bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immigrant Populations and the Labour Market in Greece at the Beginning of the Twenty‐First Century
Authors: Gavalas Vasilis S. , Korres George M. , Giannakos Apostolos
Published: March 2012

Our purpose in undertaking this research is to methodically map the labour market circumstances of the main immigrant groups in Greece. We classify all of the Districts of Greece into three categories (Diverse, Mixed and Unmixed) according to the ethnic composition of each District. We measure how the employment status of the immigrants varies (1) according to the ethnic group and sex of the immigrant, and (2) according to the ethnic composition and economic structure of a District. In general, the majority of immigrants exhibit lower unemployment and higher economic activity rates than the indigenous Greeks. Three immigrant groups (Albanians, Bulgarians and “Other”), which make up two‐thirds of the foreign‐born population of Greece, have lower unemployment rates than the national average, and lower rates than Greeks as well. The poorest labour market outcomes are observed in Unmixed and Mixed Districts, whereas Diverse Districts are better off. At the regional level, the most disadvantaged Geographical Department is the Ionian Islands, since it presents the highest unemployment rates for the general population for both sexes. With regard to sex‐differential unemployment across immigrant groups, we found that women exhibit higher unemployment than men in almost every ethnic group.
Can Migratory Contacts and Remittances Contribute to Reconciliation and Reconstruction in Rwanda?
Authors: Caarls Kim , Fransen Sonja , Ruben Ruerd
Published: March 2012

Migratory contacts may have a positive or a negative influence on local processes of reconciliation and reconstruction. However, their impact on individual attitudinal and behavioural attributes remains a largely underexposed topic. Migrants from post‐conflict Rwanda maintain substantive contacts with their relatives through social networks and the resources that they send. Reconstruction and reconciliation programmes in post‐conflict Rwanda heavily rely on these migratory contacts. We explore the relationship between migration, reconstruction and reconciliation processes in post‐conflict Rwanda. We analyse the importance of migratory contacts as a major constituent of social capital, and discuss whether and how remittances can be used for mobilizing this social capital. Adopting a micro‐level perspective, we examine the effects of migratory contacts and remittances on cooperative behaviour and willingness for reconciliation amongst 558 households in Huye District, southern Rwanda. We find that migratory contacts enhance reconstructive behaviour and reconciliatory attitudes, whereas financial remittances result in reduced participation in these processes, indicating that there is a crowding‐out effect due to remittance‐dependency. Furthermore, we scrutinize the relationship between reconciliation and reconstruction, showing that inter‐group contact is a key mediating variable.
Financial Access for Migrants and Intermediation of Remittances in South Africa
Authors: Makina Daniel
Published: March 2012

In this paper, I examine the state of access to financial services by migrants in South Africa and the intermediation of remittances using a case study of Zimbabwean migrants. I observe that migrants generally use informal channels to intermediate remittances. While this phenomenon can technically be attributed to immigration laws and the financial regulatory environment, there are other factors at play, such as cultural inertia. I observe financial access for migrants to be positively related to migrant legal status, income level, savings level and education level. Furthermore, I note that financial access is not correlated with the choice of the mode of remittance transfer. The majority of migrants with financial access still prefer to utilize informal transfer mechanisms. Policy interventions that have the effect of improving financial access include the “formalization” of the legal status of migrants, improving their wage levels and access to education, and expanding savings programmes to migrants.
Disagreement in a Multi‐Asset Market
Authors: He Xue‐Zhong , Shi Lei
Published: March 2012

This paper provides a simple framework to study the effect of disagreement in a multi‐asset market equilibrium by considering two agents who disagree about expected returns, variances, and correlation of returns of two risky assets. When agents' subjective beliefs are characterized by mean preserving spreads of a benchmark homogeneous belief, we show that the effect of the disagreement does not cancel out in general and the effect in a multi‐asset market can be very different from a single asset market. In particular, the market risk premium can increase and the risk‐free rate can decrease significantly even when the market is overoptimistic and overconfident.
Hey, How did I become a Role Model? Privacy and the Extent of Role‐Model Obligations
Authors: SPURGIN EARL
Published: March 2012

abstract

Much of the public criticism of many public figures, such as that of Michael Phelps, Lindsay Lohan, and Bill Clinton, accuses those persons of failing as role models. The criticism often ascribes to public figures role‐model status in a general sense that encompasses their behaviour in aspects of life beyond the fields for which they are known. I argue that, because of privacy considerations, we are unjustified in ascribing broadly to public figures role‐model status in the general sense. Unless public figures hold themselves out to be role models regarding other aspects of life, we are justified in demanding only that they be good role models with respect to their behaviour in their particular fields. To make my arguments, I demonstrate that: 1) we are justified in ascribing role‐model status to individuals far less often than most believe; 2) legitimate role‐model obligations typically do not extend as far into role models' lives as most believe; and, 3) those who try to convince public figures to be better role models should redirect their efforts toward educating young people about who are proper role models and about what aspects of role‐models' lives young people should imitate.
Spider monkeys use high‐quality core areas in a tropical dry forest
Authors: Asensio N. , Lusseau D. , Schaffner C. M. , Aureli F.
Published: March 2012

Core areas are thought to be critical parts of animal home ranges for sustaining the population, but few studies have tested this important assumption. We examined whether core areas of spider monkeys Ateles geoffroyi had better habitat quality than the rest of their home range (non‐core areas). Habitat quality parameters, including density and diversity of food trees, degree of forest maturity and density of sleeping trees in core and non‐core areas were analyzed using Moran eigenvector generalized linear model (GLM) filtering using spatial eigenvector mapping to control for spatial autocorrelation. The best fitting GLM revealed that spider monkeys' core areas had higher habitat quality than non‐core areas. This study provides quantitative evidence supporting the concept of core areas including the most critical resources for an animal population. In this respect, spider monkeys' core areas are a key to understand their movement ecology and habitat preferences.
Upregulation of miR‐24 is associated with a decreased DNA damage response upon etoposide treatment in highly differentiated CD8+ T cells sensitizing them to apoptotic cell death
Authors: Brunner Stefan , Herndler‐Brandstetter Dietmar , Arnold Christoph R. , Wiegers Gerrit Jan , Villunger Andreas , Hackl Matthias , Grillari Johannes , Moreno‐Villanueva María , Bürkle Alexander , Grubeck‐Loebenstein Beatrix
Published: March 2012

The life‐long homeostasis of memory CD8+ T cells as well as persistent viral infections have been shown to facilitate the accumulation of highly differentiated CD8+CD28− T cells, a phenomenon that has been associated with an impaired immune function in humans. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating homeostasis of CD8+CD28− T cells have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we demonstrate that the miR‐23∼24∼27 cluster is up‐regulated during post‐thymic CD8+ T‐cell differentiation in humans. The increased expression of miR‐24 in CD8+CD28− T cells is associated with decreased expression of the histone variant H2AX, a protein that plays a key role in the DNA damage response (DDR). Following treatment with the classic chemotherapeutic agent etoposide, a topoisomerase II inhibitor, apoptosis was increased in CD8+CD28− when compared to CD8+CD28+ T cells and correlated with an impaired DDR in this cell type. The reduced capacity of CD8+CD28− T cell to repair DNA was characterized by the automated fluorimetric analysis of DNA unwinding (FADU) assay as well as by decreased phosphorylation of H2AX at Ser139, of ATM at Ser1981, and of p53 at Ser15. Interleukin (IL)‐15 could prevent etoposide‐mediated apoptosis of CD8+CD28− T cells, suggesting a role for IL‐15 in the survival and the age‐dependent accumulation of CD8+CD28− T cells in humans.
MICROSCOPIC IDENTIFICATION AND SOURCING OF ANCIENT EGYPTIAN PLANT FIBRES USING LONGITUDINAL THIN SECTIONING*
Authors: BOROJEVIC K. , MOUNTAIN R.
Published: March 2012

Plant fibres and the artefacts constructed from them often remain overlooked in the archaeological record because of their poor survival and the problems related to the precise identification of the species to which the fibres belong. The goal of this study was to design a simple and accurate method of identifying archaeological plant fibre sources. Twenty‐two fibre samples from two sets of ancient Egyptian botanical artefacts were examined under both a stereomicroscope and a compound microscope, and compared to a large reference collection and to previously published research. By examining longitudinal thin sections of the ancient plant specimens, we identified plant fibres from the following species: Hyphaene thebeica, Cyperus papyrus, Desmostachya bipinnata, Imperata cylindrica, Phragmites australis and Linum usitatissimum. Our identification of these plant fibres reveals essential information about the materials used for producing ropes, baskets, sandals, mats and fabric. The results of this study demonstrate the value of longitudinal thin sectioning and light microscopy as a major means of identifying the source material of botanical artefacts, and advance our knowledge of ancient Egyptian plant exploitation as well as the associated technologies involved in constructing these types of artefacts.
Prospective evaluation of anticoagulation and transjugular intrahepatic portosistemic shunt for the management of portal vein thrombosis in cirrhosis
Authors: Senzolo Marco , M. Sartori Teresa , Rossetto Valeria , Burra Patrizia , Cillo Umberto , Boccagni Patrizia , Gasparini Daniele , Miotto Diego , Simioni Paolo , Tsochatzis Emmanuel , A. Burroughs Kenneth
Published: March 2012

Background

There is no established management algorithm for portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in cirrhotic patients. The aim of our study was to prospectively evaluate anticoagulation and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) to treat PVT.

Methods

Cirrhotics with non‐malignant PVT were included. Low weight molecular heparin anticoagulation was considered in all; TIPS was indicated if thrombosis progressed or anticoagulation was contraindicated. Patients who were not anticoagulated nor received TIPS served as controls.

Results

Fifty‐six patients (of whom 21 controls) were included. PVT was occlusive in 11/35, with extension to the superior mesenteric or splenic vein in 13/35. In the study group 33 patients were anticoagulated, with a recanalization rate of 36% (12/33) compared with 1/21 among controls. A time interval between appearance of thrombosis and anticoagulation < 6 months predicted chance of repermeation. Thrombus progression occurred in 15/21 non anticoagulated patients and in 5/33 anticoagulated patients (P < 0.001). TIPS was placed in six patients. There were five variceal bleedings and two intestinal venous ischaemia episodes in the control group, compared with one variceal bleeding episode in the study group.

Conclusions

In cirrhotics with PVT, a treatment algorithm using anticoagulation and TIPS achieves a good chance of complete repermeation, reduces portal hypertensive complications, and decreases the rate of thrombosis progression.
Assessing Citizen Contributions to Butterfly Monitoring in Two Large Cities
Authors: MATTESON K. C. , TARON D. J. , MINOR E. S.
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  Citizen science may be especially effective in urban landscapes due to the large pool of potential volunteers. However, there have been few evaluations of the contributions of citizen scientists to knowledge of biological communities in and around cities. To assess the effectiveness of citizen scientists’ monitoring of species in urban areas, we compared butterfly data collected over 10 years in Chicago, Illinois (U.S.A.), and New York City, New York (U.S.A.). The dates, locations, and methods of data collection in Chicago were standardized, whereas data from New York were collected at any location at any time. For each city, we evaluated whether the number of observers, observation days (days on which observations were reported), and sampling locations were associated with the reported proportion of the estimated regional pool of butterfly species. We also compared the number of volunteers, duration of volunteer involvement, and consistency of sampling efforts at individual locations within each city over time. From 2001 to 2010, there were 73 volunteers in Chicago and 89 in New York. During this period, volunteers observed 86% and 89% of the estimated number of butterfly species present in Chicago and New York, respectively. Volunteers in New York reported a greater proportion of the estimated pool of butterfly species per year. In addition, more species were observed per volunteer and observation day in New York, largely due to the unrestricted sampling season in New York. Chicago volunteers were active for more years and monitored individual locations more consistently over time than volunteers in New York. Differences in monitoring protocol—especially length of sampling season and selection protocol for monitoring locations—influenced the relationship between species accrual and sampling effort, which suggests these factors are important in volunteer‐based species‐monitoring programs.
SUSCEPTIBILITY AND PROTECTIVE MECHANISMS OF MOTILE AND NON MOTILE CELLS OF HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS (CHLOROPHYCEAE) TO PHOTOOXIDATIVE STRESS1
Authors: Han Danxiang , Wang Junfeng , Sommerfeld Milton , Hu Qiang
Published: March 2012

The life cycle of the unicellular green alga Haematococcus pluvialis consists of motile and nonmotile stages under typical growing conditions. In this study, we observed that motile cells were more susceptible than nonmotile cells to high light, resulting in a decrease in population density and photo‐bleaching. Using two Haematococcus strains, CCAP 34/12 (a motile cell dominated strain) and SAG 34/1b (a nonmotile cell dominated strain), as model systems we investigated the cause of cell death and the protective mechanisms of the cells that survived high light. The death of motile cells under high light was attributed to the generation of excess reactive oxygen species (ROS), which caused severe damage to the photosynthetic components and the membrane system. Motile cells were able to dissipate excess light energy by nonphotochemical quenching and to relax ROS production by a partially up‐regulated scavenging enzyme system. However, these strategies were not sufficient to protect the motile cells from high light stress. In contrast, nonmotile cells were able to cope with and survive under high light by (i) relaxing the over‐reduced photosynthetic electron transport chain (PETC), thereby effectively utilizing PETC‐generated NADPH to produce storage starch, neutral lipid, and astaxanthin, and thus preventing formation of excess ROS; (ii) down‐regulating the linear electron transport by decreasing the level of cytochrome f; and (iii) consuming excess electrons produced by PSII via a significantly enhanced plastid terminal oxidase pathway.
Irreplaceable Legislators? Rethinking Minority Representatives in the New Century
Authors: Juenke Eric Gonzalez , Preuhs Robert R.
Published: March 2012

We use state legislator ideology estimates (standardized W‐nominate values) to examine whether Latino and African American legislator ideological differences can be explained away by traditional constituency characteristics like partisanship and demographics. We find instead that both Black and Latino legislators are unique “types.” Our evidence supports the theoretical presumption that there is a minority dimension to legislative voting and that it is uniquely personified by minority officeholders. White, Black, Latino, Democrat, and Republican representatives are all examined for responsiveness to different partisan and racial/ethnic populations. The dataset includes all 50 state legislatures from the 1999–2000 legislative sessions, including information from the U.S. Census, NALEO, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, Gerald Wright's Representation in the American Legislature Project, and CQ Press's Almanac of State Legislative Elections.
When an Event Sparks Behavior Change: An Introduction to the Sentinel Event Method of Dynamic Model Building and Its Application to Emergency Medicine
Authors: Boudreaux Edwin D. , Bock Beth , O’Hea Erin
Published: March 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:329–335 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Experiencing a negative consequence related to one’s health behavior, like a medical problem leading to an emergency department (ED) visit, can promote behavior change, giving rise to the popular concept of the “teachable moment.” However, the mechanisms of action underlying this process of change have received scant attention. In particular, most existing health behavior theories are limited in explaining why such events can inspire short‐term change in some and long‐term change in others. Expanding on recommendations published in the 2009 Academic Emergency Medicine consensus conference on public health in emergency medicine (EM), we propose a new method for developing conceptual models that explain how negative events, like medical emergencies, influence behavior change, called the Sentinel Event Method. The method itself is atheoretical; instead, it defines steps to guide investigations that seek to relate specific consequences or events to specific health behaviors. This method can be used to adapt existing health behavior theories to study the event–behavior change relationship or to guide formulation of completely new conceptual models. This paper presents the tenets underlying the Sentinel Event Method, describes the steps comprising the process, and illustrates its application to EM through an example of a cardiac‐related ED visit and tobacco use.
Health history after intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Authors: TURUNEN KAISA , MÖLSÄ ANNI , HELANDER KRISTIINA , SUMANEN MARKKU , MATTILA KARI J.
Published: March 2012

Objective. To establish whether intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is associated with other diseases during a woman's lifetime. Design. Prospective controlled cohort study. Setting. University Hospital in Finland. Population. A total of 575 women with ICP and 1374 control women, all having delivered in 1969–1988. Questionnaires were sent to 544 ICP patients and 1235 control women. Responses were received from 1178 (66.4%). Methods. Questionnaire survey in autumn 2010. Main outcome measures. Perceived health, symptoms and complaints, diseases diagnosed by a doctor and use of medicines. Results. No statistically significant differences were detected in perceived health. Differences in recent symptoms and complaints were small. Diagnoses made by a doctor showed higher frequencies in the ICP group than in control women for other hepatobiliary diseases, breast cancer and hypothyreosis. Diagnosed hypertension and high cholesterol requiring medication as well as cardiac arrhythmia were less frequent in the ICP group. Women in this group used antacid medicines more often than control women. Conclusions. There were few differences between the ICP patients and control women except for a higher frequency of later hepatobiliary disease, breast cancer and hypothyreosis. Women with a history of ICP should be screened for hypothyreosis more readily than those without. The higher frequency of breast cancer warrants further research.
Indolent CD8‐positive T‐cell lymphoid proliferation of the ear: a report of two cases
Authors: Zeng Weifen , Nava Victor E. , Cohen Philip , Ozdemirli Metin
Published: March 2012

The current classification of primary cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL) of the World Health Organization (WHO) includes primary cutaneous CD8‐positive aggressive epidermotropic cytotoxic T‐cell lymphoma as a provisional entity awaiting cumulative data. Recent reports identify CD3/CD8‐positive clonal T‐cell lymphoid proliferations arising in the ear and nose that behave indolently and therefore defy currently established subclassification. Here, we report two cases of clonal CD8‐positive/granzyme‐B‐negative T‐cell lymphoid proliferations that arose in the ear and behaved indolently. Collectively, these cases suggest that an additional category of cutaneous indolent CD8‐positive T‐cell lymphoma may be necessary among the existing classification schemes.

Zeng W, Nava VE, Cohen P, Ozdemirli M. Indolent CD8‐positive T‐cell lymphoid proliferation of the ear: a report of two cases.
Cystic trichoblastoma (so‐called trichoblastic infundibular cyst): a report of three new cases
Authors: Juárez África , Rütten Arno , Kutzner Heinz , Requena Luis
Published: March 2012

Three cases of so‐called trichoblastic infundibular cyst are reported. The lesions showed a configuration similar to infundibular cysts, including basophilic orthokeratotic corneocytes arranged in basket‐weave pattern and intermingled with eosinophilic sebum. The cyst wall was mainly composed of stratified squamous epithelium showing infundibular keratinization throughout a granular layer. However, in some areas, epithelial cords, buds and reticulated proliferations of follicular germinative cells surrounded by a densely cellular stroma emanated radially from the cyst wall. In one case, in addition to the presence of follicular germinative cells, there were also aggregations of matrical cells with evidences of inner sheath and matrical differentiation. In our opinion, these findings support a neoplastic rather than a cystic nature for this lesion. We discuss the histopathologic differential diagnosis with other follicular cystic lesions showing similar keratinization.

Juárez A, Rütten A, Kutzner H, Requena L. Cystic trichoblastoma (so‐called trichoblastic infundibular cyst): a report of three new cases.
The noncanonical NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Sun Shao‐Cong
Published: March 2012

Summary:  The noncanonical nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathway mediates activation of the p52/RelB NF‐κB complex and, thereby, regulates specific immunological processes. This NF‐κB pathway relies on the inducible processing of NF‐κB2 precursor protein, p100, as opposed to the degradation of IκBα in the canonical NF‐κB pathway. A central signaling component of the noncanonical NF‐κB pathway is NF‐κB‐inducing kinase (NIK), which functions together with a downstream kinase, IKKα (inhibitor of NF‐κB kinase α), to induce phosphorylation‐dependent ubiquitination and processing of p100. Under normal conditions, NIK is targeted for continuous degradation by a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor‐associated factor‐3 (TRAF3)‐dependent E3 ubiquitin ligase. In response to signals mediated by a subset of TNF receptor superfamily members, NIK becomes stabilized as a result of TRAF3 degradation, leading to the activation of noncanonical NF‐κB. This review discusses both the historical perspectives and the recent progress in the regulation and biological function of the noncanonical NF‐κB pathway.
NF‐κB function in B lymphocytes
Authors: Kaileh Mary , Sen Ranjan
Published: March 2012

Summary:  NF‐κB proteins were identified in the search for mechanisms that regulate B‐lymphocyte‐specific transcription of immunoglobulin κ light chain genes. Twenty‐five years later, though the function of the κB site in the enhancer remains enigmatic, NF‐κB proteins have been shown to have important roles in B‐cell development, maintenance, and function. In this review, we summarize the functions of NF‐κB in B cells. An overview of B‐cell biology that identifies stages in the life of B lymphocytes for the general reader is followed by three sections that examine the role of NF‐κB family of proteins in B‐cell development, mature B‐cell survival and B‐cell function. We endeavor throughout to suggest mechanisms and implications of the wide‐ranging observations that have been made and conclude by highlighting the need to understand NF‐κB‐mediated gene expression in more depth.
Virtual dermatohistopathology at http://www.pathowiki.org
Authors: Roßner Mathias , Roßner Florian , Zwönitzer Ralf , Hofmann Harald , Sterry Wolfram , Kalinski Thomas
Published: March 2012

PATHOWIKI (http://www.pathowiki.org) is a new specialized information system in the form of a web‐based wiki with content from all sub‐disciplines of human pathology. Essential components are articles and specimens which are located thematically in dermatopathology. The project is presented on the basis of impressive examples and possibilities. The ability to link all kinds of content and integrate pattern analysis theories creates an effective tool for teaching and training in dermatopathology. Collaborative work ensures the effective usage of available resources and a continually growing amount of content, the quality of which depends on the number of users and should be as high as possible. Therefore, all interested colleagues are invited to support the project.
What We Don’t Talk About When We Don’t Talk About Sex1: Results of a National Survey of U.S. Obstetrician/Gynecologists
Authors: Sobecki Janelle N. , Curlin Farr A. , Rasinski Kenneth A. , Lindau Stacy Tessler
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Sexuality is a key aspect of women’s physical and psychological health. Research shows both patients and physicians face barriers to communication about sexuality. Given their expertise and training in addressing conditions of the female genital tract across the female life course, obstetrician/gynecologists (ob/gyns) are well positioned among all physicians to address sexuality issues with female patients. New practice guidelines for management of female sexual dysfunction and the importance of female sexual behavior and function to virtually all aspects of ob/gyn care, and to women’s health more broadly, warrant up-to-date information regarding ob/gyns’ sexual-history-taking routine.

Aims

To determine ob/gyns’ practices of communication with patients about sexuality, and to examine the individual and practice-level correlates of such communication.

Method

A population-based sample of 1,154 practicing U.S. ob/gyns (53% male; mean age 48 years) was surveyed regarding their practices of communication with patients about sex.

Main Outcome Measures

Self-reported frequency measures of ob/gyns’ communication practices with patients including whether or not ob/gyns discuss patients’ sexual activities, sexual orientation, satisfaction with sexual life, pleasure with sexual activity, and sexual problems or dysfunction, as well as whether or not one ever expresses disapproval of or disagreement with patients’ sexual practices. Multivariable analysis was used to correlate physicians’ personal and practice characteristics with these communication practices.

Results

Survey response rate was 65.6%. Sixty-three percent of ob/gyns reported routinely assessing patients’ sexual activities; 40% routinely asked about sexual problems. Fewer asked about sexual satisfaction (28.5%), sexual orientation/identity (27.7%), or pleasure with sexual activity (13.8%). A quarter of ob/gyns reported they had expressed disapproval of patients’ sexual practices. Ob/gyns practicing predominately gynecology were significantly more likely than other ob/gyns to routinely ask about each of the five outcomes investigated.

Conclusion

The majority of U.S. ob/gyns report routinely asking patients about their sexual activities, but most other areas of patients’ sexuality are not routinely discussed.
Purchasing, Supply Chain Management and Sustained Competitive Advantage: The Relevance of Resource‐based Theory
Authors: Barney Jay B.
Published: March 2012

Contrary to Ramsay's (2001) conclusion and Hunt and Davis's (2008) positioning of their recent article, resource‐based theory suggests that purchasing and supply chain management will often have the attributes that can enable them to be sources of sustained competitive advantage.
Rethinking Regime Politics
Authors: Hall Matthew E. K.
Published: March 2012

Many recent studies of “regime politics” argue that judicial review is ultimately used to promote the interests of the dominant governing regime. I explore this claim by evaluating whether the invalidation of federal laws by the US Supreme Court fits the empirical expectations of the regime politics approach. I find that the Court frequently invalidates statutes when (1) the ideology of the Court diverges from that of the sitting elected branches (suggesting that the Court does not fear sanctions or nonimplementation), and (2) the ideology of the sitting elected branches converges with that of the elected branches that enacted the statute (suggesting that the Court is defying the sitting elected branches). My findings suggest that the Court does not primarily use judicial review to promote the interests of the dominant governing regime.
International Law and Administrative Insulation: A Comparison of Refugee Status Determination Regimes in the United States, Canada, and Australia
Authors: Hamlin Rebecca
Published: March 2012

International law provides nations with a common definition of a refugee, yet the processes by which countries determine who should be granted refugee status look strikingly different, even across nations with many institutional, cultural, geographical, and political similarities. This article compares the refugee status determination regimes of three popular asylum seeker destinations—the United States, Canada, and Australia. Despite these nations' similar border control policies, asylum seekers crossing their borders access three very different systems. These differences have less to do with political debates over admission and border control policy than with the level of insulation the administrative decision-making agency enjoys from political interference and judicial review. Bureaucratic justice is conceptualized and organized differently in different states, and so states vary in how they draw the line between refugee and nonrefugee.
Psychopathy and Culpability: How Responsible Is the Psychopath for Criminal Wrongdoing?
Authors: Fox Adam R. , Kvaran Trevor H. , Fontaine Reid Griffith
Published: March 2012

Recent research into the psychological and neurobiological underpinnings of psychopathy has raised the question of whether, or to what degree, psychopaths should be considered morally and criminally responsible for their actions. In this article, we review the current empirical literature on psychopathy, focusing particularly on deficits in moral reasoning, and consider several potential conclusions that could be drawn based on this evidence. Our analysis of the empirical evidence on psychopathy suggests that while psychopaths do not meet the criteria for full criminal responsibility, they nonetheless retain some criminal responsibility. We conclude, by introducing the notion of rights as correlative, that even if psychopaths were to be fully nonresponsible, imposing some form of civil commitment would still be warranted.
Decision Making in a Hybrid Organization: A Case Study of a Southwestern Drug Court Treatment Program
Authors: Baker Kimberly M.
Published: March 2012

This article presents a case study of decision making in a drug court located the southwestern United States. This study seeks to fill a gap in research on decision making by attending to the ways that drug court officials navigate the demands of a court that is dedicated to both therapy and criminal justice. This analysis differs from previous research by viewing the drug court as a “hybrid organization” and asking how the staff members interact in the decision-making process. Additionally, this research provides an opportunity to investigate the concerns over collaborative decision making raised by critics. The data from this case study reveal that as a hybrid organization, the drug court staff often divides along institutional lines by allowing the counseling staff to manage treatment and the judge to manage punishment. When tensions arise, they are resolved by the structure of the court, which is hierarchical rather than collaborative.
Financial effect of bovine Johne's disease in beef cattle herds in Australia
Authors: Webb Ware JK , Larsen JWA , Kluver P
Published: March 2012

Objective  To assess the financial effect of programs for controlling bovine Johne's disease (BJD) in beef herds.

Design  A spreadsheet simulation model of a self‐replacing beef herd in south‐eastern Australia selling 400‐kg steers at 15 months old.

Methods  The model calculated the monthly cash flow, and net present value (NPV) of cumulative cash flow, over 10 years. Four main control options were compared: (1) a base herd (no action to control the disease), (2) test and cull, and (3) partial and (4) total destocking. It was assumed that BJD was eradicated after 3 and 5 years with total and partial destocking, respectively, and not eradicated with a test and cull program. Scenarios were compared for both commercial and stud enterprises.

Results  If there was no discount on the sale price of cattle in commercial herds, deaths from BJD had to exceed 5% before the NPV of partial or total destocking was similar to taking no action to control the disease over a 10‐year period. When cattle sales incurred a 10% discount, deaths had to exceed 1% before the destocking strategies would break even after 10 years.

Conclusion  Control options for BJD should be carefully planned on an individual herd basis, as significant production and financial risks accompany destocking programs. Eradication will only be more profitable in the longer term, compared with living with the disease, when discounts on the sale of stock from infected herds are high. This can occur with the selling of store cattle or breeders. In stud herds, BJD will usually cause the total failure of the business.
A non‐lethal sampling method for estimating the trophic position of an endangered giant water bug using stable isotope analysis
Authors: OHBA SHIN‐YA , TAKAHASHI JUN‐ICHI , OKUDA NOBORU
Published: March 2012

Abstract.  1. We propose a non‐lethal sampling method involving stable isotope analysis for estimating the trophic position of the endangered giant water bug Kirkaldyia (=Lethocerus) deyrolli (Heteroptera: Belostomatidae) in the wild.

2. Kirkaldyia deyrolli individuals were collected and their δ15N and δ13C values were measured. The δ15N and δ13C values of periphyton and particulate organic matter, the basal food sources in lentic ecosystems of rice fields, were also measured to estimate the trophic position of K. deyrolli. When individual isotopic signatures of the whole body were compared with those of their middle leg tarsus, we found strong correlations between them for both δ15N and δ13C. To estimate their trophic position without killing individuals, we constructed a regression model incorporating their middle leg tarsus’s isotopic signatures and their body size as explanatory variables. This non‐lethal method revealed that K. deyrolli showed great individual variation in its δ15N which is a proxy of trophic position, ranging from 5.60‰ to 8.11‰.

3. To evaluate the negative effects of our non‐lethal method on the fitness of K. deyrolli, we examined how the removal of the middle leg tarsus affected reproductive performance under laboratory conditions. A comparison between the manipulated and unmanipulated individuals revealed that the removal treatment did not have any negative effects on female clutch size or egg hatchability for males.

4. In conclusion, stable isotope analysis of the middle leg tarsus of K. deyrolli is useful for estimating its trophic position without lethal or any negative fitness effects.
Seasonality in phytophagous scarabaeid (Melolonthinae and Rutelinae) abundances in an ‘aseasonal’ Bornean rainforest
Authors: KISHIMOTO‐YAMADA KEIKO , ITIOKA TAKAO
Published: March 2012

Abstract.  1. Seasonal patterns in insect population fluctuations have rarely been examined in rainforests of the central part of Southeast Asia where the climate is aseasonal.

2. We examined the seasonality of population fluctuations in a Bornean rainforest phytophagous scarabaeid assemblage (six species of Melolonthinae and seven of Rutelinae). We also investigated effects on abundances of these insects of irregularly fluctuating environmental changes, such as short‐term rainfall, and community‐level leaf flushing and flowering of canopy trees. Scarabaeids were collected over 6 years by monthly light‐trapping.

3. Eight scarabaeid species had clear seasonality in occurrence and abundance. Seasonal trends were synchronised across the eight species; their monthly catches peaked from March to May and were nearly zero in other months. An analysis of correlations between environmental changes and insect abundances suggested that short‐term changes in rainfall affected the synchrony.

4. In contrast, fluctuations in abundances of five other scarabaeid species were unrelated to calendar seasons. In one of the five scarabaeids, which is a flower‐visiting species, the patterns in population fluctuation strongly correlated with flowering changes. In the remaining four species, no correlations were observed between environmental changes and population fluctuation patterns.

5. While previous studies have demonstrated that aseasonal patterns in population fluctuations are common in various insect assemblages in Southeast Asian rainforests, we show that clear seasonality is prevalent for the phytophagous scarabaeid assemblage.
The impact on quality of life after en‐bloc resection for non‐small‐cell lung cancer involving the chest wall
Authors: Tacconi Federico , Ambrogi Vincenzo , Mineo Davide , Mineo Tommaso Claudio
Published: March 2012

Background:  En‐bloc resection for non‐small cell lung cancer with chest‐wall involvement may achieve a 5‐year survival rate higher than 40%, but the impact on postoperative quality of life is not yet known.

Methods:  Twenty‐six patients undergoing en‐bloc lung resections were included. Life quality ratings were assessed through a Short‐Form 36 questionnaire preoperatively and at six, 12, 18 and 24 month follow‐up visits. The degree of dyspnea, pain level, and flow‐volume curves were also obtained at the same time periods. Changes occurring over time were analyzed by means of repeated‐measure ANOVA.

Results:  As a whole, the Physical Component Summary score declined six months postoperatively (P < 0.0001) and failed to improve thereafter. Patients with preoperative Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), <80% predicted (P = 0.029), resected ribs >2 (P = 0.03), and chest wall defect ≥50 cm2 (P = 0.007) experienced a greater and lasting impairment. Net postoperative decrease in FVC (P = 0.02; r = 0.48) and dyspnea worsening (P = 0.03; r =−043 at six months, P = 0.05; r =−0.39 at 12 months) were also correlated with the extent of physical deterioration, whereas age (P = 0.92), gender (P = 0.51), type of resection (P = 0.71), and adjuvant therapy (P = 0.68) did not. The Physical Component Summary didn't change significantly in patients with high pain levels (VAS >7). The Mental Component Summary score increased slightly at six months, with no difference in any patients' subgroup.

Conclusions:  The extent of chest wall resection, preoperative FEV1, and postoperative decline in FVC were the main indicators of quality of life impairment after en‐bloc resection for lung cancer. The impact upon quality of life should be considered in a cost‐to‐benefit ratio of planning this surgery in suboptimal candidates.
Stressing the Flesh: In Defense of Strong Embodied Cognition
Authors: Dempsey Liam P. , Shani Itay
Published: March 2012

In a recent paper, Andy Clark (2008) has argued that the literature on embodied cognition reveals a tension between two prominent strands within this movement. On the one hand, there are those who endorse what Clark refers to as body‐centrism, a view which emphasizes the special contribution made by the body to a creature’s mental life. Among other things, body centrism implies that significant differences in embodiment translate into significant differences in cognition and consciousness. On the other hand, there are those who endorse what Clark calls extended functionalism, a view which sees the mind as the joint product of the computational resources presented by (i) intracranial processing, (ii) bodily input, and (iii) environmental scaffolding. As such, extended functionalism allows for the possibility that any contribution of the body to cognition and consciousness can be compensated for by the other two contributing factors. While Clark’s sympathies lie with the latter approach, we argue in favour of the former. In particular, we focus on consciousness and argue that the unique contribution the body makes to a creature’s manifold of phenomenal experience cannot be compensated for, in the manner, and on the scale, that Clark envisages.
EP4 receptor signalling in immature B cells involves cAMP and NF-κB dependent pathways
Authors: Prijatelj Matevz , Celhar Teja , Gobec Martina , Mlinaric-Rascan Irena
Published: March 2012

Objectives

Delineation of EP4 receptor signalling properties in immature B cells.

Methods

WEHI 231 cells were used as a model of immature B lymphocytes. The effects of PGE2, EP4 receptor antagonist, EP4 receptor agonist, forskolin and adenylate cyclase inhibitor on proliferation of WEHI 231 cells were examined by MTS assay. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels were examined by ELISA, whereas phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP), kinase, extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2, IκB-α and nuclear factor (NF)-κB subunit p105 were subjected to Western blot analysis. Translocation of NF-κB subunit p65 and EPRAP (EP4 receptor associated protein) was examined by fluorescence microscopy. Levels of early growth response factor (Egr)-1 mRNA were determined by quantitative PCR.

Key findings

We identified the EP4 receptor as the principal molecule mediating the growth-suppressive effect of prostaglandin E2 in WEHI 231 cells. EP4 receptor activation results in cAMP formation and the activation of protein kinase A, NF-κB1 p105 subunit stabilization and inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation, followed by the accumulation of NF-κB p65 subunit in the cell cytoplasm, whereas the activation of PI3K is not involved in EP4 receptor signalling. Elevation of cAMP and inhibition of NF-κB activation are two possible mechanisms by which the EP4 receptor inhibits the proliferation of immature B lymphocytes.

Conclusions

Modulation of the EP4 receptor on immature B lymphocytes provides important insight into the observed action of PGE2 and opens new possibilities for the development of therapies for autoimmune diseases, leukaemia and lymphomas.
Suitability for Psychotherapy Scale (SPS) and its reliability, validity, and prediction
Authors: Laaksonen Maarit A. , Lindfors Olavi , Knekt Paul , Aalberg Veikko
Published: March 2012

Objectives. To present an interview‐based 7‐item Suitability for Psychotherapy Scale (SPS) created to evaluate suitability for short‐ and long‐term therapy, and to assess its reliability, validity, and prediction.

Design. Reliability of the SPS was evaluated by measuring both repeatability and agreement (cross‐sectional design). Validity of the SPS was evaluated by measuring both criterion and discriminating validity (cross‐sectional design). Prediction of the SPS was evaluated using a cohort study design.

Methods. Suitability of 326 psychiatric outpatients from the Helsinki Psychotherapy Study was assessed at baseline with the SPS, and a summary score of the seven items was formed. Reliability of the SPS was evaluated using kappa coefficients and validity using linear models. The ability of the SPS to predict changes in symptoms (SCL‐90‐GSI) during a 1‐year follow‐up was measured. The analysis of validity and prediction of SPS were based on data of all 326 patients and analysis of reliability of SPS on a sample of 28 patients.

Results. Both the repeatability of the interviewers’ assessments over 3 years and agreement between interviewers and reference were fair or good. An association of the SPS with personality functions but not with psychiatric symptoms supported criterion and discriminating validity of the SPS. The SPS also significantly predicted changes in symptoms during follow‐up.

Conclusions. The SPS appeared to be a valid and reliable method for assessing pre‐treatment suitability, with good prediction of psychotherapy outcome.
A Detailed and Validated Three Dimensional Dynamic Model of the Patellofemoral Joint
Authors: Akbar Mohammad , Farahmand Farzam , Jafari Ali , Foumani Mahmoud Saadat
Published: March 2012

A detailed 3D anatomical model of the patellofemoral joint was developed to study the tracking, force, contact and stability characteristics of the joint. The quadriceps was considered to include six components represented by 15 force vectors. The patellar tendon was modeled using four bundles of viscoelastic tensile elements. Each of the lateral and medial retinaculum was modeled by a three-bundle nonlinear spring. The femur and patella were considered as rigid bodies with their articular cartilage layers represented by an isotropic viscoelastic material. The geometrical and tracking data needed for model simulation, as well as validation of its results, were obtained from an in vivo experiment, involving MR imaging of a normal knee while performing isometric leg press against a constant 140 N force. The model was formulated within the framework of a rigid body spring model and solved using forth-order Runge-Kutta, for knee flexion angles between zero and 50 degrees. Results indicated a good agreement between the model predictions for patellar tracking and the experimental results with RMS deviations of about 2 mm for translations (less than 0.7 mm for patellar mediolateral shift), and 4 degrees for rotations (less than 3 degrees for patellar tilt). The contact pattern predicted by the model was also consistent with the results of the experiment and the literature. The joint contact force increased linearly with progressive knee flexion from 80 N to 210 N. The medial retinaculum experienced a peak force of 18 N at full extension that decreased with knee flexion and disappeared entirely at 20 degrees flexion. Analysis of the patellar time response to the quadriceps contraction suggested that the muscle activation most affected the patellar shift and tilt. These results are consistent with the recent observations in the literature concerning the significance of retinaculum and quadriceps in the patellar stability.