bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the role of input for children’s early production of bare infinitives in German and French
Authors: Laaha Sabine , Bassano Dominique
Published: August 2013

The “optional infinitive” phenomenon, i.e. the existence of an early developmental phase in which children show a strong preference for using bare non-finite verb forms, has been the subject of many studies and much controversy. The aim of this study is to assess the role of distributional characteristics of the input for children’s early production of bare infinitives in two languages, German and French. For this purpose, three different input variables are investigated: the frequency, informativeness and salience of infinitives in child-directed speech. Results show that salience is the best predictor for the distribution of bare infinitives in the very early phase of development. Furthermore, lexical effects of individual verb forms on the patterning of bare infinitives in child speech are found which further support the constructivist idea that bare infinitives reflect the child’s learning of verb forms from compound finite verb constructions in the input.
The ‘thinking’ in thinking-for-speaking
Authors: Athanasopoulos Panos , Bylund Emanuel
Published: August 2013

According to the thinking-for-speaking (TFS) hypothesis, speakers of different languages think differently while in the process of mentally preparing content for speech. The aim of the present paper is to critically discuss the research carried out within the TFS paradigm, against the background of the basic tenets laid out by the proponents of this framework. We will show that despite substantial progress in the investigation of crosslinguistic differences in the organisation of information in discourse, the studies that actually examine the cognitive aspects of speech production are, to date, vanishingly few. This state of affairs creates a gap in our knowledge about the thought processes that co-occur with speech production during language use and acquisition. We will argue that in order to reach a more comprehensive picture of the cognitive processes and outcomes of speech production, methodologies additional to the analysis of information organisation must be used.
NextGenMap: fast and accurate read mapping in highly polymorphic genomes
Authors: Sedlazeck Fritz J. , Rescheneder Philipp , von Haeseler Arndt
Published: August 2013

Summary: When choosing a read mapper, one faces the trade off between speed and the ability to map reads in highly polymorphic regions. Here, we report NextGenMap, a fast and accurate read mapper, which reduces this dilemma. NextGenMap aligns reads reliably to a reference genome even when the sequence difference between target and reference genome is large, i.e. highly polymorphic genome. At the same time, NextGenMap outperforms current mapping methods with respect to runtime and to the number of correctly mapped reads. NextGenMap efficiently uses the available hardware by exploiting multi-core CPUs as well as graphic cards (GPUs), if available. In addition, NextGenMap handles automatically any read data independent of read length and sequencing technology.

Availability: NextGenMap source code and documentation are available at: http://cibiv.github.io/NextGenMap/

Contact: fritz.sedlazeck@univie.ac.at

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
GIM3E: condition-specific models of cellular metabolism developed from metabolomics and expression data
Authors: Schmidt Brian J. , Ebrahim Ali , Metz Thomas O. , Adkins Joshua N. , Palsson Bernhard Ø. , Hyduke Daniel R.
Published: August 2013

Motivation: Genome-scale metabolic models have been used extensively to investigate alterations in cellular metabolism. The accuracy of these models to represent cellular metabolism in specific conditions has been improved by constraining the model with omics data sources. However, few practical methods for integrating metabolomics data with other omics data sources into genome-scale models of metabolism have been developed.

Results: GIM3E (Gene Inactivation Moderated by Metabolism, Metabolomics and Expression) is an algorithm that enables the development of condition-specific models based on an objective function, transcriptomics and cellular metabolomics data. GIM3E establishes metabolite use requirements with metabolomics data, uses model-paired transcriptomics data to find experimentally supported solutions and provides calculations of the turnover (production/consumption) flux of metabolites. GIM3E was used to investigate the effects of integrating additional omics datasets to create increasingly constrained solution spaces of Salmonella Typhimurium metabolism during growth in both rich and virulence media. This integration proved to be informative and resulted in a requirement of additional active reactions (12 in each case) or metabolites (26 or 29, respectively). The addition of constraints from transcriptomics also impacted the allowed solution space, and the cellular metabolites with turnover fluxes that were necessarily altered by the change in conditions increased from 118 to 271 of 1397.

Availability: GIM3E has been implemented in Python and requires a COBRApy 0.2.x. The algorithm and sample data described here are freely available at: http://opencobra.sourceforge.net/

Contacts:  brianjamesschmidt@gmail.com or hyduke@usu.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary information is available at Bioinformatics online.
RNAfbinv: an interactive Java application for fragment-based design of RNA sequences
Authors: Weinbrand Lina , Avihoo Assaf , Barash Danny
Published: August 2013

Summary: In RNA design problems, it is plausible to assume that the user would be interested in preserving a particular RNA secondary structure motif, or fragment, for biological reasons. The preservation could be in structure or sequence, or both. Thus, the inverse RNA folding problem could benefit from considering fragment constraints.

We have developed a new interactive Java application called RNA fragment-based inverse that allows users to insert an RNA secondary structure in dot-bracket notation. It then performs sequence design that conforms to the shape of the input secondary structure, the specified thermodynamic stability, the specified mutational robustness and the user-selected fragment after shape decomposition. In this shape-based design approach, specific RNA structural motifs with known biological functions are strictly enforced, while others can possess more flexibility in their structure in favor of preserving physical attributes and additional constraints.

Availability: RNAfbinv is freely available for download on the web at http://www.cs.bgu.ac.il/∼RNAexinv/RNAfbinv. The site contains a help file with an explanation regarding the exact use.

Contact:  dbarash@cs.bgu.ac.il
catRAPID omics: a web server for large-scale prediction of protein–RNA interactions
Authors: Agostini Federico , Zanzoni Andreas , Klus Petr , Marchese Domenica , Cirillo Davide , Tartaglia Gian Gaetano
Published: August 2013

Summary: Here we introduce catRAPID omics, a server for large-scale calculations of protein–RNA interactions. Our web server allows (i) predictions at proteomic and transcriptomic level; (ii) use of protein and RNA sequences without size restriction; (iii) analysis of nucleic acid binding regions in proteins; and (iv) detection of RNA motifs involved in protein recognition.

Results: We developed a web server to allow fast calculation of ribonucleoprotein associations in Caenorhabditis elegans, Danio rerio, Drosophila melanogaster, Homo sapiens, Mus musculus, Rattus norvegicus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Xenopus tropicalis (custom libraries can be also generated). The catRAPID omics was benchmarked on the recently published RNA interactomes of Serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 1 (SRSF1), Histone-lysine N-methyltransferase EZH2 (EZH2), TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP43) and RNA-binding protein FUS (FUS) as well as on the protein interactomes of U1/U2 small nucleolar RNAs, X inactive specific transcript (Xist) repeat A region (RepA) and Crumbs homolog 3 (CRB3) 3′-untranslated region RNAs. Our predictions are highly significant (P < 0.05) and will help the experimentalist to identify candidates for further validation.

Availability:  catRAPID omics can be freely accessed on the Web at http://s.tartaglialab.com/catrapid/omics. Documentation, tutorial and FAQs are available at http://s.tartaglialab.com/page/catrapid_group.

Contact:  gian.tartaglia@crg.eu
The Dynamics of Downsizing: The Swedish Tobacco Monopoly in the 1920s
Authors: Karlsson Tobias
Published: August 2013

The aim of this article is to clarify and discuss the various ways firms can make workforce reductions. How do managers perceive the options for downsizing and why do they implement a particular mix of measures before another? These questions are addressed in relation to the downsizing process undertaken in the 1920s by the Swedish Tobacco Monopoly, a state-owned company that had to balance between rational business conduct and social responsibility. The study makes use of rich primary sources, such as board minutes and memos, from the company and from the Tobacco Workers’ Union. Its main contribution is to move beyond the simple characterization of reductions as being either smooth or harsh and instead emphasize the multitude of choices involved in reducing head count. The article also emphasizes the active roles of managers and union officials in shaping reductions and the overall characteristics of the organization.
An O2If* star found in isolation in the backyard of NGC 3603
Authors: Roman-Lopes A.
Published: August 2013

In this Letter, we communicate the identification of a new Galactic O2If* star (MTT 68) isolated at a projected linear distance of 3 pc from the centre of the starburst cluster NGC 3603. From its optical photometry, I computed a bolometric luminosity MBol = −10.7, which corresponds to a total stellar luminosity of 1.5 × 106 L⊙. It was found to be an interesting similarity between MTT 68 and the well-known multiple system HD 93129. From Hubble Space Telescope (HST)F656N images of the NGC 3603 field, it was found that MTT 68 is actually a visual binary system with an angular separation of 0.38 arcsec, which corresponds to a projected (minimum) linear distance of rA−B = 1.4 × 10−2 pc. This value is similar to that for the HD 93129A (O2If*) and HD 93129B (O3.5) pair, rA−B = 3.0 × 10−2 pc. On the other hand, HD 93129A has a third closer companion named HD 93129Ab (O3.5) at only 0.053 arcsec, and taking into account that the X-ray to total stellar luminosity ratio for the MTT 68 system (LX/LBol ∼1 × 10−5) is about two orders of magnitude above the canonical value expected for single stars, I suspect that the MTT 68 system probably hosts another massive companion possibly to close to be properly resolved by the HST archive images.
Using Exome Data to Identify Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility Mutations
Authors: Gonsalves Stephen G. , Ng David , Johnston Jennifer J. , Teer Jamie K. , Stenson Peter D. , Cooper David N. , Mullikin James C. , Biesecker Leslie G.
Published: August 2013

Background:

Malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) is a life-threatening, inherited disorder of muscle calcium metabolism, triggered by anesthetics and depolarizing muscle relaxants. An unselected cohort was screened for MHS mutations using exome sequencing. The aim of this study was to pilot a strategy for the RYR1 and CACNA1S genes.

Methods:

Exome sequencing was performed on 870 volunteers not ascertained for MHS. Variants in RYR1 and CACNA1S were annotated using an algorithm that filtered results based on mutation type, frequency, and information in mutation databases. Variants were scored on a six-point pathogenicity scale. Medical histories and pedigrees were reviewed for malignant hyperthermia and related disorders.

Results:

The authors identified 70 RYR1 and 53 CACNA1S variants among 870 exomes. Sixty-three RYR1 and 41 CACNA1S variants passed the quality and frequency metrics but the authors excluded synonymous variants. In RYR1, the authors identified 65 missense mutations, one nonsense, two that affected splicing, and one non–frameshift indel. In CACNA1S, 48 missense, one frameshift deletion, one splicing, and one non–frameshift indel were identified. RYR1 variants predicted to be pathogenic for MHS were found in three participants without medical or family histories of MHS. Numerous variants, previously described as pathogenic in mutation databases, were reclassified by the authors as being of unknown pathogenicity.

Conclusions:

Exome sequencing can identify asymptomatic patients at risk for MHS, although the interpretation of exome variants can be challenging. The use of exome sequencing in unselected cohorts is an important tool to understand the prevalence and penetrance of MHS, a critical challenge for the field.
Establishment of a new murine model of liver abscess induced by Fusobacterium necrophorum injected into the caudal vein
Authors: Nagaoka Kentaro , Yanagihara Katsunori , Harada Yosuke , Yamada Koichi , Migiyama Yohei , Morinaga Yoshitomo , Izumikawa Koichi , Kakeya Hiroshi , Nakashima Masahiro , Nishimura Masaharu , Kohno Shigeru
Published: August 2013

Anaerobic bacterial infection is often accompanied by abscess formation; however, few in vivo studies have been published with descriptive data specifically evaluating antimicrobial activity in the presence of abscesses. The aim of this study was to establish a murine model of anaerobic infection with abscess formation and to verify the utility of this model for evaluating the in vivo efficacy of an antimicrobial agent. A clinical isolate of Fusobacterium necrophorum was inoculated into the caudal vein of immunocompetent BALB/c mice at 108 c.f.u. per mouse. Changes in body weight, bacterial load and histopathology of key organs were evaluated. After inoculation, bacterial counts in the liver increased from 104 to 108 c.f.u. after 1–3 days, and liver abscess formation was observed on the day following infection. Abscess formation and bacterial growth were not observed in other organs. In this model, 3 days of treatment with 5 mg metronidazole kg−1 eradicated F. necrophorum in the liver; however, a reduction in bacterial load was not observed with 0.05 mg metronidazole kg−1. In this study, we established a novel murine model of F. necrophorum liver abscess via haematogenous infection that may be useful for investigating in vivo antimicrobial activity against anaerobic abscesses and understanding the pathogenesis of F. necrophorum infection.
Characterization and genomic analysis of two Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophages isolated from poultry/livestock farms
Authors: Yoon Hyunjin , Yun Jiae , Lim Jeong-A , Roh Eunjung , Jung Kyu-Seok , Chang Yoonjee , Ryu Sangryeol , Heu Sunggi
Published: August 2013

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important pathogens, causing various diseases in humans and animals. As methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has become increasingly prevalent, controlling this pathogen with standard antibiotic treatment has become challenging. Bacteriophages (phages) have attracted interest as alternative antibacterial agents to control MRSA. In this study, we isolated six S. aureus phages from soils of poultry/livestock farms. Based on the results of host range determination with 150 S. aureus strains and restriction enzyme treatment of phage DNA, two phages, designated SP5 and SP6, were selected for further characterization and genome sequencing. Both SP5 and SP6 were classified as members of the family Siphoviridae. The genome of SP5 comprises 43 305 bp and contains 63 ORFs, while the SP6 genome comprises 42 902 bp and contains 61 ORFs. Although they have different host spectra, the phage genomes exhibit high nucleotide similarity to each other. Adsorption assay results suggested that the host range determinants of the two phages are involved in both adsorption and infection. Comparative genomic analyses of the two phages provided evidence that the lysogenic/lytic control module and tail proteins may be important for host specificity.
The p53–Mdm2 feedback loop protects against DNA damage by inhibiting p53 activity but is dispensable for p53 stability, development, and longevity
Authors: Pant Vinod , Xiong Shunbin , Jackson James G. , Post Sean M. , Abbas Hussein A. , Quintás-Cardama Alfonso , Hamir Amirali N. , Lozano Guillermina
Published: August 2013

The p53–Mdm2 feedback loop is perceived to be critical for regulating stress-induced p53 activity and levels. However, this has never been tested in vivo. Using a genetically engineered mouse with mutated p53 response elements in the Mdm2 P2 promoter, we show that feedback loop-deficient Mdm2P2/P2 mice are viable and aphenotypic and age normally. p53 degradation kinetics after DNA damage in radiosensitive tissues remains similar to wild-type controls. Nonetheless, DNA damage response is elevated in Mdm2P2/P2 mice. Enhanced p53-dependent apoptosis sensitizes hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), causing drastic myeloablation and lethality. These results suggest that while basal Mdm2 levels are sufficient to regulate p53 in most tissues under homeostatic conditions, the p53–Mdm2 feedback loop is critical for regulating p53 activity and sustaining HSC function after DNA damage. Therefore, transient disruption of p53–Mdm2 interaction could be explored as a potential adjuvant/therapeutic strategy for targeting stem cells in hematological malignancies.
Interfacial morphology of low-voltage anodic aluminium oxide
Authors: Hu Naiping , Dong Xuecheng , He Xueying , Argekar Sandip , Zhang Yan , Browning James F. , Schaefer Dale W.
Published: August 2013

X-ray reflectivity (XRR) and neutron reflectivity (NR), as well as ultra-small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS), are used to examine the in-plane and surface-normal structure of anodic films formed on aluminium alloy AA2024 and pure aluminium. Aluminium and alloy films up to 3500 Å thick were deposited on Si wafers by electron beam evaporation of ingots. Porous anodic aluminium oxide (AAO) films are formed by polarizing at constant voltage up to 20 V noble to the open circuit potential. The voltage sweet spot (5 V) appropriate for constant-voltage anodization of such thin films was determined for both alloy and pure Al. In addition, a new concurrent voltage- and current-control protocol was developed to prepare films with larger pores (voltages higher than 5 V), but formed at a controlled current so that pore growth is slow enough to avoid stripping the aluminium substrate layer. USAXS shows that the pore size and interpore spacing are fixed in the first 10 s after initiation of anodization. Pores then grow linearly in time, at constant radius and interpore spacing. Using a combination of XRR and NR, the film density and degree of hydration of the films were determined from the ratio of scattering length densities. Assuming a chemical formula Al2O3·xH2O, it was found thatxvaries from 0.29 for the native oxide to 1.29 for AAO grown at 20 V under concurrent voltage and current control. The average AAO film density of the porous film at the air surface is 2.45 (20) g cm−3. The density of the `barrier' layer at the metal interface is 2.9 (4) g cm−3, which indicates that this layer is also quite porous.
X-ray residual stress analysis on multilayer systems: an approach for depth-resolved data evaluation
Authors: Klaus Manuela , Genzel Christoph
Published: August 2013

A data evaluation concept is proposed for the depth-resolved analysis of the residual stress distribution in polycrystalline multilayer systems (MLSs), which consist of alternating sequences of simultaneously diffracting layers of kindBand solely absorbing layers of kindA. This method can be applied to lattice strain data obtained in any diffraction mode used in X-ray stress analysis, such as the sin2ψ method realized in Ω, Ψ and `mixed-mode' geometry, or from measurements performed by means of the scattering vector method. The classical concept used for defining the X-ray information depth τ in the case of bulk materials is shown to lose its physical meaning forA–B–A–B... MLS structures. Starting from the idea of the diffraction power originating from an infinitesimal sublayer below the sample surface, an approach is introduced which weights the contribution of each layerBto the total diffraction signal by the attenuation due to the layer stack above. The formalism introduced in the article is verified by simulations carried out for different MLS geometries. Furthermore, it is applied to sin2ψ measurements performed on surface-blasted hard-coating systems consisting of Al2O3/TiCN layer stacks which were deposited by chemical vapour deposition on cemented carbide cutting tools.
Learning about SANS instruments and data reduction from round robin measurements on samples of polystyrene latex
Authors: Rennie Adrian R. , Hellsing Maja S. , Wood Kathleen , Gilbert Elliot P. , Porcar Lionel , Schweins Ralf , Dewhurst Charles D. , Lindner Peter , Heenan Richard K. , Rogers Sarah E. , Butler Paul D. , Krzywon Jeffery R. , Ghosh Ron E. , Jackson Andrew J. , Malfois Marc
Published: August 2013

Measurements of a well-characterized `standard' sample can verify the performance of an instrument. Typically, small-angle neutron scattering instruments are used to investigate a wide range of samples and may often be used in a number of configurations. Appropriate `standard' samples are useful to test different aspects of the performance of hardware as well as that of the data reduction and analysis software. Measurements on a number of instruments with different intrinsic characteristics and designs in a round robin can not only better characterize the performance for a wider range of conditions but also, perhaps more importantly, reveal the limits of the current state of the art of small-angle scattering. The exercise, followed by detailed analysis, tests the limits of current understanding as well as uncovering often forgotten assumptions, simplifications and approximations that underpin the current practice of the technique. This paper describes measurements of polystyrene latex, radius 720 Å, with a number of instruments. Scattering from monodisperse, uniform spherical particles is simple to calculate and displays sharp minima. Such data test the calibrations of intensity, wavelength and resolution as well as the detector response. Smoothing due to resolution, multiple scattering and polydispersity has been determined. Sources of uncertainty are often related to systematic deviations and calibrations rather than random counting errors. The study has prompted development of software to treat modest multiple scattering and to better model the instrument resolution. These measurements also allow checks of data reduction algorithms and have identified how they can be improved. The reproducibility and the reliability of instruments and the accuracy of parameters derived from the data are described.
Systematic studies of modified vocalization: the effect of speech rate on speech production measures during metronome‐paced speech in persons who stutter
Authors: Davidow Jason H.
Published: August 2013

Background

Metronome‐paced speech results in the elimination, or substantial reduction, of stuttering moments. The cause of fluency during this fluency‐inducing condition is unknown. Several investigations have reported changes in speech pattern characteristics from a control condition to a metronome‐paced speech condition, but failure to control speech rate between conditions limits our ability to determine if the changes were necessary for fluency.

Aims

This study examined the effect of speech rate on several speech production variables during one‐syllable‐per‐beat metronomic speech in order to determine changes that may be important for fluency during this fluency‐inducing condition.

Methods & Procedures

Thirteen persons who stutter (PWS), aged 18–62 years, completed a series of speaking tasks. Several speech production variables were compared between conditions produced at different metronome beat rates, and between a control condition and a metronome‐paced speech condition produced at a rate equal to the control condition.

Outcomes & Results

Vowel duration, voice onset time, pressure rise time and phonated intervals were significantly impacted by metronome beat rate. Voice onset time and the percentage of short (30–100 ms) phonated intervals significantly decreased from the control condition to the equivalent rate metronome‐paced speech condition.

Conclusions & Implications

A reduction in the percentage of short phonated intervals may be important for fluency during syllable‐based metronome‐paced speech for PWS. Future studies should continue examining the necessity of this reduction. In addition, speech rate must be controlled in future fluency‐inducing condition studies, including neuroimaging investigations, in order for this research to make a substantial contribution to finding the fluency‐inducing mechanism of fluency‐inducing conditions.
17β‐Oestradiol Protects Primary‐Cultured Rat Cortical Neurons from Ketamine‐Induced Apoptosis by Activating PI3K/Akt/Bcl‐2 Signalling
Authors: Li Jianli , Wu Honghai , Xue Gai , Wang Pei , Hou Yanning
Published: August 2013

Numerous studies in rodents have indicated that exposure to ketamine during the period when synaptogenesis is highly active induces neurodegeneration. Thus, there is a growing need to develop strategies to prevent ketamine‐induced brain injury in the developing brain. Oestradiol is a neuroactive steroid that prevents neuronal cell death in different experimental models by activating cell survival signals and inhibiting apoptotic signals. The main goal of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of 17β‐oestradiol against ketamine‐induced apoptotic neurodegeneration in primary‐cultured cortical neurons. The data revealed that 17β‐oestradiol (0.1 μM) in combination with ketamine (100 μM) increased cell viability in the MTT assay and reduced the number of apoptotic cells detected by TUNEL and Hoechst 33258 staining. To elucidate a possible mechanism by which 17β‐oestradiol exerts its neuroprotective effect, we investigated the PI3K pathway using an inhibitor of PI3K, LY294002. The protective effects of 17β‐oestradiol were abrogated by LY294002. Furthermore, we found that 17β‐oestradiol not only induced phosphorylation of the PI3K substrate Akt, but also increased the expression of Bcl‐2, which down‐regulated ketamine‐induced caspase‐3 activity and inhibited neuronal apoptosis. These data demonstrate that 17β‐oestradiol exerts a neuroprotective effect against ketamine‐induced neuronal apoptosis by activating the PI3K/Akt/Bcl‐2 signalling pathway. Therefore, 17β‐oestradiol appears to be a promising agent in preventing or reversing ketamine's toxic effects on neurons at an early developmental stage.
A phase III randomized trial comparing glucocorticoid monotherapy versus glucocorticoid and rituximab in patients with autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
Authors: Birgens Henrik , Frederiksen Henrik , Hasselbalch Hans C. , Rasmussen Inge H. , Nielsen Ove J. , Kjeldsen Lars , Larsen Herdis , Mourits‐Andersen Torben , Plesner Torben , Rønnov‐Jessen Dorthe , Vestergaard Hanne , Klausen Tobias W. , Schöllkopf Claudia
Published: August 2013

The impact of first‐line treatment with the anti‐CD 20 chimeric monoclonal antibody rituximab in patients with warm‐antibody reactive autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (WAIHA) is unknown. We report the first randomized study of 64 patients with newly diagnosed WAIHA who received prednisolone and rituximab combined (N = 32) or prednisolone monotherapy (N = 32). After 12 months, a satisfactory response was observed in 75% of the patients treated with rituximab and prednisolone but in a significantly smaller proportion (36%) of those given prednisolone alone (P = 0·003). Furthermore, relapse‐free survival was significantly better after the combined therapy than after prednisolone monotherapy (P = 0·02). After 36 months, about 70% of the patients were still in remission in the rituximab‐prednisolone group, whereas only about 45% were still in complete or partial remission in the prednisolone group. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding adverse reactions to the studied medications. Likewise, serious adverse events were equally distributed, and no allergic reactions to rituximab were recorded. In conclusion, our data show that using rituximab and prednisolone combined rather than prednisolone alone as first‐line treatment in WAIHA increases both the rate and the duration of the response.
EMPLOYMENT EFFECTS OF HEALTH SHOCKS: THE ROLE OF FRINGE BENEFITS
Authors: Zimmer David M.
Published: August 2013

This paper examines whether health shocks influence labour supply. Estimates rely on detailed health measures that not only are more homogeneous than commonly‐used self‐reported health measures, but they also can be interpreted as plausibly exogenous with respect to labour supply. Further, this paper investigates the unique role that certain fringe benefits, namely health insurance and paid sick leave, play in the link between health shocks and subsequent employment activity. Results show that, compared to commonly‐used self‐reported measures of health, health problems defined by the US government as ‘priority’ conditions correlate with smaller labour supply shifts, but non‐work‐related injuries lead to larger shifts. Second, the arrival of a health shock appears to reduce the probability of remaining employed full time, while also increasing the likelihood of quitting work. Relatively few full‐time workers who acquire health problems switch to part‐time employment. Third, in the event of a health shock, sick leave appears to facilitate reductions in employment activities, while employer‐provided insurance appears to hinder such adjustments.
DYNAMICS OF PRODUCTIVITY AND COST OF LABOUR IN ITALIAN MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Authors: Bottazzi Giulio , Grazzi Marco
Published: August 2013

This paper studies the impact of size on labour cost and productivity for Italian manufacturing firms. The distributions of both labour cost and productivity display a wide support, even when disaggregated by sector of industrial activity. Further, both labour cost and productivity, when considered alone, are growing with the size of the firm. We investigate this relationship on a new set of data and we are able to show that once productivity differences among firms have been accounted for, size still retains a positive effect on cost of labour in most of the sectors considered.
Therapeutic Time Window and Dose Dependence of Xenon Delivered via Echogenic Liposomes for Neuroprotection in Stroke
Authors: Peng Tao , Britton George L. , Kim Hyunggun , Cattano Davide , Aronowski Jaroslaw , Grotta James , McPherson David D. , Huang Shao‐Ling
Published: August 2013

Aims

Neurologic impairment following ischemic injury complicates the quality of life for stroke survivors. Xenon (Xe) has favorable neuroprotective properties to modify stroke. Xe delivery is hampered by a lack of suitable administration strategies. We have developed Xe‐containing echogenic liposomes (Xe‐ELIP) for systemic Xe delivery. We investigated the time window for Xe‐ELIP therapeutic effect and the most efficacious dose for neuroprotection. Molecular mechanisms for Xe neuroprotection were investigated.

Methods

Xenon‐containing echogenic liposomes were created by a previously developed pressurization‐freezing method. Following right middle cerebral artery occlusion (2 h), animals were treated with Xe‐ELIP at 2, 3, or 5 h to determine time window of therapeutic effect. The neuroprotectant dosage for optimal effect was evaluated 3 h after stroke onset. Expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), protein kinase B (Akt), and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) was determined.

Results

Xenon‐containing echogenic liposomes administration for up to 5 h after stroke onset reduced infract size. Treatment groups given 7 and 14 mg/kg of Xe‐ELIP reduced infarct size. Behavioral outcomes corresponded to changes in infarct volume. Xe‐ELIP treatment reduced ischemic neuronal cell death via activation of both MAPK and Akt. Elevated BDNF expression was shown following Xe‐ELIP delivery.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the therapeutic efficacy of Xe‐ELIP administered within 5 h after stroke onset with an optimal dosage range of 7–14 mg/kg for maximal neuroprotection.
Moderate Hypothermia Inhibits Brain Inflammation and Attenuates Stroke‐Induced Immunodepression in Rats
Authors: Gu Li‐Juan , Xiong Xiao‐Xing , Ito Takashi , Lee Jessica , Xu Bao‐Hui , Krams Sheri , Steinberg Gary K. , Zhao Heng
Published: August 2013

Aims

Stroke causes both brain inflammation and immunodepression. Mild‐to‐moderate hypothermia is known to attenuate brain inflammation, but its role in stroke‐induced immunodepression (SIID) of the peripheral immune system remains unknown. This study investigated the effects in rats of moderate intra‐ischemic hypothermia on SIID and brain inflammation.

Methods

Stroke was induced in rats by permanent distal middle cerebral artery occlusion combined with transient bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, while body temperature was reduced to 30°C. Real‐time PCR, flow cytometry, in vitro T‐cell proliferation assays, in vivo delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction and confocal microscopy were used to study SIID and brain inflammation.

Results

Brief intra‐ischemic hypothermia helped maintain certain leukocytes in the peripheral blood and spleen and enhanced T‐cell proliferation in vitro and delayed‐type hypersensitivity in vivo, suggesting that hypothermia reduces SIID. In contrast, in the brain, brief intra‐Ischemic hypothermia inhibited mRNA expression of anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 and proinflammatory mediators INF‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐2, IL‐1β and MIP‐2. Brief intra‐Ischemic hypothermia also attenuated the infiltration of lymphocytes, neutrophils (MPO+ cells) and macrophages (CD68+ cells) into the ischemic brain, suggesting that hypothermia inhibited brain inflammation.

Conclusions

Brief intra‐ischemic hypothermia attenuated SIID and protected against acute brain inflammation.
Change in Plasma Levels of Amino Acid Neurotransmitters and its Correlation with Clinical Heterogeneity in Early Parkinson's Disease Patients
Authors: Yuan Yong‐Sheng , Zhou Xian‐Ju , Tong Qing , Zhang Lei , Zhang Lian , Qi Zhi‐Qiang , Ge Song , Zhang Ke‐Zhong
Published: August 2013

Background

The correlation between plasma amino acid (AA) neurotransmitters and clinical heterogeneity in early patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) is still poorly understood.

Aims

To examine the plasma levels of AA neurotransmitters in early patients with PD and to evaluate their correlation with PD subtypes.

Methods

Based on the predominant symptoms, fifty‐one patients with PD were enrolled and divided into four subgroups: (1) akinetic‐rigid type (ART), (2) tremor‐dominant type (TDT), (3) postural instability/gait difficulty type (PIGD), and (4) mixed type (MT). Plasma levels of AA were measured by HPLC‐RF, and their potential diagnostic practicality and their association with PD subtypes were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and correlation analysis, respectively.

Results

Patients with PD exhibited markedly lower levels of Asp, Glu, Tau, L‐ser, and lower values of Glu/GABA ratio than healthy controls. The ROC analysis revealed their high sensitivity (77.1–87.5%) and specificity (58.8–88.2%). Furthermore, the glutamic acid (Glu), γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) level in the PIGD subtype was increased as compared with other subtypes and was negatively correlated with the ART/PIGD ratio.

Conclusion

The decrease in plasma Asp, Glu, Tau, L‐ser levels, and the value of Glu/GABA ratio may be helpful for early PD diagnosis. The elevated GABA level may be the biochemical basis for the specific symptoms of PIGD PD.
White matter maturation supports the development of reasoning ability through its influence on processing speed
Authors: Ferrer Emilio , Whitaker Kirstie J. , Steele Joel S. , Green Chloe T. , Wendelken Carter , Bunge Silvia A.
Published: August 2013

The structure of the human brain changes in several ways throughout childhood and adolescence. Perhaps the most salient of these changes is the strengthening of white matter tracts that enable distal brain regions to communicate with one another more quickly and efficiently. Here, we sought to understand whether and how white matter changes contribute to improved reasoning ability over development. In particular, we sought to understand whether previously reported relationships between white matter microstructure and reasoning are mediated by processing speed. To this end, we analyzed diffusion tensor imaging data as well as data from standard psychometric tests of cognitive abilities from 103 individuals between the ages of 6 and 18. We used structural equation modeling to investigate the network of relationships between brain and behavior variables. Our analyses provide support for the hypothesis that white matter maturation (as indexed either by microstructural organization or volume) supports improved processing speed, which, in turn, supports improved reasoning ability.
Labour Supply as a Buffer: Evidence from UK Households
Authors: Benito Andrew , Saleheen Jumana
Published: August 2013

This paper examines how individuals use their labour supply—hours of work and participation decisions—as a margin of adjustment or ‘buffer’ in response to financial shocks. The financial shock measure is constructed using individuals' expected change to their financial situation in the year ahead relative to the perceived outcome one year later. Using BHPS data, we find that both men and women adjust their labour supply in response to financial shocks. The propensity to participate in the labour market also appears to respond to the experience of a financial shock, but is less robust.
Evaluation of thermal stress in hydroxyapatite film fabricated by powder jet deposition
Authors: Akatsuka Ryo , Matsumura Ken , Noji Miyoko , Kuriyagawa Tsunemoto , Sasaki Keiichi
Published: August 2013

This study aimed to create a thick hydroxyapatite (HA) film on the surface of a human tooth via a powder jet deposition (PJD) device for dental handpieces, and to examine the microstructural and mechanical properties of the HA film. In particular, the effects of thermal stress on this film were evaluated. The HA film was created by blasting 3.18‐μm HA particles, calcinated at 1,200°C, onto the enamel substrate at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. An HA film with an area of 3 mm × 3 mm was prepared and polished. The following HA film parameters were evaluated from the three‐dimensional surface profile: surface roughness, Vickers hardness, and bonding strength before and after artificial aging induced by 500 cycles of thermal cycling (5–55°C). The HA particles in the deposited film were densely packed, and the surface of the HA film was unchanged after thermal cycling. There were also no significant differences in the hardness and the bonding strength of the HA film before and after thermal cycling. The HA film created in this study demonstrated excellent microstructural and mechanical properties, even after the application of thermal stress.
Parent–Adolescent Relationship Qualities and Adolescent Adjustment in Two‐Parent African American Families
Authors: Stanik Christine E. , Riina Elizabeth M. , McHale Susan M.
Published: August 2013

Using multi‐informant data from 134 two‐parent African American families, the goals of this study were to (a) describe parent–adolescent warmth and shared time as a function of parent and youth gender and (b) assess links between these indices of relationship quality and adolescent adjustment. Mixed‐model ANCOVAs revealed that mothers reported warmer relationships with adolescents than fathers, and both parents reported warmer relationships with younger versus older offspring. Interparental differences in time spent with sons and daughters and older and younger siblings were also found. Tests of multilevel models indicated that greater maternal warmth was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and less risky behavior for sons, and more paternal warmth and shared time with fathers were associated with less risky behavior in youth. Discussion highlights the utility of cultural ecological and family systems perspectives for understanding parent‐adolescent relationships and youth adjustment in African American families.
Marital Satisfaction among Dual‐Earner Couples: Gender Ideologies and Family‐to‐Work Conflict
Authors: Minnotte Krista Lynn , Minnotte Michael Charles , Pedersen Daphne E.
Published: August 2013

This study examines whether the gender ideologies of both spouses moderate how family‐to‐work conflict relates to marital satisfaction among dual‐earner couples. The authors address the research questions using data from a random sample of dual‐earner couples from the northern part of a western state (N = 156 couples). Findings indicate that husbands' gender ideologies moderate how husbands' and wives' family‐to‐work conflict relate to husbands' marital satisfaction. Additionally, husbands' gender ideologies moderate how husbands' family‐to‐work conflict relates to wives' marital satisfaction. In contrast, wives' gender ideologies do not appear to moderate how either spouse's family‐to‐work conflict relate to marital satisfaction. The implications of the study for practitioners, including explicitly talking about gender beliefs with clients and the potential promise of feminist‐informed therapy, are discussed.
Fathers' Involvement in Child Health Care: Associations with Prenatal Involvement, Parents' Beliefs, and Maternal Gatekeeping
Authors: Zvara Bharathi J. , Schoppe‐Sullivan Sarah J. , Dush Claire Kamp
Published: August 2013

Using data from 182 dual‐earner couples experiencing the transition to parenthood, this study examined associations between prenatal involvement, gender‐role beliefs, and maternal gatekeeping and new fathers' involvement in child health care. Results indicated that prenatal father involvement was associated with fathers' direct engagement in child health care and perceived influence in child health‐related decision making. Fathers also demonstrated greater direct engagement in child health care when mothers held more nontraditional beliefs about gender roles. Moreover, when mothers were more encouraging of fathers' involvement in childrearing, fathers felt more influential in child health‐related decision making, whereas when mothers engaged in greater gate‐closing behavior, fathers with more traditional gender‐role beliefs felt less influential in child health‐related decision making. This study suggests that fathers' prenatal involvement, mothers' beliefs, and maternal gatekeeping may play a role in the development of new fathers' involvement in child health care at the transition to parenthood.
Same‐Sex Relationship Dissolution and LGB Stepfamily Formation: Perspectives of Young Adults with LGB Parents
Authors: Goldberg Abbie E. , Allen Katherine R.
Published: August 2013

Research has increasingly focused on intentional or planned lesbian, gay, bisexual (LGB)‐parent families; however, how young adults in these families navigate the aftermath of parental break‐up and subsequent repartnering is unexamined. This qualitative study of 20 young adults who had experienced their LGB parents' relationship dissolution and/or the formation of an LGB stepfamily examined how young adults perceived their parents' relational transitions and their own relationships with stepparents and siblings. Results indicated that (a) nearly all families negotiated relational transitions (e.g., relationship dissolutions) informally and without legal intervention, (b) young adults perceived both advantages and disadvantages in the ambiguity surrounding their family's nonlegal status, (c) relationships with biological mothers were the strongest tie from break‐up to repartnering and stepfamily formation, (d) geographic distance from their nonbiological parents created hardships in interpersonal closeness, (e) yet, on the whole, young people perceived their families as strong and competent in handling familial transitions.
Adolescent Reports of Aggression as Predictors of Perceived Parenting Behaviors and Expectations
Authors: Murray Kantahyanee W. , Haynie Denise L. , Howard Donna E. , Cheng Tina L. , Simons‐Morton Bruce
Published: August 2013

This study examined the associations between adolescent self‐report of aggression and adolescents' perceptions of parenting practices in a sample of African American early adolescents living in low‐income, urban communities. Sixth graders (N = 209) completed questionnaires about their aggressive behaviors and perceptions of caregivers' parenting practices at two time points during the school year. Path model findings reveal that adolescent‐reported aggression at Time 1 predicted higher levels of perceived parent psychological control and perceived parent expectations for aggressive solutions to conflicts at Time 2. Findings suggest that early adolescent aggression elicits negative parenting behaviors at a subsequent time point.
Latino Fathers' Involvement in Their Children's Schools
Authors: Terriquez Veronica
Published: August 2013

Latinos make up the largest racial/ethnic minority group in the United States, yet we know very little about Latino fathers' involvement in their children's lives. This article adds school participation to conceptualizations of paternal involvement and contributes to an understanding of the role of immigrant acculturation in shaping Latino parenting practices. Drawing on nationally representative data, the author finds that U.S.‐born Latino fathers are just as likely as U.S.‐born White fathers to participate in children's school activities, after controlling for other covariates. The author also shows that indicators of immigrant acculturation account for some variation in parental school participation among Latino fathers. Findings point to recommendations for engaging Latino fathers in educational interventions that benefit their children and communities.
Integrating Life Skills into Relationship and Marriage Education: The Essential Life Skills for Military Families Program
Authors: Carroll Elizabeth B. , Orthner Dennis K. , Behnke Andrew , Smith Catherine M. , Day Steven , Raburn Michael
Published: August 2013

Military personnel and families experience significant challenges and need skills that will prepare them for extended periods of separation and other military demands. Relationship and marriage education programs are often helpful. However, there is a need for life skills programs that also teach military members to manage finances and legal matters, garner social support, and access community resources that are not often accessible to personnel and families in the National Guard and Military Reserves. Essential Life Skills for Military Families was developed to integrate relationship and life skills into a short‐term course that has been offered to National Guard and Military Reserve members and families. This article describes the theoretical basis for the program, the program evaluation, and qualitative findings from participants, and identifies strategies for overcoming challenges to offering this kind of relationship skills program.