bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tenure, Race/Ethnicity and Attitudes toward Affirmative Action: A Matter of Self-Interest?
Authors: Niemann Yolanda Flores , Dovidio John F.
Published: September 2012

The present study, which surveyed members of the American Psychological Association who work in academic positions, examined the hypothesis that, due to the effects of self- and collective-interest, the attitudes of White, African American, Hispanic, and Asian faculty toward affirmative action would be moderated by tenure status. Hypotheses were partially confirmed. Untenured African Americans demonstrated some- what more supportfor affirmative action than did tenured African Americans. However, like Whites, untenured Hispanics and Asians were less supportive of affirmative action than their tenured colleagues. As expected, White men were less supportive of affirmative action than White women or African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians. Discussion considered how the perceived benefits and costs of affirmative action may differ for different ethniclracial groups.
The Academy under Siege: Informing the Public about the Merits of Academic Tenure
Authors: Hohm Charles F. , Shore Herbert B.
Published: September 2012

It is argued that the academy has been reluctant to discuss and defend the institution of academic tenure with the general public and that if the institution is to be saved, this reticence to talk about tenure must give way to a reasoned discussion of the merits of tenure. To this end, the authors offer a definition of what tenure is and a discussion on how it is achieved. They also discuss what tenure gives a faculty member, why it is in the best interests of society for university professors to be protected by tenure, and why it is in the best interest of American universities to retain the tenure sytem. The authors conclude with a discussion of when budget exigency should override tenure and when it should not.
The Culture of Poverty and African-American Culture: An Empirical Assessment
Authors: Jones Rachel K. , Luo Ye
Published: September 2012

This study examines whether (1) impoverished persons exhibit a “culture of poverty” mentality and (2) blacks differ from whites in their attitudes toward employment, family values, and welfare. Overall we find little evidence that poor individuals adhere to different value systems than do nonpoor individuals. In addition, we do not find strong evidence of a coherent “black culture,” as reflected in attitudes. However, regardless of poverty status, we do find that blacks are more likely than whites to believe that a single woman is just as capable as a married couple of raising a child and to oppose “work for welfare.” Also, nonpoor blacks are less likely than nonpoor whites to condemn premarital sex, and poor blacks do not support reductions in welfare benefits. We conclude that mainstream (and conservative) discussions of poverty often conflate black culture and poverty, thereby contributing to the improper association of poverty and black minority status.
Breadwinner Status and Gender Ideologies of Men and Women regarding Family Roles
Authors: Zuo Jiping , Tang Shengming
Published: September 2012

Using a longitudinal national sample of married individuals, we examine changes in gender ideologies of married men and women regarding family roles, defined as wife's economic role, husband's and wife's provider role, and wife's maternal role. We also test two competing hypotheses: the threat hypothesis and the benefit hypothesis, which view the impact of women's employment on men's gender beliefs from different perspectives. Whereas the threat hypothesis asserts that women's sharing of the provider role with men may cause men to be resistant to the gender equality ideal for fear of losing their masculine identities and their wives' domestic services, the benefit hypothesis anticipates an ideological shift of men toward egalitarianism because men benefit materially from their wives' financial contributions to the family. The empirical results suggest that both genders are moving in the direction of egalitarianism. Men of lower breadwinner status and women of higher status are less likely to hold conventional gender ideologies. Because the decline in men's breadwinner status tends to promote egalitarian ideology among men, the benefit hypothesis is supported.
Race, Ethnic Options, and Ethnic Binds: Identity Negotiations of Second-Generation Chinese and Korean Americans
Authors: Kibria Nazli
Published: September 2012

This article examines the dynamics of race and ethnic options for those racially labeled “Asian” in U.S. society. Drawing on sixty-four in-depth interviews with second-generation Chinese and Korean Americans, I look at how Asian racial categorization and its dynamics shape informal, everyday social encounters between Asians and non-Asians. These dynamics suggest an ethnic bind — a sense of uncertainty and conflict about the meaning and significance of ethnic identity and practice, stemming from the multiple and contradictory pressures surrounding it. The second-generation Chinese and Korean Americans experienced pressures both to cultivate their Chinese and Korean membership and to downplay or minimize it. For those labeled “Asian,” the ethnic bind is part of the social terrain on which ethnic identity is produced, with ethnic options emerging out of the contests and negotiations surrounding them.
Suburbanization and Home Ownership: The Spatial Assimilation Process in U.S. Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Fong Eric , Shibuya Kumiko
Published: September 2012

This article provides a detailed picture of spatial assimilation by simultaneously considering suburbanization and home ownership in order to model the complexity of residential patterns in modern society. The data are from the 1% Sample of the 1990 PUMS. Multinominal logit analyses were used to estimate the effects of socioeconomic level, acculturation characteristics, and race/ethnicity on the likelihood of householders being home owners or renters by housing locations. The results show that these factors affect the likelihood of householders living in suburbs for each tenure status in unique ways. Second, contrary to the spatial assimilation model, there is evidence that householders who are more acculturated and have more socioeconomic resources would rather be home owners in the central city than live in the suburbs as renters. Finally, the results also suggest extensive differences across racial groups in the effects of socioeconomic resources and acculturation.
Earnings over the Early Work Career among Males in the Middle Class: Has Race Declined in its Significance?
Authors: Wilson George , Sakura-Lemessy Ian
Published: September 2012

Within the context of William Wilson's “declining significance of race” thesis, this study uses data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics to examine differences in the income gap among two cohorts of males through the early stages of their work careers in middle-class jobs during the periods 1975–82 and 1985–92. Findings indicate that the racial gap is structured in a manner that is contrary to predictions from the Wilson thesis. In particular, the gap increases over the seven-year period for both cohorts. Further, the gap is particularly pronounced among the more recent cohort. Specifically, it is larger at the outset of the seven-year period and increases more between 1985 and 1992 than between 1975 and 1982. Specific cohort and period effects that explain the racial differences in income are discussed, and directions for future research are identified.
Town Heterogeneity and Affiliation: A Multilevel Analysis of Voluntary Association Membership
Authors: Rotolo Thomas
Published: September 2012

This article develops and tests a general hypothesis derived from a theoretical perspective that links the individual-level outcome of voluntary association membership to the aggregate-level feature of town heterogeneity. The hypothesis predicts that heterogeneity will be negatively related to membership because, ceteris paribus, the potential for homophilous social network ties decreases with heterogeneity. The research examines heterogeneity with respect to four sociodemographic variables: education, income, industry, and race. To correctly separate individual effects from structural effects, nonlinear hierarchical models are employed. The results from models separately including each type of heterogeneity provide support for the hypothesis. Estimates from a model including all four types of heterogeneity suggest that race heterogeneity has the strongest impact on affiliation, although the effect of education heterogeneity also remains. The article concludes with a discussion of how future research on voluntary associations might further consider heterogeneity, with special emphasis on race heterogeneity.
Social Organization in a Nesting Population of Eastern Willets (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus)
Authors: Howe Marshall A.
Published: September 2012

The breeding ecology of eastern Willets (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus) was studied over a 3-yr period in a salt marsh on the Atlantic coast of Virginia. During the study, 171 adults were color-marked. Willets are strictly monogamous and show strong site and mate fidelity from year to year. Normally a pair bond dissolves only after one member dies or fails to return in the spring. With an estimated annual adult mortality of 15%, the average life of a pair bond is 3 yr. The sexes share in most aspects of breeding, including brood-rearing, but females abandon both mate and brood about 2 weeks after the chicks hatch. Males apparently incubate at night and sometimes relieve the female at the nest during the middle of the day. In this area Willets defend separate nesting and feeding territories, though nest-site defense decreases through the incubation period. When mates are lost, males retain their original nesting and feeding territories, while females pair with available mates near their original nesting territory. Females compete for mates, and males select the most aggressive females.

Nesting was particularly synchronous in lowland marsh sites, where the onset of egg laying was slightly earlier than in upland sites. Nest density was the highest reported for any scolopacid, and the highest densities were in sites closest to the marsh. Nest spacing is achieved through agonistic behavior, but there is evidence of a counter-tendency leading to nest clumping. Several features of the Willet social system resemble characteristics typical of colonial species of birds. These are discussed along with other aspects of social organization and the selective forces operating on it.
The Relationships of the Hawaiian Honeycreepers (Drepaninini) as Indicated by DNA-DNA Hybridization
Authors: Sibley Charles G. , Ahlquist Jon E.
Published: September 2012

Twenty-two species of Hawaiian honeycreepers (Fringillidae: Carduelinae: Drepaninini) are known. Their relationships to other groups of passerines were examined by comparing the single-copy DNA sequences of the Apapane (Himatione sanguinea) with those of 5 species of cardueline finches, 1 species of Fringilla, 15 species of New World nine-primaried oscines (Cardinalini, Emberizini, Thraupini, Parulini, Icterini), and members of 6 other families of oscines (Turdidae, Monarchidae, Dicaeidae, Sylviidae, Vireonidae, Corvidae). The DNA-DNA hybridization data support other evidence indicating that the Hawaiian honeycreepers shared a more recent common ancestor with the cardueline finches than with any of the other groups studied and indicate that this divergence occurred in the mid-Miocene, 15-20 million yr ago.

The colonization of the Hawaiian Islands by the ancestral species that radiated to produce the Hawaiian honeycreepers could have occurred at any time between 20 and 5 million yr ago. Because the honeycreepers captured so many ecological niches, however, it seems likely that their ancestor was the first passerine to become established in the islands and that it arrived there at the time of, or soon after, its separation from the cardueline lineage. If so, this colonist arrived before the present islands from Hawaii to French Frigate Shoal were formed by the volcanic "hot-spot" now under the island of Hawaii. Therefore, the ancestral drepaninine may have colonized one or more of the older Hawaiian Islands and/or Emperor Seamounts, which also were formed over the "hot-spot" and which reached their present positions as the result of tectonic crustal movement. The cardueline-drepaninine lineage probably diverged from the Fringilla lineage in the late Oligocene, from the New World nine-primaried oscines in the early Oligocene, and from the other oscines in the early Eocene.

During this study we also obtained evidence that the vireos (Vireonidae) are not closely related to the New World nine-primaried oscines.
Annual Variation in the Distribution, Abundance, and Habitat Response of the Palila (Loxioides bailleui)
Authors: Scott J. Michael , Mountainspring Stephen , Riper Charles van , Kepler Cameron B. , Jacobi James D. , Burr Timothy A. , Giffin Jon G.
Published: September 2012

We studied the distribution, population size, and habitat response of the Palila (Loxioides bailleui) during the 1980-1984 nonbreeding seasons to infer factors that limit the population and to develop management strategies. Distribution was fairly constant from year to year. Palila were confined to the subalpine woodland on Mauna Kea on the island of Hawaii, occurred between 2,000 and 2,850 m elevation, and reached highest densities on the southwest slopes. The population showed large annual fluctuations, from 6,400 birds in 1981 to 2,000 in 1984. The width of woodland was the most important variable in determining habitat response. Palila were more common in areas with greater crown cover, taller trees, and a higher proportion of native plants in the understory. Annual variation in Palila density within a habitat reflected variation in levels of their staple food, mamane pods. The main limiting factors of the population appeared to be the availability of good habitat and levels of their staple food. Palila had strongly depressed densities in the Pohakuloa flats area. This low density could not be explained by gross habitat features or food levels. Site tenacity, thermal stress, disturbance, and disease were hypothesized explanations. Our study indicated that the most effective management strategies would be the removal of feral ungulates and certain noxious plants from Palila habitat and the extension of the woodland zone to areas now intensively grazed.
Parental Care and Feeding Ecology of Golden Eagle Nestlings
Authors: Collopy Michael W.
Published: September 2012

A field study of Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) nesting in and near the Snake River Birds of Prey Area was conducted during 1977-1979. Patterns of parental care differed between female and male eagles during incubation and chick rearing; males consistently captured more food throughout all phases of brood rearing (1.2 vs. 0.6 prey/day), while females typically fed and tended the offspring. During the 7th through 9th week of chick rearing, when the food requirements of nestlings were greatest, the female contributed 43% of the prey biomass. No differences were observed in mean daily capture rates between 1978 and 1979 or between parents of one-chick broods and parents of two-chick broods. Although there were no differences between the sexes in the mean weight of prey captured, there were significant differences among pairs, suggesting differences in prey availability or hunting ability. The daily food consumption of eaglets increased as chick rearing progressed and peaked between the 7th and 9th week. Comparisons between eaglets in different-sized broods revealed that individuals in multiple-chick broods received more food from adults than those in one-chick broods. Late in chick rearing, however, those chicks competing with siblings for food had lower consumption rates.
Factors Influencing Age-Related Reproductive Success in the Willow Ptarmigan
Authors: Hannon Susan J. , Smith James N. M.
Published: September 2012

In many species, adult birds lay earlier and have higher reproductive success than do yearlings. We found no difference, however, between adult and yearling female Willow Ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus alexandrae) in date of clutch initiation, clutch size, hatching success, number of fledged young, or territory size. Adult females defended their broods more vigorously, and more were observed with broods, a situation suggesting that more yearlings lost their eggs or young and did not renest. Pairs composed of two adults produced more fledged young than did pairs composed of two yearlings, but clutch size and date of clutch initiation were similar in the two groups. We suggest that the following factors may allow yearlings to reproduce almost as successfully as adults: (1) a reduction in competition with adults for territories because of high population turnover, (2) the presence of extensive male parental care and precocial young, and (3) a dependence on a food source that is readily available and can be obtained without specialized foraging skills.
Discrimination of Switchgrass Cultivars and Nitrogen Treatments Using Pigment Profiles and Hyperspectral Leaf Reflectance Data
Authors: Foster Anserd J. , Kakani Vijaya Gopal , Ge Jianjun , Mosali Jagadeesh
Published: September 2012

The objective of this study was to compare the use of hyperspectral narrowbands, hyperspectral narrowband indices and pigment measurements collected from switchgrass leaf as potential tools for discriminating among twelve switchgrass cultivars and five N treatments in one cultivar (Alamo). Hyperspectral reflectance, UV-B absorbing compounds, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids) of the uppermost fully expanded leaves were determined at monthly intervals from May to September. Leaf hyperspectral data was collected using ASD FieldSpec FR spectroradiometer (350–2,500 nm). Discrimination of the cultivars and N treatments were determined based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (DA). The stepwise discriminant analysis was used to determine the best indices that differentiate switchgrass cultivars and nitrogen treatments. Results of PCA showed 62% of the variability could be explained in PC1 dominated by middle infrared wavebands, over 20% in PC2 dominated by near infrared wavebands and just over 10% in PC3 dominated by green wavebands for separating both cultivars and N treatments. Discriminating among the cultivars resulted in an overall accuracy of 81% with the first five PCs in the month of September, but was less accurate (27%) in classifying N treatments using the spectral data. Discrimination based on pigment data using the first two PCs resulted in an overall accuracy of less than 10% for separating switchgrass cultivars , but was more accurate (47%) in grouping N treatments. The plant senescence ratio index (PSRI) was found to be the best index for separating the cultivars late in the season, while the transform chlorophyll absorption ration index (TCARI) was best for separating the N treatments. Leaf spectra data was found to be more useful than pigment data for the discrimination of switchgrass cultivars, particularly late in the growing season.
The Effect of the Thickness of the Sensitive Layer on the Performance of the Accumulating NOx Sensor
Authors: Groß Andrea , Richter Miriam , Kubinski David J. , Visser Jacobus H. , Moos Ralf
Published: September 2012

A novel and promising method to measure low levels of NOx utilizes the accumulating sensor principle. During an integration cycle, incoming NOx molecules are stored in a sensitive layer based on an automotive lean NOx trap (LNT) material that changes its electrical resistivity proportional to the amount of stored NOx, making the sensor suitable for long-term detection of low levels of NOx. In this study, the influence of the thickness of the sensitive layer, prepared by multiple screen-printing, is investigated. All samples show good accumulating sensing properties for both NO and NO2. In accordance to a simplified model, the base resistance of the sensitive layer and the sensitivity to NOx decrease with increasing thickness. Contrarily, the sensor response time increases. The linear measurement range of all samples ends at a sensor response of about 30% resulting in an increase of the linearly detectable amount with the thickness. Hence, the variation of the thickness of the sensitive layer is a powerful tool to adapt the linear measurement range (proportional to the thickness) as well as the sensitivity (proportional to the inverse thickness) to the application requirements. Calculations combining the sensor model with the measurement results indicate that for operation in the linear range, about 3% of the LNT material is converted to nitrate.
N-Heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed direct cross-aza-benzoin reaction: Efficient synthesis of α-amino-β-keto esters
Authors: Uno Takuya , Kobayashi Yusuke , Takemoto Yoshiji
Published: September 2012

An efficient catalytic synthesis of α-amino-β-keto esters has been newly developed. Cross-coupling of various aldehydes with α-imino ester, catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbene, leads chemoselectively to α-amino-β-keto esters in moderate to good yields with high atom efficiency. The reaction mechanism is discussed, and it is proposed that the α-amino-β-keto esters are formed under thermodynamic control.
Exploration of the Visual System: Part 2: In Vivo Analysis Methods: Virtual‐Reality Optomotor System, Fundus Examination, and Fluorescent Angiography
Authors: Marcelli Fabienne , Escher Pascal , Schorderet Daniel F.
Published: September 2012

The mouse has emerged as an animal model for many diseases. At IRO, we have used this animal to understand the development of many eye diseases and treatment of some of them. Precise evaluation of vision is a prerequisite for both these approaches. In this unit we describe three ways to measure vision: testing the optokinetic response, and evaluating the fundus by direct observation and by fluorescent angiography. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 2:207‐218 © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Methods for Studying Rodent Intestinal Lipoprotein Production and Metabolism
Authors: Kohan Alison B. , Howles Philip N. , Tso Patrick
Published: September 2012

Lipid absorption begins with the digestion of dietary triacylglycerol and ultimately results in the secretion of triacylglycerol in chylomicrons into the lymphatics. Additionally, the intestine also secretes numerous proteins and peptides involved in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism in response to food. Ultimately, chylomicrons and these proteins, peptides, and hormones are found in lymph. The lymph fistula rat model has traditionally been used to study this intestinal absorption of nutrients, especially lipids, but recently, this model has also been used for studying the secretion of hormones by the small intestine. The protocols described in this unit include the lymph fistula rat and mouse model, as well as in vivo chylomicron metabolism studies. These experimental models are helpful for the study of metabolic phenotypes, the characterization of intestinal lipid absorption and transport, and determining peripheral metabolism of intestinally derived lipoproteins. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 2:219‐230 © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
In Vitro and In Vivo Recording of Local Field Potential Oscillations in Mouse Hippocampus
Authors: Forsyth L.H. , Witton J. , Brown J.T. , Randall A.D. , Jones M.W.
Published: September 2012

Oscillations in hippocampal local field potentials (LFP) reflect the coordinated, rhythmic activity of constituent interneuronal and principal cell populations. Quantifying changes in oscillatory patterns and power therefore provides a powerful metric through which to infer mechanisms and functions of hippocampal network activity at the mesoscopic level, bridging single‐neuron studies to behavioral assays of hippocampal function. Here, complementary protocols that enable mechanistic analyses of oscillation generation in vitro (in slices and a whole hippocampal preparation) and functional analyses of hippocampal circuits in behaving mice are described. Used together, these protocols provide a comprehensive view of hippocampal phenotypes in mouse models, highlighting oscillatory biomarkers of hippocampal function and dysfunction. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 2:273‐294 © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
General Considerations for Mouse Survival Surgery
Authors: Lyons Bonnie L. , Waterman Linda L.
Published: September 2012

Personnel performing surgery on mice commonly lack formal medical training and most training in mouse surgery focuses on the mechanical skills required for a procedure with less emphasis on perioperative techniques. Consequently, a basic concept that underpins successful surgery, aseptic technique, may not be fully understood or incorporated into the training process. This unit provides a framework in which to plan and carry out surgical procedures in mice using appropriate aseptic technique. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 2:263‐271 © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Evaluation of genes involved in limb development, angiogenesis, and coagulation as risk factors for congenital limb deficiencies
Authors: Browne Marilyn L. , Carter Tonia C. , Kay Denise M. , Kuehn Devon , Brody Lawrence C. , Romitti Paul A. , Liu Aiyi , Caggana Michele , Druschel Charlotte M. , Mills James L.
Published: September 2012

We conducted a population‐based case–control study of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in selected genes to find common variants that play a role in the etiology of limb deficiencies (LDs). Included in the study were 389 infants with LDs of unknown cause and 980 unaffected controls selected from all births in New York State (NYS) for the years 1998–2005. We used cases identified from the NYS Department of Health (DOH) Congenital Malformations Registry. Genotypes were obtained for 132 SNPs in genes involved in limb development (SHH, WNT7A, FGF4, FGF8, FGF10, TBX3, TBX5, SALL4, GREM1, GDF5, CTNNB1, EN1, CYP26A1, CYP26B1), angiogenesis (VEGFA, HIF1A, NOS3), and coagulation (F2, F5, MTHFR). Genotype call rates were >97% and SNPs were tested for departure from Hardy–Weinberg expectations by race/ethnic subgroups. For each SNP, odds ratios (OR)s and confidence intervals (CI)s were estimated and corrected for multiple comparisons for all LDs combined and for LD subtypes. Among non‐Hispanic white infants, associations between FGF10 SNPs rs10805683 and rs13170645 and all LDs combined were statistically significant following correction for multiple testing (OR = 1.99; 95% CI = 1.43–2.77; uncorrected P = 0.000043 for rs10805683 heterozygous genotype, and OR = 2.37; 95% CI = 1.48–3.78; uncorrected P = 0.00032 for rs13170645 homozygous minor genotype). We also observed suggestive evidence for associations with SNPs in other genes including CYP26B1 and WNT7A. Animal studies have shown that FGF10 induces formation of the apical ectodermal ridge and is necessary for limb development. Our data suggest that common variants in FGF10 increase the risk for a wide range of non‐syndromic limb deficiencies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Duplication of OCRL and adjacent genes associated with autism but not Lowe syndrome
Authors: Schroer Richard J. , Beaudet Arthur L. , Shinawi Marwan , Sahoo Trilochan , Patel Ankita , Sun Qin , Skinner Cindy , Stevenson Roger E.
Published: September 2012

Disturbances in the form of microduplications and microdeletions have been found throughout the genome and have been associated with autism, intellectual disability, and recognizable malformation syndromes. In our study of 187 probands with autism, we have identified a duplication in Xq25 including full gene duplication of OCRL and six flanking genes. Activity of the enzyme gene product in fibroblasts was elevated to over twice the level in control fibroblasts. The boy had no somatic or neurological findings reminiscent of Lowe syndrome. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validity of the quantum regression theorem for resonance fluorescence in a photonic crystal
Authors: Boedecker G. , Henkel C.
Published: September 2012

Correlation functions of a driven two‐level system embedded in a photonic crystal are analyzed. The spectral density of the photonic bands near a gap makes this system non‐Markovian. The equations of motion for two‐time correlations are derived by two different methods, the quantum regression theorem and the fluctuation dissipation theorem, and found to be the same.
Laser fabricated ripple substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Buividas R. , Stoddart P.R. , Juodkazis S.
Published: September 2012

Femtosecond laser fabricated surface nanograting structures, referred to as ripples, are proposed as efficient substrates for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Ripple substrates show order of magnitude higher sensitivity and superior reproducibility as compared to lithographically made commercial SERS sensing substrates. It is demonstrated that the SERS intensity from ripple substrates scales with the thickness of the Au coating. Ag coating on sapphire ripples showed > 2000 times higher sensitivity as compared to the same coating on the flat sapphire surface. The period, duty cycle and aspect ratio of the ripple textures can be adjusted by laser ablation conditions, which could be used for plasmon resonance tuning.
A conversation analytic study of actual and potential problems in communication in library chat reference interactions
Authors: Koshik Irene , Okazawa Hiromi
Published: September 2012

Although chat‐based reference services have been studied for over a decade and guidelines have been developed for effective communication in virtual reference service, little is known about the actual sources of miscommunication in these interactions. Our study uses a conversation analytic framework to investigate the types of potential or actual problems in communication that occur between librarians and patrons in chat reference interactions at a university library. Conversation analysis methodology, as developed by Harvey Sacks, Emanuel Schegloff, and Gain Jefferson, provides an empirical basis for claims about problems with communication by investigating what the participants themselves display as problematic or potentially problematic. Based on a corpus of archived chat reference transcripts, we show what types of problems in communication are displayed in the interaction, primarily through repair initiations, whether the problems are resolved, and, if so, how. Sources of problems that were targeted by both librarians and patrons included mistyping, typing in the wrong window, ambiguous terminology, differences in expertise between patrons and librarians, and the difficulty of giving and following instructions while not copresent. We conclude with implications for the training of future librarians in performing chat reference interactions.
Mothers Who Kill: Evolutionary Underpinnings and Infanticide Law
Authors: Friedman Susan Hatters , Cavney James , Resnick Phillip J.
Published: September 2012

Women who kill their children present a profound challenge to accepted notions of motherhood and the protection offered by mothers to their children. Historically, societies have varied in the sanctions applied to perpetrators of such acts, across both time and place. Where penalties were once severe and punitive for mothers, in modern times some two dozen nations now have infanticide acts that reduce the penalties for mothers who kill their infants. Embedded within these acts are key criteria that relate (a) only to women who are (b) suffering the hormonal or mood effects of pregnancy/lactation at the time of the offence which is (c) usually restricted to within the first year after delivery. Criticisms of infanticide legislation have largely centered on inherent gender bias, misconceptions about the hormonal basis of postpartum psychiatric disorders, and the nexus and contribution of these disorders to the offending in relation to issues of culpability and sentencing. Important differences between female perpetrators relative to the age of the child victim have also highlighted problems in the implementation of infanticide legislation. For example, women who commit neonaticide (murder during the first day of life) differ substantially from mentally ill mothers who kill older children. However, despite these shortcomings, many nations have in recent years chosen to retain their infanticide acts. This article reviews the central controversies of infanticide legislation in relation to current research and fundamental fairness. Using evolutionary psychology as a theoretical framework to organize this discussion, it is argued that infanticide legislation is at best unnecessary and at worst misapplied, in that it exculpates criminal intent and fails to serve those for whom an infanticide defense might otherwise have been intended. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening of Microalgae for Feasible Mass Production in Industrial Hypersaline Wastewater Using Disposable Bioreactors
Authors: Menke Sebastian , Sennhenn Anne , Sachse Jörg‐H. , Majewski Elke , Huchzermeyer Bernhard , Rath Thomas
Published: September 2012

Ten algae species were analyzed by comparing their growth in specific hypersaline industrial wastewater. It was a by‐product of fertilizer production which was released by K + S Aktiengesellschaft, Germany. Due to processing, brine water contains a high amount of salts ($\gg $200 g L−1). A successful algal biotechnology mainly depends on choosing and screening the adequate algae for a specific application along with the design of optimal culture conditions with comparable photo bioreactor technologies. Therefore, a high throughput screening technology was developed. In comparison to glass flasks or flat panel reactors this system was eligible for screening applications because of disposable characteristics and the equability of each culture tube. Dunaliella salina, Tetraselmis tetrathele, and Nannochloropsis salina grew in the presence of hypersaline wastewater where T. tetrathele grew best to a wastewater concentration of 75% by salt shock experiments. D. salina tolerates a wastewater level up to 80% by gradual increase. Intracellular ion contents of lyophilized algae samples were measured. They feature special transporter to either exclude ions, i.e., sodium from the cell, or to include ions like potassium and magnesium in order to secure functionality of sensitive enzymes. Under saline stress conditions these transport systems as well as metabolic pathways leading to the production of compatible osmolytes could be induced. Stress tolerance mechanisms developed in initially unstressed culture either by stepwise adaptation or by shock exposure to harsh salt condition. For this reason a feasible mass production in industrial hypersaline wastewater was possible.
A system for individualized prosthetic modeling of the femoral head
Authors: Liu Bin , Huang Zhihuan , Jia Xianyong , Yue Zongge
Published: September 2012

The matching quality between the femoral head prosthesis and the acetabulum plays an important role in the operative treatment of femoral head prosthetics and femoral head replacement. To obtain the optimal model of the femoral head prosthesis for the target sufferer, an individualized modeling system is shown in this paper. It can recover the necrotic femoral heads into the satisfactory models. These models can well match with the acetabulum. This new system affords a theoretical model for the accurate operation position fixing in the orthopedic clinic. And this system also provides an innovative practical means for the individualized modeling of the artificial femoral head prosthesis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dust in Plasma I. Particle Size and Ion‐Neutral Collision Effects
Authors: Taccogna F.
Published: September 2012

A fully kinetic self‐consistent model of an absorbing particle immersed in stationary isotropic weakly collisional plasma has been developed. The combined effects of particle size and ion‐neutral charge exchange collisions have been investigated for intermediate regimes, where no analytic theories are available. It is shown that collisional effects related to the ion orbital destruction (presence of extrema in ion flux collected on the particle surface and in particle potential and charge) are important for small particles, while they are totally absent for large particles. The potential distribution around the particle is quite well represented by a Yukawa form, but with an effective screening length that shows different dependences from the gas pressure for small and large particle size. Analytical fitting formulas of particle charge and potential and screening length depending on the particle radius parameter and on the Knudsen number have been obtained (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Automation of a Mass Flow Controller for Application in Time‐Multiplex SF6+CH4 Plasma Etching of Silicon
Authors: Tezani L.L. , Pessoa R.S. , Moraes R.S. , Medeiros H.S. , Martins C.A. , Maciel H.S. , Petraconi Filho G. , Massi M. , da Silva Sobrinho A. S.
Published: September 2012

In this work is proposed the automation of a gas injection (mass flow) system in order to generate timemultiplex SF6/CH4 radiofrequency plasma applied for silicon (Si) etching process. The control of the gas injection system is important in order to better control the process anisotropy, i.e., the high‐aspect‐ratio of mask pattern transfer to substrate surface. In other words, this control allows the attainment of deep Si etching process. Here, the automation of the gas injection system was realized through the interface between a computer and a data acquisition board. The automation software developed allows controlling the gas flow rate switching it on and off during whole process through the use of a square waveform routine, intermittent flow, beyond the conventional condition of a fixed value for gas flow rate, continuous flow. In order to investigate the time‐multiplex SF6/CH4 plasma etching of Si, the residual gas analysis was performed. The investigations were made keeping the following process parameters: flow of SF6: 10 sccm, flow of CH4: 6 sccm, 100 W rf power, wave period: 20 sec. It were monitored the partial pressure of SF+ 5 (parent neutral specie: SF6), CH+4 (CH4) and SiF+ 3 (SiF4) species as a function of time for different gas flow switching and duty cycle. The results showed that with the generation of plasma occurs a drastic change in behavior of partial pressures of SF+ 5 and CH+4 species. Moreover, it is evidenced that the interactions between the SF6 and CH4 fragments promotes a high production rate of HF molecule and consequently a decrease of atomic fluorine, mainly when plasma is on. Finally, the behavior of partial pressure of SiF+ 3 specie for alternatively intermittent SF6 and CH4 flow operation shows us that both the etching processes and the deposition of a polymer passivation layer are occurring alternatively, a desirable feature for multi‐step etching process (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sheath‐flow electrochemical detection of amino acids with a copper wire electrode in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Inoue Junji , Kaneta Takashi , Imasaka Totaro
Published: September 2012

Here, we report the detection of native amino acids using a sheath‐flow electrochemical detector with a working electrode made of copper wire. A separation capillary that was inserted into a platinum tube in the detector acted as a grounded electrode for electrophoresis and as a flow channel for sheath liquid. Sheath liquid flowed outside the capillary to support the transport of the separated analytes to the working electrode for electrochemical detection. The copper wire electrode was aligned at the outlet of the capillary in a wall‐jet configuration. Amino acids injected into the capillary were separated following elution from the end of the capillary and detection by the copper electrode. Three kinds of copper electrodes with different diameters—50, 125, and 300 μm—were examined to investigate the effect of the electrode diameter on sensitivity. The peak widths of the analytes were independent of the diameter of the working electrode, while the 300‐μm electrode led to a decrease in the signal‐to‐noise ratio compared with the 50‐ and 125‐μm electrodes, which showed no significant difference. The flow rate of the sheath liquid was also varied to optimize the detection conditions. The limits of detection for amino acids ranged from 4.4 to 27 μM under optimal conditions.
Power of IRT in GWAS: Successful QTL Mapping of Sum Score Phenotypes Depends on Interplay Between Risk Allele Frequency, Variance Explained by the Risk Allele, and Test Characteristics
Authors: van den Berg Stéphanie M. , Service Susan K.
Published: September 2012

As data from sequencing studies in humans accumulate, rare genetic variants influencing liability to disease and disorders are expected to be identified. Three simulation studies show that characteristics and properties of diagnostic instruments interact with risk allele frequency to affect the power to detect a quantitative trait locus (QTL) based on a test score derived from symptom counts or questionnaire items. Clinical tests, that is, tests that show a positively skewed phenotypic sum score distribution in the general population, are optimal to find rare risk alleles of large effect. Tests that show a negatively skewed sum score distribution are optimal to find rare protective alleles of large effect. For alleles of small effect, tests with normally distributed item parameters give best power for a wide range of allele frequencies. The item‐response theory framework can help understand why an existing measurement instrument has more power to detect risk alleles with either low or high frequency, or both kinds.
Ancient Epidemic Diseases in a New Light
Authors: Bramanti Barbara
Published: September 2012

Plague and cholera: Infectious pandemics of earlier centuries have left deep marks in our evolutionary history. Researchers are now recovering ancient DNA from the skeletons of the victims. The analysis of this DNA provides insights on the impact of these epidemics and the possible mechanisms of resistance against infections.
Targeting EGFR‐positive cancer cells with cetuximab–ZZ‐PE38: Results of in vitro and in vivo studies
Authors: Barnea Itay , Ben‐Yosef Rahamim , Karaush Victoria , Benhar Itai , Vexler Akiva
Published: September 2012

Background

Arming antibody with toxins is a new approach in cancer therapy. We evaluated the efficacy of cetuximab–ZZ‐PE38 immunocomplex in killing cancer cells in vitro and inhibiting tumor growth in nude mice.

Methods

Several cancer cell lines and human foreskin fibroblasts were tested for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and cetuximab binding using Western blot assay, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and flow cytometry. Cell survival in vitro was estimated by XTT assay. Tumor size was measured twice a week.

Results

Cetuximab–ZZ‐PE38 immunocomplex was significantly more effective in killing head and neck cancer cells than nonspecific IgG‐ZZ‐PE38 complex or free ZZ‐PE38, whereas normal cells were not affected. Tumor treatment with immunocomplex resulted in tumor shrinkage. The immunocomplex was safe to mice at a therapeutic dosage of 0.25 mg/mL, whereas the dosage of 0.50 mg/mL induced liver toxicity.

Conclusions

Cetuximab–ZZ‐PE38 immunocomplex is a highly effective agent in killing EGFR‐positive cancer cells and in tumor shrinkage. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Large trigeminal schwannoma of the infratemporal fossa: Evaluation of neoangiogenesis in this rare neoplasm
Authors: Alafaci Concetta , Caffo Maria , Barresi Valeria , Cutugno Mariano , Pino Maria A. , Granata Francesca , De Ponte Francesco S. , Salpietro Francesco M. , Tomasello Francesco
Published: September 2012

Background

Trigeminal schwannomas are uncommon intracranial tumors. Extracranial trigeminal schwannomas in the infratemporal fossa are rare.

Methods

We present a case with a clinical history of facial pain. MRI and CT scans showed a mass arising from the infratemporal fossa extending into the intracranial space.

Results

We performed a combined neurosurgical and maxillofacial approach with preoperative endovascular embolization. Complete removal of the parasellar component was achieved with a minimal extracranial neoplastic residual. High microvessel density, reflecting intense neoangiogenesis, was detected through the immunohistochemical staining with endoglin.

Conclusions

Due to the unique development pattern of trigeminal schwannoma involving multiple intracranial fossae and extracranial compartment, we chose a combined neurosurgical and maxillofacial approach with preoperative embolization of the tumor. Immunohistochemical findings suggest that the extensive growth observed may be related to an intense neoangiogenesis, opening the perspective to novel therapeutic options based on the inhibition of neoangiogenesis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Natural variants in the major neutralizing epitope of human papillomavirus minor capsid protein L2
Authors: Seitz Hanna , Schmitt Markus , Böhmer Gerd , Kopp‐Schneider Annette , Müller Martin
Published: September 2012

The amino terminus of the human papillomavirus minor capsid protein L2 contains a major cross‐neutralizing epitope that provides the basis for the development of a broadly protective HPV vaccine. This attainable broad protection would eliminate one of the major drawbacks of the commercial L1‐based prophylactic vaccines. In this study, we asked whether there are natural variants of the L2 cross‐neutralizing epitope and if these variants provide means for immune escape from vaccine‐induced anti‐L2 antibodies. For this, we isolated in silico and in vitro, a total of 477 L2 sequences of HPV types 16, 18, 31, 45, 51, 52 and 58. We identified natural L2 epitope variants for HPV 18, 31, 45 and 51. To determine whether these variants escape L2‐directed neutralization, we generated pseudovirions encompassing the natural variants and tested these in an in vitro neutralization assay using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Our results indicate that natural variants of the L2 major neutralizing epitope are frequent among two different study populations from Germany and Mongolia and in the GenBank database. Of two identified HPV 31 L2 single amino acid variants, one could be neutralized well, while the other variant was neutralized very poorly. We also observed that single amino acid variants of HPV 18 and 45 are neutralized well while a HPV 18 double variant was neutralized at significantly lower rates, indicating that L2 variants have to be accounted for when developing HPV L2‐based prophylactic vaccines.