bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel transmetalation reaction for electrolyte synthesis for rechargeable magnesium batteries
Authors: Zhao-Karger Zhirong , Mueller Jonathan E. , Zhao Xiangyu , Fuhr Olaf , Jacob Timo , Fichtner Maximilian
Published: June 2014

A straightforward synthesis of electrolyte solutions comprised of binuclear magnesium aluminate complexes without the need for organomagnesium compounds is established. The phenolate based electrolyte exhibits an anodic stability of up to 3.4 V, good ionic conductivity and air-stability.
Piperidinium tethered nanoparticle-hybrid electrolyte for lithium metal batteries
Authors: Korf Kevin S. , Lu Yingying , Kambe Yu , Archer Lynden A.
Published: June 2014

Piperidinium-based ionic liquid hybrid nanoparticle electrolytes exhibit exceptional ionic conductivity and smoothen lithium electrodeposition during recharge of lithium metal batteries.
A continuous point measure for quantifying skull deformation in medical diagnostics
Authors: Jelinek Herbert F. , Strachan Ben , O'Connor Bridget , Khandoker Ahsan
Published: June 2014

Deformational plagiocephaly (DP) manifests in a deformed skull primarily caused by retaining a constant sleeping position in infants. Manual measures of skull asymmetry based on MRI or CT scans combined with the cranial vault asymmetry index (CVAI) provides information on the extent of asymmetry. CVAI uses four points on the skull as markers for the asymmetry index but tends to underestimate the deformity because of the lack of sampling points. Computer‐based continuous‐point methods may be a more objective measure with better sensitivity for the skull contour. The outline of the skull circumference of infants with confirmed cranial deformity was obtained from the literature and analysed applying the mean bending energy (MBE) obtained from the Hermitian wavelet. MBE was shown to correlate with CVAI in the current sample and has the potential to add both quantitative and visual information in 2D or 3D space for the clinician to diagnose DP. Wavelet‐based continuous‐point estimation of skull asymmetry is a useful method as it is more sensitive to mild deformation anywhere along the skull outline and in assessing slow but progressive improvement as a result of treatment. The broader significance is that this method can be applied to other structural pathology analysis in clinical practice.
Adaptive control with convex saturation constraints
Authors: Yan Jin , dos Santos Davi Antônio , Bernstein Dennis S.
Published: June 2014

This study applies retrospective cost adaptive control to command following in the presence of multi‐variable convex input saturation constraints. To account for the saturation constraint, the authors use convex optimisation to minimise the quadratic retrospective cost function. The use of convex optimisation bounds the magnitude of the retrospectively optimised input and thereby influences the controller update to satisfy the control bounds. This technique is applied to a multi‐rotor helicopter with constraints on the total thrust magnitude and inclination of the rotor plane.
Salient region detection: an integration approach based on image pyramid and region property
Authors: Kong Lingfu , Duan Liangliang , Yang Wenji , Dou Yan
Published: June 2014

Salient region detection is important for many computer vision tasks. The saliency detection results may serve as the basis for further high‐level vision tasks like object segmentation and tracking. In this study, the authors propose an integration approach to detect salient region based on three principles from psychological evidence and observations of images, including colour contrast in a global context, spatially compact colour distribution, multi‐scale image abstraction. Based on the above‐mentioned principles, the authors’ saliency analysis approach can be formulated in a unified framework. Moreover, they introduce the weighted salient image centre into their saliency estimation model which can boost the performance of saliency detection. They have evaluated the results of their method on the two publicly available databases, including MSRA‐1000 and MSRA‐5000. The experimental results on the datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the approaches against the other approaches to analyse image saliency.
Cross‐switched multilevel inverter using auxiliary reverse‐connected voltage sources
Authors: Thamizharasan Sandirasegarane , Baskaran Jeevarathinam , Ramkumar Subburam , Jeevananthan Seenithangam
Published: June 2014

A new single‐phase H‐bridge multilevel inverter (MLI) topology constructed using auxiliary reverse‐connected voltage sources along with a hybrid pulse width modulation (PWM) strategy is proposed, to extract a variable frequency variable amplitude output voltage. The principle eschews an astute philosophy to employ PWM approach only for a particular H‐bridge that serves to produce the desired level while the remaining add‐on modules function with the theory of fundamental switching. It involves the use of reduced number of switching devices for a specific number of output voltage levels in comparison with conventional MLIs. The design of the hybrid PWM suitable to power the appropriate switches add strength to its formulation in the sense it requires only either addition or subtraction to generate the square wave modulated pulses for the power devices in the other units other than that responsible for offering the preferred level of output voltage. The MATLAB R2010b‐based simulated performance adequately validated through experimental results foresee the emergence of a new variety of MLIs and forge a different dimension for inverter interfaces in power control applications.
Unsupervised classification of polarimetric synthetic aperture radar interferometry using polarimetric interferometric similarity parameters and SPAN
Authors: Xu Liying , Li Shiqiang , Deng Yunkai , Wang Robert
Published: June 2014

In this study, a new unsupervised terrain classification method is proposed for L‐band polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (SAR) interferometry (PolInSAR) datasets. It can solve the misclassification problems caused by the inherent scattering characteristics of polarimetric SAR (PolSAR). Compared with PolSAR, PolInSAR is much more sensitive to the position and distribution of orientated scatterers. In this study, the polarimetric interferometric similarity parameter (PISP) is proposed to display this sensitivity. It is defined by three optimised scattering mechanisms obtained from PolInSAR datasets. Therefore, it closely relates to the coherent scattering mechanism, and makes use of the phase and amplitude's information. Combined with the scattering power SPAN, the PISP is used to divide the pixels into initial regions. Then, the optimal coherence set parameters A1 and A2 are used to distinguish target types in each region based on the number of independent coherent scattering mechanisms. At last, the clusters are merged based on scattering characteristics. The proposed method not only employs optimum coherence but also uses the information of optimum scattering mechanisms. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated using German Aerospace Center's (DLR) E‐SAR L‐band PolInSAR datasets.
FromSaturatoSatyre:François Rabelais and the Renaissance Appropriation of a Genre*
Authors: Renner Bernd
Published: June 2014

Renaissance satire has long been a neglected field of study, which is most likely due to the difficulty decoding its targets, to its nonliterary utilitarian purpose, and to the menace of invective that always hovers over the satirical metagenre. This study aims at two objectives: to retrace the formal development of early modern satire by showing how the blending of four disparate traditions — Romansatura,Greek satyr play, Menippean satire, and medieval popular theater — created a form that not only dominated the period, but also laid the groundwork for the development of the modern variants of satire. This pivotal moment in the history of satire then gives way to the second objective: a concrete illustration of this theoretical development in the four authentic Pantagrueline chronicles of François Rabelais, an ideal case study that will considerably enhance the understanding of early modern satire in all its implications and intricacies.
First Report of Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae Causing Downy Mildew on Spinach in Egypt
Authors: Correll J. C. , Feng C.
Published: June 2014

Downy mildew, caused by Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae (= P. effusa) is an economically important disease in most areas where spinach is grown. This disease has become increasingly important in intensive production fields for pre-packaged salad mixes where plant densities typically are very high (2). However, little is known about race diversity of the downy mildew pathogen of spinach in smaller (<1 ha) production areas. Small (~0.1 ha) spinach production fields in Fayoum, Egypt, often intercropped with lettuce, were examined in February 2013. Downy mildew was observed in three spinach fields in the Fayoum area. Most of the cultivars being grown were traditional cultivars commonly grown from locally produced open pollinated seed. Disease incidence was relatively low with only about 10% of the plants showing symptoms of infection. Symptoms of downy mildew were observed on the cultivar Meky, and included chlorotic spots with blue-gray sporulation on the underside of the symptomatic leaves. Microscopic examination revealed sporangia, measuring 20.2 × 30.5 μm, and monopodial sporangiaphores of 180 to 330 μm length matching the description of P. farinosa f. sp. spinaciae (1). In addition, the pathogen was identified by examination of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence, which had 100% identity to a 762-bp ITS sequence in GenBank of P. farinosa f. sp. spinaciae (Accession No. DQ643879.1). The Fayoum area of Egypt gets relatively low annual rainfall, typically <10 to 15 cm annually, often concentrated in the winter months of November to February, followed by very hot, dry summer months. Although downy mildew of spinach has been reported in Israel, adjacent to Egypt, the disease apparently is relatively rare in the arid Middle East (3). This is the first known report of downy mildew of spinach in Egypt.

References: (1) Y. Choi et al. Mycol. Res. 111:318, 2007. (2) J. C. Correll et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 2011. (3) T. Rayss. Palest. J. Bot. Jerusalem Ser. 1:313, 1938.
Contractile elements in muscular fascial tissue – implications for in‐vitro contracture testing for malignant hyperthermia
Authors: Hoppe K. , Schleip R. , Lehmann‐Horn F. , Jäger H. , Klingler W.
Published: June 2014

Malignant hyperthermia is a dreaded complication of general anaesthesia. Predisposed individuals can be identified using the standardised caffeine/halothane in‐vitro contracture test on a surgically dissected skeletal muscle specimen. Skeletal muscle is composed of muscle fibres and interwoven fascial components. Several malignant hyperthermia‐associated neuromuscular diseases are associated with an altered connective tissue composition. We analysed adjacent fascial components of skeletal muscle histologically and physiologically. We investigated whether the fascial tissue is sensitive to electrical or pharmacological stimulation in a way similar to the in‐vitro contracture test for diagnosing malignant hyperthermia. Using immunohistochemical staining, α‐smooth muscle actin‐positive cells (myofibroblasts) were detected in the epi‐, endo‐ and perimysium of human fascial tissue. Force measurements on isolated fascial strips after pharmacological challenge with mepyramin revealed that myofascial tissue is actively regulated by myofibroblasts, thereby influencing the biomechanical properties of skeletal muscle. Absence of electrical reactivity and insensitivity to caffeine and halothane suggests that, reassuringly, the malignant hyperthermia diagnostic in‐vitro contracture test is not influenced by the muscular fascial tissue.
Art and Labor in the Framing ofGuatemala's Dead
Authors: Torres M. Gabriela
Published: June 2014

InGuatemala, how did photographers work to represent atrocity? Did they think of the images of death they produced as art? As work? InGuatemala, visual narratives provided by the camera were often more successful than the bullet at creating a sense of political clarity that actively obfuscated the disruptive and destructive force of political violence. Graphic reporters, as photographic journalists called themselves, actively worked to give images of violence their own aesthetic narrative: a narrative they had to negotiate with their editors, print reporters and, most importantly, the intelligence and public affairs arms of theGuatemalanArmedForces. In staging and orienting their images – defining what story they would tell and what characters and motivations they would allow into their frame of vision – graphic reporters consciously engaged in the production of a complexly authored narrative aesthetic that came to represent both atrocity and their own work as artists.
Purinergic neuromuscular transmission in the gastrointestinal tract; functional basis for future clinical and pharmacological studies
Authors: Jiménez Marcel , Clavé Pere , Accarino Anna , Gallego Diana
Published: June 2014

Nerve‐mediated relaxation is necessary for the correct accomplishment of gastrointestinal (GI) motility. In the GI tract, NO and a purine are probably released by the same inhibitory motor neuron as inhibitory co‐transmitters. The P2Y1 receptor has been recently identified as the receptor responsible for purinergic smooth muscle hyperpolarization and relaxation in the human gut. This finding has been confirmed in P2Y1‐deficient mice where purinergic neurotransmission is absent and transit time impaired. However, the mechanisms responsible for nerve‐mediated relaxation, including the identification of the purinergic neurotransmitter(s) itself, are still debatable. Possibly different mechanisms of nerve‐mediated relaxation are present in the GI tract. Functional demonstration of purinergic neuromuscular transmission has not been correlated with structural studies. Labelling of purinergic neurons is still experimental and is not performed in routine pathology studies from human samples, even when possible neuromuscular impairment is suspected. Accordingly, the contribution of purinergic neurotransmission in neuromuscular diseases affecting GI motility is not known. In this review, we have focused on the physiological mechanisms responsible for nerve‐mediated purinergic relaxation providing the functional basis for possible future clinical and pharmacological studies on GI motility targeting purine receptors.
Beyond symptom control for attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): what can parents do to improve outcomes?
Authors: Tarver J. , Daley D. , Sayal K.
Published: June 2014

Attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its associated behavioural manifestations develop and progress as the result of complex gene‐environment interactions. Parents exert a substantial influence and play a major role in their child's social environment. Despite this, recent evidence has suggested that adapting the child's environment via parenting interventions has minimal effects on child ADHD symptoms when analysing data from informants who are probably blind to treatment allocation. However, adverse parenting and family environments may act as a source of environmental risk for a number of child outcomes beyond ADHD symptoms. This is a narrative review that critically discusses whether parenting interventions are beneficial for alternative functioning outcomes in ADHD including neuropsychological, academic and social functioning and disruptive behaviour and how parenting and familial environments may be associated with these outcomes. In addition, the review explores how parental depression and parenting efficacy impact on capacity for optimal parenting and whether parenting interventions benefit parents too. A review of the evidence suggests that with modification, parenting interventions are beneficial for a number of outcomes other than ADHD symptom reduction. Improving the parent–child relationship may have indirect benefits for disruptive behaviour. Furthermore, parenting behaviours may directly benefit child neuropsychological, academic and social functioning. Parenting interventions can have therapeutic benefits for parents as well as children, which is important as parent and child well‐being is likely to have a transactional relationship. Evaluation of the clinical success of parenting interventions should focus on a wider range of outcomes in order to aid understanding of the multifaceted benefits that they may be able to offer. Parenting interventions should not be seen as a redundant adjunct to medication in multi‐modal treatment approaches for ADHD; they have the potential to target outcomes that, at present, medication seems less able to improve.
Ethical Issues in Adolescents' Sexual and Reproductive Health Research in Nigeria
Authors: Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , Haire Bridget , Harrison Abigail , Odetoyingbo Morolake , Fatusi Olawunmi , Brown Brandon
Published: June 2014

There is increasing interest in the need to address the ethical dilemmas related to the engagement of adolescents in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) research. Research projects, including those that address issues related to STIs and HIV, adverse pregnancy outcomes, violence, and mental health, must be designed and implemented to address the needs of adolescents.

Decisions on when an individual has adequate capacity to give consent for research most commonly use age as a surrogate rather than directly assessing capacity to understand the issues and make an informed decision on whether to participate in research or not. There is a perception that adolescents participating in research are more likely to be coerced and may therefore not fully comprehend the risk they may be taking when engaging in research.

This paper examines the various ethical issues that may impact stakeholders' decision making when considering engaging adolescents in SRH research in Nigeria. It makes a case for lowering the age of consent for adolescents. While some experts believe it is possible to extrapolate relevant information from adult research, studies on ethical aspects of adolescents' participation in research are still needed, especially in the field of sexual and reproductive health where there are often differences in knowledge, attitudes and practices compared to adults. The particular challenges of applying the fundamental principles of research ethics to adolescent research, especially research about sex and sexuality, will only become clear if more studies are conducted.
Ministry as Womb and Tomb: Baptism as a Paradigm for Ministry
Authors: Norheim Bård Eirik Hallesby
Published: June 2014

This article rethinks a paradigm for ministry in a world in which a culture of choice is radically challenging sacramental, baptismal theology. Drawing on the two fundamental biblical metaphors for baptism—baptism as a womb (John 3) and a tomb (Rom 6)—the article tries to reimagine ministry emerging from these two metaphors. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of developing ministry by the use of this dialectic—ministry as both womb and tomb.
Sacramental Theology in a Consumer Society
Authors: Hoffmeyer John F.
Published: June 2014

Critics of consumerism frequently denounce it for being too materialistic. In fact, much consumer marketing appeals to desires that transcend the material. Marketers present material goods in a manner analogous to sacramental elements: a means of mediating an encounter with that which transcends the material. In a consumer society, it is important for Christian sacramental theology to distinguish itself from the quasi‐sacramental appeal of consumerism. One important way to do this is to emphasize that Christian sacramental theology honors and cherishes material mediations of the transcendent far more than consumerism does.
Regional‐scale characterization of the geomorphic control of the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon in cropland
Authors: Stevens F. , Bogaert P. , Van Oost K. , Doetterl S. , Van Wesemael B.
Published: June 2014

The heterogeneity of the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) at the landscape scale is generally not considered in regional or national SOC dynamics models. In cropland this heterogeneity is controlled largely by topography, which influences the distribution of water, energy and sediments, and thus the SOC dynamics. Sediment redistribution rates have increased strongly since the mechanization of agriculture. The over‐simplification of landscape processes in regional models of C dynamics may add to the uncertainty in C balances. Therefore, a better characterization of the importance of landscape‐scale effects on the SOC distribution throughout a region is needed. This study characterized the relative importance of geomorphology in the SOC horizontal and vertical variability across croplands in the Belgian loess belt region. A large legacy dataset of soil horizons was exploited together with 147 recently sampled profiles. Mean SOC depth profiles for different soil types were compared. Various topographic attributes were computed from a digital elevation model, and their influence on SOC was quantified through simple linear models. Finally, SOC content was mapped at three depth layers through multiple linear models, and results were cross‐validated. The legacy dataset allowed identification of significant differences in the mean SOC profile according to texture, drainage or profile development classes. A clear relationship between SOC content and topographic attributes was demonstrated, but only for the recently sampled profiles. This may be explained by a substantial error in the location of the profiles of the legacy dataset. This study thus shows evidence that the major control of the vertical distribution of SOC is related to topography in a region where observed heterogeneities for other commonly involved factors are limited. However, the large amount of unexplained variability still limits the usefulness of the spatial prediction of SOC content, and suggests the importance of additional influencing factors.
INTERTEXTUELLE STUDIEN ZUR KRIEGSHEIMKEHR: EIN HEURISTISCHER VERSUCH
Authors: Hahn Hans
Published: June 2014

The article examines the return of the soldier, based on three key texts with widely differing perspectives: Brecht's Trommeln in der Nacht, Hofmannsthal's Der Schwierige und Borchert's Draußen vor der Tür. The theme of homecoming exceeds that of the returning soldier since it includes a discussion of those who remained at home, recognising the important role of the female protagonists in reintegrating the homecoming soldier. In a heuristic procedure these texts will be thematically related to Homer's Odyssee. Based on Bakhtin's terminology of the dialogue of texts and a resulting multiplicity of meaning, an attempt is made to establish aspects of thematic overlapping which in turn may provide the tool for a typology of the plays’ subject‐matter which, however, would exceed generic considerations. Of special importance are examples of double coding, leading not only to the ambivalent fate of the returning soldier, but establishing also a double role of the protagonist as cuckold and suitor. Such features seem to prevent the development of other, potentially relevant plots, e.g. the Spartacist uprising in Trommeln, the marriage of Hans‐Karl in Der Schwierige and the successful homecoming of Beckmann in Draußen vor der Tür.
PATTERNS OF AUTHORSHIP: THE TRANSLATION OF CHRISTA WOLF'S KINDHEITSMUSTER
Authors: Summers Caroline
Published: June 2014

Christa Wolf is widely regarded as the most internationally successful writer to have emerged from the GDR. However, a definition of authorship as a discursively constructed function presumes shifts in authorial identity as texts cross discursive boundaries, rendering ‘international’ authorship a fragmented, unstable category. Emerging at the intersection of textual, individual and institutionalised realities, the author‐function is vulnerable to reshaping by a new receiving discourse. Intervention by agents in the translation process, on the textual level and in the interpretive frames provided by the paratexts that mediate between text and discourse, results in an understanding of the author that may exist in tension with her other discursive identities. Wolf's example shows that the translated author's function is subject to shift as it becomes dependent for its circulation on the institutions of a target culture: the author's East German identity and her relative absence from target‐culture discourse leave her vulnerable to appropriation by a powerful receiving discourse such as English‐speaking literary culture, and the author‐function that emerges has strongly influenced her international profile. Amongst Wolf's translated texts, the English translation of Kindheitsmuster (1976; A Model Childhood, 1980) demonstrates most clearly the discursive reformation of translated authorship.
IL‐23R gene polymorphism rs2201841 is associated with psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Popadic S. , Ramic Z. , Medenica Lj. , Pravica V. , Popadic D.
Published: June 2014

We examined rs2201841 within IL‐23R gene in Serbian patients with psoriasis and healthy controls. G allele frequency was significantly increased in the group of patients with psoriatic arthritis compared with controls (0.481 vs 0.308). Carriage of G allele increases risk to develop psoriatic arthritis (P = 0.009, OR = 3.311, 95% CI 1.29–8.70).
BASIC IDEAS FOR A COMPLETE SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME
Authors:   Inspectorate of Social Security of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance of Chile
Published: June 2014

The development of nationwide systems of social security continues to be the major preoccupation of legislators in many countries. The article below, which was prepared by the Social Security Inspectorate of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance of Chile at the beginning of last year, develops a basic outline of a national social security scheme corresponding to current requirements both from the point of view of the social security rights of the insured population and from the point of view of the present state of social security techniques. It will be recalled that, as far back as 1924, Chile was one of the first Latin American countries to introduce social security. The contribution to the modern theory of social security made in this article can be considered as typical of the latest trends in this field in the Latin American continent.
HIV Prevention and Social Desirability: Husband–Wife Discrepancies in Reports of Condom Use
Authors: Cordero‐Coma Julia , Breen Richard
Published: June 2014

Greater use of condoms within marriage would help limit the spread of HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa. Using data from the Malawi Diffusion and Ideational Change Project (MDICP), the authors examined the influence that the fidelity norm and the traditional association between marriage and reproduction have on condom use with a spouse. The sample included 749 married couples. The authors used latent class analysis to estimate a “true,” or latent measure of condom use by couples based on the individual reports of husbands and wives and to explore the reasons why individuals tend to misreport their use of condoms. They found that married couples with more children were more likely to use condoms and that having been informed by experts about AIDS prevention at home induced men and women to overreport condom use within marriage in a survey but may not necessarily increase the extent to which condoms are used.
Marriage Expectations Among African American Couples in Early Adulthood: A Dyadic Analysis
Authors: Barr Ashley B. , Simons Ronald L.
Published: June 2014

Using Family and Community Health Study data consisting of 168 unmarried, primarily African American couples, the current study sought to understand the dyadic interplay among school, work, and partner‐specific marriage expectations in early adulthood. Drawing on the economic prospects, adult transitions, and work–family literatures, the authors hypothesized and found ample support that expectations to marry a romantic partner were linked not only to one's own school and work‐related experiences but also to those of a partner. These associations held while controlling for relationship satisfaction, general views of marriage, and other covariates that have been posited to explain racial inequalities in relationship and marriage patterns. Furthermore, the authors found that actor covariates of marital expectations differed from partner covariates, a finding that highlights the advantages of dyadic analyses in helping researchers understand marriage as both a developmental and an interpersonal process.
The Burden of Deportation on Children in Mexican Immigrant Families
Authors: Dreby Joanna
Published: June 2014

In 2011, a record number of foreign‐born individuals were detained and removed from the United States. This article looks at the impact enforcement policies have had on Mexican families more broadly and children specifically. Drawing on interviews with 91 parents and 110 children in 80 households, the author suggests that, similar to the injury pyramid used by public health professionals, a deportation pyramid best depicts the burden of deportation on children. At the top of the pyramid are instances that have had the most severe consequences on children's daily lives: families in which a deportation has led to permanent family dissolution. But enforcement policies have had the greatest impact on children at the bottom of the pyramid. Regardless of legal status or their family members' involvement with immigration authorities, children in Mexican immigrant households describe fear about their family stability and confusion over the impact legality has on their lives.
Developmental Patterns in Marital Satisfaction: Another Look at Covenant Marriage
Authors: DeMaris Alfred , Sanchez Laura A. , Krivickas Kristi
Published: June 2014

This study investigated differences in the trajectory of marital satisfaction in the first 7 years between couples in covenant versus standard marriages. The authors analyzed data on 707 Louisiana marriages from the Marriage Matters Panel Survey of Newlywed Couples, 1998–2004, using multivariate longitudinal growth modeling. When the sample was restricted to couples who remained married over the duration of the study, a marginal benefit of covenant status was found for husbands. This effect was largely accounted for by covenant husbands' more extensive exposure to premarital counseling. The linear decline in marital satisfaction over time that obtained for both husbands and wives was not, however, any different for covenant marriages versus standard marriages. Couples characterized by more traditional attitudes toward gender roles were significantly less satisfied than others. High premarital risk factors, initial uncertainty about marrying the spouse, and the presence of preschool‐age children in the household were all corrosive of marital satisfaction at any given time.
The Stability of Same‐Sex Cohabitation, Different‐Sex Cohabitation, and Marriage
Authors: Lau Charles Q.
Published: June 2014

This study contributes to the emerging demographic literature on same‐sex couples by comparing the level and correlates of union stability among 4 types of couples: (a) male same‐sex cohabitation, (b) female same‐sex cohabitation, (c) different‐sex cohabitation, and (d) different‐sex marriage. The author analyzed data from 2 British birth cohort studies: the National Child Development Study (N = 11,469) and the 1970 British Cohort Study (N = 11,924). These data contain retrospective histories of same‐sex and different‐sex unions throughout young adulthood (age 16–34) from 1974 through 2004. Event‐history analyses showed that same‐sex cohabitations have higher rates of dissolution than do different‐sex cohabiting and marital unions. Among same‐sex couples, male couples had slightly higher dissolution rates than did female couples. In addition, same‐sex couples from the 1958 and 1970 birth cohorts had similar levels of union stability. The demographic correlates of union stability are generally similar for same‐sex and different‐sex unions.
Ambivalence Toward Adult Children: Differences Between Mothers and Fathers
Authors: Pillemer Karl , Munsch Christin L. , Fuller‐Rowell Thomas , Riffin Catherine , Suitor J. Jill
Published: June 2014

The authors examined how ambivalence toward adult children within the same family differs between mothers and fathers and whether patterns of maternal and paternal ambivalence can be explained by the same set of predictors. Using data collected in the Within‐Family Differences Study, they compared older married mothers' and fathers' (N = 129) assessments of ambivalence toward each of their adult children (N = 444). Fathers reported higher levels of ambivalence overall. Both mothers and fathers reported lower ambivalence toward children who were married, better educated, and who they perceived to hold similar values; however, the effects of marital status and education were more pronounced for fathers, whereas the effect of children's value congruence was more pronounced for mothers. Fathers reported lower ambivalence toward daughters than sons, whereas mothers reported less ambivalence toward sons than daughters.
Mexican‐Origin Mothers' and Fathers' Involvement in Adolescents' Peer Relationships: A Pattern‐Analytic Approach
Authors: Updegraff Kimberly A. , Perez‐Brena Norma J. , Baril Megan E. , McHale Susan M. , Umaña‐Taylor Adriana J.
Published: June 2014

Using latent profile analysis, the authors examined patterns of mother – father involvement in adolescents' peer relationships along three dimensions—support, guidance, and restrictions—in 240 Mexican‐origin families. Three profiles were identified: (a) High Mother Involvement (mothers higher than fathers on all three dimensions), (b) High Support/Congruent (mothers and fathers reported the highest levels of peer support and similar levels of guidance and restrictions), and (c) Differentiated (more guidance and restrictions by fathers than by mothers, similar levels of parent support). These profiles were linked to mothers' and fathers' familism values, traditional patriarchal gender role attitudes, and socioeconomic status and to adolescents' friendship intimacy and risky behaviors measured longitudinally from early to late adolescence. Adolescent gender moderated the linkages between parents' involvement in adolescents' peer relationships and youth adjustment.
Methods for Handling Missing Secondary Respondent Data
Authors: Young Rebekah , Johnson David
Published: June 2014

Secondary respondent data are underutilized because researchers avoid using these data in the presence of substantial missing data. The authors reviewed, evaluated, and tested solutions to this problem. Five strategies of dealing with missing partner data were reviewed: (a) complete case analysis, (b) inverse probability weighting, (c) correction with a Heckman selection model, (d) maximum likelihood estimation, and (e) multiple imputation. Two approaches were used to evaluate the performance of these methods. First, the authors used data from the National Survey of Fertility Barriers (n = 1,666) to estimate a model predicting marital quality based on characteristics of women and their husbands. Second, they conducted a simulation testing the 5 methods and compared the results to estimates where the true value was known. They found that the maximum likelihood and multiple imputation methods were advantageous because they allow researchers to utilize all of the available information as well as produce less biased and more efficient estimates.
Family of Origin, Race/Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Attainment: Genotype and Intraindividual Processes
Authors: Wickrama K. A. S. , O'Neal Catherine Walker
Published: June 2014

Previous research has mainly focused on the persistent direct influence of early life contexts on young adult socioeconomic attainment, and less is known about intraindividual processes that are responsible for this persistent influence. The present study, using genetically informed longitudinal, prospective data from a nationally representative sample (Add Health), attempted to fill this gap by adding three important findings to the literature: (a) Adolescents experiencing adverse family contexts during childhood and early adolescence showed lower socioeconomic attainment in early adulthood than adolescents from less adverse family contexts, (b) adolescent academic and cognitive competencies and psychological vulnerabilities partially mediated these persistent influences, and (c) individual cumulative genetic characteristics additively and interactively influenced adolescent competencies and vulnerabilities as well as young adult socioeconomic attainment. The results demonstrate that although substantial continuity exists in early adversities, individual genetic variability is a factor that influences individuals' response to early socioeconomic conditions.
Mechanochemical Synthesis of Cerium Monosulfide
Authors: Alanko Gordon A. , Butt Darryl P.
Published: June 2014

Cerium sulfides were prepared by high‐energy milling of cerium and sulfur. The reaction kinetics were observed by monitoring temperature and pressure in situ. For the first time, it is demonstrated that cerium monosulfide, which has historically been produced only at very high temperatures using both toxic and flammable gases, can be produced from a stoichiometric mixture of the elemental powders at near room temperature. It is shown that the monosulfide is produced through a mechanochemically induced self‐propagating reaction of intermediate compounds.
Genetic variation in the ovine uncoupling protein 1 gene: association with carcass traits in New Zealand (NZ) Romney sheep, but no association with growth traits in either NZ Romney or NZ Suffolk sheep
Authors: Yang G. , Forrest R. , Zhou H. , Hodge S. , Hickford J.
Published: June 2014

The uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) plays an important role in the regulation of lipolysis and thermogenesis in adipose tissues. Genetic variation within three regions (the promoter, intron 2 and exon 5) of the ovine UCP1 gene (UCP1) was investigated using polymerase chain reaction‐single‐strand conformational polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) analyses. These revealed three promoter variants (designated A, B and C) and two intron 2 variants (a and b). The association of this genetic variation with variation in lamb carcass traits and postweaning growth was investigated in New Zealand (NZ) Romney and Suffolk sheep. The presence of B in a lamb's genotype was associated with decreased subcutaneous carcass fat depth (V‐GR) (p = 0.004) and proportion of total lean meat yield of loin meat (p = 0.005), and an increased proportion of total lean meat yield of hind‐leg meat (p = 0.018). In contrast, having two copies of C was associated with increased V‐GR (p < 0.001) and proportion of total lean meat yield of shoulder meat (p = 0.009), and a decreased hind‐leg yield (p = 0.032). No associations were found with postweaning growth. These results suggest that ovine UCP1 is a potential gene marker for carcass traits.
Effect of Twist and Bmi1 on intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas
Authors: Ishikawa Daichi , Shimada Mitsuo , Utsunomiya Tohru , Morine Yuji , Imura Satoru , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Arakawa Yusuke , Kanamoto Mami , Iwahashi Shuichi , Saito Yu , Yamada Shinichiro , Miyake Hidenori
Published: June 2014

Background

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is a well‐established entity among pancreatic neoplasms that ranges from low‐grade dysplasia to invasive carcinoma. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to tumor progression in various cancers. Moreover, Notch signaling is one of the important upstream effectors of EMT promotion. Currently, it is unclear whether EMT causes pathological progression of IPMN.

Aim

We evaluated the expression of EMT‐promoting transcription factors Twist and B cell‐specific Moloney murine leukemia virus insertion site 1 (Bmi1) in IPMN.

Methods

Patients who underwent resections at our institute and its affiliated hospital were enrolled in this study (n = 35). Protein expression of EMT markers Twist, Bmi1, Jagged1, and E‐cadherin in resected specimens was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Expression of these proteins was compared with the clinicopathological factors and patient survival.

Results

Positive expression of Twist and Bmi1 was observed in 40.0% and 42.9% of IPMNs, respectively. Twist and Bmi1 expression was significantly higher in IPMNs with high‐grade dysplasia (P < 0.05) and invasive carcinoma (P < 0.05) than that in IPMNs with low‐grade dysplasia. High expression of Twist was correlated with Jagged1 expression and inversely correlated with expression of E‐cadherin (P = 0.06 and P < 0.05, respectively). In survival analyses, the recurrence rate was significantly higher in the group that showed simultaneous high expression of Twist and Bmi1 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Expression of Twist and Bmi1 is associated with aggressiveness and poor prognoses of IPMN through EMT promotion that might be induced by Notch signaling.
Protective effect of red orange extract supplementation against UV‐induced skin damages: photoaging and solar lentigines
Authors: Puglia Carmelo , Offerta Alessia , Saija Antonella , Trombetta Domenico , Venera Cardile
Published: June 2014

Background

Exposure of the skin to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiations causes important oxidative damages that result in clinical and hystopathological changes, contributing to premature skin aging. Hyperpigmented lesions, also known as age spots, are one of the most visible alterations in skin photoaging. Skin is naturally equipped with antioxidant systems against UV‐induced ROS generation; however, these antioxidant defenses are not completely efficient during exposure to sunlight. Oral antioxidants are able to counteract the harmful effects of UV radiation and to strengthen the physiological skin antioxidant defenses.

Aims

The present study was performed to evaluate the in vivo skin photo‐protecting and anti‐aging effects of a red orange (Citrus sinensis varieties Moro, Tarocco and Sanguinello) extract supplementation. Previous studies showed that red orange extracts possess strong in vitro free radical scavenging/antioxidant activity and photo‐protective effects on human skin.

Materials/Methods

The photo‐protective effects of red orange extract intake against UV‐induced skin erythema and melanin production in solar lentigo was evaluated on healthy volunteers by an objective instrumental method (reflectance spectrophotometry).

Results

Data obtained from in vivo studies showed that supplementation of red orange extract (100 mg/daily) for 15 days brought a significant reduction in the UV‐induced skin erythema degree. Moreover, skin age spots pigmentation (melanin content) decreased from 27% to 7% when subjects were exposed to solar lamp during red orange extract supplementation.

Conclusions

Red orange extract intake can strengthen physiological antioxidant skin defenses, protecting skin from the damaging processes involved in photo‐aging and leading to an improvement in skin appearance and pigmentation.
DNA photoprotection conveyed by sunscreen
Authors: DeHaven Charlene , Hayden Patrick J , Armento Alexander , Oldach Jonathan
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Skin photoaging is the consequence of solar UV exposure, and DNA damage is an important part of this process. The objective of the current work was to demonstrate that in vitro skin models can be utilized to confirm that DNA damage protection is provided by sunscreens.

Methods

Skin equivalents were exposed to full‐spectrum UV light administered with a standard research solar simulator with and without pre‐application of sunscreen. Cyclopyrimidine dimer (CPD) and sunburn cell (SBC) formation as well as CPD quantitation were evaluated to determine DNA damage protection provided by the sunscreen.

Results

Marked decreases in both CPDs and SBCs were observed when sunscreen was applied prior to UV exposure.

Conclusions

Sunscreen application prior to full‐spectrum solar UV exposure protects DNA from photodamage measured by CPD and SBC formation. This can be expected to lessen the risk of photoaging and malignant transformation.
“Life Still Isn't Fair”: Parental Differential Treatment of Young Adult Siblings
Authors: Jensen Alexander C. , Whiteman Shawn D. , Fingerman Karen L. , Birditt Kira S.
Published: June 2014

Parental differential treatment has been linked to individual well‐being and sibling relationship quality in childhood, adolescence, and middle adulthood but has not been examined in young adulthood. Data were collected from 151 pairs of young adult siblings (N = 302, M age = 23.90, SD = 5.02). Two siblings in each family reported on treatment from mothers and fathers, depressive symptoms, and sibling relationship quality. Using multilevel modeling, analyses examined the role of favoritism and the magnitude of differential treatment from both mothers and fathers. Offspring who reported receiving less support relative to their sibling (i.e., less favored) reported more depressive symptoms. Greater amounts of differential treatment were associated with less sibling intimacy. Several associations, however, varied by parent gender, sibling gender composition, and the magnitude of differential treatment. The results suggest that favoritism and magnitude of differential treatment from both mothers and fathers are salient in young adulthood.
Policymakers' Use of Social Science Research: Looking Within and Across Policy Actors
Authors: Bogenschneider Karen , Little Olivia M. , Johnson Kristen
Published: June 2014

Evidence‐informed policy creates the conditions for families to perform the functions they provide for their members and society. To increase research utilization in policymaking, we must better understand policymakers and the professional and institutional cultures in which they operate. This exploratory cluster analysis examined within‐group differences in valuing, seeking, and use of social science research among 68 legislative staffers and 56 high‐ranking officials from 8 family‐serving executive agencies in Wisconsin. The findings are compared with a parallel study of 109 legislators from New York and Wisconsin. Among all 3 policy actors, a substantial proportion highly value research, actively seek it, and frequently use it in policy decisions; these Enthusiastic High Users of research are more attuned to political considerations compared to other clusters. Enthusiastic High Users in the legislative institution place a higher priority on innovative and action‐oriented research, whereas those in the agency institution prioritize the quality of research.
Perceived Economic Uncertainty and Fertility: Evidence From a Labor Market Reform
Authors: Hofmann Barbara , Hohmeyer Katrin
Published: June 2014

Whereas in theory individuals tend to postpone fertility decisions in times of economic uncertainty, empirical evidence on that question is scarce. Using data from the German Socio‐Economic Panel (N = 4,548), the authors estimated the effect of economic concerns on the probability of becoming pregnant in the next year. They exploited exogenous variation in economic concerns induced by the announcement of a major German unemployment benefit reform as an instrumental variable and found that strong economic concerns were significantly related to lower fertility of women between ages 26 and 44 years cohabiting with a male partner. Jointly estimating the impact of male and female concerns in a model that allows for endogeneity of perceived economic uncertainty revealed that it was strong economic concerns perceived by the women that reduced fertility. The effect was driven by male main breadwinner couples, by couples with a medium household income, and by couples who already had children.