bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations of systemic diseases, smoking and contact lens wear with severity of dry eye
Authors: Lee Sze‐Yee , Petznick Andrea , Tong Louis
Published: September 2012

Citation information: Lee S‐Y, Petznick A & Tong L. Associations of systemic diseases, smoking and contact lens wear with severity of dry eye. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 518–526. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2012.00931.x

Purpose:  Systemic diseases, smoking, ocular surgeries and contact lens wear have been linked with dry eye but it is not known if these factors are also associated with severity of dry eye. A cross‐sectional investigation was conducted on the effect of various systemic and ocular conditions with respect to the severity of dry eye in Asian patients.

Methods:  Prospective recruitment of consecutive new referral patients from a dry eye clinic was performed. Medical history, dry eye symptoms and clinical assessment were coded in a standardised form and analysed.

Results:  Out of 510 patients (25% men), mean ± S.D. age 53.0 ± 14.1 years, 25 had previous diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, 30 had diabetic mellitus, 41 had thyroid disease, and 33 were current smokers; 23 and 41 patients had previous LASIK and cataract surgery respectively and 90 were current contact lenses wearers. A previous diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis was associated with more severe superior corneal fluorescein staining (OR = 11.2, 95% CI 4.6–27.4).

Conclusion:  Generally, with the exception of rheumatoid arthritis, there were no associations between dry eye severity and systemic diseases, smoking, previous ocular surgeries and contact lens wear. Dry eye patients with rheumatoid arthritis tend to have more severe ocular surface damage in the superior cornea.
Optical modelling of the possible origins of transient refractive changes in diabetic patients
Authors: Charman William Neil
Published: September 2012

Citation information:Charman WN. Optical modelling of the possible origins of transient refractive changes in diabetic patients.Ophthalmic Physiol Opt2012,32, 485–491. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2012.00935.x

Purpose: To explore theoretically the ocular components that might be responsible for the transient refractive changes observed in the eyes of diabetic patients, particularly during intensive glycaemic control.

Methods: Paraxial ray tracing with a model eye having a lens with a single equivalent refractive index was used to determine the sensitivity of refraction to change in the values of each biometric component. The changes required to produce a refractive change of 0.50 D were compared with the reliability of current instrumentation to measure each parameter.

Results: If transient shifts of 0.50 D or more were caused by changes in surface curvatures or separations, the latter would easily be detectable by available measurement techniques. The fact that such parameter changes have not been reliably detected in clinical studies supports the concept that changes in refractive index cause the refractive changes. The most probable site of such index changes is the lens, a change of about 0.003 in equivalent index being required to produce a 0.50 change in refractive error.

Conclusion: This analysis supports the concept that transient changes in refraction in diabetics are due to changes in the lens. It is likely that changes in the gradients of refractive index lens within the lens, and in their associated contribution to the overall power of the lens, play the key role, rather than changes in surface powers.
The Latina/o Racial and Citizenship Divide on Perceptions of the Influence of Immigrant Mobilizations*
Authors: Morales Maria Cristina , Murga Aurelia Lorena , Sanchez Marisa E.
Published: September 2012

In spring 2006, the United States witnessed immigrant marches throughout the nation. Although Latina/os are often depicted as the “face” of the immigrant marches, we know little about how racial and citizenship statuses shaped Latina/os’ perceptions of how the marches influenced public perceptions of undocumented immigrants. Using logistic regression on data from the 2006 National Survey of Latinos, we find that Latina/os identifying as white are less likely to be supportive of the immigrant marches than those who defied standard racial classifications, and instead identified as “Latina/o.” Moreover, Latina/os who are born in the United States are not as supportive of the immigrant marches in comparison with naturalized citizens and non‐citizen Latina/os, accounting for demographic and human capital factors. This study suggests there is a “racial‐ and citizenship divide” among Latina/os that fragments perceptions on the immigrant mobilizations in the United States.
Diagnosing Discrimination: Stress from Perceived Racism and the Mental and Physical Health Effects*
Authors: Anderson Kathryn Freeman
Published: September 2012

Differences in health between racial groups in the United States are significant and persistent. Many studies have documented these differences as a result of a variety of different social factors. An emerging emphasis is the impact of racism in its various forms on physical and mental health. Social stress theory conceptualizes racism as a social stresssor which can produce negative health consequences for racial minorities. This study uses binary logit and negative binomial regression models of four items from the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to test social stress theory and examine the relationship between stress symptoms from perceived racism and overall health (N = 32,585). The effect of race on the experience of emotional and physical stress symptoms from racism is substantial. Furthermore, experiencing both emotional and physical stress from perceived racist treatment is an important factor in predicting the number of poor mental and physical health days, indicating that the experience of stress from perceived racism is related to overall poorer health.
CC4, a dimer of cytisine, is a selective partial agonist at α4β2/α6β2 nAChR with improved selectivity for tobacco smoking cessation
Authors: Sala Mariaelvina , Braida Daniela , Pucci Luca , Manfredi Irene , Marks Michael J , Wageman Charles R , Grady Sharon R , Loi Barbara , Fucile Sergio , Fasoli Francesca , Zoli Michele , Tasso Bruno , Sparatore Fabio , Clementi Francesco , Gotti Cecilia
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose

Many of the addictive and rewarding effects of nicotine are due to its actions on the neuronal nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) subtypes expressed in dopaminergic mesocorticolimbic cells. The partial agonists, cytisine and varenicline, are helpful smoking cessation aids. These drugs have a number of side effects that limit their usefulness. The aim of this study was to investigate the preclinical pharmacology of the cytisine dimer1,2‐bisN‐cytisinylethane (CC4).

Experimental Approach

The effects of CC4 on nAChRs were investigated using in vitro assays and animal behaviours.

Key Results

When electrophysiologically tested using heterologously expressed human subtypes, CC4 was less efficacious than cytisine on neuronal α4β2, α3β4, α7 and muscle‐type receptors, and had no effect on 5‐hydroxytryptamine3 receptors. Acting through α4β2 and α6β2 nAChRs, CC4 is a partial agonist of nAChR‐mediated striatal dopamine release and, when co‐incubated with nicotine, prevented nicotine's maximal effect on this response. In addition, it had low affinity for, and was less efficacious than nicotine and cytisine on the α3β4 and α7‐nAChR subtypes. Like cytisine and nicotine, CC4‐induced conditioned place preference (CPP), and its self‐administration shows an inverted‐U dose–response curve. Pretreatment with non‐reinforcing doses of CC4 significantly reduced nicotine‐induced self‐administration and CPP without affecting motor functions.

Conclusion and Implications

Our in vitro and in vivo findings reveal that CC4 selectively reduces behaviours associated with nicotine addiction consistent with the partial agonist selectivity of CC4 for β2‐nAChRs. The results support the possible development of CC4 or its derivatives as a promising drug for tobacco smoking cessation.
Cross‐talk between toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) and proteinase‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is involved in vascular function
Authors: Bucci M , Vellecco V , Harrington L , Brancaleone V , Roviezzo F , Mattace Raso G , Ianaro A , Lungarella G , De Palma R , Meli R , Cirino G
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose

Proteinase‐activated receptors (PARs) and toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are involved in innate immune responses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible cross‐talk between PAR2 and TLR4 in vessels in physiological condition and how it varies following stimulation of TLR4 by using in vivo and ex vivo models.

Experimental Approach

Thoracic aortas were harvested from both naïve and endotoxaemic rats for in vitro studies. Arterial blood pressure was monitored in anaesthetized rats in vivo. LPS was used as a TLR4 agonist while PAR2 activating peptide (AP) was used as a PAR2 agonist. Aortas harvested from TLR4–/– mice were also used to characterize the PAR2 response.

Key Results

PAR2, but not TLR4, expression was enhanced in aortas of endotoxaemic rats. PAR2AP‐induced vasorelaxation was increased in aortic rings of LPS‐treated rats. TLR4 inhibitors, curcumine and resveratrol, reduced PAR2AP‐induced vasorelaxation and PAR2AP‐induced hypotension in both naïve and endotoxaemic rats. Finally, in aortic rings from TLR4–/– mice, the expression of PAR2 was reduced and the PAR2AP‐induced vasodilatation impaired compared with those from wild‐type mice and both resveratrol and curcumine were ineffective.

Conclusions and Implications

Cross‐talk between PAR2 and TLR4 contributes to vascular homeostasis.
Regime Shifts in the Fish Meal/Soybean Meal Price Ratio
Authors: Asche Frank , Oglend Atle , Tveteras Sigbjørn
Published: September 2012

Aquaculture growth has led to worries about overfishing and reduction in wild‐caught food fish supply because of increased demand for fish meal. As such, the price ratio between fish meal and soybean meal has received much attention as an indicator of changing market conditions. In recent years, the price ratio between these two commodities has become more volatile. Several authors have suggested that the traditional relationship between fish meal and soybean meal has broken down and that this is evidence of increased demand pressure on fish meal. In this article, we investigate the hypothesis that there are two regimes for the relative price between fish meal and soybean meal. The empirical results support this hypothesis, with the low‐price regime representing the traditional stable relative price. The continued linkages between the fish meal and the soybean meal markets indicate that aquaculture is reducing its dependency on marine proteins in favour of vegetable proteins.
Production Risk and Technical Efficiency in Organic and Conventional Agriculture – The Case of Arable Farms in Germany
Authors: Tiedemann Torben , Latacz‐Lohmann Uwe
Published: September 2012

This paper quantifies the importance of production risk and technical efficiency as two possible sources of production variability in German organic and conventional farming. Determinants of production risk and inefficiency are investigated based on a combination of Just and Pope’s stochastic production framework and a Stochastic Frontier Analysis. The empirical analysis is conducted using a balanced panel of farm records from 1999/2000 to 2006/2007 on 37 organic and conventional arable farms, respectively. Euclidian‐Distance‐Matching is used to identify for each organic farm a conventional counterpart with similar structural features. Results indicate that output variability in both production technologies is mainly caused by production risk. Land and labour are identified as risk‐increasing inputs in both farm types whereas higher capital endowment, seed costs and soil quality have risk‐reducing effects.
The Maternal Self‐efficacy Scale for Preventing Early Childhood Diarrhea: Validity and Reliability
Authors: Joventino Emanuella S. , Ximenes Lorena B. , Almeida Paulo C. , Oria Monica O. B.
Published: September 2012

Objective

This study aimed to develop and validate a psychometric scale for preventing early childhood diarrhea in endemic areas.

Design and Sample

Before applying to the field, the scale was subjected to content validity by a panel of experts and piloting. The final version was applied to 448 mothers of children 0‐ to 5‐year‐olds, living in Fortaleza, northeast Brazil. Structured interviews were conducted to identify diarrheal episodes in the study children.

Results

Significant negative correlations were found between higher maternal self‐efficacy scores and previous childhood diarrhea (p = .001). In addition, positive correlations were found with maternal age (p = .018). The frequency of children (6–36 months old) with diarrhea was significantly lower when scale scores were higher (p = .015). The predictive validity revealed that high levels of maternal self‐efficacy were a protective factor against childhood diarrhea. Cronbachs alpha was .84.

Conclusions

The scale was found reliable. Cultural adjustments may be needed to extrapolate the scale to other endemic areas worldwide.
Application and Modification of the Integrative Model for Environmental Health
Authors: Polivka Barbara J. , Chaudry Rosemary , Crawford J. Mac , Wilson Robyn , Galos Dylan
Published: September 2012

The Integrative Model for Environmental Health (IMEH) has guided research, literature reviews, and practice initiatives since 2002. This article presents the Modified IMEH that was developed based on using the IMEH as a guiding conceptual framework in a community‐based participatory research environmental health project. Concepts from the Model of Risk Information Seeking and Processing as well as emergent themes from the data analysis were instrumental in this process. The Modified IMEH alters the structure of the IMEH in that the Vulnerability and Epistemological Domains are more prominent and feedback between domains is included.
Cutaneous Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (Erysipeloid) Infection in an Immunocompromised Child
Authors: Boyd Alan S. , Ritchie Coleman , Fenton Jeremy S.
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  Erysipeloid, a cutaneous infection with the gram‐positive bacillus Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, is typically an occupational dermatosis seen in persons working with livestock or involved in commercial fishing (fishmongers). Other more‐generalized forms of infection with this organism also exist, including a septic form usually associated with endocarditis. Many infections may be self‐limited. They have rarely been reported in children or in immunocompromised patients. This microbe is sensitive to many mainstream antibiotic agents.
Bone mineral density in a population of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy and mental retardation with or without epilepsy
Authors: Coppola Giangennaro , Fortunato Delia , Mainolfi Ciro , Porcaro Francesco , Roccaro Davide , Signoriello Giuseppe , Operto Francesca Felicia , Verrotti Alberto
Published: September 2012

Purpose:  The present study aimed to assess bone mineral density (BMD) in a population of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy and mental retardation with or without epilepsy.

Methods:  One hundred thirteen patients (63 male and 50 female) were recruited for evaluation. Patients were divided in three groups: 40 patients (group 1) were affected by cerebral palsy and mental retardation; 47 (group 2) by cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and epilepsy; and 26 (group 3) by epilepsy. The control group consisted of 63 healthy children and adolescents. Patients underwent a dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan of the lumbar spine (L1–L4), and z‐score was calculated for each patient; t‐score was considered for patients 18 years of age and older.

Key Findings:  Abnormal BMD by DEXA was found in 17 patients (42.5%) in group 1, in 33 (70.2%) in group 2, and in 3 (11.5%) in group 3. In groups 1 and 2, tetraparesis and severe/profound mental retardation were related to a significantly abnormal BMD (p = 0.003). The multivariate analysis of independent factors on BMD (z‐score) revealed a significant correlation between BMD (z‐score) and age (p = 0.04), body mass index (BMI; p = 0.002), severe/profound mental retardation (p = 0.03), and epilepsy (p = 0.05).

Significance:  A significantly lower BMD z‐score value was found in patients with cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and epilepsy compared with those without epilepsy. The epileptic disorder appears to be an aggravating factor on bone health when comorbid with cerebral palsy and mental retardation.
Seizure worsening and its predictors after epilepsy surgery
Authors: Sarkis Rani A. , Jehi Lara , Bingaman William , Najm Imad M.
Published: September 2012

Purpose:  This study aims to investigate seizure worsening and its predictors after epilepsy surgery.

Methods:  A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent unilobar epilepsy surgery between 1990 and 2007 and had recurrence of at least one seizure was performed. Seizure worsening was defined as an increase in total average monthly seizure frequency, average monthly generalized tonic–clonic seizures (GTCS), new‐onset GTCS, or new‐onset status epilepticus. The occurrence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) was captured. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of worsening.

Key Findings:  A total of 276 patients with postoperative seizure recurrence were identified. Monthly average seizure frequency worsening occurred in 9.8%, GTC worsening in 8.0%, new‐onset GTCs in 1.4%, new‐onset status epilepticus in 2.2%, and death from SUDEP in 1.4%. A higher risk of worsening was seen with extratemporal resections as compared to temporal lobe surgeries (odds ratio [OR] 3.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21–7.95; p = 0.018), and in patients with low preoperative seizure frequency <30 seizures/month (OR 14.82, 95% CI 2.81–275.41; p = 0.0003). Predictors of increased GTCs included an incomplete resection (OR 3.98, 95% CI 1.39–12.59; p = 0.010) and multiple recorded ictal patterns (OR 5.91, 95% CI 1.20–26.96; p = 0.030). Multiple seizure semiologies correlated with worsening after temporal lobe resections.

Significance:  The most vulnerable patients for seizure worsening following epilepsy surgery include those with extratemporal resections, incomplete resections, and multiple recorded ictal patterns.
Transparency Built‐in
Authors: Baumers Martin , Tuck Chris , Wildman Ricky , Ashcroft Ian , Rosamond Emma , Hague Richard
Published: September 2012

The supply chains found in modern manufacturing are often complex and long. The resulting opacity poses a significant barrier to the measurement and minimization of energy consumption and therefore to the implementation of sustainable manufacturing. The current article investigates whether the adoption of additive manufacturing (AM) technology can be used to reach transparency in terms of energy and financial inputs to manufacturing operations.

AM refers to the use of a group of electricity‐driven technologies capable of combining materials to manufacture geometrically complex products in a single digitally controlled process step, entirely without molds, dies, or other tooling. The single‐step nature affords full measurability with respect to process energy inputs and production costs. However, the parallel character of AM (allowing the contemporaneous production of multiple parts) poses previously unconsidered problems in the estimation of manufacturing resource consumption.

This research discusses the implementation of a tool for the estimation of process energy flows and costs occurring in the AM technology variant direct metal laser sintering. It is demonstrated that accurate predictions can be made for the production of a basket of sample parts. Further, it is shown that, unlike conventional processes, the quantity and variety of parts demanded and the resulting ability to fully utilize the available machine capacity have an impact on process efficiency. It is also demonstrated that cost minimization in additive manufacturing may lead to the minimization of process energy consumption, thereby motivating sustainability improvements.
Effects of Familiarity and Feeding on Newborn Speech–Voice Recognition
Authors: Valiante A. Grace , Barr Ronald G. , Zelazo Philip R. , Brant Rollin , Young Simon N.
Published: September 2012

Newborn infants preferentially orient to familiar over unfamiliar speech sounds. They are also better at remembering unfamiliar speech sounds for short periods of time if learning and retention occur after a feed than before. It is unknown whether short‐term memory for speech is enhanced when the sound is familiar (versus unfamiliar) and, if so, whether the effect is further enhanced by feeding. We used a two‐factorial design and randomized infants to one of four groups: prefeed‐unfamiliar, prefeed‐familiar, postfeed‐unfamiliar, and postfeed‐familiar. Memory for either familiar or unfamiliar speech (the infant's mother saying “baby” versus a female stranger saying “beagle”) was assessed using head turning to sound in an habituation–recovery paradigm and a retention delay of 85 sec either before or after a typical milk feed. Memory for the familiar speech–voice was enhanced relative to the unfamiliar speech–voice, expressed by significantly less head turning toward the habituated sound stimulus when it was re‐presented after the delay. Memory for familiar or unfamiliar speech was not significantly enhanced from pre‐ to postfeeding, nor was there a significant interaction. This is the first demonstration in newborns that familiarity enhances short‐term memory for speech–voice sound.
Use of Nitinol Stents for End‐Stage Tracheal Collapse in Dogs
Authors: Durant April M. , Sura Patricia , Rohrbach Barton , Bohling Mark W.
Published: September 2012

Objective

To report bronchoscopic placement of nitinol stents (Vet Stent—Trachea®) for improvement of end‐stage clinical signs in dogs with tracheal collapse.

Study Design

Case series.

Sample Population

Dogs (n = 18).

Methods

Medical records (January 1, 2004–October 31, 2008) were searched for dogs with a diagnosis of tracheal collapse; 18 dogs met inclusion criteria. Tracheal diameter was compared before and after stent deployment. Stent dimensions were compared after stent deployment and at radiographic follow‐up.

Results

There was a significant difference in the minimum tracheal diameter when initial and post deployment tracheal diameters were compared (P= .003). Stent length was significantly shorter at follow‐up when compared to post deployment measurements (P= .004). Owner assessment of outcome was available for all dogs with 11.1% mortality within 60 days. Complications were documented in 9 dogs.

Conclusions

Use of a nitinol stent (Vet Stent—Trachea®) in dogs with end‐stage tracheal collapse is associated with a fair to good outcome despite significant temporal stent fore shortening after bronchoscopic placement.
RHCE*cE734C allele encodes an altered c antigen and a suppressed E antigen not detected with standard reagents
Authors: Silvy Monique , Barrault Aurélie , Velliquette Randall W. , Lomas‐Francis Christine , Simon Sophie , Mortelecque Rosanna , Chiaroni Jacques , Bierling Philippe , Noizat‐Pirenne France , Bailly Pascal , Tournamille Christophe
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: The RH blood group system has many RHCE variant alleles that have arisen through gene conversion or nucleotide changes. Two probands, with red blood cells (RBCs) that were D+C+E−c+we+ were sent to our laboratories to resolve the weak c expression.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Hemagglutination tests were performed by automated and manual procedures. Genomic DNA analysis was performed by sequencing of Exons 1 to 10 of RHCE and RHD.

RESULTS: The probands' RBCs did not react with standard monoclonal anti‐E reagents from Bio‐Rad, Diagast, DiaMed, Immucor, Ortho, and Quotient. The RBCs reacted variably with anti‐c reagents from Diagast, DiaMed, Immucor, or Ortho and did not react with the Quotient anti‐c reagent. Surprisingly, sequencing results of RHCE showed the presence of C/G at Position 676 (E/e polymorphism) and the association of the E polymorphism with a 734T>C transition in Exon 5 of the RHCE, encoding a Leu245Pro amino acid substitution in the mature RhcE polypeptide. Replacement of leucine 245 by proline in the eighth transmembrane domain of the RhcE protein may have a steric effect on the protein such that most anti‐E reagents do not bind and the interaction between anti‐c and c antigen is also affected.

CONCLUSION: We report a novel RHCE*cE allele, RHCE*cE734C, which was assigned the provisional ISBT allele name RHCE*cE.14 or RHCE*03.14. It was found in two probands whose RBCs had weakened c expression and typed E− with conventional anti‐E reagents. These data, once again, highlight the fact that the genotype does not always reflect the phenotype.
Disagreeing about Disagreement: How Conflict in Social Networks Affects Political Behavior
Authors: Klofstad Casey A. , Sokhey Anand Edward , McClurg Scott D.
Published: September 2012

At the center of debates on deliberative democracy is the issue of how much deliberation citizens experience in their social networks. These “disagreements about disagreement” come in a variety of forms, with scholars advocating different empirical approaches (e.g., Huckfeldt, Johnson, and Sprague 2004; Mutz 2006) and coming to different substantive conclusions. We address these discrepancies by going back to the basics: investigating the consequences of conceptual and measurement differences for key findings relating interpersonal political disagreement to political attitudes and behaviors. Drawing on the 2008–2009 ANES panel study, we find evidence that different measures of disagreement have distinct effects when it comes to individuals’ preferences, patterns of engagement, and propensities to participate. We discuss the implications for the study of social influence; as interpersonal disagreement can mean different things, scholars should think carefully about how to study it and should exercise caution when making pronouncements about its empirical and democratic consequences.
Fetal Diagnosis of Superior Vena Cava Aneurysm
Authors: Flores Saul , Dangol Amir , Strainic James P. , Hoit Brian D. , Kouretas Peter C. , Ashwath Ravi C.
Published: September 2012

Superior vena cava aneurysm is a rare intrathoracic vascular lesion with only 27 cases reported in the literature. The majority are fusiform and can be associated with cystic hygroma due to the close embryonic relationship between lymphatic vessels and systemic veins. This is the first report of superior vena cava aneurysm diagnosed with fetal echocardiography in a fetus with a cystic hygroma. There is a need of a prospective registry to further delineate all aspects of this condition and establish the most appropriate therapeutic approach.
Severe Portopulmonary Hypertension Associated with an Unusual Pattern of Abernethy Malformation: Three‐Dimensional Computed Tomography View
Authors: Caputo Salvatore , Manganiello Carmine Augusto Tommaso
Published: September 2012

Mini‐Abstract

In a 28‐year‐old female, with symptoms and clinical signs of right heart failure, transthoracic echocardiography and abdominal, three‐dimensional, contrast‐enhanced, computed tomography revealed a rare type of portopulmonary hypertension. She had a severe pulmonary artery hypertension associated with an unusual (and, to our knowledge, not previously described) pattern of Abernethy malformation, with absence of the portal vein, but partial, extrahepatic portosystemic shunt, as the superior mesenteric vein went to the liver, but the splenic vein drained into the inferior vena cava.
Sintering Mechanisms of LiF‐Doped Mg–Al‐Spinel
Authors: Müller Mathis M. , Kleebe Hans‐Joachim
Published: September 2012

A model system of Mg–Al‐spinel doped with 5 wt% lithium fluoride was examined using transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction to verify three major processes during sintering, as postulated in literature. Densification and sintering is facilitated by the addition of LiF that forms different transient phases, which are detectable at various stages of the densification process. The postulated mechanisms (i) wetting–dewetting, (ii) incorporation of oxygen vacancies, and (iii) dissolution–reprecipation could be verified in this model system; however, being effective at different temperature regimes.
Early Development of Empathy in Toddlers: Effects of Daily Parent–Child Interaction and Home‐Rearing Environment
Authors: Tong Lian , Shinohara Ryoji , Sugisawa Yuka , Tanaka Emiko , Yato Yuko , Yamakawa Noriko , Anme Tokie ,   Japan Children's Study Group
Published: September 2012

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the effects of (a) parent–child interaction and (b) home environment on the early development of empathy in toddlers. A total of 176 Japanese families (both young children and their parents) were enrolled in this study. Laboratory assessment of children's empathy development and caregiver's rearing competence was made during a controlled observation of parent–child interaction. The results of this study suggest that of all the factors examined, the degree of parent–child interaction, the stability of long‐term parenting practices, parental attitude, and mother's mental health status were correlated with development of empathy in children. These findings provide new indicators for the development of individualized intervention methods for use in clinical practice.
Agricultural water management and poverty in Ethiopia
Authors: Hagos Fitsum , Jayasinghe Gayathri , Awulachew Seleshi Bekele , Loulseged Mekonnen , Yilma Aster Denekew
Published: September 2012

The main focus of this article is to explore whether access to selected agricultural water management (AWM) technologies has led to significant reduction in poverty and, if they did so, to identify which technologies had higher impacts. In measuring impact we estimated the average treatment effect for the treated on crop income and measured the differences in consumption expenditures per adult equivalent of those with access and without access using matched data. The estimated average treatment effect was significant and amounted to USD 82 per season. Moreover, there was 24 less poverty incidence among users of AWM technologies compared to nonusers. All technologies were found to have significant poverty reducing impacts with micro dams, deep wells, river diversions, and ponds leading to 37%, 26%, 11%, and 9% reduction in poverty incidence compared to rainfed system. Finally, our study identified the most important correlates of poverty on the basis this we made the policy recommendations to build assets (AWM technologies, livestock, etc); to enhance human resource development and improve the functioning of labor markets for enhanced impact of AWM technologies on poverty.
Involvement of viral glycoprotein gC‐1 in expression of the selectin ligand sialyl‐Lewis X induced after infection with herpes simplex virus type 1
Authors: Nordén Rickard , Nyström Kristina , Adamiak Beata , Halim Adnan , Nilsson Jonas , Larson Göran , Trybala Edward , Olofsson Sigvard
Published: September 2012

Several herpesviruses induce expression of the selectin receptor sialyl‐Lewis X (sLex) by activating transcription of one or more of silent host FUT genes, each one encoding a fucosyltransferase that catalyses the rate‐limiting step of sLex synthesis. The aim here was to identify the identity of the glycoconjugate associated with sLex glycoepitope in herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) infected human diploid fibroblasts, using immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. Cells infected with all tested HSV‐1 strains analysed demonstrated bright sLex fluorescence, except for two mutant viruses that were unable to induce proper expression of viral glycoprotein gC‐1: One gC‐1 null mutant and another mutant expressing gC‐1 devoid of its major O‐glycan‐containing region (aa 33–116). The sLex reactivity of HSV‐1 infected cells was abolished by mild alkali treatment. Altogether the results indicated that the detectable sLex was associated with O‐linked glycans, situated in the mucin region of gC‐1. No evidence for sLex (i) in other HSV‐1 glycoproteins with mucin domains such as gI‐1 or (ii) in host cell glycoproteins/glycolipids was found. Thus, the mucin domain of HSV‐1 gC‐1 may support expression of selectin ligands such as sLex and other larger O‐linked glycans in cell types lacking endogenous mucin domain‐containing glycoproteins, optimized for O‐glycan expression, provided that the adequate host glycosyltransferase genes are activated.
Rapid changes in bird community composition at multiple temporal and spatial scales in response to recent climate change
Authors: Lindström Åke , Green Martin , Paulson Göran , Smith Henrik G. , Devictor Vincent
Published: September 2012

Although climate change is acknowledged to affect population dynamics and species distribution, details of how community composition is affected are still lacking. We investigate whether ongoing changes in bird community composition can be explained by contemporary changes in summer temperatures, using four independent long‐term bird census schemes from Sweden (up to 57 yr); two at the national scale and two at local scales. The change in bird community composition was represented by a community temperature index (CTI) that reflects the balance in abundance between low‐ and high‐temperature dwelling species. In all schemes, CTI tracked patterns of temperature increase, stability or decrease remarkably well, with a lag period of 1–3 yr. This response was similar at both the national and local scale. However, the communities did not respond fast enough to cope with temperature increase, suggesting that community composition lags behind changes in temperature. The change in CTI was caused mainly by changes in species’ relative abundances, and less so by changes in species composition. We conclude that ongoing changes in bird community structure are driven to a large extent by contemporary changes in climate and that CTI can be used as a simple indicator for how bird communities respond.
Animal space use: distinguishing a two‐level superposition of scale‐specific walks from scale‐free Lévy walk
Authors: Gautestad Arild O.
Published: September 2012

How to differentiate between scale‐free space use like Lévy walk and a two‐level scale‐specific process like composite random walk (mixture of intra‐ and inter‐patch habitat movement) is surrounded by controversy. Composite random walk may under some parameter conditions appear Lévy walk‐like from the perspective of the path’s distribution of step lengths due to superabundance of very long steps relative to the expectation from a classic (single‐level) random walk. However, a more explicit focus on the qualitative differences between studying movement at a high resolution mechanistic (behavioral) level and the more coarse‐grained statistical mechanical level may contribute to resolving both this and other issues related to scaling complexity. Specifically, a re‐sampling of a composite random walk at larger time lags than the micro‐level unit time step for the simulation makes a Lévy‐look‐alike step length distribution re‐shaping towards a Brownian motion‐like pattern. Conversely, a true Levy walk maintains its scaling characteristics upon re‐sampling. This result illustrates how a confusing pattern at the mechanistic level may be resolved by changing observational scale from the micro level to the coarser statistical mechanical meso‐ or macro‐scale. The instability of the composite random walk pattern under rescaling is a consequence of influence of the central limit theorem. I propose that a coarse‐graining test – studying simulated animal paths at a coarsened temporal scale by re‐sampling a series – should be routinely performed prior to comparing theoretical results with those patterns generated from GPS data describing animal movement paths. Fixes from terrestrial mammals are often collected at hourly intervals or larger, and such a priori coarse‐grained series may thus comply better with the statistical mechanical meso‐ or macro‐level of analysis than the behavioral mechanics observed at finer resolutions typically in the range of seconds and minutes. If fixes of real animals are collected at this high frequency, coarse graining both the simulated and real series is advised in order to bring the analysis into a temporal scale domain where analytical methods from statistical mechanics can be applied.
Direct and indirect effects of land use on floral resources and flower‐visiting insects across an urban landscape
Authors: Matteson K. C. , Grace J. B. , Minor E. S.
Published: September 2012

Although urban areas are often considered to have uniformly negative effects on biodiversity, cities are most accurately characterized as heterogeneous mosaics of buildings, streets, parks, and gardens that include both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ areas for wildlife. However, to date, few studies have evaluated how human impacts vary in direction and magnitude across a heterogeneous urban landscape. In this study, we assessed the distribution of floral resources and flower‐visiting insects across a variety of land uses in New York City. We visited both green spaces (e.g. parks, cemeteries) and heavily developed neighborhood blocks (e.g. with high or low density residential zoning) and used structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of median income, vegetation, and development intensity on floral resources and insects in both settings. Abundance and taxonomic richness of flower‐visiting insects was significantly greater in green spaces than neighborhood blocks. The SEM results indicated that heavily‐developed neighborhoods generally had fewer flower‐visiting insects consistent with reductions in floral resources. However, some low‐density residential neighborhoods maintained high levels of floral resources and flower‐visiting insects. We found that the effects of surrounding vegetation on floral resources, and thus indirect effects on insects, varied considerably between green spaces and neighborhood blocks. Along neighborhood blocks, vegetation consisted of a mosaic of open gardens and sparsely distributed trees and had a positive indirect effect on flower‐visiting insects. In contrast, vegetation in urban green spaces was associated with increased canopy cover and thus had a negative indirect effect on flower‐visiting insects through reductions in floral resources. In both neighborhood blocks and green spaces, vegetation had a positive direct effect on flower‐visiting insects independent of the influence of vegetation on floral resources. Our results demonstrate how inter‐related components of an urban ecosystem can vary with respect to one another across a heterogeneous urban landscape, suggesting that it is inappropriate to generalize about urban systems as a whole without first addressing differences among component land use types.
Time as a constraint on the distribution of feral goats at high latitudes
Authors: Dunbar Robin I. M. , Shi Jianbin
Published: September 2012

We use data on feral goats on the Isle of Rum to explore the hypothesis that time is a major constraint on the latitudinal and altitudinal distribution of this species. Daylength and temperature were the principal factors influencing the main time budget elements (feeding, moving and resting). Because the goats do not feed at night due to low ambient temperatures, they faced particular problems during winter when daylengths were at their shortest. A mean monthly windchill‐adjusted temperature of 5°C appeared to be a critical threshold in terms of the animals’ ability to survive on Rum. We used these data to model the animals’ time budgets at different latitudes and altitudes. We show that winter daylength would be shorter than the required feeding time north of about 60° latitude, with a narrowing altitudinal cone approaching sea level at this latitude. Biogeographic evidence confirms that feral goat populations are not self‐sustaining north of this latitude.
Body mass index and depressive symptoms: instrumental‐variables regression with genetic risk score
Authors: Jokela M. , Elovainio M. , Keltikangas‐Järvinen L. , Batty G. D. , Hintsanen M. , Seppälä I. , Kähönen M. , Viikari J. S. , Raitakari O. T. , Lehtimäki T. , Kivimäki M.
Published: September 2012

The causal role of obesity in the development of depression remains uncertain. We applied instrumental‐variables regression (Mendelian randomization) to examine the association of adolescent and adult body mass index (BMI) with adult depressive symptoms. Participants were from the Young Finns prospective cohort study (n = 1731 persons, 2844 person‐observations), with repeated measurements of BMI and depressive symptoms (modified Beck's Depression Inventory). Genetic risk score of 31 single nucleotide polymorphisms previously identified as robust genetic markers of body weight was used as a proxy for variation in BMI. In standard linear regression analysis, higher adult depressive symptoms were predicted by higher adolescent BMI (B = 0.33, CI = 0.06–0.60, P = 0.017) and adult BMI (B = 0.47, CI = 0.32–0.63, P < 0.001). These associations were replicated in instrumental‐variables analysis with genetic risk score as instrument (B = 1.96, CI = 0.03–3.90, P = 0.047 for adolescent BMI; B = 1.08, CI = 0.11–2.04, P = 0.030 for adult BMI). The association for adolescent BMI was significantly stronger in the instrumented analysis compared to standard regression (P = 0.04). These findings provide additional evidence to support a causal role for high BMI in increasing symptoms of depression. However, the present analysis also demonstrates potential limitations of applying Mendelian randomization when using complex phenotypes.
Innovations in Public and Non-profit Sector Organizations in China
Authors: Lan G. Zhiyong , Galaskiewicz Joseph
Published: September 2012

This article provides background information on public and non-profit sector innovation in the past thirty years in the West as well as in China. We summarized and commented on the articles in this issue, which document cases of public and non-profit sector innovation in China and theorize their significance. These cases tell vivid stones about how Chinese organizations innovate and also point out the importance of the role of government in initiating or constraining these innovations. We find, through the review of these studies, that China's public and non-profit sector organization innovation experiences carry some important messages about the unique features of China's public and non-profit organizations that should not be ignored while studying changes in China.
POLITICALLY REALISTIC UNIONISM: THE CALIFORNIA PRISON OFFICERS ASSOCIATION AND THE STRUGGLE OVER THE “PUBLIC GOOD”
Authors: Page Joshua
Published: September 2012

Drawing on a decade of research, this article demonstrates that the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA), the labor union that represents prison officers in the Golden State, became one of the nation's most successful and politically influential unions in the 1990s due to a combination of social and penal developments, and the organization's politically realistic model of unionization. To advance its members' interests and a particularly punitive vision of the public good, the CCPOA implemented tactics typically associated with social movement unionism, such as forming and working with nonlabor community groups (in this case, crime victims' organizations). Showing that the CCPOA was (and, in some ways, still is) a key participant in the conservative movement for “law and order,” this article extends our understanding of social movement unionism. It also argues that scholars, activists, and organizations committed to labor unions and progressive penal reform must struggle with groups like the CCPOA to move forward a conception of the public good based on justice, equality, and fairness.
Magnetron Sputtered Ni‐rich Nickel Oxide Nano‐Films for Resistive Switching Memory Applications
Authors: Liu Zhen , Chen Tu pei , Liu Yang , Zhang Sam
Published: September 2012

Radio‐frequency magnetron sputtering has been used to deposit Ni‐rich nickel oxide nano‐films to form a metal‐insulator‐metal structure, which exhibits resistive switching behavior. Memory characteristics of the structure have been investigated. The ratio of the current of the structure at the reading voltage of 0.05 V between a low‐resistance state (LRS) and a high‐resistance state (HRS) was observed to be >103, showing a large memory window at a very low reading voltage. The memory window was well maintained within the time limit of the experiment (5 × 104 s), exhibiting good memory retention. The current transport at both the LRS and HRS has been studied, and the result suggests that the formation and annihilation of a conductive filament are responsible for the resistive switching.
X-ray polarimetry as a new tool to discriminate reflection from absorption scenarios — predictions for MCG-6-30-15
Authors: Marin F. , Goosmann R. W. , Dovčiak M. , Muleri F. , Porquet D. , Grosso N. , Karas V. , Matt G.
Published: September 2012

We present modelling of X-ray polarization spectra emerging from the two competing scenarios that are proposed to explain the broad Fe Kα line in the Seyfert 1 galaxy MCG-6-30-15. The polarization signature of complex absorption is studied for a partial covering scenario using a clumpy wind and compared to a reflection model based on the lamppost geometry. The shape of the polarization percentage and angle as a function of photon energy are found to be distinctly different between the reflection and the absorption cases. Relativistic reflection produces significantly stronger polarization in the 1–10 keV energy band than absorption. The spectrum of the polarization angle adds additional constraints: in the absorption case it shows a constant shape, whereas the relativistic reflection scenario typically leads to a smooth rotation of the polarization angle with photon energy. Based on this work, we conclude that a soft X-ray polarimeter onboard a small X-ray satellite may already discriminate between the absorption and the reflection scenarios. A promising opportunity may arise with the X-ray Imaging Polarimetry Explorer mission, which has been proposed to the European Space Agency in response to a small-size (S-class) mission call due for launch in 2017.
Underclaiming and Overclaiming
Authors: Pandya Sachin S. , Siegelman Peter
Published: September 2012

Arguments that we have too much litigation (overclaiming) or too little (underclaiming) cannot be valid without estimating how many of the undecided claims that are brought (actual claims) or not brought (potential claims) have or lack legal merit. We identify the basic conceptual structure of such underclaiming and overclaiming arguments, which entails inferences about the distribution of actual or potential claims by their probability of success on the merits within a claims-processing institution. We then survey the available methods for estimating claim merit.