bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Gravity Wave Treatments for GISS Climate Models
Authors: Geller Marvin A. , Zhou Tiehan , Ruedy Reto , Aleinov Igor , Nazarenko Larissa , Tausnev Nikolai L. , Sun Shan , Kelley Maxwell , Cheng Ye
Published: February 2011

Previous versions of GISS climate models have either used formulations of Rayleigh drag to represent unresolved gravity wave interactions with the model-resolved flow or have included a rather complicated treatment of unresolved gravity waves that, while being climate interactive, involved the specification of a relatively large number of parameters that were not well constrained by observations and also was computationally very expensive. Here, the authors introduce a relatively simple and computationally efficient specification of unresolved orographic and nonorographic gravity waves and their interaction with the resolved flow. Comparisons of the GISS model winds and temperatures with no gravity wave parameterization; with only orographic gravity wave parameterization; and with both orographic and nonorographic gravity wave parameterizations are shown to illustrate how the zonal mean winds and temperatures converge toward observations. The authors also show that the specifications of orographic and nonorographic gravity waves must be different in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Then results are presented where the nonorographic gravity wave sources are specified to represent sources from convection in the intertropical convergence zone and spontaneous emission from jet imbalances. Finally, a strategy to include these effects in a climate-dependent manner is suggested.
Remote Control: How the Media Sustain Authoritarian Rule in China
Authors: Stockmann Daniela , Gallagher Mary E.
Published: February 2011

This study examines the role of the media in sustaining regime stability in an authoritarian context. The article engages the recent work on authoritarian resilience in comparative politics but goes beyond the standard focus on elections to other important institutions, such as the media and courts, that are used by authoritarian leaders to bolster legitimacy. The authors find that the Chinese media contribute to regime legitimacy and effective rule by propagandizing citizens’ experiences in the legal system. However, unlike the “mouthpieces” of earlier communist regimes, the marketized Chinese media provide more convincing and sophisticated messages that continue to accord with state censorship demands while satisfying readers’ interest in real-life stories and problems. The “positive propaganda” and the relative uniformity of information sources because of state censorship lead aggrieved citizens to the law as a realm for dispute resolution and rights protection. Statistical analysis of a randomly sampled survey conducted in four Chinese cities in 2005 demonstrates that exposure to media reporting about labor-law-related issues successfully promotes the image of a proworker bias in the law among citizens, thus encouraging them to participate in the legal system. The state is able to achieve its political goal because of the lack of conflicting sources of information and the lack of previous experience with the reformed legal system among citizens.
Colonial Hangover: The Case of the CFA
Authors: Canac Pierre , Garcia-Contreras Rogelio
Published: February 2011

At first glimpse, the Communauté Financière Africaine (CFA) could be seen as an extraordinary example of the kind of economic and political leadership developed nations could establish in Africa. Dig deeper and the relationship France keeps with her former colonies shows evidence of chronic and endemic problems. By concentrating on the economic and geo-political gains the CFA has brought for the countries involved, this paper offers a pertinent evaluation of the nature, purpose and relevance of such Community, in light of two antagonistic theories of international relations: Pluralistic Security Communities and Dependency Theory.
Localizing HIV/AIDS Discourse in a Rural Kenyan Community
Authors: Banda Felix , Oketch Omondi
Published: February 2011

This paper examines the effectiveness of multimodal texts used in HIV/AIDS campaigns in rural western Kenya using multimodal discourse analysis (Kress and Van Leeuwen, 2006; Martin and Rose, 2004). Twenty HIV/AIDS documents (posters, billboards and brochures) are analysed together with interview data (20 unstructured one-on-one interviews and six focus groups) from the target group to explore the effectiveness of the multimodal texts in engaging the target rural audience in meaningful interaction towards behavioural change. It is concluded that in some cases the HIV/AIDS messages are misinterpreted or lost as the multimodal texts used are unfamiliar and contradictory to the everyday life experiences of the rural folk. The paper suggests localization of HIV/AIDS discourse through use of local modes of communication and resources.
The Concertación and Homelessness in Chile
Authors: Özler Ş. İlgü
Published: February 2011

Housing has been a persistent problem in Chile. Concertación governments have sought to address the housing problem through a continuation of the neoliberal policies established by the dictatorship under Pinochet, emphasizing housing as commodity rather than a right. A study of housing policies under the Concertación reveals improvements in the quantitative supply with increased spending. Yet these neoliberal housing programs stratify residents into categories of poverty in which the poorest residents compete against one another to access subsidies and find housing. These programs prevent citizens from acting collectively to demand policy changes; instead housing is treated as a problem of poor families who must seek to resolve their situation on the individual level by enrolling in subsidy programs. As a result, the unequal distribution of housing in Chile continues, and the poor end up in low-quality housing in economically segregated neighborhoods far from jobs and services.

La vivienda ha sido un problema constante en Chile. Los gobiernos de Concertación han intentado atender este problema a través de la continuación de una serie de políticas neoliberales establecidas durante la dictadura de Pinochet, las cuales presentan la vivienda como mercancía más que un derecho. Un estudio de las políticas de vivienda bajo la Concertación revela mejoras en la cantidad de oferta a raíz de un gasto mayor. Sin embargo, estos programas neoliberales de vivienda estratifican a los residentes en categorías de pobreza dentro de las cuáles lo más pobres deben competir unos contra otros para tener acceso a los subsidios y encontrar casa. Estos programas evitan que la ciudadanía actúe de manera colectiva y exija cambios en las políticas. En lugar de esto, la vivienda se trata como un problema de las familias pobres, las cuales deben encontrar una solución individual a su situación enrolándose en los programas de subsidio. El resultado es que Chile continúa con una distribución desigual de la vivienda y los pobres acaban en casas de mala calidad en vecindades económicamente marginales lejos de sus trabajos y servicios.
Endurance Athletes and Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Devadoss Mercy , Kennedy Laura , Herbold Nancie
Published: February 2011

Objective

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the current diabetes management practices of endurance athletes with type 1 diabetes and to compare these practices with the guidelines for athletes established by the American Diabetes Association (ADA).

Methods

Participants included in this descriptive study were endurance athletes aged 18 years and older with type 1 diabetes. The survey questions were based on the current clinical recommendations for endurance athletes with type 1 diabetes, as established by the ADA. A link to the questionnaire was posted on the Web site of the Diabetes Exercise and Sports Association (DESA). A total of 38 questions were included in the survey, and 91 usable surveys were received. Analysis of variance was used for several comparisons using SPSS version 17.

Results

Half of the clinical guidelines were followed by the participants. Among these, about 50% followed many of the guidelines “most of the time” or “almost always” and 40% followed the guidelines “sometimes” or “most of the time.” Results of ANOVA showed several trends (nonsignificant) in the occurrence of low blood glucose when the guidelines were not followed.

Conclusion

Endurance athletes with type 1 diabetes do not consistently follow the clinical guidelines for blood glucose management as recommended by the ADA. The results of this study reflect a need among athletes for diabetes management education programs that promote a better understanding of the potential negative side effects of suboptimal blood glucose control.
Auditory Changes in Mobile Users
Authors: Panda Naresh K. , Modi Rahul , Munjal Sanjay , Virk Ramandeep S.
Published: February 2011

Objective

Genuine concerns are being raised as to the potential health risks posed by electromagnetic frequency exposure secondary to mobile phone usage. This study was undertaken to assess and compare potential changes in hearing function at the level of the inner ear and central auditory pathway due to chronic exposure to electromagnetic waves from both global system for mobile communications (GSM) and code division multiple access (CDMA) mobile phone usage.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

One hundred twenty‐five subjects who were long‐term mobile phone users (more than 1 year; 63 GSM and 62 CDMA) and 58 controls who had never used mobile phones underwent audiological investigations including pure tone audiometry (250‐12 kHz), tympanometry, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), auditory brain responses (ABR), and middle latency responses (MLRs). The changes in various parameters were studied in mobile‐using and non‐mobile‐using ears of both GSM and CDMA subjects and corresponding ears of the controls to ascertain the effects of electromagnetic exposure.

Results

GSM and CDMA users were found to be at a significantly higher risk of having DPOAE absent as compared with controls (P <. 05). They were found to have higher speech frequency thresholds and lower MLR wave and Na and Pa amplitudes. More than 3 years of mobile phone usage emerged as a risk factor (P <. 05). The damage done was bilateral, with the quantum of damage being the same for both GSM and CDMA.

Conclusion

Long‐term and intensive GSM and CDMA mobile phone use may cause damage to cochlea as well as the auditory cortex.
Reporting Results of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Surgery Trials
Authors: Kezirian Eric J. , Weaver Edward M. , Criswell Mark A. , de Vries Nico , Woodson B. Tucker , Piccirillo Jay F.
Published: February 2011

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome surgery studies largely evaluate single procedures or procedure combinations in case series designs, but it can be difficult to compare results across studies. The authors present a standardized format for presentation of surgical study results to facilitate pooled analyses and subgroup analyses. The format includes thorough characterization of baseline subject characteristics and the use of outcome measures that reflect the spectrum of obstructive sleep apnea and its consequences. As the apnea‐hypopnea index is the most common, albeit controversial, primary outcome measure in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome surgery studies, the authors propose analysis and reporting standards to facilitate understanding its role as an outcome measure. Because surgical outcomes vary according to subject characteristics, investigators should also evaluate the potential association between baseline subject characteristics and outcomes.
The Value of Otolaryngologists’ Services in America
Authors: Frake Paul C. , Domanski Mark , Howell Rebecca J. , Troost Thomas
Published: February 2011

Objective

To evaluate the perceived monetary value of physician services within the general population and to foster academic discussion about the finances of clinical practice in the setting of recent health care reform.

Study Design, Subjects, and Methods

National survey of 409 members of the general population and review of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services data.

Results

The perceived monetary values of office visits were comparable to the actual physician reimbursements. However, the average perceived value associated with surgical treatments was significantly higher than the true Medicare reimbursement amount. For example, survey participants said that a reasonable price for a doctor to be paid for performing a tonsillectomy is $955.58, whereas the national average Medicare reimbursement is $257.74. Furthermore, 59% of respondents also believe that insurers, Medicare, and Medicaid pay doctors more than the respondent’s perceived value for each service.

Conclusion

The current patterns of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reimbursement reveal a trend of declining payments for physician services. A survey of a sample of the general population indicated that most people believe that their doctors are paid far more than they actually are. It is important for otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons to understand and discuss the economic forces that continue to shape our practices, and it is vital that we all play an active role in the discussions surrounding the evolution of the American health care system.
Impact of pH Monitoring on Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Treatment
Authors: Friedman Michael , Maley Alexander , Kelley Kanwar , Pulver Tanya , Foster Michael , Fisher Michelle , Joseph Ninos
Published: February 2011

Objectives

Treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) often suffers from poor patient compliance and hence poor symptom improvement. The aim of this study was to determine whether 24‐hour oropharyngeal pH monitoring was associated with higher rates of treatment compliance and symptom improvement compared with empirical treatment for LPR.

Study Design

Retrospective, case‐control study.

Setting

Tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

Charts were reviewed from 170 consecutive adult patients diagnosed with LPR from January 2008 to March 2010. After clinical diagnosis, all patients were offered the option of empiric treatment with a proton pump inhibitor versus treatment based on a 24‐hour oropharyngeal pH study using the Dx‐pH system (Restech, San Diego, California). Treatment compliance and pretreatment and posttreatment reflux symptom index (RSI) scores were compared for the 2 groups. Only consecutive patients with complete data were included.

Results

One‐hundred and seventy patients were included in 2 groups. Group I consisted of 73 patients who underwent pH monitoring. Group II consisted of 70 patients treated empirically. Compliance with medication therapy (68.5% vs 50.0%, P =. 019) and lifestyle modification (82.2 vs 25.7%, P =. 0001) were greater among patients in group I. Symptom improvement was greater among patients in group I following treatment compared with patients in group II, with a significantly greater reduction in RSI (36.6% vs 24.4%, P =. 023).

Conclusion

Among our patient population, treatment of LPR based on pH monitoring resulted in greater compliance, as well as greater symptom improvement, compared with empirical therapy alone.
A Practical Guide to Surveys and Questionnaires
Authors: Slattery Eric L. , Voelker Courtney C. J. , Nussenbaum Brian , Rich Jason T. , Paniello Randal C. , Neely J. Gail
Published: February 2011

Surveys with questionnaires play a vital role in decision and policy making in society. Within medicine, including otolaryngology, surveys with questionnaires may be the only method for gathering data on rare or unusual events. In addition, questionnaires can be developed and validated to be used as outcome measures in clinical trials and other clinical research architecture. Consequently, it is fundamentally important that such tools be properly developed and validated. Just asking questions that have not gone through rigorous design and development may be misleading and unfair at best; at worst, they can result in under‐ or overtreatment and unnecessary expense. Furthermore, it is important that consumers of the data produced by these instruments understand the principles of questionnaire design to interpret results in an optimal and meaningful way. This article presents a practical guide for understanding the methodologies of survey and questionnaire design, including the concepts of validity and reliability, how surveys are administered and implemented, and, finally, biases and pitfalls of surveys.
Boundary element analysis of two- and three-dimensional thermo-elastic problems with various concentrated heat sources Boundary element analysis of two- and three-dimensional thermo-elastic problems with various concentrated heat sources
Authors: Hematiyan M R , Mohammadi M , Aliabadi M H
Published: February 2011

A heat source can be concentrated at a point, along a line, or over an area in a domain or distributed over the whole domain. In this paper, a boundary element formulation for thermo-elastic analysis of isotropic media with point, line, or area heat sources is presented. Temperature, displacement, and stress analyses are performed without internal points or cells and without any need to find the temperature distribution through the domain. Several numerical examples are presented to show the accuracy of the presented method. It is clearly demonstrated that the proposed boundary element formulation is much more efficient in comparison with domain methods.
Seizure and Encephalopathy Associated With Thyroid Storm in Children
Authors: Lee Hae Sang , Hwang Jin Soon
Published: February 2011

Thyroid storm with seizures is very rare in children. The authors report 3 children with thyroid storm who had a seizure in the absence of a history of neurologic disease. Acute medical management with propylthiouracil, Lugol’s iodine solution, hydrocortisone, and propranolol led to a complete resolution of the symptoms. Patients with thyroid storm may be predisposed to the development of neuropsychiatric change. Early recognition and treatment of thyroid storm are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality from this disorder.
Familial Miller Fisher Syndrome
Authors: Peeples Eric
Published: February 2011

Miller Fisher syndrome is an acute inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy that is generally considered a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome and is characterized by the clinical triad of ataxia, areflexia, and ophthalmoplegia. Several reports of familial Guillain-Barré syndrome have been reported, indicating a possible underlying genetic and/or environmental predisposition to the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome. A familial association in Miller Fisher syndrome has not previously been described in the literature. We report 2 cases of Miller Fisher syndrome presenting simultaneously in siblings, with a review of recent relevant literature.
Acquired Opercular Epilepsy With Oromotor Dysfunction: Magnetoencephalographic Analysis and Efficacy of Corticosteroid Therapy
Authors: Tohyama Jun , Akasaka Noriyuki , Ohashi Tsukasa , Kobayashi Yu
Published: February 2011

The authors describe herein the magnetoencephalographic findings and long-term outcome of a girl with acquired opercular epilepsy with oromotor dysfunction. She presented with brief episodes of unconsciousness, tremulous movements of the upper limbs, and negative myoclonus, in addition to convulsive seizures. She also had prolonged episodes of dysarthria and oral motor dysfunction, a gradual decrease in speech output, impairment of finger movements, and deterioration in cognitive performance over several years. Her electroencephalography (EEG) recordings showed notable continuous sharp or sharp-slow discharges during sleep. Brain magnetic resonance images revealed no structural anomalies. Magnetoencephalographic analysis showed broadly distributed epileptic foci around the sylvian fissure, including a secondary source, explaining the specific prolonged neurological dysfunction. Antiepileptic drugs could control her seizures; however, they did not improve the other neurological symptoms or epileptiform discharge on EEG. Administration of low-dose prednisolone over a long period was effective for improving the neurological impairments of this patient.
Subchronic Systemic Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Fe3O4 Nano- and Microparticles Following Repeated Intraperitoneal Administration to Rats
Authors: Katsnelson Boris A. , Degtyareva Tamara D. , Minigalieva Ilzira I. , Privalova Larisa I. , Kuzmin Sergey V. , Yeremenko Olga S. , Kireyeva Ekaterina P. , Sutunkova Marina P. , Valamina Irene I. , Khodos Mark Y. , Kozitsina Alisa N. , Shur Vladimir Y. , Vazhenin Vladimir A. , Potapov Aleksandr P. , Morozova Maria V.
Published: February 2011

Aqueous suspensions of 10 nm, 50 nm, or 1 μm Fe3O4 particles were injected intraperitoneally (ip) to rats at a dose of 500 mg/kg in 4 mL of sterile deionized water 3 times a week for 5 weeks. Following exposure, functional and biochemical indices and histopathological examinations of spleen and liver tissues of exposed rats were evaluated for signs of toxicity. The iron content of the blood was measured photometrically, and that of the liver and the spleen by atomic adsorption spectroscopy (AAS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) methods. It was found that, given equal mass doses, Fe3O4 nanoparticles possess considerably higher systemic toxicity than microparticles, but within the nanometric range the relationship between particle size and resorptive toxicity is intricate and nonunique. The latter fact may be attributed to differences in different nanoparticles' toxicokinetics, which are controlled by both more or less substantial direct penetration of nanoparticles through biological barriers and their unequal solubility.
A case–control study of risk factors for multiple sclerosis in Iran
Authors: Alonso Alvaro , Cook Stuart D , Maghzi Amir-Hadi , Divani Afshin A
Published: February 2011

Background: Numerous studies have assessed risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS), although none have been conducted previously in Iran.

Objective: The objective of this study was to study lifestyle and environmental risk factors of MS in the Iranian population.

Methods: A case–control study, including 394 MS cases and 394 matched controls, was conducted in MS clinics in different Iranian cities. Information on lifestyles, environmental exposures, and past medical history was obtained from medical charts and phone interviews.

Results: In multivariable analysis, sunlight exposure was associated with a lower risk of MS: the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of MS associated with a 1-h increment in daily sunlight was 0.62 (0.53–0.73). Smoking was associated with MS risk in women (OR: 6.48, 95% CI: 1.46–28.78), but not in men (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.31–1.68) ( p = 0.002 for interaction). Finally, past history of common surgical procedures, infectious disorders, or exposure to pets and farm animals was not associated with MS risk.

Conclusions: Different modifiable lifestyles, including sunlight exposure and smoking, were associated with lower MS risk in Iran. Interventions aimed at promoting smoking cessation and, more importantly, at increasing exposure to sunlight might contribute to the prevention of MS.
Long-term safety profile of mitoxantrone in a French cohort of 802 multiple sclerosis patients: a 5-year prospective study
Authors: Le Page E , Leray E , Edan G ,   for the French Mitoxantrone Safety Group
Published: February 2011

Background: From 2001, a French multicentre study was conducted prospectively in a large cohort of MS patients and annually updated up to at least 5 years after initiation of MITOX therapy. Objective: To determine long-term safety profile of mitoxantrone (MITOX) in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods: Eight hundred and two patients from 12 MS centres (308 relapsing–remitting, 352 secondary progressive and 142 primary progressive) received MITOX monthly for 6 months (87%) or every 3 months (13%). Patients underwent clinical and haematologic evaluations before every MITOX infusion and every 6–12 months up to 5 years after MITOX start. Echocardiograms were performed at the start and end of MITOX and up to 5 years after.

Results: The cohort was followed for 5354 patient-years (mean). One out of 802 patients (0.1%) presented with acute congestive heart failure and 39 out of 794 patients (4.9%) presented with asymptomatic left ventricular ejection fraction reduction under 50% (persistent in 11 patients (28%), transient in 27 patients (69%), on the last scan at year 5 in 1 patient). Two cases of therapy-related leukaemia (0.25%) were detected 20 months after MITOX start (one death and one with 8 years confirmed remission). Of the 317 women treated before the age of 45, 17.3% developed a persistent age-dependant amenorrhea. Conclusion: This large cohort with at least 5 years of follow-up provided good insights into the long-term safety profile of MITOX in MS.
Social network integration
Authors: Shook Natalie J. , Fazio Russell H.
Published: February 2011

The purpose of the study was to identify factors that promote the integration of an outgroup member into an individual’s social network, thus enhancing extended contact. White freshmen randomly assigned to either a white or black roommate completed measures of intergroup anxiety and roommate relationship quality at the beginning of their first term at college. At the end of the term, participants reported the extent to which their roommate was integrated into their social network. In general, black roommates were less integrated into the white participants’ social networks than white roommates. However, roommate integration also depended on relationship quality and intergroup anxiety. For those with lower quality roommate relationships, integration was generally low. For those with higher quality relationships, lower intergroup anxiety enhanced the likelihood of the integration of a black roommate relative to a white roommate. The results highlight factors that may facilitate or inhibit extended contact.
The Hillary Clinton effect
Authors: Taylor Cheryl A. , Lord Charles G. , McIntyre Rusty B. , Paulson René M.
Published: February 2011

If successful role models undo stereotype threat effects by providing reassurance that group members can “take care of themselves,” then the same real-world role model might inspire those who think she deserved success, but fail to inspire those who think she did not. In a pilot study, some women participants listed Hillary Clinton high among women who deserved their success; others listed her high among women who did not deserve their success. The former participants, but not the latter, claimed her success came from internal and stable causes and would inspire them in difficult situations. In the main study, women rated how much Hillary Clinton deserved her success. One month later, they were placed under mathematics stereotype threat, read a factual biography of Hillary Clinton, and took a GRE-Q test. Those who had earlier claimed Clinton deserved her success scored as well as a test-only control group; those who had earlier claimed she did not deserve her success scored as poorly as a threat-only control group. The results are seen as contributing to theories of role models, stereotype threat, and attribution.
The cognitive ripple of social norms communications
Authors: Nolan Jessica M.
Published: February 2011

Social norms marketing has become a widely used technique for promoting pro-social behaviors, however, little is known about the cognitive changes produced by these interventions. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the extent and durability of changes in normative beliefs following a one-shot social norms communication. Participants were surveyed immediately following the intervention, one week later, and one month later. Results showed that (1) normative beliefs spilled over to behaviors and referents not specified in the original message; (2) communication and self-knowledge both contributed to participants’ normative belief estimates; and (3) the change in normative beliefs over the one-month period was consistent with Miller and Prentice’s (1996) theory of normative belief construction. Possible explanations for the spillover effect are discussed.
Latino U.S. State Legislators in the 1990s: Majority-Minority Districts, Minority Incorporation, and Institutional Position
Authors: Preuhs Robert R. , Juenke Eric Gonzalez
Published: February 2011

The creation of racial/ethnic majority-minority districts lies at the heart of debates regarding the utility of descriptive representation for minority policy advocacy. The general puzzle that emerges from these debates, however, rests on the possibility that by electing representatives who are policy outsiders, minority interests would exert little influence in the policy decisions of median-dominated institutions. The authors present a model that shows how majority-minority districts can act to (1) increase the likelihood of electing minority representatives who are unique policy advocates and (2) concurrently increase the level of institutional status of descriptive representatives. The empirical analysis employs a novel data set of observations on political, sociodemographic, roll-call and institutional position, covering twenty U.S. states in the late 1990s and over 2,600 state legislative seats to show how majority-minority districts produce policy outsiders as well as institutional insiders.
U.S. State Election Reform and Turnout in Presidential Elections
Authors: Larocca Roger , Klemanski John S.
Published: February 2011

We explore the effects of state-level election reforms on voter turnout in the 2000, 2004, and 2008 presidential elections. Using a cost-benefit model of political participation, we develop a framework for analyzing the burdens imposed by the following: universal mail voting, permanent no-excuse absentee voting, nonpermanent no-excuse absentee voting, early in-person voting, Election Day registration, and voter identification requirements. We analyze turnout data from the 2000, 2004, and 2008 Current Population Surveys and show that implementation by states of both forms of no-excuse absentee voting and Election Day registration has a positive and significant affect on turnout in each election. We find positive but less consistent effects on turnout for universal mail voting and voter identification requirements. Our results also show that early in-person voting has a negative and statistically significant correlation with turnout in all three elections.
Unmanned aircraft systems as wingmen
Authors: Garcia Richard D , Barnes Laura , Fields MaryAnne
Published: February 2011

This paper introduces a method to integrate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) into a highly functional manned/unmanned team through the design and implementation of 3D distributed formation/flight control algorithms with the goal to act as wingmen for a manned aircraft. The proposed algorithms are designed to increase UAS autonomy, dynamically modify formations, utilize standard operating formations to reduce pilot resistance to integration, and support splinter groups for surveillance and/or as safeguards between potential threats and manned vehicles. The proposed work coordinates UAS members by utilizing artificial potential functions whose values are based on the state of the unmanned and manned assets including the desired formation, obstacles, task assignments, and perceived intentions. The overall unmanned team geometry is controlled using weighted potential fields. Individual UASs utilize fuzzy logic controllers for stability and navigation as well as a fuzzy reasoning engine for predicting the intent of surrounding aircrafts. Approaches are demonstrated in simulation using the commercial simulator X-Plane and controllers designed in Matlab/Simulink. Experiments include staggered trail and right echelon formations as well as splinter group surveillance.
Simulator-defined Radar Countermeasure System (Sim-dRCS) Proof of Concept for Deception in Air Defense at Sea
Authors: Kostis Theodoros G , Galanis Konstantinos G , Nikitakos Nikitas V , Koukos Ioannis A
Published: February 2011

Modern air defense at sea doctrines need to consider the emerging technology of software-defined radar. In this manner the surveillance and tracking abilities of imaging radar are implemented in software. Concurrently there exists the need to forge the other side of the same coin. The Software-defined Radar Countermeasure System (S-dRCS) might be a solution for confusing adversary radar operators. In this spirit the current contribution is the proof of concept for a S-dRCS special case called the Simulator-defined Radar Countermeasure System (Sim-dRCS). The simulator approach for imaging radar countermeasures is preferred because it provides a bespoke generation of the required signals valid for a diverse set of adversary observers, which are considered to be Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar systems. The simulator receives input from the sensors of the Sim-dRCS and then crafts false targets matched to the heading and velocity vectors of the threat. In this case the countermeasure output is a battleship-class false naval target. The achievement of verisimility enhancement is the main requirement in order to support this deceptive stratagem.
An Overview of the Management of Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain
Authors: Carlson Hans , Carlson Nels
Published: February 2011

Musculoskeletal pain is a common reason for patients to seek care from healthcare providers. These conditions are predominantly nontraumatic injuries with a broad differential diagnosis and often without a specific diagnosis despite thorough history and examination. The management of these conditions is often discouraging for patients with continued chronic symptoms despite numerous diagnostic workups and treatment options. Effective communication with respect to the patient's goals is the key to a good outcome. The combination of an accurate diagnosis, an informed, motivated patient and a comprehensive review of the potential treatment options is beneficial for long-term success.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Effects on Sports Injuries
Authors: Barata Pedro , Cervaens Mariana , Resende Rita , Camacho Óscar , Marques Frankim
Published: February 2011

In the last decade, competitive sports have taken on a whole new meaning, where intensity has increased together with the incidence of injuries to the athletes. Therefore, there is a strong need to develop better and faster treatments that allow the injured athlete to return to competition faster than with the normal course of rehabilitation, with a low risk of re-injury. Hyperbaric therapies are methods used to treat diseases or injuries using pressures higher than local atmospheric pressure inside a hyperbaric chamber. Within hyperbaric therapies, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) is the administration of pure oxygen (100%) at pressures greater than atmospheric pressure, i.e. more than 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA), for therapeutic reasons. The application of HBO for the treatment of sports injuries has recently been suggested in the scientific literature as a modality of therapy either as a primary or an adjunct treatment. Although results have proven to be promising in terms of using HBO as a treatment modality in sports-related injuries, these studies have been limited due to the small sample size, lack of blinding and randomization problems. HBO seems to be promising in the recovery of injuries for high-performance athletes; however, there is a need for larger samples, randomized, controlled, double-blinded clinical trials combined with studies using animal models so that its effects and mechanisms can be identified to confirm that it is a safe and effective therapy for the treatment of sports injuries.
JAK2 rearrangements, including the novel SEC31A-JAK2 fusion, are recurrent in classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Van Roosbroeck Katrien , Cox Luk , Tousseyn Thomas , Lahortiga Idoya , Gielen Olga , Cauwelier Barbara , De Paepe Pascale , Verhoef Gregor , Marynen Peter , Vandenberghe Peter , De Wolf-Peeters Chris , Cools Jan , Wlodarska Iwona
Published: February 2011

The genetics of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is poorly understood. The finding of a JAK2-involving t(4;9)(q21;p24) in 1 case of cHL prompted us to characterize this translocation on a molecular level and to determine the prevalence of JAK2 rearrangements in cHL. We showed that the t(4;9)(q21;p24) leads to a novel SEC31A-JAK2 fusion. Screening of 131 cHL cases identified 1 additional case with SEC31A-JAK2 and 2 additional cases with rearrangements involving JAK2. We demonstrated that SEC31A-JAK2 is oncogenic in vitro and acts as a constitutively activated tyrosine kinase that is sensitive to JAK inhibitors. In vivo, SEC31A-JAK2 was found to induce a T-lymphoblastic lymphoma or myeloid phenotype in a murine bone marrow transplantation model. Altogether, we identified SEC31A-JAK2 as a chromosomal aberration characteristic for cHL and provide evidence that JAK2 rearrangements occur in a minority of cHL cases. Given the proven oncogenic potential of this novel fusion, our studies provide new insights into the pathogenesis of cHL and indicate that in at least some cases, constitutive activation of the JAK/STAT pathway is caused by JAK2 rearrangements. The finding that SEC31A-JAK2 responds to JAK inhibitors indicates that patients with cHL and JAK2 rearrangements may benefit from targeted therapies.
Method to isolate polyribosomal mRNA from scarce samples such as mammalian oocytes and early embryos
Authors: Scantland Sara , Grenon Jean-Philippe , Desrochers Marie-Hélène , Sirard Marc-André , Khandjian Edward W , Robert Claude
Published: February 2011

Background

Although the transcriptome of minute quantities of cells can be profiled using nucleic acid amplification techniques, it remains difficult to distinguish between active and stored messenger RNA. Transcript storage occurs at specific stages of gametogenesis and is particularly important in oogenesis as stored maternal mRNA is used to sustain de novo protein synthesis during the early developmental stages until the embryonic genome gets activated. In many cases, stored mRNA can be several times more abundant than mRNA ready for translation. In order to identify active mRNA in bovine oocytes, we sought to develop a method of isolating very small amounts of polyribosome mRNA.

Results

The proposed method is based on mixing the extracted oocyte cytoplasm with a preparation of polyribosomes obtained from a non-homologous source (Drosophila) and using sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation to separate the polyribosomes. It involves cross-linking the non-homologous polyribosomes and neutralizing the cross-linking agent. Using this method, we show that certain stages of oocyte maturation coincide with changes in the abundance of polyribosomal mRNA but not total RNA or poly(A). We also show that the abundance of selected sequences matched changes in the corresponding protein levels.

Conclusions

We report here the successful use of a method to profile mRNA present in the polyribosomal fraction obtained from as little as 75 mammalian oocytes. Polyribosomal mRNA fractionation thus provides a new tool for studying gametogenesis and early development with better representation of the underlying physiological status.
Strain-specific copy number variation in the intelectin locus on the 129 mouse chromosome 1
Authors: Lu Zen H , di Domenico Alex , Wright Steven H , Knight Pamela A , Whitelaw C Bruce A , Pemberton Alan D
Published: February 2011

Background

C57BL/6J mice possess a single intelectin (Itln) gene on chromosome 1. The function of intelectins is not well understood, but roles have been postulated in insulin sensitivity, bacterial recognition, intestinal lactoferrin uptake and response to parasites and allergens. In contrast to C57BL/6J mice, there is evidence for expansion of the Itln locus in other strains and at least one additional mouse Itln gene product has been described. The aim of this study was to sequence and characterise the Itln locus in the 129S7 strain, to determine the nature of the chromosomal expansion and to inform possible future gene deletion strategies.

Results

Six 129S7 BAC clones were sequenced and assembled to generate 600 kbp of chromosomal sequence, including the entire Itln locus of approximately 500 kbp. The locus contained six distinct Itln genes, two CD244 genes and several Itln- and CD244-related pseudogenes. It was approximately 433 kbp larger than the corresponding C57BL/6J locus. The expansion of the Itln locus appears to have occurred through multiple duplications of a segment consisting of a full-length Itln gene, a CD244 (pseudo)gene and an Itln pseudogene fragment. Strong evidence for tissue-specific distribution of Itln variants was found, indicating that Itln duplication contributes more than a simple gene dosage effect.

Conclusions

We have characterised the Itln locus in 129S7 mice to reveal six Itln genes with distinct sequence and expression characteristics. Since C57BL/6J mice possess only a single Itln gene, this is likely to contribute to functional differences between C57BL/6J and other mouse strains.
Genome-wide analysis of eukaryote thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs) with an emphasis on poplar
Authors: Petre Benjamin , Major Ian , Rouhier Nicolas , Duplessis Sébastien
Published: February 2011

Background

Plant inducible immunity includes the accumulation of a set of defense proteins during infection called pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, which are grouped into families termed PR-1 to PR-17. The PR-5 family is composed of thaumatin-like proteins (TLPs), which are responsive to biotic and abiotic stress and are widely studied in plants. TLPs were also recently discovered in fungi and animals. In the poplar genome, TLPs are over-represented compared with annual species and their transcripts strongly accumulate during stress conditions.

Results

Our analysis of the poplar TLP family suggests that the expansion of this gene family was followed by diversification, as differences in expression patterns and predicted properties correlate with phylogeny. In particular, we identified a clade of poplar TLPs that cluster to a single 350 kb locus of chromosome I and that are up-regulated by poplar leaf rust infection. A wider phylogenetic analysis of eukaryote TLPs - including plant, animal and fungi sequences - shows that TLP gene content and diversity increased markedly during land plant evolution. Mapping the reported functions of characterized TLPs to the eukaryote phylogenetic tree showed that antifungal or glycan-lytic properties are widespread across eukaryote phylogeny, suggesting that these properties are shared by most TLPs and are likely associated with the presence of a conserved acidic cleft in their 3D structure. Also, we established an exhaustive catalog of TLPs with atypical architectures such as small-TLPs, TLP-kinases and small-TLP-kinases, which have potentially developed alternative functions (such as putative receptor kinases for pathogen sensing and signaling).

Conclusion

Our study, based on the most recent plant genome sequences, provides evidence for TLP gene family diversification during land plant evolution. We have shown that the diverse functions described for TLPs are not restricted to specific clades but seem to be universal among eukaryotes, with some exceptions likely attributable to atypical protein structures. In the perennial plant model Populus, we unravelled the TLPs likely involved in leaf rust resistance, which will provide the foundation for further functional investigations.
Aberrant methylation of Polo-like kinase CpG islands in Plk4 heterozygous mice
Authors: Ward Alejandra , Morettin Alan , Shum David , Hudson John W
Published: February 2011

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common cancers world-wide occurs twice as often in men compared to women. Predisposing conditions such as alcoholism, chronic viral hepatitis, aflatoxin B1 ingestion, and cirrhosis all contribute to the development of HCC.

Methods

We used a combination of methylation specific PCR and bisulfite sequencing, qReal-Time PCR (qPCR), and Western blot analysis to examine epigenetic changes for the Polo-like kinases (Plks) during the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Plk4 heterozygous mice and murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs).

Results

Here we report that the promoter methylation of Plk4 CpG islands increases with age, was more prevalent in males and that Plk4 epigenetic modification and subsequent downregulation of expression was associated with the development of HCC in Plk4 mutant mice. Interestingly, the opposite occurs with another Plk family member, Plk1 which was typically hypermethylated in normal liver tissue but became hypomethylated and upregulated in liver tumours. Furthermore, upon alcohol exposure murine embryonic fibroblasts exhibited increased Plk4 hypermethylation and downregulation along with increased centrosome numbers and multinucleation.

Conclusions

These results suggest that aberrant Plk methylation is correlated with the development of HCC in mice.
Monitoring of clinical efficacy and in vitro sensitivity of Plasmodium vivax to chloroquine in area along Thai Myanmar border during 2009-2010
Authors: Muhamad Poonuch , Ruengweerayut Ronnatrai , Chacharoenkul Wanna , Rungsihirunrat Kanchana , Na-Bangchang Kesara
Published: February 2011

Background

In Thailand, the proportion of Plasmodium vivax infection has become equal to Plasmodium falciparum. Reports of a trend of gradual decline of in vitro sensitivity of P. vivax to chloroquine in some areas of the country, together with accumulating evidences of chloroquine resistance P. vivax in other parts of the world, emphasize the need for closely and continuously monitoring clinical efficacy in conjunction with in vitro sensitivity of P. vivax isolates.

Methods

The study was conducted at Mae Tao clinic for migrant workers, Tak Province during March 2008 - August 2009. A total of 130 patients (17 Thais and 113 Burmeses; 64 males and 66 females) with mono-infection of P. vivax malaria, aged between 15-60 years and weighing more than 40 kg, were included in the study. Patients received treatment with chloroquine (2,000 mg chloroquine phosphate over three days) and the anti-relapse drug primaquine (15 mg for 14 days). In vitro sensitivity of P. vivax isolates was evaluated by schizont maturation inhibition assay.

Results

All patients showed satisfactory response to treatment. The cure rate was virtually 100% within the follow-up period of 42 days. Neither recurrence of P. vivax parasitaemia nor appearance of P. falciparum occurred during the investigation period. In vitro data showed a stable sensitivity of chloroquine in this area since 2006. Geometric mean and median (95% CI) values of IC50 for chloroquine were 100.1 and 134.7 (1.1-264.9) nM, respectively.

Conclusion

In vivo results suggest that the standard regimen of chloroquine was still very effective for the treatment of blood infections with P. vivax in the Thai-Myanmar border area. In vitro sensitivity data however, raise the possibility of potential advent of resistance in the future. Regular monitoring of the chloroquine sensitivity of P. vivax is essential to facilitate the early recognition of treatment failures and to expedite the formulation of appropriate changes to the drug policy.
Confined conversion of CuS nanowires to CuO nanotubes by annealing-induced diffusion in nanochannels
Authors: Mu Cheng , He Junhui
Published: February 2011

Copper oxide (CuO) nanotubes were successfully converted from CuS nanowires embedded in anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template by annealing-induced diffusion in a confined tube-type space. The spreading of CuO and formation of CuO layer on the nanochannel surface of AAO, and the confinement offered by AAO nanochannels play a key role in the formation of CuO nanotubes.