Tyrosinase activity in photosensitive individuals inin-vitro study

A reddish glow localized within the iris was observed in the photographs of some individuals in the dark using an electric-arc flash. On repeated exposure and reprints of the same individuals to photography under similar conditions, the red glow persisted. Studies were under taken to analyze thein vitro effect of cupric ions on the activity of serum tyrosinase. A significant increase in the activity of tyrosinase was observed in the affected individuals as compared to the controls when cupric ion was supplementedin vitro. Studies also confirmed the inhibitory effect of benzoic acid on serum tyrosinase activityin vitro. Our preliminary studies have shown a significant decrease (p<0.001) in tyrosinase activity in the serum of the photosensitive individuals compared to controls which is consistent with the observed red glow on the photographic prints and reprints.     

The Columbus Myth: Power and Ideology in Picturebooks About Christopher Columbus

In 1992, the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s landing in the Bahamas was simultaneously celebrated and denounced in the US. Damaging facts about Columbus and the impact of his voyages were aired along with demands for truth and change. This study analyzes the power relationships and political ideology of picturebooks about Columbus published in the US in the 20 years since that anniversary to determine what messages and attitudes young readers are likely to absorb from them and whether the picturebook image of Columbus has evolved. It draws on the ideas of progressive educator Herbert Kohl, who demonstrates how the analysis of power relationships in stories reveals their political stance (Should We Burn Babar?, 1995), and on the tradition of progressive librarianship, which seeks to promote intellectual freedom and positive images in children’s literature of all peoples. The study finds extensive use of certain narrative techniques, including patterns of assumptions, avoidance, event selection, and omission. Patterns in illustration and sentence structure (use of passive voice, etc.) as well as stereotyping and Eurocentrism also abound. Finally, mild historical revisionism is introduced in more “balanced” titles, though the definition of balance is problematic. This article finds that the Columbus myth persists with little change, and that few titles present child readers with alternative perspectives.     

Are mobile phone ownership and age of acquisition associated with child adjustment? A 5-year prospective study among low-income Latinx children

This prospective, longitudinal study examined associations between whether and when children first acquire a mobile phone and their adjustment measures, among low-income Latinx children. Children (N = 263; 55% female; baseline M_age = 9.5) and their parents were assessed annually for 5 years from 2012. Children first acquired a mobile phone at a mean (SD) age of 11.62 (1.41) years. Pre-registered multilevel models tested associations linking phone ownership, phone acquisition age, and the interaction between ownership and acquisition age to levels and changing trends of depressive symptoms, school grades, and reported and objectively assessed sleep. Results showed no statistically significant associations, controlling the False Discovery Rate. Findings suggest an absence of meaningful links from mobile phone ownership and acquisition age to child adjustment.