bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5‐HT2A receptor blockade and 5‐HT2C receptor activation interact to reduce cocaine hyperlocomotion and fos protein expression in the caudate‐putamen
Authors: Pockros Lara A. , Pentkowski Nathan S. , Conway Sineadh M. , Ullman Teresa E. , Zwick Kimberly R. , Neisewander Janet L.
Published: August 2012

Both the 5‐HT2A receptor (R) antagonist M100907 and the 5‐HT2CR agonist MK212 attenuate cocaine‐induced dopamine release and hyperlocomotion. This study examined whether these drugs interact to reduce cocaine hyperlocomotion and Fos expression in the striatum and prefrontal cortex. We first determined from dose‐effect functions a low dose of both M100907 and MK212 that failed to alter cocaine (15 mg/kg, i.p.) hyperlocomotion. Subsequently, we examined whether these subthreshold doses given together would attenuate cocaine hyperlocomotion, consistent with a 5‐HT2A/5‐HT2CR interaction. Separate groups of rats received two sequential drug injections 5 min apart immediately before a 1‐h locomotion test as follows: (1) saline + saline, (2) saline + cocaine, (3) 0.025 mg/kg M100907 + cocaine, (4) 0.125 mg/kg MK212 + cocaine, or (5) cocktail combination of 0.025 mg/kg M100907 and 0.125 mg/kg MK212 + cocaine. Brains were extracted for Fos immunohistochemistry 90 min after the second injection. We next examined the effects of 0.025 mg/kg M100907 and 0.125 mg/kg MK212, alone and in combination, on spontaneous locomotor activity. While neither drug given alone produced any effects, the M100907/MK212 cocktail attenuated cocaine hyperlocomotion as well as cocaine‐induced Fos expression in the dorsolateral caudate‐putamen (CPu), but had no effect on spontaneous locomotion. The findings suggest that 5‐HT2ARs and 5‐HT2CRs interact to attenuate cocaine hyperlocomotion and Fos expression in the CPu, and that the CPu is a potential locus of the interactive effects between these 5‐HT2R subtypes on behavior. Further research investigating combined 5‐HT2AR antagonism and 5‐HT2CR agonism as a treatment for cocaine dependence is warranted. Synapse, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impacts of exurban sprawl: The effects of the perceptions and practices of new residents toward the spur‐thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca)
Authors: Pérez Irene , Giménez Andrés , Pedreño Andrés
Published: August 2012

Urbanization is one of the main drivers threatening biodiversity. Together with the direct effects of exurban sprawl (e.g., habitat loss), the behavior of new residents may have important implications for species conservation. This manuscript addresses the effects of exurban sprawl on the collection and captivity of the endangered spur‐thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) in southeastern Spain. In June 2004, we undertook 362 structured interviews with exurban residents. Our results showed that most of the 12% of new residents who keeps tortoises in captivity have collected them from the wild (51%). Reintroductions and captive breeding were also frequent practices (24% and 26%, respectively). These practices, which are expected to increase in forthcoming years, might have important implications for the conservation of the species (local extinction, disease spread, or genetic mixing). Paradoxically, new residents collect tortoises to “protect” wild individuals from natural and anthropic threats. Therefore, even though many new residents are concerned about the spur‐thighed tortoise, they do not practice sound conservation measures. This study highlights the importance of incorporating human dimensions for wildlife into planning for urban sprawl. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Exploiting antipredator behavior in white‐tailed deer for resource protection
Authors: Blackwell Bradley F. , Seamans Thomas W. , Tyson Laura A. , Belant Jerrold L. , VerCauteren Kurt C.
Published: August 2012

Effects of visual obstruction on white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) include enhanced vigilance and flight‐initiation distances. Prior work suggests that artificial visual barriers might enhance perceived risk of predation to deer. During 2008–2010 at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Plum Brook Station (Erie County, OH), we tested the hypotheses that visual obstruction of winter feeding stations would result in fewer white‐tailed deer visiting treatment stations and increased vigilance exhibited relative to deer using control stations. When feeding stations were bounded on 3 sides by a 22.5‐m‐long, 1.5‐m‐high, continuous, polyethylene visual barrier (including a 5‐m opening on the fourth side), and offset from the food resource by 22.5 m, we observed no differences in deer use or vigilance compared with control stations (4.5‐cm mesh, snow fencing only). In a second experiment, feeding stations bounded by individual, 1.5‐m‐high, polyethylene visual barriers, positioned on 3 sides only and offset from the food resource by only 7.6 m each, were characterized by 1) fewer deer, 2) increased alert behavior (e.g., head held above horizontal, ears erect, body posture noticeably stiff and animal paused, directed attention, tail flagging, or fleeing) by deer using the stations, and 3) fewer deer using stations at night, relative to control stations. Visual barriers offset at most by 7.6 m from a food resource (e.g., crops), or located randomly within target areas frequented by deer can offer temporary and easily manipulated means of diminishing deer use of resources on unfenced General Aviation airports or depredation of agricultural crops, and ready integration with other management methods. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
An evaluation of monitoring methods for the endangered giant kangaroo rat
Authors: Bean William T. , Stafford Robert , Prugh Laura R. , Scott Butterfield H. , Brashares Justin S.
Published: August 2012

Accurate, reliable, and efficient monitoring methods for detecting changes in the distribution and abundance of wildlife populations are the cornerstone of effective management. Aerial surveys of active burrow sites and ground counts of open burrows have been used to estimate distribution and abundance, respectively, of a number of rodent species. We compared the efficacy of these and other methods for estimating distribution, abundance, and population growth of the endangered giant kangaroo rat (Dipodomys ingens) to determine the best practices for monitoring. Specifically, we compared aerial surveys, rapid expert assessments, and live‐trapping for estimating giant kangaroo rat range, and burrow counts and live‐trapping for estimating abundance and growth. We carried out the study in the Carrizo Plain National Monument, California, USA, from 2007 to 2011. Expert rapid assessment of sites performed nearly as well as trapping in determining range extent, while aerial surveys provided estimates of total range extent but with less precision. Active burrow counts were adequate to determine relative abundance averaged over multiple years, but were not reliable as an estimate of annual population size or growth. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Species conservation at a broad spatial scale: Reproductive success of golden‐cheeked warblers across their breeding range
Authors: Campomizzi Andrew J. , Farrell Shannon L. , Mcfarland Tiffany M. , Mathewson Heather A. , Morrison Michael L. , Wilkins R. Neal
Published: August 2012

Research conducted near the time a species is listed as threatened or endangered can help inform management guidelines. However, these studies are typically limited in temporal and spatial scope and typically address a limited set of ecological questions. Application of such information can result in misleading management guidelines or ineffective conservation if species–habitat relationships vary across space or if preliminary information fails to provide reliable assessments of habitat quality. We evaluated existing management guidelines that addressed reproductive success of the golden‐cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia), a federally endangered songbird endemic to central Texas, USA. We monitored 1,382 territories in 87 patches of woodland across the breeding range from 2007 to 2011. Ours was the first evaluation of management guidelines addressing reproductive success with data collected across the warbler's breeding range. Our results did not consistently confirm the commonly accepted management guidelines that habitat quality, based on the presence of offspring in a territory, was positively associated with patch size and territory canopy cover, and negatively associated with patch edge. The relationship between probability of a territory fledging ≥1 offspring and patch size, patch edge‐to‐area ratio, and territory canopy cover varied by geographic region (level‐IV eco‐region). Our results suggested future conservation plans that address habitat quality should consider variation among regions to improve conservation efforts and that habitat associations identified with warbler occurrence were not necessarily indicative of reproductive success. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Linear enamel hypoplasia in caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus): A potential tool to assess population health
Authors: Wu Jessica P. , Veitch Alasdair , Checkley Sylvia , Dobson Howard , Kutz Susan J.
Published: August 2012

We studied the presence of linear enamel hypoplasias (LEHs; tooth defects associated with physiological stress) in caribou (Rangifer tarandus). A timeline of tooth enamel development was determined by radiographic examination of 48 mandibles from caribou aged 3–24 months old. We examined mandibles from the Bluenose East (n = 56) and Bluenose West (n = 15) caribou herds in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, Canada, for LEHs and 21.1% (15/71) were affected. We concluded that LEHs do occur in caribou and tracking these over time may provide a tool to track population dynamics in extant wildlife. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
A modified night‐netting technique for recapturing quail
Authors: Troy Ronald J. , Coates Peter S. , Connelly John W. , Gillette Gifford , Delehanty David J.
Published: August 2012

Difficulties in recapturing radiomarked birds often prevent wildlife researchers from replacing transmitters and continuing to collect data over long time periods. We developed an effective, inexpensive capture technique for radiomarked mountain quail (Oreortyx pictus). Twenty‐three of 25 mountain quail in south‐central Idaho, USA, in 2006 and 2007 were recaptured for transmitter replacement. This technique will provide researchers with an opportunity to recapture relatively small birds, particularly those in dense vegetation, to help conduct long‐term studies. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Shifting foundations and metrics for golden‐cheeked warbler recovery
Authors: Hatfield Jeff S. , Weckerly Floyd W. , Duarte Adam
Published: August 2012

Using the golden‐cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) as a case study, this paper discusses what lessons can be learned from the process of the emergency listing and subsequent development of the recovery plan. Are the metrics for recovery in the current warbler plan appropriate, including population size and distribution (recovery units), migration corridors, and wintering habitat? In other words, what happened, what can we learn, and what should happen (in general) in the future for development of such plans? We discuss the number of recovery units required for species persistence and estimate the number of male warblers in protected areas across the breeding range of the species, using newly published density estimates. We also discuss future monitoring strategies to estimate warbler population trends and dispersal rates. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Magnetic Anisotropy of Dichlorobis(η5‐cyclopentadienyl) Complexes of Vanadium, Niobium, and Tantalum
Authors: Kuiper Maurits , Speldrich Manfred , Schilder Helmut , Lueken Heiko
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The magnetic behavior of the mononuclear nd1 systems MCp2Cl2 (M = V4+[3d1], Nb4+[4d1], Ta4+[5d1], space group P21/c, pseudosymmetry of the molecules C2v) deviates from pure single ion spin magnetism on account of ligand field effect (Hlf), spin‐orbit coupling (Hso), and intermolecular spin‐spin exchange interactions (Hex). For both VCp2Cl2 and NbCp2Cl2 excellent adaptations to the measured susceptibility data were obtained (2 K ≤ T ≤ 300 K) on the basis of spectroscopic data (lf, so) and cooperative metal–metal interactions (ex) of antiferromagnetic nature [molecular field model (mf)]. For TaCp2Cl2 experimental term structure data are not available. Therefore, Jørgensen's spectroscopical series (g‐factor of the central ion) was applied to extrapolate the data set for TaCp2Cl2. Hlf, Hso, and Hex (antiferromagnetic) increase in the order 3d1 → 4d1 → 5d1 leading, with rising atomic number of the metals, to a distinct enhancement of the magnetic anisotropy. At 4 K the μeff components μeff,y (oriented perpendicular to the cg–M–cg plane; “cg” = center of gravity of the Cp ring), μeff,z (oriented along the twofold pseudoaxis), and μeff,x are 1.73, 1.69, 1.68 (V), 1.73, 1.62, 1.59 (Nb), and 1.71, 1.59, 1.49 (Ta). While μeff,y is independent of T, both μeff,z and μeff,x decrease with decreasing T.
Self-initiation and temporal cueing of monaural tones reduce the auditory N1 and P2
Authors: Sowman Paul F. , Kuusik Anni , Johnson Blake W.
Published: August 2012

Event-related potentials (ERPs) to tones that are self-initiated are reduced in their magnitude in comparison with ERPs to tones that are externally generated. This phenomenon has been taken as evidence for an efference copy of the motor command acting to suppress the sensory response. However, self-initiation provides a strong temporal cue for the stimulus which might also contribute to the ERP suppression for self-initiated tones. The current experiment sought to investigate the suppression of monaural tones by temporal cueing and also whether the addition of self-initiation enhanced this suppression. Lastly, the experiment sought to investigate the lateralisation of the ERP suppression via presenting these monaural tones to each ear respectively. We examined source waveforms extracted from the lateralised auditory cortices and measured the modulation of the N1 and P2 components by cueing and self-initiation. Self-initiation significantly reduced the amplitude of the N1 component. Temporal cueing without self-initiation significantly reduced the P2 component. There were no significant differences in the amplitude of either the N1 or the P2 between self-initiation and temporal cuing. There was a significant lateralisation effect on the N1—it being significantly larger contralateral to the ear of stimulation. There was no interaction between lateralisation and side of the temporal cue or side of self-initiation suggesting that the effects of self-initiation and temporal cuing are equal bilaterally. We conclude that a significant proportion of ERP suppression by self-initiation is a result of inherent temporal cueing.
Early DNA damage response in residual carcinoma in situ at ductal stumps and local recurrence in patients undergoing resection for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Wakai Toshifumi , Shirai Yoshio , Sakata Jun , Korita Pavel V. , Ajioka Yoichi , Hatakeyama Katsuyoshi
Published: August 2012

Background/purpose

The aim of this study was to clarify the association between the DNA damage response mediated by p53‐binding protein 1 (53BP1) in residual carcinoma in situ at ductal stumps and local recurrence in patients undergoing resection for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 11 patients with positive ductal margins with carcinoma in situ. To evaluate the early DNA damage response, the nuclear staining pattern of 53BP1 was examined by immunofluorescence. TUNEL analysis was used to calculate the apoptotic index.

Results

Of the 11 tumor specimens of carcinoma in situ, seven showed diffuse localization of 53BP1 in nuclei (53BP1 inactivation) and four showed discrete nuclear foci of 53BP1 (53BP1 activation); the apoptotic index was significantly decreased in the seven tumor specimens with 53BP1 inactivation compared to the four with 53BP1 activation (median apoptotic index, 1 vs. 22 %;p = 0.003). The cumulative probability of local recurrence was significantly higher in patients with 53BP1 inactivation than in patients with 53BP1 activation (cumulative 5‐year local recurrence rate, 60 vs. 0 %;p = 0.019).

Conclusions

Clinically evident local recurrence of residual carcinoma in situ at ductal stumps is closely associated with 53BP1 inactivation and decreased apoptosis.
How Big is My Neighborhood? Individual and Contextual Effects on Perceptions of Neighborhood Scale
Authors: Coulton Claudia J. , Jennings M. Zane , Chan Tsui
Published: August 2012

Neighborhood is a social and geographic concept that plays an increasingly important role in research and practice that address disparities in health and well‐being of populations. However, most studies of neighborhoods, as well as community initiatives geared toward neighborhood improvement, make simplifying assumptions about boundaries, often relying on census geography to operationalize the neighborhood units. This study used geographic information system (GIS) tools to gather and analyze neighborhood maps drawn by residents of low‐income communities in 10 cities. The median resident map size was approximately 30 percent smaller than the median census tract, but 25 percent of residents viewed their neighborhood as quite small (less than one‐fifth of the typical census tract). Multi‐level modeling showed significant within context variation in perceived neighborhood scale. Longer term residents with higher education and income and who were more engaged in the neighborhood held more expansive views. But there were also contextual influences with higher density and mixed use areas associated with smaller perceived neighborhoods, and higher collective efficacy associated with larger neighborhood sizes. Artificially imposed neighborhood units may misrepresent resident experience, but GIS tools can be used to craft more authentic neighborhood definitions for research and practice.
Aboriginal Gambling and Problem Gambling: A Review
Authors: Breen Helen , Gainsbury Sally
Published: August 2012

The prevention of gambling-related problems amongst Aboriginal communities has been neglected by most public health strategies which concentrate on mainstream populations. Research indicates that rates of problem gambling are higher for Aboriginal groups than the general population. Specific cultural, familial, and social patterns influence gambling by Aboriginal groups, which are individually different, making it difficult to implement a cohesive strategy to address gambling-related harms. Because of this complexity, a thorough literature review is necessary to identify gaps in policy and research. This paper uses a public health framework to consider multi-dimensional influences (personal, environmental, economic, cultural and social) that affect gambling uptake. Such analysis is also important for identifying risk factors which facilitate the development and maintenance of problem gambling and potentially for underpinning protection, prevention and treatment programs. It is advised that strategies be developed in consultation with Aboriginal peoples to guide public health policy and research to minimise any gambling-related harms.
Segregation Through the Lens of Housing Unit Transition: What Roles Do the Prior Residents, the Local Micro-Neighborhood, and the Broader Neighborhood Play?
Authors: Hipp John R.
Published: August 2012

This study focuses on segregation as it plays out at the micro-level of housing unit transition. Employing a unique sample that places housing units into micro-neighborhoods and census tracts, this study tests whether the characteristics of the previous residents of the unit, the local micro-neighborhood, or the broader tract best explain the race/ethnicity of the new residents in a housing unit. The results show that the racial/ethnic composition of the local micro-neighborhood has even stronger effects on the race/ethnicity of the new residents than does the racial/ethnic composition of the broader census tract. The results also reveal that even when the racial/ethnic composition of these two contexts are accounted for, the race/ethnicity of the prior residents has a very strong effect on the race/ethnicity of the new residents. I consider possible explanations for this household-level effect. One new theoretical explanation I put forward is that prospective residents use the race/ethnicity of the prior residents as a signal regarding the neighborhood’s appropriateness for them; I test and find that this hypothesized signaling effect is even stronger in certain micro-neighborhood, neighborhood, and county contexts.
TPCK inhibits AGC kinases by direct activation loop adduction at phenylalanine‐directed cysteine residues
Authors: Anjum Rana , Pae Eunice , Blenis John , Ballif Bryan A.
Published: August 2012

N‐alpha‐tosyl‐l‐phenylalanyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK) has anti‐tumorigenic properties, but its direct cellular targets are unknown. Previously, we showed TPCK inhibited the PDKl‐dependent AGC kinases RSK, Akt and S6K1 without inhibiting PKA, ERK1/2, PI3K, and PDK1 itself. Here we show TPCK‐inhibition of the RSK‐related kinases MSK1 and 2, which can be activated independently of PDK1. Mass spectrometry analysis of RSK1, Aktl, S6K1 and MSK1 immunopurified from TPCK‐treated cells identified TPCK adducts on cysteines located in conserved activation loop Phenylalanine–Cysteine (Phe–Cys) motifs. Mutational analysis of the Phe–Cys residues conferred partial TPCK resistance. These studies elucidate a primary mechanism by which TPCK inhibits several AGC kinases, inviting consideration of TPCK‐like compounds in chemotherapy given their potential for broad control of cellular growth, proliferation and survival.
Progranulin compensates for blocked IGF‐1 signaling to promote myotube hypertrophy in C2C12 myoblasts via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway
Authors: Hu Shao-Yang , Tai Chen-Chen , Li Yen-Hsing , Wu Jen-Leih
Published: August 2012

It is well known that growth hormone (GH)‐induced IGF‐1 signaling plays a dominant role in postnatal muscle growth. Our previous studies have identified a growth factor, progranulin (PGRN), that is co‐induced with IGF‐1 upon GH administration. This result prompted us to explore the function of PGRN and its association with IGF‐1. In the present study, we demonstrated that, similar to IGF‐1, PGRN can promote C2C12 myotube hypertrophy via the PI(3)K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Moreover, PGRN can rescue the muscle atrophy phenotypes in C2C12 myotube when IGF‐1 signaling is blocked. This result shows that PGRN can substitute for IGF‐1 signaling in the regulation of muscle growth. Our findings provide new insights into IGF‐1‐modulated complicated networks that regulate muscle growth.
Professional leadership in obstetrics and gynecology and its contribution to Millennium Development Goal 5
Authors: Taylor David J.
Published: August 2012

National professional associations of obstetrics and gynecology characteristically begin as learned societies holding regular conferences for the presentation and discussion of new research results, and progress to regulating the activities of their members in the public interest (e.g. admission examinations, setting standards). However, they can offer much more to their nation's health by contributing directly to improvements in health care and influencing governmental decisions in favor of the health of women and babies. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO), through the Leadership in Obstetrics and Gynecology for Impact and Change (LOGIC) initiative, is developing the capacity of national professional associations in Africa and Asia, so that they can contribute to improving clinical practice and influence national health policy toward achieving Millennium Development Goal 5.
The state of the world's midwifery: Making the invisible visible
Authors: Day‐Stirk Frances , Fauveau Vincent
Published: August 2012

This paper presents the evidence for maternal and newborn mortality and morbidity, and provides the background to the publication of the ground‐breaking Global State of the World's Midwifery Report (SoWMy) in 2011. Supported by 30 agencies, the SoWMy provides data gathered from 58 countries on their maternity services, and makes recommendations for improving the care of and services for childbearing women by improving the status, education, and regulation of midwives globally. If governments, policy makers, professional associations, international organizations, donor agencies, and civil society take the recommended steps and invest accordingly, this will effectively lead to an improvement in access to quality midwifery services and maternal and newborn health globally.
DNA methylation and microRNA dysregulation in cancer
Authors: Suzuki Hiromu , Maruyama Reo , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Kai Masahiro
Published: August 2012

DNA methylation plays a key role in the silencing of numerous cancer‐related genes, thereby affecting a number of vital cellular processes, including the cell cycle checkpoint, apoptosis, signal transduction, cell adhesion and angiogenesis. Also widely altered in human malignancies is the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small noncoding RNAs that act as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. Furthermore, emerging evidence now supports the idea that DNA methylation is crucially involved in the dysregulation of miRNAs in cancer. This is in part the result of technological advances that enable more comprehensive analysis of miRNA expression profiles and the epigenome in cancer cells, which has led to the identification of a number of epigenetically regulated miRNAs. As with protein‐coding genes, it appears that miRNA genes involved in regulating cancer‐related pathways are silenced in association with CpG island hypermethylation. In addition, methylation in CpG island shore regions and DNA hypomethylation also appear to contribute to miRNA dysregulation in cancer. Aberrant DNA methylation of miRNA genes is a potentially useful biomarker for detecting cancer and predicting its outcome. Moreover, re‐expression of miRNAs and the replacement of tumor suppressive miRNAs using miRNA mimics or expression vectors could be effective approaches to cancer therapy.
Linear water waves: the horizontal motion of a structure in the time domain
Authors: McIver P.
Published: August 2012

The framework of the linearized theory of water waves in the time domain is used to examine the horizontal motion of an unrestrained floating structure. One of the principal assumptions of the theory is that an infinitesimal disturbance of the rest state will lead to an infinitesimal motion of the fluid and structure. It has been known for some time that for some initial conditions the theory predicts an unbounded horizontal motion of the structure that violates this assumption, but the possibility does not appear to have been examined in detail. Here some circumstances that lead to predictions of large motions are identified and, in addition, it is shown that not all non-trivial initial conditions lead to violations of the assumptions. In particular, it is shown that the horizontal motion of a floating structure remains bounded when it is initiated by the start up of a separate wave maker. The general discussion is supported by specific calculations for a vertical circular cylinder.
The London field trial for hoarding disorder
Authors: Mataix-Cols D. , Billotti D. , Fernández de la Cruz L. , Nordsletten A. E.
Published: August 2012

Background

A new diagnostic category, hoarding disorder (HD), has been proposed for inclusion in DSM-5. This study field-tested the validity, reliability and perceived acceptability of the proposed diagnostic criteria for HD.

Method

Fifty unselected individuals with prominent hoarding behavior and 20 unselected, self-defined ‘collectors’ participated in thorough psychiatric assessments, involving home visits whenever possible. A semi-structured interview based on the proposed diagnostic criteria for HD was administered and scored by two independent raters. ‘True’ diagnoses were made by consensus according to the best-estimate diagnosis procedure. The percentage of true positive HD cases (sensitivity) and true negative HD cases (specificity) was calculated, along with inter-rater reliability for the diagnosis and each criterion. Participants were asked about their perceptions of the acceptability, utility and stigma associated with the new diagnosis.

Results

Twenty-nine (58%) of the hoarding individuals and none of the collectors fulfilled diagnostic criteria for HD. The sensitivity, specificity and inter-rater reliability of the diagnosis, and of each individual criterion and the specifiers, were excellent. Most participants with HD (96%) felt that creating a new disorder would be very or somewhat acceptable, useful (96%) and not too stigmatizing (59%).

Conclusions

The proposed HD criteria are valid, reliable and perceived as acceptable and useful by the sufferers. Crucially, they seem to be sufficiently conservative and unlikely to overpathologize normative behavior. Minor changes in the wording of the criteria are suggested.
Aberrant intrinsic brain activity and cognitive deficit in first-episode treatment-naive patients with schizophrenia
Authors: He Z. , Deng W. , Li M. , Chen Z. , Jiang L. , Wang Q. , Huang C. , Collier D. A. , Gong Q. , Ma X. , Zhang N. , Li T.
Published: August 2012

Background

Given the important role of the default mode network (DMN) in cognitive function and the well-known neurocognitive deficit in schizophrenia, it is intriguing to examine systematically the relationship between neurocognitive dysfunction and aberrant intrinsic activities, and also functional connectivity, of the DMN in patients with schizophrenia.

Method

First-episode, treatment-naive patients with schizophrenia (FES) (n = 115) and healthy controls (n = 113) underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans and neurocognitive tests. Intrinsic neural activities evaluated by using the fragment amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and the resting-state functional connectivity assessed by seed-based correlational analysis were compared between patients and controls. Aberrant intrinsic activities and DMN connectivity in patients were then correlated to neurocognitive performance and clinical symptoms.

Results

Compared to controls, patients with FES showed decreased fALFF in the bilateral medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and increased fALFF in the bilateral putamen. Increased functional connectivity with the DMN was observed in the left insula and bilateral dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC) in patients with FES. In patients, aberrant fALFF in the bilateral OFC were correlated with cognitive processing speed; fALFF in the left OFC and right putamen were correlated with the clinical factors excited/activation and disorganization; and increased DMN functional connectivity in the left insula was correlated with the clinical factors positive, excited/activation, disorganization and neurocognitive deficit in the domain of sustained attention.

Conclusions

These associations between neurocognitive dysfunction and aberrant intrinsic activities, and also functional connectivity, of the DMN in patients with schizophrenia may provide important insights into the neural mechanism of the disease.
The role of accessibility of semantic word knowledge in monolingual and bilingual fifth-grade reading
Authors: CREMER M. , SCHOONEN R.
Published: August 2012

The influences of word decoding, availability, and accessibility of semantic word knowledge on reading comprehension were investigated for monolingual (n = 65) and bilingual children (n = 70). Despite equal decoding abilities, monolingual children outperformed bilingual children with regard to reading comprehension and availability of semantic word knowledge. Individual differences in reading comprehension were accounted for by differences in availability of semantic word knowledge and to a lesser extent by speed of access to this semantic knowledge. Speed of access accounted for variance in reading comprehension beyond the variance accounted for by decoding and availability of semantic knowledge. A path model suggests that reading comprehension differences between monolinguals and bilinguals are mediated by availability of semantic knowledge. Analyses showed no significant interaction between predictor variables and language background. A multigroup analysis distinguishing proficient and less proficient comprehenders showed a small difference between the two proficiency groups, suggesting that the lexical–semantic variables are more predictive of reading proficiency in the proficient group than in the less proficient group.
Cross-linguistic differences in prosodic cues to syntactic disambiguation in German and English
Authors: O'BRIEN MARY GRANTHAM , JACKSON CARRIE N. , GARDNER CHRISTINE E.
Published: August 2012

This study examined whether late-learning English–German second language (L2) learners and late-learning German–English L2 learners use prosodic cues to disambiguate temporarily ambiguous first language and L2 sentences during speech production. Experiments 1a and 1b showed that English–German L2 learners and German–English L2 learners used a pitch rise and pitch accent to disambiguate PP-attachment sentences in German. However, the same participants, as well as monolingual English speakers, only used pitch accent to disambiguate similar English sentences. Taken together, these results indicate the L2 learners used prosody to disambiguate sentences in both of their languages and did not fully transfer cues to disambiguation from their first language to their L2. The results have implications for the acquisition of L2 prosody and the interaction between prosody and meaning in L2 production.
Do you have a question for me? How children with Williams syndrome respond to ambiguous referential communication during a joint activity
Authors: SKWERER DANIELA PLESA , AMMERMAN EMILY , TAGER-FLUSBERG HELEN
Published: August 2012

Research on language in individuals with Williams syndrome (WS) has been fueled by persistent theoretical controversies for two decades. These shifted from initial focus on dissociations between language and cognition functions, to examining the paradox of socio-communicative impairments despite high sociability and relatively proficient expressive language. We investigated possible sources of communicative difficulties in WS in a collaborative referential communication game. Five- to thirteen-year-old children with WS were compared to verbal mental age- and to chronological age-matched typically developing children in their ability to consider different types of information to select a speaker's intended referent from an array of items. Significant group differences in attention deployment to object locations, and in the number and types of clarification requests, indicated the use of less efficient and less mature strategies for reference resolution in WS than expected based on mental age, despite learning effects similar to those of the comparison groups, shown as the game progressed.
Simplicial cohomology of band semigroup algebras
Authors: Choi Yemon , Gourdeau Frédéric , White Michael C.
Published: August 2012

We establish the simplicial triviality of the convolution algebra l1 (S), where S is a band semigroup. This generalizes some results of Choi (Glasgow Math. J. 48 (2006), 231–245; Houston J. Math. 36 (2010), 237–260). To do so, we show that the cyclic cohomology of this algebra vanishes in all odd degrees, and is isomorphic in even degrees to the space of continuous traces on l(S). Crucial to our approach is the use of the structure semilattice of S, and the associated grading of S, together with an inductive normalization procedure in cyclic cohomology. The latter technique appears to be new, and its underlying strategy may be applicable to other convolution algebras of interest.
Towards a variational theory of phase transitions involving curvature
Authors: Moser Roger
Published: August 2012

An anisotropic area functional is often used as a model for the free energy of a crystal surface. For models of faceting, the anisotropy is typically such that the functional becomes non-convex, and then it may be appropriate to regularize it with an additional term involving curvature. When the weight of the curvature term tends to zero, this gives rise to a singular perturbation problem.

The structure of this problem is comparable to the theory of phase transitions studied first by Modica and Mortola. Their ideas are also useful in this context, but they have to be combined with adequate geometric tools. In particular, a variant of the theory of curvature varifolds, introduced by Hutchinson, is used in this paper. This allows an analysis of the asymptotic behaviour of the energy functionals.
Extremal functions for Caffarelli—Kohn—Nirenberg and logarithmic Hardy inequalities
Authors: Dolbeault Jean , Esteban Maria J.
Published: August 2012

We consider a family of Caffarelli–Kohn–Nirenberg interpolation inequalities and weighted logarithmic Hardy inequalities that were obtained recently as a limit case of the Caffarelli–Kohn–Nirenberg inequalities. We discuss the ranges of the parameters for which the optimal constants are achieved by extremal functions. The comparison of these optimal constants with the optimal constants of Gagliardo–Nirenberg interpolation inequalities and Gross's logarithmic Sobolev inequality, both without weights, gives a general criterion for such an existence result in some particular cases.
General uniqueness results and blow-up rates for large solutions of elliptic equations
Authors: Huang Shuibo , Li Wan-Tong , Tian Qiaoyu , Mi Yongsheng
Published: August 2012

Making use of the Karamata regular variation theory and the López-Gómez localization method, we establish the uniqueness and asymptotic behaviour near the boundary ∂Ω for the large solutions of the singular boundary-value problem

where Ω is a smooth bounded domain in ℝN. The weight function b(x) is a non-negative continuous function in the domain, which can vanish on the boundary ∂Ω at different rates according to the point x0 ∊ ∂Ω. f(u) is locally Lipschitz continuous such that f(u)/u is increasing on (0, ∞) and f(u)/up = H(u) for sufficiently large u and p > 1, here H(u) is slowly varying at infinity. Our main result provides a sharp extension of a recent result of Xie with f satisfying limu→f(u)/up = H for some positive constants H > 0 and p > 1.
Existence of semiclassical ground-state solutions for semilinear elliptic systems
Authors: Wang Jun , Xu Junxiang , Zhang Fubao
Published: August 2012

This paper is concerned with the following semilinear elliptic equations of the form

where ε is a small positive parameter, and where f and g denote superlinear and subcritical nonlinearity. Suppose that b(x) has at least one maximum. We prove that the system has a ground-state solution (ψε, φε) for all sufficiently small ε > 0. Moreover, we show that (ψε, φε) converges to the ground-state solution of the associated limit problem and concentrates to a maxima point of b(x) in certain sense, as ε → 0. Furthermore, we obtain sufficient conditions for nonexistence of ground-state solutions.
Boundary blow-up solutions for p-Laplacian elliptic equations of logistic type
Authors: Chen Yujuan , Wang Mingxin
Published: August 2012

We establish the existence, uniqueness and blow-up rate near the boundary of boundary blow-up solutions to p-Laplacian elliptic equations of logistic type −Δpu = a(x)h(u) − b(x)f(u), where Δpu = div (|∇u|p−2∇u) with p > 1, h(u)/up−1 is non-increasing and f(u) is a function whose variation at infinity may be regular or rapid. In particular, our result regarding the blow-up rate reveals the main difference between regular variation function f and rapid variation function f.
Wave-breaking phenomena, decay properties and limit behaviour of solutions of the Degasperis—Procesi equation
Authors: Guo Fei
Published: August 2012

We investigate some properties of solutions of the Degasperis–Procesi equation, which is an approximation to the incompressible Euler equation in shallow water theory. Sufficient conditions for wave breaking are found both on an infinite line and in a periodic domain by the method of characteristics. Moreover, we show that the solution enjoys the same decay property as the initial data. Finally, the weak and strong limits, respectively, of the solution as the dispersive parameter goes to zero are investigated.
Les besoins non comblés de services à domicile chez les aînés canadiens
Authors: Busque Marc-Antoine , Légaré Jacques
Published: August 2012

Based on data from the 2002 General Social Survey, this research presents a global portrait of unmet needs for home care services among Canadians aged 65 and over. It shows that 26.8% of seniors need assistance, accounting for approximately 1,024,000 individuals. Among these, just over 180,000 (17.7%) had at least one unmet need. In nearly half the cases, elderly with unmet needs receive insufficient support for 2 activities or more. Furthermore, house cleaning, house maintenance and outdoor work are the three activities with the highest prevalence of unmet needs. Finally, the younger seniors, those who require assistance for 3 or 4 activities and those living in Quebec and British Columbia are most likely to have unmet needs.
Grain boundaries in the Swift–Hohenberg equation
Authors: HARAGUS MARIANA , SCHEEL ARND
Published: August 2012

We study the existence of grain boundaries in the Swift–Hohenberg equation. The analysis relies on a spatial dynamics formulation of the existence problem and a centre-manifold reduction. In this setting, the grain boundaries are found as heteroclinic orbits of a reduced system of ordinary differential equations in normal form. We show persistence of the leading-order approximation using transversality induced by wavenumber selection.
Structural stability for the resonant porous penetrative convection
Authors: LIU YAN
Published: August 2012

We study the structural stability of a problem in a porous medium when the density of saturating liquid is a nonlinear function of temperature and an internal heat source is present. We prove a convergence result for the Forchheimer coefficient. That is to say, when λ → 0, the solution of the non-isothermal flow in a porous medium of the Forchheimer type, see (1.1), can converge to the solution of the equivalent Darcy type.
Overview
Authors: Becton Julius W.
Published: August 2012

Your program discussion this morning about the Mexico City earthquake brings back some recent and actual vivid memories. I was in Mexico City last fall. I went there within two weeks of the earth tremor that hit. I was there in my capacity as the Director in the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and AID. Several weeks later, I joined FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, with its full load of domestic emergencies and various systems and plans to meet those crises. Some of you may ask, well, is there any major difference, basic difference, between coping with a disaster overseas and disasters that occur here in the United States? And, of course, you also, I suspect, would be interested to find out how I connect those disasters with the purpose of this conference, which is how to deal with the mass casualty incidents. Obviously, there are differences in all nations.
The 19 September 1985 Mexico Earthquake: Technical Problems
Authors: Hays Walter W.
Published: August 2012

The September 19, 1985, Mexico earthquake reminded scientists and engineers of the importance of considering soil amplification effects in earthquake-resistant design. The Mexico earthquake illustrated the “worst case”—the ground response and the building response occurring at approximately the same period, 2 seconds. This resonance phenomenon was predictable on the basis of similar experiences in past earthquakes. A number of areas in the United States also exhibit significant predictable soil amplification effects. Special steps are needed in these areas to mitigate the potential damage and losses that could occur in future earthquakes.
Mexico City Earthquake: Medical Response
Authors: Villazon-Sahagun Alberto
Published: August 2012

The earthquake that shook Mexico City could not have chosen a more vulnerable target. The capital city is located in the center of the world's most populated area. Some 18 million people, one fourth of the nation's inhabitants, are jammed into a mere 890 square miles, roughly 1% of the predominantly rural area. It is estimated that nearly one third of all families in Mexico City live huddled together in a single room and the average family has five members.

Besides being a densely populated area, Mexico City was founded on a shaky geological base that makes it specially susceptible to tremors. The first human settlements were made on the soft, humid clay of an old lake bed. The city has been constantly sinking through the years and some buildings are even tilted sideways, therefore having a greater risk in case of earth movements.
Dog Rescue Teams
Authors: Wallace Linda
Published: August 2012

This presentation will discuss search dogs in general, their training, and the experience the dog teams had in the Mexico City earthquake. All of the search dogs in Mexico City, those from the U.S. and other countries, are trained similarly and have a similar job to do. What I will do is explain how the dogs are trained and what they can do.

It is my intention to discuss air scenting dogs, their use and training. You have to remember that the dog and the handler are a team and they train together, they live together, and they work together. The discussion will focus only on the dogs' training.
Prediction and Risk Assessment
Authors: Krumpe Paul F.
Published: August 2012

Prediction of natural phenomena which have the potential for causing disasters is an extremely difficult proposition both from a scientific and socio-political perspective. Experience has shown repeatedly our inability to predict events leading to disasters. Geophysical predictions, in order to have maximum utility, must specify the date, time, place and magnitude of physical events. In order to meet the minimum criteria for effectiveness and credibility, predictions must be stated within limits which are useful to the public and can be practically applied. Perhaps the best way to deal with the inevitable conflicts and uncertainties associated with the problem of disaster prediction is to either not make such pronouncements or issue forecasts based on the likelihood or probability of event occurrence. In the latter case it is best to provide simplified thresholds for various threat levels and suggest appropriate actions necessary to avert the impacts of an event.
Mitigation
Authors: Krimgold Frederick
Published: August 2012

The term mitigation is often mistaken for litigation, and they are not entirely divorced. What we really mean by mitigation is reducing impact. The activity of early warning and the activities of preparedness planning as well as many other pre-disaster activities certainly have that effect. However, in the engineering, architecture, and planning sense, what we mean by mitigation is the reduction of impact of natural phenomenon primarily on buildings and facilities used by people. For that reason we will be focusing primarily on building related disasters; that is, disasters which effect people through building or constructed facility failures. Those failures are primarily related to the natural hazards of earthquakes, floods, and winds, a somewhat different selection from those which you deal with in terms of emergency medical services.