bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BARRIERS TO THE BENEFITS, EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE REGULATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL FINANCIAL ASSURANCE POLICY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: CASE STUDY OF GHANA
Authors: TWUM ERIC
Published: September 2013

This paper examines the barriers to the benefits, efficient and effective implementation of Environmental Financial Assurance (EFA) policy in developing countries with Ghana as case study. EFA is an international environmental regulatory policy and its implementation by a nation is thus perceived as integration into the international regulatory framework. It is an essential developmental regulatory policy that protects the public against the cost of mine clean up and loss of livelihoods, should a company refuse to complete its reclamation plan. However, evidence drawn from this study indicates that there are barriers and differences in approach to the efficient implementation of the policy in some developing countries as the zeal with which EFA policy was adopted as part of a policy reform to attract foreign investment to the mining sector has not been matched with the desired political will, expertise and economic growth to ensure the implementation of the policy.
CREDIBLE CLAIM OR CORPORATE SPIN?: A CHECKLIST TO EVALUATE CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY REPORTS
Authors: VAN DER PLOEG LIDEWIJ , VANCLAY FRANK
Published: September 2013

In response to the establishment of universally-accepted principles about sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporations are now producing Sustainability Reports (SRs). Corporations are expected to document their positive and negative impacts on society. However, the veracity of the information in these reports is being questioned. To what extent is it greenwashing? While the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) provides a framework for reporting, effective mechanisms to evaluate reports are lacking. We propose a Sustainability Reporting Assessment Checklist of 10 questions as a functional tool for use by stakeholders to evaluate the content of SRs. For a demonstration of the effectiveness of the checklist, it is applied to a real but anonymous company. The questions cover: accessibility; readability; the use of an established framework (e.g. GRI); incorporation of CSR and sustainability into long-term strategy; consideration of all relevant aspects of operations; use of evidence to support claims; documented stakeholder engagement; supply chain responsibility; documented impacts on all stakeholders (including vulnerable groups and negatively affected groups); and assurance assessment.
THE PERFORMANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT IN THE EXPLOSIVES MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: SANDHAM LUKE ALAN , VAN DER VYVER FELICITY , RETIEF FRANCOIS PIETER
Published: September 2013

Explosives manufacture in South Africa is a major component of the chemical and mining industry, and as an important producer of hazardous chemicals it is also a potential contributor to significant environmental impacts. Environmental authorisation of explosives manufacturing activities is based primarily upon the quality of information made available in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), but the quality of EIR for explosives manufacturing projects has never been investigated. A modified version of the Lee and Colley review package was used to determine the EIR quality of a sample of four explosives projects. The findings reveal that the EIRs were of a generally satisfactory quality, but with some areas of weakness that are readily linked to potentially significant environmental impacts, pointing to limitations in the EIA process regarding the production of explosives. Recommendations include improved training of EIA practitioners, the use of quality review checklists and external specialist review, development of guidelines and the use of risk assessment as additional tools to the EIA regulations.
PROTECTING HERITAGE ON AUSTRALIA'S COASTS: A ROLE FOR STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT?
Authors: MARSDEN SIMON
Published: September 2013

This article examines two experiences with strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in Australia, one complete the other in progress. The first applied SEA to a plan for a liquefied natural gas hub precinct on the National Heritage listed Kimberley coast of Western Australia, and the second applies SEA to a coastal management, planning and development framework for the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef on the coast of Queensland. Both cases illustrate the approach of the Australian governments to SEA, highlighting the benefits of the approach yet certain flaws in application and process. The research consists of an extensive evaluation of the relevant legislation, its application and reform, together with a thorough literature review. Results highlight concerns in relation to the objective of SEA in Australia, its initiation and timing, consideration of alternatives, and governance. Conclusions are that SEA in Australia will be enhanced if the purpose is more explicitly focused on environmental protection, if SEA is applied early to a reasonable range of alternative sites, and if the Australian Government continues to play an active role in relation to matters of national environmental significance.
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT AGENCIES: A STUDY IN QUÉBEC, CANADA
Authors: SÁNCHEZ LUIS E. , ANDRÉ PIERRE
Published: September 2013

Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is a knowledge intensive activity that benefits from a highly structured approach to knowledge management (KM). In a survey of KM initiatives in two Québec government agencies, the Environmental Assessment Department and the Environment Public Hearings Bureau, knowledge repositories were mapped and officers were invited to reply to a questionnaire enquiring about the knowledge repositories' usefulness. Their perception about knowledge creation within each agency was assessed. Three drivers were identified that have steered the implementation of KM initiatives: (i) successive managers' understandings that EIA does create knowledge; (ii) a concern with consistency and reproducibility of recommendations; (iii) improving agencies' efficiency, alongside one additional incentive: curbing the deleterious effects of staff turnover. So far an unmet challenge is making sense of a great deal of data and information obtained in the follow-up phase of the EIA process and transforming it into knowledge used to improve both efficiency and effectiveness of an agency's work.
GENDER AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: A STUDY OF THE SWEDISH PUBLIC DEBATE ON THE NORD STREAM GAS PIPELINE FROM A GENDER PERSPECTIVE
Authors: WESTER MISSE , MÖRN CAMILLA
Published: September 2013

This article focuses on public participation in Sweden during the planning of the Nord Stream gas pipeline. The pipeline runs from Russia to Germany, and passes close to the Swedish island of Gotland. Results from a survey study conducted among 990 Swedish citizens, where 200 respondents are residents on the island of Gotland, reveal that there are differences between men and women in how risks with this project were perceived. More women than men expressed a desire for more participatory processes, even if they stated that they would not participate themselves. Women on Gotland expressed a more negative view of the gas pipeline and also perceived greater risks. Results indicate that public participation could have been better at addressing gender and regional specific needs.
Rapid observations to guide the design of systems for long-term monitoring of a complex landslide in the Upper Lias clays of North Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Gunn D. A. , Chambers J. E. , Hobbs P. R. N. , Ford J. R. , Wilkinson P. B. , Jenkins G. O. , Merritt A.
Published: September 2013

The Whitby Mudstone Formation has one of the highest landslide densities in the UK with 42 landslides per 100 km
2
. Landsliding at Hollin Hill in North Yorkshire, UK is complex and continuing, and includes shallow, retrogressive rotational failure on the upper slope, translation, and flow from the base of the Whitby Mudstone Formation over the scarp slope of the Staithes Sandstone Formation. Surface observations augmented by information relating to lithological, moisture and strength variation with depth allowed rapid initial interpretation of the masses affected by movement. These were provided by a single person operating portable probes providing depth logs of cone penetration resistance and soil moisture based upon dielectric property measurements in conjunction with a sampling auger. The gathered information was used to guide the design of further invasive site investigation and the configuration of permanent systems to monitor changes in dynamic moisture distribution and direct movement. At Hollin Hill, the near-surface materials in the upper 5 m interval are distinctly weathered or destructured, predominantly comprising silty clay in the Whitby Mudstone Formation, and fine silty, clayey sand and silty clay in the Staithes Sandstone Formation. Direct and secondary evidence was observed showing high moisture variation to be related to narrow intervals within the upper 5 m. Cyclic variation in moisture has played a key role in the movement and break-up of sliding materials, especially within the prograding lobes resulting from flow over the Staithes Sandstone Formation. Since these observations, permanent monitoring systems have been installed, including electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) arrays, which have successfully mapped the distribution of the Whitby Mudstone and the Staithes Sandstone, but will also be used in time lapse mode to image the near-surface moisture movement driving the landsliding processes. ERT array installations included a large area, low spatial resolution grid designed to investigate the potential coupling between the upper and lower slope hydrogeological processes and a small area, high spatial resolution grid designed to investigate the hydrogeological processes driving the earth flow.
Evaluation of the liquefaction potential through dissipation measurement in PCPT
Authors: Özocak A. , Sert S. , Bol E.
Published: September 2013

This paper discusses the interpretation of the pore water dissipation curves obtained during a piezocone test with the prime objective of determining the seismic behaviour of fine-grained soil. The pore pressure dissipation approach was attempted to perform a faster diagnosis of liquefiability of fine-grained soils where the ground water table is almost at the surface. Furthermore, because non-plastic silts are very difficult to sample for laboratory testing, such an
in situ
measurement appears to be the only realistic method for the purpose. Most of the dissipation tests were conducted by using the
u
2
filter on the neck of the probe, and the others were performed by using the
u
1
filter where the piezometer is located on the cone tip. Penetration was arrested at depths where the presence of silts had been detected by previous sounding and drilling, and
t
50
,
t
90
and
t
100
were determined analytically. The results indicate that
t
90
values have a notable potential for diagnosing a potential for liquefaction. This was demonstrated by a
t
90
of 300 s or less for liquefiable layers, whereas considerably longer periods are required for non-liquefiable silts similar to clays. This feature is illustrated by the presentation of several types of dissipation curves.
Alkali–carbonate reactions and ‘dedolomitization’ in concrete: silica, the elephant in the corner
Authors: Braithwaite Colin J. R. , Heath Rachel A.
Published: September 2013

Adverse reactions between specific aggregate particles and the pore fluids in cement pastes have been widely reported, and have been regarded as responsible for the failure of the structures into which the resulting concrete had been emplaced. The reactivity of aggregates containing various forms of silica has been well understood but similar reactions, apparently taking place between aggregates of limestone, dolostone and ‘dedolomites’, although widely recognized, remain controversial. Here we review the evidence bearing on the latter reactions and suggest a new view of their implications.
The effectiveness of geophysical techniques in detecting a range of buried metallic weapons at various depths and orientations
Authors: Richardson Thomas , Cheetham Paul N.
Published: September 2013

The use of weapons in violent crime in the UK is well attested by crime statistics. It has been demonstrated by previous experimental studies that geophysical techniques have the potential for use in the search and detection of buried metallic weapons. Previous research has focused on only one weapon type, or the depths at which weapons can be detected, while this study also considers weapon orientation. This study employs magnetometry (fluxgate gradiometry), Slingram electromagnetic (both phases in both horizontal magnetic dipole (HMD) and vertical magnetic dipole (VMD) orientations) and ground-penetrating radar (500 and 800 MHz) methods to investigate the detectability of a wide variety of weapon types when buried in the ground in different orientations and depths. This study demonstrates that there were limitations for each instrument employed resulting from the orientation of the weapon in the ground, with none of the techniques in this work being able to detect all of the weapons in all orientations. A second limitation was the inability of all these instruments to detect smaller weapons. This study shows that a combination of techniques is required to increase the chances of successful detection. Blind searching trials in a range of environments are now required to quantify the level of successful detection that can be achieved in practice. The influence of metal composition of the weapons also needs to be further investigated.
Space physiology within an exercise physiology curriculum
Authors: Carter Jason R. , West John B.
Published: September 2013

Compare and contrast strategies remain common pedagogical practices within physiological education. With the support of an American Physiological Society Teaching Career Enhancement Award, we have developed a junior- or senior-level undergraduate curriculum for exercise physiology that compares and contrasts the physiological adaptations of chronic terrestrial exercise (TEx) and microgravity (μG). We used a series of peer-reviewed publications to demonstrate that many of the physiological adaptations to TEx and μG are opposite. For example, TEx typically improves cardiovascular function and orthostatic tolerance, whereas μG can lead to declines in both. TEx leads to muscle hypertrophy, and μG elicits muscle atrophy. TEx increases bone mineral density and red blood cell mass, whereas μG decreases bone mineral density and red blood cell mass. Importantly, exercise during spaceflight remains a crucial countermeasure to limit some of these adverse physiological adaptations to μG. This curriculum develops critical thinking skills by dissecting peer-reviewed articles and discussing the strengths and weaknesses associated with simulated and actual μG studies. Moreover, the curriculum includes studies on both animals and humans, providing a strong translational component to the curriculum. In summary, we have developed a novel space physiology curriculum delivered during the final weeks of an exercise physiology course in which students gain critical new knowledge that reinforces key concepts presented throughout the semester.
An efficient approach to improve the usability of e-learning resources: the role of heuristic evaluation
Authors: Davids Mogamat Razeen , Chikte Usuf M. E. , Halperin Mitchell L.
Published: September 2013

Optimizing the usability of e-learning materials is necessary to maximize their potential educational impact, but this is often neglected when time and other resources are limited, leading to the release of materials that cannot deliver the desired learning outcomes. As clinician-teachers in a resource-constrained environment, we investigated whether heuristic evaluation of our multimedia e-learning resource by a panel of experts would be an effective and efficient alternative to testing with end users. We engaged six inspectors, whose expertise included usability, e-learning, instructional design, medical informatics, and the content area of nephrology. They applied a set of commonly used heuristics to identify usability problems, assigning severity scores to each problem. The identification of serious problems was compared with problems previously found by user testing. The panel completed their evaluations within 1 wk and identified a total of 22 distinct usability problems, 11 of which were considered serious. The problems violated the heuristics of visibility of system status, user control and freedom, match with the real world, intuitive visual layout, consistency and conformity to standards, aesthetic and minimalist design, error prevention and tolerance, and help and documentation. Compared with user testing, heuristic evaluation found most, but not all, of the serious problems. Combining heuristic evaluation and user testing, with each involving a small number of participants, may be an effective and efficient way of improving the usability of e-learning materials. Heuristic evaluation should ideally be used first to identify the most obvious problems and, once these are fixed, should be followed by testing with typical end users.
Explorations in statistics: the analysis of ratios and normalized data
Authors: Curran-Everett Douglas
Published: September 2013

Learning about statistics is a lot like learning about science: the learning is more meaningful if you can actively explore. This ninth installment of Explorations in Statistics explores the analysis of ratios and normalized–or standardized–data. As researchers, we compute a ratio–a numerator divided by a denominator–to compute a proportion for some biological response or to derive some standardized variable. In each situation, we want to control for differences in the denominator when the thing we really care about is the numerator. But there is peril lurking in a ratio: only if the relationship between numerator and denominator is a straight line through the origin will the ratio be meaningful. If not, the ratio will misrepresent the true relationship between numerator and denominator. In contrast, regression techniques–these include analysis of covariance–are versatile: they can accommodate an analysis of the relationship between numerator and denominator when a ratio is useless.
Laboratory exercise: study of digestive and regulatory processes through the exploration of fasted and postprandial blood glucose
Authors: Hopper Mari K. , Maurer Luke W.
Published: September 2013

Digestive physiology laboratory exercises often explore the regulation of enzyme action rather than systems physiology. This laboratory exercise provides a systems approach to digestive and regulatory processes through the exploration of postprandial blood glucose levels. In the present exercise, students enrolled in an undergraduate animal physiology course select to participate in either an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) or one of the following three meal treatments based on typical student breakfasts: 1) high glycemic load (HGL), 2) moderate glycemic load (MGL), and 3) low glycemic load (LGL). The caloric value of the meals is 540 kcal. An Accucheck glucometer is used to determine fasted and 30-, 60-, and 120-min postprandial blood glucose levels. Students discover that postprandial glucose levels peak similarly for the OGTT and HGL group (137 ± 7.1 and 145 ± 4.7mg/dl) and remain higher than MGL and LGL groups over the 2-h period. Between sampling, vibrant discussion covering such topics as glucose and cognitive function, insulin resistance, epigenetics, and fad diets occurs. The postlaboratory assignment requires students to discuss the importance of glucose homeostasis, graphically summarize their findings, review the literature to describe results in light of published data, and describe relationships between hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia and disease processes. Students evaluated this laboratory as highly effective and one of the top three experiences of the course.
Personalizing the Treatment of Pediatric Medulloblastoma: Polo-like Kinase 1 as a Molecular Target in High-Risk Children
Authors: Triscott Joanna , Lee Cathy , Foster Colleen , Manoranjan Branavan , Pambid Mary Rose , Berns Rachel , Fotovati Abbas , Venugopal Chitra , O'Halloran Katrina , Narendran Aru , Hawkins Cynthia , Ramaswamy Vijay , Bouffet Eric , Taylor Michael D. , Singhal Ash , Hukin Juliette , Rassekh Rod , Yip Stephen , Northcott Paul , Singh Sheila K. , Dunham Christopher , Dunn Sandra E.
Published: September 2013

Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children. This disease is heterogeneous and is composed of four subtypes of medulloblastoma [WNT, Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), Group 3, and Group 4]. An immediate goal is to identify novel molecular targets for the most aggressive forms of medulloblastoma. Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) is an oncogenic kinase that controls cell cycle and proliferation, making it a strong candidate for medulloblastoma treatment. In this study, pediatric medulloblastomas were subtyped in two patient cohorts (discovery cohort, n = 63 patients; validation cohort, n = 57 patients) using NanoString nCounter analysis and PLK1 mRNA was assessed. We determined that the SHH and Group 3 subtypes were independently associated with poor outcomes in children as was PLK1 using Cox regression analyses. Furthermore, we screened a library of 129 compounds in clinical trials using a model of pediatric medulloblastoma and determined that PLK1 inhibitors were the most promising class of agents against the growth of medulloblastoma. In patient-derived primary medulloblastoma isolates, the PLK1 small-molecule inhibitor BI2536 suppressed the self-renewal of cells with high PLK1 but not low PLK1 expression. PLK1 inhibition prevented medulloblastoma cell proliferation, self-renewal, cell-cycle progression, and induced apoptosis. In contrast, the growth of normal neural stem cells was unaffected by BI2536. Finally, BI2536 extended survival in medulloblastoma-bearing mice with efficacy comparable with Headstart, a standard-of-care chemotherapy regimen. We conclude that patients with medulloblastoma expressing high levels of PLK1 are at elevated risk. These preclinical studies pave the way for improving the treatment of medulloblastoma through PLK1 inhibition. Cancer Res; 73(22); 6734–44. ©2013 AACR.
Longitudinal Changes in IGF-I and IGFBP-3, and Mammographic Density among Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Woolcott Christy G. , Courneya Kerry S. , Boyd Norman F. , Yaffe Martin J. , McTiernan Anne , Brant Rollin , Jones Charlotte A. , Stanczyk Frank Z. , Terry Tim , Cook Linda S. , Wang Qinggang , Friedenreich Christine M.
Published: September 2013

A relation between the breast cancer risk factors, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and mammographic density, is biologically plausible, but results from cross-sectional epidemiologic studies have been mixed. Our objective was to examine the relation in a longitudinal manner, that is, between the change in circulating IGF-I concentrations and the change in mammographic measures over one year. Data from an exercise intervention trial conducted in 302 postmenopausal women ages 50 to 74 years were used. Blood drawn at baseline and postintervention was assessed for IGF-I and its binding protein (IGFBP-3) by direct chemiluminscent immunoassay. Area and volumetric measurements of mammographic dense fibroglandular and nondense fatty tissue were made. Statistical analyses were based on multiple linear regression. A one SD (20.2 ng/mL) change in IGF-I over one year was associated with small changes in percent dense area [mean: 0.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.1–1.4] and dense area (mean: 1.2 cm2; 95% CI, 0.2–2.1). Change in IGFBP-3 was also associated with percent and absolute dense area. Absolute and percent dense volume, and mammographic measures representing fatty tissue (nondense area and volume) were not associated with changes in IGF-I and IGFBP-3. Longitudinal associations may be more detectable than cross-sectional associations due to the absence of confounding by invariant personal factors. Absolute and percent dense area, measures that are related to breast cancer risk, may be affected by IGF-I. Confirmation should be sought in further longitudinal studies in which larger changes in the IGF system are evoked. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(11); 2116–20. ©2013 AACR.
Lack of Evidence for Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 and Mouse Mammary Tumor–Like Virus Involvement in the Genesis of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Morales-Sánchez Abigail , Bernáldez-Ríos Roberto , Álvarez-Rodríguez Francisco Javier , Bekker-Méndez Vilma Carolina , Fajardo-Gutiérrez Arturo , de Diego Flores-Chapa José , Flores-Lujano Janet , Jiménez-Hernández Elva , Peñaloza-González José Gabriel , del Carmen Rodríguez-Zepeda María , Torres-Nava José Refugio , Velázquez-Aviña Martha Margarita , Amador-Sánchez Raquel , Alvarado-Ibarra Martha , Reyes-Zepeda Nancy , Espinosa-Elizondo Rosa Martha , Fuentes-Pananá Ezequiel M. , Mejía-Aranguré Juan Manuel
Published: September 2013

Background: In Mexico City, the incidence of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is one of the highest in the world; epidemiologic evidence suggests that infectious agents could be involved in the genesis of this disease. Early transmitted oncogenic retroviruses infecting lymphocytes are important candidates.

Methods: PCR-based assays were used to screen viral genomic sequences of human T-cell lymphotrophic virus, type 1 (HTLV1) and mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)–like virus (MMTV-LV) in leukemic cells from 67 pediatric patients with ALL.

Results: Viral genomic sequences were not detected in any sample by neither standard nor nested PCR.

Conclusions: Because of the methodologic strictness and high statistical power of the study, these results suggest that HTLV1 and MMTV-LV are not involved in the genesis of childhood ALL in Mexican children.

Impact: To our knowledge, this is the first work exploring the direct participation of HTLV1 and MMTV-LV retroviruses in childhood ALL development. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(11); 2130–3. ©2013 AACR.
Effects of Zileuton on Airway Smooth Muscle Remodeling after Repeated Allergen Challenge in Brown Norway Rats
Authors: Chen Wei-Ji , Liaw Shwu-Fang , Lin Ching-Chi , Lin Mei-Wei , Chang Feng-Ting
Published: September 2013

Background: Chronic asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and remodeling. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of zileuton on bronchial hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation and airway smooth muscle (ASM) remodeling. Methods: Two experimental groups of brown Norway rats sensitized and repeatedly challenged with aerosolized ovalbumin (OA) were given oral zileuton (OA-zileuton group) and oral saline only (OA-saline group). A third, control group was sensitized and challenged by saline. The rats were anesthetized and paralyzed. Pulmonary function tests were performed at baseline and after varying doses of acetylcholine. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung tissues were examined. Results: Zileuton had beneficial effects on pulmonary function, airway inflammation and ASM remodeling in the OA-zileuton group compared to the OA-saline group. Zileuton inhibited an OA-stimulated increase in ASM by inhibiting hypertrophy, hyperplasia and increased extracellular matrix via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway, thereby reducing cyclin D1 expression and attenuating bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Conclusion: OA increases airway inflammation and ASM mass. Zileuton effectively prevents bronchial hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation and ASM remodeling in sensitized rats through the PI3K/Akt pathway, which reduces cyclin D1 expression.
The Link between High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Orbitofrontal Cortex in Euthymic Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Chung Kuo-Hsuan , Huang Shou-Hung , Wu Jui-Yu , Chen Pao-Huan , Hsu Jung-Lung , Tsai Shang-Ying
Published: September 2013

Objective: C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of underlying low-grade inflammation, has been associated with the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. Additionally, bipolar disorder may be accompanied by functional or structural cerebral alterations. We attempted to discover whether serum high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) levels are linked to the structural volume change of a specific brain region along with cognitive performance. Methods: We recruited 17 physically healthy patients with bipolar I disorder (DSM-IV), aged 18-45 years and euthymic, to undergo the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and volumetric magnetic resonance imaging at 1.5 T. The analytic method was based on the hidden Markov random field model with an expectation-maximization algorithm, and the volume of each brain region was presented as a percentage of the total intracranial volume. Results: Among the various regions, only the orbitofrontal cortex had a significantly negative correlation with serum hs-CRP levels after adjustment for age and gender (left and right orbitofrontal cortex: r = -0.62, p < 0.01, and r = -0.67, p < 0.005, respectively). Regarding cognitive function, poor WCST performance was also associated with certain subregions of the orbitofrontal cortex. Conclusion: Elevation of serum hs-CRP levels, an indicator of inflammation, may be associated with reduced volume of the orbitofrontal cortex. Persistent inflammation in the euthymic phase of bipolar disorder may involve the pathogenesis or pathophysiology of alteration of the frontal pathway.
CYP2C19 Poor Metabolizer Is Associated With Clinical Outcome of Clopidogrel Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction But Not Stable Angina
Authors: Kim Ho-Sook , Chang Kiyuk , Koh Yoon-Seok , Park Mahn-Won , Choi Yun-Seok , Park Chul-Soo , Oh Minkyung , Kim Eun-Young , Shon Ji-Hong , Shin Jae-Gook , Seung Ki-Bae
Published: September 2013

Background—

More intensive platelet suppression is required in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) than in those with stable angina because of differential platelet activation between AMI and stable angina. In this context, CYP2C19 genotype leading to reduced active metabolite formation may profoundly affect the clinical outcome of clopidogrel therapy in patients with AMI compared with those with stable angina.

Methods and Results—

Effects of CYP2C19 genotypes on the clinical outcome of clopidogrel therapy were evaluated in 2188 patients (532 patients with AMI and 1656 patients with stable angina) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. The primary clinical outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events defined as death from any cause, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or stroke during 1 year of clopidogrel therapy. Compared with extensive metabolizer, the CYP2C19 poor metabolizer was significantly associated with higher risk of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in patients with AMI (hazard ratio, 2.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.27–6.53;
P
=0.011). However, this finding was not seen in patients with stable angina. A significant interaction between CYP2C19 genotypes and disease subsets of AMI and stable angina was identified with respect to major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (adjusted interaction
P
=0.045). The patients with AMI showed lower percent inhibition of P2Y12 compared with patients with stable angina in CYP2C19 poor metabolizer or CYP2C19 intermediate metabolizer genotype groups but not in CYP2C19 extensive metabolizer genotype group.

Conclusions—

CYP2C19 poor metabolizer is associated with poor clinical outcome of clopidogrel therapy in Asian patients with AMI but not in those with stable angina possibly because of differential requirement of platelet suppression in patients with AMI and stable angina.

Clinical Trial Registration Information—

URL:
clinicaltrials.gov
. Identifier: NCTO1239914.
Dietary Salt Intake Regulates WNK3–SPAK–NKCC1 Phosphorylation Cascade in Mouse Aorta Through Angiotensin II
Authors: Zeniya Moko , Sohara Eisei , Kita Satomi , Iwamoto Takahiro , Susa Koichiro , Mori Takayasu , Oi Katsuyuki , Chiga Motoko , Takahashi Daiei , Yang Sung-Sen , Lin Shih-Hua , Rai Tatemitsu , Sasaki Sei , Uchida Shinichi
Published: September 2013

Na–K–Cl cotransporter isoform 1 (NKCC1) is involved in the regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell contraction. Recently, the with-no-lysine kinase (WNK)–STE20/SPS1-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK)–NKCC1 phosphorylation cascade in vascular smooth muscle cells was found to be important in the regulation of vascular tone. In this study, we investigated whether the WNK–SPAK–NKCC1 cascade in mouse aortic tissue is regulated by dietary salt intake and the mechanisms responsible. Phosphorylation of SPAK and NKCC1 was significantly reduced in the aorta in high-salt–fed mice and was increased in the aorta in low-salt–fed mice, indicating that the WNK–SPAK–NKCC1 phosphorylation cascade in the aorta was indeed regulated by dietary salt intake. Acute and chronic angiotensin II infusion increased phosphorylation of SPAK and NKCC1 in the mouse aorta. In addition, valsartan, an antagonist of angiotensin II type 1 receptor, inhibited low-salt diet–induced phosphorylation of SPAK and NKCC1, demonstrating that angiotensin II activates the WNK–SPAK–NKCC1 phosphorylation cascade through the angiotensin II type 1 receptor. However, a low-salt diet and angiotensin II together did not increase phosphorylation of SPAK and NKCC1 in the aorta in WNK3 knockout mice, indicating that activation of the WNK–SPAK–NKCC1 phosphorylation cascade induced by a low-salt diet and angiotensin II is dependent on WNK3. Indeed, angiotensin II–induced increases in blood pressure were diminished in WNK3 knockout mice. In addition, decreased response to angiotensin II in the mesenteric arteries was observed in WNK3 knockout mice. Our data also clarified a novel mechanism for regulation of vascular tonus by angiotensin II. Inhibition of this cascade could, therefore, be a novel therapeutic target in hypertension.
Tripogon tirumalae (Poaceae), a new species from the Seshachalam hills of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: CHORGHE ALOK , RASINGAM L. , PRASANNA P. V. , RAO M. SANKARA
Published: September 2013

Tripogon tirumalae, a new species of grass from the Seshachalam hill ranges, Andhra Pradesh, India, is described and illustrated. The new species differs from Tripogon sivarajanii in having ciliate membranous ligules, a shorter inflorescence, more florets, bearded lemma base, and a median awn longer than the lemma; and from Tripogon trifidus in having culms 60−75 cm high, glabrous leaf sheaths, and lemmas with a single median awn which is 1.5 times longer than the lemma.
Origins of the Solar Radiation Biases over the Southern Ocean in CFMIP2 Models*
Authors: Bodas-Salcedo A. , Williams K. D. , Ringer M. A. , Beau I. , Cole J. N. S. , Dufresne J.-L. , Koshiro T. , Stevens B. , Wang Z. , Yokohata T.
Published: September 2013

Current climate models generally reflect too little solar radiation over the Southern Ocean, which may be the leading cause of the prevalent sea surface temperature biases in climate models. The authors study the role of clouds on the radiation biases in atmosphere-only simulations of the Cloud Feedback Model Intercomparison Project phase 2 (CFMIP2), as clouds have a leading role in controlling the solar radiation absorbed at those latitudes. The authors composite daily data around cyclone centers in the latitude band between 40° and 70°S during the summer. They use cloud property estimates from satellite to classify clouds into different regimes, which allow them to relate the cloud regimes and their associated radiative biases to the meteorological conditions in which they occur. The cloud regimes are defined using cloud properties retrieved using passive sensors and may suffer from the errors associated with this type of retrievals. The authors use information from the Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) lidar to investigate in more detail the properties of the “midlevel” cloud regime. Most of the model biases occur in the cold-air side of the cyclone composite, and the cyclone composite accounts for most of the climatological error in that latitudinal band. The midlevel regime is the main contributor to reflected shortwave radiation biases. CALIPSO data show that the midlevel cloud regime is dominated by two main cloud types: cloud with tops actually at midlevel and low-level cloud. Improving the simulation of these cloud types should help reduce the biases in the simulation of the solar radiation budget in the Southern Ocean in climate models.
Ocean Circulation under Globally Glaciated Snowball Earth Conditions: Steady-State Solutions
Authors: Ashkenazy Yosef , Gildor Hezi , Losch Martin , Tziperman Eli
Published: September 2013

Between ~750 and 635 million years ago, during the Neoproterozoic era, the earth experienced at least two significant, possibly global, glaciations, termed “Snowball Earth.” While many studies have focused on the dynamics and the role of the atmosphere and ice flow over the ocean in these events, only a few have investigated the related associated ocean circulation, and no study has examined the ocean circulation under a thick (~1 km deep) sea ice cover, driven by geothermal heat flux. Here, a thick sea ice–flow model coupled to an ocean general circulation model is used to study the ocean circulation under Snowball Earth conditions. The ocean circulation is first investigated under a simplified zonal symmetry assumption, and (i) strong equatorial zonal jets and (ii) a strong meridional overturning cell are found, limited to an area very close to the equator. The authors derive an analytic approximation for the latitude–depth ocean dynamics and find that the extent of the meridional overturning circulation cell only depends on the horizontal eddy viscosity and β (the change of the Coriolis parameter with latitude). The analytic approximation closely reproduces the numerical results. Three-dimensional ocean simulations, with reconstructed Neoproterozoic continental configuration, confirm the zonally symmetric dynamics and show additional boundary currents and strong upwelling and downwelling near the continents.
Low Levels of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Predict the Presence of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Saigusa Tatsuya , Izawa Atsushi , Miura Takashi , Ebisawa Soichiro , Shiba Yuji , Miyashita Yusuke , Tomita Takeshi , Koyama Jun , Fukui Daisuke , Takano Tamaki , Amano Jun , Ikeda Uichi
Published: September 2013

To identify predictors of the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with planned surgery for aortic aneurysms, we reviewed clinical profiles and angiography records of 191 patients with aortic aneurysms (34 thoracic, 137 abdominal, and 20 thoracoabdominal; 162 men; mean age, 75.2 ± 7.7 years). The incidence of CAD was 38.7% among all the patients. Patients with CAD had significantly low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) as compared with patients without CAD (45 ± 9 vs 51 ± 13 mg/dL; P = .009). Multivariate analysis showed that only low HDL-C levels were associated with the presence of CAD (adjusted odds ratio, 0.946; 95% confidence interval, 0.911-0.983; P = .004). The optimal cutoff level of HDL-C to predict CAD was 47.50 mg/dL. The CAD is common in patients with aortic aneurysms, and low levels of HDL-C are independently associated with the presence of CAD.
Why poor children are more likely to become poor readers: The school years
Authors: Buckingham Jennifer , Wheldall Kevin , Beaman-Wheldall Robyn
Published: September 2013

Socioeconomic status at the individual- and school-level are positively related to literacy achievement in all English-speaking countries. The components of socioeconomic status – income, parent education and parent occupation – are each statistically significant predictors of school literacy achievement but they are primarily a proxy for more directly salient factors. This literature review outlines the factors that are most strongly implicated in literacy achievement. At the individual-level, they are early literacy ability, gene–environment interactions, home learning environment, time spent reading, sleep, school attendance and school mobility. At the school-level, they are school practices and teacher quality, including quality of initial reading instruction. These factors are interactive; not only are socioeconomically disadvantaged children more likely to experience these conditions, they are also more adversely affected by them than their more advantaged peers. This review concludes that understanding the nature of the relationship between socioeconomic status and literacy is the key to mitigating it.
Auditory Azimuthal Localization Performance in Water as a Function of Prior Exposure
Authors: Savel Sophie , Drake Carolyn
Published: September 2013

Objective:

We report two psychoacoustical experiments that assessed the relationship between auditory azimuthal localization performance in water and duration of prior exposure to the milieu.

Background:

The adaptability of spatial hearing abilities has been demonstrated in air for both active and passive exposures to altered localization cues. Adaptability occurred faster and was more complete for elevation perception than for azimuth perception. In water, spatial hearing is believed to solely rely on smaller than normal cues-to-azimuth: interaural time differences. This should produce a medial bias in localization judgments toward the center of the horizontal plane, unless the listeners have adapted to the environment.

Method:

Azimuthal localization performance was measured in seawater for eight azimuthal directions of a low-frequency (<500 Hz) auditory target. Seventeen participants performed a forced-choice task in Experiment 1. Twenty-eight other participants performed a pointing task in Experiment 2.

Results:

In both experiments we observed poor front/back discrimination but accurate left/right discrimination, regardless of prior exposure. A medial bias was found in azimuth perception, whose size decreased as the exposure duration of the participant increased.

Conclusion:

The study resembles earlier results showing that passive exposure to altered azimuth cues elicits the adaptability of internal audio-spatial maps, that is, the behavioral plasticity of spatial hearing abilities.

Application:

Studies of the adaptability of the auditory system to altered spatial information may yield practical implications for scuba divers, hearing-impaired listeners with reduced sensitivity to spatial cues, and various normal-hearing users of virtual auditory displays.
Correlates and Predictors of Black Women’s Physical Activity
Authors: Armstrong Ketra L.
Published: September 2013

The health benefits of physical activity have long been well documented. However, standing at the crossroads of gender, race, and physical inactivity are Black women. Consequently, Black women tend to have higher health maladies than Black males, Caucasian women, and other Women of Color. As such, this investigation sought to examine the behavioral correlates and predictors of a case selection of Black women’s ( N = 123) physical activity, noting the impact of race. The analyses revealed that: (a) the women were moderately physically active, (b) their physical activity was positively correlated with their sport media behaviors, and (c) psychological stimulation, educational attainment, and racial identification were positive predictors of their participation in physical activity. A noteworthy contribution of this exploratory investigation was the finding of an operative and influential ‘raced/Black psyche’ and the illumination of the corresponding Afrocentric insights yielded.
Analysis of failure modes in three-dimensional woven composites subjected to quasi-static indentation
Authors: Rao Prabhakar M , Walter Timothy R , Sankar Bhavani , Subhash Ghatu , Yen Chian F
Published: September 2013

Finite element models are developed to predict potential failure initiation sites and associated failure modes in S2-Glass/SC15 three-dimensional (3D) woven composites under quasi-static indentation. As part of this modeling effort, experimental micrographs of the composite specimen obtained from a previous experimental study1,2 are analyzed. In conjunction with these micrographs, model outcomes demonstrate the ability of warp weavers or through-thickness Z-yarns to shield inter-laminar cracks. Quasi-static indentation is modeled as a contact interaction between a rigid cylindrical indenter and a deformable S2-Glass/SC15 3D woven composite laminate using ABAQUS®. Tow elements are modeled as transversely isotropic elastic-plastic material entities, whereas the inter-tow matrix is modeled as an isotropic elastic-plastic material. Through-thickness failure modes are predicted based on the Tsai-Hill criterion. Contour maps of these failure modes point to the location and corresponding damage initiation mode within the material. Experimentally obtained micrographs1,2 are then analyzed on the basis of these contour maps, thereby serving to validate the modeling methodology. The effect of Z-yarns is demonstrated with the aid of two-dimensional plane strain linear elastic fracture mechanics analysis. Crack shielding abilities of the Z-yarns manifest as the variation of strain energy release rate as a function of crack length and location. In the vicinity of a Z-yarn, the energy release rate decreases precipitously, indicating the inability of the crack to penetrate the Z-yarns.
Beta-defensin-2 Genomic Copy Number Variation and Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Jaradat S.W , Hoder-Przyrembel C. , Cubillos S. , Krieg N. , Lehmann K. , Piehler S. , Sigusch B.W. , Norgauer J.
Published: September 2013

Chronic periodontitis (ChP) is a multifactorial disease influenced by microbial and host genetic variability; however, the role of beta-defensin-2 genomic ( DEFB4) copy number (CN) variation (V) in ChP remains unknown. The association of the occurrence and severity of ChP and DEFB4 CNV was analyzed. Our study included 227 unrelated Caucasians, that is, 136 ChP patients (combined ChP) and 91 control individuals. The combined ChP group was subdivided into the severe ChP and slight-to-moderate ChP subgroups. To determine DEFB4 CNV, we isolated genomic DNA samples and analyzed them by relative quantitation using the comparative CT method. The serum beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2) level was determined via ELISA. The distribution pattern and mean DEFB4 CN did not differ significantly in combined ChP cases vs. the controls; however, the mean DEFB4 CN in the severe ChP group differed significantly from those for the control and slight-to-moderate ChP groups. Low DEFB4 CN increased the risk of severe ChP by about 3-fold. DEFB4 CN was inversely associated with average attachment loss. Mean serum hBD-2 levels were highest in the controls, followed by the slight-to-moderate ChP group and the severe ChP group. The results suggested an association between decreased DEFB4 CN and serum hBD-2 levels and periodontitis severity.