bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emerging Therapeutic Strategies for Targeting Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells
Authors: Hamad Ahmad , Sahli Zeyad , El Sabban Maya , Mouteirik Maha , Nasr Rihab
Published: July 2013

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal myeloproliferative disorder. Current targeted therapies designed to inhibit the tyrosine kinase activity of the BCR-ABL oncoprotein have made a significant breakthrough in the treatment of CML patients. However, CML remains a chronic disease that a patient must manage for life. Although tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) therapy has completely transformed the prognosis of CML, it has made the therapeutic management more complex. The interruption of TKI treatment results in early disease progression because it does not eliminate quiescent CML stem cells which remain a potential reservoir for disease relapse. This highlights the need to develop new therapeutic strategies for CML to achieve a permanent cure, and to allow TKI interruption. This review summarizes recent research done on alternative targeted therapies with a particular focus on some important signaling pathways (such as Alox5, Hedgehog, Wnt/b-catenin, autophagy, and PML) that have the potential to target CML stem cells and potentially provide cure for CML.
Antiviral Protein ofMomordica charantiaL. Inhibits Different Subtypes of Influenza A
Authors: Pongthanapisith Viroj , Ikuta Kazuyoshi , Puthavathana Pilaipan , Leelamanit Wichet
Published: July 2013

The new antiviral activity of the protein extracted fromMomordica charantiawas determined with different subtypes of influenza A. The protein was purified from the seed ofM. charantiausing an anion exchanger and a Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) system. At the concentration of 1.401 mg/mL, the protein did not exhibit cytotoxicity in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells (MDCK) but inhibited1×105FFU influenza A/PR/8/34 H1N1 virus at 56.50%, 65.72%, and 100% inhibition by the protein treated before the virus (pretreated), the protein treated alongside with the virus (simultaneously treated), and the protein treated after the virus (posttreated) during incubation, respectively. Using 5, 25, and 100 TCID50of influenza A/New Caledonia/20/99 H1N1, A/Fujian/411/01 H3N2 and A/Thailand/1(KAN-1)/2004 H5N1, the IC50was calculated to be 100, 150, and 200; 75, 175, and 300; and 40, 75, and 200 μg/mL, respectively. Our present finding indicated that the plant protein inhibited not only H1N1 and H3N2 but also H5N1 subtype. As a result of the broad spectrum of its antiviral activity, this edible plant can be developed as an effective therapeutic agent against various and even new emerging subtypes of influenza A.
An Exploration of the Needling Depth in Acupuncture: The Safe Needling Depth and the Needling Depth of Clinical Efficacy
Authors: Lin Jaung-Geng , Chou Pei-Chi , Chu Heng-Yi
Published: July 2013

Objective. To explore the existing scientific information regarding safe needling depth of acupuncture points and the needling depth of clinical efficacy.Methods. We searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Allied and Complementary Medicine (AMED), The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases to identify relevant monographs and related references from 1991 to 2013. Chinese journals and theses/dissertations were hand searched.Results. 47 studies were recruited and divided into 6 groups by measuring tools, that is, MRI, in vivo evaluation, CT, ultrasound, dissected specimen of cadavers, and another group with clinical efficacy. Each research was analyzed for study design, definition of safe depth, and factors that would affect the measured depths. Depths of clinical efficacy were discussed from the perspective of de-qi and other clinical observations.Conclusions. Great inconsistency in depth of each point measured from different subject groups and tools exists. The definition of safe depth should be established through standardization. There is also lack of researches to compare the clinical efficacy. A well-designed clinical trial selecting proper measuring tools to decide the actual and advisable needling depth for each point, to avoid adverse effects or complications and promote optimal clinical efficacy, is a top priority.
Sargassum fulvellumProtects HaCaT Cells and BALB/c Mice from UVB-Induced Proinflammatory Responses
Authors: Lee Chan , Park Gyu Hwan , Ahn Eun Mi , Park Chan-Ik , Jang Jung-Hee
Published: July 2013

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has been reported to induce cutaneous inflammation such as erythema and edema via induction of proinflammatory enzymes and mediators.Sargassum fulvellumis a brown alga of Sargassaceae family which has been demonstrated to exhibit antipyretic, analgesic, antiedema, antioxidant, antitumor, fibrinolytic, and hepatoprotective activities. The purpose of this study is to investigate anti-inflammatory effects of ethylacetate fraction of ethanol extract ofSargassum fulvellum(SFE-EtOAc) in HaCaT keratinocytes and BALB/c mice. In HaCaT cells, SFE-EtOAc effectively inhibited UVB-induced cytotoxicity (60 mJ/cm2) and the expression of proinflammatory proteins such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Furthermore, SFE-EtOAc significantly reduced UVB-induced production of proinflammatory mediators including prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO). In BALB/c mice, topical application of SFE-EtOAc prior to UVB irradiation (200 mJ/cm2) effectively suppressed the UVB-induced protein expression of COX-2, iNOS, and TNF-αand subsequently attenuated generation of PGE2and NO as well. In another experiment, SFE-EtOAc pretreatment suppressed UVB-induced reactive oxygen species production and exhibited an antioxidant potential by upregulation of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase in HaCaT cells. These results suggest that SFE-EtOAc could be an effective anti-inflammatory agent protecting against UVB irradiation-induced skin damages.
The Presence of Asthma, the Use of Inhaled Steroids, and Parental Education Level Affect School Performance in Children
Authors: Tsakiris A. , Iordanidou M. , Paraskakis E. , Tsalkidis A. , Rigas A. , Zimeras S. , Katsardis C. , Chatzimichael A.
Published: July 2013

Objective. Childhood asthma is a frequent cause of absenteeism that affects school performance. We aimed to investigate the impact of asthma on absenteeism and school performance level of elementary and high school students.Methods. Data about sociodemographics, absenteeism, and academic achievement were obtained from 1539 students attending 98 schools in Greece. School performance was assessed for the last two years of school attendance using parents’ and teachers’ reports and grade point average promotion.Results. The mean of the days of absence of students with asthma was higher compared to the healthy students (6.2 ± 11.7 versus 0.3 ± 3.1, resp.,P<0.001). Students with reduced healthcare use presented less absenteeism than those with increased healthcare use for asthma (4.3 ± 8.6 versus 12.4 ± 17.0 days, resp.,P<0.001). Asthma and healthcare use for asthma accounted for an overall estimated variability in absence days of 13.8% and 9%, respectively. Absenteeism was associated with poor school performance for the last two years of school (P=0.002) and with lower grade point promotion in elementary school students (P=0.001) but not in high school students (P=0.316). Higher level of parental education was associated with better school performance (P<0.001). Asthma was associated with a decreased possibility for excellent performance (OR = 0.64,P=0.049, 95%CI = 0.41–1.00) in elementary students. Students with asthma using inhalers were four times more likely to perform excellently in elementary school (OR = 4.3,P=0.028, 95%CI = 1.17–15.95) than their asthmatic peers with alternative asthma treatments.Conclusions. Asthma and increased healthcare use enhance school absenteeism. Inhaled steroid use and the higher parental education level were the most important predicting factors for good school performance in elementary school asthmatic children.
Long-Term Results after Treatment of Very Low-, Low-, and High-Risk Thyroid Cancers in a Combined Setting of Thyroidectomy and Radio Ablation Therapy in Euthyroidism
Authors: Emmanouilidis Nikos , Schrem Harald , Winkler Michael , Klempnauer Jürgen , Scheumann Georg F. W.
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Differentiated thyroid cancer treatment usually consists of thyroidectomy and radio ablation in hypothyroidism 4-6 weeks after surgery. Replacing hypothyroidism by recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone can facilitate radio ablation in euthyroidism within one week after surgery. The outcome of this approach was investigated.Methods. This is a prospective randomized trial to compare thyroidectomy and radio ablation within a few days after preconditioning with recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone versus thyroidectomy and radio ablation separated by four weeks of L-T4withdrawal. Tumors were graded into very low-, low- , or high-risk tumors. Recurrence-free survival was confirmed at follow-up controls by neck ultrasound and serum thyroglobulin. Suspected tumor recurrence was treated by additional radio ablation or surgery. Quality-of-life questionnaires with additional evaluation of job performance and sick-leave time were used in all patients.Results. Radio ablation in euthyroidism in quick succession after thyroidectomy did not lead to higher tumor recurrence rates of differentiated thyroid cancers in any risk category and was significantly advantageous with respect to quality-of-life (P<0.001), sick-leave time (P<0.001), and job performance (P=0.002).Conclusion. Recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone can be used safely and with good efficacy to allow radio ablation under sustained euthyroidism within one week after thyroidectomy.
Level of Anxiety, Depression, Self‐Esteem, Social Anxiety, and Quality of Life among the Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Açmaz Gökhan , Albayrak Evrim , Acmaz Banu , Başer Mürüvvet , Soyak Murat , Zararsız Gökmen , İpekMüderris İptisam
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disease and many symptoms are seen with varying degrees. The aim of the present study was to determine which symptoms increased such problems as depression, anxiety, low self‐esteem, and social worry by classifying PCOS according to symptoms. Methods. The study was carried out with two groups. The first group consisted of 86 patients who were diagnosed with PCOS and the second group consisted of 47 healthy volunteers. Liebowitz’ Social Anxiety Scale, Rosenberg’ Self‐Esteem Scale, Short‐Form 36, Quality of Life Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory were administered to each volunteer. Results. Depression scores of infertile group were higher while anxiety scores of the obese group were bigger than other groups. It was the obesity group that received the smallest score in self‐esteem and trust in people and the highest score in sensitiveness to criticism. The most affected group was oligomenorrhea‐hirsutism group in terms of physical functioning, physical role function, pain, social functioning, emotional role function, and emotional well‐being. Conclusion. We suggest that not only gynecologist but also a multidisciplinary team may examine these patients.
Observational Research on Alcohol Use and Chronic Disease Outcome: New Approaches to Counter Biases
Authors: Liang Wenbin , Chikritzhs Tanya
Published: July 2013

Background. The frequently reported protective effects of moderate alcohol consumption in observational studies may be due to unadjusted bias. Aim. To examine two new approaches that account for unknown confounding factors and allow the application of intention‐to‐treat analysis. Method. This study used data from the 2008, 2009, and 2010 National Health Interview Surveys conducted in the United States. Unknown confounding effects were estimated through the association between parental alcohol use and health outcomes for children, because the presence of hypothetical physiological effects of alcohol can be ruled out for this association. In order to apply intention‐to‐treat analysis, previous alcohol use of former drinkers was obtained by using multiple imputations. Estimates with new adjustment approaches were compared with the traditional approach. Results. The traditional analytical approach; appears to be consistent with findings from previous observational studies; when two further adjustment approaches were used, the “protective” effects of moderate drinking almost disappeared. Conclusion. Use of a proxy outcome to estimate and control residual confounding effects of alcohol use and application of the intention‐to‐treat principle could provide a more realistic estimation of the true effects of alcohol use on health outcomes in observational epidemiological studies.
The Thymulin-Lactotropic Axis in Rodents: Thymectomy, Immunoneutralization and Gene Transfer Studies
Authors: Martines Eliana V. , Reggiani Paula C. , Camihort Gisela , Luna Georgina , Zappa Maria F. , Brown Oscar A. , Goya Rodolfo G. , Cónsole Gloria M.
Published: July 2013

Objectives: There is clear evidence on the existence of a thymus-pituitary axis which seems to be particularly important during perinatal life. In particular, the thymic peptide thymulin has been shown to be a relevant player in thymus-pituitary communication. Our goal was to explore the effect of thymulin on circulating prolactin (PRL) levels in different animal models. To this end we undertook a series of experiments in rats and mice, implementing adult thymectomy, thymulin immunoneutralization in normal C57BL/6 mice and neonatal thymulin gene therapy in nude mice. Methods: We assessed the impact of the above manipulations on PRL secretion and lactotrope morphology by measuring serum PRL by radioimmunoassay and by performing morphometric analysis of the lactotropic cell population in the anterior pituitary gland. Results: Adult thymectomy in female rats slightly increased serum PRL, an effect that was partially reversed by thymulin gene therapy. In mice, thymulin immunoneutralization from birth to age 32 days reduced serum PRL both in males and females. Thymulin immunoneutralization induced a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in lactotrope cell density (CD) and volume density (VD) without changes in cell size (CS). Neonatal thymulin gene therapy markedly increased serum thymulin (p < 0.01) and lactotrope CD, CS and VD in nude mice of both sexes. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a modulatory effect of thymulin on the lactotrope cell population and on serum PRL, particularly during early life.
Renal Subcapsular Hemorrhage Complicating Ureterolithotripsy: An Unknown Complication of a Known Day-to-Day Procedure
Authors: Meng Hongzhou , Chen Shanwen , Chen Geming , Tan Fuqing , Wang Chaojun , Shen Baihua
Published: July 2013

Objective: To report the incidence, risk factors, and treatments of renal subcapsular hemorrhage (RSH) complicating ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL). Patients and Methods: Data from 1,918 URSLs performed between January 2004 and March 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients' data included age, sex, relevant medical history, stone side, size, and degree of hydronephrosis. Results: All 8 patients were identified as having an RSH after URSL. There were 2 males and 6 females with a mean age of 45.6 years (range 30-62 years). The patients' relevant medical histories (renal calculi extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, renal operation and hypertension) were statistically different between those who did and did not develop an RSH. Acute onset of flank pain is the most common symptom. Three patients with infective and large hemorrhage were managed by percutaneous nephrostomy in 1 and percutaneous subcapsular drainage in 2. Five patients with small and uninfected hemorrhage were managed conservatively. Conclusions: The rate of development of RSH complicating URSL is very low. RSH complicating URSL can occur in patients with underlying renal abnormalities. RSH is rarely associated with abrupt hemodynamic instability and usually not lethal. Treatment is selected based on the patient's hemodynamic state, infection, renal function, and the feasibility of treatment modality.
Overactive Bladder and Pontine Reticular Formation
Authors: Zorba Orhan Ünal , Kırbaş Serkan , Uzun Hakkı , Çetinkaya Mehmet , Önem Kadir , Rifaioğlu Mehmet Murat
Published: July 2013

Background: The etiology of overactive bladder (OAB) remains unclear. Observed neurogenic factors in the literature are limited to suprapontine or spinal pathologies. The blink reflex is a useful tool in the evaluation of brainstem functions. Blink reflex latency times were evaluated in order to reveal pathology in the brainstem. Methods: A total of 60 women, 30 patients with idiopathic OAB and 30 healthy controls, were enrolled in the study. Blink reflex latency times were analyzed by electrical stimulation of the supraorbital nerve. Two responses in the orbicularis oculi muscle, early ipsilateral response (R1) and late bilateral response (R2) latency times, were recorded. Results: Mean ages of the patients and controls were 51.9 ± 5.3 and 49.2 ± 6.2 years, respectively. R2 latency times were significantly higher in patients than in controls. However, R1 latency times were similar between the two groups. Conclusions: The results of the study suggest a significant relation between late blink latency times and OAB. An oligosynaptic path via the trigeminal nuclei is responsible for R1; however, R2 response is relayed through the reticular formation. Stimulation of pontine reticular formation inhibits micturition contraction. In some patients, idiopathic OAB may result from reticular formation-originated pathology. Additional studies on other reticular formation-mediated reflexes are needed to reveal possible dysfunction of reticular formation.
Genomic Constitution and Atypical Reproduction in Polyploid and Unisexual Lineages of the Misgurnus Loach, a Teleost Fish
Authors: Arai K. , Fujimoto T.
Published: July 2013

The loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) is an excellent animal model to elucidate biological origin and evolutionary significance of genome duplication and unisexual reproduction because artificially induced and naturally occurring polyploids and parthenogenetic (gynogenetic, androgenetic) animals can be compared. First, we summarize the chromosome manipulation techniques to induce triploids and tetraploids by inhibiting meiotic or mitotic divisions of inseminated eggs, respectively, as well as parthenogenetic animals, obtained after fertilization with genetically inactivated gametes. Then, we review the knowledge on natural polyploid and unisexual lineages found in Misgurnus loaches. A natural diploid-tetraploid complex occurs in wild populations in central China, and these diploid and tetraploid loaches reproduce bisexually. Chinese tetraploids are considered autotetraploid, which may have arisen by doubling of the entire genome of an ancestral diploid, based on cytogenetic results from FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) karyotypes and meiotic configurations. In contrast, gynogenetically reproducing clonal diploid lineages have been discovered in a few wild populations in Japan, although most wild-type individuals are bisexually reproducing diploids. Such clonal diploid loaches sometimes produce triploid progeny by accidental incorporation of a sperm nucleus into an unreduced diploid egg, and the resulting triploid generates haploid eggs by meiotic hybridogenesis. Unreduced diploid gametes of clonal loaches are generated by a cytological mechanism, premeiotic endomitosis, which likely occurs in the early (gonium stage) germ cells. Initiation of gynogenetic development is related to a failure of decondensation of the male (sperm) pronucleus in unreduced diploid eggs of a clonal loach. Clonal lineages may have arisen from a past hybrid event between genetically divergent groups, but their exact origins are unknown at present. See also the sister article focusing on plants by Hegarty et al. in this themed issue.
Systematics of Mappia (Icacinaceae), an endemic genus of tropical America
Authors: ANGULO DIEGO F. , DE STEFANO RODRIGO DUNO , STULL GREGORY W.
Published: July 2013

Mappia includes four species of trees and shrubs distributed in Central America, Mexico and the Greater Antilles. Mappia has historically been associated with the genera Casimirella (=Humirianthera), Icacina, Leretia and Nothapodytes, collectively comprising the Mappia complex, and over the years authors have merged or maintained these genera based on various lines of morphological and anatomical evidence. Here we present a phylogenetic study of the Mappia complex, based on morphological and molecular data, to assess monophyly of Mappia as well as relationships among other icacinaceous genera. Our results indicate that Mappia is sister to the Asiatic genus Nothapodytes, consistent with previous studies, and that Leretia, Icacina and Casimirella form a clade more closely related to other genera of Icacinaceae (e.g., Alsodeiopsis, Iodes, Phytocrene) than to Mappia+Nothapodytes. These results support recognition of Mappia as a distinct entity, and here we provide an updated taxonomic treatment for the genus, recognizing four species including three from Mexico and Central America (M. longipes, M. mexicana, and M. multiflora) and one from the Greater Antilles (M. racemosa).
The genus Pauridia (Hypoxidaceae) amplified to include Hypoxis sect. Ianthe, Saniella and Spiloxene, with revised nomenclature and typification
Authors: SNIJMAN DEIRDRE A. , KOCYAN ALEXANDER
Published: July 2013

Recent phylogenetic analyses show that the species of the southern African genera Pauridia, Saniella and Spiloxene and the Australian, Tasmanian and New Zealand Hypoxis sect. Ianthe form a highly supported, monophyletic clade. In keeping with earlier suggestions that these taxa doubtfully warrant separate status, and to avoid the recognition of Hypoxis and Spiloxene as paraphyletic, we expand the circumscription of Pauridia to include Saniella, Spiloxene and Hypoxis sect. Ianthe. As a result 33 new combinations at specific and infraspecific level are proposed and one epitype, two neotypes and 30 lectotypes are newly designated. Three basionyms, of which Linnaeus, Linnaeus filius and Lamarck are the authors, are also typified (Amaryllis capensis, Hypoxis aquatica, and Hypoxis pumila).
A new species of Mictyris Latreille, 1806 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Mictyridae) from the Andaman coast of Thailand, with notes on its ecology and behaviour
Authors: DAVIE PETER J.F. , WISESPONGPAND PUNTIP , SHIH HSI-TE
Published: July 2013

A new species of soldier crab (genus Mictyris Latreille, 1806) is described from the Andaman Sea coast of Thailand. Mictyris thailandensis sp. nov. differs morphologically from its described congeners by its pale plain colouring, the differently shaped apex of the male first gonopod, and by chela features. It also has significant genetic divergence (cytochrome oxidase I ≥ 11.95%) from other described species.
A Diabatic Lagrangian Technique for the Analysis of Convective Storms. Part I: Description and Validation via an Observing System Simulation Experiment
Authors: Ziegler Conrad L.
Published: July 2013

A diabatic Lagrangian analysis (DLA) technique for deriving potential temperature, water vapor and cloud water mixing ratios, and virtual buoyancy from three-dimensional time-dependent Doppler radar wind and reflectivity fields in storms is presented. The DLA method proceeds from heat and water substance conservation along discrete air trajectories via microphysical diabatic heating/cooling and simple damping and surface flux parameterizations in a parcel-following ground-relative reference frame to thermodynamic fields on a regular grid of trajectory endpoints at a common analysis time. Rain and graupel precipitation size distributions are parameterized from observed reflectivity at discrete Lagrangian points to simplify the cloud model–based microphysically driven heating and cooling rate calculations. The DLA approximates the precipitation size distributions from reflectivity assuming conventional inverse exponential size distributions and prescribed input intercept parameter values based on the output of a mature simulated storm. The DLA is demonstrated via an observing system simulation experiment (OSSE), and its analysis compares favorably with the known output buoyancy and water substance fields in the simulated storm case. The DLA-analyzed thermal–solenoidal horizontal vorticity tendency is of comparable magnitude to the corresponding modeled solenoidal vorticity tendency. A test application of the DLA to a radar-observed storm is presented in a companion paper (Part II).
Cost-Effective Methods for Accurate Determination of Sea Level Rise Vulnerability: A Solomon Islands Example
Authors: Albert Simon , Abernethy Kirsten , Gibbes Badin , Grinham Alistair , Tooler Nixon , Aswani Shankar
Published: July 2013

For millions of people living along the coastal fringe, sea level rise is perhaps the greatest threat to livelihoods over the coming century. With the refinement and downscaling of global climate models and increasing availability of airborne-lidar-based inundation models, it is possible to predict and quantify these threats with reasonable accuracy where such information is available. For less developed countries, especially small island states, access to high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from lidar is limited. The only freely available DEMs that could be used for inundation modeling by these nations are those based on data from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). These data, with a horizontal resolution of ≈90 m and a vertical accuracy of ±5–10 m, are generally unsuitable for local-scale planning and adaption projects. To address this disparity, low-cost ground-based techniques were tested and applied to accurately determine coastal topography in the Solomon Islands. This method had a significantly improved vertical accuracy (±2 cm) and was readily learned by local community members, who were able to independently map and determine the vulnerability of their costal community to inundation from sea level rise. For areas where lidar is not economically viable, this method is intended to provide an important balance of cost, simplicity, accuracy, and local participation that can assist remote coastal communities with coastal planning decisions. The method can enhance local capacity and arguably promotes more meaningful local engagement in sea level rise planning and adaptation activities.
More or different education? The joint impact of educational level and fields of study on earnings stratification in Finland, 1985–2005
Authors: Prix Irene
Published: July 2013

Both educational attainment and fields of study have been found to influence individuals’ socio-economic position, but their joint socio-economic impact has received considerably less research attention to date. Focusing on Finland, the article attempts to address this gap. Using large-scale and mainly register-based cross-sectional data, the logged annual earnings of young Finnish adults are estimated by means of median regression models for the years 1985, 1995 and 2005. Results show that whether or not educational level raises individuals’ socio-economic position crucially depends on the fields of study involved. Educational attainment increases earnings mainly within the same field of study, but not necessarily when comparing the impact of qualifications across different areas of specialization. Furthermore, trends over time in the economic value of educational qualifications are heterogeneous, with stability, decline and growth simultaneously affecting different fields of study within a given educational level. Gender differences in the returns to vocational education tentatively indicate that, at lower educational levels, female-dominated fields of study might be more beneficial for women’s earnings than stereotypically male fields, yet this result does not appear robust over alternative measures of socio-economic status. On the whole, it is suggested that theories of social closure and status competition may be more suited to account for the relationship between education and earnings stratification in Finland than arguments based on personal characteristics such as individuals' productivity.
The Effects of Visual and Cognitive Distractions on Operational and Tactical Driving Behaviors
Authors: Zhang Yu , Kaber David B. , Rogers Meghan , Liang Yulan , Gangakhedkar Shruti
Published: July 2013

Objective:

This study tested the effects of two fundamental forms of distraction, including visual-manual and cognitive-audio distraction, with comparison under both operational and tactical driving. Strategic control remains for future study.

Background:

Driving is a complex control task involving operational, tactical, and strategic control. Although operational control, such as lead-car following, has been studied, the influence of in-vehicle distractions on higher levels of control, including tactical and strategic, remains unclear.

Method:

Two secondary tasks were designed to independently represent visual-manual and cognitive-audio distractions, based on multiple resource theory. Drivers performed operational vehicle control maneuvers (lead-car following) or tactical control maneuvers (passing) along with the distraction tasks in a driving simulator. Response measures included driving performance and visual behavior.

Results:

Results revealed drivers’ ability to accommodate either visual or cognitive distractions in following tasks but not in passing. The simultaneous distraction condition led to the greatest decrement in performance.

Conclusion:

Findings support the need to assess the impacts of in-vehicle distraction on different levels of driving control. Future study should investigate driver distraction under strategic control.
Soma-vamsi Yayati in Tradition and Medieval Odia Literature
Authors: Dash Gaganendra Nath
Published: July 2013

Soma-vamsi Yayati I ( circa A.D. 922–55) has been called as ‘the father of modern Orissa’ by no less a person than K.C. Panigrahi, the celebrated historian of Odisha. As the ancient king Jajati Kesari, supposed to be Somavamsi Yayati I, occupies an important place in the Odisha’s traditions, public memory, Odia literature and in Odisha’s historiography such a claim appears to be quite natural. Panigrahi’s claim rests primarily on the legendary traditions centring round the king Jajati Kesari and medieval Odia literary texts such as Mahabharata by Raja Krushna Singh and the fifteenth century epic Sarala Mahabharata. Recently, however, scholars such as Snigdha and Tripathy, Susmita Arp and Hermann Kulke have challenged the authenticity of the Mahabharata by Raja Krushna Singh and these legendary traditions, as being unreliable. This article, attempts to closely examine the reliability and acceptability of these legendary traditions and literary texts, and focuses on the Sarala Mahabharata as a possible historical source material. In addition, it will also seek to show how in the early years of Odia identity construction historians as well as other men of letters of the Odia speaking tracts made an endeavour to make Yayati Kesari an icon of Odia identity which, in turn, might have indirectly induced Panigrahi to advance such a claim.
Mechanical performance studies on Vetiveria zizanioides/jute/glass fiber-reinforced hybrid polymeric composites
Authors: Vinayagamoorthy R , Rajeswari N
Published: July 2013

In this study, a new biodegradable hybrid composite material is developed with natural Vetiveria zizanioides (vetiver), woven jute, and commercially available E-glass as reinforcing fibers and vinyl ester as the resin. Vetiver fibers are pretreated with distilled water and alkali followed by heat treatment. Nine composite specimens are prepared by varying the proportions of natural and glass fibers in each and maintaining the resin content as a constant. The specimens are tested for tensile, compressive, flexural, and impact strengths. The results revealed that the chemical treatment to the vetiver fiber shows a substantial improvement in the mechanical properties of hybrid composite material. Also, by proper selection of fiber proportions, glass fibers can be replaced by natural fibers without losing the mechanical properties.
Analyzing effective municipal solid waste recycling programs: the case of county-level MSW recycling performance in Florida, USA
Authors: Park Seejeen , Berry Frances S
Published: July 2013

Municipal solid waste (MSW) recycling performance, both nationally and in Florida, USA, has shown little improvement during the past decade. This research examines variations in the MSW recycling program performance in Florida counties in an attempt to identify effective recycling programs. After reviewing trends in the MSW management literature, we conducted an empirical analysis using cross-sectional multiple regression analysis. The findings suggest that the convenience-based hypothesis was supported by showing that curbside recycling had a positive effect on MSW recycling performance. Financial (cost-saving) incentive-based hypotheses were partially supported meaning that individual level incentives can influence recycling performance. Citizen environmental concern was found to positively affect the amount of county recycling, while education and political affiliation yielded no significant results. In conclusion, this article discusses the implications of the findings for both academic research and practice of MSW recycling programs.
Inflammation and schizophrenia
Authors: Al-Asmari AK , Khan Md. W
Published: July 2013

Objective:

Although several theories have been proposed including developmental/neurodegenerative processes, neurotransmitter abnormalities, viral infection, and immune dysfunction, the exact causative factor of schizophrenia is unclear. A relationship between inflammation and schizophrenia has been supported by abnormal cytokine production and altered antioxidant status. This study was aimed to examine the alterations in serum oxidative–antioxidative status and cytokine levels of schizophrenic patients.

Methods:

A total of 91 schizophrenic patients from Saudi Arabia and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the present study. Fresh blood samples were collected to measure the levels of cytokines and markers of oxidative stress by spectrophotometric assays simultaneously.

Results:

We observed that there was a significant increase in the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 and a decrease in the levels of interferon-γ. Lipid peroxides are elevated in serum, while total-sulfhydryl levels were decreased. Also, the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were decreased, while the activities of catalase, glutathione reductase, and myeloperoxidase were found to be elevated in serum.

Conclusion:

We conclude that inflammation resulting from dysregulation of cytokines and altered antioxidant systems may play a critical role in the etiology of schizophrenia.
Female Genital Cutting
Authors: Goldenstein Rachel A.
Published: July 2013

Female genital cutting (FGC) is a practice that affects millions of girls and women worldwide. This deeply rooted practice has cultural, religious, and psychosexual meaning to its practitioners, but it also carries long-term physical and mental complications. Decried as a human rights violation, nonetheless this practice is still carried out today. Nurses are in a unique position to contact and educate women who have been cut or are at risk for mutilation. To advocate for these women, a thorough understanding of the practice of FGC, its cultural overtones, religious implications, and psychosexual effects is needed.
Estimation of elastic and modal parameters in composites using vibration analysis
Authors: Yesilyurt Isa , Gursoy Habibe
Published: July 2013

This study presents the application of vibration analysis in the determination of elastic constants (i.e. Young’s modulus in fiber direction, transverse Young’s modulus, and shear modulus) and modal damping ratios of a unidirectional composite beam. The frequency domain approach is used for the estimation of material constants, whereas modal damping ratios are predicted by the use of short-time Fourier transform (STFT). An analytical expression of the STFT for the free vibration response of a viscously damped system has been derived using the Hanning window. Analysis of a simulated vibration for a three-degree-of-freedom system has revealed that the STFT is capable of predicting the modal damping ratios accurately even when they are considerably large. For the experimental assessment of modal damping values of a composite beam, longitudinal, flexural, and torsional vibration responses are analyzed by both the STFT and well-known Q-factor approximation, and the obtained results show very good agreement.
Analysis and experimental study on the MAGLEV vehicle-guideway interaction based on the full-state feedback theory
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhong Xiaobo , Shen Gang
Published: July 2013

Through the theoretical analysis and experiments on the test, the levitation control system stability of the MAGLEV vehicle on elastic track was investigated. Firstly, taking the single magnet coupled with elastic track as the object, the corresponding mathematical model and the real-time test platform based on dSPACE were founded. Secondly, two kinds of the state feedback controllers were developed based on Kalman filters, and their influences on the stability of the MAGLEV system were investigated, respectively. The research results show that, if the track has no damping, the controller treating the tracks as fixed cannot make the MAGLEV system steady. However a harder track stiffness enables the system, with a certain track damping, to stabilize. The control method considering the track’s flexibility can soundly maintain the system’s stability even if the track has a relatively soft stiffness and no damping effect. The tests on the real-time test platform verified the effectiveness of the latter control method.
Reflection and refraction at the interface between distinct generally anisotropic half spaces for three-dimensional plane quasi-P waves
Authors: Chattopadhyay A , Kumari Pato , Sharma VK
Published: July 2013

In this paper, reflection and refraction phenomena are studied for a three-dimensional plane quasi-P wave incident at the interface between distinct triclinic half spaces. A method has been developed to find the analytical expressions of all the phase velocities of reflected and transmitted quasi-P (qP), quasi-SV (qSV), and quasi-SH (qSH) waves. Closed form expressions for the amplitude ratios of reflection and transmission coefficients of qP, qSV, and qSH waves are also obtained. These expressions are computed numerically for a given set of data and the velocity distributions and variation of reflection and transmission coefficients with polar and azimuthal angle of incidence are shown graphically using two-dimensional single and double axes graphs. Surface plots of velocity variations of different reflected and transmitted waves are drawn to analyze the combined effect of incident polar and azimuthal angle on velocity distribution. Numerical results presented indicate that anisotropy effects on the reflection and transmission coefficients are significantly different in the three-dimensional case compared to the two-dimensional case. Certain published work has been derived as special cases to illustrate the present technique. Software in MATLAB has been designed to analyze the reflection/transmission phenomena with present geometry in simpler elastic media, such as monoclinic, transversely isotropic, isotropic, etc.
Step-by-step decoupling method for inverse substructuring analysis of a three-component coupled packaging system
Authors: Wang Jun , Wang Zhi-wei , Lu Li-xin
Published: July 2013

Based on a step-by-step decoupling method, an inverse substructuring method is developed for the analysis of the dynamic characteristics of a single-coordinate coupled three-substructure system. The closed-form analytical solution to inverse substructuring analysis of the system is derived. The proposed method is validated by a lumped mass-spring-damper model, the predicted frequency response functions (FRFs) of substructures and the coupling stiffness; in addition, the most relevant system-level FRFs are compared with the direct computations, showing exact agreement. Finally, the sensitivity of the proposed method to measurement error is studied. The method developed offers an approach to extract the unknown substructure-level FRFs and coupling stiffness from system-level FRFs purely for single-coordinate coupled substructures.
Sexual and General Offending Trajectories of Men Referred for Civil Commitment
Authors: Francis Brian , Harris Danielle Arlanda , Wallace Stephanie , Knight Raymond A. , Soothill Keith
Published: July 2013

Policies aimed at managing high-risk offenders, which include sex offenders, often assume they are a homogeneous population. These policies also tend to assume the pattern of offending is the same for all sex offenders, and is stable. This study challenges these assumptions by examining the life course offending trajectories of 780 convicted adult male sexual offenders. The men were referred to the Massachusetts Treatment Center for civil commitment between 1959 and 1984. The changing number of both sexual and any offenses were examined by age using Group-Based Trajectory Modeling. We identified a four-trajectory model for all offending and a four-trajectory model for sexual offending. The identified groups varied in several offending patterns including criminal onset, length of criminal careers, age of peak offending, and time of entry into the treatment center. Late adult onset of sex offending was found to be associated with child molestation, whereas early-onset trajectories were associated with rape. Implications for future research and policy are discussed.
Gradient echo magnetic resonance imaging correlates with clinical measures and allows visualization of veins within multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Luo Jie , Yablonskiy Dmitriy A , Hildebolt Charles F , Lancia Samantha , Cross Anne H
Published: July 2013

Background:

Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods do not quantify the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) white matter lesions or measure pathology within normal-appearing white matter (NAWM).

Objective:

Gradient Echo Plural Contrast Imaging (GEPCI), a fast MRI technique producing inherently co-registered images for qualitative and quantitative assessment of MS, was used to 1) correlate with disability; 2) distinguish clinical MS subtypes; 3) determine prevalence of veins co-localized within lesions in WM.

Methods:

Thirty subjects representing relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS) subtypes were scanned with clinical and GEPCI protocols. Standard measures of physical disability and cognition were correlated with magnetic resonance metrics. Lesions with central veins were counted for RRMS subjects.

Results:

Tissue damage load (TDL-GEPCI) and lesion load (LL-GEPCI) derived with GEPCI correlated better with MS functional composite (MSFC) measures and most other neurologic measures than lesion load derived with FLAIR (LL-FLAIR). GEPCI correctly classified clinical subtypes in 70% subjects. A central vein could be identified in 76% of WM lesions in RRMS subjects on GEPCI T2*-SWI images.

Conclusion:

GEPCI lesion metrics correlated better with neurologic disability than lesion load derived using FLAIR imaging, and showed promise in classifying clinical subtypes of MS. These improvements are likely attributable to the ability of GEPCI to quantify tissue damage.
Book Review: The health of nations: Towards a new political economy
Authors: Fontefrancesco Michele
Published: July 2013

Mooney, Gavin. 2012: The health of nations: Towards a new political economy. London: Zed Books. xii + 212 pp. £ 65.00 hardback, £ 16.99 paperback. ISBN: 978 1 78032 060 1 hardback. ISBN: 978 78032 059 5 paperback.
Book Review: Thailand’s political peasants: Power in the modern rural economy
Authors: Forsyth Tim
Published: July 2013

Walker, Andrew. 2012: Thailand’s political peasants: Power in the modern rural economy. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press. xiii + 276 pp. ISBN 978 0 299 28824 2 paperback, $29.95. ISBN 978 0 299 28823 5 e-book, $21.95.
The Pervasive Problem With Placebos in Psychology
Authors: Boot Walter R. , Simons Daniel J. , Stothart Cary , Stutts Cassie
Published: July 2013

To draw causal conclusions about the efficacy of a psychological intervention, researchers must compare the treatment condition with a control group that accounts for improvements caused by factors other than the treatment. Using an active control helps to control for the possibility that improvement by the experimental group resulted from a placebo effect. Although active control groups are superior to “no-contact” controls, only when the active control group has the same expectation of improvement as the experimental group can we attribute differential improvements to the potency of the treatment. Despite the need to match expectations between treatment and control groups, almost no psychological interventions do so. This failure to control for expectations is not a minor omission—it is a fundamental design flaw that potentially undermines any causal inference. We illustrate these principles with a detailed example from the video-game-training literature showing how the use of an active control group does not eliminate expectation differences. The problem permeates other interventions as well, including those targeting mental health, cognition, and educational achievement. Fortunately, measuring expectations and adopting alternative experimental designs makes it possible to control for placebo effects, thereby increasing confidence in the causal efficacy of psychological interventions.
PsychDisclosure.org
Authors: LeBel Etienne P. , Borsboom Denny , Giner-Sorolla Roger , Hasselman Fred , Peters Kurt R. , Ratliff Kate A. , Smith Colin Tucker
Published: July 2013

There is currently an unprecedented level of doubt regarding the reliability of research findings in psychology. Many recommendations have been made to improve the current situation. In this article, we report results from PsychDisclosure.org , a novel open-science initiative that provides a platform for authors of recently published articles to disclose four methodological design specification details that are not required to be disclosed under current reporting standards but that are critical for accurate interpretation and evaluation of reported findings. Grassroots sentiment—as manifested in the positive and appreciative response to our initiative—indicates that psychologists want to see changes made at the systemic level regarding disclosure of such methodological details. Almost 50% of contacted researchers disclosed the requested design specifications for the four methodological categories (excluded subjects, nonreported conditions and measures, and sample size determination). Disclosed information provided by participating authors also revealed several instances of questionable editorial practices, which need to be thoroughly examined and redressed. On the basis of these results, we argue that the time is now for mandatory methods disclosure statements for all psychology journals, which would be an important step forward in improving the reliability of findings in psychology.