bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SIMILARITY‐BASED RETRIEVAL WITH STRUCTURE‐SENSITIVE SPARSE BINARY DISTRIBUTED REPRESENTATIONS
Authors: Rachkovskij Dmitri A. , Slipchenko Serge V.
Published: March 2012

We present an approach to similarity‐based retrieval from knowledge bases that takes into account both the structure and semantics of knowledge base fragments. Those fragments, or analogues, are represented as sparse binary vectors that allow a computationally efficient estimation of structural and semantic similarity by the vector dot product. We present the representation scheme and experimental results for the knowledge base that was previously used for testing of leading analogical retrieval models MAC/FAC and ARCS. The experiments show that the proposed single‐stage approach provides results compatible with or better than the results of two‐stage models MAC/FAC and ARCS in terms of recall and precision. We argue that the proposed representation scheme is useful for large‐scale knowledge bases and free‐structured database applications.
KEMNAD: A KNOWLEDGE ENGINEERING METHODOLOGY FOR NEGOTIATING AGENT DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Luo Xudong , Miao Chunyan , Jennings Nicholas R. , He Minghua , Shen Zhiqi , Zhang Minjie
Published: March 2012

Automated negotiation is widely applied in various domains. However, the development of such systems is a complex knowledge and software engineering task. So, a methodology there will be helpful. Unfortunately, none of existing methodologies can offer sufficient, detailed support for such system development. To remove this limitation, this paper develops a new methodology made up of (1) a generic framework (architectural pattern) for the main task, and (2) a library of modular and reusable design pattern (templates) of subtasks. Thus, it is much easier to build a negotiating agent by assembling these standardized components rather than reinventing the wheel each time. Moreover, because these patterns are identified from a wide variety of existing negotiating agents (especially high impact ones), they can also improve the quality of the final systems developed. In addition, our methodology reveals what types of domain knowledge need to be input into the negotiating agents. This in turn provides a basis for developing techniques to acquire the domain knowledge from human users. This is important because negotiation agents act faithfully on the behalf of their human users and thus the relevant domain knowledge must be acquired from the human users. Finally, our methodology is validated with one high impact system.
Government interventions in banking crises: effects of alternative schemes on bank lending and risk taking
Authors: Dietrich Diemo , Hauck Achim
Published: March 2012

We analyse the effects of policy measures to stop the fall in loan supply following a banking crisis. We apply a dynamic framework in which a debt overhang induces banks to curtail lending or choose a fragile capital structure. Government assistance conditional on new banking activities, like on new lending or on debt and equity issues, allow banks to influence the scale of assistance and externalise risks, implying overinvestment or excessive risk taking or both. Assistance without reference to new activities, like granting lump sum transfers or establishing bad banks, does not generate adverse incentives, but may have higher fiscal costs.
The Shape of the Income Distribution and Economic Growth – Evidence from Swedish Labor Market Regions
Authors: Rooth Dan‐Olof , Stenberg Anders
Published: March 2012

We analyze the association between income inequality and economic growth using 72 labor market regions in Sweden during the period of 1990–2006. Compared with studies of cross‐country data, the regional set‐up reduces problems with omitted variable bias and endogeneity as regions within a country share the same redistributive policies and institutions. Using population register data, highly accurate measures of growth and inequality (gini, Q3, p9075, p5010) are derived. OLS cross‐section and panel estimates imply that inequality between the 90 and 75th percentiles enhances regional growth and that the share of income falling to the third quintile reduces growth. These results no longer hold when we apply regions specific fixed effects and/or system GMM.
Spaces of Conservation of Local Breeds: The Case of Yakutian Cattle
Authors: Soini Katriina , Ovaska Ulla , Kantanen Juha
Published: March 2012

The loss of farm animal genetic diversity became a major environmental issue during the course of the twentieth century. Numerous indigenous farm animal breeds have been replaced by commercial breeds alongside the modernisation of agriculture across the world. Indigenous farm animal breeds are mainly raised in marginal agricultural areas. Yakutian cattle are an indigenous Siberian cattle breed in the Russian Far East, which have a low output, but valuable characteristics that confer adaptation to the northern environment. This article identifies and analyses various spaces of conservation of the cattle, examines the power relationships within and between these spaces and discusses their implications for governance. The conservation of Yakutian cattle is embedded in the international agenda, which has been partly adopted by the Russian Federation. However, it is the Republic of Sakha and the Yakutian Institute of Agricultural Research that organise the conservation of Yakutian cattle de facto based on the law. The local communities in the Eveno‐Bytantay district are responsible for practical conservation work in private households and the state [farm] enterprise. We suggest that although the cattle seem to be safeguarded, the current conservation policy does not support sustainable conservation in the long term.
How Opposites (Should) Attract: Humility as a Virtue for the Strong
Authors: Klancer Catherine Hudak
Published: March 2012

This article first examines pervasive present‐day attitudes toward humility (‘The Contemporary Distaste for Humility’) before turning to Thomas Aquinas and Zhu Xi for their more positive treatments of this disposition (‘Thomas Aquinas and Zhu Xi on Humility’). It then considers their ideas about how humility is related to our human limitations (‘Humility Grounded in Our Finite Nature and Knowledge’), before surveying how they think it should be expressed in our relationships with our neighbours (‘Humility in Community’). The article looks at what Thomas and Zhu have to say about excessive pride in rulers (‘Humility and Authority’) before closing in the Conclusion with some thoughts about the viability of humility as a virtue for the strong, and its especial importance in contemporary politics.
Bullied by peers in childhood and borderline personality symptoms at 11 years of age: A prospective study
Authors: Wolke Dieter , Schreier Andrea , Zanarini Mary C. , Winsper Catherine
Published: March 2012

Background:  Abuse by adults has been reported as a potent predictor of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Unclear is whether victimisation by peers increases the risk of borderline personality symptoms.

Method:  The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) prospective, longitudinal observation study of 6050 mothers and their children. Child bullying was measured by self‐report and mother and teacher report between 4 and 10 years. Family adversity was assessed from pregnancy to 4 years; parenting behaviours from 2 to 7 years, sexual abuse from 1.5 to 9 years, and IQ and DSM‐IV axis I diagnoses at 7 to 8 years. Trained psychologists interviewed children at 11.8 years to ascertain DSM‐IV BPD symptoms (five or more).

Results:  Accounting for known confounders, victims of peer bullying had an increased risk of BPD symptoms according to self‐report (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 2.13–3.72); mother report (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.86–3.16); and teacher report (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.34–2.83). Children who reported being chronically bullied (OR, 5.44; 95% CI, 3.86–7.66) or experienced combined relational and overt victimisation (OR, 7.10; 95% CI, 4.79–10.51) had highly increased odds of developing BPD symptoms. Children exposed to chronic victimisation according to mother report were also at heightened risk of developing BPD symptoms (OR, 3.24; 95% CI, 2.24–4.68).

Conclusions:  Intentional harm inflicted by peers is a precursor or marker on the trajectory towards the development of BPD symptoms in childhood. Clinicians should be adequately trained to deal with, and ask users of mental health services routinely about, adverse experiences with peers.
Information processing in adolescents with bipolar I disorder
Authors: Whitney Jane , Joormann Jutta , Gotlib Ian H. , Kelley Ryan G. , Acquaye Tenah , Howe Meghan , Chang Kiki D. , Singh Manpreet K.
Published: March 2012

Background:  Cognitive models of bipolar I disorder (BD) may aid in identification of children who are especially vulnerable to chronic mood dysregulation. Information‐processing biases related to memory and attention likely play a role in the development and persistence of BD among adolescents; however, these biases have not been extensively studied in youth with BD.

Methods:  We administered the self‐referent encoding task and the dot‐probe task to adolescents with bipolar I disorder (BD, n = 35) and a demographically similar healthy comparison group (HC, n = 25) at baseline, and at a 1‐year follow‐up in a subset of this cohort (n = 22 per group).

Results:  At both baseline and 1‐year follow‐up, there were significant interactions of group (BD, HC) and valence of stimulus (positive, negative adjective) on endorsement and recall of self‐referent adjectives. HC adolescents endorsed and recalled more positive self‐referent adjectives at baseline and follow‐up while adolescents with BD endorsed and recalled more negative self‐referent adjectives at baseline but not follow‐up. Over time, depression symptomatology was associated with impaired memory for positive self‐referent adjectives. There were no group differences in attentional bias at either time points.

Conclusions:  Adolescents with BD exhibit bias away from endorsement and recall of positive adjectives, which remained stable over time and independent of mood state.
The Political Economy and Ecology of Capture Fisheries: Market Dynamics, Resource Access and Relations of Exploitation and Resistance
Authors: CAMPLING LIAM , HAVICE ELIZABETH , McCALL HOWARD PENNY
Published: March 2012

Capture fisheries are constituted through historically specific environmental conditions and social and economic relations of production. Fisheries, whether saltwater or freshwater, are an important source of animal protein, livelihoods and exchange value in international trade, and are presently undergoing rapid socio‐ecological change. To explore the political economy and ecology of capture fisheries around the world, this paper synthesizes the insights of 11 empirical studies and places fisheries in the broader context of the capitalist relations of production through which they operate. The competitive market dynamics of fisheries production and consumption are examined, as well as the forms of social‐property relations, social differentiation, labour exploitation and resistance that occur within them. This paper highlights some of the ways in which the unique combination of characteristics associated with fish and fisheries complement and complicate familiar questions in agrarian political economy. It concludes by identifying future research directions.
Triaging women with ovarian masses for surgery: observational diagnostic study to compare RCOG guidelines with an International Ovarian Tumour Analysis (IOTA) group protocol
Authors: Van Calster B , Timmerman D , Valentin L , McIndoe A , Ghaem‐Maghami S , Testa AC , Vergote I , Bourne T
Published: March 2012

Please cite this paper as: Van Calster B, Timmerman D, Valentin L, McIndoe A, Ghaem‐Maghami S, Testa A, Vergote I, Bourne T. Triaging women with ovarian masses for surgery: observational diagnostic study to compare RCOG guidelines with an International Ovarian Tumour Analysis (IOTA) group protocol. BJOG 2012;119:662–671.

Objective  To compare guidelines from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) based on the Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI) with a protocol based on logistic regression model LR2 developed by the International Ovarian Tumour Analysis (IOTA) group for triaging women with an ovarian mass as low, moderate, or high risk of malignancy.

Design and setting  Observational diagnostic study conducted between 2005 and 2007 at 21 oncology referral centres, referral centres for ultrasonography and general hospitals.

Sample  In all, 1938 women undergoing surgery for an ovarian mass.

Methods  RCOG guidelines use the RMI to triage women as low (RMI < 25), moderate (25–250), or high (above >250) risk. The IOTA protocol uses LR2s estimated probability of malignancy (<0.05 indicates low risk, ≥0.05 but <0.25 moderate risk, and ≥0.25 high risk).

Main outcome measure  Percentages of benign, borderline and invasive tumours classified as low, moderate or high risk.

Results  The IOTA and RCOG protocols classified 71.1% and 62.1% of benign tumours as low risk, respectively (difference 9.0; 95% CI 6.2–11.9, P < 0.0001). Of invasive tumours, 88.6% and 73.6% were labelled high risk (difference 15.0; 10.6–19.4, P < 0.0001), and 3.0% and 5.2% were labelled low risk (difference −2.2; −4.6 to 0.2, P = 0.07) respectively by each protocol. Similar results were found after stratification for menopausal status.

Conclusions  The IOTA protocol was more accurate for triage than the RCOG protocol. The IOTA protocol would avoid major surgery for more women with benign tumours while still appropriately referring more women with an invasive tumour to a gynaecological oncologist.
The “New Mestiza,” the Old Mestizos: Contrasting Discourses on Mestizaje*
Authors: Amado María L.
Published: March 2012

This article analyzes varying, inconsistent, representations of “mestizaje” (generally construed as racial or cultural mixing in the Americas) deriving from different historical settings and ideological frameworks. It particularly focuses on what I here term “old mestizaje,” summarized in the writings of Latin American intellectuals of the first quarter of the twentieth century, such as Mexican philosopher José Vasconcelos (The Cosmic Race); and “new mestizaje,” articulated in the works of such contemporary thinkers as Chicana writer Gloria Anzaldúa (Borderlands/La Frontera: The NewMestiza). The center piece of the article is the contradictions and fractures between old and new discourses in terms of their underlying views of race, identity, and “destiny.” It examines the links of old mestizaje with essentialist, Social Darwinist, concepts, and the foundations of new mestizaje on a critical cultural studies paradigm. I propose that various aspects of old mestizaje infused hegemonic racial ideologies throughout Latin America and engendered a form of “color blindness” that obscured pervasive racial inequalities in the region.
Diagnostic evaluation and treatment recommendations for dogs with substage‐a high‐grade multicentric lymphoma: results of a survey of veterinarians
Authors: Regan R. C. , Kaplan M. S. W. , Bailey D. B.
Published: March 2012

The goal of this study was to survey veterinarians regarding their current initial diagnostic and treatment recommendations for dogs with substage‐a high‐grade multicentric lymphoma. A written survey was conducted at the 2009Veterinary Cancer Societyconference asking veterinarians to provide demographic information, initial staging diagnostics and treatment recommendations for canine lymphoma. The most commonly recommended staging diagnostics were complete blood count (100%), chemistry panel (100%), urinalysis (85%), lymph node cytology (88%), thoracic radiographs (84%), immunophenotyping (76%) and abdominal ultrasound (75%). The most commonly used first‐lineB‐cell protocols combined the drugsL‐asparaginase, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (L‐CHOP, 51%).CHOP(30%) and otherCHOP‐based protocols (12%) were used as well. Thirty‐one percent of responders treatedB‐ andT‐cell lymphomas differently. Protocol lengths varied from ≤16 weeks to >2 years. Current staging and treatment recommendations for canine lymphoma are varied. Efforts to standardize recommendations should be considered.
Nationalism vs. Nationalism: The Challenge of the Sweden Democrats in the Swedish Public Debate
Authors: Hellström Anders , Nilsson Tom , Stoltz Pauline
Published: March 2012

In the 2010 Swedish general elections the nationalist party Sverigedemokraterna (SD) crossed the threshold and entered parliament. The other parties in parliament reacted with strong antagonism; the mainstreaming of the ‘radical right’ had finally come to Sweden. This article analyses the media coverage of the SD following the 2006 elections, when it emerged as a high-profile party in the public arena. The presence of the SD in Swedish politics encourages both SD allies and opponents to emphasize their views on what constitutes social cohesion in Sweden. We see the public debate surrounding the SD as a rhetorical struggle between different nationalist claims.
Policy Transfer and Policy Success: The Case of the Gateway Review Process (2001–10)
Authors: Fawcett Paul , Marsh David
Published: March 2012

Policy transfer has become a crucial aspect of the contemporary world of policy-making. However, the relationship between the actual process of policy transfer and the ‘success’ of policy outcomes generated by that transfer is an under-researched area. This article addresses the following key question: what factors affect the success, or otherwise, of policy transfer? This question is explored using a putatively successful case of policy transfer, the Gateway Review process between 2001 and 2010, focusing particularly on three of the early transfers of this process from the UK to Victoria and then to the Commonwealth level and New South Wales in Australia.
The Global Economic Crisis and the Politics of Non-Transitions
Authors: Pepinsky Thomas B.
Published: March 2012

This paper investigates the effects of the global economic crisis (GEC) on political change. A number of emerging European economies have experienced political turnover, but in other emerging and transition economies, government turnover and regime change have been comparatively rare. Two factors – incumbent governments' responsibility for the current crisis and their responsiveness to its domestic economic effects – shape the political effects of the GEC. Outside Europe, most emerging economies have experienced this crisis as an external shock to trade and investment rather than a domestic financial crisis. As a consequence, their governments have experienced less severe economic contractions, and have been able credibly to portray themselves as victims of, rather than causes of, the economic difficulties that they currently face. By placing political turnover in emerging Europe in comparative perspective, this argument provides a new perspective on the consequences of economic integration on national politics for emerging economies around the world.
Afterclearing of disperse dyed polyester with gaseous ozone
Authors: Eren Huseyin Aksel , Ozturk Dilek , Eren Semiha
Published: March 2012

The efficiency of ozone treatment for the clearing of disperse dyed polyethylene terephthalate fibres has been examined. The ozone treatment for the clearing of the dyed samples was performed by blowing the ozone gas from the ozone generator on to the wet fabric samples. The results indicated that 3‐ and 5‐min ozonation times were appropriate to achieve comparable wash fastness results with conventional reduction clearing without significant colour differences (ΔE* value) for the samples dyed with CI Disperse Yellow 23 and CI Disperse Blue 79, respectively; however, the ozonation time had to be increased to 15 min for CI Disperse Red 82. Tensile strength tests and scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that the ozone treatment did not cause any severe damage to the fabrics. Ozone treatment for the afterclearing of disperse dyed polyester fabric can lead to energy and time savings and environmental load reduction when compared with conventional reduction clearing. This study tested a new method of ozone application for clearing of disperse dyed polyester by blowing ozone directly on to the fabric samples. This new method of application has the advantage of being readily adoptable for continuous treatment lines and lower water consumption.
Social Network Analysis to Evaluate Nursing Interventions to Improve Self‐Care
Authors: Márquez‐Serrano Margarita , González‐Juárez Xochitl , Castillo‐Castillo Lorena E. , González‐González Leonel , Idrovo Alvaro J.
Published: March 2012

Objective

To explore the impact of an educational intervention for self‐care of elders on their knowledge of acute respiratory infections and its incidence within their social networks.

Method

The intervention was based on seven educational sessions with elders from Jiutepec (Morelos, Mexico) conducted between September 2009 and January 2010 in the context of the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic. Egocentric social network analysis was used to explore the transmission of knowledge within elders’ networks.

Results

Knowledge of the correct use of antibiotics increased (p < .05). The total network was composed of 94 individuals, of which 22 presented with respiratory infection during the 4.5 months of follow‐up. The measurements of infected individuals were in a degree similar to those not infected (p > .05). No differences in incidence were observed with respect to gender, kinship or sub‐networks.

Discussion

Elders increased their self‐care and knowledge, but this did not decrease the incidence of cases in their social networks. This may be due to isolation and lack of recognition and credibility among close friends and relatives. Social network analysis can be used to understand and evaluate nursing self‐care interventions.
Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Thin‐film Photovoltaic Electricity Generation
Authors: Kim Hyung Chul , Fthenakis Vasilis , Choi Jun‐Ki , Turney Damon E.
Published: March 2012

We present the process and the results of harmonization of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during the life cycle of commercial thin‐film photovoltaics (PVs), that is, amorphous silicon (a‐Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe), and copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS). We reviewed 109 studies and harmonized the estimates of GHG emissions by aligning the assumptions, parameters, and system boundaries. During the initial screening we eliminated abstracts, short conference papers, presentations without supporting documentation, and unrelated analyses; 91 studies passed this initial screening. In the primary screening we applied rigorous criteria for completeness of reporting, validity of analysis methods, and modern relevance of the PV system studied. Additionally, we examined whether the product is a commercial one, whether the production line still exists, and whether the study's core data are original or secondary. These screenings produced five studies as the best representations of the carbon footprint of modern thin‐film PV technologies. These were harmonized through alignment of efficiency, irradiation, performance ratio, balance of system, and lifetime. The resulting estimates for carbon footprints are 20, 14, and 26 grams carbon dioxide equivalent per kilowatt‐hour (g CO2‐eq/kWh), respectively, for a‐Si, CdTe, and CIGS, for ground‐mount application under southwestern United States (US‐SW) irradiation of 2,400 kilowatt‐hours per square meter per year (kWh/m2/yr), a performance ratio of 0.8, and a lifetime of 30 years. Harmonization for the rooftop PV systems with a performance ratio of 0.75 and the same irradiation resulted in carbon footprint estimates of 21, 14, and 27 g CO2‐eq/kWh, respectively, for the three technologies. This screening and harmonization rectifies previous incomplete or outdated assessments and clarifies variations in carbon footprints across studies and amongst thin‐film technologies.
Evolution of the Content of THC and Other Major Cannabinoids in Drug‐Type Cannabis Cuttings and Seedlings During Growth of Plants*
Authors: De Backer Benjamin , Maebe Kevin , Verstraete Alain G. , Charlier Corinne
Published: March 2012

Abstract:  In Europe, authorities frequently ask forensic laboratories to analyze seized cannabis plants to prove that cultivation was illegal (drug type and not fiber type). This is generally done with mature and flowering plants. However, authorities are often confronted with very young specimens. The aim of our study was to evaluate when the chemotype of cannabis plantlets can be surely determined through analysis of eight major cannabinoids content during growth. Drug‐type seedlings and cuttings were cultivated, sampled each week, and analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The chemotype of clones was recognizable at any developmental stage because of high total Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) concentrations even at the start of the cultivation. Conversely, right after germination seedlings contained a low total THC content, but it increased quickly with plant age up, allowing chemotype determination after 3 weeks. In conclusion, it is not necessary to wait for plants’ flowering to identify drug‐type cannabis generally cultivated in Europe.
Galectin‐1 is up‐regulated by RASSF1A gene in human gastric carcinoma cell line SGC7901
Authors: Zheng‐Hao Deng , Ji‐Fang Wen , De‐Sheng Xiao , Jian‐Hua Zhou
Published: March 2012

We have previously shown that overexpression of RASSF1A inhibits the growth of human gastric cancer SGC7901 cells, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. In this study, the differential protein expression by RASSF1A gene in human gastric cancer cell line SGC7901 was determined by 2‐D gel electrophoresis combined with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) and bioinformatics. Differential expression analysis of the protein profiles by RASSF1A gene identified a total of 35 protein spots, of which 10 were up‐regulated and 25 were down‐regulated. Eight proteins were identified by MALDI‐TOF MS: Galectin‐1, TRP‐14, ACBP, PSMB5, PSMB4, TIM, vimentin, CD79α. RASSF1A up‐regulated the mRNA expression of Galectin‐1, TRP‐14, ABCP in SGC7901. RASSF1A also led to an increased expression of Galectin‐1 protein in SGC7901 confirmed by western blotting and immunocytochemistry analysis. RASSF1A inhibited the activity of NF‐κB in SGC7901 cells. These data indicated that Galectin‐1 may be playing a role in RASSF1A signaling in SGC7901.
Human adenovirus infection in children with acute respiratory tract disease in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Zou Lirong , Zhou Jie , Li Hui , Wu Jian , Mo Yanling , Chen Qiuxia , Fang Ling , Wu De , Wu Jie , Ke Changwen
Published: March 2012

Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are the major worldwide health problem due to associated high morbidity and mortality rates. Adenovirus (Adv) is one of the most common causes of viral ARI, and thus calls for specific diagnosis and better understanding of the epidemiology and clinical characteristics. Our aims were to find out the status of Adv infection in children <14 years with ARI, analyze the epidemiology and clinical characteristics among the Adv‐infected children in Guangzhou, China, and to provide some basis for the research of Adv. The throat and pharyngeal swabs were collected among the children with acute respiratory tract infections in outpatient department from September 2006 to August 2008. The samples were analyzed by PCR and the sequences were blasted with the sequences of Adv in GenBank. Clinical data were analyzed along with virological data by using appropriate statistical methods. Adv was detected in 25 out of 512 (4.9%) children. The genome types of 23 samples were determined after analysis of the gene sequence. The most prevalent Adv type was species B type 3. Among the patients, 10 were of Ad3 (43.5%), three were of Ad1 (1.3%), five were of species C Ad2 (21.7%), and five were of species E Ad4 (21.7%). A higher incidence of positive results was found during the summer season, thus showing a pattern of seasonality. There exists Adv infection in children with acute respiratory system diseases in Guangzhou area. No significant differences were found among different age groups and gender groups. Co‐infections with other respiratory virus were detected in 64% of the Adv positive samples.
Patch test characteristics of patients referred for suspected contact allergy of the feet–retrospective 10‐year cross‐sectional study of the IVDK data
Authors: Landeck Lilla , Uter Wolfgang , John Swen Malte
Published: March 2012

Background. The warm und humid environment, friction and occlusion within shoes make the feet to a favorable body site to acquire allergic contact dermatitis.

Objectives. To evaluate and compare patch test results in patients with suspected contact allergy of the feet with the results in those with concomitant involvement of the feet/legs, feet/hands, and all others tested (excluding secondary involvement of the feet in ‘others’), with regard to specific patterns of clinical data and patch test results.

Methods. For the present cross‐sectional study, data were collected by the 59 participating centres of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, including 102 209 patients patch‐tested between January 2001 and December 2010.

Results. Allergens that were significantly over‐represented in the tested 2671 foot patients included potassium dichromate, colophonium, and p‐tert‐butylphenol‐formaldehyde resin. Among materials brought in by the patients, shoe pieces (27.5%), topical medications/pharmaceutical products (24.4%) and cosmetics (16.8%) played a major role. The final diagnoses of vesicular and hyperkeratotic dermatitis, as well as psoriasis, were significantly more common among foot patients.

Conclusions. Chromium compounds and adhesives were the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis among our foot patients. Psoriasis should be considered, particularly when the hands are concomitantly affected.
Methylome of Fetal and Maternal Monocytes and Macrophages at the Feto‐Maternal Interface
Authors: Kim Sun Young , Romero Roberto , Tarca Adi L. , Bhatti Gaurav , Kim Chong Jai , Lee JoonHo , Elsey Amelia , Than Nandor Gabor , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Hassan Sonia S. , Kang Gyeong Hoon , Kim Jung‐Sun
Published: March 2012

Problem

Decidual macrophages (dMφ) of the mother and placental macrophages (Hofbauer cells, HC) of the fetus are deployed at a critical location: the feto‐maternal interface. This study was conducted to compare the DNA methylome of maternal and fetal monocytes, dMφ, and HC and thereby to determine the immunobiological importance of DNA methylation in pregnancy.

Method of Study

Paired samples were obtained from normal pregnant women at term not in labor and their neonates. Maternal monocytes (MMo) and fetal monocytes (FMo) were isolated from the peripheral blood of mothers and fetal cord blood, respectively. dMφ and HC were obtained from the decidua of fetal membranes and placentas, respectively. DNA methylation profiling was performed using the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation27 BeadChip. Quantitative real‐time PCR and Western Blot were performed for validation experiments.

Results

(i) Significant differences in DNA methylation were found in each comparison (MMo versus FMo, 65 loci; dMφ versus HC, 266 loci; MMo versus dMφ, 199 loci; FMo versus HC, 1030 loci). (ii) Many of the immune response‐related genes were hypermethylated in fetal cells (FMo and HC) compared to maternal cells (MMo and dMφ). (iii) Genes encoding markers of classical macrophage activation were hypermethylated, and genes encoding alternative macrophage activation were hypomethylated in dMφ and HC compared to MMo and FMo, respectively. (iv) mRNA expressions of DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B were significantly lower in dMφ than in HC. (v) 5‐azacytidine treatment increased expression of INCA1 in dMφ.

Conclusions

The findings herein indicate that DNA methylation patterns change during monocyte–macrophage differentiation at the feto‐maternal interface. It is also suggested that DNA methylation is an important component of the biological machinery conferring an anti‐inflammatory phenotype to macrophages at the feto‐maternal interface.
Glucocorticoid Receptor Mediates the Effect of Progesterone on Uterine Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Guo Wei , Li Pengfei , Zhao Guangfeng , Fan Hongye , Hu Yali , Hou Yayi
Published: March 2012

Problem

Uterine natural killer cells (uNK) do not express progesterone receptor, but express glucocorticoid receptor (GR). So, we speculate that progesterone may regulate uNK cells through a GR‐mediated process.

Method of Study

After mouse NK cells were stimulated with CpG with or without IL‐12 in the presence or absence pre‐treatment of progesterone, the effects of progesterone on NK via GR were investigated by using RU486 (progesterone receptor and GR antagonist) and CDB‐2914 (progesterone receptor antagonist). The expressions of CD69 and IFN‐γ were determined by flow cytometry and qPCR. Phosphorylation of IκB and STAT4 was determined by Western blot. Furthermore, we purified uNK cells from human decidual tissues using anti‐CD56 microbeads to verify the effect of progesterone on uNK via GR.

Results

Progesterone suppressed CD69 and IFN‐γ expression of mouse spleen NK cells and human uNK cells induced by CpG combined with IL‐12. CDB‐2914 had no effect on IFN‐γ expression suppressed by progesterone, while RU486 could abolish the inhibitory effect of progesterone. In addition, progesterone could decrease the phosphorylation of both STAT4 and IκB.

Conclusions

In the present study, we first prove that progesterone can regulate NK cells via GR. It is valuable for further understanding the role of uNK in progesterone regulated gestation process.
Immune Etiology of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss and Its Diagnosis
Authors: Beaman Kenneth D. , Ntrivalas Evangelos , Mallers Timothy M. , Jaiswal Mukesh K. , Kwak‐Kim Joanne , Gilman‐Sachs Alice
Published: March 2012

Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion of Immunological Origin (RSAI) is currently diagnosed by the occurrence of 2–3 consecutive miscarriages of unknown origin. The psychological trauma incurred by these events is a serious ailment which may be potentially avoided if a method of analysis is derived which may forecast these events and in turn prevent them from occurring. This review intends to examine studies of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) which use laboratory diagnosis and also studies of RSA that do not use laboratory diagnosis. We believe that when laboratory results are incorporated into the diagnosis of RSA/RSAI that treatment is highly successful whereas the absence of laboratory results severely hinders the effectiveness of treatment. It is worth noting that correlating treatment versus outcome is imprudent because of the multiple variables involved in patient cases. It is not imprudent, however, to say that incorporation of laboratory data is essential when diagnosing RSA/RSAI.
Genetic Polymorphisms and Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions: An Overview of Current Knowledge
Authors: Daher Silvia , Mattar Rosiane , Gueuvoghlanian‐Silva Bárbara Y. , Torloni Maria R.
Published: March 2012

The relevance of gene polymorphisms in the development of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion is still unclear. Cytokines, angiogenic mediators, and hormones are involved in all stages of reproduction and pregnancy outcome. Impaired production and/or unbalanced ratios of these mediators have been implicated in the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. Functional polymorphism influence gene activity and therefore can interfere with the expression of mediators. Several studies have been carried out to evaluate the relationship between cytokines, angiogenic mediators, and hormones gene polymorphisms and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. The results of these studies are mostly contradictory, and few significant associations have been identified. Up to present time, the evidence is insufficient to support the evaluation of cytokines, angiogenic mediators, and hormones gene polymorphism in routine workup in all cases of recurrent pregnancy loss, and these tests are not included in any of the major obstetric guidelines.
Luteolin inhibits pyrogallol‐induced apoptosis through the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling pathway
Authors: He Dongxu , Ma Xin , Chen Yun , Cai Yanfei , Ru Xiaochen , Bruce Iain C. , Xia Qiang , Shi Guiyang , Jin Jian
Published: March 2012

Luteolin is an antioxidative, antitumor and anti‐inflammatory flavone. It has been shown to reduce endothelial dysfunction, but the mechanism is not clear. We set out to explore the effects of luteolin on apoptosis and its mechanism of action in endothelial cells. The effect of luteolin on pyrogallol‐induced superoxide stress and the subsequent apoptosis was studied in the mouse heart capillary endothelial cell line H5V and human umbilical vein endothelial cells, by the use of flow cytometry, 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide, Hoechst staining, and western blot. Pyrogallol (0–400 μm) dose‐dependently induced reactive oxygen species production, cytotoxicity, an annexin V–fluorescein isothiocyanate increase, mitochondrial transmembrane depolarization and DNA condensation in both H5V and human umbilical vein endothelial cells; these actions were reversed by luteolin (0.78–50 μm) in a concentration‐dependent manner. Luteolin suppressed the poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase activation, caspase‐8 cleavage and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation triggered by pyrogallol, and stimulated the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling pathway to counteract the pyrogallol‐induced apoptotic signals. Luteolin is an effective agent for the protection of endothelial cells from superoxide stress‐induced apoptosis via the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling pathway.
WHOLE‐GRAIN RICE FLAVOR ASSOCIATED WITH ASSORTED BRAN COLORS
Authors: BETT‐GARBER K.L. , LEA J.M. , CHAMPAGNE E.T. , MCCLUNG A.M.
Published: March 2012

Recognition of the health benefits of whole‐grain and pigmented bran rice has resulted in their increased consumption. Bran contributes fiber, minerals, vitamins and an array of phytonutrients to the diet. Understanding flavor differences arising from bran pigmentation helps consumers choose the best rice for their use. Ten panelists trained in descriptive analysis developed 25 descriptors to describe whole‐grain rice flavor and evaluated the flavor of 22 rice samples with white, light‐brown, dark‐brown, red and black bran. Brown rice had more intense grainy/starchy, cooked cereal and corn/popcorn/buttery flavors. Black rice was higher in oily, darkberry, medicinal and smoky/burnt flavors. Red rice had greater intensities for beany, animal/wet dog and earthy flavors. The darker cultivars tend to have more bitter taste and astringent mouthfeel. This lexicon enhances the understanding of flavors associated with rice bran color.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Whole‐grain rice is unpolished or unmilled rice with the bran layers retained. The bran layer has many nutrients that are removed during polishing (milling). Because of the health benefits of keeping the bran layer intact, whole‐grain rice has experienced an increase in demand worldwide. Milled‐rice flavor has been characterized, but whole‐grain rice has a different flavor profile due to the bran. This new whole‐grain rice flavor lexicon describes the flavor attributes and differences between bran color and types of whole‐grain rice.
The Frankfurt School on Religion
Authors: Brittain Christopher Craig
Published: March 2012

The diverse scholars associated with the Frankfurt School offer an important understanding of religion. Offering a more nuanced position than either the contemporary “return of religion” position or that of “New Atheism,” critical theorists like Horkheimer, Adorno and Benjamin develop an aggressive critique of the ideological nature of religion, while also appreciating religion’s relationship with the concern for objective truth. This complex attitude towards the study of religion is criticized and adapted by the “second generation” of the Frankfurt School, primarily through the work of Habermas and Wellmer. Habermas’s early reduction of religion to primitive forms of thought has shifted after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, to a more hospitable desire to encourage dialogue between religious adherents and secularists. Although collectively the intellectuals associated with the Frankfurt School do not articulate a coherent and complete theory of religion, their work continues to represent a rich resource for the contemporary study of the discipline.
Corporate Chaplaincy and the American Workplace
Authors: Seales Chad E.
Published: March 2012

Corporate chaplains are religious ministers trained in pastoral care, most often clinical pastoral education, paid by a company or staffing agency to serve the emotional and spiritual needs of workers at their jobsite. In the early 21st century, the secular vocation of corporate chaplaincy is a growing business and a booming enterprise. This essay traces the historical development of corporate chaplaincy from its earlier industrial forms and argues that corporate chaplains have influenced the development of the American workplace through their organizational mediation of spiritual meaning and economic productivity.
The War on Terror and the Transformation of Political Islam
Authors: Cavatorta Francesco
Published: March 2012

The war on terror intensified widespread misconceptions about the nature and complexity of Islamism. The paper analyses the trajectory towards the acceptance of democracy and human rights on the part of mainstream Islamist groups and argues that such development ran the risk of being derailed by an ill‐conceived war on terror that in the short term benefited those sectors of Islamism that always had violence at the centre of their political project.
Implications of Psychosocial Factors for Diabetes Outcomes among Children with Type 1 Diabetes: A Review
Authors: Helgeson Vicki S. , Palladino Dianne K.
Published: March 2012

We adopt a risk and resistance framework to review the literature on the psychosocial factors that influence diabetes outcomes—specifically self‐care behavior (blood glucose monitoring, diet, exercise, insulin administration) and glycemic control. We examine both personal and social/environmental risk and resistance factors. We conclude by suggesting conceptual and methodological directions for future research. Conceptually, we suggest that researchers examine the synergy among variables that cut across domains, mechanisms linking psychosocial factors to diabetes outcomes, and the impact of goals on health. Methodologically, we suggest that researchers examine age, gender, and race as moderator variables; utilize momentary data collection technology; and employ more sophisticated longitudinal analyses.
Pathways to Lifespan Health Following Childhood Parental Death
Authors: Luecken Linda J. , Roubinov Danielle S.
Published: March 2012

The death of a parent is a profoundly stressful form of childhood adversity, increasing the short‐ and long‐term risk of mental health problems. Emerging research suggests it may also disrupt biological regulatory systems and increase the risk of long‐term physical health problems. This article presents a theoretical framework of the process by which the experience of parental death during childhood may influence mental and physical health outcomes over time. Drawing from a broad literature on adaptation following childhood parental loss, we focus on risk and protective factors in the childhood environment that are theoretically and empirically linked to emotional and biological regulatory responses to stress later in life, the effects of which may accumulate to impact long‐term health.
Waiting Well: Tips for Navigating Painful Uncertainty
Authors: Sweeny Kate
Published: March 2012

Waiting for uncertain news can be a source of anxiety and distraction. This paper explores the experience of waiting for news that is both uncertain and unchangeable and provides tips for waiting well under these circumstances. During difficult waiting periods people can mitigate anxiety, reduce disruptive rumination, and minimize later harm by (1) distracting themselves from their uncertainty, (2) managing their expectations, (3) looking for the silver lining in all outcomes, (4) keeping perspective regarding the news, and (5) planning ahead for the objective and psychological consequences of bad news.
Crying: Call for a Lifespan Approach
Authors: Rottenberg Jonathan , Vingerhoets Ad J. J. M.
Published: March 2012

Although crying is woven through the life course, from the doctor’s slap to a deathbed vigil, there is no well‐established lifespan tradition of studying crying. Instead the study of crying is broken into separate bodies of work on childhood (mostly on infants) and on adults. In this contribution, we share our enthusiasm and our ideas for the construction of a lifespan narrative of crying behavior. The evolutionary and phylogenic basis of crying is first outlined. We highlight the most important transitions in humans, including changes in the antecedents of crying, and the ways crying is increasingly regulated. We piece together existing research on these transitions and identify key gaps in knowledge, including the developmental periods, such as adolescence and old age, that have been the most seriously neglected. Finally, we suggest key empirical and methodological future directions that will most invigorate the study of crying as a developmental phenomenon.
Bias in Favor of the Status Quo
Authors: Eidelman Scott , Crandall Christian S.
Published: March 2012

People favor the existing and longstanding states of the world. Rational explanations for status quo maintenance are complemented by a number of non‐rational mechanisms; loss aversion, regret avoidance, repeated exposure, and rationalization create a preference for existing states. We show that the status quo also benefits from a simple assumption of goodness due to mere existence and longevity; people treat existence as a prima facie case for goodness, aesthetic and ethical Longevity increases this preference. These biases operate heuristically, forming barriers to cognitive and social change.
Investor Protection and the Mode of Acquisition: Implications for Ownership Dilution and Formation of Pyramids
Authors: Kim Woojin
Published: March 2012

This paper examines how investor protection affects mode of acquisition and shapes subsequent control structures. I find that (stock‐based) mergers are more likely when investors are well protected, while (cash‐based) control transactions are more prevalent under weak protection. Repeated acquisitions by common law firms result in substantial ownership dilution especially in the United States, but not in civil law countries. Alternatively, a series of acquisitions in civil law countries linked through firms that are bidders in one acquisition, but targets in another, tends to generate a corresponding series of intercorporate control pyramids, while such correspondence is much weaker in common law countries.