bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting bait uptake by feral cats, Felis catus, in semi‐arid environments
Authors: Christensen Per E. S. , Ward Bruce G. , Sims Colleen
Published: December 2012

Feral cat control using aerial broadcasting of toxic baits continues to be used in the rangelands of Western Australia. The effectiveness of these operations has sometimes been compromised by different environmental factors that affect prey and cat numbers. This study demonstrates that the ratio of cats to their preferred prey (small mammals) can be used to predict the most effective time to bait. The regular baiting of three conservation sites offered an opportunity to study the relationship between feral cat abundance, the abundance of their prey and ingestion of toxic baits. Peron Peninsula on the mid‐west coast, Lorna Glen station in the northern Goldfields and the central Gibson Desert of Western Australia are sites where cat control using toxic baits has been routinely applied over the last 15 years. We postulated that bait ingestion by cats was linked to the availability of live prey. Small mammal abundance (capture rates in pit‐fall traps) and relative cat abundance (based on daily track counts) were assessed at these sites and the data used to produce a predator‐prey ratio index (PPRI). We used generalised linear mixed models to test the effect of prey abundance, prebaiting cat abundance and PPRI on baiting efficacy (BE). The best model for predicting efficacy of baiting contained only PPRI. This simple model was able to predict baiting success over the entire range of outcomes, from highly successful ( >75% cat reduction) to unsuccessful (0% cat reduction). The ability to predict feral cat BE in advance of planned toxic baiting operations will provide a valuable tool for wildlife managers involved in cat control.
Facultative Sex Allocation and Sex‐Specific Offspring Survival in Barrow's Goldeneyes
Authors: Jaatinen Kim , Öst Markus , Gienapp Phillip , Merilä Juha
Published: December 2012

Sex allocation theory predicts that females should bias their reproductive investment towards the sex generating the greatest fitness returns. The fitness of male offspring is often more dependent upon maternal investment, and therefore, high‐quality mothers should invest in sons. However, the local resource competition hypothesis postulates that when offspring quality is determined by maternal quality or when nest site and maternal quality are related, high‐quality females should invest in the philopatric sex. Waterfowl – showing male‐biased size dimorphism but female‐biased philopatry – are ideal for differentiating between these alternatives. We utilized molecular sexing methods and high‐resolution maternity tests to study the occurrence and fitness consequences of facultative sex allocation in Barrow's goldeneyes (Bucephala islandica). We determined how female structural size, body condition, nest‐site safety and timing of reproduction affected sex allocation and offspring survival. We found that the overall sex ratio was unbiased, but in line with the local resource competition hypothesis, larger females produced female‐biased broods and their broods survived better than those of smaller females. This bias occurred despite male offspring being larger and tending to have lower post‐hatching survival. The species shows strong female breeding territoriality, so the benefit of inheriting maternal quality by philopatric daughters may exceed the potential mating benefit for sons of high‐quality females.
Dentistry students ageing anxiety levels in northern Iran
Authors: Poorsattar Bejeh Mir Arash , Poorsattar Bejeh Mir Morvarid
Published: December 2012

Objective

Ageing anxiety as a specific subtype of anxiety disorder has been considered as a moderating factor on healthcare providers’ professional task dealing with the elders.

Methods

A Persian translation of Ageing Anxiety Scale (AAS) (Int J Aging Hum Dev, 37, 1993, 247) was administered to the university students of a dentistry school located at northern Iran. The questionnaire consisted of twenty‐five‐point Likert‐scale questions.

Results

The obtained mean score of ageing anxiety was 58.51 (±9.85), (out of a possible 100), and the questionnaire revealed a good level of internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.76). The results did not differ by gender (p = 0.22), between undergraduate or postgraduate students (p = 0.81), various postgraduate disciplines (p = 0.69), residing with an elder at home (p = 0.18) and length of time living with an elder (p = 0.81).

Conclusion

The Persian translation of AAS showed a good level of internal consistency. The selected population with educational attainment in this research revealed a moderate ageing anxiety level.
Modulation of dendritic cell function and immune response by cysteine protease inhibitor from murine nematode parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus
Authors: Sun Yanxia , Liu Guiyun , Li Zhaotao , Chen Yue , Liu Yunfeng , Liu Boyu , Su Zhong
Published: December 2012

Modulation and suppression of the immune response of the host by nematode parasites have been reported extensively and the cysteine protease inhibitor (CPI or cystatin) is identified as one of the major immunomodulators. In the present study, we cloned and produced recombinant CPI protein from the murine nematode parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus (rHp‐CPI) and investigated its immunomodulatory effects on dendritic cell (DC) function and immune responses in mice. Bone‐marrow‐derived CD11c+ DC (BMDC) that were exposed to rHp‐CPI during the differentiation stage showed reduced MHC‐II molecule expression compared with BMDC that were generated in normal culture conditions. The BMDC generated in the presence of rHp‐CPI also exhibited reduced expression of CD40, CD86 and MHC‐II molecules and reduced interleukin‐6 and tumour necrosis factor‐α cytokine production when stimulated with Toll‐like receptor ligand CpG. Activation of BMDC generated in normal conditions induced by lipopolysaccharide and CpG was also suppressed by rHp‐CPI, as shown by reduced co‐stimulatory molecule expression and cytokine production. Furthermore, BMDC treated with rHp‐CPI before ovalbumin (OVA) antigen pulsing induced a weaker proliferation response and less interferon‐γ production of OVA‐specific CD4+ T cells compared with BMDC without rHp‐CPI pre‐treatment. Adoptive transfer of rHp‐CPI‐treated and OVA‐loaded BMDC to mice induced significantly lower levels of antigen‐specific antibody response than the BMDC loaded with antigen alone. These results demonstrated that the CPI from nematode parasites is able to modulate differentiation and activation stages of BMDC. It also interferes with antigen and MHC‐II molecule processing and Toll‐like receptor signalling pathway, resulting in functionally deficient DC that induce a suboptimum immune response.
Increased visualization of antral gastrin‐producing G‐cells after acute stimulation of gastrin release in the rat
Authors: KOOP H. , SCHUBERT BERNADETTE , SCHWARTING H. , SCHIKIERKA D. , EISSELE R. , WILLEMER S. , ARNOLD R.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. The effect of acute stimulation of gastrin release on the number of antral gastrin‐producing G‐cells stained by conventional immunohistology was investigated in two experimental models. The substituted benzimidazole derivate BY 308 was administered at a dosage that induces complete achlorhydria and thereby led to marked hypergastrinaemia. Two hours after drug administration, antral G‐cell density was increased by 14% and 35% in 12‐h and 48‐h fasted rats, respectively. Both serum gastrin levels and G‐cell density further increased after 3 and 8 days' treatment with BY 308 whereas the somatostatin (D)‐cell count did not change prior to 8 days' administration. In the isolated, vascularly perfused rat stomach, acetylcholine was perfused for 36 min; this regimen increased gastrin release four‐fold and enhanced the G‐cell count by 24% whereas 8 min acetylcholine perfusion did not alter G‐cell density significantly but stimulated gastrin output. The results of this study suggest that acute changes in the secretory activity of the gastrin cell are accompanied by an alteration of the staining characteristics thus indicating that an increase in the antral G‐cell count does not solely depend upon formation of new cells.
Amino acid metabolism during the anabolic phase of severely burned patients: with special reference to sulphur amino acids
Authors: MÅRTENSSON J. , LARSSON J. , NORDSTRÖM H.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Owing to the high content of cyst(e)ine and sulphated mucopolysaccharides in skin tissues, an increased demand for sulphur amino acids could be expected during the anabolic phase in severely burned patients. As a marker for sulphur amino acid deficiency, leucocyte glutathione, methionine and taurine concentrations and urinary excretion of sulphur amino acids and inorganic sulphate were followed in five severely burned patients during a 5‐month period (1–6 months post injury). Reduced leucocyte concentrations of glutathione, methionine and taurine, and decreased urinary excretion of inorganic sulphate, methionine, cyst(e)ine and taurine were observed, and were most pronounced 2 or 3 months after injury. Simultaneously a minor decrease in urinary output and leucocyte concentration of branched‐chain amino acids and serine were also found, whereas normal levels of glycine, threonine, and glutamine were registered. The episode of limited availability of sulphur amino acids coincides with the period of most intensive collagen and keratin resynthesis of burned skin tissue.
Cholecystokinin is a physiological hormonal mediator of fat‐induced inhibition of gastric emptying in man
Authors: KLEIBEUKER J. H. , BEEKHUIS H. , JANSEN J. B. M. J. , PIERS D. A. , LAMERS C. B. H. W.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. The effect of cholecystokinin‐33 on gastric emptying was studied in eight healthy men. The test meal was a firm custard pudding, labelled with 99mTc‐Chelex‐100 particles. Gastric emptying rate was measured, using a dual‐headed gamma camera, and was expressed as the half time of the emptying curve. Plasma cholecystokinin concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Subjects were studied three times: (i) during infusion of saline; during cholecystokinin infusion, (ii) 0·375 IDU kg−1 h−1 and (iii) 0·75 IDU kg−1 h−1. Furthermore, plasma cholecystokinin was determined after a regular meal. During saline, plasma cholecystokinin increased minimally. After the regular meal it increased from 1·6 to 6·5 pmol l−1 at 30 min, decreasing to 5·3 pmol l−1 at 60 min. During the lower and higher doses of cholecystokinin it increased from 10 and 1·4 to 4·5 and 7·3 pmol l−1, respectively. The lower and higher doses significantly (P < 0·05) increased half emptying time, from 45 ± 8 to 86 ± 17 and 198 ± 50 min, respectively. Cholecystokinin is most likely a physiological hormonal mediator of fat‐induced inhibition of gastric emptying.
Density and agonist‐promoted high and low affinity states of the β‐adrenoceptor on human B‐ and T‐cells
Authors: GRIESE M. , KÖRHOLZ U. , KÖRHOLZ D. , SEEGER K. , WAHN V. , REINHARDT D.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. β‐Adrenoceptor binding on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of healthy adult volunteers was investigated using the radioligand 125iodo‐cyanopindolol (ICYP). Saturation binding studies were performed with nine different concentrations of ICYP. Receptor density and affinity were calculated by Scatchard plots. Resolution of β‐adrenoceptors into those with high and low affinity state of the β‐adrenoceptor was obtained from inhibition curves with salbutamol using Hofstee plots. Receptor density on enriched B‐cells (‘B‐cells’) was two‐fold higher than on enriched T‐cells (‘T‐cells’) (P < 0025). Affinity (KD values) of β‐adrenoceptors did not differ for B‐ and T‐cells. However, when two distinct binding states for β‐adrenoceptor agonists were identified using salbutamol displacement curves, β‐adrenoceptors on T‐cells presented more receptors in a high affinity state than those on B‐cells (P < 001). Since the ability of an agonist to activate adenylate cyclase is closely correlated with the ratio of low to high affinity states formed in the presence of the agonist, increased intrinsic activity for the β‐adrenoceptor agonist on T‐cells may be postulated. In conclusion, determination of the B/T ratio is a prerequisite for interpretation of β‐adrenoceptor changes on peripheral lymphocytes in various diseases.
Variable Selection in Linear Mixed Models Using an Extended Class of Penalties
Authors: Taylor Julian D. , Verbyla Arūnas P. , Cavanagh Colin , Newberry Marcus
Published: December 2012

There is an emerging need to advance linear mixed model technology to include variable selection methods that can simultaneously choose and estimate important effects from a potentially large number of covariates. However, the complex nature of variable selection has made it difficult for it to be incorporated into mixed models. In this paper we extend the well known class of penalties and show that they can be integrated succinctly into a linear mixed model setting. Under mild conditions, the estimator obtained from this mixed model penalised likelihood is shown to be consistent and asymptotically normally distributed. A simulation study reveals that the extended family of penalties achieves varying degrees of estimator shrinkage depending on the value of one of its parameters. The simulation study also shows there is a link between the number of false positives detected and the number of true coefficients when using the same penalty. This new mixed model variable selection (MMVS) technology was applied to a complex wheat quality data set to determine significant quantitative trait loci (QTL).
Displaced Persons and the Politics of International Categorisation(s)
Authors: Persian Jayne
Published: December 2012

Between 1947 and 1952 170,000 Displaced Persons (DPs) arrived in Australia as International Refugee Organisation (IRO)‐sponsored refugees. This article sets out the international historical and political context for the migration of DPs to Australia, and interrogates the “bureaucratic labelling” inherent in the category “Displaced Persons”. The post‐war refugees were presented internationally as “Displaced Persons”, “refugees”, “political refugees” and eventually, in an effort to solve the population crisis, as potential “workers” and “migrants”. This article will describe the historical origin of the terms “Displaced Persons”, “refugees”, “political exiles” and “migrants”— terms which were, and continue to be, relevant and problematic.
From Protection to Competition: The Politics of Trade Practices Reform in Australia and the Trade Practices Act 1965
Authors: Round Kerrie , Shanahan Martin P.
Published: December 2012

The Trade Practices Act 1965 was widely criticised as being weak and unproductive. It was a significantly watered‐down version of the original Bill overseen by Garfield Barwick. Although the final form of the Act was perceived as ineffective at the time, it is now viewed as an important step towards a national competition policy and a precursor to the opening up of the Australian economy. This paper outlines the economic, political and social background to the introduction of the legislation. We specify some of the factors that explain why its creation caused controversy and its importance in initiating change in Australians' attitudes towards collusive behaviour and economic protectionism.
The Constitutionality of Australia's Compulsory Voting System
Authors: Gray Anthony
Published: December 2012

Electoral law has been the subject of several High Court decisions in recent years, and this jurisprudence, as well as some of the political science literature, is canvassed here. I argue that there are serious constitutional question marks over Australia's system of “compulsory voting”. There are two particular constitutional arguments against “compulsory voting”. Firstly it infringes the implied freedom of political communication which the High Court has recognised since 1992. Secondly, it is inconsistent with the right to vote recognised by the High Court as being implicit in s7 and s24 of the Constitution. On this basis citizens entitled to vote should have the freedom not to do so (as is the case in many other representative democracies in which voting is voluntary).
Persecution and Resilience: A History of the Baha'i Religion in Qajar Isfahan
Authors: MOMEN MOOJAN
Published: December 2012

The following article is an account of the Baha'i community of Isfahan during the Qajar period in Iran (1853–1921). Despite frequent persecutions launched by both the secular and religious authorities in the city, the community was able not only to survive but even to flourish. This article will give an account of the manner in which the community was a pawn in the conflict between the secular and religious authorities in the city and thus demonstrates the dangers and problems of being a minority religious community in Iran.1 As the facts are little known and just laying these out leaves no space for analysis and creating theoretical frameworks, the style of this article is largely narrative.
How Routinization Became a Saving Grace for the Baha'is1
Authors: ECHEVARRIA LYNN
Published: December 2012

This article examines the historical process of the development of the community of Canada. It focuses upon the routinization of the religion and its effect upon the members. A sociological perspective, and excerpts from life‐history narratives (1938–1960), illuminate the challenges and transitions involved in building a community without the aid of clergy, and of negotiating new religious identities and gendered relations.
Beyond Urban Subcultures: Urban Subversions as Rhizomatic Social Formations
Authors: Daskalaki Maria , Mould Oli
Published: December 2012

The article discusses what we term urban social formations and expands on prior work that predominantly examines urban ‘subcultures’ as opposed to the world city paradigm and homogeneous cityscapes. We describe the process of ‘subculturalization’ through which urban social formations, after they have been marginalized and illegalized, become formalized as subcultures and incorporated into the fabric of consumption and profit making. The article proposes that these ossified moments of crystallized practice are only part of wider rhizomatic territories that remain open fields for urban engagement, inviting fluid urban identities and creative states of becoming. The article concludes by exploring the challenges and opportunities of conceptualizing urban social formations as rhizomes.
Environmental protest in New Zealand (1997–2010)
Authors: O'Brien Thomas
Published: December 2012

Protest actions are an important indicator of public concern, raising awareness and highlighting perceived failings in administrative practices. With increasing prominence of environmental challenges there has been a move for states to incorporate stakeholders, potentially reducing the need for such confrontational actions. This article uses protest event analysis and case comparison to examine the scale and character of environmental protest actions in New Zealand from 1997–2010. This period was one of relative socio‐economic stability, coupled with growing awareness of environmental challenges. The article considers the relative level of action of grassroots groups and more formalized NGOs, asking which issues generated protest actions and which factors contributed to environmental campaign outcomes. The findings suggest that, although protest actions can strengthen campaigns, the outcomes ultimately remain heavily dependent on the priorities of the state.
Problematizing contemporary Men/Masculinities theorizing: the contribution of Raewyn Connell and conceptual‐terminological tensions today
Authors: Beasley Chris
Published: December 2012

Critical studies of men and masculinities (CSMM) have burgeoned in recent times. For this reason, it seems to me a useful moment to reflect on what I see as some tensions, even contradictions, in these studies. In keeping with Chantal Mouffe's espousal of the advantages of agonism rather than consensus, I suggest that heterogeneous theoretical directions in scholarship attending to men/masculinities are by no means to be discouraged. However, the various theoretical tools employed in this scholarship may be incommensurable and thus produce a certain inconsistency or even incoherence. In this context, I suggest that in order to more clearly articulate current theoretical/terminological debates it is important to undertake analysis of key conceptual distinctions and widely used terms, such as notions of structure and patriarchy, gender identities/masculinities/men, hegemony and hegemonic masculinity, and relations between gender and sexuality, amongst others. The aim here is not to produce or require homogeneity in studies of men/masculinities but rather to provide an opportunity to consider the epistemological frameworks which inform the political intentions and goals of this sphere of scholarship.
The Amphetamine Response Moderates the Relationship Between Negative Emotionality and Alcohol Use
Authors: Allen Kenneth J. D. , Gabbay Frances H.
Published: December 2012

Background

Considerable evidence suggests that sensitivity to the stimulant effects of alcohol and other drugs is a risk marker for heavy or problematic use of those substances. A separate body of research implicates negative emotionality. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the independent and interactive effects of the stimulant response, assessed with an amphetamine challenge, and negative emotionality on alcohol and drug use.

Methods

Healthy young women and men completed the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) and an inventory assessing alcohol and other drug use. Subsequently, the effects of 10‐mg d‐amphetamine were determined in the laboratory using the Stimulant scale of the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale. Hierarchical regression analyses evaluated the effects of amphetamine response and the MPQ factor Negative Emotionality on measures of substance use.

Results

The amphetamine response moderated relationships between negative emotionality and alcohol use: in combination with a robust amphetamine response (i.e., enhanced stimulant effects as compared with baseline), negative emotionality predicted greater alcohol consumption, more episodes of binge drinking, and more frequent intoxication in regression models. A strong stimulant response independently predicted having used an illicit drug, and there was a trend for it to predict having used alcohol. Negative emotionality alone was not associated with any measure of alcohol or drug use.

Conclusions

Consistent with the idea that emotion‐based behavioral dysregulation promotes reward seeking, a high level of negative emotionality was associated with maladaptive alcohol use when it co‐occurred with sensitivity to drug‐based reward. The findings contribute to our understanding of how differences in personality may interact with those in drug response to affect alcohol use.
Oral contraceptives and the periodontium
Authors: Preshaw Philip M.
Published: December 2012

Oral contraceptives are a safe and effective means of contraception for millions of women worldwide. The first formulations of these drugs contained much higher doses of estrogens and progestins than those available today, and these were associated with an unacceptably high rate of unwanted effects including serious cardiovascular events. In addition, a number of case reports and clinical studies suggested that use of the first generation oral contraceptives was also associated with an increased risk for gingival and/or periodontal disease. Unfortunately, many of these early studies suffered from significant methodological flaws which throw their findings into question. Nonetheless, these studies provided the basis for a perception among the dental profession that oral contraceptives increase the risk for gingivitis and/or periodontitis. Realisation that the adverse events profile of oral contraceptives was dose dependant led to the development of the modern low dose formulations that are in use today. There have been far fewer studies to investigate whether modern oral contraceptives have any impact on the periodontium compared to studies of the early contraceptive formulations, but the quality of the more recent research is undoubtedly better. Following extensive review of the relevant literature and consideration of the historical perspective, the best available evidence strongly supports that oral contraceptives no longer place users at any increased risk for gingivitis or periodontitis. Oral contraceptives should not be viewed as a risk factor for gingival or periodontal disease.
Physiology, pathology and pharmacology of the male reproductive system
Authors: Mawhinney Michael , Mariotti Angelo
Published: December 2012

The male reproductive system consists of the testes, a ductal system and sex accessory organs. Production of sperm by the testes combined with fluids formed by the sex accessory organs (e.g. seminal vesicles, prostate and bulbourethral glands) produce a secretion that supports the survival of spermatozoa and provides a medium through which they can move through the reproductive ducts (e.g. epididymis, vas deferens, ejaculatory duct and urethra) for ejaculation of viable sperm into the female reproductive tract. Summarized herein are the essentials of normal male reproductive physiology, disorders of male sexual differentiation, pharmacological therapy of common diseases of the male genitourinary tract and the impact of drugs of abuse on the male reproductive system.
The ambit of periodontal reproductive endocrinology
Authors: Mariotti Angelo
Published: December 2012

A preface on the historical background, scope and clinical importance of the effects of reproductive endocrinology on the periodontium is presented. Furthermore, deductive explanations of intuitive observations evaluating the influence of reproductive endocrinology on the periodontium are discussed.
The masses against the classes: One Nation Labour and the revival of social patriotism
Authors: Jackson Ben
Published: December 2012

In the wake of Ed Miliband's headline‐grabbing ‘One Nation’ party conference speech, Ben Jackson draws out the lessons of previous progressive leaders who have embraced the politics of social patriotism.
American political futures: In conversation with Elaine Kamarck and Robert Reich
Authors: Kamarck Elaine , Reich Robert
Published: December 2012

Leading US Democrats and former White House insiders Elaine C Kamarck and Robert B Reich break down the US presidential election and the prospects for a less divided America – politically and economically – in Obama's second term.
Beyond realignment: Jo Grimond and the legacy of civic liberalism
Authors: Reeves Richard V
Published: December 2012

Reflecting on Grimond's legacy, Richard V Reeves says the Liberal Democrats should give up the goal of a political realignment with Labour and instead concentrate on promoting the cause of liberalism.
Perfect opposition: On Putin and Pussy Riot
Authors: Miller Andrew
Published: December 2012

The trial and imprisonment of Pussy Riot might have captured imaginations in the west but, Andrew Miller argues, a vast conservative majority within Russia's borders is more likely to see the trio as part of a discredited opposition than as any lightning rod for revolution.
Bringing the Partner Into Attachment Theory and Research
Authors: Simpson Jeffry A. , Howland Maryhope
Published: December 2012

In this commentary, we discuss the significant role that relationship partners assume in the everyday lives of individuals. As Shaver and Mikulincer's excellent review indicates, the partner seems to be missing from large sections of attachment theory and research. This is problematic because partners are often the most salient and important feature in an individual's daily environment. We discuss why partners are “missing,” why their inclusion in research is essential, and how bringing the partner more directly into attachment theory and research will provide novel and important insights into romantic relationships. We highlight these points by discussing research that has examined the impact of partners on relationships in the context of Simpson and Rholes's (2012) attachment diathesis‐stress process model.
Families as Contexts for Attachment: Reflections on Theory, Research, and the Role of Family Rituals
Authors: Crespo Carla
Published: December 2012

This commentary draws on Shaver and Mikulincer's (2012) article to discuss key aspects of adult attachment, family theory, and research. First, a reflection is presented on why the historical development of attachment theory calls for a better understanding of the role of the whole‐family context. Second, the issue of the cross‐fertilization of research traditions related to attachment theory and family systems theory is addressed. Third, a brief overview of research on attachment and family processes is presented. Finally, to illustrate the relationship between attachment and whole‐family variables, the particular example of family rituals is discussed. More precisely, a mediational hypothesis is discussed, whereby attachment security is linked to positive outcomes for families via the development of meaningful family rituals.
Attachment in Adult Relationships: A Feminist Perspective
Authors: Knudson‐Martin Carmen
Published: December 2012

The author critiques attachment theory through a feminist lens and argues that the focus of attachment theory on relational bonds is consistent with feminist values but that theorists must place attachment processes with the larger societal context such as gender, culture, and power. The article focuses on the historical context, values, and assumptions embedded in attachment theory, then offers 5 guidelines for a feminist application of attachment theory to adult relationships. The article concludes with an illustrative examination of a study of depression, attachment styles, and marital satisfaction.
WHAT PRICE‐LEVEL DATA CAN TELL US ABOUT PRICING CONDUCT IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: CREAMER KENNETH , FARRELL GREG , RANKIN NEIL
Published: December 2012

This article reports the findings of a study of two unique microdata sets, which are the unit level basis of South Africa's measured Consumer Price Index and Producer Price Index, over the period December 2001‐December 2007. In particular, based on techniques that have been used in comparable international studies, findings are reported on the frequency and magnitude of price changes, the duration of prices, and heterogeneity in pricing. The results for South Africa are compared with the stylised facts for pricing conduct, which have been presented in recent international studies. The article offers an illustration of how microdata‐based findings on pricing conduct may impact on the modelling of monetary policy by introducing micro‐founded results into an open economy dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model for the South African economy. The article concludes by identifying areas for further research, where it has not as yet been determined how South African pricing conduct compares with certain stylised pricing facts identified in the international literature.
Prevalence of high DNA fragmentation index in male partners of unexplained infertile couples
Authors: Oleszczuk K. , Augustinsson L. , Bayat N. , Giwercman A. , Bungum M.
Published: December 2012

The sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) parameter DNA fragmentation Index (DFI) is a valuable tool for prediction of fertility in vivo. Clinical data show that a DFI above 30% is associated with very low chance for achieving pregnancy by natural conception or by insemination. Already when DFI is above 20% the chance of natural pregnancy is reduced, this despite normal conventional semen parameters. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of high DFI in male partners of unexplained infertile couples to further identification of male factors contributing to subfertility. Among 212 consecutive men under infertility investigation, 122 cases with the diagnosis ‘unexplained infertility’ were identified. For all but three, SCSA data were available. The percentage of couples with diagnosis ‘unexplained infertility’ in which the male partner has DFI >20% or DFI >30% was calculated. In the group diagnosed with ‘unexplained infertility’ 17.7% of the men (95% CI 10.8–24.5) presented with 20 ≤DFI <30 and 8.4% (95% CI 3.40–13.4) had DFI ≥30%. A significant part of men diagnosed as unexplained infertile according to traditional diagnostic methods has remarkably high degrees of fragmented sperm DNA. Apart from adding to our understanding of biology of infertility our finding has clinical implications. Couples in which the DFI of the male partner is high can avoid prolonged attempts to become spontaneously pregnant or referral for intrauterine insemination, both having low chances of leading to conception.
Risk of Methylphenidate‐Induced Prehypertension in Normotensive Adult Smokers With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Westover Arthur N. , Nakonezny Paul A. , Winhusen Theresa , Adinoff Bryon , Vongpatanasin Wanpen
Published: December 2012

The authors studied predictors of methylphenidate‐induced increases in blood pressure (BP). In this secondary analysis of a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled smoking cessation trial, nonhypertensive adult smokers with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder randomized to osmotic‐release oral system methylphenidate (OROS‐MPH) (n=115) were matched one‐to‐one on baseline systolic BP (SBP) (±5 mm Hg) with participants randomized to placebo (n=115) and followed for 10 weeks. In adjusted mixed linear models of SBP and diastolic BP (DBP), baseline normal SBP (P<.0001) and DBP (P<.0001) were associated with significant OROS‐MPH–induced increases compared with placebo, whereas significant increases were not observed in participants with baseline prehypertensive SBP (P=.27) and DBP (P=.79). Participants randomized to OROS‐MPH with baseline normal BP had increased odds of developing either systolic (odds ratio [OR], 3.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.41–8.37; P=.006) or diastolic prehypertension (OR, 4.32; 95% CI, 1.56–14.0; P=.004) compared with placebo using simple logistic regression. The authors demonstrated an augmented OROS‐MPH–induced BP elevation and risk of prehypertension in adults with baseline normal BP. Significantly increased BP was not observed in adults with baseline prehypertension. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012; 00:00–00. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Efficacy and Safety of Triple vs Dual Combination of Angiotensin II Receptor Blocker and Calcium Channel Blocker and Diuretic: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kizilirmak Pinar , Uresin Yagiz , Yildiz Okan Bulent
Published: December 2012

Many hypertensive patients require ≥2 drugs to achieve blood pressure targets. This study aims to review and analyze the clinical studies conducted with dual or triple combination of angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs), and diuretics. Medical literature between January 1990 and April 2012 was reviewed systematically and data from eligible studies were abstracted. Data were analyzed using random‐effects models. Of the 224 studies screened, 7563 eligible patients from 11 studies were included. Triple combinations of ARBs (olmesartan or valsartan), CCBs (amlodipine), and diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide) at any dose provided more blood pressure reduction in office and 24‐hour ambulatory measurements than any dual combination of these molecules (P<.0001 for both). Significantly more patients achieved blood pressure targets with triple combinations (odds ratio, 2.16; P<.0001). Triple combinations did not increase adverse event risk (odds ratio, 0.96; P=.426). Triple combinations at any dose seem to decrease blood pressure more effectively than dual combination of the same molecules without any remarkable risk elevation for adverse events. Further prospective studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of triple combinations, especially in the form of single pills, are required. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2012;00:00–00. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Legislative Transposition of Directives: Exploring the Other Role of National Parliaments in the European Union
Authors: Sprungk Carina
Published: December 2012

This article explores the role of national parliaments in the implementation of EU policies. It analyzes the effect of parliamentary involvement ex post on the timely transposition of EU directives by combining quantitative analyses of all Council directives adopted between 1999 and 2003 in the EU‐15 Member States, with qualitative case studies of parliamentary transposition in Germany and France. The findings show that contrary to conventional assumptions, their involvement is not necessarily a source of delayed transposition. Problems of delay might, however, arise in bicameral systems or if the government is for political reasons reluctant to submit a transposition proposal to parliament.
How European is European Identification? Comparing Continental Identification in Europe and Beyond
Authors: Roose Jochen
Published: December 2012

European identification has previously been explained by the selective gains brought by the European integration process, by personal transnational experiences and by the influence of political programmes aiming at increasing levels of identification. All these explanations imply that identification with one's continent would be specific in extent and distribution across the social structure in Europe compared to other continents. These assumptions are tested using International Social Survey Programme (ISSP) and a longitudinal analysis using Eurobarometer. Results show that, first, the extent of continental identification in Europe is not higher than in other continents. Second, they reveal that there has been no increase in European identification in recent decades. And third, the socio‐structural distribution of continental identification is similar on all continents. Accordingly, explaining European identification with respect to policy output of the European Union is questioned by the findings. The results rather hint at the possibility that European identification is independent of political integration.
The European Union as a Template for Regional Integration? The Case of ASEAN and Its Committee of Permanent Representatives
Authors: Murray Philomena , Moxon‐Browne Edward
Published: December 2012

This article compares the decision‐making structures of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) with those of the European Union (EU). It asks whether the EU is an appropriate template for ASEAN or whether, given the apparently unique circumstances of European integration and Southeast Asian regionalism, analogies between the two are counterproductive. Attempts, for example, to model ASEAN's Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) on the EU's Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) throw into relief the latter's uniquely consensual modus operandi. Can this consensus be replicated by ASEAN simply by institutional mimesis? First, the EU's evolution is briefly outlined; second, ASEAN's institutional architecture is set in the context of the ASEAN Charter's innovations that most invite comparison with the EU; and third, the two organizations are compared by assessing a ‘zone of discretion’ between setting ambitious, but realistic, goals for ASEAN's greater integration and adopting structures that might be inappropriate to ASEAN.
Integration by Interpellation: The European Capitals of Culture and the Role of Experts in European Union Cultural Policies
Authors: Patel Kiran Klaus
Published: December 2012

In analyzing the European Capitals of Culture programme, this article argues that transnational experts have had a large impact on this flagship of European Union (EU) cultural policy by forming a close‐knit advocacy coalition with official EU actors. Most recent developments, however, have added a new dimension. The Commission has now developed a subtle technique of governmentality focusing the programme more on its ‘European dimension’. The article discusses this evolution and the role of transnational actors, the limits to integration intrinsic to culture as a policy domain, and the attempts of both official actors and experts to work around such constraints.
Annual Research Review: Resilience and child well‐being – public policy implications
Authors: Ager Alastair
Published: December 2012

Background: There has been an 8‐fold increase in use of the term resilience within scientific and scholar literature over the last twenty years. The arena of public policy has also seen increasing use made of the concept, both with respect to child well‐being and development and wider issues.

Method: A focal sample of literature comprising 108 papers addressing public policy implications of work on child resilience was identified by a structured bibliographic search.

Results: This literature suggests that current work: is characterized by a breadth of sectoral engagement across the fields of education, social work, and health; demonstrates diversity with regard to the systemic levels – individual (biological and psychological), communal (including systems of faith and cultural identity), institutional and societal – with which it engages; but is based more upon conceptual rather than empirical analysis. Major themes of policy recommendation target strengthened family dynamics, increased capacity for counseling and mental health services, supportive school environments, development of community programs, promotion of socioeconomic improvement and adoption of a more comprehensive conception of resilience. Evaluations of resiliency‐informed policy initiatives are limited in number, with greatest rigor in design associated with more discrete programmatic interventions.

Conclusion: A number of strategies to strengthen research‐policy linkages are identified. These include greater commitment to operationalize indicators of resilience at all levels of analysis; more coherent engagement with the policy making process through explicit knowledge translation initiatives; and developing complex adaptive systems models amenable to exploring policy scenarios.
A novel differential susceptibility gene: CHRNA4 and moderation of the effect of maltreatment on child personality
Authors: Grazioplene Rachael G. , DeYoung Colin G. , Rogosch Fred A. , Cicchetti Dante
Published: December 2012

Background:  The differential susceptibility hypothesis states that some genetic variants that confer risk in adverse environments are beneficial in normal or nurturing environments. The cholinergic system is promising as a source of susceptibility genes because of its involvement in learning and neural plasticity. The cholinergic receptor gene CHRNA4 has been linked to characteristics related to the personality traits Neuroticism and Openness/Intellect.

Methods:  The effects of interaction between CHRNA4 genotype and maltreatment status on child personality were examined in a well matched sample of 339 maltreated and 275 non‐maltreated children (aged 8–13 years).

Results:  Variation in CHRNA4 interacted with childhood maltreatment to predict personality in a manner indicating differential susceptibility. The interaction of CHRNA4 and maltreatment status predicted Neuroticism and Openness/Intellect. Maltreated children with the rs1044396 T/T genotype scored highest on Neuroticism and showed no effect of genotype on Openness/Intellect. Non‐maltreated children with this genotype scored lowest on Neuroticism and highest on Openness/Intellect.

Conclusion:  Variation in CHRNA4 appears to contribute to personality by affecting degree of developmental sensitivity to both normal and adverse environments.
Which factors influence quality of life in acne patients?
Authors: Zauli S. , Caracciolo S. , Borghi A. , Ricci M. , Giari S. , Virgili A. , Bettoli V.
Published: December 2012

Background  The factors that impact quality of life in acne patient are not fully understood.

Objective  The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between quality of life with (i) acne severity; (ii) the duration of this cutaneous disease; and (iii) the gender.

Methods  Leeds scale to quantify acne severity, and Assessment of the Psychological and Social Effects of Acne (APSEA) score to evaluate quality of life were used.

An unselected consecutive group of 50 males and 50 females affected by facial acne filled in the APSEA questionnaire during the first visit and after 3 months of treatment.

Results  (i) At the beginning of the treatment, APSEA score correlated with acne severity, but at the end of it, the reduction of APSEA score was less marked than the reduction of acne severity. (ii) Acne duration does not significantly influence APSEA score. (iii) Before treatment, acne severity was comparable between females and males, whereas APSEA score was significantly higher in females than in males.

Conclusion  The quality life of acne patients could be influenced by social and emotional factors.

The discrepancy of the results reported in literature regarding the correlation of the quality of life with acne severity and duration probably depends on the sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire used to assess the quality of life. Among the different available scores to measure quality of life in acne patients, in the authors’ experience, APSEA score is a valuable one.
Cheese True Density Prediction by Linear Equations
Authors: Iezzi Romina , Locci Francesco , Mucchetti Germano
Published: December 2012

Knowledge of cheese density is necessary to accurately predict heat exchange rate occurring during cheese curd cooling or cheese processing, freezing and thawing. Cheese density data are poor in literature. True density of 22 different cheeses was measured by the water displacement method. Linear equations able to predict cheese density from its components mass fraction have been elaborated and validated. The best fit between measured and predicted values was obtained when all the major cheese components were considered in the equation. Also, equations based only on nonfat total solids or moisture and fat content gave a good prevision, resulting in an alternative to the universal formula based on components volume fraction that overestimates cheese true density, if air content is not taken into account. The proposed equations may become a powerful instrument to correctly predict true density and to improve accuracy of heat exchange prediction models.

Practical Applications

Equations were developed to quickly calculate soft, semihard and hard cheese true density on the basis of nonfat total solids or moisture and fat cheese content. Cheese density data are poor in literature and often data do not differentiate true from apparent density. Proposed equations are beneficial to researchers in food heat exchange modeling and to industry (e.g., processed cheeses, cheese cooling, freezing and thawing), because their use makes possible to estimate true density using data normally given by routine and not expensive analyses (moisture and fat cheese content), saves time and/or money compared with direct density measurement or application of the universal formula based on the determination of all the main food components.