bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of propagation path on elastic waves as measured by acoustic emission parameters
Authors: Aggelis DG , Shiotani T , Papacharalampopoulos A , Polyzos D
Published: September 2011

Apart from the quantitative parameters of acoustic emission testing, such as the total activity or the location of the sources, much more information can be exploited by qualitative characteristics of the signals. The shape of the waveform strongly depends on the source, supplying information on the type of cracks. Shear cracks which normally follow tensile during fracture, emit signals with longer rise time as well as lower average frequency. However, due to the inherent inhomogeneity of the media, which is enhanced by the nucleation of cracks, each pulse suffers strong dispersion which results in serious alteration of the waveform shape. Therefore, classification of cracks based on acoustic emission parameters would be probably misleading in case the separation distance of the sensors is long or the material contains many cracks. In the present study, numerical simulations were conducted in order to examine the influence of distance on the shape distortion of an excited wave inside concrete. Results are compared with actual experiments on steel fiber reinforced concrete, showing that the distance between the source crack and the acquisition point should not exceed a threshold value in order to lead to reliable crack classification.
A high rate of durable responses with romidepsin, bortezomib, and dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Harrison Simon J. , Quach Hang , Link Emma , Seymour John F. , Ritchie David S. , Ruell Sam , Dean Joanne , Januszewicz Henry , Johnstone Ricky , Neeson Paul , Dickinson Michael , Nichols Jean , Prince H. Miles
Published: September 2011

We report results from a study exploring the combination of romidepsin, bortezomib, and dexamethasone for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) previously treated with > 1 prior therapy. The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the combination using a novel accelerated dose-escalation schedule in patients with relapsed or refractory MM. The secondary objective was to determine overall response (OR), time to progression (TTP), and overall survival (OS). The MTD identified was bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 (days 1, 4, 8, and 11), dexamethasone 20 mg (days 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, and 12), and romidepsin 10 mg/m2 (days 1, 8, and 15) every 28 days. Thrombocytopenia (64%) was the most common ≥ grade 3 hematologic toxicity. Peripheral neuropathy occurred in 76% of patients (n = 19) (≥ grade 3, 8%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1%-26%). Maintenance romidepsin 10 mg/m2 (on days 1 and 8 of a 28-day cycle) proved feasible, with 12 patients receiving a median of 7.5 cycles (range: 1-29). An OR (M-protein) of > minor response (MR) was seen in 18 of 25 patients (72%); 2 (8%) had complete remissions (CRs) and 13 (52%) had partial responses (PRs), including 7 (28%) with very good PRs (VGPRs). The median TTP was 7.2 (95% CI: 5.5-19.6) months, and the median OS was > 36 months. This regimen shows activity with manageable toxicity and warrants further evaluation. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00431990.
Digestive vacuoles of Plasmodium falciparum are selectively phagocytosed by and impair killing function of polymorphonuclear leukocytes
Authors: Dasari Prasad , Reiss Karina , Lingelbach Klaus , Baumeister Stefan , Lucius Ralph , Udomsangpetch Rachanee , Bhakdi Sebastian Chakrit , Bhakdi Sucharit
Published: September 2011

Sequestration of parasitized erythrocytes and dysregulation of the coagulation and complement system are hallmarks of severe Plasmodium falciparum malaria. A link between these events emerged through the discovery that the parasite digestive vacuole (DV), which is released together with infective merozoites into the bloodstream, dually activates the intrinsic clotting and alternative complement pathway. Complement attack occurs exclusively on the membrane of the DVs, and the question followed whether DVs might be marked for uptake by polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs). We report that DVs are indeed rapidly phagocytosed by PMNs after schizont rupture in active human serum. Uptake of malaria pigment requires an intact DV membrane and does not occur when the pigment is extracted from the organelle. Merozoites are not opsonized and escape phagocytosis in nonimmune serum. Antimalarial Abs mediate some uptake of the parasites, but to an extent that is not sufficient to markedly reduce reinvasion rates. Phagocytosis of DVs induces a vigorous respiratory burst that drives the cells into a state of functional exhaustion, blunting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and microbicidal activity upon challenge with bacterial pathogens. Systemic overloading of PMNs with DVs may contribute to the enhanced susceptibility of patients with severe malaria toward invasive bacterial infections.
Sequential desensitization of CXCR4 and S1P5 controls natural killer cell trafficking
Authors: Mayol Katia , Biajoux Vincent , Marvel Jacqueline , Balabanian Karl , Walzer Thierry
Published: September 2011

During development, natural killer (NK) cells exit the BM to reach the blood. CXCR4 retains NK cells in the BM, whereas the sphingosine-1 phosphate receptor 5 (S1P5) promotes their exit from this organ. However, how the action of these receptors is coordinated to preserve NK-cell development in the BM parenchyma while providing mature NK cells at the periphery is unclear. The role of CXCR4 and S1P5 in NK-cell recirculation at the periphery is also unknown. In the present study, we show that, during NK-cell differentiation, CXCR4 expression decreases whereas S1P5 expression increases, thus favoring the exit of mature NK cells via BM sinusoids. Using S1P5−/− mice and a new knockin mouse model in which CXCR4 cannot be desensitized (a mouse model of warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, and myelokathexis [WHIM] syndrome), we demonstrate that NK-cell exit from the BM requires both CXCR4 desensitization and S1P5 engagement. These 2 signals occur independently of each other: CXCR4 desensitization is not induced by S1P5 engagement and vice versa. Once in the blood, the S1P concentration increases and S1P5 responsiveness decreases. This responsiveness is recovered in the lymph nodes to allow NK-cell exit via lymphatics in a CXCR4-independent manner. Therefore, coordinated changes in CXCR4 and S1P5 responsiveness govern NK-cell trafficking.
Local interleukin-10 production during respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis is associated with post-bronchiolitis wheeze
Authors: Schuurhof Annemieke , Janssen Riny , de Groot Hanneke , Hodemaekers Hennie M , de Klerk Arja , Kimpen Jan LL , Bont Louis
Published: September 2011

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in infants. Following RSV bronchiolitis, 50% of children develop post-bronchiolitis wheeze (PBW). Animal studies have suggested that interleukin (IL)-10 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of RSV bronchiolitis and subsequent airway hyperresponsiveness. Previously, we showed that ex vivo monocyte IL-10 production is a predictor of PBW. Additionally, heterozygosity of the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1800872 in the IL10 promoter region was associated with protection against RSV bronchiolitis.

Methods

This study aimed to determine the in vivo role of IL-10 in RSV pathogenesis and recurrent wheeze in a new cohort of 235 infants hospitalized for RSV bronchiolitis. IL-10 levels in nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPAs) were measured at the time of hospitalization and the IL10 SNP rs1800872 genotype was determined. Follow-up data were available for 185 children (79%).

Results

Local IL-10 levels during RSV infection turned out to be higher in infants that later developed physician diagnosed PBW as compared to infants without PBW in the first year after RSV infection (958 vs 692 pg/ml, p = 0.02). The IL10 promoter SNP rs1800872 was not associated with IL-10 concentration in NPAs.

Conclusion

The relationship between high local IL-10 levels during the initial RSV infection and physician diagnosed PBW provides further evidence of the importance of the IL-10 response during RSV bronchiolitis.
Characterization of dental pulp stem/stromal cells of Huntington monkey tooth germs
Authors: Snyder Brooke R , Cheng Pei-Hsun , Yang Jinjing , Yang Shang-Hsun , Huang Anderson HC , Chan Anthony WS
Published: September 2011

Background

Dental pulp stem/stromal cells (DPSCs) are categorized as adult stem cells (ASCs) that retain multipotent differentiation capabilities. DPSCs can be isolated from individuals at any age and are considered to be true personal stem cells, making DPSCs one of the potential options for stem cell therapy. However, the properties of DPSCs from individuals with an inherited genetic disorder, such as Huntington's disease (HD), have not been fully investigated.

Results

To examine if mutant huntingtin (htt) protein impacts DPSC properties, we have established DPSCs from tooth germ of transgenic monkeys that expressed both mutant htt and green fluorescent protein (GFP) genes (rHD/G-DPSCs), and from a monkey that expressed only the GFP gene (rG-DPSCs), which served as a control. Although mutant htt and oligomeric htt aggregates were overtly present in rHD/G-DPSCs, all rHD/G-DPSCs and rG-DPSCs shared similar characteristics, including self-renewal, multipotent differentiation capabilities, expression of stemness and differentiation markers, and cell surface antigen profile.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that DPSCs from Huntington monkeys retain ASC properties. Thus DPSCs derived from individuals with genetic disorders such as HD could be a potential source of personal stem cells for therapeutic purposes.
Induction of diploid gynogenesis in an evolutionary model organism, the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Samonte-Padilla Irene E , Eizaguirre Christophe , Scharsack Jörn P , Lenz Tobias L , Milinski Manfred
Published: September 2011

Background

Rapid advances in genomics have provided nearly complete genome sequences for many different species. However, no matter how the sequencing technology has improved, natural genetic polymorphism complicates the production of high quality reference genomes. To address this problem, researchers have tried using artificial modes of genome manipulation such as gynogenesis for fast production of inbred lines.

Results

Here, we present the first successful induction of diploid gynogenesis in an evolutionary model system, the three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteusaculeatus), using a combination of UV-irradiation of the sperm and heat shock (HS) of the resulting embryo to inhibit the second meiotic division. Optimal UV irradiation of the sperm was established by exposing stickleback sperm to a UV- light source at various times. Heat shock parameters like temperature, duration, and time of initiation were tested by subjecting eggs fertilized with UV inactivated sperm 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 minutes post fertilization (mpf) to 30°C, 34°C, or 38°C for 2, 4, 6 or 8 minutes. Gynogen yield was highest when stickleback eggs were activated with 2 minutes UV-irradiated sperm and received HS 5 mpf at 34°C for 4 minutes.

Conclusions

Diploid gynogenesis has been successfully performed in three-spined stickleback. This has been confirmed by microsatellite DNA analysis which revealed exclusively maternal inheritance in all gynogenetic fry tested. Ploidy verification by flow cytometry showed that gynogenetic embryos/larvae exhibiting abnormalities were haploids and those that developed normally were diploids, i.e., double haploids that can be raised until adult size.
Epidemiology of acute kidney injury in Hungarian intensive care units: a multicenter, prospective, observational study
Authors: Medve Laszlo , Antek Csaba , Paloczi Balazs , Kocsi Szilvia , Gartner Bela , Marjanek Zsuzsanna , Bencsik Gabor , Kanizsai Peter , Gondos Tibor
Published: September 2011

Background

Despite the substantial progress in the quality of critical care, the incidence and mortality of acute kidney injury (AKI) continues to rise during hospital admissions. We conducted a national, multicenter, prospective, epidemiological survey to evaluate the importance of AKI in intensive care units (ICUs) in Hungary. The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence of AKI in ICU patients; to characterize the differences in aetiology, illness severity and clinical practice; and to determine the influencing factors of the development of AKI and the patients' outcomes.

Methods

We analysed the demographic, morbidity, treatment modality and outcome data of patients (n = 459) admitted to ICUs between October 1st, 2009 and November 30th, 2009 using a prospectively filled in electronic survey form in 7 representative ICUs.

Results

The major reason for ICU admission was surgical in 64.3% of patients and medical in the remaining 35.7%. One-hundred-twelve patients (24.4%) had AKI. By AKIN criteria 11.5% had Stage 1, 5.4% had Stage 2 and 7.4% had Stage 3. In 44.0% of patients, AKI was associated with septic shock. Vasopressor treatment, SAPS II score, serum creatinine on ICU admission and sepsis were the independent risk factors for development of any stage of AKI. Among the Stage 3 patients (34) 50% received renal replacement therapy. The overall utilization of intermittent renal replacement therapy was high (64.8%). The overall in-hospital mortality rate of AKI was 49% (55/112). The ICU mortality rate was 39.3% (44/112). The independent risk factors for ICU mortality were age, mechanical ventilation, SOFA score and AKI Stage 3.

Conclusions

For the first time we have established the incidence of AKI using the AKIN criteria in Hungarian ICUs. Results of the present study confirm that AKI has a high incidence and is associated with high ICU and in-hospital mortality.
Assessing socioeconomic health care utilization inequity in Israel: impact of alternative approaches to morbidity adjustment
Authors: Shadmi Efrat , Balicer Ran D , Kinder Karen , Abrams Chad , Weiner Jonathan P
Published: September 2011

Background

The ability to accurately detect differential resource use between persons of different socioeconomic status relies on the accuracy of health-needs adjustment measures. This study tests different approaches to morbidity adjustment in explanation of health care utilization inequity.

Methods

A representative sample was selected of 10 percent (~270,000) adult enrolees of Clalit Health Services, Israel's largest health care organization. The Johns-Hopkins University Adjusted Clinical Groups® were used to assess each person's overall morbidity burden based on one year's (2009) diagnostic information. The odds of above average health care resource use (primary care visits, specialty visits, diagnostic tests, or hospitalizations) were tested using multivariate logistic regression models, separately adjusting for levels of health-need using data on age and gender, comorbidity (using the Charlson Comorbidity Index), or morbidity burden (using the Adjusted Clinical Groups). Model fit was assessed using tests of the Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve and the Akaike Information Criteria.

Results

Low socioeconomic status was associated with higher morbidity burden (1.5-fold difference). Adjusting for health needs using age and gender or the Charlson index, persons of low socioeconomic status had greater odds of above average resource use for all types of services examined (primary care and specialist visits, diagnostic tests, or hospitalizations). In contrast, after adjustment for overall morbidity burden (using Adjusted Clinical Groups), low socioeconomic status was no longer associated with greater odds of specialty care or diagnostic tests (OR: 0.95, CI: 0.94-0.99; and OR: 0.91, CI: 0.86-0.96, for specialty visits and diagnostic respectively). Tests of model fit showed that adjustment using the comprehensive morbidity burden measure provided a better fit than age and gender or the Charlson Index.

Conclusions

Identification of socioeconomic differences in health care utilization is an important step in disparity reduction efforts. Adjustment for health-needs using a comprehensive morbidity burden diagnoses-based measure, this study showed relative underutilization in use of specialist and diagnostic services, and thus allowed for identification of inequity in health resources use, which could not be detected with less comprehensive forms of health-needs adjustments.
Diagnosis and treatment of lumbosacral discospondylitis in a calf
Authors: Muggli Evelyne , Schmid Tanja , Hagen Regine , Schmid Barbara , Nuss Karl
Published: September 2011

Background

The aim of this case report was to describe the clinical findings, treatment and outcome of lumbosacral discospondylitis in a calf.

Case Presentation

A 5.5-month-old calf was presented with difficulty in rising, a stiff and slightly ataxic gait in the hind limbs and a shortened stride. The lumbosacral region was severely painful on palpation.

Radiographic examination confirmed lumbosacral discospondylitis. Medical treatment with stall rest was instituted over six weeks. Radiographic and ultrasonographic follow-up examinations showed lysis of the endplates initially, then collapse of the intervertebral space at the lumbosacral junction and progressive sclerosis in the periphery of the lytic zones. Four weeks after institution of treatment, the calf could rise normally and the general condition gradually had returned to normal. The calf was discharged after 6 weeks and was sound at 3.5 months clinical and radiographic follow up examination. Thereafter, it was kept on alpine pastures without problems and was pregnant 1 year after the last examination.

Conclusions

This report shows that recovery from lumbosacral discospondylitis is possible in heifers, provided that treatment is started before major neurologic deficits have developed and is continued for an extended period of time.
Changes in physiological tremor associated with an epileptic seizure: a case report
Authors: Daneault Jean-François , Carignan Benoit , Robert Maxime , Duval Christian
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Epileptic seizures are associated with motor, sensory, somatosensory or autonomic symptoms that have all been described in varying detail over the years. Of interest in the present report is a case of normal physiological tremor, which to date has never been evaluated prior to and during an epileptic seizure. In fact, there is only anecdotal mention of pre-ictal and ictal changes in clinically noticeable tremor in the literature.

Case presentation

Our patient was a left-handed, 27-year-old Caucasian woman diagnosed seven years previously with partial epileptic seizures, secondarily generalized. Physiological tremor was measured simultaneously on the index finger of both hands of our patient. Electromyography as well as heart rate and respiration were also monitored. A previously performed electroencephalography examination revealed abnormal oscillations focalized to the left primary somatosensory cortex. She was also diagnosed with left frontal neuronal heterotopias. We detected subclinical changes in tremor characteristics, such as amplitude, median power frequency and power dispersion, contralateral to the localization of epileptic activity. Tremor characteristics remained relatively steady ipsilateral to the localization of the epileptic activity.

Conclusions

Changes in physiological tremor characteristics should be considered as another possible pre-ictal or ictal manifestation. We propose that the network associated with physiological tremor might be more sensitive to abnormal oscillations generated within the central nervous system by epileptic activity from certain structures.
Male partner antenatal attendance and HIV testing in eastern Uganda: a randomized facility‐based intervention trial
Authors: Byamugisha Robert , Åstrøm Anne N , Ndeezi Grace , Karamagi Charles AS , Tylleskär Thorkild , Tumwine James K
Published: September 2011

Background

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a written invitation letter to the spouses of new antenatal clinic attendees on attendance by couples and on male partner acceptance of HIV testing at subsequent antenatal clinic visits.

Methods

The trial was conducted with 1060 new attendees from October 2009 to February 2010 in an antenatal clinic at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Mbale District, eastern Uganda. The intervention comprised an invitation letter delivered to the spouses of new antenatal attendees, while the control group received an information letter, a leaflet, concerning antenatal care. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of pregnant women who attended antenatal care with their male partners during a follow‐up period of four weeks. Eligible pregnant women were randomly assigned to the intervention or non‐intervention groups using a randomization sequence, which was computer generated utilizing a random sequence generator (RANDOM ORG) that employed a simple randomization procedure. Respondents, health workers and research assistants were masked to group assignments.

Results

The trial was completed with 530 women enrolled in each group. Participants were analyzed as originally assigned (intention to treat). For the primary outcome, the percentage of trial participants who attended the antenatal clinic with their partners were 16.2% (86/530) and 14.2% (75/530) in the intervention and non‐intervention groups, respectively (OR = 1.2; 95% CI: 0.8, 1.6). For the secondary outcome, most of the 161 male partners attended the antenatal clinic; 82 of 86 (95%) in the intervention group and 68 of 75 (91%) in the non‐intervention group were tested for HIV (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 0.6 to 7.5).

Conclusions

The effect of the intervention and the control on couple antenatal attendance was similar. In addition, the trial demonstrated that a simple intervention, such as a letter to the spouse, could increase couple antenatal clinic attendance by 10%. Significantly, the majority of male partners who attended the antenatal clinic accepted HIV testing. Therefore, to further evaluate this simple and cost‐effective intervention method, adequately powered studies are required to assess its effectiveness in increasing partner participation in antenatal clinics and the programme for prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01144234.
HIV and concurrent sexual partnerships: modelling the role of coital dilution
Authors: Sawers Larry , Isaac Alan G , Stillwaggon Eileen
Published: September 2011

Background

The concurrency hypothesis asserts that high prevalence of overlapping sexual partnerships explains extraordinarily high HIV levels in sub‐Saharan Africa. Earlier simulation models show that the network effect of concurrency can increase HIV incidence, but those models do not account for the coital dilution effect (non‐primary partnerships have lower coital frequency than primary partnerships).

Methods

We modify the model of Eaton et al (AIDS and Behavior, September 2010) to incorporate coital dilution by assigning lower coital frequencies to non‐primary partnerships. We parameterize coital dilution based on the empirical work of Morris et al (PLoS ONE, December 2010) and others. Following Eaton et al, we simulate the daily transmission of HIV over 250 years for 10 levels of concurrency.

Results

At every level of concurrency, our focal coital‐dilution simulation produces epidemic extinction. Our sensitivity analysis shows that this result is quite robust; even modestly lower coital frequencies in non‐primary partnerships lead to epidemic extinction.

Conclusions

In order to contribute usefully to the investigation of HIV prevalence, simulation models of concurrent partnering and HIV epidemics must incorporate realistic degrees of coital dilution. Doing so dramatically reduces the role that concurrency can play in accelerating the spread of HIV and suggests that concurrency cannot be an important driver of HIV epidemics in sub‐Saharan Africa. Alternative explanations for HIV epidemics in sub‐Saharan Africa are needed.
Calorie restriction and stroke
Authors: Manzanero Silvia , Gelderblom Mathias , Magnus Tim , Arumugam Thiruma V
Published: September 2011

Stroke, a major cause of disability and mortality in the elderly, occurs when a cerebral blood vessel is occluded or ruptured, resulting in ischemic damage and death of brain cells. The injury mechanism involves metabolic and oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, apoptosis and inflammatory processes, including activation of glial cells and infiltration of leukocytes. In animal models, dietary energy restriction, by daily calorie reduction (CR) or intermittent fasting (IF), extends lifespan and decreases the development of age-related diseases. Dietary energy restriction may also benefit neurons, as suggested by experimental evidence showing that CR and IF protect neurons against degeneration in animal models. Recent findings by our group and others suggest the possibility that dietary energy restriction may protect against stroke induced brain injury, in part by inducing the expression of neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF); protein chaperones, including heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78); antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutases (SOD) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), silent information regulator T1 (SIRT1), uncoupling proteins and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This article discusses the protective mechanisms activated by dietary energy restriction in ischemic stroke.
Meta-Analysis of the Association Between Cigarette Smoking and Incidence of Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Castillo Jorge J. , Dalia Samir , Shum Helen
Published: September 2011

Introduction

Previous studies have suggested a relationship between smoking and Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). The main objective of this study was to evaluate this potential association with a meta-analysis of observational studies.

Patients and Methods

A literature search was undertaken through December 2010 looking for observational studies evaluating the association between smoking and HL. From 714 articles, 17 were included in this study. Outcome was calculated and reported as odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity was assessed by using the I2 index. Publication bias was evaluated by trim-and-fill analysis. Quality assessment was performed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.

Results

Our analysis showed an OR of developing HL of 1.35 (95% CI, 1.17 to 1.56; P < .001) in current smokers. Former smokers did not have an increased risk of HL. In subset analyses of current smokers, men and older individuals had ORs of HL of 1.78 (95% CI, 1.46 to 2.17; P < .001) and 1.77 (95% CI, 1.23 to 2.54; P = .002), respectively. In addition, the OR of HL was increased in individuals who smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day, have smoked more than 20 years, or have smoked more than 15 pack-years at 1.51 (95% CI, 1.16 to 1.98; P = .002), 1.84 (95% CI, 1.47 to 2.32; P < .001), and 1.97 (1.53 to 2.54; P < .001), respectively. Meta-regression analyses showed a relative OR of HL of 1.007 (95% CI, 1.001 to 1.013; P = .025) per cigarette per day and of 1.013 (95% CI, 1.006 to 1.019; P < .001) per year of smoking.

Conclusion

Smoking seems to increase the odds of developing HL in current smokers. The risk of HL is higher in men and older individuals and increases with higher intensity and longer duration of smoking.
The Uneven Development of theBildungsroman: D'arcy McNickle and Native American Modernity
Authors: Lima Enrique
Published: September 2011

The European Bildungsroman since its emergence at the end of the eighteenth century has been the great genre of socialization. Beginning with Goethe's Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre, the Bildungsroman has narrated the story of a protagonist willingly or unwillingly renouncing his or her individualism in order to become part of a social whole. D'Arcy McNickle's The Surrounded, I contend, resignifies the story of the relationship of the individual to society that is the primary element of the narrative formula of the Bildungsroman. Rather than illustrating the renunciation of individualism as it was often imagined in European novels, The Surrounded takes up the complicated nature of socialization in the colonial context of Native America in the early twentieth century. While Archilde Leon, the novel's protagonist, ultimately desires socialization and integration into tribal society, the colonial fragmentation experienced by the novel's Salish community makes that socialization impossible. By adapting the Bildungsroman to represent this historical situation, McNickle's novel forces us to rethink theories of the genre that have focused primarily on the European case. In the somewhat unorthodox final section of the essay, I argue that economic theories of uneven development illuminate why McNickle's novel transforms the Bildungsroman as it does. It is my claim that theories of uneven development, while at first glance seemingly unrelated to questions of literary history, help explain why writers from the colonial spaces of modernity do not have to reproduce the social logics of Euro-American modernity even when they take up one of its most canonical literary forms.
A “Labor History” of Mass Incarceration
Authors: Lichtenstein Alex
Published: September 2011

This essay suggests what a labor-based history of the U.S. carceral state in the twentieth century might look like. In particular, it argues that the bifurcation of prison studies into examinations of life “behind the walls” and the place of incarceration in the society at large obscures the central role punishment plays in mediating labor relations and the labor market in modern America. The best emerging studies of the prison, however, manage to fuse an “inside” and “outside” history of incarceration. Labor historians can help reckon with the costs of the mass incarceration crisis of the last forty years by exploring the place of the “prison-industrial complex” within the neoliberal and postindustrial political economy that has reshaped American labor relations during the same period.
The Promise of Public Sector-Sponsored Training Programs
Authors: LaLonde Robert J
Published: September 2011

As concern about workers’ skills has risen, so has interest in the role that government training programs might play in addressing ‘America's workforce crisis.’ One way to gauge whether increased reliance on these programs will substantially improve the skills of the workforce is to examine the impact of past programs. The evidence from these programs indicates that, although the gains were small, for the most part we got what we paid for. This outcome should not be surprising because investments in training were exceedingly modest compared to the skill deficiencies that policymakers have been trying to address.
An Introduction to the Wage Curve
Authors: Blanchflower David G , Oswald Andrew J
Published: September 2011

This paper documents a statistical regulatity or law. It shows that there exists a downward-sloping curve linking the level of a worker's pay to the unemployment rate in the worker's region. The same curve can be found in microeconomic data sets from sixteen countries. The existence of this curve raises doubts about conventional wisdom in labor economics, regional economics, and macroeconomics.
Policy Watch: Did Nasdaq Market Makers Implicitly Collude?
Authors: Christie William G , Schultz Paul H
Published: September 2011

This paper chronicles the research that led to the conclusion that Nasdaq marketmakers implicitly colluded to maintain supracompetitive spreads (Christie and Schultz, 1994). The paper provides a brief description of the differences between a dealer and an auction market, and highlights the result that NASDAQ marketmakers quoted a majority of large issues exclusively in even-eighths. The paper then provides a personalized description of the events that soon followed, including the publicity surrounding the article, the ensuing antitrust investigation by the Department of Justice, and the abandonment of these agreements once the practice was disclosed.
How Trade Hurt Unskilled Workers
Authors: Wood Adrian
Published: September 2011

This paper argues that the main cause of the deteriorating economic position of unskilled workers in the United States and other developed countries has been expansion of trade with developing countries. In the framework of a Heckscher-Ohlin model, it outlines the evidence in support of this view, responds to criticisms of this evidence, and challenges the evidence for the alternative view that the problems of unskilled workers are caused mainly by new technology. The paper concludes with a look at the future and at the implications for public policy.
Anomalies: The Flypaper Effect
Authors: Hines James R , Thaler Richard H
Published: September 2011

What happens to a state's spending when it receives an unconditional grant from the federal government? The standard theoretical analysis predicts that the increase in spending will be the same as that generated by an equivalent increase in local incomes--or roughly 5-10 percent for most states. In contrast, numerous empirical analyses have found that spending increases by much more, with some estimates near 100 percent. This result is known as the ’flypaper effect,’ since the money appears to ‘stick where it hits.’ The authors review this evidence as well as other studies that find similar behavior in firms.
Senescence marker protein 30: functional and structural insights to its unknown physiological function
Authors: Scott Stephanie H. , Bahnson Brian J.
Published: September 2011

Senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30) is a multifunctional protein involved in cellular Ca2+homeostasis and the biosynthesis of ascorbate in nonprimate mammals. The primary structure of the protein is highly conserved among vertebrates, suggesting the existence of a significant physiological function common to all mammals, including primates. Enzymatic activities of SMP30 include aldonolactone and organophosphate hydrolysis. Protective effects against apoptosis and oxidative stress have been reported. X-ray crystallography revealed that SMP30 is a six-bladed β-propeller with structural similarity to paraoxonase 1, another protein with lactonase and organophosphate hydrolase activities. SMP30 has recently been tied to several physiological conditions, including osteoporosis, liver fibrosis, diabetes, and cancer. This review aims to describe the recent advances made toward understanding the connection between molecular structure, enzymatic activity, and physiological function of this highly conserved, multifaceted protein.
First record of the Indo-Pacific seaweed Codium arabicum Kütz. (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Hoffman Razy , Shemesh Eli , Ramot Michal , Dubinsky Zvy , Pinchasov-Grinblat Yulia , Iluz David
Published: September 2011

Since the beginning of the 21st century, the Mediterranean shores of Israel have experienced invasions of several alien Indo-Pacific seaweed species. This phenomenon has been observed mainly on the northern Israeli Mediterranean shore, particularly near the port of Haifa. Here we report and discuss the first record of the common Indo-Pacific seaweed Codium arabicum from the Mediterranean Sea, namely, from the Levant coast of Israel. This macroalga was first identified morphologically, and the determination later confirmed by molecular techniques using two plastid DNA sequences: rbcL exon 1 and rps3-rpl16. High water temperatures for most of the year and free habitat space appear to facilitate the successful settlement and establishment of this species, as has been the case for hundreds of other invasive Indo-Pacific organisms along the Israeli Mediterranean shore.
Changes in microstructure and stiffness of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L) sapwood degraded by Gloeophyllum trabeum and Trametes versicolor – Part II: Anisotropic stiffness properties
Authors: Bader Thomas K. , Hofstetter Karin , Alfredsen Gry , Bollmus Susanne
Published: September 2011

Fungal decay considerably affects the macroscopic mechanical properties of wood as a result of modifications and degradations in its microscopic structure. While effects on mechanical properties related to the stem direction are fairly well understood, effects on radial and tangential directions (transverse properties) are less well investigated. In the present study, changes of longitudinal elastic moduli and stiffness data in all anatomical directions of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) sapwood which was degraded by Gloeophyllum trabeum (brown rot) and Trametes versicolor (white rot) for up to 28 weeks have been investigated. Transverse properties were found to be much more deteriorated than the longitudinal ones. This is because of the degradation of the polymer matrix between the cellulose microfibrils, which has a strong effect on transverse stiffness. Longitudinal stiffness, on the other hand, is mainly governed by cellulose microfibrils, which are more stable agains fungal decay. G. trabeum (more active in earlywood) strongly weakens radial stiffness, whereas T. versicolor (more active in latewood) strongly reduces tangential stiffness. The data in terms of radial and tangential stiffnesses, as well as the corresponding anisotropy ratios, seem to be suitable as durability indicators of wood and even allow conclusions to be made on the degradation mechanisms of fungi.
“You're lying to Jesus!”: Humor and play in a discussion about homelessness
Authors: Ritchie L. David
Published: September 2011

This study applies recent theories about humor to a sample of talk among a group of young adults about the issues and problems associated with homelessness. In this conversation, participants demonstrate a pattern of joking and language play that expresses a complex and ambivalent set of attitudes and feelings toward homelessness and toward the homeless as both outcasts and refugees from conventional society. Humor is used both to express complex responses to homelessness and as a tool for managing the tone and direction of the conversation. The results demonstrate how the identification of patterns of joking and wordplay can provide insights into how people accomplish task-oriented objectives as well as relational and interactive objectives in everyday talk.
Variations of the Poincaré Map
Authors: Schweiger Fritz
Published: September 2011

Nogueira, in 1995, presented a study of the Poincaré map and the related Parry–Daniels map. In this note some variants of this algorithm are presented which seem to have quite different ergodic behavior.
Enhancing linear regularization to treat large noise
Authors: Mathé Peter , Tautenhahn Ulrich
Published: September 2011

For solving linear ill-posed problems with noisy data, regularization methods are required. In this paper we study regularization under general noise assumptions containing large noise and small noise as special cases. We derive order optimal error bounds for an extended Tikhonov regularization by using some pre-smoothing. This accompanies recent results by the same authors, Regularization under general noise assumptions, Inverse Problems 27:3, 035016, 2011.
Internet-Based Developmental Screening: A Digital Divide Between English- and Spanish-Speaking Parents
Authors: Hambidge Simon J. , Phibbs Stephanie , Beck Arne , Bergman David Aaron
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

Internet-based developmental screening is being implemented in pediatric practices across the United States. Little is known about the application of this technology in poor urban populations.

OBJECTIVE:

We describe here the results of focus groups, surveys, and in-depth interviews during home visits with families served by an urban safety-net organization to address the question of whether it is possible to use Internet or e-mail communication for medical previsit engagement in a population that is majority Hispanic, of low socioeconomic status, and has many non–English-speaking families.

METHODS:

This study included families in 4 clinics within a safety-net health care system. The study design included the use of (1) parental surveys (n = 200) of a convenience sample of parents whose children received primary care in the clinics, (2) focus groups (n = 7 groups) with parents, and (3) in-depth interviews during home visits with 4 families. We used χ2 and multivariate analyses to compare Internet access in English- and Spanish-speaking families. Standard qualitative methods were used to code focus-group texts and identify convergent themes.

RESULTS:

In multivariate analysis, independent factors associated with computer use were English versus Spanish language (odds ratio: 3.2 [95% confidence interval: 1.4–6.9]) and education through at least high school (odds ratio: 4.7 [95% confidence interval: 2.3–9.7]). In focus groups, the concept of parental previsit work, such as developmental screening tests, was viewed favorably by all groups. However, many parents expressed reservations about doing this work by using the Internet or e-mail and stated a preference for either paper or telephone options. Many Spanish-speaking families discussed lack of access to computers and printers.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this economically disadvantaged population, language and maternal education were associated with access to the Internet. Given the potential power of previsit work to tailor well-child visits to the needs of individual families, alternative strategies to using the Internet should be explored for populations without reliable Internet access.
Conditions of Long-term Success in a Lifestyle Intervention for Overweight and Obese Youths
Authors: Fröhlich Georg , Pott Wilfried , Albayrak Özgür , Hebebrand Johannes , Pauli-Pott Ursula
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Childhood lifestyle interventions usually involve the families. However, knowledge of family characteristics that promote or constrain a child's weight-reduction outcome is limited. Candidates for such factors might be family characteristics that have proven to be associated with social adjustment (development) in childhood. Thus, we analyzed whether family adversity, maternal depression, and attachment insecurity predict long-term success in children's weight reduction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Participants in the study were 111 parent-child dyads with overweight and obese children/adolescents (BMI mean: 29.07 [SD: 4.7] [range: 21.4–44.9]; BMI SD score mean: 2.43 [SD: 0.44] [range: 1.31–3.54]) aged between 7 and 15 years. The families took part in a best-practice lifestyle intervention of 1 year's duration. A longitudinal analysis with 3 assessment waves (baseline, conclusion, 1-year follow-up) was conducted.

RESULTS:

Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that long-term success (at least 5% weight reduction by the 1-year follow-up) versus failure (dropping out or less weight reduction) was significantly predicted by the set of psychosocial variables (family adversity, maternal depression, and attachment insecurity) when we controlled for familial obesity, preintervention overweight, age, and gender of the index child and parental educational level. Maternal depression proved to be the best predictor. Maintenance of weight reduction between the conclusion of the program and the 1-year-follow-up was also predicted by the set of psychosocial variables. Maternal insecure-anxious attachment attitudes best predicted this criterion.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although cross-validation is required, our results are the first evidence for proximal and distal family characteristics linked to long-term weight-reduction outcomes. The results suggest a need to create tailored intervention modules that address the difficulties of these families.
Teaching Film Music Survey Classes
Authors: Remson Michael
Published: September 2011

Hickman, Roger. Reel Music. Exploring 100 Years of Film Music. New York: W.W. Norton, 2006 [xv, 526 p. ISBN: 0–393–92574–9. $57.55 (trade paper)] Music examples, illustrations, appendix, index. Karlin, Fred. Listening to Movies. A Film Lover’s Guide to Film Music. Belmont, Calif.: Wadsworth/ Thomson Learning, 1994 [xv, 429 p. ISBN: 0–02–873315–0. $46.95 (trade paper)]; reprint, 2000 [xv, 429 p. ISBN: 0-53-426369-0, $95.95 (trade paper)] Music examples, illustrations, appendix, filmogra-phy, index. MacDonald, Laurence. The Invisible Art of Film Music: A Comprehensive History. Lanham, Md.: Ardsley House, 1998 [xvi, 431 p. ISBN: 1–88–015756–X $46.50 (trade paper)] Illustrations, bibliogra-phy, filmography, index.
One-year monthly survey of rotavirus, astrovirus and norovirus in three sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Beijing, China and associated health risk assessment
Authors: He X. Q. , Cheng L. , Zhang D. Y. , Xie X. M. , Wang D. H. , Wang Z.
Published: September 2011

To evaluate the presence and distribution of the three main viruses (rotavirus, astrovirus, and norovirus) responsible for human acute gastroenteritis in sewerage systems, a one-year study was carried out in Beijing, China. A total of 96 samples of influent and effluents from three sewage treatment plants (STPs) were collected from November 2006 to October 2007. Silica was used to concentrate viral particles from water samples and a reverse transcriptase-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nested PCR) method was used for detection of viruses. Virus(es) could be detected in 35.4% (34/96) of the water samples analysed, where human rotavirus was the most frequently detected one (32.3%, 31/96), followed by human astrovirus (6.3%, 6/96) and human norovirus (3.1%, 3/96). According to the quantitation results of rotaviruses, which were gained by the real-time quantitative RT-PCR method with SYBR Green I, it was known that the distributions of rotaviruses in influents and effluents of three STPs were quite similar, i.e., abundant in cold weather (from October to March) and less prevalent in warm weather (from April to September). According to the estimated exposure dose and exposure frequency, as well as the acceptable annual risk level, it was shown that the rotaviruses in the reused wastewater after conventional treatment process presented potential risk to human health through both occupational and accidental exposure.
The efficiency of asset management strategies to reduce urban flood risk
Authors: ten Veldhuis J. A. E. , Clemens F. H. L. R.
Published: September 2011

In this study, three asset management strategies were compared with respect to their efficiency to reduce flood risk. Data from call centres at two municipalities were used to quantify urban flood risks associated with three causes of urban flooding: gully pot blockage, sewer pipe blockage and sewer overloading. The efficiency of three flood reduction strategies was assessed based on their effect on the causes contributing to flood risk. The sensitivity of the results to uncertainty in the data source, citizens' calls, was analysed through incorporation of uncertainty ranges taken from customer complaint literature. Based on the available data it could be shown that increasing gully pot blockage is the most efficient action to reduce flood risk, given data uncertainty. If differences between cause incidences are large, as in the presented case study, call data are sufficient to decide how flood risk can be most efficiently reduced. According to the results of this analysis, enlargement of sewer pipes is not an efficient strategy to reduce flood risk, because flood risk associated with sewer overloading is small compared to other failure mechanisms.