bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing the attitudes and behaviors of oncologists regarding the truthful disclosure of information to patients with advanced and incurable cancer
Authors: Cherny Nathan I. ,   on behalf of the Palliative Care Working Group of the European Society for Medical Oncology
Published: September 2010

Objective: To evaluate the attitudes of the European Oncologists to information disclosure to patients with advanced cancer, their self‐reported behaviors, and the factors that influence both attitudes and behaviors.

Methods: ESMO members were invited to complete an online questionnaire to evaluate both attitudes and clinical behaviors relating to the disclosure of information to patients with advanced cancer. Data were analyzed to evaluate demographic, educational and social factors influencing attitudes and behaviors.

Results: Two hundred and ninety‐eight completed surveys were returned. The survey demonstrated strong internal consistency construct validity. The responses indicate that individual clinicians generally display a range of behaviors including non‐disclosive as well as disclosive behaviors depending on the dynamics of individual interactions between oncologist and specific patient. Although regional cultural norms influence oncologists' attitudes toward disclosure and, indirectly, their self‐reported behaviors, the impact is influenced by other factors: in particular, perceived institutional professional norms, the degree of training in breaking bad news and the frequency of exposure to requests by family members to withhold information from the patient.

Conclusions: Positive attitudes regarding disclosure of information to patients and disclosive behaviors can be encouraged, even in non‐Western countries, by the development of strong professional norms and education in breaking bad news and coping with the emotional responses of patients. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Disruption to radiation therapy sessions due to anxiety among patients receiving radiation therapy to the head and neck area can be predicted using patient self‐report measures
Authors: Clover Kerrie , Oultram Sharon , Adams Catherine , Cross Laraine , Findlay Naomi , Ponman Leah
Published: September 2010

Objective: This analysis sought to determine whether patient self‐report measures were associated with disruption to radiation therapy sessions due to anxiety among cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy to the head and neck region.

Method: A cohort of patients undergoing radiation therapy to the head and neck region at a major regional radiation oncology treatment centre (ROTC) in Australia completed self‐report measures of anxiety, history of panic and fears relevant to use of an immobilising mask. The treating Radiation Therapist (RT) rated the level of session disruption due to patient anxiety during the Computerised Tomography/Simulation (CT/Sim) (baseline) session and first treatment session.

Results: Complete data were obtained for 90 patients. RTs rated 11 and 24% of patients as having some level of session disruption session due to anxiety at baseline and Treatment 1, respectively. Five factors were significantly associated with session disruption at baseline in bivariate analyses: currently taking psycho‐active medication (p=0.008); fear of enclosed spaces (p=0.006); fear of face being covered up (p=0.006); fear of movement restriction (p=0.041) and ever had an anxiety attack (p=0.034). Sensitivity ranged from 0.57 to 0.75 and specificity ranged from 0.68 to 0.90. Only session disruption at baseline predicted disruption at Treatment 1 (p<0.01).

Conclusions: This study offers some preliminary insights into the prevalence of patient anxiety severe enough to cause session disruption and patient self‐report measures which might be used to flag patients for prophylactic treatment. Further development and replication in a larger sample is warranted before introduction of these measures into routine practice. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of human xenotropic murine leukemia virus‐related gammaretrovirus (XMRV) in dutch prostate cancer patients
Authors: Verhaegh Gerald W. , de Jong Arjan S. , Smit Frank P. , Jannink Sander A. , Melchers Willem J.G. , Schalken Jack A.
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND

The occurrence of the retrovirus xenotropic murine leukemia virus (MLV)‐related virus (XMRV) has been reported in prostate tissue of patients with prostate cancer (PrCa). Considering the potential great medical and social relevance of this discovery, we investigated whether this finding could be confirmed in an independent group of Dutch sporadic PrCa cases.

METHODS

We investigated the occurrence of XMRV in fresh‐frozen PrCa specimens of 74 PrCa patients from The Netherlands. Total RNA and DNA were isolated, subjected to cDNA synthesis, and analyzed by real‐time PCR targeting conserved XMRV sequences.

RESULTS

Spiking experiments showed that we were able to detect at least 10 copies of XMRV sequences in 100,000 cells by real‐time PCR, demonstrating high sensitivity of the assay. XMRV sequences were detected in 3 out of 74 (i.e., 4%) PrCa specimens. The number of XMRV containing cells was extremely low (1 in 600–7,000 cells). This was corroborated by the fact that XMRV could not be detected in consecutive tissue sections of the initial XMRV‐positive cases.

CONCLUSIONS

XMRV was rarely detected, and at extremely low levels, in sporadic PrCa samples from Dutch patients. When XMRV would play a causal role in prostate carcinogenesis, integration of the provirus could be expected to be present in, at least, a proportion of tumor cells. Therefore, our data do not support the claim that there is an association between XMRV infection and PrCa in Dutch PrCa patients. Prostate 77:415–420, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recognition and management of anaphylaxis in children
Authors: Lack Gideon , Penagos Martin
Published: September 2010

Our series Prescribing in children gives practical advice for the management of childhood problems in general practice. Here, the authors discuss the emergency and long‐term management of anaphylaxis. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Antiepileptic drugs: the risks and benefits during pregnancy
Authors: Iniesta Ivan , Winterbottom Janine
Published: September 2010

Our series Prescribing in pregnancy provides guidance on what information to offer pregnant women about the risk and benefits of drug treatment. Here the authors discuss the use of antiepileptic drugs to maintain seizure control. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Coselection of features and instances for unsupervised rare category analysis
Authors: He Jingrui , Carbonell Jaime
Published: September 2010

Rare category analysis is of key importance both in theory and in practice. Previous research work focuses on supervised rare category analysis, such as rare category detection and rare category classification. In this paper, for the first time, we address the challenge of unsupervised rare category analysis, including feature selection and rare category selection. We propose to jointly deal with the two correlated tasks, so that they can benefit from each other. To this end, we design an optimization framework which is able to coselect the relevant features and the examples from the rare category (a.k.a. the minority class). It is well justified theoretically. Furthermore, we develop the Partial Augmented Lagrangian Method (PALM) to solve the optimization problem. Experimental results on both synthetic and real data sets show the effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining 3: 417‐430, 2010
Heterogeneous Graphene Nanostructures: ZnO Nanostructures Grown on Large‐Area Graphene Layers
Authors: Lin Jian , Penchev Miroslav , Wang Guoping , Paul Rajat K. , Zhong Jiebin , Jing Xiaoye , Ozkan Mihri , Ozkan Cengiz S.
Published: September 2010

In this work, the synthesis and characterization of three‐dimensional hetergeneous graphene nanostructures (HGN) comprising continuous large‐area graphene layers and ZnO nanostructures, fabricated via chemical vapor deposition, are reported. Characterization of large‐area HGN demonstrates that it consists of 1–5 layers of graphene, and exhibits high optical transmittance and enhanced electrical conductivity. Electron microscopy investigation of the three‐dimensional heterostructures shows that the morphology of ZnO nanostructures is highly dependent on the growth temperature. It is observed that ordered crystalline ZnO nanostructures are preferably grown along the <0001> direction. Ultraviolet spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy indicates that the CVD‐grown HGN layers has excellent optical properties. A combination of electrical and optical properties of graphene and ZnO building blocks in ZnO‐based HGN provides unique characteristics for opportunities in future optoelectronic devices.
Surface‐Structured Gold‐Nanotube Mats: Fabrication, Characterization, and Application in Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering
Authors: Fathima Shahitha Jahir Hussain , Paul Jinu , Valiyaveettil Suresh
Published: September 2010

The fabrication and characterization of nanostructured fibrous gold mats having high specific surface areas is reported. Freestanding porous films of 6–20‐μm thickness and density 0.43 ± 0.02 g cm3 are prepared using e‐beam evaporation of gold on an electrospun nanoporous polymer template and subsequent removal of the template polymer in a suitable solvent. Structural characterization using electron microscopy techniques shows a nanofiber diameter in the range of 300–6000 nm, and the size of the nanochannels on the fiber surface is ≈200–350 nm. Such surface structuring is achieved through fast evaporation of organic solvent and phase separation of polymers during the electrospinning process. The wedge thickness varies from a few nanometers to a few tens of nanometers. The freestanding films possess good mechanical integrity and robustness. The calculated Young’s modulus based on the slope in the elastic region is ≈114 MPa and gives an ultimate breaking strength of 0.7–0.8 MPa at a percentage elongation of 1.5–2.0%. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy measurements demonstrate the formation of polycrystalline gold nanostructures. Electrical characterization performed on these gold nanotubes reveals pure metallic behavior. Raman spectroscopic characterization of the fibrous membrane is performed using crystal violet (CV) adsorbed on it. Well‐defined spectral peaks are obtainable at concentrations as low as 10−7 M of CV, which did not give spectral signals at this low concentration on its own.
Capturing variability in business process models: the Provop approach
Authors: Hallerbach Alena , Bauer Thomas , Reichert Manfred
Published: September 2010

Usually, for a particular business process different variants exist. Each of them constitutes an adjustment of a reference process model to specific requirements building the process context. Contemporary process management tools do not adequately support the modeling of such process variants. Either the variants have to be specified as separate process models or they are expressed in terms of conditional branches within the same process model. Both methods often lead to redundancies making model adaptations a time‐consuming and error‐prone task. In this article, we discuss selected concepts of the Provop approach for modeling and managing process variants. A particular process variant can be configured at a high level of abstraction by applying a set of well‐defined change operations to a reference process model. In particular, this article discusses advanced concepts for the design and modeling of such a reference process model as well as for the adjustments required to configure the different process variants. Altogether, Provop provides a flexible and powerful solution for process variant management. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H NMR‐based metabolomics approach to assess toxicity of bunker a heavy oil to freshwater carp, Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Kokushi Emiko , Uno Seiichi , Harada Tomotaka , Koyama Jiro
Published: September 2010

Using a 1H NMR metabolomics approach, the effects of dietary exposure of bunker A heavy oil (0.01, 0.1, 1, and 5% in diet) on freshwater carp, Cyprinus carpio, were examined. Statistical analysis by PCA score plots showed that the amount of metabolites in exposure groups 0.1, 1, and 5% differed from those in the control group. Although no discernible effects on metabolites were noted in the 0.1% exposure group as well as in the lowest concentration (0.01%) group, several metabolites such as amino acid (e.g., leucine, isoleucine, valine, glutamine, histidine, proline, and methionine), 3‐D‐hydroxybutyrate, and glycerol were elevated, while another metabolite such as formate was reduced in 1 and 5% groups. These changes in the metabolites associated with the tri‐carboxylic‐acid (TCA) cycle suggest that oil exposure resulted in the disturbance of the TCA cycle in the liver of the carp. Isobutyrate, a marker of anoxia, was also increased in 1 and 5% exposures groups and was directly related to low hemoglobin concentrations leading to reduced oxygen transport by blood. In addition, significant elevation of creatinine in the plasma of carps exposed to 5% heavy oil suggests disturbance in kidney function. Thus, metabolomics approach can detect toxic effects of hazardous pollutants on fish. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
A new control methodology of wind turbine generators for frequency control of power system in isolated island
Authors: Kaneko Toshiaki , Uehara Akie , Yona Atsushi , Senjyu Tomonobu , Kim Chul‐Hwan
Published: September 2010

A wind turbine generator (WTG) system's output is not constant and fluctuates depending on wind conditions. Fluctuating power causes frequency deviations and adverse effects to an isolated power system when large output power from WTG systems is penetrated in the power system. This paper presents an output power control methodology of a WTG for frequency control using a load power estimator. The load power is estimated by a disturbance observer, and the output power command of the WTG is determined according to the estimated load. Besides, the WTG can also be controlled during wind turbulence since the output power command is determined by considering wind conditions. The reduction of the power system frequency deviation by using the WTG can be achieved by the proposed method. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by numerical simulations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracing ridge regression coefficients
Authors: McDonald Gary C.
Published: September 2010

Ridge regression is a parameter estimation method used to address the collinearity problem frequently arising in multiple linear regressions. The methodology defines a class of estimators indexed by a non‐negative scalar parameter, k. When utilizing ridge regression, the analyst eventually chooses a particular value of k which, in turn, uniquely determines the regression parameter estimates within the ridge class. Many such methods of determination, both deterministic and stochastic, have been proposed and evaluated in the literature. A plot of the ridge regression estimates as a function of k, the so‐called ridge trace, is often used in the selection process. In this article, one such criterion, the square of the correlation coefficient of the actual dependent variable and its predicted values, is examined. It can be used, along with a ridge trace and other quantitative measures, as another important tradeoff between using ordinary least squares estimates and estimates from the ridge class. WIREs Comp Stat 2010 2 695–703 DOI: 10.1002/wics.126

This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Linear Models

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Least Squares
Optimal control of cracks in elastic bodies with thin rigid inclusions
Authors: Khludnev A.M. , Leugering G.
Published: September 2010

In this paper we consider the control of cracks in elastic bodies with rigid inclusion. We first describe the problem statement, provide an equivalent formulation as a variational inequality and prove existence and uniqueness of solutions. Furthermore, we consider this problem as a limiting problem when the elasticity parameters of the inclusion tend to infinity. Then we formulate the optimal control problems and derive an explicit formula for the crack sensitivity and for the energy release rate. We show existence of optimal solutions.
A formulation of the linear discrete Coulomb friction problem via convex optimization
Authors: Acary V. , Cadoux F. , Lemaréchal C. , Malick J.
Published: September 2010

This paper presents a new formulation of the dynamical Coulomb friction problem in finite dimension with discretized time. The novelty of our approach is to capture and treat directly the friction model as a parametric quadratic optimization problem with second‐order cone constraints coupled with a fixed point equation. This intrinsic formulation allows a simple existence proof under reasonable assumptions, as well as a variety of solution algorithms. We study mechanical interpretations of these assumptions, showing in particular that they are actually necessary and sufficient for a basic example similar to the so‐called “paradox of Painlevé”. Finally, we present some implementations and experiments to illustrate the practical aspect of our work.
Misdiagnosis of Niemann‐Pick disease type C as Gaucher disease
Authors: Lo Sarah M. , McNamara Joseph , Seashore Margherita R. , Mistry Pramod K.
Published: September 2010

Niemann‐Pick disease type C (NPC) is a model for inborn errors of metabolism whose gene product mediates molecular trafficking rather than catabolizing macromolecules, as in classic lipidoses. We report the case of an infant who presented with hepatosplenomegaly without neurological abnormalities. Decreased activity of acid β‐glucosidase and elevated serum chitotriosidase and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase on repeated measurements led to initial diagnosis of Gaucher disease (GD). Failure to respond to enzyme replacement therapy after one year, however, put the diagnosis in question. Cholesterol esterification assays in cultured skin fibroblasts and NPC gene analysis led to the correct diagnosis of NPC. The patient had markedly reduced cholesterol esterification and was a compound heterozygote for a known and a novel mutation in the NPC gene (395delC and 2068insTCCC), which are both predicted to lead to protein truncation. Although the full phenotype of NPC involves hepatosplenomegaly and neurodegenerative disease, the initial presentation in a pediatric patient may be restricted to visceral disease. Of interest, this patient had decreased activity of leukocyte acid β‐glucosidase activity and elevated serum chitotriosidase to levels often seen in GD. Although acid β‐glucosidase activity in leukocytes was low, it was in the normal range in skin fibroblasts. Therefore, diagnostic delay may occur in NPC due to false positive testing for GD. Diagnosis of NPC requires a high index of suspicion and should be considered in a patient with hepatosplenomegaly even in the absence of neurodevelopmental signs. Prompt diagnosis will become increasingly important as effective therapies are developed for NPC.
Can We Make Assumptions About the Psychosocial Impact of Living as a Carrier, Based on Studies Assessing the Effects of Carrier Testing?
Authors: Lewis Celine , Skirton Heather , Jones Ray
Published: September 2010

Receiving the results of genetic carrier testing may have an impact on the psychosocial health of the individual. Numerous studies have been conducted to assess the psychosocial effects of carrier status for a range of conditions. To systematically review research focused on the psychological and social impact of carrier testing on individuals in order to identify factors affecting the impact of carrier testing results, and discern areas where further research is needed. Twenty relevant papers meeting criteria for inclusion in this review were found. The main themes identified across these studies included: anxiety, guilt and stigmatization, effect on family relationships, effect on self image, active coping mechanisms and reproductive issues. Variables related to the psychosocial effect of carrier testing included whether the carrier has an affected child, mode of inheritance, genetic counseling, and life stage. A key finding concerns carriers who already have an affected child; they are more likely to experience guilt and self‐blame, and change their reproductive plans compared to carriers without affected children. Additionally, some participants reported clinical features of the disorder for which they were being tested. Genetic counselors may erroneously assume that parents with affected children are aware of their own carrier status in the absence of testing, and they may offer inadequate support. Additionally, counselors should attempt to address patient misconceptions related to their health and carrier status.
The Advisory Brought to Practice Routine Screening on Depression (and Anxiety) in Coronary Heart Disease; Consequences and Implications
Authors: Luttik M.L.A. , Jaarsma T. , Sanderman R. , Fleer J.
Published: September 2010

Introduction: Following the evidence, the American Heart Association recently published a Science Advisory with the recommendation that patients with Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) should be screened for depressive symptoms and depression. Also the Heart Failure Guidelines recommend routine screening for depressive symptoms. Screening for anxiety was not included in these recommendations, despite findings in literature suggesting that cardiac patients are at risk for high levels of anxiety.

Objective: The aim of the current study is to obtain a realistic estimation of the consequences and implications of this advice for clinical practice.

Method: Data on anxiety, and depression, need for help, demographics and disease related variables were collected in a cross-sectional study within a 2-month period (July–August 2008) at the cardiac outpatient clinic of the University Medical Center Groningen (The Netherlands).

Patients: Data of 217 patients were analyzed, mean age was 58 years (±16) and 62% of the respondents were male.

Results: Of 217 patients, 26% indicated to have depressive symptoms and 42% indicated elevated levels of anxiety. About 35–50% of these patients indicated a moderate to high need for help. The prevalence of anxiety and depression was mainly associated with demographic factors and the occurrence of stressful life events.

Conclusion: Routine screening will put an increased demand on psychosocial diagnostics and treatment, therefore the availability of professionals should be guaranteed in advance.
The conundrum of inhibitory signaling by ITAM‐containing immunoreceptors: Potential molecular mechanisms
Authors: Waterman Paul M. , Cambier John C.
Published: September 2010

Immunoreceptor signals must be appropriately transduced and regulated to achieve effective immunity while controlling inflammation and autoimmunity. It is generally held that these processes are mediated by the interplay of distinct activating and inhibitory receptors via conserved activating (ITAM) and inhibitory (ITIM) signaling motifs. However, recent evidence indicates that under certain conditions incomplete phosphorylation of ITAM tyrosines leads to inhibitory signaling. This new regulatory function of ITAMs has been termed ITAMi (inhibitory ITAM). Here we discuss the potential molecular mechanisms of inhibitory signaling by ITAM‐containing receptors.
Maturation cleavage within the ectodomain of Lassa virus glycoprotein relies on stabilization by the cytoplasmic tail
Authors: Schlie Katrin , Strecker Thomas , Garten Wolfgang
Published: September 2010

MINT‐7997004: LASV GP (uniprotkb:P08669) and LASV GP (uniprotkb:P08669) physically interact (MI:0915) by cosedimentation through density gradient (MI:0029)
Sequence discrimination of the Zα domain of human ADAR1 during B–Z transition of DNA duplexes
Authors: Seo Yeo-Jin , Ahn Hee-Chul , Lee Eun-Hae , Bang Jongchul , Kang Young-Min , Kim Hee-Eun , Lee Yeon-Mi , Kim Kyungmin , Choi Byong-Seok , Lee Joon-Hwa
Published: September 2010

The Zα domain of human ADAR1 (ZαADAR1) preferentially binds Z‐DNA rather than B‐DNA with high binding affinity. ZαADAR1 binds to the Z‐conformation of both non‐CG‐repeat DNA duplexes and a d(CGCGCG)2 duplex similarly. We performed NMR experiments on complexes between the ZαADAR1 and non‐CG‐repeat DNA duplexes, d(CACGTG)2 or d(CGTACG)2, with a variety of protein‐DNA molar ratios. Comparison of these results with those from the analysis of d(CGCGCG)2 in the previous study suggests that ZαADAR1 exhibits the sequence preference of d(CGCGCG)2
≫ d(CACGTG)2
> d(CGTACG)2 through multiple sequence discrimination steps during the B–Z transition.
MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry – Painting Molecular Pictures
Authors: Schwamborn Kristina , Caprioli Richard M.
Published: September 2010

MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry is a molecular analytical technology capable of simultaneously measuring multiple analytes directly from intact tissue sections. Histological features within the sample can be correlated with molecular species without the need for target‐specific reagents such as antibodies. Several studies have demonstrated the strength of the technology for uncovering new markers that correlate with disease severity as well as prognosis and therapeutic response. This review describes technological aspects of imaging mass spectrometry together with applications in cancer research.
Tocqueville Pioneer of Fiscal Sociology
Authors: Leroy Marc
Published: September 2010

This article presents an unknown aspect of Tocqueville’s thinking that positions him as a pioneer in the field of fiscal sociology. InDemocracy in America, he puts forward the general trend by democratic societies to increase their public expenditure, which would later be known as Wagner’s law. His findings continue to be valid in an era of economic globalization, especially with the resilience of the Welfare State. InThe Old Regime and the Revolution, the demonstration is mainly based on the financial changes in the public sector that contributed to destroying political freedom, accentuating class divisions, and delegitimizing public action while cognitive and ideological factors precipitated the movement. Tocqueville’s pioneering work is remarkable for its methodology (although this remains implicit rather than explicit) and for its results. Nevertheless it is not referred to by either the founders of financial sociology or by current researchers.
Backdoor Nationalism
Authors: E. Fox Jon , Vermeersch Peter
Published: September 2010

Contrary to expectations, the EU’s eastward expansion in 2004 did not sound the death knoll of nationalism in the region; rather, it signalled its reinvention and, in some respects, reinvigoration. In this paper, we examine three ways in which nationalism has been redefined in Hungary and Poland in the context of EU enlargement. First, consensus on the desirability of European unification has lessened the importance of left/right party divisions; in its place, the “nation” has provided a fulcrum for inter-party contestation. Second, EU integration has provided nationalists in the region with a backdoor for realising old nationalist ambitions of national reunification across the porous borders of the EU. Third, we examine the way radical nationalist organisations in Hungary and Poland increasingly define themselves in opposition to the EU.
High dietary fat and cholesterol exacerbates chronic vitamin C deficiency in guinea pigs
Authors: Frikke-Schmidt Henriette , Tveden-Nyborg Pernille , Birck Malene Muusfeldt , Lykkesfeldt Jens
Published: September 2010

Vitamin C deficiency – or hypovitaminosis C defined as a plasma concentration below 23 μm– is estimated to affect hundreds of millions of people in the Western world, in particular subpopulations of low socio-economic status that tend to eat diets of poor nutritional value. Recent studies by us have shown that vitamin C deficiency may result in impaired brain development. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate if a poor diet high in fat and cholesterol affects the vitamin C status of guinea pigs kept on either sufficient or deficient levels of dietary ascorbate (Asc) for up to 6 months with particular emphasis on the brain. The present results show that a high-fat and cholesterol diet significantly decreased the vitamin C concentrations in the brain, irrespective of the vitamin C status of the animal (P < 0·001). The brain Asc oxidation ratio only depended on vitamin C status (P < 0·0001) and not on the dietary lipid content. In plasma, the levels of Asc significantly decreased when vitamin C in the diet was low or when the fat/cholesterol content was high (P < 0·0001 for both). The Asc oxidation ratio increased both with low vitamin C and with high fat and cholesterol content (P < 0·0001 for both). We show here for the first time that vitamin C homoeostasis of brain is affected by a diet rich in fat and cholesterol. The present findings suggest that this type of diet increases the turnover of Asc; hence, individuals consuming high-lipid diets may be at increased risk of vitamin C deficiency.
Two non-consecutive 24 h recalls using EPIC-Soft software are sufficiently valid for comparing protein and potassium intake between five European centres – results from the European Food Consumption Validation (EFCOVAL) study
Authors: Crispim Sandra P. , de Vries Jeanne H. M. , Geelen Anouk , Souverein Olga W. , Hulshof Paul J. M. , Lafay Lionel , Rousseau Anne-Sophie , Lillegaard Inger T. L. , Andersen Lene F. , Huybrechts Inge , De Keyzer Willem , Ruprich Jiri , Dofkova Marcela , Ocke Marga C. , de Boer Evelien , Slimani Nadia , van't Veer Pieter
Published: September 2010

The use of two non-consecutive 24 h recalls using EPIC-Soft for standardised dietary monitoring in European countries has previously been proposed in the European Food Consumption Survey Method consortium. Whether this methodology is sufficiently valid to assess nutrient intake in a comparable way, among populations with different food patterns in Europe, is the subject of study in the European Food Consumption Validation consortium. The objective of the study was to compare the validity of usual protein and K intake estimated from two non-consecutive standardised 24 h recalls using EPIC-Soft between five selected centres in Europe. A total of 600 adults, aged 45–65 years, were recruited in Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, The Netherlands and Norway. From each participant, two 24 h recalls and two 24 h urines were collected. The mean and distribution of usual protein and K intake, as well as the ranking of intake, were compared with protein and K excretions within and between centres. Underestimation of protein (range 2–13 %) and K (range 4–17 %) intake was seen in all centres, except in the Czech Republic. We found a fair agreement between prevalences estimated based on the intake and excretion data at the lower end of the usual intake distribution ( < 10 % difference), but larger differences at other points. Protein and K intake was moderately correlated with excretion within the centres (ranges = 0·39–0·67 and 0·37–0·69, respectively). These were comparable across centres. In conclusion, two standardised 24 h recalls (EPIC-Soft) appear to be sufficiently valid for assessing and comparing the mean and distribution of protein and K intake across five centres in Europe as well as for ranking individuals.
Cross-Cuttingness, Cleavage Structures and Civil War Onset
Authors: Selway Joel Sawat
Published: September 2010

This article seeks to further our understanding of how social structure affects the onset of civil war. Existing studies to date have been inconclusive, focusing only on single-cleavage characteristics of social structure, such as ethnic or religious fractionalization. This study argues that models that do not take into account the relationship between cleavages (or cleavage structure) are biased and thus reach faulty conclusions. With the focus on the cleavages of ethnicity and religion, the effects of two characteristics of cleavage structure on civil war onset (cross-cuttingness and cross-fragmentation) are defined and tested. A new index of ethno-religious cross-cuttingness (ERC), derived from national public opinion surveys, reveals that ERC is a significant determinant of civil war onset when interacted with ethnic fractionalization.
Polite Passionate Persuasion: Hume's Conception of Rhetoric
Authors: Hanvelt Marc
Published: September 2010

Abstract.While confronting questions about the negative political effects of faction and fanaticism, David Hume developed a distinction between the manipulative rhetoric of the fanatics and the factional leaders and a good form of rhetoric that I term accurate, just, and polite. This high form of rhetoric combines Hume's philosophy of just reasoning with the rhetorical style of an idealized Demosthenes and eighteenth-century standards of politeness. Understanding Hume's conception of rhetoric is important for understanding the full scope of his political philosophy. In addition, further study of his conception of rhetoric could provide a valuable avenue of research for contemporary liberal theorists seeking to develop normative models of judgment and deliberation.

Résumé.En réfléchissant aux effets négatifs du factionnalisme et du fanatatisme, David Hume a établi une distinction entre la rhétorique manipulatrice des leaders factionnaires et fanatiques, et une rhétorique que je qualifie ici de correcte, juste et polie. Cette dernière s'inspire de la philosophie du juste raisonnement de Hume, mais aussi d'un style de rhétorique associé à Demosthenes, érigé ici en idéal, ainsi que des standards de politesse du dix-huitième siècle. Cette conception de la rhétorique joue un rôle important dans la philosophie politique de Hume et pourrait constituer une avenue de recherche intéressante pour les penseurs libéraux contemporains qui cherchent à développer des modèles normatifs de jugement et de délibération.
Instrumental Philanthropy: Trade and the Allocation of Foreign Aid
Authors: Lundsgaarde Erik , Breunig Christian , Prakash Aseem
Published: September 2010

Abstract.“Trade, not aid” has long been a catchphrase in international development discourse. This paper evaluates whether the “trade, not aid” logic has driven bilateral aid allocations in practice. Using a dataset that covers development assistance from 22 donor countries to 187 aid recipients from 1980 to 2002, we find that donor countries have dispersed bilateral aid in ways that reinforce their extant bilateral commercial ties with recipient countries. Instead of “trade, not aid,” bilateral aid disbursement has followed the logic of “aid following trade.” The policy implication is that bilateral aid allocation patterns have reinforced the disadvantages of poor countries that have a limited ability to participate in international trade due to a variety of factors such as geography and a lack of tradable resources.

Résumé.«Le commerce et non l'aide» est un slogan qui continue d'occuper une place importante dans le débat sur le développement international. L'article qui suit vise à évaluer la mise en pratique de ce principe dans les allocations de l'aide bilatérale. S'appuyant sur une base de données recouvrant l'aide distribuée par 22 pays donateurs à 187 pays récipiendaires entre 1980 et 2002, notre analyse révèle que l'aide a été allouée en fonction des liens commerciaux bilatéraux existants et les a renforcés. C'est donc le principe de «l'aide après le commerce» qui a prévalu. Les allocations d'aide bilatérale ont ainsi aggravé les désavantages des pays pauvres dont la capacité à bénéficier du commerce international est limitée en raison de divers facteurs, dont la situation géographique et le manque de ressources marchandes.
Charter Creep: Creeping Precommitment and the Threat to Liberal Republicanism
Authors: Lusztig Michael
Published: September 2010

Abstract.At the heart of constitutionalism lies a fundamental flaw, what Stephen Holmes calls the paradox of democracy. On one hand precommitment—the constitutional entrenchment of certain fundamental rules and values—represents a restriction upon the ability of otherwise self-governing citizens to govern themselves. On the other, absent precommitment, self-governance becomes a precarious proposition. In this article I distinguish between “good” precommitment, whereby values to be protected are generally considered to be more prized than the short-term values that threaten them, and “bad,” precommitment to values in the absence of general and ordinal preferences. Specifically, I examine judicially mandated,creepingprecommitment in the context of abortion and free speech rights in Canada.

Résumé.Il y a au cœur du constitutionnalisme un défaut fondamental, ce que Stephen Holmes appelle le paradoxe de la démocratie. D'une part, le préengagement (precommitment) – la constitutionnalisation de certaines règles et valeurs morales fondamentales – représente une contrainte limitant la capacité des citoyens autrement autonomes à se gouverner eux-mêmes. D'autre part, sans cet engagement préalable, l'autonomie devient une proposition précaire. Dans cet article, je fais la distinction entre le «bon» préengagement, portant sur des valeurs morales à protéger qui sont généralement considérées comme étant plus précieuses que les valeurs à court terme qui les menacent, et le «mauvais» préengagement, portant sur des valeurs morales non tranchées par des préférences générales et ordinales. J'examinerai spécifiquement le préengagementrampant, judiciairement autorisé, dans le contexte des droits à l'avortement et à la liberté d'expression au Canada.
Wave scattering by ice floes and polynyas of arbitrary shape
Authors: BENNETTS L. G. , WILLIAMS T. D.
Published: September 2010

An efficient solution method is presented for linear and time-harmonic water-wave scattering by two classes of a three-dimensional hydroelastic system. In both cases, the fluid domain is of infinite horizontal extent and finite depth. The fluid surface is either open, except in a finite region where it is covered by a thin-elastic plate, which represents an ice floe, or fully covered by a plate, except in a finite region where it is open, which represents an ice polynya. The approach outlined herein permits the boundary between the ice-covered and free-surface fluid regions to be described by an arbitrary smooth curve. To solve the governing equations of the full three-dimensional linear problem, they are first projected onto the horizontal plane by using an approximation theory that combines an expansion of the vertical motion of the fluid in a finite set of judiciously chosen modes with a variational principle. This generates a system of two-dimensional partial differential equations that are converted into a set of one-dimensional integro-differential equations using matrices of Green's functions, which are solved numerically through an application of the Galerkin technique. A numerical results section justifies the consideration of an arbitrarily shaped boundary by comparing the response of differently shaped floes and polynyas over a range of relevant wavenumbers. Comparisons are made in terms of the magnitude and direction of the far-field scattering response, and also the maximum average curvature of the floe and the maximum wave elevation within the polynya.
Murine models of premature ageing for the study of diet-induced immune changes: improvement of leucocyte functions in two strains of old prematurely ageing mice by dietary supplementation with sulphur-containing antioxidants
Authors: De la Fuente Mónica
Published: September 2010

Several immune functions are markers of health, biological age and predictors of longevity. A chronic oxidative and inflammatory state is the main cause of ageing and the immune system is involved in the rate of ageing. Thus, several murine models of premature ageing have been proposed owing to their early immunosenescence and oxidative stress, such as ovariectomised rats and mice, obese rats and anxious mice. In the last model, the most extensively studied by us, mice showing anxiety have an aged immune function and redox status as well as a shorter longevity in comparison with animals without anxiety of the same chronological age, being denominated prematurely ageing mice. A confirmation of the above is that the administration of diets supplemented with antioxidants improves the redox status and immune functions and increases the longevity of prematurely ageing mice. Antioxidant precursors of glutathione such as thioproline or N-acetylcysteine, which have a relevant role in ageing, have been the most widely investigated in adult prematurely ageing mice in our laboratory. In the present work, we have studied the effects of the ingestion for 5 weeks of a diet supplemented with 0·1% (w/w) thioproline+N-acetylcysteine on several functions of leucocytes from chronological old (69–73 weeks of age) prematurely ageing mice of two strains (Swiss and BALB/c). The results show an improvement of the immune functions, with their values becoming closer to those in adult animals (24±2 weeks). Thus, an adequate nutrition with antioxidants, even in aged subjects, could be a good strategy to retard ageing.
Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coliO157 associated with human infections in Switzerland, 2000–2009
Authors: KÄPPELI U. , HÄCHLER H. , GIEZENDANNER N. , CHEASTY T. , STEPHAN R.
Published: September 2010

Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC), an important foodborne pathogen, can cause mild to severe bloody diarrhoea (BD), sometimes followed by life-threatening complications such as haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). A total of 44 O157 strains isolated from different patients from 2000 through 2009 in Switzerland were further characterized and linked to medical history data. Non-bloody diarrhoea was experienced by 15·9%, BD by 61·4% of the patients, and 29·5% developed HUS. All strains belonged to MLST type 11, were positive forstx2 variants (stx2 and/orstx2c),eaeandehxA, and only two strains showed antibiotic resistance. Of the 44 strains, nine phage types (PTs) were detected the most frequent being PT32 (43·2%) and PT8 (18·2%). By PFGE, 39 different patterns were found. This high genetic diversity within the strains leads to the conclusion that STEC O157 infections in Switzerland most often occur as sporadic cases.
A ‘Mediterranean New Left’? Comparing and Contrasting the French PSU and the Italian PSIUP
Authors: GORDON DANIEL A.
Published: September 2010

This article argues that Gerd-Rainer Horn's model of a ‘Mediterranean New Left’ encompassing both the French Parti socialiste unifié (PSU, 1960–1990) and the Italian Partito socialista italiano di unità proletaria (PSIUP, 1964–1972) needs to be significantly revised. It agrees that, half a century on from the events which gave rise to their foundation, this much misunderstood part of the political spectrum, midway between social democracy and the far left, is worthy of rescue from the ‘enormous condescension of posterity’, but questions how similar the two parties actually were. Major differences emerge, especially in the nature of each party's relationship with communism, with the philosovietism of the PSIUP contrasting with the PSU's evolution towards an anti-Leninist decentralist socialism of self-management. Yet, at the same time, important new evidence is uncovered about the concrete political and personal links that developed between leading intellectuals of the PSIUP and PSU, an example being the friendship of the Italian parliamentarian and theorist Lelio Basso with the journalist Gilles Martinet, later French ambassador to Italy. Other transnational links, both across the Mediterranean and to eastern Europe, are explored. Furthermore, the location of the roots of both parties in the 1940s generation of anti-fascist resistance calls into question prevailing assumptions equating the New Left with the youth of the 1960s, with wider implications for our understanding of the development of the European left across the twentieth century.
Role of alexithymia in suicide ideation after traumatic brain injury
Authors: WOOD RODGER LL. , WILLIAMS CLAIRE , LEWIS RUTH
Published: September 2010

A high frequency of suicide ideation (SI) has been reported following traumatic brain injury (TBI) (Simpson & Tate, 2002; Teasdale & Engberg, 2001). This study examined the frequency of SI following TBI, and its relationship to alexithymia, and depression, plus two components of depression—hopelessness and worthlessness. One hundred and five TBI patients and 74 demographically matched controls completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 (TAS-20) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Ratings of SI, hopelessness, and worthlessness were extracted from the BDI-II. Results confirm a high frequency of SI (33%) and alexithymia (61%) after TBI compared with healthy controls (1.4% and 6.5%, respectively). A high frequency of alexithymia was also found in a sub-group of moderate-severely depressed TBI patients (70.68%) compared with two non-TBI depressed samples (53.92% and 44.8%). A significant association was found between SI and alexithymia in the TBI group, with the SI group reporting significantly higher TAS-20 total scores. However, logistic regression analysis found that worthlessness was the strongest predictor of SI after TBI. The results of this study suggest that increased attention should be directed toward emotional change after TBI, as alexithymia may mediate the development of worthlessness and, in turn, increase the risk of SI. (JINS, 2010,16, 1108–1114.)
EVIDENCE FOR THE IMPOSSIBLE
Authors: Bostock Stephen
Published: September 2010

I remember at school someone once raising the problem of what would happen when an irresistible force meets an immoveable object. It's a bit like that with my present subject. For any possibility of an afterlife for human beings has long seemed to me out of the question because of the obvious complete dependence of our minds and consciousness on the brain, and because our minds, like our brains, must be a product of evolution. So how could a mind or its consciousness possibly exist independently? But I've recently learnt of apparently undeniable evidence for the possible existence of disembodied minds or spirits. I'll give some account of one particular case – a staggering one, as far as I'm concerned. But suppose – just suppose – such do exist. All sorts of new problems then rear up. I'll give some examples of these too. So in the end I'm left baffled.
MURDER AND THE DEATH OF CHRIST
Authors: Nathan N.M.L.
Published: September 2010

Some people believe that God made it a condition for His forgiveness even of repentant sinners that Jesus died a sacrificial death at human hands. Often, in the New Testament, this doctrine of Objective Atonement seems to be implied, as when Jesus spoke of his blood as ‘shed for many for the remission of sins’ (Matth. 26:28), or when St Paul said that ‘Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures’ (1 Cor. 3:15). And for many centuries the doctrine was indeed accepted by most if not all Christian theologians. It seems in fact to be an essential part of Christianity, which adherents of that religion cannot reject without undermining the authority both of their scriptures and of a very long tradition. It looks then as if objections to the doctrine are objections to the Christian scheme itself. Here is one of them. As the Gospels present it Jesus was murdered, by one or more of Pilate, the Sanhedrin and the Jewish mob. Given Objective Atonement, God ordained the sacrificial death of Jesus, and so, as it seems, this murder. Murder requires freedom on the killer's part. And many have doubted that an action can be both free and ordained by God. Leave that aside. A good God would in any case not make it a condition for our forgiveness that someone acquired the guilt of murder.