bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epstein‐Barr virus and gastric carcinoma
Authors: Fukayama Masashi
Published: March 2010

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) has been accepted as an infective agent causing gastric carcinoma (GC). Epstein‐Barr virus‐associated GC, comprising nearly 10% of all cases of GC, is the monoclonal growth of EBV‐infected epithelial cells, which express several EBV‐latent genes (latency I program). Sequential events in the gastric mucosa could be traced from EBV infection of the pit cells to fully developed carcinomas by EBV encoded small RNA (EBER)‐in situ hybridization. The histological features of the carcinoma consist of a lace pattern of carcinoma cells within the mucosa and the dense infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages at the invasive site, which might be due to cytokines produced by neoplastic cells. The primary molecular abnormality in EBV‐associated GC is global and non‐random CpG island methylation in the promoter region of many cancer‐related genes. The experimental system of recombinant EBV infection using GC cell lines demonstrated that viral latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) is responsible for the promotion of DNA methylation. LMP2A up‐regulates cellular DNMT1 through the phosphorylation of STAT3, causing CpG methylation of a tumor suppressor gene, PTEN. DNA methylation in EBV‐infected stomach cells may be due to overdrive of the cellular defense against foreign DNA, which eventually leads to the development of EBV‐associated GC.
DEMOCRATIC AID AND THE DEMOCRATIZATION OF RECIPIENTS
Authors: KALYVITIS SARANTIS , VLACHAKI IRENE
Published: March 2010

We investigate whether democratic aid flows, which are directed toward the democratization of recipients by covering democracy‐related programs and government and civil society activities, affect the future political regime of recipient countries. We introduce a multinomial multivariate logit model and we use 5‐yr averaged data covering the period 1972–2004 for 59 democracy aid‐recipient countries categorized into three broad classes according to the prevalent political regime. We find strong evidence that democratic aid flows are positively associated with the likelihood of observing a partly democratic or a fully democratic political regime in democratic aid‐recipient countries and that this result is robust to the potential endogeneity of democratic assistance.(JEL D70, F35, C25)
FEDERAL RESERVE TRANSCRIPT PUBLICATION AND REGIONAL REPRESENTATION
Authors: MEADE ELLEN E.
Published: March 2010

This article looks at disagreement within the Federal Reserve's monetary policy committee, the Federal Open Market Committee or FOMC, following a change in transparency practices taken in 1993 to publish verbatim transcripts of FOMC meetings. Other literature has examined the effects of opening the FOMC's deliberations to public view and provided empirical evidence that the publication of transcripts made policymakers less willing to voice disagreement with the chairman's policy proposal. This article adds to that work by examining whether regional variables are important to the analysis and whether the transcription effects are robust to the inclusion of regional variables. The results indicate that transcription effects are indeed robust, regardless of the regional indicator used, and that larger Federal Reserve districts may be more likely to voice agreement with a given policy proposal. (JEL E42, E58, E65, F33)
COMPETING EXPLANATIONS OF U.S. DEFENSE INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION IN THE 1990s AND THEIR POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Authors: BRADY RYAN R. , GREENFIELD VICTORIA A.
Published: March 2010

Was the consolidation of defense industry in the 1990s driven by U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) directives, or was it driven instead by the same forces that drove consolidation in many other sectors of the U.S. economy in the 1990s? To better understand the roles of DOD policy and economy‐wide forces in shaping the U.S. defense industry, we test for structural breaks in defense industry and spending data and compare our findings to those relating to other sectors and the general economy. We identify structural breaks in the defense‐related data in the early 1980s and throughout the 1990s, roughly consistent with changes in the U.S. economy, including broader merger trends. Overall, our results are more consistent with the view that economy‐wide factors drove defense industry consolidation, largely independent of the DOD policy changes that occurred early in the 1990s. (JEL E0, C2, H0)
DESPERATION OR DESIRE? THE ROLE OF RISK AVERSION IN MARRIAGE
Authors: SPIVEY CHRISTY
Published: March 2010

Because of the uncertainty inherent in searching for a spouse and the uncertainty of the future quality and state of the marriage itself, risk attitudes likely directly impact the timing of marriage. The effect of an individual’s risk aversion, measured via a series of hypothetical gambles over income on time to marriage, is examined using survival analysis. I find risk aversion significantly affects time to marriage, with more risk averse respondents marrying sooner than their more risk‐loving counterparts. Within‐family analyses using sibling data reveal a similar pattern. In addition, the effect of risk aversion on time to marriage is larger in magnitude and more statistically significant for men. One possible explanation for the different results between the sexes is that women value risk aversion as a desirable trait in potential mates. (JEL J10, J11, J12, J16)
CENTRALIZED OR DECENTRALIZED INFORMATION: WHICH IS BETTER FOR PROVIDING INCENTIVES?
Authors: SONDEREGGER SILVIA
Published: March 2010

A risk‐neutral ruler must invest in improving the quality of his country's infrastructures. Higher quality infrastructures increase the profitability of capital investment by foreign entrepreneurs. The ruler wishes to maximize the amount of capital investment that flows into the country. Before selecting their investment, entrepreneurs receive a signal on the quality of infrastructures. We consider two cases. First, all entrepreneurs observe the same signal (centralized information). Second, each entrepreneur receives an independently drawn signal (decentralized information). We compare the effectiveness of these two scenarios for incentivizing the ruler. We find remarkably clear‐cut results. When the entrepreneurs’ investments are strategic complements, centralized information does a better job in incentivizing the ruler. The opposite holds when investments are strategic substitutes. This may help understand the role of media, rating agencies, public announcements, and ambiguity. (JEL D82, D62)
MONOPOLY® PRICING
Authors: CAWLEY JOHN , KENKEL DONALD S.
Published: March 2010

There is a large and rich literature in economics on monopoly pricing. However, a close examination of this literature reveals a surprising gap: there have been virtually no studies of Monopoly® pricing. We fill that void with an empirical examination of the pricing of the board game Monopoly®. In particular, we examine market‐level, quarterly prices from 1990 to 2002 and find substantial evidence of the phenomenon of customary pricing. (JEL L83, L1, L12, Z11, D42)
ENTRY COORDINATION AND AUCTION DESIGN WITH PRIVATE COSTS OF INFORMATION ACQUISITION
Authors: LU JINGFENG
Published: March 2010

Auction design with endogenous entry is complicated by entry coordination among bidders due to multiple entry equilibria issue. This article studies auction design when information acquisition costs are private information of bidders. We show that this problem can be resolved by sufficient dispersion in these costs. First, we find that a simple second‐price auction with no entry fee and a reserve price equal to the seller's valuation is ex ante efficient, while a revenue‐maximizing auction involves personalized entry fees, which are determined by the hazard rates of their information acquisition cost distribution. Second, we show that sufficient dispersion in the information acquisition costs (more dispersion than a particular uniform distribution by the Bickel‐Lehman dispersive order) can coordinate bidders and implement uniquely the desirable entry. The dispersion in information acquisition costs is also necessary for this “unique implementation” result. (JEL D44, D82)
OUTSOURCING AND UNIONIZATION: A TALE OF MISALLOCATED (RESISTANCE) RESOURCES
Authors: MAGNANI ELISABETTA , PRENTICE DAVID
Published: March 2010

While many believe the growth in outsourcing contributed to the decline in U.S. unionization up to the 1990s, this argument has never been investigated systematically. In this article, we analyze the effect of outsourcing on unionization between 1973 and 1993. Instrumental variables estimation shows outsourcing contributes to higher quasirents and industry productivity. We find the union wage premium increases with the extent of outsourcing—both for workers that are substitutable by outsourcing services and workers in jobs that are not substitutes of the tasks being outsourced. Finally, we find no support for the claim that outsourcing reduces unionization. (JEL J5, L2, L6)
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE POLICIES: EVIDENCE FROM THE ELECTRICITY INDUSTRY
Authors: DELMAS MAGALI , MONTES‐SANCHO MARIA J. , SHIMSHACK JAY P.
Published: March 2010

While theory suggests that information programs may correct market failures and improve welfare, the empirical impacts of these policies remain undetermined. We show that mandatory disclosure programs in the electricity industry achieve stated policy goals. We find that the proportion of fossil fuels decreases, and the proportion of clean fuels increases in response to disclosure programs. However, the programs may produce unintended consequences. For example, programs may make “clean” firms cleaner, while leaving “dirty” firms relatively unchanged. If the marginal benefits of pollution abatement are larger at dirty firms than at clean firms, disclosure programs may induce inefficient abatement allocations. (JEL D83, Q58, D21)
TECHNOLOGICAL ASYMMETRY AMONG FOREIGN INVESTORS AND MODE OF ENTRY
Authors: JAVORCIK BEATA S. , SAGGI KAMAL
Published: March 2010

How does the preferred entry mode of foreign investors depend on their technological capability relative to that of their rivals? This article develops a simple model of entry mode choice and evaluates its main testable implication using data on foreign investors in Eastern European countries and the successor states of the Soviet Union. The model considers competition between two asymmetric foreign investors and captures the following trade‐off: while a joint venture (JV) helps a foreign investor secure a better position in the product market vis‐à‐vis its rival, it also requires that profits be shared with the local partner. The model predicts that the efficient foreign investor is less likely to choose a JV and more likely to enter directly relative to the inefficient investor. Our empirical analysis supports this prediction: foreign investors with more sophisticated technologies and marketing skills (relative to other firms in their industry) tend to prefer direct entry to JVs. This empirical finding is robust to controlling for host country–specific effects and other commonly cited determinants of entry mode. (JEL F13, F23, O32)
Short sleep duration as a possible cause of obesity: critical analysis of the epidemiological evidence
Authors: Nielsen L. S. , Danielsen K. V. , Sørensen T. I. A.
Published: March 2010

Systematic literature search for epidemiological evidence for an association of short sleep with weight gain and eventual development of obesity provided 71 original studies and seven reviews of various subsets of these studies. We have summarized the evidence for such an association with particular emphasis on prospective studies. The studies showed that short sleep duration is consistently associated with development of obesity in children and young adults, but not consistently so in older adults. We have identified critical aspects of the evidence, and assessed the possibility for interpretation of the evidence in terms of causality. We have discussed the requirement of temporal sequence between putative exposure and outcome and the implications of the time lag between them, the problems in adequate measurements of exposure and effects, the possible bidirectional causal effects, the necessary distinction between confounders and mediators, the possible confounding by weight history, and the possibility of common or upstream underlying causes. In conclusion, causal interpretation of the association is hampered by fundamental conceptual and methodological problems. Experimental studies may elucidate mechanisms, but adequate coverage of the entire pathway from sleep curtailment through obesity development is not feasible. Randomized trials are needed to assess the value of targeted interventions.
Genetic studies of common types of obesity: a critique of the current use of phenotypes
Authors: Müller M. J. , Bosy‐Westphal A. , Krawczak M.
Published: March 2010

Recent research into the genetic basis of obesity has focused upon the study of candidate genes, both functional and positional, of genes underlying weight‐related Mendelian disorders and of susceptibility loci identified in genome‐wide association studies. Three large genome‐wide association studies on obesity, together involving more than 150 000 individuals, were published in Nature Genetics last year. The results suggested the involvement of a large number of genetic variants in disease susceptibility. Most genetic effects upon body weight are likely to become obscured by the use of inappropriate phenotypes. In particular, clinical categories such as the body mass index and Metabolic Syndrome do not provide sufficient etiological information for them to be used sensibly in genetic studies on obesity or obesity‐related disease. Alleviation of this situation will not come from new genomic research tools, sophisticated statistical algorithms or ever larger sample sizes. Instead, the above notions argue in favour of so‐called ‘deep phenotyping’.
Maintenance of weight loss after lifestyle interventions for overweight and obesity, a systematic review
Authors: Barte J. C. M. , Ter Bogt N. C. W. , Bogers R. P. , Teixeira P. J. , Blissmer B. , Mori T. A. , Bemelmans W. J. E.
Published: March 2010

Lifestyle interventions can reduce body weight, but weight regain is common and may particularly occur with higher initial weight loss. If so, one may argue whether the 10% weight loss in clinical guidelines is preferable above a lower weight loss. This systematic review explores the relation between weight loss during an intervention and weight maintenance after at least 1 year of unsupervised follow‐up. Twenty‐two interventions (during at least 1 month) in healthy overweight Caucasians were selected and the mean percentages of weight loss and maintenance were calculated in a standardized way. In addition, within four intervention groups (n > 80) maintenance was calculated stratified by initial weight loss (0–5%, 5–10%, >10%). Overall, mean percentage maintenance was 54%. Weight loss during the intervention was not significantly associated with percentage maintenance (r = −0.26; P = 0.13). Percentage maintenance also not differed significantly between interventions with a weight loss of 5–10% vs. >10%. Consequently, net weight loss after follow‐up differed between these categories (3.7 vs. 7.0%, respectively; P < 0.01). The analyses within the four interventions confirmed these findings. In conclusion, percentage maintenance does not clearly depend on initial weight loss. From this perspective, 10% or more weight loss can indeed be encouraged and favoured above lower weight loss goals.
Postneoliberalism and its Malcontents
Authors: Peck Jamie , Theodore Nik , Brenner Neil
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  The onset of the global financial crisis in 2008 has been widely interpreted as a fundamental challenge to, if not crisis of, neoliberal governance. Here, we explore some of the near‐term and longer‐run consequences of the economic crisis for processes of neoliberalization, asking whether we have been witnessing the terminal unraveling of neoliberalism as a form of social, political, and economic regulation. In many ways a creature of crisis, could neoliberalism now be falling to a crisis of its own making? Answering this question is impossible, we argue, without an adequate understanding of the nature of neoliberalization and its evolving sociospatial manifestations. These are more than definitional niceties. The prospects and potential of efforts to move genuinely beyond neoliberalism must also be considered in this light.
The Uses of Neoliberalism
Authors: Ferguson James
Published: March 2010

Abstract:  The term “neoliberalism” has come to be used in a wide variety of partly overlapping and partly contradictory ways. This essay seeks to clarify some of the analytical and political work that the term does in its different usages. It then goes on to suggest that making an analytical distinction between neoliberal “arts of government” and the class‐based ideological “project” of neoliberalism can allow us to identify some surprising (and perhaps hopeful) new forms of politics that illustrate how fundamentally polyvalent neoliberal mechanisms of government can be. A range of empirical examples are discussed, mostly coming from my recent work on social policy and anti‐poverty politics in southern Africa.
Mother–Infant Interaction During the First 3 Months: The Emergence of Culture‐Specific Contingency Patterns
Authors: Kärtner Joscha , Keller Heidi , Yovsi Relindis D.
Published: March 2010

This study analyzed German and Nso mothers’ auditory, proximal, and visual contingent responses to their infants’ nondistress vocalizations in postnatal Weeks 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12. Visual contingency scores increased whereas proximal contingency scores decreased over time for the independent (German urban middle‐class, N = 20) but not the interdependent sociocultural context (rural Nso farmers, N = 24). It seems, therefore, that culture‐specific differences in the modal patterns of contingent responsiveness emerge during the 2nd and 3rd months of life. This differential development was interpreted as the result of the interplay between maturational processes associated with the 2‐month shift that are selectively integrated and reinforced in culture‐specific mother–infant interaction.
Children’s Sensitivity to the Conventionality of Sources
Authors: Diesendruck Gil , Carmel Nurit , Markson Lori
Published: March 2010

Four studies examined preschoolers’ sensitivity to agents’ knowledge of conventional forms. Three‐ to 4‐year‐olds heard a speaker apply either conventional or wrong labels to familiar objects (Studies 1 and 2,N = 57) or peculiar but correct labels (Study 3,N = 19). When then asked by the speaker for the referent of a novel label, children exposed to an accurate labeler were more likely to choose an unfamiliar object than children exposed to an inaccurate labeler. Study 4 (N = 36) replicated these findings using object functions instead of labels. Children hold an assumption of conventionality with regard to both object labels and functions, but they are selective in their application of this assumption toward agents who are knowledgeable of conventions in these domains.
The Comparative Historical Analysis of Public Management Policy Cycles in France, Italy, and Spain: Symposium Introduction
Authors: BARZELAY MICHAEL , GALLEGO RAQUEL
Published: March 2010

In recent studies of public management reform in France, Italy, and Spain inspired by historical institutionalism, the Napoleonic tradition is cast as a causal factor whose overwhelming strength explains how these countries' reforms proceed and finish. This symposium pursues the same research interest in the politics of public management reform and goal of understanding how reforms begin, proceed, and finish in these countries. However, the features of this research project include (1) a focus on instances of public management policymaking, (2) original research on public management reform episodes in each country, and (3) explanatory research arguments that place causation within events. Based on a comparison of explanatory research arguments developed in each case study, the symposium's conclusion extends earlier institutional processualist accounts of causal tendencies of public management policymaking and offers a critique of the historical institutionalist studies mentioned earlier.
The Usage of Scientific Knowledge by Independent Regulatory Agencies
Authors: SCHREFLER LORNA
Published: March 2010

The normative justification for delegation to independent regulatory agencies (IRAs) is that they operate by using technical analysis and expertise rather than political considerations in their decision‐making processes. Although delegation has been discussed as a design principle, systematic evidence on the conditions under which IRAs make use of scientific knowledge and how is still scarce. Scientific knowledge can be used to achieve instrumental learning, but also to seek legitimacy from the policy environment or to improve the agency's standing in the political games with the principal. This article will suggest how comparative empirical research can be usefully organized, by enriching delegation and organizational theories with the insights of the literature on knowledge utilization. Drawing on the methodological device of explanatory typologies, the article aims at shedding light on different types of knowledge utilization and the scope conditions that lead to a certain use of knowledge by IRAs.
Characterization and evaluation of pigment distribution and response to therapy in melasma using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy: a preliminary study
Authors: Ardigo M , Cameli N , Berardesca E , Gonzalez S
Published: March 2010

Background  Melasma is a frequent skin disorder characterized by the appearance of abnormal pigment (melanin) deposits in different layers of the skin. Melasma has been classified into epidermal, dermal and mixed types using Wood’s lamp, and the type and extent of the pigment deposits determine the type and invasiveness of the treatment.

Aims  The aims of this study were to carry out a preliminary evaluation of the effective usefulness of reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in pigment distribution definition and subsequent re‐classification of melasma types. Moreover, RCM therapeutical follow‐up efficiency to combination therapy with pyruvic acid and hydroquinone was also tested.

Materials and methods  A small group (n = 15) of patients previously diagnosed with facial melasma were selected and their pigment distribution was evaluated by RCM. In seven of these patients therapeutical follow‐up was performed.

Results  The results of the study suggest that RCM is more accurate than techniques previously used in the diagnosis of melasma, thus providing precise information on the location and extent of pigment deposits.

Discussion and conclusion  The non‐invasive nature of this technique suggests that RCM may be a suitable tool for treatment monitoring, providing additional information not only on the evolution of the disorder but also on the possible occurrence of therapeutical side or adverse effects.
Oestrogen and progesterone receptor expression in melasma: an immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Jang YH , Lee JY , Kang HY , Lee E‐S , Kim YC
Published: March 2010

Background  Melasma is a commonly acquired symmetrical hypermelanosis on sun‐exposed areas of the skin. The development of melasma appears to be associated with increased levels of oestrogen, exposure to sunlight and a genetic predisposition. Several in vitro studies have partially clarified the effects of oestrogen and progesterone on melasma. However, oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in melasma‐affected skin has not been investigated to date, except for one case report on ER expression.

Objective  The purpose of this study was to compare ER and PR expression between hyperpigmented areas and unaffected areas of facial skin in patients with melasma.

Methods  Biopsies were performed on skin lesions and adjacent‐unaffected facial skin in 33 Korean women with melasma. The sections were stained using haematoxylin and eosin, Fontana‐Masson, and antibodies to NKI/beteb, ERα, β and PR.

Results  The immunohistochemical expression of ERβ showed an increasing tendency in epidermal lesions without statistical significance. Expression of PR was significantly increased in the epidermal lesions compared with unaffected skin on the computer‐assisted image analysis. Interestingly, there was increased ERβ expression in the dermal lesions especially around small blood vessels and fibroblast‐like cells compared with unaffected dermis on the semi‐quantitative analysis. However, there was no significant difference in the expression of PR between the dermal lesions and unaffected dermis.

Conclusion  The results of this study may provide useful information for further investigation into the pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches for treating melasma in relation to hormonal factors. The role of ER in the dermis in association with dermal environment such as blood vessels and fibroblasts remains to be further clarified.
A homoallelic FECH mutation in a patient with both erythropoietic protoporphyria and palmar keratoderma
Authors: Minder EI , Schneider‐Yin X , Mamet R , Horev L , Neuenschwander S , Baumer A , Austerlitz F , Puy H , Schoenfeld N
Published: March 2010

Background  Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a hereditary disorder caused by the deficiency of ferrochelatase (FECH) in the haem biosynthetic pathway. In the majority of families, EPP is transmitted as a pseudodominant trait. Autosomal recessive form of EPP is found in only about 3% of the families.

Objectives  In this study, we describe a 6‐year‐old boy who suffered from both EPP and palmar keratoderma.

Methods and Results  A novel homoallelic missense mutation (p.Ser318Tyr) was identified in the FECH gene. In addition, a region of homozygosity of approximately 6.8 Mb was observed in chromosome 18 of the patient by both microsatellite and SNP array. The parents of the patient, both of Palestinian (Jordanian) origin, were heterozygous for the S318Y mutation, although no history of consanguinity was known. Microsatellite genotyping identified a partial haplotype from each parent that corresponds to the region of homozygosity in the patient. Assuming S318Y is a founder mutation, the number of generations separating the two parents from their common ancestor from whom they inherited S318Y was estimated as 21.7 (95% CI 3.42–69.7).

Conclusion  EPP was therefore inherited as an autosomal recessive trait in the family. This study confirms the association between palmar keratoderma and autosomal recessive EPP.
Circulating adipokine levels in Portuguese patients with psoriasis vulgaris according to body mass index, severity and therapy
Authors: Coimbra S , Oliveira H , Reis F , Belo L , Rocha S , Quintanilha A , Figueiredo A , Teixeira F , Castro E , Rocha‐Pereira P , Santos‐Silva A
Published: March 2010

Background  Psoriasis vulgaris is associated with overweight/obesity and with increased C‐reactive protein (CRP), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6, leptin and resistin levels and decreased adiponectin levels.

Objectives  To understand the role/relationship of adipokines, as well as CRP, in a Portuguese psoriatic population, by assessing the relationship of their levels with psoriasis severity, defined by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), with obesity, defined by body mass index (BMI), and psoriasis therapy.

Methods  A cross‐sectional (n = 66) and longitudinal study (before and after 12 weeks of therapy; n = 44) was performed; 10 patients started topical treatment, 17 narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) and 17 psolaren associated with UVA (PUVA).

Results  Patients presented significantly higher BMI, leptin, resistin, TNF‐α, IL‐6 and CRP and significantly lower adiponectin values. CRP and IL‐6 correlated with PASI. Adiponectin and leptin were more altered in patients with higher BMI. Concerning severity, CRP, resistin and adiponectin were more altered in the severer forms. After treatment, a significant reduction in PASI, CRP, resistin, TNF‐α and IL‐6, and a significant rise in adiponectin were observed. Nonetheless, CRP and adiponectin remained different from those of control. Concerning therapies, topical therapy was not associated with any significant change, except for TNF‐α. After NBUVB, a significant reduction was observed in TNF‐α and in CRP. For PUVA, we observed a significant reduction in TNF‐α, IL‐6 and CRP, and a significant increase in adiponectin.

Conclusion  In psoriatic patients, increased overweight/obesity was associated with raised leptin levels and decreased adiponectin levels. Leptin may contribute to enhance the inflammatory process in overweight/obese psoriatic patients. Resistin, IL‐6, CRP and adiponectin levels appear to be dependent on psoriasis severity. CRP, together with IL‐6, appears to be a useful marker of psoriasis severity. Both NBUVB and PUVA were effective; however, PUVA results seem to be more successful. Nonetheless, after NBUVB and PUVA, a low‐grade inflammation still persists.
Satisfaction with an Adult Learning Disability Community Support Team
Authors: Witts Paul , Gibson K. Beatrice
Published: March 2010

A multidisciplinary NHS Trust community support team for adults with an intellectual disability was evaluated in terms of carer, referrer and client satisfaction. High levels of satisfaction were reported by all three groups. Areas of possible improvement suggested by carers and ref errers included the provision of more information regarding the team's role and more written information to carers and referrers for referred cases. Clients wanted team members to improve their time management skills and to be more involved themselves in discussions and decisions regarding the intervention they received from the team. Possible modifications of the measures are discussed along with suggestions for future research.
Self‐rated Quality of Life Scales for People with an Intellectual Disability: A Review
Authors: Cummins Robert A.
Published: March 2010

The quality of life construct is briefly reviewed. This is followed by a description of 13 scales that purport to measure the construct. Each scale is analysed in terms of its scope and psychometric properties. Two major conclusions are drawn. The first is that the two scales which seem to have most promise at this stage are the Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale. The second conclusion is that both scales require further development, most particularly to maintain their relevance as our understanding of the underlying construct and measurement issues evolves.
Training Social Problem‐solving Skill to Reduce Maladaptive Behaviours in Intellectual Disability Groups: The Influence of Individual Difference Factors
Authors: Loumidis Konstantinos S. , Hill Andrew
Published: March 2010

A critical review of the literature relevant to social problem‐solving skills training (SPSST) in individuals with intellectual disabilities concluded that although there is some evidence that training may be effective, the evidence is weak. It is suggested that little is known about factors which may moderate the effectiveness of training; in particular the impact of age, general intellectual ability and place of residence (community or institution). A five‐stage view of the social problem‐solving process is offered as a means for planning and evaluating SPSST programmes, and detailed outcome criteria are proposed for assessing the effectiveness of training. A group (n = 29) of adults with intellectual disabilities was given SPSST. Comparisons were made with an untrained control group (n = 17) matched to the trained group on age, general intelligence, adaptive and maladaptive behaviour. A statistically significant improvement was found in the trained group (p < 0.01), but not in the control group (NS), on degree of maladaptive behaviour as rated by independent judges. Improvement occurred only in trainees resident in the community but was not influenced by age or level of general intelligence. Furthermore, reductions in maladaptive behaviour were associated with improvements in some but not all social problem‐solving skills.
Understanding the Eating Disorder Affecting People with Prader‐Willi Syndrome
Authors: Holland A.J.
Published: March 2010

The propensity to severe over‐eating, which may lead to life‐threatening obesity, is characteristic of people born with the Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS). This syndrome is caused by the loss of expression of either a specific or a few specific genes on chromosome 15 at q11–13. In the case of PWS this is due to a deletion affecting chromosome 15 of paternal origin and the fact that specific genes at the same locus, but on chromosome 15 of maternal origin, are imprinted and therefore not expressed. The characteristic tendency to over‐eat is observed from early childhood and, particularly in later life, can lead to severe obesity if unsupervised access to food is allowed. The normal satiety response to the intake of calories appears both impaired and delayed and therefore eating continues. The pathophysiology, which underpins this abnormal eating behaviour, is likely to relate to the functioning of specific hypothalamic nuclei. PWS is an example of what has been called a ‘behavioural phenotype’. The research task is to link the observed genetic abnormalities to brain function and in turn to the eating behaviour. This paper examines these links and proposes a conceptual model to help in the understanding and management of the excessive eating behaviour.
Stimulants and British Learning Disability Psychiatrists
Authors: Bramble David
Published: March 2010

Eighty‐eight British senior learning disability psychiatrists replied to a postal questionnaire survey that enquired about their use and views concerning psychostimulant medication. A third of the respondents reported that they prescribed these agents albeit rather infrequently; however, there were wide variations concerning most aspects of their prescribing practices (annual new prescription frequency, scheduling, dosages, etc.). A majority did not know about the practices of peers in this respect but of those who expressed an opinion, most believed psychostimulant medication to be ‘generally under used’ currently in Britain within the speciality. Many of the non‐prescribers indicated a willingness to gain experience in using this form of treatment. Most respondents believed that psychostimulant prescription should be the sole responsibility of psychiatrists.
An Empirical Investigation into the Effects of Structured Music Workshops for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: MacDonald Raymond A.R. , O'Donnell P.J. , Davies John. B.
Published: March 2010

The utility of music as a therapeutic intervention for individuals with intellectual disabilities has been widely discussed (Aldridge, 1993; Schalkwijk, 1995; Wigram, 1995). However, although an extensive literature exists which advocates music as a therapeutic intervention for a wide variety of populations, there is a need for empirical evaluation (Maranto, 1991; Radhakishnan, 1991; Purdie, 1997). This paper presents a study investigating the effects of structured music workshops for individuals with intellectual disabilities. A random sample of 60 individuals voluntarily participated in this research. All participants were assessed using a variety of previously validated techniques and techniques designed and validated for use in this study. An experimental group (N = 19) participated in a ten‐week music programme. In comparison with a non‐intervention control group (N = 16) and an intervention control group (N = 24), results indicated significant improvements in musical ability, communication and self‐perception of musical ability for participants in the experimental group. A longitudinal investigation (N = 12) indicated that the developments made by the experimental group remained six months following the intervention. It is suggested that musical activities may provide an environment that facilitates skill development for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Directions for future research and limitations of the study are also considered.
5HTT genotype moderates the influence of early institutional deprivation on emotional problems in adolescence: evidence from the English and Romanian Adoptee (ERA) study
Authors: Kumsta Robert , Stevens Suzanne , Brookes Keeley , Schlotz Wolff , Castle Jenny , Beckett Celia , Kreppner Jana , Rutter Michael , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund
Published: March 2010

Background:  A common polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4, 5HTT) has been repeatedly shown to moderate the influence of childhood adversity and stressful life events on the development of psychopathology. Using data from the English and Romanian Adoptee Study, a prospective‐longitudinal study of individuals (n = 125) exposed to severe early institutional deprivation (ID), we tested whether the effect of ID on adolescent emotional problems is moderated by 5HTT genotype and stressful life events in adolescence.

Methods:  Emotional problems were assessed using questionnaire data (age 11), and on the basis of the CAPA diagnostic interview (age 15). Additionally, the number of stressful life events was measured.

Results:  There was a significant effect for genotype (p = .003) and a gene × environment interaction (p = .008) that was independent of age at testing. Carriers of the s/l and s/s genotype who experienced severe ID showed the highest emotional problem scores, while l/l homozygotes in the severe ID group showed the lowest overall levels. Furthermore, s/s carriers in the severe ID group who experienced a high number of stressful life events between 11 and 15 years had the largest increases in emotional problem scores, while a low number of stressful life events was associated with the largest decrease (4‐way interaction: p = .05).

Conclusions:  The effects of severe early ID on emotional problems in adolescence are moderated by 5HTT genotype, and influenced by stressful life events in adolescence.
New archisargids from China (Insecta: Diptera)
Authors: ZHANG Kuiyan , YANG Ding , REN Dong , SHIH Chungkun
Published: March 2010

The extinct family Archisargidae, which was rich in the Mesozoic, has been found in China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia. By now, six genera and 14 species have been found in Inner Mongolia and Liaoning Province of China. In this paper, two new species of the genus Mesosolva Hong, 1983 and a new genus Brevisolva gen. nov., represented by a new species belonging to the Archisargidae, are described from the Middle Jurassic deposits of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia. A key to the species of Mesosolva is given.
Cecidophagy in adults of Demotina fasciculata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and its effect on the survival of Andricus moriokae (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) inhabiting leaf galls on Quercus serrata (Fagaceae)
Authors: KATSUDA Takayoshi , YUKAWA Junichi
Published: March 2010

Females of Demotina fasciculata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) were found to prefer to feed on galls induced by Andricus moriokae (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) rather than on leaves of its host plant, Quercus serrata (Fagaceae). This is the first record of cecidophagy by adult chrysomelid beetles. Demotina fasciculata did not infest healthy galls induced by another unidentified cynipid species on the same host trees, but did feed on galls inhabited by an inquiline species Synergus quercicola (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae), presumably because such galls remained on the host trees longer than healthy galls. Galls of A. moriokae were infested more severely than cynipid galls inhabited by the inquiline. Therefore, higher density and thicker gall wall in A. moriokae galls seem to make them more suitable targets for D. fasciculata to attack. Larval chambers of A. moriokae galls were stripped by the infestation of gall walls and readily dropped to the ground, resulting in 100% death of cynipid larvae due to desiccation, while 62.5% of pupae survived when they had developed to the late stadium before the fall of larval chambers.
Effects of nest size and dispersion on brood production in a North American population of wood ant Formica fusca (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: TUZZOLINO Kimberly E. , BROWN William D.
Published: March 2010

We examined several key parameters of the population ecology of a North American population of Formica fusca (L.), including nest dispersion, colony size and brood production. Physical nest size was significantly correlated with colony size, and colony size, in turn, was significantly correlated with brood production. Sex allocation was male biased, although larger nests were more likely to produce reproductive female brood (gynes). Neither nest temperature nor moisture level was significantly correlated with brood production. Formica fusca nests in this population had a comparatively low average nearest‐neighbor distance with a significantly even pattern of dispersion, which suggests relatively high intraspecific competition. However, nearest‐neighbor distance was not significantly associated with either colony size or relative brood production.
New Brazilian species ofEndecousSaussure, 1878: Phallic sclerites, calling song and tegmen morphometry (Orthoptera: Grylloidea: Phalangopsinae)
Authors: ZEFA Edison , MESA Alejo , MARTINS Luciano de P.
Published: March 2010

In this paper we describe the phalangopsid cricketEndecous alejomesain. sp. collected from the cave “Lapa do Fuzil”, Vila Propício, State of Goiás, Brazil. Diagnosis has been acquired by the combination of the following characteristics: phallic sclerite features; calling song with dominant frequency of 4.8 kHz and 52.9 ± 5.8 (42–60,n = 22) cycles of sound per pulse;pars stridenswith 90 ± 6.84 (78–99,n = 12) teeth; mirror with one or two cross‐veins; harp with two, three or four cross‐veins.
High Prevalence of Rheumatic Heart Disease Detected by Echocardiography in School Children
Authors: Bhaya Maneesha , Panwar Sadik , Beniwal Rajesh , Panwar Raja Babu
Published: March 2010

Objectives: It is fairly easy to detect advanced valve lesions of established rheumatic heart disease by echocardiography in the clinically identified cases of rheumatic heart disease. However, to diagnose a subclinical case of rheumatic heart disease, no uniform set of echocardiographic criteria exist. Moderate thickening of valve leaflets is considered an indicator of established rheumatic heart disease. World Health Organization criteria for diagnosing probable rheumatic heart disease are more sensitive and are based on the detection of significant regurgitation of mitral and/or aortic valves by color Doppler. We attempted diagnosing RHD in school children in Bikaner city by cardiac ultrasound. Methods: The stratified cluster sampling technique was employed to identify 31 random clusters in the coeducational schools of Bikaner city. We selected 1059 school children aged 6–15 years from these schools. An experienced operator did careful cardiac auscultation and echocardiographic study. A second expert confirmed the echocardiographic findings. Findings: The prevalence of lesions suggestive of rheumatic heart disease by echocardiography was 51 per 1,000 (denominator = 1059; 95% CI: 38–64 per 1,000). We were able to clinically diagnose RHD in one child. None of these children or their parents having echocardiographic evidence of RHD could provide a positive history of acute rheumatic fever. Conclusions: By echocardiographic screening, we found a high prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in the surveyed population. Clinical auscultation had much lower diagnostic efficacy. (Echocardiography 2010;27:448‐453)
Aortic Root Dimension as an Independent Predictor for All‐Cause Death in Adults <65 Years of Age (from The Chin‐Shan Community Cardiovascular Cohort Study)
Authors: Lai Chao‐Lun , Chien Kuo‐Liong , Hsu Hsiu‐Ching , Su Ta‐Chen , Chen Ming‐Fong , Lee Yuan‐Teh
Published: March 2010

Background: Evidence on aortic root dimension for predicting cardiovascular morbidity and mortality is inconclusive. This cohort study sought to characterize the predictive power of aortic root dimension on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in an ethnic Chinese population. Methods: We recruited 1,851 participants in the Chin–Shan Community Cardiovascular Cohort (CCCC) study who had received echocardiography without previous cardiovascular events. Aortic root dimension was measured by M‐mode echocardiography and indexed by body surface area to obtain aortic root dimension index (AOI). The end points were all‐cause death and incident cardiovascular events including coronary heart disease and stroke over a median follow‐up of 11.9 years. Results: Although tertiles of AOI was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and all‐cause death in univariate analysis, the significance diminished after adjusting for age variable (P for trend = 0.11 for cardiovascular events; P for trend = 0.23 for all‐cause death). In subgroup analysis, we found a significant association between tertiles of AOI and risk of all‐cause death in the final multivariate Cox regression model in adults <65 years. The adjusted relative risk was 1.88 (95% CI, 1.04 to 3.40) in participants in the upper tertile of AOI compared with participants in the lower tertile (P for trend = 0.037). In adults ≥65 years, tertile of AOI was not associated with all‐cause death (P for trend = 0.14). Tertiles of AOI was not associated with cardiovascular events throughout this study. Conclusion: Our study showed a significant association between AOI and all‐cause death in adults <65 years in an ethnic Chinese population. (Echocardiography 2010;27:487‐495)
Antibiotic lock: In vitro stability of gentamicin and sodium citrate stored in dialysis catheters at 37 °C
Authors: BATTISTELLA Marisa , VERCAIGNE Lavern M. , COTE Dennis , LOK Charmaine E.
Published: March 2010

Catheter‐related bacteremia (CRB) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality especially among patients receiving hemodialysis. Antibiotic lock therapy represents a promising technique in the treatment of CRB. Several studies have evaluated antibiotics in combination with heparin as an interdialytic locking solution for prophylaxis of CRB. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of gentamicin and sodium citrate in hemodialysis catheters as an interdialytic lock. Solutions containing gentamicin 2.5 mg/mL and sodium citrate 40 mg/mL (4%) were prepared individually and in combination. The solutions were instilled into dialysis catheters and stored at 37 °C for 96 h. Samples were withdrawn randomly from catheter lumens at 24‐hour intervals for 4 days and stored at −20 °C until analysis. The samples were analyzed with validated, stability‐indicating HPLC assays. The luminal concentration of gentamicin 2.5 mg/mL, sodium citrate 40 mg/mL (4%), and the combination was determined on study days 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4. When gentamicin was combined with sodium citrate and stored at 37 °C in dialysis catheters, the solution showed no decrease in either the gentamicin or the sodium citrate concentrations over the 96‐hour study period. The percent of the original concentration at 96 h was 102.4±1.03 for gentamicin and 102.9±1.25 for citrate (P=0.5556). The combination of gentamicin 2.5 mg/mL and sodium citrate 40 mg/mL (4%) can be retained in hemodialysis catheters for at least 96 h at 37 °C with no evidence of degradation.