bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Access to Housing in Urban China
Authors: LOGAN JOHN R. , FANG YIPING , ZHANG ZHANXIN
Published: November 2009

Like income inequality, housing inequality in urban China is strongly affected by state policies that give preferential treatment to insiders. In this case, the key policies are related to their residence status, which involves not only their migration history but also their legal position. Using data from the Chinese census of 2000 for eight large cities, this study shows how residence status affects access to various pathways to housing. In addition to the well‐known marginal housing situation of the recent ‘floating population’, it documents surprising advantages for migrants with urban registration status and persistent disadvantages for rural migrants regardless of how long they have lived in the city.

Comme l’inégalité de revenu, l’inégalité de logement dans les villes chinoises est nettement affectée par les mesures étatiques qui privilégient les résidents en place. En l’occurrence, les politiques déterminantes s’attachent au statut de résidence, ce qui recouvre à la fois l’historique migratoire des individus et leur situation juridique. À partir des données du recensement chinois de 2000 dans huit grandes villes, l’étude montre comment le statut de résidence influe sur l’accès aux différents canaux conduisant à un logement. Outre la condition de logement marginale bien connue de la «population flottante» récente, sont exposés les surprenants atouts des migrants qui sont enregistrés comme urbains, et les inconvénients persistants que rencontrent les migrants ruraux quelle que soit la durée pendant laquelle ils ont vécu dans la ville.
Characterization of motor control in handwriting difficulties in children with or without developmental coordination disorder
Authors: CHANG SHAO‐HSIA , YU NAN‐YING
Published: November 2009

Aim  The purpose of this study was to characterize handwriting deficits in children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD) using computerized movement analyses.

Method  Seventy‐two children (40 females, 32 males; mean age 7y, SD 7mo; range 6y 2mo to 7y 11mo) with handwriting deficits (33 with DCD, 39 without DCD); and 22 age‐ and sex‐matched children without handwriting deficits were asked to perform handwriting tasks on a digital tablet for the collection of kinematic and kinetic data. Practice times required to achieve automation of movement when writing an unfamiliar character were used to assess the motor learning of handwriting. The children were asked to copy three simple and three complex characters, and the velocity and axial pen force used for corresponding strokes were compared.

Results  The attainment of automated handwriting was markedly slower in children with handwriting deficits and DCD, who used a faster stroke velocity to write simple characters (1.22 times those without handwriting deficits), but when writing complex characters, their stroke velocity and pen force were lower (0.85 and 0.89 times those without handwriting deficits, respectively).

Interpretation  By linking the results with neuromotor control theories, it was determined that children with DCD have difficulties performing the open‐loop and closed‐loop movements required for fluent handwriting.
Predictive value of definitely abnormal general movements in the general population
Authors: BOUWSTRA HYLCO , DIJK‐STIGTER GEERTEKE R , GROOTEN HEDWIG MJ , JANSSEN‐PLAS FEMKE EM , KOOPMANS ALICE J , MULDER CHRISTIEN D , Van BELLE ANS , HADDERS‐ALGRA MIJNA
Published: November 2009

Aim  Definitely abnormal general movements in populations of high‐risk infants predict serious neurodevelopmental impairment. This study aimed to assess predictive values of definitely abnormal general movements at 3 months for serious neurodevelopmental impairment in a representative sample of the general population.

Method  A prospective cohort study of 455 3‐month‐old infants was performed (241 females, 214 males; mean birthweight 3452g, SD 604g; mean gestational age 39.4wks, SD 1.96; n=32 born preterm). At enrolment, general movement quality was assessed by means of video recording. At 4 years, all participants were reassessed by well‐baby health clinicians; if serious neurodevelopmental impairment was identified, clinical records were reviewed. Predictive values of definitely abnormal general movement quality for major neurodevelopmental impairment were calculated.

Results  Five children were diagnosed as having a major neurodevelopmental disorder with serious implications for daily life, including three children with cerebral palsy (CP). Three out of the five had shown definitely abnormal general movements; they had lesions involving the periventricular white matter. Two children did not show definitely abnormal general movements; one had unilateral spastic CP due to a cortical lesion and the other had ataxia due to cerebellar atrophy. The positive predictive value of definitely abnormal general movements for major neurodevelopmental impairment was 18/100, and for CP it was 12/100. Negative predictive values approached 100%.

Interpretation  The good predictive value of general movement assessment in high‐risk populations cannot be generalized to the general population.
Attentional and executive impairments in children with spastic cerebral palsy
Authors: BOTTCHER LOUISE , FLACHS ESBEN MEULENGRACHT , ULDALL PETER
Published: November 2009

Aim Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are reported to have learning and social problems. The aim of the present study was to examine whether children with CP have impairments in attention or executive function.

Method We examined attention and executive function with standardized neuropsychological measures in a group of children with unilateral (n=15) or bilateral (n=18) spastic CP (14 females, 19 males, mean age 11y 4mo, SD 1y 1mo, range 9y 1mo–13y 7mo; Gross Motor Function Classification System level In=22, IIn=3, IIIn=6, and IVn=2). Performance was compared with test norms.

Results Verbal cognitive functioning fell within the normal range, whereas sustained (p=0.001) and divided attention (p<0.001) were found to be impaired. Greater impairment was observed in executive function in general (p<0.001) and in inhibition (p=0.038) and shifting (p<0.001) in particular. No significant difference was found between types of CP (unilateral and bilateral). Performance of all timed tasks was slower than the test norm (p<0.00).

Interpretation The finding of slower performances across tasks may indicate a general impairment in efficiency of information processing in relation to white‐matter lesions. Impairments in attention and executive functions are present in children with CP and may help to explain why these children have increased social and learning problems.
Free testosterone levels in umbilical‐cord blood predict infant head circumference in females
Authors: WHITEHOUSE ANDREW J O , MAYBERY MURRAY T , HART ROGER , SLOBODA DEBORAH M , STANLEY FIONA J , NEWNHAM JOHN P , HICKEY MARTHA
Published: November 2009

Aim  Fetal androgens influence fetal growth as well as postnatal neurocognitive ability. However, to our knowledge, no published study has prospectively examined the impact of early‐life androgens on infant brain growth. We report the association between circulating fetal androgen levels, measured from umbilical‐cord blood at birth, and a proxy measure of brain growth: head circumference.

Method  Participants were 82 unselected female infants from a large representative birth cohort (mean gestational age 39.4wks, SD 1.7). Umbilical‐cord blood was obtained at birth and analysed for androgen concentrations (total testosterone, androstenedione, dehyrdroepiandrosterone, and its sulphated metabolite). Head circumference and two other measures of growth – weight (mean 3311.4g, SD 461.3) and length – were measured within 3 days of birth and again at approximately 1 year of age (mean age 13.1mo, SD 1.1).

Results  Multivariate linear regressions found an inverse association between levels of free testosterone and growth in head circumference (correlation=−.24), even when adjusting for sociodemographic/obstetric covariates and head size at birth. Growth in weight and length could not be predicted by free testosterone concentration.

Interpretation  This is the first report of an association between prenatal androgen levels and postnatal growth in head circumference. These findings suggest that early‐life androgens may impact brain development during infancy.
Effects of 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) on serotonin transporter and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 protein and gene expression in rats: implications for MDMA neurotoxicity
Authors: Biezonski Dominik K. , Meyer Jerrold S.
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem.(2009)112, 951–962.

3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; ‘Ecstasy’) is a popular recreational drug used worldwide. This study aimed to determine the effects of this compound on the expression of nerve terminal serotonergic markers in rats. Experiment 1 investigated MDMA‐induced changes in levels of the serotonin transporter (SERT) and the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT‐2) in the hippocampus, a region with sparse dopaminergic innervation, after lesioning noradrenergic input withN‐(2‐chloroethyl)‐N‐ethyl‐2‐bromobenzylamine (DSP‐4). Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were administered 100 mg/kg DSP‐4 or saline 1 week prior to either an MDMA (10 mg/kg × 4) or saline binge. Two weeks following the binge treatment, the DSP‐4/MDMA group unexpectedly showed little change in hippocampal VMAT‐2 protein expression compared with DSP‐4/Saline controls, despite large reductions in SERT levels in all regions examined in the MDMA‐treated animals. Furthermore, animals treated with binge MDMA (Experiment 2) showed a striking decrease in SERT gene expression (and a lesser effect on VMAT‐2) measured by quantitative RT‐PCR in pooled dorsal and median raphe tissue punches, when compared with saline‐treated controls. These results demonstrate that MDMA causes substantial regulatory changes in the expression of serotonergic markers, thus questioning the need to invoke distal axotomy as an explanation of MDMA‐related serotonergic deficits.
Circadian variations of prostaglandin E2 and F2 α release in the golden hamster retina
Authors: De Zavalía Nuria , Fernandez Diego C. , Sande Pablo H , Keller Sarmiento María I. , Golombek Diego A. , Rosenstein Ruth E. , Silberman Dafne M.
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem.(2009)112, 972–979.

Circadian variations of prostaglandin E2 and F2α release were examined in the golden hamster retina. Both parameters showed significant diurnal variations with maximal values at midnight. When hamsters were placed under constant darkness for 48 h, the differences in prostaglandin release between subjective mid‐day and subjective midnight persisted. Western blot analysis showed that cyclooxygenase (COX)‐1 levels were significantly higher at midnight than at mid‐day, and at subjective midnight than at subjective mid‐day, whereas no changes in COX‐2 levels were observed among these time points. Immunohistochemical studies indicated the presence of COX‐1 and COX‐2 in the inner (but not outer) retina. Circadian variations of retinal prostaglandin release were also assessed in suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN)‐lesioned animals. Significant differences in retinal prostaglandin release between subjective mid‐day and subjective midnight were observed in SCN‐lesioned animals. These results indicate that hamster retinal prostaglandin release is regulated by a retinal circadian clock independent from the SCN. Thus, the present results suggest that the prostaglandin/COX‐1 system could be a retinal clock output or part of the retinal clock mechanism.
Cyclic GMP phosphodiesterase inhibition alters the glial inflammatory response, reduces oxidative stress and cell death and increases angiogenesis following focal brain injury
Authors: Pifarré Paula , Prado Judith , Giralt Mercedes , Molinero Amalia , Hidalgo Juan , Garcia Agustina
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 807–817.

Recent evidence obtained in cultured glial cells indicates that cGMP‐mediated pathways regulate cytoskeleton dynamics, glial fibrillary acidic protein expression and motility in astrocytes, as well as inflammatory gene expression in microglia, suggesting a role in the regulation of the glial reactive phenotype. The aim of this work was to examine if cGMP regulates the glial inflammatory response in vivo following CNS damage caused by a focal cryolesion onto the cortex in rats. Results show that treatment with the cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitor zaprinast (10 mg/kg i.p.) 2 h before and 24 and 48 h after the lesion results 3 days post‐lesion in notably enhanced astrogliosis manifested by increased glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity and protein levels around the lesion. In contrast, zaprinast decreased the number of round/ameboid lectin‐positive cells and the expression of the activated microglia/macrophage markers Iba‐1 and CD11b indicating decreased recruitment and activation of these cells. This altered inflammatory response is accompanied by a decrease in protein oxidative stress, apoptotic cell death and neuronal degeneration. In addition, zaprinast enhanced angiogenesis in the lesioned cortex probably as a result of vascular endothelial growth factor expression in reactive astrocytes. These results suggest that regulation of the glial inflammatory response may contribute to the reported neuroprotective effects of cGMP‐phosphodiesterase inhibitors in brain injury.
Differential modulation of mu‐opioid receptor signaling to adenylyl cyclase by regulators of G protein signaling proteins 4 or 8 and 7 in permeabilised C6 cells is Gα subtype dependent
Authors: Talbot Jeffery N. , Roman David L. , Clark Mary J. , Roof Rebecca A. , Tesmer John J. G. , Neubig Richard R. , Traynor John R.
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem. (2009)112, 1026–1034.

Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) proteins act as GTPase‐accelerating protein to negatively modulate G protein signaling and are defined by a conserved RGS domain with considerable amino acid diversity. To determine the effects of specific, purified RGS proteins on mu‐opioid signaling, C6 cells stably expressing a mu‐opioid receptor were rendered permeable to proteins by treatment with digitonin. Mu‐opioid inhibition of forskolin‐stimulated adenylyl cyclase by [d‐Ala2,N‐Me‐Phe4,Gly‐ol]‐enkephalin (DAMGO), a mu‐specific opioid peptide, remained fully intact in permeabilized cells. Purified RGS domain of RGS4 added to permeabilized cells resulted in a twofold loss in DAMGO potency but had no effect in cells expressing RGS‐insensitive G proteins. The inhibitory effect of DAMGO was reduced to the same extent by purified RGS4 and RGS8. In contrast, the RGS domain of RGS7 had no effect and inhibited the action of RGS8 as a result of weak physical association with Gαi2 and minimal GTPase‐accelerating protein activity in C6 cell membranes. These data suggest that differences in conserved RGS domains of specific RGS proteins contribute to differential regulation of opioid signaling to adenylyl cyclase and that a permeabilized cell model is useful for studying the effects of specific RGS proteins on aspects of G protein‐coupled receptor signaling.
Is vessel hull fouling an invasion threat to the Great Lakes?
Authors: Sylvester Francisco , MacIsaac Hugh J.
Published: November 2009

Aim Hull fouling is a leading vector for the introduction of marine, non‐indigenous species (NIS) worldwide, yet its importance to freshwater habitats is poorly understood. We aimed to establish the complement of NIS transported via this vector to the Great Lakes and to determine if they pose an invasion risk.

Location Laurentian Great Lakes.

Methods During 2007 and 2008, we collected scrapings from exterior surfaces as well as underwater video‐transects from 20 vessels shortly after their arrival in Great Lakes’ ports. Invertebrates present were sorted and identified in the laboratory.

Results Total estimated abundance averaged > 170,000 invertebrates per ship belonging to 109 taxa. Most (72%) of these taxa were freshwater species already present in the Great Lakes, whereas 11 and 31% were native to estuarine and marine habitats respectively, and would not be expected to survive in this habitat. Abundance was dominated by barnacles (51%), cladocerans (19%), bivalves (12%) and amphipods (11%). Sea‐chest grating and the rudder were hot‐spots for biofouling. Invertebrate diversity and total abundance were positively associated with total time spent in port during the last year and time in Pacific South American ports and negatively related to time in high latitudes and sailing speed. Although we found some live, established invaders such asGammarus tigrinusandDreissena rostriformis bugensis, only one individual of a freshwater NIS (Alexandrovia onegensis, Oligochaeta) not yet reported in the Great Lakes was detected. The animal’s poor condition and seemingly low population abundance indicated the risk of live introduction by this vector was likely quite low.

Main conclusion Our results indicate that hull fouling appears to pose a low risk of introductions of new species capable of surviving in the Great Lakes, unlike foreign‐sourced freshwater ballast water that historically was discharged by these transoceanic vessels.
Cow‐Calf Producer Preferences for Voluntary Traceability Systems
Authors: Schulz Lee L. , Tonsor Glynn T.
Published: November 2009

This article identifies preferences of US cow‐calf producers for voluntary traceability systems to better identify the potential success of alternative voluntary traceability systems. Results suggest that notable heterogeneity exists between cow‐calf producers in their preferences and the welfare effects of mandating traceability adoption. Producers are sensitive to price, managing entity and information requirements. We provide forecasts of voluntary participation rates under different price premium and discount scenarios that producers may face. This analysis has policy implications as success of voluntary traceability systems hinges critically upon cow‐calf producer preferences.
Comparison of measurement techniques and static theory applied to concrete beam deformation
Authors: Rönnholm Petri , Nuikka Milka , Suominen Antti , Salo Panu , Hyyppä Hannu , Pöntinen Petteri , Haggrén Henrik , Vermeer Martin , Puttonen Jari , Hirsi Hannu , Kukko Antero , Kaartinen Harri , Hyyppä Juha , Jaakkola Anttoni
Published: November 2009

In this paper, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), photogrammetric and total station measurements were compared with dial gauge observations in two different loading experiments on a reinforced concrete beam. In the first test, the T‐beam was stressed in several loading phases resulting in deformations of up to 13·63 mm. All measuring methods were able to detect deformations with an accuracy of better than 0·38 mm. The theoretical calculations of deflections based on a form of Euler–Bernoulli beam equation, however, underestimated the maximum bending of 4·08 mm. A similar loading experiment was applied on a rectangular concrete beam. In this case, the maximum deformation of the beam was 14·94 mm and measuring accuracies of all methods were better than 0·44 mm. The accuracy of theoretical calculations was better than 2·07 mm. The results indicate that laser scanning could be used as an alternative or complementary method to photogrammetric and total station measurements for detecting structural deformations in buildings.
The building shadow problem of airborne lidar
Authors: Shih Peter Tian‐Yuan , Huang Ching‐Mei
Published: November 2009

Airborne lidar systems are equipped with a scanning mechanism that produces a swath of 3D coordinated points to form a cloud in each flight strip. The scanning is perpendicular to the direction of flight. The density of the point cloud is one of the major quality measures for the data collected with such systems. Point density, shade (occlusion of the laser beam) and penetration rate are major factors to be considered in the flight design. For practical operations, flight missions may be designed with overlaps ranging from 5 to 50%. Aside from the percentage overlap, the field of view is another important parameter for flight design. An evaluation scheme to assess the percentage overlap between flight strips and the selection of the field of view is proposed in this study. The influences of overlap and field of view are also demonstrated with real data gathered by an airborne lidar system.
P–T–t path of the Hercynian low‐pressure rocks from the Mandatoriccio complex (Sila Massif, Calabria, Italy): new insights for crustal evolution
Authors: LANGONE A. , GODARD G. , PROSSER G. , CAGGIANELLI A. , ROTTURA A. , TIEPOLO M.
Published: November 2009

The tectono‐metamorphic evolution of the Hercynian intermediate–upper crust outcropping in eastern Sila (Calabria, Italy) has been reconstructed, integrating microstructural analysis, P–T pseudosections, mineral isopleths and geochronological data. The studied rocks belong to a nearly complete crustal section that comprises granulite facies metamorphic rocks at the base and granitoids in the intermediate levels. Clockwise P–T paths have been constrained for metapelites of the basal level of the intermediate–upper crust (Umbriatico area). These rocks show noticeable porphyroblastic textures documenting the progressive change from medium‐P metamorphic assemblages (garnet‐ and staurolite‐bearing assemblages) towards low‐P/high‐T metamorphic assemblages (fibrolite‐ and cordierite‐bearing assemblages). Peak‐metamorphic conditions of ∼590 °C and 0.35 GPa are estimated by integrating microstructural observations with P–T pseudosections calculated for bulk‐rock and reaction‐domain compositions. The top level of the intermediate–upper crust (Campana area) recorded only the major heating phase at low‐P (∼550 °C and 0.25 GPa), as documented by the static growth of biotite spots and of cordierite and andalusite porphyroblasts in metapelites. In situ U–Th–Pb dating of monazite from schists containing low‐P/high‐T metamorphic assemblages gave a weighted mean U–Pb concordia age of 299 ± 3 Ma, which has been interpreted as the timing of peak metamorphism. In the framework of the whole Hercynian crustal section the peak of low‐P/high‐T metamorphism in the intermediate‐to‐upper crust took place concurrently with granulite facies metamorphism in the lower crust and with emplacement of the granitoids in the intermediate levels. In addition, decompression is a distinctive trait of the P–T evolution both in the lower and upper crust. It is proposed that post–collisional extension, together with exhumation, is the most suitable tectonic setting in which magmatic and metamorphic processes can be active simultaneously in different levels of the continental crust.
Hydrodynamics of Aortic Cannulae During Extracorporeal Circulation in a Mock Aortic Arch Aneurysm Model
Authors: Minakawa Masahito , Fukuda Ikuo , Igarashi Takao , Fukui Kozo , Yanaoka Hideki , Inamura Takao
Published: November 2009

This study was designed to analyze flow pattern, velocity, and strain on the aortic wall of a glass aortic arch aneurysm model during the extracorporeal circulation, and to elucidate the characteristics of flow pattern in three different aortic cannulae. Different patterns of large vortices and helical flow were made by each cannula. With the curved end‐hole cannula, the high velocity flow (∼0.6–0.8 m/s) was blowing to the aneurismal wall without attenuating the strain rate tensor (∼0.2–0.25/s). With the dispersion cannula and the Soft‐Flow cannula, cannular jet was attenuated in the ascending aorta creating a large vortex at a velocity less than 0.5 m/s, and the strain rate tensor on the aneurismal wall was small (less than 0.15/s). In conclusion, end‐hole cannula should not be used in the operation of aortic arch aneurysm. Dispersion‐type aortic cannulae were less invasive on the aortic arch aneurismal wall, but particular attention to alternative cannulation sites should be paid in cases with severe atherosclerosis on the ascending aortic wall.
Novel Imaging Analysis System to Measure the Spatial Dimension of Engineered Tissue Construct
Authors: Choi Kyoung‐Hwan , Yoo Byung‐Su , Park So Ra , Choi Byung Hyune , Min Byoung‐Hyun
Published: November 2009

The measurement of the spatial dimensions of tissue‐engineered constructs is very important for their clinical applications. In this study, a novel method to measure the volume of tissue‐engineered constructs was developed using iterative mathematical computations. The method measures and analyzes three‐dimensional (3D) parameters of a construct to estimate its actual volume using a sequence of software‐based mathematical algorithms. The mathematical algorithm is composed of two stages: the shape extraction and the determination of volume. The shape extraction utilized 3D images of a construct: length, width, and thickness, captured by a high‐quality camera with charge coupled device. The surface of the 3D images was then divided into fine sections. The area of each section was measured and combined to obtain the total surface area. The 3D volume of the target construct was then mathematically obtained using its total surface area and thickness. The accuracy of the measurement method was verified by comparing the results with those obtained from the hydrostatic weighing method (Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science [KRISS], Korea). The mean difference in volume between two methods was 0.0313 ± 0.0003% (n = 5, P = 0.523) with no significant statistical difference. In conclusion, our image‐based spatial measurement system is a reliable and easy method to obtain an accurate 3D volume of a tissue‐engineered construct.
Teaching Industrial Ecology at Dalian University of Technology
Authors: Geng Yong , Mitchell Bruce , Zhu Qinghua
Published: November 2009

With increasing resource depletion and environmental issues in China, it is both desirable and practical to promote industrial ecology (IE) education. While industrial ecology education in China is still in its infancy, we believe it can be improved through systematic review of specific experiences. We outline and assess the experience with teaching of industrial ecology at the Dalian University of Technology (DUT) in northeastern China. We first provide an overview related to industrial ecology education in China and then present a detailed description of eight teaching modules focused on industrial ecology at DUT: history and evolution of IE, cleaner production, life cycle management, design for environment, integrated waste management, industrial symbiosis and eco‐industrial parks, circular economy, and sustainable consumption. Particular attention is given to teaching methodology. All lectures and discussions are in English; written assignments and verbal presentations in English are required, as is a final research paper and extensive use of Chinese and international case studies. Overall pedagogy emphasizes active learning and critical reflection. The grading system relies on individual written assignments, an oral presentation, participation, and a research paper. Challenges encountered include the difficulties for some students due to their limited competency in the English language, facilitating students to shift from passive to active learning, and attracting management students to the course. Postcourse evaluations indicated that the students’ understanding of industrial ecology increased.
Propensity Score Matching in Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Xu Zhenzhen , Kalbfleisch John D.
Published: November 2009

Summary Cluster randomization trials with relatively few clusters have been widely used in recent years for evaluation of health‐care strategies. On average, randomized treatment assignment achieves balance in both known and unknown confounding factors between treatment groups, however, in practice investigators can only introduce a small amount of stratification and cannot balance on all the important variables simultaneously. The limitation arises especially when there are many confounding variables in small studies. Such is the case in the INSTINCT trial designed to investigate the effectiveness of an education program in enhancing the tPA use in stroke patients. In this article, we introduce a new randomization design, the balance match weighted (BMW) design, which applies the optimal matching with constraints technique to a prospective randomized design and aims to minimize the mean squared error (MSE) of the treatment effect estimator. A simulation study shows that, under various confounding scenarios, the BMW design can yield substantial reductions in the MSE for the treatment effect estimator compared to a completely randomized or matched‐pair design. The BMW design is also compared with a model‐based approach adjusting for the estimated propensity score and Robins‐Mark‐Newey E‐estimation procedure in terms of efficiency and robustness of the treatment effect estimator. These investigations suggest that the BMW design is more robust and usually, although not always, more efficient than either of the approaches. The design is also seen to be robust against heterogeneous error. We illustrate these methods in proposing a design for the INSTINCT trial.
Nonignorable Models for Intermittently Missing Categorical Longitudinal Responses
Authors: Tsonaka Roula , Rizopoulos Dimitris , Verbeke Geert , Lesaffre Emmanuel
Published: November 2009

SummaryA class of nonignorable models is presented for handling nonmonotone missingness in categorical longitudinal responses. This class of models includes the traditional selection models and shared parameter models. This allows us to perform a broader than usual sensitivity analysis. In particular, instead of considering variations to a chosen nonignorable model, we study sensitivity between different missing data frameworks. An appealing feature of the developed class is that parameters with a marginal interpretation are obtained, while algebraically simple models are considered. Specifically, marginalized mixed‐effects models (Heagerty, 1999, Biometrics 55,688–698) are used for the longitudinal process that model separately the marginal mean and the correlation structure. For the correlation structure, random effects are introduced and their distribution is modeled either parametrically or non‐parametrically to avoid potential misspecifications.
The Grassroots Are Greener: Democratic Participation and Environmental Policies in State Politics
Authors: Dell Kyle D.
Published: November 2009

American environmental legislation cannot be fully explained under traditional interest‐group theory, which emphasizes the success of well‐financed, organized interests. One alternative explanation holds that the American public accepts a new environmental ethos that is protective of the natural world and human health. This study examines 100 years of state‐level ballot questions on environmental policy and empirically establishes the emergence and persistence of this new environmental ethos as well as the changing nature of American support for environmental policy. This ethos emerges in 40 years, environmental policy making of this type has been increasingly citizen‐led, inclusive of a wider variety of environmental problems, while embracing a greater range of policy solutions including those premised on more radical notions of humanity?s relationship with the natural world.
Engineering an Artful and Ethical Solution to the Problem of Global Warming
Authors: Ralston Shane J.
Published: November 2009

The idea of geoengineering, or the intentional modification of the Earth's atmosphere to reverse the global warming trend, has entered a working theory stage, finding expression in a variety of proposed projects, such as launching reflective materials into the Earth's atmosphere, positioning sunshades over the planet's surface, depositing iron filings into the oceans to encourage phytoplankton blooms, and planting more trees, to name only a few. However, geoengineering might not be as promising a solution to the problem of global warming as its advocates claim. Many scientists, policy makers, and ethicists still dismiss the option as infeasible and too risky given the immense scale at which most geoengineering projects must be instituted and the catastrophic consequences that could, in all likelihood, result. The thesis of this article is that geoengineering should not be so easily dismissed in policy debates concerning how to mitigate the anthropogenic emissions of global greenhouse gases. My plan is to investigate the desirability of the geoengineering option for addressing global climate change in terms of its capacity to overcome collective action issues, to accommodate ethical norms, and to provide an artful, or creative, response to the problem. In the first section, a general picture of the global warming problem and the particulars of some proposed geoengineering projects are laid out. The second section frames the issue as a collective action problem that demands an innovative approach to coordinating individual and group action. In the third section, I reveal six ethical quandaries that emerge in global climate change debates and how they complicate any attempts to ameliorate or resolve the problem. The penultimate section shows how the ideas and activism of two twentieth‐century titans in philosophy and ecology—John Dewey and Aldo Leopold, respectively—might be combined to address the problem of global warming through artful inquiry and the adoption of an Earth ethic. Finally, I conclude by arguing that a fundamental shift in perspective must occur if we are to take intentional climate change seriously as a possible, even if a second‐best, tool in the environmentalist's tool kit.
Science and Technology for Economic Growth. New Insights from when the Data Contradicts Desktop Models1
Authors: Petrescu Adrian S.
Published: November 2009

Science and technology policy initiatives in the early 1980s have focused in both the United States and Western Europe on improving capacity to apply a good science base in practice, expecting increases in technological advancement, improved market presence and enhanced economic growth. Results varied broadly in the United States and Europe. Even more puzzling, Japan charged ahead in technological advancement without that strong of a science base of its own. Some industrialized economies do not conform to the expected science–technology relationship, whereby strong performance in science shall lead to strong technological performance. The puzzling science–technology relationship in advanced countries has plausible explanations. (1) Science–technology relationship is much interdependent or symbiotic. Its strength and primary direction at a given time varies largely by field of science or technological innovation and across long periods of time. (2) Science–technology link in a country may depend on the overall scientific and technological level of development in that country. The strength and interdependent nature of this link evolves historically and varies across fields of science and technology. The strength of the link is affected by scientific and technological specialization in a country. Different technological fields have different scientific intensities, or degrees of building upon the science base. (3) Specialization of countries across scientific and technological fields varies. Hence, the strength of science–technology link differs between countries. High technological specialization of a country may impact its technological performance more than its immediately current scientific performance does. History, tradition and knowledge transfers may affect more returns on R&D expenditures than the actual value of R&D funds spent in science or technology. Explanations of puzzling behavior of science–technology link may become policy recommendations.
A Comparison of Cleaning Regimes for the Effective Removal of Fingerprint Deposits from Brass
Authors: Paterson Emma , Bond John W. , Robert Hillman A.
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  Effective removal of fingerprint deposits is crucial for experimentation related to the corrosion of metals by fingerprint deposits. Such removal is also necessary prior to deposition of test fingerprints. The effectiveness of four regimes in removing fingerprint deposits from brass is considered. Sustained wiping of the deposit with a tissue at applied pressures of up to c. 1430 Pa or rubbing while the brass was immersed in acetone both failed to remove completely all traces of fingerprint deposits. Heating the brass to 600°C was an effective remover; however, this also oxidized the surface of the metal except where inhibited by fingerprint deposits. The most effective regime, and the only one of the four that removed all traces of deposit without affecting the properties of the metal surface, was immersion in warm soapy water while rubbing with a tissue. We propose this as the preferred method for fingerprint removal.
Intercondylar Eminences and Their Effect on the Maximum Length Measure of the Tibia*
Authors: Waxenbaum Erin B. , Hunt David R. , Falsetti Anthony B.
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  Maximum length measurement of the tibia has been found to be variable both in description and implementation. Historically, the literature often excludes the intercondylar eminences from the tibia in metric analysis. This paper explores the quantitative effects of inclusion or exclusion of the eminences on the maximum length measure across ancestral population, age and sex in five human adult populations of American Whites and Blacks, two Native American samples, and East Asians. A Tukey’s post hoc comparison was employed to determine the overall effect of inclusion the intercondylar eminences has on metric assessment of the tibia. Results show no significant effect on comparative analysis of the tibia by age or sex. However, the difference between sample means by ancestry is significant (p < 0.0001). These results pose interesting questions concerning the morphological differences between ancestral groups. This investigation prompts further study of population variation of the human knee.
Radiographic Recognition of Dental Implants as an Aid to Identifying the Deceased
Authors: Berketa John W. , Hirsch Robert S. , Higgins Denice , James Helen
Published: November 2009

Abstract:  This study was undertaken to determine if dental implants can be radiographically differentiated by company type to aid forensic identification of the deceased. Recognition of dental implants on intraoral radiographic images was assessed in a blind study using a radiographic examination guide to highlight differences between dental implants. Inter‐ and intra‐examiner comparisons were conducted and a computer program (Implant Recognition System®) was evaluated to see whether it improved the accuracy of implant recognition. The study found that dental implants could be radiographically differentiated by company type. The Implant Recognition System® in its current form was of little benefit for radiographic assessment of dental implants for forensic odontologists. Prior knowledge of implant types, with a McNemar’s statistical value of 92.9, proved to be most significant in identification.
Suppression of citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella, with an attract‐and‐kill formulation
Authors: Stelinski Lukasz L. , Czokajlo D.
Published: November 2009

The citrus leafminer, Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), is a worldwide pest of citrus crops and is responsible for proliferation of citrus bacterial canker, Xanthomonas axonopodis (Hasse) pv. citri (Gamma Proteobacteria: Xanthomonadaceae). We developed and evaluated an attracticide formulation, termed MalEx, for control of P. citrella. MalEx is a viscous paste with UV‐protective properties that is dispensed as 50‐μl droplets using custom‐made calibrated pumps. A formulation containing 0.016%P. citrella pheromone [3:1 blend of (Z,Z,E)‐7,11,13‐hexadecatrienal and (Z,Z)‐7,11‐hexadecadienal] and 6% permethrin was found to suppress male response to pheromone in the field better than formulations containing 10× less pheromone. Although formulations without permethrin showed some suppression of male activity because of mating disruption, addition of 6% permethrin to the formulation was required for optimal efficacy. When MalEx, containing 0.016% pheromone and 6% permethrin, was applied at 3 000 point sources ha−1, the application height did not influence efficacy of male P. citrella suppression within mature 4‐m tall citrus trees. Decreasing the rate of MalEx from 3 000 to 1 500 droplets ha−1 reduced efficacy as measured by both male P. citrella activity and larval infestation. Although 4 500 droplets ha−1 did not result in statistically better efficacy than 3 000 droplets ha−1, there was a noticeable trend for higher efficacy as droplet density increased. Continuous treatment of 0.5‐ha blocks of citrus with MalEx over the course of 112 days reduced larval infestation of new flush, as compared with those in untreated control plots, by 3.6–7.2× depending on droplet application density. In laboratory behavioral bioassays, the attractiveness of MalEx droplets to male P. citrella was drastically reduced after 21 days of field aging. However, our laboratory investigation confirmed that 100% of males contacting MalEx droplets, aged up to 35 days in the field, were killed within 24 h. Direct observation of male P. citrella behavior in the field confirmed that attracted males made contact with droplets. Control of P. citrella with MalEx should reduce the number of required broad spectrum sprays for leafminer management in both field and citrus nursery settings.
Characterization of electrical penetration graphs of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, in sweet orange seedlings
Authors: Bonani J. P. , Fereres A. , Garzo E. , Miranda M. P. , Appezzato‐Da‐Gloria B. , Lopes J. R. S.
Published: November 2009

Detailed information on probing behavior of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is critical for understanding the transmission process of phloem‐limited bacteria (Candidatus Liberibacter spp.) associated with citrus ‘huanglongbing’ by this vector. In this study, we investigated stylet penetration activities of D. citri on seedlings of Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck cv. Pêra (Rutaceae) by using the electrical penetration graph (EPG‐DC system) technique. EPG waveforms were described based on amplitude, frequency, voltage level, and electrical origin of the observed traces during stylet penetration into plant tissues. The main waveforms were correlated with histological observations of salivary sheath termini in plant tissues, to determine the putative location of stylet tips. The behavioral activities were also inferred based on waveform similarities in relation to other Sternorrhyncha, particularly aphids and whiteflies. In addition, we correlated the occurrence of specific waveforms with the acquisition of the phloem‐limited bacterium Ca. Liberibacter asiaticus by D. citri. The occurrence of a G‐like xylem sap ingestion waveform in starved and unstarved psyllids was also compared. By analyzing 8‐h EPGs of adult females, five waveforms were described: (C) salivary sheath secretion and other stylet pathway activities; (D) first contact with phloem (distinct from other waveforms reported for Sternorrhyncha); (E1) putative salivation in phloem sieve tubes; (E2) phloem sap ingestion; and (G) probably xylem sap ingestion. Diaphorina citri initiates a probe with stylet pathway through epidermis and parenchyma (C). Interestingly, no potential drops were observed during the stylet pathway phase, as are usually recorded in aphids and other Sternorrhyncha. Once in C, D. citri shows a higher propensity to return to non‐probing than to start a phloem or xylem phase. Several probes are usually observed before the phloem phase; waveform D is observed upon phloem contact, always immediately followed by E1. After E1, D. citri either returns to pathway activity (C) or starts phloem sap ingestion, which was the longest activity observed.
Variation at the Est3 locus and adaptability to organophosphorous compounds in Zaprionus indianus populations
Authors: Gustavo da Conceição Galego Luís , Marcia Aparecida Carareto Claudia
Published: November 2009

Carboxylesterases are enzymes often associated with insect resistance to insecticides. The Est3 locus of Zaprionus indianus Gupta (Diptera: Drosophilidae) harbors four alleles that encode carboxylesterases with potentially detoxifying roles. In this study, we propose a model of resistance to insecticides in Z. indianus based on the adaptability of the Est3 locus inferred from the spread of its alleles over 27 generations in experimental populations, and their frequencies in field populations, which were either exposed or unexposed to the organophosphorous insecticide malathion. The increase in the frequency of this allele in experimental populations, and its high prevalence in field populations exposed to organophosphorous insecticides suggest that natural selection favors individuals with the Est3‐3 allele. The low frequency of this allele in unexposed field populations, and the low productivity of Est3‐3 homozygotes indicate that an adaptive cost is associated with this allele. The existence of a marker locus for insecticide resistance in Z. indianus makes it possible to use this species as a bioindicator for monitoring the excessive use of organophosphorous products and the emergence of resistance, and to devise strategies for the management of agricultural pests.
GVHD prophylaxis using low‐dose cyclosporine improves survival in leukaemic recipients of HLA‐identical sibling transplants
Authors: Olsson Richard , Remberger Mats , Hassan Zuzana , Omazic Brigitta , Mattsson Jonas , Ringdén Olle
Published: November 2009

Graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis of short duration (6 months) with low‐dose cyclosporine A (CsA) starting at 1 mg/kg per day i.v. and four doses of methotrexate (MTX) were given to 171 consecutive leukaemic recipients of HLA‐identical sibling transplants. In contrast, apart from MTX, retrospective controls received high‐dose CsA, starting at 5–7.5 mg/kg per day i.v. and discontinued 1 yr post‐transplant. In the low‐dose CsA group, the probability of acute GVHD grades I–II (70% vs. 53%,P < 0.01), and chronic GVHD were increased (58% vs. 25%,P < 0.01), whereas the incidences of acute GVHD grades III–IV (9% vs. 5%,P = 0.62), and non‐relapse mortality (20% vs. 22%,P = 0.58) were similar. Moreover, the probability of relapse was decreased (31% vs. 54%,P < 0.01), and both relapse‐free (56% vs. 38%,P = 0.04) and overall survival (61% vs. 40%,P = 0.04) were markedly improved using the low‐dose CsA regimen. In multivariate analyses, low‐dose CsA was strongly associated with chronic GVHD [relative hazard (RH) 2.56,P < 0.01], which decreased the risk of relapse (RH 0.46,P < 0.01) and improved the probability of survival (RH 1.84,P < 0.01). In conclusion, a low‐dose CsA regimen in leukaemic recipients of HLA‐identical sibling transplants increases the rate of chronic GVHD, which seems to attenuate the risk of relapse, thereby improving patient survival owing to enhanced graft‐versus‐leukaemia effect.