bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary crossroads in developmental biology: the spiderParasteatoda tepidariorum
Authors: Hilbrant Maarten , Damen Wim G. M. , McGregor Alistair P.
Published: July 2012

Spiders belong to the chelicerates, which is an arthropod group that branches basally from myriapods, crustaceans and insects. Spiders are thus useful models with which to investigate whether aspects of development are ancestral or derived with respect to the arthropod common ancestor. Moreover, they serve as an important reference point for comparison with the development of other metazoans. Therefore, studies of spider development have made a major contribution to advancing our understanding of the evolution of development. Much of this knowledge has come from studies of the common house spider, Parasteatoda tepidariorum. Here, we describe how the growing number of experimental tools and resources available to study Parasteatoda development have provided novel insights into the evolution of developmental regulation and have furthered our understanding of metazoan body plan evolution.
Genome-wide analysis reveals that Smad3 and JMJD3 HDM co-activate the neural developmental program
Authors: Estarás Conchi , Akizu Naiara , García Alejandra , Beltrán Sergi , de la Cruz Xavier , Martínez-Balbás Marian A.
Published: July 2012

Neural development requires crosstalk between signaling pathways and chromatin. In this study, we demonstrate that neurogenesis is promoted by an interplay between the TGFβ pathway and the H3K27me3 histone demethylase (HDM) JMJD3. Genome-wide analysis showed that JMJD3 is targeted to gene promoters by Smad3 in neural stem cells (NSCs) and is essential to activate TGFβ-responsive genes. In vivo experiments in chick spinal cord revealed that the generation of neurons promoted by Smad3 is dependent on JMJD3 HDM activity. Overall, these findings indicate that JMJD3 function is required for the TGFβ developmental program to proceed.
The Dorsocross T-box transcription factors promote tissue morphogenesis in the Drosophila wing imaginal disc
Authors: Sui Liyuan , Pflugfelder Gert O. , Shen Jie
Published: July 2012

The Drosophila wing imaginal disc is subdivided into notum, hinge and blade territories during the third larval instar by formation of several deep apical folds. The molecular mechanisms of these subdivisions and the subsequent initiation of morphogenic processes during metamorphosis are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the Dorsocross (Doc) T-box genes promote the progression of epithelial folds that not only separate the hinge and blade regions of the wing disc but also contribute to metamorphic development by changing cell shapes and bending the wing disc. We found that Doc expression was restricted by two inhibitors, Vestigial and Homothorax, leading to two narrow Doc stripes where the folds separating hinge and blade are forming. Doc mutant clones prevented the lateral extension and deepening of these folds at the larval stage and delayed wing disc bending in the early pupal stage. Ectopic Doc expression was sufficient to generate deep apical folds by causing a basolateral redistribution of the apical microtubule web and a shortening of cells. Cells of both the endogenous blade/hinge folds and of folds elicited by ectopic Doc expression expressed Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (Mmp2). In these folds, integrins and extracellular matrix proteins were depleted. Overexpression of Doc along the blade/hinge folds caused precocious wing disc bending, which could be suppressed by co-expressing MMP2RNAi.
Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: surveillance of endoleak using maximum transverse diameter of aorta on non-enhanced CT
Authors: Nagayama Hiroki , Sueyoshi Eijun , Sakamoto Ichiro , Uetani Masataka
Published: July 2012

Background

Repeat volumetric analysis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) after endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) is time-consuming and requires advanced processing, dedicated equipment, and skilled operators.

Purpose

To clarify the validity of measuring the maximal short-axis diameter (Dmax) of AAA in follow-up non-enhanced axial CT as a means of detecting substantial endoleaks after EVAR.

Material and Methods

CT images were retrospectively reviewed in 47 patients (7 women, 40 men; mean age, 76.2 years) who had no endoleak on initial contrast-enhanced CT after EVAR. Regular follow-up CT studies were performed every 6 months. At each CT study, the Dmax on the CT axial image was measured and compared with that on the last CT (115 data-sets). Contrast-enhanced CT was regarded as the standard of reference to decide the presence or absence of endoleaks. The appearance of endoleak was defined as the end point of this study.

Results

Endoleaks were detected in 17 patients during the follow-up period. Mean Dmax changes for 6 months were significant between positive and negative endoleak cases (1.8 ± 1.9 vs. −1.1 ± 3.0 mm, P < 0.0001). When the Dmax change ≤ 0 mm for 6 months was used as the threshold for negative endoleak, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 74.5, 82.4, 96.1, and 35.9%, respectively. When Dmax change ≤−1 mm was used as the threshold, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 38.8, 100, 100, and 22.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

Contrast-enhanced CT is not required for the evaluation of endoleaks when the Dmax decreases by at least 1 mm over 6 months after EVAR.
Marketing and Public Policy: Transformative Research in Developing Markets
Authors: Shultz Clifford J. , Deshpandé Rohit , Cornwell T. Bettina , Ekici Ahmet , Kothandaraman Prabakar , Peterson Mark , Shapiro Stanley , Talukdar Debabrata , Veeck Ann
Published: July 2012

Developing markets are a challenge for researchers who study them and for governments, business leaders, and citizens who strive to improve the quality of life in them. The limitations of the dominant development paradigm coupled with the need to focus on consumers provide tremendous opportunities to engage in truly transformative research. Toward this outcome, several interactive forces must be understood and addressed during research design, management, and implementation. The purpose of this essay is to provide a synthesis—that is, a framework in the form of a conceptual model—with practical applications to transformative research in developing markets and, ultimately, with the broader objective to stimulate new conceptualizations, research, and best practices to transform consumer well-being.
Family Experiences and Pediatric Health Services Use Associated With Family-Centered Rounds
Authors: Kuo Dennis Z. , Sisterhen Laura L. , Sigrest Ted E. , Biazo James M. , Aitken Mary E. , Smith Christopher E.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND:

Family-centered rounds (FCR) are defined as interdisciplinary bedside teaching rounds with active family participation. The objective of this study was to examine the association of FCR with family experiences and health services use.

METHODS:

Prospective study comparing families with a child admitted to general pediatric inpatient services with and without FCR. The presence of FCR elements was assessed before study enrollment. Study data were obtained by an in-person interview, a follow-up phone interview <1 week after discharge, and medical record review. Family outcomes were informed by Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems measures. Health service use outcomes included hour of discharge, number of medications, and overall charges. Primary analyses included χ2 and multivariate regression. Secondary analyses by using propensity score matching were performed to account for differences on observed variables.

RESULTS:

A total of 140 of 203 eligible families were enrolled; 97 completed follow-up surveys (49 on FCR team). Compared with non-FCR, FCR families were more likely to report consistent medical information (P < .001), the option of discussing care plan (P < .001), doctors listening carefully (P < .01), and doctors showing respect (P < .001). No differences were found in number of medications (mean 2.4 vs 2.9, P = .26) or discharge time (mean 3:06 pm versus 2:43 pm, P = .39). No difference was found for hospital charges after adjusting for length of stay outliers.

CONCLUSIONS:

FCR are associated with higher parent satisfaction, consistent medical information, and care plan discussion, with no additional burden to health service use. Additional studies should assess FCR under different settings of care.
Vaccine-Type Human Papillomavirus and Evidence of Herd Protection After Vaccine Introduction
Authors: Kahn Jessica A. , Brown Darron R. , Ding Lili , Widdice Lea E. , Shew Marcia L. , Glynn Susan , Bernstein David I.
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVES:

The aims of this study were to compare prevalence rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) in young women before and after HPV vaccine introduction to determine the following: (1) whether vaccine-type HPV infection decreased, (2) whether there was evidence of herd protection, and (3) whether there was evidence for type-replacement (increased prevalence of nonvaccine-type HPV).

METHODS:

Young women 13 to 26 years of age who had had sexual contact were recruited from 2 primary care clinics in 2006–2007 for a prevaccination surveillance study (N = 368, none were vaccinated) and 2009–2010 for a postvaccination surveillance study (N = 409, 59% were vaccinated). Participants completed a questionnaire and were tested for cervicovaginal HPV DNA. HPV prevalence rates were compared in the pre- versus postsurveillance studies by using χ2 tests. Propensity score weighting was used to balance differences in covariates between the 2 surveillance studies.

RESULTS:

The mean age was ∼19 years for both groups of participants and most were African American and non-Hispanic. After propensity score weighting, the prevalence rate for vaccine-type HPV decreased substantially (31.7%–13.4%, P < .0001). The decrease in vaccine-type HPV not only occurred among vaccinated (31.8%–9.9%, P < .0001) but also among unvaccinated (30.2%–15.4%, P < .0001) postsurveillance study participants. Nonvaccine-type HPV increased (60.7%–75.9%, P < .0001) for vaccinated postsurveillance study participants.

CONCLUSIONS:

Four years after licensing of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine, there was a substantial decrease in vaccine-type HPV prevalence and evidence of herd protection in this community. The increase in nonvaccine-type HPV in vaccinated participants should be interpreted with caution but warrants further study.
Prevalence of Abusive Injuries in Siblings and Household Contacts of Physically Abused Children
Authors: Lindberg Daniel M. , Shapiro Robert A. , Laskey Antoinette L. , Pallin Daniel J. , Blood Emily A. , Berger Rachel P. ,   for the ExSTRA Investigators
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE:

Siblings and other children who share a home with a physically abused child are thought to be at high risk for abuse, but rates of injury in these contact children are unknown and screening of contacts is highly variable. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of abusive injuries identified by a common screening protocol among contacts of physically abused children.

METHODS:

This is an observational, multicenter cross-sectional study of children evaluated for physical abuse, and their contacts, by 20 US child abuse teams who used a common screening protocol for the contacts of physically abused children with serious injuries. Contacts underwent physical examination if they were <5 years old, physical examination and skeletal survey (SS) if they were <24 months old, and physical examination, SS, and neuroimaging if they were <6 months old.

RESULTS:

Protocol-indicated SS identified at least 1 abusive fracture in 16 of 134 contacts (11.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.5–18.5) <24 months of age. None of these fractures had associated findings on physical examination. No injuries were identified by neuroimaging in 19 of 25 eligible contacts (0.0%, 95% CI 0.0–13.7). Twins were at substantially increased risk of fracture relative to nontwin contacts (odds ratio 20.1, 95% CI 5.8–69.9).

CONCLUSIONS:

SS should be obtained in the contacts of injured, abused children for contacts who are <24 months old, regardless of physical examination findings. Twins are at higher risk of abusive fractures relative to nontwin contacts.
An overview on envenomings inflicted by the Common adder (Vipera berus) and their treatment in Hungary. Facts and beliefs – Part I
Authors: Malina Tamás , Babocsay Gergely , Krecsák László , Schuller Péter , Zacher Gábor , Vasas Gábor
Published: July 2012

Consequences of bites the Common adder (Vipera berus) were reviewed in this study. Patients bitten by snakes from different populations may develop variable symptoms due to geographical venom variation. The correct diagnosis of snake bites and the knowledge of the distribution of venomous snake taxa have a crucial impact on snake bite therapy. The characteristic symptoms of patients bitten by V. berus in Hungary are highlighted. The habitat characteristics, seasonal activity and the Hungarian distribution of the adder are described based on literature data, museum specimens and field observations. However, envenomings are uncommon in Hungary, the annual 3 to 4 incidents have to be taken seriously, regardless of the age and actual health condition of the patients. Contrary to beliefs persisting both among laymen and professionals, the venom of V. berus is powerful. Medical observation of the patients is necessary in the first 5 to 6 hours. Any systemic symptom or progression of the edema requires hospital admission. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1092–1105.
Use of waste limestone dust and steel slag in UK highways type 1 unbound mixtures
Authors: Saghafi Behrooz , Nageim Hassan Al , VisuliosMPhil Petros , Ghazireh Nizar
Published: July 2012

This paper reports the results of a research project which evaluated the benefits of modifying UK highways type 1 unbound mixture for sub-base by the addition of a significant proportion of a number of waste products, namely pulverized fuel ash, limestone dust, steel slag and granulated blast-furnace slag. Assessment of the effect of modification was carried out in the triaxial apparatus, which was used to measure the resilient modulus of the modified mixtures and comparing those values with those ascertained from unmodified type 1 unbound mixtures. The modified materials containing up to 20% extra limestone dust presented inadequate resilient modulus values for use in road pavement foundations. However, addition of the other wastes improved the resilient modulus of the material to a level that made the materials suitable for use as sub-base in pavement foundations. The intention is that this research could initiate justification of using limestone dust in sub-base potentially leading to use of this plentiful by-product currently considered to be a waste material depending upon the economics.
Nanoscience of cementitious materials
Authors: Singh Nakshatra B. , Das Shiv S.
Published: July 2012

Nanoscience of cementitious materials is at its initial stages and several research activities are being performed in the field. Researchers are trying to understand the hydration mechanism of Portland cement at the nanoscale. Attempts are being made to prepare cementitious materials of nanodimensions using various techniques. Various nanodimensional supplementary cementitious materials are being added to concrete in order to enhance the strength and durability. The overall development in the area of nanoscience of cementitious materials has been reviewed and presented in this article.
Occurrence and speciation of copper in slags obtained during the pyrometallurgical processing of chalcopyrite concentrates at the Huelva smelter (Spain)
Authors: Fernández-Caliani J.C. , Ríos G. , Martínez J. , Jiménez F.
Published: July 2012

Slags involved in smelting-converting-refining operations to produce blister
copper at the Atlantic Copper smelter, in Huelva (Spain), have been
investigated by quantitative electron microprobe analysis, X-ray diffraction
and digital imaging techniques. The results showed that mechanically
entrapped matte particles are the dominant copper losses in the slags. The
largest proportion of Cubearing particles (2.0-3.5 vol %) is present in the
magnetite-rich converter slags, due to the negative effect of viscosity on
coalescence and precipitation of copper matte during conversion. They consist
of high-grade matte particles with a core of copper metal rimmed by a copper
sulfide phase (Cu2S). The mechanical entrainment of copper matte by slags
from both the flash and electric furnaces resulted in copper losses
accounting for less than 1.5 vol %, mostly occurring as tiny particles with a
stoichiometric composition close to that of bornite (Cu5FeS4). Copper was not
found to be enriched in fayalite and magnetite as solid solution.
Mechanical and wear properties of pre-alloyed molybdenum P/M steels with nickel addition
Authors: Yamanoglu R. , Karakulak E. , Zeren M.
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study is to understand the effect of nickel addition on
mechanical and wear properties of molybdenum and copper alloyed P/M steel.
Specimens with three different nickel contents were pressed under 400 MPa and
sintered at 1120?C for 30 minutes then rapidly cooled. Microstructures and
mechanical properties (bending strength, hardness and wear properties) of the
sintered specimens were investigated in detail. Metallographical
investigations showed that the microstructures of consolidated specimens
consist of tempered martensite, bainite, retained austenite and pores. It is
also reported that the amount of pores varies depending on the nickel
concentration of the alloys. Hardness of the alloys increases with increasing
nickel content. Specimens containing 2% nickel showed minimum pore quantity
and maximum wear resistance. The wear mechanism changed from abrasive wear at
low nickel content to adhesive wear at higher nickel content.
Estimating sulfide capacities for ternary systems with limited solubility
Authors: Wang L.J. , Liu Q.Y. , Chou K.C.
Published: July 2012

In view of successful application of mass triangle model in thermophysical
properties, in the current work, the mass triangle model was extended to
evaluate sulfide capacities of ternary systems with limited homogeneous
region. Four ternary systems of Al2O3-FeO-SiO2, FeO-CaO-SiO2, CaO-CaCl2-CaF2
and CaO-CaF2-SiO2 were chosen to calculate iso-sulfide capacity based on the
limited boundary data. The good agreement between reference data and
calculated data indicated that this model is feasible and will play an
indispensable role in the future. Compared with optical basicity model, the
results obtained by mass triangle model are still competitive when containing
Cl- and F- in the molten slag due to lacking the optical basicity values.
Carbothermic reduction of electric arc furnace dust and calcination of waelz oxide by semi-pilot scale rotary furnace
Authors: Morcali M.H. , Yucel O. , Aydin A. , Derin B.
Published: July 2012

The paper gives a common outline about the known recycling techniques from
electric arc furnace dusts and describes an investigation of a
pyrometallurgical process for the recovery of zinc and iron from electric arc
furnace dusts (EAFD). In the waelz process, the reduction of zinc and iron
from the waste oxides using solid carbon (lignite coal) was studied. In the
reduction experiments; temperature, time and charge type (powder and pellet)
were investigated in detail. It was demonstrated that zinc and iron recovery
(%) increases with increasing temperature as well as time. Pelletizing was
found to be a better method than using the powder as received for the zinc
recovery and iron conversion (). In the calcination (roasting) process, crude
zinc oxide, which evaporated from non-ferric metals were collected as
condensed product (crude waelz oxide), was heated in air atmosphere. Lead,
cadmium as well as chlorine and other impurities were successfully removed
from crude waelz oxide by this method. In the calcination experiments;
temperature and time are investigated in detail. It was demonstrated that
zinc purification (%) increases with increasing temperature. The highest zinc
refining (%) was obtained at 1200?C for 120 minutes. A kinetic study was also
undertaken to determine the activation energy of the process. Activation
energies were 242.77 kJ/mol for the zinc recovery with powder forms, 261.99
kJ/mol for the zinc recovery with pellet forms respectively. It was found
that, initially, the reaction was chemically controlled.
Melting features and viscosity of SiO2-CaO-MgO-Al2O3-FeO nickel slag in laterite metallurgy
Authors: Pan C. , Lv X. , Bai C. , Liu X. , Li D.
Published: July 2012

Physic-chemical properties of slag at high temperature were very important
for the production of ferronickel alloy by pyrometallurgical process. It
determines the operation efficiency, metal recovery ratio, energy consumption
and the distribution of elements (like S and P) between the slag and metal.
In the present work, the effect of slag basicity on melting features and
viscosity of the slag was investigated. The basicity of the
SiO2-CaO-MgO-Al2O3-FeO quinary slag system varied from 0.76 to 0.99. The
results showed that: 1) all the slag samples began to soften at the same
temperature; 2) the softening temperature, melting temperature and flowing
temperature decreased with the increase of basicity from 0.76 to 0.92, after
that, the temperatures would increase sharply. 3) the inflection point
temperature of viscosity-temperature curve became larger and larger with the
increase of basicity within 0.76 ~ 0.99.
Synthesis and characterization of tenorite (CuO) nanoparticles from smelting furnace dust(SFD)
Authors: Darezereshki E. , Bakhtiari F.
Published: July 2012

Tenorite (CuO) nanoparticles were prepared from a dilute CuSO4 solution. The
solution was obtained by leaching (pH=1.5) of smelting furnace dust of
Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex, Iran. The recovery of copper from the acidic
sulphate solution was carried out by solvent extraction using Lix 984-N.
Tenorite nanoparticles were synthesized by direct thermal decomposition of
Langite [Cu4(OH)6SO4(H2O)2] as a precursor which was calcinated in air for 2
h at 750?C. The Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared
spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron
microscopy. The average diameter of the spherical pure CuO nanoparticles and
their crystallite size were estimated to be 92 nm and 40nm, respectively.
The simplicity of the present method suggests its potential application at
industrial scale as a cheap and convenient way to produce pure CuO
nanoparticles from dilute CuSO4 solutions obtained from leaching of smelting
furnace dust.
Preparation, characterization and mechanical properties of rare-earth-based nanocomposites
Authors: Musbah S.S. , Radojevic V. , Radovic I. , Uskokovic P.S. , Stojanovic D.B. , Dramicanin M. , Aleksic R.
Published: July 2012

This study reports research related to different preparation methods and
characterization of polymer nanocomposites for optical applications. The
Eu-ion doped Gd2O3 nanophosphor powder with different nanoparticle content
was embedded in the matrix of PMMA. Preparation was carried out by mixing
molding (bulk), electrospinning (nanofibers) and solution casting (thin
films) with neat particles and particles coated with AMEO silane. Among the
pros and cons for proposed methods, the mixing molding enables to avoid
solvent use while the best deagglomeration and nanoparticle distribution is
gained using the electrospinning method. The results of dynamic mechanical
analysis (DMA) and nanoindentation revealed that the storage modulus of the
composites was higher than that of pure PMMA and increased with nanophosphor
content. Surface modification of particles improved the mechanical properties
of nanocomposites.
A Comparative Study on Value Tendency of University Students: An International Perspective
Authors: Öcal Adem , Kyburiene Laima , Yiğittir Süleyman
Published: July 2012

Today, the academic curriculum of any educational institution cannot stand apart from the formation of human values. “Value‘ is a subjective concept that forms the basis of the private reasons on which individuals make choices between the available alternatives in their lives. In many countries, there exists a serious debate about how students acquire their values. In this regard, values are the decisive elements affecting the behaviour of individuals, thus, studies on people's value tendencies are important. This study aimed to identify and rank the importance given by students, in two different countries, to the values stated in the classification scales created by Rokeach and Schwartz. The study was carried out in the education departments of three universities: Kaunas University of Applied Sciences in Lithuania, and Aksaray University and Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, both of which are in Turkey. In order to determine the level of importance given to the values by the pre-service trainee teachers, a Likert-type scale, consisting of 78 items, was used. The value scales of Rokeach and Schwartz were used as a basis for constructing the instrument for the identification and ranking of values. In addition, some universal and national value items were added to these classifications.
Teaching Human Rights and Rule of Law in Class: A Case Study of Two Secondary Schools in Hong Kong
Authors: Yuen Timothy W.W. , Chong Eric
Published: July 2012

Choosing two schools as a case study, the article reports how teaching approaches can differ and explains how teacher style, school ethos, and student expectation can shape pedagogical choice. Impact of the teaching and the difficulties teachers encountered are also reported. Whilst this article is probably one of the first to explore the issue of human rights and rule of law teaching in Hong Kong, the fact that it is a small case study needs to be noted when reviewing the outcomes and conclusions of the study. The writing of this article was supported by the findings obtained from a Quality Education Fund project which aimed at assisting Hong Kong teachers to teach human rights and rule of law as part of Liberal Studies, which is a new senior secondary subject.
The Potential of History within the School Curriculum in England for Developing and Enhancing the Understanding of being a Citizen in the Twenty-First Century, with an Emphasis on the Later Primary Experience and the Start of Secondary Education
Authors: Jordan Ann , Robinson Sarah , Taylor Paul
Published: July 2012

The aim behind this research was to investigate how pupils in an English middle school between the ages of 9 and 12 were beginning to understand the term ‘Citizenship’ within the context of their taught History sessions. The authors were keen to not only elicit their views and understanding, but also to see what patterns and issues were emerging which shed some light on how the teaching of Citizenship through History, in particular, was impacting on their perceptions. This was a particularly pertinent time to undertake the study given that the curriculum for schools in England was being reviewed by the Government at the same time. Therefore, through some exploration of the historical background, a clear methodological approach, and use of quantitative and some qualitative analysis, the authors have sought to show some of the possibilities, as well as some of the difficulties, of addressing the concept of ‘Citizenship’.
Changing Attitudes toward the Criminal Justice System: Results of an Experimental Study
Authors: Tanasichuk Carrie L. , Wormith J. Stephen
Published: July 2012

Polls have suggested that fewer than half of Canadians have confidence in the criminal justice system (CJS) as a whole. Low levels of confidence are problematic, as the CJS relies on public support to function effectively. Previous research has found that attitudes toward the CJS are typically based on misperceptions and misinformation, with the public being unaware of the functioning of the CJS as well as of crime trends. Therefore, it seems logical to posit that providing the public with factual information about crime and criminal justice may lead to increased confidence. Past studies have shown that, in general, public education can lead to increased confidence; however, questions pertaining to the mode of delivery have been raised, particularly in regards to how ‘active’ the individual should be in the learning process. The present study was conducted to assess the influence of mode of delivery on CJS knowledge and attitudes. As has been found in past research, participants who received CJS information had a higher level of knowledge than did controls, who received information about Canada's health care system. Interestingly, the type of learning (active vs. passive) did not have an effect on CJS knowledge; however, an effect was observed in regards to confidence and satisfaction: Participants who received CJS information through active learning were more confident in the CJS and had a higher level of satisfaction. These results have important implications for real world interventions.
Long-Term Follow-Up of Criminal Activity with Adjudicated Youth in Ontario: Identifying Offence Trajectories and Predictors/Correlates of Trajectory Group Membership
Authors: Day David M. , Nielsen Jason D. , Ward Ashley K. , Sun Ye , Rosenthal Jeffrey S. , Duchesne Thierry , Bevc Irene , Rossman Lianne
Published: July 2012

This article examines the criminal trajectories together with the childhood predictors and adolescent correlates of trajectory-group membership in a sample of 386 adjudicated youth in Ontario. Study participants had served a sentence at one of two open custody facilities in Toronto between 1986 and 1997. Criminal offending, based on official records, was tracked for 16.4 years, on average (SD=4.1, range=9.8–28.7 years), from late childhood/early adolescence into the early 30s, on average. Childhood and adolescent factors reflecting individual, family, peer, and school domains were extracted from client files. A seven-group model best fit the sample. Results of the multinomial regression analyses indicated that antisocial behaviour and poor academic achievement in childhood and poor family relations, involvement in alternative care, and poor academic achievement in adolescence differentiated the low-rate desister trajectory from the high- and moderate-rate offence trajectories. Implications for identifying children and youth at risk for high-rate persistent offending so as to target them in prevention and early intervention programs are discussed.
Contestations Over Biodiversity Protection: Considering Peircean Semiosis
Authors: Hiedanpää Juha , Bromley Daniel W.
Published: July 2012

We develop the general outlines of an evolutionary biodiversity policy that is consistent with the pragmatism of Charles Sanders Peirce and the institutional economics of John R. Commons. Our model is applied to recent experiences with biodiversity policy in Finland, especially a local policy initiative: Natural Values Trading (2003–2007). The purpose of this experiment was to explore how a voluntary, fixed-term, payment- and incentive-based scheme for biodiversity protection might perform. As a result of the experiment, the principles of the scheme have become a formalised part of Finnish forest biodiversity law and policy. In this paper we analyse the evolution of this particular institutional arrangement by applying Peircean semiosis and the negotiational psychology of Commons. A central component of our approach will be to explicate the role and significance of sign processes in: (1) how and why the need for new policy instruments emerges; (2) how those policies are developed, designed and tested; and (3) how decisions about those new instruments are made. We urge that the sign process should play a greater role in how scholars understand the evolution of biodiversity policy. Semiosis is ‘good to think with’.
Assessment of the Weather Research and Forecasting/Chemistry Model to Simulate Ozone Concentrations in March 2008 over Coastal Areas of the Sea of Japan
Authors: Al Razi Khandakar Md. Habib , Hiroshi Moritomi
Published: July 2012

The fully coupled WRF/Chem (Weather Research and Forecasting/Chemistry) model is used to simulate air quality over coastal areas of the Sea of Japan. The anthropogenic surface emissions database used as input for this model was based primarily on global hourly emissions data (dust, sea salt, and biomass burning), RETRO (REanalysis of the TROpospheric chemical composition), GEIA (Global Emissions Inventory Activity), and POET (Precursors of Ozone and their Effects in the Troposphere). Climatologic concentrations of particulate matter derived from the Regional Acid Deposition Model (RADM2), chemical mechanism, and the Secondary Organic Aerosol Model (MADE/SORGAM) with aqueous reactions were used to deduce the corresponding aerosol fluxes for input to the WRF/Chem model. The model was first integrated continuously over 48 hours, starting from 00:00 UTC on 14 March 2008, to evaluate ozone concentrations and other precursor pollutants. WPS meteorological data were used for the WRF/Chem model simulation in this study. Despite the low resolution of global emissions and the weak density of the local point emissions, it was found that the WRF/Chem model simulates the diurnal variation of the chemical species concentrations over the coastal areas of the Sea of Japan quite well. The Air Quality Management Division of the Ministry of the Environment in Japan selected the maximum level of the air quality standard for ozone, which is 60 ppb. In this study, the atmospheric concentrations of ozone over the coastal area of the Sea of Japan were calculated to be 30–55 ppb during the simulation period, which was lower than the Japanese air quality standard for ozone.
Parametric Study of Thermodynamics in the Mediterranean Courtyard as a Tool for the Design of Eco-Efficient Buildings
Authors: Rojas Juan M. , Galán-Marín Carmen , Fernández-Nieto Enrique D.
Published: July 2012

Traditionally, people in the Mediterranean region knew that the temperatures in their courtyards were cooler in summer than outside temperature. This paper provides a quantitative study on the usefulness of Mediterranean courtyards as passive energy saving systems. This work is based on the creation of a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) numerical model developed using the open source Freefem++ language. In this work, first the numerical model is tested using simplified-shape courtyards which have been previously studied both physically under controlled parameters, and mathematically through numerical simulations. We also study the most appropriate depth ratio for a courtyard, based on these simplified shapes, depending on the climate. Secondly, we apply the numerical model in a real geometry, the Monte Málaga hotel. We compare the numerical results with the monitored data of the temperature in the courtyard of the hotel. The numerical model takes into account precomputed solar radiation in the walls of the courtyard, the predominant wind and buoyancy effects.
Secondary Leukemia Associated with the Anti-Cancer Agent, Etoposide, a Topoisomerase II Inhibitor
Authors: Ezoe Sachiko
Published: July 2012

Etoposide is an anticancer agent, which is successfully and extensively used in treatments for various types of cancers in children and adults. However, due to the increases in survival and overall cure rate of cancer patients, interest has arisen on the potential risk of this agent for therapy-related secondary leukemia. Topoisomerase II inhibitors, including etoposide and teniposide, frequently cause rearrangements involving the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene on chromosome 11q23, which is associated with secondary leukemia. The prognosis is extremely poor for leukemias associated with rearrangements in the MLL gene, including etoposide-related secondary leukemias. It is of great importance to gain precise knowledge of the clinical aspects of these diseases and the mechanism underlying the leukemogenesis induced by this agent to ensure correct assessments of current and future therapy strategies. Here, I will review current knowledge regarding the clinical aspects of etoposide-related secondary leukemia, some probable mechanisms, and strategies for treating etoposide-induced leukemia.
Involvement of Disperse Repetitive Sequences in Wheat/Rye Genome Adjustment
Authors: Tomás Diana , Bento Miguel , Viegas Wanda , Silva Manuela
Published: July 2012

The union of different genomes in the same nucleus frequently results in hybrid genotypes with improved genome plasticity related to both genome remodeling events and changes in gene expression. Most modern cereal crops are polyploid species. Triticale, synthesized by the cross between wheat and rye, constitutes an excellent model to study polyploidization functional implications. We intend to attain a deeper knowledge of dispersed repetitive sequence involvement in parental genome reshuffle in triticale and in wheat-rye addition lines that have the entire wheat genome plus each rye chromosome pair. Through Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis with OPH20 10-mer primer we unraveled clear alterations corresponding to the loss of specific bands from both parental genomes. Moreover, the sequential nature of those events was revealed by the increased absence of rye-origin bands in wheat-rye addition lines in comparison with triticale. Remodeled band sequencing revealed that both repetitive and coding genome domains are affected in wheat-rye hybrid genotypes. Additionally, the amplification and sequencing of pSc20H internal segments showed that the disappearance of parental bands may result from restricted sequence alterations and unraveled the involvement of wheat/rye related repetitive sequences in genome adjustment needed for hybrid plant stabilization.
The Use of UV-Visible Reflectance Spectroscopy as an Objective Tool to Evaluate Pearl Quality
Authors: Agatonovic-Kustrin Snezana , Morton David W.
Published: July 2012

Assessing the quality of pearls involves the use of various tools and methods, which are mainly visual and often quite subjective. Pearls are normally classified by origin and are then graded by luster, nacre thickness, surface quality, size, color and shape. The aim of this study was to investigate the capacity of Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) to classify and estimate the quality of 27 different pearls from their UV-Visible spectra. Due to the opaque nature of pearls, spectroscopy measurements were performed using the Diffuse Reflectance UV-Visible spectroscopy technique. The spectra were acquired at two different locations on each pearl sample in order to assess surface homogeneity. The spectral data (inputs) were smoothed to reduce the noise, fed into ANNs and correlated to the pearl’s quality/grading criteria (outputs). The developed ANNs were successful in predicting pearl type, mollusk growing species, possible luster and color enhancing, donor condition/type, recipient/host color, donor color, pearl luster, pearl color, origin. The results of this study shows that the developed UV-Vis spectroscopy-ANN method could be used as a more objective method of assessing pearl quality (grading) and may become a valuable tool for the pearl grading industry.
Algal Lectins as Potential HIV Microbicide Candidates
Authors: Huskens Dana , Schols Dominique
Published: July 2012

The development and use of topical microbicides potentially offers an additional strategy to reduce the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Carbohydrate-binding agents (CBAs) that show specificity for high mannose carbohydrates on the surface of the heavily glycosylated envelope of HIV are endowed with potent anti-HIV activity. In fact, a number of algal lectins such as cyanovirin-N, microvirin, microcystis viridis lectin, scytovirin, Oscillatoria agardhii agglutinin and griffithsin are considered as potential microbicide candidates to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV through topical applications. They not only inhibit infection of cells by cell-free virus but they can also efficiently prevent virus transmission from virus-infected cells to uninfected CD4+ target T-lymphocytes and DC-SIGN-directed capture of HIV-1 and transmission to CD4+ T lymphocytes. This review focuses on the structural properties and carbohydrate specificity of these algal lectins, their antiviral activity against HIV and several other enveloped viruses, their safety profile and viral resistance patterns.
A Review of Molecular-Level Mechanism of Membrane Degradation in the Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell
Authors: Ishimoto Takayoshi , Koyama Michihisa
Published: July 2012

Chemical degradation of perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) membrane is one of the most serious problems for stable and long-term operations of the polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). The chemical degradation is caused by the chemical reaction between the PFSA membrane and chemical species such as free radicals. Although chemical degradation of the PFSA membrane has been studied by various experimental techniques, the mechanism of chemical degradation relies much on speculations from ex-situ observations. Recent activities applying theoretical methods such as density functional theory, in situ experimental observation, and mechanistic study by using simplified model compound systems have led to gradual clarification of the atomistic details of the chemical degradation mechanism. In this review paper, we summarize recent reports on the chemical degradation mechanism of the PFSA membrane from an atomistic point of view.
Phylattrin, a New Cytotoxic Xanthone from Calophyllum soulattri
Authors: Mah Siau Hui , Ee Gwendoline Cheng Lian , Teh Soek Sin , Rahmani Mawardi , Lim Yang Mooi , Go Rusea
Published: July 2012

Our continuing studies on secondary metabolites from the stem bark of Calophyllum soulattri has led to the isolation of another new diprenylated xanthone, phylattrin (1), in addition to five other xanthones and two common sterols. The xanthones are soulattrin (2), caloxanthone C (3), macluraxanthone (4), brasixanthone B (5) and trapezifolixanthone (6) while the sterols are stigmasterol (7) and β-sitosterol (8). The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analyses such as 1D and 2D-NMR, HRESIMS, IR and UV. Compounds 1–7 exhibited moderate cytotoxic activities against SNU-1, HeLa, Hep G2, NCI-H23, K562, Raji, LS174T, IMR-32 and SK-MEL-28 cells.
From BACE1 Inhibitor to Multifunctionality of Tryptoline and Tryptamine Triazole Derivatives for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Jiaranaikulwanitch Jutamas , Govitrapong Piyarat , Fokin Valery V. , Vajragupta Opa
Published: July 2012

Efforts to discover new drugs for Alzheimer’s disease emphasizing multiple targets was conducted seeking to inhibit amyloid oligomer formation and to prevent radical formation. The tryptoline and tryptamine cores of BACE1 inhibitors previously identified by virtual screening were modified in silico for additional modes of action. These core structures were readily linked to different side chains using 1,2,3-triazole rings as bridges by copper catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions. Three compounds among the sixteen designed compounds exerted multifunctional activities including β-secretase inhibitory action, anti-amyloid aggregation, metal chelating and antioxidant effects at micromolar levels. the neuroprotective effects of the multifunctional compounds 6h, 12c and 12h on Aβ1-42 induced neuronal cell death at 1 μM were significantly greater than those of the potent single target compound, BACE1 inhibitor IV and were comparable to curcumin. The observed synergistic effect resulting from the reduction of the Aβ1-42 neurotoxicity cascade substantiates the validity of our multifunctional strategy in drug discovery for Alzheimer’s disease.
The English Version of the Multidimensional Inventory for Religious/Spiritual Well-Being (MI-RSWB-E): First Results from British College Students
Authors: Unterrainer Human-Friedrich , Nelson Oliver , Collicutt Joanna , Fink Andreas
Published: July 2012

In recent years there has been a steadily growing interest of religious/spiritual issues in several areas of psychology; a variety of reliable and valid means of assessing the different facets of religiosity/spirituality have been developed. However, there is still some need for multidimensional approaches. With respect to the positive experience with the German version of the Multidimensional Inventory for Religious/Spiritual Well-Being, we developed an English version of this scale (MI-RSWB-E) in order to facilitate research in this budding field. The MI-RSWB-E was tested and validated on a sample of British college-students (n = 400). First, the factor structure and psychometric properties of the MI-RSWB-E were analysed. As a second step, MI-RSWB-E dimensions were related to a variety of indicators of personality and mental health. An in-depth analysis provided evidence in support of the psychometric quality of the MI-RSWB-E, and the ability of its proposed six-factor structure. The MI-RSWB-E dimensions were also found to be substantially related to personality factors as well as with indicators of subjective well-being and mental illness. In light of these findings the MI-RSWB-E could be considered as a suitable tool in the assessment of different facets of religiosity/spirituality.
A Portable and Power-Free Microﬂuidic Device for Rapid and Sensitive Lead (Pb2+) Detection
Authors: Fan Chunhui , He Shijiang , Liu Gang , Wang Lianhui , Song Shiping
Published: July 2012

A portable and power-free microﬂuidic device was designed for rapid and sensitive detection of lead (Pb2+). 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid (MUA)-functionalized gold nanoparticles (MUA-AuNPs) aggregated in the presence of Pb2+ for the chelation mechanism. When we performed this analysis on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic chip, the aggregations deposited onto the surface of chip and formed dark lines along the laminar flows in the zigzag microchannels. This visual result can be observed by the naked eye through a microscope or just a drop of water as a magnifier. Ten μM Pb2+ was successfully detected.
Assessing the Potential of Climate Change Mitigation Actions in Three Different City Types in Finland
Authors: Kyrö Riikka , Heinonen Jukka , Säynäjoki Antti , Junnila Seppo
Published: July 2012

As the effects of global warming have become more evident, ambitious short-term greenhouse gas emission reduction targets have been set in recent years. Many cities worldwide have adopted an active approach to climate change mitigation, but policy makers are not always knowledgeable of the true effects of their planned mitigation action. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of different mitigation strategies in achieving low-carbon urban communities. The assessment is conducted via means of consumption based hybrid life-cycle assessment, which allows the reduction potential to be analyzed from the perspective of an individual resident of the urban community. The assessed actions represent strategies that are both adopted by the case cities and possible to implement with current best practices in Finland. The four assessed actions comprise: (1) dense urban structure with less private driving; (2) the use of energy production based on renewable sources; (3) new low-energy residential construction; and (4) improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings. The findings show that the effectiveness depends greatly on the type of city, although in absolute terms the most significant reduction potential lies with lowering the fossil fuel dependence of the local energy production.