bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Underground Economy with the Currency Demand Approach: A Reinterpretation of the Methodology, With an Application toItaly
Authors: Ardizzi Guerino , Petraglia Carmelo , Piacenza Massimiliano , Turati Gilberto
Published: January 2013

We contribute to the debate on how to assess the size of the underground (or shadow) economy by proposing a reinterpretation of the traditional Currency Demand Approach (CDA)à laTanzi. In particular, we introduce three main innovations. First, we take a direct measure of the value of cash transactions—the flow of cash withdrawn from bank accounts relative to total non‐cash payments—as the dependent variable in the money demand equation. This allows us to avoid unrealistic assumptions on the velocity of money and the absence of any irregular transaction in a given year, overcoming two severe critiques to the traditionalCDA. Second, in place of the tax burden level, usually intended as the main motivation for non‐compliance, we include among the covariates two direct indicators of detected tax evasion. Finally, we control also for the role of illegal production considering crimes like drug dealing and prostitution, which—jointly with the shadow economy—contributes to the larger aggregate of the non‐observed economy and represents a significant component of total cash payments. We propose then an application of this “modifiedCDA” to a panel of 91 Italian provinces for the years 2005–08.
The Cytosolic Adaptor AP‐1A Is Essential for the Trafficking and Function of Niemann‐Pick Type C Proteins
Authors: Poirier Steve , Mayer Gaétan , Murphy Stephanie R. , Garver William S. , Chang Ta Yuan , Schu Peter , Seidah Nabil G.
Published: January 2013

Niemann‐Pick type C (NPC) disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by over‐accumulation of low‐density lipoprotein‐derived cholesterol and glycosphingolipids in late endosomes/lysosomes (LE/L) throughout the body. Human mutations in either NPC1 or NPC2 genes have been directly associated with impaired cholesterol efflux from LE/L. Independent from its role in cholesterol homeostasis and its NPC2 partner, NPC1 was unexpectedly identified as a critical player controlling intracellular entry of filoviruses such as Ebola. In this study, a yeast three‐hybrid system revealed that the NPC1 cytoplasmic tail directly interacts with the clathrin adaptor protein AP‐1 via its acidic/di‐leucine motif. Consequently, a nonfunctional AP‐1A cytosolic complex resulted in a typical NPC‐like phenotype mainly due to a direct impairment of NPC1 trafficking to LE/L and a partial secretion of NPC2. Furthermore, the mislocalization of NPC1 was not due to cholesterol accumulation in LE/L, as it was not rescued upon treatment with Mβ‐cyclodextrin, which almost completely eliminated intracellular free cholesterol. Our cumulative data demonstrate that the cytosolic clathrin adaptor AP‐1A is essential for the lysosomal targeting and function of NPC1 and NPC2.
Genome Sequences of a Novel HIV-1 Circulating Recombinant Form, CRF55_01B, Identified in China
Authors: Han Xiaoxu , An Minghui , Zhang Weiqing , Cai Weiping , Chen Xi , Takebe Yutaka , Shang Hong
Published: January 2013

We report here a novel HIV-1 circulating recombinant form (CRF55_01B) composed of CRF01_AE and subtype B, with four recombination breakpoints in the
pol
gene. CRF55_01B was identified from three epidemiologically unlinked men having sex with men (MSM) in China, suggesting the ongoing generation of recombinants involving CRF01_AE and subtype B lineages among MSM in China.
Complete Genome Sequence of the First Aichi Virus Isolated in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Jenn-Tzong , Chen Yao-Shen , Chen Bao-Chen , Chao David , Chang Tsung-Hsien
Published: January 2013

The first Aichi virus (AiV), kvgh99012632/2010, was identified in Taiwan. The entire genome of the AiV isolate was sequenced and compared to known AiV sequences. Genome alignment revealed that the Taiwan AiV strain shares 96.3% nucleotide and 99% amino acid identities with the German strain D/VI2287/2004.
Multiple brain parenchymal neurocysticercosis with extraocular muscle cysticercosis affecting levator palpebral superioris and superior rectus complex: an unusual association
Authors: Verma Rajesh , Jaiswal Anupam
Published: January 2013

An 8-year-old girl presented to the neurology department with a complaint of insidious onset of left-sided ptosis and restricted elevation of the left eye. A CT scan orbit and brain revealed a ring-enhancing lesion in the levator palpebral superioris (LPS) and superior rectus (SR) muscle complex of the left eye and left parietal and right temporal region. She was started on steroid, followed by albendazole with improvement. The LPS/SR complex is the least common site of involvement among extraocular muscles in ocular cysticercosis. Specially, with brain neurocysticercosis (NCC), it is extremely rare. We report an unusual association of multiple brain NCC with ocular cysticercosis involving LPS and SR muscle.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy during treatment with rituximab and CHOP chemotherapy in a patient with a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Sikkema Tineke , Schuiling Wouter Jan , Hoogendoorn Mels
Published: January 2013

A 74-year-old woman with a diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was treated with rituximab and CHOP chemotherapy. After three cycles of chemotherapy she developed progressive symptoms of motor imbalance, fatigue, weight loss and impaired cognitive function, which was interpreted as toxicity of the CHOP chemotherapy. The sixth cycle CHOP chemotherapy was withheld and three additional cycles of rituximab were given. Two weeks later, neurological symptoms appeared, including abducens nerve palsy of her left eye, ataxia and hemiparesis of her right body. MRI of the brain revealed two hyperintense lesions on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images without oedema or gadolinium enhancement. A PCR on John Cunningham (JC) virus DNA in cerebrospinal fluid was negative, but subsequent brain biopsy diagnosed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). She rapidly deteriorated and died. Awareness of PML during immunosuppressive therapy can be lifesaving, since only immune reconstitution can prevent mortality in these patients.
High performance teamwork training and systems redesign in outpatient oncology
Authors: Bunnell Craig A , Gross Anne H , Weingart Saul N , Kalfin Michael Jason , Partridge Ann , Lane Sharon , Burstein Harold J , Fine Barbara , Hilton Nancy A , Sullivan Clare , Hagemeister Erin E , Kelly Anne E , Colicchio Lynn , Szabatura Audrea H , Winer Eric P , Salisbury Mary , Mann Susan
Published: January 2013

Background

Oncology care is delivered largely in ambulatory settings by interdisciplinary teams. Treatments are often complex, extended in time, dispersed geographically and vulnerable to teamwork failures. To address this risk, we developed and piloted a team training initiative in the breast cancer programme at a comprehensive cancer centre.

Methods

Based on clinic observations, interviews with key staff and analyses of incident reports, we developed interventions to address four high-risk areas: (1) miscommunication of chemotherapy order changes on the day of treatment; (2) missing orders on treatment days without concurrent physician appointments; (3) poor follow-up with team members about active patient issues; and (4) conflict between providers and staff. The project team developed protocols and agreements to address team members’ roles, responsibilities and behaviours.

Results

Using a train-the-trainer model, 92% of breast cancer staff completed training. The incidence of missing orders for unlinked visits decreased from 30% to 2% (p<0.001). Patient satisfaction scores regarding coordination of care improved from 93 to 97 (p=0.026). Providers, infusion nurses and support staff reported improvement in efficiency (75%, 86%, 90%), quality (82%, 93%, 93%) and safety (92%, 92%, 90%) of care, and more respectful behaviour (92%, 79%, 83%) and improved relationships among team members (91%, 85%, 92%). Although most clinicians reported a decrease in non-communicated changes, there was insufficient statistical power to detect a difference.

Conclusions

Team training improved communication, task coordination and perceptions of efficiency, quality, safety and interactions among team members as well as patient perception of care coordination.
Tools to assess Evidence-Based Practice behaviour among healthcare professionals
Authors: Oude Rengerink Katrien , Zwolsman Sandra E , Ubbink Dirk T , Mol Ben W J , van Dijk Nynke , Vermeulen Hester
Published: January 2013

Objective

To identify and compare tools to assess Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) behaviour among healthcare professionals.

Design

Systematic review.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsychInfo and CINAHL up to July 2011.

Study selection

Titles, abstracts and eligible full text articles were screened by two reviewers independently.

Data extraction

Relevant data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second reviewer. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies: original studies among all healthcare professionals that described the development or use of EBP behaviour assessment tools.

Results

Of 19 310 identified articles, 172 studies were included. We identified 117 questionnaires, 10 interviews or focus groups, nine observational studies, 27 chart evaluations and nine studies used a combination of methods. Psychometric properties of the questionnaires used were reported in about half of the studies, in seven studies that assess a single EBM step and in six studies that assess a combination of EBM steps. One of these assessed all five steps of EBP.

Conclusions

Valid and reliable EBP behaviour assessment tools are available. However, only one questionnaire validly assessed all five EBP steps, covering the entire concept of EBP.
Poly(lactic acid) polymer stars built from early generation dendritic polyols
Authors: Keefe Genny E. , Twibanire Jean-d'Amour K. , Grindley T. Bruce , Shaver Michael P.
Published: January 2013

A family of polymer stars has been prepared from early generation dendritic cores with four, six, and eight arms. Four dendritic cores were prepared from the sequential reaction of a multifunctional alcohol with a protected anhydride, followed by deprotection to afford two or three new alcohol functionalities per reactive site. These cores were used as initiators for the tin-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide and rac-lactide to afford isotactic and atactic degradable stars, respectively. Two series of stars were prepared for each monomer, either maintaining total molecular weight or number of monomer units per arm. The polymers were characterized by NMR spectroscopy, light-scattering gel-permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Our results support previous work that suggests that the length of the arms dictates thermal properties rather than the total molecular weight of the star. Little effect was noted between aromatic and aliphatic cores, presumably due to the flexibility of the rest of the core molecule. We have shown that early generation dendrimers can serve as excellent core structures for building core-first polymer stars via the ring-opening of cyclic esters.
Modelling knot morphology as a function of external tree and branch attributes
Authors: Duchateau E. , Longuetaud F. , Mothe F. , Ung C. , Auty D. , Achim A.
Published: January 2013

Existing models for describing knot morphology are typically based on polynomial functions with parameters that are often not biologically interpretable. Hence, they are difficult to integrate into tree growth simulators due to the limited possibilities for linking knot shape to external branch and tree characteristics. X-ray computed tomography (CT) images taken along the stems of 16 jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) trees and 32 black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) trees were used to extract the three-dimensional shape of 3450 and 11 276 knots from each species, respectively. Using a nonlinear approach, we firstly fitted a model of knot geometry adapted from a Weibull function. Separate equations were used to describe both the curvature and the diameter of the knot along its pith. Combining these two equations gave an accurate representation of knot shape using only five parameters. Secondly, to facilitate the integration of the resulting model into a tree growth simulator, we extracted the parameters obtained for each knot and modelled them as functions of external branch and tree characteristics (e.g., branch diameter, insertion angle, position in the stem, tree height, and stem diameter). When fitted to a separate data set, the model residuals of the black spruce knot curvature equation were less than 2.9 mm in any part of the knot profile for 75% of the observations. The corresponding value from the diameter equation was 2.8 mm. In jack pine, these statistics increased to 5.4 mm and 3.2 mm, respectively. Overall, the ability to predict knot attributes from external tree- and branch-level variables has the potential to improve the simulation of internal stem properties.
COOPERATION TO REDUCE DEVELOPING COUNTRY EMISSIONS
Authors: KERR SUZI , MILLARD-BALL ADAM
Published: January 2013

Without effective developing country (DC) participation in climate mitigation, it will be impossible to meet global concentration and climate change targets. However, DCS are unwilling and, in many cases, unable to bear the mitigation cost alone. They need huge transfers of resources — financial, knowledge, technology and capability — from industrialized countries (ICs). In this paper, we evaluate instruments that can induce such resource transfers, including tradable credits, mitigation funds and results-based agreements. We identify key constraints that affect the efficiency and political potential of different instruments, including two-sided private information leading to adverse selection; moral hazard and challenging negotiations; incomplete contracts leading to under-investment; and high levels of uncertainty about emissions paths and mitigation potential. We consider evidence on the poor performance of current approaches to funding DC mitigation — primarily purchasing offsets through the Clean Development Mechanism — and explore to what extent other approaches can address problems with offsets. We emphasize the wide spectrum of situations in DCS and suggest that solutions also need to be differentiated and that no one policy will suffice: some policies will be complements, while others are substitutes. We conclude by identifying research needs and proposing a straw man to broaden the range of "contracting" options considered.
TECHNOLOGY POLICY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Authors: JAFFE ADAM B.
Published: January 2013

There is a strong foundation in theoretical and empirical research in economics for the proposition that efficient climate policy must include both carbon-price policy and technology policy. Even the most modest projections of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reductions needed to moderate climate change imply very large reductions in the carbon-intensity of the world economy, something in excess of a 60% reduction by 2050. This is a greater proportionate reduction than has occurred in the petroleum intensity of world GDP since 1970, despite a six-fold increase in the price of oil. This illustrates how unlikely it is that the needed economic transformation could be brought about by price-based policy instruments alone. There is no good historical analogue to the needed transformation, but the closest parallels all involved major roles for technology policy. Increased public funding of research and training is a necessary but not sufficient component of such policy. Historical experience with technological transformation in other sectors suggests that government support for purchases of low-carbon technologies will be needed. Unfortunately, we do not have good evidence on efficient design of such programs. We need systematic evaluation of different policy instruments designed to accelerate the transformation of basic technologies into large-scale commercial products. We have the "technology" to do this kind of systematic evaluation, but it is not generally used.
New species of Neogene radiolarians from the Southern Ocean – part II
Authors: Renaudie Johan , Lazarus David B.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Antarctic Neogene radiolarians are well preserved and offer great potential for biostratigraphical, palaeooceanographical and evolutionary studies. Most of the species, however, have not yet been fully documented. In this paper, the second of a planned series, we describe 21 new species of Antarctic Neogene radiolarians: six spumellarians (Actinomma eldredgei, Actinomma cocles, Anomalacantha? jeapica, Lonchosphaera? suzukii, Pentactinosphaera codonia and Sethodiscus? pravus) and fifteen nassellarians (Antarctissa evanida, Botryopera chippewa, Botryopera? daleki, Clathrocorys? sugiyamai, Clathromitra lemi, Clathromitra? fulgureanubes, Enneaphormis? sp., Lamprocyrtis? datureacornis, Lophocyrtis pallantae, Lithomelissa? kozoi, Phormospyris loliguncula, Platybursa harpoi, Saccospyris victoria, Protoscenium pantarhei and Trisulcus halipleumon). Most of these species are fairly rare but some can be locally common, and most have restricted stratigraphical ranges within the Miocene or Early Pliocene.
40
Ar/
39
Ar ages of impacts involving ordinary chondrite meteorites
Authors: Swindle Timothy D. , Kring D. A. , Weirich J. R.
Published: January 2013

Impact ages have now been determined for
c.
100 ordinary chondrites, providing information about impacts in the asteroid belt throughout the history of the Solar System. Most notably, there is evidence for (a) impact events in the first 100 Ma of Solar System history, during the accretion of material; (b) an increase in impact ages produced between 3500 and 4100 Ma, presumably related to the suspected ‘lunar cataclysm’; (c) many L chondrites being degassed during the disruption of their parent body slightly less than 500 Ma ago; and (d) at least one younger event in the H chondrites. There are no
40
Ar/
39
Ar ages that clearly match the cosmic ray exposure ages of any meteorites, which means that the collisions that liberated the fragments we now have as meteorites did not produce time–temperature histories capable of degassing radiogenic
40
Ar. Since there is no way to know
a priori
whether an ordinary chondrite impact melt is the result of a recent or ancient event, much of the progress will continue to come from reconnaissance studies of shocked ordinary chondrites.
Ornithosuchidae: a group of Triassic archosaurs with a unique ankle joint
Authors: Baczko M. Belén von , Ezcurra Martín D.
Published: January 2013

The ornithosuchids were a group of archosaurs with body lengths ranging from 2 to 4 m recorded from Upper Triassic beds in Argentina and Scotland. The group was defined as a node-based clade including
Ornithosuchus longidens
,
Riojasuchus tenuisceps
,
Venaticosuchus rusconii
and all descendants of their most recent common ancestor. The ornithosuchids are diagnosed by the following apomorphies observed in the three known species of the clade: downturned premaxilla; premaxilla–maxilla contact with a diastema in the alveolar margin equal in length to two teeth; palatine–pterygoid fenestra; and orbit with a distinct ventral point surrounded by ‘V’-shaped dorsal processes of the jugal. The most remarkable postcranial apomorphy of the group is the presence of the so-called crocodile reversed ankle joint, a condition that seems to be unique for the ornithosuchids among amniotans. The systematic history of Ornithosuchidae is complex and
Ornithosuchus
was allied with dinosaurs or phytosaurs prior to the implementation of numerical phylogenetic analyses. Currently, there is consensus that Ornithosuchidae is positioned within Pseudosuchia, but their phylogenetic position within the group remains strongly debated. Nevertheless, all hypotheses agree in inferring an extremely long ghost lineage at the base of the clade. The presence of derived pseudosuchians in the late Olenekian produces a ghost lineage of
c.
16–18 millions of years for Ornithosuchidae, indicating that only the late evolutionary history of the clade is currently sampled in the fossil record.
Impact of tachycardia and sympathetic stimulation by cold pressor test on cardiac diastology and arterial function in elderly females
Authors: Johnson Jonas , Håkansson Felicia , Shahgaldi Kambiz , Manouras Aristomenis , Norman Mikael , Sahlén Anders
Published: January 2013

Abnormal vascular-ventricular coupling has been suggested to contribute to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in elderly females. Failure to increase stroke volume (SV) during exercise occurs in parallel with dynamic changes in arterial physiology leading to increased afterload. Such adverse vascular reactivity during stress may reflect either sympathoexcitation or be due to tachycardia. We hypothesized that afterload elevation induces SV failure by transiently attenuating left ventricular relaxation, a phenomenon described in animal research. The respective roles of tachycardia and sympathoexcitation were investigated in n = 28 elderly females (70 ± 4 yr) carrying permanent pacemakers. At rest, during atrial tachycardia pacing (ATP; 100 min−1) and during cold pressor test (hand immersed in ice water), we performed Doppler echocardiography (maximal untwist rate analyzed by speckle tracking imaging of rotational mechanics) and arterial tonometry (arterial stiffness estimated as augmentation index). Estimation of arterial compliance was based on an exponential relationship between arterial pressure and volume. We found that ATP produced central hypovolemia and a reduction in SV which was larger in patients with stiffer arteries (higher augmentation index). There was an associated adverse response of arterial compliance and vascular resistance during ATP and cold pressor test, causing an overall increase in afterload, but nonetheless enhanced maximal rate of untwist and no evidence of afterload-dependent failure of relaxation. In conclusion, tachycardia and cold provocation in elderly females produces greater vascular reactivity and SV failure in the presence of arterial stiffening, but SV failure does not arise secondary to afterload-dependent attenuation of relaxation.
Human bronchial epithelial cells exposed in vitro to cigarette smoke at the air-liquid interface resemble bronchial epithelium from human smokers
Authors: Mathis Carole , Poussin Carine , Weisensee Dirk , Gebel Stephan , Hengstermann Arnd , Sewer Alain , Belcastro Vincenzo , Xiang Yang , Ansari Sam , Wagner Sandra , Hoeng Julia , Peitsch Manuel C.
Published: January 2013

Organotypic culture of human primary bronchial epithelial cells is a useful in vitro system to study normal biological processes and lung disease mechanisms, to develop new therapies, and to assess the biological perturbations induced by environmental pollutants. Herein, we investigate whether the perturbations induced by cigarette smoke (CS) and observed in the epithelium of smokers' airways are reproducible in this in vitro system (AIR-100 tissue), which has been shown to recapitulate most of the characteristics of the human bronchial epithelium. Human AIR-100 tissues were exposed to mainstream CS for 7, 14, 21, or 28 min at the air-liquid interface, and we investigated various biological endpoints [e.g., gene expression and microRNA profiles, matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1) release] at multiple postexposure time points (0.5, 2, 4, 24, 48 h). By performing a Gene Set Enrichment Analysis, we observed a significant enrichment of human smokers' bronchial epithelium gene signatures derived from different public transcriptomics datasets in CS-exposed AIR-100 tissue. Comparison of in vitro microRNA profiles with microRNA data from healthy smokers highlighted various highly translatable microRNAs associated with inflammation or with cell cycle processes that are known to be perturbed by CS in lung tissue. We also found a dose-dependent increase of MMP-1 release by AIR-100 tissue 48 h after CS exposure in agreement with the known effect of CS on this collagenase expression in smokers' tissues. In conclusion, a similar biological perturbation than the one observed in vivo in smokers' airway epithelium could be induced after a single CS exposure of a human organotypic bronchial epithelium-like tissue culture.
Phase I Study of GRN1005 in Recurrent Malignant Glioma
Authors: Drappatz Jan , Brenner Andrew , Wong Eric T. , Eichler April , Schiff David , Groves Morris D. , Mikkelsen Tom , Rosenfeld Steve , Sarantopoulos John , Meyers Christina A. , Fielding Robert M. , Elian Kelly , Wang Xiaolin , Lawrence Betty , Shing Mona , Kelsey Stephen , Castaigne Jean Paul , Wen Patrick Y.
Published: January 2013

Purpose: GRN1005 is a peptide–drug conjugate with the ability to penetrate the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and tumor cells by targeting the low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein-1. We conducted a first-in-human phase I trial of GRN1005 in patients with recurrent glioma.

Methods: Patients received GRN1005 by intravenous infusion every 3 weeks. Doses were escalated using a modified Fibonacci scheme. Study objectives included safety, tolerability, identification of the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, and preliminary evidence of efficacy. Tumor extracted from patients undergoing surgery following administration of GRN1005 was analyzed to determine whether therapeutic concentrations of GRN1005 were achieved.

Results: Sixty-three patients received GRN1005 at doses of 30 to 700 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Therapy was well tolerated with neutropenia, leucopenia, and fatigue as the most frequent drug-associated grade 3/4 or higher toxicities. The MTD was 650 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Dose-limiting toxicities were grade 3 mucositis and grade 4 neutropenia. There was no evidence of central nervous system toxicity or antibody production. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that exposure to GRN1005 was dose proportional. We observed one complete and two partial responses. Eight of 27 patients dosed ≥420 mg/m2 had stable disease, which lasted a median of 51 days. Therapeutic concentrations of GRN1005 and free paclitaxel were shown in tumor tissue of surgical patients dosed with ≥200 mg/m2.

Conclusion: GRN1005 delivers paclitaxel across the BBB and achieves therapeutic concentrations in tumor tissue. It has similar toxicity to paclitaxel and appears to have activity in recurrent glioma. The recommended phase II dose is 650 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. Clin Cancer Res; 19(6); 1567–76. ©2013 AACR.
The Morbidity Rate of Chronic Disease among Chinese Rural Residents: Results from Liuyang Cohort
Authors: Huang Xin , Chen Mengshi , Tan Hongzhuan , Xiao Shuiyuan , Deng Jing
Published: January 2013

Objective: To study the health status and explore the putative risk factors of chronic diseases among a Chinese rural population. Subjects and Methods: Face-to-face interviews were carried out to collect the information of social characteristics, health status and related risk factors of 11,909 families comprised of 49,383 subjects in the rural area of Liuyang, Hunan province during 2007. Chronic disease was diagnosed according to the diagnosis certification from the town clinic or superior level hospital. Results: The morbidity rate of chronic disease among Liuyang rural residents in 2007 was 19.22%. The prevalence of the top 10 chronic disorders was as follows: hypertension: 3.65%; urolithiasis: 1.03%; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: 0.92%; ischemic heart disease: 0.92%; chronic gastritis: 0.91%; cerebrovascular disease: 0.71%; lumbar disk disease: 0.61%; chronic viral hepatitis: 0.55%; gallstones: 0.54%, and diabetes: 0.54%. Age, gender, educational level, occupation, marital status, type of housing, source of drinking water, smoking, underweight and overweight were factors associated with chronic disease. We also noticed that 14.2% of the residents were underweight and 29.7% are still using unsafe sources of drinking water. Conclusions: The prevalence of chronic disease in Liuyang area was severe both in communicable and noncommunicable chronic disease. Unhealthy lifestyles such as tobacco usage and overweight partially contributed to the high prevalence of chronic disease.
Experimental Pediatric Arterial Ischemic Stroke Model Reveals Sex-specific Estrogen Signaling
Authors: Herson Paco S. , Bombardier Chris G. , Parker Susan M. , Shimizu Takeru , Klawitter Jost , Klawitter Jelena , Quillinan Nidia , Exo Jennifer L. , Goldenberg Neil A. , Traystman Richard J.
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose—

Pediatric stroke, birth to 18 years, is a significant cause of long-term disability in the United States; however, there is currently little experimental data on the pathophysiology of childhood stroke owing to lack of animal models. We developed a novel mouse model of experimental childhood-onset arterial ischemic stroke to characterize the sex-specific response of the adolescent brain to cerebral ischemia and assess the neuroprotective effect of estrogen at this developmental stage.

Methods—

Postnatal day 20 to 25 mice were subjected to 90 minutes experimental stroke via the intraluminal filament middle cerebral artery occlusion model and ischemic damage assessed 22 hours after reperfusion. Real-time quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed 22 hours after middle cerebral artery occlusion to determine the effects of ischemia and estrogen treatment on the proapoptotic gene
Bax
.

Results—

Ischemic injury did not differ between male and female juvenile (postnatal day 20–25) mice after middle cerebral artery occlusion. However, estrogen reduced ischemic injury in female mice, whereas having no effect in juvenile males. No differences in estrogen receptor expression were observed on postnatal day between 20 males and females. In contrast, estrogen minimized the ischemia-induced increase in the proapoptotic gene
Bax
in female mice, whereas having no effect on Bax induction in the male brain.

Conclusions—

Focal ischemia has fundamentally different effects in the juvenile brain compared with the adult, as evidenced by the lack of sex difference in ischemic injury in the murine postnatal day 20 to 25 middle cerebral artery occlusion model and the sexually dimorphic response to estrogen neuroprotection.
Morphology, molecular characterisation and systematic position of the genus Cynura Cobb, 1920 (Nematoda: Plectida)
Authors: Holovachov Oleksandr , Boström Sven , Tandingan De Ley Irma , Robinson Cymphonee , Mundo-Ocampo Manuel , Nadler Steve A.
Published: January 2013

Descriptions of three known species of Cynura, i.e., C. cerambus, C. klunderi and C. papillata, are given, including SEM micrographs of C. cerambus and a tabular compendium for all species of the genus. The phylogenetic relationships of C. klunderi are inferred from molecular data. Bayesian analyses of small subunit (SSU) of rRNA sequences support a position nested among the Plectidae suggesting the secondary simplification in the morphology of pharyngeal valvular apparatus in Cynura and the ‘return’ from a terrestrial to a marine environment in this genus.
Long Integration Time for Accelerating and Decelerating Visual, Tactile and Visuo-tactile Stimuli
Authors: Gori Monica , Sciutti Alessandra , Jacono Marco , Sandini Giulio , Morrone Concetta , Burr David C.
Published: January 2013

The human visual system is good at discriminating speed but not acceleration. However, as speed is seldom constant, it is important to be able to extract speed in conditions of acceleration and deceleration. We measured visual, tactile and bimodal speed-matching over a wide range of accelerations and decelerations in a 2IFC procedure. Both visual and tactile stimuli were generated on physical wheels etched with a sinusoidal profile. During different experimental sessions the wheels could be seen, or touched, or both. Comparisons between different unimodal and bimodal matched speeds revealed similar integration times for the two modalities, in both cases around one second, suggesting that it occurs at a relatively high level of processing. Bimodal precision of speed discrimination was better than unimodal discrimination, as predicted by the maximum likelihood model of optimal integration.
Multicultural social work and national trauma: Lessons from South Africa
Authors: Abdullah Somaya
Published: January 2013

This article explores the role of multicultural social work at community level in the context of national trauma. Drawing on the records of South Africa’s post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), it examines the South African experience with a view to deriving preliminary guidelines on multicultural practice that can assist social workers in these and similar circumstances.
Juveniles and College
Authors: Nurse Anne M.
Published: January 2013

In this article the author argues that the Inside Out model is ideally suited to help incarcerated juveniles considering enrolling in college postrelease. The transition to college can be extremely difficult for such youth who may lack the cultural capital needed to succeed in higher education. This is unfortunate as research suggests that college can have a range of positive effects, including reduced criminality and increased earnings. With some adaptations to its curriculum, Inside Out classes can provide students with much of what they need to succeed. Best practices are described at the end of the article.
Restorative Justice in Schools
Authors: Payne Allison Ann , Welch Kelly
Published: January 2013

Schools today are more frequently using punitive discipline practices to control student behavior, despite the greater effectiveness of community-building techniques on compliance that are based on restorative justice principles found in the criminal justice system. Prior research testing the racial threat hypothesis has found that the racial composition of schools is associated with the use of more punitive and less reparative approaches to discipline, just as it has been associated with criminal justice harshness. However, no research to date has assessed the possibility that school-level racial composition may affect the likelihood that specific restorative justice techniques, which are the most commonly used alternative, will be implemented. This study is the first to test the racial threat perspective in relation to use of the restorative practices student conferences, peer mediation, restitution, and community service. Using a national random sample in logistic regression analyses, we find that schools with proportionally more Black students are less likely to use such techniques when responding to student behavior. This finding has several troubling implications for minority students in particular and for education as a whole.
Fear of Property, Violent, and Gang Crime
Authors: Lane Jodi , Fox Kathleen A.
Published: January 2013

The current study examines the impact of perceived risk and fear of sexual assault on male and female offenders’ fear of (a) property crime, (b) violent crime, and (c) gang crime. Results indicate that perceived risk of victimization and fear of sexual assault are significantly associated with fear of property, violent, and gang crime among the full sample and among both men and women. Confirming results of prior research, perceived risk of victimization is a stronger predictor of property, violent, and gang fear among men. Fear of sexual assault emerged as a stronger predictor of fear of property, violent, and gang crime among women, confirming Ferraro’s shadow of sexual assault thesis.
Comprehensiveness and usability of tools for assessment of energy saving measures in schools
Authors: Smith Greta Caruana , Mumovic Dejan , Curtis Lee
Published: January 2013

Having in mind constantly changing regulatory frameworks which demand both carbon emission reduction and improvement of the quality of internal environment, this paper analyses strengths and limitations of available design tools of various complexity: Annex 36 Energy Concept Advisor Tool and an approved Dynamic Simulation Model. As a platform for discussion, two representative school buildings in North London were selected and modelled using both tools. Discussion integrates views of 76 building industry professionals on applicability of various school retrofit options in practice. Using the available statistics on total number of schools and floor space in each category, a simple extrapolation was applied to roughly quantify potential for carbon emission reduction of the school building stock in England and Wales.

Practical applications: More than 70% of approximately 25,000 maintained and independent primary and secondary schools in England and Wales were built before the introduction of thermal regulations in 1970s, offering a significant opportunity to reduce carbon emission of the school building stock. In terms of construction, they could be divided in two major categories: pre 1919 solid wall construction and post war masonry cavity school buildings. This paper reviews capabilities of the less-known Energy Concept Advisor which offers designers, architects and decision makers the opportunity of assessing the performance of a particular building and comparing possible retrofitting measures quickly.
Resource Utilization in Primary Repair of Cleft Lip
Authors: Owusu James A. , Liu Meixia , Sidman James D. , Scott Andrew R.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To determine national variations in resource utilization for primary repair of cleft lip, identify patient and institutional factors associated with high resource use, and estimate the current incidence of cleft lip in the United States.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of a national, pediatric database (2009 Kids’ Inpatient Database [KID]).

Methods

Patients aged 1 year and younger were selected using international classification of disease codes for cleft lip and procedure codes for cleft lip repair. A number of demographic variables were analyzed, and hospital charges were considered as a measure of resource utilization.

Results

There were 1318 patients identified. The national incidence was 0.09%, with a male to female ratio of 1.8:1. Regional incidence varied from 0.07% (Northeast) to 0.10% (West). The mean age at surgery was 4.2 months. The average length of stay was 1.4 days. The national average hospital charge was $20,147, ranging from $14,635 (South) to $23,663 (West). Teaching hospitals charge an average of $9764 higher than nonteaching hospitals. The strongest predictor of charge was length of stay, increasing charge by $8102 for every additional hospital day (P <. 01).

Conclusion

Regional variations exist in resource utilization for primary cleft lip repair. Resource use is higher in the West and among teaching hospitals.
The proteasome inhibitor lactacystin exerts its therapeutic effects on glioma via apoptosis: An in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Wang Haifeng , Zhang Shuyan , Zhong Jiateng , Zhang Jizhou , Luo Yinan , Ge Pengfei
Published: January 2013

Objective

To examine the effect and underlying mechanism of action of the proteasome inhibitor lactacystin on glioma, in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Rat C6 glioma cells were cultured with or without lactacystin. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential were determined. A glioma xenograft model was established in mice and animals were treated with 0, 1 or 5 µg/20 g body weight lactacystin for 7 days. Animals were sacrificed on day 17 after completion of treatment. Apoptosis in tumour tissue was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. Levels of B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) protein and mRNA, were determined in C6 cells and tumour tissues.

Results

Lactacystin significantly inhibited the proliferation of C6 cells, increased apoptosis and reduced mitochondrial membrane potential in vitro, and suppressed tumour growth in vivo. Lactacystin increased the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 at the mRNA and protein levels, both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions

The effects of lactacystin are associated with apoptosis induction. Proteasome inhibition may represent an effective treatment option for glioma.
Potential losses from incorporating return predictability into portfolio allocation
Authors: Tang Dragon Yongjun
Published: January 2013

The extant literature demonstrates the importance of stock return predictability for portfolio allocation. The usefulness of incorporating return predictability into portfolio decisions is most evident for Bayesian investors who build their portfolios based on their prior beliefs. I show that the magnitude of economic significance of stock return predictability largely depends on the choice of prior beliefs. An investor could suffer substantial utility loss when he delegates portfolio management to a manager with a different belief about stock return predictability. The consideration of Bayesian prior robustness in portfolio analysis can be as important as return predictability itself.
Is Idiopathic Toe Walking Really Idiopathic? The Motor Skills and Sensory Processing Abilities Associated With Idiopathic Toe Walking Gait
Authors: Williams Cylie M. , Tinley Paul , Curtin Michael , Wakefield Suzanne , Nielsen Sharon
Published: January 2013

This study aimed to investigate any differences between the motor skills and sensory processing abilities of children between the ages of 4 and 8, who do and do not have an idiopathic toe walking gait. Children in each cohort were tested with a number of norm referenced assessments. A total of 60 children participated, 30 within each cohort. Those with an idiopathic toe walking gait were found to have different Sensory Profile quadrant scores ( P = .002), poorer performance on the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency ( P ≤ .001), a lower vibration perception threshold ( P = .001), and poorer performance on the Standing Walking Balance subtest of the Sensory Integration and Praxis Test ( P = .047), compared with non–toe walking peers. Although this research does not give a causative factor for toe walking gait, it provides a number of theories as to why this gait may not be idiopathic in nature.
Mastery
Authors: Simpson Cherie , Carter Patricia
Published: January 2013

Purpose: The purpose was to obtain a better understanding of the role of mastery (global and caregiving) in wives’ versus daughters’ experience of caring for a person with dementia. Method: A total of 67 caregivers participated in a cross-sectional study. Variables measured were global mastery, caregiving mastery, stress, and depressive symptoms. Analysis included t tests, correlations, and multiple regressions. Findings: Wives and daughters reported similar levels of stress and depressive symptoms. The correlations between stressors, caregiver stress, and depressive symptoms were significant for wives but not daughters. The relationships between global mastery and stress, and global mastery and depressive symptoms were significant for both wives and daughters, but the magnitude was less for daughters in the relationship of global mastery and depressive symptoms. Caregiver mastery was strongly related to stress and depressive symptoms for wives but not for daughters. Conclusions: Consideration must be given to the differences in the experience of mastery so that evaluations and interventions can be tailored to the unique experiences of wives and daughters.
In Hindsight
Authors: Wheaton Felicia V. , Crimmins Eileen M.
Published: January 2013

Objective: This study examines sex differences in the association between migration and exposure to an urban environment and overweight, hypertension and diabetes in later life. Methods: Interviews were conducted with 3,604 adults aged 50 and older in the Mexican Family Life Survey (MxFLS). Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between previous migration, urban exposure, and risk of overweight, hypertension, and diabetes. Results: Migration itself was not associated with health outcomes after controlling for urban exposure. The risk of overweight and diabetes associated with urban exposure appeared to be greater for men. Sex differences were found in the covariates that helped explain differences in health between those with high and low urban exposure. Discussion: These findings underscore the need to consider heterogeneity in health by urban exposure and by sex.
Asymptotic approach for nonlinear vibrating beams with saturation type boundary condition
Authors: Sedighi Hamid M , Shirazi Kourosh H
Published: January 2013

This article attempts to analyze the complicated vibrational behavior of the Euler–Bernoulli beam exposed to saturated nonlinear boundary condition through proposing an innovative precise equivalent function. In this direction, the beam vibrational response is attained by way of a new effective analytical method namely Hamiltonian approach. Despite all the procedures based on perturbation methods that deadzone or saturation dead-band parameter is omitted during integration, this study indicates that how using Hamiltonian approach, the impact of dead-band parameter is taken into account leading to higher accuracy of the approximated solution. Finally, the precision of the proposed equivalent function is evaluated in comparison with the numerical solutions, giving excellent results.
The Logic of Institutional Logics
Authors: Cloutier Charlotte , Langley Ann
Published: January 2013

Research on institutional logics has exploded in the last decade. Much of this work has taken its inspiration from Friedland and Alford’s call to “bring society back in” to organizational analysis. Interestingly, when Friedland and Alford published their seminal piece, another body of work with similar focus emerged in France under the banner of French Pragmatist Sociology. In this article, we discuss how French Pragmatist Sociology complements institutional logics by helping it address its main limitations or blind spots. These include (a) microfoundations and recursiveness (how institutions are formed, maintained, or changed at a micro level), (b) legitimacy struggles (how struggles are resolved on a day-to-day basis), (c) morality (as an important element underscoring institutional logics), and (d) materiality (as physical and tangible instantiations of logics). We conclude by suggesting that a rapprochement between both approaches provides an elegant means of bridging the lingering divide between “old” and “new” institutionalism.
Approach to integrate product conceptual design information into a computer-aided design system
Authors: Torres Víctor H. , Ríos José , Vizán Antonio , Pérez Jesús M.
Published: January 2013

Commercial computer-aided design systems support the geometric definition of product, but they lack utilities to support initial design stages. Typical tasks such as customer need capture, functional requirement formalization, or design parameter definition are conducted in applications that, for instance, support “quality function deployment” and “failure modes and effects analysis” techniques. Such applications are noninteroperable with the computer-aided design systems, leading to discontinuous design information flows. This study addresses this issue and proposes a method to enhance the integration of design information generated in the early design stages into a commercial computer-aided design system. To demonstrate the feasibility of the approach adopted, a prototype application was developed and two case studies were executed.