bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deixis in literature
Authors: Tsur Reuven
Published: June 2011

This is a theoretical and methodological statement of what isn’t and what is Cognitive poetics. It is focused on Peter Stockwell’s discussion of deixis; but, I claim, much of what I have to say on Stockwell’s work would apply to some degree to the work of many other critics. I argue that Stockwell translates traditional critical terms into a “cognitive” language, but does not rely on cognitive processes to account for issues related to the texts discussed; and that he uses these terms to label or classify poetic expressions rather than point out their interaction in generating poetic effects. The present paper does not presume to tell what is the “correct” way to handle those terms, but attempts to give examples of how the same terms could be used with reference to cognitive processes, so as to account for poetic effects.
Subsentential utterances, ellipsis, and pragmatic enrichment
Authors: Hall Alison
Published: June 2011

It is argued that genuinely subsentential phrases, such as a discourse-initial utterance of “From France” to indicate the provenance of an item, provide evidence for the reality of the pragmatic process of free enrichment. I consider recent attempts to treat such discourse-initial fragments as linguistic ellipsis of some kind while accommodating the difference between these cases and accepted types of ellipsis such as sluicing and gapping (for example Merchant 2007a,b). I claim that the mechanisms they posit to save an ellipsis story have no role in an account of performance (an account of the processes of utterance interpretation). An argument against the enrichment approach from the indeterminacy of the content of subsentential utterances is discussed, and refuted, and it is shown how this indeterminacy is accommodated in a contextualist pragmatic theory.
Can we say what we mean?
Authors: Navarro-Reyes Jesús
Published: June 2011

The aim of this paper is to discuss a basic assumption tacitly shared by many philosophers of mind and language: that whatever can be meant, can be said. It specifically targets John Searle’s account of this idea, focusing on his Principle of Expressibility (PE henceforth). In the first part of the paper, PE is exposed underlining its analyticity (1) and its relevance for the philosophy of language (2), mind (3), society and action (4). In the critical part, the notion of Background is taken into account in order to re-evaluate two basic distinctions: the one between sentence and utterance meanings (5), and the one between native and type speakers (6). PE is reconsidered in the light of the previous arguments as a methodological strategy that does not prevent uses of language from eventual semantic excesses and deficits (7), and a complementary Principle of Expression Fallibility is finally proposed (8).
On the pluralistic conception of logic
Authors: Vecsey Zoltán
Published: June 2011

Beall and Restall (2000, 2006) argue for a pluralistic conception of logic, which may be called Background Pluralism. In the first part of this paper, I outline the core tenets of Beall and Restall’s position. In the second part I consider a particular line of criticism presented in Read (2004, 2006) and Priest (2006). Finally, in the last part of the paper, I develop a new argument which is directed against the fundamental thesis of Beall and Restall’s pluralistic theory. Since the argument attempts to show that the fundamental thesis incorporates a self-defeating feature, it will be called the Instability Argument.
Communicative signs meaning naturally
Authors: Pfister Jonas
Published: June 2011

Paul Grice distinguishes between natural meaning and non-natural meaning, where the first notion is especially connected to something’s being a natural sign and the second to communication. It is argued that some of the arguments against the distinction being exhaustive are based on a misinterpretation of Grice, but also that the distinction cannot be exhaustive if one takes into account both the criterion of factivity and the connection to communication. If one makes a distinction between natural and non-natural communication, then there are different types of natural communication to be distinguished: goal-directed communication, intentional communication and open intentional communication. Given the empirical evidence, the behavior of chimpanzees and of human infants may be described as goal-directed communication, but there are also important differences between the communicative behavior of the two.
Computational modelling of spoken-word recognition processes
Authors: Scharenborg Odette , Boves Lou
Published: June 2011

Computational modelling has proven to be a valuable approach in developing theories of spoken-word processing. In this paper, we focus on a particular class of theories in which it is assumed that the spoken-word recognition process consists of two consecutive stages, with an ‘abstract’ discrete symbolic representation at the interface between the stages. In evaluating computational models, it is important to bring in independent arguments for the cognitive plausibility of the algorithms that are selected to compute the processes in a theory. This paper discusses the relation between behavioural studies, theories, and computational models of spoken-word recognition. We explain how computational models can be assessed in terms of the goodness of fit with the behavioural data and the cognitive plausibility of the algorithms. An in-depth analysis of several models provides insights into how computational modelling has led to improved theories and to a better understanding of the human spoken-word recognition process.
A proof of the positive density conjecture for integer Apollonian circle packings
Authors: Bourgain Jean , Fuchs Elena
Published: June 2011

An Apollonian circle packing (ACP) is an ancient Greek construction which is made by repeatedly inscribing circles into the triangular interstices in a Descartes configuration of four mutually tangent circles. Remarkably, if the original four circles have integer curvature, all of the circles in the packing will have integer curvature as well. In this paper, we compute a lower bound for the number

κ
(
P
,
X
)

\kappa (P,X)

of integers less than

X
X

occurring as curvatures in a bounded integer ACP

P
P

, and prove a conjecture of Graham, Lagarias, Mallows, Wilkes, and Yan that the ratio

κ
(
P
,
X
)

/

X

\kappa (P,X)/X

is greater than

0
0

for

X
X

tending to infinity.
Patient and Clinical Site Factors Associated With Rescreening Behavior Among Older Multiethnic, Low-Income Women
Authors: Fox Patrick , Arnsberger Pamela , Owens Desi , Nussey Brenda , Zhang Xiluan , Golding Jacqueline M. , Tabnak Farzaneh , Otero-Sabogal Regina
Published: June 2011

Purpose:  Our goal was to identify factors predictive of mammography rescreening within 18 months of baseline screening in multiethnic, low-income older women. Design and Methods: We interviewed a cross-sectional survey of staff of 102 randomly selected clinics that provided screening and diagnostic services. We also surveyed a random sample of 391 older women served by these clinics to retrospectively assess their experiences of the screening process. Results: We found that 59% of the sample returned for a repeat mammogram. Education level and the belief it is important to get an annual mammogram were significant patient-level predictors of rescreening. Offering pap smears and using hands-on demonstrations with breast models were significant clinic-level variables predictive of rescreening. Of note, among the variables that did not prove significant in the final model were those reflecting ethnicity and income. Implications: Individual and health-care-delivery-system factors play important roles in the obtaining of regular mammograms by low-income women. These findings highlight the importance of both factors in improving rescreening rates among older women.
Modelling nonlinear hydroelastic waves
Authors: Plotnikov P. I. , Toland J. F.
Published: June 2011

This paper uses the special Cosserat theory of hyperelastic shells satisfying Kirchoff’s hypothesis and irrotational flow theory to model the interaction between a heavy thin elastic sheet and an infinite ocean beneath it. From a general discussion of three-dimensional motions, involving an Eulerian description of the flow and a Lagrangian description of the elastic sheet, a special case of two-dimensional travelling waves with two wave speed parameters, one for the sheet and another for the fluid, is developed only in terms of Eulerian coordinates.
The energetics of flow through a rapidly oscillating tube with slowly varying amplitude
Authors: Whittaker Robert J. , Heil Matthias , Waters Sarah L.
Published: June 2011

Motivated by the problem of self-excited oscillations in fluid-filled collapsible tubes, we examine the flow structure and energy budget of flow through an elastic-walled tube. Specifically, we consider the case in which a background axial flow is perturbed by prescribed small-amplitude high-frequency long-wavelength oscillations of the tube wall, with a slowly growing or decaying amplitude. We use a multiple-scale analysis to show that, at leading order, we recover the constant-amplitude equations derived by Whittaker
et al
. (Whittaker
et al.
2010
J. Fluid Mech.
648
, 83–121. (
doi:10.1017/S0022112009992904
)) with the effects of growth or decay entering only at first order. We also quantify the effects on the flow structure and energy budget. Finally, we discuss how our results are needed to understand and predict an instability that can lead to self-excited oscillations in collapsible-tube systems.
Two-dimensional generalized solitary waves and periodic waves under an ice sheet
Authors: Vanden-Broeck Jean-Marc , Părău Emilian I.
Published: June 2011

Two-dimensional gravity waves travelling under an ice sheet are studied. The flow is assumed to be potential. Weakly nonlinear solutions are derived and fully nonlinear solutions are calculated numerically. Periodic waves and generalized solitary waves are studied.
The mathematical challenges and modelling of hydroelasticity
Authors: Korobkin Alexander , Părău Emilian I. , Vanden-Broeck Jean-Marc
Published: June 2011

Hydroelasticity brings together hydrodynamics and elastic theories. It is concerned with deformations of elastic bodies responding to hydrodynamic excitations, which themselves depend on elastic deformation. This Theme Issue is intended to identify and to outline mathematical problems of modern hydroelasticity and to review recent developments in this area, including physically and mathematically elaborated models and the techniques used in their analysis.
Morphology and behaviour: functional links in development and evolution
Authors: Bertossa Rinaldo C.
Published: June 2011

Development and evolution of animal behaviour and morphology are frequently addressed independently, as reflected in the dichotomy of disciplines dedicated to their study distinguishing object of study (morphology versus behaviour) and perspective (ultimate versus proximate). Although traits are known to develop and evolve semi-independently, they are matched together in development and evolution to produce a unique functional phenotype. Here I highlight similarities shared by both traits, such as the decisive role played by the environment for their ontogeny. Considering the widespread developmental and functional entanglement between both traits, many cases of adaptive evolution are better understood when proximate and ultimate explanations are integrated. A field integrating these perspectives is evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo), which studies the developmental basis of phenotypic diversity. Ultimate aspects in evo-devo studies—which have mostly focused on morphological traits—could become more apparent when behaviour, ‘the integrator of form and function’, is integrated into the same framework of analysis. Integrating a trait such as behaviour at a different level in the biological hierarchy will help to better understand not only how behavioural diversity is produced, but also how levels are connected to produce functional phenotypes and how these evolve. A possible framework to accommodate and compare form and function at different levels of the biological hierarchy is outlined. At the end, some methodological issues are discussed.
Polymorphism in the couch potato gene clines in eastern Australia but is not associated with ovarian dormancy in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: LEE SIU F. , SGRÒ CARLA M. , SHIRRIFFS JENNIFER , WEE CHOON W. , RAKO LEA , Van HEERWAARDEN BELINDA , HOFFMANN ARY A.
Published: June 2011

Natural selection can generate parallel latitudinal clines in traits and gene frequencies across continents, but these have rarely been linked. An amino acid (isoleucine to lysine, or I462K) polymorphism of the couch potato (cpo) gene in Drosophila melanogaster is thought to control female reproductive diapause cline in North America (Schmidt et al. 2008, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 105, 16207–16211). Here, we show that under standard diapause‐inducing conditions (12 °C and short photoperiod) (Saunders et al. 1989, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 86, 3748–3752), egg maturation in Australian flies is delayed, but not arrested at previtellogenic stages. At 12 °C, the phenotypic distribution in egg development was bimodal at stages 8 and 14 and showed a strong nonlinear pattern on the east coast of Australia, with incidence of egg maturation delay (ovarian dormancy) increasing both toward tropical and temperate climates. Furthermore, we found no evidence for an association between the cpo I462K polymorphism and ovarian dormancy at either 12 or 10 °C (when egg maturation was often delayed at stage 7). Owing to strong linkage disequilibrium, the latitudinal cline in cpo allele frequencies was no longer evident once variation in the In(3R)P inversion polymorphism was taken into account. Our results suggest that the standard diapause‐inducing conditions (12 °C and short photoperiod) were not sufficient to cause the typical previtellogenic developmental arrest in Australian flies and that the cpo I462K polymorphism does not explain the observed delay in egg development. In conclusion, ovarian dormancy does not show a simple latitudinal cline, and the lack of cpo‐dormancy association suggests a different genetic basis to reproductive dormancy in North America and Australia.
Latitudinal and voltinism compensation shape thermal reaction norms for growth rate
Authors: SHAMA LISA N. S. , CAMPERO‐PAZ MELINA , WEGNER K. MATHIAS , DE BLOCK MARJAN , STOKS ROBBY
Published: June 2011

Latitudinal variation in thermal reaction norms of key fitness traits may inform about the response of populations to climate warming, yet their adaptive nature and evolutionary potential are poorly known. We assessed the contribution of quantitative genetic, neutral genetic and environmental effects to thermal reaction norms of growth rate for populations of the damselfly Ischnura elegans. Among populations, reaction norms differed primarily in elevation, suggesting that time constraints associated with shorter growth seasons in univoltine, high‐latitude as well as multivoltine, low‐latitude populations selected for faster growth rates. Phenotypic divergence among populations is consistent with selection rather than drift as QST was greater than FST in all cases. QST estimates increased with experimental temperature and were influenced by genotype by environment interactions. Substantial additive genetic variation for growth rate in all populations suggests that evolution of trait means in different environments is not constrained. Heritability of growth rates was higher at high temperature, driven by increased genetic rather than environmental variance. While environment‐specific nonadditive effects also may contribute to heritability differences among temperatures, maternal effects did not play a significant role (where these could be accounted for). Genotype by environment interactions strongly influenced the adaptive potential of populations, and our results suggest the potential for microevolution of thermal reaction norms in each of the studied populations. In summary, the observed latitudinal pattern in growth rates is adaptive and results from a combination of latitudinal and voltinism compensation. Combined with the evolutionary potential of thermal reaction norms, this may affect populations’ ability to respond to future climate warming.
Unravelling provenance from Eocene–Oligocene sandstones of the Thrace Basin, North‐east Greece
Authors: CARACCIOLO LUCA , CRITELLI SALVATORE , INNOCENTI FABRIZIO , KOLIOS NIKO , MANETTI PIERO
Published: June 2011

New sandstone petrology and petrostratigraphy provide insights on Palaeogene (Middle Eocene to Oligocene) clastics of the Thrace Basin in Greece, which developed synchronously with post‐Cretaceous collision and subsequent Tertiary extension. Sandstone petrofacies are used as a tool to unravel complex geodynamic changes that occurred at the southern continental margin of the European plate, identifying detrital signals of the accretionary processes of the Rhodope orogen, as well as subsequent partitioning related to extension of the Rhodope area, followed by Oligocene to present Aegean extension and wide magmatic activity starting during the Early Oligocene. Sandstone detrital modes include three distinctive petrofacies: quartzolithic, quartzofeldspathic and feldspatholithic. Major contributions are from metamorphic basement units, represented mostly by low to medium‐grade lithic fragments for the quartzolithic petrofacies and high‐grade metamorphic rock fragments for the quartzofeldspathic petrofacies. Volcaniclastic sandstones were derived from different volcanic areas, with a composition varying from dominantly silicic to subordinate intermediate products (mainly rhyolitic glass, spherulites and felsitic lithics). Evolution of detrital modes documents contributions from three key source areas corresponding to the two main crystalline tectonic units: (i) the Variegated Complex (ultramafic complex), in the initial stage of accretion (quartzolithic petrofacies); (ii) the Gneiss–Migmatite Complex (quartzofeldspathic petrofacies); and (iii) the Circum‐Rhodope Belt. The volcaniclastic petrofacies is interbedded with quartzofeldspathic petrofacies, reflecting superposition of active volcanic activity on regional erosion. The three key petrofacies reflect complex provenance from different tectonic settings, from collisional orogenic terranes to local basement uplift and volcanic activity. The composition and stratigraphic relations of sandstones derived from erosion of the Rhodope orogenic belt and superposed magmatism after the extensional phase in northern Greece provide constraints for palaeogeographic and palaeotectonic models of the Eocene to Oligocene western portions of the Thrace Basin. Clastic detritus in the following sedimentary assemblages was derived mainly from provenance terranes of the Palaeozoic section within the strongly deformed Rhodope Massif of northern Greece and south‐east Bulgaria, from the epimetamorphic units of the Circum‐Rhodope Belt and from superposed Late Eocene to Early Oligocene magmatism related to orogenic collapse of the Rhodope orogen. The sedimentary provenance of the Rhodope Palaeogene sandstones documents the changing nature of this orogenic belt through time, and may contribute to a general understanding of similar geodynamic settings.
Host‐plant defence against Striga spp.: reconsidering the role of tolerance
Authors: RODENBURG J , BASTIAANS L
Published: June 2011

Rodenburg J & Bastiaans L (2011). Host‐plant defence against Striga spp.: reconsidering the role of tolerance. Weed Research51, 438–441.

Parasitic weeds of the genus Striga cause high yield losses in cereal crops across Africa. Host‐plant defence against Striga spp. can be an effective control strategy. It ideally consists of resistance, to reduce infection, complemented with tolerance, to mitigate the effects of infection. As resistance against Striga spp. can both minimise yield losses and reduce future infestation levels in infested fields, current breeding efforts are mainly directed towards this trait. Because it is nearly impossible to screen for tolerance on highly resistant genetic lines, tolerance is often neglected. Here, we argue reconsidering the role of tolerance, as recent findings regarding the physiological expression of tolerance offer a promising track for identifying the genetic background of tolerance. Identification of quantitative trait loci for tolerance would facilitate the inclusion of this trait in adapted cultivars with high levels of resistance, where its main role would be to function as a safety net in case the genetically highly variable parasite populations overcome host‐plant resistance. Because Striga spp. are mainly prevalent in subsistence farming systems, we consider this an important addition and it is for this reason that we make a plea for a more prominent role of tolerance in present‐day integrated management of this weed.
Emerging clinical and experimental evidence for the role of lipocalin‐2 in metabolic syndrome
Authors: Jang Yangsoo , Lee Jong Ho , Wang Yu , Sweeney Gary
Published: June 2011

1. The inflammatory state, which is associated with the current pandemic of obesity, has been established as an important contributing pathogenic factor to the increased prevalence of the so‐called metabolic syndrome. Many studies have focused on the contribution of various adipokines to this phenomenon, and in the present study, we provide an update on the emerging evidence that the pro‐inflammatory factor, lipocalin‐2, might influence various aspects of metabolic syndrome.

2. Previous reports indicate a positive correlation of serum lipocalin‐2 with fasting glucose, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index, and the inflammatory marker high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, even after adjustment for body mass index, suggesting that it is an independent risk factor for insulin resistance, diabetes, and inflammation. Direct analysis of lipocalin‐2 action now also shows effects on peripheral metabolism and on cardiovascular function.

3. A better understanding of how lipocalin‐2 is regulated locally and systemically is crucial for adding to our understanding of the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, and to uncover potential new avenues for therapeutic approaches.
Midbrain volume increase in patients with panic disorder
Authors: Fujiwara Akiko , Yoshida Takeshi , Otsuka Tatsui , Hayano Fumi , Asami Takeshi , Narita Hiroyuki , Nakamura Motoaki , Inoue Tomio , Hirayasu Yoshio
Published: June 2011

Aim:  Although recent studies suggest abnormalities of the cerebral cortex, limbic structures, and brain stem regions in panic disorder (PD), the extent to which the midbrain is associated with PD pathophysiology is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate structural abnormalities of the midbrain using magnetic resonance imaging and to determine if there is a clinical correlation between midbrain volume and clinical measurements in patients with PD.

Methods:  Thirty‐eight patients with PD (PD group) and 38 healthy controls (HC group) participated in this study. The midbrain was measured with a manual tracing method with high spatial resolution magnetic resonance imaging. The Panic Disorder Severity Scale and Global Assessment of Functioning were used to examine the correlation between volume abnormality and clinical symptoms and functioning in the PD group.

Results:  Relative midbrain volume was larger in the PD group than in the HC group. The relative volume of the dorsal midbrain was larger in the PD group, while the volume of the ventral midbrain was not. We found a significant positive correlation between relative dorsal midbrain volume and total Panic Disorder Severity Scale score, and a significant negative correlation between relative dorsal midbrain volume and Global Assessment of Functioning score in the PD group.

Conclusions:  Our findings suggest that the dorsal midbrain is associated with PD pathophysiology. The midbrain volume increase may reflect PD severity.
Correlations between the offensive subtype of social anxiety disorder and personality disorders
Authors: Nagata Toshihiko , Matsunaga Hisato , van Vliet Irene , Yamada Hisashi , Fukuhara Hidehiro , Yoshimura Chiho , Kiriike Nobuo
Published: June 2011

Aims:  Recent studies have revealed the possibility that the offensive subtype of social anxiety disorder (SAD) may no longer be a culture‐bound syndrome; however, detailed clinical pictures have never been reported. This study investigated the differences between the offensive and non‐offensive subtypes of SAD in terms of the background and axis I and II comorbidity.

Methods:  A total of 139 patients with SAD based on DSM‐IV criteria were studied by conducting a semi‐structured interview including the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV axis I and II disorders, and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale.

Results:  Fifty‐two (37%) patients were classified with the offensive subtype. There were no significant differences in most demographic variables and axis I lifetime comorbidity between offensive and non‐offensive subtype patients. On logistic regression analysis, offensive subtype patients showed a more frequent history of parental physical abuse, higher Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale scores, and more frequently exhibited obsessive–compulsive personality disorders than non‐offensive subtype patients.

Conclusion:  Yamashita (1977) reported that the majority of offensive subtype patients were doted on by their parents, although current offensive subtype patients are more likely to have had a troubled childhood, show severer forms of SAD, and more frequently exhibit an inflexible personality. This study suggested that the offensive subtype might not be essentially different from the non‐offensive subtype (quantitative rather than qualitative).
A Review of Theory in Family Business Research: The Implications for Corporate Governance
Authors: Siebels Jan‐Folke , zu Knyphausen‐Aufseß Dodo
Published: June 2011

In recent years, increasing scholarly attention has been directed toward the field of family business research. Based on an exhaustive sample of 235 publications, this article provides a comprehensive review and a critical assessment of the theoretical underpinnings and corporate governance issues in family business research. Three predominant theoretical perspectives, namely principal–agent theory, stewardship theory and the resource‐based view of the firm, have emerged and provide empirical evidence that family businesses significantly differ from non‐family firms in important dimensions such as agency costs, competitive advantages or corporate governance structure. On their own, none of the aforementioned perspectives succeeds in addressing all complexities associated with family businesses and their corporate governance. Accordingly, joint approaches combining different theoretical frameworks can help to improve understanding of the family business. The article concludes by discussing possible directions for future research that might further contribute to building a comprehensive theory of the family business and its corporate governance.
Medicaid Personal Care Services and Caregivers' Reports of Children's Health: The Dynamics of a Relationship
Authors: Elliott Timothy R. , Phillips Charles D. , Patnaik Ashweeta , Naiser Emily , Booth Eric A. , Fournier Constance J. , Miller Thomas R. , Moudouni Darcy M. , Hawes Catherine , Dyer James A.
Published: June 2011

Objective. To investigate the relationship between Medicaid Personal Care Services (PCS) and caregivers' reports of activity (activities of daily living [ADL]) limitations for children with chronic health problems.

Data Sources/Study Setting. Primary data collected in 2008 and 2009. A state Medicaid program was the setting. The focus was children receiving Medicaid PCS.

Data Collection. Medicaid case managers assessed children to determine their need for PCS, using information provided by the child or informal caregivers. Two thousand seven hundred assessments were provided to researchers directly from case managers.

Principal Findings. Medical conditions and impairments explained 58 percent of the variance in the child's activity limitations. Activity limitations and problem behaviors explained 28 percent of the variance in PCS hours authorized. Which case manager completed the assessment also played a substantial role in determining hours of care.

Conclusions. Caregivers' reports of the severity of a child's activity limitations effectively summarize the effects of conditions and impairments on the child's ADL performance and have a significant impact on the level of services provided. Assessors often respond differently to children's characteristics and circumstances as they move from assessment to decisions concerning care provision. Our results imply that the provision of appropriate services may be enhanced when both case managers and caregivers play an active role in decisions concerning care provision.
Comparing Patient Outcomes across Payer Types: Implications for Using Hospital Discharge Records to Assess Quality
Authors: Maeng Daniel D. , Martsolf Grant R.
Published: June 2011

Objective. To explain observed differences in patient outcomes across payer types using hospital discharge records. Specifically, we address two mechanisms: hospital‐payer matching versus unobserved patient heterogeneity.

Data Source. Florida's hospital discharge records (1996–2000) of major surgery patients with private health insurance between the ages of 18 and 65, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) market penetration data, hospital systems data, and the Area Resource File.

Study Design. The dependent variable is occurrence of one or more in‐hospital complications as identified by the Complication Screening Program. The key independent variable is patients' primary‐payer type (HMO, Preferred Provider Organization, and fee‐for‐service). We estimate five different logistic regression models, each representing a different assumption about the underlying factors that confound the causal relationship between the payer type and the likelihood of experiencing complications.

Principal Finding. We find that the observed differences in complication rates across payer types are largely driven by unobserved differences in patient health, even after adjusting for case mix using available data elements in the discharge records.

Conclusion. Because of the limitations inherent to hospital discharge records, making quality comparisons in terms of patient outcomes is challenging. As such, any efforts to assess quality in such a manner must be carried out cautiously.
Does Medication Adherence Following a Copayment Increase Differ by Disease Burden?
Authors: Wang Virginia , Liu Chuan‐Fen , Bryson Christopher L. , Sharp Nancy D. , Maciejewski Matthew L.
Published: June 2011

Objectives. To compare changes in medication adherence between patients with high‐ or low‐comorbidity burden after a copayment increase.

Methods. We conducted a retrospective observational study at four Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers by comparing veterans with hypertension or diabetes required to pay copayments with propensity score‐matched veterans exempt from copayments. Disease cohorts were stratified by Diagnostic Cost Group risk score: low‐ (<1) and high‐comorbidity (>1) burden. Medication adherence from February 2001 to December 2003, constructed from VA pharmacy claims data based on the ReComp algorithm, were assessed using generalized estimating equations.

Results. Veterans with lower comorbidity were more responsive to a U.S.$5 copayment increase than higher comorbidity veterans. In the lower comorbidity groups, veterans with diabetes had a greater reduction in adherence than veterans with hypertension. Adherence trends were similar for copayment‐exempt and nonexempt veterans with higher comorbidity.

Conclusion. Medication copayment increases are associated with different impacts for low‐ and high‐risk patients. High‐risk patients incur greater out‐of‐pocket costs from continued adherence, while low‐risk patients put themselves at increased risk for adverse health events due to greater nonadherence.
Thermal gradient and timing of high‐T–low‐P metamorphism in the Wongwibinda Metamorphic Complex, southern New England Orogen, Australia
Authors: CRAVEN S. J. , DACZKO N. R. , HALPIN J. A.
Published: June 2011

The Wongwibinda Metamorphic Complex (WMC) is a high‐temperature, low‐pressure (HTLP) belt in the southern New England Orogen. It is characterized by a high metamorphic field gradient exposed in variably metamorphosed siliceous turbidites. The Abroi Granodiorite and the Rockvale and Tobermory adamellites, S‐type granitoids of the Hillgrove Plutonic Suite, intrude the metaturbidites. Six samples of metaturbidite were studied from an ∼3 km long field traverse. Integrated petrography, mineral chemistry, and mineral equilibria modelling indicate a peak metamorphic temperature of 350–450 °C in the lowest grade rocks and ∼660 °C in the highest‐grade rocks. Maximum pressure does not exceed 3.5 kbar anywhere, implying a maximum depth of 12 km and indicating an average vertical gradient of at least 55 °C km−1, though our calculations suggest this is not linear. Metamorphic isograds show no apparent relationship with distance to the exposed margins of the Hillgrove Suite granitoids. Electron microprobe U–Th–Pb monazite data indicate a date of 296.8 ± 1.5 Ma for the thermal peak of the HTLP metamorphism. Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry indicates a zircon U–Pb crystallization age of 290.5 ± 1.6 Ma for the Abroi Granodiorite, confirming that the pluton post‐dates the peak HTLP metamorphism. Consequently, magmatic advective heat transfer from depth via emplacement of a large volume of granitoid is unlikely to be the key local driver of the high‐grade metamorphism. It is concluded that published evidence of an extensional geodynamic setting around the Carboniferous–Permian boundary supports conductive heat transfer as the key driver of HTLP metamorphism for the WMC. It is not possible to exclude magmatic advective heat transfer via emplacement of mantle derived basaltic magmas in the deeper crust.
Implications of a Nephrology Workforce Shortage for Dialysis Patient Care
Authors: Mehrotra Rajnish , Shaffer Rachel N. , Molitoris Bruce A.
Published: June 2011

Recent dramatic decreases in US medical graduate and International Medical Graduate interest in nephrology as a career suggest that delivery of care to the vulnerable population of dialysis patients in the United States could be negatively affected in coming years. Demographic shifts and changes to national health policy are also likely to exacerbate challenges to provide adequate care to people on dialysis or at risk of end‐stage renal disease. Training an adequate number of nephrologists is imperative and will require both reconfiguring current approaches to training and certain aspects of care delivery as well as highlighting bright spots of innovation within the field of nephrology.
Pruritic Rash and Eosinophilia in a Patient Receiving Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Patel Umesh O. , Fox Susan R. , Moy James N. , Korbet Stephen M.
Published: June 2011

A 28‐year‐old woman with end‐stage renal disease maintained on peritoneal dialysis developed a hyperpigmented macular pruritic rash on multiple parts of her body associated with an eosinophilia of 22%. The consulting allergist suspected a silicone allergy from the peritoneal dialysis catheter. A patch test confirmed this diagnosis. Treatment with both topical and systemic steroids was ineffective. Following a living nonrelated renal transplant and removal of the catheter the rash and eosinophilia resolved.
Communicating Actionable Risk for Terrorism and Other Hazards⋆
Authors: Wood Michele M. , Mileti Dennis S. , Kano Megumi , Kelley Melissa M. , Regan Rotrease , Bourque Linda B.
Published: June 2011

We propose a shift in emphasis when communicating to people when the objective is to motivate household disaster preparedness actions. This shift is to emphasize the communication of preparedness actions (what to do about risk) rather than risk itself. We have called this perspective “communicating actionable risk,” and it is grounded in diffusion of innovations and communication theories. A representative sample of households in the nation was analyzed using a path analytic framework. Preparedness information variables (including content, density, and observation), preparedness mediating variables (knowledge, perceived effectiveness, and milling), and preparedness actions taken were modeled. Clear results emerged that provide a strong basis for communicating actionable risk, and for the conclusion both that information observed (seeing preparedness actions that other have taken) and information received (receiving recommendations about what preparedness actions to take) play key, although different, roles in motivating preparedness actions among the people in our nation.
Temperature‐Dependent Crystal Structures of Ti2AlN and Cr2GeC as Determined from High Temperature Neutron Diffraction
Authors: Lane Nina J. , Vogel Sven C. , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: June 2011

In this work, we report on the temperature‐dependent crystal structures of the isostructural, layered hexagonal phases Ti2AlN and Cr2GeC determined by Rietveld analysis of high temperature neutron powder diffraction data of fully dense, polycrystalline, bulk samples in the 100° to 1100°C temperature range. For both phases, the A‐group atoms, Al and Ge, vibrate with the highest amplitude and do so anisotropically within the basal plane. All bonds expand linearly with temperature, with the highest relative thermal expansion occurring in the Ti–Al and Cr–Ge bonds. The thermal expansion coefficients in the a‐ and c‐direction are, respectively, 10.3(±0.2) × 10−6 and 9.3(±0.2) × 10−6 K−1 for Ti2AlN and 12.8(±0.3) × 10−6 and 14.6(±0.3) × 10−6 K−1 for Cr2GeC. The unit cell volume expansions observed by HTND are 10.0(±0.2) × 10−6 K−1 for Ti2AlN and 13.4(±0.3) × 10−6 K−1 for Cr2GeC.
Onset Plastic Deformation and Cracking Behavior of Silicon Carbide under Contact Load at Room Temperature
Authors: Zhao Xiaofeng , Langford Richard M. , Shapiro Ian P. , Xiao Ping
Published: June 2011

The room temperature onset plastic deformation and crack behavior of 3C‐SiC under contact load were investigated using nanoindentation and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). During loading, abrupt bursts or pop‐in in the load–displacement curves was observed at a depth of ~60 nm. The 3C‐SiC deforms elastically before the pop‐in depth, but exhibits a plastic‐elastic behavior after that. TEM observations reveal that the shear slip is the predominant deformation mechanism in 3C‐SiC during indentation. The cracks usually initiate at the intersection of shear bands or grain boundary. In addition, theoretical analysis confirms that the pop‐in event is associated with the onset plasticity of 3C‐SiC.
Endovascular Management of Symptomatic Extracranial Stenosis Associated with Secondary Intracranial Tandem Stenosis. A Multicenter Review
Authors: Siddiqui Fazeel M. , Hassan Ameer E. , Tariq Nauman , Yacoub Hussam , Vazquez Gabriela , Suri M. Fareed K. , Taylor Robert A. , Qureshi Adnan I.
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND

Several studies have reported variable rates of perioperative risk of stroke in individuals with tandem stenoses after carotid endarterectomy. Endovascular treatment of extracranial lesions associated with tandem lesions is limited to case reports and small case series.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed clinical records and angiographic findings of 132 symptomatic patients with extracranial atherosclerotic disease who underwent elective stent placement at three tertiary care centers. Tandem stenosis was defined as any lesion with intracranial stenosis ≥50% in the same (but not contiguous) vascular distribution distal to primary extracranial stenosis. The study end point was a composite of any stroke or death within 24 hours, at 1‐ and 6‐month postprocedure. The rates of primary end points were compared between patients with or without secondary tandem stenosis.

RESULTS

Out of 132 patients (134 procedures), 27 patients were identified with a tandem stenosis. The stroke and/or death rates at 24 hours were (11.1% vs 7.5%, P= . 69) for patients with tandem stenosis and single stenosis, respectively. The cumulative stroke and/or death rate at 1‐month postprocedure (15.0% vs 7.5%, P= .10) and at 6‐month postprocedure (26.6% vs 12.8%, P= .08) appeared to be higher among those with tandem stenoses without reaching statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

The high risk of postprocedural stroke and/or death observed in this series requires careful assessment of the risk/benefit ratio of endovascular procedures in patients with tandem stenosis.
Airway smooth muscle and immunomodulation in acute exacerbations of airway disease
Authors: Koziol‐White Cynthia J. , Panettieri Jr Reynold A.
Published: June 2011

Summary:  Airway smooth muscle (ASM) manifests a hyperresponsive phenotype in airway disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis. Current evidence also suggests that ASM modulates immune responses by secreting mediators and expressing cell surface molecules. Such processes amplify or dampen inflammation by inflammatory cells in the airways or by altering cellular responses to viruses, bacteria, or pathogens known to exacerbate airways diseases.
Osh Proteins Regulate Membrane Sterol Organization but Are Not Required for Sterol Movement Between the ER and PM
Authors: Georgiev Alexander G. , Sullivan David P. , Kersting Michael C. , Dittman Jeremy S. , Beh Christopher T. , Menon Anant K.
Published: June 2011

Sterol transport between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and plasma membrane (PM) occurs by an ATP‐dependent, non‐vesicular mechanism that is presumed to require sterol transport proteins (STPs). In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, homologs of the mammalian oxysterol‐binding protein (Osh1‐7) have been proposed to function as STPs. To evaluate this proposal we took two approaches. First we used dehydroergosterol (DHE) to visualize sterol movement in living cells by fluorescence microscopy. DHE was introduced into the PM under hypoxic conditions and observed to redistribute to lipid droplets on growing the cells aerobically. Redistribution required ATP and the sterol acyltransferase Are2, but did not require PM‐derived transport vesicles. DHE redistribution occurred robustly in a conditional yeast mutant (oshΔosh4‐1ts) that lacks all functional Osh proteins at 37°C. In a second approach we used a pulse‐chase protocol to analyze the movement of metabolically radiolabeled ergosterol from the ER to the PM. Arrival of radiolabeled ergosterol at the PM was assessed in isolated PM‐enriched fractions as well as by extracting sterols from intact cells with methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin. These experiments revealed that whereas ergosterol is transported effectively from the ER to the PM in Osh‐deficient cells, the rate at which it moves within the PM to equilibrate with the methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin extractable sterol pool is slowed. We conclude (i) that the role of Osh proteins in non‐vesicular sterol transport between the PM, ER and lipid droplets is either minimal, or subsumed by other mechanisms and (ii) that Osh proteins regulate the organization of sterols at the PM.
Involvement of Rab3A in Vesicle Priming During Exocytosis: Interaction with Munc13‐1 and Munc18‐1
Authors: Huang Chien‐Chang , Yang De‐Ming , Lin Chung‐Chih , Kao Lung‐Sen
Published: June 2011

Rab3A is a small G‐protein of the Rab family that is involved in the late steps of exocytosis. Here, we studied the role of Rab3A and its relationship with Munc13‐1 and Munc18‐1 during vesicle priming. Phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) is known to enhance the percentage of fusion‐competent vesicles and this is mediated by protein kinase C (PKC)‐independent Munc13‐1 activation and PKC‐dependent dissociation of Munc18‐1 from syntaxin 1a. Our results show that the effects of PMA varied in cells overexpressing Rab3A or mutants of Rab3A and in cells with Rab3A knockdown. When Munc13‐1 was overexpressed in Rab3A knockdown cells, secretion was completely inhibited. In cells overexpressing a Rab‐interacting molecule (RIM)‐binding deficient Munc13‐1 mutant, 128‐Munc13‐1, the effects of Rab3A on PMA‐induced secretion was abolished. The effect of PMA, which disappeared in cells overexpressing GTP‐Rab3A (Q81L), could be reversed by co‐expressing Munc18‐1 but not its mutant R39C, which is unable to bind to syntaxin 1a. In cells overexpressing Munc18‐1, manipulation of Rab3A activity had no effect on secretion. Finally, Munc18‐1 enhanced the dissociation of Rab3A, and such enhancement correlated with exocytosis. In summary, our results support the hypothesis that the Rab3A cycle is coupled with the activation of Munc13‐1 via RIM, which accounts for the regulation of secretion by Rab3A. Munc18‐1 acts downstream of Munc13‐1/RIM/Rab3A and interacts with syntaxin 1a allowing vesicle priming. Furthermore, Munc18‐1 promotes Rab3A dissociation from vesicles, which then results in fusion.
Commitment of Decidual Haematopoietic Progenitor Cells in First Trimester Pregnancy
Authors: Szereday Laszlo , Miko Eva , Meggyes Matyas , Barakonyi Aliz , Farkas Balint , Varnagy Akos , Bodis Jozsef , Lynch Lydia , O’Farrelly Cliona , Szekeres‐Bartho Julia
Published: June 2011

Citation Szereday L, Miko E, Meggyes M, Barakonyi A, Farkas B, Varnagy A, Bodis J, Lynch L, O’Farrelly C, Szekeres‐Bartho J. Commitment of decidual haematopoietic progenitor cells in first trimester pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 9–16

Problem  The aim of this study was to investigate the phenotype and commitment of decidual haematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) in healthy pregnant women and in women with early miscarriage.

Method of study  Peripheral blood and decidual tissue from healthy and pathological pregnant women were examined for HPCs and lymphoid progenitors using flow cytometric analysis.

Results  Compared with peripheral blood, we found a significant increase in decidual HPCs in both healthy pregnant women and women with spontaneous abortion. T/NK, natural killer (NK), gamma‐delta and NKT cell progenitors were identified in all peripheral blood and decidual samples. In pathologic pregnant women, the ratios of decidual T/NK and NK cell progenitors were significantly increased compared with healthy pregnant controls.

Conclusion  We demonstrated decidual cells with haematopoietic progenitor cell phenotype in human decidua. Increased levels of NK progenitors in the decidua of women with early spontaneous abortion suggest a dysregulation of this pathway that may contribute to pregnancy failure.
Caloric restriction and chronic inflammatory diseases
Authors: González OA , Tobia C , Ebersole JL , Novak MJ
Published: June 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 18, 16–31

A reduction in calorie intake [caloric restriction (CR)] appears to consistently decrease the biological rate of aging in a variety of organisms as well as protect against age‐associated diseases including chronic inflammatory disorders such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Although the mechanisms behind this observation are not fully understood, identification of the main metabolic pathways affected by CR has generated interest in finding molecular targets that could be modulated by CR mimetics. This review describes the general concepts of CR and CR mimetics as well as discusses evidence related to their effects on inflammation and chronic inflammatory disorders. Additionally, emerging evidence related to the effects of CR on periodontal disease in non‐human primates is presented. While the implementation of this type of dietary intervention appears to be challenging in our modern society where obesity is a major public health problem, CR mimetics could offer a promising alternative to control and perhaps prevent several chronic inflammatory disorders including periodontal disease.