bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B virus and sexual behavior in Rakai, Uganda
Authors: Stabinski Lara , Reynolds Steven J. , Ocama Ponsiano , Laeyendecker Oliver , Serwadda David , Gray Ron H. , Wawer Maria , Thomas David L. , Quinn Thomas C. , Kirk Gregory D.
Published: March 2011

HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co‐infection poses important public health considerations in resource‐limited settings. Demographic data and sera from adult participants of the Rakai Health Sciences Program Cohort in Southwestern Uganda were examined to determine HBV seroprevalence patterns in this area of high HIV endemicity prior to the introduction of anti‐retroviral therapy. Commercially available EIAs were used to detect prevalent HBV infection (positive for HBV core antibody [anti‐HBc] and/or positive HBV surface antigen [HBsAg]), and chronic infection (positive for HBsAg). Of 438 participants, 181 (41%) had prevalent HBV infection while 21 (5%) were infected chronically. Fourteen percent of participants were infected with HIV. Fifty three percent showed evidence of prevalent HBV infection compared to 40% among participants infected with HIV (P = 0.067). Seven percent of participants infected with HIV were HBsAg positive compared to 4% among participants not infected with HIV (P = 0.403). The prevalence of prevalent HBV infection was 55% in adults aged >50 years old, and 11% in persons under 20 years. In multivariable analysis, older age, HIV status, and serologic syphilis were significantly associated with prevalent HBV infection. Transfusion status and receipt of injections were not significantly associated with HBV infection. Contrary to expectations that HBV exposure in Uganda occurred chiefly during childhood, prevalent HBV infection was found to increase with age and was associated sexually transmitted diseases (HIV and syphilis.) Therefore vaccination against HBV, particularly susceptible adults with HIV or at risk of HIV/STDs should be a priority. J. Med. Virol. 83:796–800, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Viral etiology of aseptic meningitis among children in Southern Iran
Authors: Hosseininasab Ali , Alborzi Abdolvahab , Ziyaeyan Mazyar , Jamalidoust Marzieh , Moeini Mahsa , Pouladfar Gholamreza , Abbasian Amin , Kadivar Mohamad Rahim
Published: March 2011

Aseptic meningitis refers to a clinical syndrome of meningeal inflammation in which bacteria cannot be identified in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The viral etiology and the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of aseptic meningitis among children aged 2 months to 15 years in Shiraz, southern Iran were determined. From May 2007 to April 2008, 65 patients were admitted to the hospital with aseptic meningitis. Seven viruses, non‐polio human enteroviruses, mumps virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella‐zoster virus (VZV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), human herpes virus type 6 (HHV‐6), and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) were investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Viruses were detected in 30 (46.2%) patients in whom non‐polio human enterovirus and mumps virus were detected in 13 (43.3%) and 11 (36.7%), respectively. The remaining 6 (20%) of the cases were caused by HSV, VZV, HCMV, and HHV‐6. Haemophilus influenzae and non‐polio human enterovirus were detected in one patient simultaneously. Viral meningitis was found to be more frequent during spring and summer. The majority (66.6%) of the patients were treated in the hospital for 10 days and had received antibiotics in the case of bacterial meningitis. Rapid diagnosis of viral meningitis using PCR testing of CSF can help shorten hospitalization, and avoid the unnecessary use of antibiotics. J. Med. Virol. 83:884–888, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetics of aquation of Co(III) complex in binary aqueous mixtures and effect of multiparameters of the solvent on the reaction rate
Authors: El‐Subruiti Gehan M. , Fathalla Magda F. , El‐Marassi Yasser R.
Published: March 2011

Kinetics and solvent effects of the aquation of trans[Co(4‐(Etpy)4Cl2]+ have been studied in ethanol + water ranging from 0 to 60% (v/v) and urea + water of various solvent compositions up to 40% (w/w) of organic solvent. Thermodynamic activation parameters were computed and discussed in terms of the solvation effect. Isokinetic temperature within the experimental range revealed that the existence of the compensation effect arising from the solute–solvent interaction. Nonlinear plots of log k with D−1 suggest that changes in the solvent structure are an important factor that influences these rates. The influence of the added cosolvent on reactivity was analyzed in light of various simple and multiple regression equations using Kirkwood, ET(30), and Kamlet–Taft parameters. The obtained results showed that the solvation phenomenon plays a dominant role in the aquation. © 2011 Wiley Peiodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 230–237, 2011
Biological geotextiles as a tool for soil moisture conservation
Authors: Kertész Á. , Szalai Z. , Jakab G. , Tóth A. , Szabó Sz. , Madarász B. , Jankauskas B. , Guerra A. , Bezerra J. F. R. , Panomtaranichagul M. , Thu D. Chau , YI Z.
Published: March 2011

Geotextiles have an important influence on soil moisture conditions. It is well known that the application of geotextiles increases soil moisture content of the soil, but there is a lack of information on how the different mats keep the soil moisture. The objective of this paper is to present the effect of biological geotextiles on soil moisture dynamics of the topsoil and to compare the effectiveness of various geotextiles in conserving soil moisture as well as comparing their role in soil moisture dynamics in the different climatic zones. Soil moisture measurements were carried out in the framework of the BORASSUS project at six study sites in Brazil, China, Hungary, Lithuania, Thailand and Vietnam. Soil moisture was measured by gravimetric method. All together six different kinds of biological geotextiles (Borassus, Buriti, Bamboo, Jute, Maize and Rice) and one synthetic geotextile were used. To study soil moisture dynamics of the geotextiles applied in Hungary 1000 cm3soil monoliths were covered by Jute, Buriti and Borassus mats. The effects of natural rainfall events on soils and geotextiles were examined in detail. According to the results of this paper there is not much difference concerning the effect of biological geotextiles made from various materials on soil moisture conservation. There are, however, remarkable differences in conserving soil moisture according to the geographical location of the study sites. The favourable effect of geotextiles on soil moisture conservation could be statistically justified if annual precipitation amount is over 700 mm and the annual temperature range is below 28°C. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ASSESSING SPATIAL‐TEMPORAL EVOLUTION PROCESSES OF KARST ROCKY DESERTIFICATION LAND: INDICATIONS FOR RESTORATION STRATEGIES
Authors: Bai X.‐Y. , Wang S.‐J. , Xiong K.‐N.
Published: March 2011

Karst rocky desertification (KRD) has become one of the most important eco‐environmental problems in China. In order to put forward valid restoration strategies, the spatial‐temporal KRD evolution processes were analyzed mathematically using 1:100 000 scale digital KRD distribution maps of Guizhou Province obtained from interpreting Landsat images from 1986, 1995, and 2000. The results showed that: (1) no obvious change took place in the total area of KRD land, but the mutual transformation of different types of KRD land was remarkable. (2) The change patterns of KRD land were classified into three types: simple mode, continuous mode, and reverted mode. (3) The total change rate of KRD land was 398·31 km2 per year. (4) The higher the rank of KRD land is, the lower the change rate of KRD land will be. (5) Moderate KRD land had the fastest change frequency and was feasible to change to another type. On the whole, these indicated that the expansion of KRD had been brought under control because of the successful execution many ecological construction programmes. However, new KRD land appeared meanwhile owing to ‘backward’ eco‐social development, and this should be clearly recognized. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tibialis anterior architecture, strength, and gait in individuals with cerebral palsy
Authors: Bland Daniel C. , Prosser Laura A. , Bellini Lindsey A. , Alter Katharine E. , Damiano Diane L.
Published: March 2011

Introduction: The relationship of tibialis anterior (TA) muscle architecture, including muscle thickness (MT), cross‐sectional area (CSA), pennation angle (PA), and fascicle length (FL), to strength and ankle function was examined in ambulatory individuals with CP and unilateral foot drop. Methods: Twenty individuals with CP participated in muscle ultrasound imaging, unilateral strength testing, and three‐dimensional gait analysis. Results: Muscle size (MT and CSA) was positively related to strength, fast gait velocity, and ankle kinematics during walking. Higher PA was related to a more dorsiflexed ankle position at initial contact and inversely with fast gait velocity. FL was related to strength, fast velocity, and step length at a self‐selected speed. Conclusions: Muscle architecture partially explains the degree of impairment in strength and ankle function in CP. Treatments to increase TA size and strength may produce some gait improvement, but other factors that may contribute to ankle performance deficits must be considered. Muscle Nerve, 2011
A defender‐attacker optimization of Port Radar surveillance
Authors: Brown Gerald , Carlyle Matthew , Abdul‐Ghaffar Ahmad , Kline Jeffrey
Published: March 2011

The U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Patrol, Marine Corps, and Navy have deployed several hundred port patrol vessels to protect waterways, U.S. Navy ships and other high‐value assets in ports world‐wide. Each vessel has an armed crew of four, is relatively fast, and features a surface search radar, radios, and a machine gun. These vessels coordinate surveillance patrols in groups of two or four. We developed a mathematical model for advantageously positioning these vessels, and possibly shore‐based radar too, to minimize the probability that an intelligent adversary in one or more speedboats will evade detection while mounting an attack. Attackers can use elevated obstructions to evade radar detection in their attack paths, and ports feature many such restrictions to navigation and observation. A key, but realistic assumption complicates planning: the attackers will be aware of defensive positions and capabilities in advance of mounting their attack. The defender‐attacker optimization suggests plans here for a fictitious port, the port of Hong Kong, and the U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet Headquarters in Bahrain. In these cases, the defender can almost certainly detect any attack, even though the attacker, observing defender prepositioning, plans clever, and evasive attack tracks. Published 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.† Naval Research Logistics, 2011
Unsteady heat and mass transfer over a vertical stretching sheet in a parallel free stream with variable wall temperature and concentration
Authors: Patil P.M. , Pop I. , Roy S.
Published: March 2011

Our aim in this article is to investigate numerically the unsteady two‐dimensional mixed convection flow along a vertical semi‐infinite stretching sheet in a parallel free stream with a power‐law wall temperature and concentration distributions of the form T
w (x) = T∞ + Ax2m−1 and Cw (x) = C∞ + Bx2m−1, where A, B and m are constants. The unsteadiness in the flow is caused by the time dependent stretching sheet as well as by the free stream velocity. The governing nonlinear partial differential equations in the velocity, temperature and concentration fields are written in nondimensional form using suitable transformations. The final set of resulting coupled nonlinear partial differential equations is solved using an implicit finite‐difference scheme in combination with a quasi‐linearization technique. The effects of various governing parameters on the velocity, temperature and concentration profiles as well as on the skin friction coefficient, local Nusseltnumber and local Sherwood number are presented and discussed in details. The computed numerically results are compared with previously reported work and are found to be in excellent agreement. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2011
An equation decomposition method for the numerical solution of a fourth‐order elliptic singular perturbation problem
Authors: Han Houde , Huang Zhongyi
Published: March 2011

In this article, we propose a tailored finite point method (TFPM) for the numerical solution of a type of fourth‐order singular perturbation problem in two dimensions based on the equation decomposition technique. Our finite point method has been tailored based on the local exponential basis functions. Furthermore, our TFPM satisfies the discrete maximum principle automatically. Our numerical examples show that our method has second order convergence rate in energy norm as
$\varepsilon\to0$. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2011
Life‐threatening drug‐associated hyperkalemia: a retrospective study from laboratory signals
Authors: Noize Pernelle , Bagheri Haleh , Durrieu Geneviève , Haramburu Françoise , Moore Nicholas , Giraud Patrick , Galinier Michel , Pourrat Jacques , Montastruc Jean‐Louis
Published: March 2011

Purpose

Life‐threatening hyperkalemia may be induced by drugs and preventable in at‐risk patients. This study was designed to describe cases of ‘serious’ drug‐associated hyperkalemia.

Methods

Adult subjects with a serum potassium concentration above 6.5 mmol/L detected at admission or during hospital stay in nephrology, cardiology, geriatric, emergency or intensive care units were identified by biology laboratories of hospitals and clinics located in Midi‐Pyrenees (southwest France). Patients dialyzed for end‐stage kidney disease were excluded. Data were collected from medical files. Hyperkalemia was defined as drug‐associated if at least one drug known to increase serum potassium concentration was taken when hyperkalemia occurred (among drugs taken in outpatient care for hyperkalemia detected at admission and among drugs taken in outpatient care and continued at hospital and drugs introduced from admission for hyperkalemia detected during hospital stay).

Results

Of 168 hyperkalemia cases, 102 (60.7%) were classified as drug‐associated. They concerned elderly patients (mean age: 76.1 years) often having arterial hypertension and/or cardiac diseases (88.2%). Risk factors, mainly acute kidney failure, were observed in almost all cases (98.0%). Drugs predominantly involved were angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (47.1%), spironolactone (41.2%), angiotensin II receptor antagonists (23.5%) and potassium supplements (23.5%). In 10% of cases, death could be attributed to hyperkalemia.

Conclusions

Laboratory databases allowed an exhaustive identification of hyperkalemia cases. The frequency of drug‐related hyperkalemia and their characteristics suggest that treatment with drugs known to increase serum potassium concentration can be inappropriate, especially regarding associations or indications, and is highly risky for predisposed patients. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐molecular‐weight aliphatic polycarbonates by melt polycondensation of dimethyl carbonate and aliphatic diols: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Zhu Wenxiang , Huang Xi , Li Chuncheng , Xiao Yaonan , Zhang Dong , Guan Guohu
Published: March 2011

Aliphatic polycarbonates (APCs) synthesized by polycondensation of dialkyl carbonates and aliphatic diols have often been used as precursors for the preparation of novel polyurethanes. However, they could not be applied in plastics directly because of poor mechanical properties caused by low molecular weight. In the work reported in this paper, three kinds of fairly high molecular weight (Mw ≥ 166 000 g mol−1) APCs with narrow dispersity ($\rlap{-}{D} \leq 1.86$) were successfully synthesized via a successive two‐step polycondensation of dimethyl carbonate and diols, using a novel TiO2/SiO2‐based catalyst. This process gave a high yield of above 85%. 1H NMR spectra indicated that there was no detectable decarboxylation happening during polycondensation at high temperature. The effects of molecular weight on the mechanical properties of the APCs are discussed. APCs with Mw greater than 70 000 g mol−1 showed useful mechanical properties. Especially, poly(butylene carbonate) and poly(hexamethylene carbonate) exhibited excellent tensile strengths of 34.1 and 40.0 MPa, respectively, when their Mw was ca 170 000 g mol−1. All the APCs showed appreciable biodegradability under enzymatic degradation. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
The HADS and the DT for screening psychosocial distress of cancer patients in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Ging‐Long , Hsu Sheng‐Hui , Feng An‐Chen , Chiu Chiu‐Yuan , Shen Ju‐Fang , Lin Yu‐Ju , Cheng Chun‐Chiu
Published: March 2011

Purpose: This study assesses the sensitivity and specificity of Mandarin versions of two psychosocial screening tools for adjustment, anxiety and depressive disorders: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Distress Thermometer (DT).

Methods: The two scales were used to screen 103 consecutive cancer patients seen for psychiatric evaluation at KF‐SYSCC between May and November 2004 prior to their psychiatric interviews. Each scale was tested against clinical psychiatric diagnoses based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition for their sensitivity and specificity.

Results: For the Mandarin version of the DT, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses identified a DT score of 4 as the optimal cut‐off, with sensitivity and specificity of 98 and 73%, respectively. For the Mandarin version of the HADS, ROC identified a score of 9 and 8 as the optimal cutoffs for the respective anxiety and depression subscales (HADS‐a and HADS‐d), with sensitivities and specificities of 84 and 73, 72 and 86%, respectively. For the full scale of the HADS (HADS‐t), 15 was identified as the optimal cutoff, which yielded sensitivity and specificity of 84 and 68%, respectively. Using the frequency table, the concordance rate of the two scales was found to be 72–80% based on the above optimal cut‐offs.

Conclusion: The Mandarin versions of the HADS and the DT are efficacious for screening anxiety and depression for our population. Compared with the HADS‐t, the DT appears to have not only higher sensitivity, but also higher specificity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A graphical method for analyzing distance restraints using residual dipolar couplings for structure determination of symmetric protein homo‐oligomers
Authors: Martin Jeffrey W. , Yan Anthony K. , Bailey‐Kellogg Chris , Zhou Pei , Donald Bruce R.
Published: March 2011

High‐resolution structure determination of homo‐oligomeric protein complexes remains a daunting task for NMR spectroscopists. Although isotope‐filtered experiments allow separation of intermolecular NOEs from intramolecular NOEs and determination of the structure of each subunit within the oligomeric state, degenerate chemical shifts of equivalent nuclei from different subunits make it difficult to assign intermolecular NOEs to nuclei from specific pairs of subunits with certainty, hindering structural analysis of the oligomeric state. Here, we introduce a graphical method, DISCO, for the analysis of intermolecular distance restraints and structure determination of symmetric homo‐oligomers using residual dipolar couplings. Based on knowledge that the symmetry axis of an oligomeric complex must be parallel to an eigenvector of the alignment tensor of residual dipolar couplings, we can represent distance restraints as annuli in a plane encoding the parameters of the symmetry axis. Oligomeric protein structures with the best restraint satisfaction correspond to regions of this plane with the greatest number of overlapping annuli. This graphical analysis yields a technique to characterize the complete set of oligomeric structures satisfying the distance restraints and to quantitatively evaluate the contribution of each distance restraint. We demonstrate our method for the trimeric E. coli diacylglycerol kinase, addressing the challenges in obtaining subunit assignments for distance restraints. We also demonstrate our method on a dimeric mutant of the immunoglobulin‐binding domain B1 of streptococcal protein G to show the resilience of our method to ambiguous atom assignments. In both studies, DISCO computed oligomer structures with high accuracy despite using ambiguously assigned distance restraints.
Allelic variation of the ACCase gene and response to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides in pinoxaden‐resistant Lolium spp.
Authors: Scarabel Laura , Panozzo Silvia , Varotto Serena , Sattin Maurizio
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: The repeated use of acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) inhibiting herbicides to control grass weeds has selected for resistance in Lolium spp. populations in Italy. The efficacy of pinoxaden, a recently marketed phenylpyrazoline herbicide, is of concern where resistance to ACCase inhibitors has already been ascertained. ACCase mutations associated with pinoxaden resistance were investigated, and the cross‐resistance pattern to clodinafop, haloxyfop, sethoxydim, clethodim and pinoxaden was established on homo/heterozygous plants for four mutant ACCase alleles.

RESULTS: Seven different mutant ACCase alleles (1781‐Leu, 1999‐Leu, 2041‐Asn, 2041‐Val, 2078‐Gly, 2088‐Arg and 2096‐Ala) and 13 combinations with two types of mutation were detected in the pinoxaden‐resistant plants. The 1781‐Leu allele appears to confer a dominant resistance to pinoxaden, clodinafop, haloxyfop, sethoxydim and clethodim at 60 g AI ha−1. The 2041‐Asn and 2041‐Val alleles are associated with dominant or partially dominant resistance to FOPs, no substantial resistance to DIMs and a moderate resistance to pinoxaden. The 2088‐Arg allele endows a partially dominant resistance to clodinafop, sethoxydim and most likely to pinoxaden. In addition, non‐target‐site resistance mechanisms seem to be involved in pinoxaden resistance.

CONCLUSION: Almost all the ACCase mutations selected in the field by other ACCase inhibitors are likely to confer resistance to pinoxaden. Although pinoxaden is sometimes able to control FOP‐resistant populations, it should not be considered as a sustainable ACCase resistance management tool. The presence of non‐ACCase‐based resistance mechanisms that could confer resistance to herbicides with different modes of action further complicates the resistance management strategies. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐frequency surface acoustic wave filter based on diamond thin film
Authors: Fujii Satoshi
Published: March 2011

This paper gives an overview of recent progress in developing diamond surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices for high‐frequency applications. We have studied high‐frequency SAW filters or resonators based on diamond thin films and demonstrated that diamond thin films have much potential for SAW applications above 3 GHz. Diamond film characteristics required for SAW filters in high‐frequency applications are clarified. The results of numerical calculations reveal that the diamond‐based SAW device, which employs a LiNbO3 thin film as the piezoelectric material, can provide a high electric coupling factor as well as a high phase velocity of more than 12 000 m/s. In contrast to when an AlN thin film is used as the piezoelectric material, the use of a SiO2/interdigital transducer/AlN/diamond structure enables the SAW device to have a low insertion loss for applications above 3 GHz.
Dielectric and pyroelectric properties of poled Ba0.6Sr0.3Ca0.1TiO3 ceramics
Authors: Cao Sheng , Mao Chaoliang , Yao Chunhua , Liu Wei , Li Kui , Cao Fei , Dong Xianlin , Wang Genshui
Published: March 2011

Ba0.6Sr0.3Ca0.1TiO3 ceramics were prepared by solid‐state reaction technique and the dielectric and pyroelectric properties of poled specimens were systemically investigated. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss at Curie temperature for the poled specimens were 11 273 and 0.0152, respectively. The pyroelectric coefficient maximum about 40 × 10−8 C cm−2 K−1 was detected and the figure of merit (Fd) maximum about 9.77 × 10−5 Pa−1/2 was obtained when 800 V mm−1 bias field was applied on the poled specimens. Based on the dielectric and pyroelectric data, the behaviors of the intrinsic pyroelectric response and the field induced pyroelectric response under DC bias field were also discussed.
Domain structures in multilayer ceramic capacitors studied by polarized Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Okai Keisuke , Zhu Wenliang , Pezzotti Giuseppe
Published: March 2011

Barium titanate (BaTiO3), the most popular dielectric material for use in multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCC), is often doped with rare earths ions to tailor its properties (e.g., Curie temperature, dielectric loss, and temperature coefficient of capacitance) and to control the mobility of its internal domain structure. The concurrent needs of device miniaturization and reliability improvement have challenged technologists to refine the design criteria regarding both material characteristics and device structure. However, further improvements cannot be easily achieved by merely empirical approaches and call for more systematic characterizations from the material physics viewpoint. This paper emphasizes the effect on the dielectric properties that arise from the formation of internal domain structures. A confocal/polarized Raman spectroscopic algorithm is developed and applied to quantitative characterizations of domain structures in BaTiO3 and applied to non‐destructive diagnostics of an MLCC device.
A two‐step scheme for polynomial NARX model identification based on MOEA with prescreening process
Authors: Cheng Yu , Wang Lan , Hu Jinglu
Published: March 2011

Polynomial NARX (nonlinear autoregressive with exogenous) model identification has received considerable attention in last three decades. However, in a high‐order nonlinear system, it is very difficult to obtain the model structure directly even with state‐of‐art algorithms, because the number of candidate monomial terms is huge and increases drastically as the model order increases. Motivated by this fact, in this research, the identification is performed in two steps: firstly a prescreening process is carried out to select a reasonable number of important monomial terms based on two kinds of the importance indices. Then, in the reduced searching space with only the selected important terms, multi‐objective evolutionary algorithm (MOEA) is applied to determine a set of significant terms to be included in the polynomial model with the help of independent validation data. In this way, the whole identification algorithm is implemented efficiently. Numerical simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed identification method. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The promises and challenges of teaching from an intersectional perspective: Core components and applied strategies
Authors: Jones Susan R. , Wijeyesinghe Charmaine L.
Published: March 2011

In this chapter, the authors present key assumptions and tenets of the framework of intersectionality and their relevance and application to college teaching. In addition to discussing several benefits of incorporating intersectionality into teaching, specific strategies for overcoming some of the challenges of teaching from an intersectional perspective are identified. Concrete examples of classroom interventions are given.
The intersectional potential of queer theory: An example from a general education course in English
Authors: Carlin Deborah
Published: March 2011

The author describes how a pedagogical approach utilizing insights and principles from queer theory facilitated an intersectional analysis in a large lecture, general education course on “Gender, Sexuality, Literature and Culture” at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Data security in unattended wireless sensor networks with mobile sinks
Authors: Liu Zhihong , Ma Jianfeng , Park Youngho , Xiang Shangrong
Published: March 2011

Unattended wireless sensor networks operating in hostile environments face the risk of compromise. Given the unattended nature, sensors must safeguard their sensed data of high value temporarily. However, saving data inside a network creates security problems due to the lack of tamper‐resistance of sensors and the unattended nature of the network. In some occasions, a network controller may periodically dispatch mobile sinks to collect data. If a mobile sink is given too many privileges, it will become very attractive for attack. Thus, the privilege of mobile sinks should be restricted. Additionally, secret keys should be used to achieve data confidentiality, integrity, and authentication between communicating parties. To address these security issues, we present mAKPS, an asymmetric key predistribution scheme with mobile sinks, to facilitate the key distribution and privilege restriction of mobile sinks, and schemes for sensors to protect their collected data in unattended wireless sensor networks. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Techniques for following the movement of single RNAs in living cells
Authors: Urbinati Carl R. , Long Roy M.
Published: March 2011

The ability to investigate gene expression has evolved from static approaches that analyze a population of cells to dynamic approaches that analyze individual living cells. During the last decade, a number of different fluorescent methods have been developed for monitoring the dynamics of single RNAs in living cells. Spatial–temporal analyses of single RNAs in living cells have provided novel insight into nuclear transport, RNA localization, and decay. Technical advances with these approaches allow for single molecule detection, providing an unprecedented view of RNA movement. In this article, we discuss the methods for observing single RNAs in living cells, highlighting the advantages and limitations of each method. WIREs RNA 2011 2 601–609 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.83

This article is categorized under:

RNA Export and Localization > Nuclear Export/Import

RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms
Predictive Value of Serum Carbohydrate Antigen 19‐9 in Malignant Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms
Authors: Xu Bin , Zheng Wen‐Yan , Jin Da‐Yong , Ding Wei‐xing , Lou Wen‐Hui , Ramsohok Lajeswar
Published: March 2011

Background

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the predictive value of serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA 19‐9) in the diagnosis of malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of pancreas (IPMNs).

Methods

Eighty‐six patients with pathological diagnosis of IPMNs in Zhongshan Hospital between March 1999 and November 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. Data reflecting clinical characteristics, tumor marker level, and prognosis were collected. The potential predictive value of CA 19‐9 was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

Eighty‐six consecutive patients with IPMNs all underwent surgical intervention. A high level of CA 19‐9 or carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was associated with more advanced stage of malignant IPMNs. Carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 was significant for judging malignant IPMNs in the binary logistic regression model (p = 0.047). The hazard ratio was 1.014, whose 95.0% confidence interval was 0.91–1.028. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the serum CA 19‐9 level had good predictive value for malignant or invasive IPMNs, postoperative survival, and disease‐specific recurrence. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.856, 0.893, 0.815, and 0.857 (p < 0.05), respectively. According to the follow‐up, mean survival time for groups with CA 19‐9 > 63.60 U/ml was dramatically shorter than that for groups with CA 19‐9 ≤ 63.60 U/ml (57.38 ± 2.85 versus 29.24 ± 5.82 [months]; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Serum CA 19‐9 level has good predictive value for malignant or invasive IPMNs. Patients with CA 19‐9 > 63.60 U/ml had poor postoperative prognosis in IPMNs. Preoperative abnormal serum CA 19‐9 might be predictive for an aggressive surgical intervention in IPMNs.
Renal transplantation in a boy with methylmalonic acidaemia
Authors: Clothier Joanna Clare , Chakrapani Anupam , Preece Mary‐Anne , McKiernan Patrick , Gupta Rajat , Macdonald Anita , Hulton Sally‐Anne
Published: March 2011

We present the first reported case of B12 non‐responsive methylmalonic acidaemia due to MMAB mutation to undergo an isolated renal transplant for renal failure. At 8 years of age he was listed for a combined liver and kidney transplant following progressive renal impairment. His metabolic control deteriorated with declining renal function and he was commenced on haemodialysis, leading to marked symptomatic and biochemical improvement. He was therefore relisted for isolated cadaveric renal transplant instead. He underwent successful renal transplantation at 12 years of age and now 6 years post transplant he is enjoying a more normal lifestyle with a marked reduction in plasma methylmalonate.
Changes in Tocochromanol Content in Seeds of Brassica napus L. During Adverse Conditions of Storage
Authors: Gawrysiak‐Witulska Marzena , Siger Aleksander , Wawrzyniak Jolanta , Nogala‐Kalucka Malgorzata
Published: March 2011

Tocopherols and plastochromanol‐8 were evaluated in seeds of Brassica napus L. during adverse conditions of storage at different temperatures (25 and 30 °C) and moisture levels (10, 12.5 and 15.5%). Both temperature and moisture content of seeds had a significant effect on the hydrolysis of triacylglycerols in rapeseed oil and on the contents of tocopherols and PC‐8. The biggest losses of tocopherols (a drop by 14.4% after 18 days) were recorded for seeds with a moisture content of 15.5% and stored at a temperature of 30 °C. Losses of the α‐T homologue were bigger than those of γ‐T. The loss of PC‐8 ranged from 4 to 24% depending on storage conditions and it was almost two times bigger than the loss of tocopherols.
A multi‐dimensional measure of vocational identity status
Authors: Porfeli Erik J. , Lee Bora , Vondracek Fred W. , Weigold Ingrid K.
Published: March 2011

Establishing a worker identity is among the most central aspects of the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Despite its importance, few measures with acceptable psychometric and conceptual characteristics exist to assess vocational identity statuses. This study reports the development and evaluation of the Vocational Identity Status Assessment (VISA), which is derived from established conceptual models and includes career exploration, commitment, and reconsideration dimensions. Results show that the VISA exhibited metric invariance across a high school and university sample. Cluster analyses demonstrated that the VISA consistently resolved six identity statuses across the two samples, supporting the previously established achieved, moratorium, foreclosed, and diffused statuses along with two additional statuses termed searching moratorium and undifferentiated. The identity statuses predicted differences in participants’ work valences and well‐being with the achieved and diffused statuses respectively exhibiting the most and least favorable characteristics. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research based upon these findings are offered.
A closer look at co‐rumination: Gender, coping, peer functioning and internalizing/externalizing problems
Authors: Tompkins Tanya L. , Hockett Ashlee R. , Abraibesh Nadia , Witt Jody L.
Published: March 2011

Co‐rumination, defined as repetitive, problem‐focused talk explains higher levels of friendship quality in youth (Rose, 2002) and increased levels of anxiety/depression in females. Middle adolescents (N = 146) participated in a study of co‐rumination, individual coping, externalizing/internalizing problems, and peer functioning. Consistent with past research, girls reported higher levels of co‐rumination and internalizing symptoms. Co‐rumination was also positively correlated with self‐reports, but not teacher reports, of anxiety/depression and aggressive behavior. Both self‐reported number of friends and teacher‐rated social acceptance were negatively associated with co‐rumination. Co‐rumination partially accounted for the significant indirect effect of gender on internalizing symptoms. Additionally, co‐rumination was associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms but not individual coping efforts. Finally, co‐rumination accounted for a unique amount of variance in internalizing symptoms, controlling for externalizing problems and secondary control coping. Theoretical implications and the importance of including broad domains of adjustment and peer functioning in future investigations of co‐rumination are discussed.
MicroRNA changes in the mouse prefrontal cortex after inflammatory pain
Authors: Pohl Kay‐Wee , Yeol Jin‐Fei , Ongl Wei‐Yi
Published: March 2011

Activation of the prefrontal cortex occurs during acute and chronic pain and models of experimental hyperalgesia. The present study was carried out to determine possible miRNA changes in the prefrontal cortex, after inflammatory pain induced by facial carrageenan injection in mice. miRNA microarray analyses showed significantly increased levels of miR‐155 and miR‐223 in the prefrontal cortex of carrageenan‐injected mice. The changes were verified by real‐time RT‐PCR, and shown to occur bilaterally. The potential targets of the two miRNAs were predicted, and changes in two of the miRNA targets, c/ebp Beta and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (GCSF) verified by real‐time RT‐PCR. Significantly downregulated c/ebp Beta but upregulated GCSF, accompanied by increased immunolabeling with an antibody to myeloperoxidase were found in the prefrontal cortex of facial carrageenan treated mice. It is postulated that this could lead to increased inflammation and activation of the prefrontal cortex. Further studies are necessary to determine if specific miRNAs could be useful as therapeutic molecules for pain.
German validation of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) II: Reliability, validity, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity
Authors: Christiansen H. , Kis B. , Hirsch O. , Matthies S. , Hebebrand J. , Uekermann J. , Abdel-Hamid M. , Kraemer M. , Wiltfang J. , Graf E. , Colla M. , Sobanski E. , Alm B. , Rösler M. , Jacob C. , Jans T. , Huss M. , Schimmelmann B.G. , Philipsen A.
Published: March 2011

Background

The German version of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scales (CAARS) has proven to show very high model fit in confirmative factor analyses with the established factors inattention/memory problems, hyperactivity/restlessness, impulsivity/emotional lability, and problems with self-concept in both large healthy control and ADHD patient samples. This study now presents data on the psychometric properties of the German CAARS-self-report (CAARS-S) and observer-report (CAARS-O) questionnaires.

Methods

CAARS-S/O and questions on sociodemographic variables were filled out by 466 patients with ADHD, 847 healthy control subjects that already participated in two prior studies, and a total of 896 observer data sets were available. Cronbach's-alpha was calculated to obtain internal reliability coefficients. Pearson correlations were performed to assess test-retest reliability, and concurrent, criterion, and discriminant validity. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC-analyses) were used to establish sensitivity and specificity for all subscales.

Results

Coefficient alphas ranged from .74 to .95, and test-retest reliability from .85 to .92 for the CAARS-S, and from .65 to .85 for the CAARS-O. All CAARS subscales, except problems with self-concept correlated significantly with the Barrett Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), but not with the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS). Criterion validity was established with ADHD subtype and diagnosis based on DSM-IV criteria. Sensitivity and specificity were high for all four subscales.

Conclusion

The reported results confirm our previous study and show that the German CAARS-S/O do indeed represent a reliable and cross-culturally valid measure of current ADHD symptoms in adults.
Circadian disruption and SCN control of energy metabolism
Authors: Kalsbeek Andries , Scheer Frank A. , Perreau-Lenz Stephanie , La Fleur Susanne E. , Yi Chun-Xia , Fliers Eric , Buijs Ruud M.
Published: March 2011

In this review we first present the anatomical pathways used by the suprachiasmatic nuclei to enforce its rhythmicity onto the body, especially its energy homeostatic system. The experimental data show that by activating the orexin system at the start of the active phase, the biological clock not only ensures that we wake up on time, but also that our glucose metabolism and cardiovascular system are prepared for increased activity. The drawback of such a highly integrated system, however, becomes visible when our daily lives are not fully synchronized with the environment. Thus, in addition to increased physical activity and decreased intake of high‐energy food, also a well‐lighted and fully resonating biological clock may help to withstand the increasing “diabetogenic” pressure of today's 24/7 society.
Harmonization of magnetic resonance‐based manual hippocampal segmentation: A mandatory step for wide clinical use
Authors: Frisoni Giovanni B. , Jack Clifford R.
Published: March 2011

Hippocampal atrophy is a marker of disease state and progression in Alzheimer's disease. The gold standard to measure hippocampal volume is through manual segmentation. A number of protocols to measure hippocampal volume through manual segmentation have been developed, but the marked heterogeneity of anatomical landmarks has given rise to wide variability of volume estimates. With the aim of fostering the use of hippocampal volume in routine clinical settings, an international task force is currently working on developing a harmonized protocol that will resolve and reduce the present heterogeneity. The task force will then validate the harmonized protocol, develop harmonized probabilistic hippocampal maps, and develop illustrative and educational material on the use of the harmonized protocol and maps.
Transcranial Doppler ultrasound blood flow velocity and pulsatility index as systemic indicators for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Roher Alex E. , Garami Zsolt , Tyas Suzanne L. , Maarouf Chera L. , Kokjohn Tyler A. , Belohlavek Marek , Vedders Linda J. , Connor Donald , Sabbagh Marwan N. , Beach Thomas G. , Emmerling Mark R.
Published: March 2011

Background

Multiple lines of evidence suggest that cardiovascular co‐morbidities hasten the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) or accelerate its course.

Methods

To evaluate the utility of cerebral vascular physical function and/or condition parameters as potential systemic indicators of AD, transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound was used to assess cerebral blood flow and vascular resistance of the 16 arterial segments comprising the circle of Willis and its major tributaries.

Results

Our study showed that decreased arterial mean flow velocity and increased pulsatility index are associated with a clinical diagnosis of presumptive AD. Cerebral blood flow impairment shown by these parameters reflects the global hemodynamic and structural consequences of a multifaceted disease process yielding diffuse congestive microvascular pathology, increased arterial rigidity, and decreased arterial compliance, combined with putative age‐associated cardiovascular output declines.

Conclusions

TCD evaluation offers direct physical confirmation of brain perfusion impairment and might ultimately provide a convenient and a noninvasive means to assess the efficacy of medical interventions on cerebral blood flow or reveal incipient AD. In the near term, TCD‐based direct assessments of brain perfusion might offer the prospect of preventing or mitigating AD simply by revealing patients who would benefit from interventions to improve circulatory system function.
Global issues in drug development for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Doody Rachelle S. , Cole Patricia E. , Miller David S. , Siemers Eric , Black Ronald , Feldman Howard , Schindler Rachel , Graham Stephen , Heath Theresa , Khachaturian Ara S. , Evans Rebecca , Carrillo Maria C.
Published: March 2011

The number of clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease conducted outside the United States in a broad array of countries is increasing. As the number of compounds ready for clinical testing increases, and as trials become longer and more complex, this trend is expected to grow. The cultural and ethical context of global clinical trials, potential benefits for those involved, and practical approaches to obstacles generated by these global trials were discussed at a meeting of the Alzheimer's Association Research Roundtable. Regulatory issues, including regional differences in study registration procedures, rules for collecting and reporting serious adverse events, requirements for national identity of study populations, and regulatory audits were also discussed by individuals who are knowledgeable about global clinical trials for Alzheimer's disease.
Food, sex and the hunger for distinction
Authors: Berger Jonah , Shiv Baba
Published: March 2011

Consumer preferences are often influenced by the distinctiveness of the options involved, but do needs for distinctiveness display motivational reward properties? Four studies suggest that they do. Activating needs for distinctiveness impacts the desirability of other, seemingly unrelated rewards, and reciprocally, preferences for distinctiveness are impacted by the presence of seemingly unrelated reward stimuli. Further, these cross‐domain spillover effects were moderated by sensitivity to the general reward system and satiated by even seemingly unrelated intervening rewards. These findings shed light on the nature of distinctiveness and its implications for consumer behavior.
The pot‐holed path to happiness, possibly paved with money: A research dialogue
Authors: Priester Joseph R. , Petty Richard E.
Published: March 2011

The path to happiness is not always clear. Research suggests that even money (when one has enough to take care of basic needs) does not enhance happiness. This Research Dialogue explores how individuals can take steps to use money in a way that does increase happiness. In addition, four commentaries provide suggestions above and beyond money as possible paths to happiness, as well as the reason why money may not lead to happiness.
Webs of Belief or Practices: the Problem of Understanding
Authors: Turner Stephen P.
Published: March 2011

ObjectivityandThere is No Such Thingas a Social Science make an odd pair: one is a substantive historical discussion of a philosophical concept central to philosophy and to scientific practice and debate which provides an explanation of the history of the development and changes in the concept; the other is a defense of a philosophical position which in effect denies that any such explanation is possible, and attacks “the craving for explanation” as a philosophical disease whose major symptom is social science itself. Galison and Daston, the authors of Objectivity, are historians of science whose approach is connected to the “social study of science” without explicitly adopting any of its methodological theses. But in taking on the concept of objectivity they go to the philosophical heart of the scientific enterprise itself.