bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fundamental Mechanistic Understanding of Electrocatalysis of Oxygen Reduction on Pt and Non-Pt Surfaces: Acid versus Alkaline Media
Authors: Ramaswamy Nagappan , Mukerjee Sanjeev
Published: March 2012

Complex electrochemical reactions such as Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) involving multi-electron transfer is an electrocatalytic inner-sphere electron transfer process that exhibit strong dependence on the nature of the electrode surface. This criterion (along with required stability in acidic electrolytes) has largely limited ORR catalysts to the platinum-based surfaces. New evidence in alkaline media, discussed here, throws light on the involvement of surface-independent outer-sphere electron transfer component in the overall electrocatalytic process. This surface non-specificity gives rise to the possibility of using a wide-range of non-noble metal surfaces as electrode materials for ORR in alkaline media. However, this outer-sphere process predominantly leads only to peroxide intermediate as the final product. The importance of promoting the electrocatalytic inner-sphere electron transfer by facilitation of direct adsorption of molecular oxygen on the active site is emphasized by using pyrolyzed metal porphyrins as electrocatalysts. A comparison of ORR reaction mechanisms between acidic and alkaline conditions is elucidated here. The primary advantage of performing ORR in alkaline media is found to be the enhanced activation of the peroxide intermediate on the active site that enables the complete four-electron transfer. ORR reaction schemes involving both outer- and inner-sphere electron transfer mechanisms are proposed.
Déjà Experiences in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Illman Nathan A. , Butler Chris R. , Souchay Celine , Moulin Chris J. A.
Published: March 2012

Historically, déjà vu has been linked to seizure activity in temporal lobe epilepsy, and clinical reports suggest that many patients experience the phenomenon as a manifestation of simple partial seizures. We review studies on déjà vu in epilepsy with reference to recent advances in the understanding of déjà vu from a cognitive and neuropsychological standpoint. We propose a decoupled familiarity hypothesis, whereby déjà vu is produced by an erroneous feeling of familiarity which is not in keeping with current cognitive processing. Our hypothesis converges on a parahippocampal dysfunction as the locus of déjà vu experiences. However, several other temporal lobe structures feature in reports of déjà vu in epilepsy. We suggest that some of the inconsistency in the literature derives from a poor classification of the various types of déjà experiences. We propose déjà vu/déjà vécu as one way of understanding déjà experiences more fully. This distinction is based on current models of memory function, where déjà vu is caused by erroneous familiarity and déjà vécu by erroneous recollection. Priorities for future research and clinical issues are discussed.
Evaluating the RELM Test Results
Authors: Sachs Michael K. , Lee Ya-Ting , Turcotte Donald L. , Holliday James R. , Rundle John B.
Published: March 2012

We consider implications of the Regional Earthquake Likelihood Models (RELM) test results with regard to earthquake forecasting. Prospective forecasts were solicited forM≥4.95earthquakes in California during the period 2006–2010. During this period 31 earthquakes occurred in the test region withM≥4.95. We consider five forecasts that were submitted for the test. We compare the forecasts utilizing forecast verification methodology developed in the atmospheric sciences, specifically for tornadoes. We utilize a “skill score” based on the forecast scoresλfiof occurrence of the test earthquakes. A perfect forecast would haveλfi=1, and a random (no skill) forecast would haveλfi=2.86×10-3. The best forecasts (largest value ofλfi) for the 31 earthquakes had values ofλfi=1.24×10-1toλfi=5.49×10-3. The best mean forecast for all earthquakes wasλ̅f=2.84×10-2. The best forecasts are about an order of magnitude better than random forecasts. We discuss the earthquakes, the forecasts, and alternative methods of evaluation of the performance of RELM forecasts. We also discuss the relative merits of alarm-based versus probability-based forecasts.
Nitric Oxide Manipulation: A Therapeutic Target for Peripheral Arterial Disease?
Authors: Williams Gareth , Shi-Wen Xu , Abraham David , Selvakumar Sadasivam , Baker Daryll M. , Tsui Janice C. S.
Published: March 2012

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality in the Western world. Risk factor modification and endovascular and surgical revascularisation are the main treatment options at present. However, a significant number of patients still require major amputation. There is evidence that nitric oxide (NO) and its endogenous inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) play significant roles in the pathophysiology of PAD. This paper reviews experimental work implicating the ADMA-DDAH-NO pathway in PAD, focussing on both the vascular dysfunction and effects within the ischaemic muscle, and examines the potential of manipulating this pathway as a novel adjunct therapy in PAD.
Receptor Proteins in Selective Autophagy
Authors: Behrends Christian , Fulda Simone
Published: March 2012

Autophagy has long been thought to be an essential but unselective bulk degradation pathway. However, increasing evidence suggests selective autophagosomal turnover of a broad range of substrates. Bifunctional autophagy receptors play a key role in selective autophagy by tethering cargo to the site of autophagosomal engulfment. While the identity of molecular components involved in selective autophagy has been revealed at least to some extent, we are only beginning to understand how selectivity is achieved in this process. Here, we summarize the mechanistic and structural basis of receptor-mediated selective autophagy.
Supernumerary Teeth in Indian Children: A Survey of 300 Cases
Authors: Sharma Amita , Singh Varun Pratap
Published: March 2012

The aim of this investigation was to study children with supernumerary teeth who visited the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Government Dental College and Hospital, Rohtak, Haryana, India. Only children with supernumerary teeth were included in the study while patients having supernumerary teeth with associated syndromes were excluded. Supernumeraries were detected by clinical and radiographic examination. The results indicated that males were affected more than females with a sex ratio of 2.9 : 1. Single supernumerary tooth was seen in 79% of the patients, 20% had double, and 1% had three or more supernumeraries. Premaxillary supernumeraries accounted for 93.8% of the cases. Conical shaped supernumerary teeth were the most common type (59.7%). Majority of supernumeraries remained unerupted (65%). Fusion of supernumerary tooth with a regular tooth was observed in 4% of the patients. Talon cusp, an associated dental anomaly, was seen in 5% of the cases. Simultaneous hypodontia occurred in 2.3% of patients with supernumeraries.
Carbon Monoxide Targeting Mitochondria
Authors: Queiroga Cláudia S. F. , Almeida Ana S. , Vieira Helena L. A.
Published: March 2012

Mitochondria present two key roles on cellular functioning: (i) cell metabolism, being the main cellular source of energy and (ii) modulation of cell death, by mitochondrial membrane permeabilization. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an endogenously produced gaseoustransmitter, which presents several biological functions and is involved in maintaining cell homeostasis and cytoprotection. Herein, mitochondrion is approached as the main cellular target of carbon monoxide (CO). In this paper, two main perspectives concerning CO modulation of mitochondrial functioning are evaluated. First, the role of CO on cellular metabolism, in particular oxidative phosphorylation, is discussed, namely, on: cytochromecoxidase activity, mitochondrial respiration, oxygen consumption, mitochondrial biogenesis, and general cellular energetic status. Second, the mitochondrial pathways involved in cell death inhibition by CO are assessed, in particular the control of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization.
Methodology of Supervision by Analysis of Thermal Flux for Thermal Conduction of a Batch Chemical Reactor Equipped with a Monofluid Heating/Cooling System
Authors: Henini Ghania , Souahi Fatiha , Laidani Ykhlef
Published: March 2012

We present the thermal behavior of a batch reactor to jacket equipped with a monofluid heating/cooling system. Heating and cooling are provided respectively by an electrical resistance and two plate heat exchangers. The control of the temperature of the reaction is based on the supervision system. This strategy of management of the thermal devices is based on the usage of the thermal flux as manipulated variable. The modulation of the monofluid temperature by acting on the heating power or on the opening degrees of an air-to-open valve that delivers the monofluid to heat exchanger. The study shows that the application of this method for the conduct of the pilot reactor gives good results in simulation and that taking into account the dynamics of the various apparatuses greatly improves ride quality of conduct. In addition thermal control of an exothermic reaction (mononitration) shows that the consideration of heat generated in the model representation improve the results by elimination any overshooting of the set-point temperature.
Proteomic and Bioinformatics Analyses of Mouse Liver Microsomes
Authors: Peng Fang , Zhan Xianquan , Li Mao-Yu , Fang Fan , Li Guoqing , Li Cui , Zhang Peng-Fei , Chen Zhuchu
Published: March 2012

Microsomes are derived mostly from endoplasmic reticulum and are an ideal target to investigate compound metabolism, membrane-bound enzyme functions, lipid-protein interactions, and drug-drug interactions. To better understand the molecular mechanisms of the liver and its diseases, mouse liver microsomes were isolated and enriched with differential centrifugation and sucrose gradient centrifugation, and microsome membrane proteins were further extracted from isolated microsomal fractions by the carbonate method. The enriched microsome proteins were arrayed with two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) and carbonate-extracted microsome membrane proteins with one-dimensional gel electrophoresis (1DE). A total of 183 2DE-arrayed proteins and 99 1DE-separated proteins were identified with tandem mass spectrometry. A total of 259 nonredundant microsomal proteins were obtained and represent the proteomic profile of mouse liver microsomes, including 62 definite microsome membrane proteins. The comprehensive bioinformatics analyses revealed the functional categories of those microsome proteins and provided clues into biological functions of the liver. The systematic analyses of the proteomic profile of mouse liver microsomes not only reveal essential, valuable information about the biological function of the liver, but they also provide important reference data to analyze liver disease-related microsome proteins for biomarker discovery and mechanism clarification of liver disease.
Mitochondria Death/Survival Signaling Pathways in Cardiotoxicity Induced by Anthracyclines and Anticancer-Targeted Therapies
Authors: Montaigne David , Hurt Christopher , Neviere Remi
Published: March 2012

Anthracyclines remain the cornerstone of treatment in many malignancies but these agents have a cumulative dose relationship with cardiotoxicity. Development of cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure induced by anthracyclines are typically dose-dependent, irreversible, and cumulative. Although past studies of cardiotoxicity have focused on anthracyclines, more recently interest has turned to anticancer drugs that target many proteins kinases, such as tyrosine kinases. An attractive model to explain the mechanism of this cardiotoxicity could be myocyte loss through cell death pathways. Inhibition of mitochondrial transition permeability is a valuable tool to prevent doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. In response to anthracycline treatment, activation of several protein kinases, neuregulin/ErbB2 signaling, and transcriptional factors modify mitochondrial functions that determine cell death or survival through the modulation of mitochondrial membrane permeability. Cellular response to anthracyclines is also modulated by a myriad of transcriptional factors that influence cell fate. Several novel targeted chemotherapeutic agents have been associated with a small but worrying risk of left ventricular dysfunction. Agents such as trastuzumab and tyrosine kinase inhibitors can lead to cardiotoxicity that is fundamentally different from that caused by anthracyclines, whereas biological effects converge to the mitochondria as a critical target.
Real-time Raman Spectroscopy for In Vivo Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Lui Harvey , Zhao Jianhua , McLean David , Zeng Haishan
Published: March 2012

Raman spectroscopy is a noninvasive optical technique capable of measuring vibrational modes of biomolecules within viable tissues. In this study, we evaluated the application of an integrated real-time system of Raman spectroscopy for in vivo skin cancer diagnosis. Benign and malignant skin lesions (n = 518) from 453 patients were measured within 1 second each, including melanomas, basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, actinic keratoses, atypical nevi, melanocytic nevi, blue nevi, and seborrheic keratoses. Lesion classification was made using a principal component with general discriminant analysis and partial least-squares in three distinct discrimination tasks: skin cancers and precancers from benign skin lesions [receiver operating characteristic (ROC) = 0.879]; melanomas from nonmelanoma pigmented lesions (ROC = 0.823); and melanomas from seborrheic keratoses (ROC = 0.898). For sensitivities between 95% and 99%, the specificities ranged between 15% and 54%. Our findings establish that real-time Raman spectroscopy can be used to distinguish malignant from benign skin lesions with good diagnostic accuracy comparable with clinical examination and other optical-based methods. Cancer Res; 72(10); 2491–500. ©2012 AACR.
Fluoxetine Promotes Remission in Acute Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Rats
Authors: Yuan Xi-qiu , Qiu Guang , Liu Xiao-jia , Liu Shan , Wu Yongming , Wang Xinyu , Lu Tianming
Published: March 2012

Objective: This study was carried out to clarify the effects of the antidepressant fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, for its potential use in autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis in a rat model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Methods: The rat EAE model was induced by subcutaneous injection of guinea pig spinal cord homogenate. Rats received fluoxetine via daily intragastric administration, starting 2 weeks prior to immune induction (fluoxetine pretreatment). Clinical scores and pathological changes in EAE rats were analyzed. Changes in serum cytokine levels were assessed by ELISA. Results: Fluoxetine pretreatment significantly promoted remission in EAE. Histologically, fluoxetine-induced neuroprotection was accompanied by reductions in inflammatory foci and in the degree of demyelination in the spinal cord of EAE rats. The increase in serum IFN-γ in the EAE model was also suppressed by fluoxetine administration. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the prophylactic use of fluoxetine can relieve symptoms during remission in the acute EAE model, and these neuroprotective effects are associated with its anti-inflammatory effects.
Contribution of Alternatively Activated Macrophages to Allergic Lung Inflammation: A Tale of Mice and Men
Authors: Dasgupta Preeta , Keegan Achsah D.
Published: March 2012

The concept that macrophages play an active role in inflammatory responses began its development in the late 1800s with the now iconic studies by Elie Metchnikoff using starfish larvae and Daphnia [reviewed in Kaufmann SHE: Nat Immunol 2008;9:705–712 and Cavaillon JM: J Leukoc Biol 2011;90:413–424]. Based on his observation of the phagocyte response to a foreign body (rose thorn) and yeast, he proposed that phagocytes acted in host defense and were active participants in the inflammatory process. Flash forward more than 100 years and we find that these basic tenets hold true. However, it is now appreciated that macrophages come in many different flavors and can adopt a variety of nuanced phenotypes depending on the tissue environment in which the macrophage is found. In this brief review, we discuss the role of one type of macrophage termed the alternatively activated macrophage (AAM), also known as the M2 type of macrophage, in regulating allergic lung inflammation and asthma. Recent studies using mouse models of allergic lung inflammation and samples from human asthma patients contribute to the emerging concept that AAMs are not just bystanders of the interleukin (IL)-4- and IL-13-rich environment found in allergic asthma but are also active players in orchestrating allergic lung disease.
Laser and Pneumatic Lithotripsy in the Endoscopic Management of Large Ureteric Stones: A Comparative Study
Authors: Kassem Ayman , ElFayoumy Hany , ElSaied Wael , ElGammal Mohamed , Bedair Ahmed
Published: March 2012

Objective: We compared the results of holmium laser and pneumatic intracorporeal lithotripsy for large ureteric calculi in terms of efficacy, safety and complications. Methods: The study was conducted between April 2009 and October 2010. 80 patients divided into two equally matched groups were included in a prospective randomized trial including patients with a ureteric stone size of 0.5–2 cm. A holmium laser with a 550-µm fiber was employed in the laser lithotripsy (LL) group. The Swiss Lithoclast was used in the pneumatic lithotripsy (PL) group. Results: Mean stone size was comparable in both groups, namely 13.1 mm in the PL group and 12.9 mm in the LL group. The early stone-free rate was equal in both groups, while the delayed stone-free rate was 95% in LL and 85% in PL. Stone migration occurred in 12 PL cases and in 5 LL cases. Ureteric perforation occurred in 3 LL cases and in 2 PL cases. Ureteric stricture occurred in 1 case following LL. Conclusion: Both PL and LL are effective and safe modalities in treating large ureteric stones with minor insignificant differences. A pneumatic system may be more efficient with regard to the cost-benefit ratio, which was not studied in the present work; further studies should address this issue.
Systemic and Pulmonary Vascular Dysfunction in Children Conceived by Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Authors: Scherrer Urs , Rimoldi Stefano F. , Rexhaj Emrush , Stuber Thomas , Duplain Hervé , Garcin Sophie , de Marchi Stefano F. , Nicod Pascal , Germond Marc , Allemann Yves , Sartori Claudio
Published: March 2012

Background—

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) involves the manipulation of early embryos at a time when they may be particularly vulnerable to external disturbances. Environmental influences during the embryonic and fetal development influence the individual's susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, raising concerns about the potential consequences of ART on the long-term health of the offspring.

Methods and Results—

We assessed systemic (flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery, pulse-wave velocity, and carotid intima-media thickness) and pulmonary (pulmonary artery pressure at high altitude by Doppler echocardiography) vascular function in 65 healthy children born after ART and 57 control children. Flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery was 25% smaller in ART than in control children (6.7±1.6% versus 8.6±1.7%;
P
<0.0001), whereas endothelium-independent vasodilation was similar in the 2 groups. Carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity was significantly (
P
<0.001) faster and carotid intima-media thickness was significantly (
P
<0.0001) greater in children conceived by ART than in control children. The systolic pulmonary artery pressure at high altitude (3450 m) was 30% higher (
P
<0.001) in ART than in control children. Vascular function was normal in children conceived naturally during hormonal stimulation of ovulation and in siblings of ART children who were conceived naturally.

Conclusions—

Healthy children conceived by ART display generalized vascular dysfunction. This problem does not appear to be related to parental factors but to the ART procedure itself.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00837642.
Past, Present, and Future Changes in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Srokosz M. , Baringer M. , Bryden H. , Cunningham S. , Delworth T. , Lozier S. , Marotzke J. , Sutton R.
Published: March 2012

Observations and numerical modeling experiments provide evidence for links between variability in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and global climate patterns. Reduction in the strength of the overturning circulation is thought to have played a key role in rapid climate change in the past and may have the potential to significantly influence climate change in the future, as noted in the last two Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment reports (Houghton et al.; Solomon et al.). Both IPCC reports also highlighted the significant uncertainties that exist regarding the future behavior of the AMOC under global warming. Model results suggest that changes in the AMOC can impact surface air temperature, precipitation patterns, and sea level, particularly in areas bordering the North Atlantic, thus affecting human populations. Here, the current understanding of past, present, and future changes in the AMOC and the effects of such changes on climate are reviewed. The focus is on observations of the AMOC, how the AMOC influences climate, and in what way the AMOC is likely to change over the next few decades and the twenty-first century. The potential for decadal prediction of the AMOC is also discussed. Finally, the outstanding challenges and possible future directions for AMOC research are outlined.
Anatomy of Synoptic Eddy–NAO Interaction through Eddy Structure Decomposition
Authors: Ren Hong-Li , Jin Fei-Fei , Gao Li
Published: March 2012

A method of eddy structure decomposition is proposed to detect how low-frequency flow associated with the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) organizes systematically synoptic eddy (SE) activity to generate in-phase and upstream feedbacks. In this method, a statistical eddy streamfunction (SES) field, defined by the three-point covariance of synoptic-scale streamfunction, is introduced to characterize spatiotemporal SE flow structures. The SES field is decomposed into basic and anomalous parts to represent the climatological SE flow structure and its departure. These two parts are used to calculate the basic and anomalous eddy velocity, eddy vorticity, and thus eddy vorticity flux fields, in order to elucidate those two SE feedbacks onto the NAO. This method is validated by the fact that the observed anomalous eddy vorticity flux field can be reproduced well by two linear terms: the basic eddy velocity field multiplied by anomalous eddy vorticity field and the anomalous eddy velocity field multiplied by basic eddy vorticity field. With this method, it is found that, in the positive and negative phases, the NAO flow tends to induce two different types of anomalous SE flow structure, which are largely responsible for generating the net meridional and zonal eddy vorticity fluxes that, in return, feed back onto the NAO. The two processes that are related to these two different types dominate in the in-phase and upstream feedbacks, which are delineated conceptually into two kinematic mechanisms associated with zonal-slanting and meridional-shifting changes in the SE structure. The present observational evidence supports the theory of eddy-induced instability for low-frequency variability and also provides insights into the reason for the asymmetry between the SE feedbacks onto the two NAO phases.
Field Testing of Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy Analyzers Measuring Carbon Dioxide and Water Vapor
Authors: Richardson Scott J. , Miles Natasha L. , Davis Kenneth J. , Crosson Eric R. , Rella Chris W. , Andrews Arlyn E.
Published: March 2012

Prevalent methods for making high-accuracy tower-based measurements of the CO2 mixing ratio, notably nondispersive infrared spectroscopy (NDIR), require frequent system calibration and sample drying. Wavelength-scanned cavity ring-down spectroscopy (WS-CRDS) is an emerging laser-based technique with the advantages of improved stability and concurrent water vapor measurements. Results are presented from 30 months of field measurements from WS-CRDS systems at five sites in the upper Midwest of the United States. These systems were deployed in support of the North American Carbon Program’s Mid-Continent Intensive (MCI) from May 2007 to November 2009. Excluding one site, 2σ of quasi-daily magnitudes of the drifts, before applying field calibrations, are less than 0.38 ppm over the entire 30-month field deployment. After applying field calibrations using known tanks sampled every 20 h, residuals from known values are, depending on site, from 0.02 ±0.14 to 0.17 ±0.07 ppm. Eight months of WS-CRDS measurements collocated with a National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administrations (NOAA)/Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL) NDIR system at West Branch, Iowa, show median daytime-only differences of −0.13 ±0.63 ppm on a daily time scale.
Exposure to suicide and suicidality in Korea: Differential effects across men and women?
Authors: Lee Min-Ah , Kim Seokho , Shim Eun-Jung
Published: March 2012

Background:

Little is known about whether exposure to suicide within close social networks is associated with the suicidality in exposed individuals, and potential gender differences regarding this association.

Aims:

This study examines the effect of exposure to suicide on the suicidality in exposed individuals.

Methods:

The data were drawn from the 2009 Korean General Social Survey, a nationally representative interview survey. Suicidality was measured by the suicidality module in the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), with exposure to suicide being determined by asking about the experience of a failed or completed suicide attempt by a closely related person.

Results:

Exposure to the suicide of someone close was significantly associated with higher suicidality in exposed individuals. While the effect of a failed attempt became non-significant after controlling for psychological factors, that of exposure to a completed act of suicide remained significant. A subsample analysis by gender indicated a significant gender difference: with control for demographic and psychological factors, exposure to a completed suicide had a significant effect on the suicidality of females only. The effect of exposure to a failed attempt became non-significant both in males and females after controlling for other factors.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest the necessity of screening for prior exposure to suicide in suicide risk assessment and the need for gender-tailored suicide-prevention strategies.
Examining the Role of Exposure to Incongruent Messages on the Effect of Message Framing in an Internet Health Search
Authors: Hong Traci
Published: March 2012

This study examines the effects of exposure to messages incongruent with one’s motivational orientation. In a factorial design with regulatory orientation and message frame as independent variables, participants ( N = 106) conducted an information search on a web program. Participants selected online information that was congruent with their activated motivational orientation. Compatibility effects resulted in promotion orientation/gain frame and prevention orientation/loss frame participants reporting more favorable attitudes than promotion orientation/loss frame and prevention orientation/gain frame participants irrespective of exposure to messages incongruent with the activated motivational orientation. A similar pattern of results occurred with message recall. For behavioral intention, significant differences occurred for only the promotion orientation condition where gain-framed messages elicited greater behavioral intentions than the loss-framed message.
Adolescent Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in the Secure Treatment Setting
Authors: Connor Daniel F. , Ford Julian D. , Chapman John F. , Banga Alok
Published: March 2012

This article examines issues related to adolescent and young adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in juvenile justice treatment settings. Characteristics of ADHD are first discussed including diagnostic criteria, gender, and prevalence in both community and secure settings. Next, the importance of adolescent ADHD to the juvenile justice system is examined, including risk for psychosocial impairments, antisocial problems, and aggressive behavior while in secure treatment settings and the issue of psychiatric comorbidity in ADHD youths. Recommendations for assessment of the ADHD adolescent are discussed. Evidence-based treatments are next reviewed and suggestions for modifying extant ADHD evaluation and treatment criteria for use with juvenile detainees are presented. Finally, we discuss issues pertaining to ethnicity in adolescent ADHD and how these issues are of importance to the evaluation and treatment of adolescent and young adult ADHD in the secure treatment setting.
A Cultural Immersion Course in Psychology
Authors: Harmon-Vukić Mary E. , Schanz Kimberley
Published: March 2012

We present a cultural immersion experience as a pedagogical approach to integrate learning of psychological concepts and advancement of cultural competency. This course revolved around a one-week trip to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. This experience, paired with cultural readings on Native Americans, offers a framework for studying psychology. The course format, topics, assignments, and special considerations are discussed.
Reducing Mental Illness Stigma in the Classroom
Authors: Matteo Elizabeth K. , You Di
Published: March 2012

Undergraduates in 3 introductory psychology courses participated in teaching interventions designed to reduce mental illness stigma. Expanding on previous research, the researchers tested the effects of education, video, and contact interventions. Results of the pretest and posttest scores on a social distance measure revealed a statistically significant reduction in social distancing for the contact intervention. The researchers emphasize the use of stigma-reducing pedagogies in teaching psychopathology to undergraduates.
Characteristics of Successful Undergraduate Psychology Programs
Authors: Stoloff Michael L. , Curtis Nicholas A. , Rodgers Megan , Brewster JoAnne , McCarthy Maureen A.
Published: March 2012

Scholarly writings provide guidance for delivery of an undergraduate program in psychology (e.g., APA, 2007; Halpern, 2010). Much of the emphasis in this literature has been on examination of the curriculum (e.g., McGovern, 1993; Stoloff et al., 2010), yet minimal research has been conducted to empirically link the overall undergraduate psychology major experience with outcomes. This article relates program characteristics (including curriculum, resources, and faculty engagement) to student success and satisfaction among students completing psychology major programs at 110 institutions in North America. It provides evidence that important factors that correlate with student success are an institutional focus on undergraduates, frequent experiential learning, and faculty engagement outside of the classroom. Students are more satisfied with programs in which they have more laboratory experiences and where they interact with faculty at student events. Adequate staffing of the psychology major program is important; beneficial activities may suffer when faculty are overwhelmed with too many students or competing obligations.
Hitler’s Genocide
Authors: Simpson Kevin E.
Published: March 2012

The personal and societal devastations wrought by the genocidal actions of individuals remain confounding to psychologists. As instructors aim to increase students’ engagement in global concerns, courses that address the often confusing interplay among prejudice, mass persuasion, human aggression, and prosocial behavior seem to be well placed to reduce these ambiguities. With previous examples in the teaching literature scarce, this article describes a new course on the psychology of genocide through an interdisciplinary blend of historical and psychological evidence of the single worst episode of genocide in human history: the Holocaust. Course themes and topics, readings and assignments, and recommended audiovisual supports provide a useful framework for future application of this new course in the psychology of genocide.
Association Between Spirituality and Depression in Adults With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Lynch Cheryl P. , Hernandez-Tejada Melba A. , Strom Joni L. , Egede Leonard E.
Published: March 2012

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to examine the association between spirituality and depression among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This study included 201 adult participants with diabetes from an indigent clinic of an academic medical center. Participants completed validated surveys on spirituality and depression. The Daily Spiritual Experience (DSE) Scale measured a person’s perception of the transcendent (God, the divine) in daily life. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies–Depression scale assessed depression. Linear regression analyses examined the association of spirituality as the predictor with depression as the outcome, adjusted for confounding variables.

Results

Greater spirituality was reported among females, non-Hispanic blacks, those with lower educational levels, and those with lower income. The unadjusted regression model showed greater spirituality was associated with less depression. This association was mildly diminished but still significant in the final adjusted model. Depression scores also increased (greater depression risk) with females and those who were unemployed but decreased with older age and non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity.

Conclusions

Treatment of depression symptoms may be facilitated by incorporating the spiritual values and beliefs of patients with diabetes. Therefore, faith-based diabetes education is likely to improve self-care behaviors and glycemic control.
Cricopharyngeal Muscle Electromyography Findings in Patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Alkan Zeynep , Demir Ahmet , Yigit Ozgur , Adatepe Turgut , Kesici Besir , Kocak Ismail , Gor Ayşe Pelin , Taskin Umit , Uzun Nurten
Published: March 2012

Objective

To analyze the grade of reflux and the behavior of the cricopharyngeal muscle (CPM) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) by means of electromyographic (EMG) analysis of CPM.

Study Design

Prospective clinical study.

Setting

Istanbul Training and Research Hospital.

Subject and Methods

Motor unit potential (MUP) recordings and kinesiological recordings of CPM were performed using a concentric needle electrode during dry material swallowing and 3‐, 5‐, and 10‐mL water swallowing. Twenty‐four patients with GER were compared with 21 healthy volunteers.

Results

GER was mild in 15 patients and moderate‐to‐severe in 9 patients. MUP recordings were normal in both groups during the preswallowing/postswallowing periods. Kinesiological investigations revealed that the number of patients who did not show a preswallow EMG burst had a positive correlation with the severity of reflux and the amount of liquid swallowed. Rebound bursts were observed in the patient and the control groups. Duration of preswallow and rebound bursts was similar in all groups. Duration of swallowing was shorter in mild GER patients compared with healthy volunteers and moderate‐to‐severe GER patients. Piecemeal deglutition during 10‐mL liquid swallowing was higher in moderate‐to‐severe GER patients. We also found a positive correlation between the number of swallows and the severity of reflux.

Conclusion

Needle EMG of the upper esophageal sphincter was normal in GER patients. Kinesiological evaluations showed increased piecemeal deglutition and number of swallows that correlated positively with the severity of GER.
A reflective conversation with Kobus Maree, Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Authors: Shaughnessy Michael F. , Moore Tammy Lynne , Maree Kobus
Published: March 2012

Always regarded as somewhat of an ‘outsider’ (the child of an Englishspeaking (Catholic) mother and an Afrikaans (Protestant) father in an exclusively Afrikaans milieu) and growing up extremely poor, seeing the hardship of others and realising how much talent was going to waste, Kobus Maree took a particular interest in gifted disadvantaged persons. A marginalised loner, he almost inevitably developed creative abilities and took a keen interest in creativity, giftedness and the education of gifted, disadvantaged learners. As an adult, his research showed that many teachers in South Africa have to contend with the generally poor socioeconomic background of learners. A dire need for appropriate teacher and learner support materials, and school environments that are not conducive to achievement (including inadequate facilities, overcrowded classrooms, lack of teacher and learner support materials). South Africa is at a critical stage in its education. It is therefore important for educators to teach emotional intelligence in their classrooms. Our biggest challenge will be to maintain and enhance vitality in gifted education in a dynamic, ever-evolving environment. A combination of scholarly leadership and strategic management to support gifted learners is important. We should do all we can to promote societal transformation and diversity, focussing anew on underrepresented groups (women and ethnic groups) who show promise and support them. The widest array of partners possible including the big institutional players, the entire teaching fraternity (including government departments), nongovernmental organisations and miscellaneous interest groups together should develop strategic, rolling five-year plans and make gifted education a priority.
How accurate are VAT registrations as a measure of entrepreneurship?
Authors: Ross Andrew G , Crossan Kenny , Juleff Linda
Published: March 2012

Comparing VAT registration data with Scottish Clearing Bank Statistics on new start-up activity we assess the extent to which VAT registration data reflect the general level of start-up activity in the Scottish economy for the period 2002–2009. Findings reveal that VAT registration data underestimate the general level of start-up activity by 39%. The data also reveal there is considerable spatial variation in start-up activity across Scottish regions and the recent recession has affected start-up activity irrespective of which measure is used. It is also clear, however, that the recession has affected the general level of start-up activity to a far greater extent.
Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma in an Infant
Authors: Arya Ravindra , Jain Puneet , Kumar Atin , Gulati Sheffali
Published: March 2012

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is a rare entity, especially in infants. The cervicothoracic region is the most commonly affected site in children. The clinical features are often nonspecific, leading to a delay in diagnosis. Early management is probably associated with better functional outcomes. Here the authors report a 12-month-old girl who presented with excessive irritability and weakness of limbs. Magnetic resonance imaging of spine revealed epidural hematoma on the dorsal aspect of the spinal cord in the C2–C5 region. There were no predisposing factors. She started showing neurological recovery even prior to presentation. She was managed conservatively. This case report aims to raise awareness about this otherwise morbid neurological emergency, in which early intervention is pivotal.
Micropatterned angiogenesis induced by poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) mesh-structured scaffolds
Authors: Oh Hwan H , Lu Hongxu , Kawazoe Naoki , Chen Guoping
Published: March 2012

Angiogenesis is an important process used to guide the regeneration of functional tissues and organs. The incorporation of inductive cues into scaffolds to control angiogenesis is an attractive strategy for scaffold preparation. Four mesh-type scaffolds, including a vascular endothelial growth factor-embedded poly(d,l-lactic- co-glycolic acid) mesh, a vascular endothelial growth factor-coated poly(d,l-lactic- co-glycolic acid) mesh, a collagen-coated poly(d,l-lactic- co-glycolic acid) mesh, and a poly(d,l-lactic- co-glycolic acid) mesh, were compared for their inductive effects on the formation of a micropatterned capillary network. Following subcutaneous implantation, all of the scaffolds induced the formation of micropatterned capillary networks, as observed at 2 and 6 weeks after implantation. The vascular endothelial growth factor-embedded mesh and the vascular endothelial growth factor-coated mesh promoted a higher degree of blood vessel formation than the collagen-coated mesh and the poly(d,l-lactic- co-glycolic acid) mesh. The capillary density in the vascular endothelial growth factor-embedded mesh and the vascular endothelial growth factor-coated mesh increased with time following implantation. The macrophages that surrounded the scaffolds were similar for all the meshes. The microstructure of the poly(d,l-lactic- co-glycolic acid) mesh determined the micropattern of the capillary network, and vascular endothelial growth factor provided a synergistic effect on the micropatterned angiogenesis process.
An osteogenic grafting complex combining human periosteal sheets with a porous poly(l-lactic acid) membrane scaffold: Biocompatibility, biodegradability, and cell fate in vivo
Authors: Kawase Tomoyuki , Tanaka Takaaki , Nishimoto Takayuki , Okuda Kazuhiro , Nagata Masaki , Burns Douglas M , Yoshie Hiromasa
Published: March 2012

In this in vitro study, novel porous poly(l-lactic acid) membranes were developed to improve periosteal sheets by promoting initial adhesion of periosteal tissue segments and stimulating the formation of a viable multilayered cellular sheet. The biocompatibility, biodegradability, and osteogenicity were evaluated using human periosteal tissue segments cultured on porous poly(l-lactic acid) membranes; the periosteal sheets were osteogen induced and were then implanted in the dorsal subcutaneous tissue of nude mice. In vivo, the membrane degraded into clusters of membrane particles separated by wide cracks; fibroblastic cells invaded along with small blood vessels from the surrounding mouse connective tissue. In osteoinduced periosteal sheets, the membrane clusters were surrounded by numerous capillaries and a number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase–positive, multinucleated cells. Neither severe inflammation nor fibrous encapsulation was observed throughout the implantation (~12 weeks). These porous poly(l-lactic acid) membranes were highly biocompatible and functioned well as biodegradable scaffolds that could enhance the use of osteogenic periosteal sheets in therapy.
Properties of flame-retardant fillers in polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer composites
Authors: Hamzah MS , Mariatti M
Published: March 2012

The incorporation of zinc hydroxy stannate (ZHS), calcium borates (CBs), and NP-100 as flame-retardant fillers in polypropylene (PP) ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) blends was investigated. The composites were prepared using an internal mixer and were molded using a compression mold to form test samples. Studies on the effect of filler loading (15, 30, 45, and 60 vol%) on the flame-retardant, thermal stability, and tensile properties were reviewed. A study on flame retardancy and thermal stability of ZHS, CB, and NP-100 fillers found that NP-100 has better flame retardancy compared with ZHS and CB even though NP-100 exhibits lower thermal stability compared with ZHS and CB. The mechanical properties of ZHS are the highest, followed by CB. NP-100 has the lowest mechanical properties. Tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and strain at break of 30 vol% ZHS are slightly higher compared with other loadings. In addition, 30 vol% CB has the highest mechanical properties for PP/EPDM/CB system but has slightly lower mechanical properties compared with 30 vol% ZHS-filled PP/EPDM composites.
Association of PHRF1-IRF7 region polymorphism with clinical manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus in a Japanese population
Authors: Kawasaki A , Furukawa H , Kondo Y , Ito S , Hayashi T , Kusaoi M , Matsumoto I , Tohma S , Takasaki Y , Hashimoto H , Sumida T , Tsuchiya N
Published: March 2012

Interferon regulatory factor 7 ( IRF7) has an essential role in the production of type I interferon. Although recent studies detected association of a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4963128 in PHD and ring finger domains 1 ( PHRF1) /KIAA1542, located closely to IRF7, and IRF7 rs1131665 (glutamine (Gln) 412 arginine (Arg)) with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), causal variants have not been established. In this study, we resequenced exons and introns of IRF7 to screen for all common polymorphisms, and examined whether they were associated with SLE in 416 Japanese patients with SLE and 505 healthy controls. We also tested whether the association of PHRF1 rs4963128 with SLE was replicated in a Japanese population. None of the IRF7 polymorphisms was associated with SLE. PHRF1 rs4963128T was not significantly associated with occurrence of SLE either; however, this allele was significantly increased in SLE with anti-Sm antibodies (6.8%) as compared with healthy controls (3.1%, P = 0.014, odds ratio [OR] 2.31) and SLE without anti-Sm antibodies (3.3%, P =0.041, OR 2.12). This allele was also increased in SLE with renal disorder (5.1%) as compared with those without renal disorder (2.4%, P = 0.047, OR 2.17). These results confirmed recently reported association of PHRF1 rs4963128T with anti-Sm antibody positive SLE in African-American populations, and supported the role of PHRF1-IRF7 region in the genetics of SLE.
Psychological Detachment From Work During Leisure Time
Authors: Sonnentag Sabine
Published: March 2012

Psychological detachment from work during leisure time refers to a state in which people mentally disconnect from work and do not think about job-related issues when they are away from their job. Empirical research has shown that employees who experience more detachment from work during off-hours are more satisfied with their lives and experience fewer symptoms of psychological strain, without being less engaged while at work. Studies have demonstrated that fluctuations in individuals’ psychological detachment from work can explain fluctuations in their affective states, and have identified positive relations between detachment from work during off-hours and job performance. Trait negative affectivity, high involvement in one’s job, job stressors, and poor environmental conditions are negatively related to psychological detachment from work during off-job time.
Repairing Historical Wrongs
Authors: Oldfield John Richard
Published: March 2012

On both sides of the Atlantic, states have tended to react nervously to reparative claims for slavery, just as they have tended to be wary of making apologies of any kind. In the absence of more radical gestures, public history has taken on an added significance, not least as a way of providing some kind of recompense for past suffering. But to what extent can public history be used to repair historical wrongs? This essay sets out to explore this question, taking as its point of departure the bicentenary of the abolition of the British slave trade (2007). In particular, it focuses on three inter-related areas of activity: heritage funding, museums and, finally, monuments and memorials. The 2007 commemorations generated a wide range of public history initiatives, from small-scale exhibitions, plays, workshops and installations to larger capital projects that in different ways, and with different degrees of success, reshaped representations of British transatlantic slavery and, in doing so, invited Britons to look again at the paradoxes embedded in national histories that first enslaved and then liberated persons of African descent.