bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geological history of bathyal echinoid faunas, with a new genus from the late Cretaceous of Italy
Authors: SMITH ANDREW B. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe Scaglia Rossa of central and northern Italy yields a late Cretaceous bathyal echinoid fauna. Comparison with Jurassic and Cenozoic bathyal faunas highlights that (i) there have been at least three phases of colonization of bathyal settings from the continental shelves, with successive faunas replacing the earlier; and (ii) bathyal echinoid faunas encompass an increasing range of feeding strategies and greater diversity of taxa through time, paralleling increasing nutrification of the oceans. A new Santonian deep-sea spatangoid,Bathyovulaster disjunctusgen. et sp. nov., is described from sediments deposited at > 1500 m water depth at Gubbio, Umbria–Marche region, Italy.
SHORTENED PEGINTERFERON AND RIBAVIRIN TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC HEPATITIS C
Authors: Hartwell Debbie , Jones Jeremy , Baxter Louise , Shepherd Jonathan 
Published: September 2012

Background: Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin combination therapy is an effective treatment for many patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). Reducing the length of treatment may be advantageous. We performed a systematic review and economic evaluation to assess shorter treatment duration of this regimen.Methods: We searched fourteen bibliographic databases (including The Cochrane Library, Medline, and Embase) from 2000 to October 2009 and consulted experts and drug manufacturers. Eligible articles were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) selected according to predefined criteria. We undertook an economic evaluation to assess the cost-effectiveness of shortened treatment versus standard treatment in the UK.Results: Six trials were included. In the sub-group of patients who had low viral load (LVL) and a rapid virological response (RVR), there were no statistically significant differences in sustained virological response (SVR) rates between patients who received standard treatment (range, 83 percent to 100 percent) and those who received shortened courses (range 84 percent to 96 percent) (24 weeks for genotype 1, 16 weeks for genotype 2/3). Shortened treatment resulted in cost savings, but in some scenarios also resulted in poorer outcome, compared with standard treatment. This requires a judgment to be made on the value of the quality-adjusted life-year loss resulting from adopting a shorter treatment regimen, if shorter treatment is associated with a lower SVR than standard treatment duration.Conclusions: For chronic HCV patients who have LVL and achieve an RVR, shortened peginterferon and ribavirin combination therapy could be considered as a viable treatment option.
The usefulness of brain natriuretic peptide in simple congenital heart disease – a systematic review
Authors: Eindhoven Jannet A. , van den Bosch Annemien E. , Boersma Eric , Roos-Hesselink Jolien W. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBrain natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide are two well-established markers for cardiac failure in acquired heart disease. Nevertheless, the clinical utility of these markers in patients with congenital heart disease remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of these markers in patients with congenital heart disease. A PubMed and EMBASE literature search was executed with focus on the most common simple congenital heart defects, atrial septal defect and ventricular septal defect. Data on brain natriuretic peptide measurement, cardiac function parameters, and follow-up were collected. In patients with atrial or ventricular septal defect, brain natriuretic peptide levels were mildly increased when compared with healthy age-matched controls. Shunt severity and pulmonary artery pressure correlated strongly with natriuretic peptide levels. A clear association between brain natriuretic peptide and functional class was demonstrated. After closure of the defect, a rise in brain natriuretic peptide levels in the first hours to days was observed. After longer follow-up, natriuretic peptide levels decreased and became comparable to pre-procedural values. In conclusion, this systematic review shows that brain natriuretic peptide levels are mildly increased in patients with unrepaired and repaired atrial or ventricular septal defect. Brain natriuretic peptide measurement might be a useful additional tool in the diagnostic work-up of patients with atrial or ventricular septal defect. Further investigation in a larger, prospective study with long-term follow-up is warranted to elucidate the true prognostic value of natriuretic peptides in patients with simple congenital heart disease.
Impaired Awareness of Deficits in Alzheimer's Disease: The Role of Everyday Executive Dysfunction
Authors: Amanzio Martina , Vase Lene , Leotta Daniela , Miceli Renato , Palermo Sara , Geminiani Giuliano 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe present study analyzed the awareness of deficits in 117 mild Alzheimer's disease participants. Since few studies have examined the cognitive and behavioral domains of reduced awareness in detail, we performed a domain-specific assessment using the Awareness of deficit Questionnaire – Dementia scale with the novel aim of describing the relationship with everyday executive dysfunction. Through the use of the subtests of the Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome, we hypothesized that executive cognitive functions may play an important role in the reduced awareness of deficits. We also considered other variables of interest to provide a novel comprehensive explanation of this phenomenon. Our first approach to the study was a factor analysis considering the role of these variables in the awareness of deficits; subsequently, regression analysis models were used to define which variables were associated with a reduction of awareness in cognitive and behavioral domains. In particular, the factors retained from the factor analysis, in terms of inhibition, self-monitoring, set-shifting, and mood orientation changes, appear to be important skills for awareness of instrumental activities of daily living (R2= .32). We also found hypo manic mood orientation and a tendency through apathy to be prominent indications of reduced behavioral awareness (R2= .13). (JINS, 2013,18, –)
School feeding, moving from practice to policy: reflections on building sustainable monitoring and evaluation systems
Authors: Gelli Aulo , Espejo Francisco 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo provide an overview of the status of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of school feeding across sub-Saharan Africa and to reflect on the experience on strengthening M&E systems to influence policy making in low-income countries.DesignLiterature review on the M&E of school feeding programmes as well as data from World Food Programme surveys.SettingSub-Saharan Africa.SubjectsCountries implementing school feeding.ResultsOnly two randomized controlled impact evaluations have been implemented in sub-Saharan Africa. Where M&E data collection is underway, the focus is on process and service delivery and not on child outcomes. M&E systems generally operate under the Ministry of Education, with other Ministries represented within technical steering groups supporting implementation. There is no internationally accepted standardized framework for the M&E of school feeding. There have been examples where evidence of programme performance has influenced policy: considering the popularity of school feeding these cases though are anecdotal, highlighting the opportunity for systemic changes.ConclusionsThere is strong buy-in on school feeding from governments in sub-Saharan Africa. In response to this demand, development partners have been harmonizing their support to strengthen national programmes, with a focus on M&E. However, policy processes are complex and can be influenced by a number of factors. A comprehensive but simple approach is needed where the first step is to ensure a valid mandate to intervene, legitimizing the interaction with key stakeholders, involving them in the problem definition and problem solving. This process has been facilitated through the provision of technical assistance and exposure to successful experiences through South–South cooperation and knowledge exchange.
Oswin Boys Bull and the Emergence of Southern African ‘Nonwhite’ YMCA Work
Authors: Anthony David 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFrom 1908 to 1922, Oswin Boys Bull (1882–1971) had the primary responsibility for supervising the recruitment of African youth and students into the South African SCA and YMCA. Following the lead of overseas sojourners Luther Wishard and Donald Fraser in 1895 and John R. Mott and Ruth Rouse in 1906, Bull took his experience as a Jesus College, Cambridge classics and theology major and sportsperson into the challenging religious, racial and ethnic field of the Union of South Africa. Bringing a mix of strong spiritual roots and an unwavering commitment to the racially inclusive interpretation of Christianity, Bull blazed a trail that earned him the reputation of a pioneer ecumenist.Ably assisted by illustrious Xhosa-speaking intellectual and seasoned Christian proselytizer John Knox Bokwe, Bull made inroads into areas previously ignored by his predecessors. With a reach extending as far as neighboring historic Basutoland, Bull's efforts resulted in the establishment of branch associations in a variety of rural and urban locations. In spite of local opposition and tremendous geographical, linguistic, social and political barriers, Bull applied himself to the task of providing a firm foundation for Black and Mixed Race SCA and YMCA members to find places in previously lily-white bodies.Understanding both his limits as well as his capabilities, Bull's generosity allowed him to share the spotlight with other evangelists. His correspondence with YMCA leader John Mott demonstrates a humble willingness to see the task of ‘nonwhite’ inclusion in SCA and YMCA work to the end. By the time Max Yergan, the first permanent YMCA and SCA secretary arrived in South Africa early in 1922, Bull was able to delegate most of the duties that required a field secretary to him, satisfied that he could concentrate on the remainder of his managerial duties from the YMCA and SCA center, in Cape Town and Stellenbosch, respectively. Already fluent in Afrikaans, Bull's history of attempting to build bridges between competing and often hostile populations set the standard for the type of leadership that a complex, extremely ethnically and religiously particularistic society like South Africa would need to construct a broadly based national movement.Although O.B. Bull is known only to readers of Alan Paton'sHofmeyr, and those involved in the institutions with which he was associated, most notably, St Edmunds School, Jesus College, Cambridge, the Scriptural Union and the South African SCA and YMCA, it may now be possible for later generations to revisit the times in which he lived and worked to regain a sense of the odds against which he struggled and the resolve he showed in striving first to dream of and then fight for a more inclusive Southern African YMCA.While he was by no means perfect and was clearly himself a product of his place and time, his quests for something better within himself and his adopted country were noble.
Impact of solar‐induced stratospheric ozone decline on Southern Hemisphere westerlies during the Late Maunder Minimum
Authors: Varma V. , Prange M. , Spangehl T. , Lamy F. , Cubasch U. , Schulz M. 
Published: September 2012

The Southern Hemisphere Westerly Winds (SWW) constitute an important zonal circulation system that dominates the dynamics of the Southern Hemisphere mid‐latitudes. In the present study, we analyze results from two transient simulations (1630–2000 AD) conducted with the coupled atmosphere‐ocean model EGMAM (ECHO‐G with Middle Atmosphere Model): one simulation with fixed stratospheric ozone concentration, and one with solar‐induced variations in stratospheric ozone content. The results suggest that during periods of lower solar activity, the annual‐mean SWW tend to get weaker on their poleward side and shift towards the equator. The SWW shift is more intense and robust for the simulation with varying stratospheric ozone, suggesting an important influence of solar‐induced stratospheric ozone variations on mid‐latitude troposphere dynamics. Finally, we present proxy evidence from a high‐resolution marine sediment core from the Chilean continental slope (41°S), which strongly supports the model result of an equatorward displacement of the SWW during the Maunder Minimum.
Absolute cross sections for vibrational excitations of cytosine by low energy electron impact
Authors: Michaud M. , Bazin M. , Sanche L. 
Published: September 2012

The absolute cross sections (CSs) for vibrational excitations of cytosine by electron impact between 0.5 and 18 eV were measured by electron-energy loss (EEL) spectroscopy of the molecule deposited at monolayer coverage on an inert Ar substrate. The vibrational energies compare to those that have been reported from IR spectroscopy of cytosine isolated in Ar matrix, IR and Raman spectra of polycrystalline cytosine, and ab initio calculation. The CSs for the various H bending modes at 142 and 160 meV are both rising from their energy threshold up to 1.7 and 2.1 × 10−17 cm2 at about 4 eV, respectively, and then decrease moderately while maintaining some intensity at 18 eV. The latter trend is displayed as well for the CS assigned to the NH2 scissor along with bending of all H at 179 meV. This overall behavior in electron-molecule collision is attributed to direct processes such as the dipole, quadrupole, and polarization contributions, etc. of the interaction of the incident electron with a molecule. The CSs for the ring deformation at 61 meV, the ring deformation with N-H symmetric wag at 77 meV, and the ring deformations with symmetric bending of all H at 119 meV exhibit common enhancement maxima at 1.5, 3.5, and 5.5 eV followed by a broad hump at about 12 eV, which are superimposed on the contribution due to the direct processes. At 3.5 eV, the CS values for the 61-, 77-, and 119-meV modes reach 4.0, 3.0, and 4.5 × 10−17 cm2, respectively. The CS for the C-C and C-O stretches at 202 meV, which dominates in the intermediate EEL region, rises sharply until 1.5 eV, reaches its maximum of 5.7 × 10−17 cm2 at 3.5 eV and then decreases toward 18 eV. The present vibrational enhancements, correspond to the features found around 1.5 and 4.5 eV in electron transmission spectroscopy (ETS) and those lying within 1.5–2.1 eV, 5.2–6.8 eV, and 9.5–10.9 eV range in dissociative electron attachment (DEA) experiments with cytosine in gas phase. While the ETS features are ascribed to shape resonances associated with the electron occupation of the second and third antibonding π-orbitals of the molecule in its ground state, the correspondence with DEA features suggests the existence of common precursor anion states decaying with certain probabilities into the vibrationally excited ground state.
Vacuolar ATPase: a model proton pump for antifungal drug discovery.
Authors: Parra K. J. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

This chapter reviews current knowledge on the structure and function of fungal vacoular ATPase (V-ATPase), highlighting its potential use as a drug target for discovering novel antifungal compounds. Current studies on high-throughput screening for inhibitors of V-ATPase are briefly discussed.
Plasma microreactor in supercritical xenon and its application to diamondoid synthesis
Authors: Oshima F , Stauss S , Ishii C , Pai D Z , Terashima K 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The generation of plasmas in a microreactor is demonstrated in xenon from atmospheric pressure up to supercritical conditions. Ac high voltage at a frequency of 15 kHz was applied across a 25-µm discharge gap between a tungsten wire and a fused silica micro-capillary tube in a coaxial configuration. Using this continuous flow supercritical fluid microreactor, it was possible to synthesize diamantane and other diamondoids up to nonamantane, using adamantane as a precursor and seed. It is anticipated that plasmas generated in supercritical fluid microreactors may not only allow faster fabrication of diamondoids, but also offer opportunities for the fabrication of other nanomaterials.
Theoretical analysis of mode-competition noise in modulated laser diodes and its influence on the noise performance of fibre links
Authors: Ahmed Moustafa , Yamada Minoru 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
We analyse mode-competition (MC) noise in sinusoidally modulated laser diodes and assess its contribution to the noise performance of directly modulated fibre links. The noise figure (NF) is used to evaluate the noise performance of the link. The present analyses are based on a multimode rate equation model that takes into account both symmetric and asymmetric suppressions of the cross-modal gain. Variations of the MC relative intensity noise of both the total output and the oscillating modes with modulation conditions are investigated. The obtained results show that regardless of the fact that the non-modulated laser oscillates nearly in single-mode or in two-mode hopping, the modulated laser oscillates in single mode when the signal is continuous, and converts into multimode when the signal is pulsing. The contribution of MC noise to the NF of the link increases with an increase in the modulation depth and with a decrease in the modulation frequency, except when the signal has period doubling. This contribution is negligible under high modulation frequencies when the laser signal is continuous and uniform, and is most enhanced (∼53 dB) under low modulation frequencies when the signal is pulsing and superposed with non-uniform relaxation oscillations.
Pulsed microplasmas generated in truncated paraboloidal microcavities: simulations of particle densities and energy flow
Authors: Lee H-J , Park S-J , Eden J G 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Microplasmas generated within cavities having the form of a truncated paraboloid, introduced by Kim et al (2009 Appl. Phys. Lett.
94 011503), have been simulated numerically with a two-dimensional, fluid computational model. Microcavities with parabolic sidewalls, fabricated in nanoporous alumina (Al2O3) and having upper (primary emitter) and lower apertures of 150 µm and 75 µm in diameter, respectively, are driven by a bipolar voltage waveform at a frequency of 200 kHz. For a Ne pressure of 500 Torr and 2 µs, 290 V pulses constituting each half-cycle of the driving voltage waveform, calculations predict that ∼10 nJ of energy is delivered to each parabolic cavity, of which 26–30% is consumed by the electrons. Once the cathode fall is formed, approximately 65% and 8% of the input energy is devoted to driving the atomic ion and dimer ion

currents, respectively, and the peak electron density of ∼6 × 1012 cm−3 is attained ∼90 ns following the onset of the first half-cycle (positive) voltage pulse. Specific power loading of the microplasma reaches 150 kW cm−3 and the loss of power to the wall of the microcavity drops by as much as 24% when the excitation voltage is increased from 280 to 310 V. The diminished influence of diffusion with increasing pressure is responsible for wall losses at 600 Torr accounting for <20% of the total electron energy.
ATTENTION AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANXIETY DISORDERS
Authors: Jordan Patricia L. , Morton J. Bruce 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Individual differences in child temperament longitudinally predict the development of anxiety disorders. The mechanisms that mediate this longitudinal relation, however, remain poorly understood. One possibility is that heightened behavioral inhibition promotes the development of threat-related attentional biases associated with anxiety. Although there is significant empirical evidence linking threat-related attentional biases with anxiety, there is little understanding of the relative contribution of reactive versus regulatory components of attention in conferring vulnerability. The chapter proposes a two-factor model that distinguishes between reactive biases in attentional orienting and effortful attentional regulation. Specifically, it is hypothesized that individuals with biases in both attentional orienting (i.e., toward threat-related information) and poor attentional regulation should be most vulnerable to the development of anxiety. The chapter concludes by outlining several empirical strategies for disentangling the relative contribution of reactive and regulatory components of attention in conferring vulnerability for anxiety.
CORE COMPONENTS OF FLEXIBLY ATTENDING
Authors: Elison Jed T. , Reznick J. Steven 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe Posner cueing task and the gap/overlap paradigm are widely used developmental tasks that can be administered across multiple levels of analysis (e.g., behavioral, cognitive, and neural levels) and across a wide range of developmental functioning. Considering the overarching theoretical frameworks of developmental psychopathology and developmental cognitive neuroscience, this chapter summarizes findings from performance by individuals with autism spectrum disorders on these specific tasks. In conclusion, this chapter advances a developmental hypothesis that implicates domain-general attentional orienting operations and the neural circuitry that underlies these operations as putative mechanisms contributing to the development of atypical joint attention in infants who go on to develop autism.
NEURODEVELOPMENTAL MECHANISMS IN CHILDHOOD PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
Authors: Sasson Noah J. , Brown Lauren Turner , Piven Joseph 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIndividuals with autism demonstrate marked impairments in the perception, processing, and interpretation of social information. Recent findings suggest that abnormal social orienting may serve as a persistent and developmentally critical mechanism underlying deficits in this domain, and may help differentiate autism from other neurodevelopmental disorders sharing similar social cognitive impairments. This chapter uses social orienting as an example of the significant benefit that can be gained by integrating the fields of cognitive neuroscience and developmental psychopathology through the identification of neuropsychological mechanisms contributing to the development of abnormal brain–behavior relationships. Social orienting may represent a potentially fruitful mechanism for disentangling the pathogenesis of social deficits in autism.
Assessment of Distress, Disorder, Impairment, and Need in the Population
Authors: Eaton William W. , Mojtabai Ramin , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Leoutsakos Jeannie-Marie S. , Janet Kuramoto S. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
This chapter deals with the measurement of psychopathology, with an emphasis on population-based life course approaches. Assessment of mental and behavioral disorders is more difficult than measurement in many areas of medicine, because of the lack of simple and valid biological markers for the presence of mental and behavioral disorders. In effect, the measurement must always involve talking to individuals or observing their behaviors in ways that can be described to others and replicated by them if necessary, consistent with the scientific method.