bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CAN CHRISTIAN TALK ABOUT GOD BE LITERAL?
Authors: MUIS JAN
Published: September 2011

This article discusses whether Christian talk about God can be literal. First, it is argued that the meaning of a word cannot be reduced to its use, that metaphorical language is indirect in its use of words, and that the change of meaning of a word by analogical extension differs from the change of meaning by repeated metaphorical use. Next, it is shown that in Christian talk about God, God can be literally referred to by God's proper name, “YHWH,” and by words that in contexts of prayer and praise function as proper names. Then it is argued that terms for non‐basic actions can be literally applied to the Christian God, and that some of God's essential properties can be literally described on the basis of his self‐revealing actions.
DISABILITY, IMPAIRMENT, AND SOME MEDIEVAL ACCOUNTS OF THE INCARNATION: SUGGESTIONS FOR A THEOLOGY OF PERSONHOOD
Authors: CROSS RICHARD
Published: September 2011

Drawing on insights from the medieval theologians Duns Scotus and Hervaeus Natalis, I argue that medieval views of the incarnation require that there is a sense in which the divine person depends on his human nature for his human personhood, and thus that the paradigmatic pattern of human personhood is in some way dependent existence. I relate this to a modern distinction between impairment and disability to show that impairment—understood as dependence—is normative for human personhood. I try to show how medieval theories of the resurrection of the body can provide, within this context, plausible accounts of what it might be for human persons to be redeemed.
“WAITING FOR THE BARBARIANS”: IDENTITY AND POLEMICISM IN THE NEO‐PATRISTIC SYNTHESIS OF GEORGES FLOROVSKY*
Authors: GALLAHER BRANDON
Published: September 2011

Georges Florovsky (1893–1979), with his “neo‐patristic synthesis”, is perhaps the most influential modern Orthodox theologian, having mentored and/or taught such theologians as Lossky and Zizioulas. However, his theology enshrines a troubling paradigm where a Pan‐Orthodox Eastern identity (“Christian Hellenism”) is asserted over against the heterodoxy of an Other which is often the West. The article traces this paradigm then argues that Florovsky's construction of Eastern Orthodoxy is dependent on German Romanticism and that his polemicism blinded him to this fact. It briefly suggests, on the basis of the Chalcedonian definition, a new "dialectical" theology of ecclesial identity where identity is established in an encounter with the Other, rather than in demonizing it.
The Governance of Financial Regulation: Reform Lessons from the Recent Crisis
Authors: Levine Ross
Published: September 2011

There was a systemic failure of financial regulation: Senior policymakers repeatedly enacted and implemented policies that destabilized the global financial system, and the authorities maintained these policies even as they learned about the deleterious consequences of their policies during the decade before the crisis. The absence of an informed, expertly staffed, and independent institution that evaluates financial regulation from the public's perspective is a critical defect in the governance of financial regulation – the system associated with selecting, enforcing, and reforming financial policies. I propose a new institution to address this defect.
Response activation impairments in schizophrenia: Evidence from the lateralized readiness potential
Authors: Kappenman Emily S. , Kaiser Samuel T. , Robinson Benjamin M. , Morris Sarah E. , Hahn Britta , Beck Valerie M. , Leonard Carly J. , Gold James M. , Luck Steven J.
Published: September 2011

Previous research has demonstrated deficits in preresponse motor activity in schizophrenia, as evidenced by a reduced lateralized readiness potential (LRP). The LRP deficit could be due to increased activation of the incorrect response (e.g., failure to suppress competition) or to reduced activation of the correct response (e.g., a low‐level impairment in response preparation). To distinguish these possibilities, we asked whether the LRP impairment is increased under conditions of strong response competition. We manipulated the compatibility of stimulus‐response mappings (Experiment 1) and the compatibility of the target with flankers (Experiment 2). In both experiments, the patient LRP was reduced as much under conditions of low response competition as under high competition. These results are incompatible with a failure of patients to suppress competition and are instead consistent with a deficit in activating the correct response.
The impact of agro‐pastoral abandonment on the Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca in the Apennines
Authors: RIPPA DANIELA , MASELLI VALERIA , SOPPELSA OTTAVIO , FULGIONE DOMENICO
Published: September 2011

Human depopulation of rural mountain areas and the consequent abandonment of traditional land management are among the greatest driving forces behind changes in mountain ecosystems in Western Europe. Tree and shrub encroachment lead to an increase in landscape matrix uniformity and habitat fragmentation. For some animal species, this represents an unusual case of habitat loss caused by secondary succession. The animal species associated with this agro‐pastoral habitat may suffer from decreased connectivity as a consequence. The Rock Partridge Alectoris graeca is a species endemic to European mountains that represents a model for investigating the impact of habitat loss. We compared the habitat suitability of the Apennine Rock Partridge prior to abandonment of traditional agro‐pastoral activities by aerial photography with the current landscape, in order to investigate the effect of secondary succession on the distribution and viability of the species. We assessed the historical distribution (c. 1900–1950) by quantifying anecdotal evidence from interviews, and the current distribution (2005) from survey data. We applied ecological niche factor analysis and connectivity approaches to evaluate change in habitat suitability over this time scale. Moreover, to quantify landscape connectivity, we evaluated the relative importance of each patch in the two periods. Results indicated that to maintain a viable population in the Apennines, the species requires an ensemble of ecological conditions considerably different from the current situation. We observed a drastic decrease in connectivity as a result of a reduction in numbers and size of high suitability patches. This is most probably the primary cause of the current decline of the Rock Partridge population in the Apennines.
Geographical variation in the vocalizations of the suboscine Thorn‐tailed Rayadito Aphrastura spinicauda
Authors: IPPI SILVINA , VÁSQUEZ RODRIGO A. , VAN DONGEN WOUTER F. D. , LAZZONI ILENIA
Published: September 2011

Structural variation in acoustic signals may be related either to the factors affecting sound production such as bird morphology, or to vocal adaptations to improve sound transmission in different environments. Thus, variation in acoustic signals can influence intraspecific communication processes. This will ultimately influence divergence in allopatric populations. The study of geographical variation in vocalizations of suboscines provides an opportunity to compare acoustic signals from different populations, without additional biases caused by song learning and cultural evolution typical of oscines. The aim of this study was to compare vocalizations of distinct populations of a suboscine species, the Thorn‐tailed Rayadito. Four types of vocalizations were recorded in five populations, including all three currently accepted subspecies. Comparisons of each type of vocalization among the five populations showed that some variation existed in the repetitive trill, whereas no differences were found among alarm calls and loud trills. Variation in repetitive trills among populations and forest types suggests that sound transmission is involved in vocal differences in suboscines. Acoustic differences are also consistent with distinguishing subspecies bullocki from spinicauda and fulva, but not the two latter subspecies from each other. Our results suggest that the geographical differentiation in vocalizations observed among Thorn‐tailed Rayadito populations is likely to be a consequence of different ecological pressures. Therefore, incipient genetic isolation of these populations is suggested, based on the innate origin of suboscine vocalizations.
Sir2 deletion prevents lifespan extension in 32 long‐lived mutants
Authors: Delaney Joe R. , Sutphin George L. , Dulken Ben , Sim Sylvia , Kim Jin R. , Robison Brett , Schleit Jennifer , Murakami Christopher J. , Carr Daniel , An Elroy H. , Choi Eunice , Chou Annie , Fletcher Marissa , Jelic Monika , Liu Bin , Lockshon Daniel , Moller Richard M. , Pak Diana N. , Peng Qi , Peng Zhao J. , Pham Kim M. , Sage Michael , Solanky Amrita , Steffen Kristan K. , Tsuchiya Mitsuhiro , Tsuchiyama Scott , Johnson Simon , Raabe Chris , Suh Yousin , Zhou Zhongjun , Liu Xinguang , Kennedy Brian K. , Kaeberlein Matt
Published: September 2011

Activation of Sir2 orthologs is proposed to increase lifespan downstream of dietary restriction. Here, we describe an examination of the effect of 32 different lifespan‐extending mutations and four methods of DR on replicative lifespan (RLS) in the short‐lived sir2Δ yeast strain. In every case, deletion of SIR2 prevented RLS extension; however, RLS extension was restored when both SIR2 and FOB1 were deleted in several cases, demonstrating that SIR2 is not directly required for RLS extension. These findings indicate that suppression of the sir2Δ lifespan defect is a rare phenotype among longevity interventions and suggest that sir2Δ cells senesce rapidly by a mechanism distinct from that of wild‐type cells. They also demonstrate that failure to observe lifespan extension in a short‐lived background, such as cells or animals lacking sirtuins, should be interpreted with caution.
The rat anococcygeus muscle and its response to nerve stimulation and to some drugs
Authors: GILLESPIE J. S.
Published: September 2011

. A new smooth muscle preparation, the rat anococcygeus muscle, is described. The muscle is paired, thin, consists of smooth muscle only and the muscle cells are organized in parallel bundles. It has a dense adrenergic innervation distributed throughout the muscle but apparently no cholinergic innervation. The muscles are easily isolated.

. The muscle contracts to noradrenaline, acetylcholine, furmethide, 5‐hydroxytryptamine, but not to histamine. Isoprenaline produces contraction at high concentrations. The effects of noradrenaline and acetylcholine are blocked by phentolamine and atropine respectively. The response to isoprenaline is little affected by propranolol.

. The muscle contracts in response to field stimulation or stimulation of extrinsic nerves. This response is completely blocked by phentolamine but unaffected by hexamethonium or atropine.

. Guanethidine 10−6–5 × 10−6m blocks the motor response to nerve stimulation and potentiates that to noradrenaline. Higher concentrations of guanethidine raise tone. In the presence of raised tone, field stimulation produces an inhibitory response insensitive to hexamethonium but abolished by tetrodotoxin 2 × 10−7 g/ml. This inhibitory response to stimulation can also be shown after other drugs which raise tone.

. The inhibitory response to nerve stimulation is not mimicked by acetylcholine, isoprenaline or ATP, nor blocked by atropine, phentolamine, phenoxybenzamine, propranolol, hexamethonium or lysergic acid diethylamide.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE DEPRESSOR RESPONSES TO HISTAMINE IN THE CAT AND DOG: INVOLVEMENT OF BOTH H1‐ AND H2‐RECEPTORS
Authors: BLACK J.W. , OWEN D.A.A. , PARSONS M.E.
Published: September 2011

The depressor responses to histamine, in anaesthetized cats and dogs, have been shown to involve both histamine H1‐ and H2‐ receptors.

In both species, histamine caused dose‐dependent falls in blood pressure. The dose‐response curve could be displaced to the right by administration of mepyramine 2.5 × 10−6 mol/kg i.v. The displacement was maximal with a dose‐ratio of less than ten.

Metiamide alone, up to 2 × 10−6 mol kg−1 min−1, had no significant effect on the histamine dose‐response curve.

When administered in the presence of mepyramine, metiamide, 4 × 10−7 and 2 × 10−6 mol kg−1 min−1, caused dose‐dependent displacements to the right, of the histamine dose‐response curve greater than could be achieved with mepyramine alone.

The results indicate the presence of both histamine H1‐ and H2‐receptors in the cardiovascular system of the cat and dog. Both receptors produce a common response, i.e. a fall in blood pressure.
Effects of transplantation sites on tumour growth, pulmonary metastasis and ezrin expression of canine osteosarcoma cell lines in nude mice
Authors: Jaroensong T. , Endo Y. , Lee S.‐J. , Kamida A. , Mochizuki M. , Nishimura R. , Sasaki N. , Nakagawa T.
Published: September 2011

To determine the influence of the transplantation site of canine osteosarcoma (OS) cell lines on tumour growth and pulmonary metastasis, three OS cell lines were transplanted into nude mice via subcutaneous (SC), intratibial (IT) or intravenous (IV) injection. IT‐xenografts exhibited greater potential for developing primary masses and pulmonary metastasis than SC‐xenografts. In IT and IV xenografts, lung micrometastases along with phosphorylated ezrin–radixin–moesin (p‐ERM) overexpression were found in mice xenografted with HMPOS and OOS cells after 1 week and metastasis was found with decreased p‐ERM expression at later time points. The expression of ezrin and p‐ERM in the primary tumours of IT‐xenografted mice was higher than those in SC‐xenografted mice with HMPOS and OOS cells. The results suggest that the orthotopic transplantation site plays an important role in the spontaneous metastasis of canine OS and that ezrin phosphorylation may be involved in the early metastatic mechanism of canine OS cells.
Print and polemic in sixteenth‐century France: the Histoires prodigieuses, confessional identity, and the Wars of Religion
Authors: SPINKS JENNIFER
Published: September 2011

The second half of the sixteenth century saw the rise of the wonder book as a distinct genre shaped by religious conflict. These often richly illustrated compendia presented extraordinary events intended to inspire both fear and wonder. In France, wonder books appeared primarily during the Wars of Religion (1562–98). The most important was Pierre Boaistuau's 1560 Histoires prodigieuses, which appeared in revised editions incorporating new texts by Claude Tesserant, François de Belleforest, Arnauld Sorbin, Rod. Hoyer, and the unidentified ‘I. D. M.’ through until 1598. This article surveys the complex publication history of the Histoires prodigieuses and its changing presentation of prodigious disasters and wonders like famines, floods, plagues, monstrous births and earthquakes, and examines some of the textual and visual means by which the Histoires prodigieuses reflected the violent disorder of the Wars of Religion. It focuses particularly on the shift from a publication first written by Protestant Pierre Boaistuau, and then updated and revised by Catholic authors including François de Belleforest and Arnauld Sorbin, in order to examine new aspects of polemical print culture in sixteenth‐century France.
Clinical wound assessment using DESIGN‐R total score can predict pressure ulcer healing: Pooled analysis from two multicenter cohort studies
Authors: Sanada Hiromi , Iizaka Shinji , Matsui Yuko , Furue Masutaka , Tachibana Takao , Nakayama Takeo , Sugama Junko , Furuta Katsunori , Tachi Masahiro , Tokunaga Keiko , Miyachi Yoshiki ,   The Scientific Education Committee of the Japanese Society of Pressure Ulcers
Published: September 2011

There are few clinical tools with both predictive validity for pressure ulcer healing and availability in broad populations. We evaluated whether the total scores from DESIGN‐R tool could predict pressure ulcer healing. We followed 3,196 patients with pressure ulcers from two multicenter cohort studies until wound healing, patient death, or discharge. Wound severity was evaluated by DESIGN‐R tool from 0 (healed) to 66 (greatest severity). In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, higher DESIGN‐R total scores at baseline were associated with lower healing rates (hazard ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.89–0.92), independent of the patient's characteristics, setting types, and wound depth or location. DESIGN‐R had discriminative value for wound healing up to 90 days; the area under the receiver‐operating characteristics curve from univariate analysis was 0.81 for healing within 30 days and 0.74 for healing within 30–90 days. The cutoff points were 9 for healing within 30 days and 18 within 30–90 days (positive and negative predictive value 78.8 and 74.1%; 63.9 and 81.1%, respectively). These points were validated for both superficial and deep ulcers. DESIGN‐R can be a useful tool to predict pressure ulcer healing for a wide range of patient populations, settings, and wound locations.
Spatiotemporal progression of cell death in the zone of ischemia surrounding burns
Authors: Lanier Steven T. , McClain Steve A. , Lin Fubao , Singer Adam J. , Clark Richard A. F.
Published: September 2011

Burns are dynamic injuries, characterized by progressive death of surrounding tissue over time. Although central to an understanding of burn injury progression, the spatiotemporal degrees and rates of cellular necrosis and apoptosis in the zone of ischemia surrounding burns are not well characterized. Using a validated porcine hot comb model, we probed periburn tissue at 1, 4, and 24 hours after injury for high‐mobility group box 1 as a marker of necrosis and activated cleaved caspase‐3 as a marker of apoptosis, followed by spatiotemporal morphometric analysis. We found that necrosis was the most prominent mechanism of cell death in burn injury progression, with significant progression between 1 and 4 hours postburn. Apoptosis appeared not to play a role in early burn injury progression but was observed in cells at the interface of necrotic and viable tissue at 24 hours postburn. Our findings imply that intervention within the first 4 hours following injury is likely necessary to limit burn injury progression. Additionally, based on high‐mobility group box 1 staining patterns, we define distinct early, intermediate, and late pathological signs of cell necrosis that may facilitate delineation of causal mechanistic relationships of burn injury progression in vivo.
Erythropoietin‐stimulating Agents in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Response to Hyporesponsiveness
Authors: Parfrey Patrick S.
Published: September 2011

Hyporesponsiveness to erythropoietin stimulating agents occurs frequently, and may be observed at initiation of treatment or during maintenance therapy. An inverse relationship between hyporesponsiveness and incident cardiovascular events has been reported. It is related at least in part to co‐morbidity and its occurrence requires a search for the cause. Treatment of anemia in hyporesponsive patients should be individualized, with consideration given to the indication for ESA therapy, the target hemoglobin for therapy, and maximal dose limitations.
Severe Cutaneous Zygomycosis due to Basidiobolus Ranarum in a Young Infant
Authors: MENDIRATTA VIBHU , KARMAKAR SOMENATH , JAIN ARPITA , JABEEN MASARAT
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Basidiobolomycosis classically presents as a noninflammatory, nonulcerated, nontender woody indurated mass without much contiguous spread. It is almost always seen in an immunocompetent host younger than 20. We report a case of a 9‐month‐old baby with a rapidly expanding malignant presentation of basidiobolomycosis with nonhealing ulcers and spread to underlying muscles, mimicking lymphoma. She responded poorly to itraconazole alone but showed dramatic improvement with a combination therapy of itraconazole and potassium iodide. The case also highlights an early acquisition of the infection at 1 month of age.
Multiple Cutaneous Plexiform Schwannomas as Initial Presentation of Neurofibromatosis 2 in a 9‐Year‐Old
Authors: Nguyen Tien V. , Matthews Mark R. , Barrera Fernando F. , Browning John C.
Published: September 2011

Abstract:  Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is an autosomal‐dominant disease caused by genetic mutations of the NF2 gene on chromosome 22. Patients are often diagnosed according to the presence of bilateral vestibular schwannomas and other tumors in the brain and spinal cord. In children, NF2 can present early with ocular findings and cutaneous tumors. We report here a 9‐year‐old girl who presented with multiple pigmented, slightly tender plaques on her scalp, face, and back that were revealed by histopathology to be plexiform schwannomas. We suspected NF2 and sent the patient’s blood for genetic testing, which confirmed our diagnosis.
Effect of Experimentally Induced Synovitis on Amikacin Concentrations after Intravenous Regional Limb Perfusion
Authors: Beccar‐Varela Axel M. , Epstein Kira L. , White Catherine L.
Published: September 2011

Objectives

To determine the effects of experimentally induced synovitis of the radiocarpal joint on the intra‐articular pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of amikacin after intravenous regional limb perfusion (IVRLP).

Study Design

Randomized crossover experimental design.

Animals

Adult horses (n = 8).

Methods

Horses were randomly assigned into 2 trials: synovitis and no‐synovitis. Radiocarpal joint synovitis was induced with lipopolysaccharide 6 hours before IVRLP. IVRLP (5‐mg/kg amikacin qs 60 mL) was performed with a pneumatic tourniquet under general anesthesia. Synovial fluid was obtained before and 0.5, 1, 3, 5, 12, 24, 48 hours after IVRLP. Amikacin concentrations at each time point and pharmacokinetic values were compared between synovitis and no‐synovitis trials with Student's t‐test.

Results

Amikacin synovial fluid concentrations indicated suspected tourniquet failure on 3 occasions (2 synovitis, 1 no‐synovitis) on 3 different horses. Data from both trials in these 3 horses were excluded from further analysis. Observed time to maximal concentration (Tmax; mean ± SD = 54 ± 13.42 min) was reached earlier in synovitis joints (5/5, 30 min) than in no‐synovitis joints (1/5, 30 min and 4/5, 1 h; P = .0476) (P = .0161). Mean observed maximal concentration (Cmax) was higher in synovitis joints (144.48 ± 43.17 μg/mL) than in no‐synovitis joints (60.02 ± 28.81 μg/mL; P = .0301). The recommended Cmax: minimum inhibitory concentration ratio of 8 was achieved in 3/5 of the successfully perfused joints with induced synovitis, but this ratio was not achieved in any of the clinically normal joints.

Conclusion

Synovitis of the radiocarpal joint resulted in an earlier observed Tmax and higher observed Cmax of intra‐articular amikacin after IVRLP compared with normal joints.
Fabrication of Monodispersed 5‐nm BaTiO3 Nanocrystals with Narrow Size Distribution via One‐Step Solvothermal Route
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Xiaohui , Tian Zhibin , Zhong Caifu , Zhang Yichi , Sun Changku , Li Longtu
Published: September 2011

A convenient one‐step solvothermal route has been developed to synthesize monodispersed barium titanate with narrow size distributions. The key point of this method is the controlling of hydrolysis of Ti(OC4H9)4 with Diethylene glycol. The as‐prepared BaTiO3 nanoparticles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high‐resolution TEM, BET‐specific surface area measurement and Raman spectrum. The monodispersed BaTiO3 nanoparticles obtained by this method have an average size of 5 nm with a narrow size distribution and a lattice tetragonality of 1.0069 ± 0.0010, which is promising for the ferroelectric science and its industry application.
Er2O3 Doping Effect on Electrical Properties of ZnO–V2O5–MnO2–Nb2O5 Varistor Ceramics
Authors: Nahm Choon‐W.
Published: September 2011

The microstructure and electrical properties of Er2O3‐doped ZnO–V2O5–MnO2–Nb2O5 varistor ceramics were investigated with different contents of Er2O3. Increasing content of Er2O3 increased the sintered density (5.51–5.61 g/cm3 for Er2O3‐doped samples) and reduced the average grain size (5.2–5.7 μm). With increasing content of Er2O3, the breakdown field increased from 4800 to 5444 V/cm up to 0.05 mol%, whereas a further increase decreased it. The maximum nonlinear coefficient was 63, which was from the addition of 0.05 mol% Er2O3. The donor concentration increased from 4.21 × 1017 to 1.04 × 1018cm−3 with increasing content of Er2O3 and the barrier height exhibited a maximum value (1.21 eV) at 0.05 mol% Er2O3.
Fabrication of Nanosized Tungsten Carbide Ceramics by Reactive Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Sun Shi‐Kuan , Kan Yan‐Mei , Zhang Guo‐Jun
Published: September 2011

Binderless tungsten carbide ceramics were produced by reactive spark plasma sintering, using tungsten nitride and carbon black as starting materials. The phase and microstructure evolution during the sintering process was investigated. It was found that the tungsten nitride decomposed into nano tungsten with a particle size of about 25 nm firstly, and then reacted with carbon black to form carbides. Due to the high activity of the in situ formed carbides, samples could be densified at a temperature as low as 1350°C. The bulk carbides possessed an average grain size of 270 nm and Vickers’ hardness of 25.4 GPa.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Perovskite BiFeO3–BaTiO3 Crystallites
Authors: Qin Hongbin , Zhang Hailong , Zhang Bo‐Ping , Xu Lihua
Published: September 2011

Hydrothermal method, which provides an effective approach to produce pure‐phase BiFeO3‐based solid solution was used to synthesize BiFeO3–BaTiO3 powders. The phase evolution was found to be connected with reaction temperature, initial KOH concentration, and duration time. The results show that perovskite cubic 0.5BiFeO3–0.5BaTiO3 crystallites can be synthesized at a temperature as low as 200°C, with a KOH concentration of 4M. It indicates that the hydrothermal reactions responsible for the formation of crystalline BiFeO3–BaTiO3 are closely related to metal hydroxides dissolution and crystallization process. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy observations revealed a homogeneous distribution of submicron‐sized BiFeO3–BaTiO3 powders. Ferroelectricity was demonstrated for the BiFeO3–BaTiO3 powders by polarization–electric field hysteresis loop measured with the corresponding bulk samples.
A systematic review of the literature about competence and poor insight
Authors: Ruissen A. M. , Widdershoven G. A. M. , Meynen G. , Abma T. A. , van Balkom A. J. L. M.
Published: September 2011

Ruissen AM, Widdershoven GAM, Meynen G, Abma TA, van Balkom AJLM. A systematic review of the literature about competence and poor insight.

Objective: Formally, incompetence implies that a patient cannot meet the legal requirements for informed consent. Our aim was to review the scientific literature on the relationship between competence and insight in patients with psychiatric disorders, how competence and insight are connected in these patients and whether there are differences in competence and insight among patients with different disorders.

Method: A search in PubMed/Medline was performed. Articles were assessed on relevance criteria by two independent reviewers. Study design, population, variables, and outcomes were extracted.

Results: Seven articles were included on studies of psychiatric inpatients and outpatients and of psychotic and non‐psychotic patients. All studies used the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool (MacCAT). All studies but one found a strong correlation between poor insight and incompetence. Psychotic patients with poor insight are very likely to be incompetent, and psychotic patients with adequate insight are generally competent. One well‐executed study showed that in non‐psychotic disorders, however, another relationship emerges; competence and insight do not completely overlap in these patients.

Conclusion: Most incompetent psychotic patients have poor insight, but non‐psychotic patients with adequate insight were incompetent in a substantial number of cases. In sum: non‐psychotic patients with adequate insight can be incompetent.
Effects of platelet‐rich and ‐poor plasma on the reparative response of gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Cáceres Mónica , Martínez Constanza , Martínez Jorge , Smith Patricio C.
Published: September 2011

Objectives

Although platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been proposed as a therapeutic tool to enhance wound repair, the cellular and molecular mechanisms stimulated by this agent are still not completely understood. The present study was designed to characterize the effects of PRP and platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) supernatants on cell responses involved in gingival tissue repair.

Methods

We studied the response of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) to PRP and PPP fractions on: matrix contraction, cell migration, myofibroblastic differentiation, production of matrix components and proteolytic enzymes. PRP and PPP were obtained from donors using a commercial kit. Matrix contraction was evaluated by means of collagen lattices in the presence of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and actin polymerization inhibitors. The production of matrix molecules and proteinases was assessed through Western‐blot. RhoA activity was evaluated through a pull‐down assay. Actin distribution and focal adhesions were assessed through immunofluorescence. Transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) was quantified through ELISA.

Results

Both PRP and PPP stimulated human gingival fibroblasts‐populated collagen gel contraction and Ilomastat and cytochalasin D inhibited this response. PRP and PPP also stimulated MT1‐MMP and TIMP‐2 production, RhoA activation and actin cytoskeleton remodeling, cell migration/invasion and myofibroblastic differentiation. TGF‐β1 was found at significantly higher concentrations in PRP than in PPP.

Conclusions

Both PRP and PPP promote wound tissue remodeling and contraction through the stimulation of actin remodeling, the activity of MMPs, promotion of cell migration, and myofibroblastic differentiation. The similar biological responses induced by PRP and PPP suggest that both platelet‐derived fractions may exert a positive effect on gingival repair.
TLR2 and TLR4 gene promoter methylation status during chronic periodontitis
Authors: De Oliveira Naila Francis Paulo , Andia Denise Carleto , Planello Aline Cristiane , Pasetto Silvana , Marques Marcelo Rocha , Nociti Jr Francisco Humberto , Line Sérgio Roberto Peres , De Souza Ana Paula
Published: September 2011

De Oliveira NFP, Andia DC, Planello AC, Pasetto S, Marques MR, Nociti FH, Line SRP, De Souza, AP. TLR2 and TLR4 gene promoter methylation status during chronic periodontitis. J Clin Periodontol 2011; 38: 975–983. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2011.01765.x

Aim: The objective of this study was to analyse the status of DNA methylation in the promoter region of the toll‐like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 genes in gingival tissue samples from healthy subjects, smokers and non‐smokers affected by chronic periodontitis.

Material and Methods: Genomic DNA and total RNA were purified from gingival tissue using the TRIZOL reagent protocol. Genomic DNA was then digested by methylation‐sensitive restriction enzymes, amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), electrophoresed on a 10% polyacrylamide gel and stained using SYBR Gold. Real‐time PCR was also performed to verify the transcript levels.

Results: The CpG dinucleotides analysed were observed to be unmethylated in the majority of DNA samples of the three groups and statistical differences were not found among groups (p>0.05). However, a trend towards methylation was observed in the TLR2 HhaI site in the samples of the periodontitis non‐smoker groups. In fact, the analysis of all CpG sites together shows which complete methylation is observed in the shortest level in the samples of periodontitis non‐smoker group. The analysis of transcript levels demonstrated no difference among groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The results demonstrated major unmethylation of the TLR4 gene promoter in all groups. However, the results for the TLR2 gene promoter are inconclusive; this gene was found as a mosaic of methylated and unmethylated DNA in the majority of samples of the three groups and we also observed a trend towards the DNA methylation of CpG sites recognized by the HhaI enzyme.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma grading systems – analysis of the best survival predictor
Authors: Lindenblatt Rhayany de Castro Ribeiro , Martinez Gisele Lago , Silva Licínio Esmeraldo , Faria Paulo Silvestre , Camisasca Danielle Resende , Lourenço Simone de Queiroz Chaves
Published: September 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 34–39

Background:  The TNM system has been used for decades in an attempt to predict clinical behavior and appropriate therapy for oral squamous cell carcinomas. Histopathologic classifications can be useful as an additional predictive tool. The purpose of this study was to apply four grading systems (Multiparameter Grading System, Malignancy Grading of the Deep Invasive Margins, World Health Organization grading system, and Histologic Risk Assessment) to oral squamous cell carncinomas and evaluate each system based on clinicopathologic parameters and patient survival.

Methods:  The files of 53 patients diagnosed with primary oral squamous cell carcinoma at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute were evaluated. All hematoxylin and eosin‐stained slides were reviewed to confirm the original diagnosis and to determine histopathologic grading. Clinicopathologic information was obtained from medical records and tumor registries. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test or the chi‐square test, the Kaplan–Meier method, and the log‐rank test.

Results:  The Multiparameter Grading System was statistically associated with pathologic staging (P = 0.02) and lymph node involvement (P = 0.0009). Differences in overall 5‐year survival were significant for Histologic Risk Assessment (P = 0.015), pathologic staging (P = 0.001), lymph node status (P < 0.0001), and recurrence (P = 0.0001). Differences in cancer‐specific 5‐year survival were significant for Histologic Risk Assessment (P = 0.029), pathologic staging (P = 0.002), lymph node involvement (P < 0.0001), and recurrence (P < 0.0001). Poorly differentiated tumors were associated with the worst disease‐free survival (P = 0.031) and recurrence (P = 0.043).

Conclusion:  Of the grading systems evaluated, Histologic Risk Assessment demonstrated the best results for survival prediction in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
A preliminary study on the FAM5C expression in generalized chronic periodontitis
Authors: Ribeiro FV , Santos VR , Bastos MF , de Miranda TS , Vieira AR , de Figueiredo LC , Duarte PM
Published: September 2011

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 147–152

Objective:  The Family with sequence similarity 5 member C (FAM5C) has been suggested to contribute in aggressive periodontitis. However, there is no data regarding its role in chronic periodontitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the FAM5C expression in chronic periodontitis and to study association of FAM5C with key immunoinflammatory markers.

Material and Methods:  Gingival biopsies were harvested from periodontally healthy subjects (n = 10) and chronic periodontitis subjects (n = 15). The levels of mRNA of FAM5C, interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐6, IL‐23, IL‐10, IL‐4, interferon‐γ, toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐2, TLR‐4, osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of NF‐κB ligand (RANKL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, transforming growth factor‐β, transcription factor forkhead box p3, and transcription factor orphan nuclear receptor C2 were evaluated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  FAM5C mRNA levels were not different between periodontally healthy and diseased tissues (P > 0.05). Gene expressions of IL‐17, TNF‐α, OPG, RANKL, TLR‐2, and TLR‐4 were higher in periodontitis, when compared to periodontally healthy sites (P < 0.05), while no differences between groups were observed for the other genes evaluated (P > 0.05). There were no correlations between the gene expression of FAM5C and the other immunoinflammatory markers (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:  Within the limits of this study, it seems that FAM5C expression does not contribute to chronic periodontitis.
Cognitive impairments in adult mice with constitutive inactivation of RIP140 gene expression
Authors: Duclot F. , Lapierre M. , Fritsch S. , White R. , Parker M. G. , Maurice T. , Cavaillès V.
Published: September 2011

Receptor‐interacting protein 140 (RIP140) is a negative transcriptional coregulator of nuclear receptors such as estrogen, retinoic acid or glucocorticoid receptors. Recruitment of RIP140 results in an inhibition of target gene expression through different repressive domains interacting with histone deacetylases or C‐terminal binding proteins. In this study, we analyzed the role of RIP140 activity in memory processes using RIP140‐deficient transgenic mice. Although the RIP140 protein was clearly expressed in the brain (cortical and hippocampus areas), the morphological examination of RIP140−/− mouse brain failed to show grossly observable alterations. Using male 2‐month‐old RIP140−/−, RIP140+/− or RIP140+/+ mice, we did not observe any significant differences in the open‐field test, rotarod test and in terms of spontaneous alternation in the Y‐maze. By contrast, RIP140−/− mice showed long‐term memory deficits, with an absence of decrease in escape latencies when animals were tested using a fixed platform position procedure in the water maze and in the passive avoidance test. Noteworthy, RIP140−/− mice showed decreased swimming speed, suggesting swimming alterations that may in part account for the marked alterations measured in the water maze. Moreover, RIP140+/− and RIP140−/− mice showed a significant increase in immobility time in the forced swimming test as compared with wild‐type animals. These observations showed that RIP140 gene depletion results in learning and memory deficits as well as stress response, bringing to light a major role for this transcriptional coregulator in the neurophysiological developmental mechanisms underlying cognitive functions.
Protein transamidation by transglutaminase 2 in cells: a disputed Ca2+‐dependent action of a multifunctional protein
Authors: Király Róbert , Demény MátéÁ. , Fésüs László
Published: September 2011

Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is the first described cellular member of an enzyme family catalyzing Ca2+‐dependent transamidation of proteins. During the last two decades its additional enzymatic (GTP binding and hydrolysis, protein disulfide isomerase, protein kinase) and non‐enzymatic (multiple interactions in protein scaffolds) activities, which do not require Ca2+, have been recognized. It became a prevailing view that TG2 is silent as a transamidase, except in extreme stress conditions, in the intracellular environment characterized by low Ca2+ and high GTP concentrations. To counter this presumption a critical review of the experimental evidence supporting the role of this enzymatic activity in cellular processes is provided. It includes the structural basis of TG2 regulation through non‐canonical Ca2+ binding sites, mechanisms making it sensitive to low Ca2+ concentrations, techniques developed for the detection of protein transamidation in cells and examples of basic cellular phenomena as well as pathological conditions influenced by this irreversible post‐translational protein modification.
Exercise‐associated hyponatraemia on the Kokoda Trail
Authors: Rothwell Sean P , Rosengren David J , Rojek Amanda M , Williams Julian M , Lukin William G , Greenslade Jaimi
Published: September 2011

Objective: The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of exercise‐associated hyponatraemia in hikers/trekkers along the Kokoda Trail.

Methods: This was a cross‐sectional study of 191 trekkers on the Kokoda Trail, Papua New Guinea. Blood was taken and analysed immediately using point‐of‐care technology 2 days walk from each end of the Trail.

Results: The main outcome measure was hyponatraemia defined as serum sodium level less than 135 mmol/L. Three participants (1.6%, 95% CI 0.5–4.5%) were found to have mild hyponatraemia. The hyponatraemic group had a median estimated fluid intake on the day of testing that was almost double that of the normal sodium group (6 L vs 3.3 L).

Conclusion: Exercise‐associated hyponatraemia occurs in trekkers on the Kokoda Trail. Strategies for prevention of exercise‐associated hyponatraemia should be delivered to trekkers via the trekking companies, chiefly focussing on only drinking in response to thirst.
Low frequency of Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 gene polymorphisms in Mexican patients and their association with Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Maldonado‐Bernal C. , Trejo‐de la O A. , Sánchez‐Contreras M. E. , Wacher‐Rodarte N. , Torres J. , Cruz M.
Published: September 2011

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterized by a chronic low‐grade inflammatory state. SNP in Toll‐like receptor (TLR) genes has been associated with impaired inflammatory response. We genotyped the TLR4/D299G, TLR4/T399I and TLR2/R753Q polymorphisms. Low frequency was found with no association with T2D, nevertheless the TLR2 SNP was associated with lower levels in HDL‐cholesterol values.
Generalized Quantifiers and Number Sense
Authors: Clark Robin
Published: September 2011

Generalized quantifiers are functions from pairs of properties to truth‐values; these functions can be used to interpret natural language quantifiers. The space of such functions is vast and a great deal of research has sought to find natural constraints on the functions that interpret determiners and create quantifiers. These constraints have demonstrated that quantifiers rest on number and number sense. In the first part of the paper, we turn to developing this argument. In the remainder, we report on work in neurobiology that test the empirical claims of the theory. In particular, we look at fMRI experiments and behavioral experiments with various patient populations that support the intimate connection between natural language quantification and number sense.
Emotions and the Criminal Law
Authors: Mihai Mihaela
Published: September 2011

This article focuses on the most recent debates in a certain area of the ‘law and emotion’ field, namely the literature on the role of affect in the criminal law. Following the dominance of cognitivism in the philosophy of emotions, authors moved away from seeing emotions as contaminations on reason and examined how affective reactions could be accommodated within penal proceedings. The review is structured into two main components. I look first at contributions about the multi‐dimensional presence of emotions within ordinary criminal proceedings. Second, I examine work done on the use of criminal trials under the emotionally stressful circumstances of post‐conflict societies. In the conclusion I sketch a theoretical proposal for moving the discussion forward.
Relevant uses of surface proteins – display on self‐organized biological structures
Authors: Jahns Anika C. , Rehm Bernd H. A.
Published: September 2011

Proteins are often found attached to surfaces of self‐assembling biological units such as whole microbial cells or subcellular structures, e.g. intracellular inclusions. In the last two decades surface proteins were identified that could serve as anchors for the display of foreign protein functions. Extensive protein engineering based on structure–function data enabled efficient display of technically and/or medically relevant protein functions. Small size, diversity of the anchor protein as well as support structure, genetic manipulability and controlled cultivation of phages, bacterial cells and yeasts contributed to the establishment of designed and specifically functionalized tools for applications as sensors, catalysis, biomedicine, vaccine development and library‐based screening technologies. Traditionally, phage display is employed for library screening but applications in biomedicine and vaccine development are also perceived. For some diagnostic purposes phages are even too small in size so other carrier materials where needed and gave way for cell and yeast display. Only recently, intracellular inclusions such as magnetosomes, polyhydroxyalkanoate granules and lipid bodies were conceived as stable subcellular structures enabling the display of foreign protein functions and showing potential as specific and tailor‐made devices for medical and biotechnological applications.
Biofilm formation in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Domenech Mirian , García Ernesto , Moscoso Miriam
Published: September 2011

Biofilm‐grown bacteria are refractory to antimicrobial agents and show an increased capacity to evade the host immune system. In recent years, studies have begun on biofilm formation by Streptococcus pneumoniae, an important human pathogen, using a variety of in vitro model systems. The bacterial cells in these biofilms are held together by an extracellular matrix composed of DNA, proteins and, possibly, polysaccharide(s). Although neither the precise nature of these proteins nor the composition of the putative polysaccharide(s) is clear, it is known that choline‐binding proteins are required for successful biofilm formation. Further, many genes appear to be involved, although the role of each appears to vary when biofilms are produced in batch or continuous culture. Prophylactic and therapeutic measures need to be developed to fight S. pneumoniae biofilm formation. However, much care needs to be taken when choosing strains for such studies because different S. pneumoniae isolates can show remarkable genomic differences. Multispecies and in vivo biofilm models must also be developed to provide a more complete understanding of biofilm formation and maintenance.
Chionographis shiwandashanensis sp. nov. (Melanthiaceae) from southern Guangxi, China
Authors: Huang Yun‐Feng , Jiang Ri‐Hong , Nong Dong‐Xin , Xu Wei‐Bin
Published: September 2011

Chionographis shiwandashanensis a new species from southern Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to C. koidzumiana Ohwi and C. chinensis Krause in habit, but distinguished by oblong‐elliptic to oblong bractlike leaves and 6, filiform, regular tepals.
Differential expression and adherence of Porphyromonas gingivalis FimA genotypes
Authors: Zheng C. , Wu J. , Xie H.
Published: September 2011

Porphyromonas gingivalis is a primary pathogen involved in the initiation and progression of adult chronic periodontitis. Its colonization on oral surfaces is a necessary first step leading to infection. FimA, a subunit protein of major (long) fimbriae, is a well‐known virulence factor. Based on its nucleotide sequence, FimA is classified into several genotypes. We compared here the transcriptional levels of the fimA gene in several P. gingivalis strains using real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis, fimbrial display on the P. gingivalis surface using transmission electronic microscopy, and the adherence competencies of P. gingivalis strains carrying different types of FimAs towards saliva and Streptococcus gordonii surfaces using mutagenesis analysis. We demonstrated differential expression of each fimA gene in these P. gingivalis strains. A correlation of the transcription level of fimA and binding activity of P. gingivalis was revealed. We show that P. gingivalis strains with genotype I and II of FimA are efficient in interaction with saliva or S. gordonii. This work highlights the important role of FimA type I and II in P. gingivalis attachment to oral surfaces.