bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive and Neural Contributions to Understanding the Conceptual System
Authors: Barsalou Lawrence W.
Published: April 2008

The conceptual system contains categorical knowledge about experience that supports the spectrum of cognitive processes. Cognitive science theories assume that categorical knowledge resides in a modular and amodal semantic memory, whereas neuroscience theories assume that categorical knowledge is grounded in the brain's modal systems for perception, action, and affect. Neuroscience has influenced theories of the conceptual system by stressing principles of neural processing in neural networks and by motivating grounded theories of cognition, which propose that simulations of experience represent knowledge. Cognitive science has influenced theories of the conceptual system by documenting conceptual phenomena and symbolic operations that must be grounded in the brain. Significant progress in understanding the conceptual system is most likely to occur if cognitive and neural approaches achieve successful integration.
Should Psychology Ignore the Language of the Brain?
Authors: Hagoort Peter
Published: April 2008

Claims that neuroscientific data do not contribute to our understanding of psychological functions have been made recently. Here I argue that these criticisms are solely based on an analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies. However, fMRI is only one of the methods in the toolkit of cognitive neuroscience. I provide examples from research on event-related brain potentials (ERPs) that have contributed to our understanding of the cognitive architecture of human language functions. In addition, I provide evidence of (possible) contributions from fMRI measurements to our understanding of the functional architecture of language processing. Finally, I argue that a neurobiology of human language that integrates information about the necessary genetic and neural infrastructures will allow us to answer certain questions that are not answerable if all we have is evidence from behavior.
Declarative Memory
Authors: Davachi Lila , Dobbins Ian G.
Published: April 2008

Neuroimaging of declarative memory is not an endeavor divorced from psychology but, instead, is another path through which a more complete understanding of memory has emerged. Specifically, neuroimaging allows us to determine if differences between memory states emerge from quantitatively or qualitatively distinct underlying encoding operations. Further, it has allowed for greater specification of the putative control operations adopted when we make decisions about our memories. We describe some examples of insights provided by neuroimaging into the many and varied processes that support encoding and retrieval of declarative memory.
Toward a Mechanistic Understanding of Human Decision Making
Authors: O'Doherty John P. , Bossaerts Peter
Published: April 2008

This article considers the contribution of functional neuroimaging toward understanding the computational underpinnings of human decision making. We outline the main processes likely underlying the capacity to make simple choices and describe their associated neural substrates. Relevant processes include the ability to encode a representation of the expected value or utility associated with each option in a decision problem, to learn such expectations through experience, and to modify action selection in order to choose those actions leading to the greatest reward. We provide several examples of how functional neuroimaging data have helped to shape and inform theories of decision making over and above results available from traditional behavioral measures.
How (and Why) Emotion Enhances the Subjective Sense of Recollection
Authors: Phelps Elizabeth A. , Sharot Tali
Published: April 2008

A growing body of evidence suggests emotion boosts memory accuracy to an extent but affects the subjective sense of recollection even more. The result is vivid memories for emotional events that are held with confidence but that may be surprisingly inaccurate in their details. We examine the neural circuitry underlying emotion's impact on memory and the subjective sense of recollection to provide insight into this puzzling phenomenon. This research suggests that for emotional stimuli the quality and strength of memory for a few details may mediate judgments of recollection, whereas for neutral stimuli the quantity of contextual details may be more important. Finally, we speculate that the enhanced subjective sense of recollection with emotion, in the absence of absolute veridicality, may have evolved to enable fast and unambiguous decision making in emotional situations.
Rhotacization and the ‘Beijing Smooth Operator’: The social meaning of a linguistic variable1
Authors: Zhang Qing
Published: April 2008

Recent sociolinguistic studies on style have focused much attention on the construction of social meaning in situated discursive practices. Despite a general recognition that the linguistic resources used are often already imbued with social meanings, little research has been done on what these meanings may be. Focusing on rhotacization, a sociolinguistic variable in Beijing Mandarin, this article explores its imbued social meanings and sociocultural associations. I demonstrate that rhotacization takes on semiotic saliency through co‐occurrence with key Beijing cultural terms and frequent use in written representations of authentic Beijing‐ness. Furthermore, this feature is associated with the ‘Beijing Smooth Operator,’ a salient male local character type, and is ideologically construed as reflecting its characterological attributes. The findings of this study shed light on the meaning potential of a linguistic variable, rhotacization in this case, which can enhance understanding of the possibilities and constraints for its use and meaning in new contexts.
In other words: Language mixing, identity representations, andthird space1
Authors: Bhatt Rakesh M.
Published: April 2008

This paper analyzes the use of Hindi in English newspapers in India to argue that code‐switching creates a discursive space – athird space(Bhabha 1994) – where two systems of identity representation converge in response to global‐local tensions on the one hand, and dialogically constituted identities, formed through resistance and appropriation, on the other. The results of the analysis of data show that code‐switching: (1) reflects a new socio‐ideological consciousness; (2) yields a new way to negotiate and navigate between a global identity and local practices; and (3) offers a new linguistic diacritic for class‐based expressions of cultural identity. Based on these results, I conclude that code‐switching, as linguistic hybridity, is athird spacewhere social actors (re‐)position themselves with regard to new community‐practices of speaking, reading, and writing. It is in this space that actors are presumed to have the capacity to synthesize, to transform: code‐switching serves as a visible marker of this transformation.
Self‐Determination, Wellbeing, and Threats of Harm
Authors: LAMB ANTONY
Published: April 2008

abstract

David Rodin argues that the right of national‐defence as conceived in international law cannot be grounded in the end of defending the lives of individuals. Firstly, having this end is not necessary because there is a right of defence against an invasion that threatens no lives. However, in this context we are to understand that ‘defending lives’ includes defending against certain non‐lethal threats. I will argue that threats to national‐self determination and self‐government are significant non‐lethal threats to the wellbeing of individuals that can justify lethal defensive force. Therefore the end of defending individuals can ground a right of national‐defence against a ‘bloodless invasion’. Secondly, Rodin argues that defending lives is not a sufficient condition for military action to be national self‐defence, because humanitarian intervention is military action to defend individuals, and such action is in deep tension with national self‐defence. I will argue that a reductive account, grounded in claims of need and threats of harm, can justify principles of both intervention and non‐intervention on the same grounds; that is, protecting the wellbeing of individuals.
The Linguistic Territoriality Principle — A Critique
Authors: DE SCHUTTER HELDER
Published: April 2008

abstract

In this essay, I develop a critique of the linguistic territoriality principle, which states that, for reasons related to the value of language identity, language groups should be territorially accommodated. While I acknowledge the desirability of implementing a linguistic territoriality principle in some specific cases, I claim that this principle is in general inappropriate for the ‘post‐Westphalian’ linguistic world in which we live. I identify, analyze and reject two distinct justifications for the linguistic territoriality principle: the Linguistic Context justification and the Language Survival justification. Finally, I argue for different means of giving political recognition to the fact that most people value their language as an importance source of identity. This alternative theory sets out to officially recognize multiple languages in a given territory.
Remote Weaponry: The Ethical Implications
Authors: KILLMISTER SUZY
Published: April 2008

abstract

The nature of warfare is changing. Increasingly, developments in military technology are removing soldiers from the battlefield, enabling war to be waged from afar. Bombs can be dropped from unmanned drones flying above the range of retaliation. Missiles can be launched, at minimal cost, from ships 200 miles to sea. Micro Air Vehicles, or ‘WASPS’, will soon be able to lethally attack enemy soldiers. Though still in the developmental stage, progress is rapidly being made towards autonomous weaponry capable of selecting, pursuing, and destroying targets without the necessity for human instruction. These developments have a profound — and as yet under‐analysed — impact on just war theory. I argue that a state under attack from remote weaponry is unable to respond in the traditional, just war sanctioned, method of targeting combatants on the battlefield. This restriction of options potentially creates a situation whereby a state is either coerced into surrender, or it must transgress civilian immunity. Just war theory in conditions of remote warfare therefore either serves the interests of the technologically advanced by demanding the surrender of targeted states, or else it becomes redundant.
Does size matter for hypoxia tolerance in fish?
Authors: Nilsson Göran E. , Östlund‐Nilsson Sara
Published: April 2008

Fish cover a large size range, from milligrams to tonnes, and many of them are regularly exposed to large variations in ambient oxygen levels. For more than half a century, there have been various, often divergent, claims regarding the effect of body size on hypoxia tolerance in fish. Here, we attempt to link old and new empirical data with the current understanding of the physiological mechanisms behind hypoxia tolerance. Three main conclusions are drawn: (1) body sizeper sehas little or no impact on the ability to take up oxygen during hypoxic conditions, primarily because the respiratory surface area matches metabolic rate over a wide size range. If size‐related differences are seen in the ability for oxygen uptake in a species, these are likely to reflect adaptation to different life‐styles or habitat choice. (2) During severe hypoxia and anoxia, where fish have to rely on anaerobic ATP production (glycolysis) for survival, large individuals have a clear advantage over smaller ones, because small fish will run out of glycogen or reach lethal levels of anaerobic end‐products (lactate and H+) much faster due to their higher mass‐specific metabolic rate. (3) Those fish species that have evolved extreme adaptations to hypoxia, including haemoglobins with exceptionally high oxygen affinities and an alternative anaerobic end‐product (ethanol), reveal that natural selection can be a much more powerful determinant of hypoxia tolerance than scaling of physiological functions.
An immunohistochemical study of the extracellular matrix of entheses associated with the human pisiform bone
Authors: Adamczyk C. , Milz S. , Tischer T. , Putz R. , Benjamin M.
Published: April 2008

The immunohistochemical labelling patterns of the extracellular matrix at the insertion of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon and the entheses at both ends of the pisometacarpal and pisohamate ligaments were compared in order to relate the molecular composition of the attachment sites to their mechanical environment. Tissue was obtained from elderly dissecting room cadavers and labelled with a panel of monoclonal antibodies directed against collagens, glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans and matrix proteins. All entheses were fibrocartilaginous and labelled positively for molecules typically associated with articular cartilage (type II collagen, chondroitin 6 sulphate, aggrecan and link protein). Labelling for type II collagen was most conspicuous at the attachment of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. In the ligaments, type II collagen labelling was always greater at the pisiform end. Matrilin 1 was universally present at all five entheses examined and fibromodulin labelling was most intense around the tidemark. Fibromodulin may thus be involved in anchorage and/or the control of mineralization at the hard–soft tissue interface of entheses. The greater prominence of fibrocartilage at the pisiform enthesis of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon than at any ligament attachment may relate to the marked change in the tendon insertional angle that occurs with wrist movements. We also suggest that the more fibrocartilaginous character of the proximal compared with the distal ends of the ligaments relates to the fact that the pisiform is anchored in position and is thus at the centre of rotation of any movement of ligaments attached to it.
Electron microscopic detection of statherin in secretory granules of human major salivary glands
Authors: Isola M. , Cabras T. , Inzitari R. , Lantini M. S. , Proto E. , Cossu M. , Riva A.
Published: April 2008

In order to increase current knowledge regarding statherin secretion into the oral cavity, ultrastructural localization of this peptide was investigated in human salivary glands by using a post‐embedding immunogold staining technique. Statherin reactivity was found inside the granules of serous cells of parotid and submandibular glands. In parotid granules immunostaining was preferentially present in the less electron‐dense region, whereas in submandibular serous granules the reactivity was uniform and the dense core always stained. By contrast, none or weak reactivity was observed in serous cells of major sublingual glands. These findings reveal for the first time the subcellular localization of statherin by electron transmission microscopy and confirm that of the three major types of salivary glands, the parotid and submandibular glands are the greatest source of salivary statherin. Moreover, they suggest that more than one packaging mechanism may be involved in the storage of statherin within serous granules of salivary glands.
The psychophysiology of generalized anxiety disorder: 1. Pretreatment characteristics
Authors: Conrad Ansgar , Isaac Linda , Roth Walton T.
Published: April 2008

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) patients have been reported to have more muscle tension than controls, which has provided a rationale for treating them with muscle relaxation therapies (MRT). We tested this rationale by comparing 49 GAD patients with 21 controls. Participants underwent 5‐min relaxation tests, during which they either just sat quietly (QS) or sat quietly and tried to relax (R). GAD patients reported themselves to be more worried during the assessment than the controls, had higher heart rates and lower end‐tidal pCO2, but not higher muscle tension as measured by multiple EMGs. QS and R did not differ on most psychological and physiological measures, indicating that intention to relax did not affect speed of relaxation. In the GAD group, self‐reported anxiety was not associated with electromyographic or autonomic measures. We conclude that GAD is not necessarily characterized by chronic muscle tension, and that this rationale for MRT should be reconsidered.
Brain activation for alertness measured with functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS)
Authors: Herrmann Martin J. , Woidich Eva , Schreppel Theresa , Pauli Paul , Fallgatter Andreas J.
Published: April 2008

Alertness is a basic psychological function within the construct of attention. The neural basis of alertness has been found in the right frontotemporal cortex and the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex. The aim of the present study was to establish the measurement of functional brain activity during alertness with functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Therefore we measured the changes in brain oxygenation in two independent samples during an alertness condition and control conditions with 52 NIRS channels placed over the frontotemporal area. Based on a region of interest defined in the first sample (and on the literature) we showed in the second sample significantly higher activation during the alertness condition compared to the control conditions. This study proves the possibility of investigating the neural correlates of alertness using fNIRS.
Fearful faces selectively increase corticospinal motor tract excitability: A transcranial magnetic stimulation study
Authors: Schutter Dennis J. L. G. , Hofman Dennis , Van Honk Jack
Published: April 2008

Fearful facial expressions are danger signals that rapidly trigger a cascade of neurobiological processes defensibly associated with action preparation. However, direct evidence for the activating effects of fearful facial expressions on the motor system is absent. The current transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) study investigated whether fearful facial expressions selectively increase corticospinal motor tract (CST) excitability. Focal TMS was applied over the left primary motor cortex during the exposure of fearful, happy, and neutral facial expressions in 12 healthy right‐handed volunteers. Changes in CST excitability using the motor evoked potential (MEP) were recorded. Results showed significant selective increases in MEP to fearful facial expressions. These findings provide the first direct evidence for selective increases in CST excitability to threat and contribute to evolutionary views on emotion and action preparedness.
Event related potentials to emotional adjectives during reading
Authors: Herbert Cornelia , Junghofer Markus , Kissler Johanna
Published: April 2008

We investigated to what extent emotional connotation influences cortical potentials during reading. To this end, event‐related potentials (ERPs) were recorded during reading of high arousal pleasant and unpleasant and low arousal neutral adjectives that were presented at rates of 1 Hz and 3 Hz. Enhanced processing of both pleasant and unpleasant emotional compared to neutral adjectives was first reflected in an amplified early posterior negativity (EPN) starting from 200 ms after word onset. Later potentials (>300 ms), as analyzed in the slower 1 Hz condition, revealed facilitated processing selectively for pleasant adjectives that were associated with a reduced N400 and an enhanced late positive potential (LPP). Pleasant adjectives were also better remembered in an incidental memory test. Thus, emotionally relevant adjectives are processed spontaneously and selectively. Initially, emotional arousal drives attention capture (EPN). Healthy subjects may have a natural bias toward pleasant information facilitating late ERPs (N400, LPP) to pleasant adjectives as well as their superior recall.
Event‐related potentials differentiates the processes involved in the effects of sleep on recognition memory
Authors: Mograss Melodee A. , Guillem Francois , Godbout Roger
Published: April 2008

This study examined the role of sleep on event‐related potential (ERP) indicators of memory following sleep and wake. We expected a larger ERP effect due to a facilitory effect of sleep on memory. During the study session, subjects memorized a series of stimuli (faces). At test, after a retention interval characterized by either sleep or by normal waking activities, subjects were asked to recognize old items intermixed with new. Results revealed differences in the old/new effect whereby the amplitude between old/new items was larger after sleep versus wake, suggesting a role of sleep in consolidation. Retention over sleep versus wake was associated with modified early and late frontal and posterior components possibly manifesting reduced interference inhibition, increased contextual processing, and facilitation of episodic memory. These findings suggest that ERP indices are differentially affected by sleep, reflecting differences in memory processing.
Isolation and cross‐amplification of microsatellites in pink abalone (Haliotis corrugata)
Authors: DÍAZ‐VILORIA N. , PÉREZ‐ENRÍQUEZ R. , FIORE‐AMARAL G. , BURTON R. S. , CRUZ P.
Published: April 2008

Ten novel microsatellite loci were isolated in pink abalone, Haliotis corrugata, using (GT)15 and (CT)15 enriched genomic libraries. Two previously reported Haliotis kamtschatkana microsatellites cross‐amplified in H. corrugata. A set of 12 polymorphic microsatellites were evaluated in a wild population sample (N = 49). The number of alleles ranged from two to 55, and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.104 to 0.939 and from 0.213 to 0.982, respectively. Significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium at three loci and no linkage disequilibrium were observed. Haliotis corrugata microsatellites cross‐amplified in other abalone species, two in H. fulgens, and seven in H. rufescens.
Polymorphic microsatellite loci from northern and Mexican corn rootworms (Insecta: Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and cross‐amplification with other Diabrotica spp.
Authors: WAITS ERIC R. , STOLZ UWE
Published: April 2008

The northern corn rootworm (Diabrotica barberi) and Mexican corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera zeae) are significant agricultural pests. For the northern corn rootworm, and to a lesser extent, the Mexican corn rootworm, high resolution molecular markers are needed. Here we present 14 polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from libraries constructed using pooled northern and Mexican corn rootworm genomic DNA. Polymorphism in other Diabrotica, including the banded cucumber beetle, southern corn rootworm and western corn rootworm, is described.
Memantine in the Preventive Treatment of Refractory Migraine
Authors: Bigal Marcelo , Rapoport Alan , Sheftell Fred , Tepper Deborah , Tepper Stewart
Published: April 2008

Objectives.— To assess the efficacy and tolerability of memantine (MEM) in the preventive treatment of refractory migraine.

Background.— Glutamate is of importance in migraine pathophysiology and may be related to progression from episodic to chronic mirgraine. Furthermore, individuals with chronic pain often report cognitive problems. MEM has the potential to address both issues, justifying this pilot study.

Methods.— We included subjects with refractory migraine (episodic migraine with 8‐14 days of headache per month or transformed migraine, who had previously failed at least 2 trials of adequate preventive therapy). Other preventive drugs were allowed if the patient had been on a stable dose for more than 30 days. MEM dose ranged from 10 mg to 20 mg per day. The treatment phase lasted 3 months. The primary endpoint was number of days with headache at month 3. Cognitive performance was assessed with the trail making tests A and B (TMT‐A and B). Statistical analyses were performed on the intent‐to‐treat (ITT) population, using data subjected to the last observation carried forward algorithm. We also conducted per protocol analyses.

Results.— In the ITT population (n = 28), monthly headache frequency was reduced from 21.8 days at baseline to 16.1 (P < .01) at 3 months. The mean number of days with severe pain was reduced from 7.8 to 3.2 at 3 months (P < .01). The mean disability scores were significantly reduced at 3 months, compared with baseline (36.6 vs 54.9, P < .01). There was a significant reduction in the time to complete TMT‐A at termination vs baseline (28.4 vs 23.2, P = .02) and also TMT‐B (70.1 vs 50.4, P = .04). Side effects were present in 37.5% of the patients; 5.5% dropped out the study because of poor tolerability. Most adverse events were mild.

Conclusion.— This study offers preliminary evidence for the use of MEM in the prevention of refractory migraine. Double‐blind studies are now required.
Collision of desmoplastic‐neurotropic melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma on the lip
Authors: Falanga Vincent , Chartier Molly , Butmarc Janet , Tibbetts Lance
Published: April 2008

We report on a case of the collision of a desmoplastic‐neurotropic melanoma and a squamous cell carcinoma on the lip. A 46‐year‐old male developed a multifocal infiltrative squamous cell carcinoma of the lower lip, which also showed sparse melanocyte atypia within the epidermis and an extensive spindle cell proliferation within the dermis, subcutaneous tissues and nerves. An immunohistochemical panel showed that the spindle cells were melanocytes, not derived from the squamous cell carcinoma. Double labeling with AE1/AE3 and S100 showed striking localized proximity of the spindle‐cell melanocytic and keratinocyte components in some areas of this tumor. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the collision of a squamous cell carcinoma and desmoplastic‐neurotropic melanoma.
The significance of histopathologic patterns in positive tuberculin skin test site
Authors: Haholu Aptullah , Ciftci Faruk , Karabudak Ozlem , Kutlu Ali , Bozkurt Bülent , Baloglu Huseyin
Published: April 2008

Backgrounds:  The histologic features of tuberculin skin test site is not uniform. It may be related to status of tuberculosis.

Methods:  Forty‐eight purified protein derivative (PPD) positive‐cases were chosen for the study. Thirty of the subjects had active tuberculosis. As previously reported, the histologic pattern of inflammatory reaction seen in the test site classified into three type: (a) Perivascular (PV)‐type, (b) Basal spongiotic dermatitis (BSD)‐type and (c) Erythema multiforme (EM)‐type. The frequencies of histological patterns in active tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis were statistically analyzed.

Results:  In active tuberculosis group including 30 patient, 17 (56.7%) EM‐type, 9 (30%) BSD‐type and 4(13.3%) PV‐type inflammation were seen. Among 18 latent tuberculosis, there were 2 (11.1%) EM‐type, 7 (38 8%) BSD‐type and 9 (50%) PV‐type inflammatory reactions. The EM‐type inflammation was more common in active tuberculosis group. Bulla formation was seen in seven subjects with active tuberculosis.

Conclusion:  The histological pattern of PPD reaction site may be an important sign reflecting the nature of the tuberculosis, which may be either latent or active. The bulla formation is an important sign for active pulmonary tuberculosis. Further, detailed immunohistopathologic studies of PPD reaction with large number of cases may give important clues about tuberculosis immunology.
Immunohistochemical features of cutaneous granulomas in primary immunodeficiency disorders: a comparison with cutaneous sarcoidosis
Authors: De Jager Michelle , Blokx Willeke , Warris Adilia , Bergers Mieke , Link Monique , Weemaes Corry , Seyger Marieke
Published: April 2008

Background:  Cutaneous granulomas can occur in patients with a primary immunodeficiency disorder. In some cases, an infectious cause cannot be revealed. The pathogenesis of these granulomas still remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to study differences or overlap between these rare granulomas and sarcoidosis‐related granulomas.

Methods:  Markers for T‐cell subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD45RO), Langerhans’ cells (CD1a), macrophages (CD68), B cells (CD20) and NK cells (CD56) were stained immunohistochemically. The amount of CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the granulomas was counted. Results were compared with the CD4+/CD8+ ratio in peripheral blood.

Results:  In the granulomas of two of three patients with a primary immunodeficiency disorder, the cytotoxic T cells (CD8+) outnumbered the T‐helper cells (CD4+) with a counted CD4+/CD8+ ratio <<1. In contrast, the granulomas in the cutaneous sarcoidosis patients showed a predominance of CD4+ cells, with CD4+/CD8+ ratios >2.

Conclusions:  A lower CD4+/CD8+ ratio was found in the cutaneous granulomas of patients with a primary immunodeficiency disorder (unclassified combined immunodeficiency, autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome and ataxia teleangiectasia) as compared with the patients with cutaneous sarcoidosis. The possible implications of these findings are discussed in this paper.
Immunohistochemical characteristics of melanoma
Authors: Ohsie Steven J. , Sarantopoulos G. Peter , Cochran Alistair J. , Binder Scott W.
Published: April 2008

Melanoma has a wide spectrum of histologic features which mimic epithelial, hematologic, mesenchymal, and neural tumors. Immunohistochemistry has been the primary tool to distinguish melanomas from these other tumors; it has also been studied for use as an adjunct to distinguish benign and malignant melanocytic tumors and to elucidate prognosis. Furthermore, there has been extensive effort to find a suitable marker to differentiate spindle cell and desmoplastic melanoma from other tumors. We have reviewed the literature investigating melanocytic differentiation markers, proliferation markers, immunomodulatory markers, signaling molecules, and nerve growth factors and receptors. Despite the proliferation of immunohistochemical markers, S‐100 remains the most sensitive marker for melanocytic lesions, while markers such as HMB‐45, MART‐1/Melan‐A, tyrosinase, and MITF demonstrate relatively good specificity but not as good sensitivity as S‐100. No marker has proven useful in distinguishing spindle cell and desmoplastic melanomas from other tumors. Ki67 remains the most useful adjunct in distinguishing benign from malignant melanocytic tumors. None of the markers reviewed has been shown conclusively to have prognostic value for melanocytic neoplasms.
Quality assurance and continuing medical education in dermatopathology – the ASDP way
Authors: Mahalingam Meera
Published: April 2008

Professional motivation led the American Society of Dermatopathology to approve the establishment of a program for quality assurance, the first of its kind in dermatopathology. Recent announcements from the American Board of Medical Specialties indicating that its member boards have a responsibility to set standards for, and to assess, the continuing competence of their diplomates have resulted in specialty board recertification programs evolving into programs of maintenance of certification. With this in mind, we initiate a CME section, administered online, in this issue of the journal based on the needs assessment of the ASDP membership survey conducted earlier. In addition to each participant receiving a printable CME certificate upon completion of the quiz, evaluation surveys are set up to enable us to get feedback essential for meeting the accreditation council for continuing medical education requirements and perhaps even more importantly to seek possible ‘weaknesses’ in an endeavor to improve the program. As always, your participation and constructive criticisms help us as a society to serve your needs better.
What causes hidradenitis suppurativa?
Authors: Ralf Paus Lübeck , Kurzen H. , Kurokawa I. , Jemec G. B. E. , Emtestam L. , Sellheyer K. , Giamarellos‐Bourboulis E. J. , Nagy I. , Bechara F. G. , Sartorius K. , Lapins J. , Krahl D. , Altmeyer P. , Revuz J. , Zouboulis C. C.
Published: April 2008

Abstract:  Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) – a rather common, very chronic and debilitating inflammatory skin appendage disorder with a notoriously underestimated burden of disease – has long been a playground for the high priests of nomenclature: Ask a bunch of eminent dermatologists and skin pathologists to publicly share their thoughts on what causes HS, and they will soon get entrenched in a heated debate on whether this historical term is a despicable misnomer. Fortunately, the recently founded Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation (HSF; http://www.hs‐foundation.org), to which EXP DERMATOL serves as home journal, has broken with this unproductive tradition and has encouraged publication of the current CONTROVERSIES feature. This is exclusively devoted to discussing the pathobiology of this chronic neutrophilic folliculitis of unknown origin. Although traces of terminological bickering remain visible, it does the HS experts in our virtual debate room credit that they engage in a constructive and comprehensive dissection of potential pathogenesis pathways that may culminate in the clinical picture we know under the competing terms HS or acne inversa. These experts sketch more often complementary than mutually exclusive pathogenesis scenarios, and the outlines of a conceivable consensus on the many open pathobiology questions begin to emerge in these CONTROVERSIES. Hopefully, this heralds a welcome new tradition: to get to the molecular heart of HS pathogenesis, which can only be achieved by a renaissance of solid basic HS research, as the key to developing more effective HS therapy.
Life Course Transitions and Housework: Marriage, Parenthood, and Time on Housework
Authors: Baxter Janeen , Hewitt Belinda , Haynes Michele
Published: April 2008

We examine the effects of transitions in marital and parenthood status on 1,091 men’s and women’s housework hours using two waves of data from an Australian panel survey titled Negotiating the Life Course. We examine transitions between cohabitation and marriage, and from cohabitation or marriage to separation, as well as transitions to first and higher‐order births. We find extraordinary stability in men’s housework time across most transitions but considerable change for women in relation to transitions in parenthood. Our results suggest that the transition to parenthood is a critical moment in the development of an unequal gap in time spent on routine household labor.
Parental Divorce and Offspring Depressive Symptoms: Dutch Developmental Trends During Early Adolescence
Authors: Oldehinkel Albertine J. , Ormel Johan , Veenstra René , De Winter Andrea F. , Verhulst Frank C.
Published: April 2008

In this study, we investigated if the association between parental divorce and depressive symptoms changes during early adolescence and if developmental patterns are similar for boys and girls. Data were collected in a prospective population cohort of Dutch adolescents (N = 2,149), aged 10 – 15 years. Outcome variables were self‐reported and parent‐reported depressive symptoms. The effects of divorce were adjusted for parental depression. In both self‐reported and parent‐reported data, we found a three‐way interaction of gender, age, and parental divorce, indicating that with increasing age, parental divorce became more strongly associated with depressive symptoms among girls, but not boys. These results suggest that girls with divorced parents are at particularly high risk to develop depressive symptoms during adolescence.
Complex Life Course Patterns and the Risk of Divorce in Second Marriages
Authors: Teachman Jay
Published: April 2008

In this article, I use data on women (N= 655) from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth to examine the correlates of second marital dissolution. I update the limited number of previous studies on this topic by focusing on the relationships between divorce and the complex life course patterns that characterize respondents in second marriages. I pay particular attention to the roles played by stepchildren and cohabitation. I find that women who brought stepchildren into their second marriage experience an elevated risk of marital disruption. Premarital cohabitation or having a birth while cohabiting with a second husband did not raise the risk of marital dissolution, however. In addition, marrying a man who brought a child to the marriage did not increase the risk of marital disruption.
Linking Perceived Discrimination to Longitudinal Changes in African American Mothers’ Parenting Practices
Authors: Brody Gene H. , Chen Yi‐Fu , Kogan Steven M. , Murry Velma McBride , Logan Patricia , Luo Zupei
Published: April 2008

This longitudinal study was designed to test hypotheses, derived from a stress proliferation framework, regarding the association between perceived racial discrimination and changes in parenting among African American mothers in the rural South. A sample of 139 mothers and their children were interviewed 3 times at 1‐year intervals. Mothers reported on perceived discrimination and two proliferated stressors: stress‐related health problems and depressive symptoms. Both mothers and children reported on mothers’ competence‐promoting parenting. Structural equation modeling revealed a chain‐like sequence: Perceived discrimination forecast increases in mothers’ stress‐related health problems, which in turn were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms constituted the proximal variable associated with decreases in mothers’ competence‐promoting parenting. These results emerged independent of socioeconomic characteristics.
Attitudes Toward Gay Marriage in States Undergoing Marriage Law Transformation
Authors: Brumbaugh Stacey M. , Sanchez Laura A. , Nock Steven L. , Wright James D.
Published: April 2008

This study examines attitudes toward gay marriage within the context of concern over the weakening of heterosexual marriage. We use data from a three‐state survey conducted in 1998 – 2000 and designed to explore attitudes toward marriage and divorce reform (N = 976). We find that women, Whites, and younger persons are more approving of gay marriage than men, Blacks, and older persons. Nonparents with cohabitation experience are most approving, whereas parents with no cohabitation experience are most opposed. Heterosexual marriage preservation attitudes are key predictors, net of religiosity and political conservativism. We interpret these findings with theories about vested interest in upholding marriage as an institution and ambivalence resulting from conflicting core values of the sanctity of marriage versus the valorization of individualism.
The Performance of Desire: Gender and Sexual Negotiation in Long‐Term Marriages
Authors: Elliott Sinikka , Umberson Debra
Published: April 2008

We integrate theoretical traditions on the social construction of gender, heterosexuality, and marriage with research and theory on emotion work to guide a qualitative investigation of how married people understand and experience sex in marriage. Results, based on 62 in‐depth interviews, indicate that married men and women tend to believe that sex is integral to a good marriage and that men are more sexual than women. Moreover, husbands and wives commonly experience conflict around sex and undertake emotion work to manage their own and their spouse’s feelings about sex. We refer to this emotion work as “performing desire” and show how it is linked to gendered experiences in marriage and to competing cultural discourses around gender, heterosexuality, and marriage.
Religiousness and Infidelity: Attendance, but not Faith and Prayer, Predict Marital Fidelity
Authors: Atkins David C. , Kessel Deborah E.
Published: April 2008

High religiousness has been consistently linked with a decreased likelihood of past infidelity but has been solely defined by religious service attendance, a limited assessment of a complex facet of life. The current study developed nine religiousness subscales using items from the 1998 General Social Survey to more fully explore the association between religiousness and infidelity. Interestingly, logistic regressions using currently married participants (N= 1,439) demonstrated that attendance, but not faith, nearness to God, prayer, and other religious attributes, was related to infidelity. Exploratory analyses also found that individuals with high religious importance but low attendance were more likely to have had an affair and weak evidence that marital happiness moderated the association between religiousness and infidelity.
Family Structure Effects on Maternal and Paternal Parenting in Low‐Income Families
Authors: Gibson‐Davis Christina M.
Published: April 2008

Using longitudinal data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Survey, a birth cohort study, this study analyzes the effect of family structure on parenting for 3,402 mothers and 2,615 fathers. To address the problem of omitted variable bias, fixed effects methods are used to control for the presence of time‐invariant unobserved characteristics that may counfound estimates. Marriage by itself did not influence the parenting of mothers or fathers, and there was little effect of family structure on maternal parenting. The presence of a romantic partner was important, as fathers who repartner had lower engagement scores and mothers reported cohabiting stepfathers to be more involved in the family’s life as compared to married biological fathers.
Linkages Between Parents’ Differential Treatment, Youth Depressive Symptoms, and Sibling Relationships
Authors: Shanahan Lilly , McHale Susan M , Crouter Ann C , Osgood D. Wayne
Published: April 2008

We tested social comparison predictions about cross‐sectional and longitudinal associations between parents’ differential treatment of siblings and both youth depressive symptoms and sibling relationship qualities from middle childhood to late adolescence, controlling for dyadic parent‐child relationships and siblings’ ratings of parents’ fairness. Participants were parents and first‐ and second‐borns (M= 11.8 and 9.2 years old at Year 1) from 201 White, middle/working‐class families. Three‐level models revealed both cross‐sectional and longitudinal linkages between differential treatment and outcomes. For example, youth whose parent‐child relationships decreased in warmth relative to those of their sibling reported increases in depressive symptoms and decreases in sibling warmth. Gender and age moderated differential treatment‐depressive symptoms associations; birth order moderated differential treatment‐sibling relationship associations.
Discrepancies in Parent’s and Adult Child’s Reports of Support and Contact
Authors: Mandemakers Jornt J. , Dykstra Pearl A.
Published: April 2008

This study uses data on support and contact in 4,055 parent‐child dyads drawn from the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study to test explanations of reporting discrepancies, which focus on sources of bias and inaccurate reporting. Contrary to the generational stake hypothesis, parents’ reports are not characterized by a general positive bias. Consistent with notions of self‐enhancement, parents and children overreport given help and underreport received help. Parents’ reports are susceptible to positive biases linked with strong feelings of family obligations. Limited evidence is found for an underreporting bias associated with dissatisfaction with support received from family. Positive reporting biases are observed in high‐quality relationships. Consistent with expectations, results show greater reporting accuracy among better educated parents and children.
Women’s Choice of Surname Upon Marriage in Norway
Authors: Noack Turid , Wiik Kenneth Aarskaug
Published: April 2008

This study examines women’s choice of surname upon marriage, using a nationally representative Norwegian sample (N= 1,276). Regression analyses revealed that age at marriage, own and mother’s education, urban residence, importance of paid labor, liberal family values, and egalitarian work‐family roles positively influence marital name keeping. Women’s increasing education and economic independence and changes in marriage and the social institution of the family suggest a rising likelihood of name keeping over time (1980 – 2002). According to our descriptive results, more women are keeping their surnames upon marriage. Controlling for the factors influencing marital name keeping, however, women marrying between 1990 and 2002 were less likely to be name keepers than women marrying in the 1980s.
Interleukin‐10 promoter polymorphisms in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from the Canary Islands
Authors: Rosado S. , Rua‐Figueroa I. , Vargas J. A. , Garcia‐Laorden M. I. , Losada‐Fernandez I. , Martin‐Donaire T. , Perez‐Chacon G. , Rodriguez‐Gallego C. , Naranjo‐Hernandez A. , Ojeda‐Bruno S. , Citores M. J. , Perez‐Aciego P.
Published: April 2008

The purpose of this study was to examine whether several allelic variants in the polymorphic interleukin (IL)‐10 promoter region were related with an increased risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Spanish patients from Canary Islands. Microsatellites (MS) at positions –4000 and –1200 (IL10R and IL10G, respectively) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (MS) at positions –1082G/A, –819C/T and –592C/A of the IL‐10 promoter were analysed in patients with SLE and healthy controls from Canary Islands (Spain). We found that SNPs but not MS were associated with SLE. The GCC haplotype frequency was significantly higher in SLE patients (0.43) than in healthy donors (0.33) [P = 0.02; OR = 1.50 (95% CI = 1.06–2.14)], whereas the ACC haplotype was less represented in patients (0.28 vs. 0.37) [P = 0.02; OR = 0.64 (95% CI = 0.44–0.92)]. To assess the functional role of genotypes, serum IL‐10 levels from patients and controls were quantified by ELISA. Also, the lipopolysaccharide‐induced IL‐10 secretion by monocytes from healthy controls was evaluated in vitro. Serum IL‐10 levels were higher in patients [median (interquartile range) = 2.8 pg/mL (1.8–4.2)] than in controls [0.9 pg/mL (0–3.5)] (P = 0.02), but no association was observed between serum IL‐10 levels or lipopolysaccharide‐induced IL‐10 secretion and the IL‐10 promoter haplotypes. These data suggest that the IL‐10 promoter haplotype that produces higher levels of cytokine is associated with SLE in patients from Canary Islands.
Conditional mass functions and merger rates of dark matter haloes in the ellipsoidal collapse model
Authors: Zhang Jun , Ma Chung-Pei , Fakhouri Onsi
Published: April 2008

Analytic models based on spherical and ellipsoidal gravitational collapse have been used to derive the mass functions of dark matter haloes and their progenitors (the conditional mass function). The ellipsoidal model generally provides a better match to simulation results, but there has been no simple analytic expression in this model for the conditional mass function that is accurate for small time-steps, a limit that is important for generating halo merger trees and computing halo merger rates. We remedy the situation by deriving accurate analytic formulae for the first-crossing distribution, the conditional mass function and the halo merger rate in the ellipsoidal collapse model in the limit of small look-back times. We show that our formulae provide a closer match to the Millennium simulation results than those in the spherical collapse model and the ellipsoidal model of Sheth and Tormen.