bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perfusion index and its dynamic changes in preterm neonates with patent ductus arteriosus
Authors: Vidal Magalie , Ferragu Félicie , Durand Sabine , Baleine Julien , Batista‐Novais Aline Rideau , Cambonie Gilles
Published: December 2012

Aim

The perfusion index (PI) and its dynamic change during respiration, and supressed the plethysmographic variability index (PVI), are calculated from pulse oximetry, and these indexes were recently proposed for continuous and noninvasive assessment of peripheral perfusion in neonates. We aimed to assess the effect of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) on PI and PVI, according to ductal Doppler flow pattern.

Methods

Forty‐five neonates with median (Q25‐75) gestational age (GA) and birthweight of 27 (25–28) weeks and 857 (750–1080) grams, respectively, were assessed prospectively using serial echocardiography and pulse oximetry during the first postnatal week.

Results

Perfusion index increased from 0.70 (0.50–1.05) at day 1 to 1.50 (1.0–2.00) at day 7 (p < 0.01) and was not influenced by ductal flow pattern. PVI was 22 (18–27) and did not vary during the study period but differed according to ductal flow pattern, with lower values in the growing and pulsatile groups compared with the pulmonary hypertension (p < 0.05), closing and closed groups (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Ductal persistence and flow pattern did not affect PI but did affect PVI in preterm neonates of less than 29 weeks of GA. Future studies are needed to establish the usefulness of PVI in the early detection and management of PDA in preterm neonates.
Physical activity opposes the age‐related increase in skeletal muscle and plasma endothelin‐1 levels and normalizes plasma endothelin‐1 levels in individuals with essential hypertension
Authors: Nyberg M. , Mortensen S. P. , Hellsten Y.
Published: December 2012

Aims

Endothelin‐1 has potent constrictor and proliferative activity in vascular smooth muscle, and essential hypertension and aging are associated with increased endothelin‐1‐mediated vasoconstrictor tone. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of physical activity, hypertension and age on endothelin‐1 levels in plasma and skeletal muscle and endothelin receptors in skeletal muscle in human subjects.

Methods

In study 1, normotensive (46 ± 1 years, n = 11) and hypertensive (47 ± 1 years, n = 10) subjects were studied before and after 8 weeks of aerobic exercise training. In study 2, young (23 ± 1 years, n = 8), older lifelong sedentary (66 ± 2 years, n = 8) and older lifelong endurance‐trained (62 ± 2 years, n = 8) subjects were studied in a cross‐sectional design.

Results

Skeletal muscle and plasma endothelin‐1 levels were increased with age and plasma endothelin‐1 levels were higher in hypertensive than normotensive individuals. Eight weeks of exercise training normalized plasma endothelin‐1 levels in the hypertensive subjects and increased the protein expression of the ETA receptor in skeletal muscle of normotensive subjects. Similarly, individuals that had performed lifelong physical activity had similar plasma and muscle endothelin‐1 levels as the young controls and had higher ETA receptor levels.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that aerobic exercise training opposes the age‐related increase in skeletal muscle and plasma endothelin‐1 levels and normalizes plasma endothelin‐1 levels in individuals with essential hypertension. This effect may explain some of the beneficial effects of training on the cardiovascular system in older and hypertensive subjects.
Therapeutic effect of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase inhibition on pancreatic cancer
Authors: Takahashi Ryota , Hirata Yoshihiro , Sakitani Kosuke , Nakata Wachiko , Kinoshita Hiroto , Hayakawa Yoku , Nakagawa Hayato , Sakamoto Kei , Hikiba Yohko , Ijichi Hideaki , Moses Harold L. , Maeda Shin , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: December 2012

c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) is a member of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, and it is reportedly involved in the development of several cancers. However, the role of JNK in pancreatic cancer has not been elucidated. We assessed t he involvement of JNK in the development of pancreatic cancer and investigated the therapeutic effect of JNK inhibitors on this deadly cancer. Small interfering RNAs against JNK or the JNK inhibitor SP600125 were used to examine the role of JNK in cellular proliferation and the cell cycles of pancreatic cancer cell lines. Ptf1acre/+;LSL‐KrasG12D/+;Tgfbr2flox/flox mice were treated with the JNK inhibitor to examine pancreatic histology and survival. The effect of JNK inhibition on tumor angiogenesis was also assessed using cell lines and murine pancreatic cancer specimens. JNK was frequently activated in human and murine pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo. Growth of human pancreatic cancer cell lines was suppressed by JNK inhibition through G1 arrest in the cell cycle with decreased cyclin D1 expression. In addition, oncogenic K‐ras expression led to activation of JNK in pancreatic cancer cell lines. Treatment of Ptf1acre/+;LSL‐KrasG12D/+;Tgfbr2flox/flox mice with the JNK inhibitor decreased growth of murine pancreatic cancer and prolonged survival of the mice significantly. Angiogenesis was also decreased by JNK inhibition in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, activation of JNK promotes development of pancreatic cancer, and JNK may be a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
Myoclonus‐dystonia and Silver–Russell syndrome resulting from maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 7
Authors: Sheridan MB , Bytyci Telegrafi A , Stinnett V , Umeh CC , Mari Z , Dawson TM , Bodurtha J , Batista DAS
Published: December 2012

Myoclonus‐dystonia (M‐D) is a movement disorder that is often associated with mutations in epsilon‐sarcoglycan (SGCE), a maternally imprinted gene at 7q21.3. We report a 24‐year‐old male with short stature (<5th percentile) and a movement disorder clinically consistent with M‐D. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array did not identify significant copy number changes, but revealed three long continuous stretches of homozygosity on chromosome 7 suggestive of uniparental disomy. Parental SNP arrays confirmed that the proband had maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 7 (mUPD7) with regions of heterodisomy and isodisomy. mUPD7 is the cause of approximately 5–10% of Silver–Russell syndrome (SRS), a disorder characterized by prenatal and postnatal growth retardation. Although SRS was not suspected in our patient, these findings explain his short stature. SGCE methylation testing showed loss of the unmethylated paternal allele. Our findings provide a unifying diagnosis for his short stature and M‐D and help to optimize his medication regimen. In conclusion, we show that M‐D is a clinical feature that may be associated with SRS due to mUPD7. Individuals with mUPD7 should be monitored for the development of movement disorders. Conversely, individuals with M‐D and short stature should be evaluated for SRS.
Update of exocrine functional diagnostics in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Nøjgaard Camilla , Olesen Søren Schou , Frøkjær Jens Brøndum , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr
Published: December 2012

Diagnostics of pancreatic insufficiency rely mainly on tests of pancreatic exocrine function based on either measurement of pancreatic secretion or the secondary effects resulting from lack of digestive enzymes or imaging modalities. These methods have been developing rapidly over the last decades, and the aims of this review were to describe exocrine functional testing and imaging of the pancreas in chronic pancreatitis..
Minimal residual disease detectable by quantitative assessment of WT1 gene before allogeneic stem cell transplantation in patients in first remission of acute myeloid leukemia has an impact on their future prognosis
Authors: Válková Veronika , Polák Jaroslav , Marková Marketa , Vítek Antonin , Hájková Hana , Šálek Cyril , Procházka Bohumil , Cetkovský Petr , Trněný Marek
Published: December 2012

Overall 42 patients (pts) transplanted in hematological CR1 were retrospectively analyzed. Median follow‐up was 15 months (range 2–77). The expression of WT1 gene was measured according to the European Leukaemia Net recommendations. At the time of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) 29 pts were WT1‐negative and 13 pts were WT1‐positive. In the univariate analysis, significantly better results were observed in the group of WT1 neg in terms of progression‐free survival (in three yr 77% vs. 27%, p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the only significant feature in terms of better OS was WT1 negativity (p = 0.029). Our results show that minimal residual disease status measured by quantitative assessment of WT1 gene in acute myeloid leukemia pts in CR1 significantly affects their future prognosis after allo‐SCT.
Mitral Flexible Annuloplasty Band Displacement: The Role of Three‐Dimensional Echocardiography
Authors: Scandura Salvatore , Caggegi Anna , Cammalleri Valeria , Monaco Sergio , Ronsivalle Giuseppe , Arcidiacono Andrea , Mignosa Carmelo , Tamburino Corrado
Published: December 2012

Mini‐Abstract

We describe a patient with mitral flexible annuloplasty band displacement. The diagnosis was made performing a comprehensive echocardiographic assessment. Compared with two‐dimensional echocardiography, real time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (3D‐TEE) provided additional information and diagnostic utility, allowing an accurate evaluation of the underlying pathology. Using 3D‐TEE, we were able to exactly define the site, size, and shape of the detachment and to detect the precise anatomical relation existing between the displaced band and the surrounding cardiac structures. Therefore, real time 3D‐TEE can be considered of great assistance to the cardiac surgeon, being an effective tool in planning appropriate intervention.
Sex and stochasticity affect range expansion of experimental invasions
Authors: Miller Tom E.X. , Inouye Brian D.
Published: December 2012

Understanding and predicting range expansion are key objectives in many basic and applied contexts. Among dioecious organisms, there is strong evidence for sex differences in dispersal, which could alter the sex ratio at the expansion's leading edge. However, demographic stochasticity could also affect leading‐edge sex ratios, perhaps overwhelming sex‐biased dispersal. We used insects in laboratory mesocosms to test the effects of sex‐biased dispersal on range expansion, and a simulation model to explore interactive effects of sex‐biased dispersal and demographic stochasticity. Sex‐biased dispersal created spatial clines in the sex ratio, which influenced offspring production at the front and altered invasion velocity. Increasing female dispersal relative to males accelerated spread, despite the prediction that demographic stochasticity would weaken a signal of sex‐biased dispersal. Our results provide the first experimental evidence for an influence of sex‐biased dispersal on invasion velocity, highlighting the value of accounting for sex structure in studies of range expansion.
Small and impoverished regional species pools constrain colonisation of restored river reaches by fishes
Authors: STOLL STEFAN , SUNDERMANN ANDREA , LORENZ ARMIN W. , KAIL JOCHEM , HAASE PETER
Published: December 2012

1. Using an extensive data set from 18 river restoration projects in the lower mountain ranges of Germany and 5462 river reaches in their surroundings, we estimated the spatial extent of the regional fish species pool from which restored river reaches are colonised.

2. Restoration resulted in a marginally significant increase in fish species richness; however, restored reaches still deviated markedly from natural reference conditions. Nearly all (96.6%) species occurring in restored reaches were present in reaches within a distance of 5 km up‐ or downstream of the restored reach.

3. Species richness in restored reaches was correlated with species richness within a 5‐km species pool. This relationship was more pronounced for common than for rare fishes and applied to both the total number of fish species at the restored reach and the number of additional fish species that were not present at unrestored conditions.

4. The richness of the regional species pools was greatly impoverished. On average, only 50% of all species considered to represent natural reference assemblages were present. The limited success in establishing natural fish assemblages in restored reaches was attributed to spatial limitation (e.g. due to fragmentation) and an impoverished regional species pools from which restored reaches recruit.

5. We recommend that integrated river restoration management should consider not only the abiotic prerequisites of successful restorations, but also the structure and quality of the regional species pool.
Dynamics of habitats and macroinvertebrate assemblages in rivers of the Australian dry tropics
Authors: BLANCHETTE M. L. , PEARSON R. G.
Published: December 2012

1. The dry tropics are characterised by episodic summer rainfall such that the majority of annual river flow occurs in a short period of time. This dryland hydrological cycle leads to variably connected channels and waterholes along the length of a river bed.

2. We investigated the seasonal changes in biophysical characteristics and macroinvertebrate assemblage composition in dry‐tropics rivers at 15 sites on four rivers, each sampled five times (representing one annual hydrological cycle), in the Burdekin catchment, north Queensland, Australia.

3. Assemblages and their temporal trajectories differed among seasons, sites and habitats, even within the same habitat and/or river. Wet season flooding did not appear to ‘reset’ assemblages, with post‐wet season assemblages differing between years.

4. We found no consistent pattern in taxonomic richness over time, and sites within rivers showed no consistent convergence or divergence (i.e. turnover) in macroinvertebrate assemblage composition. However, biophysical variables associated with the rigours of the late dry season had significant effects on macroinvertebrate assemblages, highlighting the variable and often harsh conditions of dry‐tropics rivers. Underlying these patterns were different resistance and resilience traits of invertebrates (such as colonisation and establishment abilities), as well as the local‐scale effects of biophysical variables.

5. The dynamic nature of dryland rivers presents major challenges to monitoring programmes, and our results suggest a more complex scenario for monitoring and management than previously described.
Quality of life and attitudes to ageing in Turkish older adults at old people's homes
Authors: Top Mehmet , Dikmetaş Elif
Published: December 2012

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate quality of life (QOL) and attitudes to ageing in Turkish older adults at two old people's homes (nursing homes) and to explain relationship between QOL and attitudes to ageing.

Methods

This study is a quantitative and descriptive exploratory study of QOL and attitudes to ageing of older adults in nursing homes in a developing country.

Instruments

Two international data measurement tools were used for data collection. Data measurement instruments in this study are The World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument–Older Adults Module (WHOQOL‐OLD) and the WHO – Attitudes to Ageing Questionnaire (AAQ). The WHOQOL‐OLD module consists of 24 items assigned to six facets (sensory abilities, autonomy, past, present and future activities, social participation, death and dying and intimacy) AAQ consists of 24 items classified in three domains (psychosocial loss, physical change and psychological growth) with eight items each.

Participants

The Turkish version of the WHOQOL‐OLD and AAQ was administered to 120 older (>65 years) adults living in two old people's homes in Samsun Province, Turkey. This study was conducted and planned between on 1 November 2011 and on 31 November, 2011.

Results

The results indicated that there was significant relationship between QOL and attitudes to ageing of older adults. In this study, the highest significant relationship is between psychological growth subscale of attitudes to ageing and sensory abilities subscale of QOL (r = 0.579; P < 0.01). Overall QOL and overall attitudes to ageing had a significant and positive relationship (r = 0.408; P < 0.01). The dimensions of attitudes to ageing (psychosocial loss, physical change and psychological growth) were significant predictors for QOL in older adults in Turkey. It was found that the gender does not affect overall QOL in older adults. However, happiness is significant variable for overall QOL in this study.

Conclusion

The results suggest that QOL is a complex, multidimensional concept that should be studied at different levels of analysis in Turkey and other developing countries. The results of this study emphasize the importance of QOL in older adults in older people's homes in Turkey and attitudes to ageing of nursing home residents in Turkey.
Measurement of stress–strain behaviour of human hair fibres using optical techniques
Authors: Lee J. , Kwon H. J.
Published: December 2012

Synopsis

Many studies have presented stress–strain relationship of human hair, but most of them have been based on an engineering stress–strain curve, which is not a true representation of stress–strain behaviour. In this study, a more accurate ‘true’ stress–strain curve of human hair was determined by applying optical techniques to the images of the hair deformed under tension. This was achieved by applying digital image cross‐correlation (DIC) to 10× magnified images of hair fibres taken under increasing tension to estimate the strain increments. True strain was calculated by summation of the strain increments according to the theoretical definition of ‘true’ strain. The variation in diameter with the increase in longitudinal elongation was also measured from the 40× magnified images to estimate the Poisson's ratio and true stress. By combining the true strain and the true stress, a true stress–strain curve could be determined, which demonstrated much higher stress values than the conventional engineering stress–strain curve at the same degree of deformation. Four regions were identified in the true stress–strain relationship and empirical constitutive equations were proposed for each region. Theoretical analysis on the necking condition using the constitutive equations provided the insight into the failure mechanism of human hair. This analysis indicated that local thinning caused by necking does not occur in the hair fibres, but, rather, relatively uniform deformation takes place until final failure (fracture) eventually occurs.
CD4+T cells recognize diverse epitopes within GAD65: implications for repertoire development and diabetes monitoring
Authors: Yang Junbao , James Eddie A. , Sanda Srinath , Greenbaum Carla , Kwok William W.
Published: December 2012

Type 1 diabetes is associated with T‐cell responses to β‐cell antigens such as GAD65. Single T‐cell epitopes have been investigated for immune monitoring with some success, but multiple epitopes may be required to fully characterize responses in all subjects. We used a systematic approach to examine the diversity of the GAD65‐specific T‐cell repertoire in subjects with DRB1*04:01 haplotypes. Using class II tetramers, we observed responses to 15 GAD65 epitopes, including five novel epitopes. The majority were confirmed to be processed and presented. Upon stimulation with peptides, GAD‐specific responses were equally broad in subjects with diabetes and healthy controls in the presence or absence of CD25+ T cells, suggesting that a susceptible HLA is sufficient to generate a potentially autoreactive repertoire. Without depleting CD25+ cells, GAD113–132 and GAD265–284 responses were significantly stronger in subjects with diabetes. Although nearly every individual responded to at least one GAD65 epitope, most were seen in less than half of the subjects tested, suggesting that multiple epitopes are recommended for immune monitoring.
Testing the Specification of Parametric Models by Using Anchoring Vignettes
Authors: van Soest Arthur , Vonkova Hana
Published: December 2012

Comparing assessments on a subjective scale across countries or socio-economic groups is often hampered by differences in response scales across groups. Anchoring vignettes help to correct for such differences, either in parametric models (the compound hierarchical ordered probit (CHOPIT) model and extensions) or non-parametrically, comparing rankings of vignette ratings and self-assessments across groups. We construct specification tests of parametric models, comparing non-parametric rankings with rankings by using the parametric estimates. Applied to six domains of health, the test always rejects the standard CHOPIT model, but an extended CHOPIT model performs better. This implies a need for more flexible (parametric or semiparametric) models than the standard CHOPIT model.
ON MODERNITY'S CHANGES TO “TRADITION”: A SOCIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: ZHENG HANGSHENG
Published: December 2012

This article will explore how “tradition” has changed in the process of modernity, with reference to the history and current state of Chinese ethnicities. By employing inevitable relationships in researching “tradition,” such as tradition and the past, tradition and its “original form,” old tradition and new tradition, and the reconstruction and neo‐construction of tradition, this article reveals a dynamic but stable essential relationship among them. Whereas both the historical nihilism that completely repudiates tradition and the historical conservatism that completely affirms it are one‐sided and untrue, my analysis indicates that the modern development of a Chinese nationality is, in some sense, the history of “the growth of the modern and the invention of tradition.”
Deficient fear conditioning and self‐reported psychopathy: The role of fearless dominance
Authors: López Raúl , Poy Rosario , Patrick Christopher J. , Moltó Javier
Published: December 2012

The role of the two dimensions of psychopathy—dispositional fearlessness (theorized to reflect variations in reactivity of the brain's defensive system) and externalizing proneness (presumed to reflect variations in function of anterior regulatory systems)—in fear learning was examined in a sample of undergraduates assessed using the Psychopathic Personality Inventory‐Revised (PPI‐R) who participated in a differential aversive conditioning task. Only scores on self‐reported “fearless dominance,” irrespective of scores on “impulsive antisociality,” were related to diminished acquisition of physiological fear. Consistent with dual‐process accounts of psychopathy proposing divergent etiological pathways for the interpersonal/affective and the social deviance features of the disorder, our results lend support to the existence of a deficit in reactivity of the brain's defensive system underlying the fearlessness dimension of psychopathy.
WHAT DETERMINES SEO OFFER‐DAY RETURNS?
Authors: Cline Brandon N. , Fu Xudong , Tang Tian , Wiley Jonathan A.
Published: December 2012

We examine seasoned equity offering (SEO) initial‐day returns after controlling for the dilution effect from the SEO discount and new shares offered. Contrary to the existing literature that ignores the effect of dilution, we find that initial‐day returns are not consistently positive. Modeling adjusted initial‐day returns, we show that dilution‐adjusted initial‐day returns respond to partial price adjustments reflecting both private and public information. Additional determinants of SEO offer‐day returns include lockup length, discount reversal, prior operating performance, and underwriter reputation. Long‐run tests reveal that adjusted initial‐day returns are not predictive of postissuance long‐term performance.
CORPORATE BOARDS AND BANK LOAN CONTRACTING
Authors: Francis Bill , Hasan Iftekhar , Koetter Michael , Wu Qiang
Published: December 2012

We investigate the role of corporate boards in bank loan contracting. We find that when corporate boards are more independent, both price and nonprice loan terms (e.g., interest rates, collateral, covenants, and performance‐pricing provisions) are more favorable, and syndicated loans comprise more lenders. In addition, board size, audit committee structure, and other board characteristics influence bank loan prices. However, they do not consistently affect all nonprice loan terms except for audit committee independence. Our study provides strong evidence that banks recognize the benefits of board monitoring in mitigating information risk ex ante and controlling agency risk ex post, and they reward higher quality boards with more favorable loan contract terms.
Catastrophe Risk Models for Evaluating Disaster Risk Reduction Investments in Developing Countries
Authors: Michel‐Kerjan E. , Hochrainer‐Stigler S. , Kunreuther H. , Linnerooth‐Bayer J. , Mechler R. , Muir‐Wood R. , Ranger N. , Vaziri P. , Young M.
Published: December 2012

Major natural disasters in recent years have had high human and economic costs, and triggered record high postdisaster relief from governments and international donors. Given the current economic situation worldwide, selecting the most effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) measures is critical. This is especially the case for low‐ and middle‐income countries, which have suffered disproportionally more economic and human losses from disasters. This article discusses a methodology that makes use of advanced probabilistic catastrophe models to estimate benefits of DRR measures. We apply such newly developed models to generate estimates for hurricane risk on residential structures on the island of St. Lucia, and earthquake risk on residential structures in Istanbul, Turkey, as two illustrative case studies. The costs and economic benefits for selected risk reduction measures are estimated taking account of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. We conclude by emphasizing the advantages and challenges of catastrophe model‐based cost‐benefit analyses for DRR in developing countries.
EvacuAid: A Probabilistic Model to Determine the Expected Loss of Life for Different Mass Evacuation Strategies During Flood Threats
Authors: Kolen Bas , Kok Matthijs , Helsloot Ira , Maaskant Bob
Published: December 2012

Evacuation of people in case of a threat is a possible risk management strategy. Evacuation has the potential to save lives, but it can be costly with respect to time, money, and credibility. The consequences of an evacuation strategy depend on a combination of the time available, citizen response, authority response, and capacity of the infrastructure. The literature that discusses evacuations in case of flood risk management focuses, in most cases, only on a best‐case strategy as a preventive evacuation and excludes other possible strategies. This article introduces a probabilistic method, EvacuAid, to determine the benefits of different types of evacuation with regards to loss of life. The method is applied for a case study in the Netherlands for preventive and vertical evacuation due to flood risk. The results illustrate the impact of uncertainties in available time and actual conditions (e.g., the responses of citizens and authorities and the use of infrastructure). It is concluded that preparation for evacuation requires adaptive planning that takes preventive and vertical evacuation into account, based on a risk management approach.
Dynamic Simulation as an Approach to Understanding Hurricane Risk Response: Insights from the Stormview Lab
Authors: Meyer Robert , Broad Kenneth , Orlove Ben , Petrovic Nada
Published: December 2012

This article investigates the use of dynamic laboratory simulations as a tool for studying decisions to prepare for hurricane threats. A prototype web‐based simulation named Stormview is described that allows individuals to experience the approach of a hurricane in a computer‐based environment. In Stormview participants can gather storm information through various media, hear the opinions of neighbors, and indicate intentions to take protective action. We illustrate how the ability to exert experimental control over the information viewed by participants can be used to provide insights into decision making that would be difficult to gain from field studies, such as how preparedness decisions are affected by the nature of news coverage of prior storms, how a storm's movement is depicted in graphics, and the content of word‐of‐mouth communications. Data from an initial application involving a sample of Florida residents reveal a number of unexpected findings about hurricane risk response. Participants who viewed forecast graphics, which contained track lines depicting the most likely path of the storm, for example, had higher levels of preparation than those who saw graphics that showed only uncertainty cones—even among those living far from the predicted center path. Similarly, the participants who were most likely to express worry about an approaching storm and fastest to undertake preparatory action were those who, ironically, had never experienced one. Finally, external validity is evidenced by a close rank‐order correspondence between patterns of information use revealed in the lab and that found in previous cross‐sectional field studies.
Selecting Nonpharmaceutical Interventions for Influenza
Authors: Jones Rachael M. , Adida Elodie
Published: December 2012

Models of influenza transmission have focused on the ability of vaccination, antiviral therapy, and social distancing strategies to mitigate epidemics. Influenza transmission, however, may also be interrupted by hygiene interventions such as frequent hand washing and wearing masks or respirators. We apply a model of influenza disease transmission that incorporates hygiene and social distancing interventions. The model describes population mixing as a Poisson process, and the probability of infection upon contact between an infectious and susceptible person is parameterized by p. While social distancing interventions modify contact rates in the population, hygiene interventions modify p. Public health decision making involves tradeoffs, and we introduce an objective function that considers the direct costs of interventions and new infections to determine the optimum intervention type (social distancing versus hygiene intervention) and population compliance for epidemic mitigation. Significant simplifications have been made in these models. However, we demonstrate that the method is feasible, provides plausible results, and is sensitive to the selection of model parameters. Specifically, we show that the optimum combination of nonpharmaceutical interventions depends upon the probability of infection, intervention compliance, and duration of infectiousness. Means by which realism can be increased in the method are discussed.
The “Bad Parent” Assumption: How Gender Stereotypes Affect Reactions to Working Mothers
Authors: Okimoto Tyler G. , Heilman Madeline E.
Published: December 2012

Although balancing work and family commitments is a significant source of strain for working parents, working mothers in traditionally male positions face additional anxiety due to unfounded assumptions about their competence as employees, assumptions rooted in gender stereotypes. However, stereotype‐based assumptions can also bias competence impressions of these working mothers in family domains, depicting them as bad parents. In four experimental studies, we documented evidence that working mothers are seen as less effective parents than nonworking mothers. Consistent with the argument that gender stereotypes underlie these findings, the bad parent assumption was apparent only for mothers and not fathers (Study 1), only when working in a male sex‐typed occupation (Study 2), more intensely when job success was clear (Study 3), and only when working out of personal choice (Study 4). Similar patterns were observed in ratings of interpersonal appeal (e.g., likability, friend desirability, coworker desirability), relational judgments suggesting that there are also negative social consequences for working mothers.
The “Triple‐N” Model: Changing Normative Beliefs about Parenting and Career Success
Authors: Poelmans Steven
Published: December 2012

In the discussion of the special issue on Sustainability in Combining Career and Care, Poelmans identifies common themes across all contributions and derives an inclusive model incorporating the insights generated by the different contributors. Using an exemplary hypothetical case, Poelmans effectively shows how the crucial influence of normative beliefs about working parents and careers is imbedded in multiple layers of context created by the spousal relationship, the occupation, the organization, and the national or ethnic culture. In order to challenge the status quo and to change multilevel normative beliefs about parenting and career success, Poelmans develops and calls for further research on the “Triple‐N Model,” where “Triple N” stands for (1) Nominating Norms, (2) Navigating Norms, (3) and creating New, No‐nonsense Norms.
Keeping the Outliers in Line? Judicial Review of State Laws by the U.S. Supreme Court
Authors: Hall Matthew E. K. , Black Ryan C.
Published: December 2012

Objective

Proponents of the “regime politics” approach argue that the U.S. Supreme Court tends to promote the interests of the dominant partisan coalition even while engaging in seemingly countermajoritarian behavior. These scholars suggest that the Court's invalidation of state laws is used to enforce a national consensus against outlier states. We argue this claim does not withstand empirical analysis.

Method

We employ logistic regression analysis to evaluate the relationship between the invalidation of state laws by the Court and the ideological distance between the sitting national government and the state government that enacted the law.

Results

Our analysis fails to find support for the regime enforcement hypothesis; in fact, we find evidence of a negative relationship between ideological distance and invalidation.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that regime politics scholars have underestimated the Court's countermajoritarian role in reviewing state legislation.
Nitrites Derived From Foneiculum Vulgare (Fennel) Seeds Promotes Vascular Functions
Authors: Swaminathan Akila , Sridhara Sree Rama Chaitanya , Sinha Swaraj , Nagarajan Shunmugam , Balaguru Uma Maheswari , Siamwala Jamila H , Rajendran Saranya , Saran Uttara , Chatterjee Suvro
Published: December 2012

Abstract:  Recent evidence has demonstrated that nitrites play an important role in the cardiovascular system. Fennel (Foneiculum vulgare) seeds are often used as mouth fresheners after a meal in both the Indian sub‐continent and around the world. The present study aims to quantify the nitrite and nitrates in fennel seeds as well as elucidating the effect of fennel derived‐nitrites on vascular functions. Results from our study show that fennel seeds contain significantly higher amount of nitrites when compared to other commonly used post‐meal seeds. Furthermore our study confirmed the functional effects of fennel derived‐nitrites using in vitro and ex vivo models that describe the promotion of angiogenesis, cell migration, and vasorelaxation. We also showed that chewing fennel seeds enhanced nitrite content of saliva. Thus our study indicates the potential role of fennel derived‐nitrites on the vascular system.

Practical Application:  This study is focused on determining the effect of fennel‐derived nitrites on angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels from pre‐existing ones), cell migration, and vasorelaxation (dilation of blood vessels) thereby preserving cardiovascular health.
Los obstáculos para determinar y proporcionar la indemnización por estrés psicológico, en virtud de la Ley de Indemnización del Trabajador de 2010, en Nigeria
Authors: Atilola Olayinka
Published: December 2012

Nigeria tiene una población predominantemente joven con escasas oportunidades en el mercado formal de trabajo, lo que dificulta su búsqueda de empleo en el sector formal y puede dar lugar a la profundización de las condiciones de explotación. Con el objeto de responder de algún modo a la vulnerabilidad de los trabajadores nigerianos, en diciembre de 2010 se promulgó la Ley de Indemnización del Trabajador. Hay que destacar que esta ley contiene disposiciones para indemnizar al trabajador por las lesiones psíquicas o el estrés psicológico sufrido en el curso de su actividad laboral. El artículo analiza los puntos fuertes y débiles de estas disposiciones, en particular, el presupuesto previsto en la ley para presentar reclamaciones por lesiones psíquicas. Se estudian las implicaciones políticas de la ley en relación con el desarrollo de la indemnización por lesiones de salud mental en el África subsahariana y se ofrecen algunas sugerencias para una futura revisión de dicha ley.
Moral and Metaethical Pluralism: Unity in Variation
Authors: Olinder Ragnar Francén
Published: December 2012

The most basic argument for moral relativism is that different people are (fundamentally) disposed to apply moral terms, such as ‘morally right’ and ‘morally wrong’, and the corresponding concepts, to different (types of) acts. In this paper, I argue that the standard forms of moral relativism fail to account for certain instances of fundamental variation, namely, variation in metaethical intuitions, and I develop a form of relativism—pluralism—that does account for them. I identify two challenges that pluralism faces. To answer the challenges, I first argue that, due to fundamental conceptual variations in ordinary descriptive (nonmoral) discourse, a form of pluralism holds there as well and that this pluralism can answer the corresponding challenges. I then argue that the answers transfer to moral discourse, since the phenomenon of moral variation is structurally identical to that of descriptive variation.
Assessor Relativism and the Problem of Moral Disagreement
Authors: Schafer Karl
Published: December 2012

I consider sophisticated forms of relativism and their effectiveness at responding to the skeptical argument from moral disagreement. In order to do so, I argue that the relativist must do justice to our intuitions about the depth of moral disagreement, while also explaining why it can be rational to be relatively insensitive to such disagreements. I argue that the relativist can provide an account with these features, at least in some form, but that there remain serious questions about the viability of the resulting account.
Projected Freshwater Withdrawals Under Efficiency Scenarios for Electricity Generation and Municipal Use in the United States for 20301
Authors: Chen Limin , Roy Sujoy B. , Goldstein Robert A.
Published: December 2012

Chen, Limin, Sujoy B. Roy, and Robert A. Goldstein, 2012. Projected Freshwater Withdrawals Under Efficiency Scenarios for Electricity Generation and Municipal Use in the United States for 2030. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 1‐16. DOI: 10.1111/jawr.12013

Abstract:  Water withdrawals in the United States (U.S.) have been relatively uniform over the past two decades on a nationally aggregated basis, although on a more highly resolved geographical basis, increases have occurred, largely associated with growth in population and the cooling needs for new electricity generation. Using recent county‐level water use data, we develop projections for five different scenarios, bracketing a range of future conditions, and representing different levels of efficiency in the municipal and electricity generation sectors, where the municipal sector includes public and self‐supplied domestic withdrawals. Starting with the 2005 estimate of 347 billion gallons per day (bgd) of freshwater withdrawal in the continental U.S., our analysis shows that under a business‐as‐usual scenario of growth, there will be a need for additional water over current levels: 11 bgd in the municipal sector, with a smaller requirement for new electricity generation (1 bgd). However, we also estimate that withdrawals could be reduced significantly over current levels, through increased water use efficiencies in the electric power and municipal sectors. The study shows that if water withdrawals are to be held at their current levels for the thermoelectric and municipal sectors individually at a county level over the next 25 years, large improvements in efficiency will be needed in many parts of the Southeast and Southwest.
Oscillometric Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Estimated With the Vicorder Device
Authors: Müller Jan , Oberhoffer Renate , Barta Christiane , Hulpke‐Wette Martin , Hager Alfred
Published: December 2012

Carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) is associated with an increase in cardiovascular morbidity and all‐cause mortality. Noninvasive approach has made this method applicable for the examination of larger populations. This study aimed to obtain reference values of PWV measured with the Vicorder device. PWV was obtained using the oscillometric Vicorder in 318 healthy, normotensive patients (165 women, 28.7±17.6 years, range 6–83 years). A plethysmographic sensor was placed over the right carotid region to pick up the carotid pulse wave and a blood pressure cuff was placed around the upper thigh to trace the femoral pulse wave. Path length was defined as the distance from the suprasternal notch to the top of the thigh cuff. Mean PWV was 6.1±1.4 m/s and significantly increased with age (r=.842; P<.0001). PWV was associated with mean arterial pressure (r=.546; P<.0001) and body mass index (r=.396; P<.0001). In a multiple linear regression model, age, mean arterial pressure, and body height emerged as independent markers for PWV. This study established reference values for carotid to femoral PWV derived by oscillometric measures that can now be used for risk stratification. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012; 00:00–00 ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Important functional role of residue x of the presenilin GxGD protease active site motif for APP substrate cleavage specificity and substrate selectivity of γ‐secretase
Authors: Kretner Benedikt , Fukumori Akio , Kuhn Peer‐Hendrik , Pérez‐Revuelta Blanca Isabel , Lichtenthaler Stefan F. , Haass Christian , Steiner Harald
Published: December 2012

γ‐Secretase plays a central role in the generation of the Alzheimer disease‐causing amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) from the β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP) and is thus a major Alzheimer′s disease drug target. As several other γ‐secretase substrates including Notch1 and CD44 have crucial signaling functions, an understanding of the mechanism of substrate recognition and cleavage is key for the development of APP selective γ‐secretase‐targeting drugs. The γ‐secretase active site domain in its catalytic subunit presenilin (PS) 1 has been implicated in substrate recognition/docking and cleavage. Highly critical in this process is its GxGD active site motif, whose invariant glycine residues cannot be replaced without causing severe functional losses in substrate selection and/or cleavage efficiency. Here, we have investigated the contribution of the less well characterized residue x of the motif (L383 in PS1) to this function. Extensive mutational analysis showed that processing of APP was overall well‐tolerated over a wide range of hydrophobic and hydrophilic mutations. Interestingly, however, most L383 mutants gave rise to reduced levels of Aβ37–39 species, and several increased the pathogenic Aβ42/43 species. Several of the Aβ42/43‐increasing mutants severely impaired the cleavages of Notch1 and CD44 substrates, which were not affected by any other L383 mutation. Our data thus establish an important, but compared with the glycine residues of the motif, overall less critical functional role for L383. We suggest that L383 and the flanking glycine residues form a spatial arrangement in PS1 that is critical for docking and/or cleavage of different γ‐secretase substrates.
Hepatocyte destruction with enhanced collagen synthesis: characteristic feature of chronic hepatitis C patients on haemodialysis
Authors: Ue M. , Ikebe N. , Munekage K. , Ochi T. , Hirose A. , Kataoka H. , Fujimoto S. , Kikuchi K. , Okuhara Y. , Ono M. , Saibara T.
Published: December 2012

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is frequent among patients with end‐stage renal disease on haemodialysis and is considered to be an independent risk factor for mortality in this setting. However, only a few of these patients are treated with anti‐hepatitis virus treatment before the development of end‐stage renal disease. Recent guidelines recommend identification of patients with good prognoses who are in need of interferon treatment, but we know little of patients who must be treated urgently. Ninety‐eight patients on haemodialysis (48 anti‐HCV‐positive and 50 anti‐HCV‐negative patients) were enrolled in this study; HCV RNA was detected in 43 anti‐HCV‐positive patients. Univariate analysis and multivariate regression analysis were applied to identify variables independently associated with persistent HCV infection. Seven variables were proven to be associated with persistent HCV infection. Among them, type IV collagen 7S and N‐terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (P‐III‐P) were defined as independent variables useful in distinguishing HCV RNA‐positive patients from HCV RNA‐negative patients with 0.91 sensitivity, 0.91 specificity, 0.89 positive predictive value and 0.93 negative predictive value. Our observations suggest that hepatocyte destruction with enhanced liver fibrosis is a characteristic clinical feature of persistent HCV infection. Type IV collagen 7S of ≥5 ng/mL and/or P‐III‐P of ≥5 U/mL would be useful markers to identify patients in need of interferon treatment, which supports the idea of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes guidelines that a good prognosis in patients with HCV infection on haemodialysis should prompt consideration for IFN treatment when applicable.
Vain and Superstitious Habits: On Books and their Future in the University after Books1
Authors: Kelly Stephen
Published: December 2012

This essay reflects on the much‐vaunted arrival of the electronic book and the devices which support it, such as the Apple iPad and Amazon Kindle, and explores the potential these devices have for the future of scholarly edition. The essay concludes by imagining a networked edition of Nicholas Love’s Mirror of the Blessed Life of Jesus Christ, and situates the electronic book in relation to the politics, and poetics, of bibliophilia.
Technology in the University and the Death of Socrates
Authors: Hoofnagle Wendy Marie
Published: December 2012

Although technology has its place in the academic world, for both the classroom and collaborative scholarship, an over‐reliance on technology and injudicious application to the classroom environment, especially to overcome financial strain at the university level, replaces the Socratic model while not always offering a viable alternative. The anonymity of the online classroom, moreover, threatens the students’ ability to build mentoring relationships and career networks, and does not always prepare them for real‐world expectations. Hybrid online courses that balance classroom instruction with independent, out‐of‐classroom activities may prove more educationally valuable in the long run. The academy, however, runs the risk of stifling individuality among students as a result of dependence upon the virtual classroom.
From Quill to T‐PEN: Palaeography, Editing and their E‐Futures
Authors: Lowe Kathryn A.
Published: December 2012

This article outlines some recent applications of digital technology to the fields of medieval palaeography and editing, and how they might enable scholars more readily to check and engage with the work of others. It emphasises the importance of interoperability of digital repositories and describes a current initiative which helps to trial and refine generic tools for digital scholarship. It asserts the limitations of a print‐based edition for serving multiple scholarly audiences and considers how material rejected from such an edition as irrelevant to one constituency might best be repurposed and redeployed for others.