bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing different calibration methods (WA/WA-PLS regression and Bayesian modelling) and different-sized calibration sets in pollen-based quantitative climate reconstruction
Authors: Salonen J Sakari , Ilvonen Liisa , Seppä Heikki , Holmström Lasse , Telford Richard J , Gaidamavičius Andrejus , Stančikaitė Miglė , Subetto Dmitry
Published: December 2011

We compare a Bayesian modelling-based technique with weighted averaging (WA) and weighted averaging-partial least squares (WA-PLS) regression in pollen-based summer temperature transfer function calibration. We test the methods using a new, 113-sample calibration set from Estonia, Lithuania and European Russia, and a Holocene fossil pollen sequence from Lake Kharinei, a previously studied lake in northeast European Russia. We find WA-PLS to outperform WA, probably because of smaller edge-effect biases in the ends of the calibration set gradient. The Bayesian-based calibration models show further improved performance compared with WA-PLS in leave-one-out cross-validation, while additional h-block cross-validation shows the Bayesian method to be little affected by spatial autocorrelation. Comparison with independent climate proxies reveals, however, some clear biases in the Bayesian palaeotemperature reconstructions, likely reflecting in part some specific limitations of our calibration set. As the selected prior parameters can significantly affect both Bayesian cross-validation performance and reconstructions, there is a clear need to further test the Bayesian method in different geographic contexts and over different timescales, with special attention given to the selection of the most realistic priors in each situation. In general, our finding that statistically well-performing transfer functions may produce clearly differing palaeotemperature reconstructions urges caution in transfer function-based inferences. We additionally test a spatially restricted, 58-sample subset of the full 113-sample calibration set. We find some reduced biases with the smaller set, likely because of complex, partially bimodal responses of several taxa along the longer temperature gradient, ill-suited for calibration methods assuming unimodal responses to climate.
Abrupt cooling repeatedly punctuated early-Holocene climate in eastern North America
Authors: Hou Juzhi , Huang Yongsong , Shuman Bryan N , Oswald W Wyatt , Foster David R
Published: December 2011

Climate proxy records and general circulation models suggest that Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) plays a key role for global climate changes. Paleoceanographic data document multiple episodes of prominent AMOC weakening during the early Holocene. However, proxy records at adjacent continents have not been demonstrated to fully capture the climate responses to multiple AMOC variation due to temporal resolution and/or the proxy sensitivity. Here we present decadal- to multidecadal-resolution hydrogen isotopic records of aquatic biomarkers from Blood Pond, Massachusetts during the early Holocene. Our data reveal a full series of prominent and abrupt cooling events centered on 10.6, 10.2, 9.5, 9.2, 8.8 and 8.4 ka. These abrupt climatic reversals coincide with key intervals of weakened AMOC, suggesting an apparent relationship between AMOC oscillations and the abrupt continental climate changes in northeastern North America. The noticeable connection implies that the AMOC variation did play an important role in the abrupt climate changes during the early Holocene. Our data also suggest that northeastern North America may experience significant climatic variations should the predicted major disturbance of AMOC occur in the coming century as a result of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.
The Dalcroze Approach to Music Education
Authors: Anderson William Todd
Published: December 2011

The methods of the Dalcroze approach to music education—eurhythmics, solfège, and improvisation—have had a profound influence on modern music education. In particular, the overt training in kinesthetic abilities, and the assertion that the relationship between music and movement is an intimate one, is at the heart of Dalcroze’s approach to instruction. The empirical research on kinesthesia in education and on the Dalcroze approach to music education is only starting to explore the many facets of this way of teaching, but the existing research is encouraging. This article will provide accounts of eurhythmics, solfège, and improvisation, giving emphasis to what types of activities might occur in these three facets of the Dalcroze approach to music education. Following this, the sense of kinesthesia will be discussed in relation to Dalcroze’s approach. Finally, empirical and philosophical studies of the Dalcroze approach will be briefly summarized.
Responding to sex-based discrimination: Gender differences in perceived discrimination and implications for legal decision making
Authors: Blodorn Alison , O’Brien Laurie T. , Kordys Justin
Published: December 2011

The present studies examine responses to individual and institutional sex-based discrimination and how these responses vary as a function of the perceiver’s gender. In Study 1A, women perceived more sexism than men and the magnitude of the gender gap was significantly larger for institutional sexism as compared to individual sexism. Study 1B provided validation for the measures of perceptions of individual and institutional sexism. In Study 2, participants reached a verdict and determined remedies in a lawsuit where the plaintiff was a woman claiming to be a victim of individual or institutional sexism. Women were more likely than men to render a verdict in favor of the plaintiff. When the plaintiff was a victim of individual discrimination, men and women awarded comparable remedies but when the plaintiff was a victim of institutional sexism, women awarded significantly more remedies than men. Thus the present research suggests that gender moderates responses to institutional and individual forms of discrimination and these gender differences may have important implications for victims of discrimination.
CMS’ Hospital-Acquired Conditions for the Neurohospitalist
Authors: Sand Heather , Owen Mary , Amin Alpesh
Published: December 2011

In 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a provision that denies Medicare payment for hospital-acquired conditions (HACs). This provision brings attention to the quality of patient care and the financial impact associated with “never-events” occurring during a patient’s hospitalization. Our review of HACs focuses on the 5 which are most pertinent to the neurohospitalist: stages III and IV pressure ulcers, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, vascular catheter-associated infection, manifestations of poor glycemic control, and falls resulting in fractures, dislocations, and/or intracranial injuries. We address why CMS came up with them, their impact on quality patient care and hospital finances, and how the neurohospitalist can continue to participate in the future of HAC prevention and management as they relate to one’s patients, hospital, and community.
Adolescents’ Views on Barriers to Health Care
Authors: Lim Sylvia W. , Chhabra Rosy , Rosen Ayelet , Racine Andrew D. , Alderman Elizabeth M.
Published: December 2011

Objectives: To determine from adolescents using health care their: 1) perceptions of barriers to obtaining health services, 2) views on how to overcome the barriers and 3) views on how to create an adolescent-friendly primary care practice. Design: Six focus group interviews. Methods: Adolescents 11-21 years old from three health centers in the Bronx were recruited. Main Outcome Measures: 1) barriers to accessing health care such as insurance, language barriers, transportation, making an appointment; 2) identifying barriers related to issues of consent and confidentiality; 3) exploring barriers to accessing mental health and related issues; and 4) their visions of an adolescent-friendly office. Results: Thirty-one adolescents, aged 11-21 years old, participated. The majority were Hispanic and 52% were female. Fifty percent of adolescents had a routine visit within the past month. Most adolescents reported experiencing barriers to making an appointment. Additionally, they complained about long waiting times to be seen by providers on the day of their scheduled appointment. Another key barrier was related to knowledge and perceptions about consent and confidentiality. Further, in regard to mental health, many adolescents from focus groups reported that they felt that their primary providers had little interest in this topic and limited knowledge about it. Most of the adolescents reported no barriers with insurance, language or transportation. Their visions of an adolescent-friendly office would include a separate adolescent waiting area equipped with entertainment units. Conclusion: In this study of adolescents who already have primary care providers and are seemingly well-connected to the health care system, there remained significant reported barriers to accessing necessary health services.
Risk factors associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with systemic sclerosis and implications for screening
Authors: Denton C.P. , Hachulla E.
Published: December 2011

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a relatively common complication of systemic sclerosis (SSc) affecting 5–12% of patients, and its development is associated with significant morbidity and a particularly poor prognosis. Deaths associated with other complications of SSc, such as renal crisis, have fallen significantly in recent years in line with improvements in their treatment and management. However, mortality due to PAH in this population, although improved, has shown a less dramatic decline.

The early diagnosis of PAH in SSc would allow for earlier treatment, before functional and haemodynamic impairment becomes severe; this may further improve outcome, and evidence suggests that screening of SSc patients for PAH is associated with improved survival.

In addition, patients with PAH associated with SSc are not a homogeneous population and they differ in terms of disease haemodynamic severity, functional capacity and rate of disease progression. Likewise, management strategies may differ, and the ability to stratify patients may help optimise screening and treatment. A number of patient-, clinical- and disease-specific risk factors associated with the development and prognosis of PAH in SSc have been identified, but their optimal use, alone or in combination, in screening and stratification of patients remains to be established.
PB1-F2 Finder: scanning influenza sequences for PB1-F2 encoding RNA segments
Authors: DeLuca David S , Keskin Derin B , Zhang Guang Lan , Reinherz Ellis L , Brusic Vladimir
Published: December 2011

Background

PB1-F2 is a major virulence factor of influenza A. This protein is a product of an alternative reading frame in the PB1-encoding RNA segment 2. Its presence of is dictated by the presence or absence of premature stop codons. This virulence factor is present in every influenza pandemic and major epidemic of the 20th century. Absence of PB1-F2 is associated with mild disease, such as the 2009 H1N1 (“swine flu”).

Results

The analysis of 8608 segment 2 sequences showed that only 8.5% have been annotated for the presence of PB1-F2. Our analysis indicates that 75% of segment 2 sequences are likely to encode PB1-F2. Two major populations of PB1-F2 are of lengths 90 and 57 while minor populations include lengths 52, 63, 79, 81, 87, and 101. Additional possible populations include the lengths of 59, 69, 81, 95, and 106. Previously described sequences include only lengths 57, 87, and 90. We observed substantial variation in PB1-F2 sequences where certain variants show up to 35% difference to well-defined reference sequences. Therefore this dataset indicates that there are many more variants that need to be functionally characterized.

Conclusions

Our web-accessible tool PB1-F2 Finder enables scanning of influenza sequences for potential PB1-F2 protein products. It provides an initial screen and annotation of PB1-F2 products. It is accessible at http://cvc.dfci.harvard.edu/pb1-f2.
Sorting permutations by cut-circularize-linearize-and-paste operations
Authors: Huang Keng-Hsuan , Chen Kun-Tze , Lu Chin Lung
Published: December 2011

Background

Genome rearrangements are studied on the basis of genome-wide analysis of gene orders and important in the evolution of species. In the last two decades, a variety of rearrangement operations, such as reversals, transpositions, block-interchanges, translocations, fusions and fissions, have been proposed to evaluate the differences between gene orders in two or more genomes. Usually, the computational studies of genome rearrangements are formulated as problems of sorting permutations by rearrangement operations.

Result

In this article, we study a sorting problem by cut-circularize-linearize-and-paste (CCLP) operations, which aims to find a minimum number of CCLP operations to sort a signed permutation representing a chromosome. The CCLP is a genome rearrangement operation that cuts a segment out of a chromosome, circularizes the segment into a temporary circle, linearizes the temporary circle as a linear segment, and possibly inverts the linearized segment and pastes it into the remaining chromosome. The CCLP operation can model many well-known rearrangements, such as reversals, transpositions and block-interchanges, and others not reported in the biological literature. In addition, it really occurs in the immune response of higher animals. To distinguish those CCLP operations from the reversal, we call them as non-reversal CCLP operations. In this study, we use permutation groups in algebra to design an O(δn) time algorithm for solving the weighted sorting problem by CCLP operations when the weight ratio between reversals and non-reversal CCLP operations is 1:2, where n is the number of genes in the given chromosome and δ is the number of needed CCLP operations.

Conclusion

The algorithm we propose in this study is very simple so that it can be easily implemented with 1-dimensional arrays and useful in the studies of phylogenetic tree reconstruction and human immune response to tumors.
ApicoAlign: an alignment and sequence search tool for apicomplexan proteins
Authors: Ali Jamshaid , Paila Umadevi , Ranjan Akash
Published: December 2011

Background

Over the recent years, a number of genomes have been successfully sequenced and this was followed by genome annotation projects to help understand the biological capabilities of newly sequenced genomes. To improve the annotation of Plasmodium falciparum proteins, we earlier developed parasite specific matrices (PfSSM) and demonstrated their (Smat80 and PfFSmat60) better performance over standard matrices (BLOSUM and PAM). Here we extend that study to nine apicomplexan species other than P. falciparum and develop a web application ApicoAlign for improving the annotation of apicomplexan proteins.

Results

The SMAT80 and PfFSmat60 matrices perform better for apicomplexan proteins compared to BLOSUM in detecting the orthologs and improving the alignment of these proteins with their potential orthologs respectively. Database searches against non-redundant (nr) database have shown that SMAT80 gives superior performance compared to BLOSUM series in terms of E-values, bit scores, percent identity, alignment length and mismatches for most of the apicomplexan proteins studied here. Using these matrices, we were able to find orthologs for rhomboid proteases of P. berghei, P. falciparum &P. vivax and large subunit of U2 snRNP auxiliary factor of Cryptosporidium parvum in Arabidopsis thaliana. We also show improved pairwise alignments of proteins from Apicomplexa viz. Cryptosporidium parvum and P. falciparum with their orthologs from other species using the PfFSmat60 matrix.

Conclusions

The SMAT80 and PfFSmat60 substitution matrices perform better for apicomplexan proteins compared to BLOSUM series. Since they can be helpful in improving the annotation of apicomplexan genomes and their functional characterization, we have developed a web server ApicoAlign for finding orthologs and aligning apicomplexan proteins.
Genome-scale reconstruction and system level investigation of the metabolic network of Methylobacterium extorquensAM1
Authors: Peyraud Rémi , Schneider Kathrin , Kiefer Patrick , Massou Stéphane , Vorholt Julia A , Portais Jean-Charles
Published: December 2011

Background

Methylotrophic microorganisms are playing a key role in biogeochemical processes - especially the global carbon cycle - and have gained interest for biotechnological purposes. Significant progress was made in the recent years in the biochemistry, genetics, genomics, and physiology of methylotrophic bacteria, showing that methylotrophy is much more widespread and versatile than initially assumed. Despite such progress, system-level description of the methylotrophic metabolism is currently lacking, and much remains to understand regarding the network-scale organization and properties of methylotrophy, and how the methylotrophic capacity emerges from this organization, especially in facultative organisms.

Results

In this work, we report on the integrated, system-level investigation of the metabolic network of the facultative methylotrophMethylobacterium extorquensAM1, a valuable model of methylotrophic bacteria. The genome-scale metabolic network of the bacterium was reconstructed and contains 1139 reactions and 977 metabolites. The sub-network operating upon methylotrophic growth was identified from bothin silicoand experimental investigations, and13C-fluxomics was applied to measure the distribution of metabolic fluxes under such conditions. The core metabolism has a highly unusual topology, in which the unique enzymes that catalyse the key steps of C1 assimilation are tightly connected by several, large metabolic cycles (serine cycle, ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway, TCA cycle, anaplerotic processes). The entire set of reactions must operate as a unique process to achieve C1 assimilation, but was shown to be structurally fragile based on network analysis. This observation suggests that in nature a strong pressure of selection must exist to maintain the methylotrophic capability. Nevertheless, substantial substrate cycling could be measured within C2/C3/C4 inter-conversions, indicating that the metabolic network is highly versatile around a flexible backbone of central reactions that allows rapid switching to multi-carbon sources.

Conclusions

This work emphasizes that the metabolism ofM. extorquensAM1 is adapted to its lifestyle not only in terms of enzymatic equipment, but also in terms of network-level structure and regulation. It suggests that the metabolism of the bacterium has evolved both structurally and functionally to an efficient but transitory utilization of methanol. Besides, this work provides a basis for metabolic engineering to convert methanol into value-added products.
Working alliance, interpersonal trust and perceived coercion in mental health review hearings
Authors: Donnelly Vidis , Lynch Aideen , Mohan Damian , Kennedy Harry G
Published: December 2011

Background

There is some evidence that when mental health commitment hearings are held in accordance with therapeutic jurisprudence principles they are perceived as less coercive, and more just in their procedures leading to improved treatment adherence and fewer hospital readmissions. This suggests an effect of the hearing on therapeutic relationships. We compared working alliance and interpersonal trust in clinicians and forensic patients, whose continued detentions were reviewed by two different legal review bodies according to their legal category.

Methods

The hearings were rated as positive or negative by patients and treating psychiatrists using the MacArthur scales for perceived coercion, perceived procedural justice (legal and medical) and for the impact of the hearing. We rated Global assessment of Function (GAF), Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), Working Alliance Inventory (WAI) and Interpersonal Trust in Physician (ITP) scales six months before the hearing and repeated the WAI and ITP two weeks before and two weeks after the hearing, for 75 of 83 patients in a forensic medium and high secure hospital.

Results

Psychiatrists agreed with patients regarding the rating of hearings. Patients rated civil hearings (MHTs) more negatively than hearings under insanity legislation (MHRBs). Those reviewed by MHTs had lower scores for WAI and ITP. However, post-hearing WAI and ITP scores were not different from baseline and pre-hearing scores. Using the receiver operating characteristic, baseline WAI and ITP scores predicted how patients would rate the hearings, as did baseline GAF and PANSS scores.

Conclusions

There was no evidence that positively perceived hearings improved WAI or ITP, but some evidence showed that negatively perceived hearings worsened them. Concentrating on functional recovery and symptom remission remains the best strategy for improved therapeutic relationships.
Detection of patients with acute kidney injury by the clinical laboratory using rises in serum creatinine: comparison of proposed definitions and a laboratory delta check
Authors: Garner Ashley E , Lewington Andrew J P , Barth Julian H
Published: December 2011

Background

Timely detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospital patients has been hampered by the multiple definitions of AKI and difficulties applying their criteria. A laboratory delta check may provide an effective means of detecting patients developing AKI. This study compared three of the proposed AKI definitions and a delta check to detect AKI using serum creatinine results of hospital inpatients.

Methods

Serum creatinine results for 2822 inpatients were gathered retrospectively from the clinical biochemistry database. All serum creatinine results within 30 d of admission were included for each patient and assessed for AKI according to four criteria: Risk, Injury, Failure (RIFLE), Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN), Waikar & Bonventre or a delta check (increase of >26 μmol/L between two successive values).

Results

A total of 149 (11.3%) patients were defined as having AKI by at least one of the four criteria. Different populations of patients were identified by each criterion. The number of patients identified and the incidence of AKI were as follows: RIFLE 94 (7.1%), AKIN 125 (9.5%), Waikar & Bonventre 100 (7.6%) and delta check 146 (11.1%). The delta check detected 132 (98%) of all 135 cases detected by the other three criteria. A further 14 patients were detected solely by the delta check.

Conclusions

The different definitions proposed for AKI detect different populations of patients. A laboratory delta check detected 98% of all the patients identified by AKIN, RIFLE and Waikar & Bonventre combined and could therefore provide a practical way of detecting AKI patients.
In Situ Measurement of Compression Set in Building Sealants During Outdoor Aging
Authors: Schueneman Gregory T. , Hunt Christopher G. , Lacher Steven , White Christopher C. , Hunston Donald L.
Published: December 2011

The durability of sealants is dictated by many factors such as joint design, surface preparation, application, formulation, joint movement, and weather. Among these factors the link between formulation (material behavior) and weathering durability is difficult to assess in short term tests. We attempt to address this challenge by monitoring changes in apparent modulus during exposure to outdoor weathering and cyclic strain. This is accomplished via custom built systems that apply cyclic strain to 16 samples simultaneously viaprograms that simulate wood (cold compression) and concrete/metal (hot compression) construction materials. A key finding of the research presented here is that changes in apparent modulus are primarily driven by underlying changes in the compression set, a potentially critical contributor to stress in structures during rapid temperature changes. Detection of the compression set is made possible by the in situ material property assessments used in this research. Aging tests that rely on offline evaluation of property changes may miss or underestimate this effect on the sealant’s stiffness due to time delay and/or losing track of the original zero stress–zero strain state.
A Computational Model for the Influence of Corollary Discharge and Proprioception on the Perisaccadic Mislocalization of Briefly Presented Stimuli in Complete Darkness
Authors: Ziesche Arnold , Hamker Fred H.
Published: December 2011

Spatial perception, the localization of stimuli in space, can rely on visual reference stimuli or on egocentric factors such as a stimulus position relative to eye gaze. In total darkness, only an egocentric reference frame provides sufficient information. When stimuli are briefly flashed around saccades, the localization error reveals potential mechanisms of updating such reference frames as described in several theories and computational models. Recent novel experimental evidence, however, showed that the maximum amount of mislocalization does not scale linearly with saccade amplitude but rather stays below 13° even for long saccades, which is different from predicted by present models. We propose a new model of perisaccadic mislocalization in complete darkness to account for this observation. According to this model, mislocalization arises not on the motor side by comparing a retinal position signal with an extraretinal eye position related signal but by updating stimulus position in visual areas through a combination of proprioceptive eye position and corollary discharge. Simulations with realistic input signals and temporal dynamics show that both signals together are used for spatial updating and in turn bring about perisaccadic mislocalization.
Chronic Morphine Treatment Switches the Effect of Dopamine on Excitatory Synaptic Transmission from Inhibition to Excitation in Pyramidal Cells of the Basolateral Amygdala
Authors: Li Zicheng , Luan Wenjie , Chen Yang , Chen Ming , Dong Yi , Lai Bin , Ma Lan , Zheng Ping
Published: December 2011

Dopaminergic signaling in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is important for drug-stimulus learning that triggers relapse to drug-seeking behavior. However, little is known about adaptive changes in this signaling pathway upon chronic morphine treatment. In this paper, we observed the influence of chronic morphine treatment on the effect of dopamine (DA) on the excitatory transmission in the pyramidal cells of BLA in slices with the whole-cell patch-clamp method. We also studied its mechanism and significance with pharmacological approaches combined with biochemical and behavioral techniques. The results showed that chronic morphine exposure switched the effect of DA on the excitatory synaptic transmission from inhibition to excitation; the chronic morphine-induced switching action on the effect of DA was due to its influence on D1 receptors; the site of the effect of chronic morphine treatment on D1 receptors was at presynaptic locus; chronic morphine treatment induced a significant increase in the amount of D1 receptor expression in the synaptosomes and synaptosomal membrane fraction from BLA; the enhancement of presynaptic glutamate release by D1 receptor agonist upon chronic morphine treatment was dependent on the activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase; and the intra-BLA injection of D1 receptor antagonist canceled the conditioned place aversion (CPA) in morphine-dependent rats. In conclusion, chronic morphine treatment switches the effect of DA on the excitatory synaptic transmission from inhibition to excitation by the presynaptic D1 receptor amount increase-mediated glutamate release in the pyramidal cells of BLA and the blockade of D1 receptors in BLA cancels CPA in morphine-dependent rats.
MicroRNAs Modulate Schwann Cell Response to Nerve Injury by Reinforcing Transcriptional Silencing of Dedifferentiation-Related Genes
Authors: Viader Andreu , Chang Li-Wei , Fahrner Timothy , Nagarajan Rakesh , Milbrandt Jeffrey
Published: December 2011

In the peripheral nervous system, Schwann cells (SCs) surrounding damaged axons undergo an injury response that is driven by an intricate transcriptional program and is critical for nerve regeneration. To examine whether these injury-induced changes in SCs are also regulated posttranscriptionally by miRNAs, we performed miRNA expression profiling of mouse sciatic nerve distal segment after crush injury. We also characterized the SC injury response in mice containing SCs with disrupted miRNA processing due to loss of Dicer. We identified 87 miRNAs that were expressed in mouse adult peripheral nerve, 48 of which were dynamically regulated after nerve injury. Most of these injury-regulated SC miRNAs were computationally predicted to inhibit drivers of SC dedifferentiation/proliferation and thereby re-enforce the transcriptional program driving SC remyelination. SCs deficient in miRNAs manifested a delay in the transition between the distinct differentiation states required to support peripheral nerve regeneration. Among the miRNAs expressed in adult mouse SCs, miR-34a and miR-140 were identified as functional regulators of SC dedifferentiation/proliferation and remyelination, respectively. We found that miR-34a interacted with positive regulators of dedifferentiation and proliferation such as Notch1 and Ccnd1 to control cell cycle dynamics in SCs. miR-140 targeted the transcription factor Egr2, a master regulator of myelination, and modulated myelination in DRG/SC cocultures. Together, these results demonstrate that SC miRNAs are important modulators of the SC regenerative response after nerve damage.
Alterations in Intrinsic Membrane Properties and the Axon Initial Segment in a Mouse Model of Angelman Syndrome
Authors: Kaphzan Hanoch , Buffington Shelly A. , Jung Joo In , Rasband Matthew N. , Klann Eric
Published: December 2011

The axon initial segment (AIS) is the site of action potential initiation in neurons. Recent studies have demonstrated activity-dependent regulation of the AIS, including homeostatic changes in AIS length, membrane excitability, and the localization of voltage-gated Na+channels. The neurodevelopmental disorder Angelman syndrome (AS) is usually caused by the deletion of small portions of the maternal copy of chromosome 15, which includes theUBE3Agene. A mouse model of AS has been generated and these mice exhibit multiple neurological abnormalities similar to those observed in humans. We examined intrinsic properties of pyramidal neurons in hippocampal area CA1 from AS model mice and observed alterations in resting membrane potential, threshold potential, and action potential amplitude. The altered intrinsic properties in the AS mice were correlated with significant increases in the expression of the α1 subunit of Na/K-ATPase (α1-NaKA), the Na+channel NaV1.6, and the AIS anchoring protein ankyrin-G, as well as an increase in length of the AIS. These findings are the first evidence for pathology of intrinsic membrane properties and AIS-specific changes in AS, a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with autism.
Kombination von Prozessanalysentechnik und Softsensoren zur Online-Berechnung erweiterter Prozesskenngrößen und -informationen
Authors: Kleinert Tobias , Mühlbeyer Sandra , Schladt Markus , Schocker Alexander
Published: December 2011

Softsensoren bieten eine attraktive Option, schwer messbare Prozessinformationen indirekt aus konventionellen Messgrößen (Druck, Temperatur und Durchfluss) online zu berechnen. Durch Kombination mit Prozessanalysentechnik, die spezifische physiko-chemische Informationen liefert, lässt sich der Anwendungsbereich von Softsensoren und Prozessanalytik deutlich erweitern. Mit der Online-Berechnung einer Katalysatoraktivität und eines Verkokungsgrades wird der Einsatz von Softsensoren in der industriellen Praxis bei BASF demonstriert. Das zukünftige Potential für Softsensoren in der Prozessanalytik wird anhand der überarbeiteten Technologie-Roadmap “Prozesssensoren 2015+” diskutiert.
The Genetic Consequences of Spatially Varying Selection in the Panmictic American Eel (Anguilla rostrata)
Authors: Gagnaire Pierre-Alexandre , Normandeau Eric , Côté Caroline , Møller Hansen Michael , Bernatchez Louis
Published: December 2011

Our understanding of the genetic basis of local adaptation has recently benefited from the increased power to identify functional variants associated with environmental variables at the genome scale. However, it often remains challenging to determine whether locally adaptive alleles are actively maintained at intermediate frequencies by spatially varying selection. Here, we evaluate the extent to which this particular type of balancing selection explains the retention of adaptive genetic variation in the extreme situation of perfect panmixia, using the American eel (Anguilla rostrata) as a model. We first conducted a genome scan between two samples from opposite ends of a latitudinal environmental gradient using 454 sequencing of individually tagged cDNA libraries. Candidate SNPs were then genotyped in 992 individuals from 16 sampling sites at different life stages of the same cohort (including larvae from the Sargasso Sea, glass eels, and 1-year-old individuals) as well as in glass eels of the following cohort. Evidence for spatially varying selection was found at 13 loci showing correlations between allele frequencies and environmental variables across the entire species range. Simulations under a multiple-niche Levene’s model using estimated relative fitness values among genotypes rarely predicted a stable polymorphic equilibrium at these loci. Our results suggest that some genetic-by-environment interactions detected in our study arise during the progress toward fixation of a globally advantageous allele with spatially variable effects on fitness.
USING MULTIPLE‐EXEMPLAR TRAINING TO TEACH A GENERALIZED REPERTOIRE OF SHARING TO CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Authors: Marzullo‐Kerth Denise , Reeve Sharon A. , Reeve Kenneth F. , Townsend Dawn B.
Published: December 2011

The current study examined the utility of multiple‐exemplar training to teach children with autism to share. Stimuli from 3 of 4 categories were trained using a treatment package of video modeling, prompting, and reinforcement. Offers to share increased for all 3 children following the introduction of treatment, with evidence of skill maintenance. In addition, within‐stimulus‐category generalization of sharing was evident for all participants, although only 1 participant demonstrated across‐category generalization of sharing. Offers to share occurred in a novel setting, with familiar and novel stimuli, and in the presence of novel adults and peers for all participants during posttreatment probes.
THE ROLE OF NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT IN INFANT CAREGIVING: AN EXPERIMENTAL SIMULATION
Authors: Thompson Rachel H. , Bruzek Jennifer L. , Cotnoir‐Bichelman Nicole M.
Published: December 2011

We observed 11 undergraduates in an experiment designed to simulate infant caregiving. In negative reinforcement conditions experienced by all participants, a targeted caregiving response (e.g., rocking a baby doll) produced escape from, and avoidance of, a recorded infant cry. Nine participants' caregiving was shown to be controlled by this negative reinforcement contingency. Nine participants experienced an extinction condition that consisted of an inescapable cry, and the previously reinforced caregiving responses of 2 of these participants were resistant to extinction. For both of these participants, the previously reinforced response was eliminated when an alternative form of caregiving was reinforced. These results highlight the role of negative reinforcement in infant caregiving and suggest the need for additional research on the effects of crying on caregivers as well as the development of effective strategies for minimizing infant crying.
CHECK‐IN/CHECK‐OUT: A SYSTEMATIC EVALUATION AND COMPONENT ANALYSIS
Authors: Campbell Amy , Anderson Cynthia M.
Published: December 2011

Tier 2 interventions are implemented similarly across students and thus serve as an efficient and cost‐effective method of behavior support in school settings. Check‐in/check‐out is a Tier 2 intervention with documented effectiveness (e.g., Hawken & Horner, 2003; Todd, Campbell, Meyer, & Horner, 2008). Key features of the intervention include brief morning and afternoon meetings with the intervention coordinator, use of a point card on which the teacher monitors student behavior, and teacher feedback at predetermined times. The present study sought to add to the literature by examining the relative contributions of the teacher‐feedback components of check‐in/check‐out via the use of a component analysis. Working with 4 children in a general education setting, we first evaluated the effectiveness of the procedure using reversal designs. Next, we systematically removed teacher‐feedback components to assess effects on problem behavior and academic engagement. For 3 of 4 participants, we were able to remove all teacher‐feedback sessions and the point card; for the 4th participant, we removed only 2 of 3 teacher‐feedback sessions due to time constraints.
NOTES ON BACT. COLI AND BACT. AEROGENES
Authors: Levine Max
Published: December 2011

Accurate information on the relative incidence of Bact. coli and Bact. aërogenes in nature would oid materially in the interpretation of the colon test in water analysis. Professor Levine suggests the lines along which selective media, for the isolation of these organisms, may be devised.
Ambulatory surgery utilization by age level.
Authors: Lagoe R J , Bice S E , Abulencia P B
Published: December 2011

We compared ambulatory and inpatient surgery utilization by age level for procedures known to be frequently performed on an ambulatory basis. Our scope of data was the Crouse Irving Memorial Hospital in Syracuse, New York during 1984. The hospital operates one of the largest freestanding ambulatory surgery programs in the United States. The study included 8,348 ambulatory procedures, 42 per cent of all operations performed under the aegis of this institution. At the aggregate, the inpatient surgery included a somewhat lower proportion of young adults and a higher proportion of individuals aged 65 and over did outpatient surgery. For specific procedures, however, age distributions differed. Ambulatory procedures included lower percentages of elderly than did inpatient utilization for inguinal hernia repair, carpal tunnel release, destruction of larynx lesions, hernia repairs, destruction of skin lesions, and other operations, while ambulatory utilization for lens procedures included higher percentages of elderly patients than did inpatient utilization. Physician practice patterns also appeared to influence the setting of certain procedures. The study data suggested that persons involved in health planning should evaluate ambulatory surgery use on an age and procedure-specific basis, and utilization review should evaluate procedures on a case-by-case basis.
The prevalence of overweight and obesity in Britain, Canada, and United States.
Authors: Millar W J , Stephens T
Published: December 2011

Three nations carried out large surveys of their non-institutionalized populations during the period 1976-81, with essentially similar techniques for measuring height and weight. Using criteria previously published for the British survey, we analyzed the Canadian and United States data and compared the prevalence of excessive weight for ages 20-64 in the three countries. Overweight was defined as a Quetelet index value of 25.1-30, and obesity as a value exceeding 30. Compared to their Canadian and British counterparts, American men are more likely to be overweight or obese, especially at the lower age levels. The proportion of excessively heavy men reaches a plateau around age 50 in all three countries, possibly indicative of a survivor phenomenon. Among women, the US has the highest proportion of excessively heavy individuals at all ages except 20-24; this difference is especially marked at ages 45-54. Unlike men, there is no evidence that the proportion of overweight or obese women reaches a plateau by age 64.
An epidemiologic postmarketing surveillance study of prescription acne medications.
Authors: Facklam D P , Gardner J S , Neidert G L , Westland M M
Published: December 2011

After the Food and Drug Administration approved a topical antibiotic for the treatment of acne, we began a postmarketing surveillance study to measure the frequency of antibiotic-associated colitis and diarrhea in acne patients treated with topical antibiotics and low doses of oral antibiotics. Pharmacists recruited 13,465 patients who presented a prescription for an acne medication, and we obtained detailed information on the use of the medications, perceived acceptability, and the occurrence of new health events from 6,453 with computer-assisted telephone interviews. Three cases (less than 0.1%) of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and one case (less than 0.1%) of antibiotic-associated colitis were confirmed. We conclude that this methodology can provide further information about the safety of a drug once it is in customary use, at a fraction of the cost of Phase III clinical trials.
The effects of detoxification of domestic gas on suicide in the United States.
Authors: Lester D
Published: December 2011

As domestic gas was detoxified in the United States, the rate of suicide by domestic gas decreased. During this time period (1950-60), there was a parallel increase in the per capita ownership of cars and an accompanying increase in the rate of suicide by motor vehicle exhaust. However, displacement of suicide method from domestic gas to car exhaust occurred only for males and not for females.
An update on New York City's dramatic increase in low birthweights.
Authors: Joyce T , Racine A D
Published: December 2011

Monthly time-series data on rates of low birthweight and very low birthweight in New York City from 1963 to 1990 indicate that the dramatic increase, particularly among Blacks beginning in 1984, appears to have peaked in 1988. Based on vital statistics records, the rate of low birthweight for Blacks fell from 13.1% in 1988 to 12.1% in 1990. The rate of low birthweight among Whites and Hispanics has fallen slightly since 1988.
Cervical cancer and health care resources in Newark, New Jersey, 1970 to 1988.
Authors: Holland B K , Foster J D , Louria D B
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVES. In the past, the predominantly Black population of Newark, NJ, had little access to programs promoting or providing Pap tests. The ratio of in situ to invasive cases of cervical carcinoma was markedly reduced in all age categories, indicating inadequate screening for this cancer in this population. Funding became available to provide and publicize Pap smears but ceased after 5.5 years. We examined the effect of these changes in funding. METHODS. Data came from all Newark hospitals and practitioners and from the state cancer registry. There are now data on incidence of in situ and invasive cervical cancer in Newark from 1970 through 1988, including years before, during, and after program funding. RESULTS. The ratio of in situ to invasive cervical cancer increased and decreased in a striking parallel with the provision and subsequent cessation of funding. CONCLUSIONS. Cessation of funding of education and screening programs can result in resumption of an unfavorable in situ/invasive cervical carcinoma ratio in a poor population.
Class, race, and infant mortality in the United States.
Authors: Hogue C J , Hargraves M A
Published: December 2011

As a result of Sweden's efforts to eliminate poverty and to provide comprehensive health care, there are only small social class differences in infant mortality. The wider social differences in US infant mortality are a consequence of less consistent and thorough attempts at social equity and universal health care. US Black infant mortality continues to be twice that of Whites, and the excess may partially result from racism. Public health research should examine the role of racism in infant mortality and develop interventions to eliminate racism and its effects on the health of Black Americans.
The loss of independence in activities of daily living: the role of low normal cognitive function in elderly nuns.
Authors: Greiner P A , Snowdon D A , Schmitt F A
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVES. This study investigated the role of low normal cognitive function in the subsequent loss of independence in activities of daily living. METHODS. Of the 678 elderly nuns who-completed cognitive and physical function assessments in 1992/93, 575 were reassessed in 1993/94. Mini-Mental State Examination scores were divided into three categories and related to loss of independence in six activities of daily living. RESULTS. Participants with low normal cognitive function at first assessment had twice the risk of losing independence in three activities of daily living by second assessment relative to those with high normal cognitive function. This relationship was largely due to a progression from low normal cognitive function at first assessment to impaired cognitive function at second assessment and was associated with an elevated risk of losing independence in the six activities. CONCLUSIONS. Progression from low normal to impaired cognitive function was associated with loss of independence in activities of daily living. Thus low normal cognitive function could be viewed as an early warning of impending cognitive impairment and loss of physical function.
Capodanno Senza Danno: the effects of an intervention program on fireworks injuries in Naples.
Authors: D'Argenio P , Cafaro L , Santonastasi F , Taggi F , Binkin N
Published: December 2011

To study the effects of a comprehensive, multifaceted intervention program to reduce fireworks-related injuries during the Italian New Year's holiday season, active surveillance was conducted in the 18 public emergency rooms of Naples, Italy, before and after implementation of the program. Preintervention data collected between December 24, 1992, and January 6, 1993, were compared with data collected during the same period in 1993-1994. The number of injuries decreased by 48% from 353 to 183, with the greatest declines seen among 10- to 12-year-olds. The broad-based intervention implemented during the 1993-1994 holiday season appears to have substantially reduced the number of injuries.
Going bare: trends in health insurance coverage, 1989 through 1996.
Authors: Carrasquillo O , Himmelstein D U , Woolhandler S , Bor D H
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed trends in health insurance coverage in the United States from 1989 through 1996. METHODS: Data from annual cross-sectional surveys by the US Census Bureau were analyzed. RESULTS: Between 1989 and 1996, the number of uninsured persons increased by 8.3 million (90% confidence interval [CI] = 7.7, 8.9 million). In 1996, 41.7 million (90% CI = 40.9, 42.5 million) lacked insurance. From 1989 to 1993, the proportion with Medicaid increased by 3.6 percentage points (90% CI = 3.1, 4.0), while the proportion with private insurance declined by 4.2 percentage points (90% CI = 3.7, 4.7). From 1993 to 1996 private coverage rates stabilized but did not reverse earlier declines. Consequently, the number uninsured continued to increase. The greatest increase in the population of uninsured [corrected] was among young adults aged 18 to 39 years; rates among children also rose steeply after 1992. While Blacks had the largest percentage increase, Hispanics accounted for 36.4% (90% CI = 32.3%, 40.5%) of the increase in the number uninsured. From 1989 to 1993, the majority of the increase was among poor families. Since then, middle-income families have incurred the largest increase. Northcentral and northeastern states had the largest increases in percent uninsured. CONCLUSIONS: Despite economic prosperity, the numbers and rates of the uninsured continued to rise. Principally affected were children and young adults, poor and middle income families, blacks, and Hispanics.