bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Non‐Contractual Nature of Donor–Recipient Interaction in Development Assistance
Authors: Murshed S. Mansoob
Published: March 2009

The author analyzes three issues in strategic donor–recipient interaction motivated by the complexity of the rationale underlying aid. The first is when we have several principals with conflicting objectives. Any one principal cannot offer high powered incentives to the agent to carry out his or her designated task. The second is to do with the fact that effort associated with ensuring aid effectiveness may concern both principal and agent, the optimal solution to which requires cooperative behavior that is difficult to design. Consequently, the contractual type principal–agent relationship between donors and recipients is inappropriate. We need to consider models that signal recipient quality or commitment to reform. Thus, thirdly, a simple model of signaling with commitment problems is presented, along with extensions to multiple types of agent and time periods, as well as possible solutions involving mechanism design.
Does Aid Mitigate External Shocks?
Authors: Collier Paul , Goderis Benedikt
Published: March 2009

The authors investigate the role of aid in mitigating the adverse effects of commodity export price shocks on growth in commodity‐dependent countries. Using a large cross‐country dataset, they find that negative shocks matter for short‐term growth, while the ex ante risk of shocks does not seem to matter. They also find that both the level of aid and the flexibility of the exchange rate substantially lower the adverse growth effect of shocks. While the mitigating effect of aid is significant in both countries with pegs and countries with floats, the effect seems to be smaller for the latter, suggesting that aid and exchange rate flexibility are partly substitutes. They investigate whether aid has historically been targeted at shock‐prone countries, but find no evidence that this is the case. This suggests that donors could increase aid effectiveness by redirecting aid toward countries with a high incidence of commodity export price shocks.
The Macroeconomic Management of Increased Aid: Policy Lessons from Recent Experience
Authors: Hussain Mumtaz , Berg Andrew , Aiyar Shekhar
Published: March 2009

The authors investigate the macroeconomic challenges created by a surge in aid inflows. They develop an analytical framework for examining possible policy responses to increased aid, in terms ofabsorptionandspendingof aid—where the central bank controls absorption, through monetary policy and the sale of foreign exchange, and where the fiscal authority controls spending. Different combinations of absorption and spending lead to different macroeconomic consequences. Evidence from five countries that recently experienced an aid surge (Ethiopia, Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Uganda) shows no support for aid‐related real exchange rate appreciation in these countries, but it does indicate that thefearof Dutch disease played an important part in the policy reaction to aid surges. Fiscal and monetary authorities should coordinate their responses to an aid surge, because an uncoordinated response—typically when the fiscal authority wants to spend aid while the central bank wants to avoid exchange rate appreciation—can have serious negative macroeconomic consequences.
Aid Effectiveness: Looking at the Aid–Social Capital–Growth Nexus
Authors: Baliamoune‐Lutz Mina , Mavrotas George
Published: March 2009

The authors examine the impact of institutional quality and social capital on aid effectiveness. They find strong evidence that social capital and institutions enhance aid effectiveness. Moreover, once they account for the role of social capital and institutions, the impact of policies tends to disappear. These findings have important policy implications as they indicate that conditioning aid allocation on “good policies” may not lead to an optimal (or fair) allocation of aid, as countries with high social capital at the macrolevel could actually make good use of aid regardless of the quality of policy. This casts doubt on the conclusions in Burnside and Dollar (2000) and the policy lessons derived from their findings.
Observed Inflation Forecasts and the New Keynesian Phillips Curve*
Authors: Zhang Chengsi , Osborn Denise R. , Kim Dong Heon
Published: March 2009

This paper investigates the empirical success of the New Keynesian Phillips Curve (NKPC) in explaining US inflation when observed measures of inflation expectations are used in conjunction with the output gap. The paper contributes to the literature by addressing the important problem of serial correlation in the stylized NKPC and developing an extended model to account for this serial correlation. Contrary to recent results indicating no role for the output gap, we find it to be a statistically significant driving variable for inflation, with this finding robust to whether the inflation expectations series used relates to individual consumers, professional forecasters or the US Fed.
Psycho‐cutaneous disorders: an epidemiologic study
Authors: Ehsani AH , Toosi S , Shahshahani M Mirshams , Arbabi M , Noormohammadpour P
Published: March 2009

Background and aims  Psycho‐dermatology addresses the interaction between mind and the skin. Effective management of at least one third of the patients attending the skin department depends, to some extent, upon the recognition of emotional and psychologic factors. The aim of this study was to provide epidemiologic data about common psycho‐dermatoses and their prevalence in dermatologic patients in Iran.

Materials and methods  Patients suspicious to have psychocutaneous problem with primary dermatologic chief complaint were included. After detailed dermatologic evaluation, all patients were visited by an expert psychologist to determine prevalence of DSM‐IV disorders in each psychocutaneous category including delusion of parasitosis, trichotillomania, dermatitis artefacta and neurotic excoriation.

Results  A total of 178 patients including 78 (43.8%) males and 100 (56.2%) females entered the study. The commonest psychocutaneous disorder was neurotic excoriation followed by trichotillomania, delusion of parasitosis and dermatitis artefacta. Mood disorder was the commonest DSM‐IV disorder in our patients, then anxiety disorder and drug‐induced symptoms.

Conclusion  According to our results, it seems that all psychocutaneous disorders but delusion of parasitosis are commoner in females. Mood and anxiety disorders were common in patients with dermatitis artefacta, as patients with neurotic excoriation. In trichotillomania, obsessive compulsive disorder was the commonest disorder. Drug abuse is a major background of delusional parasitosis.

Conflicts of interest

None declared.
How can the feeding habits of the sand tiger shark influence the success of conservation programs?
Authors: Lucifora L. O. , García V. B. , Escalante A. H.
Published: March 2009

The feeding habits of the sand tiger shark Carcharias taurus, one of the most threatened sharks of the world, are poorly known. Sand tiger sharks are critically endangered in the South‐west Atlantic. Since 2007, the law requires that all individuals caught in recreational fisheries off Argentina must be released. Using data from a north Patagonian recreational fishery (n=164 stomachs with contents), we analyzed the diet of sand tiger sharks in relation with size, sex, maturity stage and season; assessed prey consumption patterns and hooking location; and estimated diet overlap with fishery landings. Sand tiger sharks consumed mainly teleosts (55.4% of the total prey number, N) and elasmobranchs (41.84%N), and ate more benthic elasmobranchs (batoids and angel sharks) as they become larger. Sharks swallowed prey mostly in one piece (93.7%) and were hooked mainly in internal organs (87.4%, n=175), causing occlusion and perforation of the esophagus and stomach, and lacerations to the pericardium, heart and liver. Sand tiger sharks fed on the most heavily landed species, overlapping almost completely (>90%) with fishery landings. Conservation plans should take into account that releasing hooked sharks could be insufficient to minimize fishing mortality and that competition for food with fisheries is likely to occur.
Preventive psychosocietal support groups: parents’ criteria for good quality
Authors: Häggman‐Laitila Arja , Pietilä Anna‐Maija
Published: March 2009

The aim of this study is to produce concepts to describe criteria for good quality of support groups for families with children. The research questions were, what is a good support group like according to parents’ experiences and what are the criteria for the good quality from the perspective of families? The study sample consisted of 13 small groups. The study participants consisted of 63 mothers and 14 fathers, who accounted for 63% of the small group attendance. Data were collected in Finland through 13 group interviews. Qualitative content analysis of manifest and latent content was used as the method of analysis. Parents appreciated the availability of information, the ability of the parents to discuss matters, the activities, interaction and good group supervision. As the parental views of the characteristics of a good support group are concrete, they can be easily taken into account with implementing family‐oriented support group programmes. The concepts of the present study can be used in the future to construct instruments to evaluate quality of support groups from the perspective of families. Further studies should pay more attention to the experiences of drop out families and families that are not satisfied with group services.
XENOTRANSPLANTATION, CONSENT AND INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE
Authors: SPARROW ROBERT
Published: March 2009

The risk posed to the community by possible xenozoonosis after xenotransplantation suggests that some form of ‘community consent’ is required before whole organ animal‐to‐human xenotransplantation should take place. I argue that this requirement places greater obstacles in the path of ethical xenotransplantation than has previously been recognised. The relevant community is global and there are no existing institutions with democratic credentials sufficient to establish this consent. The distribution of the risks and benefits from xenotransplantation also means that consent is unlikely to be forthcoming. Proceeding on the basis of hypothetical consent to a package of global health measures that includes xenotransplantation, as Rothblatt has recently advocated, is more problematic than she acknowledges. Given that it may place the lives of citizens of poor nations at risk to benefit the citizens of wealthy nations, xenotransplantation raises significant questions of international justice.
Use of dextropropoxyphene + acetaminophen fixed‐dose combination in psychiatric hospital in Bahrain: is there a cause for concern?
Authors: Al Khaja Khalid A. J. , Al‐Haddad Mohammed K. , Al‐Offi Adel R. , Abdulraheem Masooma H. , Sequeira Reginald P.
Published: March 2009

There are concerns about the safety of the dextropropoxyphene and acetaminophen fixed‐dose combination, particularly in patients with psychiatric morbidity, which has led to a phased withdrawal of this fixed‐dose combination in many countries. A retrospective prescription audit was conducted to evaluate the dextropropoxyphene + acetaminophen fixed‐dose combination prescribing pattern in the major psychiatric hospital of Bahrain. The data analysis was performed using SPSS/PC+ version 14.0. Prescriptions with the dextropropoxyphene + acetaminophen fixed‐dose combination comprised 11.8% of all dispensed prescriptions and in most instances for outpatients undergoing substance abuse rehabilitation. Nearly half of the patients received ≥20 tablets of this fixed‐dose combination (mean ± SD: 30.9 ± 13.1; range 20–126) as multiple doses. The dextropropoxyphene + acetaminophen fixed‐dose combination was often co‐prescribed with psychotropics, such as benzodiazepines (BZDs) (25.4%), BZDs + antidepressants (62.9%), BZDs + antipsychotics (3.7%) and BZDs + anticonvulsants (1.9%). Approximately 40% of prescriptions with the dextropropoxyphene + acetaminophen fixed‐dose combination were written ‘as required’ (prn), basis. Despite poor safety and efforts to restrict or withdraw worldwide, the dextropropoxyphene + acetaminophen fixed‐dose combination continues to be irrationally prescribed to outpatients undergoing substance abuse rehabilitation in Bahrain. Health policy decision‐makers should introduce a phased withdrawal of this drug from clinical use. In the meanwhile, it is important to create awareness among prescribers of the risks associated with over‐dosage of the dextropropoxyphene + acetaminophen fixed‐dose combination and its interaction with other psychotropic medications.
Characterization and differential expression of a newly identified phosphorylated isoform of the human 20S proteasome β7 subunit in tumor vs. normal cell lines
Authors: Eang Rothmony , Girbal‐Neuhauser Elisabeth , Xu Bo , Gairin Jean Edouard
Published: March 2009

The search of new pharmacological targets with original mechanism of action within the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway is still a goal to be reached in oncopharmacology. Modification by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation has been found to be involved in cancer and to regulate functional activity of proteasome. Until now, phosphorylated forms of α subunits of the 20S human proteasome have been mostly reported. Here, we have rationally designed a polyclonal antibody specifically directed against a phosphorylated peptide sequence bearing the β7 subunit Ser249 residue of the human 20S proteasome. This anti‐β7 phosphoSer249 antibody appeared to be a probe of choice to detect the presence of a phosphorylated isoform of the β7 subunit of the human 20S proteasome using mono or two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. PhosphoSer249 was sensitive to acid phosphatase treatment of native 20S proteasome. Dephosphorylation affected the peptidylglutamyl‐peptide hydrolyzing activity whereas the chymotrypsin‐like and trypsin‐like activities remained unchanged. A comparative analysis between human normal and tumor cells showed a differential expression of the phosphoSer249 β7 isoform with a significantly lower detection in the proteasome isolated from tumor cells, suggesting its possible use as a biomarker.
ISOLATED GRAPTOLITES FROM THE LITUIGRAPTUS CONVOLUTUS BIOZONE (SILURIAN, LLANDOVERY) OF DALARNA, SWEDEN
Authors: LOYDELL DAVID K. , MALETZ JÖRG
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Isolated material of 13 graptolite species from the Aeronian (middle Llandovery) Lituigraptus convolutus Biozone is described. A considerable amount of late astogenetic peridermal thickening is revealed in Normalograptus scalaris and Rivagraptus bellulus. As a result, in the former, thecal morphology is modified from climacograptid to pseudoglyptograptid; in both species, the virgella becomes robust. In Metaclimacograptus minimus and Me. sp., it is shown that the dorsal metathecal wall forms the genicular hood, whereas in N. nikolayevi, the infragenicular wall of the succeeding theca forms the distal thecal apertural margin. Pribylograptus argutus exhibits typical pribylograptid thecae along the length of the available rhabdosome fragments. Characters differentiating Campograptus lobiferus from C. harpago include the greater dorso‐ventral width and more rapid increase in dorso‐ventral width of the former and the greater recurving of distal thecae and presence of thecal spines/processes on all thecae of the latter. Lituigraptus convolutus has rastritiform thecae proximally; thecal apertures throughout the rhabdosome are crescentic and laterally expanded.
INTRAMARGINAL VEINED LAURACEAE LEAVES FROM THE ALBIAN–CENOMANIAN OF CHARENTE‐MARITIME (WESTERN FRANCE)
Authors: COIFFARD CLÉMENT , GOMEZ BERNARD , THIÉBAUT MÉLANIE , KVAČEK JIŘÍ , THÉVENARD FRÉDÉRIC , NÉRAUDEAU DIDIER
Published: March 2009

Abstract: Eucalyptolaurus depreiigen. et sp. nov. is proposed for angiosperm leaves newly collected from uppermost Albian – lowermost Cenomanian of Charente‐Maritime (western France). They consist of simple, narrow, elongate laminas with entire margins and intramarginal veins. The epidermal cells of adaxial cuticle shows small, rounded, blunt papillae outward that protrude inward and fuse together as rolls along and parallel to the margins, while the adaxial cuticle bears brachyparacytic stomatal apparatus that exhibit sunken guard cells and hair bases consisting of a thick‐walled pore surrounded by radially arranged differentiated cells. Resin bodies occur inside the mesophyll. These characters closely resemble the lauroid taxa ‘Myrtophyllum’ andPandemophyllumfrom the Cenomanian of the Czech Republic and Dakota (USA) respectively. The narrow angle of basilaminar secondaries and the whole suite of features in the guard cells (sunken guard cells embedded into subsidiary cells and stomatal ledges) strongly support close affinity with the Lauraceae. From the Cenomanian lauraceous reproductive organs and their related leaves already showed high disparity and diversity. In addition they displayed a broad ecological range from freshwater floodplains to brackish swamps. This combined to high diversity of reproductive organs suggest ecological radiation of Lauraceae by the Cenomanian.
A NEW PARASEMIONOTID‐LIKE FISH FROM THE LOWER TRIASSIC OF JURONG, JIANGSU PROVINCE, SOUTH CHINA
Authors: LI QUANGUO
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Based on a well‐preserved specimen from the Early Triassic Lower Qinglong Formation exposed at Qingshan Quarry, Jurong, Jiangsu Province of China, the new taxon Peia jurongensis gen. et sp. nov. is named and described with anatomical details of its dermal skull, neurocranium and postcranial skeleton. The new taxon is characterized by the following set of characters: shallow V‐shaped, tuber‐like rostral; anterior part of frontal widened to roughly same width as its posterior part; roughly squared parietal; supraorbital absent; wide and slightly posteriorly inclined preopercle; five small ossifications present in dorsal half of preopercle; preopercular canal shifting anteriorly in ventral half of the preopercle, and reaching the anteroventral corner of this bone; dermosphenotic joining the skull roof and with a descending lamina; numerous branchiostegal rays. Comparisons are made between the new taxon and several parasemionotids from the same locality; a discussion is carried out on the distribution and evolution of several characters in halecomorphs and other closely related neopterygians.
NEW AUSTRALIAN OLIGOCENE TO MIOCENE RINGTAIL POSSUMS (PSEUDOCHEIRIDAE) AND REVISION OF THE GENUS MARLU
Authors: ROBERTS KAREN K. , ARCHER MICHAEL , HAND SUZANNE J. , GODTHELP HENK
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Four genera of extinct ringtail possums have been reported from Australian Oligocene to Miocene sediments since 1987. The genus Marlu was described from two species, M. kutjamarpensis and M. praecursor (Woodburne, Tedford and Archer), from the Miocene Kutjamarpu Local Fauna (Leaf Locality) and late Oligocene Wadikali Local Fauna respectively, of northern South Australia. New fossil material referable to this genus has been collected from the Leaf Locality and the Oligocene to Miocene Riversleigh World Heritage Area in northwest Queensland. Three new species, Marlu karya sp. nov. from middle Miocene Riversleigh local faunas and Marlu syke sp. nov. and Marlu ampelos sp. nov. from the Leaf Locality as well as early to middle Miocene Riversleigh local faunas are described. A revision and rediagnosis of the genus and published species are made following the re‐examination of referred material in conjunction with the new material. Marlu is characterized by simple dentition and synapomorphies with extant pseudocheirids such as a conjoined postmetacristid and preentocristid on m1 and the loss of the entostylid ridge. New material from middle Miocene Riversleigh deposits has been referred to M. kutjamarpensis, extending the known distribution and age of that species. Re‐examination of M. praecursor has revealed the presence of a small m1 entostylid ridge, contributing further to differences between M. praecursor and all other Marlu species and raising the possibility that Marlu is paraphyletic. The new material does not contradict a sister group relationship between ‘Marlu’ (excluding M. praecursor) and the Pliocene–Pleistocene genus Pseudokoala. Homology of the pseudocheirid m1 protostylid identified in species of Paljara, Pildra and Marlu with that observed in extant species is reconsidered. The ‘protostylid’ of the extinct genera is herein described as the buccal stylid.
A DISCUSSION AND PROPOSAL CONCERNING THE USE OF THE TERM CALCISPHERES
Authors: VERSTEEGH GERARD J. M. , SERVAIS THOMAS , STRENG MICHAEL , MUNNECKE AXEL , VACHARD DANIEL
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  The terminology and grouping of spherical, calcareous microfossils of unknown biological affinity, usually referred to as calcispheres, are diffuse. The term calcispheres is inconsistently used, the morphological and taxonomical concepts are mostly ill‐defined and a formal definition is lacking. To resolve this issue, we propose, in analogy with the erection of the Acritarcha for organic microfossils of unknown origin, a new group called Calcitarcha, including all calcareous microfossils with a central cavity for which the biological affinities remain unknown.
Early prediction of sustained virological response at day 3 of treatment with albinterferon‐α‐2b in patients with genotype 2/3 chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Neumann Avidan U. , Bain Vincent G. , Yoshida Eric M. , Patel Keyur , Pulkstenis Erik , Subramanian G. Mani
Published: March 2009

Background: Albinterferon‐α‐2b (albIFN) is a long‐acting fusion polypeptide composed of albumin and IFN‐α‐2b. In a phase 2 study of albIFN 1500 μg q2wk or q4wk in patients with genotype 2/3 chronic hepatitis C, albIFN demonstrated sustained virological response (SVR) rates of 62–77% (intent‐to‐treat population).

Aims: To assess the association of initial viral kinetics during albIFN therapy with baseline factors and SVR prediction.

Methods: In all, 43 patients were treated with albIFN 1500 μg (q2wk/q4wk) plus ribavirin (RBV) 800 mg/day for 24 weeks. Hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐RNA levels were measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, insulin resistance by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and serum albIFN levels by enyzme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Prediction analysis was performed in a per protocol 28‐patient subset who were ≥80% adherent to albIFN/RBV and had HCV‐RNA levels measured at treatment day 3.

Results: Day‐3 HCV‐RNA level and first‐phase viral decline as well as second‐phase slope of viral decline were significantly associated with SVR. In adherent patients, 82.1% had a day‐3 viral load <4.2 log10 IU/ml or first‐phase decline >1.25 log10 IU/ml, which was predictive of SVR, both positively (95.7%; sensitivity: 100%) and negatively (100%; specificity: 83.3%). As low first‐phase decline was associated with a high pretreatment HOMA‐IR index (P=0.004) and a low day‐3 serum albIFN level (P=0.01).

Conclusions: First‐phase viral decline with albIFN/RBV was predictive of SVR in this study and may be modulated in part by IR.
Subfield atrophy pattern in temporal lobe epilepsy with and without mesial sclerosis detected by high‐resolution MRI at 4 Tesla: Preliminary results
Authors: Mueller Susanne G. , Laxer Kenneth D. , Barakos Jerome , Cheong Ian , Garcia Paul , Weiner Michael W.
Published: March 2009

Purpose:  High‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 4 Tesla depicts details of the internal structure of the hippocampus not visible at 1.5 Tesla, and so allows for in vivo parcellation of different hippocampal subfields. The aim of this study was to test if distinct subfield atrophy patterns can be detected in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with mesial temporal sclerosis (TLE‐MTS) and without (TLE‐no) hippocampal sclerosis.

Methods:  High‐resolution T2‐weighted hippocampal images were acquired in 34 controls: 15 TLE‐MTS and 18 TLE‐no. Entorhinal cortex (ERC), subiculum (SUB), CA1, CA2, and CA3, and dentate (CA3&DG) volumes were determined using a manual parcellation scheme.

Results:  TLE‐MTS had significantly smaller ipsilateral CA1, CA2, CA3&DG, and total hippocampal volume than controls or TLE‐no. Mean ipsilateral CA1 and CA3&DG z‐scores were significantly lower than ipsilateral CA2, ERC, and SUB z‐scores. There were no significant differences between the various subfield or hippocampal z‐scores on either the ipsi‐ or the contralateral side in TLE‐no. Using a z‐score ≤−2.0 to identify severe volume loss, the following atrophy patterns were found in TLE‐MTS: CA1 atrophy, CA3&DG atrophy, CA1 and CA3&DG atrophy, and global hippocampal atrophy. Significant subfield atrophy was found in three TLE‐no: contralateral SUB atrophy, bilateral CA3&DG atrophy, and ipsilateral ERC and SUB atrophy.

Discussion:  Using a manual parcellation scheme on 4 Tesla high‐resolution MRI, we found the characteristic ipsilateral CA1 and CA3&DG atrophy described in TLE‐MTS. Seventeen percent of the TLE‐no had subfield atrophy despite normal total hippocampal volume. These findings indicate that high‐resolution MRI and subfield volumetry provide superior information compared to standard hippocampal volumetry.
The Association of Knowledge with Concern About Global Warming: Trusted Information Sources Shape Public Thinking
Authors: Malka Ariel , Krosnick Jon A. , Langer Gary
Published: March 2009

During the last decade, a great deal of news media attention has focused on informing the American public about scientific findings on global warming (GW). Has learning this sort of information led the American public to become more concerned about GW? Using data from two surveys of nationally representative samples of American adults, this article shows that the relation between self‐reported knowledge and concern about GW is more complex than what previous research has suggested. Among people who trust scientists to provide reliable information about the environment and among Democrats and Independents, increased knowledge has been associated with increased concern. But among people who are skeptical about scientists and among Republicans more knowledge was generally not associated with greater concern. The association of knowledge with concern among Democrats and Independents who trust scientists was mediated by perceptions of consensus among scientists about GW's existence and by perceptions that humans are a principal cause of GW. Moreover, additional analyses of panel survey data produced findings consistent with the notion that more knowledge yields more concern among Democrats and Independents, but not among Republicans. Thus, when studying the relation of knowledge and concern, it is important to take into account the content of the information that different types of people acquire and choose to rely upon.
State Politics and the Right to Counsel: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Davies Andrew Lucas Blaize , Worden Alissa Pollitz
Published: March 2009

One of the most significant recent developments in the study of crime and justice is the emergence of theoretical explanations for the dramatic changes in criminal justice policy over the past few decades. These theoretical accounts address not only highly visible developments, such as the meteoric rise in incarceration rates, but also less-conspicuous shifts in due process and civil liberties, and they do so by attributing more-repressive policies to the emergence of a political culture that has substantially redefined crime and justice. This article focuses on an important due process issue, the legal representation of indigent defendants in criminal courts. We describe the state of indigent defense policy, particularly structure and funding, across the states in 2002, and analyze variation on two dimensions where states may exercise discretion: the extent to which states assume responsibility for funding services (rather than relying on local governments), and the generosity with which these programs are funded overall. We test hypotheses that link funding for services with the ideology of state political leadership, public values about tolerance and race relations, and states' public welfare policy climates. We find little support for the prediction that a welfare climate shapes more progressive indigent defense policies. However, the results suggest that the racial threat hypothesis helps account for spending on indigent defense, and that Republican control of the statehouse results in the perpetuation of local responsibility for program funding. Normative literature on indigent defense suggests that the patterns we observe may have important consequences for the quality of indigent defense services across states. Further, the findings reported here suggest that the politics of the punitive turn, as it has played out across the states, may be responsible not only for shifts in crime control policy, but for due process policy as well.
Beyond Backlash: Assessing the Impact of Judicial Decisions on LGBT Rights
Authors: Keck Thomas M.
Published: March 2009

This article evaluates the widespread scholarly claim that the courtroom victories of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights movement have invariably provoked a counterproductive political backlash. Those victories have indeed provoked conservative countermobilization, but that has not been their only or even their most prominent effect. Assessing the political reaction to the movement's judicial victories, the policy impact of those victories, and the alternative strategic paths that were available to the movement at the outset, I argue that here, as elsewhere, legal mobilization has sometimes been a promising avenue for pursuing policy changes whose prospects were otherwise quite limited.
Association between familial suicidal behavior and frequency of attempts among depressed suicide attempters
Authors: Lizardi D. , Sher L. , Sullivan G. M. , Stanley B. , Burke A. , Oquendo M. A.
Published: March 2009

Objective:  Only a few studies have examined whether a family history of suicide influences the severity of suicidal acts and the results have been inconsistent. The current study aimed to examine whether a family history of suicidal acts predicts severity of suicide attempts.

Method:  190 suicide attempters aged 18–75 years with a lifetime history of major depression were assessed for first‐degree family history of suicidality and severity of suicide attempts (number and lethality of prior suicide attempts and age at first attempt).

Results:  Regression analyses indicate that a positive family history of suicidal behaviors predicts a greater number of suicide attempts. Reasons for living predict number and lethality of prior attempts.

Conclusion:  It is critical to assess for family history of suicidal behavior when treating depressed suicide attempters as it may serve as an indicator of the risk of repeat suicide attempt and as a guide for treatment.
Factors influencing caries experience among adults with physical and intellectual disabilities
Authors: Pradhan Archana , Slade Gary D. , Spencer A. John
Published: March 2009

Abstract –  Background:  There is limited and inconsistent evidence on the influence of residential setting on caries experience of adults with physical and intellectual disabilities (PID), described here as care‐recipients.

Objective:  To examine caries experience and associated factors among adults with PID.

Methods:  Mailed questionnaire survey (2005–2006) of carers of adults with PID (18–44 years) in South Australia from family homes, community housing, and institutions, and oral examinations of care‐recipients recording decayed (D), missing (M) and filled (F) teeth (DMFT).

Results:  Carers completed questionnaires for 485 care‐recipients, 267 of whom were examined (completion rate = 55.1%). The prevalence of decay (D > 0) was 16.9% and 76.3% had caries experience (DMFT > 0). In unadjusted analysis, care‐recipients at institutions had a significantly higher mean DMFT than other settings. After adjusting for carer and care‐recipient characteristics, there was no difference in any of the DMFT components among residential settings. However, there were statistically significant associations (OR ± 95% CI excluding unity) between decayed teeth and moderate and high intake of sweet drinks and frequency of dental visits. Higher odds of missing teeth were associated with type of disability, general anaesthetic requirement for dental treatment and low and high carer‐contact. Higher odds of filled teeth were associated with age, no oral hygiene assistance (OHA) and high carer‐contact. Higher odds of caries experience were associated with age and no OHA.

Conclusions:  Residential setting was not associated with caries experience. Modifiable risk factors were diet, frequency of dental visits, no OHA and carer‐contact hours.
Cholesterol regulates melanogenesis in human epidermal melanocytes and melanoma cells
Authors: Schallreuter Karin U. , Hasse Sybille , Rokos Hartmut , Chavan Bhaven , Shalbaf Mohamed , Spencer Jennifer D. , Wood John M.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Cholesterol is important for membrane stability and is the key substrate for the synthesis of steroid hormones and vitamin D. Furthermore, it is a major component of the lipid barrier in the stratum corneum of the human epidermis. Considering that steroid hormone synthesis is taking place in epidermal melanocytes, we tested whether downstream oestrogen receptor/cAMP signalling via MITF/tyrosine hydroxylase/tyrosinase/pigmentation could be possibly modulated by cholesterol. For this purpose, we utilized human primary melanocyte cell cultures and human melanoma cells with different pigmentation capacity applying immunofluorescence, RT‐PCR, Western blotting and determination of melanin content. Our in situ and in vitro results demonstrated that melanocytes can synthesize cholesterol via HMG‐CoA reductase and transport cholesterol via LDL/Apo‐B100/LDLR. Moreover, we show that cholesterol increases melanogenesis in these cells and in human melanoma cells of intermediate pigmentation (FM55) in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Cellular cholesterol levels in melanoma cells with different pigmentation patterns, epidermal melanocytes and keratinocytes do not differ except in the amelanotic (FM3) melanoma cell line. This result is in agreement with decreasing cholesterol content versus increasing pigmentation in melanosomes. Cholesterol induces cAMP in a biphasic manner i.e. after 30 min and later after 6 and 24 h, meanwhile protein expression of oestrogen receptor β, CREB, MITF, tyrosine hydroxylase and tyrosinase is induced after 72 h. Taken together, we show that human epidermal melanocytes have the capacity of cholesterol signalling via LDL/Apo‐B100/LDL receptor and that cholesterol under in vitro conditions increases melanogenesis.
Putative neuronal mechanisms of sensitive skin
Authors: Ständer Sonja , Schneider Stefan W. , Weishaupt Carsten , Luger Thomas A. , Misery Laurent
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  According to epidemiological studies, up to 50% of adults report facial sensitivity with various distinctive symptoms, such as prickling, burning, tingling, pain or itching. This is termed sensitive skinand represents a syndrome of physiological reactions rather than a disease entity. In this review, we discuss the currently available literature on this syndrome and describe the possible underlying neuronal pathomechanisms. The sensory receptors expressed on unmyelinated nerve fibres and keratinocytes involved in nociception, such as TRPV1 and endothelin receptors, are hypothesized to play a role in the induction of sensitive skin. Furthermore, we discuss the role of neurotrophins and the influence of stress on sensitive skin.
A comparison of 5‐aminolaevulinic acid‐ and its heptyl ester: dark cytotoxicity and protoporphyrin IX synthesis in human adenocarcinoma WiDr cells and in athymic nude mice healthy skin
Authors: Pudroma Xiao , Moan Johan , Ma Li‐Wei , Iani Vladimir , Juzeniene Asta
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  5‐aminolevulinic acid heptyl ester was investigated in human adenocarcinoma WiDr cells and in healthy skin of athymic nude mice in comparison with 5‐aminolevulinic acid (ALA). Incubation of WiDr cells with ALA and ALA heptyl ester resulted in production of protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). Concentrations higher than 0.01 mm of ALA heptyl ester and higher than 1 mm of ALA were cytotoxic. The dark cytotoxicity was not related to PpIX. Intracellular localization, photocytoxicity and photobleaching rate of PpIX were the same for both drugs, although a 100 times lower concentration of ALA heptyl ester (0.01 mm) was needed in comparison with ALA (1 mm) to induce the same level of PpIX. ALA heptyl ester, topically (but not systemically) applied, is a promising candidate for fluorescence diagnosis and photodynamic therapy. Special attention must be focused on the concentrations of ALA heptyl ester; as excess may lead to cytotoxicity and inefficient PpIX generation.
Detection of alpha‐ and beta‐human papillomavirus (HPV) in cutaneous melanoma: a matched and controlled study using specific multiplex PCR combined with DNA microarray primer extension
Authors: Ruer Jean Baptiste , Pépin Line , Gheit Tarik , Vidal Chrystelle , Kantelip Bernadette , Tommasino Massimo , Prétet Jean Luc , Mougin Christiane , Aubin François
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  There are few contradictory studies investigating the involvement of HPV in melanoma. We designed a controlled study to evaluate the HPV DNA prevalence in melanoma. One hundred patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma diagnosed between 2002 and 2006 were included. Complementary wide excision (healthy skin) was performed in 85 patients and was used as internal control. After DNA extraction, 68 different HPV types were studied using a multiplex PCR combined with microarray primer extension. We did not observe any statistical significant difference in terms of HPV DNA prevalence in melanoma (38.8%) and in healthy skin from wide excision (42.4%). Twenty‐one different HPV types were detected but only one type was present in the majority of our samples (80/85 melanoma vs 59/66 HS). The distribution of HPV genera and types was similar in melanoma and HS, and beta‐HPV was predominant (30.6% and 31.8%). Among alpha‐HPV (10.6%), high‐risk mucosal HPV16 was predominant. Among beta‐HPV, melanoma harboured significantly more type 22 than control normal skin from the same patients and significantly less type 21 than paired control normal skin. No correlation between clinical and pathological melanoma characteristics and HPV DNA prevalence was found. Our data do not support a role of HPV infection in melanocarcinogenesis, but confirm the previous data suggesting that HPV DNA is widely distributed among the population and that occult HPV infections are frequent. Furthermore, specific HPV types, such as a‐HPV16 and beta‐HPV species 2 may be involved in a sub‐group of melanoma.
Effects of vitamin C on dark circles of the lower eyelids: quantitative evaluation using image analysis and echogram
Authors: Ohshima Hiroshi , Mizukoshi Koji , Oyobikawa Midori , Matsumoto Katsuo , Takiwaki Hirotsugu , Kanto Hiromi , Itoh Masatoshi
Published: March 2009

Background/aims: The pathogenesis of dark circles of the lower eyelid (DCLE) has been considered to involve stasis and hyperpigmentation of the eyelids. We have already reported that dermal thickness of lower eyelid skin may represent another factor that affects the appearance of DCLE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of vitamin C, which is known to increase collagen, on DCLE through a clinical trial.

Methods: Fourteen subjects with DCLE applied either 10% sodium ascorbate (ANa) or ascorbic acid glucoside (AG) lotion in split‐face fashion (opposite side: vehicle only) for 6 months. Melanin index (MI), erythema index (EI), thickness and echogenicity of the dermis at bilateral lower eyelids was measured during this trial.

Results: Change in EI was significantly smaller on the ANa‐treated side than on the vehicle‐treated side. Dermal thickness tended to be thicker for the ANa‐treated side than for the vehicle‐treated side, although no significant difference was seen. Both EI and dermal thickness tended to change in parallel manner. On the other hand, no significant differences in changes of EI, MI, and dermal thickness were found between AG‐ and vehicle‐treated sides.

Conclusion: ANa may improve DCLE by thickening the eyelid dermis and concealing dark coloration due to congested blood.
Correlation of image analysis features and visual morphology in melanocytic skin tumours using in vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Lorber Andrea , Wiltgen Marco , Hofmann‐Wellenhof Rainer , Koller Silvia , Weger Wolfgang , Ahlgrimm‐Siess Verena , Smolle Josef , Gerger Armin
Published: March 2009

Background/purpose: In vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) represents a novel imaging tool that allows the non‐invasive examination of skin cancer morphology at a quasi histological resolution without biopsy. Previous studies dealt with the search for diagnostic, but subjective visual criteria. In this study we examined the correlation between objectively reproducible image‐analysis features und visual morphology in melanocytic skin tumours using CLSM.

Methods: Eight hundred and fifty‐seven CLSM tumour images including 408 benign nevi and 449 melanoma images were evaluated. Image analysis was based on features of the wavelet transform and classification tree analysis (CART) was used for classification purposes. In a second step, morphologic details of CLSM images, which have turned out to be of diagnostic significance by the classification algorithm were evaluated.

Results: CART analysis of the whole set of CLSM images correctly classified 97.55% of all melanoma images and 96.32% of all nevi images. Seven classification tree nodes seemed to indicate benign nevi, whereas six nodes were suggestive for melanoma morphology. The visual examination of selected nodes demonstrated that monomorphic melanocytic cells and melanocytic cell nests are characteristic for benign nevi whereas polymorphic melanocytic cells, disarray of melanocytic architecture and poorly defined or absent keratinocyte cell borders are characteristic for melanoma.

Conclusion: Well‐known, but subjective CLSM criteria could be objectively reproduced by image analysis features and classification tree analysis. Moreover, features not accessible to the human eye seem to contribute to classification success.
Changes in the depth profile of water in the stratum corneum treated with water
Authors: Egawa Mariko , Kajikawa Tomoko
Published: March 2009

Background/purpose: Water in the stratum corneum (SC) plays an important role in keeping the skin surface soft and smooth. Information regarding the depth profile of the molecular composition of the skin, such as water and free amino acids, can be obtained non‐invasively using the recently developed confocal Raman spectrometer. In this study, we investigated changes in the depth profile of water in the SC treated with water. We also unveil a relationship between the depth profile patterns of water content in the SC and cutaneous sensation.

Methods: Depth profiles of Raman spectra in the region 2600–4000 cm−1 were obtained using a 671‐nm laser at 2 μm intervals from the skin surface toward the interior with a confocal Raman spectrometer. Water content (mass%), expressed in grams of water per 100 g wet tissue, was calculated from the water‐to‐protein ratio of the Raman band. Skin surface temperature was measured by an infrared irradiation thermometer. Changes in the depth profile of water and skin temperature were measured at 1, 5, and 10 min after the application of water to the skin surface. In addition, questionnaires regarding cutaneous sensation were administered.

Results: Water content in the middle to lower part of the SC increased with increased water‐application time. Warming of the skin during water application increased the water‐penetration amount, depth, and holding time in the SC. Steamer application increased water content particularly in the upper part of the SC. Increasing water content in the upper part of the SC was associated with cutaneous sensations, such as hydrate and water‐rich feelings. On the other hand, the increasing water content in the middle and lower part of the SC was associated with water penetration and tension feelings.

Conclusion: The water content in the upper part of the SC changed easily. When water was applied externally, the water content in both the upper and middle/lower part of the SC increased with increasing water‐application time. In addition, warming of the skin during water application increased the water‐penetration depth, amount, and holding time of water in the SC. Thus, we were able to control the depth profile of water in the SC by externally applying water. The location of water in the SC also affected cutaneous sensations.
The Use and Misuse of Early English Books Online
Authors: Gadd Ian
Published: March 2009

Early English Books Online (EEBO) is a key electronic resource for scholars working on pre‐1700 British literature and history. This article provides a brief history of this resource from its origins as a microfilm project and its relationship with other bibliographical and electronic resources. It also considers the problems inherent in representing a three‐dimensional object, a book, as a two‐dimensional image.
Evidence for β‐lactoglobulin involvement in vitamin D transport in vivo– role of the γ‐turn (Leu‐Pro‐Met) of β‐lactoglobulin in vitamin D binding
Authors: Yang Ming Chi , Chen Nai Chi , Chen Chun‐Jung , Wu Chin Yun , Mao Simon J. T.
Published: March 2009

β‐lactoglobulin (LG) is a major bovine milk protein, containing a central calyx and a second exosite beyond the calyx to bind vitamin D; however, the biological function of LG in transporting vitamin D remains elusive. Crystallographic findings from our previous study showed the exosite to be located at the pocket between the α‐helix and β‐strand I. In the present study, using site‐directed mutagenesis, we demonstrate that residues Leu143, Pro144 and Met145 in the γ‐turn loop play a crucial role in the binding. Further evidence is provided by the ability of vitamin D3 to block the binding of a specific mAb in the γ‐turn loop. Using the mouse (n = 95) as an animal model, we initially demonstrated that LG is a major fraction of milk proteins responsible for uptake of vitamin D. Most interestingly, dosing mice with LG supplemented with vitamin D3 revealed that native LG containing two binding sites gave a saturated concentration of plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D at a dose ratio of 2 : 1 (vitamin D3/LG), whereas heated LG containing one exosite (lacking a central calyx) gave a ratio of 1 : 1. We have demonstrated for the first time that LG has a functional advantage in the transport of vitamin D, indicating that supplementing milk with vitamin D effectively enhances its uptake.