bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-density Lipoprotein–based Therapy Reduces the Hemorrhagic Complications Associated With Tissue Plasminogen Activator Treatment in Experimental Stroke
Authors: Lapergue Bertrand , Dang Bao Quoc , Desilles Jean-Philippe , Ortiz-Munoz Guadalupe , Delbosc Sandrine , Loyau Stéphane , Louedec Liliane , Couraud Pierre-Olivier , Mazighi Mikael , Michel Jean-Baptiste , Meilhac Olivier , Amarenco Pierre
Published: February 2013

Background and Purpose—

We have previously reported that intravenous injection of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) was neuroprotective in an embolic stroke model. We hypothesized that HDL vasculoprotective actions on the blood–brain barrier (BBB) may decrease hemorrhagic transformation-associated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) administration in acute stroke.

Methods—

We used tPA alone or in combination with HDLs in vivo in 2 models of focal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) (embolic and 4-hour monofilament MCAO) and in vitro in a model of BBB. Sprague–Dawley rats were submitted to MCAO, n=12 per group. The rats were then randomly injected with tPA (10 mg/kg) or saline with or without human plasma purified-HDL (10 mg/kg). The therapeutic effects of HDL and BBB integrity were assessed blindly 24 hours later. The integrity of the BBB was also tested using an in vitro model of human cerebral endothelial cells under oxygen–glucose deprivation.

Results—

tPA-treated groups had significantly higher mortality and rate of hemorrhagic transformation at 24 hours in both MCAO models. Cotreatment with HDL significantly reduced stroke-induced mortality versus tPA alone (by 42% in filament MCAO,
P
=0.009; by 73% in embolic MCAO,
P
=0.05) and tPA-induced intracerebral parenchymal hematoma (by 92% in filament MCAO, by 100% in embolic MCAO;
P
<0.0001). This was consistent with an improved BBB integrity. In vitro, HDLs decreased oxygen–glucose deprivation–induced BBB permeability (
P
<0.05) and vascular endothelial cadherin disorganization.

Conclusions—

HDL injection decreased tPA-induced hemorrhagic transformation in rat models of MCAO. Both in vivo and in vitro results support the vasculoprotective action of HDLs on BBB under ischemic conditions.
Accountability with Voucher Threats, Responses, and the Test-Taking Population: Regression Discontinuity Evidence from Florida
Authors: Chakrabarti Rajashri
Published: February 2013

Florida's 1999 A-plus program was a consequential accountability program that embedded vouchers in an accountability regime. Under Florida rules, scores of students in several special education (ESE) and limited English proficient (LEP) categories were not included in the computation of school grades. One might expect these rules to induce F schools (that faced stigma and threat of vouchers) to strategically classify their weaker students into these excluded categories. The interplay of these rules with those of the McKay program for disabled students, however, created an interesting divergence of incentives as far as classifications into excluded LEP and ESE were concerned. Because classifying students into ESE made them eligible for McKay vouchers that were funded by public school revenue, the McKay program acted as a strong disincentive to such classification. Using a regression discontinuity strategy, I investigate whether the differences in incentives led the F schools to exhibit different behaviors as far as classifications into excluded ESE and LEP were concerned. Indeed, I find robust evidence in favor of classification into excluded LEP in high-stakes grade 4 and entry grade 3. In contrast, I do not find evidence of classification into excluded ESE.
Taking the Calf to Market in Robert Frost's “the Pasture”
Authors: O’Brien Timothy
Published: February 2013

The attractive little poem “The Pasture“ has a surprisingly prominent place in the Frost canon. One “versed in New England things,” however, will pause over the chore described in the second stanza, the fetching of a calf from its mother, and make more of the poem than a fond memory.
Effects of the freshwater turtle Trachemys scripta elegans on ecosystem functioning: an approach in experimental ponds
Authors: Lindsay Megan K. , Zhang Yixin , Forstner Michael R.J. , Hahn Dittmar
Published: February 2013

The effect of red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) on aquatic ecosystem processes and macroinvertebrate community was investigated in artificial ponds that were stocked with turtles or kept free of them. Compared to ponds without turtles, ponds with turtles displayed significantly higher values of pH, conductivity, sediment accumulation, and leaf litter decomposition rates, as well as a higher abundance of invertebrates, specifically that of the Hemiptera and Ephemeroptera. The biomass of periphyton was not affected by the presence of turtles. These results suggest that the presence of T. s. elegans affects environmental conditions in ponds, and thus potentially ecosystem processes. Reduced abundance or loss of turtles in aquatic systems could therefore result in significant consequences on ecosystem functioning.
No detection of the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in Sardinian cave salamanders, genus Hydromantes
Authors: Chiari Ylenia , van der Meijden Arie , Mucedda Mauro , Wagner Norman , Veith Michael
Published: February 2013

Amphibian declines have been documented worldwide. Chytridiomycosis, a disease caused by the aquatic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is one of the causes associated with these declines. Occurrence, rate of infection and mortality due to chytridiomycosis in amphibians depend on multiple factors including habitat and life-style (aquatic/terrestrial). Bd infection is lower in terrestrial than in aquatic species, but a fully terrestrial life-style alone may not explain the absence of Bd in some species. Low individual dispersal, decreasing the occurrence of contact with infected organisms, could also favour lower Bd infection. To survey the occurrence of Bd infection in fully terrestrial salamanders with low dispersal, we sampled the Sardinian Hydromantes species to measure their level of infection. Bd was not detected and likely absent in Sardinian Hydromantes. This phenomenon could be explained by a combination of terrestrial habitat, low dispersal, and occurrence mostly in habitats where other amphibians do not occur.
‘Faithful Men of a Faithful God’? Masculinities in the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa
Authors: Chitando Ezra ,   KudzaiBiri
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Many scholars have examined masculinities in African societies. However, these examinations cannot be generalised across Africa, given the socio-cultural, economic, political and historical factors that infringe with religious beliefs. This article offers a case study of masculinities in a specific religious context, the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (zaoga), a Pentecostal church. It utilises zaoga’s teachings on masculinities against the background of Shona religion and culture (the dominant ethnic group in Zimbabwe). The analysis specifically focuses on the role of the Jesus-figure in the discourse on masculinity in zaoga, exploring whether Jesus presents a model of ‘redemptive masculinity’ or rather reinforces hegemonic notions of masculinity. The article highlights the ambiguity of Pentecostal masculinity and offers an overall critique of the effects of masculinities upon Pentecostal faith and practice.
Family-group names in the scale insects (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea)—a supplement
Authors: WILLIAMS D. J.
Published: February 2013

Williams (1969) published a list of the family-group names in the Coccoidea (scale insects) recognised at that time. The present paper supplements this earlier list and includes all nominal genera that have had family-group names based on them, including those in the earlier paper, in case it is not readily available to some workers. Nominal genera and their family-group names are listed alphabetically in catalogue form. There are now 49 families generally recognised in the scale insects, of which 16 are only known as fossils. Furthermore, 180 nominal genera have now had family-group names based on them. As stated in the 1969 list, all categories in the family group are deemed to be of co-ordinate status in nomenclature.
Reply to “Comments on ‘Searching for Information in 133 Years of California Snowfall Observations’”
Authors: Christy John R.
Published: February 2013

Coats raises issues regarding the utility of the snowfall metric presented by Christy in “Searching for information in 133 years of California snowfall observations,” suggesting that variance issues need more attention and that alternative metrics would be more useful than snowfall. Although discussed by Christy, the variance question is further addressed here. Regarding other metrics, it is shown that they are either inconsistently measured for long-term analysis or are actually consistent with Christy’s findings. In addition, it is demonstrated that Tahoe City, discussed by Coats, is inappropriate for examining long-term precipitation trends because of inconsistent measuring practices through time. Christy’s results remain unchanged.
Ground-Based Remote Retrievals of Cumulus Entrainment Rates
Authors: Wagner Timothy J. , Turner David D. , Berg Larry K. , Krueger Steven K.
Published: February 2013

While fractional entrainment rates for cumulus clouds have typically been derived from airborne observations, this limits the size and scope of available datasets. To increase the number of continental cumulus entrainment rate observations available for study, an algorithm for retrieving them from ground-based remote sensing observations has been developed. This algorithm, called the Entrainment Rate In Cumulus Algorithm (ERICA), uses the suite of instruments at the Southern Great Plains (SGP) site of the U.S. Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (ARM) Climate Research Facility as inputs into a Gauss–Newton optimal estimation scheme, in which an assumed guess of the entrainment rate is iteratively adjusted through intercomparison of modeled cloud attributes to their observed counterparts. The forward model in this algorithm is the explicit mixing parcel model (EMPM), a cloud parcel model that treats entrainment as a series of discrete entrainment events. A quantified value for the uncertainty in the retrieved entrainment rate is also returned as part of the retrieval. Sensitivity testing and information content analysis demonstrate the robust nature of this method for retrieving accurate observations of the entrainment rate without the drawbacks of airborne sampling. Results from a test of ERICA on 3 months of shallow cumulus cloud events show significant variability of the entrainment rate of clouds in a single day and from one day to the next. The mean value of 1.06 km−1 for the entrainment rate in this dataset corresponds well with prior observations and simulations of the entrainment rate in cumulus clouds.
Improvement of Typhoon Precipitation Forecast Efficiency by Coupling SSM/I Microwave Data with Climatologic Characteristics and Precipitation
Authors: Wei Chih-Chiang
Published: February 2013

Prediction of flash floods in an accurate and timely fashion is one of the most important challenges in weather prediction. This study aims to address the rainfall prediction problem for quantitative precipitation forecasts over land during typhoons. To improve the efficiency of forecasting typhoon precipitation, this study develops Bayesian network (BN) and logistic regression (LR) models using three different datasets and examines their feasibility under different rain intensities. The study area is the watershed of the Tanshui River in Taiwan. The dataset includes a total of 70 typhoon events affecting the watershed from 1997 to 2008. For practicability, the three datasets used include climatologic characteristics of typhoons issued by the Central Weather Bureau (CWB), rainfall rates measured using automatic meteorological gauges in the watershed, and microwave data originated from Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) radiometers. Five separate BN and LR models (cases), differentiated by a unique combination of input datasets, were tested, and their predicted rainfalls are compared in terms of skill scores including mean absolute error (MAE), RMSE, bias (BIA), equitable threat score (ETS), and precision (PRE). The results show that the case where all three input datasets are used is better than the other four cases. Moreover, LR can provide better predictions than BN, especially in flash rainfall situations. However, BN might be one of the most prominent approaches when considering the ease of knowledge interpretation. In contrast, LR describes associations, not causes, and does not explain the decision.
Examination of Errors in Near-Surface Temperature and Wind from WRF Numerical Simulations in Regions of Complex Terrain
Authors: Zhang Hailing , Pu Zhaoxia , Zhang Xuebo
Published: February 2013

The performance of an advanced research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) in predicting near-surface atmospheric temperature and wind conditions under various terrain and weather regimes is examined. Verification of 2-m temperature and 10-m wind speed and direction against surface Mesonet observations is conducted. Three individual events under strong synoptic forcings (i.e., a frontal system, a low-level jet, and a persistent inversion) are first evaluated. It is found that the WRF model is able to reproduce these weather phenomena reasonably well. Forecasts of near-surface variables in flat terrain generally agree well with observations, but errors also occur, depending on the predictability of the lower-atmospheric boundary layer. In complex terrain, forecasts not only suffer from the model's inability to reproduce accurate atmospheric conditions in the lower atmosphere but also struggle with representative issues due to mismatches between the model and the actual terrain. In addition, surface forecasts at finer resolutions do not always outperform those at coarser resolutions. Increasing the vertical resolution may not help predict the near-surface variables, although it does improve the forecasts of the structure of mesoscale weather phenomena. A statistical analysis is also performed for 120 forecasts during a 1-month period to further investigate forecast error characteristics in complex terrain. Results illustrate that forecast errors in near-surface variables depend strongly on the diurnal variation in surface conditions, especially when synoptic forcing is weak. Under strong synoptic forcing, the diurnal patterns in the errors break down, while the flow-dependent errors are clearly shown.
Are self-narratives strategic or determined, unified or fragmented? Reading Breivik’s Manifesto in light of narrative criminology
Authors: Sandberg Sveinung
Published: February 2013

Anders Behring Breivik carried out two terrorist attacks in Norway in 2011, killing 77 people. In a 1500-page Manifesto, he justifies the attacks, describes his ideology and presents his life-story. The Manifesto is Breivik’s attempt to present a coherent story, although one that shifts between different, sometimes competing, characters and narrative tones. He relies heavily on the narratives of an anti-Islamic or ‘counter-jihadist’ social movement, mainly present on the internet, but he makes creative adjustments. Some studies emphasize that narratives are unified, others that they are fragmented. Similarly, some emphasize the strategic and others the structural aspects of story-telling. This article further develops a theoretical framework of narrative criminology. The main argument is that offenders’ stories need to be analysed as agency conditioned by culture and context. Such stories must also be understood as attempts at coherency and unity, drawing on a wide variety of cultural narratives and discourses. It is suggested that researchers can benefit from further reflecting on the diversity of ways in which self-narratives are analysed and understood. In line with narrative criminology, it is suggested that when narrative and crime are closely connected, their study gets to the core of the complex causes of crime.
Sustainable Development and Industry Self-Regulation
Authors: Dashwood Hevina S.
Published: February 2013

This article explores the influences informing the voluntary initiatives undertaken by major mining companies to meet their environmental and social responsibilities. The framing by mining companies of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies in terms of sustainable development, as reflected in their stand-alone CSR reports, is a noteworthy feature of the mining industry. This article analyzes the process by which convergence occurred around the norm of sustainable development and examines the circumstances that led to the adoption of unilateral and collaborative corporate voluntary initiatives to promote sustainable development in the mining sector. The author argues that the interaction of institutional dynamics with managerial preferences are key variables which can best be explained by institutional approaches in organization theory and international relations theory that draw attention to the global context and the dissemination of global norms.
Do Seats, Food Vendors, and Sculptures Improve Plaza Visitability?
Authors: Abdulkarim Dina , Nasar Jack L.
Published: February 2013

Building on Whyte’s work on livable places, the present study developed a four-item scale to assess visitability and used it to test whether three attributes identified by Whyte—seating, food, and triangulation—increase visitability. The study used color slides of three plazas altered for the presence or absence of each attribute. Sixty participants (23 men and 37 women) rated slides of the plazas on each of four items on the Perceived Visitability Scale (PVS). The four items had high interitem reliability, and each item and their composite had high interobserver reliability. The visitability ratings showed that plazas with seats, food, or sculpture had higher scores than plazas without those elements; and the combination of seats and sculpture had higher scores than either element alone. Contradicting Whyte, there was no statistically significant effect of gender. Seats, sculpture, and the perceived compatibility of elements with one another may improve plaza visitability.
Effect of fiber count and knit structure on intra- and inter-yarn transport of liquid water
Authors: Birrfelder Pascale , Dorrestijn Marko , Roth Christian , Rossi René M
Published: February 2013

The moisture transport in fabrics determines its cooling effect and therefore the wearing comfort during sudorific activities. When liquid sweat is present, the moisture absorption by a fabric is characterized by the in-plane and transplanar wicking. We investigated the effect of fabric structure and fiber count on wicking by X-ray projection images using four different polyester knit structures (rib, eyelet, interlock and modified interlock, all hydrophilic), as well as five rib knits with different fiber counts per yarn (24–192, all quasi-hydrophobic with water contact angles 89 ± 1). Experiments were conducted with two-layer samples of the same fabric exposed to different external pressures. The liquid was transported in recognizable waterfronts, which can be interpreted as distinct intra-yarn and inter-yarn in-plane wicking fronts. For layer-to-layer wicking in hydrophilic samples, pressure-dependent time delays were observed; the delays correlated negatively with the relative void area at the interface, and were shortest for the rib knits. For the quasi-hydrophobic samples, however, the liquid wicked up to the upper layer without time delays, which was due to the liquid being pressed into the fabric, that is, due to the supply-driven flow. We distinguish this from the supply-limited flow, which is driven by capillary forces. The presented results have implications for the design of clothing systems for sudorific activities.
Relationship between microstructure and properties of false-twist textured and stabilized polylactide. Part 1: dimensional stability, mechanical properties and thermomechanical behavior
Authors: Cayuela Diana , Montero Lucila , Riba Marta , Prieto Remedios , Cano Francesc , Manich Albert M
Published: February 2013

Polylactide fibers (PLA), false-twist textured at different temperatures (135, 150 and 165℃) and draw ratios (1.30, 1.35 and 1.40) were stabilized by a continuous setting treatment at 50 m/min and 100℃ using a specially designed chamber. The crystallinity and the orientation of the original textured filaments and those of the stabilized ones were measured. The effect of post setting on the dimensional stability, mechanical properties and thermomechanical behavior in accordance with the texturing conditions was studied. The relationships between crystallinity and the dimensional stability and between the orientation and both the relaxation shrinkage and the endset temperature of shrinkage were considered.
Utilization of various non-woven waste forms as reinforcement in polymeric composites
Authors: Yalcin Ipek , Sadikoglu Telem Gok , Berkalp Omer Berk , Bakkal Mustafa
Published: February 2013

In this study, various forms of non-woven waste were recycled for the manufacture of composites by the extrusion technique. The performance of the composites, as well as the effect of the reprocessing steps, was investigated with regards to the mechanical and thermal properties. A reinforcement material of polyester non-woven waste in differing forms (cut piece, fiber and particle) and a matrix of polypropylene (PP) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) were used. Performance tests were evaluated based on the type of reinforcement material. Particle form reinforced composites were subjected to reprocessing and tested for their performance. Results indicate that particle type reinforcement maintained better mechanical performance, whereas reinforcements using cut pieces and fibers showed enhanced thermal insulation with lower densities. The effect of the reprocessing of the particle forms has been observed positively on the tensile characteristics, especially up to the second stage.
Democratic Indignation
Authors: Bromell Nick
Published: February 2013

This essay argues that black Americans writing from outside or at the margins of the democratic polity shed important light on the nature of human dignity and on the political emotion that offers—to oneself and to others—the surest proof of the existence of such dignity: indignation. I focus in particular on four insights of this body of black American political thought: that the presumption of dignity is the basis on which citizenship is conferred, while its denial is the justification by which citizenship is withheld; that dignity’s existence within a person is vouchsafed most effectively by indignation, a flash of emotion that arises in response to the insult of its denial; that even though dignity feels woven into one’s innermost being, it is always vulnerable to social denial and therefore stands in need of social confirmation; that indignation can and should be transformed into a self-opposing disposition that resists complacency and seeks continual reconfiguration, or enlargement, of the demos and of its democratic theory.
The Little Blue Pill That Killed the Little Pink House
Authors: Olejarski Amanda M. , Farley Kathryn Webb
Published: February 2013

Community and business interests are set in opposition, rather than in a harmonious balance, in the 2005 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. New London. The narrative of eminent domain, through the lens of Kelo, highlights these conflicting values. The case presents a local government that used its power of takings to attract Pfizer, the pharmaceutical conglomerate, to build a plant for production of the little blue pill, which symbolizes private interests in this case. The community’s dissension of taking an individual’s private property for use by another private entity centered on a pink house, which has come to be known as the symbol of eminent domain abuse. This narrative is explored through in-depth interviews with public administrators experienced with eminent domain, community grassroots organizers involved with the case, and relevant articles from the local newspaper. A key finding of the study surrounds similarities between the perspectives of those people involved in Kelo and administrators throughout the state of Connecticut, the birthplace of the case. Although a nation built on the notion of the right to hold private property, the case suggests that in an era of late capitalism, business is of utmost importance to the community regardless of citizens’ desires in the United States.
Orchestrating Authorship
Authors: Soysa Champika K. , Dunn Dana S. , Dottolo Andrea L. , Burns-Glover Alyson L. , Gurung Regan A. R.
Published: February 2013

This article describes the kinds of writing that could be introduced at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced course levels in the psychology major. We present exemplars of writing assignments across three institutions, including textual analysis, integrating intratext and intertext writing, and a capstone thesis project, where the skills learned in each assignment could inform those that follow in later years. Furthermore, this article addresses potential developmental progressions within each assignment as well. We present preliminary assessments of individual assignments and suggestions for evaluating developmental gains across the curriculum. To conclude, we discuss the value of teaching writing of increasing complexity across the psychology curriculum, and the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of such a program in the future.
Ideal Teacher Behaviors
Authors: Komarraju Meera
Published: February 2013

Differences in students’ academic self-efficacy and motivation were examined in predicting preferred teacher traits. Undergraduates (261) completed the Teaching Behavior Checklist, Academic Self-Concept scale, and Academic Motivation scale. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that academic self-efficacy and extrinsic motivation explained 5–23% of incremental variance in the ideal traits of “caring” and “professional.” Students who lacked self-efficacy clearly valued the “caring” trait in an ideal teacher. Extrinsically motivated students strongly endorsed the importance of an ideal teacher being “caring” (encouraging and compassionate) and “professional” (knowledgeable and confident). Implications for instructors include rewarding extrinsically motivated student by recognizing their performance and mentoring students who lack self-efficacy.
Children’s social competence within close friendship: The role of self-perception and attachment orientations
Authors: Scharf Miri
Published: February 2013

The associations between self-perception and attachment orientations and three aspects of children’s competence within friendships were examined: Managing conflict, seeking support, and giving support. Questionnaires were completed by 260 4th- and 5th-grade students. Homeroom teachers reported on the children’s social adjustment. Secure attachment orientation and positive self-perception were positively associated with prosocial friendship competencies, and negatively associated with disengaging strategies. By contrast, ambivalent attachment was related to accommodation strategy and to disengaging strategies in the context of seeking and giving support. Girls and boys showed different levels of competencies within friendships; the results also demonstrate that engaging and disengaging strategies might function differently for boys and girls, and reveal the moderating role of attachment. The role of culture in children’s competencies and the implications for intervention for children with friendship difficulties are discussed.
High-growth firms: More reasons for caution?
Authors: Derbyshire James
Published: February 2013

Derbyshire (2012) and Walburn (2012) have recently highlighted reasons for policymakers to be cautious when embracing the emerging high-growth firms policy panacea. However, both authors began from the premise that the very concept of high-growth firms is a valid one. This brief Viewpoint article highlights a further, more fundamental reason for caution: if prominent researchers such as Storey (2011) and Coad (2009) are right about the nature of firm growth then identifying and targeting support on high-growth firms is tantamount to targeting those firms with a lower likelihood than the average firm to grow at a rapid rate in the future.
Sustainable development and climate change: Beyond mitigation and adaptation
Authors: Harry S , Morad M
Published: February 2013

This Viewpoint article reviews the two approaches to climate change, namely mitigation and adaptation, and examines the complex interrelationships between them, and between climate change and sustainable development. Adaptation is about reducing the effects of climate change on both human and natural systems; and mitigation is about reducing the causes of climate change by decreasing the anthropogenic impact on the climate system. The implications of an apparently warming world clearly mean that there is need for mitigation; but how effective will mitigation be, and how far are we prepared to go, to reconcile conflicting interests and tensions? Despite relatively slow progress, some forms of sustainable development have appeared, and these offer the best hope we have of mitigating human contribution to climate change, and adapting to its consequences. However, it is also necessary to view the issue of climate change as holistically as possible, whereby socio-economic objectives, needs and desires are reconciled with environmental limits, because science and technology are limited in their capacity to solve problems on a planetary scale.
Professional Orientation and Pluralistic Ignorance Among Jail Correctional Officers
Authors: Cook Carrie L. , Lane Jodi
Published: February 2013

Research about the attitudes and beliefs of correctional officers has historically been conducted in prison facilities while ignoring jail settings. This study contributes to our understanding of correctional officers by examining the perceptions of those who work in jails, specifically measuring professional orientations about counseling roles, punitiveness, corruption of authority by inmates, and social distance from inmates. The study also examines whether officers are accurate in estimating these same perceptions of their peers, a line of inquiry that has been relatively ignored. Findings indicate that the sample was concerned about various aspects of their job and the management of inmates. Specifically, officers were uncertain about adopting counseling roles, were somewhat punitive, and were concerned both with maintaining social distance from inmates and with an inmate’s ability to corrupt their authority. Officers also misperceived the professional orientation of their fellow officers and assumed their peer group to be less progressive than they actually were.
The familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 mutation K1336E affects direct G protein-mediated regulation of neuronal P/Q-type Ca2+ channels
Authors: Garza-López Edgar , González-Ramírez Ricardo , Gandini María A , Sandoval Alejandro , Felix Ricardo
Published: February 2013

Background

Familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 (FHM-1) is an autosomal dominant form of migraine with aura characterized by recurrent migraine, hemiparesis and ataxia. FHM-1 has been linked to missense mutations in the CACNA1A gene encoding the pore-forming subunit of the neuronal voltage-gated P/Q-type Ca2+ channel (CaV2.1α1).

Methods

Here, we explored the effects of the FHM-1 K1336E mutation on G protein-dependent modulation of the recombinant P/Q-type channel. The mutation was introduced into the human CaV2.1α1 subunit and its functional consequences investigated after heterologous expression in HEK-293 cells using patch-clamp recordings.

Results

Functional analysis of the K1336E mutation revealed a reduction of Ca2+ current densities, a ∼10 mV left-shift in the current-voltage relationship, and the slowing of current inactivation kinetics. When co-expressed along with the human μ-opioid receptor, application of the agonist DAMGO inhibited whole-cell currents through both the wild-type and the mutant channels. Prepulse facilitation was also reduced by the K1336E mutation. Likewise, the kinetic analysis of the onset and decay of facilitation showed that the mutation affects the apparent dissociation and reassociation rates of the Gβγ dimer from the channel complex.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the extent of G-protein-mediated inhibition is significantly reduced in the K1336E mutant CaV2.1 Ca2+ channels. This alteration would contribute to render the neuronal network hyperexcitable, possibly as a consequence of reduced presynaptic inhibition, and may help to explain some aspects of the FHM-1 pathophysiology.
Underestimated phenomena: Higher cortical dysfunctions during migraine aura
Authors: Petrusic Igor , Zidverc-Trajkovic Jasna , Podgorac Ana , Sternic Nadezda
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Aura occurs in 20–30% of patients with migraine. Some descriptions of aura go far beyond the most frequent visual and sensory symptoms, suggesting the involvement of different cortical areas. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the frequency and types of disorders of higher cortical functions (HCF) that occur during visual and/or sensory aura.

Methods

We interviewed 60 patients with visual and/or sensory aura about HCF disorders of praxia, gnosia, memory, and speech, during aura. Patients were divided into two groups, with and without HCF disorders, and were compared in terms of demographic data and aura characteristics.

Results

From all 60 patients, 65% reported at least one HCF disorder during aura. The patients with HCF disorders had longer-lasting auras (28.51 ± 16.39 vs. 19.76 ± 11.23, p = 0.016). The most common HCF disorders were motor dysphasia (82.05%) and dysnomia (30.74%). Motor dysphasia was more often reported by patients with visual as well as sensory aura ( p = 0.002). The number of HCF disorders correlated with the aura duration ( p = 0.003).

Conclusion

According to our results, HCF disorders during aura occur more often than previously thought. The aura duration has some influence on the HCF disorders.
The impact of sexual activity on idiopathic headaches: An observational study
Authors: Hambach Anke , Evers Stefan , Summ Oliver , Husstedt Ingo W , Frese Achim
Published: February 2013

Background

Headache associated with sexual activity is a well-known primary headache disorder. In contrast, some case reports in the literature suggest that sexual activity during a migraine or cluster headache attack might relieve the pain in at least some patients. We performed an observational study among patients of a tertiary headache clinic.

Methods

A questionnaire was sent to 800 unselected migraine patients and 200 unselected cluster headache patients. We asked for experience with sexual activity during a headache attack and its impact on headache intensity. The survey was strictly and completely anonymous.

Results

In total, 38% of the migraine patients and 48% of the patients with cluster headache responded. In migraine, 34% of the patients had experience with sexual activity during an attack; out of these patients, 60% reported an improvement of their migraine attack (70% of them reported moderate to complete relief) and 33% reported worsening. In cluster headache, 31% of the patients had experience with sexual activity during an attack; out of these patients, 37% reported an improvement of their cluster headache attack (91% of them reported moderate to complete relief) and 50% reported worsening. Some patients, in particular male migraine patients, even used sexual activity as a therapeutic tool.

Conclusions

The majority of patients with migraine or cluster headache do not have sexual activity during headache attacks. Our data suggest, however, that sexual activity can lead to partial or complete relief of headache in some migraine and a few cluster headache patients.
Massive or 2-Tendon Rotator Cuff Tears in Active Patients With Minimal Glenohumeral Arthritis
Authors: Gupta Anil K. , Hug Kevin , Boggess Blake , Gavigan Molly , Toth Alison P.
Published: February 2013

Background:

The management of irreparable massive or full-thickness 2-tendon rotator cuff tears in active patients with minimal glenohumeral arthritis remains a difficult challenge for the treating surgeon. Many different treatment options, with varied success, have been proposed.

Hypotheses:

(1) Patients undergoing reconstruction of irreparable massive or full-thickness 2-tendon rotator cuff tears by dermal tissue matrix xenograft would demonstrate improvements in pain, range of motion, strength, and subjective functional outcomes. (2) Postoperative ultrasonography would demonstrate intact repairs at a minimum 2-year follow-up.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Twenty-six patients (27 shoulders) underwent reconstruction of irreparable massive or full-thickness 2-tendon rotator cuff tears by dermal tissue matrix xenograft. Pain level (scale 0-10, 10 = severe pain), active range of motion, and supraspinatus and external rotation strength were assessed. Subjective outcome measures included American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES) and Short Form-12 (SF-12) score. Clinical and radiographic analyses were performed at an average 32-month follow-up period (minimum 2-year follow-up). Ultrasound imaging (static and dynamic) of the operative shoulder was performed at final follow-up to assess the integrity of the construct.

Results:

Mean patient age was 60 years. Mean pain level decreased from 5.1 to 0.4 ( P = .002). Mean active forward flexion and abduction improved from 138.8° to 167.3° ( P = .024) and 117.9° to 149.3° ( P = .001), respectively. Supraspinatus and external rotation strength improved from 7.2 to 9.4 ( P = .001) and 7.4 to 9.5 ( P = .001), respectively. Mean ASES improved from 62.7 to 91.8 ( P = .0007), and mean SF-12 scores improved from 48.4 to 56.6 ( P = .044). Twenty-one patients (22 shoulders) returned for a dynamic and static ultrasound of the operative shoulder at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Sixteen patients (73%) demonstrated a fully intact tendon-graft reconstruction, 5 patients (22%) had a partially intact reconstruction, and 1(5%) had a complete tear at the graft-bone interface caused by suture anchor pullout as a result of a fall. There were no cases of infection or tissue rejection.

Conclusion:

Active patients with massive or 2-tendon rotator cuff tears with minimal glenohumeral arthritis continue to be a subset of the population for whom there is no current standard of care. Results suggest that the use of porcine xenograft may be an effective means by which to treat these patients.
Effect of cenosphere on mechanical properties of bamboo–epoxy composites
Authors: Jena Hemalata , Pandit Mihir Kumar , Pradhan Arun Kumar
Published: February 2013

Cenosphere is a ceramic-rich industrial waste produced during burning of coal in thermal power plants. This study deals with the effect of cenosphere as particulate filler on mechanical behaviour of natural fibre composites. The natural fibre composite consists of bamboo fibre as reinforcement and epoxy as matrix. The bamboo fibre is treated with alkali to improve its surface properties. The conventional hand lay-up technique is used to prepare different composite specimens. Twenty numbers of different composite specimens are prepared with varying number of laminae and filler content. The samples are analysed for their mechanical properties to establish the effect of varying filler content and the number of laminae. It is found that the mechanical properties are significantly influenced by addition of this waste-based ceramic filler.
Predictors of Completion of a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Court for Repeat Offenders
Authors: Saum Christine A. , Hiller Matthew L. , Nolan Bridget A.
Published: February 2013

Driving under the influence (DUI) courts are a somewhat recent adaptation of the widely popular drug courts.1 As such there is a need for more research on these specialty courts that target DUI offenders. An important area of research is program completion and determining what factors may be related to participant dropout. The current study presents findings on a 3-year admissions cohort of participants in the Waukesha Alcohol Treatment Court (WATC) for third-time DUI offenders. This program has been in operation for over 6 years and is a court-based intervention program specifically designed by local stakeholders to address the serious DUI problem in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Results indicate that variables related to pretrial and case processing, including having participated in substance abuse treatment prior to DUI court entry, were related to WATC completion status. Patterns emerged for the sociodemographic and substance use and health variables, although these relationships did not reach statistical significance. DUI court planners can utilize this information when applying The Ten Guiding Principles of DWI Courts to their courts such as identifying subsets of DUI offenders and refining program components to improve participant completion and subsequent successful outcomes.
Psychopathy and Victim Selection
Authors: Book Angela , Costello Kimberly , Camilleri Joseph A.
Published: February 2013

Previous research has shown that victims display characteristic body language, specifically in their walking style (Grayson & Stein, 1981). Individuals scoring higher on the interpersonal/affective aspects of psychopathy (Factor 1) are more accurate at judging victim vulnerability simply from viewing targets walking (Wheeler, Book, & Costello, 2009). The present study examines the relation between psychopathy and accuracy in assessing victim vulnerability in a sample of inmates from a maximum security penitentiary in Ontario, Canada. Forty-seven inmates viewed short video clips of targets walking and judged how vulnerable each target was to victimization. Higher Factor 1 psychopathy scores (as measured by the PCL-R; Hare 2003) were positively related to accuracy in judging victim vulnerability. Contrary to research with noninstitutional participants (Wheeler et al., 2009), inmates higher on Factor 1 of psychopathy were more likely to rationalize their vulnerability judgments by mentioning the victim’s gait. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Investigation of Short-term Variations in Term Breast Milk Composition during Repeated Breast Expression Sessions
Authors: Khan Sadaf , Prime Danielle K. , Hepworth Anna R. , Lai Ching Tat , Trengove Naomi J. , Hartmann Peter E.
Published: February 2013

Background:

Breast milk composition can be affected by several factors, and it can exhibit short-term (weekly) variations. Investigating variations in breast milk composition is important to accurately estimate nutrient requirements of the infant.

Objective:

To investigate short-term changes in breast milk composition between left and right breasts, over a 3-week period within the first 6 months of lactation.

Methods:

The left and right breasts of the mothers of healthy, term infants (n = 23) were simultaneously expressed with an electric breast pump for 15 minutes, on 3 occasions within 3 weeks. Milk samples (5 mL) were collected from the total expression volume of each breast at each session. The macronutrient contents, total solids, and energy content were determined using a mid-infrared human milk analyzer. Mothers (n = 17) measured their 24-hour milk production, and the average 24-hour fat contents were also determined.

Results:

Over the 3 weekly sessions, no significant changes were found in macronutrient contents. On average, total solids ( P = .04) and energy ( P = .04) decreased by week 3 of follow-up sessions from 14 to 13 g/100 mL and from 82 to 76 Kcal/100 mL, respectively; however, these changes became insignificant when expression volume was taken into account. The macronutrient concentration was similar for the left and right breasts; however, milk composition varied markedly between mothers. Furthermore, average 24-hour fat content was significantly lower than the mean fat content from a single expression session ( P < .01).

Conclusion:

Our findings highlight that when determining the nutritional adequacy of a mother’s milk, assuming an average concentration requires caution. The study findings illustrate the importance of using average 24-hour fat content of milk to obtain representative measures of infant energy intake.
A new sliding-mode controller design methodology with derivative switching function for anti-lock brake system
Authors: Okyay Ahmet , Cigeroglu Ender , Başlamışlı S Çağlar
Published: February 2013

In this study, anti-lock brake system control using sliding-mode controller is investigated. Different alternatives for the switching function and the sliding surface, involved in the structure of the sliding-mode controller, are explored. It was aimed to reach a better controller performance with less chattering and robustness to actuator imperfections. Regarding applicability, tire force response was modeled as a uniformly distributed uncertain parameter during controller designs. Controllers are simulated for both constant and varying coefficient of friction roads, with optimized design parameters. The effects of actuator first-order dynamics and transportation delay, which come up in practical implementations, were considered. The sliding-mode control structure which employs derivative switching function with integral sliding surface is originally proposed in this study. It is found to produce less chattering and provide more robustness, which could not be achieved side by side using former designs.
Synchronous fluctuations of glaciers in the Alps and Altai in the second half of the Holocene
Authors: Chernykh Dmitry V , Galakhov Vladimir P , Zolotov Dmitry V
Published: February 2013

The Altai Mountains occupy the northwestern part of the Central Asian collision belt. The late-Holocene behavior of glaciers in the Altai Mountains was reconstructed for the Khaidun river valley in the western part of the Russian Altai. We report here 17 new radiocarbon datings from wood remains buried by moraines, from peat layers and lacustrine sediments. The glaciers’ advance took place in 2500–2200 bc, 1100 bc, 500 bc, ad 400, ad 1200–1300 and ad 1500–1850. It is the first time that material which separates the so-called Historical stage of cooling into three stages has been collected in the Altai Mountains. The comparison of time of moraine formation in the Altai with glacier activity in the Alps is evidence of the simultaneity of these processes.