bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Matrix Metalloproteinases in Human Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: An Update
Authors: Florczak-Rzepka M. , Grond-Ginsbach C. , Montaner J. , Steiner T.
Published: October 2012

Background: In default of a plausible and satisfactory causal treatment for hemorrhagic stroke, a role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular diseases has recently been widely discussed. The well-known impact of MMPs on extracellular matrix destruction triggered by inflammation as a foundation for several diseases, including stroke, is very much in evidence. Newly, some additional aspects of MMP function considering their intracellular activity crucial for neuronal death following ischemic brain damage have emerged. The effect of blood-brain barrier disruption caused by MMPs on the prognosis in patients suffering from spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has been of interest since it throws a new light upon the pathogenesis, course and possible therapeutic approaches for this least treatable and at the same time most life-threatening form of stroke. Hence, we primarily aimed to review the current clinical knowledge on the significance of metalloproteinase activation in the course of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage in humans. We also provide a brief characterization of the MMP enzyme family and report on the latest findings on issues arising from experimental studies. Methods: A Medline search using the following key words was performed: matrix metalloproteinases + spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage/intracranial hemorrhage/bleeding/hemorrhagic stroke. We accepted studies reporting on MMP expression in adult patients with spontaneous ICH, as well as its relation to radiological and clinical features and patients’ outcome. For the final review, 18 clinical studies were considered. MMP inhibition was reviewed on the basis of 11 relevant experimental studies. Also, some relevant reports on the biology of MMPs and their pathophysiology in ICH were reviewed. Results and Conclusions: Many studies provide convincing evidence of a detrimental role of MMPs in ICH, stressing their association with neuroinflammation. The role of MMPs in hemorrhagic stroke appears critical for hematoma and brain edema growth as well as for neuronal death, which are understood as secondary brain injury and may have a considerable clinical impact. Although data on human spontaneous ICH are scarce and mostly based on small populations, they reveal the apparent correlation between MMPs and clinical and radiological ICH features as well as the functional outcome, which might rationalize future therapeutic strategies. However, attempts at MMP inhibition in spontaneous ICH have solely been made under experimental conditions and were associated with a wide range of possible side effects. Therefore, further comprehensive, elucidating investigations in this field are vital before any conclusions could be translated to humans.
Estimation of the Enamel and Dentin Mineral Content from the Refractive Index
Authors: Hariri I. , Sadr A. , Nakashima S. , Shimada Y. , Tagami J. , Sumi Y.
Published: October 2012

Recent advances in the field of optics have enabled accurate and localized measurement of optical properties of biological substrates. This work aimed to elucidate the relationship between the local refractive index (n) and mineral content (MC) of enamel and dentin. De- and remineralized lesions in bovine enamel and dentin blocks were sectioned into 300- to 400-µm-thick slices, and placed on a metal plate to capture images of sound, de- and remineralized regions transversely by optical coherence tomography. Mean n at each depth level of the lesion (20- or 40-µm steps for enamel or dentin) was measured by the optical path length-matching method and used to plot n through lesion depth. The specimens were further polished and processed for transverse microradiography for analysis of MC. The n and MC ranged from 1.52 to 1.63 and 50 to 87 (vol.%) in enamel, and from 1.43 to 1.57 and 11 to 48 (vol.%) in dentin, respectively. Strong, positive linear correlations were found between n and MC (Pearson’s r = 0.95 and 0.91 for de- and remineralized enamel, and r = 0.94 and 0.91 for dentin, respectively, p < 0.001). Experimental data were validated with a theoretical calculation of n from MC. De- and remineralization of enamel and dentin resulted in measurable changes of n, and, in turn, MC changes of the tissue could be estimated with good accuracy from this long-known optical property by the new analytical approach. Compositional changes of enamel crystallites after remineralization affect n.
Risk Factors for Renal Failure in Patients with Lupus Nephritis: Data from the Spanish Registry of Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Vozmediano Carmen , Rivera Francisco , López-Gómez Juan Manuel , Hernández Domingo ,   on behalf of all members of the Spanish Registry of Glomerulonephritis
Published: October 2012

Background: Lupus nephritis (LN) is a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus. Data from national registries based on renal biopsies are scarce. The aim of our study was to analyze the demographic characteristics, clinicopathological correlations, and risk factors associated with renal failure in patients with LN at the time of renal biopsy. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional observational study based on data from the Spanish Registry of Glomerulonephritis for the years 1994–2009. The outcome measure was the presence of renal failure (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2). We also recorded age, gender, proteinuria levels, hypertension, and histological class. Results: We collected 17,525 native renal biopsies, of which 1,648 biopsies showed LN lesions. In total, 609 patients (37%) showed renal failure at the time of renal biopsy. The univariate analysis showed that these patients were older, had higher levels of proteinuria, and a higher prevalence of hypertension than the group with eGFR ≥60 ml/min/ 1.73 m2. The histological class of LN was recorded for 566 patients, and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for renal failure at the time of renal biopsy were age (OR 1.03; 95% CI 1.01–1.04), male gender (OR 1.94; 95% CI 1.12–3.10), hypertension (OR 3.18; 95% CI 2.16–4.67), proteinuria (OR 1.15; 95% CI 1.08–1.24), and histological classes III and IV (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.16–2.87). Conclusions: Data from the Spanish Registry of Glomerulonephritis provide valuable information about risk factors for renal failure in patients with LN at the time of renal biopsy.
Pitch Control in Esophageal and Tracheoesophageal Speech of Cantonese
Authors: Yan Nan , Lam Paul K.Y. , Ng Manwa L.
Published: October 2012

Objective: Previous studies of English-speaking esophageal (SE) and tracheoesophageal (TE) speakers revealed a significantly lower voice fundamental frequency (F0) than normal laryngeal (NL) speakers. Studies of SE and TE speakers of a tone language, however, indicated discrepant findings. Tonal SE and TE speakers could produce comparable or even higher F0 than NL speakers. The present study examined the F0 characteristics associated with speech and nonspeech tasks produced by Cantonese SE and TE speakers. Subjects and Methods: Speech produced by 15 superior SE, 15 superior TE and 15 NL speakers was recorded while each was reading a short passage and performing a pitch scaling task. F0 values were calculated from the speech samples. Results: SE speakers had higher average F0 in reading tasks than TE and NL speakers, while the NL speakers exhibited the highest average F0 values followed by SE and TE speakers during pitch scaling. In addition, pitch scaling (nonspeech) tasks were associated with higher average F0 than passage reading tasks regardless of speaker type. Conclusion: The findings point to the fact that, despite the use of the new sound source, SE and TE speakers were still able to change F0 for specific speech tasks.
Impacts on Quality of Life Related to Dental Caries in a National Representative Sample of Thai 12- and 15-Year-Olds
Authors: Krisdapong S. , Prasertsom P. , Rattanarangsima K. , Sheiham A.
Published: October 2012

Dental caries is generally given the highest priority in national oral health services for school-aged populations. Yet, there is no study exploring the impacts on quality of life specifically related to dental caries in national samples of school-aged children. This study assessed prevalence and characteristics of oral impacts attributed to dental caries on quality of life and compared them with overall oral health impacts. In addition, associations of oral impacts attributed to dental caries and dental caries status were investigated. A national representative sample of 1,063 12- and 811 15-year-olds completed a sociodemographic and behavioural questionnaire, and were orally examined and interviewed about oral health-related quality of life using the Child-OIDP or OIDP indexes, respectively. Associations of condition-specific impacts (CS impacts) attributed to dental caries with components of DMF were investigated using χ2 tests and multivariate logistic regressions. CS impacts attributed to dental caries were reported by nearly half the children and such impacts accounted for half of overall oral impacts from all oral conditions. The majority of impacts were of little intensity and affected only 1–2 daily performances, particularly performances on Eating, Emotional stability and Cleaning teeth. CS impacts were significantly positively associated with number of decayed teeth, and strongly associated with severe decay.
Predictive Value of Low Relative Lymphocyte Count in Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Vaduganathan Muthiah , Ambrosy Andrew P. , Greene Stephen J. , Mentz Robert J. , Subacius Haris P. , Maggioni Aldo P. , Swedberg Karl , Nodari Savina , Zannad Faiez , Konstam Marvin A. , Butler Javed , Gheorghiade Mihai
Published: October 2012

Background—

Low lymphocyte count has been shown to be an independent prognostic marker in heart failure (HF) in the outpatient setting. Limited data exist regarding whether relative lymphocyte count correlates with postdischarge outcomes in patients hospitalized for HF.

Methods and Results—

We performed a post hoc analysis of the Efficacy of Vasopressin Antagonism in Heart Failure Outcome Study with Tolvaptan (EVEREST) trial, which randomized 4133 patients hospitalized for worsening HF with an ejection fraction ≤40% within 48 hours of admission to tolvaptan or placebo for a median follow-up of 9.9 months. The primary end points of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality or HF hospitalization were analyzed in patients with available baseline complete blood counts (n=3717). Lymphocyte percentage was analyzed as a continuous variable. Times to events were compared using log-rank tests and multivariable Cox regression models. Patients with low lymphocyte percentage tended to be older and had higher rates of comorbid disease (diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, and renal insufficiency). Low lymphocyte counts were associated with wide QRS duration, high natriuretic peptides, and low ejection fraction, blood pressure, and serum sodium. These patients were less likely to receive evidence-based HF medications. After adjusting for 22 known clinical risk factors, a 10% decrease in lymphocytes was associated with an increased hazard of all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.31 [95% CI: 1.14–1.150],
P
<0.001) and cardiovascular mortality or HF hospitalization (adjusted hazard ratio 1.14 [95% CI: 1.04–1.25],
P
=0.007) in the first 100 days postdischarge. Lymphopenia during hospitalization normalizes in majority of patients in the early postdischarge period.

Conclusions—

Low relative lymphocyte count during hospitalization for HF is an independent predictor of poor outcomes in the early postdischarge period, beyond traditional prognostic indicators.
Mentored Simulation Training Improves Procedural Skills in Cardiac Catheterization
Authors: Bagai Akshay , O’Brien Sean , Al Lawati Hatim , Goyal Prateek , Ball Warren , Grantcharov Teodor , Fam Neil
Published: October 2012

Background—

Despite valuable supplemental training resources for surgical skill acquisition, utility of virtual reality simulators to improve skills relevant to performing cardiac catheterization has not been evaluated.

Methods and Results—

Post baseline cardiac catheterization performance assessment, 27 cardiology trainees were randomized to either mentored training on a virtual reality simulator (n=12) or no simulator training (control; n=15). Cardiac catheterization performance was reassessed 1 week post baseline assessment. Performance scores at 1 week were compared with baseline within each group, and change in score from baseline to 1 week was compared between groups. Linear regression modeling was performed to assess the effect of simulator training as a function of baseline performance. Technical performance improved postintervention in the simulator group (24 versus 18;
P
=0.008) and changed marginally in the control group (20 versus 18;
P
=0.054). Improvement in technical performance was greater in the simulator group (6 versus 1;
P
=0.04). Global performance improved postintervention in both groups (simulator, 24 versus 17,
P
=0.01; control, 20 versus 18,
P
=0.02), with a trend toward greater improvement in the simulator group (5 versus 2;
P
=0.11). Lower scores at baseline were associated with larger differences in postintervention scores between the simulator and control groups (technical performance,
P
=0.0006; global performance,
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Skills required to perform cardiac catheterization can be learned via mentored simulation training and are transferable to actual procedures in the catheterization laboratory. Less proficient operators derive greater benefit from simulator training than more proficient operators.
Blood Transfusion and the Risk of Acute Kidney Injury After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Nuis Rutger-Jan , Rodés-Cabau Josep , Sinning Jan-Malte , van Garsse Leen , Kefer Joelle , Bosmans Johan , Dager Antonio E. , van Mieghem Nicolas , Urena Marina , Nickenig Georg , Werner Nikos , Maessen Jos , Astarci Parla , Perez Sergio , Benitez Luis M. , Dumont Eric , van Domburg Ron T. , de Jaegere Peter P.
Published: October 2012

Background—

Blood transfusion is associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We sought to elucidate in more detail the relation between blood transfusion and AKI and its effects on short- and long-term mortality.

Methods and Results—

Nine hundred ninety-five patients with aortic stenosis underwent TAVI with the Medtronic CoreValve or the Edwards Valve in 7 centers. AKI was defined by the Valve Academic Research Consortium (absolute increase in serum creatinine ≥0.3 mg/dL [≥26.4 μmol/L] or ≥50% increase ≤72 hours). Logistic and Cox regression was used for predictor and survival analysis. AKI occurred in 20.7% (n=206). The number of units of blood transfusion ≤24 hours was the strongest predictor of AKI (≥5 units, OR, 4.81 [1.45–15.95], 3–4 units, OR, 3.05 [1.24–7.53], 1–2 units, OR, 1.47 [0.98–2.22]) followed by peripheral vascular disease (OR, 1.48 [1.05–2.10]), history of heart failure (OR, 1.43 [1.01–2.03]), leucocyte count ≤72 hours after TAVI (OR, 1.05 [1.02–1.09]) and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE; OR, 1.02 [1.00–1.03]). Potential triggers of blood transfusion such as baseline anemia, bleeding-vascular complications, and perioperative blood loss were not identified as predictors. AKI and life-threatening bleeding were independent predictors of 30-day mortality (OR, 3.15 [1.56–6.38], OR, 6.65 [2.28–19.44], respectively), whereas transfusion (≥3 units), baseline anemia, and AKI predicted mortality beyond 30 days.

Conclusions—

AKI occurred in 21% of the patients after TAVI. The number of blood transfusions but not the indication of transfusion predicted AKI. AKI was a predictor of both short- and long-term mortality, whereas blood transfusion predicted long-term mortality. These findings indicate that outcome of TAVI may be improved by more restrictive use of blood transfusions.
Changes in Glomerular Filtration Rate After Renal Revascularization Correlate With Microvascular Hemodynamics and Inflammation in Swine Renal Artery Stenosis
Authors: Eirin Alfonso , Ebrahimi Behzad , Zhang Xin , Zhu Xiang-Yang , Tang Hui , Crane John A. , Lerman Amir , Textor Stephen C. , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: October 2012

Background—

The selection of patients with renal artery stenosis (RAS) likely to improve glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty is difficult. We examined basal hemodynamic and inflammatory factors linked to improved stenotic kidney (STK) function after percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty in swine RAS.

Methods and Results—

Fifteen pigs after 6 weeks of hemodynamically significant RAS were studied before and 4 weeks after technically successful percutaneous transluminal renal angioplasty+stenting. STK and contralateral kidney hemodynamics and function were evaluated by multidetector computed-tomography before and after acetylcholine challenge. Single-kidney deoxyhemoglobin (R2*, reciprocal to blood relaxation) and energy-dependent tubular function were assessed using blood-oxygen-level–dependent magnetic resonance imaging before and after furosemide. Baseline renal vein and inferior vena cava levels of inflammatory markers were measured and their gradient and net release calculated. Baseline parameters were compared with normal (n=7) and sham-RAS (n=7) pigs and correlated with the change in STK-GFR after revascularization (ΔGFR). Four weeks after percutaneous transluminal, renal angioplasty blood pressure was normalized in all animals, but STK-GFR improved in 10 of 15 (ΔGFR =+22.0±8.5 mL/min). ΔGFR correlated inversely with basal STK-GFR, renal release of inflammatory markers, and medullary R2* response to furosemide, but directly with GFR response to acetylcholine. Basal contralateral kidney GFR correlated directly with ΔGFR.

Conclusions—

Low basal STK-GFR with preserved response to acetylcholine may predict benefit from revascularization in RAS, whereas renal inflammation and robust STK-R2* responses to furosemide (possibly reflecting avid tubular oxygen consumption) are associated with less favorable outcomes. These tools may be useful for identification of patients likely to improve renal function after revascularization.
Interleukin 17A Exacerbates Atherosclerosis by Promoting Fatty Acid-Binding Protein 4–Mediated ER Stress in Macrophages
Authors: Gao Qi , Jiang Yang , Dai Shen , Wang Bo , Gao Fei , Guo Chun , Zhu Faliang , Wang Qun , Wang Xiaoyan , Wang Jining , Shi Yongyu , Zhang Yun , Chen Wanjun , Zhang Lining
Published: October 2012

Rationale:

Apoptosis and fatty acid-binding protein-4 (FABP4) induced-endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in macrophage is an important pathological process in several vascular occlusive diseases, including atherosclerosis, both of which are accelerated by lipids or inflammatory cytokines.

Objective:

To determine whether interleukin 17A (IL-17A) accelerates atherosclerosis through activating FABP4-mediated ER stress in macrophage.

Methods and Results:

We show here that IL-17A induced ER stress in both murine and human-derived macrophages in vitro, and in the atherosclerotic lesions of ApoE-/- mice. Treating ApoE-/- mice with a chemical chaperone alleviated IL-17A–mediated ER stress and macrophage apoptosis, which was accompanied by recovered atherogenesis. Mechanistically, IL-17A up-regulated the expression of FABP4 (aP2), a cytosolic lipid chaperone that is able to promote lipid-induced macrophage ER stress, through NF-κB and ERK/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in macrophages. The inhibition of aP2 expression with a specific chemical inhibitor significantly blocked IL-17A-accelerated ER stress and apoptosis in plaque, and partially rescued IL17A-induced atherogenesis.

Conclusions:

The data collectively establish a previously unrecognized link between IL-17A and ER stress through cytosolic lipid chaperone aP2 in macrophages and provide a new insight for understanding the role of IL-17A in atherosclerosis.
Strategic Decision-Making with Information and Extraction Externalities: A Structural Model of the MultiStage Investment Timing Game in Offshore Petroleum Production
Authors: Lin C.-Y. Cynthia
Published: October 2012

When individual petroleum-producing firms make their exploration and development investment timing decisions, positive information externalities and negative extraction externalities may lead them to interact strategically with their neighbors. This paper examines whether these inefficient strategic interactions take place by estimating a structural econometric model of the firms' multi-stage investment timing game. Results show that firms interact strategically on small tracts but not on large tracts. For small tracts, having a neighboring tract explored reduces real profits by about $26 million, while having a neighboring tract developed raises real profits by about $3.5 million.
Commodity Market Dynamics and the Joint Executive Committee, 1880–1886
Authors: Mariuzzo Franco , Walsh Patrick Paul
Published: October 2012

Using weekly spot and future commodity prices in Chicago and New York, we construct expected transportation rates for grain between these two cities, expected inventory levels in New York, and realized errors in the expectations of such variables. We incorporate these exogenous commodity market dynamics into Porter's (1983) structural modeling of the Joint Executive Committee Railroad Cartel. As in Porter, we model marginal cost as a parametric function of (instrumented) output, among other factors. Unlike Porter, we model pricing over marginal cost as a nonparametric function of a set of variables, which include expectations of deterministic demand cycles and cartel stability. We estimate the pricing and demand equation simultaneously and semiparametrically. Our estimated weekly markups during periods of cartel stability are shown to reflect optimal collusive pricing over deterministic business cycles, as modeled in Haltiwanger and Harrington (1991). Periods of cartel instability are proven to be triggered by realized mistakes in expectations of New York grain prices.
Can Self-Control Explain Avoiding Free Money? Evidence from Interest-Free Student Loans
Authors: Cadena Brian C. , Keys Benjamin J.
Published: October 2012

This paper uses insights from behavioral economics to explain a particularly surprising borrowing phenomenon: one in six undergraduate students offered interest-free loans turns them down. Models of impulse control predict that students may optimally reject subsidized loans to avoid excessive consumption during school. Using the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, we investigate students' take-up decisions and identify a group of students for whom the loans create an especially tempting liquidity increase. Students who would receive the loan in cash are significantly more likely to turn it down, suggesting that consumers choose to limit their liquidity in economically meaningful situations.
Skill-Biased Technological Change and the Business Cycle
Authors: Balleer Almut , van Rens Thijs
Published: October 2012

Over the past two decades, technological progress in the United States has been biased toward skilled labor. What does this imply for business cycles? We construct a quarterly skill premium from the CPS and use it to identify skill-biased technology shocks in a VAR with long-run zero and sign restrictions. Hours fall in response to skill-biased technology shocks, indicating that part of the technology-induced fall in hours is due to a compositional shift in labor demand. Investment-specific technology shocks reduce the skill premium, indicating that capital and skill are not complementary in aggregate production.
Inequality and City Size
Authors: Baum-Snow Nathaniel , Pavan Ronni
Published: October 2012

A strong positive monotonic relationship between wage inequality and city size developed between 1979 and 2007 in the United States. After accounting for differences in skill composition across cities of different sizes, we find that at least 23% of the nationwide increase in the variance of log hourly wages is explained by the more rapid growth in wage inequality in larger locations than in smaller locations. This influence occurred throughout the wage distribution, was most prevalent during the 1990s, and was mostly driven by more rapid growth in within-skill-group inequality in larger cities.
Wage Rigidity, Collective Bargaining, and the Minimum Wage: Evidence from French Agreement Data
Authors: Avouyi-Dovi Sanvi , Fougère Denis , Gautier Erwan
Published: October 2012

Using data sets on wage agreements at both industry and firm levels in France, we document stylized facts on wage stickiness. The average duration of wages is a little less than one year, and 10% of wages are modified each month by a wage agreement. The frequency of wage change agreements is staggered over the year, but the frequency of effective wage changes is seasonal. The national minimum wage has a significant impact on the probability and the seasonality of wage changes. Negotiated wage increases are correlated with inflation, minimum wage increases, and firm profitability.
Organizational Form and Performance: Evidence from the Hotel Industry
Authors: Kosová Renáta , Lafontaine Francine , Perrigot Rozenn
Published: October 2012

We use a unique proprietary panel data set from a large hotel company to study how organizational form affects hotel pricing and performance. Aggregate data patterns suggest sizable performance differences between franchised and company-operated hotels. However, after controlling for other factors, we find that if significant at all, such differences are economically small. Moreover, once we endogenize the choice of organizational form, the differences become insignificant. We conclude that the company chooses which hotels to franchise and operate corporately such that, conditional on hotel and market characteristics, it obtains consistent outcomes across organizational forms.
The Effect of Gasoline Prices on Household Location
Authors: Molloy Raven , Shan Hui
Published: October 2012

By raising commuting costs, an increase in gasoline prices should reduce the demand for housing in areas far from employment centers relative to locations closer to jobs. Using annual panel data on a large number of postal codes and municipalities from 1981 to 2008, we find that a 10% increase in gas prices leads to a 10% decrease in construction in locations with a long average commute relative to other locations but to no significant change in house prices. Thus, the supply response prevents the change in housing demand from capitalizing in house prices.
Do Product Market Regulations in Upstream Sectors Curb Productivity Growth? Panel Data Evidence For OECD Countries
Authors: Bourlès Renaud , Cette Gilbert , Lopez Jimmy , Mairesse Jacques , Nicoletti Giuseppe
Published: October 2012

We identify the impact of intermediate goods markets imperfections on productivity downstream. Our empirical specification is based on a model of multifactor productivity (MFP) growth in which the effects of upstream competition can vary with distance to frontier. This model is estimated on a panel of fifteen OECD countries and twenty industries over 1985 to 2007. Competitive pressures are proxied with industry product market regulation data. We find evidence that anticompetitive upstream regulations have significantly curbed MFP growth over the past fifteen years, and more strongly so for observations that are close to the productivity frontier.
The Impact of Charitable Subsidies on Religious Giving and Attendance: Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Yörük Barış K.
Published: October 2012

The literature documents that charitable giving is responsive to tax subsidies but often ignores the spillover effects of such policies. This paper investigates the spillover effects of charitable subsidies on religious participation using individual-level panel data. The results show that religious giving and participation are complements. The implied cross-price elasticity of religious participation with respect to the after-tax price of giving is −0.27. Furthermore, a 1% increase in the amount of religious contributions is associated with a 0.4% increase in religious attendance. These results are robust under several different specifications and highlight the positive externalities created by charitable subsidies.
The association between problematic internet use and depression, suicidal ideation and bipolar disorder symptoms in Korean adolescents
Authors: Park Subin , Hong Kang-E M , Park Eun J , Ha Kyoo S , Yoo Hee J
Published: October 2012

Objective:

This study used a sample of Korean adolescents to evaluate: (a) associations between problematic internet use and depression, bipolar disorder symptoms and suicidal ideation; and (b) whether mood disorders mediate the relationship between problematic internet use and suicidal ideation.

Method:

A total of 795 middle and high school students were recruited (538 girls; mean age, 13.87 ± 1.51 years). The Internet Addiction Proneness Scale for Youth–Short Form (KS-scale) was used to evaluate the presence and severity of problematic internet use. The frequencies of depression, suicidal ideation and probable bipolar disorder were compared between adolescents with and without internet addiction. The associations between the severity of problematic internet use and the severity of depressive symptoms, bipolar symptoms and suicidal ideation were also analyzed.

Results:

Seventy-five adolescents (9.4%) met the criteria for problematic internet use. The presence of problematic internet use was significantly associated with suicidal ideation (OR = 5.82, 95% CI = 3.30–10.26, p < 0.001) as well as depression (OR = 5.00, 95% CI = 2.88–8.66, p < 0.001). There was a marginally significant association between problematic internet use and probable bipolar disorder (OR = 3.05, 95% CI = 0.96–9.69, p = 0.059). In the path model, problematic internet use significantly predicted depressive symptoms (β = 0.296, 95% CI = 0.214–0.367, p = 0.005), which predicted suicidal ideation (β = 0.699, 95% CI = 0.631–0.751, p = 0.009). Problematic internet use also predicted suicidal ideation directly (β = 0.115, 95% CI = 0.052–0.193, p = 0.006). Conversely, depressive symptoms (β = 0.119, 95% CI = −0.005–0.219, p = 0.040) and suicidal ideation (β = 0.215, 95% CI = 0.089–0.346, p = 0.005) predicted problematic internet use.

Conclusions:

There is a complex transactional relationship between problematic internet use, depressive symptoms, bipolar symptoms and suicidal ideation, so these conditions must be assessed together during the evaluation of adolescents. Prospective studies are warranted to elucidate the causal relationships between problematic internet use, mood symptoms and suicidal ideation.
The presentation of early-onset psychotic disorders
Authors: Starling Jean , Williams Leanne M , Hainsworth Cassandra , Harris Anthony W
Published: October 2012

Objective:

This study aims to describe the clinical course of psychotic disorders, including the premorbid history, symptoms and level of functioning in a group of children and adolescents treated by paediatric mental health services, mainly as inpatients.

Method:

A sample of 45 children and adolescents with a psychotic disorder (mean age 13.2 years) was assessed using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, parent interviews and file audit. The symptoms of those with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) were compared to those with a mood disorder (MD).

Results:

This population showed a high level of premorbid impairment, including previous treatment for other psychiatric disorders. As well as hallucinations and delusions, high levels of self-harm, aggression, anxiety and depression were reported. The SSD and MD groups differed mainly in their levels of premorbid functioning.

Conclusions:

While it is well known that childhood-onset schizophrenia is a severe disorder with a poor outcome, this study found that young people diagnosed with other psychotic disorders also have significant impairment and are likely to require high levels of care to maximize their functional recovery.
The Effect of a Single Dose of Acetaminophen on Airways Response in Children With Asthma
Authors: Soferman Ruth , Tsivion Assaf , Farber Mira , Sivan Yakov
Published: October 2012

Accumulating evidence suggests that the use of acetaminophen increases the risk of developing asthma and that its widespread use has contributed to the increasing prevalence of asthma. Study design. To investigate the immediate effect of a single dose of acetaminophen on airways reactivity and inflammation in asthmatic and controls. A double blind placebo-controlled study was conducted on 42 asthmatic children and 21 healthy age-matched controls. Each participant received one oral dose of acetaminophen (15 mg/kg [160 mg/mL]) and one dose of a volume-matched placebo. Physical examination, spirometry results, and fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels were assessed before and 60 minutes following acetaminophen or placebo ingestion. Results. None of the studied variables showed any significant change after acetaminophen or placebo ingestion in either the asthmatic or the control groups. Conclusions. One single dose of acetaminophen neither evokes a bronchoconstriction response nor an increase in airway inflammation in children with asthma.
Supervisors’ Experiences of Providing Difficult Feedback in Cross-Ethnic/Racial Supervision
Authors: Burkard Alan W. , Knox Sarah , Clarke Robyn D. , Phelps David L. , Inman Arpana G.
Published: October 2012

Seventeen clinical supervisors were interviewed regarding their experience of providing difficult feedback in cross-ethnic/racial supervision, and their responses were analyzed using consensual qualitative research (CQR). European American supervisors described supervisees of color who had difficulty in their clinical work with culturally different clients. These supervisors then shared with supervisees their concern that supervisees’ interpersonal skills may negatively affect their clinical and/or supervision work. Supervisors of color described European American supervisees who exhibited insensitivity toward clients of color in session or during supervision. These supervisors shared their concern that supervisees’ lack of cultural sensitivity may negatively affect their clinical work. These contrasting feedback experiences had a profound effect on supervisory relationships and the processes within supervision.
The STEM Pathway for Women
Authors: Heilbronner Nancy N.
Published: October 2012

In previous decades, researchers have identified a gender gap in the careers and academic achievement of men and women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Recently, it has been suggested that some of these gender gaps no longer exist; however, the picture is more nuanced, for women are represented well in some STEM fields (such as biology) and not in others (such as computer science). The current research employed survey methodology to explore the perceptions of 360 finalists and semifinalists of the prestigious Science Talent Search. Two cohorts of participants who were either in their late 30s (Cohort 2) or late 20s (Cohort 1) were contacted to investigate factors that influenced them to select or not select STEM college majors and occupations. Comparisons between men and women revealed that women recalled having lower self-efficacy in STEM in college than men, and fewer women selected STEM majors as undergraduates. Interest was cited as a major influence for occupational selection for both men and women. Proportionally, more women than men entered fields such as biology and fewer women entered fields such as engineering and physics/astronomy. A greater proportion of older women mentioned leaving STEM because of a lack of flexible hours and needing to attend to family responsibilities. Implications for education and future research are discussed.
Modulation of Cell-Cell Junctional Complexes by Matrix Metalloproteinases
Authors: Bartlett J.D. , Smith C.E.
Published: October 2012

The ameloblast cell layer of the enamel organ is in contact with the forming enamel as it develops into the hardest substance in the body. Ameloblasts move in groups that slide by one another as the enamel layer thickens. Each ameloblast is responsible for the formation of one enamel rod, and the rods are the mineralized trail that moving ameloblasts leave behind. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) facilitate cell movement in various tissues during development, and in this review we suggest that the tooth-specific MMP, enamelysin (MMP20), facilitates ameloblast movements during enamel development. Mmp20 null mice have thin brittle enamel with disrupted rod patterns that easily abrades from the underlying dentin. Strikingly, the Mmp20 null mouse enamel organ morphology is noticeably dysplastic during late-stage development, when MMP20 is no longer expressed. We suggest that in addition to its role of cleaving enamel matrix proteins, MMP20 also cleaves junctional complexes present on ameloblasts to foster the cell movement necessary for formation of the decussating enamel rod pattern. Therefore, inactivation of MMP20 would result in tight ameloblast cell-cell attachments that may cause maturation-stage enamel organ dysplasia. The tight ameloblast attachments would also preclude the ameloblast movement necessary to form decussating enamel rod patterns.
Chemerin-ChemR23 Signaling in Tooth Development
Authors: Ohira T. , Spear D. , Azimi N. , Andreeva V. , Yelick P.C.
Published: October 2012

Our long-term goal is to identify and characterize molecular mechanisms regulating tooth development, including those mediating the critical dental epithelial-dental mesenchymal (DE-DM) cell interactions required for normal tooth development. The goal of this study was to investigate Chemerin (Rarres2)/ChemR23(Cmklr1) signaling in DE-DM cell interactions in normal tooth development. Here we present, for the first time, tissue-specific expression patterns of Chemerin and ChemR23 in mouse tooth development. We show that Chemerin is expressed in cultured DE progenitor cells, while ChemR23 is expressed in cultured DM cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that ribosomal protein S6 (rS6) and Akt, downstream targets of Chemerin/ChemR23 signaling, are phosphorylated in response to Chemerin/ChemR23 signaling in vitro and are expressed in mouse tooth development. Together, these results suggest roles for Chemerin/ChemR23-mediated DE-DM cell signaling during tooth morphogenesis.
Forensic Memory, Responsibility, and Judgment
Authors: Pino-Ojeda Walescka
Published: October 2012

Among the political documentaries produced in Chile in the postauthoritarian era there is a significant corpus of films that carry out a meticulous process of forensic memory. Both documentaries that dig through skeletal remains and those that excavate the memories of surviving victims or witnesses of state terror are carrying out similar archaeological forensic work. They examine records that, rather than simply evidencing past violence, exhibit the fractures (subjective and discursive) from which the past may be reconstructed. By focusing on these tasks the films La ciudad de los fotógrafos (Sebastián Moreno, 2007), El juez y el general (Elizabeth Farnsworth and Patricio Lanfranco, 2008), and El diario de Agustín (Ignacio Agüero, 2008) become media for reflection that makes it possible for viewers to confront their own history—in order to make ethical judgments that allow them to assume personal and collective responsibility in the face of a history that they have lived or have assimilated through a process of “post-memory.” To the question posed by Arendt—whether thinking can help to correct and eradicate acts of radical evil—we could respond that postauthoritarian Chilean documentary finds itself dealing precisely with this possibility through accounts that, by means of personal experience and sifting through one’s own biographical ruins, call on spectators to delve into their own fears and complicities.

Dentro de los innumerables documentales políticos producidos en Chile en el período postautoritario, hay un corpus significativo que ha llevado a cabo un cuidadoso trabajo memorial-forense. Tanto aquellos documentales que hurgan en las reliquias óseas como los que escarban en las memorias de víctimas sobrevivientes o testigos del terror de Estado llevan a cabo un trabajo arqueológico forense. Escrutan registros en que, más que dar cuenta de la violencia de los hechos mismos, exhiben la fractura (subjetiva-discursiva) desde donde se reconstruye dicho pasado. Para tal contexto, los filmes La ciudad de los fotógrafos (Sebastián Moreno, 2007), El juez y el general (Elizabeth Farnsworth y Patricio Lanfranco, 2008), y El diario de Agustín (Ignacio Agüero, 2008) se constituyen en espacios de reflexión para hacer posible que el espectador encare su propia historia, elabore un juicio ético que le permita asumir una responsabilidad personal y colectiva frente a una historia que ha vivido biográficamente o que ha asimilado a través de la transmisión postgeneracional, vía un proceso de “post-memoria.” A la interrogante planteada por Arendt—¿puede el ejercicio de pensar ayudar a corregir y erradicar los actos de maldad radical?—podríamos responder que el cine documental chileno postautoritario se encuentra precisamente abordando esta posibilidad a través de relatos que, mediante experiencias personales y atravesando las propias ruinas biográficas, interpelan al espectador para adentrarse en sus propios lastres, miedos y complicidades.
Correlates of teachers’ ways of handling bullying
Authors: Grumm Mandy , Hein Sascha
Published: October 2012

Aggressive behaviors in schools and bullying behaviors amongst children are a serious problem in the school context. As a consequence of an aggressive atmosphere in the classroom, learning processes are disturbed and children are less likely to experience pleasure when attending school. Teachers face a big challenge as a result. As we know from previous research, teachers have different possibilities when handling incidents of aggressive behaviors and bullying in their classrooms. The present study sought to examine correlates (e.g. attitudes toward aggression) of ways of handling bullying in German teachers. Factor analysis indicated a two-factor solution with respect to ways of handling bullying (Factor 1: Ignoring vs. Taking Action, Factor 2: Attribution of Responsibility) and it was demonstrated that attitudes toward aggression and beliefs about the changeability of aggressive behaviors are correlates of the different strategies that teachers use. The implications for the school context and for teacher preparation are discussed.
The Language of Political Aggression
Authors: Matsumoto David , Hwang Hyisung C.
Published: October 2012

We examined the relationship between language and political aggression by examining the words used by world leaders and leaders of ideologically motivated groups when talking about their despised opponent out-groups in their speeches. We searched the archives for records of such speeches, anchoring them to an identified act of aggression or nonaggressive resistance, and analyzed speeches at three points in time prior to those acts. We tested three hypotheses about linguistic differences in speech content separately for groups that committed an act of aggression and those that did not. Support was found for all three hypotheses, indicating that speeches associated with aggression had different linguistic markers than speeches associated with nonaggression. These findings highlighted the function of speech in providing glimpses into the mind-set of the speech makers as their groups ramp up to violence or not.
Language and Emotion
Authors: Kayyal Mary H. , Russell James A.
Published: October 2012

Happiness, sadness, and anger are translated into Arabic as farah, huzn, and ghudub, respectively, by the translation–back translation method. But are these translations equivalent? To be equivalent, they must have the same referents, specifically, show a high correlation between profiles of endorsement and a similar breadth of endorsement when used to refer to emotions. Here, English-speaking Americans, English-speaking Palestinians, and Arabic-speaking Palestinians ( N = 60, 60, and 42, respectively) rated the extent to which each of 12 words referred to the various emotions conveyed by 22 facial expressions. Only one translation ( happiness–farah) passed both tests of equivalence. All others differed with culture or language.
The Impact of Using Informative Priors in a Bayesian Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: McCarron C. Elizabeth , Pullenayegum Eleanor M. , Thabane Lehana , Goeree Ron , Tarride Jean-Eric
Published: October 2012

Background. Bayesian methods have been proposed as a way of synthesizing all available evidence to inform decision making. However, few practical applications of the use of Bayesian methods for combining patient-level data (i.e., trial) with additional evidence (e.g., literature) exist in the cost-effectiveness literature. The objective of this study was to compare a Bayesian cost-effectiveness analysis using informative priors to a standard non-Bayesian nonparametric method to assess the impact of incorporating additional information into a cost-effectiveness analysis. Methods. Patient-level data from a previously published nonrandomized study were analyzed using traditional nonparametric bootstrap techniques and bivariate normal Bayesian models with vague and informative priors. Two different types of informative priors were considered to reflect different valuations of the additional evidence relative to the patient-level data (i.e., “face value” and “skeptical”). The impact of using different distributions and valuations was assessed in a sensitivity analysis. Models were compared in terms of incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) and cost-effectiveness acceptability frontiers (CEAFs). Results. The bootstrapping and Bayesian analyses using vague priors provided similar results. The most pronounced impact of incorporating the informative priors was the increase in estimated life years in the control arm relative to what was observed in the patient-level data alone. Consequently, the incremental difference in life years originally observed in the patient-level data was reduced, and the INMB and CEAF changed accordingly. Conclusions. The results of this study demonstrate the potential impact and importance of incorporating additional information into an analysis of patient-level data, suggesting this could alter decisions as to whether a treatment should be adopted and whether more information should be acquired.
Where governance fails
Authors: Wójcik Dariusz
Published: October 2012

The paper revisits the literatures on financial geographies, advanced business services, world cities and offshore financial centres. Linking these bodies of research, the paper argues that the advanced business services hold considerable power, which they exercise by operating legal and financial vehicles designed to escape the control of governmental or intergovernmental organizations through the use of offshore jurisdictions. This nexus of advanced business services and the offshore world has negative consequences for stability and equity, and represents an important area of governance failure.