bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ichnological evidence for small quadrupedal ornithischians from the basal Cretaceous of SE Asia and North America: implications for a global radiation
Authors: Lockley Martin G. , McCrea Richard T. , Matsukawa Masaki
Published: May 2009

Tracks of small quadrupedal ornithischians with five manual and four pedal digits have been recorded from sedimentary rocks near the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (Tithonian–Berriasian) boundary in NE Thailand and British Columbia. These are compared with larger tracks of gracile, quadrupedal ornithopods from the earliest Cretaceous of Spain and smaller tracks of a quadruped of unknown age from Zimbabwe. The Thai and Canadian tracks are similar to the Early Jurassic (Liassic) ichnogenus
Anomoepus
and the small ornithopod tracks from the Late Jurassic of Spain. They are the only known post-Liassic ornithischian tracks in which up to five discrete manus digit impressions are clearly visible. Based on strong heteropody (manus much smaller than pes) in all cases we infer an ornithopod trackmaker rather than another ornithischian. The scattered, but widespread earliest Cretaceous occurrence of this ichnotaxon, herein assigned to
Neoanomoepus perigrinatus
ichnogen. and ichnosp. nov., on the basis of type material from Canada, suggests that these hitherto unknown earliest Cretaceous ichnofaunas may represent a radiation of small basal ornithopods (pes length less than 15 cm), appearing before the widespread radiation of large ornithopods (pes length up to 60 cm or more) later in the Neocomian (Valanginian–Barremian), Aptian–Albian and Late Cretaceous. The primitive condition of the trackmaker is indicated by the pedal and manual morphology, which consists of four and five digits respectively that are not enclosed by well-developed fleshy padding or integument. In contrast, all larger Cretaceous ornithopod tracks, mostly from post-Berriasian strata, have only three pedal digits enclosed in fleshy pads and a manus in which all functional digits are reduced and enclosed by substantial flesh.
Late Palaeozoic and Mesozoic tectonic and palaeogeographical evolution of SE Asia
Authors: Metcalfe Ian
Published: May 2009

SE Asia comprises a collage of continental terranes derived directly or indirectly from the India–Australian margin of eastern Gondwana. The Late Palaeozoic and Mesozoic evolution of the region involved the rifting and separation of three elongate continental slivers from eastern Gondwana and the successive opening and closure of three ocean basins, the Palaeo-Tethys, Meso-Tethys and Ceno-Tethys. The Sukhothai Island Arc System, including the Linchang, Sukhothai and Chanthaburi terranes, is identified between the Sibumasu and Indochina–East Malaya terranes in SE Asia and was formed by back-arc spreading in the Permian. The Jinghong, Nan–Uttaradit and Sra Kaeo sutures represent the closed back-arc basin. The Palaeo-Tethys is represented to the west by the Changning–Menglian, Chiang Mai/Inthanon and Bentong–Raub suture zones. The West Sumatra and West Burma blocks rifted and separated from Gondwana, along with Indochina and East Malaya in the Devonian, and together with South China formed a composite terrane ‘Cathaysialand’ in the Permian. They were translated westwards to their positions outboard of the Sibumasu Terrane by strike-slip tectonics in the Late Permian–Early Triassic at the zone of convergence between the Meso-Tethys and Palaeo-Pacific plates. SW Borneo is tentatively identified as possibly being the missing ‘Argoland’ that separated from NW Australia in the Jurassic. Palaeogeographical reconstructions for the Late Palaeozoic and Mesozoic illustrating the tectonic and palaeogeographical evolution of SE Asia are presented.
Palynology and stratigraphy of the Mesozoic Khorat Group red bed sequences from Thailand
Authors: Racey Andrew , Goodall Jeffery G. S.
Published: May 2009

New palynological results are presented and integrated with previous data for the Mesozoic Khorat Group continental red bed succession of NE Thailand. The Khorat Group is traditionally considered to comprise, from bottom to top, the Nam Phong, Phu Kradung, Phra Wihan, Sao Khua, Phu Phan and Khok Kruat Formations. The group is unconformably overlain by the continental evaporitic Maha Sarakham Formation, which has been palynologically dated as mid-Albian–Cenomanian, therefore giving a minimum age for the underlying Khorat Group. Traditionally the Nam Phong Formation is considered to be Late Triassic, the Phu Kradung, Phra Wihan and Sao Khua Formations are assigned to the Jurassic, and the Phu Phan and Khok Kruat Formations to the Early Cretaceous. This age dating has mainly been based on plant macrofossil and vertebrate studies. Palynology supports the Late Triassic age for the Lower Nam Phong and underlying Huai Hin Lat Formations but suggests an Early Cretaceous (Berriasian–Barremian) age for the Phu Kradung, Sao Khua and Phra Wihan Formations, and an Aptian age for the Khok Kruat Formation. The Phu Phan has yet to yield useful age-diagnostic palynomorphs but must also be Early Cretaceous based on the age of the under- and overlying formations. The key palynomorph present for ascribing an Early Cretaceous age is
Dicheiropollis etruscus
, a taxon that is restricted to this age interval and has been found in the Phu Kradung (both at outcrop and in subsurface exploration wells), Phra Wihan and Sao Khua Formations. The lithostratigraphy and age of the Nam Phong Formation is, at present, still problematic. From subsurface seismic data it is clear that the Nam Phong Formation comprises two distinct units separated by an unconformity, referred to herein as the Lower and Upper Nam Phong Formations. The age of the Lower Nam Phong Formation based on palynology is Late Triassic (Rhaetian) whereas the age of the Upper Nam Phong Formation is poorly constrained but can be no older than Pliensbachian based on data from the Phu Horm-1 well. The absence of the Early Cretaceous marker
D. etruscus
may be taken as indirect evidence for a Jurassic age for the Upper Nam Phong Formation in the Phu Horm-1 well. This revised age dating suggests the presence of a significant depositional hiatus within the Nam Phong Formation, and consequently the Lower Nam Phong Formation should be removed from the Khorat Group. Overall the palynomorph assemblages of the Khorat Group are dominated by the gymnosperm pollen
Corollina
(synonymous with
Classopollis
) and
Dicheiropollis
, both of which belong to the Cheirolepidaceae and would indicate deposition in a warm, dominantly seasonally dry subtropical climate.
On the state of IP spoofing defense
Authors: Ehrenkranz Toby , Li Jun
Published: May 2009

IP source address spoofing has plagued the Internet for many years. Attackers spoof source addresses to mount attacks and redirect blame. Researchers have proposed many mechanisms to defend against spoofing, with varying levels of success. With the defense mechanisms available today, where do we stand? How do the various defense mechanisms compare? This article first looks into the current state of IP spoofing, then thoroughly surveys the current state of IP spoofing defense. It evaluates data from the Spoofer Project, and describes and analyzes host-based defense methods, router-based defense methods, and their combinations. It further analyzes what obstacles stand in the way of deploying those modern solutions and what areas require further research.
Retrieving XML data from heterogeneous sources through vague querying
Authors: Fazzinga Bettina , Flesca Sergio , Pugliese Andrea
Published: May 2009

We propose a framework for querying heterogeneous XML data sources. The framework ensures high autonomy to participating sources as it does not rely on a global schema or on semantic mappings between schemas. The basic intuition is that of extending traditional approaches for approximate query evaluation, by providing techniques for combining partial answers coming from different sources, possibly on the basis of limited knowledge about the local schemas (i.e., key constraints). We define a query language and its associated semantics, that allows us to collect as much information as possible from several heterogeneous XML sources. We provide algorithms for query evaluation and characterize the complexity of the query language. Finally, we validate the approach in a medical application scenario.
Analysis of single and networked auctions
Authors: Gelenbe Erol
Published: May 2009

Web-based computerized auctions are increasingly present in the Internet. We can imagine that in the future this trend will actually be extended to situations where virtual buyer and seller agents will conduct automated transactions across the network, and that large sectors of the economy may be strucured in this manner. The purpose of this article is to model automated bidders and sellers which interact through a network. We model the bidding process as a random arrival process while the price attained by a good is modeled as a discrete random variable. We obtain analytical solutions allowing us to compute the income from a single auction, or the income per unit time from a repeated sequence of auctions. A variety of single-auction models are studied, including English and Vickrey auctions, and the income per unit time is derived as a function of other parameters, including the rate of arrival of bids, the seller's decision time, the value of the good, and the “rest time” of the seller between successive auctions. We illustrate the results via numerical examples. We also introduce a model for networked auctions where bidders can circulate among a set of interconnected auctions which we call the Mobile Bidder Model (MBM). We obtain an analytical solution for the MBM under the assumption,which we call the “active bidders assumption,” that activities that are internal to an auction (bids and sales) are much more frequent than changes that occur in the number of bidders at each auction.
Quantitative Macroeconomics with Heterogeneous Households
Authors: Heathcote Jonathan , Storesletten Kjetil , Violante Giovanni L.
Published: May 2009

Macroeconomics is evolving from the study of aggregate dynamics to the study of the dynamics of the entire equilibrium distribution of allocations across individual economic actors. This article reviews the quantitative macroeconomic literature that focuses on household heterogeneity, with a special emphasis on the “standard” incomplete markets model. We organize the vast literature according to three themes that are central to understanding how inequality matters for macroeconomics. First, what are the most important sources of individual risk and cross-sectional heterogeneity? Second, what are individuals' key channels of insurance? Third, how does idiosyncratic risk interact with aggregate risk?
Left Atrial Volume and Geometry in Healthy Aging
Authors: Aurigemma Gerard P. , Gottdiener John S. , Arnold Alice M. , Chinali Marcello , Hill Jeffrey C. , Kitzman Dalane
Published: May 2009

Background—

The left atrium is a validated marker of clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease. Left atrial enlargement is often seen among older individuals; however, there are few population-based data regarding normal left atrial size among older persons, especially from those who are healthy, and from women. Furthermore, because the left atrium is a 3D structure, the commonly used parasternal long-axis diastolic diameter often underdiagnoses left atrial enlargement.

Methods and Results—

We evaluated left atrial size in 230 healthy participants (mean age, 76�5 years) free of prevalent cardiac disease, rhythm abnormality, hypertension, and diabetes selected from the Cardiovascular Health Study, a prospective community-based study of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in 5888 elderly participants. In addition to the standard long-axis measurement, we obtained left atrial superoinferior and lateral diameters and used these dimensions to estimate left atrial volume. These measurements were used to generate reference ranges for determining left atrial enlargement in older men and women, based on the 95% percentiles of the left atrial dimensions in healthy participants, both unadjusted, and after adjustment for age, height, and weight. In healthy elderly subjects, indices of left atrial size do not correlate with age or height but with weight and other measures of body build.

Conclusions—

These data provide normative reference values for left atrial size in healthy older women and men. The results should be useful for refining diagnostic criteria for left atrial dilation in the older population and may be relevant for cardiovascular risk stratification.
Functional Role of CD11c
+
Monocytes in Atherogenesis Associated With Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Wu Huaizhu , Gower R. Michael , Wang Hong , Perrard Xiao-Yuan Dai , Ma Ruidong , Bullard Daniel C. , Burns Alan R. , Paul Antoni , Smith C. Wayne , Simon Scott I. , Ballantyne Christie M.
Published: May 2009

Background—

Monocyte activation and migration into the arterial wall are key events in atherogenesis associated with hypercholesterolemia. CD11c/CD18, a β
2
integrin expressed on human monocytes and a subset of mouse monocytes, has been shown to play a distinct role in human monocyte adhesion on endothelial cells, but the regulation of CD11c in hypercholesterolemia and its role in atherogenesis are unknown.

Methods and Results—

Mice genetically deficient in CD11c were generated and crossbred with apolipoprotein E (apoE)
−/−
mice to generate CD11c
−/−
/apoE
−/−
mice. Using flow cytometry, we examined CD11c on blood leukocytes in apoE
−/−
hypercholesterolemic mice and found that compared with wild-type and apoE
−/−
mice on a normal diet, apoE
−/−
mice on a Western high-fat diet had increased CD11c
+
monocytes. Circulating CD11c
+
monocytes from apoE
−/−
mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited cytoplasmic lipid vacuoles and expressed higher levels of CD11b and CD29. Deficiency of CD11c decreased firm arrest of mouse monocytes on vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and E-selectin in a shear flow assay, reduced monocyte/macrophage accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions, and decreased atherosclerosis development in apoE
−/−
mice on a high-fat diet.

Conclusions—

CD11c, which increases on blood monocytes during hypercholesterolemia, plays an important role in monocyte recruitment and atherosclerosis development in an apoE
−/−
mouse model of hypercholesterolemia.
Diagnosis of Acute Aortic Dissection by D-Dimer
Authors: Suzuki Toru , Distante Alessandro , Zizza Antonella , Trimarchi Santi , Villani Massimo , Salerno Uriarte Jorge Antonio , De Luca Tupputi Schinosa Luigi , Renzulli Attilio , Sabino Federico , Nowak Richard , Birkhahn Robert , Hollander Judd E. , Counselman Francis , Vijayendran Ravi , Bossone Eduardo , Eagle Kim
Published: May 2009

Background—

D-dimer has been reported to be elevated in acute aortic dissection. Potential use as a “rule-out” marker has been suggested, but concerns remain given that it is elevated in other acute chest diseases, including pulmonary embolism and ischemic heart disease. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of D-dimer testing in a study population of patients with suspected aortic dissection.

Methods and Results—

In this prospective multicenter study, 220 patients with initial suspicion of having acute aortic dissection were enrolled, of whom 87 were diagnosed with acute aortic dissection and 133 with other final diagnoses, including myocardial infarction, angina, pulmonary embolism, and other uncertain diagnoses. D-dimer was markedly elevated in patients with acute aortic dissection. Analysis according to control disease, type of dissection, and time course showed that the widely used cutoff level of 500 ng/mL for ruling out pulmonary embolism also can reliably rule out aortic dissection, with a negative likelihood ratio of 0.07 throughout the first 24 hours.

Conclusion—

D-dimer levels may be useful in risk stratifying patients with suspected aortic dissection to rule out aortic dissection if used within the first 24 hours after symptom onset.
High-Calorie-Expenditure Exercise
Authors: Ades Philip A. , Savage Patrick D. , Toth Michael J. , Harvey-Berino Jean , Schneider David J. , Bunn Janice Y. , Audelin Marie C. , Ludlow Maryann
Published: May 2009

Background—

More than 80% of patients entering cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are overweight, and >50% have metabolic syndrome. Current CR exercise protocols result in little weight loss and minimal changes in cardiac risk factors. We sought to design an exercise protocol that would lead to greater weight loss and risk factor change.

Methods and Results—

We performed a randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effect of high-calorie-expenditure exercise (3000- to 3500-kcal/wk exercise-related energy expenditure) compared with standard CR exercise (7 to 800 kcal/wk) on weight loss and risk factors in 74 overweight patients with coronary heart disease. Both groups were counseled for weight loss and taking evidence-based preventive medications. High-calorie-expenditure exercise resulted in double the weight loss (8.2±4 versus 3.7±5 kg;
P
<0.001) and fat mass loss (5.9±4 versus 2.8±3 kg;
P
<0.001) and a greater waist reduction (−7±5 versus −5±5 cm;
P
=0.02) than standard CR exercise at 5 months. High-calorie-expenditure exercise reduced insulin resistance, measured with the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, along with the ratio of total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and components of the metabolic syndrome, more than standard CR exercise (each
P
<0.01). Overall, fat mass loss best predicted improved metabolic risk, and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome decreased from 59% to 31%. Changes in cardiac risk factors included decreased insulin resistance, increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and decreased measures of insulin, triglycerides, blood pressure, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and the ratio of total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (each
P
<0.05). Significant weight loss was maintained at 1 year.

Conclusion—

High-calorie-expenditure exercise promotes greater weight loss and more favorable cardiometabolic risk profiles than standard CR for overweight coronary patients.
Percutaneous Device Closure of Patent Foramen Ovale for Secondary Stroke Prevention
Authors: O'Gara Patrick T. , Messe Steven R. , Tuzcu E. Murat , Catha Gloria , Ring John C.
Published: May 2009

The optimal therapy for prevention of recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack in patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale has not been defined. Although numerous observational studies have suggested a strong association between patent foramen ovale and cryptogenic stroke, a causal relationship has not been convincingly established for the majority of affected patients. Treatment choices include medical therapy with antiplatelet agents or vitamin K antagonists, percutaneous device closure, or open surgical repair. Whereas suture closure of an incidental patent foramen ovale is performed routinely during the course of an operation undertaken for another indication, primary surgical repair is rarely advocated in the current era. The choice between medical therapy and percutaneous device closure has been the subject of intense debate over the past several years, albeit one that has not been adequately informed by randomized, prospective clinical trial data to permit an objective comparison of the relative safety and efficacy of these respective approaches. Enrollment in clinical trials has lagged considerably despite frequent calls for participation from the US Food and Drug Administration and major professional societies. Completion and peer review of ongoing trials are critical steps to establish an evidence base from which clinicians can make informed decisions regarding the best therapy for individual patients. The present advisory strongly encourages all clinicians involved in the care of appropriate patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale—cardiologists, neurologists, internists, radiologists, and surgeons—to consider referral for enrollment in these landmark trials to expedite their completion and help resolve the uncertainty regarding optimal care for this condition.
Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorders and Subsequent Cardiovascular Morbidity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in the Mother
Authors: Lykke Jacob A. , Langhoff-Roos Jens , Sibai Baha M. , Funai Edmund F. , Triche Elizabeth W. , Paidas Michael J.
Published: May 2009

Minimal data exist concerning the relationship between hypertensive pregnancy disorders and various subsequent cardiovascular events and the effect of type 2 diabetes mellitus on these. In a registry-based cohort study, we identified women delivering in Denmark from 1978 to 2007 with a first singleton (n=782 287) and 2 first consecutive singleton deliveries (n=536 419). The exposures were gestational hypertension and mild and severe preeclampsia. We adjusted for preterm delivery, small for gestational age, placental abruption, and stillbirth and, in a second model, we also adjusted for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The end points were subsequent hypertension, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, thromboembolic event, stroke, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The risk of subsequent hypertension was increased 5.31-fold (range: 4.90 to 5.75) after gestational hypertension, 3.61-fold (range: 3.43 to 3.80) after mild preeclampsia, and 6.07-fold (range: 5.45 to 6.77) after severe preeclampsia. The risk of subsequent type 2 diabetes mellitus was increased 3.12-fold (range: 2.63 to 3.70) after gestational hypertension and 3.68-fold (range: 3.04 to 4.46) after severe preeclampsia. Women having 2 pregnancies both complicated by preeclampsia had a 6.00-fold (range: 5.40 to 6.67) increased risk of subsequent hypertension compared with 2.70-fold (range: 2.51 to 2.90) for women having preeclampsia in their first pregnancy only and 4.34-fold (range: 3.98 to 4.74) for women having preeclampsia in their second pregnancy only. The risk of subsequent thromboembolism was 1.03-fold (range: 0.73 to 1.45), 1.53-fold (range: 1.32 to 1.77), and 1.91-fold (range: 1.35 to 2.70) increased after gestational hypertension and mild and severe preeclampsia, respectively. Thus, hypertensive pregnancy disorders are strongly associated with subsequent type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, the latter independent of subsequent type 2 diabetes mellitus. The severity, parity, and recurrence of these hypertensive pregnancy disorders increase the risk of subsequent cardiovascular events.
Political Bodies as Living Mechanisms in Scottish Political Theory during the Late Eighteenth Century
Authors: Pulkkinen Oili
Published: May 2009

Newtonian science and mechanics left an important imprint on the Scottish Enlightenment. Even though the usage of mechanical metaphors, especially that of a “state machine” per se, were rare in Scottish philosophy, its conception of the human, animal and political bodies as mechanisms that function according to regular principles, or laws, helped to shape many of the theories that have now become popular in various fields of Scottish studies. Most research in these fields focus on the conceptions of history related to theories of economic advancement. In this article the author suggests that the theories produced in the Scottish Enlightenment were also nuanced attempts to describe how historical mechanisms operate.
Modern and Old-fashioned Homonegativity Among Samples of Canadian and American University Students
Authors: Morrison Melanie A. , Morrison Todd G. , Franklin Randall
Published: May 2009

The viability of modern homonegativity was examined in two studies using Canadian ( N = 374) and American ( N = 608) university students as participants. Results suggest that negativity toward sexual minorities grounded in contemporary assertions such as gay men and lesbian women no longer experience discrimination and possess all the rights they need, appears to be distinguishable from old-fashioned negativity, which reflects traditional, moral, and/or religious objections to homosexuality. Invariance analysis revealed that a majority of items designed to assess modern homonegativity had equivalent loadings across the two samples. Results also indicated that American participants were more homonegative than their Canadian counterparts, though this difference was most apparent with old-fashioned homonegativity. The limitations associated with the current series of studies are discussed and directions for future research are articulated.
Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults Without Dementia: Clinical and Pathologic Outcomes in a Community-Based Sample
Authors: Wang Lucy Y. , Leverenz James B. , Larson Eric B. , Vavrek Darcy A. , Kukull Walter A. , McCormick Wayne , Bowen James D. , Teri Linda , Montine Thomas , Tsuang Debby W.
Published: May 2009

This study examines clinical and neuropathologic characteristics of 37 participants in a community-based dementia series who had cognitive complaints at enrollment but did not meet dementia criteria. Participants had neuropsychological testing, were followed until death, and underwent autopsy. Twenty-four participants progressed to dementia, and their baseline characteristics were analyzed. Of the 24, 13 met criteria for neuropathologic Alzheimer disease (AD). The 13 participants who progressed to neuropathologic AD (mean intake age 78.5 ± 7.7, mean enrollment 6.4 ± 2.1 years) performed worse than the 11 who progressed to neuropathologic non-AD dementias (mean intake age 79.0 ± 6.0, mean enrollment 6.0 ± 3.2 years) on baseline Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) delayed logical memory (3.4 ± 2.9 vs 6.3 ± 3.9, P = .05) and delayed visual reproduction (1.4 ± 2.1 vs 3.1 ± 2.7, P = .02). These observations are consistent with the view that nondemented patients with underlying AD may be more likely to present with memory than nonmemory cognitive impairment.
Clock Test Deficits Are Associated With Semantic Memory Impairment in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Leyhe Thomas , Saur Ralf , Eschweiler Gerhard. W. , Milian Monika
Published: May 2009

Based on previous findings, we hypothesized that Clock Test deficits in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD) are associated primarily with the impairment of semantic memory regarding the appearance and functionality of a clock. To scrutinize this hypothesis, we developed a Clock Questionnaire that examined the semantic knowledge of the concept of a ‘‘Clock’’ and correlated scores from the questionnaire with performance in Clock Drawing, Clock Setting, and Clock Reading by healthy control participants and patients with mild cognitive impairment, early AD, and progressed AD. The Rey-Osterrieth-Complex-Figure is known to measure both visuospatial abilities and executive functions, and was chosen as a control variable. We found that deteriorated semantic memory best predicted Clock Test performance. In progressed AD, degraded knowledge regarding the appearance of a clock can explain the reduced ability to draw a clock face, while in early AD, impaired access to semantic knowledge about the minute hand might explain observed difficulties in drawing, setting, and reading the minute hand.
White Matter Hyperintensities and Cognitive Dysfunction in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Heo Jae-Hyeok , Lee Soon-Tae , Kon Chu  , Park Hyun-Jung , Shim Ji-Young , Kim Manho
Published: May 2009

The effect of white matter lesions in magnetic resonance imaging or vascular atherosclerosis on cognitive function is not fully understood in Alzheimer disease (AD). In this investigation, we examined the influence of white matter lesions on cognitive decline in AD. A total of 142 patients with AD (44 men, mean age 65.7 + 7.6 years; mean education period 7.8 + 5.0 years) were included. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on the severities of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in brain magnetic resonance images (MRI) using Fazekas scale. Cognitive functions were determined using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE) and the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale before acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were administered. Of the 142 patients, 30% (43/142) had no white matter signal abnormality (grade 0). Fourteen percentage (20/142) were grade 1, 42% (59/142) grade 2, and 14% (20/142) were grade 3. Mean K-MMSE scores declined as MRI grades increased to grade 2 and 3 compared to grade 0 (P < .01). Clinical Dementia Ratings were also aggravated by MRI grade. These results remained significant after adjusting for compounding factors affecting cognitive functions; sex, age, number of years in full-time education, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, smoking, and atrial fibrillation. The presence of WMHs were associated with score of MMSE and CDR impairment in patients with AD. These features could be a correctable factor hastening cognitive decline in AD.
Visual Function and Cognitive Speed of Processing Mediate Age-Related Decline in Memory Span and Fluid Intelligence
Authors: Clay Olivio J. , Edwards Jerri D. , Ross Lesley A. , Okonkwo Ozioma , Wadley Virginia G. , Roth David L. , Ball Karlene K.
Published: May 2009

Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between sensory and cognitive decline, particularly with respect to speed of processing, memory span, and fluid intelligence. In addition, the common cause, sensory degradation and speed of processing hypotheses were compared. Method: Structural equation modeling was used to investigate the complex relationships among age-related decrements in these areas. Results: Cross-sectional data analyses included 842 older adult participants ( M = 73 years). After accounting for age-related declines in vision and processing speed, the direct associations between age and memory span and between age and fluid intelligence were nonsignificant. Older age was associated with visual decline, which was associated with slower speed of processing, which in turn was associated with greater cognitive deficits. Discussion: The findings support both the sensory degradation and speed of processing accounts of age-related, cognitive decline. Furthermore, the findings highlight positive aspects of normal cognitive aging in that older age may not be associated with a loss of fluid intelligence if visual sensory functioning and processing speed can be maintained.
The Asiatic Lion and the Maldharis of Gir Forest
Authors: Varma Kaavya
Published: May 2009

This article is an analysis of the India Eco-Development Project (IEP) implemented in Sasan Gir National Park and Sanctuary. Statistical data describing the consumption patterns and financial status of the Maldharis was collected from 13 nesses. This information demonstrates the impact of the Maldharis on Gir, a lack of willingness among people to change environmentally harmful behavior when forest-dependent activities are economically beneficial, and that participatory approaches under IEP have resulted in positive changes in the lifestyle of the Maldharis and enhanced relationships with the forest department but have failed to improve conservation. The research seeks to assess the effectiveness of IEP in reducing the dependency of Maldharis on natural resources by considering (a) appropriateness of IEP strategies for the Maldharis; (b) methods used to apply IEP strategies; (c) amount of understanding of IEP among the Maldharis, particularly women; and (d) the ability and willingness of Maldharis to participate in IEP.
Toward a Policy of Sustainable Forest Management in Brazil
Authors: Banerjee Onil , Macpherson Alexander J. , Alavalapati Janaki
Published: May 2009

Understanding the forces that drove policy in the past can inform expectations of the effectiveness of policy implementation today. Forest policies of countries with forested frontiers transition through stages of forest management, reflecting the orientation of governments toward economic development. The article follows Brazilian national forest policy from the early 20th century from colonization to protectionism, during which extrasectoral policies largely served to marginalize forest policy. More recently, profound changes in Brazil's governance structures, civil society's progressively important role in influencing policy, and recognition of the biophysical importance of forests have fostered an emerging vision of the Amazon as a region whose primary vocation is sustainable forest management. The sustainable management phase of forest policy development and the approval of Brazil's first Public Forest Management Law, given the current socioeconomic, political, and environmental context, present an unprecedented opportunity for increasing the relevance of forest policy in shaping land use.
Using decomposed household food acquisitions as inputs of a Kinetic Dietary	Exposure Model
Authors: Allais Olivier , Tressou Jessica
Published: May 2009

Foods naturally contain a number of contaminants that may have different and long-term toxic effects. This paper introduces a novel approach for the assessment of such chronic food risk that integrates the pharmakokinetic properties of a given contaminant. The estimation of such a Kinetic Dietary Exposure Model (KDEM) should be based on long-term consumption data which, for the moment, can only be provided by Household Budget Surveys such as the TNS SECODIP panel in France. A semi-parametric model is proposed to decompose a series of household quantities into individual quantities which are then used as inputs of the KDEM. As an illustration, the risk assessment related to the presence of methylmercury in seafoods is revisited using this novel approach.
Modelling orientation trajectories
Authors: Faraway Julian J , Choe Su Bang
Published: May 2009

We describe a modelling approach for orientation trajectories. The initial and final orientations of the object are taken as known and the problem of how the object will transition between the endpoints is considered. Orientations are represented as quaternions and mapped to a tangent space. The deviation from the geodesic connecting the endpoints is introduced and called the slerp residual. Modelling the slerp residuals substantially reduces the distortion caused by mapping to the tangent space. Bézier curves are used to compactly model the trajectories and provide a linkage to potential predictors. Data from an experiment to study human motion while reaching to perform a wide variety of grasps are considered. The orientation trajectories of the hand are modelled in several ways resulting in a simple yet interpretable model.
Stochastic volatility models for ordinal-valued time series with application	to finance
Authors: Müller Gernot , Czado Claudia
Published: May 2009

In this paper, we introduce a new class of models, called ordinal-response stochastic volatility models, by combining an ordinal-response model and the idea of stochastic volatility. Corresponding time series occur in high-frequency finance when the stocks are traded on a coarse grid. For parameter estimation, we develop an efficient grouped move multigrid Monte Carlo sampler. This sampler is based on a scale transformation group, whose elements operate on the random samples of a certain conditional distribution. Also volatility estimates are provided. For illustration, we apply our new model class to price changes of the IBM stock. Dependencies on covariates are quantified and compared with theoretical results for such processes.
An Ecological Model of the Impact of Sexual Assault On Women's Mental Health
Authors: Campbell Rebecca , Dworkin Emily , Cabral Giannina
Published: May 2009

This review examines the psychological impact of adult sexual assault through an ecological theoretical perspective to understand how factors at multiple levels of the social ecology contribute to post-assault sequelae. Using Bronfenbrenner's (1979, 1986, 1995) ecological theory of human development, we examine how individual-level factors (e.g., sociodemographics, biological/genetic factors), assault characteristics (e.g., victim-offender relationship, injury, alcohol use), microsystem factors (e.g., informal support from family and friends), meso/ exosystem factors (e.g., contact with the legal, medical, and mental health systems, and rape crisis centers), macrosystem factors (e.g., societal rape myth acceptance), and chronosystem factors (e.g., sexual revictimization and history of other victimizations) affect adult sexual assault survivors' mental health outcomes (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, suicidality, and substance use). Self-blame is conceptualized as meta-construct that stems from all levels of this ecological model. Implications for curbing and/or preventing the negative mental health effects of sexual assault are discussed.
An Investigation of Primary and Secondary Psychopathy in a Statewide Sample of Incarcerated Youth
Authors: Vaughn Michael G. , Edens John F. , Howard Matthew O. , Smith Shannon Toney
Published: May 2009

There has been considerable interest in the identification of putative subtypes of psychopathy over the past several years although none of this research has focused on juveniles who are high in psychopathic traits. Using a statewide sample of juvenile offenders, the present study sought to identify subtypes consistent with theoretical notions of primary and secondary psychopathy. Among those youths high in psychopathic traits ( n = 132), finite mixture modeling of various indicators of psychological distress resulted in a two-class solution. Consistent with theory, one subtype was characterized by higher levels of distress (e.g., anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation), whereas the other subgroup was lower on these dimensions and generally similar to nonpsychopathic control juveniles ( n = 135). Analyses of theoretically relevant external correlates (e.g., offense history, drug use, victimization) suggested that the two subtypes differed from each other on certain key variables as well as differed from the nonpsychopathic controls.
Child and Adolescent Psychopathy
Authors: Salekin Randall T. , Rosenbaum Jill , Lee Zina , Lester Whitney S.
Published: May 2009

This review paper discusses the construct of child and adolescent psychopathy and outlines controversy about the topic as well as some of the reasons that it might be developmentally appropriate. Past research has suggested that child psychopathy may be inapplicable to youth because the symptoms cannot be reliably distinguished from features of normative adolescent development. Concerns have also been raised regarding the possibility that the syndrome does not closely resemble the adult construct of psychopathy. We conclude that there is some truth to both sides of this story. Research shows that child psychopathy has a considerable degree of reliability and construct validity; however, there are also some important developmental differences. Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates potential changes in psychopathic symptoms over time and the important role of protective factors. Although, current research suggests that the concept of child psychopathy may be like an impressionist painting (i.e., clearer from a distance but messier as one gets closer), we argue this is not necessarily problematic from a developmental perspective. However, we conclude that a rigorous set of research studies will be needed to further advance our understanding of child psychopathy and the way it manifests itself over time.
NGOs and `modernization' and `democratization' of media
Authors: Miller James
Published: May 2009

Western-supported media assistance in transition and developing countries has a long history. Building independent media, preferably through the nongovernmental sector, is seen as an important aspect of achieving modernization and democratization. This article questions the idealized assumptions underlining such programmes and argues that media assistance donors rarely analyze it critically. The article discusses the political character of Western media assistance and explores the organizational eco-system in which NGOs flourish. The article concludes by observing NGOs' unexpected power in the process of providing Western media assistance.
WITHDRAWN: The re-mythologization of Islam and the Arab world in Adam Curtis's The Power of Nightmares
Authors: Khoury-Machool Makram
Published: May 2009

Khoury-Machool, M. 'The re-mythologization of Islam and the Arab world in Adam Curtis's The Power of Nightmares', Global Media and Communication, 2009 5 vol 5 no. 1: 35-55. DOI: 10.1177/1742766508101313

In compliance with a request from the University of Hertfordshire, dated 2 November 2010, the authorship of this article has been changed to:

Makram Khoury-Machool and Lisa Thomas

In compliance with a request from Lisa Thomas, dated 19 November 2010, this article has been withdrawn from the journal.
Coherence in political computer-mediated communication: analyzing topic relevance and drift in chat
Authors: Stromer-Galley Jennifer , Martinson Anna M.
Published: May 2009

There is a general perception that synchronous, online chat about politics is fragmented, incoherent, and rife with ad hominem attacks because of its channel characteristics. This study aims to better understand the relative impact of channel of communication versus topic of communication by comparing chat about four different topics. Discourse analysis and coding for topic drift were applied to two hours of chat devoted to the topics of politics, auto racing, entertainment, and cancer support. Findings demonstrate that topic may have an effect on the coherence of chat, with discussion in the politics chat room surprisingly being more coherent than in the other rooms. This research suggests that users can sustain relatively coherent interaction on political talk, suggesting chat technology may not be an inherently problematic medium for political discourse.
Psychological processes underlying nurses' handwashing behaviour
Authors: Hanna Declan , Davies Mark , Dempster Martin
Published: May 2009

im/Background: Psychological models of behaviour A change have been found to be useful in predicting health-related behaviour in patients but have rarely been used in relation to the health behaviour of staff. This study explored the association between a range of psychological variables and self-reported handwashing in a sample of nurses who work in a large general hospital.

Method: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional, cor-relational study was used. Questionnaires examining demographics, self-efficacy, perceived importance of handwashing, perception of risk, occupational stress and training related to handwashing were administered to an opportunity sample ( n = 76) of nurses drawn from an acute hospital. ANOVAs, correlation and regression analyses were performed to determine significant covariates of handwashing behaviour.

Findings: There was a weak relationship between demographic variables and self-reported handwashing. The degree to which employees perceived their workplace to assist handwashing and the perceived importance of handwashing were related to self-reported handwashing. Accordingly further covariates of these variables were sought. Training received and occupational stress both covaried with nurses' perceptions of the degree to which their workplace assisted handwashing. Nurses' beliefs regarding the transmission of infections covaried with perceived importance of handwashing.

Conclusion: Occupational stress was observed to reduce the perception of having a supportive employer: organisations need to facilitate handwashing and protect staff from factors that have a detrimental impact, such as work-related stress. Nurses' perceived importance of the potential for poor handwashing practice to contribute to the transmission of infections should be highlighted in interventions.
Immunisation against human papilloma virus in a primary care trust: a report on the first three months of the national campaign
Authors: Green David , Catlow Diane
Published: May 2009

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts and is the leading cause of cervical cancer; it is also linked to other forms of genital and oral cancers. Although cervical screening has proved to be an effective tool in reducing deaths from cervical cancer, more than 2,000 new cases were diagnosed in England in 2005. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women. The use of condoms and other safe sexual practices can help to reduce the risk of transmitting HPV but are not completely effective. Vaccines are now available which provide protection against two important high risk strains of HPV, which account for almost 75% of all cervical cancers caused by HPV. In 2008 the Department of Health added vaccination against HPV to the routine childhood immunisation programme and it is estimated this will save up to 400 lives a year. This paper describes the planning, implementation and preliminary results of an HPV immunisation campaign in an English primary care trust.
Restoration and reversible expansion of the osteoblastic hematopoietic stem cell niche after marrow radioablation
Authors: Dominici Massimo , Rasini Valeria , Bussolari Rita , Chen Xiaohua , Hofmann Ted J. , Spano Carlotta , Bernabei Daniela , Veronesi Elena , Bertoni Filippo , Paolucci Paolo , Conte PierFranco , Horwitz Edwin M.
Published: May 2009

Adequate recovery of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niches after cytotoxic conditioning regimens is essential to successful bone marrow transplantation. Yet, very little is known about the mechanisms that drive the restoration of these niches after bone marrow injury. Here we describe a profound disruption of the marrow microenvironment after lethal total body irradiation of mice that leads to the generation of osteoblasts restoring the HSC niche, followed by a transient, reversible expansion of this niche. Within 48 hours after irradiation, surviving host megakaryocytes were observed close to the endosteal surface of trabecular bone rather than in their normal parasinusoidal site concomitant with an increased stromal-derived factor-1 level. A subsequent increase in 2 megakaryocyte-derived growth factors, platelet-derived growth factor-β and basic fibroblast growth factor, induces a 2-fold expansion of the population of N-cadherin-/osteopontin-positive osteoblasts, relative to the homeostatic osteoblast population, and hence, increases the number of potential niches for HSC engraftment. After donor cell engraftment, this expanded microenvironment reverts to its homeostatic state. Our results demonstrate the rapid recovery of osteoblastic stem cell niches after marrow radioablation, provide critical insights into the associated mechanisms, and suggest novel means to manipulate the bone marrow microenvironment to promote HSC engraftment.