bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BENTHIC DIATOM DISTRIBUTION IN A PENNSYLVANIA STREAM: ROLE OF pH AND NUTRIENTS1
Authors: Keithan Elaine D. , Lowe Rex L. , DeYoe Hudson R.
Published: March 2008

Buffalo Creek is in a forested watershed in eastern Pennsylvania and is relatively acid in upstream reaches (pH∼6), becoming alkaline downstream (pH∼8). Temperature, nitrogen (NO3‐N) and phosphorus (O‐PO4) increase significantly downstream whereas N/P declines. Nutrient‐diffusing substrata were deployed in triplicate at an upstream and downstream site. Six treatments included two concentrations of nitrate, two concentrations of phosphate, nitrogen + phosphate, and a control. Substrata were collected after 18 days, scraped and analyzed for accrual of chlorophyll a and algal community structure. Chlorophyll a and algal biovolume were greatest downstream across all nutrient treatments. At the community level, accrual appeared to be limited by phosphorus at upstream sites. Downstream accrual also may have been phosphorus‐limited, but the results were equivocal. Benthic algae on all treatments at both sites were ∼96% diatoms. Minimal overlap in species composition was observed between upstream and downstream sites. Of the 75 species of diatoms encountered in the study, 58 species did not occur at the upstream site and 10 species did not occur at the downstream site. The upstream site was depauperate in species and dominated by Eunotia exigua (Bréb. ex Kütz.) Rabh., which showed a positive response to phosphorus and accounted for over 50% of the biomass across treatments. The downstream site showed a four‐fold increase in species richness. Communities at this site contained some species that appeared to be phosphorus‐limited, e.g. Melosira varians Ag., and others that seemed to be nitrogen‐limited, e.g. Diatoma vulgare Bory and Navicula seminulum Grun. We conclude that extreme conditions upstream (low pH, high N/P) result in a species‐poor community dominated by acidophilous phosphorus‐limited diatoms. Increases in downstream nutrients and pH result in a relatively rich and diverse community.
PATHWAY OF AMMONIUM ASSIMILATION IN A MARINE DIATOM DETERMINED WITH THE RADIOTRACER13N1
Authors: Zehr Jonathan P. , Falkowski Paul G.
Published: March 2008

In unicellular algae, ammonium can be assimilated into glutamate through the action of glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) or into glutamine through the sequential activities of glutamine synthetase and glutamate 2‐oxoglutarate amidotransferase (GS‐GOGAT pathway). We have shown that the first radio‐labeled product of assimilation of13NH4+(t1/2= 10 min) was glutamine in the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (Hustedt). When GS‐GOGAT was inhibited with methionine sulfoximine, the incorporation of radioactivity into both glutamine and glutamate was blocked, implying that the radio‐labeled glutamate is formed from glutamine. Glutamine was also the first labeled product when the intracellular concentration of ammonium was elevated by preincubation with unlabeled ammonium. The results indicate that the GS‐GOGAT pathway is the primary pathway for the assimilation of nitrogen in T. pseudonana.
AMINO ACID SEQUENCE ANALYSIS OF THE SMALL SUBUNIT OF RIBULOSE BISPHOSPHATE CARBOXYLASE FROM FUCUS (PHAEOPHYCEAE)1
Authors: Keen Jeffrey N. , Pappin Darryl J. C. , Evans Leonard V.
Published: March 2008

This paper reports for the first time amino acid sequence information for the small subunit of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase / oxygenase (Rubisco) from a non‐green alga. N‐terminal sequences are presented for the polypeptide from three species of the genus Fucus (Phaeophyceae). Although homologous to small subunit polypeptides from other organisms, the Fucus sequences exhibit a unique N‐terminal section resembling neither cyanobacterial nor chlorophytic sequences. This difference may be a consequence of the plastid DNA coding arrangement for the small subunit in chromophytes, a situation reported for the related organism Olisthodiscus but not previously investigated at the amino acid sequence level.
AN EMPIRICALLY BASED MODEL OF VARIATION IN ROTATIONAL ELEMENTS IN CENTRIC DIATOMS WITH COMMENTS ON RATIOS IN PHYCOLOGY1
Authors: Theriot Edward
Published: March 2008

Ratios are commonly used to relate taxonomic, physiological and ecological properties of algal cells to variation in cell shape and size. However, ratios can be more difficult to interpret than the original variables. A detailed example of a ratio commonly used in diatom taxonomy is presented. The abundance of a reported rotational element on a centric diatom valve is often expressed as density (e.g. number of marginal spines per μm of circumference), rather than simply as total number. It is empirically demonstrated that density if often curvilinearly related to diameter, whereas total number is linearly related (when related at all) to diameter. This linear relationship is the basis for an empirical model which accounts for variation in density in real examples. Under this model, densitywill be a poorer taxonomic character than total number except under rare occasions (e.g. when the slope of the total element versus diameter regression in zero and variance in the numerator is not dependent on the denominator). Other ratios are similarly difficult to interpret. Length/width (or width/length) is often curvilinearly related to width (or width/lenght) is often curvilinearly related to width (Length) because variation is compounded from several sources. Surface/volume has been employed to investigate the relative contributions of size and shape to phytoplankton sinking. However, the properties of this ratio have not been fully investigated, and the relationship between size, shape and sinking rate has not been fully elucidated for the data set in question.
MORPHOLOGICAL AND NUCLEAR ANALYSIS OF THE BLOOM‐FORMING DINOFLAGELLATES GYRODINIUM CF. AUREOLUM AND GYMNODINIUM NAGASAKIENSE1
Authors: Partensky Frédéric , Vaulot Daniel , Couté Alain , Sournia Alain
Published: March 2008

Two red‐tide forming naked dinoflagellates, the Japanese species Gymnodinium nagasakiense Takayama et Adachi and the north European species Gyrodinium cf. aureolum Hulburt, were compared with regard to their external morphology, chromosome number and DNA content. Morphological studies were performed using both light and scanning electron microscopy; analytical flow cytometry was used to compare DNA contents. Our strains of G. cf. aureolum and G. nagasakiense were morphologically indistinguishable, and both closely fit the original description of the latter species. In contrast, several details, including the shape and position of the nucleus, differed between our strains and the original description of Gyrodinium aureolum. However, despite an equal number of chromosomes, the Japanese taxon possessed about 40% more DNA than the European one. Moreover, the latter taxon was able to form two subpopulations of vegetative cells, which we called “small” and “large,” whereas the former one only formed “large” cells. These discrepancies cast doubt upon the conspecificity of G. cf. aureolum and G. nagasakiense. The appellation Gymnodinium cf. nagasakiense is therefore proposed for the species encountered in the northern European seas, waiting for a future reconsideration of both the genera and the species.
OBSERVATIONS ON NAVICULA THALLODES (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE), A BLADE‐FORMING DIATOM FROM THE BERING SEA1
Authors: Kociolek John P. , Wynne Michael J.
Published: March 2008

A thallus‐forming diatom, Navicula thallodes Proschkina‐Lavrenko, previously known only from the original collection at Bering Island (U.S.S.R.), has been found at Amchitka Island in the Aleutians, Alaska. The most remarkable observation of the present report is that N. thallodes may form blades up to 50 cm long, which to our knowledge is the greatest length reported for a colonial diatom. SEM observations of this diatom are presented for the first time.
A NEW METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION OF INTER‐AND INTRA‐SPECIES OF THE RED TIDE ALGAE CHATTONELLA ANTIQUA AND CHATTONELLA MARINA (RAPHIDOPHYCEAE) BY MEANS OF MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES1
Authors: Hiroishi Shingo , Uchida Aritsune , Nagasaki Keizo , Ishida Yuzaburo
Published: March 2008

Four monoclonal antibodies AT‐83, AT‐86, MR‐18 and MR‐21 were obtained from culture supernatants of hybridomas which had been established by cell fusion between myeloma and spleen cells of mice immunized with the raphidophycean algae Chattonella antiqua (H) O NIES‐83 and 86 and Chattonella marina (S) H et C NIES‐118 and 121, respectively. Antibody AT‐86 was reactive with all ten strains of Chattonella antiqua tested but not with those of Chattonella marina. On the other hand, MR‐18 was reactive with those of Chattonella marina but not with those of Chattonella antiqua. Species can thus be identified using these two antibodies. Antibody MR‐21 was reactive with some of the strains of Chattonella antiqua and all six strains of Chattonella antiqua and all six strains of Chattonella marina. AT‐83 was reactive with some strains of Chattonella antiqua By the selective reactivities of these four monoclonal antibodies, strains of the two species could be separated into two groups. AT‐83 could distinguish between Chattonella marina isolated from Kagoshima prefecture (reactive) and the Seto Inland Sea region (non‐reactive). Reactivities of MR‐21 suggested that at least two groups of Chattonella antiqua caused red tides in Harima‐Nada during 1977 and 1978. Monoclonal antibodies appear to be useful for the identification of inter‐species and grouping of intra‐species of these organisms.
Apolipoprotein E ɛ4, Alzheimer's Disease, and Cognitive Performance in Elderly Mexican Mestizos
Authors: Villalpando‐Berumen Juan Manuel , Mejia‐Arango Silvia , Aguilar‐Salinas Carlos Alberto , Ordonez‐Sanchez Maria Luisa , Gutierrez‐Robledo Luis Miguel
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship between apolipoprotein E (APOE) ɛ4 and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in the Mexican Mestizo population, as well as its effects on the cognitive profile of AD and elderly Mestizos without dementia.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional analysis of a cohort study.

SETTING: Evaluations were conducted at the geriatrics clinic of an academic medical hospital in Mexico City.

PARTICIPANTS: Forty‐nine elderly subjects with AD and 141 controls selected from a representative sample of Mexican Mestizos aged 65 to 96 who participated in the Prevalence Survey of Dementia in the Mexico City Elderly Population cohort.

MEASUREMENTS: All subjects underwent APOE genotypification and a comprehensive clinical and neuropsychological evaluation.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences in ɛ3 and ɛ4 frequencies between the subjects with and without AD and a tendency toward higher ɛ4 and lower ɛ3 allele frequencies in subjects aged 75 and older. No association was found between APOE ɛ4 and the presence of AD. The age‐, sex‐, and education‐adjusted risk for AD associated with at least one ɛ4 allele was 1.01 (95% confidence interval=0.45–2.23). Performance on a long‐term visual memory test was significantly worse in APOE ɛ4 carriers than in APOE ɛ3 carriers only in the group with AD.

CONCLUSION: APOE ɛ4 did not increase the risk for AD in this Mexican Mestizo elderly urban population sample, although the presence of this allele seems to modify its clinical expression.
Exercising Body and Mind: An Integrated Approach to Functional Independence in Hospitalized Older People
Authors: Mudge Alison M. , Giebel Andrea J. , Cutler Alison J.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of a structured, multi‐component, early rehabilitation program on functional status, delirium, and discharge outcomes of older acute medical inpatients.

DESIGN: Prospective controlled trial with blinded outcome evaluation.

SETTING: Internal medicine service of a metropolitan tertiary teaching hospital in Brisbane, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS: One hundred twenty‐four consecutive inpatients aged 65 and older admitted from the emergency department to control or intervention medical ward. Exclusions included patients completely dependent before admission or admitted from a nursing home, patients too ill to participate or terminally ill, and patients with length of stay less than 72 hours.

INTERVENTION: Early physiotherapy review with provision of an individualized graduated exercise program and activity diary, progressive encouragement of functional independence by nursing staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team, and cognitive stimulation sessions.

MEASUREMENTS: Modified Barthel Index (MBI) at admission and discharge, timed up‐and‐go at admission and discharge, incidence of delirium and falls, measured activity, length of hospital stay, discharge destination, 30‐day readmission rate.

RESULTS: Intervention and control participants were well matched in terms of age, sex, diagnosis, and functional status. The intervention group had greater improvement in functional status than the control group, with a median MBI improvement of 8.5 versus 3.5 points (P=.03). In the intervention group, there was a reduction in delirium (19.4% vs 35.5%, P=.04) and a trend to reduced falls (4.8% vs 11.3%, P=.19). Length of stay, timed up‐and‐go, discharge destination, and readmissions did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSION: This intervention was effective in improving function in a vulnerable patient group.
High‐Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Objective Measures of Lower Extremity Performance in Older Nondisabled Persons: The InChianti Study
Authors: Volpato Stefano , Ble Alessandro , Metter E. Jeffrey , Lauretani Fulvio , Bandinelli Stefania , Zuliani Giovanni , Fellin Renato , Ferrucci Luigi , Guralnik Jack M.
Published: March 2008

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the independent association between high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels and objective measures of lower extremity performance.

DESIGN: Cross‐sectional cohort study.

SETTING: Community‐based.

PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred thirty‐six nondisabled women and men aged 65 and older enrolled in the Invecchiare in Chianti study.

MESASUREMENTS: Lower extremity performance was assessed using 4‐m walking speed at fast pace, 400‐m walking speed, and knee extension torque. Fasting HDL‐C levels were determined using commercial enzymatic tests.

RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 73.7 (65–92), and 55.6% were women. After adjusting for potential confounders (sociodemographic factors, smoking, physical activity, body composition, and clinical conditions including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, inflammatory markers, and serum testosterone) HDL‐C levels were significantly associated with knee extension torque in men and women and with 4‐m and 400‐m walking speed in men. Men in the highest tertile of the HDL‐C distribution (>55 mg/dL) had, on average, a three times greater probability of belonging to the best tertile of all indexes of lower extremity performance, including 4‐m fast walking speed (odds ratio (OR)=2.57, 95%=confidence interval (CI)=1.07–6.17), 400‐m walking speed (OR=3.74, 95% CI=1.20–11.7), and knee extension torque (OR=3.63, 95%=CI 1.41–9.33). Path analysis suggested a direct relationship between HDL‐C and knee extension torque.

CONCLUSION: In older nondisabled persons, HDL‐C levels are highly correlated with knee extension torque and walking speed. Further research should focus on the biological mechanism of this association.
Tactical Industry Allocation and Model Uncertainty
Authors: Ammann Manuel , Verhofen Michael
Published: March 2008

We use Bayesian model averaging to analyze industry return predictability in the presence of model uncertainty. The posterior analysis shows the importance of inflation and earnings yield in predicting industry returns. The out‐of‐sample performance of the Bayesian approach is, in general, superior to that of other statistical model selection criteria. However, the out‐of‐sample forecasting power of a naive i.i.d. forecast is similar to the Bayesian forecast. A variance decomposition into model risk, estimation risk, and forecast error shows that model risk is less important than estimation risk.
A HCl/alcohol formulation increased 5‐aminolevulinic acid skin distribution using an ex vivo full thickness porcine skin model
Authors: Maisch Tim , Worlicek Christine , Babilas Philipp , Landthaler Michael , Szeimies Rolf‐Markus
Published: March 2008

Abstract:  Topical photodynamic therapy with 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) is a newly established treatment modality for epithelial skin cancer. Skin distribution of different 20% 5‐ALA formulations was investigated by detection of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) using an ex vivo porcine skin model. Fluorescence of PpIX was first detectable at 2 h after application of a 5‐ALA/HCl–alcohol solution, followed by a 5‐ALA gel ± 40% DMSO > 5‐ALA lipophilic ointment > 5‐ALA hydrophilic ointment at 4 h after application. Intensity of PpIX was 10‐fold higher after 5‐ALA/HCl–alcohol application in contrast to 5‐ALA hydrophilic ointment. Maxima of PpIX fluorescence were measured between 18 and 24 h after application. PpIX accumulation induced by 5‐ALA within the lower parts of the epidermis was increased in order of 5‐ALA hydrophilic ointment < 5‐ALA lipophilic ointment < 5‐ALA gel w/o DMSO < 5‐ALA gel with DMSO < 5‐ALA/HCl–alcohol. Illumination of skin incubated with different 5‐ALA formulations led to a marked increase of apoptotic cells in the epidermis depending on the penetration depth of the 5‐ALA formulations. A formulation containing short chain alcohols have been observed to increase the permeation and distribution of 5‐ALA. PpIX fluorescence was detected earlier yielding to photodynamic effective amounts of PpIX in the epidermis as compared with all other 5‐ALA formulations used. These data emphasizes the potential of investigating properties of new formulations using such a full thickness porcine skin model.
Changes of human skin in subepidermal wound healing process
Authors: Sugata Keiichi , Kitahara Takashi , Takema Yoshinori
Published: March 2008

Background/purpose: The wound healing process involves unexplained mechanisms. An aberration in this process is known to cause dermal disorders such as keloid or hypertrophic scars, but the mechanism by which these scars are formed remains to be elucidated. Here we examined the usefulness of a non‐invasive optical imaging device to clarify mechanisms of wound healing and of scar formation.

Methods: An 8 mm experimental wound was made in the forearms of six subjects by a suction blister method. To observe chronological changes associated with wound healing, horizontal cross‐sectional images were non‐invasively obtained of the wounded area from the skin surface down to 129 μm below at 21.5 μm intervals using in vivo laser confocal scanning microscopy (LCSM).

Results: The wounds were covered with a new epidermis by week 2, at which time the dermal papilla count decreased while the thickness from the skin surface to the apex of the dermal papilla increased. The count and the thickness returned to the initial levels when the wound was healed. In two out of six subjects, fibrous tissues were observed in the upper dermis, whereas in one other subject, melanocyte‐like dendritic cells were observed in the epidermis–dermis border in later phases of wound healing.

Conclusion: This non‐invasive method using in vivo LCSM revealed chronological changes in the dermis and epidermis during wound healing. In addition, although a scar was not formed in any of study subjects, this microscopy revealed aspects similar to the fibrous tissue overgrowth or to melanocyte migration, both of which may relate to wound healing. These results indicate the usefulness of this non‐invasive method in studies of wound healing and of scar formation.
Diffusion measurements in epidermal tissues with fluorescent recovery after photobleaching
Authors: Cornelissen Lisette H. , Bronneberg Debbie , Oomens Cees W. J. , Baaijens Frank P. T.
Published: March 2008

Background/purpose: Pressure ulcers are areas of soft tissue breakdown, resulting from sustained mechanical loading of the skin and underlying tissues. Measuring biochemical markers that are released upon mechanical loading by the epidermis seems a promising method for objective risk assessment of the development of pressure ulcers. This risk assessment method will better determine the risk of a patient to develop pressure ulcers than the risk score lists currently used. So far, experimental studies have been performed that measure the tissue response in the culture supernatant. To elucidate the transport of the biochemical markers within the epidermis, the diffusion coefficient needs to be established.

Methods: In the current study, fluorescent recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) is used to determine the diffusion coefficient of fluorescent‐labeled dextran molecules in human epidermis, porcine epidermis and engineered epidermal equivalents. These dextran molecules have a similar weight to the biochemical markers.

Results: Similar diffusion coefficients were found for human and porcine epidermal samples (6.2 × 10−5±1.2 × 10−5 and 5.9 × 10−5±6.1 × 10−6 mm2/s, respectively), whereas the diffusion coefficient of the engineered epidermal equivalent was significantly lower (2.3 × 10−5±1.0 × 10−5 mm2/s).

Conclusion: The diffusion could be measured in epidermal tissues using FRAP. In the future, the diffusion coefficients obtained in the current study will be used to study the difference between the transport in EpiDerm cultures and in human epidermis.
Molecular Mechanisms of PLD Function in Membrane Traffic
Authors: Roth Michael G.
Published: March 2008

The two mammalian phosphatidylcholine (PC)‐selective phospholipase D (PLD) enzymes remove the choline head group from PC to produce phosphatidic acid (PA). PA stimulates phosphatidylinositol(4)phosphate 5‐kinases, can function as a binding site for membrane proteins, is required for certain membrane fusion or fission events and is an important precursor for the production of diacylglycerol (DAG). Both PA and DAG are lipids that favor negatively curved membranes rather than planar bilayers and can reduce the energetic barrier to membrane fission and fusion. Recent data provide a mechanistic explanation for the role PLDs play in some aspects of membrane traffic and provide an explanation for why some membrane fusion reactions require PA and some do not. PLDs also act as guanosine triphosphatase‐activating proteins for dynamin and may participate with dynamin in the process of vesicle fission.
Association between serum calcium and periodontal disease progression in non‐institutionalized elderly
Authors: Amarasena Najith , Yoshihara Akihiro , Hirotomi Toshinobu , Takano Naoko , Miyazaki Hideo
Published: March 2008

Objective:  To assess the effect of baseline serum calcium on the progression of periodontal disease in non‐institutionalized elderly.

Background:  Although a few studies have found some evidence of the role played by dietary calcium in periodontal disease process, there is a paucity of information pertinent to longitudinal assessment of serum calcium‐periodontal relationships.

Material and methods:  Clinical attachment levels of 266 Japanese subjects aged 70 years were recorded at baseline and annually for six consecutive years. Progression of periodontal disease (PPD) was defined as the number of teeth that showed additional attachment loss of ≥3 mm during the 6 years. The number of PPD was calculated for each subject and categorised into four levels, namely, PPD0, PPD1, PPD2 and PPD3 where the number of teeth with additional attachment loss ranged from 0, 1–10, 11–20 and >20 respectively. The levels of serum calcium, albumin, random blood sugar, immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA and IgM), gender, smoking habits, education, gingival bleeding and the number of teeth present were obtained at baseline.

Results:  Serum calcium, IgA, smoking, gingival bleeding and teeth present were associated with PPD at p ≤ 0.10 and were included in a multinomial logistic regression analysis. Serum calcium was the only variable that was significantly associated with PPD with relative risks of 100 at PPD1 and PPD2, respectively, and 1000 at PPD3.

Conclusion:  Serum calcium may be considered a risk factor for periodontal disease progression in non‐institutionalized elderly.
Long‐Term Effects of Stressors on Relationship Well‐Being and Parenting Among Rural African American Women*
Authors: Murry Velma M. , Harrell Amanda W. , Brody Gene H. , Chen Yi‐Fu , Simons Ronald L. , Black Angela R. , Cutrona Carolyn E. , Gibbons Frederick X.
Published: March 2008

Abstract: This investigation of the effects of stressful life events on rural African American women’s relationship well‐being, psychological functioning, and parenting included 361 married or long‐term cohabiting women. Associations among stressful events, socioeconomic status, perceived racial discrimination, coping strategies, psychological functioning, relationship well‐being, and parenting were tested. Stressful events were related directly to diminished relationship well‐being and heightened psychological distress and indirectly to compromised parenting. The results can inform research and intervention with African American women.
“Together, We Are Strong”: A Qualitative Study of Happy, Enduring African American Marriages*
Authors: Marks Loren D. , Hopkins Katrina , Chaney Cassandra , Monroe Pamela A. , Nesteruk Olena , Sasser Diane D.
Published: March 2008

Abstract:Thirty African American married couples (N= 60 individuals) were interviewed regarding the challenges and benefits of their happy, enduring marriages. Qualitative coding and analysis revealed 4 key themes: (1) Challenges in African American Marriages, (2) Overcoming External Challenges to Marriage, (3) Resolving Intramarital Conflict, and (4) Unity and the Importance of Being “Equally Yoked.” Supporting qualitative data are presented in connection with each theme. Implications for enduring marriages among African Americans specifically are discussed.
Marital Happiness and Psychological Well‐Being Across the Life Course*
Authors: Kamp Dush Claire M. , Taylor Miles G. , Kroeger Rhiannon A.
Published: March 2008

Abstract: Using data from six waves of the Study of Marital Instability over the Life Course (N = 1,998), we conducted a latent class analysis to test for distinct marital happiness trajectories. We found three distinct marital happiness trajectories: low, middle, and high happiness. Initial levels of life happiness were strongly associated with membership in the marital happiness trajectories and with various demographic and attitude‐related control variables. Using fixed effects regression with time‐varying covariates, we also found that marital happiness trajectory membership was associated with subsequent changes in both life happiness and depressive symptoms. All respondents experienced a decrease in life happiness between Wave 1 and the end of their observed time in their marriage, but respondents in the high marital happiness trajectory experienced the smallest decline. Respondents in both the high and middle marital happiness trajectories also experienced a decline in depressive symptoms across time. Intervention and policy implications are discussed.
Wives’ Relative Income Production and Household Male Dominance: Examining Violence Among Asian American Enduring Couples*
Authors: Chung Grace H. , Tucker M. Belinda , Takeuchi David
Published: March 2008

Abstract: This study integrates relative resource theory and cultural perspectives on husband‐to‐wife authority to examine male‐to‐female physical violence reported by Asian American wives in the National Latino and Asian American Survey. Findings indicated that the association between marital violence and male household dominance is complicated by women’s income relative to husbands’. We speculate that when husbands face threats on multiple levels to culturally determined masculine spheres of dominance, they are more likely to aggress against the perceived source of their status decline—thereby reaffirming one mode of dominance (physical). Practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Marital Satisfaction Among African Americans and Black Caribbeans: Findings From the National Survey of American Life*
Authors: Bryant Chalandra M. , Taylor Robert Joseph , Lincoln Karen D. , Chatters Linda M. , Jackson James S.
Published: March 2008

Abstract: This study examines the correlates of marital satisfaction using data from a national probability sample of African Americans (N = 962) and Black Caribbeans (N = 560). Findings reveal differences between African Americans and Black Caribbeans, and men and women within those groups, in the predictors of marital satisfaction. Black Caribbean women reported overall higher levels of marital satisfaction than African American women. The findings amply demonstrate the significance of ethnic diversity within the Black population in the United States. Difficulties with finances (budgeting, credit issues, and debt management) are one of the key issues that generate conflict in marriages; stress generated as a result of financial problems can lower marital satisfaction. Because these issues are salient for couples at any given time in the family life cycle, counseling at critical points in the marriage (birth of children, launching of children from home, and retirement) may be helpful.
Brand India—Where Next? A Panel Discussion
Authors: Nilekani Nandan , Heyward Andrew
Published: March 2008

Three large‐company top executives, a prominent journalist, and a representative of India's Ministry of Tourism discuss the country's recent transformation into “the world's fastest‐growing, free‐market democracy.” Much of the discussion concerns the recent accomplishments of Indian companies and executives, both those working inside the country and the many who have risen to prominence outside it. But the recent rise of India is more than a matter of economic success. Brand India is also, in the words of one panelist, “a soft brand as well as a hard brand… It is not only about efficiency, but about democracy and reverence for learning and the past, about art and architecture, and Bollywood and yoga, all of which have a cultural and even a spiritual dimension.”

As for India's material progress, journalist Vir Sanghvi traces the origins of India's recent economic growth back to 1991, the year the country launched its ambitious program of economic liberalization. In this view, the Indian success story is one that begins with the opening up of markets, a gradual (though uneven) privatization of industry, and increased foreign investment. These are the main contributors to India's recent burst of economic growth, which in turn has generated the tax revenues necessary to fund large‐scale spending on education and healthcare. But whether the rate of economic growth and social progress accomplished by this combination of private‐sector growth and public spending can be maintained will depend heavily on a political process that has often been hostile to the ideas of free markets, privatization, and foreign investment.
U.S. Corporate Governance: Accomplishments and Failings A Discussion with Michael Jensen and Robert Monks
Authors: Walkling Ralph
Published: March 2008

Two of America's most prominent shareholder activists discuss three major issues surrounding the U.S. corporate governance system: (1) the case for increasing shareholder “democracy” by expanding investor access to the corporate proxy; (2) lessons for public companies in the success of private equity; and (3) the current level and design of CEO pay.

On the first of the three subjects, Robert Monks suggests that the U.S. should adopt the British convention of the “extraordinary general meeting,” or “EGM,” which gives a majority of shareholders who attend the meeting the right to remove any or all of a company's directors “with or without cause.” Such shareholder meetings are permitted in virtually all developed economies outside the U.S. because, as Monks goes on to say, they represent “a far more efficient and effective solution than the idea of having shareholders nominate people for the simple reason that even very involved, financially sophisticated fiduciaries are not the best people to nominate directors.”

Moreover, according to both Jensen and Monks, corporate boards in the U.K. do a better job than their U.S. counterparts of monitoring top management on behalf of shareholders. In contrast to the U.S., where the majority of companies continue to be run by CEO/Chairmen, over 90% of English companies are now chaired by outside directors, contributing to “a culture of independent‐minded chairmen capable of providing a high level of oversight.” In the U.S., by contrast, most corporate directors continue to view themselves as “employees of the CEO.” And, as a result, U.S. boards generally fail to exercise effective oversight and control until outside forces—often in the form of activist investors such as hedge funds and private equity—bring about a “crisis.”

In companies owned and run by private equity firms, by contrast, top management is vigorously monitored and controlled by a board made up of the firm's largest investors. And the fact that the rewards to the operating heads of successful private equity‐controlled firms are typically multiples of those received by comparably effective public company CEOs suggests that the problem with U.S. CEO pay is not its level, but its lack of correlation with performance.
What Public Company Directors Should Know About Going Private
Authors: Kindler Robert , Gunderson James
Published: March 2008

In a panel moderated by the President of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Corporate Directors, a prominent M&A banker and a veteran independent director discuss the role of “special committees” in managing conflicts of interest faced by top management when faced with (or seeking) bids to take their companies private. Among the board's most important responsibilities are establishing and maintaining a competitive bidding process—one that is equally open to all potential buyers—while regulating the flow of information in such a way that the amount released is commensurate with the “seriousness” of the bid. In the end, the special committee must satisfy itself that its decision to sell—or not to sell—the company reflects the diverse preferences and risk profiles of its unaffiliated shareholders.
Who Charges More: Hedge Funds or Mutual Funds?*
Authors: Kritzman Mark
Published: March 2008

Explicit mutual fund fees are typically less than 1% of the assets under management. By comparison, the typical hedge fund charges a base fee of 2% plus a performance fee equal to 20% of net profits. Thus, hedge funds appear to charge far more for even comparable performance—unless one takes account of the following:

For most mutual funds, a very high percentage of performance is driven by its passive exposure to the market, even though the fee is applied to the total fund.

Many hedge funds are designed to provide returns that are completely independent of market performance.

Using these two assumptions, the author provides a simple example that shows that a representative mutual fund's performance can be replicated by combining an index fund, which represents the mutual fund's passive component, with a hedge fund, representing the mutual fund's active component. When analyzed in this way, the fee of the combined fund turns out to be remarkably close to the actual fee of the mutual fund. This in turn suggests that the implicit fee for the mutual fund's small active component is comparable to the fees of the hedge fund.
INVESTIGATING THE STABILITY OF CO‐OFFENDING AND CO‐OFFENDERS AMONG A SAMPLE OF YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS*
Authors: MCGLOIN JEAN MARIE , SULLIVAN CHRISTOPHER J. , PIQUERO ALEX R. , BACON SARAH
Published: March 2008

Scholars have long argued that delinquency is a group phenomenon. Even so, minimal research exists on the nature, structure, and process of co‐offending. This investigation focuses on a particular void, namely the stability of 1) co‐offending and 2) co‐offender selection over time, for which divergent theoretical expectations currently exist that bear on issues central to general and developmental/life‐course theories of crime. By relying on individual‐level, longitudinal data for a sample of juvenile offenders from Philadelphia, we find that distinct trajectories of co‐offending exist over the course of the juvenile criminal career. This inquiry also develops an individualized measure of co‐offender stability, which reveals that delinquents generally tend not to “reuse” co‐offenders, although frequent offenders show a greater propensity to do so. The discussion considers the theoretical and policy implications of these findings as well as provides some avenues for future research.
From Piaget to Specific Genevan Developmental Models
Authors: Desrochers Stéphan
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT—
Today, the ideas of Piaget and his numerous collaborators are rarely taken into consideration in psychologists’ explanations of the development of children’s cognitive abilities. The goal of this article was to promote 2 specific Genevan developmental models relating to children’s understanding of number and to their understanding of physical causality and, in exploring these models, to demonstrate that new post‐Piagetian empirical findings do not allow the outright rejection of Piagetian approaches.
Why Does Joint Attention Look Atypical in Autism?
Authors: Gernsbacher Morton Ann , Stevenson Jennifer L. , Khandakar Suraiya , Goldsmith H. Hill
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT—
This essay answers the question of why autistic children are less likely to initiate joint attention (e.g., use their index finger to point to indicate interest in something) and why they are less likely to respond to bids for their joint attention (e.g., turn their heads to look at something to which another person points). It reviews empirical evidence that autistic toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults can attend covertly, even to social stimuli, such as the direction in which another person’s eyes are gazing. It also reviews empirical evidence that autistics of various ages understand the intentionality of other persons’ actions. The essay suggests that autistics’ atypical resistance to distraction, atypical skill at parallel perception, and atypical execution of volitional actions underlie their atypical manifestations of joint attention.
On Why Joint Attention Might Look Atypical in Autism: A Case for a Strong Policy Statement but More Nuanced Empirical Story
Authors: Burack Jacob A. , Russo Natalie
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACT—
In the present response to Gernsbacher, Stevenson, Khandakar, and Goldsmith (2008), we support the positivistic and strength‐based perspective taken by the authors in understanding the abilities and skills of persons with autism. However, we argue that a more tempered approach—one that encompasses a developmental perspective, as well as a more comprehensive review of both the supporting and the contradictory empirical evidence—is warranted in advancing their conclusions.
Fluoride Content in Table Salt Distributed in Mexico City, Mexico
Authors: Hernández‐Guerrero Juan Carlos , De La Fuente‐Hernández Javier , Jiménez‐Farfán María Dolores , Ledesma‐Montes Constantino , Castañeda‐Castaneira Enrique , Molina‐Frechero Nelly , Jacinto‐Alemán Luís Fernando , Juárez‐Lopez Lilia Adriana , Moreno‐Altamirano Alejandra
Published: March 2008

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze table salt available in Mexico City's market to identify the fluoride concentrations and to compare these with the Mexican regulations. Methods: We analyzed 44 different brands of table salt. All samples were purchased at random in different stores, supermarkets, and groceries from Mexico City's metropolitan area and analyzed in triplicate in three different laboratories (nine determinations per sample) with an Orion 720 A potentiometer and an Orion 9609 BN ion‐specific electrode. Results: Fluoride concentration in the samples varied from 0 ppm to 485 ppm. It was found that fluoride concentration varied widely among the analyzed brands. Also, we found that fluoride concentration in 92 percent of the analyzed samples did not match with that printed on the label. Only 6.8 percent of the analyzed samples contained fluoride concentrations that meet Mexican and WHO regulations. Conclusions: The broad variation in the analyzed samples suggests that Mexican Public Health authorities must implement more stringent regulation guidelines and procedures for controlling the distribution of salt and its fluoride concentration for human consumption.
The discovery of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 and its role in acute lung injury in mice
Authors: Imai Yumiko , Kuba Keiji , Penninger Josef M.
Published: March 2008

During several months of 2002, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by SARS‐coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) spread rapidly from China throughout the world, causing more than 800 deaths due to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is the severe form of acute lung injury (ALI). Interestingly, a novel homologue of angiotensin‐converting enzyme, termed angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), has been identified as a receptor for SARS‐CoV. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme and ACE2 share homology in their catalytic domain and provide different key functions in the renin–angiotensin system (RAS). Angiotensin‐converting enzyme cleaves angiotensin I to generate angiotensin II, which is a key effector peptide of the system and exerts multiple biological functions, whereas ACE2 reduces angiotensin II levels. Importantly, our recent studies using ACE2 knockout mice have demonstrated that ACE2 protects murine lungs from ARDS. Furthermore, SARS‐CoV infections and the Spike protein of the SARS‐CoV reduce ACE2 expression. Notably, injection of SARS‐CoV Spike into mice worsens acute lung failure in vivo, which can be attenuated by blocking the renin–angiotensin pathway, suggesting that the activation of the pulmonary RAS influences the pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS and SARS.
Effects of acute vagal nerve stimulation on the early passive electrical changes induced by myocardial ischaemia in dogs: heart rate‐mediated attenuation
Authors: Del Rio Carlos L. , Dawson Tom A. , Clymer Bradley D. , Paterson David J. , Billman George E.
Published: March 2008

Parasympathetic activity during acute coronary artery occlusion (CAO) can protect against ischaemia‐induced malignant arrhythmias; nonetheless, the mechanism mediating this protection remains unclear. During CAO, myocardial electrotonic uncoupling is associated with autonomically mediated immediate (i.e. type 1A) arrhythmias and can modulate pro‐arrhythmic dispersion of repolarization. Therefore, the effects of acutely enhanced or decreased cardiac parasympathetic activity on early electrotonic coupling during CAO, as measured by myocardial electrical impedance (MEI), were investigated. Anaesthetized dogs were instrumented for MEI measurements, and left circumflex coronary arterial occlusions were performed in intact (CTRL) and vagotomized (VAG) animals. The CAO was followed by either vagotomy (CTRL) or vagal nerve stimulation (VNS, 10 Hz, 10 V) in the VAG dogs. Vagal nerve stimulation was studied in two additional sets of animals. In one set heart rate (HR) was maintained by pacing (220 beats min−1), while in the other set bilateral stellectomy preceded CAO. The MEI increased after CAO in all animals. A larger MEI increase was observed in vagotomized animals (+85 ± 9 Ω, from 611 ± 24 Ω, n= 16) when compared with intact control dogs (+43 ± 5 Ω, from 620 ± 20 Ω, n= 7). Acute vagotomy during ischaemia abruptly increased HR (from 155 ± 11 to 193 ± 15 beats min−1) and MEI (+12 ± 1.1 Ω, from 663 ± 18 Ω). In contrast, VNS during ischaemia (n= 11) abruptly reduced HR (from 206 ± 6 to 73 ± 9 beats min−1) and MEI (−16 ± 2 Ω, from 700 ± 44 Ω). These effects of VNS were eliminated by pacing but not by bilateral stellectomy. Vagal nerve stimulation during CAO also attenuated ECG‐derived indices of ischaemia (e.g. ST segment, 0.22 ± 0.03 versus 0.15 ± 0.03 mV) and of rate‐corrected repolarization dispersion [terminal portion of T wave (TPEc), 84.5 ± 4.2 versus 65.8 ± 5.9 ms; QTc, 340 ± 8 versus 254 ± 16 ms]. Vagal nerve stimulation during myocardial ischaemia exerts negative chronotropic effects, limiting early ischaemic electrotonic uncoupling and dispersion of repolarization, possibly via a decreased myocardial metabolic demand.
Real-Time Glucose Sensing Using a MEMS-Based Bi-Material Deflecting Membrane
Authors: Mariserla Sandeep , Leseman Zayd , Mackin Thomas J.
Published: March 2008

Self-monitoring of blood glucose has become an important and critical tool for effective management of diabetes. A closed-loop, real-time sensing and dispensing system, however, has been elusive. We describe here, a novel MEMS-based sensor intended to measure, in realtime, the concentration of glucose in a solution. The device utilizes a bi-material membrane with a functional hydrogel layer that swells reversibly, and in proportion to, the presence of glucose. The hydrogel is composed of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) functionalized with 3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid (AAPBA) groups as the glucose-sensitive moiety. Phenylboronic acid (PBA) derivatives interact with glucose by forming a charged complex, causing the hydrogel to swell by solvent intake [1].
The Design and Build of a Portable Device to Measure Ocular Microtremor (OMT)
Authors: Noonan David , Boyle Gerard , Foran Tim , Hegarty Fran , Coakley Davis
Published: March 2008

This paper describes the successful design and build of a portable device to record open and closed eye Ocular Microtremor (OMT) signals using an eye contacting piezoelectric crystal.
Development of an Improved Micro Piezoelectric Power Generation/Actuation System for Biomedical and Bio-MEMS Applications
Authors: Rao Ashwin , Noonan David , Althoefer Kaspar , Seneviratne Lakmal
Published: March 2008

Micro Electro Mechanical Systems have become increasingly more diversified in their applications. This trend is expected to continue and one of the main areas of focus will be biomedical applications. Condition monitoring of biological structures and intelligent implants are being researched and developed with increasing levels of complexity. Although many of these devices are in the conceptual stage, in most cases, they assume that power will be provided by a built-in battery. This limits the practical applications of such devices when they are designed to work for very long periods of time.
Design of a Robotic Cameraman With Three Actuators for Laparoscopic Surgery
Authors: Mirbagheri A. , Farahmand F. , Meghdari A. , Sayyaadi H. , Savoj L. , Mirbagheri E.
Published: March 2008

Laparoscopic surgery is a specific branch of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) that is performed on the abdomen and endoscopic tools are passed through the incision points and trocars on the abdominal wall, so they can reach the surgical site [1]. Robotic systems have been proved to be very useful as a cameraman in laparoscopic surgery; they are more stable with no fatigue and inattention and reduce the supernumerary staff required, provide excellent geometrical accuracy and improved personal control for the surgeon over the procedure, etc. The available robots for handling and control of laparoscopic lens include at least 4 actuators to fulfill the surgeon’s requirements [2]. The purpose of the present study was to develop a novel design for the laparoscope robotic arm in which while the systems move ability is maintained its active degrees of freedom are reduced.