bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Cortex Reflects Effects of Sentence Context on Phonetic Processing
Authors: Guediche Sara , Salvata Caden , Blumstein Sheila E.
Published: January 2013

Listeners' perception of acoustically presented speech is constrained by many different sources of information that arise from other sensory modalities and from more abstract higher-level language context. An open question is how perceptual processes are influenced by and interact with these other sources of information. In this study, we use fMRI to examine the effect of a prior sentence fragment meaning on the categorization of two possible target words that differ in an acoustic phonetic feature of the initial consonant, VOT. Specifically, we manipulate the bias of the sentence context (biased, neutral) and the target type (ambiguous, unambiguous). Our results show that an interaction between these two factors emerged in a cluster in temporal cortex encompassing the left middle temporal gyrus and the superior temporal gyrus. The locus and pattern of these interactions support an interactive view of speech processing and suggest that both the quality of the input and the potential bias of the context together interact and modulate neural activation patterns.
The Creation of Language and Language without Time: Metaphysics and Metapragmatics in Genesis
Authors: Yovel Jonathan
Published: January 2013

This essay makes two related arguments regarding the relation of the performative language of creation in Genesis 1 to temporality and to existence. The first explores how Biblical Hebrew constructs atemporal language in order to designate divine action that does not presuppose temporality through an under-researched device known as grammatical aspect. The second offers a new explanation of why language was the instrument of creation ex nihilo to begin with. It argues that fiat lux should be understood as the instant of the metalinguistic creation of language itself. Together these claims suggest that standard readings of the biblical creation narrative, especially when relying on translations that presuppose temporal categories in their grammatical forms and thus in their metaphysical commitments (as Germanic languages, such as English, do), fail to express the radical nature of the creation narrative —placing divine creation in time and telling, in essence, a flawed story. While offering primarily a linguistic argument, this essay also adds to the discussion of the relations between language and the metaphysical commitments of mimesis in general.
Quantification of bone marrow lesion volume and volume change using semi-automated segmentation: data from the osteoarthritis initiative
Authors: Pang Jincheng , Driban Jeffrey B , Destenaves Geoffroy , Miller Eric , Lo Grace H , Ward Robert J , Price Lori Lyn , Lynch John A , Eaton Charles B , Eckstein Felix , McAlindon Timothy E
Published: January 2013

Background

To determine the validity of a semi-automated segmentation of bone marrow lesions (BMLs) in the knee.

Methods

Construct validity of the semi-automated BML segmentation method was explored in two studies performed using sagittal intermediate weighted, turbo spine echo, fat-suppressed magnetic resonance imaging sequences obtained from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. The first study (n = 48) evaluated whether tibia BML volume was different across Boston Leeds Osteoarthritis Knee Scores (BLOKS) for tibia BMLs (semiquantitative grades 0 to 3). In the second study (n = 40), we evaluated whether BML volume change was associated with changes in cartilage parameters. The knees in both studies were segmented by one investigator. We performed Wilcoxon signed-rank tests to determine if tibia BML volume was different between adjacent BLOKS BML scores and calculated Spearman correlation coefficients to assess the relationship between 2-year BML volume change and 2-year cartilage morphometry change (significance was p ≤ 0.05).

Results

BML volume was significantly greater between BLOKS BML score 0 and 1 (z= 2.85,p= 0.004) and BLOKS BML scores 1 and 2 (z= 3.09,p= 0.002). There was no significant difference between BLOKS BML scores 2 and 3 (z= −0.30,p= 0.77). Increased tibia BML volume was significantly related to increased tibia denuded area (Spearmanr= 0.42,p= 0.008), decreased tibia cartilage thickness (Spearmanr= −0.46,p= 0.004), increased femur denuded area (Spearmanr= 0.35,p= 0.03), and possibly decreased femur cartilage thickness (Spearmanr= −0.30,p= 0.07) but this last finding was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

The new, efficient, and reliable semi-automated BML segmentation method provides valid BML volume measurements that increase with greater BLOKS BML scores and confirms previous reports that BML size is associated with longitudinal cartilage loss.
Genetic variation in the 3’ untranslated region of dengue virus serotype 3 strains isolated from mosquitoes and humans in Brazil
Authors: de Castro Márcia Gonçalves , de Nogueira Fernanda Bruycker , Nogueira Rita Maria Ribeiro , Lourenço-de-Oliveira Ricardo , dos Santos Flávia Barreto
Published: January 2013

Background

Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by one of the four dengue virus (DENV) serotypes (DENV-1 to 4), replicate alternately on the mosquito vector and human host and are responsible for infections throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world. In Brazil, the disease has become a major public health problem and the introduction of DENV-3 in 2000 in Rio de Janeiro (RJ) was associated with severe dengue epidemics. The potential emergence of strains associated with severe disease highlights the need for the surveillance of DENV in human host and vectors.

Methods

Aiming to contribute for DENV phylogenetic and vector-virus-human host studies, we sequenced the entire genome of one DENV-3 isolated from naturally infected Aedes aegypti from RJ in 2001 and characterized the 3’ UTR from strains isolated from mosquitoes and humans. Mosquitoes were pooled and submitted to virus isolation in Ae. albopictus C6/36 cells and the infecting serotype was identified by immunofluorescence using type-specific monoclonal antibody. Sequence analysis was performed using BioEdit software, the multiple alignments were performed using CLUSTAL W and the phylogenetic analysis by MEGA 5, using the Neighbor-joining method. Secondary structure prediction was performed by using the MFOLD program.

Results

Exclusive substitutions and a substitution leading to a stop codon on the NS5 gene were observed in the DENV-3 isolated from a naturally infected Ae. aegypti and fully sequenced. As an 8- nucleotides deletion was observed within the 11- nucleotides (nts) insertion on the variable region (VR) from the 3′UTR in this isolate, we further sequenced other DENV-3 from both mosquitoes and humans. The majority of DENV-3 from RJ analyzed were characterized by the 11-nts insertion in the VR of the 3′UTR, despite the observation of strains carrying the 8-nts deletion. The latter presented similar secondary structures, however not all strains presenting the 11-nts insertion were similar in the predicted secondary structure.

Conclusions

The phylogeny based on the analysis of the complete genome and 3′UTR characterized the DENV-3 isolated from both vector and human host as belonging to Genotype III (GIII), despite the differences observed on the 3’ UTR. Further studies are needed to address the role of those mutations in the transmission of the different viral populations and vector competence.
Molecular epidemiological and virological study of dengue virus infections in Guangzhou, China, during 2001–2010
Authors: Jiang Liyun , Wu Xinwei , Wu Yejian , Bai Zhijun , Jing Qinglong , Luo Lei , Dong Zhiqiang , Yang Zhicong , Xu Yang , Cao Yimin , Di Biao , Wang Yulin , Wang Ming
Published: January 2013

Background

Dengue virus (DENV) infection is the most prevalent arthropod-borne viral infection in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Guangzhou has the ideal environment for DENV transmission and DENV epidemics have been reported in this region for more than 30 years.

Methods

Information for DENV infection cases in Guangzhou from 2001 to 2010 were collected and analyzed. The DENV strains were cultured and isolated from patients’ sera. Viral RNA was extracted from cell culture supernatants. cDNA was synthesized by reverse transcription PCR. Phylogenetic trees of four DENV serotypes were constructed respectively.

Results

In total, 2478 DENV infection cases were reported; 2143 of these (86.43%) occurred during 3 months of the year: August, September and October. Of these, 2398 were local cases (96.77%) and 80 were imported cases (3.23%). Among the imported cases, 69 (86.25%) were from Southeast Asian countries. From the 90 isolated strains, 66.67%, 3.33%, 14.44%, and 15.56% belonged to DENV serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. DENV-1 was predominant in most of the years, including during 2 outbreaks in 2002 and 2006; however, none of the strains or genotypes identified in this study were found to be predominant. Interestingly, DENV strains from different years had different origins. Moreover, the strains from each year belonged to different serotypes and/or genotypes.

Conclusions

Southeast Asia countries were found to be the possible source of DENV in Guangzhou. These findings suggest that there is increasing diversity in DENV strains in Guangzhou, which could increase the risk of DENV outbreaks in the near future.
Effect of Cholesterol Depletion on the Pore Dilation of TRPV1
Authors: Jansson Erik T , Trkulja Carolina L , Ahemaiti Aikeremu , Millingen Maria , Jeffries Gavin DM , Jardemark Kent , Orwar Owe
Published: January 2013

The TRPV1 ion channel is expressed in nociceptors, where pharmacological modulation of its function may offer a means of alleviating pain and neurogenic inflammation processes in the human body. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cholesterol depletion of the cell on ion-permeability of the TRPV1 ion channel. The ion-permeability properties of TRPV1 were assessed using whole-cell patch-clamp and YO-PRO uptake rate studies on a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line expressing this ion channel. Prolonged capsaicin-induced activation of TRPV1 with N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG) as the sole extracellular cation, generated a biphasic current which included an initial outward current followed by an inward current. Similarly, prolonged proton-activation (pH 5.5) of TRPV1 under hypocalcemic conditions also generated a biphasic current including a fast initial current peak followed by a larger second one. Patch-clamp recordings of reversal potentials of TRPV1 revealed an increase of the ion-permeability for NMDG during prolonged activation of this ion channel under hypocalcemic conditions. Our findings show that cholesterol depletion inhibited both the second current, and the increase in ion-permeability of the TRPV1 channel, resulting from sustained agonist-activation with capsaicin and protons (pH 5.5). These results were confirmed with YO-PRO uptake rate studies using laser scanning confocal microscopy, where cholesterol depletion was found to decrease TRPV1 mediated uptake rates of YO-PRO. Hence, these results propose a novel mechanism by which cellular cholesterol depletion modulates the function of TRPV1, which may constitute a novel approach for treatment of neurogenic pain.
Ecological status and traditional knowledge of medicinal plants in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary of Garhwal Himalaya, India
Authors: Bhat Jahangeer A , Kumar Munesh , Bussmann Rainer W
Published: January 2013

Background

Himalayan forests are the most important source of medicinal plants and with useful species for the local people. Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) is situated in the interior part of the Garhwal Himalayan region. The presented study was carried out in Madhmeshwar area of KWLS for the ecological status of medicinal plants and further focused on the ethnomedicinal uses of these plants in the study area.

Methods

Ecological information about ethnomedicinal plants were collected using random quadrats in a random sampling technique along an altitudinal gradient in the KWLS. Information on medicinal properties of plants encountered in the present study was generated by questionnaire survey and was also compared with relevant literature.

Results

A total of 152 medicinally important plant species were reported, in which 103 were found herbs, 32 shrubs and 17 were tree species which represented 123 genera of 61 families. A total of 18 plant species fell into the rare, endangered (critically endangered) and vulnerable status categories.

Conclusion

The present study documented the traditional uses of medicinal plants, their ecological status and importance of these plants in the largest protected area of Garhwal Himalaya. This study can serve as baseline information on medicinal plants and could be helpful to further strengthen the conservation of this important resource.
Case report: rare case of infiltration of small lymphocytic B-cell lymphoma in the thyroid gland of female patient with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL-B/SLL-B)
Authors: Andrysiak-Mamos Elżbieta , Becht Rafał , Sowińska-Przepiera Elżbieta , Pobłocki Jakub , Syrenicz Justyna , Zdziarska Barbara , Karpińska-Kaczmarczyk Katarzyna , Syrenicz Anhelli
Published: January 2013

The article presents a case of 57-year-old woman with the infiltration of rare small lymphocytic B cell lymphoma in the thyroid gland. Initially, the patient was followed-up due to chronic lymphocytic B-cell leukemia diagnosed on the basis of histopathological examination of cervical lymph node. Eight months later, general symptoms occurred along with lymphocytosis and exacerbation of lesions in lymph nodes, and therefore, chemotherapy was started according to COP regimen. After four chemotherapy cycles, further progression of the disease was observed during chemotherapy. Computed tomography (CT) performed at that time showed generalized lymphadenopathy and the presence of an irregular area in left thyroid lobe. On palpation, the thyroid was asymmetrical, with enlarged left lobe and palpable lymph node packages on the left side of the neck. The levels of thyroid hormones and anti-thyroid antibodies were normal. Ultrasound examination of the thyroid gland showed non-homogeneous hypoechogenic structure of the left lobe and complete focal remodeling. Cytological examination of left-lobe lesion obtained during fine needle aspiration biopsy showed multiple small lymphoid cells, suggestive of small lymphocytic lymphoma. To confirm this diagnosis, flow cytometry of the biopsy material sampled from the left lobe was performed showing B cellimmunophenotype: CD19+/CD20+/CD22 dim/FMC-7, CD23+/CD5+, sCD79b-+, CD38-, CD10-, kappa and lambda-/weak reaction. The results of flow cytometry of the thyroid bioptate and blood were nearly identical, confirming leukemic nature of the infiltration in left thyroid lobe. Cytogenetic findings included the presence of 17p deletion (TP53 gene). The patient received immunochemotherapy with alemtuzumab. The progression of the disease occurred in the sixth week of therapy. The treatment was discontinued after 8 weeks due to worsening of patient’s general status. The patient died 15 months after the diagnosis.
Eco-friendly synthesis and antimicrobial activities of some 1-phenyl-3(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-5-(substituted phenyl)-2-pyrazolines
Authors: Sasikala Ramalingam , Thirumurthy Kannan , Mayavel Perumal , Thirunarayanan Ganesamoorthy
Published: January 2013

Background

Green catalyst fly ash: H2SO4 was prepared by mixing fly ash and sulphuric acid. Microwave irradiations are applied for solid phase cyclization of 5-bromo-2-thienyl chalcones and phenyl hydrazine hydrate in the presence of fly ash: H2SO4 yields, 1-phenyl-3(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-5-(substituted phenyl)-2-pyrazolines. These pyrazolines were characterized by their physical constants and spectral data. The antimicrobial activities of all synthesized pyrazolines have been studied.

Results

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis shows the morphology changes between fly ash and the catalyst fly ash: H2SO4. The SEM photographs with the scale of 1 and 50 μm show the fly-ash particle is corroded by H2SO4 (indicated by arrow mark), and this may be due to dissolution of fly ash by H2SO4. The yields of 1-phenyl-3(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-5-(substituted phenyl)-2-pyrazolines is more than 75% using this catalyst under microwave heating. All pyrazolines showed moderate activities against antimicrobial strains.

Conclusion

We have developed an efficient catalytic method for synthesis of 1-phenyl-3(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-5-(substituted phenyl)-2-pyrazolines by solid phase cyclization using a solvent-free environmentally greener catalyst fly ash: H2SO4 under microwave irradiation between aryl chalcones and hydrazine hydrate. This reaction protocol offers a simple, economical, environment friendly, non-hazardous, easier work-up procedure, and good yields. All synthesized pyrazoline derivatives showed moderate antimicrobial activities against bacterial and fungal strains.
From taking to using medication: recovery-focused prescribing and medicines management
Authors: Baker Elina , Fee Jason , Bovingdon Louise , Campbell Tina , Hewis Elaine , Lewis Danny , Mahoney Lesley , Roberts Glenn
Published: January 2013

Mental health services are increasingly supporting recovery-oriented practice as a basis for service delivery. There is considerable overlap between the values and approaches associated with recovery-based practice and those already endorsed as good psychiatric practice. However, these agreed principles may not be consistently applied and further steps may be needed if the reorientation of the relationship between psychiatrists and people using psychiatric services is to fully reflect recovery principles. This article describes ways in which psychiatric practice could develop, including conceptualising medication as one of many possible recovery tools that a person can actively use to support their well-being, and a range of practices available to professionals to support people in taking up an active stance in relation to medication. It also identifies recovery-supportive practices for when someone is unable to fully participate in decision-making, owing to crisis, loss of capacity or concerns about safety.
PowerPoint: avoiding the slide to damnation
Authors: Undrill Guy , McMaster Fiona
Published: January 2013

PowerPoint slides are now almost expected of anyone preparing a presentation. The rise of the slide has generated considerable debate, with some people concerned that PowerPoint diminishes the potential of critical thinking by the audience, and others encouraging innovative graphic design as assisting the transmission of information. We examine these two viewpoints and offer steps and resources for incorporating design elements when preparing slides.
Recovery and medication: not quite a revolution: Commentary on… From Taking to Using Medication
Authors: Holloway Frank
Published: January 2013

In this issue of Advances, Baker et al describe a ‘recovery-focused approach’ to prescribing. They believe that there is a need for a paradigm shift in psychiatric practice. This commentary offers a brief introduction to the ‘recovery’ literature and a sceptical analysis of this bold claim.
Schizophrenia severity, social functioning and hippocampal neuroanatomy: three-dimensional mapping study
Authors: Brambilla Paolo , Perlini Cinzia , Rajagopalan Priya , Saharan Priyanka , Rambaldelli Gianluca , Bellani Marcella , Dusi Nicola , Cerini Roberto , Mucelli Roberto Pozzi , Tansella Michele , Thompson Paul M.
Published: January 2013

Background

Hippocampal shrinkage is commonly reported in schizophrenia, but its role in the illness is still poorly understood. In particular, it is unclear how clinical and psychosocial variables relate to hippocampal volumes.

Aims

To investigate neuroanatomic differences in the hippocampus using three-dimensional (3D) computational image analysis.

Method

We used high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging and surface-based modelling to map the 3D profile of hippocampal differences in adults with schizophrenia (n=67) and a healthy control group (n= 72). Manual tracings were used to create 3D parametric mesh models of the hippocampus. Regression models were used to relate diagnostic measures to maps of radial distance, and colour-coded maps were generated to show the profile of associations.

Results

There was no detectable difference between the schizophrenia and control groups in hippocampal radial distance. In the schizophrenia group, however, bilateral shape deflation was associated with greater illness severity (length of illness, positive and negative symptoms) and with poorer social functioning (educational level, quality of life and health status), which survived Bonferroni correction.

Conclusions

Illness severity and poor social functioning may be associated with hippocampal deflation in schizophrenia. As a structural sign of poor outcome, imaging measures might help to identify a subgroup of patients who may need specific treatment to resist hippocampal shrinkage, such as cognitive rehabilitation or physical exercise.
Natural history, predictors and outcomes of depression after stroke: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ayerbe Luis , Ayis Salma , Wolfe Charles D. A. , Rudd Anthony G.
Published: January 2013

Background

Depression after stroke is a distressing problem that may be associated with other negative health outcomes.

Aims

To estimate the natural history, predictors and outcomes of depression after stroke.

Method

Studies published up to 31 August 2011 were searched and reviewed according to accepted criteria.

Results

Out of 13 558 references initially found, 50 studies were included. Prevalence of depression was 29% (95% CI 25-32), and remains stable up to 10 years after stroke, with acumulative incidence of 39-52% within 5 years of stroke. The rate of recovery from depression among patients depressed a few months after stroke ranged from 15 to 57% 1 year after stroke. Major predictors of depression are disability, depression pre-stroke, cognitive impairment, stroke severity and anxiety. Lower quality of life, mortality and disability are independent outcomes of depression after stroke.

Conclusion

Interventions for depression and its potential outcomes are required.
Change in anxiety following successful and unsuccessful attempts at smoking cessation: cohort study
Authors: McDermott Máirtín S. , Marteau Theresa M. , Hollands Gareth J. , Hankins Matthew , Aveyard Paul
Published: January 2013

Background

Despite a lack of empirical evidence, many smokers and health professionals believe that tobacco smoking reduces anxiety, which may deter smoking cessation.

Aims

The study aim was to assess whether successful smoking cessation or relapse to smoking after a quit attempt are associated with changes in anxiety.

Method

A total of 491 smokers attending National Health Service smoking cessation clinics in England were followed up 6 months after enrolment in a trial of pharmacogenetic tailoring of nicotine replacement therapy (ISRCTN14352545).

Results

There was a points difference of 11.8 (95% CI 7.7-16.0) in anxiety score 6 months after cessation between people who relapsed to smoking and people who attained abstinence. This reflected a three-point increase in anxiety from baseline for participants who relapsed and a nine-point decrease for participants who abstained. The increase in anxiety in those who relapsed was largest for those with a current diagnosis of psychiatric disorder and whose main reason for smoking was to cope with stress. The decrease in anxiety on abstinence was larger for these groups also.

Conclusions

People who achieve abstinence experience a marked reduction in anxiety whereas those who fail to quit experience a modest increase in the long term. These data contradict the assumption that smoking is a stress reliever, but suggest that failure of a quit attempt may generate anxiety.
“Concerning Violence”: Frantz Fanon’s Rebel Intellectual in Search of a Black Cyborg
Authors: James Joy
Published: January 2013

This examination of “Concerning Violence,” the first chapter of Frantz Fanon’s The Wretched of the Earth, reflects on the rebellion of the native intellectual against colonialism and racism. This essay argues that the possibilities of political transformation through struggles against imperialism and capitalism prefigure a revolutionary figure, that of the black cyborg rebel in search of freedom beyond “Third World” nation-state formation, predatory humanity, and technology as warfare.
The Langue of the Damned: Fanon and the Remnants of Europe
Authors: Mellino Miguel
Published: January 2013

The essay suggests that Frantz Fanon’s French term damnés has very different existentialist and political meanings than those conveyed by the English word wretched. Fanon’s conception of the damned was highly influenced by the revolutionary modernist political imagination of black militant poets such as Jacques Roumain and Aimé Césaire, especially by Roumain’s poem “Sales négres.” Fanon’s damned hence cannot be considered as a mere sociological category. Reading The Wretched of the Earth through Giorgio Agamben’s ideas on the modernist meanings of the witness and the remnants, I finally argue that what is lost in translation is the apocalyptical, messianic, and redemptive langue of Fanon’s damned.
The Fanonian Specter in Palestine: Suicide Bombing and the Final Colonial War
Authors: Abraham Matthew
Published: January 2013

Drawing upon Fanon’s central insights in Wretched of the Earth, this essay seeks to explore how Palestinian suicide bombers in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict enact a biopolitical strategy, as part of an anti-colonial politics of struggle, to resist Israeli colonization. This biopolitical strategy of resistance views the act of self-destruction as paradoxically enabling the continuation of communal life; the decision to terminate an individual life, then, represents an affirmation of Palestinian communal life as it resists defeat, despair, and humiliation.
Teaching the Tax Code: Earnings Responses to an Experiment with EITC Recipients
Authors: Chetty Raj , Saez Emmanuel
Published: January 2013

We conducted a randomized experiment with 43,000 EITC recipients at H&R Block. Tax preparers gave simple, personalized information about the EITC schedule to half of their clients. We find no significant effects of information provision on earnings in the subsequent year in the full sample. Further exploration uncovers evidence of heterogeneous treatment effects on both self-employment income and wage earnings across the 1,461 tax preparers involved in the experiment. Providing information about tax incentives does not systematically effect earnings on average. However, tax preparers may influence their clients' earnings decisions by providing advice about how to respond to tax incentives. (JEL H23, H24, H26, J23, J31)
Barriers to Household Risk Management: Evidence from India
Authors: Cole Shawn , Giné Xavier , Tobacman Jeremy , Topalova Petia , Townsend Robert , Vickery James
Published: January 2013

Why do many households remain exposed to large exogenous sources of nonsystematic income risk? We use a series of randomized field experiments in rural India to test the importance of price and nonprice factors in the adoption of an innovative rainfall insurance product. Demand is significantly price sensitive, but widespread take-up would not be achieved even if the product offered a payout ratio comparable to US insurance contracts. We present evidence suggesting that lack of trust, liquidity constraints, and limited salience are significant nonprice frictions that constrain demand. We suggest possible contract design improvements to mitigate these frictions. (JEL D14, D81, O12, O13, O16, O18, Q12)
Savings Constraints and Microenterprise Development: Evidence from a Field Experiment in Kenya
Authors: Dupas Pascaline , Robinson Jonathan
Published: January 2013

Does limited access to formal savings services impede business growth in poor countries? To shed light on this question, we randomized access to noninterest-bearing bank accounts among two types of self-employed individuals in rural Kenya: market vendors (who are mostly women) and men working as bicycle taxi drivers. Despite large withdrawal fees, a substantial share of market women used the accounts, were able to save more, and increased their productive investment and private expenditures. We see no impact for bicycle-taxi drivers. These results imply significant barriers to savings and investment for market women in our study context. (JEL D14, G21, J16, J23, O12, O14, O16)
The Trouble with Boys: Social Influences and the Gender Gap in Disruptive Behavior
Authors: Bertrand Marianne , Pan Jessica
Published: January 2013

This paper explores the importance of the home and school environments in explaining the gender gap in disruptive behavior. We document large differences in the gender gap across key features of the home environment—boys do especially poorly in broken families. In contrast, we find little impact of the early school environment on noncognitive gaps. Differences in endowments explain a small part of boys' noncognitive deficit in single-mother families. More importantly, noncognitive returns to parental inputs differ markedly by gender. Broken families are associated with worse parental inputs, and boys' noncognitive development, unlike that of girls', appears extremely responsive to such inputs. (JEL I21, J12, J13, J16, Z13)
Real Wage Inequality
Authors: Moretti Enrico
Published: January 2013

While nominal wage differences between skilled and unskilled workers have increased since 1980, college graduates have experienced larger increases in cost of living because they have increasingly concentrated in cities with high cost of housing. Using a city-specific CPI, I find that real wage differences between college and high school graduates have grown significantly less than nominal differences. Changes in the geographical location of different skill groups are to a significant degree driven by city-specific shifts in relative demand. I conclude that the increase in utility differences between skilled and unskilled workers since 1980 is smaller than previously thought based on nominal wage differences. (JEL J22, J23, J24, J31, R23, R31)
Genomic Medicine: New Frontiers and New Challenges
Authors: Pasic Maria D , Samaan Sara , Yousef George M
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

The practice of personalized medicine has made large strides since the introduction of high-throughput technologies and the vast improvements in computational biotechnology. The personalized-medicine approach to cancer management holds promise for earlier disease detection, accurate prediction of prognosis, and better treatment options; however, the early experience with personalized medicine has revealed important concerns that need to be addressed before research findings can be translated to the bedside.

CONTENT

We discuss several emerging “practical” or “focused” applications of personalized medicine. Molecular testing can have an important positive impact on health and disease management in a number of ways, and the list of specific applications is evolving. This list includes improvements in risk assessment, disease prevention, identification of new disease-related mutations, accurate disease classification based on molecular signatures, selection of patients for enrollment in clinical trials, and development of new targeted therapies, especially for metastatic tumors that are refractory to treatment. Several challenges remain to be addressed before genomics information can be applied successfully in the routine clinical management of cancers. Further improvements and investigations are needed in data interpretation, extraction of actionable items, cost-effectiveness, how to account for patient heterogeneity and ethnic variation, and how to handle the risk of “incidental findings” in genetic testing.

It is now clear that personalized medicine will not immediately provide a permanent solution for patient management and that further refinement in the applications of personalized medicine will be needed to address and focus on specific issues.
Application of Laser Microscopy for Studying Crack Characteristics of Fine-Grained Soils
Authors: Uday K. V. , Singh D. N.
Published: January 2013

Most of the studies dealing with cracking characteristics of the fine-grained soils focus on establishing the influence of various factors affecting cracking, after effects of cracking, and cracking patterns. Mathematical models have also been developed based on the experimental results, from these studies, to estimate time of initiation of the crack, water content at this instant, and the depth up to which these cracks propagate. However, validation of these parameters based on the real life measurements has not yet been demonstrated. In this situation, resorting to laser microscopy to capture cracking characteristics, particularly the depth of crack propagation of fine-grained soils, appears to be quite useful. This technical note deals with details of the application of a laser microscope which has been employed to study cracking characteristics of the fine-grained soils. This study has been found to be quite useful in correlating dimensions of the crack with each other and its volume.
Shear Strength Behavior of Cement/Lime-Solidified Dunkirk Sediments by Fall Cone Tests and Vane Shear Tests
Authors: Wang DongXing , Zentar Rachid , Abriak Nor Edine , Xu WeiYa
Published: January 2013

An attempt has been made to use the fall cone tests and the laboratory vane shear tests for measuring the undrained shear strength of cement/lime-solidified sediments from Dunkirk Port in France. The results of the fall cone tests and the laboratory vane tests performed on Dunkirk sediments are discussed. First, the relationship between the vane shear strength and the water content is explored. Second, the relationship between the depth of cone penetration and the water content is studied. Third, the relationship between the shear strength by the fall cone test and the depth of cone penetration is evaluated. Fourth, the relationship between the shear strength by the fall cone test and the water content is investigated. Finally, the comparison of undrained shear strength performed by the fall cone test and the vane shear test is performed.
Laboratory Evaluation of Coefficient of Radial Consolidation Based on Pore-Water-Pressure Dissipation and Settlement
Authors: Indraratna Buddhima , Kianfar Kourosh , Rujikiatkamjorn Cholachat
Published: January 2013

Modified and standard Rowe consolidation cells were employed to investigate the behaviour of soft clays during vacuum assisted radial consolidation. Degree of consolidation (DOC) and the back calculated value of coefficient of radial consolidation (ch) based on measured settlement and excess pore-water-pressure (uw) dissipation curves were compared. The DOC and (ch) based on pore water pressures are shown to be less than those based on settlements. The vacuum pressure-total surcharge ratio (VSR) is found to be an important parameter controlling the rate of the consolidation. Moreover, the coefficient of radial consolidation (ch) based on conventional oedometer testing could not accurately predict the consolidation behaviour of soft soils under varying VSR. Finally, a semi-empirical model incorporating the relationship between VSR and a modified coefficient of radial consolidation is introduced.
An In-Depth Comparison of cv Values Determined Using Common Curve-Fitting Techniques
Authors: Lovisa Julie , Sivakugan Nagaratnam
Published: January 2013

The coefficient of consolidation (cv) is traditionally determined by fitting observed settlement–time data to the theoretical average degree of consolidation versus time factor relationship developed by Terzaghi. Although it is widely accepted that different curve-fitting methods can produce different values of cv, very few comparisons have been conducted to assess the validity of these methods. In this study, the settlement–time data gathered from conventional oedometer tests conducted on three different clays were analysed using three common curve-fitting techniques: the Casagrande log-time method, Taylor’s root-time method, and the Cour inflection point method. A new method proposed by the authors for calculating cv, which abandons the traditional curve-fitting approach in favour of a computational-based approach, was also used to compare these results. To assess the validity of each cv value, the experimental results were compared with the theoretical average degree of consolidation curve and quantified using the root-mean-square (rms) error. The efficacy of the designated curve-fitting method was found to significantly depend upon the “shape” of the settlement–time curve generated during testing. For example, in this study, clay containing a significant fraction of fine sand often resulted in settlement–time curves that exhibited no clear inflection point, which made analysis using the Cour method very difficult. In general, the Taylor method predicted larger values of cv than the Casagrande method, and correspondingly smaller rms errors. The variance method proposed by the authors resulted in values of cv that more closely matched those generated using the Casagrande method. However, smaller rms errors were achieved using the variance method, which suggests that this technique may produce a more realistic estimate of cv than the Casagrande method.
An Integrated Seismic Monitoring System for a Full-Scale Embedded Retaining Wall
Authors: Rainieri Carlo , Fabbrocino Giovanni , Santucci de Magistris Filippo
Published: January 2013

Over the last 50 years, data from laboratory tests and post-earthquake reconnaissance have been used to gain knowledge about the dynamic and seismic behavior of geotechnical structures and to improve analysis and design procedures. The scarcity of reconnaissance data has pointed out the need for full-scale and near full-scale tests for research purposes in earthquake engineering. Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems have been applied to different kinds of structures, but although static control of displacements and pressures is quite common, dynamic monitoring is fairly limited in geotechnical engineering. In the present paper, an integrated structural and geotechnical monitoring program aimed at filling this knowledge gap is described with reference to a real flexible retaining wall. The objective of the research is to establish a combination of sensors, numerical analyses, and data processing procedures to turn the monitored retaining wall into a smart geotechnical structure. Attention is herein focused on two aspects related to the implementation of the monitoring system and the dynamic identification of the soil-structure system. Specifically, the paper describes an example of seismic monitoring system for full-scale flexible retaining walls based on sensors embedded in the reinforced concrete piles. Installation details are given together with a description of the monitoring system architecture in its current stage of implementation. Issues and requirements for the measurement chain are discussed, taking into account possible installation drawbacks (i.e., shocks) and the opportunity to monitor the response under operational conditions. Furthermore, a novel and successful application of operational modal analysis (OMA) to such a complex geotechnical system is reported. It allows for the identification of the fundamental modes of the soil-wall system in operation (but before the erection of a building on the excavated side). Implementation of the monitoring system prototype is still in progress, but some interesting results have already been outlined.
A Modified Osmotic Direct Shear Apparatus for Testing Unsaturated Soils
Authors: Hamidi A. , Habibagahi G. , Ajdari M.
Published: January 2013

Most hydro-mechanical models for unsaturated soil models require shear strength characteristics of the soil in order to determine the pertinent model parameters. Moreover, one needs to know the shear strength of unsaturated soils when dealing with stability problems in engineering practices. Because matric suction affects the shear strength of unsaturated soils, a suitable apparatus must be capable of imposing and/or measuring suction during tests. Shear tests on unsaturated soils are usually performed using the axis translation technique. This method covers a low range of matric suctions that corresponds to relatively high degrees of saturation for fine grained soils. Thus, it is essential to develop new techniques to extend the range of suctions for these soils. In this study, a modified direct shear device is introduced that uses the osmotic method to impose the desired matric suction. A polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution is circulated all around the bottom of the soil sample to impose the suction, and a semi-permeable membrane is introduced between the soil and the PEG solution that permits water swap but prevents the PEG macromolecules from crossing the membrane. Using this technique, the suction is controlled and kept constant during the test. The special shear box design described in this paper minimizes the potential for membrane rupture during the test. Shear stress, as well as the vertical and horizontal displacement, is recorded using an auto-logging device. The suitability of the apparatus to perform direct shear tests at relatively high suction values is investigated via tests carried out on Shiraz silty clay. In these tests, soil specimens are subjected to suctions of up to 800 kPa during shearing. The results indicate that the shear strength and shear induced dilation of the soil samples increase with suction.
Digital Image Analysis of Distribution of Immiscible Fluids in Natural Porous Media
Authors: Montoro Marcos A. , Francisca Franco M.
Published: January 2013

This article proposes a method of digital image analysis to monitor immiscible flow in soil samples. Four different natural soil samples were studied: coarse, medium, fine, and silty sand. Paraffin oil and a sodium fluorescein solution were used as the displaced and displacing phase, respectively. Immiscible flow tests were performed in a Plexiglas cell and monitored by means of digital image analysis and direct volumetric measurement. The images were processed to obtain gray levels at different stages during the tests. Saturation of paraffin oil was then computed from the gray level and a linear regression equation was developed for each soil tested. The proposed method enabled valuable information to be obtained of the processes that take place at the face of the samples during liquid displacement and in the middle of the samples at the end of the tests. This procedure was very effective for analyzing different flow patterns, isolating areas with trapped paraffin oil, and to determining the ganglia size distribution at different stages of the immiscible flow tests. The results indicated that particle size and microstructure heterogeneities determine the flow pattern features observed during the immiscible displacement of paraffin oil by water.
A Drying Cake Method for Measuring Suction-Stress Characteristic Curve, Soil–Water-Retention Curve, and Hydraulic Conductivity Function
Authors: Lu Ning , Kaya Murat
Published: January 2013

A drying cake (DC) method is invented for measurement of the suction-stress characteristic curve (SSCC), the soil–water-retention curve (SWRC), and the hydraulic conductivity function (HCF) of soils under drying conditions. The DC method employs particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique to acquire digital still images of the radial displacement field of a disk-shaped soil specimen during drying, while the moisture content of the specimen is recorded using an electronic balance. A linear elasticity theory employing the suction-stress-based effective stress in both total and incremental forms is developed to calculate suction stress, suction, and hydraulic conductivity from the moisture-content-dependent displacement fields; thus permitting definition of the SSCC, SWRC, and HCF of a soil. Five different soils, representing a wide spectrum of soil variety from pure sand, to silt and organic silt, to non-swelling and swelling clays are used to illustrate and test the principle and theory, the validity, and applicability of the DC method. Established measurement techniques for the constitutive relationships of unsaturated soils, such as the Tempe cell, constant flow, transient water release and imbibition, and shear-strength relationships were used to validate the DC method. The results from the DC method were found to compare well with those techniques. Repeated DC tests confirm that the results from the test are unique. It is shown that the DC method is superior to other existing methods in: (1) providing simple and accurate data acquisition (involving taking sequential digital still images and monitoring specimen’s moisture content by an electronic balance without use of suction or moisture probe), (2) facilitating fast testing time (in less than one week for the primary drying path of the SSCC, SWRC, and HCF), (3) permitting concurrent measurement of the SSCC, SWRC, and HCF by using one soil sample, and (4) its applicability to all types of soils under wide suction and moisture-content conditions.
Development of a Large-Scale Infiltration Column for Studying the Hydraulic Conductivity of Unsaturated Fouled Ballast
Authors: Duong T. V. , Trinh V. N. , Cui Y. J. , Tang A. M. , Calon N.
Published: January 2013

To study the hydraulic behavior of fouled ballast, an infiltration column 600 mm high and 300 mm in diameter was developed. Five time domain reflectometer (TDR) sensors and five tensiometers were installed at various levels, allowing the measurement of volumetric water content and matric suction, respectively. The material studied was fouled ballast that was formed in the railway track-bed by penetration of fine-grained soil into the ballast. This material is characterized by a high contrast of size between the largest and the smallest particles. During the test, three stages were followed: saturation, drainage, and evaporation. Based on the test results, the water-retention curve and the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity were determined. The quality of the results shows the capacity of this large-scale infiltration column in studying the unsaturated hydraulic properties of such fouled ballast.
Application Research on Anti-Cracking Agent for Semi-Rigid Base
Authors: Luo Hui , Zhu Hong-Ping , Zi Jian-Ming , Wang Ying , Lu Yong-Fa
Published: January 2013

Semi-rigid base materials have been widely used in recent years. However, this material is easy to crack, which adversely affects the performance of the pavement. In this paper, an innovative reclaimed phosphogypsum-based material is used as an anti-cracking agent added in the semi-rigid base. Several laboratory tests and field observations have been taken to evaluate the potential of the material that we are proposing to be used as an anti-cracking agent. The shrinkage tests show that the shrink space of the road base caused by the variations of the temperature and humidity has decreased dramatically because of the involvement of the anti-cracking agent. The influence of the delay on the molding time and on the strength of gravel mixtures is also analyzed, and the results show that the anti-cracking agent has a slow setting performance. By adding an anti-cracking agent into the semi-rigid base material, early strength of the material is enhanced, curing period is shortened, and lasting quality is improved. The continuous construction of the base and asphalt pavement are technically feasible in the testing road because of the excellent expansion, densification, and water-resistance characteristics of the anti-cracking agent. As a result, cracks in the pavement can be retarded or lightened, and, thus, the pavement service life can be extended.