bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship of positive and negative expressiveness to the processing of emotion information
Authors: KNYAZEV GENNADY G. , BARCHARD KIMBERLY A. , RAZUMNIKOVA OLGA M. , MITROFANOVA LARISA G.
Published: March 2012

Knyazev, G. G., Barchard, K. A., Razumnikova, O. M. & Mitrofanova, L.G. (2012). The relationship of positive and negative expressiveness to the processing of emotion information. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 53, 206–215.

The tendency to express emotions non‐verbally is positively related to perception of emotions in oneself. This study examined its relationship to perception of emotions in others. In 40 healthy adults, EEG theta synchronization was used to indicate emotion processing following presentation of happy, angry, and neutral faces. Both positive and negative expressiveness were associated with higher emotional sensitivity, as shown by cortical responses to facial expressions during the early, unconscious processing stage. At the late, conscious processing stage, positive expressiveness was associated with higher sensitivity to happy faces but lower sensitivity to angry faces. Thus, positive expressiveness predisposes people to allocate fewer attentional resources for conscious perception of angry faces. In contrast, negative expressiveness was consistently associated with higher sensitivity. The effects of positive expressiveness occurred in cortical areas that deal with emotions, but the effects of negative expressiveness occurred in areas engaged in self‐referential processes in the context of social relationships.
Links between self‐reported and laboratory behavioral impulsivity
Authors: HAVIK MERLE , JAKOBSON AINIKA , TAMM MARIA , PAAVER MARIKA , KONSTABEL KENN , UUSBERG ANDERO , ALLIK JÜRI , ÖÖPIK VAHUR , KREEGIPUU KAIRI
Published: March 2012

Havik, M., Jakobson, A., Tamm, M., Paaver, M., Konstabel, K., Uusberg, A., Allik, J., Ööpik, V. & Kreegipuu, K. (2012). Links between self‐reported and laboratory behavioral impulsivity. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 53, 216–223.

A major problem in the research considering impulsivity is the lack of mutual understanding on how to measure and define impulsivity. Our study examined the relationship between self‐reported impulsivity, behavioral excitatory and inhibitory processes and time perception. Impulsivity – fast, premature, thoughtless or disinhibited behavior – was assessed in 58 normal, healthy participants (30 men, mean age 21.9 years). Self‐reported impulsivity as measured by Adaptive and Maladaptive Impulsivity Scale (AMIS) and behavioral excitatory and inhibitory processes as measured by Stop Signal Task were not directly related. Time perception, measured by the retrospective Time Estimation Task, was related to both. The length of the perceived time interval was positively correlated to AMIS Disinhibition subscale and negatively to several Stop Signal Task parameters. The longer subjects perceived the duration to last, the higher was their score on Disinhibition scale and the faster were their reactive responses in the Stop Signal Task. In summary our findings support the idea of cognitive tempo as a possible mechanism underlying impulsive behavior.
Federal TAX Competition – How does the Institutional Structure of a Country change Tax Outcomes?
Authors: Tillmann Lisa , Wigger Berthold U.
Published: March 2012

Abstract

The interrelations of taxation and federal structure have been extensively analysed from various perspectives. The present paper looks at two competing countries of different institutional structures. It examines how the tax rates set at each level of both countries vary in a given setting, when a federal and a unitary country compete for mobile tax base, or both countries are organised as federations. The paper discusses whether or not tax rates set in every jurisdiction will be too high or too low in equilibrium. The externalities triggered by a tax regime change are analysed and the respective impact on revenues is considered. The results essentially hinge on the relative strategic interaction of tax rates, as well as the elasticity of the tax base with respect to the tax rate.
On Regional Unemployment: An Empirical Examination of the Determinants of Geographical Differentials in the UK
Authors: Gilmartin Michelle , Korobilis Dimitris
Published: March 2012

In this paper we consider the determinants of regional disparities in unemployment rates for the UK regions at NUTS‐II level. We use a mixture panel data model to describe unemployment differentials between heterogeneous groups of regions. The results indicate the existence of two clusters of regions in the UK economy, characterized by high and low unemployment rates, respectively. A major source of heterogeneity appears to be caused by the varying effect (between the two clusters) of the share of employment in the service sector, and we trace its origin to the fact that the high unemployment cluster is characterized by a higher degree of urbanization.
The relationship between inequality and innovative activity: a Schumpeterian theory and evidence from cross‐country data
Authors: Hatipoglu Ozan
Published: March 2012

This article examines the effect of inequality on technological progress when innovations are protected by patents of finite length. It provides a Schumpeterian theory of the non‐linear relationship between income distribution and innovative activity in a dynamic general equilibrium setting. Additionally, the theory is empirically tested by investigating how inequality affects innovative activities in a cross‐country setting. Using two new data sets on inequality, one linear and two non‐linear dynamic panel data models are estimated. The results are robust to two common inequality measures. They support the hypothesis that there is an overall negative relationship between inequality and innovative activity and the relationship is non‐linear but not necessarily an inverted‐U.
Does Christian Faith Rule out Human Autonomy?
Authors: Roy Louis
Published: March 2012

Beginning with Kant, modernity has developed the secular dogma that human autonomy is incompatible with obedience to religious law. Can philosophy critique a faulty understanding of both autonomy and obedience? Can theology work out a healthy interaction between the two? In other words, can Christian faith integrate both a redefined autonomy and a redefined obedience?
Perspective‐Taking and the Attribution of Ignorance
Authors: SAMMUT GORDON , SARTAWI MOHAMMAD
Published: March 2012

Ignorance has been both vilified and celebrated throughout the ages. However, the social sciences have had little to say about this topic over the years. In this paper, we argue that in an age of competing and contrasting worldviews, scholarly attention to ignorance can shed light on interpersonal processes and relational dynamics that occur in encounters between subjects holding different points of view. We discuss data from two studies documenting an attribution of ignorance in social relations that serves to relegate the other's point of view to one that stands in need of education or correction. We argue that this communicative strategy enacts a semantic barrier that serves to retain the interlocutor's original point of view unscathed and unchallenged. We argue that this limits dialogical relations by eliminating the requirement for perspective‐taking in social dialogue.
Psychometric properties of the Norwegian Person‐centred Climate Questionnaire from a nursing home context
Authors: Bergland Ådel , Kirkevold Marit , Edvardsson David
Published: March 2012

Background:  The physical and psychosocial environments in nursing homes influence the residents’ everyday life as well as their well‐being and thriving. The staff’s perceptions of and relationships with the residents are crucially important to quality care. Quality care is described often as person‐centred. Few measurement tools exist that focus on person‐centred care in nursing homes.

Objective:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Norwegian version of the Person‐centred Climate Questionnaire–Staff version (PCQ‐S).

Design:  This study had a cross‐sectional survey design.

Participants and Settings:  Two hundred and nine healthcare and support staff in five nursing homes in the eastern part of Norway.

Methods:  The Swedish PCQ‐S was translated into Norwegian with forward and backward translation. The relevance of the items included in the questionnaire was assessed by an expert panel of 10 nursing home care staff, because the questionnaire has not been used in this context previously. A psychometric evaluation using statistical estimates of validity and reliability was performed. The discriminatory capacity of the questionnaire was also tested.

Results:  The content validity index was satisfactory (0.78). The PCQ‐S showed high internal consistency reliability in that Cronbach’s α was satisfactory for the total scale (0.92) and the three subscales (0.81, 0.89 and 0.87). The test–retest reliability was also satisfactory as evident from a Spearman’s correlation coefficient of 0.76 (p < 0.01) between the total PCQ scores at test and retest. The Norwegian version retained the original factor structure of the Swedish version.

Conclusion:  As the psychometric evaluation showed satisfactory validity and reliability scores, this study supports the Norwegian version of the PCQ‐S when applied to a sample of nursing home staff.
The Domestic Politics of European Union Presidencies: The Case of Sweden
Authors: Johansson Karl Magnus , Langdal Fredrik , von Sydow Göran
Published: March 2012

This article aims to start filling a gap in contemporary research on the rotating EU presidencies. In particular, the article pays attention to the role played by domestic factors in the development and fate of EU presidencies. What is the level of conflict between the government and the opposition during EU presidencies? This question is central for us and we address it through an in-depth analysis of one single case, Sweden, through a comparative examination of the role that domestic politics played in the Swedish EU presidencies of 2001 and 2009. In conjunction with our four main explanations for the varying degrees of political conflict during EU presidencies we present four hypotheses that could be advanced in the comparative study of EU presidencies.
The Persistence of Turkey's Majoritarian System of Government
Authors: Lord Ceren
Published: March 2012

This study uses the case study of a ‘transitioning’ country, Turkey, in exploring institutional endurance and change. In this context it uses the framework of Arend Lijphart's majority and consensus democracy in order to uncover patterns of institutional evolution and persistence which have implications for the nature of its democratic transition. This is achieved through a step-by-step exploration of the key dimensions of democracy discussed by Lijphart. This empirical study seeks to demonstrate that despite the introduction of anti-majoritarian institutions in 1961, Turkey has never consolidated consensus democracy. Instead, since 1982 the trend has been a move towards a system more in line with the majoritarian regime established under the 1924 constitution. As such, the study offers a useful case study of the dynamics of political transformation in the face of institutional persistence, suggesting a need for tracing the history if we are to identify institutional patterns in contrast to the more generalized democratization frameworks.
Public Health and the Pre‐Modern City: A Research Agenda
Authors: Geltner G.
Published: March 2012

How and to what extent did pre‐modern people go about creating healthier environments? Can we reasonably talk about public health when it comes to earlier urban societies? This essay briefly surveys a few tenacious misconceptions about preventative (as opposed to curative) health care in pre‐modern cities, and then proceeds to review a budding scholarly literature that explores how urban dwellers, organizations, and governments, especially in medieval Europe and the Near East, identified and addressed the particular health risks attendant upon their milieus. The article concludes by pointing out several fruitful directions in which this emerging historical field can develop.
Political Violence in Interwar France
Authors: Millington Chris
Published: March 2012

Political violence in interwar France is largely considered a marginal phenomenon, the practice of fascist and communist groups alien to the democratic and Republican consensus. Save for the occasional outburst of mass violence, historians have dismissed the sharp political conflict of the interwar years as pretense and bluster confined to the pages of newspapers and thunderous speeches. This article argues that the routine occurrence of political violence in France deserves greater attention. It suggests that analysis of the mechanics of daily confrontation such as political symbols, the use of weapons and conduct at meetings may reveal deeper attitudes to acceptable behaviour during aggressive political confrontation.
Working at Home: Domestic Workers in the Nineteenth and Twentieth‐Century United States
Authors: May Vanessa
Published: March 2012

The history of domestic service in America in the 19th and 20th centuries provides a lens through which to study the history of race, class, and gender. Yet, scholars have struggled to reconcile the history of household workers with that of workers in more public places like factories and shops. Historians have debated whether domestic workers were capable of collective labor resistance and how the issue of race has shaped the experience of domestic workers. The question of whether and how much domestic work differs from other kinds of labor will remain at the center of scholarship on labor, women, and gender.
Directions in Scholarship on American Women and Protestant Foreign Mission: Debates Over “Cultural Imperialism”
Authors: Shemo Connie
Published: March 2012

This essay argues that scholarship on American women missionaries is at the forefront of reconceptualized visions of U.S. women’s history, the history of U.S. foreign relations and the boundaries of U.S. history. In the heyday of Protestant foreign mission in the 19th and early 20th century, women missionaries usually could not preach, and so were heavily involved in spreading Western education, Western medicine, and ideas about “domesticity.” American women missionaries therefore were central actors in American cultural expansion, and in the spread of specific ideas about the empowerment of women abroad. Some scholars have therefore seen women missionaries as especially complicit in American cultural imperialism, while others have protested the portrayal of American women missionaries as cultural imperialists. Particularly in the last decade, however, scholars have focused on how people in the host cultures have interpreted and adapted the messages of American women missionaries. This has challenged the idea that American women missionaries unilaterally imposed American culture on the people among whom they worked, while still taking seriously the ways in which American women missionaries both contributed to and benefitted from American imperialism. The essay argues for the importance of embracing the complexity of American women missionaries – their simultaneous opposition to imperialism and racism and complicity with imperialist structures and drawing on ideologies of race. Ultimately, the essay argues, scholarship on American women missionaries makes an important contribution to our understanding contradictions inherent in American cultural outreach more broadly.
Saints, Devotions and Canonisation in Early Modern Italy
Authors: Copeland Clare
Published: March 2012

Over the last 30 years, historians have taken a keen interest in saints as a means of gauging the nature of Catholic reform and the Counter Reformation in Europe, and Italy in particular. Scholarship has focused on both the manner of institutional reform of the canonisation process and the ways in which so‐called ‘popular’ devotions and religious practices continued in spite of central, official concerns. This article considers how the debate has shifted away from stressing a top‐down imposition of saints as models of virtue towards emphasising the scope for negotiation between the faithful and the Church authorities in Rome. It argues for the importance of recent research showing the uncertain and slow course of reform to canonisation long after the end of Trent and the creation of the Congregation of Rites. Building on the identification of religious orders as peculiar ‘localities’, this article calls for a reappraisal of how these orders fitted within the sacred landscape. Furthermore, attention is drawn to the significance of candidates for sainthood as the objects of devotion; taking into consideration the requirements for beatification and canonisation, this article stresses a number of approved possibilities for individualised experiences within the Counter‐Reformation Church. In particular, the requirement for miracles meant that even unofficial, candidate saints had to be taken up by devotees: thus ‘holiness’ could exist aside from official sainthood despite increased regulation of the canonisation process.
Historicising the ‘Big O.E.’: New Approaches to New Zealand Tourists and Travel Writing Abroad
Authors: de Pont Genevieve
Published: March 2012

New Zealand scholars only began to focus on New Zealanders’ leisured travelling abroad in the last decade, far more recently than scholars from other former British settler colonies commenced research on past travellers from their nations. New Zealand research sits within a nexus of popular assertions or stereotypes about the importance of travel for the development of New Zealand culture, and about the national characteristics of New Zealanders. This article outlines the trends which have emerged within this small pool of literature, and argues scholars who have researched the O.E., or overseas experience, have tended to look ‘inwards’ at pre‐existing local understandings of the value of travel, while scholars considering other models of travel by New Zealanders have more often turned their attention ‘outwards’, using post‐colonial frameworks. I argue that between these strands of scholarship lie many opportunities for further research on New Zealand international tourists and travel writers, and that this scholarship is necessary in order to adequately reflect upon the importance which has been attributed to New Zealanders’ travels by historians and public commentators.
Central line insertion bundle: experiences and challenges in an adult ICU
Authors: McPeake Joanne , Cantwell Shelia , Malcolm G Booth , Malcolm Daniel
Published: March 2012

Background: Central venous catheters are used frequently in the intensive care unit (ICU). However, there is an associated morbidity, mortality and cost derived from their infectious and mechanical complications. The Scottish Patient Safety Programme (SPSP) has developed a multi faceted care bundle, with the aim of reducing catheter‐related blood stream infections.

Aim: This paper aims to identify and describe the experience and challenges in implementing the SPSP central line insertion bundle in one adult ICU, in a large inner city teaching hospital.

Interventions:‘Plan‐Do‐Study‐Act' cycles, checklists for insertion and a standardized trolley were adopted to implement the central line insertion bundle in clinical practice.

Conclusion/Implications: Improving the reliability of the central line insertion bundle has reduced infections. Key steps in the process were setting clear aims and ensuring staff understand the change process and measurement of results. This is fundamental to the success of any quality improvement process.
Color and Luminescence Stability of Selected Dental Materials In Vitro
Authors: Gawriołek Maria , Sikorska Ewa , Ferreira Luis F. V. , Costa Alexandra I. , Khmelinskii Igor , Krawczyk Alina , Sikorski Marek , Koczorowski Prof. Ryszard
Published: March 2012

Purpose: To study luminescence, reflectance, and color stability of dental composites and ceramics.

Materials and Methods: IPS e.max, IPS Classic, Gradia, and Sinfony materials were tested, both unpolished (as‐cast) and polished specimens. Coffee, tea, red wine, and distilled water (control) were used as staining drinks. Disk‐shaped specimens were soaked in the staining drinks for up to 5 days. Color was measured by a colorimeter. Fluorescence was recorded using a spectrofluorometer, in the front‐face geometry. Time‐resolved fluorescence spectra were recorded using a laser nanosecond spectrofluorometer.

Results: The exposure of the examined dental materials to staining drinks caused changes in color of the composites and ceramics, with the polished specimens exhibiting significantly lower color changes as compared to unpolished specimens. Composites exhibited lower color stability as compared to ceramic materials. Water also caused perceptible color changes in most materials. The materials tested demonstrated significantly different initial luminescence intensities. Upon exposure to staining drinks, luminescence became weaker by up to 40%, dependent on the drink and the material. Time‐resolved luminescence spectra exhibited some red shift of the emission band at longer times, with the lifetimes in the range of tens of nanoseconds.

Conclusions: Unpolished specimens with a more developed surface have lower color stability. Specimens stored in water develop some changes in their visual appearance. The presently proposed methods are effective in evaluating the luminescence of dental materials. Luminescence needs to be tested in addition to color, as the two characteristics are uncorrelated. It is important to further improve the color and luminescence stability of dental materials.
A Technique for Fabrication of an Extracoronal Attachment‐Retained Removable Partial Denture to Fit an Existing Fixed Partial Denture
Authors: Uludag Bulent , Polat Serdar , Sahin Volkan , Tokar Emre , Goktug Gurkan
Published: March 2012

Precision attachments have been used for many years to retain removable partial dentures (RPDs). Common reasons for a failed attachment‐retained RPD are fracture of the framework, fracture of the roots or teeth, and irretrievable decrease of retention. When an RPD framework major connector has been fractured, it should be remade. This article describes a technique to remake a fractured mandibular RPD using cast round profile attachment analogs without the need for replacement of the fixed partial denture.
Prosthetic Requirements for Immediate Implant Loading: A Review
Authors: Ghoul Wiam El , Chidiac José Johann
Published: March 2012

Purpose: The aim of this article is to review the current literature with regard to prosthetic considerations and their influence on the outcome of immediately loaded implants.

Materials and Methods: A broad search of the published literature was performed using MEDLINE and PubMed to identify pertinent articles.

Results: One hundred fifty six references were selected. They were mainly descriptive, prospective, follow‐up studies. They were reviewed and were categorized with respect to 6 factors that influence immediate loading: cross‐arch stability and micromovements, interim prostheses, definitive restorations inserted immediately, screw‐ or cement‐retained prostheses, occlusion, and number and distribution of implants in overdentures and fixed prostheses.

Conclusion: Immediate loading seems to be a relatively safe procedure. From the prosthodontic point of view, there are specific guidelines to follow. They are: implants should be splinted with a metallic bar and acrylic interim prostheses until full osseointegration occurs. To have a successful outcome, screw‐retained interim prostheses are recommended. CAD/CAM systems can improve the placement of implants with minimum risk. Regarding occlusion, there is a disagreement on when and how to provide occlusal contacts, but all authors agree on keeping centric contacts only. Finally, concerning the number of implants required for an immediate overdenture, no conclusive evidence could be found.
Immigration and the New Racial Diversity in Rural America*
Authors: Lichter Daniel T.
Published: March 2012

Abstract

This article highlights the new racial and ethnic diversity in rural America, which may be the most important but least anticipated population shift in recent demographic history. Ethnoracial change is central to virtually every aspect of rural America over the foreseeable future: agro‐food systems, community life, labor force change, economic development, schools and schooling, demographic change, intergroup relations, and politics. The goal here is to plainly illustrate how America's racial and ethnic transformation has emerged as an important dimension of ongoing U.S. urbanization and urbanism, growing cultural and economic heterogeneity, and a putative “decline in community” in rural America. Rural communities provide a natural laboratory for better understanding the implications of uneven settlement and racial diversity, acculturation, and economic and political incorporation among Hispanic newcomers. This article raises the prospect of a new racial balkanization and outlines key impediments to full incorporation of Hispanics into rural and small town community life. Immigration and the new ethnoracial diversity will be at the leading edge of major changes in rural community life as the nation moves toward becoming a majority‐minority society by 2042.
Designing Dreams or Constructing Contradictions? European Union Multifunctional Policies and the Polish Organic Farm Sector*
Authors: De Master Kathryn
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Analysts have heralded the principle of “multifunctionality” undergirding the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy “Second Pillar” support mechanisms as a “new . . . and strong paradigm” for agriculture (van der Ploeg and Roep 2003), with the potential to re‐embed social, environmental, and ethical concerns into the structure of the agricultural system. Multifunctionality‐inspired agrienvironmental policies arguably represent an alternative to the productivist‐focused structural forces driving global industrialized agriculture. Yet few empirical studies interrogate the links between the assumed benefits of these policies and farmer experiences. This article examines the introduction of European Union multifunctional agrienvironmental policies in Poland, specifically incentives and supports for certified organic farming, and demonstrates that while favorable incentive subsidies have promoted increased entry into the organic farming sector, inattention to contextual factors has generated barriers to entry and access, creating unanticipated vulnerabilities for Poland's organic farmers and subsequent contradictions in policy implementation. Furthermore, this article demonstrates that, although specific organic certification standards have changed little since Poland's accession to the European Union, the processes associated with new EU multifunctional policies have shifted toward greater institutionalization and bureaucratization, potentially thwarting the efficacy of multifunctional incentives for organic agriculture in the Polish context.
The critical review of methodologies and approaches to assess the inherent skin sensitization potential (skin allergies) of chemicals Part I
Authors: Thyssen Jacob P. , Giménez‐Arnau Elena , Lepoittevin Jean‐Pierre , Menné Torkil , Boman Anders , Schnuch Axel
Published: March 2012

To critically review currently available methods, or methods under development (in vivo, in vitro, in silico, etc.) used in the evaluation of skin sensitization potential and their applicability in the derivation of quantitative ‘safety thresholds'.
The critical review of methodologies and approaches to assess the inherent skin sensitization potential (skin allergies) of chemicals Part II
Authors: Thyssen Jacob P. , Giménez‐Arnau Elena , Lepoittevin Jean‐Pierre , Menné Torkil , Boman Anders , Schnuch Axel
Published: March 2012

To identify specific cases, classes or specific use situations of chemicals for which ‘safety thresholds' or ‘safety limits' were set (in regulations, standards, in scientific research/clinical work, etc.) and critically review the scientific and methodological parameters used to set those limits.
The critical review of methodologies and approaches to assess the inherent skin sensitization potential (skin allergies) of chemicals Part III
Authors: Thyssen Jacob P. , Giménez‐Arnau Elena , Lepoittevin Jean‐Pierre , Menné Torkil , Boman Anders , Schnuch Axel
Published: March 2012

For those chemicals identified in point 2 above, to collect and critically analyse clinical and statistical evidence on the incidence and morbidity (clinical picture) of skin contact allergy (contact dermatitis) cases in the EU before (at least 3 years) and after the limits were set, so as to allow an assessment of the possible effect of the limits in the reduction/prevention of the incidence and morbidity of contact dermatitis.
Process evaluation of an integrated, multidisciplinary intervention programme for hand eczema
Authors: van Gils Robin F. , Groenewoud Karin , Boot Cécile R. L. , Rustemeyer Thomas , van Mechelen Willem , van der Valk Pieter G. M. , Anema Johannes R
Published: March 2012

Background. Over the last decade, few randomized controlled trials of high methodological quality have been carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for patients with hand eczema. Little to no attention has been paid to the feasibility of these interventions. This process evaluation was carried out to gain insight in the barriers to and facilitators for implementation of an intervention for hand eczema. The aims of this process evaluation were to examine the feasibility and the satisfaction of the patients and the professionals with the integrated care programme, and the perceived barriers to and facilitators for the use of the programme.

Methods. Eligible for this study were patients with moderate to severe chronic hand eczema who completed the integrated care programme. This programme is an intervention provided by a multidisciplinary team, consisting of a dermatologist, a specialized nurse, and a clinical occupational physician. Data were collected from the patients and the healthcare professionals, by means of semistructured telephone interviews, questionnaires, and a patient tracking system. Implementation, satisfaction and expectations were investigated.

Results. Ninety‐three patients completed the integrated care programme. Compliance with the integrated care programme was good. The results indicate good satisfaction of both patients and healthcare professionals with the integrated care programme. However, with regard to the process and feasibility of the integrated care programme, there is room for improvement. The clinical occupational physician was only involved in a very limited number of cases, the protocol was not flexible, and the intervention period was too compact. Most of the perceived barriers in the present study are at the organizational level.

Conclusion. Satisfaction with the integrated care programme was high among both patients and healthcare professionals. The involvement of the clinical occupational physician in the treatment, when indicated, should be optimized. With the multidisciplinary approach and good communication as a basis for the programme, and a more flexible protocol to avoid unnecessary consultations by the healthcare professionals, integrated care could be a useful treatment from a process evaluation perspective.
Epidemiology of infections in children with acquired aplastic anaemia: a retrospective multicenter study in Italy
Authors: Quarello Paola , Saracco Paola , Giacchino Mareva , Caselli Desirèe , Caviglia Ilaria , Longoni Daniela , Varotto Stefania , Rana Ippolita , Amendola Angela , Misuraca Aldo , Licciardello Maria , Paolucci Paolo , Ladogana Saverio , Rivetti Elisa , Dufour Carlo , Castagnola Elio
Published: March 2012

Infection is a significant cause of death in patients with aplastic anaemia (AA). However, few studies have examined the characteristics of infections in patients with AA, especially in children. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the incidence and types of infections in a large cohort of paediatric patients with AA referred to eight AIEOP (Italian Association of Paediatric Oncology and Haematology) centres in Italy. The study included 78 patients, 45 boys and 33 girls, median age 9.29 yrs (1st–3rd quartile 3.59–13.09) diagnosed with AA. During the study period, 111 infectious episodes were observed in 42 (54%) patients. Fifty‐one (46%) episodes were fever of unknown origin and 60 (54%) were documented infections (DI). In this group, microbiologically documented infection (MDI) with bacteremia accounted for 23 (38%) episodes, MDI without bacteremia for 7 (12%), clinically documented infection for 25 (42%) and invasive fungal diseases for 5 (8%). The rate (episodes/1000 d at risk) was similar in severe aplastic anemia and very severe aplastic anemia both before and after day 120. During the first 120 d from diagnosis, the cumulative risk of a DI was 21% (95% CI 12–29) with the last episode at day 117, but the 50% of episodes were observed in the first 24 d. After day 120, the cumulative risk of DI was again 21% (95% CI 12–29), with the last episode at day 445 of follow‐up, with 50% of episodes observed in the first 120 d of observation (240 d from the diagnosis of AA). We found a statistically significant association between the grade of aplasia at diagnosis and the incidence of IEs (P = 0.0002). No association was found between gender, age at diagnosis, response at day +120 and at day +180, use of G‐CSF and occurrence of IEs. The actuarial overall survival at 5 yrs was 90% ± 3.6. The mortality rate attributable to infection complication was 9%. This is a large paediatric cohort study reporting the epidemiology of infectious complications in children with AA and that allow us to compare the epidemiological data in this diseases with that of the most recent studies in neutropenic children with cancer. Our findings confirm that infections represent the main cause of death in patients with AA and they are important for the design of management strategies of febrile neutropenia in these patients.
Sirtuin 4 identification in normal human epidermal keratinocytes and its relation to sirtuin 3 and energy metabolism under normal conditions and UVB‐induced stress
Authors: Dong Kelly , Pelle Edward , Yarosh Daniel B. , Pernodet Nadine
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Sirtuins (SIRT) are NAD+‐dependent deacetylases and ADP‐ribosyltransferases that play a critical role in metabolism and epigenetics. SIRT3 and SIRT4 are of particular interest because they are localized in the mitochondria where energy is generated and their expression is inversely proportional to each other. Here, we report data, for the first time, demonstrating the presence of SIRT4 in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) and confirm that its expression is inversely related to SIRT3 in these cells and that they follow a temporal cycle. Further, UVB radiation modified their expression, as well as ATP and H2O2 levels. These deviations from the normal sirtuin cycles after UVB exposure can be an epigenetic indicator of lower metabolism levels.
Prion infected rhesus monkeys to study differential transcription of Alu DNA elements and editing of Alu transcripts in neuronal cells and blood cells
Authors: Kiesel P. , Bodemer W. , Gibson T. , Zischler H. , Kaup F.‐J.
Published: March 2012

Background  Rhesus monkeys were used as a non‐human primate model to study small non‐coding RNA after infection with human sporadic and variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob prions.

Methods  Tissue‐specific Alu DNA element transcription and editing of transcripts were assessed in neuronal – and blood cells (Buffy Coat).

Results  Tissue/cell‐specific transcription and editing patterns were obtained. Active Alu DNA elements belonged to several Alu DNA families, they could be located on several chromosomes, and their genomic sites were identified. Deamination by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA and apolipoprotein B editing complex was found.

Conclusions  Different Alu transcription and editing programmes exist and may depend on the infection status.
Marathon of eponyms: 24 Xmas (Christmas) disease
Authors: Scully C , Langdon J , Evans J
Published: March 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 315–316

The use of eponyms has long been contentious, but many remain in common use, as discussed elsewhere (Editorial: Oral Diseases. 2009: 15; 185). The use of eponyms in diseases of the head and neck is found mainly in specialties dealing with medically compromised individuals (paediatric dentistry, special care dentistry, oral and maxillofacial medicine, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology and oral and maxillofacial surgery) and particularly by hospital‐centred practitioners. This series has selected some of the more recognised relevant eponymous conditions and presents them alphabetically. The information is based largely on data available from MEDLINE and a number of internet websites as noted below: the authors would welcome any corrections. This document summarises data about Christmas disease.
Learning from Failures or Failing to Learn? Lessons from Pharmaceutical R&D
Authors: MAGAZZINI LAURA , PAMMOLLI FABIO , RICCABONI MASSIMO
Published: March 2012

Innovation is a trial and error process in which both successes and failures contribute to knowledge creation and destruction. In this paper we test theoretical predictions about the role of failures in new product development on private and public knowledge and interfirm knowledge transfer. We analyse the outcomes of world‐wide R&D projects in the pharmaceutical industry, and proxy knowledge flows with forward citations received by patents associated with each project. We find that patents covering successfully completed projects (i.e., leading to drug launch on the market) receive more citations than those associated to failed (terminated) projects, which in turn are cited more often than patents lacking clinical or preclinical information. Failures by specialized firms are cited more frequently than the ones of generalist companies. We therefore offer evidence of the value of failures as research inputs in (pharmaceutical) innovation.
ATTITUDES TOWARD RICE COMPARED WITH POTATOES AND PASTA AMONG BRITISH, FRENCH, DUTCH AND BELGIAN CONSUMERS
Authors: SUPAKORNCHUWONG CHATBOVON , SUWANNAPORN PRISANA
Published: March 2012

European citizens are eating more rice nowadays, and their rice consumption is expected to continue to increase. This indicates the possibility of further penetration of the rice market in the European Union by countries such as Thailand. Four European countries – the U.K., France, Belgium and the Netherlands – were the focus of our study, because they imported more than U.S.$140 million worth of rice from Thailand in 2010. This study aimed to investigate the beliefs and attitudes in those four target European countries toward rice compared with their typical main starchy foods (e.g., potatoes and pasta) in order to ascertain the possibility of rice serving as a substitute. A quantitative questionnaire was designed to assess consumer attitudes toward rice, potatoes and pasta with respect to taste, health aspects, price, calorie content, harmful substances, trustworthiness, digestibility, allergenicity and perceived specialty food. Attitudes about rice's taste, health benefits and low price were among the highest, whereas its specialty received the lowest ratings. Rice was rated more positively than potatoes and pasta for almost every attitude. Consumers' intentions to increase rice consumption in the near future were significantly associated with perceptions regarding four attributes of rice: good taste, healthfulness, low calorie content and specialty.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Positive attitudes about rice have increased markedly among consumers in the four target European countries. Perceptions of rice – either in terms of healthfulness, price, calorie content, harmful substance content, trustworthiness, digestibility and allergenicity – were superior to those of potatoes and pasta. As rice consumption per capita in Europe is still comparatively lower than consumption of potatoes and pasta, Thai rice has a potentially large demand to fill. Superior quality of rice should be differentiated and promoted to help increase consumer demand and preferences in rice. Good taste, health benefits, low calorie content and status as a specialty food could be promoted as the beneficial characteristics of rice, because in consumer surveys, these perceptions were key factors affecting consumer intention to buy more rice.
A REVIEW OF STATISTICAL METHODS FOR DETERMINATION OF RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF CORRELATED PREDICTORS AND IDENTIFICATION OF DRIVERS OF CONSUMER LIKING
Authors: BI JIAN
Published: March 2012

This article attempts to deliver the following message to the researchers and practitioners in the sensory field. (1) Theoretically, drivers of consumer liking is based on relative importance of explanatory variables in a linear model. The problem is complicated when the variables involve linear dependence, which is the common situation in sensory and consumer data. (2) The commonly used methodologies, e.g., conjoint analysis, preference mapping and Kano's model, have serious limitations for determination of relative importance of correlated attributes and identification of drivers of consumer liking. (3) The conventional statistics, e.g., correlation coefficient, standard regression coefficient andPvalues of tests for regression parameters, etc., are inadequate and invalid measures of relative importance of correlated attributes. (4) There are three state‐of‐the‐art methods for determination of relative importance of correlated attributes. They are the Lindeman, Merenda and Gold's method, Breiman's Random Forest and Johnson's relative weight.

This article also provides statistical background and almost exhaustive main references on the topic of relative importance of variables scattered in various academic journals in different fields. The information will help the sensometricians and researchers with more statistical knowledge to embrace the mainstream of the research on the topic and to pursue advanced methods for drivers of consumer liking.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

This article reviews some new methods for determination of relative importance of correlated explanatory variables to response variable in a regression model. The methods can be used for identification of drivers of consumer liking. The article also provides the sources of the corresponding computer packages and codes implementing the new methods. The packages and codes are freely available and easy to use. The R packages “relaimpo” for the LMG method, “randomForest” and “party” for the original and modified Breiman's Random Forest method are available athttp://cran.r‐project.org. The R or S‐Plus code “johnson” for Johnson's relative weight is available from the online supplementary Appendix S1 of this article.
ODOR EVALUATION AND DISCRIMINATION OF CAR CABIN AND ITS COMPONENTS: APPLICATION OF THE “FIELD OF ODORS” APPROACH IN A SENSORY DESCRIPTIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: VERRIELE MARIE , PLAISANCE HERVE , VANDENBILCKE VIRGINIE , LOCOGE NADINE , JAUBERT JEAN NOËL , MEUNIER GUILLAUME
Published: March 2012

The various synthetic raw materials used into car cabins are potential sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Consequently, the odors commonly present in the interior of the car could be assigned to these sources, especially in new and parked cars. Sensory analysis remains the obvious tool for evaluation of perceived indoor air quality, despite of the development of new state‐of‐art chemical analysis. The aim of the current study is to present a sensorial tool, an odor evaluation method for car parts and car cabins. The selection of 13 standards among the 45 basic standards of the Field of Odors, as well as seven “custom” standards, was established. All of these standards are used as a common language to describe the nature of odor in a sensory descriptive analysis approach. The setup of these standards provides us objective and comparative data. Odorous fingerprints from car parts have been found, explaining the dominant odors perceived in car cabins. The experimental setup applied for a particular case indicates that mainly foam parts have the major impact on car cabin smell and present a masking effect on the odor of the other parts.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The use of polymer materials (such as foams, plastics, carpets, etc.), paints and adhesives into the car cabin implies the emission of numerous VOCs in the interior of the vehicle. These compounds are responsible for the “new car smell.” This research provides sensory terms and an odor intensity scale that can be used to describe the ambient smell in the car cabin, but also the odor from car parts or car raw materials. This information is useful to the manufacturers in understanding the odorous characteristics of their car cabins assembly, according to the raw materials used, and also to the car part suppliers, submitted to some requirements in terms of odor's intensity and nature.
Assessment of wastewater pollution in pig leather industry in China
Authors: Zhou Houzhen , Tan Zhouliang , Li Xudong
Published: March 2012

Pig leather industry contributed significantly to the life of people all over the world, but serious water environmental problems have arisen. Investigation in tanneries with green pig hides in China showed that pollution resulted mainly from beamhouse operations. Assessment indicated that wastewater from pig‐hides processing had: (1) wide variations of pH, (2) high levels of sulfide (S2−) and chromium, (3) high levels of neutral salts and ammonia nitrogen (NH
4+‐N), (4) high levels of suspended solids (TSS) and oil & grease, and (5) low biodegradability. A tannery processing 10 000 pig hides per day generated chemical oxygen demand (COD) of 3.81–12.31 tonnes and NH
4+‐N 0.27–1.06 tonnes, respectively. The pollution loads were equivalent to those of a city of 60 000–120 000 inhabitants, which has a COD of 3.9–10.56 tonnes/day and NH
4+‐N of 0.462–1.164 tonnes/day, respectively (SEPAC). And nearly 30% of the tanneries discharged their wastewater by screening only or by primary treatment like coagulation–sedimentation, while the rest of them discharged directly into surface waters without any treatment.
The Decline and Fall of the West? Debates about the Trinity in Contemporary Christian Theology
Authors: Ables Travis E.
Published: March 2012

This article traces the development of discussion about the Trinity in 20th century Christian theology. It details how contemporary theologians have understood the doctrine to function, and highlights the influence and reception of key thinkers such as Karl Barth, Karl Rahner, and Vladimir Lossky. It examines the function of the “standard narrative” as a critique of the psychological analogy of Augustine and Aquinas, through an opposition between Eastern and Western thinking about the Trinity, that dates to the work of Théodore de Régnon. It shows the distinct stages of development in modern trinitarian theology, as well as critiques of the standard narrative in current historical scholarship. It reflects on the use of Trinity for thinking about the history of salvation, and for developing ideas about divine and human persons as relational, before asking critical questions about the state of the discussion.