion-based method altogether. When considering only non-dropouts, the aversion-based method was more effective. This suggests that the use of constantly present reminders broadens the target population that can benefit from reminders in the course of behavior modification.
Misery Loves Company
Authors: Gray Heather M. , Ishii Keiko , Ambady Nalini
Published: August 2011

In three experiments, the authors investigated the effects of sadness on the desire for social connectedness. They hypothesized that sadness serves an adaptive function by motivating people to reach out to others and preferentially attend to information related to one’s current level of social connectedness, but only when it is instigated by social loss. Consistent with this hypothesis, the authors observed that sadness induced by an emotional depiction of social loss enhanced (a) attention to nonverbal cues, an important source of information concerning an individual’s current level of social connectedness (Experiment 1), and (b) the desire to engage in social behaviors (Experiment 2). In Experiment 3 the authors found that sadness that results from imagined social loss uniquely produced this pattern of effects. Sadness that resulted from imagined failure had different effects on motivation and no effect on sensitivity to nonverbal cues. These results support and refine functional explanations for the universality of sadness.
Regretted Messages
Authors: Meyer Janet R.
Published: August 2011

This study investigates the cognitive processes that precede and follow the saying of a regretted message. Participants recalled and described real-life regretted messages. Three cognitive antecedents to saying such messages were investigated: competing demands on capacity, the situated importance of secondary goals, and goals realized by the messages. Six reasons for reflecting on regretted messages were measured. Results showed the most frequently reported competing demands on capacity to be stress, frustration, anger, and having a lot on one’s mind. The goals realized most often by regretted messages were expressing one’s true feelings, providing information, correcting a hearer’s behavior, and warning/threatening a hearer. For messages conflicting with impression and relationship maintenance goals, the situated importance of the goals positively predicted the seriousness of the goal conflict. Reflection on regretted messages focused most frequently on repairing the relationship, formulating a rule to avoid a recurrence, and reducing dissonance.
Gender Biases in Early Number Exposure to Preschool-Aged Children
Authors: Chang Alicia , Sandhofer Catherine M. , Brown Christia S.
Published: August 2011

Despite dramatically narrowing gender gaps, women remain underrepresented in mathematics and math-related fields. Parents can shape expectations and interests, which may predict later differences in achievement and occupational choices. This study examines children’s early mathematical environments by observing the amount that mothers talk to their sons and daughters (mean age 22 months) about cardinal number, a basic precursor to mathematics. In analyses of naturalistic mother–child interactions from the Child Language Data Exchange System (CHILDES) database, boys received significantly more number-specific language input than girls. Greater amounts of early number-related talk may promote familiarity and liking for mathematical concepts, which may influence later preferences and career choices. Additionally, the stereotype of male dominance in math may be so pervasive that culturally prescribed gender roles may be unintentionally reinforced to very young children.
Public Opinion on the Harshness of Local Courts
Authors: Applegate Brandon K. , Sanborn Joseph B.
Published: August 2011

Drawing on framing theory, the present study tests the impact of question wording on people’s reported opinions about the harshness of their local courts. A randomized experimental design tested two salient variations against the standard wording used in the National Opinion Research Center’s General Social Survey (GSS). The results indicated statistically significant differences, with fewer respondents expressing a desire for greater harshness with the alternative forms than the standard question form. Four of the five correlates that the authors examined also showed differential relationships with punitiveness among the question forms. These findings suggest that scholars should carefully consider the meaning of people’s responses when interpreting the GSS question as an indicator of public punitiveness.
An experimental study on the effects of blockage ratio and ventilation velocity on the heat release rate of tunnel fires
Authors: Kayili Serkan , Yozgatligil Ahmet , Cahit Eralp O.
Published: August 2011

It is very important to accurately predict the fire-induced air velocity, temperature, and smoke concentrations in tunnel fires to design efficient fire protection systems. In this study a scaled model of a tunnel was constructed based on Froude number scaling and wood sticks with different configurations which were burned in a controlled environment. Model vehicles having a square base were built according to the wood crib theory. The impact of varying longitudinal ventilation velocity and the cross-sectional area of the burning substances on the heat release rate and temperature distribution in the tunnel were measured.
Preparation of hydrophilic poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) macroporous scaffolds through enzyme-mediated modifications
Authors: Guzmán Daniel , Kirsebom Harald , Solano Carlos , Quillaguamán Jorge , Hatti-Kaul Rajni
Published: August 2011

Scaffolds made from poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) were prepared by thermally induced phase separation from solutions in dioxane at temperatures above (23°C) or below the freezing point of the solvent. At 23°C, gelation occured with nano-fibrous network formation. The scaffolds prepared at —12°C and —25°C exhibited a highly porous morphology, with pores in the range of 3—25 μm, caused by freezing of dioxane. The macroporous scaffolds, prepared at —12°C, were treated with lipase to generate functional groups to which gelatin and glucosamine, respectively, were chemically coupled. The modified scaffolds had lower molecular weight, higher water content, lower melting temperature, and enthalpy. Cultivation of human embryonic fibroblasts on the macroporous scaffolds confirmed that the cells proliferated and adhered to the materials.
“An Absolute Revolving Door”
Authors: Gardiner Christine
Published: August 2011

Proposition 36 (aka SACPA) radically changed how the criminal justice system in California deals with drug offenders—from a crime control model to an addiction-treatment model. Although it was anticipated that the diversion-to-treatment law would have a significant impact on drug offenders, courts, and corrections in the state of California, it was not anticipated to have a noticeable effect on law enforcement. Contrary to expectations, the current study found very high levels of frustration among law enforcement officers. The frustration altered the way some officers exercised discretion and led many to actively circumvent the legislation. Specifically, officers reported that they now seek out additional charges to disqualify offenders from being diverted through Proposition 36, and they are less likely to arrest offenders for being under the influence. These results are consistent with findings from other street-level bureaucracy studies of police response to new policies and programs.
Human Capital and Population Growth in Nonmetropolitan U.S. Counties
Authors: Winters John V.
Published: August 2011

Researchers have consistently shown that the stock of human capital in an area, measured as the share of the adult population with a college degree, is a strong predictor of future population growth. This article examines this relationship for U.S. nonmetropolitan counties and posits that student migration for higher education may play an important role. Students often move to an area for college and then stay in the area after their education is complete, causing the area’s educated population to grow. Empirical evidence suggests that student migration explains nearly all the greater in-migration to highly educated nonmetropolitan counties. Implications for nonmetropolitan brain drain are discussed.
The effect of processing conditions on the characteristics of electrically conductive thermoplastic composites
Authors: Carneiro OS , Covas JA , Reis R , Brulé B , Flat JJ
Published: August 2011

Carbon black (CB) thermoplastic composites are extensively used in antistatic, electrostatic dissipative, and semiconductive applications, where a relatively low electrical conductivity and low material costs are required. Achieving the adequate mixing levels during compounding is a major practical requirement. The present work studies the preparation by twin-screw extrusion of conductive composites containing ca. 20% weight-in-weight (w/w) CB, by investigating the effects of the processing conditions and of small variations in the filler's feeding rate on the evolution of the relevant processing parameters and rheological response along the extruder axis and of the electrical properties.
High electrical conductivity and elastic modulus composites comprising glass fiber-reinforced carbon-filled high-density polyethylene
Authors: Yuan Qiang , Bateman Stuart A , Shen Shirley , Gloria-Esparza C , Xia Kenong
Published: August 2011

Electrically conductive composites with very low percolation threshold values and high elastic modulus have been developed using single-screw extruder from short E-glass fiber (GF) reinforced carbon black (CB) filled high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The percolation threshold values of composites decreased with increased content of GF. The elastic modulus, tensile strength, and impact strength of composites were improved after addition of GF into CB/PE (PE, polyethylene). Three coupling agents, namely glycidyl methacrylate-grafted ethylene copolymer, maleic anhydride-grafted PE, and maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene were used to study the effect on the conductivity and mechanical properties of GF/CB/PE composites. The tensile strength and modulus of composites increased after addition of coupling agent, meanwhile the conductivity of composites were decreased. The interface strength between GF and PE was improved after addition of coupling agent. The images of scanning electronic microscope showed that coupling agent improved the bonding between GF and matrix in an effective manner.
Polymer molecular composites – new history
Authors: Kotomin SV
Published: August 2011

Appearance of molecular composites is grounded on fast development of rigid chain polymers and high-performance fibers on their base in United States and Russia. Brief historical review of rigid-chain polymers, fibers, and molecular composites on their base presented. Analysis of existing molecular composites and novel ways for development of these materials are in focus of the work. Properties of composite fibers and plastics containing poly-n-phenylenterehptalamide and polyamide PA-6 are shown. Blends of polysulfone with polyamidbenzamidazolterephtalamide for creation of molecular composites are discussed. Influence of shear flow rate on phase separation in the process of formation of fibrils from rigid-chain polymer inside matrix of flexible-chain polymer is demonstrated. By changing ratio between components and altering composite fibers spinning conditions, it is possible to obtain various materials – from fusible reinforced thermoplastics to heat resistant and high-strength plastics.
Electrical Characterization of Polyethylene oxide -Alumina composite
Authors: Elimat ZM , Zihlif AM , Schulte Kl , de la Vega A , Ragosta G
Published: August 2011

This study deals with the electrical characterization of polyethylene oxide (PEO) – alumina (Al2O3) composites at several concentrations, 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight Al2O3. The alternating current electrical properties were studied as a function of frequency in the range from 20 Hz to 1 MHz and studied with filler concentrations. Transmission light microscopy (TLM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the dispersed Al2O3 particles were randomly distributed within the PEO matrix with some surface contacts between them and also revealed that the ceramic particles are tightly held by the host matrix material. The melting temperature, Tm, was determined for the composites via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The AC electrical properties (impedance, real part of impedance, imaginary part of impedance, dissipation factor, dielectric constant, real part of electric modulus, imaginary part of electric modulus, electrical conductivity, and relaxation time) were determined. It was found that the applied frequency and filler concentrations affected the AC electrical properties of the composites. The universal power-law of alternating current conductivity wasobserved in the PEO/Al2O3 composites. The calculated power exponent ( n < 1) is physically acceptable within this applied model.
How Should School Districts Shape Teacher Salary Schedules? Linking School Performance to Pay Structure in Traditional Compensation Schemes
Authors: Grissom Jason A. , Strunk Katharine O.
Published: August 2011

This study examines the relative distribution of salary schedule returns to experience for beginning and veteran teachers. We argue that districts are likely to benefit from structuring salary schedules with greater experience returns early in the teaching career. To test this hypothesis, we match salary data to school-level student performance data on math and reading achievement tests across states. We find that frontloaded compensation schemes—those that allocate greater salary returns to experience to novice teachers—are associated with better performance in multiple grades and throughout the achievement distribution. Our results contribute to national debates concerning teacher compensation policies.
Synthesis and characterization of new organosoluble aromatic polyamides and polyazomethines containing pendent pentadecyl chains
Authors: Sadavarte Nilakshi V. , Avadhani C.V. , Wadgaonkar Prakash P.
Published: August 2011

New aromatic polyamides and polyazomethines containing pendent pentadecyl chains were synthesized by polycondensation of pentadecylbenzene-1,3-diamine with (i) four commercially available aromatic diacids, viz., biphenyl-4,4′dicarboxylic acid, 4,4′-oxybisbenzoic acid, terephthalic acid and isophthalic acid, and (ii) dialdehydes, viz., terephthaldehyde, isophthaldehyde and a 50 : 50 mol% mixture of terephthaldehyde, and isophthaldehyde, respectively. Inherent viscosities of polyamides and polyazomethines were in the range 0.35–0.56 dL g−1 and 0.33–0.38 dL g−1, respectively, indicating the formation of medium molecular weight polymers. The presence of pendent pentadecyl chains in polyamides and polyazomethines led to an improvement in their solubility in organic solvents. Polyamides could be cast into flexible, transparent and tough films from their solution in N, N-dimethylacetamide while polyazomethines could be solution cast into transparent, flexible and stretchable films from their CHCl3 solution. 1H-NMR studies based on amide proton signals and azomethine proton signals indicated the presence of constitutional isomerism in the polyamides and polyazomethines. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction patterns exhibited broad halo indicating that the polymers were amorphous in nature. X-ray diffractograms also displayed sharp reflections in the small angle region (2 θ ≈ 3°) indicating the formation of layered structure arising from packing of flexible pentadecyl chains. The glass transition ( Tg) temperatures of polyamides were in the range 169–215 °C while Tg values for polyazomethines were in the range 16–55 °C. The temperature for the 10% weight loss of polyamides and polyazomethines were in the range 430–460 °C and 425–440 °C, respectively, in a nitrogen atmosphere, which indicated their good thermal stability. Polyazomethines were also characterized by UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy and optical band gap ( Eg) values, calculated according to the maximum of the UV absorption, were found to be in the range 2.82–3.10 eV.
Real-time automatic inspection of macro defects in in-line TFT fabrication process
Authors: Son H I , Oh M-H
Published: August 2011

In this article, an automatic detection and judgement method for macro defects in thin film transistor (TFT) fabrication process is proposed using a high-resolution line charge-coupled device camera as a preliminary inspection method for TFT liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panel. Macro defects are classified primarily into four types. Relevant detection and judgement methods are then applied according to the type of macro defect using different criteria such as diffraction pattern shifts, just noticeable differences, and the gradient of inspection images. The proposed method is verified with industrial experiments. In the experiment, 559 TFT glasses are used, which are sampled among the glasses and were judged as PASS (i.e. non-killer-defected glass) in the TFT fabrication process by a conventional human inspection method, but were judged as REJECT (i.e. killer-defected glass) in the module process. All macro defects in the sampled glasses were detected and rejected in the TFT fabrication process using the proposed method.
Structural Priming Across Cognitive Domains
Authors: Scheepers Christoph , Sturt Patrick , Martin Catherine J. , Myachykov Andriy , Teevan Kay , Viskupova Izabela
Published: August 2011

In the two experiments reported here, we uncovered evidence for shared structural representations between arithmetic and language. Specifically, we primed subjects using mathematical equations either with or without parenthetical groupings, such as 80 − (9 + 1) × 5 or 80 − 9 + 1 × 5, and then presented a target sentence fragment, such as “The tourist guide mentioned the bells of the church that . . .,” which subjects had to complete. When the mathematical equations were solved correctly, their structure influenced the noun phrase—for example, either “the bells of the church” or “the church,” respectively—that subjects chose to attach their sentence completion to. These experiments provide the first demonstration of cross-domain structural priming from mathematics to language. They highlight the importance of global structural representations at a very high level of abstraction and have potentially far-reaching implications regarding the domain generality of structural representations.
Maternal Defense
Authors: Hahn-Holbrook Jennifer , Holt-Lunstad Julianne , Holbrook Colin , Coyne Sarah M. , Lawson E. Thomas
Published: August 2011

Mothers in numerous species exhibit heightened aggression in defense of their young. This shift typically coincides with the duration of lactation in nonhuman mammals, which suggests that human mothers may display similarly accentuated aggressiveness while breast feeding. Here we report the first behavioral evidence for heightened aggression in lactating humans. Breast-feeding mothers inflicted louder and longer punitive sound bursts on unduly aggressive confederates than did formula-feeding mothers or women who had never been pregnant. Maternal aggression in other mammals is thought to be facilitated by the buffering effect of lactation on stress responses. Consistent with the animal literature, our results showed that while lactating women were aggressing, they exhibited lower systolic blood pressure than did formula-feeding or never-pregnant women while they were aggressing. Mediation analyses indicated that reduced arousal during lactation may disinhibit female aggression. Together, our results highlight the contributions of breast feeding to both protecting infants and buffering maternal stress.
Unsupervised place recognition for assistive mobile robots based on local feature descriptions
Authors: Karasfi B , Tang S H , Samsudin K , Ramli A R Bin , Jalalian A , Motlagh O
Published: August 2011

Place recognition is an important perceptual robotic problem, especially in the navigation process. Previous place-recognition approaches have been used for solving ‘global localization’ and ‘kidnapped robot’ problems. Such approaches are usually performed in a supervised mode. In this paper, a robust appearance-based unsupervised place clustering and recognition algorithm is introduced. This method fuses several image features using speed up robust features (SURF) by agglomerating them into a union form of features inside each place cluster. The number of place clusters can be extracted by investigating the SURF-based scene similarity diagram between adjacent images. During a human-guided learning step, the robot captures visual information acquired by an embedded camera and converts them into topological place clusters. Experimental results show the robustness, accuracy, and efficiency of the method, as well as its ability to create topological place clusters for solving global localization and kidnapped robot problems. The performance of the developed system is remarkable in terms of time, clustering error, and recognition precision.
Team Emotional Intelligence and Performance
Authors: Chang Jin Wook , Sy Thomas , Choi Jin Nam
Published: August 2011

Despite increasing attention to emotional intelligence (EI) in the workplace, few studies have investigated EI at the group level. In this study, we propose that average member EI indirectly affects team performance by shaping emergent team dynamics. The results based on 91 teams show that both average member EI and leader EI are positively associated with intrateam trust, which in turn positively relates to team performance. Average member EI and leader EI have a compensatory relationship in predicting team performance. Either high average member EI or high leader EI (not necessarily both) is sufficient to explain a high level of team performance. This pattern is particularly strong with the emotion appraisal and social skills dimensions of EI. Our study highlights the need for increased attention to EI at the group level, which shapes emergent states and outcomes of work teams.
Carrying
Authors: van Manen Michael
Published: August 2011

Some hospital practices that are routine for hospital staff may carry unintended significance for patients and their families. The transfer of neonatal infants between hospitals and hospital environments is one such practice that may be covered by perfectly acceptable rules and regulations but that, at times, gives rise to unsuspected anxieties, pain, and worries in the parent. In this phenomenological study, I explored meaning aspects of the phenomenon transfer to reveal a lived experience of carrying—a carrying across from here to there; a carrying between changing places; a carrying contact of parent–child in-touchness that is enabled or compromised in this experience; a carrying with care; and a carrying as a search for place as home. The concluding recommendations speak to the need for understanding the experiences of hospitalized babies’ parents, and speak to the tactful sensitivities required of the health care team during the transfer of child and family.