bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vasodilator interactions in skeletal muscle blood flow regulation
Authors: Hellsten Y. , Nyberg M. , Jensen L. G. , Mortensen S. P.
Published: September 2012

Abstract  During exercise, oxygen delivery to skeletal muscle is elevated to meet the increased oxygen demand. The increase in blood flow to skeletal muscle is achieved by vasodilators formed locally in the muscle tissue, either on the intraluminal or on the extraluminal side of the blood vessels. A number of vasodilators have been shown to bring about this increase in blood flow and, importantly, interactions between these compounds seem to be essential for the precise regulation of blood flow. Two compounds stand out as central in these vasodilator interactions: nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin. These two vasodilators are both stimulated by several compounds, e.g. adenosine, ATP, acetylcholine and bradykinin, and are affected by mechanically induced signals, such as shear stress. NO and prostacyclin have also been shown to interact in a redundant manner where one system can take over when formation of the other is compromised. Although numerous studies have examined the role of single and multiple pharmacological inhibition of different vasodilator systems, and important vasodilators and interactions have been identified, a large part of the exercise hyperaemic response remains unexplained. It is plausible that this remaining hyperaemia may be explained by cAMP‐ and cGMP‐independent smooth muscle relaxation, such as effects of endothelial derived hyperpolarization factors (EDHFs) or through metabolic modulation of sympathetic effects. The nature and role of EDHF as well as potential novel mechanisms in muscle blood flow regulation remain to be further explored to fully elucidate the regulation of exercise hyperaemia.
A Novel Approach to Algebraic Fitting of a Pencil of Quadrics for Planar 4R Motion Synthesis
Authors: Ge Q. J. , Zhao Ping , Purwar Anurag , Li Xiangyun
Published: September 2012

The use of the image space of planar displacements for planar motion approximation is a well studied subject. While the constraint manifolds associated with planar four-bar linkages are algebraic, geometric (or normal) distances have been used as default metric for nonlinear least squares fitting of these algebraic manifolds. This paper presents a new formulation for the manifold fitting problem using algebraic distance and shows that the problem can be solved by fitting a pencil of quadrics with linear coefficients to a set of image points of a given set of displacements. This linear formulation leads to a simple and fast algorithm for kinematic synthesis in the image space.
Rounding off the cow: Challenges and successes in an interdisciplinary physics course for life science students
Authors: Meredith Dawn C. , Bolker Jessica A.
Published: September 2012

We describe a 4-yr project designing, teaching, and assessing an interdisciplinary algebra-based physics course for undergraduate biology students. We addressed the needs of this cohort through careful selection of topics and rich biological applications, while also attending to deeper pedagogical concerns (students’ conceptual understanding, epistemological stance, and ability to connect meaning and mathematics). The course provided biology/physics connections that students value, and their work indicated an ability to understand and integrate physics in biological contexts. We offer strategies, suggestions, and some cautionary tales for faculty contemplating or already engaged in similar endeavors.
Resource Letter BSSMF-1: Biological Sensing of Static Magnetic Fields
Authors: Finegold Leonard
Published: September 2012

This Resource Letter provides a guide to the literature on the effects of static (time-invariant) magnetic fields B on life, concentrating on how selected creatures sense/detect B. Journal articles, books, and previous and future electronically accessible media are cited for the following topics: history, the magnetic sensing/detection of B by creatures from bacteria to bugworms to butterflies to bees to birds to bats to bovines to beings (human), some of the mechanisms of effects at the developmental and cellular levels, experimental pitfalls, claimed healing effects of B, some medical uses of magnets, and cosmetics. The field presents a fascinating, evolving saga.
Comparing live to recorded speech in training the perception of spectrally shifted noise-vocoded speech
Authors: Faulkner Andrew , Rosen Stuart , Green Tim
Published: September 2012

Two experimental groups were trained for 2 h with live or recorded speech that was noise-vocoded and spectrally shifted and was from the same text and talker. These two groups showed equivalent improvements in performance for vocoded and shifted sentences, and the group trained with recorded speech showed consistently greater improvements than untrained controls. Another group trained with unshifted noise-vocoded speech improved no more than untrained controls. Computer-based training thus appears at least as effective as labor-intensive live-voice training for improving the perception of spectrally shifted noise-vocoded speech, and by implication, for training of users of cochlear implants.
Dynamic Assembly
Authors: Vinson Valda
Published: September 2012

Spatial restraints revealed by chemical cross-linking and mass spectrometry elucidate the topology of a dynamic signaling network.
Effect of Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration Dose on Achievement of Adequate Vancomycin Trough Concentrations
Authors: Frazee Erin N. , Kuper Philip J. , Schramm Garrett E. , Larson Scott L. , Kashani Kianoush B. , Osmon Douglas R. , Leung Nelson
Published: September 2012

The vancomycin dose necessary for the achievement of target serum trough concentrations during continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) remains to be elucidated. This was a retrospective cohort study of critically ill adults at a tertiary medical center on concurrent CVVH and vancomycin between 2006 and 2010 with a steady-state vancomycin trough concentration. The 87 included patients were grouped according to low (≤30 ml/kg/h;
n
= 10) or high (>30 ml/kg/h;
n
= 77) CVVH hemofiltration rate (HFR) for analysis. Vancomycin goal trough achievement occurred in only 32 (37%) patients. The primary endpoint of trough attainment significantly differed between HFR subgroups: 90% versus 30% in low- and high-HFR individuals, respectively (
P
< 0.001). Patients with subtherapeutic trough concentrations had a median (interquartile range) HFR of 40 ml/kg/h (range, 37 to 47 ml/kg/h) compared to 36 ml/kg/h (range, 30 to 39 ml/kg/h) in those who achieved the trough goal. Irrespective of goal trough, an inverse correlation existed between HFR and serum vancomycin concentration (
r
= −0.423;
P
< 0.001). In the subgroup of 14 methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) patients, trough achievement was similar to the aggregate cohort (36%). Mortality at 28 days was unrelated to trough achievement in both the overall sample (
P
= 0.516) and in culture-positive MRSA patients (
P
= 0.396). Critically ill patients undergoing CVVH therapy may experience clinically significant reductions in goal vancomycin troughs. The results of the present study justify prospective evaluations in this population to determine the optimal vancomycin dosing strategy for attainment of goal trough concentrations.
ENTANGLEMENT FROM THE DYNAMICS OF AN IDEAL BOSE GAS IN A LATTICE
Authors: BOSE SOUGATO
Published: September 2012

We show how the remotest sites of a finite lattice can be entangled, with the amount of entanglement exceeding that of a singlet, solely through the dynamics of an ideal Bose gas in a special initial state in the lattice. When additional occupation number measurements are made on the intermediate lattice sites, then the amount of entanglement and the length of the lattice separating the entangled sites can be significantly enhanced. The entanglement generated by this dynamical procedure is found to be higher than that for the ground state of an ideal Bose gas in the same lattice. A second dynamical evolution is shown to verify the existence of these entangled states, as well entangle qubits belonging to well separated quantum registers.
NONDISTILLABLE ENTANGLEMENT GUARANTEES DISTILLABLE ENTANGLEMENT
Authors: CHEN LIN , HAYASHI MASAHITO
Published: September 2012

The monogamy of entanglement is one of the basic quantum mechanical features, which says that when two partners Alice and Bob are more entangled then either of them has to be less entangled with the third party. Here we qualitatively present the converse monogamy of entanglement: given a tripartite pure system and when Alice and Bob are entangled and nondistillable, then either of them is distillable with the third party. Our result leads to the classification of tripartite pure states based on bipartite reduced density operators, which is a novel and effective way to this long-standing problem compared to the means by stochastic local operations and classical communications. Furthermore we systematically indicate the structure of the classified states and generate them. We also extend our results to multipartite states.
REDUCED DENSITY MATRIX AND ENTANGLEMENT ENTROPY OF PERMUTATIONALLY INVARIANT QUANTUM MANY-BODY SYSTEMS
Authors: POPKOV VLADISLAV , SALERNO MARIO
Published: September 2012

In this paper we discuss the properties of the reduced density matrix of quantum many body systems with permutational symmetry and present basic quantification of the entanglement in terms of the von Neumann (VNE), Renyi and Tsallis entropies. In particular, we show, on the specific example of the spin 1/2 Heisenberg model, how the RDM acquires a block diagonal form with respect to the quantum number k fixing the polarization in the subsystem conservation of Sz and with respect to the irreducible representations of the Sn group. Analytical expression for the RDM elements and for the RDM spectrum are derived for states of arbitrary permutational symmetry and for arbitrary polarizations. The temperature dependence and scaling of the VNE across a finite temperature phase transition is discussed and the RDM moments and the Rényi and Tsallis entropies calculated both for symmetric ground states of the Heisenberg chain and for maximally mixed states.
Performance Improvement of Partially Silicon-on-Insulator Lateral Double-Diffused Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors Using Doping-Engineered Drift Region
Authors: Mohammadi Saeed , Afzali-Kusha Ali , Mohammadi Saeed
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we investigate the characteristics of a drift region engineered lateral double-diffused metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (LDMOSFET) based on partially silicon on insulator (PSOI) technology. The structure, which is called DEPSOI (drift region engineered PSOI), has a drift region with two different doping density levels. The structure only needs one additional fabrication mask, compared to the conventional power PSOI device. In the drift region, a new peak is formed in the lateral electric field distribution at the boundary between the drift areas, which leads to a flatter electric field profile and subsequently a higher breakdown voltage (BV) compared to those of a conventional device. The results show that the DEPSOI LDMOSFET has a BV which is about 64% more than that of an optimized conventional PSOI LDMOSFET with the same dimension. The use of two different doping density levels allows simultaneous optimization of different device parameters. Having one part of drift region with a higher doping density level leads to an improvement of the on-state resistance (R
on). Finally, DEPSOI LDMOSFET has a superior heat dissipation property than that of the conventional LDMOSFET structures. The effects of varying different physical parameters of the structure on the characteristics of the transistor are also studied.
Al2O3/3C-SiC/n-Si Nonvolatile Resistance Memory
Authors: Yamaguchi Nobuo , Suda Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2012

We propose a new nonvolatile resistance memory device having a metal/Al2O3/3C-SiC/n-Si/metal metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) structure. The on/off behavior of the resistance change memory is suggested to be explained by electron trapping and detrapping through the Al2O3 layer in the defect states generated in the Al2O3/3C-SiC interface region of the 3C-SiC layer. Compared to our previously reported metal/SiO
x
/3C-SiC/n-Si/metal MIS memory device, where electron trapping and detrapping are caused through the 3C-SiC layer, the device exhibits higher switching endurance characteristics.
Magnetic Properties of Amorphous Fe–Si–B Powder Cores Mixed with Pure Iron Powder
Authors: Kim Hyeon-Jun , Nam Seul Ki , Kim Kyu-Sung , Yoon Sung Chun , Sohn Keun-Yong , Kim Mi-Rae , Song Yong Sul , Park Won-Wook
Published: September 2012

Amorphous Fe–Si–B alloy was prepared by melt-spinning, and then the ribbons were pulverized and ball-milled to make the amorphous powder of ∼25 µm in size. Subsequently those were mixed with pure iron powders with an average particle size of 3 µm, and 1.5 wt % water glass diluted by distilled water at the ratio of 1:2. The powder mixtures were cold compacted at 650 MPa in toroid die, and heat treated at 430–440 °C under a nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h and 30 min, respectively. The soft magnetic properties of powder core were investigated using a B–H analyzer and a flux meter at the frequency range of ∼100 kHz. The microstructure was observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the density of the core was measured using the principle of Archimedes. Based on the experimental results, the amorphous powder mixed with pure iron powder showed the improved powder compactability, which resulted in the increased permeability and the reduced core loss.
Waveguide Two-Point Differential-Excitation Method for Quantitative Absorption Measurements of Nanostructures
Authors: Mochizuki Toshimitsu , Yoshita Masahiro , Maruyama Shun , Kim Changsu , Fukuda Keisuke , Akiyama Hidefumi , Pfeiffer Loren N. , West Ken W.
Published: September 2012

To establish a new useful quantitative absorption measurement method for nanostructures, we investigated quantitative accuracy of a recently developed waveguide two-point differential-excitation method, which combines Fabry–Pérot fringe analysis and attenuated internal emission analysis for differential-path-length excitations. Quantitative absorption spectra of an 8-nm-thick GaAs quantum well at various temperatures consistent with theoretical predictions are demonstrated within 5% relative accuracy and a high dynamic range of 0–210 cm-1 in modal absorptions. The results were also compared with conventional photoluminescence excitation spectra of the same sample, which turned out to underestimate the absorption peak intensity of the lowest exciton at low temperatures.
Image hatching for visual cryptography
Authors: Weir Jonathan , Yan Weiqi , Kankanhalli Mohan S.
Published: September 2012

Image hatching (or nonphotorealistic line-art) is a technique widely used in the printing or engraving of currency. Diverse styles of brush strokes have previously been adopted for different areas of an image to create aesthetically pleasing textures and shading. Because there is no continuous tone within these types of images, a multilevel scheme is proposed, which uses different textures based on a threshold level. These textures are then applied to the different levels and are then combined to build up the final hatched image. The proposed technique allows a secret to be hidden using Visual Cryptography (VC) within the hatched images. Visual cryptography provides a very powerful means by which one secret can be distributed into two or more pieces known as shares. When the shares are superimposed exactly together, the original secret can be recovered without computation. Also provided is a comparison between the original grayscale images and the resulting hatched images that are generated by the proposed algorithm. This reinforces that the overall quality of the hatched scheme is sufficient. The Structural SIMilarity index (SSIM) is used to perform this comparison.
A Novel Behavior‐Based Virus Detection Method for Smart Mobile Terminals
Authors: Liu Yanbing , Jia Shousheng , Xing Congcong
Published: September 2012

The security of smart mobile terminals has been an increasingly important issue in recent years. While there are extensive researches on virus detections for smart mobile terminals, most of them share the same framework of virus detection as that for personal computers, and few of them tackle the problem from the standpoint of detection methodology. In this paper, we propose a behavior‐based virus detection method for smart mobile terminals which signals the existence of malicious code through identifying the anomaly of user behaviors. We first propose a model to collect and analyze user behaviors and then present a polynomial time algorithm for the virus detection. Next, we evaluate this algorithm by testing it with two commercial malwares and one malware written by ourselves and show that our algorithm enjoys a high virus detection rate. Finally, we notice that the rate of change of the virus detection rate of the algorithm with respect to thresholds matches the real‐world situation of user behaviors, which indicates that the proposed algorithm is feasible.
Therapeutic Interventions against Inflammatory and Angiogenic Mediators in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Gologorsky Daniel , Thanos Aristomenis , Vavvas Demetrios
Published: September 2012

The global prevalence of diabetes is estimated to be 336 million people, with diabetic complications contributing to significant worldwide morbidity and mortality. Diabetic retinopathy results from cumulative microvascular damage to the retina and inflammation is recognized as a critical driver of this disease process. This paper outlines the pathophysiology leading to proliferative diabetic retinopathy and highlights many of the inflammatory, angiogenic, and cytokine mediators implicated in the development and progression of this disease. We focus a detailed discussion on the current targeted therapeutic interventions used to treat diabetic retinopathy.
Efficient Execution of Networked MPSoC Models by Exploiting Multiple Platform Levels
Authors: Roth Christoph , Meyer Joachim , Rückauer Michael , Sander Oliver , Becker Jürgen
Published: September 2012

Novel embedded applications are characterized by increasing requirements on processing performance as well as the demand for communication between several or many devices. Networked Multiprocessor System-on-Chips (MPSoCs) are a possible solution to cope with this increasing complexity. Such systems require a detailed exploration on both architectures and system design. An approach that allows investigating interdependencies between system and network domain is the cooperative execution of system design tools with a network simulator. Within previous work, synchronization mechanisms have been developed for parallel system simulation and system/network co-simulation using the high level architecture (HLA). Within this contribution, a methodology is presented that extends previous work with further building blocks towards a construction kit for system/network co-simulation. The methodology facilitates flexible assembly of components and adaptation to the specific needs of use cases in terms of performance and accuracy. Underlying concepts and made extensions are discussed in detail. Benefits are substantiated by means of various benchmarks.
Evolution and Development of Dual Ingestion Systems in Mammals: Notes on a New Thesis and Its Clinical Implications
Authors: Alberts Jeffrey R. , Pickler Rita H.
Published: September 2012

Traditionally, the development of oral feeding is viewed as a continuous, unitary process in which reflex-dominated sucking behavior gives rise to a more varied and volitional feeding behavior. In contrast, we consider the thesis that the infant develops two separable ingestive systems, one for suckling and one for feeding. First, we apply an evolutionary perspective, recognizing that suckling-feeding is a universal, mammalian developmental sequence. We find that in mammalian evolution, feeding systems in offspring were established prior to the evolution of lactation, and therefore suckling is a separable feature that was added to feeding. We next review an experimental literature that characterizes suckling and feeding as separable in terms of their topography, sensory controls, physiological controls, neural substrates, and experience-based development. Together, these considerations constitute a view of “dual ingestive systems.” The thesis, then, is that suckling is not a simple precursor of feeding but is a complete behavior that emerges, forms, and then undergoes a dissolution that overlaps with the emergence of independent feeding. This thesis guides us to focus differently on the challenges of properly managing and facilitating oral ingestion in infants, especially those born preterm, prior to the developmental onset of suckling.
Test-Retest Reliability of a New Medial Temporal Atrophy Morphological Metric
Authors: Duchesne Simon , Valdivia Fernando , Mouiha Abderazzak , Robitaille Nicolas
Published: September 2012

Clinicians and researchers alike are in need of quantitative and robust measurement tools to assess medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We recently proposed a morphological metric, extracted from T1-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRI), to track and estimate MTA in cohorts of controls, AD, and mild cognitive impairment subjects, at high-risk of progression to dementia. In this paper, we investigated its reliability through analysis of within-session scan/repeat images and scan/rescans from large multicenter studies. In total, we used MRI data from 1051 subjects recruited at over 60 centers. We processed the data identically and calculated our metric for each individual, based on the concept of distance in a high-dimensional space of intensity and shape characteristics. Over 759 subjects, the scan/repeat change in the mean was 1.97% (SD: 21.2%). Over three subjects, the scan/rescan change in the mean was 0.89% (SD: 22.1%). At this level, the minimum trial size required to detect this difference is 68 individuals for both samples. Our scan/repeat and scan/rescan results demonstrate that our MTA assessment metric shows high reliability, a necessary component of validity.
NLRP3 Suppresses NK Cell–Mediated Responses to Carcinogen-Induced Tumors and Metastases
Authors: Chow Melvyn T. , Sceneay Jaclyn , Paget Christophe , Wong Christina S.F. , Duret Helene , Tschopp Jürg , Möller Andreas , Smyth Mark J.
Published: September 2012

The NLRP3 inflammasome acts as a danger signal sensor that triggers and coordinates the inflammatory response upon infectious insults or tissue injury and damage. However, the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in natural killer (NK) cell–mediated control of tumor immunity is poorly understood. Here, we show in a model of chemical-induced carcinogenesis and a series of experimental and spontaneous metastases models that mice lacking NLRP3 display significantly reduced tumor burden than control wild-type (WT) mice. The suppression of spontaneous and experimental tumor metastases and methylcholanthrene (MCA)-induced sarcomas in mice deficient for NLRP3 was NK cell and IFN-γ–dependent. Focusing on the amenable B16F10 experimental lung metastases model, we determined that expression of NLRP3 in bone marrow–derived cells was necessary for optimal tumor metastasis. Tumor-driven expansion of CD11b+Gr-1intermediate (Gr-1int) myeloid cells within the lung tumor microenvironment of NLRP3−/− mice was coincident with increased lung infiltrating activated NK cells and an enhanced antimetastatic response. The CD11b+Gr-1int myeloid cells displayed a unique cell surface phenotype and were characterized by their elevated production of CCL5 and CXCL9 chemokines. Adoptive transfer of this population into WT mice enhanced NK cell numbers in, and suppression of, B16F10 lung metastases. Together, these data suggested that NLRP3 is an important suppressor of NK cell–mediated control of carcinogenesis and metastases and identify CD11b+Gr-1int myeloid cells that promote NK cell antimetastatic function. Cancer Res; 72(22); 5721–32. ©2012 AACR.
The V-ATPase-Inhibitor Archazolid Abrogates Tumor Metastasis via Inhibition of Endocytic Activation of the Rho-GTPase Rac1
Authors: Wiedmann Romina M. , von Schwarzenberg Karin , Palamidessi Andrea , Schreiner Laura , Kubisch Rebekka , Liebl Johanna , Schempp Christina , Trauner Dirk , Vereb Gyorgy , Zahler Stefan , Wagner Ernst , Müller Rolf , Scita Giorgio , Vollmar Angelika M.
Published: September 2012

The abundance of the multimeric vacuolar ATP-dependent proton pump, V-ATPase, on the plasma membrane of tumor cells correlates with the invasiveness of the tumor cell, suggesting the involvement of V-ATPase in tumor metastasis. V-ATPase is hypothesized to create a proton efflux leading to an acidic pericellular microenvironment that promotes the activity of proinvasive proteases. An alternative, not yet explored possibility is that V-ATPase regulates the signaling machinery responsible for tumor cell migration. Here, we show that pharmacologic or genetic reduction of V-ATPase activity significantly reduces migration of invasive tumor cells in vitro. Importantly, the V-ATPase inhibitor archazolid abrogates tumor dissemination in a syngeneic mouse 4T1 breast tumor metastasis model. Pretreatment of cancer cells with archazolid impairs directional motility by preventing spatially restricted, leading edge localization of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) as well as of phosphorylated Akt. Archazolid treatment or silencing of V-ATPase inhibited Rac1 activation, as well as Rac1-dependent dorsal and peripheral ruffles by inhibiting Rab5-mediated endocytotic/exocytotic trafficking of Rac1. The results indicate that archazolid effectively decreases metastatic dissemination of breast tumors by impairing the trafficking and spatially restricted activation of EGFR and Rho-GTPase Rac1, which are pivotal for directed movement of cells. Thus, our data reveals a novel mechanism underlying the role of V-ATPase in tumor dissemination. Cancer Res; 72(22); 5976–87. ©2012 AACR.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Provides Evidence that Ascending Aortic Aneurysm Protects against Systemic Atherosclerosis
Authors: Hung Adelina , Zafar Mohammad , Mukherjee Sandip , Tranquilli Maryann , Scoutt Leslie M. , Elefteriades John A.
Published: September 2012

Previous evaluation of total aortic calcium score suggests that mutations promoting ascending aortic aneurysm development may protect against atherosclerosis. However, calcium score is a late indicator of atherosclerosis. We evaluated carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), an earlier marker, to assess the degree of atherosclerosis in ascending aortic aneurysm patients compared to controls. Images of right and left common carotid arteries were obtained in 52 patients with ascending aortic aneurysms and 29 controls using a Sonosite MicroMaxx ultrasound. IMT was measured with Sonosite Sonocalc IMT software, a computer-based algorithm with manual override. Six IMT measurements were obtained for each patient (right and left proximal, mid and distal common carotid artery) by a single observer and averaged. A multiple linear regression analysis was applied to test for an association between aneurysm and IMT. Patients with ascending aortic aneurysms had 0.131-mm lower carotid IMT values than controls (p = 0.0002), independent of risk factors for atherosclerosis (age, BMI, gender, family history, smoking, dyslipidemia, race, diabetes and hypertension). The average IMT was 0.50 ± 0.13 mm for individuals with aneurysm and 0.60 ± 0.11 mm for controls. Age increased the IMT by 0.005 mm per year (p = 0.0003). BMI, male gender, positive family history, dyslipidemia, diabetes and hypertension also increased the IMT, but did not reach statistical significance. This investigation provides further evidence that ascending aortic aneurysm provides protection against the development of atherosclerosis, supporting the hypothesis that proaneurysmal genetic mutations may also be antiatherogenic.
The Global Political Ecology of the Clean Development Mechanism
Authors: Newell Peter , Bumpus Adam
Published: September 2012

This article explores the ways in which the “global” governance of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) intersects with the “local” politics of resource regimes that are enrolled in carbon markets through the production and trade in Certified Emissions Reductions (CERs). It shows how political structures and decision-making procedures set up at the international level to govern the acquisition of CERs through the Kyoto Protocol's CDM interact with and transform national and local level political ecologies in host countries where very different governance structures, political networks, and state-market relations operate. It draws on literature within political ecology and field work in Argentina and Honduras to illustrate and understand the politics of translation that occur when the social and environmental consequences of decisions made within global governance mechanisms, such as the CDM, are followed through to particular sites in the global political economy. It also shows how the outcomes in those sites in turn influence the global politics of the CDM.
Assessment of Regional Climate Change and Development of Climate Adaptation Decision Aids in the Southwestern United States
Authors: Darmenova Kremena , Apling Duane , Higgins Glenn , Hayes Philip , Kiley Heather
Published: September 2012

Over the next 10–50 years, policy makers in the southwestern United States are faced with complex planning and policy issues associated with increasing water and energy demand as a result of warmer temperatures and reduced availability of water, compounded by continued rapid population growth and economic development. This study uses a top-down, end-to-end approach consisting of dynamical downscaling, a novel bias-correction technique, and custom-developed decision-aid tools to assess regional climate changes in the Southwest and to derive decision aids that are based on direct communication with the planners at four military installations in the region. Dynamical downscaling is performed with the Weather Research and Forecasting model driven by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction reanalysis and the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology’s ECHAM5 general circulation model for two time periods: current (2000s) and future (2030s). A unique two-stage bias correction is developed to adjust current and future hourly temperature and precipitation to be consistent with historical reference data. The authors’ assessment of regional climate change, which is based on downscaled bias-corrected fields, points to a dryer and warmer future climate in the Southwest. The energy-usage modeling produced a statistically significant increase in natural gas consumption and a possible decrease in electricity usage in two military installations in Colorado, which is a direct consequence of decrease/increase in heating/cooling degree-days resulting from warmer temperatures in the future. In addition, the results indicate an increasing number of oppressive heat days in the future, which may impact long-term planning practices with respect to heat-stress control and heat-casualty management.
Ten Top Considerations in Pediatric Tympanoplasty
Authors: James Adrian L. , Papsin Blake C.
Published: September 2012

Tympanoplasty in children poses some different challenges from the same procedure in adults. The aim of the current article is to review 10 important considerations in pediatric tympanoplasty that focus on these differences and help to optimize the chance of successful outcome.
Combining Mentoring With Structured Group Activities
Authors: Deutsch Nancy L. , Wiggins Afi Y. , Henneberger Angela K. , Lawrence Edith C.
Published: September 2012

The current study explores the potential of one-on-one mentoring facilitated within a structured group format for developing connection and sustaining mentor-mentee relationships with early adolescent girls. Results from a mixed-methods study using survey and observational data reveal that college student mentors and their seventh grade mentees report moderate-to-high satisfaction with the group experience, with no mean differences between groups. Yet there were significant differences between groups in the group members’ (mentees) satisfaction with their one-on-one mentoring relationships. Although all groups demonstrated high levels of some positive social processes related to connectedness (e.g., fun), groups in which mentees’ reported higher levels of satisfaction with their one-on-one relationships engaged in more higher level positive social processes (e.g., caretaking). Groups in which mentee’s reported lower satisfaction with their one-on-one relationships demonstrated more negative social processes (e.g., disengagement). Implications for after-school settings are discussed.
Germany’s Stephen Lawrence
Authors: Bruce-Jones Eddie
Published: September 2012

Campaigners in Germany, protesting at the suspicious death in custody of Oury Jalloh in 2005 and the subsequent cover-up by the criminal justice system, are looking to the Lawrence trial, the Macpherson Report and other British institutional responses to see how Germany could learn from the British experience.
The Effect of Intra-articular Injection of MicroRNA-210 on Ligament Healing in a Rat Model
Authors: Shoji Takeshi , Nakasa Tomoyuki , Yamasaki Keiichiro , Kodama Akira , Miyaki Shigeru , Niimoto Takuya , Okuhara Atsushi , Kamei Naosuke , Adachi Nobuo , Ochi Mitsuo
Published: September 2012

Background:

It is known from clinical and experimental studies that the healing potential of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is extremely poor and that early phases of ligament healing require an augmented blood supply. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a type of small, noncoding RNA that negatively regulates gene expression, and miRNA (miR)-210 is reported to be crucial for cell response to hypoxia, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–driven endothelial cell migration, and formation of capillary-like structures.

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of intra-articular injection of miRNA miR-210 on acceleration of ACL healing.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Two experiments were performed in this study. The ACLs of 12-week-old male LEW/CrlCrlj rats were partially transected. First, the temporal expression change of miR-210 after ACL injury was analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on day zero, and 1, 2, and 4 weeks after injury (n = 5 at each time point). Next, intra-articular injection of double-stranded (ds) miR-210 with atelocollagen was performed soon after injury. The control group was injected with control small interfering RNA (siRNA). Four weeks after injection, biomechanical and histological assessments of samples stained with H&E as well as Masson trichrome, and immunohistochemistry for VEGF, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), isolectin B4, and collagen type I, were performed. Real-time PCR analysis was also performed for quantitative evaluation of miR-210, VEGF-A, and collagen type I.

Results:

Real-time PCR analysis revealed that miR-210 expression was decreased soon after injury but gradually increased thereafter. Histological analysis confirmed that the transected area was covered with healing tissue in the miR-210 group but remained devoid of any tissue in the control group 4 weeks after injury. Biomechanical analysis confirmed the improvement of biomechanical properties in the miR-210 group; the ultimate failure loads 4 weeks after injection were 30.5 ± 3.1 N in the miR-210 group and 22.8 ± 3.1 N in the control group ( P < .05). Real-time PCR analysis showed that endogenous miR-210, VEGF, and collagen type I were highly expressed compared with controls, and immunohistochemistry for VEGF, FGF2, isolectin B4, and collagen type I showed that VEGF and FGF2 were highly upregulated, and there were abundant blood vessels and fibrotic deposition in the miR-210 group.

Conclusion:

Injection of ds miR-210 was effective in promoting the healing of partially torn ACLs through enhancement of angiogenesis via upregulation of VEGF and FGF2.

Clinical Relevance:

It might represent a potential therapeutic approach for treatment of ACL injury.
Capitalist Class Agency and the New Deal Order
Authors: McIntyre Richard , Hillard Michael
Published: September 2012

In the United States the apparent crisis of neoliberalism has called forth nostalgia for the regulated capitalism of the post World War II era. In particular, radical economists’ thinking continues to be influenced by the notion of a “limited postwar capital-labor accord.” But a careful accounting of historial scholarship since the 1980s shows the stylized thinking found in social structures of accumulation (SSA) literature and radical political economy generally to be inaccurate and misleading: inaccurate because it creates an image of a golden age that never was, and misleading in that it suggests a politics of social cooperation rather than worker militancy. In this paper we show that capitalists as a class never accepted anything resembling such an accord.

JEL classification: B5, J5, N32
A Characterization of Pain in Racially and Ethnically Diverse Older Adults
Authors: Lavin Robert , Park Juyoung
Published: September 2012

This article presents a critical review of the influence of interracial and ethnic variation on pain prevalence, intensity, interference/function/disability, and treatment in older adults. A search of scientific databases published from 1900 to 2011, using key words associated with pain, geriatrics, and race/ethnicity, identified 180 articles, of which 27 empirical studies met the inclusion criteria. Of the retained articles, 17 reported that race/ethnicity was a statistically significant factor at p < .05. Minority older adults reported a higher prevalence of pain and higher pain intensity, and variable responses regarding function/disability compared with responses by non-Hispanic White older adults. Minority older adults were less likely to receive prescription pharmacologic treatments and surgery, and they were more likely to use complementary and alternative medicine treatments. There are interracial/ethnic differences in pain assessment and treatment interventions among older adults.
To enforce or not to enforce? The use of collaborative interfaces to promote social skills in children with high functioning autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ben-Sasson Ayelet , Lamash Liron , Gal Eynat
Published: September 2012

The goal of this stud was to examine whether a technological touch activated Collaborative Puzzle Game (CPG) increased positive social behaviors in children with high functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD). The CPG involved construction of a virtual puzzle by selecting and dragging pieces into the solution area on a touch screen table. The target picture was presented on the top of the screen. Six dyads of children with HFASD (aged 8-11 years) engaged in the CPG in a Free Play (FP) mode in which partners could independently move puzzle pieces versus in an Enforced Collaboration (EC) mode in which partners could only move puzzle pieces together. Videos of the dames were coded for the frequencies of positive and negative social interaction, affect, play, and autistic behaviors. Parents completed the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS).

Wilcoxon Signed-ranks tests indicated that children with HFASD showed significantly higher frequencies of positive social interaction and collaborative play in the EC versus FP modes but there were no differences in negative social behaviors. Differences in social behaviors between partners during the puzzle games were not significant; however there were differences within pair in the severity of social deficits as assessed by the SRS questionnaire.

The CPG in an EC mode was effective in promoting positive social interaction by requiring children to work together towards a mutual goal. However, the increased challenge in this mode, particularly for children with lower social-communication skills, suggests the need for establishing selection criteria and mediation steps for such interventions.
Children’s Perceptions of Obesity and Health
Authors: Skelton Joseph A. , Irby Megan Bennett , Guzman M. Angelica , Beech Bettina M.
Published: September 2012

Objective. Hispanic boys are one of the most at-risk groups for the development of obesity, yet few effective interventions have been reported. The objective of this study was to assess Hispanic boys’ perceptions of health and obesity to inform future, targeted interventions. Methods. This is a qualitative and quantitative study of Hispanic boys aged 8 to 12 years in Forsyth County, North Carolina (n = 25). Three focus groups were conducted combined with anthropometrics and measures of body image. Interview guides were developed to elicit children’s perceptions of obesity, nutrition, physical activity, and family influences over health behaviors. Focus group comments were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded using a multistage inductive approach, and grounded theory was used to analyze responses. Results. The following 6 themes emerged: boys had a limited and superficial understanding of health, nutrition, and activity; perceptions of health were based on muscular appearance, frequency of exercise, and media messages; boys had negative perceptions of overweight children and physical performance; family meals were infrequent and unstructured; boys prefer restaurants with fast food, buffets, and entertainment; and neighborhood safety influences activity participation. Boys did not mention parents as influencers of health and habits. Conclusions. From their findings, the authors have outlined several key areas that will inform clinicians and researchers in the prevention and treatment of obesity in this highly vulnerable population.
The LGBTQ Component of 21st-Century Music Teacher Training
Authors: Garrett Matthew L.
Published: September 2012

Music is important to the development of multidimensional future adults. Students have self-reported the value of music in their lives. Music educators, therefore, have a unique opportunity to create inclusive learning environments. Music learning objectives are often rooted in development of rehearsal techniques and performance skills. However, teachers also impart personal values to students in the process. Diversity in contemporary school classrooms is represented by a variety of characteristics, including sexual orientation. Analysis of survey data indicates that a large percentage of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students are verbally and physically harassed at school. Teachers are often the first line of defense in situations involving harassment at school. This article is a synthesis of strategies for inclusion of LGBTQ issues in the music classroom, from research literature and oral histories.
Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis is prevalent in cardiorenal patients but not associated with left ventricular function and myocardial fibrosis as assessed by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Emans Mireille E , van der Putten Karien , Velthuis Birgitta K , de Vries Jan JJ , Cramer Maarten J , America Yves GCJ , Hillege Hans L , Meiss Louis , Doevendans Pieter AFM , Braam Branko , Gaillard Carlo AJM
Published: September 2012

Background

Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) is common in cardiovascular diseases and associated with hypertension, renal dysfunction and/or heart failure. There is a paucity of data about the prevalence and the role of ARAS in the pathophysiology of combined chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). We investigated the prevalence in patients with combined CHF/CKD and its association with renal function, cardiac dysfunction and the presence and extent of myocardial fibrosis.

Methods

The EPOCARES study (ClinTrialsNCT00356733) investigates the role of erythropoietin in anaemic patients with combined CHF/CKD. Eligible subjects underwent combined cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI), including late gadolinium enhancement, with magnetic resonance angiography of the renal arteries (MRA).

Results

MR study was performed in 37 patients (median age 74 years, eGFR 37.4 ± 15.6 ml/min, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 43.3 ± 11.2%), of which 21 (56.8%) had ARAS (defined as stenosis >50%). Of these 21 subjects, 8 (21.6%) had more severe ARAS >70% and 8 (21.6%) had a bilateral ARAS >50% (or previous bilateral PTA). There were no differences in age, NT-proBNP levels and medication profile between patients with ARAS versus those without. Renal function declined with the severity of ARAS (p = 0.03), although this was not significantly different between patients with ARAS versus those without. Diabetes mellitus was more prevalent in patients without ARAS (56.3%) against those with ARAS (23.8%) (p = 0.04). The presence and extent of late gadolinium enhancement, depicting myocardial fibrosis, did not differ (p = 0.80), nor did end diastolic volume (p = 0.60), left ventricular mass index (p = 0.11) or LVEF (p = 0.15). Neither was there a difference in the presence of an ischemic pattern of late enhancement in patients with ARAS versus those without.

Conclusions

ARAS is prevalent in combined CHF/CKD and its severity is associated with a decline in renal function. However, its presence does not correlate with a worse LVEF, a higher left ventricular mass or with the presence and extent of myocardial fibrosis. Further research is required for the role of ARAS in the pathophysiology of combined chronic heart and renal failure.