bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Angels in Swindon: Public religion and ambient faith in England
Authors: ENGELKE MATTHEW
Published: February 2012

In this article, I introduce the idea of “ambient faith” in an effort to clarify the stakes in long‐standing debates about public and private religion. I take as my starting point the increasingly common recognition that conceptual distinctions between publicity and privacy are difficult to maintain in the first place and that they are, in any case, always relative. The idea of “ambient faith,” which I connect to work on the turn to a materialist semiotics, can serve as both a critique of and supplement to the ideas of “public” and “private” religion. Introducing ambience—the sense of ambience—allows one to raise important questions about the processes through which faith comes to the foreground or stays in the background—the extent to which faith, in other words, goes public or stays private. I use my research on a Christian organization in England, the Bible Society of England and Wales, to illuminate these points, discussing the society's campaign in 2006 to bring angels to Swindon and its promotion of Bible reading in coffee shops. I also consider Brian Eno's music and recent advertising trends for additional insights into the notion of “ambience.”[Christianity, secularism, semiotics, public religion, England]
Morphoscopic Trait Expressions Used to Identify Southwest Hispanics*
Authors: Hurst Carolyn V.
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Hispanics represent the largest and fastest growing minority in the United States. It is increasingly important to understand the skeletal morphology and regional variation within this diverse group. This research focuses on the eight cranial morphoscopic traits of Southwest Hispanics from Birkby et al. (J Forensic Sci 2008;53(1):29–33) and 18 additional traits. Frequency distributions assessed the prevalence of trait expressions in Southwest Hispanic, African‐American, and European‐American samples. Forward stepwise discriminant function analysis indicated the best traits for differentiating these three groups. Six of the Birkby et al.’s traits are prevalent in the Southwest Hispanic sample and the best traits to distinguish the three groups are as follows: incisor shoveling, anterior malar projection, nasal sill, oval window visualization, enamel extensions, anterior nasal spine, nasal aperture width, and alveolar prognathism. This research demonstrates the efficacy of morphoscopic traits in ancestry determinations and the utility of the aforementioned traits in discriminating Southwest Hispanics, African Americans, and European Americans.
Ecstasy and Suicide
Authors: Fernando Tarini , Gilbert John D. , Carroll Christine M. , Byard Roger W.
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Deaths due to the ring‐derivative amphetamines are not common and are usually accidental involving dehydration and hyperthermia. Suicides from 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and related ring‐derivative amphetamines overdose are rare. A 15‐year‐old female who had a history of depression and previous suicide attempts was found dead with a suicide note. Toxicology demonstrated lethal serum concentrations of MDMA (9.3 mg/L), with 34 mg/kg of MDMA in the liver, 2.4 mg/L in the urine, and 530 mg/kg in the stomach. The cause of death was MDMA toxicity, the manner suicide. While MDMA may be detected in victims in other drug‐related or traumatic deaths, it is only rarely used in isolation in suicide, with a predominance in the 21‐ to 25‐year‐old range. Despite the rarity of such events, the possibility of a nonaccidental manner of death should be considered when high levels of MDMA and associated amphetamines are found at autopsy.
Further Investigations into the Speed of Cerebral Swelling Following Blunt Cranial Trauma*
Authors: Byard Roger W. , Gabrielian Levon , Helps Stephen C. , Thornton Emma , Vink Robert
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  An anesthetized sheep model of traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been developed to assess early changes in intracranial pressure (ICP) following closed head injury. Immediately after TBI, a transient (<10 min) hypertensive response occurred, followed by significant and prolonged systemic hypotension. ICP demonstrated a biphasic response, being seven times baseline values of 8 ± 2 mm Hg 10 min after injury, decreasing to 25 ± 2 mm Hg by 30 min, and then increasing to values exceeding 30 mm Hg by 4 h postinjury. ICP was always significantly higher than baseline values, which combined with hypotension, reduced cerebral perfusion pressure to less than 60% of normal. This early and sustained increase in ICP after craniocerebral trauma acutely alters cerebral perfusion pressure and brain oxygenation and provides a potential pathophysiological explanation for immediate clinical manifestations in humans following significant TBI.
Combined surgical therapy of peri‐implantitis evaluating two methods of surface debridement and decontamination. A two‐year clinical follow up report
Authors: Schwarz Frank , John Gordon , Mainusch Saskia , Sahm Narja , Becker Jürgen
Published: February 2012

Objectives

The study aimed at evaluating the 2‐year results obtained following combined surgical resective and regenerative treatment of advanced peri‐implantitis defects comparing two methods of surface debridement/decontamination (DD).

Material & Methods

Twenty‐four patients (n = 26 combined supra‐ and intrabony defects) completed the 24 months follow‐up observation following access flap surgery, granulation tissue removal and implantoplasty at bucally and supracrestally exposed implant parts. The remaining aspects were randomly allocated to surface DD using either (i) an Er:YAG laser (ERL) device, or (ii) plastic curets + cotton pellets + sterile saline (CPS) were augmented with a natural bone mineral and covered with a collagen membrane.

Results

At 24 months, ERL treated sites failed to reveal significantly higher reductions in mean BOP (ERL: 75.0 ± 32.6% versus CPS: 54.9 ± 30.3%) and CAL values (ERL: 1.0 ± 2.2 mm versus CPS: 1.2 ± 2.2 mm) when compared with the CPS group. In both groups, mean CAL values were not significantly different when compared with baseline.

Conclusion

The long‐term stability of clinical outcomes obtained following combined surgical therapy of advanced peri‐implantitis may be influenced by factors other than the method of surface debridement/decontamination.
Influence of autogenous platelet concentrate on combined GTR/graft therapy in intrabony defects: a 7‐year follow‐up of a randomized prospective clinical split‐mouth study
Authors: Moder Daniel , Taubenhansl Frederike , Hiller Karl‐Anton , Schmalz Gottfried , Christgau Michael
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To investigate the influence of autogenous platelet concentrate (APC) on the long‐term regeneration outcome 7 years after guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in deep intrabony periodontal defects.

Material and Methods

In 25 patients, two deep contra‐lateral intrabony defects were treated according to GTR (randomized split‐mouth‐design). In the test defects, APC was additionally applied. After 7 years, healing results were assessed clinically by a blinded examiner and compared to baseline and 12‐months results. Furthermore, a tooth survival analysis was performed.

Results

After 7 years, 23 patients were available for survival analysis and 16 patients for split‐mouth analysis; 84% of the test and control teeth were still in situ. In both groups, the median attachment level of 10.5 mm [(25/75%): test 9.0/13.0, control 10.0/12.0] at baseline was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced to 6.0 mm [test 4.0/6.8, control 5.0/7.0] after 1 year. Six years later, it had increased again to 7.0 mm in test sites [5.3/10.0] (p ≤ 0.05) and had remained stable in control sites [5.0/7.8] (p > 0.05). Bleeding on Probing (BOP) had increased in both groups. During the last 6 years, only 26% of the patients received a structured supportive periodontal therapy in the clinic.

Conclusion

Within its limitations, the present study indicates that the clinical outcome of GTR therapy can be maintained over 7 years. However, the additional use of APC may even have a possibly negative influence on the long‐term stability.
MicroRNAs as components of regulatory networks controlling erythropoiesis
Authors: Azzouzi Imane , Schmugge Markus , Speer Oliver
Published: February 2012

Over the last two decades, the role of microRNAs has been extensively investigated, and it has become clear that these small non‐coding RNAs play an essential role in several biological processes including erythropoiesis and that their dysregulation is associated with pathologies. Recent technical innovations have considerably advanced this field and allowed extensive study of microRNA expression and regulation in a variety of cell types. In erythropoiesis, microRNA regulation is involved at defined stages and promotes either stem cell proliferation or erythroid cell differentiation. In this review, while recapitulating the maturation steps of erythroid cells, we discuss the progresses in our understanding of microRNA regulation in the erythroid lineage and their contribution to erythroid disorders.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation following reduced‐intensity conditioning regimen in children: a single‐center experience
Authors: Strullu Marion , Rialland Fanny , Cahu Xavier , Brissot Eolia , Corradini Nadege , Thomas Caroline , Blin Nicolas , Rialland Xavier , Méchinaud Françoise , Mohty Mohamad
Published: February 2012

This single‐center retrospective study reported the outcome of 19 children treated with a reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen prior to allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT), for hematologic malignancies (n = 17), bone marrow failure (n = 1), and neuroblastoma (n = 1). Children were ineligible for standard myeloablative conditioning because of severe comorbidities (n = 9), a previous auto or allo‐SCT (n = 7) or a prior history of extensive chemotherapy (n = 3). All patients underwent a fludarabine‐based RIC regimen, and received grafts from matched‐related donors (n = 5), match‐unrelated donors (n = 6), or unrelated cord blood (UCB, n = 8). In this series, two patients treated with UCB failed to engraft and 63% achieved full donor chimerism at day 100 after allo‐SCT. With a median follow‐up of 537 d (range, 115–4136), treatment‐related mortality was 16% and overall survival was 47%. The principal cause of death was disease relapse (n = 7). Acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) occurred in 53% of patients, while only 10% developed extensive chronic GVHD. Overall, results from this series suggest that RIC allo‐SCT can be a valid alternative treatment option in unfit children with malignant hematological diseases. Prospective studies are needed to enlarge pediatric experience in this domain and better identify those children more suitable for a RIC allo‐SCT approach.
A Centronuclear Myopathy – Dynamin 2 Mutation Impairs Autophagy in Mice
Authors: Durieux Anne‐Cécile , Vassilopoulos Stéphane , Lainé Jeanne , Fraysse Bodvaël , Briñas Laura , Prudhon Bernard , Castells Josiane , Freyssenet Damien , Bonne Gisèle , Guicheney Pascale , Bitoun Marc
Published: February 2012

Dynamin 2 (Dnm2) is involved in endocytosis and intracellular membrane trafficking through its function in vesicle formation from distinct membrane compartments. Heterozygous (HTZ) mutations in the DNM2 gene cause dominant centronuclear myopathy or Charcot–Marie–Tooth neuropathy. We generated a knock‐in Dnm2R465W mouse model expressing the most frequent human mutation and recently reported that HTZ mice progressively developed a myopathy. We investigated here the cause of neonatal lethality occurring in homozygous (HMZ) mice. We show that HMZ mice present at birth with a reduced body weight, hypoglycemia, increased liver glycogen content and hepatomegaly, in agreement with a defect in neonatal autophagy. In vitro studies performed in HMZ embryonic fibroblasts point out to a decrease in the autophagy flux prior to degradation at the autolysosome. We show that starved HMZ cells have a higher number of immature autophagy‐related structures probably due to a defect of acidification. Our results highlight the role of Dnm2 in the cross talk between endosomal and autophagic pathways and evidence a new role of Dnm2‐dependent membrane trafficking in autophagy which may be relevant in DNM2‐related human diseases.
Effects of naloxone on the breathing pattern of a newborn exposed to maternal opiates
Authors: van Vonderen Jeroen J , Siew Melissa L , Hooper Stuart B , de Boer Marjon A , Walther Frans J , te Pas Arjan B
Published: February 2012

Aim:  To give new insights into how an infant responded to naloxone, given after acquiring a maternal opiate by recording the breathing pattern directly after birth.

Method:  A respiratory recording is presented of an infant during resuscitation in the delivery room after receiving naloxone for respiratory depression, resulting from maternal remifentanyl use.

Results:  The infant was born apneic and bradycardic. Normal resuscitation manoeuvres had no effect on the respiratory drive. Directly after administration of naloxone, a tachypneic breathing pattern with sporadic expiratory breaking manoeuvres was observed.

Conclusion:  The immediate tachypnoea is most likely a direct effect of the naloxone causing an immediate ‘rebound response’ after the release of the opiate‐induced inhibition of the respiratory drive.
Depressed adolescents in a case‐series were low in vitamin D and depression was ameliorated by vitamin D supplementation
Authors: Högberg Göran , Gustafsson Sven A , Hällström Tore , Gustafsson Tove , Klawitter Björn , Petersson Maria
Published: February 2012

Aim:  The relationship between depression in adolescents and vitamin D was studied in a case‐series that included effects of vitamin D supplementation.

Methods:  Serum 25OH vitamin D (25OHD) levels in 54 Swedish depressed adolescents were investigated. Subjects with vitamin D deficiency were given vitamin D3 over 3 months (n = 48). To evaluate well‐being and symptoms related to depression and vitamin D status, the WHO‐5 well‐being scale, the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ‐S) and a vitamin D deficiency scale were used.

Results:  Mean serum 25OHD in the depressed adolescents was 41 at baseline and 91 nmol/L (p < 0.001) after supplementation. Basal 25OHD levels correlated positively with well‐being (p < 0.05). After vitamin D supplementation, well‐being increased (p < 0.001) and there was a significant improvement in eight of the nine items in the vitamin D deficiency scale: depressed feeling (p < 0.001), irritability (p < 0.05), tiredness (p < 0.001), mood swings (p < 0.01), sleep difficulties (p < 0.01), weakness (p < 0.01), ability to concentrate (p < 0.05) and pain (p < 0.05). There was a significant amelioration of depression according to the MFQ‐S (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:  This study showed low levels of vitamin D in 54 depressed adolescents, positive correlation between vitamin D and well‐being, and improved symptoms related to depression and vitamin D deficiency after vitamin D supplementation.
MR‐IMAGING OF LUMBOSACRAL INTERVERTEBRAL DISC DEGENERATION IN CLINICALLY SOUNDGERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS COMPARED TO OTHER BREEDS
Authors: Amort Kerstin H. , Ondreka Nele , Rudorf Heike , Stock Kathrin F. , Distl Ottmar , Tellhelm Bernd , Kramer Martin , Wigger Antje
Published: February 2012

German shepherd dogs are overrepresented in the group of dogs with cauda equina compression syndrome due to degenerative lumbosacral stenosis. A congenital predisposition for early degeneration of the lumbosacral intervertebral disc has been suspected. Our aims were to assess the morphologic appearance of the lumbosacral intervertebral disc and the lumbosacral junction in healthyGerman shepherd dogs compared to other breeds and to evaluate for an early onset of degenerative changes. The lumbosacral spine of 110 clinically soundGerman shepherd dogs and 47 healthy dogs of other large breeds was examined using magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The degeneration of every intervertebral disc was graded using an established classification system. Signal intensity of the entire lumbosacral disc and the nucleus pulposus was determined independently. Lumbosacral malalignment was assessed according to a previously described method. The findings for theGerman shepherd dogs were compared to those of the other breeds. Although most dogs were younger than 18 months at the date of examination, significantly higher grades of degeneration were detected for the lumbosacral intervertebral disc ofGerman shepherd dogs (P< 0.003). Degeneration of the lumbosacral intervertebral disc was independent from findings in the other lumbar discs. We conclude that theGerman shepherd dog has a predisposition for degenerative changes in the lumbosacral intervertebral disc.
Comprehensive review of the clinical application of autologous mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of chronic wounds and diabetic bone healing
Authors: Mulder Gerit D , Lee Daniel K , Jeppesen Nathan S
Published: February 2012

Chronic ulcerations are a physical and financial burden to the health and economic establishment in the United States and Worldwide. Improvements in biotechnology and knowledge in stem cell applications have progressed and basic science results are making their way slowly into the clinical arena. Chronic wounds and diabetic bone healing are the key components in the limb salvage of the common diabetic foot. We have examined the current available literature and present the latest on stem cells applications as a novel clinical technique in the treatment of chronic wound and diabetic bone healing and their impact in the treatment paradigm of patients.
“Watchful waiting” for metastatic colorectal cancer, antediluvian or an option to be considered again?
Authors: PRICE Timothy J , TOWNSEND Amanda R , BEEKE Carol , BISHNOI Sarwan , PADBURY Robert , MADDERN Guy , KARAPETIS Christos S
Published: February 2012

Aim:  The role of chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is firmly established and the option of watchful waiting (WW) has become an alternative rarely considered. However, there may be a group of patients who are diagnosed with low volume and asymptomatic disease and who may be suitable for a WW plan.

Methods:  From the South Australian Cancer Registry for mCRC we examined cancer characteristics and outcomes of patients who were suitable for chemotherapy but had their treatment delayed by more than 3 months from diagnosis of metastatic disease.

Results:  Data from 417 mCRC patients who received chemotherapy as first intervention have been entered in the Registry to date and 38 (9.1%) had chemotherapy commencement delayed by more than 3 months from diagnosis. Their median age was 76.7 years (range 38–85). Overall 87% of patients had metachronous metastatic cancer with a median time to recurrence of 2.1 years (range 0.53–7.71) and 65.5% had single organ metastasis. Median delay from the diagnosis of metastatic disease to chemotherapy was 5.03 months (range 3–28). The median survival has yet to be reached. The 2‐year overall survival is 65%.

Conclusion:  We found that almost 10% of all patients with mCRC had a delay in the initiation of chemotherapy, with most due to a WW approach based on case note review. Patients with a delay in chemotherapy initiation are more likely to have a single organ site of metastatic disease and are older than those who do not. Despite the treatment delay, there is no evidence of a negative impact on survival.
The role of magnetic resonance imaging in early breast cancer
Authors: SKANDARAJAH Anita R , MANN G Bruce
Published: February 2012

Despite recent evidence that fails to detect a benefit in surgical and local recurrence outcomes in those who receive optimal surgery and adjuvant systemic and radiotherapy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is still being employed. We review the recent literature to clarify the role in the use of MRI in early breast cancer. A literature search using the Medline and Ovid databases was conducted between 2004 and 2011 using the terms “magnetic resonance imaging’ and ‘early breast cancer’. Only articles with clinical trials published in English in adult humans with available abstracts were included. Articles on high‐risk women, response to neoadjuvant therapy, advanced breast cancer, the occult primary, the contralateral breast and technical articles were excluded. Articles examining the role of MRI in the staging of early breast cancer were retained. Over 260 articles regarding breast MRI have been published in the last 5 years. Additional foci may be found in 16% of patients but the impact on the extent of surgery and local recurrence rate is yet to be defined. Certain sub‐groups who may benefit include those with invasive lobular carcinoma and mammographically dense breasts and those for consideration of partial breast irradiation. With standard adjuvant radiotherapy, there is no benefit in routine MRI with respect surgical extent and local recurrence. Should MRI be used, pre‐operative biopsy to confirm additional disease must be undertaken prior to a change in surgical extent of resection. However, MRI may be useful in the evaluation of those who can be considered for partial breast irradiation. Centres undertaking breast MRI must have MRI‐biopsy capabilities and constantly audit the reporting of MRI with correlation to the final pathology.
The relationship between cold‐hot nature and nutrient contents of foods
Authors: LIU Chunhong , SUN Yuanming , LI Yu , YANG Weixian , ZHANG Mingming , XIONG Chenlu , YANG Yichao
Published: February 2012

Aim:  All foods in Traditional Chinese Medicine are categorised into ‘the four natures’: cold, cool, warm and hot. The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between the nutrient content of these foods and their cold‐hot nature category.

Methods:  For the purposes of this study, 284 foods were selected and grouped by their cold‐hot nature category. Twenty‐six nutrient content values for each food were derived from the China Food Composition database 2002.

Results:  Ten nutrients were found to be associated with the cold‐hot nature category of foods. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, five nutrients correlated with the cold‐hot natures of foods. Large amounts of fat, carbohydrate and selenium were significantly associated with the hot nature of foods (P < 0.01) while the amount of iron and copper were significantly associated with the cold nature of foods (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  The results suggest that the nutrient contents of foods may be one of distinguishing factors for the categorisation of cold‐hot nature of foods.
The effects of fish or fish oil on the omega‐3 index
Authors: BRAZIONIS Laima , TING Eugene , ITSIOPOULOS Catherine , WILSON Andrew , HODGE Allison
Published: February 2012

Aim:  To compare the impact of recommended intakes of fish and fish oil supplements on the omega‐3 index and selected risk factors in patients with coronary heart disease.

Methods:  A 12‐week crossover intervention comparing the impact of 1 g/day of long‐chain omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids from fresh salmon or fish oil capsules on the omega‐3 index and cardiovascular risk factors. Eleven patients with coronary heart disease, recruited from St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, participated in the study.

Results:  A decrease in blood pressure (>5 mmHg; P < 0.05) was observed after the fish but not the fish oil. The change in waist to hip ratio also favoured the fish intervention. Resting heart rate fell by a similar amount on both interventions, and the omega‐3 index increased significantly on both; from 6% to 7–8% (P < 0.01). Blood lipids did not improve on either arm.

Conclusions:  In Australians with coronary heart disease, 1 g/day of long‐chain omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid from fish or supplements over 12 weeks was effective in increasing the omega‐3 index. Fish intake may have additional cardiovascular benefits beyond the omega‐3 effect as evidenced by the substantial blood pressure reduction following the fish arm warranting examination in a larger study.
Community health‐care planning in Western Australian Country Health Service‐South West: An evaluation of patient views
Authors: HUNT Emily , MOORE Jo‐Anne , SHERRIFF Jill
Published: February 2012

Aims:  To investigate community health patients' impressions of care planning and their relationship with allied health professionals in a rural town in Western Australia.

Methods:  Focus groups were conducted followed by a survey to identify patients' opinions on care planning and their relationships with health professionals.

Results:  Focus groups and a survey identified that patients generally had positive attitudes towards their experiences with community‐based allied health professionals. Participants identified some of the attributes that they valued in allied health professionals. Many participants (39%) believed that they had a partnership with the health professional and also valued having a shared decision‐making power with the health professional (46%); however, 17% identified that they would prefer the health professional to assume more of the decision‐making power.

Conclusions:  More work is needed to create a health culture in which patients want to manage their own health and can develop a relationship with their health professional that allows them to achieve this.
Computerised dietary assessment interviews: Health professionals and patients' opinions about web communications
Authors: PROBST Yasmine C. , TAPSELL Linda C.
Published: February 2012

Aim:  To describe the acceptance of DietAdvice, an automated dietary assessment website, by its stakeholders.

Methods:  One‐month evaluation study using audio‐recorded telephone interviews with 10 patients who had used DietAdvice, 10 dietitians, 10 general practitioners who recruited many patients and 10 general practitioners who recruited few or no patients to the website to obtain their beliefs and opinions about DietAdvice, health, nutrition and technology. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed for categorical themes using NVivo software.

Results:  Patients were concerned about Internet difficulties and had a preference for face‐to‐face interviews and dietitians felt that DietAdvice could save time prior to dietary education and counselling. Recruiting general practitioners believed that patient computer literacy was a limitation, although increased availability of dietary services created by DietAdvice. Non‐recruiting general practitioners felt that they had a lack of time available to recruit patients, patient computer literacy was limited and there was a need for face‐to‐face contact.

Conclusion:  The perspectives of patients and health‐care providers show variation based on their experience with DietAdvice, their focus on nutrition and their role in the health‐care system. Automated technologies are likely to play a significant part in the future of dietetics.
TheGolden lion tamarinLeontopithecusrosalia: a conservation success story
Authors: Kierulff M. C. M. , Ruiz‐Miranda C. R. , de Oliveira P. Procópio , Beck B. B. , Martins A. , Dietz J. M. , Rambaldi D. M. , Baker A. J.
Published: February 2012

In 1960, theGolden lion tamarinLeontopithecusrosaliawas almost extinct in the wild and the captive population, with poor reproduction and survival, was not well established. In the 1970s, after many improvements, the captive population began to grow and thePoço dasAntasBiologicalReserve was created to protect the species. In the 1980s, long‐term research was begun on the demography and socio‐ecology of theGolden lion tamarins, along with community environmental education and a reintroduction programme of captive‐born animals (initially in the reserve, later in neighbouring private forests). About 30 zoos contributed the 146 captive‐born reintroduced tamarins, and provided information on social behaviour, nutrition and health that was critical to developing reintroduction strategies. In 1994, threatened groups isolated in small fragments were rescued and translocated to a protected forest. Both programmes have been successful as measured by survival and reproduction after release, and both techniques have established growing populations. Although new threats (introduction of exotic primates) continue to challenge our efforts to preserve the species, there is no doubt of the success of almost 30 years of theGoldenLionTamarinConservationProgramme.
Foreign Value‐added in China's Manufactured Exports: Implications for China's Trade Imbalance
Authors: Zhang Jun , Tang Dongbo , Zhan Yubo
Published: February 2012

Economists have recently become interested in weighting how much domestic value‐added is actually included in China's exports. Formally, the proportion of foreign and domestic contents could be identified by calculating the vertical specialization share using non‐competitive input‐output tables. Applying such a method to the Chinese case, however, would result in a big measurement bias because China has a large share of processing exports, which utilize a disproportionately high percentage of imported intermediates. This paper, by directly employing 2008 trade data for which imported intermediates in both processing and non‐processing trade could be identified by means of various trade patterns, provides a simplified way to estimate the share of foreign/domestic value‐added included in industry‐level manufactured exports. This paper finds that the vertical specialization share of China's processing exports was about 56 percent in 2008, compared to about 10 percent for ordinary exports. It also finds that the sectors that experienced fast expansion of processing exports have a much higher share of foreign contents. Since processing exports account for about half of Chinese exports, the prevailing trade statistics, which focus on gross values rather than the value‐added of exports and imports, has obviously overstated the bilateral trade imbalances, especially between China and the USA.
Dietary Agents in Cancer Prevention: An Immunological Perspective†
Authors: Zheng Ya Ying , Viswanathan Bharathi , Kesarwani Pravin , Mehrotra Shikhar
Published: February 2012

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States. Exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiations is believed to be the primary cause for skin cancer. Excessive UV radiation can lead to genetic mutations and damage in the skin’s cellular DNA that in turn can lead to skin cancer. Lately, chemoprevention by administering naturally occurring non‐toxic dietary compounds has proven to be a potential strategy to prevent the occurrence of tumors. Attention has been drawn toward several natural dietary agents such as resveratrol, one of the major components found in grapes, red wines, berries and peanuts, proanthocyanidins from grape seeds, (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate from green tea, etc. However, the effect these dietary agents have on the immune system and the immunological mechanisms involved therein are still being explored. In this review, we shall focus on the role of key chemopreventive agents on various immune cells and discuss their potential as antitumor agents with an immunological perspective.
670 nm Red Light Preconditioning Supports Müller Cell Function: Evidence from the White Light‐induced Damage Model in the Rat Retina†
Authors: Albarracin Rizalyn , Valter Krisztina
Published: February 2012

Glial cells play an important role in the maintenance of normal structure and function of the neural components of the central nervous system. The Müller cells are one of the macroglial elements in the retina and their wide‐ranging roles are responsible for the protection and proper functioning of the photoreceptors. In the present study, we aimed to test the effects of pretreatment with 670 nm red light on Müller cells in the light‐induced model of retinal degeneration. Adult Sprague–Dawley albino rats were treated with 670 nm red light, from an LED source prior to exposure to bright (1000 lux) continuous light for 24 h. Müller cell‐specific markers were used to assess structural and functional changes in this cell type 1 week after contact with damaging light. Changes in gene (Edn2, LIF, TNF‐α) and protein (S100β, Vimentin, LIF, iNOS, GS, Cyclin‐D1) levels and localization were evaluated using RT‐qPCR, and immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that 670 nm light pretreatment ameliorates the light‐induced alterations in the expression of Müller‐cell specific markers for structure, stress, metabolism and inflammation. This suggests that 670 nm light preconditioning may promote neuroprotective effects in the retina from light‐induced damage, possibly through pathways regulating the roles of Müller cells in maintaining retinal homeostasis.
Facial affect recognition and schizotypal personality characteristics
Authors: Abbott Gavin R. , Green Melissa J.
Published: February 2012

Aim: Deficits in facial affect recognition are well established in schizophrenia, yet relatively little research has examined facial affect recognition in hypothetically psychosis‐prone or ‘schizotypal’ individuals. Those studies that have examined social cognition in psychosis‐prone individuals have paid little attention to the association between facial emotion recognition and particular schizotypal personality features. The present study therefore sought to investigate relationships between facial emotion recognition and the different aspects of schizotypy.

Methods: Facial affect recognition accuracy was examined in 50 psychiatrically healthy individuals assessed for level of schizotypy using the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire. This instrument provides a multidimensional measure of schizophrenia proneness, encompassing ‘cognitive‐perceptual’, ‘interpersonal’ and ‘disorganized’ features of schizotypy. It was hypothesized that the cognitive‐perceptual and interpersonal aspects of schizotypy would be associated with difficulties identifying facial expressions of emotion during a forced‐choice recognition task using a standardized series of colour photographs.

Results: As predicted, interpersonal aspects of schizotypy (particularly social anxiety) were associated with reduced accuracy on the facial affect recognition task, but there was no association between affect recognition accuracy and cognitive‐perceptual features of schizotypy.

Conclusions: These results suggest that subtle deficits in facial affect recognition in otherwise psychiatrically healthy individuals may be related to the vulnerability for interpersonal communication difficulties, as seen in schizophrenia.
Dimensioning the Sine‐Generated Curve Meander Geometry1
Authors: Mecklenburg Daniel E. , Jayakaran Anand D.
Published: February 2012

Mecklenburg, Daniel E. and Anand D. Jayakaran, 2012. Dimensioning the Sine‐Generated Curve Meander Geometry. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(3): 635‐642. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00638.x

Abstract:  The sine‐generated curve (SGC) presented by Langbein and Leopold (1966) is widely acknowledged as an idealized description of river meander form. However, as originally presented, the SGC application to the field, laboratory, or models is not a trivial task. The SGC function simply provides the direction of the flow path as its rate of change continually varies from most gradual at the crossover to most rapid at the apex of bends. Although the commonly used dimensions of meander length, stream length per meander, sinuosity, and amplitude have been approximated previously, this technical note precisely defines these dimensions by solving the integrals of the sine and cosine of the SGC function. This is performed using integral representations of the Bessel and Struve functions for the zero order and their power‐series expansions. Higher precision offered by this technique will be of particular value to modeling and flume‐based studies where better conformity to the SGC is necessary. The note goes on to present two simple line and arc patterns optimally fit to the SGC as simplified yet more precise methods for practical design in river restoration schemes. Equations are presented defining the geometry of the arc and line pattern and relating meander length, amplitude, radius of curvature, and sinuosity.
Urban Impacts on Streams are Scale‐Dependent With Nonlinear Influences on Their Physical and Biotic Recovery in Vermont, United States1
Authors: Fitzgerald Evan P. , Bowden William B. , Parker Samuel P. , Kline Michael L.
Published: February 2012

Fitzgerald, Evan P., William B. Bowden, Samuel P. Parker, and Michael L. Kline, 2012. Urban Impacts on Streams Are Scale‐Dependent with Nonlinear Influences on Their Physical and Biotic Recovery in Vermont, United States. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(4): 679‐697. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00639.x

Abstract:  The physical and biological conditions of stream reaches in 16 watersheds within the Lake Champlain Basin of Vermont, United States, were assessed and analyzed for a response to total impervious area (TIA) at multiple spatial scales. Natural gradients (e.g., channel slope) and human impacts to channel boundary conditions (e.g., bank armoring) were considered to ensure a robust test of the Impervious Cover Model for upslope TIA. The response of geomorphic stability and sensitive macroinvertebrates to TIA was nonlinear and significant (p < 0.001), decreasing rapidly at 5% TIA. The effect of urbanization on stream condition was shown to interact significantly with drainage area and channel slope using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) (p < 0.05). Hydraulic geometry regressions for urban and rural watersheds and ANCOVA were used to describe a significant watershed scale‐dependent response of channel width to urbanization (p = 0.001). The analysis of macroinvertebrate data from reaches in different stages of channel evolution indicated that stable reaches supported greater richness of pollution intolerant species (p < 0.001) and overall taxa richness (p < 0.01) than unstable reaches, and that biotic integrity improves as channels regain stability during their evolution into a state of quasi‐equilibrium. We conclude that macroinvertebrate communities can respond positively to channel evolution processes leading to natural channel restabilization.
Karst Hydrological Processes and Grey System Model1
Authors: Hao Yonghong , Zhao Jiaojuan , Li Huamin , Cao Bibo , Li Zhongtang , Yeh Tian‐Chyi J.
Published: February 2012

Hao, Yonghong, Jiaojuan Zhao, Huamin Li, Bibo Cao, Zhongtang Li, and Tian‐Chyi J. Yeh, 2012. Karst Hydrological Processes and Grey System Model. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(4): 656‐666. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00640.x

Abstract:  The karst hydrological processes are the response of karst groundwater system to precipitation. This study provided a concept model of karst hydrological processes. The hydraulic response time of spring discharge to precipitation includes the time that precipitation penetrates through the vadose zone, and the subsequent groundwater pressure wave propagates to a spring outlet. Due to heterogeneities in karst aquifers, the hydraulic response time is different in different areas. By using grey system theory, we proposed a karst hydrological model that offers a calculation of hydraulic response time, and a response model of spring discharge to precipitation. Then, we applied the models to the Liulin Springs Basin, China. In the south part of the Liulin Springs Basin, where large fields of carbonate rocks outcrop with intensive karstification, the hydraulic response time is one year. In the north, where the Ordovician karst aquifer is covered by Quaternary loess sediments, the response time is seven years. The grey system GM(1,3) response model of spring discharge to precipitation was applied in consideration of the hydraulic response time. The model calibration showed that the average error was 6.55%, and validation showed that the average error was 12.19%.
Application of core concepts in developmental psychopathology to the understanding of pathways of aggression and violence from infancy to adulthood
Authors: Keren Miri , Tyano Sam
Published: February 2012

Introduction

 Psychiatric disorders can start at a very young age, though prevalence of specific disorders change over time. Consequently, any study of continuities and discontinuities should start in infancy, and core concepts of developmental psychopathology are useful for understanding the data. Violence is a major societal problem, while the most effective intervention is to prevent the developmental, normative aggression in very early childhood, from turning into conduct disorders and antisocial personality disorders later in life. The aims of this study were to apply the core concepts of developmental psychopathology to the understanding of the data about how developmental aggression in infancy may turn into pathological violence and conduct disorders in childhood and then into psychopathology in adulthood.

Methods

 Selective computerized review of the literature examining longitudinal studies of aggression and violence from infancy to adulthood was conducted.

Results

 Pathways of continuity and discontinuity of aggression and violence were identified from infancy into adulthood. Early care‐giving quality is a major contributor to the outcomes, but additional risk and protective factors are in a dynamic and complex interplay. The longer a pathway is pursued, the more difficult change becomes.

Discussion

 Intervention programs aimed at reducing violence among individuals and societies should target risk and protective factors, at least as much as the symptoms.
Relationship between severity of obesity and mental health: An Australian community survey
Authors: Knoesen Natalie P. , Mancuso Serafino G. , Thomas Samantha , Komesaroff Paul , Lewis Sophie , Castle David J.
Published: February 2012

Introduction

In Australia the incidence of obesity is increasing rapidly and has become a significant public health concern. In addition to the many physical consequences of obesity many studies have reported significant mental health consequences, including major depression, mood and anxiety disorders. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between severity of obesity and perceived mental health in an Australian community sample.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey design was used. A total of 118 participants, aged between 19 and 75 years with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 returned a completed questionnaire. The SF‐36 Health Survey, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Social Interaction Anxiety Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used.

Results

After adjusting for age, gender, perceived social support and physical health quality of life, obesity was not significantly associated with mental health quality of life (SF‐36). The strongest factor influencing mental health was perceived physical health. Mediation analyses suggest that physical health mediates the relationship between obesity and mental health quality of life.

Discussion

Our findings support the view that physical health mediates the relationship between obesity and mental health. Public health interventions should focus on reducing the impact of obesity on physical health by encouraging participation in healthy lifestyles, which in turn, may improve mental wellbeing.
Development and validation of the Assessment for Repeated Suicide
Authors: Yeh Andrew Wei‐Chiang , Hung Chi‐Fa , Lee Yu , Lin Pao‐Yen , Chiu Nien‐Mu , Huang Tsan‐Yu , Hsu Su‐Ting , Lee Chun‐Yi , Chen Chien‐Chih , Lin Huang‐Chi , Chong Mian‐Yoon
Published: February 2012

Introduction

This study developed and validated a multidimensional measure, the Assessment for Repeated Suicide (ARS), to assess suicide risk and predict future suicidal attempts within psychiatric populations who have previously attempted suicide.

Methods

A prospective case‐control study was conducted in a medical center between August 2004 and July 2007. Two stages were involved. Stage 1 involved the development of a 20‐item scale, the ARS, which was derived from 70 items based on expert validation. The 20‐item scale was then administered on suicide attempters enlisted from the emergency department (suicidal group) and non‐suicide attempters who were from the outpatient and inpatient units of the psychiatry department (control group). The factor structure of the new scale encompassing reliability and validity, were assessed. Stage 2 assessed the predictive validity of the ARS instrument at a one‐year follow‐up.

Results

Psychometric analyses indicated that the new scale, the ARS consisted of 19 items and had a four‐factor structure. Construct validity, concurrent validity and criterion validity were found to be good, and internal consistency and reliability were found to be satisfactory. The ARS itself and the subscale negative ideation were identified as useful predictors of suicide re‐attempts.

Discussion

The ARS is a valid instrument for assessing the risk of suicide attempts and re‐attempts. It has the advantage of integrating important psychological factors that are associated with suicide in the form of clinical interviews.
Do we need education on right‐to‐die issues? Medical perspectives from Australia
Authors: De Leo Diego , Hawgood Jacinta , Ide Naoko
Published: February 2012

Introduction

An increasing demand for physicians’ involvement in life‐ending decisions has led to extensive debate on euthanasia and right‐to‐die issues by social, political and medical groups. The Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care commissioned an evaluation of the need to educate undergraduate medical students on suicide prevention, euthanasia and life‐ending issues.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted on samples of medical school coordinators, medical students and general practitioners (GPs). Key academics in Curriculum and/or Accreditation Committees from 10 of 15 Australian Medical Schools (AMS) participated in a survey on the possible implementation of suicide prevention, euthanasia and life‐ending issues in undergraduate courses. Medical students (n = 373) were asked to rate their attitude toward the same issues. Twenty‐four GPs from six different states (rural/urban environments) were asked to rate the level of importance of a specific curriculum on suicide prevention, euthanasia and life‐ending issues.

Results

Medical students showed high interest in learning about euthanasia and life‐ending issues (76.8%), quality of life and quality of death (85.1%), and different types of euthanasia and physician‐assisted suicide (70%). They reported that physicians should be involved in ending‐life decisions (89%). Forty per cent of AMS thought education on euthanasia and life‐ending issues was essential. Fifty‐four per cent of GPs considered education in euthanasia and related issues a high priority.

Discussion

The increasing aging population and the high prevalence of chronic illness call for a growing involvement of physicians in this difficult area of medical practice. Globally, the need for undergraduate education on these matters is perceived as important and urgent.