bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Victim Countries of Transnational Terrorism: An Empirical Characteristics Analysis
Authors: Elbakidze Levan , Jin Yanhong
Published: May 2012

This study empirically investigates the association between country‐level socioeconomic characteristics and risk of being victimized in transnational terrorism events. We find that a country's annual financial contribution to the U.N. general operating budget has a positive association with the frequency of being victimized in transnational terrorism events. In addition, per capita GDP, political freedom, and openness to trade are nonlinearly related to the frequency of being victimized in transnational terrorism events.
Deriving Behavior Model Parameters from Survey Data: Self‐Protective Behavior Adoption During the 2009–2010 Influenza A(H1N1) Pandemic
Authors: Durham David P. , Casman Elizabeth A. , Albert Steven M.
Published: May 2012

In this paper, we demonstrate how public opinion surveys can be designed to collect information pertinent to computational behavior modeling, and we present the results of a public opinion and behavior survey conducted during the 2009–2010 H1N1 influenza pandemic. The results are used to parameterize the Health Belief Model of individual health‐protective decision making. Survey subjects were asked questions about their perceptions of the then‐circulating influenza and attitudes towards two personal protective behaviors: vaccination and avoidance of crowds. We empirically address two important issues in applying the Health Belief Model of behavior to computational infectious disease simulation: (1) the factors dynamically influencing the states of the Health Belief Model variables and (2) the appropriateness of the Health Belief Model in describing self‐protective behavior in the context of pandemic influenza.
Public Attitudes toward Climate Science and Climate Policy in Federal Systems: Canada and the United States Compared1
Authors: Lachapelle Erick , Borick Christopher P. , Rabe Barry
Published: May 2012

Multilevel governance poses several challenges for the politics of climate change. On the one hand, the unequal distribution of power and interests can serve as a barrier to implementing coherent policy at a federal level. On the other, these features also enable policy leadership among sub‐federal units. In the context of wide variation in climate policy at both national and sub‐federal levels in Canada and in the United States, this paper utilizes an original data set to examine public attitudes and perceptions toward climate science and climate change policy in two federal systems. Drawing on national and provincial/state level data from telephone surveys administered in the United States and in Canada, the paper provides insight into where the public stands on the climate change issue in two of the most carbon‐intensive federal systems in the world. The paper includes the first directly comparable public opinion data on how Canadians and Americans form their opinions regarding climate matters and provides insight into the preferences of these two populations regarding climate policies at both the national and sub‐federal levels. Key findings are examined in the context of growing policy experiments at the sub‐federal level in both countries and limited national level progress in the adoption of climate change legislation.
Mind the (Mobilization) Gap: Comparing Climate Activism in the United States and European Union
Authors: Bomberg Elizabeth
Published: May 2012

The barriers to concerted political action on climate change mitigation are steep, especially in multilevel systems where power is diffused and authority contested. This article seeks to explain how mobilization—galvanizing resources and people to participate actively—occurs in complex multilevel systems. It compares two different polities—the United States and the European Union—to tease out the key features of multilevel systems and how they affect climate activism and mobilization. To capture this dynamic, it proposes a three‐staged model of mobilization: awareness building, alliance building, and network creation. The latter stage features “mobilization networks”—stakeholder networks able to transcend levels and institutional inertia and steer polities toward particular climate goals. The article demonstrates how each stage of mobilization is highly contingent on stakeholders' ability to exploit—or at least navigate—multilevel institutional barriers.
STAR METRICS and the Science of Science Policy
Authors: Largent Mark A. , Lane Julia I.
Published: May 2012

STAR METRICS is a data platform that is being voluntarily and collaboratively developed by U.S. federal science agencies and research institutions to describe investments in science and their results. It initially emerged as a result of reporting requirements associated with the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act; it has developed in response to a recognized need to begin to systematically document federal investments in science and their immediate and long‐term results. The eventual goal is to draw information from existing data on scientific and economic activities as well as from research institutions' and federal science agencies' systems to provide data that can be used for a more scientific analysis of science investments and their outcomes.
Stereochemical Analysis of Methorphan Using (−)‐Menthyl Chloroformate
Authors: Koo Christina , Cox Matthew , Klass Gunter , Johnston Martin
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Forensic laboratories around the world have seen an increase in the number of drug seizures containing methorphan. Levomethorphan is a narcotic and a controlled substance, and its enantiomer dextromethorphan is an antitussive agent used in over‐the‐counter medications. For the forensic analysis of seized drugs containing methorphan, it is important to report the stereochemical composition of the drug. Ideally, a method based on common forensic laboratory instrumentation is desirable. The use of the chiral derivatizing agent (−)‐menthyl chloroformate followed by routine gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis of the derivative was shown to successfully determine the stereochemical composition of methorphan. This approach was applied to a street seizure containing methorphan proving that it was pure dextromethorphan. The derivatives of dextro‐ and levomethorphan were subjected to mass spectroscopic and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, which confirmed that the structure of the derivatives remained unchanged as a result of the derivatization process.
Preliminary Observations on the Ability of Hyperspectral Imaging to Provide Detection and Visualization of Bloodstain Patterns on Black Fabrics
Authors: Schuler Rebecca L. , Kish Paul E. , Plese Cara A.
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  The analysis of bloodstain patterns can assist investigators in understanding the circumstances surrounding a violent crime. Bloodstains are routinely subjected to pattern analysis, which is inherently dependent upon the ability of the examiner to locate and visualize bloodstain patterns on items of evidence. Often, the ability to properly visualize bloodstain patterns is challenging, especially when the stain patterns occur on dark and/or patterned substrates. In this study, preliminary research was performed to better understand how near‐infrared reflectance hyperspectral imaging (HSI) could be used to observe bloodstain patterns on commonly encountered black fabrics. The ability of HSI to visualize latent bloodstains on several commonly encountered substrates is demonstrated. The images acquired through HSI are of sufficient quality to allow for differentiation between stains produced from an impact mechanism or a transfer mechanism. This study also serves as a proof of concept in the differentiation of multiple staining materials. Because of its ability to generate spectral data, the data provide a preliminary separation of stains where more than one type of stain existed.
Wage differentials and disability across Europe: Discrimination and/or lower productivity?
Authors: MALO Miguel Á. , PAGÁN Ricardo
Published: May 2012

The authors measure wage discrimination against disabled persons after controlling for unobserved disability‐related productivity differences. Using data for 11 European countries from the European Community Household Panel (1995–2001), they estimate wage equations for persons with disabilities hampering them in daily activities, for those not hampered, and for non‐disabled people. Most countries showed no relevant wage differential against disabled workers not so hampered, compared with non‐disabled workers. Where it existed, it related mainly to low productivity characteristics, not wage discrimination. However, compared with non‐disabled workers, disabled workers hampered in daily activities suffered from low productivity characteristics and wage discrimination.
Rental markets for cultivated land and agricultural investments in China
Authors: Gao Liangliang , Huang Jikun , Rozelle Scott
Published: May 2012

The purpose of this paper is to empirically track the progress and consequences of the emergence of cultivated land markets in China since 2000. We draw on a set of nationwide, household‐level panel data (for 2000 and 2008) and find that the markets for cultivated land rental have emerged robustly. According to our data, 19 of China's cultivated land was rented in farm operators in 2008. We also find that the nature of China's cultivated land rental contracts has become more formal and lengthened the period of time that the tenant is able to cultivate the rented‐in plots. While there may be benefits for lessors and tenants, our data show that there are falling rates of investment in organic manure. The farmers in our sample have reduced organic manure use from 13 tons/ha in 2000 to 5 tons/ha in 2008. Part of this fall is due to the rise of cultivated land rental markets. The analysis, however, does not find that improved property rights in cultivated land rental affect investment largely because property rights have largely been established by 2000, the first year of our sample. Our results, however, also show that there are forces that appear to be mitigating the negative consequences of rising cultivated land rental. After holding constant initial rental rates and other factors, we find that the gap between investment in organic manure in own land and rented‐in land is narrowing. One interpretation of our findings is that if policymakers can find ways to even further strengthen the rights of lessors and tenants as well as lengthen contract periods, farmers—even those that rent—will invest more in their land, because they will be able to capture the returns to their investments.
Market imperfections, liquidity, and farm household labor allocation: the case of rural South Africa
Authors: Lovo Stefania
Published: May 2012

Asset endowments and market imperfections shape households’ labor allocation decisions and lead to different production regimes within rural farm households in South Africa. This article uses a farm household model to explain the presence of three main household groups determined on the basis of the labor regime adopted: small peasants (working both on and off farm), self‐cultivators (autarkic in labor) and hiring‐in households. A partial generalized ordered logit is used to test the main predictions of the model and a Brant test on threshold constancy is performed to identify the household‐specific factors affecting labor market participation. The results show that liquidity constraints and market imperfections matter in the choice of the labor strategy adopted. Liquidity‐constrained households are more likely to sell labor off farm while access to information facilitates the hiring in of workers.
The impact of coffee certification on small‐scale producers’ livelihoods: a case study from the Jimma Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Jena Pradyot Ranjan , Chichaibelu Bezawit Beyene , Stellmacher Till , Grote Ulrike
Published: May 2012

What is the impact of product certification on small‐scale farmers’ livelihoods? To what extent does the participation of Ethiopian small‐scale coffee farmers in certified local cooperative structures improve their socioeconomic situation? To answer these questions, this article employs household data of 249 coffee farmers from six different cooperatives collected in the Jimma zone of Southwestern Ethiopia in 2009. Findings show that the certification of coffee cooperatives has in total a low impact on small‐scale coffee producers’ livelihoods mainly due to (1) low productivity, (2) insignificant price premium, and (3) poor access to credit and information from the cooperative. Differences in production and organizational capacities between the local cooperatives are mirrored in the extent of the certification benefits for the smallholders. “Good” cooperatives have reaped the benefits of certification, whereas “bad” ones did not fare well. In this regard the “cooperative effect” overlies the “certification effect.”
Protective immunization against Staphylococcus aureus infection in a novel experimental wound model in mice
Authors: Schennings Torgny , Farnebo Filip , Szekely Laszlo , Flock Jan‐Ingmar
Published: May 2012

A novel murine experimental wound infection model was used to assess the efficacy of multi‐component immunization against Staphylococcus aureus infection. Necrotic lesions were induced in mice with venom from Bothrops asper and infected with a low inoculum, 1 × 102 CFU. The wound infection model therefore more resembles a clinical case of
S. aureus infection compared with conventional infection models where far more bacteria are required. Before infection, mice were immunized with four recombinant S.aureus proteins expressed from
Escherichia coli: (i) domains 1–3 of Extracellular adherence protein (Eap), (ii) Efb – D (fusion protein combining Extracellular fibrinogen binding protein (Efb) and a fibronectin binding domain (D) of the fibronectin binding protein (FnBP) and (iii) clumping factor A (ClfA). In the immunized group, lower bacterial colonization, undisturbed crust formation and significantly faster wound healing were found compared with the unimmunized control group. Efb and Eap have previously been found to impair wound healing and neutralization of these proteins by antibodies restores a more natural wound healing process. This effect is further also enhanced by the proposed opsonic activity of antibodies against ClfA and FnBP.
Long‐distance dispersal in migratory pied flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca is relatively common between the UK and the Netherlands
Authors: Both Christiaan , Robinson Robert A. , van der Jeugd Henk P.
Published: May 2012

Long‐distance dispersal can potentially have important consequences for evolutionary change, but is difficult to quantify. We present quantitative estimates of natal dispersal between the UK and the Netherlands in a long‐distance migratory bird, the pied flycatcher. Due to over 90 000 individual ringed adults caught and 730 000 ringed nestlings we are able to estimate that dispersal of young born in the UK to breeding in the Netherlands occurs on average 43 times yr−1, and probably even more recently. We estimated that between 2000 and 2009 about 0.70% of the Dutch adult population could be immigrants from the UK. No cases of dispersal from the Netherlands to the UK were observed. Dispersing individuals bring new genes to the Netherlands, as males in the UK have a darker plumage than Dutch males. We found a good qualitative match between the proportion of dark males breeding in two Dutch populations and the estimated immigration rate from the UK. This and potentially other genetic differences may allow for new evolutionary directions if these genes are beneficial in the new population. The causes of dispersal are unknown, but it is striking that especially birds from the northern range limit dispersed.
Impact of abutment material and dis‐/re‐connection on soft and hard tissue changes at implants with platform‐switching
Authors: Becker Kathrin , Mihatovic Ilja , Golubovic Vladimir , Schwarz Frank
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To assess the impact of abutment material and dis‐/re‐connection on soft and hard tissue changes at implants with platform‐switching.

Material & Methods

Titanium implants (n = 12), placed epicrestally in the upper jaws of three dogs, were connected with titanium (Ti) and zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) abutments (horizontal mismatch of 0.4 mm) and randomly allocated in a split‐mouth design either to repeated (2x) dis‐/re‐connection at 4 and 6 weeks (test), respectively, or left undisturbed (control). At 8 weeks, histomorphometrical measurements were made between the mucosal margin (PM), implant shoulder (IS) and the apical extension of the long junctional epithelium (aJE),‐the most coronal level of bone in contact with the implant (CBI).

Results

Repeated abutment manipulation was associated with increased mean PM‐aJE and IS‐CBI values at both Ti (1.82 ± 0.37–1.99 ± 0.40 mm and 0.72 ± 0.18–1.12 ± 0.60 mm) and ZrO2 (1.90 ± 0.28–2.67 ± 0.67 mm and 0.22 ± 0.10–2.15 ± 0.77 mm) abutments at 8 weeks. These vertical dimensions were comparable at both vestibular and oral aspects. Between group comparisons, however, failed to reveal a significant difference between test and control sites.

Conclusions

Repeated manipulation may be associated with dimensional changes of peri‐implant soft and hard tissues formed at both non‐matching Ti and ZrO2 abutments.
Meta‐analysis of growth rates for a circumpolar fish, the northern pike (Esox lucius), with emphasis on effects of continent, climate and latitude
Authors: Rypel Andrew L.
Published: May 2012

For circumpolar species, little is known on how somatic growth rates can vary at large, transcontinental spatial scales. In this study, a meta‐analysis of growth rates was conducted for northern pike (
Esox lucius) across North America and Eurasia. Growth rates of northern pike did not differ between North American and ‘coastal Eurasian’ pike (e.g., UK, Ireland, Sweden), while growth rates for both of these groups were significantly higher compared to ‘inland Eurasian’ pike (mainly in Russia). There was no difference in growth between lentic and lotic habitats on either continent. In North America, pike growth was positively correlated with temperature, but in Eurasia, pike growth correlated poorly with most climatic variables. Similarly, maximum longevity in pike populations was significantly predicted by latitude in North America, but not in Eurasia. After standardising annual pike growth by the thermal opportunity for growth, a highly significant countergradient growth relationship was found for North American pike, while a significant, but considerably less predictive countergradient growth relationship was found for Eurasian pike. This study provides novel insights into the ecology of a circumpolar species and how populations function at extraordinarily large spatial scales. First, pike appear to be cosmopolitan across hydrologic habitats having fast or slow growth in either lentic or lotic environments. Secondly, continental‐scale differences in pike growth rates are suggestive of major genetic and life‐history differences. Finally, variable climate–growth relationships and countergradient growth patterns indicate that global climate change is likely to affect circumpolar fishes like pike in complex, nonlinear ways.
Effect of mobile phones on micronucleus frequency in human exfoliated oral mucosal cells
Authors: Ros‐Llor I , Sanchez‐Siles M , Camacho‐Alonso F , Lopez‐Jornet P
Published: May 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 786–792

Objective:  In the last two decades, the use of mobile phones has increased enormously all over the world. The controversy regarding whether radiofrequency (RF) fields exert effects upon biological systems is a concern for the general population. An evaluation is made of DNA damage and cytokinetic defects, proliferative potential, and cell death because of RF radiation emitted by mobile phones in healthy young users.

Study design:  This cohort study was carried out in 50 Caucasian mobile phone users. We collected two cell samples from each subject (a total of 100 cell samples), corresponding to the right and left cheek mucosa, respectively. Case histories and personal information were assessed, including age, gender, body height and weight, history of cancer, smoking and alcohol consumption, exposure to chemical carcinogens or radiation, and dietary habits. Sampling comprised cell collection from both cheeks with a cytobrush, centrifugation, slide preparation, fixation, and staining, followed by fluorescent microscopic analysis. A total of 2000 exfoliated cells were screened for nuclear abnormalities, especially micronucleus.

Results:  No statistically significant changes were recorded in relation to age, gender, body mass index, or smoking status. A comparison of the results vs the control area according to the side of the face on which the mobile phone was placed, and in relation to the duration of exposure (years) to mobile phone radiation in the total 100 samples, yielded no significant differences.

Conclusions:  No genotoxic effects because of RF exposure were observed in relation to any of the study parameters.
Systematic analysis and comparison of nucleotide‐binding site disease resistance genes in maize
Authors: Cheng Ying , Li Xiaoyu , Jiang Haiyang , Ma Wei , Miao Weiyun , Yamada Toshihiko , Zhang Ming
Published: May 2012

Nucleotide‐binding site (NBS) disease resistance genes play an integral role in defending plants from a range of pathogens and insect pests. Consequently, a number of recent studies have focused on NBS‐encoding genes in molecular disease resistance breeding programmes for several important plant species. Little information, however, has been reported with an emphasis on systematic analysis and a comparison of NBS‐encoding genes in maize. In the present study, 109 NBS‐encoding genes were identified based on the complete genome sequence of maize (Zea mays cv. B73), classified as four different subgroups, and then characterized according to chromosomal locations, gene duplications, structural diversity and conserved protein motifs. Subsequent phylogenetic comparisons indicated that several maize NBS‐encoding genes possessed high similarity to function‐known NBS‐encoding genes, and revealed the evolutionary relationships of NBS‐encoding genes in maize comparede to those in other model plants. Analyses of the physical locations and duplications of NBS‐encoding genes showed that gene duplication events of disease resistance genes were lower in maize than in other model plants, which may have led to an increase in the functional diversity of the maize NBS‐encoding genes. Various expression patterns of maize NBS‐encoding genes in different tissues were observed using an expressed‐sequence tags database and, alternatively, after southern leaf blight infection or the application of exogenous salicylic acid. The results reported in the present study contribute to an improved understanding of the NBS‐encoding gene family in maize.
Ischemia/reperfusion‐induced myosin light chain 1 phosphorylation increases its degradation by matrix metalloproteinase 2
Authors: Cadete Virgilio J. J. , Sawicka Jolanta , Jaswal Jagdip S. , Lopaschuk Gary D. , Schulz Richard , Szczesna‐Cordary Danuta , Sawicki Grzegorz
Published: May 2012

Degradation of myosin light chain 1 (MLC1) by matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2) during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) has been demonstrated. However, the exact mechanisms controlling this process remain unknown. I/R increases the phosphorylation of MLC1, but the consequences of this modification are not known. We hypothesized that phosphorylation of MLC1 plays an important role in its degradation by MMP‐2. To examine this, isolated perfused rat hearts were subjected to 20 min global ischemia followed by 30 min of aerobic reperfusion. I/R increased phosphorylation of MLC1 (as measured by mass spectrometry). When hearts were subjected to I/R in the presence of ML‐7 (a myosin light‐chain kinase inhibitor) or doxycycline (an MMP inhibitor), improved recovery of contractile function was observed compared to aerobic controls, and MLC1 was protected from degradation. Enzyme kinetic studies revealed an increased affinity of MMP‐2 for the phosphorylated form of MLC1 compared to non‐phosphorylated MLC1. We conclude that MLC1 phosphorylation is an important mechanism controlling the intracellular action of MMP‐2 and promoting degradation of MLC1. These results further support previous findings implicating post‐translational modifications of contractile proteins as a key factor in the pathology of cardiac dysfunction during and following ischemia.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPRJ is negatively regulated by microRNA‐328
Authors: Paduano Francesco , Dattilo Vincenzo , Narciso Domenico , Bilotta Anna , Gaudio Eugenio , Menniti Miranda , Agosti Valter , Palmieri Camillo , Perrotti Nicola , Fusco Alfredo , Trapasso Francesco , Iuliano Rodolfo
Published: May 2012

Expression of PTPRJ, which is a ubiquitous receptor‐type protein tyrosine phosphatase, is significantly reduced in a vast majority of human epithelial cancers and cancer cell lines (i.e. colon, lung, thyroid, mammary and pancreatic tumours). A possible role for microRNAs (miRNAs) in the negative regulation of PTPRJ expression has never been investigated. In this study, we show that overexpression of microRNA‐328 (miR‐328) decreases PTPRJ expression in HeLa and SKBr3 cells. Further investigations demonstrate that miR‐328 acts directly on the 3′UTR of PTPRJ, resulting in reduced mRNA levels. Luciferase assay and site‐specific mutagenesis were used to identify a functional miRNA response element in the 3′UTR of PTPRJ. Expression of miR‐328 significantly enhances cell proliferation in HeLa and SKBr3 cells, similar to the effects of downregulation of PTPRJ with small interfering RNA. Additionally, in HeLa cells, the proliferative effect of miR‐328 was not observed when PTPRJ was silenced with small interfering RNA; conversely, restoration of PTPRJ expression in miR‐328‐overexpressing cells abolished the proliferative activity of miR‐328. In conclusion, we report the identification of miR‐328 as an important player in the regulation of PTPRJ expression, and we propose that the interaction of miR‐328 with PTPRJ is responsible for miR‐328‐dependent increase of epithelial cell proliferation.
Placenta‐ versus bone‐marrow‐derived mesenchymal cells for the repair of segmental bone defects in a rabbit model
Authors: Fan Zhao‐Xin , Lu Yao , Deng Li , Li Xiu‐Qun , Zhi Wei , Li‐Ling Jesse , Yang Zhi‐Ming , Xie Hui‐Qi
Published: May 2012

Tissue‐engineered bones (TEBs) constructed with bone‐marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) seeded on biomaterial scaffolds have achieved good results for bone defect repair in both animal experiments and clinical trials. This has been limited, however, by the source and quantity of BMSCs. We here explored TEBs constructed by placenta‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) and compared their effect for the repair of critical‐sized segmental osteoperiosteal defects with TEBs constructed with BMSCs. PMSCs were isolated from rabbit placenta by gradient centrifugation and in vitro monolayer culturing, and BMSCs were isolated from the hindlimb bone marrow of newborn rabbit. Primary cultured PMSCs and BMSCs were uniformly in a spindle shape. Immunocytochemistry indicated that both types of cells are positive for CD44 and CD105, and negative for CD34 and CD40L, confirming that they are mesenchymal stem cells. BrdU‐labeled PMSCs and BMSCs were respectively co‐cultured with bio‐derived bone materials to construct TEBs in vitro. Critical‐sized segmental osteoperiosteal defects of radii were created in 24 rabbits by surgery. The defects were repaired with TEBs constructed with PMSCs and BMSCs. The results showed that TEBs constructed by both PMSCs and BMSCs could repair the osteoperiosteal defects in a ‘multipoint’ manner. Measurement of radiography, histology, immunohistochemistry, alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin assaying and biomechanical properties have found no significant difference between the two groups at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after the transplantation (P > 0.05). Taken together, our results indicate that PMSCs have similar biological characteristics and osteogenic capacity to BMSCs and can be used as a new source of seeding cells for TEBs.
Recreational Use of Erectile Dysfunction Medications and its Adverse Effects on Erectile Function in Young Healthy Men: The Mediating Role of Confidence in Erectile Ability
Authors: Harte Christopher B. , Meston Cindy M.
Published: May 2012

Introduction

Oral erectile dysfunction medications (EDMs) have become an increasingly popular drug of abuse among young men without a medical indication. In addition to being associated with increased sexual risk behaviors, recreational EDM use may adversely impact psychological aspects of sexual function, primarily by affecting one’s confidence in pharmacologically unaided erectile ability. To date, these associations have not been investigated empirically.

Aim

This study examined the mediating role of confidence in erectile ability on the concurrent relationship between recreational EDM use and erectile function among young healthy men. A secondary aim was to examine erectile function characteristics among recreational users, prescribed users, and nonusers to control for the possibility that recreational users were using EDMs to treat ED.

Methods

The sample comprised 1,207 sexually active men (mean age = 21.9 years; standard deviation = 4.48) who were recruited from undergraduate institutions within the United States.

Main Outcome Measures

Participants completed an online survey assessing frequency of EDM use, as well as levels of sexual function (erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, and overall sexual satisfaction) and levels of confidence in ability to gain and maintain erection, as per the International Index of Erectile Function.

Results

Recreational users (N = 72) reported similar erectile function levels compared with nonusers (N = 1,111), and both groups differed from prescribed users (N = 24). Recreational users also reported lower erectile confidence and lower overall satisfaction compared with nonusers. Results were consistent with mediation, in that more frequent EDM use was inversely associated with erectile confidence, which in turn showed negative relations with erectile function.

Conclusions

Confidence in erectile abilities mediates the inverse relationship between recreational EDM use and erectile function. Results underscore the possibility that recreational EDM use among healthy young men may lead to psychogenic ED. Additional longitudinal research is necessary to establish a causal link between these variables.
The Production of Transparent MgAl2O4 Ceramic Using Calcined Powder Mixtures of Mg(OH)2 and γ‐Al2O3 or AlOOH
Authors: Sutorik Anthony C. , Gilde Gary , Swab Jeffrey J. , Cooper Christopher , Gamble Robert , Shanholtz Eugene
Published: May 2012

Magnesium hydroxide, Mg(OH)2 (both 99% and 99.99% purity grades), γ‐Al2O3, and AlOOH have been investigated for the direct production of transparent MgAl2O4. The highest average in‐line transmittance through 3.5–4 mm thick samples is 84.2 ± 1.0% at 550 nm, attained by using mixtures of 99.99% pure Mg(OH)2 and γ‐Al2O3. Other formulations exhibited 77–80% visible transmission, suggesting that further optimization can improve sample consistency. All samples exhibited a Knoop hardness of ~12 GPa, and elastic modulus of ~280 GPa. Biaxial flexural strength measurements ranged from 85 to 136 MPa depending on starting materials.
Influence of Sintering Temperature on the Mechanical Properties of Alumina Springs
Authors: Barbieri Rodrigo A. , Perottoni Cláudio A. , Zorzi Janete E.
Published: May 2012

Low‐pressure injection molding (LPIM) was used to produce helical alumina springs. Three sets of springs were sintered at 1550°C, 1600°C and 1650°C to observe the effects on spring constant and fracture stress. Sintered alumina springs were obtained with densities ranging from 94.0% to 97.5% of the theoretical limit. Spring constants were measured from room temperature up to 1100°C. Fracture stress data were analyzed according to Weibull statistics and the method of maximum likelihood. Upon increase of sintering temperature from 1550°C to 1650°C, the spring constant and the Weibull characteristic strength of the alumina springs increases by 15% and 32%, respectively. On the other hand, sintering temperature has a negligible influence on Weibull's modulus. This is because internal bubbles and surface defects introduced in the production stage of the ceramic springs — more than the reduction in porosity with increasing sintering temperature — are critical in determining the reliability of the ceramic springs.
Knoop Hardness–Apparent Yield Stress Relationship in Ceramics
Authors: Swab Jeffrey J. , Wereszczak Andrew A. , Strong Kevin T. , Danna Dominic , LaSalvia Jerry C. , Ragan Meredith E. , Ritt Patrick J.
Published: May 2012

In Tabor's classical studies of the deformation of metals, the yield stress (Y) and hardness (H) were shown to be related according to H/Y ≈ 3 for complete or fully plastic deformation. Since then it has been anecdotally shown for ceramics that this ratio is <3. Interest exists to explore this further so Hertzian indentation was used to measure the apparent yield stress of numerous ceramics and metals and their results were compared with each material's load‐dependent Knoop hardness. The evaluated ceramics included standard reference materials for hardness (silicon nitride and tungsten carbide), silicon carbide, alumina, and glass. Several steel compositions were also tested for comparison. Knoop hardness measurements at 19.6 N (i.e., toward “complete or fully plastic deformation”), showed that 2 < H/Y < 3 for the metals and 0.8 < H/Y < 1.8 for the glasses and ceramics. Being that H/Y ≠ 3 for the ceramics indicates that Tabor's analysis is either not applicable to ceramics or that full plastic deformation is not achieved with a Knoop indentation or both.
Effects of maternal investment on larvae and juveniles of the annelidCapitella teletadetermined by experimental reduction of embryo energy content
Authors: Pernet Bruno , Amiel Aldine , Seaver Elaine C.
Published: May 2012

Experimental manipulations of the energy content of marine invertebrate embryos have been useful in testing key assumptions of life history theory, especially those concerning relationships between egg size, length of the planktonic period, and juvenile size and quality. However, methods for such “allometric engineering” experiments have been available for only a limited set of taxa (those with regulative early development, e.g., cnidarians and echinoderms). Here, we describe a method for the reduction of embryo energy content in the spirally cleaving embryos of a marine annelid,Capitella teleta, by targeted deletion of endodermal precursor cells. Embryos ofC. teletain which up to three cells (the macromeres 3A, 3B, and 3C) were deleted formed morphologically normal lecithotrophic larvae that were much smaller than larvae developing from control embryos. Experimental larvae metamorphosed at high rates, forming juveniles that were smaller than control juveniles. Juveniles derived from treated embryos had functional midguts, ingested and digested food, and grew into sexually mature adults. These results are consistent with those from previous allometric engineering studies of echinoid echinoderms, which suggest that in facultatively planktotrophic or lecithotrophic species, little maternally derived energy is used for construction of the larval body; instead, the majority is allocated to the formation of a large, high‐quality juvenile. Cleavage programs are highly conserved among divergent spiralian taxa (e.g., molluscs, nemerteans, and platyhelminths), so this method will likely be applicable to a diverse set of embryos. Similar experiments carried out in these diverse taxa will be extremely useful for evaluating inferences on relationships between egg size, length of the planktonic period, and juvenile size and quality previously based only on experiments on echinoid echinoderms.
Comparative analysis of Solanum stoloniferum responses to probing by the green peach aphid Myzus persicae and the potato aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae
Authors: Alvarez Adriana E. , Broglia Viviana G. , Alberti D’Amato Anahí M. , Wouters Doret , van der Vossen Edwin , Garzo Elisa , Tjallingii W. Fred , Dicke Marcel , Vosman Ben
Published: May 2012

Abstract  Plants protect themselves against aphid attacks by species‐specific defense mechanisms. Previously, we have shown that Solanum stoloniferum Schlechtd has resistance factors to Myzus persicae Sulzer (Homoptera: Aphididae) at the epidermal/mesophyll level that are not effective against Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas (Homoptera: Aphididae). Here, we compare the nymphal mortality, the pre‐reproductive development time, and the probing behavior of M. persicae and M. euphorbiae on S. stoloniferum and Solanum tuberosum L. Furthermore, we analyze the changes in gene expression in S. stoloniferum 96 hours post infestation by either aphid species. Although the M. euphorbiae probing behavior shows that aphids encounter more probing constrains on phloem activities–longer probing and salivation time– on S. stoloniferum than on S. tuberosum, the aphids succeeded in reaching a sustained ingestion of phloem sap on both plants. Probing by M. persicae on S. stoloniferum plants resulted in limited feeding only. Survival of M. euphorbiae and M. persicae was affected on young leaves, but not on senescent leaves of S. stoloniferum. Infestation by M. euphorbiae changed the expression of more genes than M. persicae did. At the systemic level both aphids elicited a weak response. Infestation of S. stoloniferum plants with a large number of M. persicae induced morphological changes in the leaves, leading to the development of pustules that were caused by disrupted vascular parenchyma and surrounding tissue. In contrast, an infestation by M. euphorbiae had no morphological effects. Both plant species can be regarded as good host for M. euphorbiae, whereas only S. tuberosum is a good host for M. persicae and S. stoloniferum is not. Infestation of S. stoloniferum by M. persicae or M. euphorbiae changed the expression of a set of plant genes specific for each of the aphids as well as a set of common genes.
RACIAL–ETHNIC THREAT, OUT‐GROUP INTOLERANCE, AND SUPPORT FOR PUNISHING CRIMINALS: A CROSS‐NATIONAL STUDY*
Authors: OUSEY GRAHAM C. , UNNEVER JAMES D.
Published: May 2012

Scholars often have used the group threat thesis to explain why punitiveness varies across places. This research regularly has found that punitiveness is harsher in places with a larger minority population. Yet researchers only have had a rudimentary grasp of why this is the case. Moreover, most prior research has focused only on the United States, giving us little knowledge of whether the group threat thesis is a viable explanation of cross‐national differences in punitiveness. In the current study, we postulate that the relative size of the out‐group population affects punitiveness indirectly, via its impact on individual intolerance toward ethnic out‐groups. We test this thesis cross‐nationally with data from individuals residing in 27 European countries. Our findings are consistent with the argument that greater racial/ethnic diversity at the country level affects individuals’ attitudes toward minority out‐groups, which in turn increases their support for severely punishing criminal offenders.
Medico‐legal aspects of introducing sialendoscopy: A minimally invasive treatment for salivary gland obstruction
Authors: Felton M. , Mamais C. , Kumar B.N. , Izzat M.
Published: May 2012

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2012, 37, 213–220
A clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of gastric cancer with squamous cell carcinoma components: A clinically aggressive tumor
Authors: SAITO Shin , HOSOYA Yoshinori , MORISHIMA Kazue , UI Takashi , HARUTA Hidenori , KURASHINA Kentaro , MEGURO Yoshiyuki , ZUIKI Toru , SATA Naohiro , FUJII Hirofumi , MATSUBARA Daisuke , NIKI Toshiro , LEFOR Alan T. , YASUDA Yoshikazu
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE:  Adenosquamous carcinoma originating in the stomach is an unusual neoplasm with few existing histological studies. This study was aimed to gain insight into the histogenetic and clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) components.

METHODS:  From January 2001 to June 2010 a total of 1735 patients underwent a resection of gastric cancer. Histopathologically, eight patients had adenocarcinoma containing SCC components, in which the proportion of SCC components was above 25% of the total tumor mass in four patients. The immunohistochemical and clinicopathological characteristics of these eight patients were analyzed.

RESULTS:  The median survival duration was 22 months. Adenocarcinoma was present at the superficial layer of all tumors and SCC was primarily present at sites with deep invasion. Immunohistochemically, adenocarcinoma components were positive for cytokeratin (CK) 8/18/19 and CK7 in all cases. SCC components were positive for carcinoembryonic antigen and CK7 in more than 60% of patients. Expression patterns of p53 product were identical in both components. SCC components were positive for 34βE12 and adenocarcinoma components were negative for 34βE12 in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS:  SCC components are derived from squamous metaplasia in a pre‐existing adenocarcinoma. A gastric adenocarcinoma with SCC components is associated with various patterns of metastasis and both SCC and adenocarcinoma components have the potential for metastasis. Gastric cancer with SCC components is a clinically aggressive tumor.
The Ghost in the Machine: IAPT and Organizational Melancholia
Authors: Rizq Rosemary
Published: May 2012

abstract

The introduction, funding and roll‐out of the NHS's Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme represents one of the biggest changes to mental health service provision ever seen in the UK. Drawing on Hinshelwood's (1994) notion that public mental health services may be regarded as a defence against overwhelming anxieties relating to psychological fragility and emotional distress, I explore the tendency for IAPT services to systematically disavow feelings of loss and vulnerability in both staff and patients. I propose three mechanisms by which this disavowal occurs: the promotion of a consumerist ethos and a ‘patient choice’ agenda; the deployment of discourses minimizing notions of fragility and dependence; and the proliferation of bureaucratic and surveillance systems aimed at continually monitoring and evaluating staff and clinical activity. Drawing on Freud's (1917) distinction between mourning and melancholia, I go on to argue that a sense of unconscious loss may come to be constitutive of the culture within IAPT services where the institutionally‐sanctioned repudiation of containment cannot be spoken about, addressed or mourned. Through a short case example, I illustrate the way in which organizational melancholia may be hidden within the structures of an IAPT service and enacted by both staff and patients.
Fatty acid‐mediated signalling between two Pseudomonas species
Authors: Fernández‐Piñar Regina , Espinosa‐Urgel Manuel , Dubern Jean‐Frederic , Heeb Stephan , Ramos Juan L. , Cámara Miguel
Published: May 2012

We report the identification of fatty acids as mediators of intercellular signalling in Pseudomonas putida, and between Pseudomonas aeruginosa and P. putida. Tetradecanoic acid and fatty acids of similar chain length are present in supernatants of these strains and activate population density‐dependent expression of ddcA, a gene involved in corn seed and root colonization by P. putida KT2440. Consistently, significant amounts of these compounds were also found in corn root exudates. The signalling pathway involves the two‐component regulatory system formed by RoxS and RoxR, which had been previously shown to control expression of ddcA and of a set of genes related to the redox balance of P. putida cells. Production of the fatty acid signal in P. aeruginosa is under the control of the LasI/LasR and RhlI/RhlR quorum sensing systems. Our data indicate that in terms of cell–cell communication, P. putida KT2440 employs mechanisms closer to those of plant pathogens such as Xanthomonas spp. and fungi like Candida, which also rely on fatty acid derivatives.
Self‐Concealment and Suicidal Behaviors
Authors: Friedlander Adam , Nazem Sarra , Fiske Amy , Nadorff Michael R. , Smith Merideth D.
Published: May 2012

Understanding self‐concealment, the tendency to actively conceal distressing personal information from others, may be important in developing effective ways to help individuals with suicidal ideation. No published study has yet assessed the relation between self‐concealment and suicidal behaviors. Additionally, most self‐concealment research has been conducted solely with younger adults. The relation between self‐concealment and depressive symptoms among older adults (age 65 and older), and between self‐concealment and suicidal behaviors among both younger (college student) and older adults, was investigated in this study. As predicted, self‐concealment was significantly related to suicidal behaviors in younger adults. Furthermore, self‐concealment was significantly related to depressive symptoms in older adults. Interestingly, the association between self‐concealment and suicidal behaviors in this age group was not significant.
The Old Woman, California, IIAB iron meteorite
Authors: PLOTKIN Howard , CLARKE Roy S. , McCOY Timothy J. , CORRIGAN Catherine M.
Published: May 2012

Abstract– The Old Woman meteorite, discovered in March 1976 by two prospectors searching for a fabled lost Spanish gold mine in mountains ∼270 km east of Los Angeles, has achieved the status of a legend among meteorite hunters and collectors. The question of the ownership of the 2753 kg group IIAB meteorite, the second largest ever found in the United States (34°28′N, 115°14′W), gave rise to disputes involving the finders, the Bureau of Land Management, the Secretary of the Department of the Interior, the State of California, the California members of the U.S. Congress, various museums in California, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Department of Justice. Ultimately, ownership of the meteorite was transferred to the Smithsonian under the powers of the 1906 Antiquities Act, a ruling upheld in a U.S. District Court and a U.S. Court of Appeals. After additional debate, the Smithsonian removed a large cut for study and curation, and for disbursement of specimens to qualified researchers. The main mass was then returned to California on long‐term loan to the Bureau of Land Management’s Desert Discovery Center in Barstow. The Old Woman meteorite litigation served as an important test case for the ownership and control of meteorites found on federal lands. The Old Woman meteorite appears to be structurally unique in containing both hexahedral and coarsest octahedral structures in the same mass, unique oriented schreibersites within hexahedral areas, and polycrystalline parent austenite crystals. These structures suggest that different portions of the meteorite may have transformed via different mechanisms upon subsolidus cooling, making the large slices of Old Woman promising targets for future research.