The Puzzle of Muslim Advantage in Child Survival in India

The socio-economic status of Indian Muslims is, on average, considerably lower than that of upper caste Hindus. Muslims have higher fertility and shorter birth spacing and are a minority group that, it has been argued, have poorer access to public goods. They nevertheless exhibit substantially higher child survival rates, and have done for decades. This paper documents and analyses this seeming puzzle. The religion gap in survival is much larger than the gender gap but, in contrast to the gender gap, it has not received much political or academic attention. A decomposition of the survival differential reveals that some compositional effects favour Muslims but that, overall, differences in characteristics between the communities and especially the Muslim deficit in parental education predict a Hindu advantage. Alternative outcomes and specifications support our finding of a Muslim fixed effect that favours survival. The results of this study contribute to a recent literature that debates the importance of socioeconomic status (SES) in determining health and survival. They augment a growing literature on the role of religion or culture as encapsulating important unobservable behaviours or endowments that influence health, indeed, enough to reverse the SES gradient that is commonly observed.religion, caste, gender, child survival, anthropometrics, Hindu, Muslim, India

A Complementary Alternative Medicine Questionnaire for Young Adults

Limited information exists on how adolescents decide to use complementary/alternative medicine (CAM). There are also no instruments specific to CAM, for the young adult population, which makes it difficult to explore knowledge in this area. The purpose of this study was to develop and examine the psychometric properties of the CAM Questionnaire for Young Adults which measures young adults’ attitudes about CAM. Participants for this cross-sectional survey were selected from enrolled undergraduate students at an urban university. Factor analysis identified three subscales: 1) positive beliefs about CAM; 2) environmental influence; and 3) psychological comfort. The scale has good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.79) and shows beginning demonstration of validity. Its use in this sample revealed that young adults who are female and have used CAM in the past for preventing or treating illness have the most positive attitude towards CAM and the greatest likelihood for continued use. The implication that prevention may play a role in young adults’ attitudes about CAM is a potential focus for future research

Public Sector Shared Services Move Out of the “Back-Office”: The Role of Public Policy and Mission Criticality

The authors study the extension of SSC services in public safety networks (PSNs). With growing threats from terrorism and natural disasters coupled with political pressure to reduce spending, newly created PSNs have taken on a critical role in assurance of public safety

Crystal Structure of the Cysteine-Rich Domain of Mannose Receptor Complexed with a Sulfated Carbohydrate Ligand

The macrophage and epithelial cell mannose receptor (MR) binds carbohydrates on foreign and host molecules. Two portions of MR recognize carbohydrates: tandemly arranged C-type lectin domains facilitate carbohydrate-dependent macrophage uptake of infectious organisms, and the NH2-terminal cysteine-rich domain (Cys-MR) binds to sulfated glycoproteins including pituitary hormones. To elucidate the mechanism of sulfated carbohydrate recognition, we determined crystal structures of Cys-MR alone and complexed with 4-sulfated-N-acetylgalactosamine at 1.7 and 2.2 Å resolution, respectively. Cys-MR folds into an approximately three-fold symmetric β-trefoil shape resembling fibroblast growth factor. The sulfate portions of 4-sulfated-N-acetylgalactosamine and an unidentified ligand found in the native crystals bind in a neutral pocket in the third lobe. We use the structures to rationalize the carbohydrate binding specificities of Cys-MR and compare the recognition properties of Cys-MR with other β-trefoil proteins

Lack of protective effect of tiotropium vs induced dynamic hyperinflation in moderate COPD

SummaryStudy objectiveNovel evaluation of protective effect of tiotropium against induced dynamic hyperinflation (DH) during metronome paced hyperventilation (MPH) in moderate COPD.MethodsProspective, randomized, double-blind, placebo control, crossover study. Lung function measured pre/post MPH at 30 breaths/min for 20 s in 29 (18M) COPD patients (GOLD Stage 2) age 70 ± 9 yr (mean ± SD) before and after 30 days of 18 μg tiotropium bromide vs placebo. Lung CT scored for emphysema (ES).ResultsAt baseline post 180 μg aerosolized albuterol sulfate, FEV1: 1.8 ± 0.6 L (69 ± 6%pred) and ≥60% predicted in all, and 14 of 29 had FEV1 (L) ≥70% predicted with FEV1/FVC 58 ± 8%. After 29 days + 23 h post tiotropium (trough) there was significant decrease only in FRC/TLC% (p = 0.04); after 30 days + 2 h post tiotropium (peak) significant increase only in FEV1 (L) (p = 0.03) compared to placebo. Results post MPH induced DH at baseline and after 30 days and 2 h post placebo or tiotropium were similar with decrease in IC 0.44 ± 0.06 L (p < 0.001). Correlation between ES and increased FEV1 (L) at peak tiotropium: r = 0.19, p = 0.96 and decreased FRC/TLC% at trough tiotropium: r = −0.26, p = 0.36.ConclusionIn moderate COPD, tiotropium did not reduce MPH induced DH and reduction in IC. However, at peak tiotropium, there was significant bronchodilation in FEV1 (L) and at trough a decrease in FRC/TLC% compared to placebo despite varying emphysema

UB Breakthroughs Spring 2014

The UB Breakthroughs newsletter for spring of 2014. This issue contains articles discussing professor Perle's study into chiropractic manipulation of the ankle and its effect on walking, Dr. Mahmood and Dr. Sobh’s work on facial recognition software, professor Lehman’s book about Tom Thumb, Dr. Li’s research into reduced gravity sample holder/manipulation tool for NASA’s Deep Space Geo-Lab, Dr. Robert Riggs’ research in Najaf, Iraq and its influence on global Shi’ite communities, Dr. Faezipour’s research into using smartphone technology to a Virtual Reality biofeedback tool for lung cancer and other breathing disorders, Dr. Gherasimova’s research into the semiconducting properties of germanium, professor Martignetti’s research into music education in inner-city schools, Dr. McAdam’s research into the relationship gap between IT and non-IT employees in a corporate environment, Dr. Ryan and Director Lopez’s research into substance abuse and HIV infection and group-level prevention programming for college students, Dr. Patra’s research into nanostructures to advance technology and medicine, and the collaboration of UB professors to create a new experimental course in New Product Commercialization for engineering, business, and design students

Terapia de solución de problemas

Estimates of the prevalence of psychological difficulties, such as depression, anxiety, and poor quality of life, are high among individuals diagnosed with cancer. Problem-solving therapy (PST), a cognitive and behavioral intervention, is one major approach that has been applied and evaluated as a means of positively impacting on such problems. PST trains individuals in a series of skills that helps them cope more effectively with life stressors, such as those associated with cancer and its treatment. This paper provides a brief overview of the research supporting its efficacy, as well as clinical guidelines.Las estimaciones de la prevalencia de los problemas psicológicos, tales como la depresión, la ansiedad y la mala calidad de vida, son altas entre las personas diagnosticadas con cáncer. La terapia de solución de problemas (PST), una intervención cognitivo-conductual, es uno de los enfoques principales que se ha aplicado y valorado como un medio de impactar positivamente en este tipo de problemas. La PST capacita a las personas en una serie de habilidades que les ayuda a afrontar con mayor eficacia a los estresores vitales, tales como los relacionados con el cáncer y su tratamiento. Este artículo ofrece una breve descripción de la investigación que apoya su eficacia, así como los protocolos clínicos

The First Scattered Light Image of the Debris Disk around the Sco-Cen target HD 129590

We present the first scattered light image of the debris disk around HD 129590, a ~1.3 M$_\odot$ G1V member of the Scorpius Centaurus association with age ~10-16 Myr. The debris disk is imaged with the high contrast imaging instrument SPHERE at the Very Large Telescope, and is revealed by both the IRDIS and IFS subsytems, operating in the H and YJ bands respectively. The disk has a high infrared luminosity of $L_{\textrm{IR}}/L_{\textrm{star}}$~5$\times$10$^{-3}$, and has been resolved in other studies using ALMA. We detect a nearly edge on ring, with evidence of an inner clearing. We fit the debris disk using a model characterized by a single bright ring, with radius ~60-70 AU, in broad agreement with previous analysis of the target SED. The disk is vertically thin, and has an inclination angle of ~75$^\circ$. Along with other previously imaged edge-on disks in the Sco-Cen association such as HD 110058, HD 115600, and HD 111520, this disk image will allow of the structure and morphology of very young debris disks, shortly after the epoch of planet formation has ceased.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figures. Accepted for publication in ApJ

Generation and Characterization of a genetic zebrafish model of SMA carrying the human SMN2 gene

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Animal models of human diseases are essential as they allow analysis of the disease process at the cellular level and can advance therapeutics by serving as a tool for drug screening and target validation. Here we report the development of a complete genetic model of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in the vertebrate zebrafish to complement existing zebrafish, mouse, and invertebrate models and show its utility for testing compounds that alter <it>SMN2 </it>splicing.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The human motoneuron disease SMA is caused by low levels, as opposed to a complete absence, of the survival motor neuron protein (SMN). To generate a true model of SMA in zebrafish, we have generated a transgenic zebrafish expressing the human <it>SMN2 </it>gene (<it>hSMN2</it>), which produces only a low amount of full-length SMN, and crossed this onto the <it>smn</it>^-/-background. We show that human <it>SMN2 </it>is spliced in zebrafish as it is in humans and makes low levels of SMN protein. Moreover, we show that an antisense oligonucleotide that enhances correct <it>hSMN2 </it>splicing increases full-length <it>hSMN </it>RNA in this model. When we placed this transgene on the <it>smn </it>mutant background it rescued the neuromuscular presynaptic SV2 defect that occurs in <it>smn </it>mutants and increased their survival.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We have generated a transgenic fish carrying the human <it>hSMN2 </it>gene. This gene is spliced in fish as it is in humans and mice suggesting a conserved splicing mechanism in these vertebrates. Moreover, antisense targeting of an intronic splicing silencer site increased the amount of full length SMN generated from this transgene. Having this transgene on the <it>smn </it>mutant fish rescued the presynaptic defect and increased survival. This model of zebrafish SMA has all of the components of human SMA and can thus be used to understand motoneuron dysfunction in SMA, can be used as an vivo test for drugs or antisense approaches that increase full-length SMN, and can be developed for drug screening.</p

Evaluating Assessment Moderation: Towards Best Practice

Moderation of assessment is done to ensure consistency of marking across academicians, subjects, and programmes. The concerns that have always been raised by many academicians from the tertiary education setting are the difficulties of attaining consistency, the apprehensiveness of new academic members and the demanding nature of the assessment moderation process which increases the workload of academicians. Using a Theory of Change (Weiss, 1998), this paper provides a brief case-study description by evaluating the intended outputs, assumptions and activities of assessment moderation. In particular, this study aims to identify and depict the assessment moderation practice, elicit views on its effectiveness and assess the extent to which improvements can be attained in the higher education (HE) setting. The academic staff members of University A were interviewed to obtain their views and comments on their assessment moderation practice. The participants were selected based on the following characteristics: 1) Must have completed assessment moderation for at least 10 rounds (have at least 5 years and above of experience in moderation), 2) Must have carried out assessment moderation once or twice (have less than one year of experience). The outcome of this study challenges University A to improve its assessment moderation practice by introducing other relevant and suitable methods of moderation. The paper also proposes applicable solutions for the institution to address the lack of training and support amongst new academic staff members and parttimers. The need for establishing better coordination between moderators and markers as well as establishing a formal buddy system were highlighted in this case study. This paper empahsises continous quality improvement at the HE setting because universities allow for substantial discretions and local adaptation (Weick, 1995). All in all, this study adds further weight to the existing body of literature on moderation practices in HE institutions