bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new conceptual framework for evaluating the early ontogeny phase of recruitment processes among marine fish species
Authors: Doyle Miriam J. , Mier Kathryn L.
Published: December 2012

For Gulf of Alaska (GOA) fish populations, ordination by principal component analysis of a matrix of species by early life history and ecological traits resulted in distribution of species along three primary gradients. These are synonymous with phenology of egg and larval production, quantity of production, and ubiquity of larvae, the latter representing temporal and spatial extent of distribution in the pelagic environment. GOA species were assigned to categories that shared similar positions in ordination space relative to the three primary gradients. From this comparative analysis, a conceptual framework is proposed for species’ early life histories representing trade-offs in adaptation to prevailing environmental conditions and associated vulnerability and resilience factors that may modulate species’ recruitment responses to environmental variability. The utility of this framework for evaluating response to environmental forcing was supported by the analysis of a 27-year time series of GOA late spring larval fish abundance. The hypothesis for this ongoing research is that we can utilize similarities in reproductive and early life history characteristics among species to identify (i) ecologically determined species groups that are predisposed to respond to environmental forcing in similar ways and (ii) plausible environmental predictors of recruitment variation attributable to aspects of early life history.
Late Paleocene radiolarian fauna from Tibet and its geological implications
Authors: Liang Yinping , Zhang Kexin , Xu Yadong , He Weihong , An Xianyin , Yang Yongfeng
Published: December 2012

A diverse, abundant, and well-preserved radiolarian fauna in Jiazhu, Zhongba County of Tibet, in the western sector of Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone, is assigned to a late Paleocene radiolarian zone, the Buryella pentadica interval zone, spanning 59–56.5 Ma. Regionally, a late Paleocene basalt block in the bathyal–abyssal siliceous mudstone and graywacke yielded an age of 59.1 Ma (zircon SHRIMP U–Pb). The late Paleocene radiolarian fauna, the tectonic attribution of the radiolarian cherts and the basalt block indicate that oceanic crust persisted in the Zhongba area until the late Paleocene and the initial collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates post-dates the late Paleocene. It is inferred that the Neo-Tethys transformed into a remnant oceanic basin in the late Paleocene, at the terminal stage of the oceanic crust subduction, and the closure of the remnant oceanic basin in the studied region took place after the late Paleocene. In contrast to the previous investigations, we suggest that there was a remnant oceanic basin to the west of the Saga area and a foreland basin to the east of Saga in southern Tibet during the late Paleocene. We argue that the closure of the Neo-Tethys progressed from east to west.
Computing the Crosscap Number of a Knot Using Integer Programming and Normal Surfaces
Authors: Burton Benjamin A. , Ozlen Melih
Published: December 2012

The crosscap number of a knot is an invariant describing the nonorientable surface of smallest genus that the knot bounds. Unlike knot genus (its orientable counterpart), crosscap numbers are difficult to compute and no general algorithm is known. We present three methods for computing crosscap number that offer varying trade-offs between precision and speed: (i) an algorithm based on Hilbert basis enumeration and (ii) an algorithm based on exact integer programming, both of which either compute the solution precisely or reduce it to two possible values, and (iii) a fast but limited precision integer programming algorithm that bounds the solution from above.

The first two algorithms advance the theoretical state-of-the-art, but remain intractable for practical use. The third algorithm is fast and effective, which we show in a practical setting by making significant improvements to the current knowledge of crosscap numbers in knot tables. Our integer programming framework is general, with the potential for further applications in computational geometry and topology.
Advances in the Control of Wine Spoilage byZygosaccharomycesandDekkera/Brettanomyces
Authors: Zuehlke J.M. , Petrova B. , Edwards C.G.
Published: December 2012

Understanding the characteristics of yeast spoilage, as well as the available control technologies, is vital to producing consistent, high-quality wine. Zygosaccharomyces bailii contamination may result in refermentation and CO2production in sweet wines or grape juice concentrate, whereas Brettanomyces bruxellensis spoilage often contributes off-odors and flavors to red wines. Early detection of these yeasts by selective/differential media or genetic methods is important to minimize potential spoilage. More established methods of microbial control include sulfur dioxide, dimethyl dicarbonate, and filtration. Current research is focused on the use of chitosan, pulsed electric fields, low electric current, and ultrasonics as means to protect wine quality.
Autophagy and Intestinal Homeostasis
Authors: Patel Khushbu K. , Stappenbeck Thaddeus S.
Published: December 2012

Nutrient absorption is the basic function that drives mammalian intestinal biology. To facilitate nutrient uptake, the host's epithelial barrier is composed of a single layer of cells. This constraint is problematic, as a design of this type can be easily disrupted. The solution during the course of evolution was to add numerous host defense mechanisms that can help prevent local and systemic infection. These mechanisms include specialized epithelial cells that produce a physiochemical barrier overlying the cellular barrier, robust and organized adaptive and innate immune cells, and the ability to mount an inflammatory response that is commensurate with a specific threat level. The autophagy pathway is a critical cellular process that strongly influences all these functions. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of the components of this pathway and their influence on inflammation, immunity, and barrier function will facilitate our understanding of homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract.
The Adventitia: Essential Regulator of Vascular Wall Structure and Function
Authors: Stenmark Kurt R. , Yeager Michael E. , El Kasmi Karim C. , Nozik-Grayck Eva , Gerasimovskaya Evgenia V. , Li Min , Riddle Suzette R. , Frid Maria G.
Published: December 2012

The vascular adventitia acts as a biological processing center for the retrieval, integration, storage, and release of key regulators of vessel wall function. It is the most complex compartment of the vessel wall and is composed of a variety of cells, including fibroblasts, immunomodulatory cells (dendritic cells and macrophages), progenitor cells, vasa vasorum endothelial cells and pericytes, and adrenergic nerves. In response to vascular stress or injury, resident adventitial cells are often the first to be activated and reprogrammed to influence the tone and structure of the vessel wall; to initiate and perpetuate chronic vascular inflammation; and to stimulate expansion of the vasa vasorum, which can act as a conduit for continued inflammatory and progenitor cell delivery to the vessel wall. This review presents the current evidence demonstrating that the adventitia acts as a key regulator of vascular wall function and structure from the outside in.
Understanding synergy
Authors: Geary Nori
Published: December 2012

Analysis of the interactive effects of combinations of hormones or other manipulations with qualitatively similar individual effects is an important topic in basic and clinical endocrinology as well as other branches of basic and clinical research related to integrative physiology. Functional, as opposed to mechanistic, analyses of interactions rely on the concept of synergy, which can be defined qualitatively as a cooperative action or quantitatively as a supra-additive effect according to some metric for the addition of different dose-effect curves. Unfortunately, dose-effect curve addition is far from straightforward; rather, it requires the development of an axiomatic mathematical theory. I review the mathematical soundness, face validity, and utility of the most frequently used approaches to supra-additive synergy. These criteria highlight serious problems in the two most common synergy approaches, response additivity and Loewe additivity, which is the basis of the isobole and related response surface approaches. I conclude that there is no adequate, generally applicable, supra-additive synergy metric appropriate for endocrinology or any other field of basic and clinical integrative physiology. I recommend that these metrics be abandoned in favor of the simpler definition of synergy as a cooperative, i.e., nonantagonistic, effect. This simple definition avoids mathematical difficulties, is easily applicable, meets regulatory requirements for combination therapy development, and suffices to advance phenomenological basic research to mechanistic studies of interactions and clinical combination therapy research.
Gastric emptying, mouth-to-cecum transit, and glycemic, insulin, incretin, and energy intake responses to a mixed-nutrient liquid in lean, overweight, and obese males
Authors: Seimon Radhika V. , Brennan Ixchel M. , Russo Antonietta , Little Tanya J. , Jones Karen L. , Standfield Scott , Wishart Judith M. , Horowitz Michael , Feinle-Bisset Christine
Published: December 2012

Observations relating to the impact of obesity on gastric emptying (GE) and the secretion of gut hormones are inconsistent, probably because of a lack of studies in which GE, gastrointestinal hormone release, and energy intake (EI) have been evaluated concurrently with previous patterns of nutrient intake. GE is known to be a major determinant of postprandial glycemia and incretin secretion in health and type 2 diabetes. The aims of this study were to determine the effects of a mixed-nutrient drink on GE, oro-cecal transit, blood glucose, insulin and incretin concentrations and EI, and the relationship between the glycemic response to the drink with GE in lean, overweight, and obese subjects. Twenty lean, 20 overweight, and 20 obese males had measurements of GE, oro-cecal transit, and blood glucose, insulin, GLP-1, and GIP concentrations for 5 h after ingestion of a mixed-nutrient drink (500 ml, 532 kcal); EI at a subsequent buffet lunch was determined. Habitual EI was also quantified. Glycemic and insulinemic responses to the drink were greater in the obese (both P < 0.05) when compared with both lean and overweight, with no significant differences in GE, intragastric distribution, oro-cecal transit, incretins, or EI (buffet lunch or habitual) between groups. The magnitude of the rise in blood glucose after the drink was greater when GE was relatively more rapid ( r = −0.55, P < 0.05). In conclusion, in the absence of differences in habitual EI, both GE and incretin hormones are unaffected in the obese despite greater glucose and insulin responses, and GE is a determinant of postprandial glycemia.
Common Fixed Point Theorems for Six Mappings in Generalized Metric Spaces
Authors: Gu Feng
Published: December 2012

By using the weakly commutative and weakly compatible conditions
of self‐mapping pairs, we prove some new common fixed point theorems for six self‐mappings in the framework of generalized metric spaces. An example is provided to support our result. The results presented in this paper generalize the well‐known comparable results in the literature due to Abbas, Nazir, Saadati, Mustafa, and Sims.
Meridional Considerations of the Centrifugal Compressor Development
Authors: Xu C. , Amano R. S.
Published: December 2012

Centrifugal compressor developments are interested in using optimization procedures that enable compressor high efficiency and wide operating ranges. Recently, high pressure ratio and efficiency of the centrifugal compressors require impeller design to pay attention to both the blade angle distribution and the meridional profile. The geometry of the blades and the meridional profile are very important contributions of compressor performance and structure reliability. This paper presents some recent studies of meridional impacts of the compressor. Studies indicated that the meridional profiles of the impeller impact the overall compressor efficiency and pressure ratio at the same rotational speed. Proper meridional profiles can improve the compressor efficiency and increase the overall pressure ratio at the same blade back curvature.
Management of Advanced Heart Failure in the Elderly: Ethics, Economics, and Resource Allocation in the Technological Era
Authors: Swetz Keith M. , Stulak John M. , Dunlay Shannon M. , Gafford Ellin F.
Published: December 2012

Significant strides have been made in the durability, portability, and safety of mechanical circulatory support devices (MCS). Although transplant is considered the standard treatment for advanced heart failure, limits in organ availability leave a much larger pool of recipients in need versus donors. MCS is used as bridge to transplantation and as destination therapy (DT) for patients who will have MCS as their final invasive therapy with transplant not being an option. Despite improvements in quality of life (QOL) and survival, defining the optimal candidate for DT may raise questions regarding the economics of this approach as well as ethical concerns regarding just distribution of goods and services. This paper highlights some of the key ethical issues related to justice and the costs of life-prolonging therapies with respect to resource allocations. Available literature, current debates, and future directions are discussed herein.
Qualitative Analysis for a Predator Prey System with Holling Type III Functional Response and Prey Refuge
Authors: Liu Xia , Xing Yepeng
Published: December 2012

A predator prey system with Holling III functional response and constant prey refuge is considered. By using the Dulac criterion, we discuss the global stability of the positive equilibrium of the system. By transforming the system to a Liénard system, the conditions for the existence of exactly one limit cycle for the system are given. Some numerical simulations are presented.
Sensitivity Studies for the Exercise I-1 of the OECD/UAM Benchmark
Authors: Canuti E. , Petruzzi A. , D'Auria F. , Kozlowski T.
Published: December 2012

OECD/NEA has initiated an international Uncertainty Analysis in Modeling (UAM) benchmark focused on uncertainties in modeling of Light Water Reactor (LWR). The first step of uncertainty propagation is to perform sensitivity to the input data affected by the numerical errors and physical models. The objective of the present paper is to study the effect of the numerical discretization error and the manufacturing tolerances on fuel pin lattice integral parameters (multiplication factor and macroscopic cross-sections) through sensitivity calculations. The two-dimensional deterministic codes NEWT and HELIOS were selected for this work. The NEWT code was used for analysis of the TMI-1, PB-2, and Kozloduy-6 test cases; the TMI-1 test case was investigated using the HELIOS code. The work has been performed within the framework of UAM Exercise I-1 “Cell Physics.”
Yoga Meditation Practitioners Exhibit Greater Gray Matter Volume and Fewer Reported Cognitive Failures: Results of a Preliminary Voxel-Based Morphometric Analysis
Authors: Froeliger Brett , Garland Eric L. , McClernon F. Joseph
Published: December 2012

Hatha yoga techniques, including physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation, involve the practice of mindfulness. In turn, yoga meditation practices may induce the state of mindfulness, which, when evoked recurrently through repeated practice, may accrue into trait or dispositional mindfulness. Putatively, these changes may be mediated by experience-dependent neuroplastic changes. Though prior studies have identified differences in gray matter volume (GMV) between long-term mindfulness practitioners and controls, no studies to date have reported on whether yoga meditation is associated with GMV differences. The present study investigated GMV differences between yoga meditation practitioners (YMP) and a matched control group (CG). The YMP group exhibited greater GM volume in frontal, limbic, temporal, occipital, and cerebellar regions; whereas the CG had no greater regional greater GMV. In addition, the YMP group reported significantly fewer cognitive failures on the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ), the magnitude of which was positively correlated with GMV in numerous regions identified in the primary analysis. Lastly, GMV was positively correlated with the duration of yoga practice. Results from this preliminary study suggest that hatha yoga practice may be associated with the promotion of neuroplastic changes in executive brain systems, which may confer therapeutic benefits that accrue with repeated practice.
Neutrinoless Double-Beta Decay
Authors: Giuliani Andrea , Poves Alfredo
Published: December 2012

This paper introduces the neutrinoless double-beta decay (the rarest nuclear weak process) and describes the status of the research for this transition, both from the point of view of theoretical nuclear physics and in terms of the present and future experimental scenarios. Implications of this phenomenon on crucial aspects of particle physics are briefly discussed. The calculations of the nuclear matrix elements in case of mass mechanisms are reviewed, and a range for these quantities is proposed for the most appealing candidates. After introducing general experimental concepts—such as the choice of the best candidates, the different proposed technological approaches, and the sensitivity—we make the point on the experimental situation. Searches running or in preparation are described, providing an organic presentation which picks up similarities and differences. A critical comparison of the adopted technologies and of their physics reach (in terms of sensitivity to the effective Majorana neutrino mass) is performed. As a conclusion, we try to envisage what we expect round the corner and at a longer time scale.
Screening the Most Effective Variables on Physical Properties of Folate‐Targeted Dextran/Retinoic Acid Micelles by Taguchi Design
Authors: Nayebsadrian M. , Varshosaz J. , Hassanzadeh F. , Sadeghi H. , Banitalebi M. , Rostami M.
Published: December 2012

Amphiphilic copolymers with self‐assembling properties produce micelles in aqueous solutions and are made of two hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments. The objective of this study was optimization of the production of folate‐conjugated dextran/retinoic acid (DEX/RA) micelles of doxorubicin. Micelles were prepared by direct dissolution method, and different effective parameters on their production were studied by a Taguchi design. The studied variables included CMC of the copolymer, polymer and drug contents, DEX Mw, stirring time, and rate and temperature. The effects of variables on responses of particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug loading, and release efficiency were studied. The most effective factors on particle size were DEX Mw, CMC of the copolymer, and stirring rate. Zeta potential and drug loading were more affected by the polymer content, DEX Mw, stirring time, and drug concentration. Stirring time and rate and also temperature of water were more effective variables on drug release rate. The optimum processing situation for micelles formation was obtained by copolymers with CMC <17 μg/mL and prepared from 20.1 mg copolymers of DEX Mw of 10000 and drug concentration of 15.9%. The optimized temperature for micelles formation was 40.7°C, and stirring time was 1 hr at a rate of 560 rpm.
Nutrient Availability Alters the Effect of Autophagy on Sulindac Sulfide-Induced Colon Cancer Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Chiou Shiun-Kwei , Hoa Neil , Ge Lisheng , Jadus Martin R.
Published: December 2012

Autophagy is a catabolic process by which a cell degrades its intracellular materials to replenish itself. Induction of autophagy under various cellular stress stimuli can lead to either cell survival or cell death via apoptotic and/or autophagic (nonapoptotic) pathways. The NSAID sulindac sulfide induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells. Here, we show that inhibition of autophagy under serum-deprived conditions resulted in significant reductions of sulindac sulfide-induced apoptosis in HT-29 colon cancer cells. In contrast, inhibition of autophagy under conditions where serum is available significantly increased sulindac sulfide-induced apoptosis in HT-29 cells. We previously showed that the apoptosis inhibitor, survivin, plays a role in regulating NSAID-induced apoptosis and autophagic cell death. Here, we show that survivin protein half-life is increased in the presence of autophagy inhibitors under serum-deprived conditions, but not under conditions when serum is available. Thus, the increased levels of survivin may be a factor contributing to inhibition of sulindac sulfide-induced apoptosis under serum-deprived conditions. These results suggest that whether a cell lives or dies due to autophagy induction depends on the balance of factors that regulate both autophagic and apoptotic processes.
Tectonic DSAEK for the Management of Impending Corneal Perforation
Authors: Graue-Hernandez Enrique O. , Zuñiga-Gonzalez Isaac , Hernandez-Camarena Julio C. , Jaimes Martha , Chirinos-Saldaña Patricia , Navas Alejandro , Ramirez-Miranda Arturo
Published: December 2012

Purpose. To report a case of severe corneal thinning secondary to dry eye treated with a tectonic Descemet stripping automated lamellar keratoplasty (DSAEK) and amniotic membrane graft.Methods. A 72-year-old man with a history of long standing diabetes mellitus type 2 and dry eye presented with 80% corneal thinning and edema on the right eye and no signs of infectious disease, initially managed with topical unpreserved lubrication and 20% autologous serum drops. Eight weeks after, the defect advanced in size and depth until Descemetocele was formed. Thereafter, he underwent DSAEK for tectonic purposes. One month after the procedure, the posterior lamellar graft was well adhered but a 4 mm epithelial defect was still present. A multilayered amniotic membrane graft was then performed.Results. Ocular surface healed quickly and reepithelization occurred over a 2-week period. Eight months after, the ocular surface remained stable and structurally adequate.Conclusion. Tectonic DSAEK in conjunction with multilayered amniotic graft may not only provide structural support and avoid corneal perforation, but may also promote reepithelization and ocular surface healing and decrease concomitant inflammation.
A Review of Antennas for Indoor Positioning Systems
Authors: Brás Luis , Carvalho Nuno Borges , Pinho Pedro , Kulas Lukasz , Nyka Krzysztof
Published: December 2012

This paper provides a review of antennas applied for indoor positioning or localization systems. The desired requirements of those antennas when integrated in anchor nodes (reference nodes) are discussed, according to different localization techniques and their performance. The described antennas will be subdivided into the following sections according to the nature of measurements: received signal strength (RSS), time of flight (ToF), and direction of arrival (DoA). This paper intends to provide a useful guide for antenna designers who are interested in developing suitable antennas for indoor localization systems.
Percutaneous Left-Ventricular Support With the Impella-2.5–Assist Device in Acute Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Lauten Alexander , Engström Annemarie E. , Jung Christian , Empen Klaus , Erne Paul , Cook Stéphane , Windecker Stephan , Bergmann Martin W. , Klingenberg Roland , Lüscher Thomas F. , Haude Michael , Rulands Dierk , Butter Christian , Ullman Bengt , Hellgren Laila , Modena Maria Grazia , Pedrazzini Giovanni , Henriques Jose P.S. , Figulla Hans R. , Ferrari Markus
Published: December 2012

Background—

Acute cardiogenic shock after myocardial infarction is associated with high in-hospital mortality attributable to persisting low-cardiac output. The Impella–EUROSHOCK-registry evaluates the safety and efficacy of the Impella-2.5–percutaneous left-ventricular assist device in patients with cardiogenic shock after acute myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—

This multicenter registry retrospectively included 120 patients (63.6±12.2 years; 81.7% male) with cardiogenic shock from acute myocardial infarction receiving temporary circulatory support with the Impella-2.5–percutaneous left-ventricular assist device. The primary end point evaluated mortality at 30 days. The secondary end point analyzed the change of plasma lactate after the institution of hemodynamic support, and the rate of early major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events as well as long-term survival. Thirty-day mortality was 64.2% in the study population. After Impella-2.5–percutaneous left-ventricular assist device implantation, lactate levels decreased from 5.8±5.0 mmol/L to 4.7±5.4 mmol/L (
P
=0.28) and 2.5±2.6 mmol/L (
P
=0.023) at 24 and 48 hours, respectively. Early major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events were reported in 18 (15%) patients. Major bleeding at the vascular access site, hemolysis, and pericardial tamponade occurred in 34 (28.6%), 9 (7.5%), and 2 (1.7%) patients, respectively. The parameters of age >65 and lactate level >3.8 mmol/L at admission were identified as predictors of 30-day mortality. After 317±526 days of follow-up, survival was 28.3%.

Conclusions—

In patients with acute cardiogenic shock from acute myocardial infarction, Impella 2.5–treatment is feasible and results in a reduction of lactate levels, suggesting improved organ perfusion. However, 30-day mortality remains high in these patients. This likely reflects the last-resort character of Impella-2.5–application in selected patients with a poor hemodynamic profile and a greater imminent risk of death. Carefully conducted randomized controlled trials are necessary to evaluate the efficacy of Impella-2.5–support in this high-risk patient group.
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage-Induced Hydrocephalus in Rats
Authors: Okubo Shuichi , Strahle Jennifer , Keep Richard F. , Hua Ya , Xi Guohua
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose—

Hydrocephalus is an important complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). We investigated the occurrence of acute hydrocephalus in a rat SAH model.

Methods—

SAH was induced by endovascular perforation in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=36). Sham rats (n=8) underwent the same procedure without perforation. MRI was performed 24 hours after SAH and the volume of the ventricular system and extent of T2* hypointensity lesions were measured. We defined hydrocephalus as ventricular volume > +3 SDs above the mean in sham animals. SAH grade was determined and brains were used for histology, immunohistochemistry, Perls staining, and Western blot analysis. Ventricular wall damage was defined as percentage of ependymal surface disruption.

Results—

All surviving rats (n=27) after SAH had ventricular enlargement (33.6±4.7 versus 13.5±1.4 mm
3
in sham animals,
P
<0.01). Ventricular volume correlated with SAH severity (
r
=0.48;
P
<0.05). Out of 27 SAH rats, 12 demonstrated hydrocephalus and all had intraventricular blood accumulation. Rats with hydrocephalus had more severe ventricular wall damage (7.4±1.2%) than the sham animals (0.6±0.2%;
P
<0.01) and rats without hydrocephalus (1.1±0.2%;
P
<0.01). Periventricular iron deposition was observed and heme oxygenase-1 and Iba-1 expression were markedly increased in hydrocephalus rats.

Conclusions—

SAH causes ventricular enlargement in a rat endovascular perforation model, with hydrocephalus occurring in 44% of animals at 24 hours. Rats with hydrocephalus had more severe SAH, intraventricular hemorrhage, and greater ventricular wall damage.
Neighborhood Assessment of Prostitution as a Pressing Social Problem and Appropriate Responses
Authors: Shdaimah Corey S. , Kaufman Benjamin R. , Bright Charlotte Lyn , Flower Shawn M.
Published: December 2012

Concerns arising from three Baltimore, Maryland community groups advocating for more effective responses to prostitution led to the creation of the Specialized Prostitution Diversion program (SPD), a therapeutic model within the traditional criminal justice system. This mixed methods study used survey, interview, and field observations to ascertain neighborhood concerns about prostitution. Findings show that one neighborhood is notably different from the others in that respondents consider prostitution less of a problem, are less likely to believe police should respond to prostitution, and are less likely to indicate that prostitution causes a nuisance or could lead to additional criminal behavior. Neighborhood residents’ assessment of appropriate responses to prostitution, however, was not significantly different. Most believe that jail and/or treatment are appropriate for individuals engaging in prostitution, suggesting community support for hybrid responses combining punitive and rehabilitative components such as the SPD, regardless of the types or level of concern about prostitution
Boys Doing Art
Authors: Monto Martin A. , Machalek Janna , Anderson Terri L.
Published: December 2012

Though academic discourse on graffiti often laments the fact that it is treated as a crime, such arguments neglect how the outlaw status of graffiti has been integrally related to its allure and how it is understood and experienced by “writers” (the preferred term of graffiti artists). Participant observation and formal and informal interviews of members of a midstatus Portland, Oregon graffiti crew reveal how graffiti reflects a particular version of masculinity and at the same time serves as a resource for constructing masculine identity and achieving status and respect among male peers. Partly because of its outlaw status, graffiti is a domain of visual art that reinforces, rather than undercuts, a version of masculinity that values daring, risk, rebelliousness, ingenuity, commitment, and sacrifice, as well as a flamboyant and edgy set of aesthetics.
Simulation study of thermally initiated rail defects
Authors: Scott D , Fletcher DI , Cardwell BJ
Published: December 2012

Ultrasonically detected ‘squat-type’ rail defects are becoming increasingly common on railways throughout the world. On the London Underground (LU) these defects are found on three lines. Focussing on the difference between these lines and others on the LU network has identified vehicles with modern AC traction characteristics as a common theme found only on problem lines. Metallurgical analysis of the defects found that the mechanisms for generation and growth are not consistent with conventional rolling contact fatigue, with evidence of significant thermal input. The defects are only found on open sections. The areas most susceptible to the defects are those where low-speed running is more common. A mathematical model of the traction package has been used to examine the forces and thermal input generated at the wheel–rail interface with modern wheel-spin control systems under wheel slip and adhesion recovery conditions. The outputs have been analysed to assess whether sufficient forces and temperatures are generated to explain the observed rail damage. The results suggest that under certain circumstances wheel-spin recovery generates sufficient rail surface energy for martensitic transformation. Additional modelling suggests that thermal input from wheel-spin aids crack propagation and that regions of slightly degraded (wet as opposed to leaf or oil contaminated) rail adhesion are sufficient to initiate these flaws.
Looking for the one(s): young love and urban poverty in The Gambia
Authors: Chant Sylvia , Evans Alice
Published: December 2012

This paper explores the strategic use of sexual relationships in bolstering the economic well-being of young low-income women and men in The Gambia, West Africa. While other studies of sexuality in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond have demonstrated the importance of intimate (and often cross-generational) relationships for young women as a means of accessing resources, less is known in this regard about their male counterparts. This study points to the increasingly prominent place of cross-generational relationships, related to international tourism, in the livelihood strategies of young men struggling for employment in a constrained labour market. For poor young Gambian women and men, resource scarcity seems to be associated with a prioritization of the instrumental and material over the affective or recreational value of sexual partnerships, often resulting in multiple, concurrent relations. However, manifold considerations come into play in the relationship decisions of young women and men, indicating the importance of close attention to social and cultural as well as economic factors.
Built-in resilience: learning from grassroots coping strategies for climate variability
Authors: Jabeen Huraera , Johnson Cassidy , Allen Adriana
Published: December 2012

Significant lessons can be drawn from grassroots experiences of coping with extreme weather for reducing the vulnerability of the urban poor to climate change. This paper examines the household and community coping strategies used by low-income households living in Korail, the largest informal settlement in Dhaka. This includes how they use physical, economic and social means to reduce risk, reduce losses and facilitate recovery from flooding and high temperatures, and shows how grassroots adaptation differs according to the level of risk from flooding. The paper also discusses how local planning and governance mechanisms aimed at adaptation can support these coping strategies, including mainstreaming them into adaptation plans that can be scaled up to the citywide level.
Recalling Semantic and Episodic Information From Faces and Voices
Authors: Brédart Serge , Barsics Catherine
Published: December 2012

Recent studies have demonstrated that the retrieval of biographical information about familiar people is easier when we see their faces than when we hear their voices. This advantage of faces over voices has been observed for the retrieval of semantic information (e.g., a person’s occupation) as well as for the recall of episodic information (e.g., specific memories associated with a person). In this article, we outline a recent progression of studies that have demonstrated this advantage of faces over voices by comparing the retrieval of semantic and episodic information following person recognition from faces and from voices. We show that the face advantage is a robust phenomenon that persists whatever the type of target persons (celebrities, personally familiar people, or newly learned persons).
Thinking Intuitively
Authors: Hampton James A.
Published: December 2012

Intuitive knowledge of the world involves knowing what kinds of things have which properties. We express this knowledge in generalities, such as “Ducks lay eggs.” Intuitive knowledge contrasts with extensional knowledge about actual entities in the world, which we express in quantified statements, such as “All U.S. presidents are male.” Reasoning based on this intuitive knowledge, while highly fluent and plausible, may in fact lead us into logical fallacy. Several lines of research have pointed to conceptual memory as the source of such logical failure. We represent concepts with prototypical properties, rather than with logical definitions, and we judge likelihood and argument strength on the basis of similarity between these prototypes instead of using correct notions of probability or logical inference. Evidence that our minds represent the world in this intuitive way can be seen in a range of phenomena, including people’s interpretations of logical connectives applied to everyday concepts, the effects of creativity and emergent features in conceptual combination, and the logically inconsistent beliefs that people express in their everyday language.
Brain Health
Authors: Alpert Patricia T.
Published: December 2012

With the growing “gray” population more individuals run the risk of suffering from cognitive impairment. The aging process and genetic predisposition are risk factors that if superimposed onto poor lifestyle behaviors can compound neurodegeneration. Risk factors are discussed along with preventive measures one can take to maintain brain health.
The state of the job: An embedded work role perspective on prison officer attitudes
Authors: Lerman Amy E , Page Joshua
Published: December 2012

Although the United States has grown increasingly punitive in the last three decades, there is considerable variation across states. On a variety of indicators, California is much more punitive than Minnesota. Using data from two original, large-N surveys, we analyze whether these differences in the orientations of state correctional systems are reflected in the attitudes of workers who are tasked with the day-to-day oversight of state prisons. With respect to the purpose of imprisonment, we find that California prison officers are significantly more punitive than those in Minnesota. In contrast, officers in each state express similar levels of support for basic rehabilitation programs. Based on these findings, we propose an embedded work role perspective, which posits that officers across states reflect a shared position within the prison organization, but that the prisons in which they work are embedded in broader penal and political environments that predict differences in attitudes across state contexts. This conceptualization of prison officer orientations has implications for policymakers, prison administrators, and scholars concerned with the politics and practice of work and incarceration.
Remembering “Rwanda”
Authors: McMillan Nesam
Published: December 2012

The Rwandan genocide now occupies a special place in global memory. “Rwanda,” as this event is referred to in short-hand, is widely known as the genocide that could have been prevented, the genocide that was ignored. As commentators caution against contemporary situations becoming the next “Rwanda,” this article critically analyzes what “Rwanda” has come to mean for and about the world. It highlights the inherently political and culturally particular nature of this discursive construct, as well as using the Rwandan case study to open out onto a broader consideration of the ethics and politics of global memory constructs per se.
Discursive construction and transformation of ‘us’ and ‘them’ categories in the newspaper coverage on the US anti-ballistic missile system: Polish versus Russian view
Authors: Sowińska Agnieszka , Dubrovskaya Tatiana
Published: December 2012

The present study explores discursive constructions of us- and them-groups within the context of the debates on the placement of the US anti-ballistic missile defence system in Central and Eastern Europe. The study is based on the data collected by the authors in the Polish and Russian press (2008–2009). Using the framework that is informed by Critical Discourse Analysis and Membership Categorization Analysis, the authors define strategies and specific linguistic means used to represent ‘us’ and ‘them’ and provide a picture of chronological transformations that these representations undergo in the investigated newspapers.
“Although Quite Nice, I Was Somehow Not Attracted by That Person”
Authors: Koranyi Nicolas , Gast Anne , Rothermund Klaus
Published: December 2012

Individuals who are motivated to find a romantic partner do not only have to detect desirable mating options but also have to prevent becoming committed to attractive but unpromising contacts. We thus propose that an acquisition of highly positive evaluations of already romantically committed opposite-sex others is prevented by self-regulatory processes. In two experiments, positive evaluative conditioning (EC) effects were obtained for facial photos (conditioned stimulus) of other opposite-sex singles when these pictures were paired with positive trait adjectives or odors (unconditioned stimulus). In line with our hypothesis, however, this positive EC effect did not obtain for faces of other persons who were presented as being already involved in a romantic relationship. The results demonstrate that the acquisition of positive attitudes during mate searching is modulated by self-regulatory processes that inhibit the emergence of futile commitments.
Finding quasi-modules of human and viral miRNAs: a case study of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)
Authors: Veksler-Lublinsky Isana , Shemer-Avni Yonat , Meiri Eti , Bentwich Zvi , Kedem Klara , Ziv-Ukelson Michal
Published: December 2012

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression encoded by a variety of organisms, including viruses. Although the function of most of the viral miRNAs is currently unknown, there is evidence that both viral and host miRNAs contribute to the interactions between viruses and their hosts. miRNAs constitute a complex combinatorial network, where one miRNA may target many genes and one gene may be targeted by multiple miRNAs. In particular, viral and host miRNAs may also have mutual target genes. Based on published evidence linking viral and host miRNAs there are three modes of mutual regulation: competing, cooperating, and compensating modes.

Results

In this paper we explore the compensating mode of mutual regulation upon Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection, when host miRNAs are down regulated and viral miRNAs compensate by mimicking their function. To achieve this, we develop a new algorithm which finds groups, calledquasi-modules, of viral and host miRNAs and their mutual target genes, and use a new host miRNA expression data for HCMV-infected and uninfected cells. For two of the reported quasi-modules, supporting evidence from biological and medical literature is provided.

Conclusions

The modules found by our method may advance the understanding of the role of miRNAs in host-viral interactions, and the genes in these modules may serve as candidates for further experimental validation.
The lack of autophagy triggers precocious activation of Notch signaling during Drosophila oogenesis
Authors: Barth Julia MI , Hafen Ernst , Köhler Katja
Published: December 2012

Background

The proper balance of autophagy, a lysosome-mediated degradation process, is indispensable for oogenesis in Drosophila. We recently demonstrated that egg development depends on autophagy in the somatic follicle cells (FC), but not in the germline cells (GCs). However, the lack of autophagy only affects oogenesis when FCs are autophagy-deficient but GCs are wild type, indicating that a dysfunctional signaling between soma and germline may be responsible for the oogenesis defects. Thus, autophagy could play an essential role in modulating signal transduction pathways during egg development.

Results

Here, we provide further evidence for the necessity of autophagy during oogenesis and demonstrate that autophagy is especially required in subsets of FCs. Generation of autophagy-deficient FCs leads to a wide range of phenotypes that are similar to mutants with defects in the classical cell-cell signaling pathways in the ovary. Interestingly, we observe that loss of autophagy leads to a precocious activation of the Notch pathway in the FCs as monitored by the expression of Cut and Hindsight, two downstream effectors of Notch signaling.

Conclusion

Our findings point to an unexpected function for autophagy in the modulation of the Notch signaling pathway during Drosophila oogenesis and suggest a function for autophagy in proper receptor activation. Egg development is affected by an imbalance of autophagy between signal sending (germline) and signal receiving cell (FC), thus the lack of autophagy in the germline is likely to decrease the amount of active ligand and accordingly compensates for increased signaling in autophagy-defective follicle cells.
Limitations of the rhesus macaque draft genome assembly and annotation
Authors: Zhang Xiongfei , Goodsell Joel , Norgren, Robert B
Published: December 2012

Finished genome sequences and assemblies are available for only a few vertebrates. Thus, investigators studying many species must rely on draft genomes. Using the rhesus macaque as an example, we document the effects of sequencing errors, gaps in sequence and misassemblies on one automated gene model pipeline, Gnomon. The combination of draft genome with automated gene finding software can result in spurious sequences. We estimate that approximately 50% of the rhesus gene models are missing, incomplete or incorrect. The problems identified in this work likely apply to all draft vertebrate genomes annotated with any automated gene model pipeline and thus represent a pervasive challenge to the analysis of draft genomes.
Integrated analysis of microRNA expression and mRNA transcriptome in lungs of avian influenza virus infected broilers
Authors: Wang Ying , Brahmakshatriya Vinayak , Lupiani Blanca , Reddy Sanjay M , Soibam Benjamin , Benham Ashley L , Gunaratne Preethi , Liu Hsiao-ching , Trakooljul Nares , Ing Nancy , Okimoto Ron , Zhou Huaijun
Published: December 2012

Background

Avian influenza virus (AIV) outbreaks are worldwide threats to both poultry and humans. Our previous study suggested microRNAs (miRNAs) play significant roles in the regulation of host response to AIV infection in layer chickens. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis if genetic background play essential role in the miRNA regulation of AIV infection in chickens and if miRNAs that were differentially expressed in layer with AIV infection would be modulated the same way in broiler chickens. Furthermore, by integrating with parallel mRNA expression profiling, potential molecular mechanisms of host response to AIV infection can be further exploited.

Results

Total RNA isolated from the lungs of non-infected and low pathogenic H5N3 infected broilers at four days post-infection were used for both miRNA deep sequencing and mRNA microarray analyses. A total of 2.6 M and 3.3 M filtered high quality reads were obtained from infected and non-infected chickens by Solexa GA-I Sequencer, respectively. A total of 271 miRNAs in miRBase 16.0 were identified and one potential novel miRNA was discovered. There were 121 miRNAs differentially expressed at the 5% false discovery rate by Fisher’s exact test. More miRNAs were highly expressed in infected lungs (108) than in non-infected lungs (13), which was opposite to the findings in layer chickens. This result suggested that a different regulatory mechanism of host response to AIV infection mediated by miRNAs might exist in broiler chickens. Analysis using the chicken 44 K Agilent microarray indicated that 508 mRNAs (347 down-regulated) were differentially expressed following AIV infection.

Conclusions

A comprehensive analysis combining both miRNA and targeted mRNA gene expression suggests that gga-miR-34a, 122–1, 122–2, 146a, 155, 206, 1719, 1594, 1599 and 451, and MX1, IL-8, IRF-7, TNFRS19 are strong candidate miRNAs or genes involved in regulating the host response to AIV infection in the lungs of broiler chickens. Further miRNA or gene specific knock-down assay is warranted to elucidate underlying mechanism of AIV infection regulation in the chicken.