bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Metal Regulatory Proteins in Brain Oxidative Stress: A Tutorial
Authors: Briner Wayne
Published: December 2012

The proteins that regulate the metabolism of a metal must also play a role in regulating the redox activity of the metal. Metals are intrinsic to a substantial number of biological processes and the proteins that regulate those activities are also considerable in number. The role these proteins play in a wide range of physiological processes involves them directly and indirectly in a variety of disease processes. Similarly, it may be therapeutically advantageous to pharmacologically alter the activity of these metal containing proteins to influence disease processes. This paper will introduce the reader to a number of important proteins in both metal metabolism and oxidative stress, with an emphasis on the brain. Potential pharmacological targets will be considered.
Microencapsulation for the Therapeutic Delivery of Drugs, Live Mammalian and Bacterial Cells, and Other Biopharmaceutics: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Tomaro-Duchesneau Catherine , Saha Shyamali , Malhotra Meenakshi , Kahouli Imen , Prakash Satya
Published: December 2012

Microencapsulation is a technology that has shown significant promise in biotherapeutics, and other applications. It has been proven useful in the immobilization of drugs, live mammalian and bacterial cells and other cells, and other biopharmaceutics molecules, as it can provide material structuration, protection of the enclosed product, and controlled release of the encapsulated contents, all of which can ensure efficient and safe therapeutic effects. This paper is a comprehensive review of microencapsulation and its latest developments in the field. It provides a comprehensive overview of the technology and primary goals of microencapsulation and discusses various processes and techniques involved in microencapsulation including physical, chemical, physicochemical, and other methods involved. It also summarizes the state-of-the-art successes of microencapsulation, specifically with regard to the encapsulation of microorganisms, mammalian cells, drugs, and other biopharmaceutics in various diseases. The limitations and future directions of microencapsulation technologies are also discussed.
Thermal Performance of Solar Air Heater Having Absorber Plate with V-Down Discrete Rib Roughness for Space-Heating Applications
Authors: Karwa Rajendra , Srivastava V.
Published: December 2012

The paper presents results of thermal performance analysis of a solar air heater with v-down discrete rib roughness on the air flow side of the absorber plate, which supplies heated air for space heating applications. The air heater operates in a closed loop mode with inlet air at a fixed temperature of 295 K from the conditional space. The ambient temperature varied from 278 K to 288 K corresponding to the winter season of Western Rajasthan, India. The results of the analysis are presented in the form of performance plots, which can be utilized by a designer for calculating desired air flow rate at different ambient temperature and solar insolation values.
Relationship between Occlusal Force Distribution and the Activity of Masseter and Anterior Temporalis Muscles in Asymptomatic Young Adults
Authors: Wieczorek Aneta , Loster Jolanta , Loster Bartlomiej W.
Published: December 2012

Healthy subjects have a prevalent side on which they display higher-muscle activity during clenching. The relationship between symmetry of masseter muscle (MM) and anterior temporalis (TA) muscle activities and occlusion has been evaluated on the basis of physiological parameters. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the symmetry of surface EMG (sEMG) activity in asymptomatic young adults is related to symmetry of occlusal contacts.Material. The study population consisted of seventy-two 18-year-old subjects with no temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms.Method. All the participants underwent an sEMG recording with an 8-channel electromyograph (BioEMG III). A T-Scan III evolution 7.01 device was used to analyze the occlusal contact points.Results. The correlation between the activity of right (R) and left (L) TA and the percentage of occlusal contacts was assessed, but no significant differences were found between the RMM and LMM muscles. The differences in the medium values of sEMG between males and females were not statistically significant. Equilibrated muscular activity between RTA and LTA occurred when occlusal contacts reached the percentage of 65% on the left side.Conclusion. The symmetry of sEMG activity in asymptomatic young adults is not related to symmetry of occlusal contacts.
High‐Performance Liquid Chromatographic Ultraviolet Determination of Memantine Hydrochloride after In Vitro Transdermal Diffusion Studies
Authors: del Rio-Sancho Sergio , Serna-Jiménez César E. , Calatayud-Pascual M. Aracely , Balaguer-Fernández Cristina , Femenía-Font Andrés , Merino Virginia , López-Castellano Alicia
Published: December 2012

The purpose of the present work was to validate an accurate and precise high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method involving ultraviolet detection for the quantitative analysis of memantine hydrochloride. In order to analyze a molecule with no chromophoric groups that could be detected by a UV/visible detector, it was necessary to extract the drug and to perform a dansylation reaction that enabled the UV/visible detection of the derivatized molecule. Separation was carried out with a 150 mm Kromasil C18 column at room temperature. The detection response, at 218 nm, was found to be linear in the concentration range from 0.5 to 50 μg/mL. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and robustness. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.144 μg/mL, and the limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.437 μg/mL. The dansylated memantine complex was stable for at least five days in all the conditions evaluated. The potential use of this method has been demonstrated by the quantification of memantine hydrochloride contained in samples from the study of its in vitro transdermal permeation.
Competitive HIF Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitors Show Protection against Oxidative Stress by a Mechanism Partially Dependent on Glycolysis
Authors: Bergström Ann-Louise , Fog Karina , Sager Thomas Nikolaj , Bruun Anne Techau , Thirstrup Kenneth
Published: December 2012

The hypoxia inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a central transcription factor involved in the cellular and molecular adaptation to hypoxia and low glucose supply. The level of HIF-1 is to a large degree regulated by the HIF prolyl hydroxylase enzymes (HPHs) belonging to the Fe(II) and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase superfamily. In the present study, we compared competitive and noncompetitive HPH-inhibitor compounds in two different cell types (SH-SY5Y and PC12). Although the competitive HPH-inhibitor compounds were found to be pharmacologically more potent than the non-competitive compounds at inhibiting HPH2 and HPH1, this was not translated into the cellular effects of the compounds, where the non-competitive inhibitors were actually more potent than the competitive in stabilizing and translocatingHIF1αto the nucleus (quantified with Cellomics ArrayScan technology). This could be explained by the high cellular concentrations of the cofactor 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG) as the competitive inhibitors act by binding to the 2-OG site of the HPH enzymes. Both competitive and non-competitive HPH inhibitors protected the cells against 6-OHDA induced oxidative stress. In addition, the protective effect of a specific HPH inhibitor was partially preserved when the cells were serum starved and exposed to 2-deoxyglucose, an inhibitor of glycolysis, indicating that other processes than restoring energy supply could be important for the HIF-mediated cytoprotection.
Exercise Training and Work Task Induced Metabolic and Stress-Related mRNA and Protein Responses in Myalgic Muscles
Authors: Sjøgaard Gisela , Zebis Mette K. , Kiilerich Kristian , Saltin Bengt , Pilegaard Henriette
Published: December 2012

The aim was to assess mRNA and/or protein levels of heat shock proteins, cytokines, growth regulating, and metabolic proteins in myalgic muscle at rest and in response to work tasks and prolonged exercise training. A randomized controlled trial included 28 females with trapezius myalgia and 16 healthy controls. Those with myalgia performed ~7 hrs repetitive stressful work and were subsequently randomized to 10 weeks of specific strength training, general fitness training, or reference intervention. Muscles biopsies were taken from the trapezius muscle at baseline, after work and after 10 weeks intervention. The main findings are that the capacity of carbohydrate oxidation was reduced in myalgic compared with healthy muscle. Repetitive stressful work increased mRNA content for heat shock proteins and decreased levels of key regulators for growth and oxidative metabolism. In contrast, prolonged general fitness as well as specific strength training decreased mRNA content of heat shock protein while the capacity of carbohydrate oxidation was increased only after specific strength training.
High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Outcomes Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Contemporary Practice
Authors: Herrmann Joerg , Lennon Ryan J. , Barsness Gregory W. , Sandhu Gurpreet S. , Gulati Rajiv , Best Patricia J.M. , Sorajja Paul , Bresnahan John F. , Mathew Verghese , Bell Malcolm R. , Prasad Abhiram
Published: December 2012

Background—

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) has been identified as a predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Whether hsCRP is a useful biomarker for risk stratification in contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention remains unknown.

Methods and Results—

We conducted a prospective study among 513 patients undergoing non-emergency percutaneous coronary intervention and examined the relationship between pre- and postprocedural hsCRP levels and outcomes. The patients were divided according to the median preprocedural hsCRP level (0.3 mg/dL). Patients with high hsCRP had significantly more adverse clinical characteristics. Preprocedural hsCRP level was an independent predictor of periprocedural myocardial infarction (odds ratio per doubling of hsCRP 1.15 [95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.31];
P
=0.038). Unadjusted mortality (29.7% versus 9.9%;
P
<0.001) and the combined end point of death or myocardial infarction (36.5% versus 16.0%,
P
<0.001) during a follow-up of 5 years were markedly greater in patients with high preprocedural hsCRP. Similar relationships existed for postprocedural hsCRP. However, after multivariable adjustment, neither preprocedural hsCRP levels (hazard ratio per doubling 0.96 [0.92, 1.00];
P
=0.066) nor postprocedural hsCRP levels (hazard ratio 0.98 [0.94, 1.02];
P
=0.27) were significantly associated with mortality.

Conclusions—

High hsCRP is associated with a greater independent risk of periprocedural myocardial infarction, as defined by the universal definition, but is not an independent determinant of mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention. Our findings suggest that routine measurement of hsCRP in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention in contemporary practice is unlikely to be beneficial.
Cost-Effectiveness of Hub-and-Spoke Telestroke Networks for the Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke From the Hospitals’ Perspectives
Authors: Switzer Jeffrey A. , Demaerschalk Bart M. , Xie Jipan , Fan Liangyi , Villa Kathleen F. , Wu Eric Q.
Published: December 2012

Background—

A hub-and-spoke telestroke network is an effective way to extend quality acute stroke care to remote hospitals and to improve patient outcomes. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of a telestroke network in the management of acute ischemic stroke from the perspectives of a network, a hub hospital, and a spoke hospital.

Methods and Results—

A model was developed to compare costs and effectiveness with and without a telestroke network over a 5-year time horizon. The model considered differences in rates of teleconsultations, intravenous thrombolysis, endovascular stroke therapies, and spoke-to-hub transfers. These inputs were estimated through the use of data from Georgia Health Sciences University and Mayo Clinic telestroke networks. A network model with 1 hub and 7 spokes predicted that 45 more patients would be treated with intravenous thrombolysis and 20 more with endovascular stroke therapies per year compared with no network, leading to an estimate of 6.11 more home discharges. Each year, a telestroke network was associated with $358 435 in cost savings; each spoke had $109 080 in cost savings, whereas the hub had positive costs of $405 121. However, cost sharing can be arranged so that each hospital could achieve an equal amount of cost savings ($44 804/y). Results were sensitive to the number of spokes, marginal treatment costs in spokes and rates of transfer, and endovascular stroke therapies.

Conclusions—

The results of this study suggest that a telestroke network may increase the number of patients discharged home and reduce the costs borne by the network hospitals. Hospitals should consider their available resources and the network features when deciding whether to join or set up a network.
DWI-ASPECTS as a Predictor of Dramatic Recovery After Intravenous Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator Administration in Patients With Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion
Authors: Aoki Junya , Kimura Kazumi , Shibazaki Kensaku , Sakamoto Yuki
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose—

In patients with middle cerebral artery trunk occlusion we investigated whether the diffusion-weighted imaging- the Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (DWI-ASPECTS) predicts short-term neurological recovery after intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator administration, and investigated how DWI-ASPECTS relates to clinical outcome.

Methods—

Dramatic recovery was defined as a ≥10-point reduction or a total National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score of 0 to 1 at 24 hours and 7 days. Early recanalization was defined as recanalization within 1 hours after intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. Favorable outcome at 3 months was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2.

Results—

Sixty-six patients (median age [interquartile], 79 [70–85] years, male; 34 [52%]) were enrolled. DWI-ASPECTS was 6 (5–9). Dramatic recovery was seen in 16 (24%) and 26 (39%) patients at 24 hours and on day 7, respectively. Early recanalization occurred in 22 (33%) patients. DWI-ASPECTS ≥7 was an independent predictor of dramatic recovery at 24 hours (odds ratio, 100.85; 95% confidence interval, 4.29–2371.40;
P
=0.004) and 7 days (odds ratio, 14.15; 95% confidence interval, 2.21–90.48;
P
=0.005). Although the favorable outcome rate was not significantly different between patients with DWI-ASPECTS ≥7 with and without early recanalization (60% versus 31%;
P
=0.228), it was statistically more frequent in patients with DWI-ASPECTS <7 with early recanalization than those without early recanalization (38% versus 0%;
P
=0.017).

Conclusions—

DWI-ASPECTS predicted short-term recovery in patients with middle cerebral artery trunk occlusion receiving intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. In patients with lower DWI-ASPECTS, there may still be benefit from early recanalization.
Intracranial Steno-Occlusive Arterial Disease and its Associations in Egyptian Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Moustafa Ramez Reda , Moneim Amr Abdel , Salem Haitham Hamdy , Shalash Ali Soliman , Azmy Hosam Ahmed
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose—

Intracranial arterial steno-occlusive disease is prevalent among non-white populations. We explored whether a similar pattern exists in Egyptians and assessed its clinical-radiological associations.

Methods—

Consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients were recruited for 6 months and had magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography of brain within 2 days of the event. Magnetic resonance angiography was analyzed for significant stenosis (>50%), flow gaps, and complete occlusions in the major intracranial arteries.

Results—

A total of 143 patients completed the study (62.4±12.6 years, 58.7% males). Magnetic resonance angiography showed symptomatic arterial stenosis in 27.3%, asymptomatic stenosis in 16.1%, and occlusions in 23.7% patients. Carotid duplex showed stenosis >70% in only 7.7% patients. Patients with intracranial arterial steno-occlusive disease had higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Score at admission (10.9±7 versus 8±5.6;
P
=0.01).

Conclusion—

Symptomatic and asymptomatic intracranial arterial steno-occlusive disease was prevalent in this Egyptian acute stroke sample. This might have important implications on stroke management in this population.
Observational Evidence for Oceanic Forcing of Atmospheric Variability in the Nordic Seas Area
Authors: Schlichtholz Pawel
Published: December 2012

Substantial predictability of the wintertime atmospheric variability in the Nordic (Greenland–Iceland–Norwegian and Barents) seas region is reported based on oceanic observations and atmospheric reanalysis data. In particular, about 60% of the variance of the winter (December–March) regional average surface air temperature (SAT) and early-winter (November–February) zonal geostrophic winds over the western Barents Sea Opening (BSO) area in the period 1982–2006 is explained by the previous summer (June–September) Atlantic water temperature (AWT) anomalies in this area. The atmospheric response to oceanic heat anomalies mainly occurs in the marginal ice zone (MIZ), where the sea ice and corresponding surface heat flux (SHF) anomalies should be triggered by entrainment of subsurface heat anomalies into the deepening mixed layer and sustained through winter by anomalous oceanic heat transport. The latter should be caused by geostrophic current anomalies forced by anomalous ocean Ekman suction and/or onshore Ekman transport appearing as a feedback from the oceanically driven anomalous atmospheric circulation. The wintertime atmospheric links to the previous summer’s AWT anomalies in the BSO area reflect to a large extent a climate feedback from reemerging, atmospherically driven sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies. Indeed, about 70% of the variance of the winter average SAT over the Nordic seas and winter average surface wind vorticity in the MIZ area in the 1982–2006 (or extended 1982–2011) period is explained by the previous early-spring (February–May) SST anomalies in the open water area and the previous late-winter (January–April) SHF anomalies at the Barents Sea ice edge, respectively.
Constructed Analogs and Linear Regression
Authors: Tippett Michael K. , DelSole Timothy
Published: December 2012

The constructed analog procedure produces a statistical forecast that is a linear combination of past predictand values. The weights used to form the linear combination depend on the current predictor value and are chosen so that the linear combination of past predictor values approximates the current predictor value. The properties of the constructed analog method have previously been described as being distinct from those of linear regression. However, here the authors show that standard implementations of the constructed analog method give forecasts that are identical to linear regression forecasts. A consequence of this equivalence is that constructed analog forecasts based on many predictors tend to suffer from overfitting just as in linear regression. Differences between linear regression and constructed analog forecasts only result from implementation choices, especially ones related to the preparation and truncation of data. Two particular constructed analog implementations are shown to correspond to principal component regression and ridge regression. The equality of linear regression and constructed analog forecasts is illustrated in a Niño-3.4 prediction example, which also shows that increasing the number of predictors results in low-skill, high-variance forecasts, even at long leads, behavior typical of overfitting. Alternative definitions of the analog weights lead naturally to nonlinear extensions of linear regression such as local linear regression.
The 8 May 2009 Superderecho: Analysis of a Real-Time Explicit Convective Forecast
Authors: Weisman Morris L. , Evans Clark , Bosart Lance
Published: December 2012

Herein, an analysis of a 3-km explicit convective simulation of an unusually intense bow echo and associated mesoscale vortex that were responsible for producing an extensive swath of high winds across Kansas, southern Missouri, and southern Illinois on 8 May 2009 is presented. The simulation was able to reproduce many of the key attributes of the observed system, including an intense [~100 kt (51.4 m s−1) at 850 hPa], 10-km-deep, 100-km-wide warm-core mesovortex and associated surface mesolow associated with a tropical storm–like reflectivity eye. A detailed analysis suggests that the simulated convection develops north of a weak east–west lower-tropospheric baroclinic zone, at the nose of an intensifying low-level jet. The system organizes into a north–south-oriented bow echo as it moves eastward along the preexisting baroclinic zone in an environment of large convective available potential energy (CAPE) and strong tropospheric vertical wind shear. Once the system moves east of the low-level jet and into an environment of weaker CAPE and weaker vertical wind shear, it begins an occlusion-like phase, producing a pronounced comma-shaped reflectivity echo with an intense warm-core mesovortex at the head of the comma. During this phase, a deep strip of cyclonic vertical vorticity located on the backside of the bow echo consolidates into a single vortex core. A notable weakening of the low-level convectively generated cold pool also occurs during this phase, perhaps drawing parallels to theories of tropical cyclogenesis wherein cold convective downdrafts must be substantially mitigated for subsequent system intensification.
Effect of Multiple Testing Adjustment in Differential Item Functioning Detection
Authors: Kim Jihye , Oshima T. C.
Published: December 2012

In a typical differential item functioning (DIF) analysis, a significance test is conducted for each item. As a test consists of multiple items, such multiple testing may increase the possibility of making a Type I error at least once. The goal of this study was to investigate how to control a Type I error rate and power using adjustment procedures for multiple testing, which have been widely used in applied statistics. In the simulation, four distinct DIF methods were performed under various testing conditions. The methods were the Mantel–Haenszel (MH) method, the logistic regression (LR) procedure, the Differential Functioning Item and Test (DFIT) framework, and Lord’s chi-square test. As an adjustment procedure, the Bonferroni correction, Holm’s procedure, or the Benjamini and Hochberg (BH) false discovery rate was applied. The results showed the MH and the LR clearly benefited from Holm’s and the BH adjustments, whereas the DFIT and Lord’s chi-square test did not require adjustments for conditions under this study.
Examining the Predictive Validity of a Dynamic Assessment of Decoding to Forecast Response to Tier 2 Intervention
Authors: Cho Eunsoo , Compton Donald L. , Fuchs Douglas , Fuchs Lynn S. , Bouton Bobette
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of a dynamic assessment (DA) of decoding in predicting responsiveness to Tier 2 small-group tutoring in a response-to-intervention model. First grade students ( n = 134) who did not show adequate progress in Tier 1 based on 6 weeks of progress monitoring received Tier 2 small-group tutoring in reading for 14 weeks. Student responsiveness to Tier 2 was assessed weekly with word identification fluency (WIF). A series of conditional individual growth curve analyses were completed that modeled the correlates of WIF growth (final level of performance and growth). Its purpose was to examine the predictive validity of DA in the presence of three sets of variables: static decoding measures, Tier 1 responsiveness indicators, and prereading variables (phonemic awareness, rapid letter naming, oral vocabulary, and IQ). DA was a significant predictor of final level and growth, uniquely explaining 3% to 13% of the variance in Tier 2 responsiveness depending on the competing predictors in the model and WIF outcome (final level of performance or growth). Although the additional variances explained uniquely by DA were relatively small, results indicate the potential of DA in identifying Tier 2 nonresponders.
Spelling Difficulties in School-Aged Girls With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Åsberg Johnels Jakob , Kopp Svenny , Gillberg Christopher
Published: December 2012

Writing difficulties are common among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but the nature of these difficulties has not been well studied. Here we relate behavioral, psycholinguistic, cognitive (memory/executive), and graphomotor measures to spelling skills in school-age girls with ADHD ( n = 30) and an age-matched group of typically developed spellers (TYPSP, n = 35). When subdividing the ADHD group into those with poor (ADHDPSP, n = 19) and typical spelling (ADHDTYPSP, n = 11), the two subgroups did not differ with regard to inattentive or hyperactive–impulsive symptom severity according to parent or teacher ratings. Both ADHD subgroups also had equally severe difficulties in graphomotor control–handwriting and (parent ratings of) written expression as compared to the TYPSP group. In contrast, ADHDPSP had problems relative to ADHDTYPSP and TYPSP on phonological and orthographic recoding (choice tasks) and verbal memory (digit span) and were more likely to make commissions on a continuous performance task (CPT). Further analyses using the collapsed ADHD group showed that both digit span and the presence of CPT commissions predicted spelling performance independently of each other. Finally, results showed that phonological recoding skills mediated the association between digit span and spelling performance in ADHD. Theoretical and educational implications are discussed.
El Sistema and American Music Education
Authors: Lesniak Melissa
Published: December 2012

The brainchild of José Antonio Abreu, El Sistema, a music education program for aspiring orchestra musicians launched in Venezuela for students of limited means and now spreading to other parts of the world, has become a subject of interest to music teachers and teacher educators in North America. This article examines a bit of the program’s history and considers some of its attributes and principles that may be applicable to American music education.
Six Functions of Conducting
Authors: Gumm Alan J.
Published: December 2012

This article poses six functions of conducting as a new foundation for music educators. Two traditional functions focus on music: the mechanical precision function indicates beat, tempo, meter, rhythm, cues, entrances and cutoff releases, and the expressive function indicates dynamics and other expressive characteristics interpreted in a score. Used to a lesser degree, yet representing distinct camps or schools of thought in the field, are functions that focus on musicians. Gestures that draw musicians into an intense mental and visual connection with the conductor serve a motivational function. Gestures that mimic and guide performance on specific instruments serve a physical technique function. Smaller, circular, or rising motions serve an unrestrained tone function that unites an ensemble in a self-reliant tempo and tone. Sharing the intention of planned gestures, teaching musicians to conduct, and drawing gestures from musicians’ familiar experiences serve a psychosocial function. This multifunctional view of conducting draws attention beyond the act of delivering gestures to how an ensemble receives and responds to gestures. It is educationally better rounded, providing a more complete foundation for music educators.
Development of face scanning for own- and other-race faces in infancy
Authors: Xiao Wen S. , Xiao Naiqi G. , Quinn Paul C. , Anzures Gizelle , Lee Kang
Published: December 2012

The present study investigated whether infants visually scan own- and other-race faces differently as well as how these differences in face scanning develop with age. A multi-method approach was used to analyze the eye-tracking data of 6- and 9-month-old Caucasian infants scanning dynamically displayed own- and other-race faces. We found that 6-month-olds showed differential fixation, fixating significantly more on the left eye and mouth of own-race faces, but more on the nose of other-race faces. Infants at 9 months of age fixated more on the eyes of own-race faces, but more on the mouth of other-race faces. A scan path analysis revealed that infants shifted their attention between the eyes of the own-race faces significantly more frequently than for other-race faces. Overall, younger and older infants responded differentially to own- versus other-race faces not only in the absolute amount of time spent fixating specific features, but also on their fixation shifts between features.
Regulatory Forum Opinion Piece
Authors: Gori Gio Batta
Published: December 2012

Long term bioassays in animals cannot reliably forecast unknown potential but distant human risks, and especially cancer risks. The genetic, anatomic, physiologic, behavioral and environmental adaptations of rats and mice - the officially prescribed animals - are not relevant to humans. Even bioassay results for the two prescribed species are not mutually predictive. The dearth of human relevance is augmented by arbitrary and incongruous default assumptions, also officially prescribed for the conduct and interpretation of bioassays in rats and mice. Moreover, and contrary to publicized perceptions, bioassay results are freely evaded in the markup of regulations, with the imposition of arbitrary safety factors and the guided opinions of ad hoc appointed advisory committees. Regardless of bioassay results, actual regulations of unknowable distant risks end up allowing those minimum exposures that are still compatible with uses deemed necessary or useful for the common welfare. Thus it would seem sensible to do away with very costly long-term bioassays irrelevant to humans and whose results are anyway bypassed, and to focus regulations on short-term effects relevant to humans, and on transparent cost and benefit considerations toward minimizing useful exposures.
Lichen-induced biomodification of calcareous surfaces: Bioprotection versus biodeterioration
Authors: de la Rosa John P. McIlroy , Warke Patricia A. , Smith Bernard J.
Published: December 2012

Studies demonstrate the active and passive capability of lichens to inhibit or retard the weathering of calcareous surfaces. Lichen coverage may actively protect a surface through shielding by the thallus and the binding and waterproofing of the rock surface and subsurface by fungal hyphae. Passive protection of rock surfaces may be induced by the formation of an insoluble encrustation, such as calcium oxalate, at the lichen-rock interface. Recent research suggests that the decay of hyphae, induced by changes in microenvironmental conditions, necrosis, parasitism or the natural physiological traits of particular lichen species, may expose a chemically and physically weakened substrate to dissolution, triggering relatively rapid weathering-related surface lowering. Consequently, certain epilithic crustose and endolithic lichens may induce a period of surface stability throughout the course of their lifespan, followed by a phase of instability and rapid episodic microtopographical evolution after death and decay. A series of conceptual models is proposed to illustrate this idea over short (single lichen lifespan) and long (multiple lichen lifespans) timescales. The models suggest that the microscale biogeomorphological system of lichen-rock interaction is underpinned by non-linear dynamical system theory as it exhibits dynamical instability and is consequently difficult to predict over a long timescale. Dominance by biodeterioration or bioprotection may be altered by changes in lichen species or in environmental conditions over time.
Sequence and Expression of per, tim1, and cry2 Genes in the Madeira Cockroach Rhyparobia maderae
Authors: Werckenthin Achim , Derst Christian , Stengl Monika
Published: December 2012

Most of what we know today about the molecular constituents of the insect circadian clock was discovered in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. Various other holometabolous and some hemimetabolous insects have also been examined for the presence of circadian genes. In these insects, per, tim1, and cry2 are part of a core feedback loop system. The proteins inhibit their own expression, leading to circadian oscillations of mRNA and proteins. Although cockroaches are successfully employed circadian model organisms, their clock genes are mostly unknown. Thus, we cloned putative circadian genes in Rhyparobia maderae (synonym Leucophaea maderae), showing the presence of period ( per), timeless 1 ( tim1), and mammalian-type cryptochrome ( cry2). The expression levels of per, tim1, and cry2 in R. maderae were examined in various tissues and photoperiods employing quantitative PCR. In brains and excised accessory medullae, expression levels of rmPer, rmTim1, and rmCry2 oscillated in a circadian manner with peaks in the first half of the night. Oscillations mostly continued in constant conditions. In Malpighian tubules, no significant oscillations were found. In animals raised in different photoperiods (LD 18:6, 12:12, 6:18), the peak levels of rmPer, rmTim1, and rmCry2 expression adjusted with respect to the beginning of the scotophase. The daily mean of expression levels was significantly lower in short-day versus long-day animals. We suggest that rmPer, rmTim1, and rmCry2 are part of the Madeira cockroach nuclear circadian clock, which can adjust to different photoperiods.
Effects of damping, friction, gravity, and flexibility on the dynamic performance of a deployable mechanism with clearance
Authors: Li Junlan , Yan Shaoze , Guo Feng , Guo Pengfei
Published: December 2012

Space deployable mechanisms have been widely employed in modern spacecraft, and the dynamic performance of such mechanisms has become increasingly important in the aerospace industry. This article focuses on the dynamic performance of a deployment mechanism with clearance considering damping, friction, gravity, and flexibility. The modeling methods of revolute joint with clearance, close cable loop, and lock mechanism of a typical deployable mechanism are provided in this article. Based on these proposed methods, the dynamics model of a space deployable mechanism with clearance is established using the multi-body program ADAMS. The effects of clearance, damping, friction, gravity, and flexibility on the dynamic performance of a deployable mechanism in the deploying and locking processes are studied using simulations. The results reveal that the deployable mechanism exhibits evidently nonlinear dynamic characteristics, thus validating the significance of clearance, damping, friction, gravity, and flexibility in system dynamic performance.
Homotopy perturbation method for temperature distribution, fin efficiency and fin effectiveness of convective straight fins with temperature-dependent thermal conductivity
Authors: Cuce Erdem , Cuce Pinar Mert
Published: December 2012

Homotopy perturbation method is a novel approach that provides an approximate analytical solution to differential equations in the form of an infinite power series. In our previous work, homotopy perturbation method has been used to evaluate thermal performance of straight fins with constant thermal conductivity. A dimensionless analytical expression has been developed for fin effectiveness. In this study, homotopy perturbation method has been applied to convective straight fins considering thermal conductivity of the fin material is a function of the fin temperature. Former expression for fin effectiveness has been rearranged. The fin efficiency and the fin effectiveness have been obtained as a function of thermo-geometric fin parameter. The results have revealed that homotopy perturbation method is a very effective and practical approach for a rapid assessment of physical systems even if the energy balance equations include terms with strong nonlinearities. The resulting correlation equations can assist thermal design engineers for designing of straight fins with both constant and temperature-dependent thermal conductivity.
How poverty is underestimated in Greater Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Sabry Sarah
Published: December 2012

This paper suggests that the incidence of poverty is severely underestimated in Greater Cairo. This is because poverty lines are set too low in relation to the costs of the most basic of needs in the city and because census data that inform household surveys, on which poverty line studies are based, under-count the people living in ashwa’iyyat (informal settlements). The paper assesses the costs of food and non-food needs in eight informal areas in Greater Cairo and compares these costs with the allowances made for them in Egypt’s poverty lines (which are meant to indicate the income needed to afford these food and non-food needs). Those who live in ashwa’iyyat frequently pay more for many food items than those who live in some of Cairo’s most prosperous neighbourhoods. The food allowance in poverty lines fails to factor in the cost of a nutritious diet as it is based on the actual diets of the poor. All households interviewed face non-food costs that are much higher than the allowance for these in even the more generous poverty lines. Yet, they still live in very poor conditions. Such costs include rent, keeping children in school, transport (for income earners and students), health care, water, sanitation and electricity. Raising the value of poverty lines to adequately reflect the real costs of food and non-food needs would considerably increase the incidence of poverty in Greater Cairo. Poverty lines must be set at levels that make sufficient allowance for the real costs of living: enough and nutritious food, reasonable quality accommodation, water, sanitation, electricity, keeping children in school, transport, health care and medicines when needed.
Exploring mobility and migration in the context of rural—urban linkages: why gender and generation matter
Authors: Tacoli Cecilia , Mabala Richard
Published: December 2012

This paper draws on case studies in Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania and Vietnam to explore the different ways in which migration intersects with the changing relations between rural and urban areas and activities, and in the process transforms livelihoods and the relations between young and older men and women. Livelihood strategies are becoming increasingly diverse, and during interviews people were asked to describe their first, second and third occupations, the time allocated to each and the income that each produced. In all study regions, the number of young people migrating is increasing. This is influenced not only by expanding employment opportunities in destination areas but also by power inequalities within households, which means limited opportunities at home. It is increasingly common for young women to migrate, in part because they have no land rights and few prospects at home, in part because of more employment opportunities elsewhere. Young women also tend to move further than young men and for longer, and also remit a higher proportion of their income. Older men expect young men to migrate but often criticize young women for doing so, although women’s migration is more accepted as their remittances contribute more to household income. However, if young women had better prospects at home, it would limit their need to move to what is often exploitative and insecure work.
Research and practice as advocacy tools to influence Angola’s land policies
Authors: Cain Allan
Published: December 2012

A large part of Angola’s population was displaced during the war years, and they created new homes and settlements in coastal cities on land that they occupied in good faith but for which they could get no legal title. Now, they face eviction threats due to commercial interests and government investment in infrastructure expansion. This paper discusses how research on urban land promoted the need to formalize the poor’s informal occupation rights as the government developed a new land policy. The research looked at both formal and informal mechanisms to access land by poor and war-affected populations and at the institutions that influence this. Its findings helped persuade the government of the need for consultation, and promoted more awareness of how upgrading and basic service provision could improve land tenure. It also helped extend the time period set by law during which those with informal tenure must seek formal title (from one to three years). Upgradeable rights were not accepted in land law, although these may be incorporated into supplementary legislation and local government by-laws. Participatory approaches to land management have also been promoted through demonstration projects with governments in several provinces, with the aim of influencing a new and ambitious national programme for housing and urban upgrading.
The food price crisis and urban food (in)security
Authors: Cohen Marc J , Garrett James L
Published: December 2012

Both national and international policy responses to the rapid food price increases in 2007 and the first half of 2008 did little to address the very serious impacts on low-income urban dwellers. The speeches, declarations, plans and pledges duly noted the vulnerability of poor urban dwellers to food price rises, as they rely primarily on market purchases for their food (much more so than rural dwellers) and food purchases account for the bulk of their expenditure. Yet most policy prescriptions focused on addressing constraints to rural-based food production. This paper discusses why policy makers should pay greater attention to urban dwellers and describes the multiple pathways through which food price increases have impacts on urban people. It also highlights the evidence on how these impacts have played out during this crisis and discusses how current policy responses could be adjusted and improved to better protect the urban poor in the short and longer term.
Exploring the Relation Between Police Integrity and Rank
Authors: Ivković Sanja Kutnjak
Published: December 2012

This research provides an in-depth exploration of the relation between police rank and police integrity. In 2008, a stratified representative sample of 1,130 Croatian police officers evaluated hypothetical scenarios describing a range of various forms of police misconduct. Supervisors tended to be somewhat more knowledgeable of official rules than nonsupervisors. Although absolute evaluations of seriousness differed across the two groups, relative assessments of seriousness were quite similar. Line officer and supervisor views were more similar with respect to the discipline they thought the police agency should mete out than with respect to what they thought the appropriate discipline should be. The analyses indicate that there are two similar, yet distinct codes of silence, with the supervisor code being narrower than the line officer code.
Congressional Politics of U.S. Immigration Reforms
Authors: Jeong Gyung-Ho
Published: December 2012

How are legislative outcomes shaped by multidimensional negotiations? Examining the legislative politics of U.S. immigration reforms, I show how alternating coalitions in multidimensional negotiations produce centrist legislative outcomes. In doing so, this article sheds light on a puzzling aspect of immigration policy—namely, the gap that exists between public opinion and legislative outcomes. My investigation of major immigration bills in 1986, 1996, and 2006 shows that the multidimensional nature of immigration debates contributed to the lack of dramatic reforms, by allowing legislative minorities to form alternating coalitions to block any dramatic changes.
Fair and Balanced News or a Difference of Opinion? Why Opinion Shows Matter for Media Effects
Authors: Smith Glen , Searles Kathleen
Published: December 2012

In this article, we examine both the content and effects of opinion shows during the 2008 presidential election. First, a content analysis shows that opinion shows devote most of their attention to attacking the opposition candidate, rather than praising the like-minded candidate. Second, analyses of panel data show that exposure to opinion shows made viewers less (more) favorable toward the opposition (like-minded) candidate. Finally, we use overtime analyses to show that coverage of the opposition candidate affects attitudes toward both candidates, whereas coverage of the like-minded candidate has negligible effects on attitudes toward either candidate.
Engaging Stakeholders in Reporting Adverse Drug Events With a Common Visual Language
Authors: Singh Ranjit , Singh Ashok , Rowe Rev. Jimmy , Singh Gurdev , Stott Emily
Published: December 2012

“Partnership for Patients: Better Care Low Costs” and “Meaningful Use of HIT” are HHS initiatives designed for shifting control and power from caregivers to patients, to make care truly “patient-centered.” There is a pressing need to develop methods of inviting/engaging/enabling patients to increase the quality and frequency of reports to help improve health care quality. We propose a Visual Learning and Communication System (VLCS) to meet this need. Embedded in VLCS is a Visual Error Reporting System (VERS). The objectives are to (a) help prevent adverse events in the first place, (b) detect errors, (c) ameliorate their effects, and (d) empower patients to propose interventions for safety improvement. Visualization has the potential to be an excellent conduit for seamless flow of meaningful information to and from other stakeholders and to foster a common culture of quality and value and make information useful for patients and providers at the point of care.
Attachment in young children with autism spectrum disorders: An examination of separation and reunion behaviors with both mothers and fathers
Authors: Grzadzinski Rebecca L , Luyster Rhiannon , Spencer Amelia Gunn , Lord Catherine
Published: December 2012

Most studies examining attachment in children with autism spectrum disorder used a strange situation paradigm and have found few significant group differences between children with autism spectrum disorder and comparisons. However, these studies predominantly used formal attachment categorizations (e.g. secure vs insecure), a method that may obscure more nuanced differences between groups. In this study, we utilized a qualitative approach to examine attachment behaviors in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Based on the results of previous studies, we looked at (a) parental gender, (b) child diagnosis, and (c) child cognitive skills to examine the role of these three factors on attachment behaviors elicited during a modified strange situation paradigm. Participants were 2- to 3-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder ( n = 166) or nonspectrum disorders ( n = 45), as well as a sample of 56 children with typical development. Over the three groups, 393 observations of a modified strange situation paradigm with mothers and 127 observations with fathers were collected. Parental gender, child diagnosis, and child cognitive skills each had significant main effects on attachment behaviors elicited during reunion. These results underscore the importance of the father’s role in parent–child interactions, with implications for both clinical and research efforts. In addition, the results emphasize the importance of considering a child’s diagnosis and cognitive skills when examining attachment behaviors.