bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value of a Dual-Polarized Gap-Filling Radar in Support of Southern California Post-Fire Debris-Flow Warnings
Authors: Jorgensen David P. , Hanshaw Maiana N. , Schmidt Kevin M. , Laber Jayme L. , Staley Dennis M. , Kean Jason W. , Restrepo Pedro J.
Published: May 2011

A portable truck-mounted C-band Doppler weather radar was deployed to observe rainfall over the Station Fire burn area near Los Angeles, California, during the winter of 2009/10 to assist with debris-flow warning decisions. The deployments were a component of a joint NOAA–U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) research effort to improve definition of the rainfall conditions that trigger debris flows from steep topography within recent wildfire burn areas. A procedure was implemented to blend various dual-polarized estimators of precipitation (for radar observations taken below the freezing level) using threshold values for differential reflectivity and specific differential phase shift that improves the accuracy of the rainfall estimates over a specific burn area sited with terrestrial tipping-bucket rain gauges. The portable radar outperformed local Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) National Weather Service network radars in detecting rainfall capable of initiating post-fire runoff-generated debris flows. The network radars underestimated hourly precipitation totals by about 50%. Consistent with intensity–duration threshold curves determined from past debris-flow events in burned areas in Southern California, the portable radar-derived rainfall rates exceeded the empirical thresholds over a wider range of storm durations with a higher spatial resolution than local National Weather Service operational radars. Moreover, the truck-mounted C-band radar dual-polarimetric-derived estimates of rainfall intensity provided a better guide to the expected severity of debris-flow events, based on criteria derived from previous events using rain gauge data, than traditional radar-derived rainfall approaches using reflectivity–rainfall relationships for either the portable or operational network WSR-88D radars. Part of the reason for the improvement was due to siting the radar closer to the burn zone than the WSR-88Ds, but use of the dual-polarimetric variables improved the rainfall estimation by ~12% over the use of traditional Z–R relationships.
A Comparison of Two-Group Classification Methods
Authors: Holden Jocelyn E. , Finch W. Holmes , Kelley Ken
Published: May 2011

The statistical classification of N individuals into G mutually exclusive groups when the actual group membership is unknown is common in the social and behavioral sciences. The results of such classification methods often have important consequences. Among the most common methods of statistical classification are linear discriminant analysis, quadratic discriminant analysis, and logistic regression. However, recent developments in the statistics literature have brought new and potentially more flexible classification models to the forefront. Although these new models are increasingly being used in the physical sciences and marketing research, they are still relatively little used in the social and behavioral sciences. The purpose of this article is to provide a comparison of these modern methods with the classical methods widely used in situations that are relevant in the social and behavioral sciences. This study uses a large-scale Monte Carlo simulation study for the comparisons, as analytic comparisons are often not tractable. Results indicate that classification and regression trees generally produced the highest classification accuracy of all techniques tested, though study design characteristics such as sample size and model complexity can greatly influence optimal choice or effectiveness of statistical classification method.
Social acknowledgement as a predictor of post-traumatic stress and complicated grief after witnessing assisted suicide
Authors: Wagner Birgit , Keller Valerie , Knaevelsrud Christine , Maercker Andreas
Published: May 2011

Background:

In Switzerland, right-to-die organizations such as Exit Deutsche Schweiz offer suicide assistance to their members. However, there is limited knowledge of the impact that witnessing assisted suicide has on the post-traumatic stress severity or the grief process of family members. Low perceived social acknowledgement may affect mental health.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey of 85 family members who were present at an assisted suicide was conducted in December 2007. The Inventory of Complicated Grief and the Impact of Event Scale were used to assess symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complicated grief (CG) at 14 to 24 months post-loss. Further, the Social Acknowledgement Questionnaire was used to examine the impact that the social environment’s acknowledgement of the end-of-life decision had on respondents’ mental health.

Results:

As expected, social acknowledgement as a survivor was related to PTSD symptoms and CG. In particular, perceived general disapproval was strongly correlated with all outcome measures, whereas recognition was not significantly related to PTSD or CG (intrusion and avoidance).

Conclusion:

Family members of patients who use assisted suicide may hesitate to disclose the manner of death, and the community and societal environment may express strong views concerning the end-of-life decision. This can lead to increased levels of PTSD and CG.
Delivering better forms of work organization: Comparing vocational teachers in England, Wales and Norway
Authors: Lloyd Caroline , Payne Jonathan
Published: May 2011

The article explores the claim that Scandinavian countries have been able to support forms of work organization which afford employees higher levels of autonomy and control, compared with liberal market economies, such as the UK. Focusing upon the experience of vocational teachers in England, Wales and Norway, the article compares levels of autonomy, discretion and decision-making influence. The research finds evidence that Norway is indeed distinctive, and that both the institutional and policy context, alongside the actions of trade unions, are crucial in explaining the differences found.
Explaining Fertility Norms in the Netherlands
Authors: Noordhuizen Suzanne , de Graaf Paul M. , Sieben Inge
Published: May 2011

This study advances our understanding of fertility norms by examining whether fertility norms remain stable over time. In addition, this article also investigates whether these norms are influenced by (a) sociodemographic background characteristics; (b) fertility norms of close family members: partners, siblings, parents, and children; and (c) life course events. Two waves of the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study (NKPS) are used. This data set contains multi-actor data: family members are interviewed separately. First, analyses revealed that fertility norms are quite stable over time. Second, fertility norms appeared to be related to respondent’s educational level and religious socialization. Furthermore, life course transitions are an explanation for holding (in)tolerant fertility norms as well; for example, gaining a partner increases one’s pronatalism level, whereas losing a partner between the two waves causes a decrease in pro-childbearing views. Finally, fertility norms held by the kin network matter, but only to a limited degree.
Manganese Toxicity in a Child With Iron Deficiency and Polycythemia
Authors: Brna Paula , Gordon Kevin , Dooley Joseph M. , Price Victoria
Published: May 2011

A previously healthy 5-year-old girl presented with pica, emotional lability, and marked gait abnormalities. She had concurrent severe iron deficiency and polycythemia. Her magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed increased signal in the basal ganglia on T1-weighted images consistent with manganese neurotoxicity. Manganism was subsequently confirmed as her blood manganese levels were extremely elevated. Chelation therapy resulted in improvement in her mobility but she continues to have significant gait impairment. An epidemiological investigation identified well water as the potential source of manganese exposure for our patient, but to date, we have been unable to identify the nature of her neurotoxic susceptibility.
Novel FDG-PET Findings in Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis
Authors: Maqbool Mohsin , Oleske Deanna A. , Huq A. H. M. , Salman Bassel A. , Khodabakhsh Kevin , Chugani Harry T.
Published: May 2011

The clinical manifestation and nuclear imaging findings in a 15-year-old boy with anti- N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis are described in this case report. The previously healthy patient presented with new onset hallucinations, seizure, and within a week, his mental status rapidly deteriorated to nonverbal with oro-lingual-facial dyskinesias. An extensive laboratory work-up for encephalopathy was negative. Repeated brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies were normal. On day 26 of admission, nuclear imaging using fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) showed global hypometobolism with a prominent focally intense hypermetabolic lesion in the right cerebellar cortex. Diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis was confirmed with quantitative serology. The patient showed clinical signs of improvement after 2 courses of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy over 4 weeks. On day 46, repeat brain FDG-PET showed overall improvement but in contrast to the previous, the right cerebellar cortex showed focal hypometabolism. This is the first reported case of such findings using FDG-PET in anti-NMDAR encephalitis.
The Impact of Living Wage Laws on Urban Economic Development Patterns and the Local Business Climate: Evidence From California Cities
Authors: Lester T. William
Published: May 2011

Traditional local economic development policies entice private businesses to create high-paying jobs in a given jurisdiction through direct subsidies or by projecting a positive “business climate” within regional and global arenas. Since 1994 however, living wage ordinances have emerged as an alternative response to labor market polarization in urban areas. However, these laws raise labor costs for employers and may thus reduce economic growth. This article advances the empirical literature on living wage impacts through the use of a novel data set—the National Establishment Time Series—to track employment and establishment growth at the city level among directly affected employers (e.g., government contractors), as well as other establishments that may be indirectly signaled by a change in the local political environment. Using panel regression models that account for structural differences between living wage and non—living wage cities, this article finds that living wage laws have no significant impact on employment or establishment growth. Additionally, this article finds no evidence that living wage laws “signal” businesses about a potentially harmful change in the local business climate.
Visual Perception of Thick Transparent Materials
Authors: Fleming Roland W. , Jäkel Frank , Maloney Laurence T.
Published: May 2011

Under typical viewing conditions, human observers readily distinguish between materials such as silk, marmalade, or granite, an achievement of the visual system that is poorly understood. Recognizing transparent materials is especially challenging. Previous work on the perception of transparency has focused on objects composed of flat, infinitely thin filters. In the experiments reported here, we considered thick transparent objects, such as ice cubes, which are irregular in shape and can vary in refractive index. An important part of the visual evidence signaling the presence of such objects is distortions in the perceived shape of other objects in the scene. We propose a new class of visual cues derived from the distortion field induced by thick transparent objects, and we provide experimental evidence that cues arising from the distortion field predict both the successes and the failures of human perception in judging refractive indices.
Olympic city bidding: An exegesis of power
Authors: Booth Douglas
Published: May 2011

In this article I analyse the bidding process to host the olympics as a complex set of power relationships between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and candidate cities. My analysis looks at both macro-political conditions and relationships and the micro-motives and psychological predilections of IOC members and the principals of candidate cities. Unlike traditional political studies that largely infer the goals and ambitions of individual members from the IOC’s collective interests, my approach considers the psychological basis of these interactions on its own terms. This interpretation loosely follows an interactive model of power and influence developed by Bertram Raven and grounded in political psychology. Importantly, the bidding process for olympic hosting rights provides insights into the omnipresent nature of power and its different forms that operate across macro- and micro-levels of society.
Continuum Damage-Healing Mechanics with Introduction to New Healing Variables
Authors: Voyiadjis George Z. , Shojaei Amir , Li Guoqiang , Kattan Peter
Published: May 2011

In this study, damage and healing mechanisms are discussed in detail with special emphasis given on two new healing variables. They are introduced in terms of healing variable based on area and healing variable based on elastic stiffness. The main objective of the introduced healing variables is to formulate the mechanical behavior of the self-healing materials and compensate the lack of physically consistent healing variables. Different healing mechanisms, existing in current self-healing systems, are characterized and for a uniaxial case of loading and isotropic material, the scalar healing variables are proposed. The performance of these new healing variables is examined for different damage-healing processes as well as coupled and uncoupled healing systems. The state of damage and healing is assumed to be isotropic for both damaged and healed states. The results show consistency with the basic concepts of the continuum damage mechanics in which introduced healing variables facilitate the self-healing materials characterization.
The Combinatorial BLAS: design, implementation, and applications
Authors: Buluç Aydın , Gilbert John R
Published: May 2011

This paper presents a scalable high-performance software library to be used for graph analysis and data mining. Large combinatorial graphs appear in many applications of high-performance computing, including computational biology, informatics, analytics, web search, dynamical systems, and sparse matrix methods. Graph computations are difficult to parallelize using traditional approaches due to their irregular nature and low operational intensity. Many graph computations, however, contain sufficient coarse-grained parallelism for thousands of processors, which can be uncovered by using the right primitives. We describe the parallel Combinatorial BLAS, which consists of a small but powerful set of linear algebra primitives specifically targeting graph and data mining applications. We provide an extensible library interface and some guiding principles for future development. The library is evaluated using two important graph algorithms, in terms of both performance and ease-of-use. The scalability and raw performance of the example applications, using the Combinatorial BLAS, are unprecedented on distributed memory clusters.
Dare I Write About Oppression on Sacred Ground [Emphasis Mine]
Authors: William-White Lisa
Published: May 2011

Autoethnography and Spoken Word1 are utilized here to describe the reaction of a Black female professor impacted by microaggresssions2 after publishing an autoethnographic chapter about multilayered oppression. This evocative performance narrative is created from journal entries, conversations, text messages, emails, and uses the process of sociological introspection to reconcile reactions emanating from dialogues. This work contributes to larger sociopolitical discourse on oppression in the academy, the implications, and professional dilemmas embedded in such talk when one dares to write about one’s own professional experiences. Additionally, this piece illustrates the conflicts inherent in Academic Freedom, perceptions of autoethnography, and the dilemma of representation in critical qualitative research traditions. Finally, this piece challenges the academy to consider the power of Spoken Word as a valuable method of storytelling; and, as an essential epistemology to enact and enliven representations of the self, and of others, with the greater purpose of engaging in activist 3 scholarship.
Crew Resource Management Training Research, Practice, and Lessons Learned
Authors: Salas Eduardo , Wilson Katherine A. , Burke C. Shawn , Wightman Dennis C. , Howse William R.
Published: May 2011

Crew resource management (CRM) training was introduced to the aviation community in 1979. Since then it has evolved and matured and is now being applied in a number of domains, including health care and offshore oil production. There is abundant literature resulting from research in the area, but there is no recent comprehensive review of the origins, current state, and future direction of CRM. The purpose of this chapter is to perform that review and provide the reader with an understanding of the research, practice, and training associated with CRM. We also provide a number of lessons learned based on the literature and our observations, as well as future needs of the community.
Protection and Enhancement of Hearing in Noise
Authors: Casali John G. , Gerges Samir N. Y.
Published: May 2011

Humans are subjected to noise in many occupational, military, transportation, recreational, and other settings, sometimes with attendant ill effects. Some noises may pose the threat of inducing hearing loss; most noises compromise one's ability to hear signals and other desirable sounds, as well as to communicate via speech. In this chapter, we review the role of noise in human hearing impairment and its effects on signal audibility and speech intelligibility, task performance, and nonauditory responses. Particular emphasis is paid to the needs of the human factors/ergonomics practitioner who is confronted with the objective of protecting individuals' hearing in noise, designing signals so that they are audible and recognizable, and in general, optimizing the use of the auditory sense under poor acoustic conditions. In addition to providing guidance and consensus standards for auditory danger signal design, we provide a review of new technologies in augmented hearing protection. These technologies are aimed at protecting the user's hearing in noise from injury while affording improved audibility for certain applications.
The prognostic significance of IDH2 mutations in AML depends on the location of the mutation
Authors: Green Claire L. , Evans Catherine M. , Zhao Lu , Hills Robert K. , Burnett Alan K. , Linch David C. , Gale Rosemary E.
Published: May 2011

We have investigated the prognostic significance of isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (IDH2) mutations in 1473 younger adult acute myeloid leukemia patients treated in 2 United Kingdom Medical Research Council trials. An IDH2 mutation was present in 148 cases (10%), 80% at R140 and 20% at R172. Patient characteristics and outcome differed markedly between the 2 mutations. IDH2R140 significantly correlated with nucleophosmin mutations (NPM1MUT), whereas IDH2R172 cases generally lacked other molecular mutations. An IDH2R140 mutation was an independent favorable prognostic factor for relapse (P = .004) and overall survival (P = .008), and there was no significant heterogeneity with regard to NPM1 or FLT3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3/ITD) genotype. Relapse in FLT3/ITDWTNPM1MUTIDH2R140 patients was lower than in favorable-risk cytogenetics patients in the same cohort (20% and 38% at 5 years, respectively). The presence of an IDH2R172 mutation was associated with a significantly worse outcome than IDH2R140, and relapse in FLT3/ITDWTNPM1WTIDH2R172 patients was comparable with adverse-risk cytogenetics patients (76% and 72%, respectively).
SCL-mediated regulation of the cell-cycle regulator p21 is critical for murine megakaryopoiesis
Authors: Chagraoui Hedia , Kassouf Mira , Banerjee Sreemoti , Goardon Nicolas , Clark Kevin , Atzberger Ann , Pearce Andrew C. , Skoda Radek C. , Ferguson David J. P. , Watson Steve P. , Vyas Paresh , Porcher Catherine
Published: May 2011

Megakaryopoiesis is a complex process that involves major cellular and nuclear changes and relies on controlled coordination of cellular proliferation and differentiation. These mechanisms are orchestrated in part by transcriptional regulators. The key hematopoietic transcription factor stem cell leukemia (SCL)/TAL1 is required in early hematopoietic progenitors for specification of the megakaryocytic lineage. These early functions have, so far, prevented full investigation of its role in megakaryocyte development in loss-of-function studies. Here, we report that SCL critically controls terminal megakaryocyte maturation. In vivo deletion of Scl specifically in the megakaryocytic lineage affects all key attributes of megakaryocyte progenitors (MkPs), namely, proliferation, ploidization, cytoplasmic maturation, and platelet release. Genome-wide expression analysis reveals increased expression of the cell-cycle regulator p21 in Scl-deleted MkPs. Importantly, p21 knockdown-mediated rescue of Scl-mutant MkPs shows full restoration of cell-cycle progression and partial rescue of the nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation defects. Therefore, SCL-mediated transcriptional control of p21 is essential for terminal maturation of MkPs. Our study provides a mechanistic link between a major hematopoietic transcriptional regulator, cell-cycle progression, and megakaryocytic differentiation.
Bone mineral density in adult survivors of childhood acute leukemia: impact of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and other treatment modalities
Authors: Le Meignen Marion , Auquier Pascal , Barlogis Vincent , Sirvent Nicolas , Contet Audrey , Simeoni Marie-Claude , Galambrun Claire , Poirée Marilyne , Chastagner Pascal , Play Barbara , Villes Virginie , Berbis Julie , Chambost Hervé , Bordigoni Pierre , Michel Gérard
Published: May 2011

Femoral and lumbar bone mineral densities (BMDs) were measured in 159 adults enrolled in the Leucémies de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent program, a French prospective multicentric cohort of childhood leukemia survivors. BMDs were expressed as Z-scores, and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to construct association models with potential risk factors. Mean age at evaluation and follow-up was 23 and 14.7 years, respectively. In the whole cohort, mean femoral Z-score was −0.19 ± 0.08. Two factors were associated with lower femoral BMD transplantation (−0.49 ± 0.15 vs −0.04 ± 0.10 in the chemotherapy group; P = .006) and female sex (−0.34 ± 0.10 vs −0.03 ± 0.13; P = .03). Among patients who received a transplant, the only significant risk factor was hypogonadism (−0.88 ± 0.16 vs −0.10 ± 0.23; P = .04). A slight reduction in lumbar BMD (mean Z-score, −0.37 ± 0.08) was detected in the whole cohort without difference between the transplantation and chemotherapy groups. Among patients who received a transplant, younger age at transplantation was correlated with a low lumbar BMD (P = .03). We conclude that adults who had received only chemotherapy for childhood leukemia have a slight reduction in their lumbar BMD and a normal femoral BMD. Patients who received a transplant with gonadal deficiency have a reduced femoral BMD which might increase the fracture risk later in life.
Understanding Streptococcus suis serotype 2 infection in pigs through a transcriptional approach
Authors: Liu Manli , Fang Liurong , Tan Chen , Long Tiansi , Chen Huanchun , Xiao Shaobo
Published: May 2011

Background

Streptococcus suisserotype 2 (S. suis2) is an important pathogen of pigs.S suis 2infections have high mortality rates and are characterized by meningitis, septicemia and pneumonia.S. suis2 is also an emerging zoonotic agent and can infect humans that are exposed to pigs or their by-products. To increase our knowledge of the pathogenesis of meningitis, septicemia and pneumonia in pigs caused byS. suis2, we profiled the response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC), brain and lung tissues to infection withS. suis2 strain SC19 using the Affymetrix Porcine Genome Array.

Results

A total of 3,002 differentially expressed transcripts were identified in the three tissues, including 417 unique genes in brain, 210 in lung and 213 in PBMC. These genes showed differential expression (DE) patterns on analysis by visualization and integrated discovery (DAVID). The DE genes involved in the immune response included genes related to the inflammatory response (CD163), the innate immune response (TLR2, TLR4, MYD88, TIRAP), cell adhesion (CD34, SELE, SELL, SELP, ICAM-1, ICAM-2, VCAM-1), antigen processing and presentation (MHC protein complex) and angiogenesis (VEGF), together with genes encoding cytokines (interleukins). Five selected genes were validated by qRT-PCR analysis.

Conclusions

We studied the response to infection withS. suis2 strain SC19 by microarray analysis. Our findings confirmed some genes identified in previous studies and discovered numerous additional genes that potentially function inS. suis2 infections in vivo. This new information will form the foundation of future investigations into the pathogenesis ofS. suis.
Identification of factors required for meristem function in Arabidopsis using a novel next generation sequencing fast forward genetics approach
Authors: Mokry Michal , Nijman Isaäc J , van Dijken Anja , Benjamins Rene , Heidstra Renze , Scheres Ben , Cuppen Edwin
Published: May 2011

Background

Phenotype-driven forward genetic experiments are powerful approaches for linking phenotypes to genomic elements but they still involve a laborious positional cloning process. Although sequencing of complete genomes now becomes available, discriminating causal mutations from the enormous amounts of background variation remains a major challenge.

Method

To improve this, we developed a universal two-step approach, named 'fast forward genetics', which combines traditional bulk segregant techniques with targeted genomic enrichment and next-generation sequencing technology

Results

As a proof of principle we successfully applied this approach to two Arabidopsis mutants and identified a novel factor required for stem cell activity.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that the 'fast forward genetics' procedure efficiently identifies a small number of testable candidate mutations. As the approach is independent of genome size, it can be applied to any model system of interest. Furthermore, we show that experiments can be multiplexed and easily scaled for the identification of multiple individual mutants in a single sequencing run.
Clinical and molecular characterization of a transmitted reciprocal translocation t(1;12)(p32.1;q21.3) in a family co-segregating with mental retardation, language delay, and microcephaly
Authors: Liao Hsiao-Mei , Fang Jye-Siung , Chen Yann-Jang , Wu Kuang-Lun , Lee Kuei-Fang , Chen Chia-Hsiang
Published: May 2011

Background

Chromosome translocation associated with neurodevelopmental disorders provides an opportunity to identify new disease-associated genes and gain new insight into their function. During chromosome analysis, we identified a reciprocal translocation between chromosomes 1p and 12q, t(1; 12)(p32.1; q21.3), co-segregating with microcephaly, language delay, and severe psychomotor retardation in a mother and her two affected boys.

Methods

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), long-range PCR, and direct sequencing were used to map the breakpoints on chromosomes 1p and 12q. A reporter gene assay was conducted in human neuroblastoma (SKNSH) and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines to assess the functional implication of the fusion sequences between chromosomes 12 and 1.

Results

We determined both breakpoints at the nucleotide level. Neither breakpoint disrupted any known gene directly. The breakpoint on chromosome 1p was located amid a gene-poor region of ~ 1.1 Mb, while the breakpoint on chromosome 12q was located ~ 3.4 kb downstream of the ALX1 gene, a homeobox gene. In the reporter gene assay, we discovered that the fusion sequences construct between chromosomes 12 and 1 had a ~ 1.5 to 2-fold increased reporter gene activity compared with the corresponding normal chromosome 12 sequences construct.

Conclusion

Our findings imply that the translocation may enhance the expression of the ALX1 gene via the position effect and result in the clinical symptoms of this family. Our findings may also expand the clinical phenotype spectrum of ALX1-related human diseases as loss of the ALX1 function was recently reported to result in abnormal craniofacial development.
Relationships between stress, coping and depressive symptoms among overseas university preparatory Chinese students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chou Pi-Chi , Chao Yu-Mei Y , Yang Hao-Jan , Yeh Gwo-Liang , Lee Tony Szu-Hsien
Published: May 2011

Background

Mental health problems in young people are an important public health issue. Students leaving their hometown and family at a young age to pursue better educational opportunities overseas are confronted with life adjustment stress, which in turn affects their mental health and academic performance. This study aimed to examine the relationships among stress, coping strategies, and depressive symptoms using the stress coping framework in overseas Chinese university preparatory students in Taiwan.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at an overseas Chinese university preparatory institute in Taiwan. Of enrolled overseas Chinese university preparatory students at 2009, 756 completed a structured questionnaire measuring stress, strategies for coping with it, and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.

Results

High levels of stress significantly predicted the adoption of active, problem-focused coping strategies (R
2 = 0.13, p < .01) and passive, emotion-focused coping strategies (R
2 = 0.24, p < .01). Acceptable CFI, SRMR, and RMSEA values from the structural equation modeling analysis demonstrated that the model satisfactorily fits the stress coping framework, after active coping strategies were eliminated from the model. Results from the Sobel test revealed that passive coping strategies mediated the relation between stress and depressive symptoms (z = 8.06, p < .001).

Conclusion

Our study results suggested that stress is associated with coping strategies and depressive symptoms and passive strategies mediate the relation between stress and depressive symptoms in overseas Chinese university preparatory students.
Alterations of lipid metabolism in Wilson disease
Authors: Seessle Jessica , Gohdes Annina , Gotthardt Daniel Nils , Pfeiffenberger Jan , Eckert Nicola , Stremmel Wolfgang , Reuner Ulrike , Weiss Karl Heinz
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Wilson disease (WD) is an inherited disorder of human copper metabolism, characterised by accumulation of copper predominantly in the liver and brain, leading to severe hepatic and neurological disease. Interesting findings in animal models of WD (Atp7b-/- and LEC rats) showed altered lipid metabolism with a decrease in the amount of triglycerides and cholesterol in the serum. However, serum lipid profile has not been investigated in large human WD patient cohorts to date.

Patients and Methods

This cohort study involved 251 patients examined at the Heidelberg and Dresden (Germany) University Hospitals. Patients were analysed on routine follow-up examinations for serum lipid profile, including triglycerides, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). Data on these parameters at time of diagnosis were retrieved by chart review where available. For statistical testing, patients were subgrouped by sex, manifestation (hepatic, neurological, mixed and asymptomatic) and treatment (D-penicillamine, trientine, zinc or combination).

Results

A significant difference in total serum cholesterol was found in patients with hepatic symptoms, which diminished under therapy. No alterations were observed for HDL, LDL and triglycerides.

Conclusion

Contradictory to previous reports using WD animal models (Atp7b-/- and LEC rats), the most obvious alteration in our cohort was a lower serum cholesterol level in hepatic-affected patients, which might be related to liver injury. Our data suggested unimpaired cholesterol metabolism in Wilson disease under therapy, independent of the applied medical treatment.
Bilateral dilation of the urinary tract due to iliopsoas pyomyositis: a case report
Authors: Tsiakalos Aristotelis , Georgiadou Sarah P , Anastasiou Ioannis , Sipsas Nikolaos V , Tzioufas Athanasios
Published: May 2011

Introduction

Pyomyositis is an acute bacterial infection of the skeletal muscles that arises from hematogenous spread and is caused predominantly by Gram-positive cocci.

Case presentation

We report a case of iliopsoas pyomyositis in a 25-year-old Greek Caucasian woman with a history of intravenous drug use. Her condition was complicated by bilateral dilation of the ureters and renal calyces as a result of mechanical pressure from inflammation and edema of the involved muscle. The patient did not present aggravation of renal function and was treated successfully solely with intravenous antibiotics, without surgical intervention. This is the first case report describing iliopsoas pyomyositis with reversible bilateral dilation of the urinary tract that was treated successfully with intravenous antibiotics, without surgical intervention.

Conclusion

We present the first described case of iliopsoas pyomyositis with reversible bilateral hydroureteronephrosis that was treated successfully with intravenous antibiotics, without the necessity of surgical intervention. To our knowledge, this is the first report of its kind in the literature regarding an unexpected event in the course of treating a patient with iliopsoas pyomyositis, and it should be of particular interest to different clinical medical specialties such as internal medicine, infectious disease and urology.
Performance of a dipstick dye immunoassay for rapid screening of Schistosoma japonicum infection in areas of low endemicity
Authors: Xu Jing , Feng Ting , Lin Dan-Dan , Wang Qi-Zhi , Tang Li , Wu Xiao-Hua , Guo Jia-Gang , Peeling Rosanna W , Zhou Xiao-Nong
Published: May 2011

Background

The dipstick dye immunoassay (DDIA), recently commercially available in the People's Republic of China (P.R. China), is a rapid and simple test to detect human antibodies against Schistosoma Japonicum. Its performance and utility for screening schistosome infection in low endemic areas is little known. We therefore carried out a cross-sectional survey in seven villages with low endemicity of schistosomiasis in P.R. China and assessed the performance and utility of DDIA for diagnosis of schistosomiasis. Stool samples were collected and examined by the Kato-Katz method and the miracidium hatching technique. Serum samples, separated from whole blood of participants, were tested by DDIA.

Results

6285 individuals aged 6-65 years old participated in this study, with a prevalence of schistosomiasis of 4.20%. Using stool examination as a gold reference standard, DDIA performed with a high overall sensitivity of 91.29% (95% CI: 87.89-94.69%) and also a high negative predictive value, with a mean value of 99.29% (95% CI: 98.99-99.58%). The specificity of DDIA was only moderate (53.08%, 95% CI: 51.82-54.34%). Multivariate analysis indicated that age, occupation and history of schistosome infection were significantly associated with the false positive results of DDIA.

Conclusions

DDIA is a sensitive, rapid, simple and portable diagnostic assay and can be used as a primary approach for screening schistosome infection in areas of low endemicity. However, more sensitive and specific confirmatory assays need to be developed and combined with DDIA for targeting chemotherapy accurately.
Intellectual Property
Authors: Walker David A.
Published: May 2011

The Intellectual Property department in each issue of Geophysics provides U.S. patent abstracts, published patent abstracts of U.S. patent applications, and published abstracts filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
A translational continuum of model systems for evaluating treatment strategies in Alzheimer’s disease: isradipine as a candidate drug
Authors: Copenhaver Philip F. , Anekonda Thimmappa S. , Musashe Derek , Robinson Kristine M. , Ramaker Jenna M. , Swanson Tracy L. , Wadsworth Teri L. , Kretzschmar Doris , Woltjer Randall L. , Quinn Joseph F.
Published: May 2011

A growing body of evidence supports the ‘calcium hypothesis’ of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which postulates that a variety of insults might disrupt the homeostatic regulation of neuronal calcium (Ca2+) in the brain, resulting in the progressive symptoms that typify the disease. However, despite ongoing efforts to develop new methods for testing therapeutic compounds that might be beneficial in AD, no single bioassay permits both rapid screening and in vivo validation of candidate drugs that target specific components of the Ca2+ regulatory machinery. To address this issue, we have integrated four distinct model systems that provide complementary information about a trial compound: the human neuroblastoma MC65 line, which provides an in vitro model of amyloid toxicity; a transgenic Drosophila model, which develops age-dependent pathologies associated with AD; the 3×TgAD transgenic mouse, which recapitulates many of the neuropathological features that typify AD; and the embryonic nervous system of Manduca, which provides a novel in vivo assay for the acute effects of amyloid peptides on neuronal motility. To demonstrate the value of this ‘translational suite’ of bioassays, we focused on a set of clinically approved dihydropyridines (DHPs), a class of well-defined inhibitors of L-type calcium channels that have been suggested to be neuroprotective in AD. Among the DHPs tested in this study, we found that isradipine reduced the neurotoxic consequences of β-amyloid accumulation in all four model systems without inducing deleterious side effects. Our results provide new evidence in support of the Ca2+ hypothesis of AD, and indicate that isradipine represents a promising drug for translation into clinical trials. In addition, these studies also demonstrate that this continuum of bioassays (representing different levels of complexity) provides an effective means of evaluating other candidate compounds that target specific components of the Ca2+ regulatory machinery and that therefore might be beneficial in the treatment of AD.
An assessment of patient information channels and knowledge of physical activity and nutrition during pregnancy
Authors: Ferraro Zach , Rutherford Jane , Keely Erin J , Dubois Lise , Adamo Kristi B
Published: May 2011

Background

Excessive weight gain during pregnancy increases the risk for obesity in mother and child. Healthy eating and physical activity may help prevent excessive gestational weight gain and minimize offspring risk of developing obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Our goal was to determine the information channels used by pregnant women to obtain information on nutrition and exercise.

Methods

We collected information about their knowledge of physical activity and nutrition during pregnancy and assessed their satisfaction with this information to identify factors that may be improved upon when designing a behavioural intervention. An anonymous, voluntary questionnaire was completed by 147 pregnant women to identify the proportion who are currently receiving information about exercise from their care provider.

Results

The primarily Caucasian sample (age: 30.9 ± 4.2, weeks gestation: 21.4 ± 9.4) completed the survey. A total of 86% are willing to participate in a lifestyle intervention trial. Personal health and the health of their child were cited as top reasons for participation. Most women were not informed as to the importance of appropriate pregnancy-specific energy intake or made aware of their own personal healthy gestational weight gain targets. A total of 63% report receiving some form of information on physical activity during pregnancy. Of those who do not, almost all (93%) would like to receive this information from a care provider. Overall, 88% of women consider it safe to exercise when pregnant.

Discussion

Given their responses, nutrition and exercise information offered through a lifestyle intervention during pregnancy may increase healthy behaviours and warrants clinical investigation.
Contempt of Court Singapore-Style: Contemptuous of Critique
Authors: Tey Tsun Hang
Published: May 2011

Singapore's governing political leadership has always been sensitive towards political criticism. Civil defamation actions against opposition leaders and newspapers have been resorted to, leading to the evolution of Singapore's unique jurisprudence of political defamation that prioritizes generous protection of individual reputation, at the expense of freedom of speech. As a result, the Singapore judiciary on some occasions has been the subject of critique and critical reporting. This in turn leads to the evolution of Singapore's harsh jurisprudence of contempt of court—one that prioritizes the criminal punishment of such critical reporting, again at the expense of freedom of speech.
The Secret is out There: Searching for the Legal Justification for the Doctrine of Secret Trusts through Analysis of the Case Law
Authors: Allan G.W.
Published: May 2011

The doctrine of secret trusts, which appears to operate in defiance of the statutory formality requirements for testamentary dispositions, has proven notoriously difficult to justify, and an explanation reconciling the main authorities has consistently eluded commentators. Many of the academic opinions rely on widely accepted interpretations of a small number of authorities that have been designated as leading cases. The doctrine has, however, generated a substantial amount of case law, much of which is rarely or never cited in the literature. This paper seeks to provide a justification for the doctrine that is based on a thorough analysis of all of the available case law. It is argued that, once understood in their proper context, virtually all of the authorities can be reconciled with one another, and that a coherent justification for the enforcement of secret trusts can be gleaned.
’It May Be True, but How's it Helping?’: UK Police Detectives' Views of the Operational Usefulness of Offender Profiling’
Authors: Gekoski Anna , Gray Jacqueline M.
Published: May 2011

This study utilised qualitative semi-structured interviews with 11 detectives from a single UK police force, in an attempt to understand if, how, and why offender profiling can be operationally useful to police officers. Although some positive opinions were expressed, overall this study found the detectives to be dissatisfied customers of the service of offender profilers. Common complaints included profiles widening the field of investigation to unmanageable proportions in terms of suspects and cases, not telling police anything that they did not already know, profilers breaching the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, and advice being simply common sense or too general. Police also reported feeling pressurised into continued use, despite their scepticism.
Unfitness to Plead and the Vulnerable Defendant: An Examination of the Law Commission's Proposals for a New Capacity Test
Authors: Howard Helen
Published: May 2011

The Law Commission published Consultation Paper No. 197 in October 2010 on unfitness to plead. Among the many issues to be covered were: an examination of the test for capacity which is narrower than the test for capacity under the Mental Capacity Act 2005; the scope of the trial of facts; and whether accident, mistake or self-defence could be raised as part of the defence in the context of unfitness to plead. This article will examine some of the proposals made in the Law Commission's Consultation Paper with particular focus on the meaning of capacity, along with the scope and limitations of the current law on unfitness to plead.
Lizenzierung elektronischer Informationsquellen im Konsortium: Kosten und Nutzen am Beispiel des HeBIS Konsortiums
Authors: Wiesner Margot , Dugall Berndt
Published: May 2011

Elektronische Fachinformation wird unter den Dienstleistungen wissenschaftlicher Bibliotheken immer wichtiger. Während die unterschiedlichen Modelle der Beschaffung bekannt sind, aber hinsichtlich ihres „Wertes" sehr kontrovers beurteilt werden, sind auf der Nutzerseite noch viele Fragen offen. Am Beispiel des HeBIS Konsortiums wird nun versucht, Verhaltensmuster von Nutzern aufzuzeigen, Vor- und Nachteile von „cross access" darzustellen, sowie innerhalb eines Konsortiums die Frage einer „gerechten" Kostenverteilung eines Konsortiums kurz anzureißen.
qPCR as a tool to study basidiomycete colonization in wooden field stakes
Authors: Pilgård Annica , Alfredsen Gry , Björdal Charlotte G. , Fossdal Carl Gunnar , Børja Isabella
Published: May 2011

Molecular methods are emerging also as useful tools for wood protection studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) as a tool for investigating details of the colonization pattern of basidiomycete decay fungi in wood samples after 6 years of soil exposure. Samples of Pinus sylvestris L. (heartwood without treatment), furfurylated P. sylvestris sapwood and Cu-HDO treated P. sylvestris sapwood was in focus. The qPCR method based on basidiomycete DNA content in the wood had the highest sensitivity, while the ergosterol assay was more sensitive than the chitin assay. Visual rating was compared with laboratory analyses and was found to be correlating well with qPCR. This study demonstrates that qPCR in combination with microscopy provides relevant data about basidiomycete colonization in wooden material.
Binding affinities of different metal ions to unbleached hardwood kraft pulp
Authors: Su Pingping , Granholm Kim , Harju Leo , Ivaska Ari
Published: May 2011

No abstract available
Advances in adolescent research in the Chinese culture: reflections and future research directions
Authors: Shek Daniel T.L. , Sun Rachel C.F. , Merrick Joav
Published: May 2011

No abstract available
Elder lifelong learning, intergenerational solidarity and positive youth development: the case of Hong Kong
Authors: So Ka Man , Shek Daniel T.L.
Published: May 2011

Elder lifelong learning has been promoted worldwide under different modes for upgrading quality of life of elders and actualizing successful aging. With multiple objectives, some modes of the elder lifelong learning program attempt to simultaneously address the social issues of age-segregation and negative perceptions of older people by adopting an intergenerational approach. Such an approach links the two non-biological generations – the young and the old – together purposefully for nurturing intergenerational solidarity and integration. Although program evaluation studies demonstrate the positive impacts and effects of an intergenerational approach on older people, its impact on young people is not well-researched. This paper explores intergenerational solidarity generated from the intergenerational-mode elder lifelong learning program in Hong Kong and argues how it contributes to positive youth development.