bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clara cell protein 10 polymorphism is not associated with severe respiratory syncytial virus infection*
Authors: Overödder Henrik , Navér Lars
Published: July 2011

Aim:  To investigate a possible correlation between severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the Clara cell protein 10 (CC10) gene (A38G).

Methods:  Children hospitalized with severe RSV lower respiratory tract (LRTI) infection at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, during three subsequent RSV seasons were selected and genotyped. Age‐matched controls were used. The two groups were compared regarding SNP in the CC10 gene (A38G) and regarding later development of wheezing.

Results:  No correlation was found between the genotype CC10 +38AA and severe RSV infection or wheezing during follow‐up. Wheezing (p = 0.022), frequent wheezing (≥3 episodes) (p = 0.042) as well as ever wheezing (p = 0.0022) occurred significantly more often after discharge in children hospitalized for RSV compared with the control group.

Conclusion:  Single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the CC10 gene (A38G) does not seem to be involved in the severity of RSV infection or wheezing. In agreement with other studies, we found that children with severe RSV are at increased risk of future wheezing. The latter finding implies that the studied population represented children with severe LRTI, which supports that a correlation between the genotype CC10 +38AA and severe RSV is less likely.
Food plating preferences of children: the importance of presentation on desire for diversity
Authors: Zampollo Francesca , Kniffin Kevin M , Wansink Brian , Shimizu Mitsuru
Published: July 2011

Aim:  Given the importance of food presentation and childhood nutrition, we aimed to test the degree to which adults and children might demonstrate different preferences for various ways in which food can be presented on plates.

Methods:  Twenty‐three pre‐teen children and 46 adults were individually presented full‐size photos of 48 different combinations of food on plates. The photos varied according to seven dimensions (e.g. number of items, placement of entrée and organization of the food).

Results:  Contrary to the default assumption that parents and children share preferences for the ways in which food is presented on plates, we find that children have notably different preferences than adults. Most remarkably, we show that children tended to prefer seven different items and six different colours on their ideal plates, while adults tended to prefer three different colours and three different items.

Conclusion:  The assumption that children prefer food presentations that match adult preferences appears to be unjustified. Future research and interventions that are designed to improve childhood nutrition should test for the impact of diverse presentations on actual food consumption among a variety of populations across institutional settings.
Being born in Sweden increases the risk for type 1 diabetes – a study of migration of children to Sweden as a natural experiment
Authors: Söderström Ulf , Åman Jan , Hjern Anders
Published: July 2011

Aim:  To investigate whether the age of first exposure to a high‐incidence country like Sweden determines the risk of T1DM in children with an origin in a low incidence region of the world.

Methods:  Register study in a Swedish study population in the age 6–25 years in three categories of residents with an origin in low incidence regions of T1DM (Eastern Europe, East Asia, South Asia and Latin America); 24 252 international adoptees; 47 986 immigrants and 40 971 Swedish‐born with two foreign‐born parents and a comparison group of 1 770 092 children with Swedish‐born parents. Retrieval of a prescription of insulin during 2006 was used as an indicator of T1DM and analysed with logistic regression.

Results:  The odds ratios (OR) for T1DM were lower than the Swedish majority population for residents with an origin in the four low incidence regions. Being Swedish‐born implied a higher risk for T1DM in the four low incidence study groups compared with the internationally adopted with an OR of 1.68 (CI 1.03–2.73).

Conclusions:  Being born in Sweden increases the risk for T1DM in children with an origin in low incidence countries. This may imply that exposures in utero or very early infancy are important risk factors for T1DM.
Harmonizing national growth references for multi‐centre surveys, drug monitoring and international postmarketing surveillance
Authors: Hermanussen M , Aßmann C , Wöhling H , Zabransky M
Published: July 2011

Aim:  National European growth references differ. We aimed to convert (harmonize) currently used charts into a single unified interchangeable LMS format for each European nation.

Methods:  Nine currently used national European growth references from Belgium (2009), France (1979), Poland (2001), Sweden (2002), Switzerland (1989), the UK (1990), Italy (2006) and Germany (1979 and 1997) were harmonized and compared with the international WHO child growth standards and WHO growth reference data for 5–19 years.

Results:  European growth charts can be harmonized. The approach appears useful as height, and body mass index (BMI) is inappropriately represented by WHO references. European height references exhibit warping when plotted against the WHO reference. The French appears too short, the other Europeans too tall. Also, the BMI is not appropriately represented by the WHO references.

Conclusions:  Harmonizing references is a novel, convenient and cost‐effective approach for converting historic and/or incomplete local or national growth reference charts into a unified interchangeable LMS format. Harmonizing facilitates producing growth references ‘on demand’, for limited regional purposes, for ethnically, socio‐economically or politically defined minorities, but also for matching geographically different groups of children and adolescents for international growth and registry studies.
Practitioner and Patient Perceptions of Orthodontic Treatment: Is the Patient Always Right?
Authors: MCKETA NATHAN , RINCHUSE DANIEL J. , CLOSE JOHN M.
Published: July 2011

Purpose:  As dentists embrace evidence‐based clinical practice, we place increased emphasis on patient values. Standards like Angle Classification are not related to patient perceptions of the tangible benefits of treatment. This study quantifies the differences dentists and patients perceive in orthodontic treatment outcome.

Materials and Methods:  A survey is used to quantify a patient's perception of orthodontic treatment. It was completed by 30 patients who completed treatment at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. Their responses were compared with the perceptions of five orthodontists, three general dentists, and two prosthodontists.

Results:  Multivariate analysis of variance found the differences between and within the subjects to be significant at p < 0.004. Univariate analysis of variance of the initial scores showed the data to be significant at p < 0.002 and pairwise comparisons showed significant mean differences. Final score analysis of variance was significant at p < 0.001 and pairwise comparison showed significant mean differences.

Conclusions:  Patients and general dentists have a significantly less favorable initial perception of their dental esthetics and function when compared with orthodontists. Final scores of esthetic and functional perceptions between the patients and all three dentist groups showed significant differences, with patients perceiving the results of their treatment more favorably than practitioners.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The data herein elucidates differences in the value systems of professionals and patients. It is meant to encourage dentists to consider whether these differences justify the persistence of traditional orthodontic treatment goals or if treatment planning should incorporate consideration of each individual patient's preferences to maximize utility.

(J Esthet Restor Dent 24:40–52, 2012)
A substitution within erythropoietin receptor gene D1 domain associated with litter size in Beijing Black pig, Sus scrofa
Authors: ZHANG Longchao , WANG Ligang , LI Yong , LI Wen , YAN Hua , LIU Xin , ZHAO Kebin , WANG Lixian
Published: July 2011

Studies of uterine capacity and litter size in swine have suggested that erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) plays an important role in fetal survival through maturation of red blood cells. In this study, we screened the porcine EPOR gene for mutations and identified three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): two missense mutations and one synonymous mutation. We then genotyped 272 Beijing Black sows, Sus scrofa, and compared this data with litter sizes from a total of 1523 parities among the sows. The G allele of the nonsynonymous SNP, EPOR c.434A>G, was associated with greater litter size at both first parity (P < 0.05) and at later parities (P < 0.01). This SNP causes His92Arg adjacent to the fourth conserved cysteine residue in the mature protein and is in the D1 domain of the protein. Additionally, we determined the allele frequencies for this SNP among six Chinese indigenous pig breeds (Bamei, Erhualian, Laiwu Black, Mashen, Meishan and Min) and three Western commercial pig breeds (Duroc, Landrace and Large White). The c.434G allele was significantly more common among the more prolific Chinese breeds than the Western breeds, implying that EPOR c.434A>G could be a useful genetic marker to improve litter size in swine.
Non‐invasive sampling technique for DNA extraction from captive Japanese Crested Ibis on Sado Island
Authors: URANO Kensuke , YAMADA Takahisa , TANIGUCHI Yukio , IWAISAKI Hiroaki , SUGIYAMA Toshie , HOMMA Kosuke , KANEKO Yoshinori , YAMAGISHI Satoshi
Published: July 2011

The Japanese Crested Ibis Nipponia nippon is a critically threatened bird. The post‐hatch eggs of the current captive population of this species on Sado Island have been stored at room temperature for the long‐term. In this study, we investigated the suitability of the vascularized chorioallantois membrane from the eggs as a non‐invasive DNA source. Using microsatellite loci developed for the Japanese Crested Ibis, we performed three experiments for comparison of genotypes obtained among DNA. First, DNA from five different sites of the identical membrane showed the same genotypes at either of two loci examined. Second, DNA from the membrane of each full‐sibling birds and blood of their parents showed the genotypes that were consistent with Mendelian parent–offspring relationships at any of eight loci examined. Third, DNA from the membrane and blood of the same bird showed the matched genotypes at any of eight loci examined. These results indicate that the vascularized chorioallantois membrane from post‐hatch eggs stored at room temperature for the long‐ term can be used as a reliable DNA source of offspring that had hatched from the egg. This study will promote a molecular genetics study on genetic diversity of the current captive Japanese Crested Ibis population on Sado Island.
UNDERSTANDING AGENCY AND EDUCATING CHARACTER
Authors: Roth Klas
Published: July 2011

How can we understand human agency, and what does it mean to educate character? In this essay Klas Roth develops a Kantian notion, one that suggests we render ourselves efficacious and autonomous in education and elsewhere. This requires, among other things, that we are successful in bringing about the intended result through our actions and the means used, and that we act in accordance with and are motivated by the Categorical Imperative. It also requires that we are or strive to become virtuous and that we engage in moral reflection, and, furthermore, that actions are done for the sake of duty, that is, out of respect for the moral law. We accomplish such aims by developing our predispositions, namely the technical, the pragmatic, and the moral predisposition in a society. The extent to which we achieve this, Roth contends, demonstrates what we are prepared to make of ourselves.
INTERROGATING THE TROPE OF THE DOOR IN MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION: FRAMING DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS TO INDIGENOUS POLITICAL AND LEGAL DIFFERENCE
Authors: Richardson Troy A.
Published: July 2011

In this essay Troy Richardson works to develop a conceptual framework and set of terms by which a diplomatic reception of different forms of law can be developed in multicultural education. Taking up the trope of the door in multiculturalist discourse as a site in which a welcoming of the difference of others is organized, Richardson interrogates the complex nature of receptivity to Indigenous customary law, in particular. He argues that, within this trope, a metonymic structure operates in relation to the deployment of “policy” that maintains a perspective of customary law as premodern and primitive. This structure leads to an impoverished set of terms and a lack of diplomacy toward difference. Richardson proceeds by considering the notion of extraterritoriality and the metonyms that organize Emmanuel Levinas's discourse of “doors” in conceptualizing a welcoming receptivity. The term “extraterritoriality” anticipates the law of the other as it approaches the door and implies a diplomatic moment of reception of such difference. Richardson concludes by highlighting Jacques Derrida's evaluation of Levinas's discourse of receptivity and by considering the possibilities for a diplomatic engagement with the laws of others toward a mutation in the current geopolitical moment.
Expression and Cellular Distribution of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor‐C System in Cortical Tubers of the Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Authors: Zhang Chun‐Qing , Shu Hai‐Feng , Yin Qing , An Ning , Xu Sen‐Lin , Yin Jin‐Bo , Song Ye‐Chun , Liu Shi‐Yong , Yang Hui
Published: July 2011

Cortical tubers are malformations of cortical development in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), and highly associated with pediatric intractable epilepsy. Recent evidence has shown that signaling mediated through vascular endothelial growth factor‐C (VEGF‐C) and its receptors, VEGFR‐2 and VEGFR‐3, has direct effects on both neurons and glial cells. To understand the potential role of VEGF‐C system in the pathogenesis of cortical tubers, we investigated the expression patterns of VEGF‐C signaling in cortical tubers compared with age‐matched normal control cortex (CTX). We found that VEGF‐C, VEGFR‐2 and VEGFR‐3 were clearly upregulated in tubers at both the mRNA and protein levels, compared with CTX. The in situ hybridization and immunostaining results demonstrated that VEGF‐C, VEGFR‐2 and VEGFR‐3 were highly expressed in dysplastic neurons (DNs), giant cells (GCs) and reactive astrocytes within tubers. Most DNs/GCs expressing VEGF‐C and its receptors co‐labeled with neuronal rather than astrocytic markers, suggesting a neuronal lineage. In addition, protein levels of Akt‐1, p‐Bad and ERK1/2, the important downstream factors of the VEGF‐C pathway, were significantly increased in cortical tubers, indicating involvement of VEGF‐C–dependent prosurvival signaling in cortical tubers. Taken together, our results suggest a putative role for the VEGF‐C signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of cortical tubers.
Assessment of quality of life in equine patients
Authors: PARKER R. A. , YEATES J. W.
Published: July 2011

Reasons for performing study:Assessing patients' quality of life (QOL) is a core part of clinical decision making. Various methodologies for assessing patients' QOL have been developed in human medicine and small animal veterinary disciplines. In contrast, the lack of aids for QOL assessment in equine veterinary practice leaves practitioners reliant on subjective assessments of QOL, which may be prone to avoidable errors.

Objectives:This paper suggests pragmatic ways in which QOL may be enhanced, while remaining appropriate for the time, financial and owner‐based constraints within equine practice.

Methods:Through interdisciplinary research, this paper identifies, adapts and applies insights from several areas of research and practical experience in order to develop an overarching approach to making QOL‐based decisions in clinical cases.

Results:The paper identifies 6 steps involved in QOL‐based decision making and provides examples of how these steps may be practically applied. These include deciding what each clinician feels is important; deciding how to evaluate it, including taking owners' views into consideration; making decisions about each case and achieving the desired clinical outcomes.

Conclusions:Practitioners can draw their own conclusions on how they may improve QOL assessment in practice and may usefully share these with colleagues. Reporting cases and sharing practical examples of QOL tools used on the ground are vital to the development of this field and appropriate methodologies.

Potential relevance:Improvements in QOL assessment are relevant to all areas of equine veterinary practice, and several areas of research. Further research may develop QOL assessment in practice, but more important are the personal improvements that each practitioner may achieve.

See also correspondence by Grove
Bridging the gap between implicit and explicit understanding: How language development promotes the processing and representation of false belief
Authors: San Juan Valerie , Astington Janet Wilde
Published: July 2011

Recent advancements in the field of infant false‐belief reasoning have brought into question whether performance on implicit and explicit measures of false belief is driven by the same level of representational understanding. The success of infants on implicit measures has also raised doubt over the role that language development plays in the development of false‐belief reasoning. In the current paper, we argue that children's performance on disparate measures cannot be used to infer similarities in understanding across different age groups. Instead, we argue that development must continue to occur between the periods when children can reason implicitly and then explicitly about false belief. We then propose mechanisms by which language associated with false‐belief tasks facilitates this transition by assisting with both the processes of elicited response selection and the formation of metarepresentational understanding.
Epoxy Adhesives Modified With Nano- and Microparticles for In Situ Timber Bonding: Fracture Toughness Characteristics
Authors: Ahmad Z. , Ansell M. P. , Smedley D.
Published: July 2011

Adhesives used for bonded-in steel or composite pultruded rods and plate to make connections in timber structures are commonly room temperature cure adhesives. The room temperature cure, applied without pressure, thixotropic, and shear thinning characteristics of the adhesives, is for ease of application when repairs and reinforcement are being made in situ in the field. The room temperature cure adhesive may not fully cross-link and this may cause brittleness. Therefore to improve the toughness properties of such adhesives, nanoparticles can be added. This paper reports the experimental investigation carried out on the fracture toughness of three thixotropic and room temperature cured epoxy-based adhesives formulated specifically for in situ timber bonding, namely, CB10TSS (standard adhesive), Albipox is CB10TSS with the addition of nanodispersed carboxyl-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile (CTBN), and Timberset is an adhesive formulation containing ceramic microparticles. The fracture toughness behavior of the adhesives was investigated using the Charpy impact test on unnotched and notched specimens conditioned at 20∘C/65%RH to evaluate notch sensitivity, and a single-edge notched beam (SENB) test was performed to evaluate the stress intensity factor KIC. The fracture surfaces were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Under high impact rate, toughness was in the order of CB10TSS, Albipox, and Timberset. CB10TSS and Albipox were found to be ductile in the unnotched state and brittle when notched. Timberset was brittle in both unnotched and notched states. Under low strain rate (SENB) conditions the addition of CTBN significantly improved the fracture toughness of Albipox compared with CB10TSS and Timberset. Examination of the topography of the fractured surface revealed marked changes in crack propagation due to the addition of nano- or microfillers accounting for the variation in toughness properties.
A MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF INDUCED CANCER-ADAPTIVE IMMUNE SYSTEM COMPETITION
Authors: CHROBAK JOANNA M. , HERRERO HENAR
Published: July 2011

We present a model of competition between an artificially induced tumor and the adaptive immune system based on the use of an autonomous system of ordinary differential equations (ODE). The aim of this work is to reproduce experimental results which find two possible outcomes depending on the initial quantities of the tumor and the adaptive immune cells. The ODE system is positively invariant and its solutions are bounded. The linear stability analysis of the fixed points of the model yields two groups of solutions depending on the initial conditions. In the first one, the immune system wins against the tumor cells, so the cancer disappears (elimination). In the second one, the cancer keeps on growing (escape). These results are coherent with experimental results which show these two possibilities, so the model reproduces the macroscopic behavior of the experiments. From the model some conclusions on the underlying competitive behavior can be derived.
Current State of Type 1 Diabetes Immunotherapy: Incremental Advances, Huge Leaps, or More of the Same?
Authors: Phillips Brett , Trucco Massimo , Giannoukakis Nick
Published: July 2011

Thus far, none of the preclinically successful and promising immunomodulatory agents for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) has conferred stable, long-term insulin independence to diabetic patients. The majority of these immunomodulators are humanised antibodies that target immune cells or cytokines. These as well as fusion proteins and inhibitor proteins all share varying adverse event occurrence and severity. Other approaches have included intact putative autoantigens or autoantigen peptides. Considerable logistical outlays have been deployed to develop and to translate humanised antibodies targeting immune cells, cytokines, and cytokine receptors to the clinic. Very recent phase III trials with the leading agent, a humanised anti-CD3 antibody, call into question whether further development of these biologics represents a step forward or more of the same. Combination therapies of one or more of these humanised antibodies are also being considered, and they face identical, if not more serious, impediments and safety issues. This paper will highlight the preclinical successes and the excitement generated by phase II trials while offering alternative possibilities and new translational avenues that can be explored given the very recent disappointment in leading agents in more advanced clinical trials.
Pathological Role of Tonsillar B Cells in IgA Nephropathy
Authors: Suzuki Yusuke , Suzuki Hitoshi , Nakata Junichiro , Sato Daisuke , Kajiyama Tadahiro , Watanabe Tomonari , Tomino Yasuhiko
Published: July 2011

Although impaired immune regulation along the mucosa-bone marrow axis has been postulated to play an important role, the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is unknown; thus, no disease-specific therapy for this disease exists. The therapeutic efficacy of tonsillectomy or tonsillectomy in combination with steroid pulse therapy for IgAN has been discussed. Although randomized control trials for these therapies are ongoing in Japan, the scientific rationale for these therapies remains obscure. It is now widely accepted that abnormally glycosylated IgA1 and its related immune complex (IC) are probably key molecules for the pathogenesis, and are thus considered possible noninvasive biomarkers for this disease. Emerging evidence indicates that B cells in mucosal infections, particularly in tonsillitis, may produce the nephritogenic IgA. In this paper, we briefly summarize characteristics of the nephritogenic IgA/IgA IC, responsible B cells, and underlying mechanisms. This clinical and experimental information may provide important clues for a therapeutic rationale.
Co-registration of Sequential Multidetector Computed Tomography Studies for the Evaluation of Surgical Instrumentation following Resection of Spinal Tumors
Authors: Debnam J. Matthew , Chi T. Linda , Ketonen Leena , Mahfouz Yasser M. M. , Guha-Thakurta Nandita
Published: July 2011

Surgical resection of spinal tumors involves complex reconstructive procedures. The stability and integrity of the surgical construct are evaluated with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). As coregistration, or fusion, of different imaging modalities, especially positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), is common practice, we sought to determine if this technique could be applied to sequential, postoperative MDCT studies of the spine. Herein, we demonstrate that by utilizing the Hermes workstation, co-registration of MDCT spine studies can be performed. This technique allows sequential MDCT examinations of the post-operative spine to be viewed together as one study and may aid in evaluation of the position and integrity of the surgical construct over time. Further study and refinement of this technique will be necessary before clinical implementation.
An Initial Classification of Neotropical Water Mites (Acari: Hydrachnidia) Based on Habitat Preferences
Authors: Fernández Hugo R. , Fossati-Gaschignard Odile
Published: July 2011

Existing classifications of benthic and interstitial freshwater invertebrates are described and discussed. A classification is proposed for southern neotropical (south of latitude S 15) water mites in relation to their life style and habitat preferences. The classification includes planktonic, superficial, benthic, thermal, and subterranean forms. The diversity of the Hydrachnidia family and genera (22 families, 97 genera, and 521 species) is then analyzed using the new classification. Ubiquitous stygobites deserve special consideration because they move through ecotone zones and tolerate extreme conditions. Water mite communities from a north-western Argentinean stream were first described using a surber net and consequently considered as benthic. Nineteen Hydrachnidia species (from benthic to stygobite) were collected and classified. The vertical distribution observed during the year confirmed the permanent presence of benthic Hydrachnidia, even during the first flood, which is of special importance in running waters. The functional classification we propose will facilitate comparison of fauna from different areas that have different faunistic composition but may have similar functional distribution.
Nutrition and Iron Status of 1-Year Olds following a Revision in Infant Dietary Recommendations
Authors: Thorisdottir Asa V. , Thorsdottir Inga , Palsson Gestur I.
Published: July 2011

A previous study showed low iron status in 12-month-old Icelandic infants associated most strongly with cow's milk intake and growth. Infant dietary recommendations were revised in 2003. This study investigated nutrition and iron status in a new infant cohort.Subjects/Methods. Randomly selected infants were prospectively investigated for diet, anthropometry, and iron status (n= 110–141).Results. Breastfeeding initiation rate was 98%; 38% of 5-month olds were exclusively and 20% of 12-month olds partially breastfed. Formula was given to 21% of 6-month olds and 64% of 12-month olds, but cow's milk to 2.5% and 54.4% of 6- and 12-month olds, respectively. Iron depletion (serum ferritin < 12 μg/L) affected 5.8%, 1.4% were also iron deficient (MCV < 74 fl), and none were anemic (Hb < 105 g/l). Iron status associated negatively with growth and breastfeeding duration and positively with meat and formula intake at 9–12 months, but not with cow's milk.Conclusion. Improved iron status might be explained by a shift from cow's milk to formula in the diet of Icelandic 6–12-month olds. Dietary changes altered associations between foods and iron status.
Compliance with the 2010 Nutritional Objectives for the Spanish Population in the Balearic Islands’ Adolescents
Authors: Llull Rosa , del Mar Bibiloni Maria , Martínez Elisa , Pons Antoni , Tur Josep A.
Published: July 2011

Aims: To assess compliance with the 2010 nutritional objectives for the Spanish population in the Balearic Islands’ adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional nutrition survey was carried out in adolescents (n = 1,231). Dietary habits were assessed by means of 2 nonconsecutive 24-hour recalls and a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Differences in the percentage of compliers with the 2010 nutritional objectives and differences in food consumption patterns between genders and high or low consumers of fat, saturated fatty acids (SFA), fiber, and fruits and vegetables were analyzed. Results: None of the nutritional objectives were achieved by the Balearic Islands’ adolescents, and less than 25% of them met the dietary fiber, folate, iodine, total fat, SFA, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), total carbohydrate, and fruit and vegetable requirements. Gender differences were observed in terms of energy, nutrients, and food item consumption. Low fat/SFA and high fruit and vegetable/fiber consumers kept a diet in line with current food group pyramids and the traditional Mediterranean diet. Adolescents need to decrease their meat and increase pulse, fish, and fruit and vegetable consumption. Conclusions: The nutritional objectives for the Spanish population could be achieved through maintenance of the traditional Mediterranean diet in the Balearic Islands’ adolescents. This dietary model could be used to develop food-based dietary guidelines relevant to this population.
‘Useless but True’: Economic Crisis and the Peculiarities of Economic Science*
Authors: Fine Ben , Milonakis Dimitris
Published: July 2011

The recent economic crisis has brought to the fore another crisis that has been going on for many years, that of (orthodox) economic theory. The latter failed to predict and, after the event, cannot offer an explanation of why it happened. This article sketches out why this is the case and what constitutes the crisis of economics. On this basis, the case is made for the revival of an interdisciplinary political economy as the only way for offering an explanation of the workings of the (capitalist) economy in general and of economic crises in particular.
Beyond Simple Fidelity to the Event: The Limits of Alain Badiou’s Ontology
Authors: Sotiris Panagiotis
Published: July 2011

*This article attempts a Marxist critique of Alain Badiou’s positions. The importance of Badiou’s ontology as an affirmation of the possibility of radical-historical novelty is stressed, but also its limits. These limits have to do with Badiou’s abandonment of a dialectical-relational conception of social reality, his refusal of any causal connection between social reality, political decision and event, and the absence of a theory of ideology and hegemony in his work. Consequently, Badiou’s notion of a ‘subtractive’ politics cannot be considered an answer to the open questions of communist strategy, despite his endorsement of the ‘communist hypothesis’.
From Confinement to Creativity: Women’s Reconfiguration of the Prison and Mental Asylum in Salwa Bakr’s The Golden Chariot and Fadia Faqir’s Pillars of Salt
Authors: Sinno Nadine
Published: July 2011

Confined in a women’s prison in modern Egypt for murdering her stepfather, Aziza, the central protagonist in Salwā Bakr’s al-Arabah al-dhahabiyyah lā tasad ilā al-samā [The Golden Chariot] spends her time fantasizing about a golden chariot and selecting qualified inmates to accompany her on her journey to the heavens. As part of her screening project, Aziza informally ‘interviews’ various women prisoners and solicits their stories. Because the prison inevitably forces these women to interact with one another, the exclusively women’s space becomes boundless as it creates a space for the women to compare stories—while simultaneously negotiating socio-economic differences and individual idiosyncrasies. Similar to Aziza and her fellow inmates, Maha and Umm Sad, the protagonists in Fadia Faqir’s Pillars of Salt share a room in a mental hospital in Jordan. And like Aziza and her fellow prisoners, Maha and Um Sad’s relationship is fraught with tension at the beginning. As the novel unfolds, they learn to co-exist and develop an intimate friendship that makes their existence more bearable. Maha and Umm Sad tell their stories to each other—and their private stories become windows into the outside world in which they used to live. In this study, I provide a textual analysis of the two novels, shedding light on how the prison and mental asylum in Bakr and Faqir’s works are transformed from sites of confinement into vehicles of social critique, refuges for female solidarity, and forums for creativity and self-expression.
European Legal Concepts in Scandinavian Law and Language
Authors: Kjaer Anne Lise
Published: July 2011

In this article, I present the results of an empirical study of one aspect of what I call discursive implementation of human rights law in Scandinavian legal systems: translation strategies applied by Scandinavian Supreme Courts when referring to judgments of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). My point of departure is a study of the roughly 85 accessible Danish Supreme Court decisions. I look for the strategies applied by Danish judges in their attempt to accommodate the “novel line of thinking” characteristic of the ECtHR. Next I compare and contrast the Danish strategies with the strategies applied by the Norwegian and Swedish Supreme Courts in a selection of 38 and 28 decisions, respectively. The study is based on the assumption that translations, mistranslations or non-translations are actions at the micro-level of law that aggregate with other micro-level actions to form and shape general processes of law. As primary legal actors, national judges determine the legal discourse that accompanies, supports, delays or promotes European legal integration. The results of the study are not conclusive; what is detected are differences in the translational attitudes and styles of the Scandinavian Supreme Courts and, as a general tendency, a transformation of the domestic law and language to hybrids of common European and national discourse.
Coping with Emerging Federalism – Working with Securities Trading in the European Union
Authors: Hansen Jesper Lau
Published: July 2011

Only fairly recently has the law on securities regulation been subject to legislation, first and only on a framework basis on the national level and lately, but very profoundly on a European level as a consequence of the Financial Services Action Plan, that was carried out from 2000–2005. The ensuring legislation has produced a body of harmonised law that is highly detailed and mostly implemented verbatim in national law. The introduction of European Union (EU) law has complicated the traditional use of national law, partly by changing the reliance on preparatory works in traditional Nordic jurisprudence, partly by introducing new layers of legislation and new parties to the legislative process. The emerging federalisation of EU law is just entering a new and even more pronounced phase following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. This article assess the development up to now by first presenting the distinct legal discipline of securities trading law and then exploring the problems arising from the rapid introduction of EU law within this narrow area of law.
Numerical and experimental investigations on the modification of as-welded residual stress after local material removal
Authors: Liu C , Zhang J
Published: July 2011

The detailed procedures of experiments and numerical simulations to investigate the modification of as-welded stress after milling a local region from the welded plate are presented. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element model was employed to simulate the residual stress induced by multi-pass welding. Taking the as-welded residual stress as the initial stress state, the stress modification of as-welded stress by local material removal with a mill process was also numerically investigated. A welding experiment, milling process, and stress measurements were carried out to validate the numerical analysis. The local material removal with a milling process was considered as a simple stress relief process during the finite element simulation, which was validated by the experimental results. With the proposed numerical model, the modification of as-welded through-thickness stress owing to local material removal was discussed. Investigated results showed that less local material removal does not seem significantly to influence the stress distribution and magnitude at the weld centreline; by increasing the thickness of the material removal, the through-thickness transverse stress within the weld zone changed more noticeably than the through-thickness longitudinal stress, while within the region far from the weld seam, the through-thickness longitudinal stress largely increased, as opposed to the through-thickness transverse stress, which changed little.
Sociopsychological Correlates of Smoking Among Male University Students in Bangladesh
Authors: Kamal S. M. Mostafa , Islam Md.Aynul , Rahman Md.Anisur
Published: July 2011

This study examined knowledge, attitude, prevalence, and factors affecting cigarette smoking among male students of a university in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 474 students in 2009. Both quantitative and qualitative statistics were employed to examine the relationship between smoking and sociopsychological factors. Overall, 36.1% of the students were currently smoking. Significantly, more nonsmokers than smokers showed negative attitudes toward smoking and positive attitudes toward tobacco-controlling measures. Age, study streams and year, mother’s education and occupation, monthly expenditure, and father’s smoking appeared as important determinants of students’ smoking. A multivariate logistic regression analysis yielded significantly (P < .001) increased risk of smoking among students of the Law and Shariah Faculty (odds ratio [OR] = 38.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.56-228.82), third-year students (OR = 7.18, 95% CI = 2.56-20.17), and urban residents (OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.26-3.63). There is an urgent need for health promotion and antitobacco education in building a tobacco-free nation.
Perceived Health Status and Daily Activity Participation of Older Malaysians
Authors: Ng Sor Tho , Tengku-Aizan Hamid , Tey Nai Peng
Published: July 2011

This article investigates the influence of perceived health status on the daily activity participation of older Malaysians. Data from the Survey on Perceptions of Needs and Problems of the Elderly, which was conducted in 1999, were used. The negative binomial regression results show that older persons with good perceived health status reported more varieties of daily activity participation, especially among the uneducated and those with below-average self-esteem. The multinomial logistic regression model suggests that older persons with good perceived health status tended to engage daily in paid work only or with leisure activities, whereas those perceived to have poor health were more likely to engage in leisure activities only or leisure and family role activities. Promotion of a healthy lifestyle at a younger age encourages every person to monitor and take responsibility for their own health, which is a necessary strategy to ensure active participation at an older age, and thus improve their well-being.
Relationship Between Cervical Spine Injury and Helmet Use in Motorcycle Road Crashes
Authors: Ooi S. S. , Wong S. V. , Yeap J. S. , Umar Radin
Published: July 2011

Motorcycle helmets have been proven to prevent head injury and reduce fatality in road crashes. However, certain studies indicate that the helmet increases the mass to the head, and thus the potential of neck injury due to the flexion/extension of the head–neck segment in a road crash may increase. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of motorcycle helmets and the ways in which the accidents that occurred affected the incidence of cervical spine injury. Nevertheless, it is not intended to and does not discredit the fact that helmet use prevents many motorcyclists from sustaining serious and fatal head injuries. A total of 76 cases were collected and analyzed based on the data collected from real-world crashes. The Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) was used to assess the severity of injury, whereas the statistical Pearson χ2 correlation method was used for analysis. The results showed that motorcycle helmets did not affect the severity of cervical spine injury. However, when the samples were further subcategorized into different crash modes, it was found that helmets affect the incidence of a severe cervical spine injury. In frontal collisions, the use of helmets significantly reduces the severity of cervical spine injury, whereas in rear-end, side impact, and skidded accidents, the use of helmets increases the probability of a severe cervical spine injury. However, in the latter crash modes, a motorcyclist without a helmet will have to trade-off with head injury. A logistic regression model has been developed with respective crash modes and the probabilities of risk in having severe cervical spine injury have been calculated. Future designs in motorcycle helmets should therefore consider the significance of nonfrontal accidents and the interaction of helmet with other parts of the body by possibly considering the weight of the helmet.
Rituximab infusion induces NK activation in lymphoma patients with the high-affinity CD16 polymorphism
Authors: Veeramani Suresh , Wang Siao-Yi , Dahle Christopher , Blackwell Sue , Jacobus Laura , Knutson Tina , Button Anna , Link Brian K. , Weiner George J.
Published: July 2011

Natural killer (NK) cell–mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity involving FcγRIIIa (CD16) likely contributes to the clinical efficacy of rituximab. To assess the in vivo effects of CD16 polymorphisms on rituximab-induced NK activation, blood was evaluated before and 4 hours after initiation of the initial dose of rituximab in 21 lymphoma subjects. Rituximab induced NK activation and a drop in circulating NK-cell percentage in subjects with the high-affinity [158(VF/VV)] but not the low-affinity [158(FF)] CD16 polymorphism. There was no correlation between NK-cell activation or NK-cell percentage and polymorphisms in CD32A, C1q, or CH50. We conclude that NK activation occurs within 4 hours of rituximab infusion in subjects with the high-affinity CD16 polymorphism but not those with the low-affinity CD16 polymorphism. This finding may help explain the superior clinical outcome seen in the subset of high-affinity CD16 polymorphism lymphoma patients treated with single-agent rituximab.
EB1 and EB3 promote cilia biogenesis by several centrosome-related mechanisms
Authors: Schrøder Jacob M. , Larsen Jesper , Komarova Yulia , Akhmanova Anna , Thorsteinsson Rikke I. , Grigoriev Ilya , Manguso Robert , Christensen Søren T. , Pedersen Stine F. , Geimer Stefan , Pedersen Lotte B.
Published: July 2011

The microtubule (MT) plus-end-tracking protein EB1 is required for assembly of primary cilia in mouse fibroblasts, but the mechanisms involved and the roles of the related proteins EB2 and EB3 in ciliogenesis are unknown. Using protein depletion experiments and expression of dominant-negative constructs we show here that EB1 and EB3, but not EB2, are required for assembly of primary cilia in cultured cells. Electron microscopy and live imaging showed that cells lacking EB1 or EB3 are defective in MT minus-end anchoring at the centrosome and/or basal body, and possess abnormally short cilia stumps surrounded by vesicles. Further, GST pull-down assays, mass spectrometry and immunoprecipitation indicated that EB1 and EB3 interact with proteins implicated in MT minus-end anchoring or vesicular trafficking to the cilia base, suggesting that EB1 and EB3 promote ciliogenesis by facilitating such trafficking. In addition, we show that EB3 is localized to the tip of motile cilia in bronchial epithelial cells and affects the formation of centriole-associated rootlet filaments. Collectively, our findings indicate that EBs affect biogenesis of cilia by several centrosome-related mechanisms and support the idea that different EB1–EB3 dimer species have distinct functions within cells.
Hierarchic Template Approach for Synthesis of Silica Nanocapsules with Tuned Shell Thickness
Authors: Mashimo Masahiro , Ji Qingmin , Ishihara Shinsuke , Sakai Hideki , Abe Masahiko , Hill Jonathan P , Ariga Katsuhiko
Published: July 2011

Nanoporous silica capsules with mesosized diameter (ca. 60 nm) were prepared by using polystyrene (PS) beads and polyethyleneimine (PEI) as the hierarchic core and shell templates, respectively. The coverage of PEI on the PS beads enhanced the positive charge density on the template surface and favored the formation of well-separated hollow spheres with diameters smaller than 100 nm. By tuning the PEI shell template layer on the solid PS bead templates at different pH values, the shell thickness of the hollow silica sphere could also be controlled at the nanometer level in the range 3–12 nm.
Green Synthetic Method and Simple Size-control of Polyimide Nanoparticles in ScCO2
Authors: Ishizaka Takayuki , Ishigaki Atsushi , Suzuki Toshishige M , Chatterjee Maya , Kawanami Hajime
Published: July 2011

A green method has been developed for the syntheses of polyimide nanoparticles (PI NPs) at high pressure in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) instead of conventional organic solvent. Without any complicated separation process, PI NPs can be obtained by depressurization of CO2. This method allows preparation of size-controlled PI NPs (a few nm to 194 nm) simply by varying the temperature at a fixed pressure of CO2.
Interstrand Crosslink for Discrimination of Methylated Cytosines
Authors: Dohno Chikara , Shibata Tomonori , Nakatani Kazuhiko
Published: July 2011

We have developed a chemistry-based method to discriminate cytosine from methylated cytosine using a probe DNA bearing an aldehyde functionality. The probe DNA undergoes interstrand crosslinking with target DNA containing a non-methylated cytosine in a sequence-dependent manner, while the crosslink formation is significantly suppressed for both 5-methyl and N4-methyl cytosines.