bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrical Coupling and Passive Membrane Properties of AII Amacrine Cells
Authors: Veruki Margaret Lin , Oltedal Leif , Hartveit Espen
Published: January 2010

AII amacrine cells in the mammalian retina are connected via electrical synapses to on-cone bipolar cells and to other AII amacrine cells. To understand synaptic integration in these interneurons, we need information about the junctional conductance ( gj), the membrane resistance ( rm), the membrane capacitance ( Cm), and the cytoplasmic resistivity ( Ri). Due to the extensive electrical coupling, it is difficult to obtain estimates of rm, as well as the relative contribution of the junctional and nonjunctional conductances to the total input resistance of an AII amacrine cell. Here we used dual voltage-clamp recording of pairs of electrically coupled AII amacrine cells in an in vitro slice preparation from rat retina and applied meclofenamic acid (MFA) to block the electrical coupling and isolate single AII amacrines electrically. In the control condition, the input resistance ( Rin) was ∼620 MΩ and the apparent rm was ∼760 MΩ. After block of electrical coupling, determined by estimating gj in the dual recordings, Rin and rm were ∼4,400 MΩ, suggesting that the nongap junctional conductance of an AII amacrine cell is ∼16% of the total input conductance. Control experiments with nucleated patches from AII amacrine cells suggested that MFA had no effect on the nongap junctional membrane of these cells. From morphological reconstructions of AII amacrine cells filled with biocytin, we obtained a surface area of ∼900 μm2 which, with a standard value for Cm of 0.01 pF/μm2, corresponds to an average capacitance of ∼9 pF and a specific membrane resistance of ∼41 kΩ cm2. Together with information concerning synaptic connectivity, these data will be important for developing realistic compartmental models of the network of AII amacrine cells.
The Time Course of Ventrolateral Prefrontal Cortex Involvement in Memory Formation
Authors: Machizawa Maro G. , Kalla Roger , Walsh Vincent , Otten Leun J.
Published: January 2010

Human neuroimaging studies have implicated a number of brain regions in long-term memory formation. Foremost among these is ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. Here, we used double-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to assess whether the contribution of this part of cortex is crucial for laying down new memories and, if so, to examine the time course of this process. Healthy adult volunteers performed an incidental encoding task (living/nonliving judgments) on sequences of words. In separate series, the task was performed either on its own or while TMS was applied to one of two sites of experimental interest (left/right anterior inferior frontal gyrus) or a control site (vertex). TMS pulses were delivered at 350, 750, or 1,150 ms following word onset. After a delay of 15 min, memory for the items was probed with a recognition memory test including confidence judgments. TMS to all three sites nonspecifically affected the speed and accuracy with which judgments were made during the encoding task. However, only TMS to prefrontal cortex affected later memory performance. Stimulation of left or right inferior frontal gyrus at all three time points reduced the likelihood that a word would later be recognized by a small, but significant, amount (∼4%). These findings indicate that bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortex plays an essential role in memory formation, exerting its influence between ≥350 and 1,150 ms after an event is encountered.
The Influence of the Packing Factor on the Fuel Temperature HotSpots in a Particle‐Bed GCFR
Authors: Lomonaco G. , Grassi W. , Cerullo N.
Published: January 2010

In the recent past the so‐called GCFR has been again a subject of study by the international scientific community. This type of reactors, although still in a preliminary stage of development, is a very interesting perspective because combines the positive characteristics common to all the fast reactors with those of the reactors cooled by helium. Up to now, almost all the analyses on the GCFR thermodynamic aspects have been performed starting from a “global” point of view: generally the core has been modelled as a porous medium and only the global parameters have been taken into account. The local effects have been included in adhoc corrective peak factors. The analyses carried out in the present research will be devoted to the characterization of the local effects, on a microscopic scale. In order to have reliable “global” nuclear and thermal‐fluid‐dynamic data, the performed analyses will be based on simulations previously performed using the RELAP5‐3D code, assuming as input parameters the ETDR core ones. For each considered case, the variation ranges of the evaluated parameters have been estimated on the basis of the “best” and the “worst” cases. To summarize the obtained results, even in transient conditions, the variations of the considered input parameters are less significant for the local output values if compared to those due to the assumed packing factor. As a consequence, in a more general core calculation, the obtained local temperature (and velocity) values will have to be corrected by a proper factor that would have to take into account the results of this research.
Computationally Efficient Technique for Solving ODE Systems Exhibiting Initial and Boundary Layers
Authors: Parumasur N. , Singh P. , Singh V.
Published: January 2010

A computational technique based on asymptotic analysis for solving singularly perturbed ODE systems involving a small parameter ϵ is considered. The focus is on second‐order systems, but the procedure is also applicable for first‐order systems. Both initial value and boundary value problems will be solved. The application of the method is considered over the entire time domain for a wide range of ϵ and the resulting approximation is compared with the direct numerical solution. The convection‐diffusion problem from fluid
mechanics and the telegraph equation from electrical engineering are considered.
Application of Symmetry Adapted Function Method for Three‐Dimensional Reconstruction of Octahedral Biological Macromolecules
Authors: Zeng Songjun , Liu Hongrong , Yang Qibin
Published: January 2010

A method for three‐dimensional (3D) reconstruction of macromolecule assembles, that is, octahedral symmetrical adapted functions (OSAFs) method, was introduced in this paper and a series of formulations for reconstruction by OSAF method were derived. To verify the feasibility and advantages of the method, two octahedral symmetrical macromolecules, that is, heat shock protein Degp24 and the Red‐cell L Ferritin, were utilized as examples to implement reconstruction by the OSAF method. The schedule for simulation was designed as follows: 2000 random orientated projections of single particles with predefined Euler angles and centers of origins were generated, then different levels of noises that is signal‐to‐noise ratio (S/N) = 0.1, 0.5, and 0.8 were added. The structures reconstructed by the OSAF method were in good agreement with the standard models and the relative errors of the structures reconstructed by the OSAF method to standard structures were very little even for high level noise. The facts mentioned above account for that the OSAF method is feasible and efficient approach to reconstruct structures of macromolecules and have ability to suppress the influence of noise.
Functional Role of Vanilloid Transient Receptor Potential 4-Canonical Transient Receptor Potential 1 Complex in Flow-Induced Ca
2+
Influx
Authors: Ma Xin , Qiu Shuang , Luo Jianhong , Ma Yan , Ngai Ching-Yuen , Shen Bing , Wong Ching-on , Huang Yu , Yao Xiaoqiang
Published: January 2010

Objective—

The present study is aimed at investigating the interaction of TRPV4 with TRPC1 and the functional role of such an interaction in flow-induced Ca
2+
influx. Hemodynamic blood flow is an important physiological factor that modulates vascular tone. One critical early event in this process is a cytosolic Ca
2+
([Ca
2+
]
i
) rise in endothelial cells in response to flow.

Methods and Results—

With the use of fluorescence resonance energy transfer, coimmunoprecipitation, and subcellular colocalization methods, it was found that TRPC1 interacts physically with TRPV4 to form a complex. In functional studies, flow elicited a transient [Ca
2+
]
i
increase in TRPV4-expressing human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. Coexpression of TRPC1 with TRPV4 markedly prolonged this [Ca
2+
]
i
transient; it also enabled this [Ca
2+
]
i
transient to be negatively modulated by protein kinase G. Furthermore, this flow-induced [Ca
2+
]
i
increase was markedly inhibited by anti–TRPC1-blocking antibody T1E3 and a dominant-negative construct TRPC1Δ567-793 in TRPV4-C1–coexpressing HEK cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. T1E3 also inhibited flow-induced vascular dilation in isolated rat small mesenteric artery segments.

Conclusion—

This study shows that TRPC1 interacts physically with TRPV4 to form a complex, and this TRPV4-C1 complex may mediate flow-induced Ca
2+
influx in vascular endothelial cells. The association of TRPC1 with TRPV4 prolongs the flow-induced [Ca
2+
]
i
transient, and it also enables this [Ca
2+
]
i
transient to be negatively modulated by protein kinase G. This TRPV4-C1 complex plays a key role in flow-induced endothelial Ca
2+
influx.
Specific Dietary Polyphenols Attenuate Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E–Knockout Mice by Alleviating Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Loke Wai Mun , Proudfoot Julie M. , Hodgson Jonathan M. , McKinley Allan J. , Hime Neil , Magat Maria , Stocker Roland , Croft Kevin D.
Published: January 2010

Objective—

Animal and clinical studies have suggested that polyphenols in fruits, red wine, and tea may delay the development of atherosclerosis through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We investigated whether individual dietary polyphenols representing different polyphenolic classes, namely quercetin (flavonol), (−)-epicatechin (flavan-3-ol), theaflavin (dimeric catechin), sesamin (lignan), or chlorogenic acid (phenolic acid), reduce atherosclerotic lesion formation in the apolipoprotein E (ApoE)
−/−
gene–knockout mouse.

Methods and Results—

Quercetin and theaflavin (64-mg/kg body mass daily) significantly attenuated atherosclerotic lesion size in the aortic sinus and thoracic aorta (
P
<0.05 versus ApoE
−/−
control mice). Quercetin significantly reduced aortic F
2
-isoprostane, vascular superoxide, vascular leukotriene B
4
, and plasma-sP-selectin concentrations; and augmented vascular endothelial NO synthase activity, heme oxygenase-1 protein, and urinary nitrate excretion (
P
<0.05 versus control ApoE
−/−
mice). Theaflavin showed similar, although less extensive, significant effects. Although (−)-epicatechin significantly reduced F
2
-isoprostane, superoxide, and endothelin-1 production (
P
<0.05 versus control ApoE
−/−
mice), it had no significant effect on lesion size. Sesamin and chlorogenic acid treatments exerted no significant effects. Quercetin, but not (−)-epicatechin, significantly increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1 protein in lesions versus ApoE
−/−
controls.

Conclusion—

Specific dietary polyphenols, in particular quercetin and theaflavin, may attenuate atherosclerosis in ApoE
−/−
gene–knockout mice by alleviating inflammation, improving NO bioavailability, and inducing heme oxygenase-1. These data suggest that the cardiovascular protection associated with diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and some beverages may in part be the result of flavonoids, such as quercetin.
Lack of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase-1 Protects ApoE-Null Mice Against Atherosclerosis
Authors: Shen Jianzhong , Chandrasekharan Unni M. , Ashraf Mohammad Z. , Long Eric , Morton Richard E. , Liu Yusen , Smith Jonathan D. , DiCorleto Paul E.
Published: January 2010

Rationale:

Multiple protein kinases have been implicated in cardiovascular disease; however, little is known about the role of their counterparts: the protein phosphatases.

Objective:

To test the hypothesis that mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase (MKP)-1 is actively involved in atherogenesis.

Methods and Results:

Mice with homozygous deficiency in MKP-1 (MKP-1
−/−
) were bred with apolipoprotein (Apo)E-deficient mice (ApoE
−/−
) and the 3 MKP-1 genotypes (MKP-1
+/+
/ApoE
−/−
; MKP-1
+/−
/ApoE
−/−
and MKP-1
−/−
/ApoE
−/−
) were maintained on a normal chow diet for 16 weeks. The 3 groups of mice exhibited similar body weight and serum lipid profiles; however, both MKP-1
+/−
and MKP-1
−/−
mice had significantly less aortic root atherosclerotic lesion formation than MKP-1
+/+
mice. Less en face lesion was observed in 8-month-old MKP-1
−/−
mice. The reduction in atherosclerosis was accompanied by decreased plasma levels of interleukin-1α and tumor necrosis factor α, and preceded by increased antiinflammatory cytokine interleukin-10. In addition, MKP-1–null mice had higher levels of plasma stromal cell–derived factor-1a, which negatively correlated with atherosclerotic lesion size. Immuno-histochemical analysis revealed that MKP-1 expression was enriched in macrophage-rich areas versus smooth muscle cell regions of the atheroma. Furthermore, macrophages isolated from MKP-1–null mice showed dramatic defects in their spreading/migration and impairment in extracellular signal-regulated kinase, but not c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38, pathway activation. In line with this, MKP-1–null atheroma exhibited less macrophage content. Finally, transplantation of MKP-1–intact bone marrow into MKP-1–null mice fully rescued the wild-type atherosclerotic phenotype.

Conclusion:

These findings demonstrate that chronic deficiency of MKP-1 leads to decreased atherosclerosis via mechanisms involving impaired macrophage migration and defective extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling.
Defining and Setting National Goals for Cardiovascular Health Promotion and Disease Reduction
Authors: Lloyd-Jones Donald M. , Hong Yuling , Labarthe Darwin , Mozaffarian Dariush , Appel Lawrence J. , Van Horn Linda , Greenlund Kurt , Daniels Stephen , Nichol Graham , Tomaselli Gordon F. , Arnett Donna K. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Ho P. Michael , Lauer Michael S. , Masoudi Frederick A. , Robertson Rose Marie , Roger Véronique , Schwamm Lee H. , Sorlie Paul , Yancy Clyde W. , Rosamond Wayne D.
Published: January 2010

This document details the procedures and recommendations of the Goals and Metrics Committee of the Strategic Planning Task Force of the American Heart Association, which developed the 2020 Impact Goals for the organization. The committee was charged with defining a new concept,
cardiovascular health
, and determining the metrics needed to monitor it over time. Ideal cardiovascular health, a concept well supported in the literature, is defined by the presence of both ideal health behaviors (nonsmoking, body mass index <25 kg/m
2
, physical activity at goal levels, and pursuit of a diet consistent with current guideline recommendations) and ideal health factors (untreated total cholesterol <200 mg/dL, untreated blood pressure <120/<80 mm Hg, and fasting blood glucose <100 mg/dL). Appropriate levels for children are also provided. With the use of levels that span the entire range of the same metrics, cardiovascular health status for the whole population is defined as poor, intermediate, or ideal. These metrics will be monitored to determine the changing prevalence of cardiovascular health status and define achievement of the Impact Goal. In addition, the committee recommends goals for further reductions in cardiovascular disease and stroke mortality. Thus, the committee recommends the following Impact Goals: “By 2020, to improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20%.” These goals will require new strategic directions for the American Heart Association in its research, clinical, public health, and advocacy programs for cardiovascular health promotion and disease prevention in the next decade and beyond.
Relevance of Subcortical Stroke in Dysphagia
Authors: Cola Monique G. , Daniels Stephanie K. , Corey David M. , Lemen Lisa C. , Romero Maryellen , Foundas Anne L.
Published: January 2010

Background and Purpose—

Unilateral cortical lesions are associated with dysphagia in ischemic stroke. It is unclear, however, whether acute subcortical stroke is associated with a similar risk of dysphagia. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of dysphagia in purely subcortical stroke and identify dysphagia characteristics.

Methods—

Between 2003 and 2005, videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSSs) were completed in 20 consecutive ischemic stroke patients with purely subcortical lesions (right hemisphere damage [RHD]=10, left hemisphere damage [LHD]=10) and 25 age-matched controls. Individuals were classified with dysphagia when at least 2 swallowing measures were 2 standard deviations above mean scores for the control group. Lesion volume, hemisphere, and location were determined from diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans.

Results—

Seven subcortical stroke patients (35%) met VFSS criteria for dysphagia (LHD=5, RHD=2); 4 patients presented with clinically significant dysphagia. A significant interaction between hemisphere and lesion location was identified. Whereas 3 of 5 patients with dysphagia (60%) had lesions to the left periventricular white matter (PVWM), LHD patients without dysphagia did not have PVWM lesions. In contrast, no RHD patients with PVWM lesions had dysphagia, and 6 of 8 patients without dysphagia (75%) had PVWM lesions. Oral transfer was significantly slower in patients with subcortical stroke compared with the healthy adults.

Conclusions—

Lesions to the left PVWM may be more disruptive to swallowing behavior than similar lesions to the right PVWM. Swallowing deficits involving oral control and transfer may be a marker of subcortical neural axis involvement.
Trends in Survival and Recovery From Stroke
Authors: Yashin Anatoli , Akushevich Igor , Ukraintseva Svetlana , Akushevich Lucy , Arbeev Konstantin , Kulminski Alexander
Published: January 2010

Background and Purpose—

Improvements in recovery rates may contribute to an increase in healthy life expectancy. It is unclear, however, whether such changes take place because health researchers traditionally deal with changes in incidence and survival from diseases. The purpose of this study was to test for the presence of time trends in the recovery rate from stroke.

Methods—

We compared age patterns of recovery rates from stroke evaluated in 2 subcohorts represented in the National Long-Term Care Survey data linked with the Medicare service use files.

Results—

We found a statistically significant increase in recovery rate between 1994 and 1999 for females but not for males.

Conclusions—

Time trends in recovery rate from stroke exist and can be detected from available data. The roles of influential factors and causes of sex difference in recovery improvement deserve further studies.
Angioplasty for Renal Artery Fibromuscular Dysplasia in Older Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Thatipelli M.R. , Huettl E.A. , McKusick M.A. , Misra S.
Published: January 2010

Aim: To describe the outcomes of treating patients with angioplasty who are older than 40 years with symptomatic/labile/refractory hypertension (HTN). Methods: Between1999 and 2005, 28 patients underwent angioplasty for renal fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). Patients were excluded if they had concomitant atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (n = 4) or less than 1 month follow-up (n = 8). Results: The study group included 16 Caucasians (21 procedures; mean age 65.5 10.8 years; females = 88%). The cardiovascular risk factors include HTN (n = 13), smoking (n = 1), diabetes (n = 2), dyslipidemia (n = 8). The HTN was characterized as refractory (n = 15, 12 were symptomatic) and new-onset in 1 patient. The technical success rate was 100%. Over a median period of 12.8 months (range: 1.0-85.8), 18 (95%) procedures ‘‘failed,’’ of which 8 (42%) within 1 month and the rest in 1 year. Conclusions: Angioplasty in symptomatic renal FMD in patients >40 years is associated with poor outcomes possibly due to early restenosis.
Place, Power and Potentiality: Reading Matthew 2:1-12 Ecologically
Authors: Wainwright Elaine M.
Published: January 2010

Reading biblical texts ecologically is an emerging feature of contemporary biblical studies. This article recognizes this brief history but rather than situating a proposed reading strategy within such a history, it places it within an epistemological shift to ecological thinking. Drawing on the work of Lorraine Code, using the key analytic category of habitat, and nuancing the socio-rhetorical approach of Vernon Robbins enables a unique way of reading ecologically to be developed. This reading strategy is employed in reading Matt 2:1-12 ecologically.
The Green Bible: A Timely Idea Deeply Flawed
Authors: Horrell David G.
Published: January 2010

This article offers a critical review of the recently published Green Bible (HarperCollins, 2008), a ‘green-letter edition’ intended to enable readers to discover the Bible’s message concerning humanity’s duty to care for creation. Despite the often valuable and stimulating essays and study materials that surround the ‘green-letter edition’ of the biblical text, the idea at the heart of the project is deeply flawed. It fails to do justice to the fact that the biblical material is, as on other ethical issues, profoundly ambivalent, requiring careful and constructive interpretation which is, in turn, open to debate and contestation. Concepts such as stewardship, which are presented here as simply what the Bible teaches, are interpretative constructions whose hermeneutical and ethical value may be questioned. A coherent ‘green’ message cannot come simply from lining up supposedly relevant biblical texts but only from creative and constructive interpretation of the Bible.
The Battle for Paul in the Second Century
Authors: Lieu Judith M.
Published: January 2010

Tracking Paul as he was remembered in the second century demands recognizing the different patterns such ‘remembering’ took, without measuring them by later standards, particularly by judgements about the centre of Paul’s theology, and without privileging certain authors or genres. Paul was remembered as persecutor, missionary, apostle to the Gentiles, but also as visionary or as preacher of asceticism; his sometimes tense relationships with the other apostles could be softened into harmony or resolved by retreat by one or the other side. While Marcion and Justin Martyr represent very different styles of such remembering, the changing fortunes of the remembered Paul should not be explained by his supposed status as ‘apostle of the heretics’ or by simplistic reconstructions of a binary division within the early church; rather Paul serves as a ‘hero from the past’ through whom different patterns of practice, of communal structure, of confrontation with contemporary society and ideas, of authority, could be explored and negotiated.
What are they saying about Mary, Grace and Hope in Christ?
Authors: Leahy Brendan
Published: January 2010

The ARCIC statement, Mary, Grace and Hope in Christ has been greeted as a significant ecumenical achievement. Initial assessments have appeared in a number of publications. This survey article summarizes and highlights scholarly observations made so far with a view to furthering the reception of this important text.
Opposition and Regime Legitimacy
Authors: Ortmann Stephan
Published: January 2010

This article seeks to understand the changing behavior of oppositional groups during socioeconomic changes using a comparative study of Singapore and Hong Kong. In order to better understand this process, three ideal typical phases are suggested. An almost complete lack of oppositional behavior characterizes the first phase, the ‘colonial phase’. Second, the ‘localization phase’ occurs due to the increasing complexity of the political system and the need to become more responsive to the people. A major legitimacy crisis fundamentally changes the relationship between oppositional groups and the Government. In the ‘decolonization phase’, oppositional groups become mobilized and form coalitions to demand greater democratization.
Long-term Dental Visiting Patterns and Adult Oral Health
Authors: Thomson W.M. , Williams S.M. , Broadbent J.M. , Poulton R. , Locker D.
Published: January 2010

To date, the evidence supporting the benefits of dental visiting comes from cross-sectional studies. We investigated whether long-term routine dental visiting was associated with lower experience of dental caries and missing teeth, and better self-rated oral health, by age 32. A prospective cohort study in New Zealand examined 932 participants’ use of dentistry at ages 15, 18, 26, and 32. At each age, routine attenders (RAs) were identified as those who (a) usually visited for a check-up, and (b) had made a dental visit during the previous 12 months. Routine attending prevalence fell from 82% at age 15 to 28% by 32. At any given age, routine attenders had better-than-average oral health, fewer had teeth missing due to caries, and they had lower mean DS and DMFS scores. By age 32, routine attenders had better self-reported oral health and less tooth loss and caries. The longer routine attendance was maintained, the stronger the effect. Routine dental attendance is associated with better oral health.
Dangerous Drafts? A Time-Series, Cross-National Analysis of Conscription and the Use of Military Force, 1946—2001
Authors: Pickering Jeffrey
Published: January 2010

Conscription has been claimed to both increase leaders’ propensity to use military force abroad and constrain them from doing so. The author sheds new light on this longstanding controversy by presenting the first time-series, cross-national quantitative analysis of the impact that state military manpower systems (either conscription or volunteerism) have on the initiation of both traditional, belligerent military missions and “operations other than war” (OOTWs). Using negative binomial regression on 166 states from 1946 to 2001, the author finds that states with conscript militaries have a significantly higher propensity to use belligerent military force than states with volunteer armies. Countries that practice conscription are also more likely than countries with volunteer forces to launch a specific type of OOTW, military operations against nonstate actors such as rebels or terrorists. Neither form of military manpower system seems, however, to be significantly related to the initiation of humanitarian military operations.
Attitudes toward younger and older adults: The German Aging Semantic Differential
Authors: Gluth Sebastian , Ebner Natalie C. , Schmiedek Florian
Published: January 2010

The present study used the German Aging Semantic Differential (ASD) to assess attitudes toward younger and older adults in a heterogeneous sample of n = 151 younger and n = 143 older adults. The questionnaire was administered in two versions, one referring to the evaluation of younger adults, the other to the evaluation of older adults. Multiple-group confirmatory factor analysis replicated the four-factor solution reported in the literature. Younger compared to older adults were rated as higher in terms of instrumentality (i.e., more active, adaptive to change) and integrity (i.e., more personally satisfied, at peace with oneself), whereas older adults were described as more autonomous and self-sufficient than younger adults. Younger participants reported more negative attitudes toward younger and older adults in some of the factors than did older participants. Structural equation modeling furthermore showed that attitudes correlated with personality characteristics and positive and negative affect, in that more agreeable, extraverted, and positively tempered participants reported less negative attitudes toward younger and older adults. Results are discussed in the context of multidimensional assessment of age stereotypes.
Multiple identities of Jewish immigrant adolescents from the former Soviet Union: An exploration of salience and impact of ethnic identity
Authors: Birman Dina , Persky Irena , Wing Yi Chan
Published: January 2010

The current paper explores the salience and impact of ethnic and national identities for immigrants that are negotiating more than two cultures. Specifically, we were interested in the ways in which Jewish immigrant adolescents from the former Soviet Union integrate their Russian, Jewish, and American identities, and to what extent identification with these three cultures predicts adaptation to varied life domains. In order to examine whether being Jewish has an impact on salience and predictive value of Russian and American identities, a sample of Jewish adolescents (n = 100) was compared with a sample of non-Jewish (n = 113) adolescent immigrants from the former Soviet Union. The study suggests that Jewish and non-Jewish adolescent immigrants differ in levels of Russian and American identity. Further, using structural equation modeling a bicultural model for Jewish and non-Jewish adolescents was tested. The results suggest that these two groups do not differ with respect to how Russian and American identities impact on adjustment. However, adding Jewish identity to the model for the Jewish sample significantly improved model fit, and rendered some of the impact of Russian identity non-significant. Thus a multicultural model that included all three identities had better explanatory power for this sample than a bicultural one. Implications for the study of ethnic identity of immigrants, particularly those whose lives involve multiple cultural affiliations, are drawn.
The delicate balance between parental protection, unsupervised wandering, and adolescents’ autonomy and its relation with antisocial behavior: The TRAILS study
Authors: Sentse Miranda , Dijkstra Jan Kornelis , Lindenberg Siegwart , Ormel Johan , Veenstra René
Published: January 2010

In a large sample of early adolescents (T2: N = 1023; M age = 13.51; 55.5% girls), the impact of parental protection and unsupervised wandering on adolescents’ antisocial behavior 2.5 years later was tested in this TRAILS study; gender and parental knowledge were controlled for. In addition, the level of biological maturation and having antisocial friends were included as possible moderators for the associations of parental protection and unsupervised wandering with adolescent antisocial behavior. The negative effect of protection on engagement in antisocial behavior held only for boys and for early-maturing adolescents, whereas the effect of unsupervised wandering was found only for boys and for adolescents who had antisocial friends. The results point to a delicate balance between parental protection and unsupervised wandering with respect to adolescents’ autonomy.
Young children’s extension of novel labels to novel animate items in three testing conditions
Authors: Arias-Trejo Natalia
Published: January 2010

The present research explores young children’s extension of novel labels to novel animate items. Three experiments were performed by means of the intermodal preferential looking (IPL) paradigm. In Experiment 1, after repeated exposure to novel word—object associations, 24- and 36-month-olds extend novel labels on the basis of shape similarity, in a task that pits a match in shape against a match in color. Experiment 2 finds 24-month-olds’ rapid reliance on shape, when introducing simplified trials that required identifying a match in shape or color separately. Experiment 3 reassesses young children’s ability to weigh up two perceptual cues, but in a condition in which the standard item remains visible, demonstrating 18- and 24-month-olds’ use of shape to extend novel labels. In contrast to previous research reporting an early shape bias mainly for inanimate items, this paper reveals that young children also consider shape to be a relevant cue to generalize novel labels to novel animate items. However, memory and processing demands appear to be crucial in the early ability to use shape information to extend novel labels to novel animate stimuli.
Dowry and Spousal Physical Violence Against Women in Bangladesh
Authors: Ruchira Tabassum Naved  , Persson Lars Ake
Published: January 2010

This article explores whether payment issues or presence of dowry demand in marriage reflecting patriarchal attitude of marital family underlies the positive relationship between dowry and wife abuse using a sample of reproductive-age women ( N = 2,702) from a population-based survey conducted in urban and rural Bangladesh in 2001. Regression results show that absence of dowry demand in marriage lowered the likelihood of physical wife abuse in the rural site and its frequency and severity in both sites compared with marriages where dowry was demanded and fully paid. The results suggest that in general, dowry demand predicts the extent, frequency, and severity of physical wife abuse regardless of the status of dowry payment. No payment of dowry increased the likelihood of abuse, its frequency, and severity in households demanding dowry. The direction of association between partial payment of dowry and violence, however, was different in different sites, calling for further research.
The use of autologous platelet gel (APG) for high-risk patients in cardiac surgery — is it beneficial?
Authors: Litmathe Jens , Philipp Christian , Kurt Muhammed , Boeken Udo , Gams Emmeran , Feindt Peter
Published: January 2010

Background: Wound healing in cardiac surgery has become a major problem due to the impaired risk profile of many patients. The aim of this study was to prove the influence of autologous platelet gel (APG) on wound healing in a special group of high-risk patients undergoing coronary surgery. Patients and Methods: We performed a prospective, double-blind study in 44 patients with a special risk constellation relating to wound complications (obesity, diabetes, smoker, New York Heart Association (NYHA) III-IV and peripheral vascular disease). The study group was treated with APG, prepared using the Magellan© platelet separator, the control group underwent conventional wound treatment. Results: The incidence of major and minor wound complications at the thoracotomy, as well as in the area of saphenous vein harvesting, was not pronounced in either of the groups. Blood loss and pain sensations did not differ significantly either. Stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and the in-hospital mortality were also comparable. The duration of the entire operation and the time until removing the chest-tubes were prolonged in the study group. Conclusion: Despite promising results in other fields of surgery, APG shows no beneficial effect in high-risk patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Probably, it depends on different types of microcirculation in atherosclerotic patients, which are quite different from those of other surgical areas. This factor may offset the existing beneficial platelet effects which could be observed, for example, in maxillo-facial surgery.
Using activated clotting time to estimate intraoperative aprotinin concentration
Authors: Iwata Yusuke , Okamura Toru , Zurakowski David , Jonas Richard A.
Published: January 2010

Background: The use of aprotinin during cardiopulmonary bypass may be associated with renal dysfunction due to renal excretion of excess drug. We hypothesized that the difference between standard celite activated clotting time (ACT), which is prolonged by aprotinin, and kaolin ACT could provide an estimate of aprotinin blood level. Methods: Fresh porcine blood was collected from six donor pigs and heparinized. Blood was stored at 4°C, rewarmed and aprotinin was added: 0, 100, 200, and 400 kallikrein inhibitor units/ml. Specimens were incubated at 37°C. Two pairs of ACT tubes (one celite and one kaolin) were measured at 37°C and 20°C using two Hemochron 401 machines. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) statistical approach was used to estimate actual aprotinin from differences in celite and kaolin ACT. Result: There was a significant relationship of the form y = exp(a+bx) between aprotinin concentration and the difference between celite and kaolin ACT at both 37°C (R2 = 0.858) and 20°C (R2 = 0.743). Conclusion: The time difference between celite and kaolin ACT may be a simple and inexpensive method for measuring the blood level of aprotinin during cardiopulmonary bypass. This technique may improve patient-specific dosing of aprotinin and reduce the risk of postoperative renal complications.
Applications and limitations of museum data for conservation and ecology, with particular attention to species distribution models
Authors: Newbold Tim
Published: January 2010

To conserve biodiversity, it is necessary to understand how species are distributed and which aspects of the environment determine distributions. In large parts of the world and for the majority of species, data describing distributions are very scarce. Museums, private collections and the historical literature offer a vast source of information on distributions. Records of the occurrence of species from these sources are increasingly being captured in electronic databases and made available over the internet. These records may be very valuable in conservation efforts. However, there are a number of limitations with museum data. These limitations are dealt with in the first part of this review. Even if the limitations of museum data can be overcome, these data present a far-from-complete picture of the distributions of species. Species distribution models offer a means to extrapolate limited information in order to estimate the distributions of species over large areas. The second part of this paper reviews the challenges of developing species distribution models for use with museum data and describes some of the questions that species distribution models have been used to address. Given the rapidly increasing number of museum records of species occurrence available over the internet, a review of their usefulness in conservation and ecology is timely.
A method for selecting optimal spectral resolution and comparison metric for material mapping by spectral library search
Authors: Nidamanuri Rama Rao , Zbell Bernd
Published: January 2010

Use of spectral library searching as an automated method of analysing hyperspectral remote sensing data for material mapping is gaining prominence, especially in the mineral mapping domain. The possibility and reliability of material identification by the spectral library search approach depends on the spectral representation, characterized by spectral resolution (or sampling interval) and comparison metric used. We present a method referred to as Relative Search Performance (RSP) for an evaluation of various spectral representations and comparison metrics for designing an optimal library search system for material mapping. The proposed method works on the basis of tracking the changes in the spectral matching ranks of entries in the hit lists of spectral library searches for various spectral representations and comparison metrics relative to a chosen standard. The method has been tested for the comparison of the search performance of various discrete spectral sampling intervals and popular comparison metrics using the USGS Spectral Library. Results indicate that this approach can be used for the selection of optimal spectral representation and/or for selecting a comparison metric appropriate for a particular material mapping application by the reflectance spectral library search.
Synoptic climatology and the general circulation model
Authors: Sheridan Scott C. , Lee Cameron C.
Published: January 2010

One of the main research directions of synoptic climatology in recent years has been its application to the output of general circulation models. These applications have spanned the wide array of synoptic techniques, from traditional ones such as correlation-based maps to more recently developed ones such as self-organizing maps and fuzzy clusters. Here, we review the main themes of recent articles, including assessments of the ability of GCMs to replicate historical circulation pattern frequency, as well as the incorporation of synoptic methods to assess GCM capability in producing estimates of precipitation and the likelihood of extreme events. Results from these articles are quite heterogeneous, suggesting that the selection of the GCM, the variables that are used to drive the categorization, and the specific methodology chosen are all important in determining the efficacy of the research and application.
Religiosity and Marital Fertility: Israeli Arab Muslims, 1955—1972
Authors: Schellekens Jona , Eisenbach Zvi
Published: January 2010

This study examines the relationship between religiosity and marital fertility in a Muslim society around the onset of the transition using the 1973—74 Israeli Fertility Survey. In rural areas, where no decline was discernable, there was a negative relationship between religiosity and marital fertility, while in urban areas there was no relationship. The results of this study suggest that the negative relationship in rural areas is because of differences in breast-feeding. Following Quranic recommendations, the more religious seem to breast-feed longer. Demographic, social, and economic characteristics of the more and less religious do not account for the negative relationship. Demographic, social, and economic characteristics and the use of contraceptive methods, however, do explain, in part, the absence of a negative relationship in urban areas.
Thumb Injuries in Intercollegiate Men's Lacrosse
Authors: Bowers Andrea L. , Horneff John G. , Baldwin Keith D. , Huffman G. Russell , Sennett Brian J.
Published: January 2010

Background

Men's intercollegiate lacrosse is played at a fast pace and with significant force. Glove protection is required. However, the thumb is at risk because of contact with opponents’ sticks, the ball, other players, and the ground or artificial surface.

Purpose

To characterize patterns of hand injuries in men's intercollegiate lacrosse and to compare them with those in similar intercollegiate stick-handling sports that require gloves.

Study Design

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Injury Surveillance System was utilized to evaluate thumb injuries in intercollegiate stick-handling sports (men's lacrosse, women's lacrosse, and men's ice hockey) during 16 intercollegiate seasons. Injuries were defined as events requiring an athlete to seek medical treatment and miss competition. Data were collected for injuries to the thumb, phalanges, and hand. Descriptive statistics were performed to calculate rates of injury per 1000 athlete-exposures and the relative exposure of the thumb with respect to total hand injuries. χ2 testing with the Yates correction for continuity was performed to determine differences in proportions of injury among the 3 sports studied.

Results

During 16 intercollegiate seasons, there were 692 thumb, finger, and hand injuries in 3 038 255 athlete-exposures. Total thumb injuries were significantly higher in men's lacrosse, accounting for 59.4% of total hand injuries, when compared with women's lacrosse (42%) and men's ice hockey (35.8%) (P < .001). Thumb fractures and contusions were each also found to be significantly more prevalent (P < .001) when compared with women's lacrosse and men's ice hockey.

Conclusion

Men's intercollegiate lacrosse requires the use of gloves; nonetheless, injury rates of the thumb are significantly elevated in this sport compared with other gloved, stick-handling sports. Recommendations include the development of gloves with improved thumb protection.
In Vivo Evaluation of 3-Dimensional Polycaprolactone Scaffolds for Cartilage Repair in Rabbits
Authors: Martinez-Diaz Santos , Garcia-Giralt Natalia , Lebourg Myriam , Gómez-Tejedor Jose-Antonio , Vila Gemma , Caceres Enric , Benito Pere , Monleón Pradas Manuel , Nogues Xavier , Gómez Ribelles Jose Luis , Monllau Joan Carles
Published: January 2010

Background

Cartilage tissue engineering using synthetic scaffolds allows maintaining mechanical integrity and withstanding stress loads in the body, as well as providing a temporary substrate to which transplanted cells can adhere.

Purpose

This study evaluates the use of polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds for the regeneration of articular cartilage in a rabbit model.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Five conditions were tested to attempt cartilage repair. To compare spontaneous healing (from subchondral plate bleeding) and healing due to tissue engineering, the experiment considered the use of osteochondral defects (to allow blood flow into the defect site) alone or filled with bare PCL scaffold and the use of PCL-chondrocytes constructs in chondral defects. For the latter condition, 1 series of PCL scaffolds was seeded in vitro with rabbit chondrocytes for 7 days and the cell/scaffold constructs were transplanted into rabbits’ articular defects, avoiding compromising the subchondral bone. Cell pellets and bare scaffolds were implanted as controls in a chondral defect.

Results

After 3 months with PCL scaffolds or cells/PCL constructs, defects were filled with white cartilaginous tissue; integration into the surrounding native cartilage was much better than control (cell pellet). The engineered constructs showed histologically good integration to the subchondral bone and surrounding cartilage with accumulation of extracellular matrix including type II collagen and glycosaminoglycan. The elastic modulus measured in the zone of the defect with the PCL/cells constructs was very similar to that of native cartilage, while that of the pellet-repaired cartilage was much smaller than native cartilage.

Conclusion

The results are quite promising with respect to the use of PCL scaffolds as aids for the regeneration of articular cartilage using tissue engineering techniques.
Assessing Children’s Values: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Döring Anna K.
Published: January 2010

Currently, much attention is devoted to children’s values and their development in an educational context. Recent research revealed that children hold a solid concept of their values and may provide accurate and unique information by themselves. Schwartz’s (1994) theory established a comprehensive framework of universal human values, and Schwartz’s Portrait Values Questionnaire (PVQ, a self-report instrument) provided access to adults’ and adolescents’ values. However, it is unexplored to what extent the two would be suitable for children. In an exploratory study, the PVQ was employed in a sample of 8- to 11-year-old children ( N = 191). Observations during the process of instrument completion indicated that the PVQ imposed high demands on children’s language skills, cognitive capacities, and ability for abstract thinking. Nonetheless, Multidimensional Scaling analyses revealed highly differentiated value structures. The discussion focuses on the validity of Schwartz’s theory in childhood, promising alternative assessment strategies, and implications for practitioners.