bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schools, Bullying, and Inequality: Intersecting Factors and Complexities with the Stratification of Youth Victimization at School
Authors: Peguero Anthony A.
Published: May 2012

Bullying within United States (US) schools is a growing concern among parents, school officials and policymakers. In early 2011, the first‐ever White House Conference on Bullying Prevention was held in hope of addressing bullying within US schools. Although the social, political, and media attention is increasing, it is important to consider the complexities and disparities associated with school bullying. In this article, four of the wide array of influences that increase the vulnerabilities of youth to be a victim of bullying at school are reviewed: (i) race and ethnicity, (ii) being and immigrant, (iii) gender, and; (iv) sexual orientation. Understanding and acknowledging the inequalities associated with school bullying, as well as the policies implemented in response, is instrumental for the US’ efforts towards providing safe, healthy, and democratic learning environments.
Uniqueness Of Family Therapists as Family Business Systems Consultants: A Cross‐Disciplinary Investigation
Authors: Lee Jinhee , Danes Sharon M.
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this study is to address how the consulting approaches of family therapists working with family businesses differ from those of business consultants. The logic of analytic induction was used to analyze qualitative data from family business consultants with and without training in family therapy. Consultants were asked to respond to two vignettes: one emphasized primarily family system problems, whereas the other emphasized business problems with influencing issues at the family/business intersection. Both similarities and differences were found in reference to problem assessment, consulting goal orientation, intervention strategy focus, consultant role and function, and consulting setting preference between consultants with and without family therapy training. Results indicate that consultants of each discipline provide a unique perspective and expertise that allow them to successfully address the spectrum of issues that family firms face. Further, findings highlight the unique contribution of family therapists to an interdisciplinary consulting team.
Comparison of clinicians and an artificial neural network regarding accuracy and certainty in performance of visual field assessment for the diagnosis of glaucoma
Authors: Andersson Sabina , Heijl Anders , Bizios Dimitrios , Bengtsson Boel
Published: May 2012

Purpose:  To compare clinicians and a trained artificial neural network (ANN) regarding accuracy and certainty of assessment of visual fields for the diagnosis of glaucoma.

Methods:  Thirty physicians with different levels of knowledge and experience in glaucoma management assessed 30‐2 SITA Standard visual field printouts that included full Statpac information from 99 patients with glaucomatous optic neuropathy and 66 healthy subjects. Glaucomatous eyes with perimetric mean deviation values worsethan −10 dB were not eligible. The fields were graded on a scale of 1–10, where 1 indicated healthy with absolute certaintyand 10 signified glaucoma; 5.5 was the cut‐off between healthy and glaucoma. The same fields were classified by a previously trained ANN. The ANN output was transformed into a linear scale that matched the scale used in the subjective assessments. Classification certainty was assessed using a classification error score.

Results:  Among the physicians, sensitivity ranged from 61% to 96% (mean 83%) and specificity from 59% to 100% (mean 90%). Our ANN achieved 93% sensitivity and 91% specificity, and it was significantly more sensitive than the physicians (p < 0.001) at a similar level of specificity. The ANN classification error score was equivalent to the top third scores of all physicians, and the ANN never indicated a high degree of certainty for any of its misclassified visual field tests.

Conclusion:  Our results indicate that a trained ANN performs at least as well as physicians in assessments of visual fields for the diagnosis of glaucoma.
Modelling the carbon and nitrogen balances of direct land use changes from energy crops in Denmark: a consequential life cycle inventory
Authors: Hamelin Lorie , Jørgensen Uffe , Petersen Bjørn M. , Olesen Jørgen E. , Wenzel Henrik
Published: May 2012

This paper addresses the conversion of Danish agricultural land from food/feed crops to energy crops. To this end, a life cycle inventory, which relates the input and output flows from and to the environment of 528 different crop systems, is built and described. This includes seven crops (annuals and perennials), two soil types (sandy loam and sand), two climate types (wet and dry), three initial soil carbon level (high, average, low), two time horizons for soil carbon changes (20 and 100 years), two residues management practices (removal and incorporation into soil) as well as three soil carbon turnover rate reductions in response to the absence of tillage for some perennial crops (0%, 25%, 50%). For all crop systems, nutrient balances, balances between above‐ and below‐ground residues, soil carbon changes, biogenic carbon dioxide flows, emissions of nitrogen compounds and losses of macro‐ and micronutrients are presented. The inventory results highlight Miscanthus as a promising energy crop, indicating it presents the lowest emissions of nitrogen compounds, the highest amount of carbon dioxide sequestrated from the atmosphere, a relatively high carbon turnover efficiency and allows to increase soil organic carbon. Results also show that the magnitude of these benefits depends on the harvest season, soil types and climatic conditions. Inventory results further highlight winter wheat as the only annual crop where straw removal for bioenergy may be sustainable, being the only annual crop not involving losses of soil organic carbon as a result of harvesting the straw. This, however, is conditional to manure application, and is only true on sandy soils.
A Novel Large-Range XY Compliant Parallel Manipulator With Enhanced Out-of-Plane Stiffness
Authors: Hao Guangbo , Kong Xianwen
Published: May 2012

There is an increasing need for compact large-range XY compliant parallel manipulators (CPMs). This paper deals with a novel large-range XY CPM with enhanced out-of-plane stiffness (LRXYCPMEOS). Unlike most of XY CPMs based on the 4-PP (P: prismatic) decoupled parallel mechanism, the LRXYCPMEOS is obtained from a 4-PP-E (E: planar) decoupled parallel mechanism by replacing each P joint with a planar double multibeam parallelogram module (DMBPM) and the E joint with a spatial double multibeam parallelogram module. Normalized analytical models for the LRXYCPMEOS are then presented. As a case study, an LRXYCPMEOS with a motion range 10 mm × 10 mm in both positive directions is presented in detail, covering the geometrical parameter determination, performance characteristics analysis, actuation force check, and buckling check. The analytical models are compared with the finite element analysis (FEA) models. Finally, dynamics consideration, manufacturability, out-of-plane stiffness, and result interpretation are discussed. It is shown that the LRXYCPMEOS in the case study has the following merits: large range of motion up to 20 mm × 20 mm, enhanced out-of-plane stiffness which is approximately 7.1 times larger than the associated planar XY CPM without the spatial compliant leg, and well-constrained parasitic motion with the parasitic translation along the Z-axis less than 2 × 10−4 mm, the parasitic rotation about the X-axis/Y-axis less than 2 × 10−6 rad, and the parasitic rotation about the Z-axis below 1 × 10−6 rad.
Experimental and theoretical investigation of graphene layers on SiC(0001¯) in different stacking arrangements
Authors: Soltys Jakub , Borysiuk Jolanta , Piechota Jacek , Krukowski Stanislaw
Published: May 2012

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate graphene layers formed on the C-terminated 4H-SiC(0001¯) surface in different arrangements, including various stacking sequences and spatial layer separation. Various stacking types such as ABAB and ABCA configurations were identified. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations of the graphene in various configurations were performed showing the following dispersion relations: AAAA—linear, ABBBA—close to linear, and ABAB—hyperbolic (strongly nonlinear). An increase of the interlayer separation of ABAB and ABCA systems leads to gradually increased linear dispersion, typical for AAAA stacking. It is shown, however, that for this transition to occur, a separation of the adjacent layers by about 5 Å is necessary, which is not likely to occur in the graphene layer grown on the SiC(0001¯) surface. DFT calculations employing rotation of the adjacent AB planes of bilayer graphene by either 27.7 or 32.2 arc deg demonstrate similar linear dependence, typical for single layer or double AA stacked graphene. It was therefore confirmed that the experimentally observed linear dispersion and the B dependence of the Landau levels may be explained by various stacking of carbon layers in multilayer graphene.
Amixicile, a Novel Inhibitor of Pyruvate:Ferredoxin Oxidoreductase, Shows Efficacy against Clostridium difficile in a Mouse Infection Model
Authors: Warren Cirle A. , van Opstal Edward , Ballard T. Eric , Kennedy Andrew , Wang Xia , Riggins Mary , Olekhnovich Igor , Warthan Michelle , Kolling Glynis L. , Guerrant Richard L. , Macdonald Timothy L. , Hoffman Paul S.
Published: May 2012

Clostridium difficile
infection (CDI) is a serious diarrheal disease that often develops following prior antibiotic usage. One of the major problems with current therapies (oral vancomycin and metronidazole) is the high rate of recurrence. Nitazoxanide (NTZ), an inhibitor of pyruvate:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFOR) in anaerobic bacteria, parasites,
Helicobacter pylori
, and
Campylobacter jejuni
, also shows clinical efficacy against CDI. From a library of ∼250 analogues of NTZ, we identified leads with increased potency for PFOR. MIC screens indicated
in vitro
activity in the 0.05- to 2-μg/ml range against
C. difficile
. To improve solubility, we replaced the 2-acetoxy group with propylamine, producing amixicile, a soluble (10 mg/ml), nontoxic (cell-based assay) lead that produced no adverse effects in mice by oral or intraperitoneal (i.p.) routes at 200 mg/kg of body weight/day. In initial efficacy testing in mice treated (20 mg/kg/day, 5 days each) 1 day after receiving a lethal inoculum of
C. difficile
, amixicile showed slightly less protection than did vancomycin by day 5. However, in an optimized CDI model, amixicile showed equivalence to vancomycin and fidaxomicin at day 5 and there was significantly greater survival produced by amixicile than by the other drugs on day 12. All three drugs were comparable by measures of weight loss/gain and severity of disease. Recurrence of CDI was common for mice treated with vancomycin or fidaxomicin but not for mice receiving amixicile or NTZ. These results suggest that gut repopulation with beneficial (non-PFOR) bacteria, considered essential for protection against CDI, rebounds much sooner with amixicile therapy than with vancomycin or fidaxomicin. If the mouse model is indeed predictive of human CDI disease, then amixicile, a novel PFOR inhibitor, appears to be a very promising new candidate for treatment of CDI.
Effects of Antimicrobial Peptides on Methanogenic Archaea
Authors: Bang C. , Schilhabel A. , Weidenbach K. , Kopp A. , Goldmann T. , Gutsmann T. , Schmitz R. A.
Published: May 2012

As members of the indigenous human microbiota found on several mucosal tissues,
Methanobrevibacter smithii
and
Methanosphaera stadtmanae
are exposed to the effects of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) secreted by these epithelia. Although antimicrobial and molecular effects of AMPs on bacteria are well described, data for archaea are not available yet. Besides, it is not clear whether AMPs affect them as the archaeal cell envelope differs profoundly in terms of chemical composition and structure from that of bacteria. The effects of different synthetic AMPs on growth of
M. smithii
,
M. stadtmanae
, and
Methanosarcina mazei
were tested using a microtiter plate assay adapted to their anaerobic growth requirements. All three tested methanoarchaea were highly sensitive against derivatives of human cathelicidin, of porcine lysin, and a synthetic antilipopolysaccharide peptide (Lpep); however, sensitivities differed markedly among the methanoarchaeal strains. The potent AMP concentrations affecting growth were below 10 μM, whereas growth of
Escherichia coli
WBB01 was not affected at peptide concentrations up to 10 μM under the same anaerobic growth conditions. Atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the structural integrity of the methanoarchaeal cells is destroyed within 4 h after incubation with AMPs. The disruption of the cell envelope of
M. smithii
,
M. stadtmanae
, and
M. mazei
within a few minutes of exposure was verified by using LIVE/DEAD staining. Our results strongly suggest that the release of AMPs by eukaryotic epithelial cells is a potent defense mechanism targeting not only bacteria, but also methanoarchaea.
Caenorhabditis elegans Immune Conditioning with the Probiotic Bacterium Lactobacillus acidophilus Strain NCFM Enhances Gram-Positive Immune Responses
Authors: Kim Younghoon , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: May 2012

Although the immune response of
Caenorhabditis elegans
to microbial infections is well established, very little is known about the effects of health-promoting probiotic bacteria on evolutionarily conserved
C. elegans
host responses. We found that the probiotic Gram-positive bacterium
Lactobacillus acidophilus
NCFM is not harmful to
C. elegans
and that
L. acidophilus
NCFM is unable to colonize the
C. elegans
intestine. Conditioning with
L. acidophilus
NCFM significantly decreased the burden of a subsequent
Enterococcus faecalis
infection in the nematode intestine and prolonged the survival of nematodes exposed to pathogenic strains of
E. faecalis
and
Staphylococcus aureus
, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates. Preexposure of nematodes to
Bacillus subtilis
did not provide any beneficial effects. Importantly,
L. acidophilus
NCFM activates key immune signaling pathways involved in
C. elegans
defenses against Gram-positive bacteria, including the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway (via TIR-1 and PMK-1) and the β-catenin signaling pathway (via BAR-1). Interestingly, conditioning with
L. acidophilus
NCFM had a minimal effect on Gram-negative infection with
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
or
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium and had no or a negative effect on defense genes associated with Gram-negative pathogens or general stress. In conclusion, we describe a new system for the study of probiotic immune agents and our findings demonstrate that probiotic conditioning with
L. acidophilus
NCFM modulates specific
C. elegans
immunity traits.
YghG (GspS
β
) Is a Novel Pilot Protein Required for Localization of the GspS
β
Type II Secretion System Secretin of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Strozen Timothy G. , Li Gang , Howard S. Peter
Published: May 2012

The enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) pathotype, characterized by the prototypical strain H10407, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing world. A major virulence factor of ETEC is the type II secretion system (T2SS) responsible for secretion of the diarrheagenic heat-labile enterotoxin (LT). In this study, we have characterized the two type II secretion systems, designated alpha (T2SS
α
) and beta (T2SS
β
), encoded in the H10407 genome and describe the prevalence of both systems in other
E. coli
pathotypes. Under laboratory conditions, the T2SS
β
is assembled and functional in the secretion of LT into culture supernatant, whereas the T2SS
α
is not. Insertional inactivation of the three genes located upstream of
gspC
β
(
yghJ
,
pppA
, and
yghG
) in the atypical T2SS
β
operon revealed that YghJ is not required for assembly of the GspD
β
secretin or secretion of LT, that PppA is likely the prepilin peptidase required for the function of T2SS
β
, and that YghG is required for assembly of the GspD
β
secretin and thus function of the T2SS
β
. Mutational and physiological analysis further demonstrated that YghG (redesignated GspS
β
) is a novel outer membrane pilotin protein that is integral for assembly of the T2SS
β
by localizing GspD
β
to the outer membrane, whereupon GspD
β
forms the macromolecular secretin multimer through which T2SS
β
substrates are translocated.
Acupuncture Effects on the Pulse Spectrum of Radial Pressure Pulse in Dyspepsia
Authors: Huang Chin-Ming , Chang Hsien-Cheh , Li Tsai-Chung , Chen Chia Chung , Liao Yin-Tzu , Kao Shung-Te
Published: May 2012

This study is to investigate the influences of acupuncture for dyspepsia on the Radial Pressure Pulse (RPP) between the Chun, Guan and Chy positions of the right/left wrist. Two series of experiments were designed; for the first series, 30 patients with dyspepsia (Group P) and 30 normal subjects (Group N) were seated to undergo the measurements of pulse pressure waveforms from radial artery by sphygmograph. The parameters of RPP included the spectral energy of 0–10 Hz (SE0–10Hz), 10–50 Hz (SE10–50Hz) and 13–50 Hz (SE13–50Hz). For the second series, acupuncture was administered at the right and left Tsu San Li (St-36) points for the same 30 dyspepsia patients, and then their pulse pressure waveforms were re-examined. The results showed that the SE0–10Hz at Right Guan (RB) (p < 0.05), the SE10–50Hz at RB (p < 0.01), and the SE13–50Hz at RB (p < 0.01) and Left Guan (LB) (p < 0.05) of Group P were significantly greater than that of Group N. After the acupuncture, there were significant decreases in the SE0–10Hz only at RB (p < 0.01), in the SE10–50Hz at RB (p < 0.01), Right Chy (RC) (p < 0.05) and LB (p < 0.05), and in the SE13–50Hz RB (p < 0.01), RC (p < 0.05) and LB (p < 0.01). We concluded that the pulse-frequency spectrum at RB was a more effective characteristic for dyspepsia patients, and the acupuncture had an effect on SE10–50Hz and SE13–50Hz more obviously than that on SE0–10Hz.
Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Methanol Extract ofElaeagnus oldhamiiMaxim. in Mice
Authors: Liao Chi-Ren , Chang Yuan-Shiun , Peng Wen-Huang , Lai Shang-Chih , Ho Yu-Ling
Published: May 2012

We investigated possible mechanisms of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanol extract from the leaf of Elaeagnus oldhamii Maxim. (EOMeOH). EOMeOHwas evaluated for its analgesic activity in acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin test, and anti-inflammatory effect was examined by λ-carrageenan-induced paw edema assay. We detected the activities of GPx, GRd and SOD in the liver, and the levels of inflammatory mediators including IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2, MDA and NO in the edema paw to investigate the mechanism of action against inflammation. Total polyphenol, flavonoid and flavanol contents of EOMeOHwere detected to explore its antioxidant activities. Results showed that, in the analgesic test, EOMeOHdecreased acetic acid-induced writhing response and the licking time in the late phase of formalin test. In the anti-inflammatory test, EOMeOHdecreased paw edema at the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th h after λ-carrageenan had been injected. EOMeOHincreased the activities of SOD and GPx in liver tissue and decreased MDA, NO, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and COX-2 levels in paw edema tissue at the 3rd h after λ-carrageenan-induced inflammatory reaction. EOMeOHexhibited abundant polyphenol, flavonoid and flavanol contents. In HPLC fingerprint test of EOMeOH, two index ingredients, ursolic acid and pomolic acid, were isolated from EOMeOHand were exhibited in HPLC chromatographic analysis. The results demonstrated analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of EOMeOH. It was indicated that the anti-inflammatory mechanism of EOMeOHmay be due to declined levels of NO and MDA in the edema paw through increasing the activities of SOD, GPx and GRd in the liver. Additionally, EOMeOHdecreased IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and COX-2 levels in the edema paw. The results suggested its value in future development of herbal medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.
CENTRAL CARBON–CARBON COLLISIONS AT 4.2 A GeV/c AND NEAREST-NEIGHBOR SPACING DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: WAZIR Z. , FAKHAR-E-ALAM M. , KHAN S. A. , AMER M. A. RAFIH
Published: May 2012

The obtained experimental results due to nearest-neighbor spacing distributions were compared with simulated data using random matrix theory (RMT) with aid of the ultra relativistic quantum molecular dynamics (UrQMD) model. The present assessment reveals the primary level of multiplicity of secondary charged particles which might be linked with the onset of region of central collisions based on mentioned results. The author tried to demonstrate the importance of the nearest-neighbor distributions for various multiplicities to detect the region of central collisions.
DESCRIPTION OF HEAVY-NUCLEI MASSES BY MACROSCOPIC–MICROSCOPIC MODELS
Authors: LITVINOV YU. A. , SOBICZEWSKI A. , PARKHOMENKO A. , CHEREPANOV E. A.
Published: May 2012

The quality of the description of masses of heavy nuclei by theoretical models is analyzed. Five of widely used macroscopic–microscopic models and one semi-empirical model are considered. All measured masses of nuclei with proton number Z≥82 and neutron number N≥126 are used in the analysis. Besides the accuracy of the description of the masses, the predictive power of the models in this description is also examined. It is obtained that the best accuracy is reached for the semi-empirical model (which is of a local type, specially adjusted to heavy nuclei). This model does not show, however, the best predictive power.
GENERATOR COORDINATE METHOD AND INTRINSIC SYMMETRIES
Authors: GÓŹDŹ A. , PȨDRAK A.
Published: May 2012

Symmetry problems of the generator coordinate method (GCM) in intrinsic frame of a many-body system (nuclei) are considered. The appropriate generator functions and the corresponding GCM equations are derived. An important role of the symmetrization group in construction of Griffin–Hill–Wheeler (GHW) equations is emphasized.
FURTHER MICROSCOPIC STUDIES OF THE FISSION BARRIERS OF HEAVY NUCLEI
Authors: NHAN HAO T. V. , LE BLOAS J. , KOH MENG-HOCK , BONNEAU L. , QUENTIN P.
Published: May 2012

Two systematic sources of error in most current microscopic evaluations of fission-barrier heights are studied. They are concerned with an approximate treatment of the Coulomb exchange terms (known as the Slater approximation) in the self-consistent mean-fields and the projection on good parity states (e.g., of positive parity for the spontaneous fission of an even–even nucleus) of left–right reflection asymmetric intrinsic solutions (e.g., around the second barrier). Approximate or unprojected solutions are shown to lead each to an underestimation of the barrier heights by a few hundred keV.
NUCLEAR PHYSICS HAMILTONIANS, INVERSE PROBLEM AND THE RELATED ISSUE OF PREDICTIVE POWER
Authors: DUDEK J. , SZPAK B. , DROMARD A. , PORQUET M.-G. , FORNAL B. , GOZDZ A.
Published: May 2012

In this paper we formulate and discuss the strategy of constructing theories capable of providing not only the numerical predictions sensu stricto but also the distributions of probability that such predictions apply in the predefined physics context. Examples of applications of the presented ideas are illustrated using as a choice the nuclear mean-field theory with two realistic realizations of the underlying Hamiltonians: Phenomenological Woods–Saxon and self-consistent Skyrme–Hartree–Fock.
DIBARYONS WITH TWO HEAVY QUARKS
Authors: GERASYUTA S. M. , MATSKEVICH E. E.
Published: May 2012

The relativistic six-quark equations are constructed in the framework of the dispersion relation technique. The relativistic six-quark amplitudes of dibaryons including the light u, d and heavy c, b quarks are calculated. The approximate solutions of these equations using the method based on the extraction of leading singularities of the heavy hexaquark amplitudes are obtained. The poles of these amplitudes determine the masses of charmed and bottom dibaryons with the isospins I = 0, 1, 2 and the spin-parities JP = 0+, 1+, 2+.
ELABORATION AND GRAFTING OF MAGNETIC BEAD-CHAINS FOR DETECTION OF ANISOTROPY WITH POLARIMETRIC SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCE IMAGING SYSTEM
Authors: TREVISAN M. , CHEVOLOT Y. , MONNIER V. , CLOAREC J. P. , SOUTEYRAND E. , DUVAL A. , MOREAU J. , CANVA M.
Published: May 2012

The aim of this report is to prove that polarimetric surface plasmon resonance imaging (P-SPRI) is able to characterize dynamically the anisotropy of micro and nanoobjects. Micro and nanoparticles were assembled into filaments at a specific location on a support, using a combination of magnetic field, amine based chemistry and orthogonal surface chemistry. After immobilization of the filaments onto gold pads, they were actuated by a magnetic field and validated the P-SPRI system.
PREPARATION OF CORE-SHELL SILVER/SILICA NANOPATICLES AND THEIR APPLICATION FOR ENHANCEMENT OF CYANINE 3 FLUORESCENCE
Authors: SUI N. , MONNIER V. , YANG Z. , CHEVOLOT Y. , LAURENCEAU E. , SOUTEYRAND E. , DUGAS V.
Published: May 2012

Core shell Ag@SiO2 -Streptavidin- Cy3 nanoparticles were prepared. Ag@SiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized via a sol–gel method. Then, Streptavidin- Cy3 was covalently bonded to the Ag@SiO2 surface. These core-shell nanoparticles were characterized by steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence scanning. In presence of the silver core, a 2.5-time enhancement of Cy3 fluorescence intensity was obtained. This result shows that these nanoparticles can be potentially helpful in surface analysis based on biochip.
REFINEMENT OF CONVERGENCE RATES FOR WEIGHTED SUMS OF INDEPENDENT RANDOM VARIABLES
Authors: Niu Si-Li , Baek Jong-Il
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we establish one general result on precise asymptotics of weighted sums for i.i.d. random variables. As a corollary, we have the results of Lanzinger and Stadtmüller [Refined Baum–Katz laws for weighted sums of iid random variables, Statist. Probab. Lett. 69 (2004) 357–368], Gut and Spătaru [Precise asymptotics in the law of the iterated logarithm, Ann. Probab. 28 (2000) 1870–1883; Precise asymptotics in the Baum–Katz and Davis laws of large numbers, J. Math. Anal. Appl. 248 (2000) 233–246], Gut and Steinebach [Convergence rates and precise asymptotics for renewal counting processes and some first passage times, Fields Inst. Comm. 44 (2004) 205–227] and Heyde [A supplement to the strong law of large numbers, J. Appl. Probab. 12 (1975) 173–175]. Meanwhile, we provide an answer for the possible conclusion pointed out by Lanzinger and Stadtmüller [Refined Baum–Katz laws for weighted sums of iid random variables, Statist. Probab. Lett. 69 (2004) 357–368].
NEW CONSTRUCTION OF GRM CODES
Authors: Tyagi Vinod , Rani Seema
Published: May 2012

In this paper we study a new class of generalized Reed–Muller (GRM) codes with respect to a new construction that involves multiple GRM codes. We have proved that the resultant codes are also GRM codes.
SIGCSE by the numbers
Authors: Walker Henry M.
Published: May 2012

Are the SIGCSE Symposia becoming more international in representation? In the June 2011 issue of the SIGCSE Bulletin newsletter, I examined paper submissions from SIGCSE 2011 and ITiCSE 2011 according to the continent of the authors.

This article examines trends in paper submissions for SIGCSE 2010, SIGCSE 2011, and SIGCSE 2012, according to the continent(s) of the author(s).
New Possibility for REE Determination in Oil
Authors: Soin Alexander , Maryutina Tatiana , Musina Natalya , Soin Andrey
Published: May 2012

A novel approach of rare earth elements (REE) determination in crude oil is suggested. Special application of countercurrent chromatography (CCC) is used as a sample pretreatment tool. An oil sample is continuously pumped through the rotating coil column (RCC) as a mobile phase, while an aqueous phase (nitric acid solution) is retained as a stationary phase. Two phases are kept well mixed and agitated, but there is no emulsion at the interface under the chosen conditions. Special features of CCC give an opportunity to vary the volume of oil samples to be analyzed from 10 mL to 1 L or more. Trace metals are preconcentrated into 10 mL of stationary phase (acidic solutions) pumped out of the column so that analysis can be easily determined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) without additional sample preparation procedures. Optimal concentration of nitric acid in the stationary phase for preconcentration of REE from oil by CCC has been investigated. The combination of CCC with ICP-MS gives the possibility to develop a rapid, reliable, and accurate method of trace metal including rare earth elements (REE) determination in crude oils and oil products. Such method could be an alternative for unexpanded and expensive neutron-activation analysis (NAA).
Non-Pharmacological Therapy for Atrial Fibrillation: Managing the Left Atrial Appendage
Authors: Luis Sushil Allen , Roper Damian , Incani Alexander , Poon Karl , Haqqani Haris , Walters Darren L.
Published: May 2012

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing in parallel with an ageing population leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The most feared complication of AF is stroke, with the arrhythmia being responsible for up to 20% of all ischemic strokes. An important contributor to this increased risk of stroke is the left atrial appendage (LAA). A combination of the LAA's unique geometry and atrial fibrillation leads to low blood flow velocity and stasis, which are precursors to thrombus formation. It has been hypothesized for over half a century that excision of the LAA would lead to a reduction in the incidence of stroke. It has only been in the last 20–25 years that the knowledge and technology has been available to safely carry out such a procedure. We now have a number of viable techniques, both surgical and percutaneous, which will be covered in this paper.
Adherence to Guidelines among Italian Urologists on Imaging Preoperative Staging of Low-Risk Prostate Cancer: Results from the MIRROR (Multicenter Italian Report on Radical Prostatectomy Outcomes and Research) Study
Authors: Simonato Alchiede , Varca Virginia , Gacci Mauro , Gontero Paolo , De Cobelli Ottavio , Maffezzini Massimo , Salvioni Roberto , Carini Marco , Decensi Andrea , Mirone Vincenzo , Carmignani Giorgio
Published: May 2012

Objective. A number of evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and management of prostate cancer have been published. The aim of this study is to evaluate the adherence of Italian urologists to the guidelines concerning the preoperative imaging staging of prostate cancer.Methods. In October 2007 a multicentric observational perspective study called Multicentric Italian Report on Radical prostatectomy Outcome and Research (MIRROR) was started in 135 Italian urology centers. Recruitment was closed in December 2008 and 2,408 cases were collected. In this paper we have taken into consideration all examinations carried out for preoperative imaging staging, evaluating compliance with the recommendations in the American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines.Results. Five hundred sixty-seven (53.34%) patients were not managed according to the EAU guidelines concerning T-staging, 545 (51.27%) concerning N-staging and 757 (71.21%) concerning M-staging. According to AUA guidelines, we also analyzed patients with a Gleason grade of biopsy specimens of 7: 238 (57.35%) of these patients had undergone testing for T staging, 244 (57.35%) for N-staging and 322 (77.60%) for M-staging.Conclusions. The compliance of Italian urologists with the guidelines is low, leading to an inappropriate increase in cost of care and unnecessary anxiety for the patients.
HIV Clients as Agents for Prevention: A Social Network Solution
Authors: Ssali Sarah , Wagner Glenn , Tumwine Christopher , Nannungi Annette , Green Harold
Published: May 2012

HIV prevention efforts to date have not explored the potential for persons living with HIV to act as change agents for prevention behaviour in their social networks. Using egocentric social network analysis, this study examined the prevalence and social network correlates of prevention advocacy behaviours (discussing HIV in general; encouraging abstinence or condom use, HIV testing, and seeking HIV care) enacted by 39 HIV clients in Uganda. Participants engaged in each prevention advocacy behaviour with roughly 50–70% of the members in their network. The strongest determinant of engaging in prevention advocacy with more of one’s network members was having a greater proportion of network members who knew one’s HIV seropositive status, as this was associated with three of the four advocacy behaviours. These findings highlight the potential for PLHA to be key change agents for HIV prevention within their networks and the importance of HIV disclosure in facilitating prevention advocacy.
Cytoplasmic and Nuclear Localization of TCTP in Normal and Cancer Cells
Authors: Ma Yu-Ping , Zhu Wu-Ling
Published: May 2012

Objective. Intracellular localization of translationally controlled tumour protein (TCTP) was investigated in cancer cells.Methods. The expression and localization of TCTP were detected at 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, 60 h time points in culture of human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2, human cervical carcinoma cell line HeLa, and human normal liver cell line HL-7702 by immunofluorescence.Results. TCTP was expressed in both normal and tumor cells, and its localization changes at different time points. TCTP was mainly expressed in cytoplasm from 24 h to 48 h then expressed in both nucleus and cytoplasm at 60 h in HL-7702 cells. While in HepG2 cells, TCTP first localized at cell membrane within 24 h then at both nucleus and cytoplasm from 48 h to 60 h; TCTP localized at both nucleus and cytoplasm from 12 h to 60 h in Hela cells.Conclusion. The translocation of intracellular expression of TCTP in normal and tumor cells at different time points may pave a path to the studying of TCTP role in tumor growth.
Karyomorphological Studies in Some Species of Parnassia L. (Saxifragaceae s.l.) in East Asia and Intraspecific Polyploidy of P. palustris L.
Authors: Funamoto Tsuneo , Kondo Katsuhiko
Published: May 2012

Karyomorphological information is one of the most important characters for cytotaxonomy. We described karyomorphology of 14 species of Parnassia in East Asia. They had commonly the resting chromosomes of the simple chromocenter type and the mitotic prophase chromosomes of the proximal type. The somatic chromosome number of 2n=14 was shown in three species, that of 2n=18 was shown in six species, that of 2n=18 or 36 was shown in two species, that of 2n=32 was shown in one species, that of 2n=36 or 36+1∼8 s was shown in one species, and that of 2n=18, 27, 36 or 45 was shown in one species. They were commonly monomodal (gradual) decrease in length from the largest to the smallest chromosomes. However, their absolute chromosome sizes were different from each other. Average chromosome sizes were recognized as three types small (1.21 μm), medium (1.7–2.36 μm), and large (3.1–3.75 μm). Parnassia palustris showed four cytotypes that could be likely cytogeographically correlated with habitats, polyploidy, and sizes of pollen grains.
The Development of Expressive Drawing Abilities during Childhood and into Adolescence
Authors: Picard Delphine , Gauthier Christophe
Published: May 2012

The way children portray emotions in their drawings of human and nonhuman topics is assumed to reflect their artistic, emotional, and cognitive development. This study was designed to investigate the development of expressive drawings during childhood and into adolescence, using a large age range (5–15 years) and sample size (N=480), so as to provide a precise and comprehensive view of age-related changes in children’s ability to produce expressive drawings. More specifically, we focused on children’s developing ability to use the techniques of literal and metaphorical expression, either alone or in combination. We also examined the effects of sex, topics (house, tree, or person), and the depicted emotion (happiness or sadness) on the use of each expressive technique. The main findings were that there is a developmental shift between childhood (5–10 years) and adolescence (11–15 years) in the use of expressive techniques, from simple (literal) to more complex forms of expression (metaphorical).
Cyclophosphamide Creates a Receptive Microenvironment for Prostate Cancer Skeletal Metastasis
Authors: Park Serk In , Liao Jinhui , Berry Janice E. , Li Xin , Koh Amy J. , Michalski Megan E. , Eber Matthew R. , Soki Fabiana N. , Sadler David , Sud Sudha , Tisdelle Sandra , Daignault Stephanie D. , Nemeth Jeffrey A. , Snyder Linda A. , Wronski Thomas J. , Pienta Kenneth J. , McCauley Laurie K.
Published: May 2012

A number of cancers predominantly metastasize to bone, due to its complex microenvironment and multiple types of constitutive cells. Prostate cancer especially has been shown to localize preferentially to bones with higher marrow cellularity. Using an experimental prostate cancer metastasis model, we investigated the effects of cyclophosphamide, a bone marrow–suppressive chemotherapeutic drug, on the development and growth of metastatic tumors in bone. Priming the murine host with cyclophosphamide before intracardiac tumor cell inoculation was found to significantly promote tumor localization and subsequent growth in bone. Shortly after cyclophosphamide treatment, there was an abrupt expansion of myeloid lineage cells in the bone marrow and the peripheral blood, associated with increases in cytokines with myelogenic potential such as C-C chemokine ligand (CCL)2, interleukin (IL)-6, and VEGF-A. More importantly, neutralizing host-derived murine CCL2, but not IL-6, in the premetastatic murine host significantly reduced the prometastatic effects of cyclophosphamide. Together, our findings suggest that bone marrow perturbation by cytotoxic chemotherapy can contribute to bone metastasis via a transient increase in bone marrow myeloid cells and myelogenic cytokines. These changes can be reversed by inhibition of CCL2. Cancer Res; 72(10); 2522–32. ©2012 AACR.
Transcriptional Signatures of Ral GTPase Are Associated with Aggressive Clinicopathologic Characteristics in Human Cancer
Authors: Smith Steven C. , Baras Alexander S. , Owens Charles R. , Dancik Garrett , Theodorescu Dan
Published: May 2012

RalA and RalB are small GTPases that support malignant development and progression in experimental models of bladder, prostate, and squamous cancer. However, demonstration of their clinical relevance in human tumors remains lacking. Here, we developed tools to evaluate Ral protein expression, activation, and transcriptional output and evaluated their association with clinicopathologic parameters in common human tumor types. To evaluate the relevance of Ral activation and transcriptional output, we correlated RalA and RalB activation with the mutational status of key human bladder cancer genes. We also identified and evaluated a transcriptional signature of genes that correlates with depletion of RalA and RalB in vivo. The Ral transcriptional signature score, but not protein expression as evaluated by immunohistochemistry, predicted disease stage, progression to muscle invasion, and survival in human bladder cancers and metastatic and stem cell phenotypes in bladder cancer models. In prostate cancer, the Ral transcriptional signature score was associated with seminal vesicle invasion, androgen-independent progression, and reduced survival. In squamous cell carcinoma, this score was decreased in cancer tissues compared with normal mucosa, validating the experimental findings that Ral acts as a tumor suppressor in this tumor type. Together, our findings show the clinical relevance of Ral in human cancer and provide a rationale for the development of Ral-directed therapies. Cancer Res; 72(14); 3480–91. ©2012 AACR.
Circulation: Heart Failure
Editors' Picks
Authors: Kociol Robb D.
Published: May 2012

The following are highlights from
Circulation: Heart Failure
Topic Review. This series will summarize the most important articles, as selected by the editors, that have published in the
Circulation
portfolio. The objective of this series is to provide our readership with a timely comprehensive selection of important papers that are relevant to the heart failure audience. The studies included in this article represent the most noteworthy research in the areas of heart failure and electrophysiology.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness Reduces the Risk of Incident Hypertension Associated With a Parental History of Hypertension
Authors: Shook Robin P. , Lee Duck-chul , Sui Xuemei , Prasad Vivek , Hooker Steven P. , Church Timothy S. , Blair Steven N.
Published: May 2012

Family history of hypertension increases the risk of an individual to develop hypertension, whereas moderate-to-high cardiorespiratory fitness has the opposite effect. However, the joint association of each on the development of hypertension is not well understood. We studied fitness and incident hypertension in 6278 participants who were given a preventative medical examination. Thirty-three percent reported a parent with hypertension, and there were 1545 cases of incident hypertension after a mean of 4.7 years. The presence of parental hypertension was associated with a 28% higher risk of developing hypertension after adjustments for age, sex, and examination year. After further adjustments for smoking, alcohol intake, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressures, hypercholesterolemia, body mass index, physical inactivity, and fitness, there was a 20% higher risk associated with parental hypertension. After adjusting for age, sex, and examination year, both moderate and high levels of fitness were associated with lower risk for developing hypertension by 26% and 42%, respectively. In the joint analysis, individuals with both a low level of fitness and a parent with hypertension exhibited a 70% higher risk for developing hypertension compared with high fit individuals with no parental history (
P
=0.004). However, individuals with a high level of fitness and a parent with hypertension only experienced a 16% higher risk of developing hypertension compared with fit individuals with no parental history (
P
=0.03). The significantly lower risk of developing hypertension when progressing from low- to high-fit groups among those with a parental history of hypertension has important clinical implications.
Long-Term Alteration in Maternal Blood Pressure and Renal Function After Pregnancy in Normal and Growth-Restricted Rats
Authors: Gallo Linda A. , Denton Kate M. , Moritz Karen M. , Tare Marianne , Parkington Helena C. , Davies Meagan , Tran Melanie , Jefferies Andrew J. , Wlodek Mary E.
Published: May 2012

Intrauterine growth restriction is associated with increased risk of adult cardiorenal diseases. Small birth weight females are more likely to experience complications during their own pregnancy, including pregnancy-induced hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. We determined whether the physiological demand of pregnancy predisposes growth-restricted females to cardiovascular and renal dysfunction later in life. Late gestation bilateral uterine vessel ligation was performed in Wistar-Kyoto rats. At 4 months, restricted and control female offspring were mated with normal males and delivered naturally (ex-pregnant). Regardless of maternal birth weight, at 13 months, ex-pregnant females developed elevated mean arterial pressure (indwelling tail-artery catheter; +6 mm Hg), reduced effective renal blood flow (
14
C-PAH clearance; −23%), and increased renal vascular resistance (+27%) compared with age-matched virgins. Glomerular filtration rate (
3
H-inulin clearance) was not different across groups. This adverse cardiorenal phenotype in ex-pregnant females was associated with elevated systemic (+57%) and altered intrarenal components of the renin-angiotensin system. After pregnancy at 13 months, coronary flow (Langendorff preparation) was halved in restricted females compared with controls, and together with reduced NO excretion, this may increase susceptibility to additional lifestyle challenges. Our results have implications for aging females who have been pregnant, suggesting long-term cardiovascular and renal alterations, with additional consequences for females who were small at birth.
Why Do Children With ADHD Discontinue Their Medication?
Authors: Toomey Sara L. , Sox Colin M. , Rusinak Donna , Finkelstein Jonathan A.
Published: May 2012

Objective.

To examine factors associated with parent-reported discontinuation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medication.

Methods.

The authors conducted a telephone survey of parents of children 6 to 18 years old who had recently initiated ADHD medication according to insurance claims.

Results.

A total of 127 parents of children with ADHD who had recently initiated ADHD medication completed the survey (43% response rate); 21% discontinued the ADHD medication. Parents of discontinuers were less likely to report having discussed the risks and benefits of ADHD medication with primary care providers (59% vs 82%, P = .03) and were more likely to report psychological side effects (58% vs 21%, P > .001). Multivariate analyses demonstrated that both psychological side effects and perceived inadequate medication effectiveness were associated with discontinuation.

Conclusions.

Many children discontinue ADHD medication within the first year, often because of psychological side effects or perceived inadequate medication effectiveness. Improved methods for psychological side effect management, setting realistic medication goals, and assessing therapeutic success are needed.
The Role of Social Capital in Health Communication Campaigns
Authors: Lee Chul-joo
Published: May 2012

Using a two-round longitudinal panel data set from the National Survey of Parents and Youth (NSPY), the present study examined the roles of antidrug-related community activities at both individual and aggregate levels in the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign. This study found a main effect of parent’s antidrug-specific community activities on targeted parent-child communication about drugs. More interestingly, parents who did not actively participate in antidrug-related community activities were more likely to talk about drugs with their offspring after being exposed to the antidrug campaign ads than were their counterparts. In contrast, there was little evidence for a contextual effect of aggregate-level antidrug-specific community activities on targeted parent-child communication or for its cross-level interaction with campaign exposure. The implications of these findings for communication research and public health intervention efforts were discussed.
The Relationship Between Matching Service to Criminogenic Need and Recidivism in Male and Female Youth
Authors: Vitopoulos Nina A. , Peterson-Badali Michele , Skilling Tracey A.
Published: May 2012

Research supports rehabilitative programming that recognizes youth’s level of risk to reoffend and addresses their criminogenic needs and responsivity factors. The risk–need–responsivity (RNR) framework takes a gender-neutral approach that critics assert overlooks the unique needs of female offenders. While matching treatments to RNR principles has been shown to reduce recidivism for male youth, it is unclear whether the same is true for female youth. Comparative analyses of 39 male and 37 female justice system–involved youth indicated that across RNR categories, females and males were similar in the quality and quantity of criminogenic needs and had these needs met through probation services at a similar rate. However, while the RNR assessment tool predicted recidivism equally well for male and female youth, the matching of services to RNR factors was significantly associated with reduced reoffending for boys but not for girls. Implications of the findings for theory and practice are discussed.