bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age determines vascular reactivity as measured by optical rhinometry
Authors: Tillmann H. C. , Laske A. , Bernasconi C. , Stuck B. A.
Published: October 2009

Background  Endonasal blood volume depends on autonomous nervous system activation and ultimately vascular reactivity. It can be measured by optical rhinometry, a simple‐ to‐use, subject‐compliance independent method. We investigated endonasal perfusion following postural change to determine predictors of vascular response.

Materials and methods  Optical rhinometry was performed in 52 healthy subjects (25 women) with an age range of 21–80 years. Subjects were placed in supine position after 5 min of standing. Optical density (OD) as marker of endonasal blood volume was continuously measured for 30 min after postural change. In addition to age, data on other risk factors for impaired vascular reactivity, such as gender, smoking, level of physical activity, resting heart rate and blood pressure were obtained. To evaluate raw‐data curves, integrals over defined time‐periods were calculated.

Results The OD initially increased following the intervention (tmax at 207 ± 12 s, mean ± SEM). Thereafter, a gradual return to baseline levels was observed in young but not in elderly subjects. In multivariate models, age was the most influential parameter for vascular response followed by body mass index. The defined integrals as indicators of curve structure were all significantly influenced by age (P < 0·01 for each interval). Other measured risk factors had no effect on curve characteristics.

Conclusions  Age is an important predictor of endonasal perfusion. Evaluation of optical rhinometry needs to take age‐dependency of results into account. Studies in patients with cardiovascular disease are needed to show if optical rhinometry can provide information about vascular responsiveness as a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity.
Long‐term effects of weight loss with a very low carbohydrate and low fat diet on vascular function in overweight and obese patients
Authors: Wycherley T. P. , Brinkworth G. D. , Keogh J. B. , Noakes M. , Buckley J. D. , Clifton P. M.
Published: October 2009

Abstract.  Wycherley TP, Brinkworth GD, Keogh JB, Noakes M, Buckley JD, Clifton PM. (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Food and Nutritional Sciences; School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide; and Nutritional Physiology Research Centre and Australian Technology Network Centre for Metabolic Fitness, Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia). Long‐term effects of weight loss with a very low carbohydrate and low fat diet on vascular function in overweight and obese patients. J Intern Med 2010; 267: 452–461.

Objective.  To compare the effects of an energy reduced very low carbohydrate, high saturated fat diet (LC) and an isocaloric high carbohydrate, low fat diet (LF) on endothelial function after 12 months.

Design and Subjects.  Forty‐nine overweight or obese patients (age 50.0 ± 1.1 years, BMI 33.7 ± 0.6 kg m−2) were randomized to either an energy restricted (∼6–7 MJ), planned isocaloric LC or LF for 52 weeks. Body weight, endothelium‐derived factors, flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD), adiponectin, augmentation index (AIx) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were assessed. All data are mean ± SEM.

Results.  Weight loss was similar in both groups (LC −14.9 ± 2.1 kg, LF −11.5 ± 1.5 kg; P = 0.20). There was a significant time × diet effect for FMD (P = 0.045); FMD decreased in LC (5.7 ± 0.7% to 3.7 ± 0.5%) but remained unchanged in LF (5.9 ± 0.5% to 5.5 ± 0.7%). PWV improved in both groups (LC −1.4 ± 0.6 m s−1, LF −1.5 ± 0.6 m s−1; P = 0.001 for time) with no diet effect (P = 0.80). AIx and VCAM‐1 did not change in either group. Adiponectin, eSelectin, tPA and PAI‐1 improved similarly in both groups (P < 0.01 for time).

Conclusion.  Both LC and LF hypoenergetic diets achieved similar reductions in body weight and were associated with improvements in PWV and a number of endothelium‐derived factors. However, the LC diet impaired FMD suggesting chronic consumption of a LC diet may have detrimental effects on endothelial function.
Gene Expression Profiles of Intracellular and Membrane Progesterone Receptor Isoforms in the Mediobasal Hypothalamus During Pro‐Oestrus
Authors: Liu B. , Arbogast L. A.
Published: October 2009

Progesterone action is mediated by its binding to specific receptors. Two progesterone receptor (PR) isoforms (PRA and PRB), three membrane progesterone receptor (mPR) subtypes (mPRα, mPRβ and mPRγ) and at least one progesterone membrane‐binding protein [PR membrane component 1 (PRmc1)] have been identified in reproductive tissues and brain of various species. In the present study, we examined gene expression patterns for PR isoforms, mPR subtypes and PRmc1 in the rat mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) during pro‐oestrus. The mRNA level for each receptor subtype was quantified by a real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) at the time points: 13.00 h on dioestrous day 2; 09.00, 13.00, 17.00 and 22.00 h on pro‐oestrus; and 13.00 h on oestrus. For PR, one primer set amplified PRA+PRB, whereas a second primer set amplified PRB. As expected, PRA+PRB mRNA expression was greater than PRB in MBH tissue. PRB mRNA levels increased throughout the day on pro‐oestrus, with the highest levels being observed at 17.00 h. PRB mRNA levels in the MBH were increased by 2.4‐ and 3.0‐fold at 13.00 and 17.00 h, respectively, on pro‐oestrus compared to 13.00 h on dioestrous day 2. There were differential mRNA expression levels for mPRs and PRmc1 in the MBH, with the highest expression for PRmc1 and the lowest for mPRγ. The mPRα mRNA contents at 13.00 and 17.00 h on pro‐oestrus were increased by 1.5‐fold compared to that at 13.00 h on dioestrous day 2. The mPRβ mRNA levels at 13.00 and 17.00 h on pro‐oestrus were 2.5‐ and 2.4‐fold higher compared to that at 13.00 h on dioestrous day 2, respectively. PRA+PRB, mPRγ and PRmc1 mRNA levels did not vary on pro‐oestrus. These findings suggest that the higher expression of PRB, mPRα and mPRβ in the MBH on pro‐oestrous afternoon may influence both genomic and nongenomic mechanisms of progesterone action during the critical pre‐ovulatory period.
An Interaction of Oxytocin Receptors with Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Hypothalamic Astrocytes
Authors: Kuo J. , Hariri O. R. , Micevych P.
Published: October 2009

Hypothalamic astrocytes play a critical role in the regulation and support of many different neuroendocrine events, and are affected by oestradiol. Both nuclear and membrane oestrogen receptors (ERs) are expressed in astrocytes. Upon oestradiol activation, membrane‐associated ER signals through the type 1a metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1a) to induce an increase of free cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). Because the expression of oxytocin receptors (OTRs) is modulated by oestradiol, we tested whether oestradiol also influences oxytocin signalling. Oxytocin at 1, 10, and 100 nm induced a [Ca2+]i flux measured as a change in relative fluorescence [ΔF Ca2+ = 330 ± 17 relative fluorescent units (RFU), ΔF Ca2+ = 331 ± 22 RFU, and ΔF Ca2+ = 347 ± 13 RFU, respectively] in primary cultures of female post‐pubertal hypothalamic astrocytes. Interestingly, OTRs interacted with mGluRs. The mGluR1a antagonist, LY 367385 (20 nm), blocked the oxytocin (1 nm)‐induced [Ca2+]i flux (ΔF Ca2+ = 344 ± 19 versus 127 ± 11 RFU, P < 0.001). Conversely, the mGluR1a receptor agonist, (RS)‐3,5‐dihydroxyphenyl‐glycine (100 nm), increased the oxytocin (1 nm)‐induced [Ca2+]i response (ΔF Ca2+ = 670 ± 31 RFU) compared to either compound alone (P < 0.001). Because both oxytocin and oestradiol rapidly signal through the mGluR1a, we treated hypothalamic astrocytes sequentially with oxytocin and oestradiol to determine whether stimulation with one hormone affected the subsequent [Ca2+]i response to the second hormone. Oestradiol treatment did not change the subsequent [Ca2+]i flux to oxytocin (P > 0.05) and previous oxytocin exposure did not affect the [Ca2+]i response to oestradiol (P > 0.05). Furthermore, simultaneous oestradiol and oxytocin stimulation failed to yield a synergistic [Ca2+]i response. These results suggest that the OTR signals through the mGluR1a to release Ca2+ from intracellular stores and rapid, nongenomic oestradiol stimulation does not influence OTR signalling in astrocytes.
BRIEF REPORT: Increased blood oxidative stress in amphetamine users
Authors: Govitrapong Piyarat , Boontem Parichart , Kooncumchoo Patcharee , Pinweha Sirinthorn , Namyen Jatuporn , Sanvarinda Yupin , Vatanatunyakum Smith
Published: October 2009

Amphetamine derivatives have been shown to be a potential brain neurotoxin based on the production of free radicals that occurs after administration. The purpose of this study was to examine the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in the blood of amphetamine users. The plasma lipid peroxidation was determined and reported as thiobarbituric acid reactive substance and was significantly increased (+21%), whereas the activities of the erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased (−32%, −14% and −31%, respectively) in amphetamine users. These results implicated the potential role of oxidative stress in amphetamine‐induced neurotoxicity.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Mifepristone and spironolactone differently alter cocaine intravenous self‐administration and cocaine‐induced locomotion in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Fiancette Jean‐François , Balado Eric , Piazza Pier‐Vincenzo , Deroche‐Gamonet Véronique
Published: October 2009

Corticosterone, the main glucorticoid hormone in rodents, facilitates behavioral responses to cocaine. Corticosterone is proposed to modulate cocaine intravenous self‐administration (SA) and cocaine‐induced locomotion through distinct receptors, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), respectively. However, this remains debatable. On one hand, modulation of both responses by the GR was tested in different experimental conditions, i.e. light versus dark nycthemeral phase and naïve versus cocaine‐experienced animals. On the other hand, modulation of both responses by the MR was never tested directly but only inferred based on the ability of low plasma corticosterone levels (those for which corticosterone almost exclusively binds the MR) to compensate the effects of adrenalectomy. Our goal here was to test the involvement of the GR and the MR in cocaine‐induced locomotor and reinforcing effects in the same experimental conditions. C57Bl/6J mice were trained for cocaine (1 mg/kg/infusion) intravenous SA over 40 SA sessions. The animals were then administered with mifepristone (30 mg/kg i.p.), a GR antagonist, or with spironolactone (20 mg/kg/i.p.), an MR antagonist, 2 hours before either cocaine intravenous SA or cocaine‐induced locomotion. In a comparable nycthemeral period and in similarly cocaine‐experienced animals, a blockade of the GR decreased cocaine‐induced reinforcing effects but not cocaine‐induced locomotion. A blockade of the MR decreased both cocaine‐induced reinforcing (but to a much lesser extent than the GR blockade) and locomotor effects. Altogether, our results comforted the hypothesis that the GR modulates cocaine‐related operant conditioning, while the MR would modulate cocaine‐related unconditioned effects. The present data also reveal mifepristone as an interesting tool for manipulating the impact of corticosterone on cocaine‐induced reinforcing effects in mice.
Primary congenital glaucoma caused by the homozygous F261L CYP1B1 mutation and paternal isodisomy of chromosome 2
Authors: López‐Garrido M‐P , Campos‐Mollo E , Harto M‐Á , Escribano J
Published: October 2009

Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), a rare, severe and blinding disease, usually results from mutations in the CYP1B1 gene located in chromosome 2p22.2. Uniparental isodisomy (UPID) is also a rare condition in which a diploid offspring carries two identical copies of a single parental chromosome. By DNA sequence analysis, we found that a proband (female newborn) affected by PCG was homozygous for the null‐allele F261L of the CYP1B1 gene. Her father was a heterozygous carrier for this mutation, and unexpectedly her mother carried only the G168D mutation in the heterozygous state. Segregation analysis of eight microsatellite markers which spanned the two arms of chromosome 2 was consistent with paternal isodisomy for this chromosome in the proband. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of UPID resulting in PCG and the fifth reported case of paternal UPID for chromosome 2. In addition, the absence of a clinical phenotype other than PCG confirms previous observations of there being no paternally imprinted genes in chromosome 2 that have major phenotypic effects. These results, along with previous reports, also suggest that UPID may play a relevant role in recessive diseases linked to chromosome 2.
Novel CLN8 mutations confirm the clinical and ethnic diversity of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis
Authors: Reinhardt K , Grapp M , Schlachter K , Brück W , Gärtner J , Steinfeld R
Published: October 2009

Reinhardt K, Grapp M, Schlachter K, Brück W, Gärtner J, Steinfeld R. Novel CLN8 mutations confirm the clinical and ethnic diversity of late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis.

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of inherited lysosomal storage diseases and the prototype of childhood onset neurodegenerative disorders. To date, 10 NCL entities (CLN1–CLN10) are known and characterized by accumulation of autofluorescent storage material, age of onset and clinical symptoms. CLN8 was first identified as the causative gene for a late‐onset form with progressive epilepsy and mental retardation in Finnish patients. In addition, CLN8 phenotypes were described in Turkish, Israeli and Italian patients with a more rapid progression of visual loss, epilepsy, ataxia and mental decline. Here, we report the first mutations in German (c.611G>T) and Pakistani (c.709G>A) patients. Our findings confirm previous assumptions that the CLN8 variant can occur in many ethnic groups. So far, large CLN gene deletions are only known for the CLN3 gene. Here, we also describe a novel, large CLN8 gene deletion c.544‐2566_590del2613 in a Turkish family with a slightly more severe phenotype. Our data indicate that patients with clinical signs of late infantile NCL and characteristic ultrastructural inclusions should also be screened for CLN8 mutations independent of their ethnic origin.
Natural and sexual selection against immigrants maintains differentiation among micro‐allopatric populations
Authors: TOBLER M. , RIESCH R. , TOBLER C. M. , SCHULZ‐MIRBACH T. , PLATH M.
Published: October 2009

Local adaptation to divergent environmental conditions can promote population genetic differentiation even in the absence of geographic barriers and hence lead to speciation. But what mechanisms contribute to reproductive isolation among diverging populations? We tested for natural and sexual selection against immigrants in a fish species inhabiting (and adapting to) nonsulphidic surface habitats, sulphidic surface habitats and a sulphidic cave. Gene flow is strong among sample sites situated within the same habitat type, but low among divergent habitat types. Our results indicate that females of both sulphidic populations discriminate against immigrant males during mate choice. Furthermore, using reciprocal translocation experiments, we document natural selection against migrants between nonsulphidic and sulphidic habitats, whereas migrants between sulphidic cave and surface habitats did not exhibit increased mortality within the same time period. Consequently, both natural and sexual selection may contribute to isolation among parapatric populations, and selection against immigrants may be a powerful mechanism facilitating speciation among locally adapted populations even over very small spatial distances.
Weight disorders and associated morbidity among young adults in Israel 1990–2003
Authors: Levin Avi , Morad Yair , Grotto Itamar , Ravid Mordechai , Bar‐Dayan Yosefa
Published: October 2009

Background:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the change in prevalence of weight disorders and associated morbidity among young adults.

Methods:  Records of 1 021 211 subjects aged 17, who underwent a medical examination, were included.

Results:  Among female subjects the prevalence of underweight increased steadily from 13.2% to 15.6%. No statistically significant trend was found among male subjects. Among male subjects a twofold increase in the prevalence of obesity was observed, while among female subjects there was an increase of 57%. In obese versus normal‐weight male subjects the OR, adjusted for origin, education and year of recruitment, of having high blood pressure, diabetes type 2 and type 1 and hyperlipidemia were 4.1 (95%CI 3.89–4.34), 5.56 (5.09–6.07), 1.00 (0.30–3.27) and 16.07 (8.29–31.15), respectively. For obese female nominees the OR were 5.56 (95%CI 5.09–6.07), 4.42 (3.90–5.00), 3.59 (0.77–16.87) and 9.00 (4.36–18.60), respectively.

Conclusion:  A significant increase in prevalence of obesity was observed with an increased risk of having diabetes type 2, hyperlipidemia and high blood pressure. An increase in the prevalence of being underweight was observed in female subjects. Policy makers have to plan appropriate effective interventions that will promote a healthy lifestyle in adolescents and reduce obesity on the one hand, and avoid the fashion for being underweight, with its possible development to anorexia, on the other.
Are laboratories useful fiction? A comparison of Norwegian and Australian undergraduate nursing skills laboratories
Authors: Wellard Sally J. , Heggen Kristin M.
Published: October 2009

Drawing on the findings from studies in Australia and Norway that explored the use of laboratories in the preparation of nursing students for entry to practice, this article identifies the pedagogical challenges for the undergraduate education of nurses. The findings from both countries are compared and, in spite of distinct differences in the level of financial investment, there are striking similarities between the ways in which laboratories are used in the two countries. The laboratories were designed to predominately represent acute care hospital environments. The participants demonstrated a high level of commitment and strongly held beliefs in the laboratory as a safe place to facilitate self‐paced learning and as an environment where students can practice until they become competent and confident. However, at the same time, there was a striking lack of evidence to support these views. The participants in both countries reported a common approach to instruction: a process of teacher demonstration, followed by student repetition and practice. Variability in students' motivation also was reported and the participants especially expressed concern for those students with a low level of interest in the basic skills associated with personal care. The possibilities and limitations of using skill laboratories as part of the practical preparation for nursing are discussed, using the metaphor of laboratories as “fiction”.
Simple prophylactic procedure of inguinal hernia after radical retropubic prostatectomy: Isolation of the spermatic cord
Authors: Sakai Yasuyuki , Okuno Tetsuo , Kijima Toshiki , Iwai Aki , Matsuoka Yoh , Kawakami Satoru , Kihara Kazunori
Published: October 2009

Abstract:  To reduce the incidence of inguinal hernia (IH) after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP), a simple prophylactic procedure was carried out during RRP. A consecutive 82 patients who had undergone RRP for clinically localized prostate cancer between July 2002 and October 2006 at Toride Kyodo General Hospital were enrolled. From July 2002 to November 2003, 20 patients underwent conventional RRP. Thereafter, 62 patients underwent conventional RRP with blunt dissection of the peritoneum at the internal inguinal ring and isolation of the spermatic cord from the peritoneum as a prophylactic procedure for IH. There was no significant difference in patient characteristics between the two groups. In the conventional RRP group, IH occurred in 10 patients during a median range follow‐up period of 41 (1 to 73) months. In contrast, in the RRP plus prophylactic procedure group, IH occurred in one patient (1.6%) during a median range follow‐up period of 41 (25 to 59) months. The incidence of IH after RRP plus the prophylactic procedure was significantly lower than that after conventional RRP, indicating the efficacy of the presented procedure.
Angiogenesis in renal cell carcinoma: The role of tumor‐associated macrophages
Authors: Toge Hiroshi , Inagaki Takeshi , Kojimoto Yasuo , Shinka Toshiaki , Hara Isao
Published: October 2009

Objective:  To explore vascularity and associated molecules in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to study their correlations to disease outcome.

Methods:  Tissue samples from 51 Japanese patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) were obtained between November 1997 and August 2000. Pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels of RCC and normal kidney tissue were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Microvessel density (MVD) was measured by immunohistochemistry using anti‐factor‐VIII‐related antigen and CD34. The number of infiltrating tumor‐associated macrophages (TAM) was measured by immunohistochemistry using anti‐CD68 antibody.

Results:  Pyrimidine nucleoside phosphorylase and VEGF levels were significantly higher in RCC than in normal kidney tissue. The VEGF level was higher in more progressive (high grade, larger or symptomatic) RCC. Although MVD as determined by the factor VIII level was higher in larger tumors, MVD determined by CD34 was higher in low‐grade and low‐stage tumors. Patients with symptoms, large tumor or high stage showed higher numbers of TAM. VEGF level and TAM were significantly higher in patients with recurrence than in those without recurrence. In univariate analysis, VEGF, TAM and CD34 tumor grade and stage were identified as prognostic factors. Moreover, TAM was the only independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis. Among these parameters, only TAM and MVD as determined by factor VIII showed significant correlations.

Conclusion:  TAM and VEGF are substantially involved in tumor progression of RCC. As the TAM count is well correlated to the MVD, the main mechanism of tumor progression by TAM might be angiogenesis.
Predictors and Parameters of Resilience to Loss: Toward an Individual Differences Model
Authors: Mancini Anthony D. , Bonanno George A.
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT
Although there is marked variation in how people cope with interpersonal loss, there is growing recognition that most people manage this extremely stressful experience with minimal to no impact on their daily functioning (G. A. Bonanno, 2004). What gives rise to this resilient capacity? In this paper, we provide an operational definition of resilience as a specific trajectory of psychological outcome and describe how the resilient trajectory differs from other trajectories of response to loss. We review recent data on individual differences in resilience to loss, including self‐enhancing biases, repressive coping, a priori beliefs, identity continuity and complexity, dismissive attachment, positive emotions, and comfort from positive memories. We integrate these individual differences in a hypothesized model of resilience, focusing on their role in appraisal processes and the use of social resources. We conclude by considering potential cultural constraints on resilience and future research directions.
Increasing Psychological Well‐Being and Resilience by Psychotherapeutic Methods
Authors: Fava Giovanni A. , Tomba Elena
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACT
A specific psychotherapeutic strategy for increasing psychological well‐being and resilience, well‐being therapy, has been developed and validated in a number of randomized controlled trials. The findings indicate that flourishing and resilience can be promoted by specific interventions leading to a positive evaluation of one's self, a sense of continued growth and development, the belief that life is purposeful and meaningful, the possession of quality relations with others, the capacity to manage effectively one's life, and a sense of self‐determination. A decreased vulnerability to depression and anxiety has been demonstrated after well‐being therapy in high‐risk populations. There are important implications for the state/trait dichotomy in psychological well‐being and for the concept of recovery in mood and anxiety disorders.
NUMBERS OF OBSERVATIONS NEAR ORDER STATISTICS
Authors: Pakes Anthony G.
Published: October 2009

Limit theorems are obtained for the numbers of observations in a random sample that fall within a left‐hand or right‐hand neighbourhood of the kth order statistic. The index k can be fixed, or tend to infinity as the sample size increases unboundedly. In essence, the proofs are applications of the classical Poisson and De Moivre–Laplace theorems.
The Prevalence of Destructive Leadership Behaviour
Authors: Aasland Merethe Schanke , Skogstad Anders , Notelaers Guy , Nielsen Morten Birkeland , Einarsen Ståle
Published: October 2009

This study investigates the prevalence of the four types of destructive leadership behaviour in the destructive and constructive leadership behaviour model, in a representative sample of the Norwegian workforce. The study employs two estimation methods: the operational classification method (OCM) and latent class cluster (LCC) analysis. The total prevalence of destructive leadership behaviour varied from 33.5% (OCM) to 61% (LCC), indicating that destructive leadership is not an anomaly. Destructive leadership comes in many shapes and forms, with passive forms prevailing over more active ones. The results showed that laissez‐faire leadership behaviour was the most prevalent destructive leadership behaviour, followed by supportive–disloyal leadership and derailed leadership, while tyrannical leadership behaviour was the least prevalent destructive leadership behaviour. Furthermore, many leaders display constructive as well as destructive behaviours, indicating that leadership is not either constructive or destructive. The study contributes to a broader theoretical perspective on what must be seen as typical behaviour among leaders.
Militant Intolerant People: A Challenge to John Rawls' Political Liberalism
Authors: Medina Vicente
Published: October 2009

In this article, it is argued that a significant internal tension exists in John Rawls' political liberalism. He holds the following positions that might plausibly be considered incongruous: (1) a commitment to tolerating a broad right of freedom of political speech, including a right of subversive advocacy; (2) a commitment to restricting this broad right if it is intended to incite and likely to bring about imminent violence; and (3) a commitment to curbing this broad right only if there is a constitutional crisis. By supporting a broad right of freedom of political speech in Political Liberalism, he allows militant intolerant people such as Jihadists, White Supremacists and Neo-Nazis to advocate publicly their dangerously intolerant beliefs. Public advocacy of dangerously intolerant beliefs can be construed as subversive advocacy. As demonstrated by the historical examples of the Weimar Republic and the Second Spanish Republic, militant intolerant groups could use a right of subversive advocacy to threaten the stability of liberal democracies. Hence, by allowing them to exercise a broad right of freedom of political speech, Rawls could jeopardize that which he intends to defend, namely the actual political stability of a liberal democratic order. Lastly, Rawls' conception of ideal constitutional interpretation, which privileges a broad right of freedom of political speech, might be insufficient to deal effectively with the threat posed by militant intolerant groups. Yet a tradition of American constitutional interpretation that balances freedom of speech with other important constitutional and/or political values has overcome a civil war, two world wars, the Cold War and the 9/11 terrorist attacks without abandoning democracy or permanently renouncing those values. Still, Rawls' ideal approach to constitutional interpretation might, in hindsight, help us to understand some of the excesses and deficiencies of American jurisprudence in times of emergency.
The Politics of Reporting: A Study of States' Strategies for Reporting to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child
Authors: Parrat Charlotta Friedner
Published: October 2009

This article is concerned with the obligation of State Parties to report to the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, and discusses the politics involved in the reporting process, showing what strategy each state chooses to employ. An empirical study shows that the reported improvements in children's rights depend not only on the State Party's economic means, but also on its will to report truthfully. Based on John Rawls' ‘The Law of the Peoples’, I develop four ideal types of state with regard to the reporting process, and present game-theoretical explanations for their chosen strategies. The outcome is that a burdened state, illustrated by Burkina Faso, will tell the truth about children's rights in the state; a high-risk state, illustrated by Guatemala, will conceal or avoid eliciting sensitive information for its reports; a quasi-established liberal democracy, illustrated by Estonia, will also conceal information that shows its child rights record is not as clean as that of a liberal democracy; and a liberal democracy, illustrated by New Zealand, will tell the truth, provide all available information and point out existing problems. The article ends with a discussion about how to take the political factor out of the reporting process.
On nonparametric prediction of linear processes
Authors: Mielniczuk Jan , Zhou Zhou , Wu Wei Biao
Published: October 2009

Abstract.  We consider nonparametric prediction problem for both short‐ and long‐range‐dependent linear processes. Asymptotic properties of local linear estimates are obtained and, for long‐range‐dependent processes, an interesting dichotomous phenomenon is described: the limiting distribution depends on the interplay between the strength of the dependence and the magnitude of the bandwidth. A simulation study is carried out to assess the performance of the nonparametric prediction estimator.
Small Cities? Towards a Research Agenda
Authors: BELL DAVID , JAYNE MARK
Published: October 2009

This article asserts the importance of studying small cities. We argue that small cities have been ignored by urban theorists who, in seeking to conceptualize broad urban agendas and depict generalizable models (for example relating to epochal urbanism, the structure and nature of the urban hierarchy, global cities and global city‐regions), have tended to obscure as much as they illuminate. Given that study of ‘the city’ has been vital to broader advances in the social sciences, this neglect of smaller urban centres has profound consequences for urban studies. We argue that this situation needs to be rectified. We review literature relating to small cities and signpost a future research agenda. In doing so, we highlight how conceptual and empirical research into small cities can contribute to broader arguments that have championed the necessity of developing sophisticated and nuanced comparative approaches to understanding the complexity of cities and urban life. This article challenges urbanists to think big about thinking small.

L'étude des petites villes est importante. Celles‐ci ont été ignorées par les auteurs de théories urbaines qui ont eu tendance à obscurcir autant qu'àéclairer en cherchant à conceptualiser les grandes priorités urbaines et à décrire des modèles généralisables — par exemple en s'attachant à l'urbanisme daté, à la structure et la nature de la hiérarchie urbaine, aux villes planétaires et aux régions métropolitaines d'envergure mondiale. Étant donné que l'étude de ‘la ville’ a été essentielle à des avancées plus générales en sciences sociales, ce manque d'intérêt pour les centres urbains plus petits a de profondes conséquences sur la recherche urbaine. Il convient de rectifier cette situation. L'article passe en revue les publications sur les ‘petites villes’ et balise un programme de recherches potentiel. Ce faisant, il met en avant la manière dont des études conceptuelles et empiriques sur les petites villes peuvent nourrir des arguments plus généraux plaidant pour l'élaboration d'approches comparatives sophistiquées et nuancées afin de comprendre la complexité des villes et de la vie urbaine. Ce travail invite les urbanistes à voir grand en pensant à ce qui est petit.
Marginality, Again?!
Authors: CALDEIRA TERESA P.R.
Published: October 2009

This essay critically engages with the book Urban Outcasts — A Comparative Sociology of Advanced Marginality by Loïc Wacquant. In this book, studying poor neighborhoods in the United States and France in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Wacquant argues that a new socio‐economic configuration marked by dualization and polarization of the city and of the class structure has been formed in these metropolises as a result of structural shifts resulting from the breakdown of the Fordist regime and the recoiling of the welfare state. He calls ‘advanced marginality’ the new regime marked by a new form of urban poverty that makes part of the working classes ‘redundant’. This essay highlights the similarities between Wacquant's arguments and those of the theory of marginality of the 1960s and 1970s, which has been criticized and abandoned in Latin America. It also interrogates Wacquant's argument that advanced marginality is what will represent the future of metropolises everywhere, by introducing the case of Brazilian peripheries and asking questions about the increase of violence in poor neighborhoods.

Ce texte examine sous un angle critique l'ouvrage de Loïc Wacquant, Urban Outcasts – A Comparative Sociology of Advanced Marginality (Parias urbains – Ghettos, banlieues, État). Dans son étude des quartiers pauvres aux États‐Unis et en France entre la fin des années 1980 et le début des années 1990, Wacquant affirme qu'une nouvelle configuration socio‐économique marquée par une dualisation et une polarisation de la ville et de la structure de classe s'est formée dans ces métropoles du fait de transformations structurelles issues de l'effondrement du système fordiste et du recul de l'État‐providence. Il désigne par ‘marginalité avancée’ le nouveau régime caractérisé par une forme nouvelle de pauvreté urbaine qui rend ‘inutile’ une partie de la classe ouvrière. Ce texte souligne les similarités entre les arguments de Wacquant et ceux de la théorie de la marginalité, développée dans les années 1960–1970 puis critiquée et abandonnée en Amérique latine. Il revient aussi sur l'argument de Wacquant selon lequel, partout, la marginalité avancée constituera l'avenir des métropoles, en présentant le cas de périphéries au Brésil et en posant la question de l'accroissement de la violence dans les quartiers pauvres.
Quality of life and psychological adaptation of Korean adolescents with vitiligo
Authors: Choi S , Kim D‐Y , Whang S‐H , Lee J‐H , Hann S‐K , Shin Y‐J
Published: October 2009

Aim  The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of vitiligo on the quality of life and psychological adaptation in a Korean adolescent population.

Methods  Fifty‐seven adolescents aged 12 to 18 years with vitiligo were evaluated using self‐report scales, namely the Skindex‐29, Piers‐Harris self‐concept, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D), and Revised Children’s Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS).

Results  Mean Skindex‐29 subscales were as follow; 21.8 (global), 16.3 (symptom), 18.6 (function) and 29.5 (emotion). Several clinical variables, such as duration of vitiligo, facial involvement, history of previous treatment, and patient‐assessed severity, affected the Skindex‐29 subscales in various ways. However, differences in Skindex‐29 scores according to the type of vitiligo, extent of involvement, and family history were not observed. The Piers‐Harris self‐concept scores showed a negative correlation with Skindex‐29 scores, while other psychological measures (CES‐D and RCMAS) were positively correlated.

Conclusion  The quality of life of adolescents with vitiligo is closely related to the patients’ apprehensions about their disease, psychosocial adjustment, and psychiatric morbidity, rather than the clinical severity of the condition itself. Clinicians should recognize and deal with psychological adaptation along with medical intervention when treating adolescent patients with vitiligo.
Learned and naïve natural enemy responses and the interpretation of volatile organic compounds as cues or signals
Authors: Allison Jeremy D. , Daniel Hare J.
Published: October 2009

In response to arthropod herbivory, plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are attractive to natural enemies. Consequently, VOCs have been interpreted as co‐evolved plant–natural enemy signals. This review argues that, while these data are necessary, they are not sufficient to demonstrate a VOC plant–natural enemy signaling function. We propose that evidence that (1) plant fitness is increased as a consequence of natural enemy recruitment, and either (2A) natural enemies preferentially learn prey‐induced VOCs or (2B) natural enemies respond innately to the VOCs of the prey–host plant complex, is also required. Whereas there are too few studies to rigorously test hypotheses 1 and 2A, numerous studies are available to test hypothesis 2B. Of 293 tests of natural enemy responses to VOCs, we identified only 74 that were unambiguous tests of naïve natural enemies; in the remainder of the tests either natural enemies were experienced with their host in the presence of VOCs, or experience could not be ruled out. Of those 74 tests with naïve natural enemies, attraction was observed in 41 and not in 33. This review demonstrates that empirical support for the hypothesized VOC plant–natural enemy signaling function is not universal and presents alternative hypotheses for VOC production.

ContentsSummary768I.Introduction and history769II.Literature770III.The database771IV.Recruitment of natural enemies773V.Learning and VOC evolution774VI.Additional VOC functions776VII.Conclusions778Acknowledgements778References778
Romanian psychiatric literature: analysis of accessibility and nature of Romanian psychiatric articles
Authors: Bucur Mihaela , Adams Clive
Published: October 2009

Background:  Romania is a low‐income country of 22 million people and, currently, information regarding mental health research is limited. Romania is one of the last countries in eastern Europe not to have its own bibliographic biomedical database.

Aim:  To assess the content and quality of Romanian psychiatric research activity over time.

Method:  embase (1980 to April 2008), medline (1950 to April 2008) and PsycINFO (1806 to April 2008) were systematically searched for psychiatric articles originating from Romania. The sample from PsycINFO was described.

Results:  PsycINFO was by far the best source of Romanian mental health literature with a considerable increase in the publication activity since 2000 (PsycINFO identified 3236 hits, medline 549, embase 139). Most papers are in English, but a sizeable minority are in Romanian (30%), French (4%) or Hungarian (4%). The main topics of interest are cognitive processes, creativity, schizophrenia and cognitive development and stress and are, according to PsycINFO’s indexing, ‘empirical studies’. Seventeen randomised trials were identified with all studies after 2000 being sponsored by industry.

Conclusions:  Surprisingly, and not in keeping with other studies of the literature of neighbouring countries, PsycINFO is the major source of psychiatric bibliographic records of this region. There are signs of a resurgence of research activity in Romania and as the number of local mental health workers increases we can expect more output. Industry is now funding evaluative studies in Romania. As everywhere, but perhaps more acutely in situations of severely limited research support, there is a difficult balance to be struck between benefiting support and losing independence.
Toward an Implantable Wireless Cardiac Monitoring Platform Integrated with an FDA‐Approved Cardiovascular Stent
Authors: CHOW ERIC Y. , BEIER BROOKE L. , FRANCINO ANTONIO , CHAPPELL WILLIAM J. , IRAZOQUI PEDRO P.
Published: October 2009

Continuous monitoring of blood pressure from a minimally invasive device in the pulmonary artery can serve as a diagnostic and early warning system for cardiac health. The foremost challenge in such a device is the wireless transfer of data and power from within the blood vessel to an external device while maintaining unrestricted flow through the artery. We present a miniaturized system, which is attached to the outer surface of a regular or drug‐eluting FDA‐approved stent. When expanded, the stent maintains a patent vessel lumen while allowing contact between the electronic sensors and the blood supply. The stent‐based antenna can be used for both wireless telemetry and power transfer for the implanted electronics. Using the stent platform as both a radiating antenna and a structural support allows us to take advantage of an FDA‐approved device whose safety and surgical procedure are well established. The electronics package has been reduced to an area of less than 1 mm2, with a thickness under 300 μm. A minimally invasive implantation procedure allows the delivery of the stent‐based implant in nearly any major vessel of the body. This article describes an initial prototype with two stents configured as a single dipole, a 2.4‐GHz transmitter microchip, and a battery, and validates transcutaneous transmission through ex vivo and in vivo porcine studies. The results demonstrate the feasibility of a stent‐based wireless platform for continuous monitoring of blood pressure.
Psychotherapy of borderline personality disorder
Authors: Zanarini M. C.
Published: October 2009

Objective:  Psychotherapy is considered the primary treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD). Currently, there are four comprehensive psychosocial treatments for BPD. Two of these treatments are considered psychodynamic in nature: mentalization‐based treatment and transference‐focused psychotherapy. The other two are considered to be cognitive‐behavioral in nature: dialectical behavioral therapy and schema‐focused therapy.

Method:  A review of the relevant literature was conducted.

Results:  Each of these lengthy and complex psychotherapies significantly reduces the severity of borderline psychopathology or at least some aspects of it, particularly physically self‐destructive acts.

Conclusion:  Comprehensive, long‐term psychotherapy can be a useful form of treatment for those with BPD. However, less intensive and less costly forms of treatment need to be developed.
Cross‐fostering reveals sources of variation in innate immunity and hematocrit in nestling tree swallowsTachycineta bicolor
Authors: Morrison Erin S. , Ardia Daniel R. , Clotfelter Ethan D.
Published: October 2009

Innate immunity plays an important role in protecting birds early in development. The strength of innate immunity in nestlings appears to be affected by heritable and early maternal effects, as well as later environmental effects. To explore factors affecting innate immunity, we conducted a partial cross‐fostering experiment in nestling tree swallowsTachycineta bicolor. The ability of nestling blood plasma to killEscherichia coliin vitro was influenced by heritable or early maternal effects and was unrelated to body condition of nestlings or brood size of the foster nest. The relative importance of heritable and early maternal effects versus environmental effects on nestling hematocrit (packed volume of red blood cells) and body condition were also examined. Hematocrit was significantly influenced by the nest in which nestlings were reared, though it was not related to nestling body condition. Body condition was significantly influenced by the nest in which nestlings were reared, though it was also weakly influenced by heritable or early maternal effects. In summary, heritable and early maternal effects are stronger predictors than rearing conditions of innate immunity in nestling tree swallows. Furthermore, hematocrit is largely environmentally determined but is not related to body condition or innate immunity, as measured in this study.
The possible relevance of sex hormones on irritant and allergic responses: their importance for skin testing
Authors: Farage Miranda A. , Berardesca Enzo , Maibach Howard
Published: October 2009

Dermatological responses are affected by the menstrual cycle phase in female patients, an unsurprising observation as oestrogen and progesterone affect the skin and immunological function, with oestrogen suppression of cellular immunity in particular. Exacerbation of dermatological symptoms is typically observed in either the latter phase of the menstrual cycle or during menstruation. The allergic response is diminished in the ovulatory phase and heightened in the progestinic phase. Definitive conclusions with regard to the effect of reproductive hormones on skin disorders have been somewhat hampered by a body of research that has employed diverse research parameters, such as dosage, testing sites, concentration, vehicle of irritant delivery, and method of assessment, however, individual patient sensitivity varies widely. Standardization of measurement techniques is necessary to provide reproducible results as much as individual patient variation and technique will allow.
The association between hand eczema and nickel allergy has weakened among young women in the general population following the Danish nickel regulation: results from two cross‐sectional studies
Authors: Thyssen Jacob Pontoppidan , Linneberg Allan , Menné Torkil , Nielsen Niels Henrik , Johansen Jeanne Duus
Published: October 2009

Background: An association between nickel contact allergy and hand eczema has previously been demonstrated. In 1990, Denmark regulated the extent of nickel release in the ear‐piercing process as well as nickel release from consumer products.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Danish nickel regulation by comparing the prevalence of concomitant nickel allergy and hand eczema observed in two repeated cross‐sectional studies performed in the same general population in Copenhagen.

Materials: In 1990 and 2006, 3881 18–69 year olds completed a postal questionnaire and were patch tested with nickel. Data were analysed by logistic regression analyses and associations were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results: The prevalence of concomitant nickel contact allergy and a history of hand eczema decreased among 18–35‐year‐old women from 9.0% in 1990 to 2.1% in 2006 (P < 0.01). The association between nickel contact allergy and a history of hand eczema decreased in this age group between 1990 (OR = 3.63; CI = 1.33–9.96) and 2006 (OR = 0.65; CI = 0.29–1.46). Among older women, no significant changes were observed in the association between nickel contact allergy and hand eczema.

Conclusions: Regulatory control of nickel exposure may have reduced the effect of nickel on hand eczema in the young female population.