bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensory renal innervation: a kidney-specific firing activity due to a unique expression pattern of voltage-gated sodium channels?
Authors: Freisinger Wolfgang , Schatz Johannes , Ditting Tilmann , Lampert Angelika , Heinlein Sonja , Lale Nena , Schmieder Roland , Veelken Roland
Published: January 2013

Sensory neurons with afferent axons from the kidney are extraordinary in their response to electrical stimulation. More than 50% exhibit a tonic firing pattern, i.e., sustained action potential firing throughout depolarizing, pointing to an increased excitability, whereas nonrenal neurons show mainly a phasic response, i.e., less than five action potentials. Here we investigated whether these peculiar firing characteristics of renal afferent neurons are due to differences in the expression of voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs). Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from rats (Th11-L2) were recorded by the current-clamp technique and distinguished as “tonic” or “phasic.” In voltage-clamp recordings, Navs were characterized by their tetrodotoxoxin (TTX) sensitivity, and their molecular identity was revealed by RT-PCR. The firing pattern of 66 DRG neurons (41 renal and 25 nonrenal) was investigated. Renal neurons exhibited more often a tonic firing pattern (56.1 vs. 12%). Tonic neurons showed a more positive threshold (−21.75 ± 1.43 vs.−29.33 ± 1.63 mV; P < 0.05), a higher overshoot (56.74 [53.6–60.96] vs. 46.79 mV [38.63–54.75]; P < 0.05) and longer action potential duration (4.61 [4.15–5.85] vs. 3.35 ms [2.12–5.67]; P < 0.05). These findings point to an increased presence of the TTX-resistant Navs 1.8 and 1.9. Furthermore, tonic neurons exhibited a relatively higher portion of TTX-resistant sodium currents. Interestingly, mRNA expression of TTX-resistant sodium channels was significantly increased in renal, predominantly tonic, DRG neurons. Hence, under physiological conditions, renal sensory neurons exhibit predominantly a firing pattern associated with higher excitability. Our findings support that this is due to an increased expression and activation of TTX-resistant Navs.
Developmental upregulation of presynaptic NCKX underlies the decrease of mitochondria-dependent posttetanic potentiation at the rat calyx of Held synapse
Authors: Lee Jae Sung , Kim Myoung-Hwan , Ho Won-Kyung , Lee Suk-Ho
Published: January 2013

The sensitivity of posttetanic potentiation (PTP) to high-frequency stimulation (HFS) steeply decays during the first 2 postnatal weeks. We investigated the underlying mechanisms for the developmental change of PTP induced by HFS (100 Hz, 2 s) at postnatal days 4–6 and 9–11 at the rat calyx of Held synapse. Low-concentration tetraphenylphosphonium (2 μM), an inhibitor of mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+exchanger, suppressed the amount of posttetanic residual Ca2+and PTP to a larger extent at the immature calyx synapse, indicating a developmental reduction of mitochondrial contribution to PTP. The higher amount of mitochondrial Ca2+uptake during HFS and consequent posttetanic residual Ca2+at the immature calyx of Held was associated with higher peak of HFS-induced Ca2+transients, most likely because the mitochondrial Ca2+uptake during HFS was supralinearly dependent on the presynaptic resting Ca2+level. Probing into the contribution of Na+/Ca2+exchangers to Ca2+clearance, we found a specific upregulation of the K+-dependent Na+/Ca2+exchanger (NCKX) activity in the mature calyx of Held. We conclude that the upregulation of NCKX limits the Ca2+buildup and inhibits mitochondrial Ca2+uptake during HFS, which in turn results in the reduction of posttetanic residual Ca2+and PTP at the mature calyx of Held synapse.
Identification of gene sets and pathways associated with lactation performance in mice
Authors: Wei Jerry , Ramanathan Palaniappan , Martin Ian C. , Moran Christopher , Taylor Rosanne M. , Williamson Peter
Published: January 2013

Mammary transcriptome analyses across the lactation cycle and transgenic animal studies have identified candidate genes for mammogenesis, lactogenesis and involution; however, there is a lack of information on pathways that contribute to lactation performance. Previously we have shown significant differences in lactation performance, mammary gland histology, and gene expression profiles during lactation [lactation day 9 (L9)] between CBA/CaH (CBA) and the superior performing QSi5 strains of mice. In the present study, we compared these strains at midpregnancy [pregnancy day 12 (P12)] and utilized these data along with data from a 14th generation of intercross (AIL) to develop an integrative analysis of lactation performance. Additional analysis by quantitative reverse transcription PCR examined the correlation between expression profiles of lactation candidate genes and lactation performance across six inbred strains of mice. The analysis demonstrated that the mammary epithelial content per unit area was similar between CBA and QSi5 mice at P12, while differential expression was detected in 354 mammary genes (false discovery rate < 0.1). Gene ontology and functional annotation analyses showed that functional annotation terms associated with cell division and proliferation were the most enriched in the differentially expressed genes between these two strains at P12. Further analysis revealed that genes associated with neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and calcium signaling pathways were significantly upregulated and positively correlated with lactation performance, while genes associated with cell cycle and DNA replication pathways were downregulated and positively correlated with lactation performance. There was also a significant negative correlation between Grb10 expression and lactation performance. In summary, using an integrative genomic approach we have identified key genes and pathways associated with lactation performance.
An Unusual Erupted Complex Composite Odontoma: A Rare Case
Authors: Ali Azhar Dawasaz , Kota Mohammad Zahir , El-Nagdy Sherif
Published: January 2013

Odontomas are malformations of the dental tissues and may interfere with the eruption of the associated tooth. Complex composite odontoma (CO) was described as a distinct entity for the first time by Broca in 1866. This lesion takes place due to the developmental disturbances where the dental components are laid down in a disorganized manner, due to failure of normal morphodifferentiation. Very few cases of erupted complex composite odontomas have been reported in the literature. The case reported here is of an odontoma found in the left mandibular body, associated with an impacted second molar of a 17-year-old Saudi male. Under local anesthesia the odontoma was surgically removed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of CO. The impacted second molar which was left in the mandibular body erupted clinically after 6 months. Erupted CO is rarely seen in the mandibular left body. The early diagnosis, followed by a proper treatment at the right time, will result in a favorable prognosis.
Abdominal Wall Desmoid during Pregnancy: Diagnostic Challenges
Authors: Awwad Johnny , Hammoud Nadine , Farra Chantal , Fares Farah , Abi Saad George , Ghazeeri Ghina
Published: January 2013

Background. Desmoids are benign tumors, with local invasive features and no metastatic potential, which have rarely been described to be pregnancy associated.Case. We described the rapid growth of an anterior abdominal wall mass in a 40-year-old pregnant woman. Due to its close proximity to the enlarged uterus, it was misdiagnosed to be a uterine leiomyoma by ultrasound examination. Final tissue diagnosis and radical resection were done at the time of abdominal delivery.Conclusion. Due to the diagnostic limitations of imaging techniques, desmoids should always be considered when the following manifestations are observed in combination: progressive growth of a solitary abdominal wall mass during pregnancy and well-delineated smooth tumor margins demonstrated by imaging techniques. This case emphasizes the importance of entertaining uncommon medical conditions in the differential diagnosis of seemingly common clinical manifestations.
Improved Growth ofLactobacillus bulgaricusandStreptococcus thermophilusas well as Increased Antioxidant Activity by Biotransforming Litchi Pericarp Polysaccharide withAspergillus awamori
Authors: Lin Sen , Wen Lingrong , Yang Bao , Jiang Guoxiang , Shi John , Chen Feng , Jiang Yueming
Published: January 2013

This study was conducted to increase the bioactivity of litchi pericarp polysaccharides (LPPs) biotransformed byAspergillus awamori. Compared to the non-A. awamori-fermented LPP, the growth effects ofA. awamori-fermented LPP onLactobacillus bulgaricusandStreptococcus thermophiluswere four and two times higher after 3 days of fermentation, respectively. Increased 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and DNA protection activity of litchi pericarp polysaccharides were also achieved afterA. awamorifermentation. Moreover, the relative content of glucose and arabinose in LPP after fermentation decreased from 58.82% to 22.60% and from 18.82% to 10.09%, respectively, with a concomitant increase in the relative contents of galactose, rhamnose, xylose, and mannose. Furthermore, lower molecular weight polysaccharides were obtained afterA. awamorifermentation. It can be concluded thatA. awamoriwas effective in biotransforming LPP into a bioactive mixture with lower molecular weight polysaccharides and higher antioxidant activity and relative galactose content.
Measures of Growth of Entire Solutions of Generalized Axially Symmetric Helmholtz Equation
Authors: Kumar Devendra , Singh Rajbir
Published: January 2013

For an entire solution of the generalized axially symmetric Helmholtz equation , measures of growth such as lower order and lower type are obtained in terms of the Bessel-Gegenbauer coefficients. Alternative characterizations for order and type are also obtained in terms of the ratios of these successive coefficients.
Generalized Köthe-Toeplitz Duals of Some Vector-Valued Sequence Spaces
Authors: Yılmaz Yılmaz
Published: January 2013

We know from the classical sequence spaces theory that there is a useful relationship between continuous and -duals of a scalar-valued FK-space originated by the AK-property. Our main interest in this work is to expose relationships between the operator space and and the generalized -duals of some -valued AK-space where and are Banach spaces and . Further, by these results, we obtain the generalized -duals of some vector-valued Orlicz sequence spaces.
Restoring Fertility in Sterile Childhood Cancer Survivors by Autotransplanting Spermatogonial Stem Cells: Are We There Yet?
Authors: Struijk Robert B. , Mulder Callista L. , van der Veen Fulco , van Pelt Ans M. M. , Repping Sjoerd
Published: January 2013

Current cancer treatment regimens do not only target tumor cells, but can also have devastating effects on the spermatogonial stem cell pool, resulting in a lack of functional gametes and hence sterility. In adult men, fertility can be preserved prior to cancer treatment by cryopreservation of ejaculated or surgically retrieved spermatozoa, but this is not an option for prepubertal boys since spermatogenesis does not commence until puberty. Cryopreservation of a testicular biopsy taken before initiation of cancer treatment, followed byin vitropropagation of spermatogonial stem cells and subsequent autotransplantation of these stem cells after cancer treatment, has been suggested as a way to preserve and restore fertility in childhood cancer survivors. This strategy, known as spermatogonial stem cell transplantation, has been successful in mice and other model systems, but has not yet been applied in humans. Although recent progress has brought clinical application of spermatogonial stem cell autotransplantation in closer range, there are still a number of important issues to address. In this paper, we describe the state of the art of spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and outline the hurdles that need to be overcome before clinical implementation.
Application of Earth Observation Technology to Site Selection and Development of Ecotourism Management Plans in Rural Ghana
Authors: Adanu Selase Kofi , Mensah Foster Kwami , Adanu Sesime Kofi , Adanu Dziwornu Kwami , Abass Kabila
Published: January 2013

Production of development plans is vital for sustainable ecotourism development given the increasing competition for land to satisfy various human needs including agriculture, timber, and wood energy. Such human activities cause rapid destruction of wildlife habitat and loss of indigenous tree species. To enhance sustainable use of the flora and fauna to promote rural tourism in Ghana, seven eco-tourism sites have been surveyed to produce data for management plans to be developed for these sites. The survey focused on the status of flora and fauna at the sites, infrastructure, cultural dynamics, cross-border issues, and revenue mobilization. Key findings indicate lack of infrastructure at the sites and substantial loss of forest cover over seventeen years covered by the survey.
Technology Assessment for New Oncology Drugs
Authors: Jönsson Bengt
Published: January 2013

Health technology assessment (HTA) has become the key health policy instrument for managing the introduction and use of new oncology drugs in Europe. While the methodology of technology assessment, including calculations of cost-effectiveness, is applicable in principle also to oncology, the implementation in practice has its specific problems and consequences. Most of them are linked to the specific need to do the assessment early in the development, with limited data on outcome in clinical practice. Technology assessments ask for estimates of gains in mean survival, whereas trials are powered to study differences in progression-free or overall median survival. The development of targeted therapies and personalized cancer medicine offers opportunities but also increases the complexity of the assessment. Joint assessment of a diagnostic and a new treatment increases the number intervention strategies that must be considered, and thus the need for data. The translation from efficacy in trials to relative effectiveness in clinical practice must also be considered. The close link between pricing of new oncology drugs and their cost-effectiveness makes the use of technology assessment for policy decisions complicated for all stakeholders involved. But without an obvious alternative that is better, the likely future is that HTA will play an increasing role in informing policy decisions aimed at evidence-based cancer care. Clin Cancer Res; 19(1); 6–11. ©2013 AACR.
Membrane-Associated Matrix Proteolysis and Heart Failure
Authors: Spinale Francis G. , Janicki Joseph S. , Zile Michael R.
Published: January 2013

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex entity containing a large portfolio of structural proteins, signaling molecules, and proteases. Changes in the overall integrity and activational state of these ECM constituents can contribute to tissue structure and function, which is certainly true of the myocardium. Changes in the expression patterns and activational states of a family of ECM proteolytic enzymes, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), have been identified in all forms of left ventricle remodeling and can be a contributory factor in the progression to heart failure. However, new clinical and basic research has identified some surprising and unpredicted changes in MMP profiles in left ventricle remodeling processes, such as with pressure or volume overload, as well as with myocardial infarction. From these studies, it has become recognized that proteolytic processing of signaling molecules by certain MMP types, particularly the transmembrane MMPs, actually may facilitate ECM accumulation and modulate fibroblast transdifferentiation; both are critical events in adverse left ventricle remodeling. Based on the ever-increasing substrates and diversity of biological actions of MMPs, it is likely that continued research about the relationship of left ventricle remodeling in this family of proteases will yield new insights into the ECM remodeling process and new therapeutic targets.
Dexmedetomidine as a Novel Countermeasure for Cocaine-Induced Central Sympathoexcitation in Cocaine-Addicted Humans
Authors: Kontak Andrew C. , Victor Ronald G. , Vongpatanasin Wanpen
Published: January 2013

Cocaine-induced acute hypertension is mediated largely by increased central sympathetic nerve activity. We hypothesized that dexmedetomidine, a central sympatholytic, reverses cocaine-induced increases in sympathetic nerve activity, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) in cocaine-addicted subjects. First, we conducted a dose-finding study in 15 nontreatment-seeking cocaine-addicted subjects and 12 cocaine-naive healthy controls to find doses of intravenous dexmedetomidine that lower MAP and HR in the absence of acute-cocaine challenge. We then conducted a placebo-controlled treatment trial in 26 cocaine-addicted subjects to determine whether dexmedetomidine reverses MAP and HR increases after intranasal cocaine (3 mg/kg). Skin sympathetic nerve activity (measured in the second protocol) and skin vascular resistance (measured in both protocols) served as indices of cocaine-sensitive central sympathoexcitation. In doses up to 0.6 µg/kg IV, dexmedetomidine alone caused comparable dose-dependent decreases in blood pressure in cases and controls but a 1.0 µg/kg dose was required to lower HR. In cocaine-addicted subjects, low-dose dexmedetomidine (0.4 µg/kg; n=14) abolished cocaine-induced increases in skin sympathetic nerve activity (156±26 versus −15±22%, cocaine/placebo versus cocaine/dexmedetomidine;
P
<0.05), skin vascular resistance (+10±2 versus −2±3 U;
P
<0.05), and MAP (+6±1 versus −5±2 mm Hg;
P
<0.01) without affecting HR (+13±2 versus +9±2 bpm;
P
=ns). When dexmedetomidine was increased to 1 µg/kg (high dose; n=12) to reverse cocaine-induced increases in HR, MAP did not fall further and increased paradoxically in 4 of 12 subjects. Thus, in a low nonsedating dose, dexmedetomidine constitutes a putative new treatment for cocaine-induced acute hypertension but higher sedating doses can increase blood pressure unpredictably during acute-cocaine challenge and should be avoided.
Positive attitudes towards psychiatry among Chinese medical students
Authors: Williams Joshua A , Liu Ni , Afzal Khalid , Cooper Brian , Sherer Renslow , Morgan Ivy , Dong Hongmei
Published: January 2013

Background and aims:

Increasingly positive attitudes have been reported among young people in China towards mental illness, but little is known about Chinese medical students’ attitudes towards psychiatry, psychiatric services and patients.

Methods:

We administered a bilingual survey to Wuhan University medical students in the final years of their clinical training. Primary outcomes were composite scores on a 21-item attitudes toward psychiatry (ATP) survey and the number of correct responses to diagnostic questions following a series of three clinical case vignettes.

Results:

Mean composite score on the ATP items was 78/105 (SD = 9.6), representing overall positive attitudes among the students. Female gender and having learned about more psychiatric disorders were positively associated with a higher mean ATP score and remained so after adjustment for relevant covariates.

Conclusions:

Chinese medical students reported positive attitudes towards psychiatry, openness with regard to psychiatric services, and respect for psychiatric patients. Learning about a broad spectrum of psychiatric diagnoses and greater clinical contact with patients may improve overall attitudes of Chinese medical students towards psychiatry and their ability to make accurate diagnoses.
The Role of Parenting in Linking Family Socioeconomic Disadvantage to Physical Activity in Adolescence and Young Adulthood
Authors: Lee Hedwig
Published: January 2013

Parents play an important role in influencing adolescent health behaviors and parenting practices may be an important pathway through which social disadvantage influences adolescent health behaviors that can persist into adulthood. This analysis uses the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to examine how parenting practices mediate the association between family socioeconomic disadvantage, measured as low parent education and family welfare/poverty status, and physical activity in adolescence and young adulthood for males and females. Results show that levels of parental control do not differ by family disadvantage. However, disadvantaged parents engage in lower levels of activities and communication with their children compared with nondisadvantaged parents. These behaviors serve to mediate the negative association between disadvantage and physical activity in adolescence, and are associated with physical activity in adulthood. Parenting is an important pathway through which disadvantage influences physical activity in adolescence and the transition to adulthood.
Cumulative Exposure to Neighborhood Context
Authors: Clarke Philippa , Morenoff Jeffrey , Debbink Michelle , Golberstein Ezra , Elliott Michael R. , Lantz Paula M.
Published: January 2013

Over the last two decades, research has assessed the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic factors and individual health. However, existing research is based almost exclusively on cross-sectional data, ignoring the complexity in health transitions that may be shaped by long-term residential exposures. We address these limitations by specifying distinct health transitions over multiple waves of a 15-year study of American adults. We focus on transitions between a hierarchy of health states, (free from health problems, onset of health problems, and death), not just gradients in a single health indicator over time, and use a cumulative measure of exposure to neighborhoods over adulthood. We find that cumulative exposure to neighborhood disadvantage has significant effects on functional decline and mortality. Research ignoring a persons’ history of exposure to residential contexts over the life course runs the risk of underestimating the role of neighborhood disadvantage on health.
Activity and Well-Being of Older Adults
Authors: Johnson Justin D. , Whitlatch Carol J. , Menne Heather L.
Published: January 2013

This analysis assesses the activity level of 324 older adults and the relationship of activity to quality of life with a specific emphasis on the role of cognitive ability. Although the number of older adults with cognitive impairment continues to grow, few studies have examined the variation in activity and quality of life based on the older adults’ cognitive status. Results indicated that cognitively impaired older adults were less active than their nonimpaired peers; however, correlations revealed that regardless of impairment status, more activity was related to a higher quality of life. There was no support for the hypothesis that impaired older adults who have more cognitive ability will have a higher rated quality of life. These results should be considered in the development of programs for older adults. Regardless of impairment level, activity is paramount to maintaining quality of life.
Running on Empty? Finding the Time and Capacity to Lead Learning
Authors: Hallinger Philip , Murphy Joseph F.
Published: January 2013

In recent years, policy changes in American education have refocused a spotlight on principal instructional leadership. Although in previous eras the professional literature exhorted principals to “be instructional leaders,” there were few sanctions if they failed to do so. In the current policy context, however, instructional leadership has assumed a central rather than peripheral place in the hierarchy of roles played by principals. Today principals who fail to engage this role proactively and skillfully do so at their own risk. Yet history suggests that neither policy mandates nor good intentions will penetrate the “force field” that stands between the principal and the tasks involved in leading learning. A more strategic and coherent approach is needed by principals who wish to enact this role in practice. This article reviews the evolution of instructional leadership as a model for principal practice, examines barriers to its successful enactment, and proposes strategies that school leaders can employ to reduce the gap between intentions and reality.
Surgical Site Infections in Ear Surgery
Authors: Kattipattanapong Woraya , Isaradisaikul Suwicha , Hanprasertpong Charuk
Published: January 2013

Objective

(1) To compare the rate of surgical site infections in ear surgery between groups with and without hair removal and (2) to study factors associated with surgical site infections.

Study Design

A preliminary, randomized, controlled trial.

Setting

University hospital.

Subjects and Methods

The study was conducted in a group of 136 patients who underwent surgery for external or middle ear disease via the post‐auricular approach at Chiang Mai University Hospital from May 2010 to May 2011. Demographic data, surgical site infection within 30 days postoperatively, and associated factors were recorded.

Results

Fifty‐eight cases were men and 78 cases women. Demographic data between the 2 groups were compared. Age, gender, the side of operated ear, types of anesthesia, emergency or elective setting, body mass index, history of alcohol and/or tobacco use, underlying diseases, operative time, and the length of hospital stay revealed no significant differences. A postoperative surgical site infection developed in 5 patients: 3 in the group with hair removal (4.5%) and 2 in the group without hair removal (2.8%) (P value = 0.674, Fisher’s exact test). All infected cases had undergone mastoidectomy.

Conclusions

Surgical site infection rates between the 2 groups (with and without hair removal) demonstrated no difference. Hair removal prior to ear surgery via post‐auricular incision had no effect on the rate of surgical site infection.
Characterization of arsenic-induced cytotoxicity in liver with stress in erythrocytes and its reversibility with Pleurotus florida lectin
Authors: Rana Tanmoy , Bera Asit Kumar , Bhattacharya Debasis , Das Subhashree , Pan Diganta , Das Subrata Kumar
Published: January 2013

Arsenic is one of the most hazardous substances in the environment known to cause toxicity in multiple organs. Cell adhesion, morphological alterations, cell proliferation, terminal deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) and caspase-3/CPP32 fluorometric protease assay were important biomarkers to assess apoptosis in cells. This study aimed to evaluate arsenic-induced apoptosis in the hepatocytes of rat and its protective efficacy with coadministration of ascorbic acid (AA) and Pleurotus florida lectin (PFL) individually. Results of the present study also showed that arsenic caused cytotoxicity by elevating morphological alterations, TUNEL-positive nuclei, caspase-3 activity and DNA damage and reducing cell adhesion and cell proliferation in a time-dependent manner. The apoptosis in hepatocytes was reverted to normal value after coadministration of mushroom lectin in arsenic-exposed rat. The study provided significant evidence that PFL has antiapoptotic property against arsenic-induced toxicity. The beneficial effect of PFL was proportional to its duration of exposure. Retard activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, enhanced lipid peroxidation as well as protein carbonyl in erythrocytes caused by arsenic could also be maintained toward normalcy by supplementation of AA and PFL. These antioxidative effects were exhibited in a time-dependant manner. In rat, treatment with AA and PFL prevented alteration of plasma enzyme activities caused by arsenic. The results concluded that treatment with PFL has significant role in protecting animals from arsenic-induced erythrocytic damage. This finding might be of therapeutic benefit in people suffering from chronic exposure to arsenic from natural sources, a global problem especially relevant to millions of people on the Indian subcontinent.
A novel cross-linked human amniotic membrane for corneal implantations
Authors: Sekar S , Sasirekha K , Krishnakumar S , Sastry TP
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Al2(SO4)3 cross-linked human amniotic membrane for ocular surface reconstruction using tissue culture techniques. The human amniotic membrane was cross-linked with Al2(SO4)3, and the cross-linked human amniotic membrane was characterized for its mechanical properties, percentage of swelling in water, sterility, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The potential of cross-linked human amniotic membrane to support the attachment and proliferation of corneal limbal epithelial cells was assessed in vitro, using static culture system. About 125% increase in the tensile strength was observed in the cross-linked human amniotic membrane compared to human amniotic membrane. Infrared spectroscopy studies have confirmed the cross-linking of human amniotic membrane with Al2(SO4)3. The cross-linked human amniotic membrane was found to be sterile up to 1 year. In culture studies, confluent sheets of epithelial cells were seen at the end of 14th day resembling the morphological features of limbal epithelia. The cross-linked human amniotic membrane has exhibited improved mechanical properties, and the tissue culture studies have shown its feasibility to be used as a limbal transplant. It was concluded that the cross-linked human amniotic membrane with its improved mechanical properties could be used on par with human amniotic membrane.
Navigating Hardships in Old Age
Authors: Manning Lydia K.
Published: January 2013

Research suggests that spirituality is important to a large percentage of the older adult population and serves as a promoter of healthy aging. In this qualitative research I conducted and analyzed multiple interviews with 6 women aged 80 and older. Using multiple in-depth interviews I explored the interplay between spirituality and resilience over the life course. A grounded theory analysis of the 30 interviews was performed. The major finding is that participants used their spirituality as a tool to promote and maintain resilience in later life. I present the results as an interpretation of the participants’ perceptions of their spirituality, and indicate their reliance on spirituality to overcome hardship over the life course. In addition, I discuss the connections between spirituality and resilience. The roles these two constructs play in the lives of older adults are considered.
Developing a News Media Literacy Scale
Authors: Ashley Seth , Maksl Adam , Craft Stephanie
Published: January 2013

Using a framework previously applied to other areas of media literacy, this study developed and assessed a measurement scale focused specifically on critical news media literacy. Our scale appears to successfully measure news media literacy as we have conceptualized it based on previous research, demonstrated through assessments of content, construct, and predictive validity. Among our college student sample, a separate media system knowledge index also was a significant predictor of knowledge about topics in the news, which suggests the need for a broader framework. Implications for future work in defining and assessing news media literacy are discussed.
Safety Assessment of Isoparaffins as Used in Cosmetics
Authors: Johnson Wilbur , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Hill Ronald A. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Liebler Daniel , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: January 2013

The safety of isoparaffins as used in cosmetic products is reviewed in this safety assessment. These ingredients function mostly as solvents and also function as emollients in the 0001% to 90% concentration range. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has reviewed relevant animal and clinical data and concluded that these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.
Ninety-Day Toxicity Study of Alpha-Iso-Methylionone in Rats
Authors: Politano Valerie T. , Lapczynski Aurelia A. , Ritacco Gretchen , Api Anne Marie
Published: January 2013

Alpha-iso-methylionone (AIM), a fragrance ingredient, was evaluated for systemic toxicity in rats. Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were administered 0, 5, 30, or 500 mg/kg/d AIM via gavage for 90 days. Statistically significant changes in blood chemistry parameters (reduced aspartate aminotransferase [AST], and increased cholesterol, creatinine, and total protein) were observed in both sexes at 500 mg/kg/d. There were statistically significant increases in liver and kidney weights in both sexes and in spleen weights in males at 500 mg/kg/d. Adaptive hepatocyte enlargement was observed in both sexes at 500 mg/kg/d. Globular accumulations of eosinophilic material were observed in the renal tubular epithelium in males at ≥30 mg/kg/d. Thyroid and bone marrow histopathological changes were observed in males at 500 mg/kg/d. The no-observed-effect level was 5 mg/kg/d for males and 30 mg/kg/d for females. Based on histopathological changes in the kidney in males, the no-observed-adverse-effect level was 30 mg/kg/d.
Optimization of abrasive wear performance in aluminium hybrid metal matrix composites using Taguchi–grey relational analysis
Authors: Dharmalingam S , Subramanian R , Kök Metin
Published: January 2013

In this study, the Taguchi–grey relational analysis was used for the optimization of hybrid aluminium composites considering multiple quality characteristics of the material and process parameters relevant to two-body abrasive wear behaviour. Hybrid aluminium composites containing alumina and molybdenum disulphide particulates were produced by stir casting method. Volume loss and frictional force were measured using a pin-on-disc apparatus. In this study, applied load, sliding speed and abrasive size were taken as process parameters and percentage of molybdenum disulphide considered as material parameter. An L9 orthogonal array was used for the Taguchi experimental design. Optimum process parameters were determined using the grey relational analysis for multiple performance characteristics such as wear rate and coefficient of friction. Analysis of variance was used to study the impact of individual factors on the wear rate and coefficient of friction. Experimental results showed that two-body abrasive wear performance of the hybrid composites improved under optimal test conditions. Scanning electron microscopy investigations of the worn out specimens were carried out to explain the wear mechanism of the hybrid composites during two-body abrasive wear.
Tribological properties of aluminium–12 wt% silicon alloy surface treated with dispersed hard particles during sliding against different steels
Authors: Nakase Takuya , Kato Shinji , Kobayashi Takashi , Sasaki Shinya
Published: January 2013

ADC12 is a eutectic Al–Si die-cast alloy (Al–12Si) widely used instead of cast iron for industrial parts in order to reduce their weight. Here, to improve the wear resistance, SiC and diamond particles were dispersed into the surface of the ADC12 alloy. The tribological properties of the hard-particle-dispersed ADC12 samples under lubrication were evaluated using a vane-on-plate tribometer and compared to those of hypereutectic Al–Si alloy (Al–15Si). Three different kinds of vane materials, carbon steel, die steel and high-speed steel, were used as counter materials. The diamond-dispersed ADC12 alloy showed the most significant wear reduction effect when sliding against die steel and high-speed steel, and the lowest coefficient of friction was obtained when high-speed steel was used as the counter material. The durability tests using a conventional pump and the modified materials confirmed the significant improvement in the wear resistance of hard-particle-dispersed ADC12.
Perceptual Machines: Communication, Archiving, and Vision in Post-War American Design
Authors: Halpern Orit
Published: January 2013

This article examines historical transformations in the relationship between the image, time, and knowledge after the war. One site to investigate these changes in representation is at the locus of science, design, film and architecture in the works of Charles and Ray Eames and Gyorgy Kepes for the Center for Advanced Visual Study at MIT and in the interests of science education. In these works, including many science education and pedagogy films, the nature of the image, the materiality of vision, and the relationship between documentation and communication were being aggressively rethought. All these projects were deeply invested in the emergent terms of cybernetics and electronic media. Ontology, documentation, and representation were seemingly replaced by discourses of communication, performance, and modularity; the world as interface for the mediation of ongoing, lively communicative exchanges. The work of Charles and Ray Eames and Gyorgy Kepes provides evidence of a more global reformulation of the work of the document, the relationship between abstraction and materiality, and among science, aesthetics, and visuality.
The Life of Movement: From Microcinematography to Live-Cell Imaging
Authors: Landecker Hannah
Published: January 2013

How do we see life after the century of the gene? This article argues that the post-2000 postgenomic turn was and is a thoroughly visual turn, as well as a theoretical and practical shift away from the central dogma of DNA as master molecule. Live-cell imaging is a rapidly expanding area of scientific visualization of living things whose practice is central in postgenomic biological research and theory. Fluorescent probes enable the visualization of the movement in vivo, over time, of a wide range of vital molecules, for example the movement of motor proteins along the cellular skeleton. Despite its prominence in the life sciences, these moving images have attracted little critical attention outside the scientific community. Comparison with microcinematography of the early 20th century, another time-based medium that also placed the capture of movement at the center of the technique, is used here to frame the emergence of live-cell imaging in the late 20th century and discuss its theoretical significance. This article argues that live-cell imaging was at its origins an animation of a theory of life dominated by the gene. However, focused as it is on the life of proteins, the practice actually facilitated a move away from such dominance, with a rise of a ‘molecular vitalism’: an interest in all cellular molecules as knitted together in a complex moving net in the time and space of the cell. As such, the present moment echoes early 20th-century tensions between the study of structure and function in cellular anatomy versus physiology and puts the focus on molecular movement just as cellular movement was central to earlier practices. Contemporary live-cell imaging does not depict a structure described in a unique moment that explains a life process, but rather visualizes a continuity of movement that constitutes life processes.
Moral emotions and offending: Do feelings of anticipated shame and guilt mediate the effect of socialization on offending?
Authors: Svensson Robert , Weerman Frank M. , Pauwels Lieven J.R. , Bruinsma Gerben J.N. , Bernasco Wim
Published: January 2013

In this study we examine whether feelings of anticipated shame and anticipated guilt when being caught for an offence mediate the relationship between parental monitoring, bonds with parents and school, deviant peers, moral values and offending. We use data from the SPAN project, a study that collected detailed information about offending, moral emotions and socialization among 843 adolescents in The Hague, the Netherlands. The results show that moral emotions of both anticipated shame and guilt have a strong direct effect on offending. The results also show that the relationship between parental monitoring, deviant peers, moral values and offending is substantially mediated by anticipated shame and guilt. This study clearly suggests that both shame and guilt need to be included in the explanation of offending.
The influence of friends on teenage offending: How long does it last?
Authors: Smith David J. , Ecob Russell
Published: January 2013

This study focuses on the question whether peers have a lasting effect on offending behaviour. In a longitudinal study of 4300 teenagers in Edinburgh, Scotland, respondents nominated three friends at age 13–14 most of whom were identified as other members of the cohort. The growth curve of own offending was modelled over a period of three years from age 13–14. By allowing for the effect of own prior offending on the friendship network, the model specifies the influence running from friends to self. The level of offending of the three friends nominated at age 13–14 has a clear immediate effect on own offending, which steadily diminishes over time but remains statistically significant for a period of four to five years in a ‘slim’ model of broad offending and for two to three years in a ‘fatter’ model that adjusts for a wide range of explanatory variables. Many of these other variables have a significant influence on the growth curve of offending, but friends’ offending is among the most important variables explaining own offending. It is argued that social learning about the techniques, pleasures and justifications of offending may be important in explaining the persisting influence of friends, whereas situational factors and peer pressure may be important in explaining their immediate, short-term influence.
The truck driver who bought a café: Offenders on their involvement mechanisms for organized crime
Authors: Van Koppen M. Vere , De Poot Christianne J.
Published: January 2013

The present study aims at understanding how individuals engage in organized crime activities. Processes responsible for organized crime involvement are still poorly understood, particularly for those who become engaged only later in life. In-depth interviews with 16 inmates, all convicted of participation in organized crime and incarcerated in Dutch prisons, illuminate how individuals at different life stages become involved in crime in general, and in organized crime activities in particular. Most participants we interviewed turn out to have experienced an adult onset in crime. Their involvement mechanisms are analysed and compared with mechanisms applicable to offenders with an early start in crime. It was found that offenders with an early start in crime have a wealth of opportunities and criminal contacts, whereas individuals who become involved in crime later in life are exposed to crime opportunities in conventional settings.
An analysis of adaptive design variations on the sequential parallel comparison design for clinical trials
Authors: Mi Michael Y , Betensky Rebecca A
Published: January 2013

Background

Currently, a growing placebo response rate has been observed in clinical trials for antidepressant drugs, a phenomenon that has made it increasingly difficult to demonstrate efficacy. The sequential parallel comparison design (SPCD) is a clinical trial design that was proposed to address this issue. The SPCD theoretically has the potential to reduce the sample-size requirement for a clinical trial and to simultaneously enrich the study population to be less responsive to the placebo.

Purpose

Because the basic SPCD already reduces the placebo response by removing placebo responders between the first and second phases of a trial, the purpose of this study was to examine whether we can further improve the efficiency of the basic SPCD and whether we can do so when the projected underlying drug and placebo response rates differ considerably from the actual ones.

Methods

Three adaptive designs that used interim analyses to readjust the length of study duration for individual patients were tested to reduce the sample-size requirement or increase the statistical power of the SPCD. Various simulations of clinical trials using the SPCD with interim analyses were conducted to test these designs through calculations of empirical power.

Results

From the simulations, we found that the adaptive designs can recover unnecessary resources spent in the traditional SPCD trial format with overestimated initial sample sizes and provide moderate gains in power. Under the first design, results showed up to a 25% reduction in person-days, with most power losses below 5%. In the second design, results showed up to a 8% reduction in person-days with negligible loss of power. In the third design using sample-size re-estimation, up to 25% power was recovered from underestimated sample-size scenarios.

Limitations

Given the numerous possible test parameters that could have been chosen for the simulations, the study’s results are limited to situations described by the parameters that were used and may not generalize to all possible scenarios. Furthermore, dropout of patients is not considered in this study.

Conclusions

It is possible to make an already complex design such as the SPCD adaptive, and thus more efficient, potentially overcoming the problem of placebo response at lower cost. Ultimately, such a design may expedite the approval of future effective treatments.
Nonverbal Dialects and Accents in Facial Expressions of Emotion
Authors: Elfenbein Hillary Anger
Published: January 2013

This article focuses on a theoretical account integrating classic and recent findings on the communication of emotions across cultures: a dialect theory of emotion. Dialect theory uses a linguistic metaphor to argue emotion is a universal language with subtly different dialects. As in verbal language, it is more challenging to understand someone speaking a different dialect—which fits with empirical support for an in-group advantage, whereby individuals are more accurate judging emotional expressions from their own cultural group versus foreign groups. Dialect theory has sparked controversy with its implications for dominant theories about cross-cultural differences in emotion. This article reviews the theory, its mounting body of evidence, evidence for alternative accounts, and practical implications for multicultural societies.
Effects of Dynamic Aspects of Facial Expressions: A Review
Authors: Krumhuber Eva G. , Kappas Arvid , Manstead Antony S. R.
Published: January 2013

A key feature of facial behavior is its dynamic quality. However, most previous research has been limited to the use of static images of prototypical expressive patterns. This article explores the role of facial dynamics in the perception of emotions, reviewing relevant empirical evidence demonstrating that dynamic information improves coherence in the identification of affect (particularly for degraded and subtle stimuli), leads to higher emotion judgments (i.e., intensity and arousal), and helps to differentiate between genuine and fake expressions. The findings underline that using static expressions not only poses problems of ecological validity, but also limits our understanding of what facial activity does. Implications for future research on facial activity, particularly for social neuroscience and affective computing, are discussed.
Universality Revisited
Authors: Nelson Nicole L. , Russell James A.
Published: January 2013

Evidence does not support the claim that observers universally recognize basic emotions from signals on the face. The percentage of observers who matched the face with the predicted emotion (matching score) is not universal, but varies with culture and language. Matching scores are also inflated by the commonly used methods: within-subject design; posed, exaggerated facial expressions (devoid of context); multiple examples of each type of expression; and a response format that funnels a variety of interpretations into one word specified by the experimenter. Without these methodological aids, matching scores are modest and subject to various explanations.