bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yes, There's Ice on the Moon—But How Much, and What Use Is It?
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: November 2009

When a spent rocket booster slammed into the frigid, inky shadow of a lunar crater last month, it sent up a slightly damp plume of dust, scientists with NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite mission reported last week.
Galactic Glare Reveals Birthplace of Cosmic Rays
Authors: Bhattacharjee Yudhijit
Published: November 2009

Two new astronomical results—one in this week's issue of
Science
and the other published online this month in
Nature—
suggest that cosmic rays acquire their tremendous velocities from exploding stars.
Digestibilité chez la Truite arc-en-ciel (Salmo gairdneri) lors de l'adaptation à un nouveau régime alimentaire
Authors: Noüe J. de la , Choubert G. , Pagniez B. , Blanc J.-M. , Luquet P.
Published: November 2009

We have investigated the experimental conditions necessary to obtain accurate digestibility coefficients in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). These conditions concern the lag period which should be observed after changing the diet, the duration of feces collection, and the number of replicates. Every day we collected automatically and then analyzed the feces of five groups of 15 fish each during the 20 d following the administration of a new diet. As early as the 3rd d after changing the diet, digestibility coefficients took definitive values characteristic of that diet. Thus, there were no adaptation phenomena; we observed only a lag period associated with digestive transit rate. Feces may be collected as soon as on the 3rd d after changing the diet. Finally, "number of replicates × number of days" combinations were established to obtain a given accuracy of digestibility coefficients.
Using r-K Selection Theory to Predict Natural Mortality
Authors: Gunderson Donald R.
Published: November 2009

Theory on r-K selection is used as a basis for examining correlations between instantaneous rate of natural mortality (M), gonad-body weight index, age at maturity, longevity, and Bertalanffy growth parameters (k, L∞) for 10 species of marine fish. All correlations were consistent with r-K selection theory. The gonad-body weight index was found to be more highly correlated with M than any of the other life history parameters examined (r2 = 0.62), and stepwise multiple regression showed that additional variables added little to the predictive ability of the model. The gonad-body weight index appears to be quite useful in predicting M, and development of an analogous index on an energetics basis might enhance its utility in this regard.Key words: natural mortality, r-K selection, life history parameters
Use of a Multiplicative Model to Estimate Catch Rate and Effort from Commercial Data
Authors: Gavaris Stratis
Published: November 2009

The multiplicative model described by Robson can be used to obtain estimates of annual standardized catch rate and its variance by including years in the model. The corresponding estimate of standardized effort is the ratio of the total catch and the estimated catch rate. If the error is assumed to be lognormally distributed then these estimators have well defined statistical properties.Key words: effort standardization, catch rate, multiplicative model, stock assessment
Viral Erythrocytic Necrosis (VEN) in Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua): In Vitro Studies
Authors: Reno Paul W. , Nicholson Bruce L.
Published: November 2009

The effect of natural VEN infection on cod erythrocytes in vitro was studied using several methods. It was found that VEN-infected cells were more fragile in isotonic media than uninfected cells, but there was no difference in their susceptibility to hypotonic lysis. The proportion of VEN-infected cells was reduced in an inverse relationship to the time in culture. Incorporation of 3H-labeled precursors into protein, RNA, and DNA occurred in both infected and uninfected cells during the first 6 d of incubation and declined thereafter. There was a greater incorporation of 3H-amino acids and a tenfold greater incorporation of 3H-thymidine into VEN-infected cells than in normal cells, while there was no difference in the incorporation of 3H uridine by either type of cell. These results indicated that the virus of VEN was replicating in the erythrocytes and that the infection was detrimental to the cells.Key words: viral erythrocytic necrosis, diseases, Gadus morhua
Crustacean Zooplankton Communities of Acidic, Metal-Contaminated Lakes Near Sudbury, Ontario
Authors: Yan N. D. , Strus R.
Published: November 2009

Crustacean zooplankton data for 1973 to 1978 from Clearwater Lake, an acidic, metal-contaminated lake near Sudbury, Ontario, are presented and compared with data from four other contaminated lakes near Sudbury and six uncontaminated lakes in the Muskoka–Haliburton Region of Ontario. Species richness and community biomass were reduced in the contaminated lakes, the latter because of reductions in numbers and average size of community dominants. The greatest reductions were observed in the lake with the highest metal levels, Hannah Lake. Cladocera were much more important contributors to total biomass in the contaminated lakes, forming, for example, 80–96% of the average biomass for the ice-free period in Clearwater Lake. An average of 89% of all adult Crustacea observed in Clearwater Lake were Bosmina longirostris (O. F. Müller). Zooplankton biomass in the contaminated lakes, excluding Hannah Lake, was not significantly correlated with pH, with Cu, Ni, or TP concentrations, or with total phytoplankton biomass. While similarities existed, community structure was different from that of acidic lakes in the La Cloche Mountains that were not contaminated with Cu or Ni. Hypotheses relating to how acidification alters typical phytoplankton–zooplankton interactions were constructed. The scarcity of quantitative data required to test such hypotheses is emphasized.
Origin of a Relict Population of Salvelinus in Bear Creek of the Alsek River Drainage, Yukon Territory
Authors: Sikstrom C. B.
Published: November 2009

A freshwater-resident population of Salvelinus was compared meristically and morphometrically with two forms of Salvelinus described by Cavender (1978). A comparison of the numbers of mandibular pores and branchiostegal rays, and gill raker morphology and head size revealed that the population of Salvelinus in Bear Creek corresponds to Cavender's specific distinction of a form which is generally characterized as anadromous Salvelinus malma. I suggest that the population of Salvelinus in Bear Creek was established from a natural colonization by formerly anadromous Dolly Varden char from the Gulf of Alaska.Key words: Salvelinus, zoogeography, meristics, Yukon Territory, Kluane National Park
Genetic Similarity among Endemic Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) and Implications for Their Management
Authors: Kornfield Irv , Beland Kenneth F. , Moring John R. , Kircheis Frederick W.
Published: November 2009

Five isolated populations of landlocked Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) from eastern United States and Canada were compared electrophoretically with anadromous Arctic char from the Northwest Territories. Mean heterozygosity was relatively low (0.03) with allelic variation observed at 7 of the 26 isozyme loci examined. The Sunapee and blueback char of Maine, and the Quebec red char of Parc des Laurentides, Québec, were very similar (IN = 0.925–0.999). The genetic differences separating these eastern North American char are probably of limited evolutionary consequence. However, we consider it prudent to characterize these endemics as potentially threatened unique populations and suggest that conservative management is warranted.Key words: Salvelinus alpinus, endemic populations, electrophoresis, species management
Some Effects of Parameter Uncertainty in Density-Independent and Density-Dependent Leslie Models for Fish Populations
Authors: O'Neill R. V. , Gardner R. H. , Christensen S. W. , Winkle W. Van , Carney J. H. , Mankin J. B.
Published: November 2009

Density-independent and density-dependent Leslie models were investigated by Monte Carlo methods. Random values for parameters of striped bass (Morone saxatilis), white perch (Morone americanus), and tomcod (Microgadus tomcod) populations were selected from truncated normal distributions with standard deviations equal to 10% of the mean. Only total population size after 40 yr was considered. The error propagation properties of the density-independent models are strongly influenced by model assumptions (e.g. calculating egg to 1-yr-old survival to ensure an eigenvalue of 1.0) and by the way model parameters are estimated (e.g. reestimated from data each year). Prediction errors on total population size depend on the number of age-classes in a species, but become insensitive when the number of classes exceed 7. Under the very restrictive assumptions used here, there is little difference in the error propagating properties of alternative density-dependent models.Key words: matrix, population, striped bass, white perch, tomcod
Comparisons of Growth in Weight of Temperate and Tropical Marine Fish Counterparts
Authors: Edwards R. R. C.
Published: November 2009

For temperate and tropical marine teleosts I compared growth in mean weight with age with similar trophic positions and ecological habits. Temperate demersal forms generally grew faster than tropical counterparts whereas mesopelagic and pelagic forms were similar. I suggest that differences in growth rates may be related to higher metabolic costs in the tropics in comparison with temperate waters.
Growth and Gonadal Development in Triploid Landlocked Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Benfey Tillmann J. , Sutterlin Arnold M.
Published: November 2009

There was no difference in weight between diploid and triploid landlocked Atlantic salmon (Salmo saiar) measured over a 9-mo period, but triploids were consistently longer (FL) and thus had a lower condition factor than diploids. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) of triploid females was only 7.7% that of diploid females, while the GSI of triploid males was 52% that of diploid males. Triploid ovaries had the external appearance of undeveloped gonads, but every triploid female did in fact produce a small number of oocytes (from 1 to 12, versus several hundred oocytes in each diploid female). Triploid testes were well developed but contained few spermatids and no spermatozoa. Diploid testes, on the other hand, were in advanced stages of spermiogenesis. None of the triploid males reached spermiation.
NONRELATIVISTIC QUARK–ANTIQUARK POTENTIAL: SPECTROSCOPY OF HEAVY-QUARKONIA AND EXOTIC SUSY QUARKONIA
Authors: IKHDAIR SAMEER M. , SEVER RAMAZAN
Published: November 2009

The experiments at LHC have shown that the SUSY (exotic) bound states are likely to form bound states in an entirely similar fashion as ordinary quarks form bound states, i.e. quarkonium. Also, the interaction between two squarks is due to gluon exchange which is found to be very similar to that interaction between two ordinary quarks. This motivates us to solve the Schrödinger equation with a strictly phenomenological static quark–antiquark potential: [Formula: see text] using the shifted large N-expansion method to calculate the low-lying spectrum of a heavy quark with antisbottom [Formula: see text] and sbottom with antisbottom [Formula: see text] bound states with [Formula: see text] is set free. To have a full knowledge on spectrum, we also give the result for a heavier as well as for lighter sbottom masses. As a test for the reliability of these calculations, we fix the parameters of this potential by fitting the spin-triplet (n3S1) and center-of-gravity l≠0 experimental spectrum of the ordinary heavy quarkonia [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to few MeV. Our results are compared with other models to gauge the reliability of these predictions and point out differences.
ON THE 5D DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUS AND TRANSLATION TRANSFORMATIONS IN 4D κ-MINKOWSKI NONCOMMUTATIVE SPACE–TIME
Authors: AMELINO-CAMELIA GIOVANNI , MARCIANÒ ANTONINO , PRANZETTI DANIELE
Published: November 2009

We perform a Noether analysis for a description of translation transformations in 4D κ-Minkowski noncommutative space–time which is based on the structure of a 5D differential calculus. The techniques that had been previously developed for a description of translation transformations based on a 4D differential calculus turn out to be applicable without any modification, and they allow us to show that the basis usually adopted for the 5D calculus does not take into account certain aspects of the structure of time translations in κ-Minkowski. We propose a change of basis for the 5D calculus which leads to a more intuitive description of time translations.
YANG–MILLS GRAVITY IN FLAT SPACE–TIME II: GRAVITATIONAL RADIATIONS AND LEE–YANG FORCE FOR ACCELERATED COSMIC EXPANSION
Authors: HSU JONG-PING
Published: November 2009

Within Yang–Mills gravity with translation group T(4) in flat space–time, the invariant action involving quadratic translation gauge-curvature leads to quadrupole radiations, which are shown to be consistent with experiments. The radiation power turns out to be the same as that in Einstein's gravity to the second-order approximation. We also discuss an interesting physical reason for the accelerated cosmic expansion based on the long-range Lee–Yang force of Ub(1) gauge field associated with the established conservation law of baryon number. We show that the Lee–Yang force can be related to a linear potential ∝ r, provided the gauge field satisfies a fourth-order differential equation in flat space–time. Furthermore, we consider an experimental test of the Lee–Yang force related to the accelerated cosmic expansion. The necessity of generalizing Lorentz transformations for accelerated frames of reference and accelerated Wu–Doppler effects are briefly discussed.
INTEGRATING CUMULATIVE EFFECTS IN REGIONAL STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORKS: LESSONS FROM PRACTICE
Authors: GUNN JILL HARRIMAN , NOBLE BRAM F.
Published: November 2009

The need to advance the assessment of cumulative environmental effects beyond the individual project, to the broader regional scale and strategic tier, is well argued. However, regional strategic environmental assessment (SEA) frameworks that facilitate cumulative effects assessment (CEA) at this scale and tier have been slow to evolve. The need for such frameworks is now at the forefront of Canadian environmental assessment. This paper examines current and recent attempts at regional, and strategic-type assessment frameworks to integrate and assess cumulative environmental effects. Based on lessons from practice and interviews with practitioners and administrators, we observe that assessing cumulative effects in a regional SEA context is most effective when there is a shared regional vision about the future state of environment and development; the development of regional environmental targets, thresholds and indicators takes precedent over cumulative impact prediction; strategies can be translated into operational terms and mandates; the assessment is sensitive to key decision windows; and CEA is recognised to be more than simply the "adding up" of environmental effects. Regional SEA is the most appropriate framework within which to address cumulative effects, if the primary goal is to influence the nature and pace of conservation and development in support of regional sustainability.
Thalidomide inhibits inflammatory and angiogenic activation of human intestinal microvascular endothelial cells (HIMEC)
Authors: Rafiee Parvaneh , Stein Daniel J. , Nelson Victoria M. , Otterson Mary F. , Shaker Reza , Binion David G.
Published: November 2009

The glutamic acid derivative thalidomide is a transcriptional inhibitor of TNF-α but is also known to affect human blood vessels, which may underlie its teratogenicity. Thalidomide has been used in the treatment of refractory Crohn's disease (CD), but the therapeutic mechanism is not defined. We examined the effect of thalidomide on primary cultures of human intestinal microvascular endothelial cells (HIMEC), the relevant endothelial cell population in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), to determine its effect on endothelial activation, leukocyte interaction, and VEGF-induced angiogenesis. HIMEC cultures were pretreated with thalidomide before activation with either TNF-α/LPS or VEGF. A low-shear-stress flow adhesion assay with either U-937 or whole blood was used to assess HIMEC activation following TNF-α/LPS, and a Wright's stain identified adherent leukocytes. Expression of cell adhesion molecules (E-selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) was assessed using radioimmunoassay. Effects of thalidomide on NF-κB activation, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in TNF-α/LPS-activated HIMEC were determined by RT-PCR and Western blotting. Thalidomide blocked adhesion of both U-937 and whole blood leukocytes by 50% in HIMEC, inhibiting binding of all classes of leukocytes. Thalidomide also blocked NF-κB and cell adhesion molecule expression in HIMEC. In marked contrast, thalidomide did not affect either iNOS or COX-2 expression, two key molecules that play a role in the downregulation of HIMEC activation. VEGF-induced HIMEC transmigration, growth, proliferation, tube formation, and Akt phosphorylation were significantly inhibited by thalidomide. In summary, thalidomide exerted a potent effect on HIMEC growth and activation, suggesting that it may also function via an endothelial mechanism in the treatment of CD.
Semi-Markov Reliability Models with Recurrence Times and Credit Rating Applications
Authors: D'Amico Guglielmo , Janssen Jacques , Manca Raimondo
Published: November 2009

We show how it is possible to construct efficient duration dependent semi-Markov
reliability models by considering recurrence time processes. We define generalized reliability indexes and we show how it is possible to compute them. Finally, we describe a possible application in the study of credit rating dynamics by considering the credit rating migration as a reliability problem.
On the Speed of Spread for Fractional Reaction‐Diffusion Equations
Authors: Engler Hans
Published: November 2009

The fractional reaction diffusion equation ∂tu + Au = g(u)
is discussed, where A is a fractional differential operator on ℝ of order
α ∈ (0, 2), the C1 function g vanishes at ζ = 0 and ζ = 1, and either
g ≥ 0 on (0, 1) or g < 0 near ζ = 0. In the case of nonnegative g,
it is shown that solutions with initial support on the positive half axis
spread into the left half axis with unbounded speed if g(ζ) satisfies some
weak growth condition near ζ = 0 in the case α > 1, or if g is merely
positive on a sufficiently large interval near ζ = 1 in the case α < 1. On the other hand, it shown that solutions spread with finite speed if
g′(0) < 0. The proofs use comparison arguments and a suitable family
of travelling wave solutions.
Experimental and Numerical Study on the Cold Start Performance of a Single PEM Fuel Cell
Authors: Li Calvin H. , Peterson G. P.
Published: November 2009

A combined experimental and analytical investigation of single proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, during cold start, has been conducted. The temperature influence on the performance of a single PEM fuel cell and the cold start failure of the PEM fuel cell was evaluated experimentally to determine the failure mechanisms and performance. The voltage, current, and power characteristics were investigated as a function of the load, the hydrogen fuel flow rate, and the cell temperature. The characteristics of cold start for a single PEM fuel cell were analyzed, and the various failure mechanisms were explored and characterized. In an effort to better understand the operational behavior and failure modes, a numerical simulation was also developed. The results of this analysis were then compared with the previously obtained experimental results and confirmed the accuracy of the failure mechanisms identified.
Targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer: Current Knowledge and Future Challenges
Authors: Siwak Doris R. , Carey Mark , Hennessy Bryan T. , Nguyen Catherine T. , McGahren Murray Mollianne J. , Nolden Laura , Mills Gordon B.
Published: November 2009

The epidermal growth factor receptor is overexpressed in up to 60% of ovarian epithelial malignancies. EGFR regulates complex cellular events due to the large number of ligands, dimerization partners, and diverse signaling pathways engaged. In ovarian cancer, EGFR activation is associated with increased malignant tumor phenotype and poorer patient outcome. However, unlike some other EGFR-positive solid tumors, treatment of ovarian tumors with anti-EGFR agents has induced minimal response. While the amount of information regarding EGFR-mediated signaling is considerable, current data provides little insight for the lack of efficacy of anti-EGFR agents in ovarian cancer. More comprehensive, systematic, and well-defined approaches are needed to dissect the roles that EGFR plays in the complex signaling processes in ovarian cancer as well as to identify biomarkers that can accurately predict sensitivity toward EGFR-targeted therapeutic agents. This new knowledge could facilitate the development of rational combinatorial therapies to sensitize tumor cells toward EGFR-targeted therapies.
Hypercholesterolemia Induces Side-Specific Phenotypic Changes and Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor-γ Pathway Activation in Swine Aortic Valve Endothelium
Authors: Guerraty Marie A. , Grant Gregory R. , Karanian John W. , Chiesa Oscar A. , Pritchard William F. , Davies Peter F.
Published: November 2009

Background—

The endothelium of healthy aortic valves expresses different phenotypes on the aortic and ventricular sides. On the aortic side, which is susceptible to aortic valve sclerosis, there is a balanced coexpression of both propathological and protective pathways. Side-specific global gene expression can address endothelial phenotype balance in early aortic valve sclerosis.

Methods and Results—

Adult male swine were fed a hypercholesterolemic or an isocaloric normal diet for 2-week and 6-month periods. Hypercholesterolemia induced localized lipid insudation confined to the aortic side of the leaflet. Transcript profiling of valve endothelial populations showed that the susceptible aortic side was more sensitive to 2-week hypercholesterolemia than the ventricular side (1,325 vs 87 genes were differentially expressed). However, greater sensitivity was not evidence of a dysfunctional phenotype. Instead, pathway analyses identified differential expression of caspase 3–, peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ–, TNF-α–, and nuclear factor-κB–related pathways that were consistent with a protective endothelial phenotype. This was confirmed at the protein level at 2 weeks and persisted at 6 months.

Conclusions—

In a large animal model at high spatial resolution, endothelium on the pathosusceptible side of the aortic valve leaflet is responsive to hypercholesterolemia. Transcript profiles indicative of a protective phenotype were induced and persisted on the side prone to aortic valve sclerosis.
Lamina-Associated Polypeptide 2α Loss Impairs Heart Function and Stress Response in Mice
Authors: Gotic Ivana , Leschnik Michael , Kolm Ursula , Markovic Mato , Haubner Bernhard J. , Biadasiewicz Katarzyna , Metzler Bernhard , Stewart Colin L. , Foisner Roland
Published: November 2009

Rationale
:

Lamina-associated polypeptide (LAP)2α is a mammalian chromatin-binding protein that interacts with a fraction of A-type lamins in the nuclear interior. Because mutations in lamins and LAP2α lead to cardiac disorders in humans, we hypothesized that these factors may play important roles in heart development and adult tissue homeostasis.

Objective
:

We asked whether the presence of LAP2α was required for normal cardiac function.

Methods and Results
:

To study the molecular mechanisms of the disease, we analyzed heart structure and function in complete and conditional
Lap2
α
−/−
mice as well as
Lap2
α
−/−
/Mdx
mutants. Unlike conditional deletion of LAP2α in late embryonic striated muscle, its complete knockout caused systolic dysfunction in young mice, accompanied by sporadic fibrosis in old animals, as well as deregulation of major cardiac transcription factors GATA4 and myocyte enhancer factor 2c. Activation of compensatory pathways, including downregulation of β-adrenergic receptor signaling, resulted in reduced responsiveness of the myocardium to chronic β-adrenergic stimulation and stalled the progression of LAP2α-deficient hearts from hypertrophy toward cardiac failure. Dystrophin deficiency in an
Mdx
background resulted in a transient rescue of the
Lap2
α
−/−
phenotype.

Conclusions
:

Our data suggest a novel role of LAP2α in the maintenance of cardiac function under normal and stress conditions.
Postthrombolysis Blood Pressure Elevation Is Associated With Hemorrhagic Transformation
Authors: Butcher Kenneth , Christensen Søren , Parsons Mark , De Silva Deidre A. , Ebinger Martin , Levi Christopher , Jeerakathil Thomas , Campbell Bruce C.V. , Barber P. Alan , Bladin Christopher , Fink John , Tress Brian , Donnan Geoffrey A. , Davis Stephen M.
Published: November 2009

Background and Purpose—

Reliable predictors of hemorrhagic transformation (HT) after stroke thrombolysis have not been identified. We analyzed hemorrhage in a randomized trial of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) vs placebo in ischemic stroke patients. We hypothesized that acute diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) lesion volumes would be larger and blood pressures would be higher in patients with HT.

Methods—

HT was assessed 2 to 5 days after treatment in 97 patients. Hemorrhage was assessed by using susceptibility-weighted imaging sequences and was classified as petechial hemorrhagic infarction (HI) or parenchymal hematoma (PH).

Results—

PH was more frequent in t-PA– (11/49) than in placebo- (4/48) treated patients (
P
=0.049). Patients with PH had larger DWI lesion volumes (63.1±56.1 mL) than did those without HT (27.6±39.0 mL,
P
=0.033). There were no differences in baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) between patients with and without hemorrhage. Weighted average SBP 24 hours after treatment was higher in patients with PH (159.4±18.8 mL,
P
<0.011) relative to those without HT (143.1±20.0 mL). Multinomial logistic regression indicated that PH was predicted by DWI lesion volume (odds ratio=1.16 per 10 mL; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.30), atrial fibrillation (odds ratio=9.33; 95% CI, 2.30 to 37.94), and 24-hour weighted average SBP (odds ratio=1.59 per 10 mm Hg; 95% CI, 1.14 to 2.23).

Conclusions—

Pretreatment DWI lesion volume and postthrombolysis BP are both predictive of HT. Consideration should be given to excluding patients with very large baseline DWI volumes from t-PA therapy and to more stringent BP control after stroke thrombolysis.
The Role of Awareness in Semantic and Syntactic Processing: An ERP Attentional Blink Study
Authors: Batterink Laura , Karns Christina M. , Yamada Yoshiko , Neville Helen
Published: November 2009

An important question in the study of language is to what degree semantic and syntactic processes are automatic or controlled. This study employed an attentional blink (AB) paradigm to manipulate awareness in the processing of target words in order to assess automaticity in semantic and syntactic processing. In the semantic block, targets occurring both within and outside the AB period elicited an N400. However, N400 amplitude was significantly reduced during the AB period, and missed targets did not elicit an N400. In the syntactic block, ERPs to targets occurring outside the AB period revealed a late negative syntactic incongruency effect, whereas ERPs to targets occurring within the AB period showed no effect of incongruency. The semantic results support the argument that the N400 primarily indexes a controlled, postlexical process. Syntactic findings suggest that the ERP response to some syntactic violations depends on awareness and availability of attentional resources.
Anomalies at the Borderline of Awareness: An ERP Study
Authors: Sanford Anthony J. , Leuthold Hartmut , Bohan Jason , Sanford Alison J. S.
Published: November 2009

Behaviorally, some semantic anomalies, such as those used to demonstrate N400 effects in ERPs, are easy to detect. However, some, such as “after an air crash, where should the survivors be buried?” are difficult. The difference has to do with the extent to which the anomalous word fits the general context. We asked whether anomalies that are missed elicit an ERP that could be taken as indicating unconscious recognition, and whether both types elicit an N400 effect when they are detected. We found that difficult anomalies having a good fit to general context did not produce an N400 effect, whereas control “easy-to-detect” anomalies did. For difficult anomalies, there was no evidence for unconscious detection occurring. The results support a qualitative distinction in the way the two types of anomalies are processed, and the idea that semantic information is simply not utilized (shallow processing) when difficult anomalies are missed.
The Neural Correlates of Linguistic Distinctions: Unaccusative and Unergative Verbs
Authors: Shetreet Einat , Friedmann Naama , Hadar Uri
Published: November 2009

Unaccusative verbs like fall are special in that their sole argument is syntactically generated at the object position of the verb rather than at the subject position. Unaccusative verbs are derived by a lexical operation that reduces the agent from transitive verbs. Their insertion into a sentence often involves a syntactic movement from the object to the subject position. To explore the neurological reality of the distinction between different verb types and to identify the cortical activations associated with the lexical and syntactic operations, we compared unaccusative verbs with verbs that do not undergo such operations—unergatives (verbs with one argument, an agent) and transitives (verbs with two arguments). The observed pattern of activation revealed that the brain distinguishes between unaccusative and unergative verbs, lending neurological support for the linguistic distinction. A conjunction analysis between the comparisons between unaccusatives and the other verb types revealed activations in the left inferior frontal gyrus and the left posterior middle temporal gyrus. These, together with previous neuroimaging results, suggest that the inferior frontal gyrus may be involved with the execution of the syntactic operation, whereas the middle temporal gyrus may be responsible for the lexical operation that derives unaccusative verbs.
Development of Hemispheric Specialization for Lexical Pitch–Accent in Japanese Infants
Authors: Sato Yutaka , Sogabe Yuko , Mazuka Reiko
Published: November 2009

Infants' speech perception abilities change through the first year of life, from broad sensitivity to a wide range of speech contrasts to becoming more finely attuned to their native language. What remains unclear, however, is how this perceptual change relates to brain responses to native language contrasts in terms of the functional specialization of the left and right hemispheres. Here, to elucidate the developmental changes in functional lateralization accompanying this perceptual change, we conducted two experiments on Japanese infants using Japanese lexical pitch–accent, which changes word meanings with the pitch pattern within words. In the first behavioral experiment, using visual habituation, we confirmed that infants at both 4 and 10 months have sensitivities to the lexical pitch–accent pattern change embedded in disyllabic words. In the second experiment, near-infrared spectroscopy was used to measure cortical hemodynamic responses in the left and right hemispheres to the same lexical pitch–accent pattern changes and their pure tone counterparts. We found that brain responses to the pitch change within words differed between 4- and 10-month-old infants in terms of functional lateralization: Left hemisphere dominance for the perception of the pitch change embedded in words was seen only in the 10-month-olds. These results suggest that the perceptual change in Japanese lexical pitch–accent may be related to a shift in functional lateralization from bilateral to left hemisphere dominance.
Cognitive and Motor Loops of the Human Cerebro-cerebellar System
Authors: Salmi Juha , Pallesen Karen Johanne , Neuvonen Tuomas , Brattico Elvira , Korvenoja Antti , Salonen Oili , Carlson Synnöve
Published: November 2009

We applied fMRI and diffusion-weighted MRI to study the segregation of cognitive and motor functions in the human cerebro-cerebellar system. Our fMRI results show that a load increase in a nonverbal auditory working memory task is associated with enhanced brain activity in the parietal, dorsal premotor, and lateral prefrontal cortices and in lobules VII–VIII of the posterior cerebellum, whereas a sensory-motor control task activated the motor/somatosensory, medial prefrontal, and posterior cingulate cortices and lobules V/VI of the anterior cerebellum. The load-dependent activity in the crus I/II had a specific relationship with cognitive performance: This activity correlated negatively with load-dependent increase in RTs. This correlation between brain activity and RTs was not observed in the sensory-motor task in the activated cerebellar regions. Furthermore, probabilistic tractography analysis of the diffusion-weighted MRI data suggests that the tracts between the cerebral and the cerebellar areas exhibiting cognitive load-dependent and sensory-motor activity are mainly projected via separated pontine (feed-forward tracts) and thalamic (feedback tracts) nuclei. The tractography results also indicate that the crus I/II in the posterior cerebellum is linked with the lateral prefrontal areas activated by cognitive load increase, whereas the anterior cerebellar lobe is not. The current results support the view that cognitive and motor functions are segregated in the cerebellum. On the basis of these results and theories of the function of the cerebellum, we suggest that the posterior cerebellar activity during a demanding cognitive task is involved with optimization of the response speed.
Hemicraniectomy: A New Model for Human Electrophysiology with High Spatio-temporal Resolution
Authors: Voytek Bradley , Secundo Lavi , Bidet-Caulet Aurelie , Scabini Donatella , Stiver Shirley I. , Gean Alisa D. , Manley Geoffrey T. , Knight Robert T.
Published: November 2009

Human electrophysiological research is generally restricted to scalp EEG, magneto-encephalography, and intracranial electrophysiology. Here we examine a unique patient cohort that has undergone decompressive hemicraniectomy, a surgical procedure wherein a portion of the calvaria is removed for several months during which time the scalp overlies the brain without intervening bone. We quantify the differences in signals between electrodes over areas with no underlying skull and scalp EEG electrodes over the intact skull in the same subjects. Signals over the hemicraniectomy have enhanced amplitude and greater task-related power at higher frequencies (60–115 Hz) compared with signals over skull. We also provide evidence of a metric for trial-by-trial EMG/EEG coupling that is effective over the hemicraniectomy but not intact skull at frequencies >60 Hz. Taken together, these results provide evidence that the hemicraniectomy model provides a means for studying neural dynamics in humans with enhanced spatial and temporal resolution.
Proficiency Differences in Syntactic Processing of Monolingual Native Speakers Indexed by Event-related Potentials
Authors: Pakulak Eric , Neville Helen J.
Published: November 2009

Although anecdotally there appear to be differences in the way native speakers use and comprehend their native language, most empirical investigations of language processing study university students and none have studied differences in language proficiency, which may be independent of resource limitations such as working memory span. We examined differences in language proficiency in adult monolingual native speakers of English using an ERP paradigm. ERPs were recorded to insertion phrase structure violations in naturally spoken English sentences. Participants recruited from a wide spectrum of society were given standardized measures of English language proficiency, and two complementary ERP analyses were performed. In between-groups analyses, participants were divided on the basis of standardized proficiency scores into lower proficiency and higher proficiency groups. Compared with lower proficiency participants, higher proficiency participants showed an early anterior negativity that was more focal, both spatially and temporally, and a larger and more widely distributed positivity (P600) to violations. In correlational analyses, we used a wide spectrum of proficiency scores to examine the degree to which individual proficiency scores correlated with individual neural responses to syntactic violations in regions and time windows identified in the between-groups analyses. This approach also used partial correlation analyses to control for possible confounding variables. These analyses provided evidence for the effects of proficiency that converged with the between-groups analyses. These results suggest that adult monolingual native speakers of English who vary in language proficiency differ in the recruitment of syntactic processes that are hypothesized to be at least in part automatic as well as of those thought to be more controlled. These results also suggest that to fully characterize neural organization for language in native speakers it is necessary to include participants of varying proficiency.
Autonomous Development of Vergence Control Driven by Disparity Energy Neuron Populations
Authors: Wang Yiwen , Shi Bertram E.
Published: November 2009

We present a simple optimization criterion that leads to autonomous development of a sensorimotor feedback loop driven by the neural representation of the depth in the mammalian visual cortex. Our test bed is an active stereo vision system where the vergence angle between the two eyes is controlled by the output of a population of disparity-selective neurons. By finding a policy that maximizes the total response across the neuron population, the system eventually tracks a target as it moves in depth. We characterized the tracking performance of the resulting policy using objects moving both sinusoidally and randomly in depth. Surprisingly, the system can even learn how to track based on stimuli it cannot track: even though the closed loop 3 dB tracking bandwidth of the system is 0.3 Hz, correct tracking policies are learned for input stimuli moving as fast as 0.75 Hz.
The Deathly Hallows: Harry Potter and Adolescent Development
Authors: Rosegrant John
Published: November 2009

The enormous popularity of the Harry Potter books points to the deep resonance readers feel with the psychological issues they bring to life. Three developmental issues provide central themes: the necessity for partial disenchantment and increasing attunement to reality, while retaining a capacity for wonder; repudiation or endorsement of the narcissistic solution to life’s difficulties; and aggression and castration fantasies while growing into adult power. These developmental issues are particularly acute during adolescence but start earlier and continue to be reworked throughout the life span, accounting for the books’ appeal to a wide age-range of readers despite their apparent focus on adolescence. These developmental themes are explored in order to better understand the Harry Potter books, as, conversely, the books are explored in order to better understand these themes.
Therapeutic Ultrasound-Enhanced Thrombolysis in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Xuedong Shen  , Nair Chandra , Holmberg Mark , Mooss Aryan , Arouni Amy , Esterbrooks Dennis
Published: November 2009

Thrombolytic therapy is widely used to treat the patients with ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (STE-MI). Due to logistic and economic reasons, only 10% of patients with acute myocardial infarction can be treated with the percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Optimal flow (TIMI (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction) 3 flow) is achieved in only about 60% of cases by enzymatic thrombolysis. Therapeutic ultrasound (US) exerts an effect on thrombolysis by micromechanical processes or indirectly by supporting enzymatic thrombolysis. This review examines relevant experimental and clinical published data. Technical issues in therapeutic US-enhanced thrombolysis in patients with acute myocardial infarction and advancements of the techniques during recent 10 years are discussed.
Psychophysiological Responses in Women During Cart Pushing on Different Frictional Walkways
Authors: Maikala Rammohan V. , Ciriello Vincent M. , Dempsey Patrick G. , O'Brien Niall V.
Published: November 2009

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate psychophysically determined acceptable forces, cardiopulmonary, and calf muscle metabolic responses in 15 workers while they pushed an instrumented cart on two walkways. Background: In addition to the potential for increased musculoskeletal disorders in workers, pushing on various terrains is associated with occurrence of slips and falls at the workplace. Method: Using a psychophysical approach, participants chose the maximum acceptable cart weight they could push without strain on walkways with coefficient of friction equaling 0.68 (plywood) and 0.26 (Teflon-coated.). Then, while participants pushed their psychophysically chosen cart weight for 2 hr on each walkway, horizontal and vertical forces applied on the cart handle and physiological responses were collected. Cardiopulmonary responses were measured using a telemetric metabolic cart. A tissue hemoglobin index (THI) and a tissue oxygenation index (TOI) from the right and left calf muscles were obtained using near-infrared spectroscopy. Results: Participants generated higher horizontal forces (by 26%) on plywood than that on Teflon. Cardiopulmonary and TOI and THI responses were similar between walkways. However, greater ratios of absolute oxygen uptake per force (by 19%) and TOI per force (by 24%) on Teflon were demonstrated in the horizontal direction than on plywood. Conclusions: This increased muscle oxygenation—force ratio, coupled with increased oxygen uptake per force generated on Teflon, might suggest that pushing on the slippery surface results in higher metabolic demand. Application: Findings from the present study will assist in revising previously established acceptable forces and in relating these forces to physiological responses with respect to pushing on different frictional walkways.
Acculturation and Psychological Distress Among Non-Western Muslim Migrants - a Population-Based Survey
Authors: Fassaert Thijs , De Wit Matty A.S. , Tuinebreijer Wilco C. , Knipscheer Jeroen W. , Verhoeff Arnoud P. , Beekman Aartjan T.F. , Dekker Jack
Published: November 2009

Background: Political and social developments point at increasing marginalization of Muslim migrants, but little is known about its consequences for the mental health of this particular group.

Aim: To explore the relationship between acculturation and psychological distress among first-generation Muslim migrants from Turkey and Morocco in the Netherlands.

Methods: A cross-sectional study. Respondents were interviewed in their preferred language. Acculturation was measured with the Lowlands Acculturation Scale (LAS) and psychological distress with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Data were complete for 321 subjects and analyzed with multivariate linear regression.

Results: Less skills for living in Dutch society was associated with distress ( p = 0.032). Feelings of loss were related to distress among Moroccans ( p = 0.037). There was an interaction between traditionalism and ethnic background ( p = 0.037); traditionalism was related to less distress among Moroccans ( p = 0.020), but not among Turkish. Finally, there was an interaction by gender among Turks ( p = 0.029); conservative norms and values seemed to be related to distress among men ( p = 0.062), not women.

Conclusion: Successful contact and participation in Dutch society, and maintenance of heritage culture and identity were moderately associated with less psychological distress. Improving mastery of the dominant language in host societies, and allowing migrants to preserve their traditions, might be effective measures in improving the mental well-being of migrants.
Reactive and Proactive Aggression in Adolescent Males
Authors: Fite Paula J. , Raine Adrian , Stouthamer-Loeber Magda , Loeber Rolf , Pardini Dustin A.
Published: November 2009

There is limited knowledge about the unique relations between adolescent reactive and proactive aggression and later psychosocial adjustment in early adulthood. Accordingly, this study prospectively examined associations between adolescent (mean age = 16) reactive and proactive aggression and psychopathic features, antisocial behavior, negative emotionality, and substance use measured 10 years later in early adulthood (mean age = 26). Study questions were examined in a longitudinal sample of 335 adolescent males. Path analyses indicate that after controlling for the stability of the outcome and the overlap between the two subtypes of aggression, reactive aggression is uniquely associated with negative emotionality, specifically anxiety, in adulthood. In contrast, proactive aggression is uniquely associated with measures of adult psychopathic features and antisocial behavior in adulthood. Both reactive and proactive aggression uniquely predicted substance use in adulthood, but the substances varied by subtype of aggression. Implications for findings are discussed.
Exploring Stress and Coping Strategies among National Guard Spouses during Times of Deployment: A Research Note
Authors: Wheeler Angela R. , Torres Stone Rosalie A.
Published: November 2009

Studies on active duty military families indicate that deployment disrupts normal functioning of the family. Scholars still, however, lack the necessary knowledge to fully grasp the impact that the current Iraq and Afghanistan wars have had on Army National Guard (ARNG) families who have experienced deployment. A grounded theoretical approach to interviews with ARNG spouses yields insight into how these families are coping with the often-unexpected event of wartime deployment. The authors identify stressors and coping strategies used by these spouses and offer suggestions for future research that will allow scholars to more fully understand the present situation ARNG families are facing.
Contradictory and Complementary Identities of U.S. Army Reservists: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Griffith James
Published: November 2009

Over the past three decades, evolving threats to U.S. national security have necessitated changes in the missions, structure, and organization of reserve forces. These changes, while intended to redefine the purposes and functions of the U.S. reserve force, at times had unanticipated effects on the individual reservist’s experience of and identity with reserve military service. Emergent identities include the obliged-conscripted citizen soldier, weekend warrior, instrumental volunteer, identity seeker, soldier warrior, and conservative ideologue. The author elaborates on these identities and their association with geopolitical events and corresponding responses in the U.S. national defense strategy and concludes by discussing the implications of more recent identities for adequately staffing and readying the U.S. reserve force.