bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OPPORTUNITY RECOGNITION IN INNER-CITY MARKETS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY
Authors: ROBINSON JEFFREY A. , HAYES RICHARD N.
Published: July 2012

We argue that inner-city markets pose a challenge for business managers and entrepreneurs because many do not understand how to address significant social and institutional factors that exist in these markets. These factors around inner-city business opportunities may lead entrepreneurs with limited knowledge and experience in these markets to overlook or undervalue viable business opportunities. We propose that the combination of entrepreneurs' inner-city experience and social and institutional factors around business opportunities will explain patterns of opportunity recognition. This paper describes a study of 146 subjects that experimentally tests this hypothesis along two dimensions: the evaluation of business opportunity and the entry decision.
Symptoms before and after Posterior Fossa Surgery in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Beckwitt Turkel Susan , Krieger Mark D. , O’Neil Sharon , Jubran Rima , Tavaré C. Jane
Published: July 2012

The posterior fossa syndrome (PFS) is common after cerebellar tumor resection in pediatric patients. It is characterized by postoperative mutism and ataxia and associated with persistent abnormalities in mood and cognition. Method: A 2-year prospective study of children and adolescents with cerebellar tumors identified by neuroimaging was performed at the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Results: There were 8 girls and 14 boys in the study, aged 14 months to 17 years. The tumor sizes ranged from 2 to 6.5 cm in diameter. The patients presented with ataxia, headache, vomiting, depressed or irritable mood and inattention. Symptoms of PFS were present postoperatively in all except for the 2 patients with lateral tumors. The symptoms began before resection, were most prominent immediately after surgery, and improved over time. Neuropsychological assessment of 10 patients documented a persistent cognitive decrement. Conclusion: This small, descriptive study provides information on the natural history of pediatric posterior fossa tumors from before surgery through the postoperative period.
Chronic Subdural Hematoma Associated with an Arachnoid Cyst in a Juvenile Taekwondo Athlete: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kertmen Hayri , Gürer Bora , Yilmaz Erdal Resit , Sekerci Zeki
Published: July 2012

Both chronic subdural hematoma and arachnoid cysts are common lesions in neurosurgical practice. Arachnoid cysts are a well-known predisposing factor for chronic subdural hematoma. Here, we present a 12-year-old taekwondo athlete with chronic subdural hematoma associated with arachnoid cysts. The chronic subdural hematoma was evacuated through 2 burr holes and the patient was discharged in good condition. To our knowledge, this is the first case of chronic subdural hematoma with associated arachnoid cysts in a taekwondo athlete. We also review the literature on sports-related chronic subdural hematomas associated with arachnoid cysts in children.
Endoscopic Choroid Plexus Coagulation in Infants with Hydranencephaly or Hydrocephalus with a Minimal Cortical Mantle
Authors: Sandberg David I. , Chamiraju Parthasarathi , Zoeller Garrett , Bhatia Sanjiv , Ragheb John
Published: July 2012

Background/Aims: This study evaluates endoscopic choroid plexus coagulation, in conjunction with third ventriculostomy when technically feasible, as a strategy to treat patients with hydranencephaly or hydrocephalus with a minimal cortical mantle. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with hydranencephaly (n = 4) or hydrocephalus with the cortical mantle <1 cm in maximal thickness (n = 4) who underwent endoscopic choroid plexus coagulation from 2007 to 2010. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed simultaneously when technically feasible (in 3 of 8 patients). Endoscopic management was considered successful if a shunt was not subsequently required. Results: Endoscopic management was successful in 4 of 8 patients (50%) who did not require a shunt over a median follow-up period of 15 months (range 2.5–24). Four patients (50%) failed endoscopic management and required a shunt 1 month to 11 weeks after endoscopic surgery. One patient died 4 days after shunt placement due to pneumonia and renal failure. Three of 4 patients who had a successful endoscopic procedure ultimately died of causes that were likely unrelated to hydrocephalus (pneumonia in 2 patients and sudden infant death syndrome in 1 patient). Besides failure to control hydrocephalus adequately in 4 patients, there were no additional complications noted after endoscopic surgeries. Conclusion: Endoscopic choroid plexus coagulation can enable some infants with hydranencephaly or massive hydrocephalus to avoid a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.
Assessment of Near-Infrared Densitometry for in situ Determination of the Total Stratum Corneum Thickness on Pig Skin: Influence of Storage Time
Authors: Franzen L. , Windbergs M. , Hansen S.
Published: July 2012

To perform accurate tape-stripping measurements and to control for site-specific and interindividual differences the amount of stratum corneum (SC) removed by each tape and the total SC thickness must be known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of near-infrared (NIR) densitometry at λ = 850 nm for in situ determination of the total SC thickness. Quantitative tape stripping was performed on pig ear skin. The amount of SC removed by each tape was measured by NIR densitometry and by microprotein assay. Derived from the linear correlation between both measurements, a conversion factor was calculated that relates the individual NIR densitometry readings to the thickness of the SC on the corresponding tape (lSC-tape [µm] = (abs.850 – abs.850(blank))/23.9). The total SC thickness was determined based on the accumulated values of all tapes applied in quantitative tape stripping and compared to the values obtained from microscopic cross sections of biopsies. The total SC thickness was correctly determined by infrared densitometry independent of storage time and conditions (4°C up to 24 h; –21°C up to 3 months) in comparison with the standard histological evaluation.
Segmental Testicular Infarction: Partial Orchiectomy in a Very Rare Pathology
Authors: Arrabal-Polo Miguel Angel , Arrabal-Martín Miguel , Abad-Menor Felix , López-León Victor Manuel , Zuluaga-Gómez Armando
Published: July 2012

Segmental testicular infarctions are a rare disease with a low prevalence and few cases have been reported in the literature. We present a 26-year-old male without any relevant medical history who consulted at the Urology Department due to mild pain in the right testicle over the last month. He had no previous trauma or acute testicular pain. Partial orchiectomy was performed through an inguinal incision with removal of lesions and reconstruction of the testicular parenchyma. Histological examination revealed testicular infarction with no presence of neoplastic cells.
Adipokines, Insulin Resistance and Hyperandrogenemia in Obese Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Cross-Sectional Correlations and the Effects of Weight Loss
Authors: Spanos Nikolaos , Tziomalos Konstantinos , Macut Djuro , Koiou Ekaterini , Kandaraki Eleni A. , Delkos Dimitrios , Tsourdi Elena , Panidis Dimitrios
Published: July 2012

Objective: To assess the effects of weight loss on serum adipokine levels in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: We determined serum leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and visfatin levels in 60 overweight/obese women with PCOS and 48 BMI-matched female volunteers. Measurements were repeated after 24 weeks of treatment with orlistat 120 mg 3 times per day along with an energy-restricted diet. Results: At baseline, serum visfatin concentration was higher in patients with PCOS than in controls (p = 0.036); serum levels of leptin, adiponectin, and resistin did not differ between the two groups. After 24 weeks, a significant reduction in BMI and waist circumference was observed in both patients with PCOS and controls (p < 0.001 vs. baseline in both groups). Also serum leptin levels decreased in both patients with PCOS and controls (p < 0.001 vs. baseline in both groups). The reduction in serum leptin levels did not differ between groups. Serum adiponectin, resistin, and visfatin levels did not change in either group. Conclusions: Leptin, adiponectin, and resistin do not appear to play major pathogenetic roles in overweight/obese patients with PCOS. In contrast, visfatin emerges as a potentially important mediator of the endocrine abnormalities of these patients. However, serum visfatin levels are not substantially affected by weight loss.
In Situ Aircraft Measurements of the Vertical Distribution of Liquid and Ice Water Content in Midlatitude Mixed-Phase Clouds
Authors: Noh Yoo-Jeong , Seaman Curtis J. , Vonder Haar Thomas H. , Liu Guosheng
Published: July 2012

The vertical distribution of liquid and ice water content and their partitioning is studied using 34 cases of in situ measured microphysical properties in midlatitude mixed-phase clouds, with liquid water path ranging from near zero to ~248 g m−2, total water path ranging from near zero to ~562 g m−2, and cloud-top temperature ranging from −2° to −38°C. The 34 profiles were further divided into three cloud types depending on their vertical extents and altitudes. It is found that both the vertical distribution of liquid water within a cloud and the liquid water fraction (of total condensed water) as a function of temperature or relative position in a cloud layer are cloud-type dependent. In particular, it is found that the partitioning between liquid and ice water for midlevel shallow clouds is relatively independent on the vertical position within the cloud while it clearly depends on cloud mean temperature. For synoptic snow clouds, however, liquid water fraction increases with the decrease of altitude within the cloud. While the liquid water fraction in synoptic clouds also decreases with lowering temperature, its magnitude is only about 50% near 0°C.
Momentum Flux and Flux Divergence of Gravity Waves in Directional Shear Flows over Three-Dimensional Mountains
Authors: Xu Xin , Wang Yuan , Xue Ming
Published: July 2012

Linear mountain wave theory is used to derive the general formulas of the gravity wave momentum flux (WMF) and its vertical divergence that develop in directionally sheared flows with constant vertical shear. Height variations of the WMF and its vertical divergence are studied for a circular bell-shaped mountain. The results show that the magnitude of the WMF decreases with height owing to variable critical-level height for different wave components. This leads to continuous—rather than abrupt—absorption of surface-forced gravity waves, and the rate of absorption is largely determined by the maximum turning angle of the wind with height. For flows turning substantially with height, the wave momentum is primarily trapped in the lower atmosphere. Otherwise, it can be transported to the upper levels. The vertical divergence of WMF is oriented perpendicularly to the right (left) of the mean flow that veers (backs) with height except at the surface, where it vanishes. First, the magnitude of the WMF divergence increases with height until reaching its peak value. Then, it decreases toward zero above that height. The altitude of peak WMF divergence is proportional to the surface wind speed and inversely proportional to the vertical wind shear magnitude, increasing as the maximum wind turning angle increases. The magnitude of the peak WMF divergence also increases with the maximum wind turning angle, but it in general decreases as the ambient flow Richardson number increases. Implications of the findings for treating mountain gravity waves in numerical models are discussed.
Northern High-Latitude Heat Budget Decomposition and Transient Warming
Authors: Rugenstein Maria A. A. , Winton Michael , Stouffer Ronald J. , Griffies Stephen M. , Hallberg Robert
Published: July 2012

Climate models simulate a wide range of climate changes at high northern latitudes in response to increased CO2. They also have substantial disagreement on projected changes of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). Here, two pairs of closely related climate models are used, with each containing members with large and small AMOC declines to explore the influence of AMOC decline on the high-latitude response to increased CO2. The models with larger AMOC decline have less high-latitude warming and sea ice decline than their small AMOC decline counterpart. By examining differences in the perturbation heat budget of the 40°–90°N region, it is shown that AMOC decline diminishes the warming by weakening poleward ocean heat transport and increasing the ocean heat uptake. The cooling impact of this AMOC-forced surface heat flux perturbation difference is enhanced by shortwave feedback and diminished by longwave feedback and atmospheric heat transport differences. The magnitude of the AMOC decline within model pairs is positively related to the magnitudes of control climate AMOC and Labrador and Nordic Seas convection. Because the 40°–90°N region accounts for up to 40% of the simulated global ocean heat uptake over 100 yr, the process described here influences the global heat uptake efficiency.
Impacts of Interhemispheric Asymmetric Thermal Forcing on Tropical Pacific Climate: Surface Air–Sea Coupling and Subduction
Authors: Li Chun , Wu Lixin , Xie Shang-Ping
Published: July 2012

Paleoclimate observations and modeling studies suggest that extratropical climate change affects the tropical Pacific. A global coupled general circulation model is used to investigate the equatorial Pacific response to extratropical surface heat flux forcing that is downward (upward) poleward of 40°N (S). The equatorial response consists of two distinct stages: the zonal sea surface temperature (SST) gradient strengthens for the first two to three decades and then weakens afterward. In the first stage, fast surface air–sea coupling feedback mechanism communicates the extratropical warming (cooling) from the North (South) Pacific toward the equator. The second stage is characterized by a basinwide shoaling of the tropical Pacific thermocline as the subtropical cell (STC) advects cold water from the South Pacific along the thermocline. This preference of Southern Hemisphere anomalies is due to the meridional asymmetry in the mean circulation: the interior pathway for STC is open south but partially blocked north of the equator. Paleoclimate implications are discussed.
Use of Altimeter and Wind Data to Detect the Anomalous Loss of SVP-Type Drifter’s Drogue
Authors: Rio M.-H.
Published: July 2012

The study presented in this paper is motivated by the unexplained time dependency of the Ekman model recently computed by Rio et al. using a dataset of “drogued” drifting buoy velocities distributed by the Surface Drifter Data Assembly Center (SD-DAC). This suspicious behavior is found to be fully explained by the presence of undrogued buoys in the drogued drifters database (Grodsky et al.). Altimeter and wind data are used to extract the direct wind slippage from the total drifting buoy velocities over the period 1993–2010. The obtained wind slippage values are then analyzed to identify probable undrogued data among the drifting buoy velocities dataset. The proportion of probable undrogued data among the drogued buoy velocities distributed by SD-DAC is found to be 48%, with an important spatial and temporal variability. When averaged over the full 1993–2010 period, the wind slippage affecting these undrogued buoy velocities reaches up to 13 cm s−1 in the Antarctic Circumpolar Current. A simple procedure is applied to produce an updated dataset, including a drogue presence flag as well as a wind slippage correction. The drogued drifter data from this new dataset are finally used to estimate a new, stable over time Ekman model for the global ocean by latitudinal band and by month.
Tornado Damage Estimation Using Polarimetric Radar
Authors: Bodine David J. , Kumjian Matthew R. , Palmer Robert D. , Heinselman Pamela L. , Ryzhkov Alexander V.
Published: July 2012

This study investigates the use of tornadic debris signature (TDS) parameters to estimate tornado damage severity using Norman, Oklahoma (KOUN), polarimetric radar data (polarimetric version of the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler radar). Several TDS parameters are examined, including parameters based on the 10th or 90th percentiles of polarimetric variables (lowest tilt TDS parameters) and TDS parameters based on the TDS volumetric coverage (spatial TDS parameters). Two highly detailed National Weather Service (NWS) damage surveys are compared to TDS parameters. The TDS parameters tend to be correlated with the enhanced Fujita scale (EF) rating. The 90th percentile reflectivity, TDS height, and TDS volume increase during tornado intensification and decrease during tornado dissipation. For 14 tornado cases, the maximum or minimum TDS parameter values are compared to the tornado’s EF rating. For tornadoes with a higher EF rating, higher maximum values of the 90th percentile ZHH, TDS height, and volume, as well as lower minimum values of 10th percentile ρHV and ZDR, are observed. Maxima in spatial TDS parameters are observed after periods of severe, widespread tornado damage for violent tornadoes. This paper discusses how forecasters could use TDS parameters to obtain near-real-time information about tornado damage severity and spatial extent.
Weather Value at Risk: On the Measurement of Noncatastrophic Weather Risk
Authors: Toeglhofer Christoph , Mestel Roland , Prettenthaler Franz
Published: July 2012

An evaluation of weather risk entails two important objectives: indicating the economic impact of weather variability and climate change, and evaluating the use of weather derivatives in weather risk reduction and climate change adaptation strategy. This paper illustrates a straightforward approach for measuring weather risk, which captures both the exposure and the sensitivity of business and economic indicators to weather variability. Using the example of the accommodation industry in Kitzbuehel (Austria), it is demonstrated that the risk measure Weather-VaR can be used to serve both ends. It is found that compared to a normal climatological season, adverse snow conditions (at the level of a 1 in 20-yr event) result in a substantial financial loss of approximately 4 million euros. However, results show that quantification of weather risk is substantially affected by the choice of the weather variable or index, the time period under consideration, the model specification for estimating the sensitivity parameter, and whether time trends are considered when estimating the probability of unfavorable weather conditions.
The Spread of Buddhism to China: A Re-examination of the Buddhist Interactions between Ancient India and China
Authors: Sen Tansen
Published: July 2012

Recent studies have significantly altered the ways in which the early history of Buddhism in China and the Buddhist interactions between ancient India and China were perceived. The accepted views about the route of the initial transmission of Buddhist doctrines, the early method of rendering Buddhist ideas into Chinese and the notion of a decline of Buddhism in China after the eighth century have all come under scrutiny. Using these analyses and arguments, this essay attempts to reassess some of the key issues concerning the spread and successful establishment of Buddhism in China. In particular, it re-examines the contribution of India–China interactions to these processes and argues that the diffusion of Buddhism in China was an outcome of multi-ethnic collaborations and the ingenuity of Chinese and foreign monks in making the doctrine adaptable to Chinese society.
How Xuanzang Learned about Nālandāl
Authors: Shōlshin Kuwayama
Published: July 2012

While the Chinese monk Xuanzang’s travels in South Asia are well known, the reason why he decided to make Nālandā his main destination has not been previously examined in detail. This article focuses on the early history of the Nālandā University, the South Asian monks from Nālandā who were active in China during the sixth and seventh centuries, and how Xuanzang may have come to know about the renowned educational institution in India through the works of these South Asian monks and their disciples. The article also tries to clarify the possible date of Xuanzang’s departure for India.
The Bengal Connections in Yunnan
Authors: Bin Yang
Published: July 2012

Yunnan, a southwestern frontier province in China is located in mainland Southeast Asia and is inhabited by diverse cross-regional ethnic groups. This essay attempts to reveal the Bengal connections in historical Yunnan from the medieval age to the early modern period through a scrutiny of Chinese and certain non-Chinese sources. It first discusses the use of cowry currency in Yunnan and other areas around the Bay of Bengal, and then constructs historical routes linking the Bengali world and Yunnan, both by land and sea. Furthermore, the spread of Buddhism into Yunnan is highlighted to demonstrate Bengali cultural influence. The Bengal connections in Yunnan hence, shed some light on both historical Yunnan and the formation of Chinese frontiers.
Social Comparisons in Novel Situations
Authors: Lockwood Penelope , Shaughnessy Sarah C. , Fortune Jennifer L. , Tong Man-On
Published: July 2012

The authors propose that individuals transitioning to a novel environment will prefer upward comparisons, particularly those made with individuals who have experienced a similar transition. Such comparisons help to reduce uncertainty and demonstrate that future success is possible. Study 1 found that individuals facing transitions to unfamiliar situations seek upward comparisons as a result of their uncertainty. Study 2 demonstrated that individuals who perceive themselves to be making a significant life transition are especially motivated by upward comparisons. Study 3 provided evidence that upward comparisons are especially inspiring to individuals making a transition to a novel cultural environment. Study 4 provided experimental evidence that individuals in a novel cultural environment are particularly inspired by upward comparisons with other newcomers. These studies suggest that upward comparisons with individuals who have experienced a similar transition enhance individuals’ sense of control over future outcomes and play a key role during adjustment to novel environments.
Laughter and Hatred Are Neighbors
Authors: Clybor Shawn
Published: July 2012

This article considers how Adolf Hoffmeister and E.F. Burian, influential members of the interwar avant-garde, struggled to define themselves as socialist realists in Czechoslovakia 1948-1956, even as they engaged in a parallel struggle to create works consistent with their artistic legacy. It argues that their ideas emerged both in cooperation with and in opposition to the increasingly repressive post-1948 communist regime, whose broader ideals they enthusiastically shared. Using these two intellectuals as case studies, the goal is thus to reframe our understanding of “complicity” under the 1950s Stalinist regime as a complex series of responses to the political, social, and intellectual questions of the era. Neither vacuous mouthpieces of the regime nor political dissidents, Hoffmeister and Burian stood at a critical historical juncture that linked the legacy of the interwar avant-garde to the cultural flowering of the 1960s Prague Spring.

The article comprises three sections: The first offers a brief overview of the Stalinist era in Czechoslovakia, taking into account recent historical scholarship that recasts our understanding of the period. The second section examines the art and politics of Adolf Hoffmeister, who played a key role in the Stalinization of the Czechoslovak Fine Arts Union in 1952, revealing his attempts to both criticize and employ the violent rhetoric of the communist Terror. The third section considers E.F. Burian’s desperate attempt to save his interwar Theater D from nationalization, which ironically forced him into a relationship with the Ministry of Defense under the arch-Stalinist Alexej Čepička.
Minority Representation and Reserved Legislative Seats in Romania
Authors: King Ronald F. , Marian Cosmin Gabriel
Published: July 2012

Approximately 32 nations currently use reservation of legislative seats for minority voices, whether by race, ethnicity, language, religion, or territory. Romania has among the most extensive and complicated arrangement of reserved seats, with 18 different ethnic minorities currently provided special parliamentary representation. This paper addresses two key political issues: how is it determined that there exists a valid ethnic minority deserving of recognition with a reserved seat? What are the political consequences from the broad allocation of reserved seats? The paper understands a reserved legislative seat as a distributive good over which rival claimants assert contested title. The state has incentive to avoid controversial choices although this is not always possible. Incumbent interests have incentive to restrict competitive entry without appearing to violate the principles of open inclusion. As seen through the Romanian case, the regime consequence from this dynamic tends to be clientele politics, in which minority organizations emerge segmented, dependent, and relatively powerless, yet simultaneously satisfied that they can guarantee by means of state subsidies the foundations for group identity.
Breastfeeding at NICU Discharge
Authors: Davanzo Riccardo , Monasta Lorenzo , Ronfani Luca , Brovedani Pierpaolo , Demarini Sergio ,   for the Breastfeeding in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Study Group
Published: July 2012

Background:

Human milk is the optimal form of nutrition for infants, especially sick or compromised infants, yet international data suggest that breastfeeding (feeding at the breast) and the use of expressed human milk (mother’s and donor’s milk) are limited in patients cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Objective:

The goal of this study was to examine feeding status at hospital discharge among high risk infants.

Methods:

We used the 1991 World Health Organization infant feeding definitions, applied to the 72 hour period preceding discharge from the NICU. The study sample consisted of all high risk infants discharged from July 1, 2005, to June 30, 2006 from 13 Italian NICUs. Data on infant feeding in the last 72 hours were collected at discharge from the medical records.

Results:

We recorded data from 2948 subjects with a median gestational age of 35 weeks (IQR, 32-38), a median birth weight of 2200 g (IQR, 1630-2920) and a median length of stay of 16 days (IQR, 8-33). At discharge, 28% of all infants were fed exclusively with human milk: 31%, 25%, 22% and 33% respectively in the <1500 g, 1500-2000 g, 2000-2499 g and ≥ 2500 g birth weight categories. The proportion of infants not fed with human milk varied from 6 to 82% across different centers.

Conclusion:

Our study found limited breastfeeding and use of human milk among the NICU infants at discharge. At discharge, infants with a birth weight 1500-2499 g were fed exclusively with human milk less than those in higher or lower birth weight categories.
Reliability and Validity of Swallows as a Measure of Breast Milk Intake in the First Days of Life
Authors: Côté-Arsenault Denise , McCoy Thomas P.
Published: July 2012

Background:

Breastfeeding assessment in the hospital to determine adequacy of feeds remains controversial. Swallow evaluation is integral to current assessment tools, but the literature is not clear about whether the number of swallows is an accurate indicator of breast milk intake in early postpartum.

Objectives:

To determine the reliability and validity of swallows as a measure of breast milk intake in the first days of a newborn’s life.

Methods:

Thirty mother-baby dyads were observed at one breastfeeding; pre- and postfeed weights were done, bedside audible swallows were counted, and feeds were videotaped for independent rating. Milk intake was determined from weight change, adjusted for insensible water loss.

Results:

Number of swallows was significantly and positively correlated with breast milk intake ( r = .71). Number of swallows alone, however, accounted for only 50.8% ( R2 = .508) of the variation in milk intake. Infant age was the best predictor of milk intake (βage = .56 vs βNo. swallows = .36), accounting for 68% of the variation in milk intake when combined with swallows. The majority of infants took in 10 g or less of breast milk (77%); length of feeds was variable. In-room (at bedside) lactation consultant (LC) and video rater LC swallow counts were significantly and positively correlated ( r = .93; P < .01). However, the 2 lactation consultant swallow numbers include clinically important discrepancies in a Bland-Altman analysis.

Conclusions:

Number of swallows was not supported as a reliable or valid indicator of milk intake and adequacy of a feed in the first few days of life.
The Future of Biosocial Criminology
Authors: Wright John Paul , Cullen Francis T.
Published: July 2012

In this article we describe how the ascendency of biosocial criminology challenges the “sacred values” of the discipline, values that have in the past elevated the professional ideology of criminologists over science. We argue that biosocial criminology can lead to a criminology this is rooted more in science and empirical observation than in ideology and that biosocial criminology can link criminology to a diverse array of other disciplines and research methodologies. The forces that would diminish or restrain biosocial criminology, however, cannot be discounted.
Explaining Differential Patterns of Self-reported Delinquency
Authors: Barnes J. C. , Boutwell Brian B. , Morris Robert G. , Armstrong Todd A.
Published: July 2012

A rich line of criminological research has utilized latent class analysis (LCA) to identify different groups or classes of individuals. At the same time, behavioral genetic modeling strategies have offered valuable insight into the etiological origins of many phenotypes, such as aggression and antisocial behavior. For the most part, these two streams of inquiry have operated in isolation of one another. The current study represents an attempt to blend a mainstream criminological method (i.e., LCA) with a mainstream behavioral genetic method (i.e., the ACE model). The results indicated that three classes of offenders are identifiable in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health and that variance in each class was explained by a combination of genetic ( h2 ranged between .26 and .65) and nonshared environmental ( e2 ranged between .35 and .74) influences. Directions for future research are considered.
Genetic Influences on Measures of Parental Negativity and Childhood Maltreatment
Authors: Beaver Kevin M. , Shutt J. Eagle , Vaughn Michael G. , DeLisi Matt , Wright John Paul
Published: July 2012

Behavioral genetics research has revealed that approximately 25% of the variance in measures of the family environment, including parenting, is attributable to genetic factors. However, precisely which candidate genes are associated with the family environment is largely unknown. The current study addresses this gap in the literature by analyzing data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Results provide some evidence that three genes of the dopaminergic system (Dopamine D2 receptor gene [DRD2], Dopamine D4 receptor gene [DRD4], and Dopamine transporter gene [DAT1]) are associated with variation in measures of maternal negativity, paternal negativity, and childhood maltreatment for Caucasian males. We speak to what these findings mean for criminological theory and research that focuses on family socialization as an important factor in the etiology of crime and related antisocial behaviors.
The Association Between Sexual Behavior and Antisocial Behavior
Authors: Nedelec Joseph L. , Beaver Kevin M.
Published: July 2012

There has been a great deal of interest in examining the evolutionary underpinnings to human behaviors, including antisocial behaviors. Very little of this research, however, has seeped into mainstream criminology. The present study seeks to take a cautious step in addressing that gap by examining the role certain evolutionary constructs play in the association between sexual behaviors and antisocial conduct. Analysis of data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health revealed that for males and females sexual involvement predicted delinquent involvement both concurrently and longitudinally. Furthermore, items derived from evolutionary psychology, including physical attractiveness, physical maturity, and perceptions about life certainty, predicted sexual involvement for males and females. Our study represents one example of the various ways in which evolutionary explanations can be integrated into criminological theory and research.
Integrating Criminology Through Adaptive Strategy and Life History Theory
Authors: Wiebe Richard P.
Published: July 2012

Criminological theories tend to explain street crime as either a reaction to personal deficiencies or a reaction to inequality and injustice. Using adaptive strategy and life history theory, this article seeks to unite these explanations of crime under the biosocial umbrella. It incorporates the psychology of crime, tying traits implicated in low self-control, psychopathy, and mating effort to antisocial strategies and discusses how strategies based on low self-control and psychopathy may be promoted or controlled. It further applies adaptive strategy theory to nonstreet crime, with the aim of bringing critical and biosocial criminology closer together.
Criminal Behavior
Authors: Wilson Laura C. , Scarpa Angela
Published: July 2012

Criminology, as a field, has historically focused on social factors that contribute to the perpetration of crime. Although research has supported these influences as important predictors of criminal behavior, a substantial body of literature suggests that biological mechanisms also serve as risk and protective factors. In fact, research in this area has demonstrated that examining the interaction effect between biological and social influences provides a more holistic picture of criminal behavior. In the current article, research examining autonomic arousal, neurobiology and neuroendocrine functioning will be presented to provide an overview of the general themes among the findings. Based on the strong evidence in support of the inclusion of biological influences in models predicting criminal behavior, it is recommended that the field of criminology strive to use biosocial models in future research.
Standards for the Software Design Practitioner
Authors: Williams James R.
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this article is to provide software designers with some insights on the usefulness of a number of international and U.S. standards that have been published and are being developed related to the design of software systems. In addition, the scopes of the related ISO and U.S. standards committees are described.
The Burn Hazard Presented by Gas Fireplace Glass
Authors: Pollack-Nelson Carol
Published: July 2012

The industry standard for vented gas fireplaces allows the glass fronts to reach temperatures in excess of 1000°F (538C), depending on the type of glass used. Young children have suffered painful burns after inadvertently falling against or touching the hot glass. In many cases, the child’s parent was near the child when the injury occurred. This article explores human factors/ergonomics issues that play a role in burn injuries from gas fireplace glass, including consumer awareness of the hazard, child development, and product placement in the home. The limits of voluntary standards and need for mandatory regulation are discussed.
Leaving the Lecture Hall
Authors: Fausset Cara Bailey , Bujak Keith R. , Kline Keith A. , Beer Jenay M. , Cory-Ann Smarr , Adams Anne E. , McBride Sara E. , Burnett John S.
Published: July 2012

Georgia Tech HF/E students initiated and managed a multisemester project to experience the nuances of conducting HF/E outside the classroom setting. This article focuses on the lessons learned beyond the classroom: project management, team coordination, communication with non-HF/E team members, application of research methods, and integration of data to prioritize and guide design changes. The goal of this article is to help guide other HF/E students and educators when implementing similar projects by providing the lessons we learned from this experience.
A text-mining system for extracting metabolic reactions from full-text articles
Authors: Czarnecki Jan , Nobeli Irene , Smith Adrian M , Shepherd Adrian J
Published: July 2012

Background

Increasingly biological text mining research is focusing on the extraction of complex relationships relevant to the construction and curation of biological networks and pathways. However, one important category of pathway — metabolic pathways — has been largely neglected.

Here we present a relatively simple method for extracting metabolic reaction information from free text that scores different permutations of assigned entities (enzymes and metabolites) within a given sentence based on the presence and location of stemmed keywords. This method extends an approach that has proved effective in the context of the extraction of protein–protein interactions.

Results

When evaluated on a set of manually-curated metabolic pathways using standard performance criteria, our method performs surprisingly well. Precision and recall rates are comparable to those previously achieved for the well-known protein-protein interaction extraction task.

Conclusions

We conclude that automated metabolic pathway construction is more tractable than has often been assumed, and that (as in the case of protein–protein interaction extraction) relatively simple text-mining approaches can prove surprisingly effective. It is hoped that these results will provide an impetus to further research and act as a useful benchmark for judging the performance of more sophisticated methods that are yet to be developed.
Differential gene expression profiling of porcine epithelial cells infected with three enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains
Authors: Zhou Chuanli , Liu Zhengzhu , Jiang Jicai , Yu Ying , Zhang Qin
Published: July 2012

Background

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is one of the most important pathogenic bacteria causing severe diarrhoea in human and pigs. In ETEC strains, the fimbrial types F4 and F18 are commonly found differently colonized within the small intestine and cause huge economic losses in the swine industry annually worldwide. To address the underlying mechanism, we performed a transcriptome study of porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) with and without infection of three representative ETEC strains.

Results

A total 2443, 3493 and 867 differentially expressed genes were found in IPEC-J2 cells infected with F4ab ETEC (CF4ab), with F4ac ETEC (CF4ac) and with F18ac ETEC (CF18ac) compared to the cells without infection (control), respectively. The number of differentially expressed genes between CF4ab and CF4ac, CF4ab and CF18ac, and CF4ac and CF18ac were 77, 1446 and 1629, respectively. The gene ontology and pathway analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes in CF4ab
vs control are significantly involved in cell-cycle progress and amino acid metabolism, while the clustered terms of the differentially expressed genes in CF4ac
vs control comprise immune, inflammation and wounding response and apoptosis as well as cell cycle progress and proteolysis. Differentially expressed genes between CF18ac
vs control are mainly involved in cell-cycle progression and immune response. Furthermore, fundamental differences were observed in expression levels of immune-related genes among the three ETEC treatments, especially for the important pro-inflammatory molecules, including IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, CCL20, CXCL2 etc.

Conclusions

The discovery in this study provides insights into the interaction of porcine intestinal epithelial cells with F4 ETECs and F18 ETEC, respectively. The genes induced by ETECs with F4 versus F18 fimbriae suggest why ETEC with F4 may be more virulent compared to F18 which seems to elicit milder effects.
A microRNA activity map of human mesenchymal tumors: connections to oncogenic pathways; an integrative transcriptomic study
Authors: Fountzilas Elena , Kelly Andrew D , Perez-Atayde Antonio R , Goldsmith Jeffrey , Konstantinopoulos Panagiotis A , Francoeur Nancy , Correll Mick , Rubio Renee , Hu Lan , Gebhardt Mark C , Quackenbush John , Spentzos Dimitrios
Published: July 2012

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are nucleic acid regulators of many human mRNAs, and are associated with many tumorigenic processes. miRNA expression levels have been used in profiling studies, but some evidence suggests that expression levels do not fully capture miRNA regulatory activity. In this study we integrate multiple gene expression datasets to determine miRNA activity patterns associated with cancer phenotypes and oncogenic pathways in mesenchymal tumors – a very heterogeneous class of malignancies.

Results

Using a computational method, we identified differentially activated miRNAs between 77 normal tissue specimens and 135 sarcomas and we validated many of these findings with microarray interrogation of an independent, paraffin-based cohort of 18 tumors. We also showed that miRNA activity is imperfectly correlated with miRNA expression levels. Using next-generation miRNA sequencing we identified potential base sequence alterations which may explain differential activity. We then analyzed miRNA activity changes related to the RAS-pathway and found 21 miRNAs that switch from silenced to activated status in parallel with RAS activation. Importantly, nearly half of these 21 miRNAs were predicted to regulate integral parts of the miRNA processing machinery, and our gene expression analysis revealed significant reductions of these transcripts in RAS-active tumors. These results suggest an association between RAS signaling and miRNA processing in which miRNAs may attenuate their own biogenesis.

Conclusions

Our study represents the first gene expression-based investigation of miRNA regulatory activity in human sarcomas, and our findings indicate that miRNA activity patterns derived from integrated transcriptomic data are reproducible and biologically informative in cancer. We identified an association between RAS signaling and miRNA processing, and demonstrated sequence alterations as plausible causes for differential miRNA activity. Finally, our study highlights the value of systems level integrative miRNA/mRNA assessment with high-throughput genomic data, and the applicability of paraffin-tissue-derived RNA for validation of novel findings.
A microarray analysis of gnotobiotic mice indicating that microbial exposure during the neonatal period plays an essential role in immune system development
Authors: Yamamoto Masahiro , Yamaguchi Rui , Munakata Kaori , Takashima Kiyoe , Nishiyama Mitsue , Hioki Kyoji , Ohnishi Yasuyuki , Nagasaki Masao , Imoto Seiya , Miyano Satoru , Ishige Atsushi , Watanabe Kenji
Published: July 2012

Background

Epidemiological studies have suggested that the encounter with commensal microorganisms during the neonatal period is essential for normal development of the host immune system. Basic research involving gnotobiotic mice has demonstrated that colonization at the age of 5 weeks is too late to reconstitute normal immune function. In this study, we examined the transcriptome profiles of the large intestine (LI), small intestine (SI), liver (LIV), and spleen (SPL) of 3 bacterial colonization models—specific pathogen-free mice (SPF), ex-germ-free mice with bacterial reconstitution at the time of delivery (0WexGF),and ex-germ-free mice with bacterial reconstitution at 5 weeks of age (5WexGF)—and compared them with those of germ-free (GF) mice.

Results

Hundreds of genes were affected in all tissues in each of the colonized models; however, a gene set enrichment analysis method, MetaGene Profiler (MGP),demonstrated that the specific changes of Gene Ontology (GO) categories occurred predominantly in 0WexGF LI, SPF SI,and 5WexGF SPL, respectively. MGP analysis on signal pathways revealed prominent changes in toll-like receptor (TLR)- and type 1 interferon (IFN)-signaling in LI of 0WexGF and SPF mice, but not 5WexGF mice, while 5WexGF mice showed specific changes in chemokine signaling. RT-PCR analysis of TLR-related genes showed that the expression of interferon regulatory factor 3 (Irf3), a crucial rate-limiting transcription factor in the induction of type 1 IFN, prominently decreased in 0WexGF and SPF mice but not in 5WexGF and GF mice.

Conclusion

The present study provides important new information regarding the molecular mechanisms of the so-called "hygiene hypothesis".
New highly sensitive rodent and human tests for soluble amyloid precursor protein alpha quantification: preclinical and clinical applications in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rose Christiane , Peoc’h Katell , Chasseigneaux Stéphanie , Paquet Claire , Dumurgier Julien , Bourasset Fanchon , Calon Frédéric , Laplanche Jean-Louis , Hugon Jacques , Allinquant Bernadette
Published: July 2012

Background

Amyloid precursor protein (APP), a key molecule in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), is metabolized in two alternative cleavages, generating either the amyloidogenic peptides involved in AD pathology or the soluble form of APP (sAPPα). The level of amyloidogenic peptides in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is considered to be a biomarker of AD, whereas the level of sAPPα in CSF as a biomarker has not been clearly established. sAPPα has neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. Stimulating its formation and secretion is a promising therapeutic target in AD research. To this end, very sensitive tests for preclinical and clinical research are required.

Methods

The tests are based on homogenous time-resolved fluorescence and require no washing steps.

Results

We describe two new rapid and sensitive tests for quantifying mouse and human sAPPα. These 20 μl-volume tests quantify the levels of: i) endogenous mouse sAPPα in the conditioned medium of mouse neuron primary cultures, as well as in the CSF of wild-type mice, ii) human sAPPα in the CSF of AD mouse models, and iii) human sAPPα in the CSF of AD and non-AD patients. These tests require only 5 μl of conditioned medium from 5 × 104 mouse primary neurons, 1 μl of CSF from wild-type and transgenic mice, and 0.5 μl of human CSF.

Conclusions

The high sensitivity of the mouse sAPPα test will allow high-throughput investigations of molecules capable of increasing the secretion of endogenous sAPPα in primary neurons, as well as the in vivo validation of molecules of interest through the quantification of sAPPα in the CSF of treated wild-type mice. Active molecules could then be tested in the AD mouse models by quantifying human sAPPα in the CSF through the progression of the disease. Finally, the human sAPPα test could strengthen the biological diagnosis of AD in large clinical investigations. Taken together, these new tests have a wide field of applications in preclinical and clinical studies.