bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Beliefs Influence the Willingness to Contribute to Prevention Expenditure
Authors: Schumacher Ingmar
Published: April 2015

We study how beliefs affect individuals’ willingness to contribute to prevention expenditure through a two‐type, N‐person public good game and test several results empirically. We show analytically that pessimistic agents will invest more in prevention expenditure than optimists. We also demonstrate how small differences in beliefs may induce substantial differences in type‐related prevention expenditure. The more atomistic agents are, the less they will contribute to the public good. Pessimistic beliefs then lead to a “double deprivation,” and we discuss potential issues and remedies. The more optimistic a society is, the lower will be its total green expenditure. We then use a large international survey to study how beliefs and additional controls determine prevention expenditure. We rely on several proxies for beliefs and the willingness to contribute to prevention expenditure, which we combine through principal component analysis. In addition, we investigate the role of environmental education for the relationship between beliefs and the willingness to contribute. Because of potential endogeneity bias due to unobserved variables that are likely to affect both beliefs and the willingness to contribute, we follow the theoretical analysis and resort to a recursive bivariate model. Our main findings are very much in line with the theoretical predictions. We find, across all specifications, that more optimistic beliefs lead to a lower willingness to contribute. Environmental education affects the willingness to contribute only indirectly through its impact on beliefs.
GeneTIER: prioritization of candidate disease genes using tissue-specific gene expression profiles
Authors: Antanaviciute Agne , Daly Catherine , Crinnion Laura A. , Markham Alexander F. , Watson Christopher M. , Bonthron David T. , Carr Ian M.
Published: April 2015

Motivation: In attempts to determine the genetic causes of human disease, researchers are often faced with a large number of candidate genes. Linkage studies can point to a genomic region containing hundreds of genes, while the high-throughput sequencing approach will often identify a great number of non-synonymous genetic variants. Since systematic experimental verification of each such candidate gene is not feasible, a method is needed to decide which genes are worth investigating further. Computational gene prioritization presents itself as a solution to this problem, systematically analyzing and sorting each gene from the most to least likely to be the disease-causing gene, in a fraction of the time it would take a researcher to perform such queries manually.

Results: Here, we present Gene TIssue Expression Ranker (GeneTIER), a new web-based application for candidate gene prioritization. GeneTIER replaces knowledge-based inference traditionally used in candidate disease gene prioritization applications with experimental data from tissue-specific gene expression datasets and thus largely overcomes the bias toward the better characterized genes/diseases that commonly afflict other methods. We show that our approach is capable of accurate candidate gene prioritization and illustrate its strengths and weaknesses using case study examples.

Availability and Implementation: Freely available on the web at http://dna.leeds.ac.uk/GeneTIER/.

Contact:  umaan@leeds.ac.uk

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Applying stability selection to consistently estimate sparse principal components in high-dimensional molecular data
Authors: Sill Martin , Saadati Maral , Benner Axel
Published: April 2015

Motivation: Principal component analysis (PCA) is a basic tool often used in bioinformatics for visualization and dimension reduction. However, it is known that PCA may not consistently estimate the true direction of maximal variability in high-dimensional, low sample size settings, which are typical for molecular data. Assuming that the underlying signal is sparse, i.e. that only a fraction of features contribute to a principal component (PC), this estimation consistency can be retained. Most existing sparse PCA methods use L1-penalization, i.e. the lasso, to perform feature selection. But, the lasso is known to lack variable selection consistency in high dimensions and therefore a subsequent interpretation of selected features can give misleading results.

Results: We present S4VDPCA, a sparse PCA method that incorporates a subsampling approach, namely stability selection. S4VDPCA can consistently select the truly relevant variables contributing to a sparse PC while also consistently estimate the direction of maximal variability. The performance of the S4VDPCA is assessed in a simulation study and compared to other PCA approaches, as well as to a hypothetical oracle PCA that ‘knows’ the truly relevant features in advance and thus finds optimal, unbiased sparse PCs. S4VDPCA is computationally efficient and performs best in simulations regarding parameter estimation consistency and feature selection consistency. Furthermore, S4VDPCA is applied to a publicly available gene expression data set of medulloblastoma brain tumors. Features contributing to the first two estimated sparse PCs represent genes significantly over-represented in pathways typically deregulated between molecular subgroups of medulloblastoma.

Availability and implementation: Software is available at https://github.com/mwsill/s4vdpca.

Contact:  m.sill@dkfz.de

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Cellular phenotype database: a repository for systems microscopy data
Authors: Kirsanova Catherine , Brazma Alvis , Rustici Gabriella , Sarkans Ugis
Published: April 2015

Motivation: The Cellular Phenotype Database (CPD) is a repository for data derived from high-throughput systems microscopy studies. The aims of this resource are: (i) to provide easy access to cellular phenotype and molecular localization data for the broader research community; (ii) to facilitate integration of independent phenotypic studies by means of data aggregation techniques, including use of an ontology and (iii) to facilitate development of analytical methods in this field.

Results: In this article we present CPD, its data structure and user interface, propose a minimal set of information describing RNA interference experiments, and suggest a generic schema for management and aggregation of outputs from phenotypic or molecular localization experiments. The database has a flexible structure for management of data from heterogeneous sources of systems microscopy experimental outputs generated by a variety of protocols and technologies and can be queried by gene, reagent, gene attribute, study keywords, phenotype or ontology terms.

Availability and implementation: CPD is developed as part of the Systems Microscopy Network of Excellence and is accessible at http://www.ebi.ac.uk/fg/sym.

Contact:  jes@ebi.ac.uk or ugis@ebi.ac.uk

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Nature and management of duplicate medication alerts
Authors: Heringa Mette , Floor Annemieke , Meijer Willemijn M , De Smet Peter A G M , Bouvy Marcel L
Published: April 2015

Objective: To investigate the nature of duplicate medication (DM) alerts, their management by community pharmacists, and potential characteristics of DM alerts that lead to interventions by pharmacists.

Methods: Observational study in 53 community pharmacies. Each pharmacist registered the nature and management of 24 DM alerts on a structured form.

Results: On average, the clinical decision support systems generated 20.4 DM alerts per 100 dispensed drugs. In half of the 1272 registered alerts, the pharmacists judged that there was no risk for concurrent use of both prescriptions. In 32% of the alerts, the DM alert was generated for an intentional combination. In 17% of the alerts, there was a risk for unintentional concurrent use. In 32% of the alerts the pharmacists decided that one or more actions were needed: the electronic patient record was updated in 15% of the alerts and in 19% of the alerts the pharmacists performed an external action—for example, informing the patient or modifying the prescription (including 5 therapeutic prescription modifications and 22 logistic prescription modifications). Alerts concerning first dispensing were more likely to be followed by an external action than alerts concerning refills (40% vs 14%, P < .001).

Discussion and Conclusion: In community pharmacy, prescription modifications based on DM alerts are rare, but DM alerts lead with some regularity to other actions—for example, patient instruction and update of the electronic patient record. As the current DM alerts are diverse and nonspecific in detecting situations where external action is considered relevant, other ways of alerting should therefore be considered.
Antibody-Dependent Cellular Inhibition Is Associated With Reduced Risk Against Febrile Malaria in a Longitudinal Cohort Study Involving Ghanaian Children
Authors: Tiendrebeogo Regis W. , Adu Bright , Singh Susheel K. , Dziegiel Morten H. , Nébié Issa , Sirima Sodiomon B. , Christiansen Michael , Dodoo Daniel , Theisen Michael
Published: April 2015

The antibody-dependent respiratory burst and opsonic phagocytosis assays have been associated with protection against malaria; however, other mechanisms may also be involved. The antibody-dependent cellular inhibition (ADCI) assay is yet to be correlated with protection in longitudinal cohort studies (LCS). We investigated the relationship between ADCI activity of immunoglobulin G before malaria season and risk of malaria in a LCS involving Ghanaian children. High ADCI activity was significantly associated with reduced risk against malaria. Findings here suggest a potential usefulness of the ADCI assay as a correlate of protection to guide malaria vaccine studies.
CO emissions from optically selected galaxies at z  ∼ 0.1–0.2: Tight anti-correlation between molecular gas fraction and 4000 Å break strength
Authors: Morokuma-Matsui Kana , Baba Junichi , Sorai Kazuo , Kuno Nario
Published: April 2015

We performed 12CO(J = 1–0) (hereafter, CO) observations toward 12 normal star-forming galaxies with stellar masses of M⋆ = 1010.6–1011.3 M⊙ at z = 0.1–0.2 with the 45 m telescope at the Nobeyama Radio Observatory. The samples were selected with Dn(4000), that is, the strength of the 4000 Å break, instead of the commonly used far-infrared (FIR) flux. We successfully detected the CO emissions from eight galaxies with signal-to-noise ratio larger than three, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Dn(4000)-based sample selection. For the first time, we find a tight anti-correlation between Dn(4000) and molecular gas fraction (fmol) using literature data of nearby galaxies in which the galaxies with more fuel for star formation have younger stellar populations. We find that our CO-detected galaxies at z ∼ 0.1–0.2 also follow the same relation as nearby galaxies. This implies that the galaxies evolve along this Dn(4000)–fmol relation, and that Dn(4000) seems to be able to be used as a proxy for fmol, which requires many time-consuming observations. Based on the comparison with the model calculation with a population synthesis code, we find that star formation from metal enriched gas and its quenching in the early time are necessary to reproduce galaxies with large Dn(4000) and non-zero gas fraction.
Methods for distinguishing between protein-coding and long noncoding RNAs and the elusive biological purpose of translation of long noncoding RNAs
Authors: Housman Gali , Ulitsky Igor
Published: April 2015

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a diverse class of RNAs with increasingly appreciated functions in vertebrates, yet much of their biology remains poorly understood. In particular, it is unclear to what extent the current catalog of over 10,000 distinct annotated lncRNAs is indeed devoid of genes coding for proteins. Here we review the available computational and experimental schemes for distinguishing between coding and noncoding transcripts and assess the conclusions from their recent genome-wide applications. We conclude that the model most consistent with available data is that a large number of mammalian lncRNAs undergo translation, but only a very small minority of such translation events result in stable and functional peptides. The outcome of the majority of the translation events and their potential biological purposes remain an intriguing topic for future investigation.
Brain composition inHeliconiusbutterflies, post-eclosion growth and experience dependent neuropil plasticity
Authors: Montgomery Stephen H. , Merrill Richard M. , Ott Swidbert R.
Published: April 2015

Behavioral and sensory adaptations are often based in the differential expansion of brain components. These volumetric differences represent changes in investment, processing capacity and/or connectivity, and can be used to investigate functional and evolutionary relationships between different brain regions, and between brain composition and behavioral ecology. Here, we describe the brain composition of two species ofHeliconiusbutterflies, a long-standing study system for investigating ecological adaptation and speciation. We confirm a previous report of striking mushroom body expansion, and explore patterns of post-eclosion growth and experience-dependent plasticity in neural development. This analysis uncovers age-and experience-dependent post-emergence mushroom body growth comparable to that in foraging hymenoptera, but also identifies plasticity in several other neuropil. An interspecific analysis indicates thatHeliconiusdisplay remarkable levels of investment in mushroom bodies for a lepidopteran, and indeed rank highly compared to other insects. Our analyses lay the foundation for future comparative and experimental analyses that will establishHeliconiusas a useful case study in evolutionary neurobiology.
PHOSPHATIDIC ACID PHOSPHOHYDROLASE Regulates Phosphatidylcholine Biosynthesis in Arabidopsis by Phosphatidic Acid-Mediated Activation of CTP:PHOSPHOCHOLINE CYTIDYLYLTRANSFERASE Activity
Authors: Craddock Christian P. , Adams Nicolette , Bryant Fiona M. , Kurup Smita , Eastmond Peter J.
Published: April 2015

Regulation of membrane lipid biosynthesis is critical for cell function. We previously reported that disruption of PHOSPHATIDIC ACID PHOSPHOHYDROLASE1 (PAH1) and PAH2 stimulates net phosphatidylcholine (PC) biosynthesis and proliferation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we show that this response is caused specifically by a reduction in the catalytic activity of the protein and positively correlates with an accumulation of its substrate, phosphatidic acid (PA). The accumulation of PC in pah1 pah2 is suppressed by disruption of CTP:PHOSPHOCHOLINE CYTIDYLYLTRANSFERASE1 (CCT1), which encodes a key enzyme in the nucleotide pathway for PC biosynthesis. The activity of recombinant CCT1 is stimulated by lipid vesicles containing PA. Truncation of CCT1, to remove the predicted C-terminal amphipathic lipid binding domain, produced a constitutively active enzyme. Overexpression of native CCT1 in Arabidopsis has no significant effect on PC biosynthesis or ER morphology, but overexpression of the truncated constitutively active version largely replicates the pah1 pah2 phenotype. Our data establish that membrane homeostasis is regulated by lipid composition in Arabidopsis and reveal a mechanism through which the abundance of PA, mediated by PAH activity, modulates CCT activity to govern PC content.
Combining THz laser excitation with resonant soft X-ray scattering at the Linac Coherent Light Source
Authors: Turner Joshua J. , Dakovski Georgi L. , Hoffmann Matthias C. , Hwang Harold Y. , Zarem Alex , Schlotter William F. , Moeller Stefan , Minitti Michael P. , Staub Urs , Johnson Steven , Mitra Ankush , Swiggers Michele , Noonan Peter , Curiel G. Ivan , Holmes Michael
Published: April 2015

This paper describes the development of new instrumentation at the Linac Coherent Light Source for conducting THz excitation experiments in an ultra high vacuum environment probed by soft X-ray diffraction. This consists of a cantilevered, fully motorized mirror system which can provide 600 kV cm−1electric field strengths across the sample and an X-ray detector that can span the full Ewald sphere with in-vacuum motion. The scientific applications motivated by this development, the details of the instrument, and spectra demonstrating the field strengths achieved using this newly developed system are discussed.
Law, sex and the city: regulating sexual entertainment venues in England and Wales
Authors: Hubbard Philip
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to explore how municipal law, in its various guises, serves to police the boundaries of acceptable sexual conduct by considering how Sexual Entertainment Venues (SEVs) in British cities are controlled through diverse techniques of licensing and planning control.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper describes the emergence of permissive new licensing controls that provide local authorities considerable control over SEVs. Licensing decisions, judicial review cases and planning inspectorate adjudications since the inception of the new powers are examined to explore the logic of judgements preventing SEVs operating in specific localities.

Findings

– Through analysis of case studies, it is shown that local authorities have almost total discretion to prevent SEVs operating in specific localities, particularly those undergoing, or anticipated to be undergoing, redevelopment and regeneration.

Originality/value

– This paper offers unique insights on the “scope” of municipal law by highlighting how land uses associated with “sexual minority” interests are regulated in the interests of urban regeneration, redevelopment and restructuring.
Sevalamer Hydrochloride, Sevelamer Carbonate and Lanthanum Carbonate: In Vitro and In Vivo Effects on Gastric Environment
Authors: Coppolino Giuseppe , Lucisano Silvia , Rivoli Laura , Fuiano Giorgio , Villari Antonino , Villari Iole , Leonello Grazia , Lacquaniti Antonio , Santoro Domenico , Buemi Michele
Published: April 2015

Hyperphosphatemia is common in patients with chronic renal failure. Phosphate binders are associated with gastric intolerance, representing the main reason of drug discontinuation. The aim of this study was to compare the effects in vitro and in vivo of sevelamer hydrochloride (SH), sevelamer carbonate (SC) and lanthanum carbonate (LC) on gastric microenvironment. We have also evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of these drugs in hemodialysis (HD) patients. In vitro analysis: Dissolution time, ability to uptake phosphorus, changes in pH starting from gastric milieu and the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced were the variables analyzed. In vivo analysis: 24‐h esophago‐gastric pH measurement was evaluated in 24 HD patients treated with phosphate binders and proton pump inhibitor (PPI). In vitro: LC dissolved over a longer time compared with SC (58 ± 2.4 vs. 12 ± 0.6 min; P < 0.001) and SH (58 ± 2.4 vs. 10.3 ± 0.8 min; P < 0.001), determining the most alkaline pH. SC had the highest chelation power, binding 4.00 × 10−9 mol/L of phosphoric acid. CO2 volume released was increased in LC solution (53.2 ± 7.8) compared to SC (33.9 ± 6.2; P < 0.001) and SH (2.3 ± 1.8; P < 0.001). In vivo: gastric pH increased after administration of phosphate binder. The most alkaline pH was recorded in patients treated with SC. The alkalinization of the gastric environment was not prevented by PPI therapy. 424 episodes of esophageal reflux were registered, 74% of them were alkaline. The LC group was characterized by the highest number of episodes. Sevelamer carbonate had a greater capacity and rapidity to chelate phosphorus, with a mild tolerability, due to its low CO2 production. Sevelamer HCl was the most tolerated chelator because it did not produce CO2, while lanthanum carbonate was the least soluble.
Prospective comparative study of inhibitory control test and psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score for diagnosis and prognosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients in the Indian subcontinent
Authors: Gupta Dhaval , Ingle Meghraj , Shah Kaivan , Phadke Aniruddha , Sawant Prabha
Published: April 2015

Objective

This study aimed to determine the usefulness of inhibitory control test (ICT) for diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in the Indian subcontinent and its correlation with the severity of liver disease and to determine its prognostic significance.

Methods

Two hundred patients with cirrhosis and 200 healthy controls were enrolled. Only patients were administered with psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES), while both patients and controls were subjected to ICT. MHE was diagnosed when PHES ≤−5. ICT was considered abnormal when the numbers of ICT lures were ≥14.

Results

Overall, 135 (67.5%) patients had MHE. Mean ICT lures were higher in cirrhotic patients with MHE than those without MHE (17.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.9–22.3 vs 8.79, 95% CI 6.8–12.60, P < 0.001). Target accuracy was lower in patients with MHE than in those without (84.35, 95% CI 78.5–89.8 vs 95.36, 95% CI 90.1–99.2, P < 0.001). ICT had a sensitivity of 92.6% and specificity of 78.5% with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.855 (95% CI 0.791–0.920) for MHE. ICT was correlated with Child–Turcotte–Pugh class (P < 0.001) and the model for end‐stage liver disease score (P < 0.001) and predicted the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) and probable survival with excellent test–retest reliability.

Conclusions

ICT is useful for diagnosing MHE in patients with cirrhosis. It is correlated with disease severity and predicts the development of OHE and probable survival with excellent test–retest reliability.
Borderline personality disorder in transition age youth with bipolar disorder
Authors: Yen S. , Frazier E. , Hower H. , Weinstock L. M. , Topor D. R. , Hunt J. , Goldstein T. R. , Goldstein B. I. , Gill M. K. , Ryan N. D. , Strober M. , Birmaher B. , Keller M. B.
Published: April 2015

Objective

To determine the longitudinal impact of borderline personality disorder (BPD) on the course and outcome of bipolar disorder (BP) in a pediatric BP sample.

Method

Participants (N = 271) and parents from the Course and Outcome of Bipolar Youth (COBY) study were administered structured clinical interviews and self‐reports on average every 8.7 months over a mean of 93 months starting at age 13.0 ± 3.1 years. The structured interview for DSM‐IV personality disorders (SIDP‐IV) was administered at the first follow‐up after age 18 to assess for symptoms of BPD. BPD operationalized at the disorder, factor, and symptom level, was examined as a predictor of poor clinical course of BP using all years of follow‐up data.

Results

The number of BPD symptoms was significantly associated with poor clinical course of BP, above and beyond BP characteristics. Affective dysregulation was most strongly associated with poor course at the factor level; the individual symptoms most strongly associated with poor course were dissociation/stress‐related paranoid ideation, impulsivity, and affective instability.

Conclusion

BPD severity adds significantly to the burden of BP illness and is significantly associated with a more chronic and severe course and outcome beyond what can be attributable to BP characteristics.
New developments on the neurobiological and pharmaco‐genetic mechanisms underlying internet and videogame addiction
Authors: Weinstein Aviv , Lejoyeux Michel
Published: April 2015

Background

There is emerging evidence that the psychobiological mechanisms underlying behavioral addictions such as internet and videogame addiction resemble those of addiction for substances of abuse.

Objectives

Review of brain imaging, treatment and genetic studies on videogame and internet addiction.

Methods

Literature search of published articles between 2009 and 2013 in Pubmed using “internet addiction” and “videogame addiction” as the search word. Twenty‐nine studies have been selected and evaluated under the criteria of brain imaging, treatment, and genetics.

Results

Brain imaging studies of the resting state have shown that long‐term internet game playing affected brain regions responsible for reward, impulse control and sensory‐motor coordination. Brain activation studies have shown that videogame playing involved changes in reward and loss of control and that gaming pictures have activated regions similarly to those activated by cue‐exposure to drugs. Structural studies have shown alterations in the volume of the ventral striatum possible as result of changes in reward. Furthermore, videogame playing was associated with dopamine release similar in magnitude to those of drugs of abuse and that there were faulty inhibitory control and reward mechanisms videogame addicted individuals. Finally, treatment studies using fMRI have shown reduction in craving for videogames and reduced associated brain activity.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Videogame playing may be supported by similar neural mechanisms underlying drug abuse. Similar to drug and alcohol abuse, internet addiction results in sub‐sensitivity of dopamine reward mechanisms. Given the fact that this research is in its early stage it is premature to conclude that internet addiction is equivalent to substance addictions. (Am J Addict 2015;24:117–125)
Compulsive buying
Authors: Müller Astrid , Mitchell James E. , de Zwaan Martina
Published: April 2015

Objective

Although compulsive buying (CB) seems to be not only prevalent but even increasing in prevalence, it often remains neglected or minimized in clinical settings. There is a need for a greater understanding and recognition of this problem. The aim of this article is to summarize the current knowledge regarding CB and to offer thoughts regarding classification.

Method

Review of published literature over the period 1994–2013 through Pubmed/Medline, PsychINFO, and Google Scholar using the key words ‘compulsive buying’, ‘impulsive buying’ and ‘addictive buying’.

Results

CB is defined by a preoccupation with buying and shopping, by frequent buying episodes, or overpowering urges to buy that are experienced as irresistible and senseless. The maladaptive spending behavior is associated with serious psychological, social, occupational, and financial problems. Treatment‐seeking patients with CB suffer from substantial psychiatric comorbidity (eg, anxiety and depressive mood disorders, compulsive hoarding, binge eating disorder). Representative surveys revealed prevalence estimates of CB between 6% and 7% and indicate that younger people are more prone to develop CB. Moreover, European data suggest an increase of CB in the adult population over the last 20 years. While there is no evidence for the efficacy of psychopharmacological treatment, group cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be effective.

Conclusion

The relevance of recognition of CB as mental disorder is undeniable in the face of its estimated prevalence and associated burden. As our understanding of contributing neurobiological and etiological factors is limited, further research should focus on these topics, taking into account the heterogeneity of individuals with CB. There is also a need for specific treatment options and for the development of prevention strategies. (Am J Addict 2015;24:132–137)
Smoking‐related correlates of psychomotor restlessness and agitation in a community sample of daily cigarette smokers
Authors: Wong Jordan A. , Leventhal Adam M.
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives

Psychomotor restlessness and agitation (PMA) is a putatively important, yet understudied, psychopathologic correlate of smoking. The scant smoking research on PMA previously conducted has been narrow in scope and conducted among psychiatric patients. To examine the generalizability and relevance of PMA to smoking, this cross‐sectional study investigated associations between PMA and a variety of smoking processes in a community sample.

Methods

Participants in this study were non‐treatment‐seeking smokers (N = 254, ≥10 cig/day, M age = 44 years) from the community without an active mood disorder. At baseline, they completed a PMA symptom checklist, a composite depressive symptom index, and a battery of smoking questionnaires.

Results

Linear regression models adjusting for depressive symptoms and demographics indicated that PMA level was positively associated with severity of nicotine withdrawal symptoms during prior quit attempts (β = .18, p < .05), anticipated likelihood of withdrawal in a future quit attempt (β = .19, p < .05), motivation to smoke for negative reinforcement (β = .14, p < .05), and smoking expectancies for negative reinforcement (β = .17, p < .05), negative consequences (β = .22, p < .01), and positive reinforcement (β = .14, p < .05). PMA was not significantly associated with smoking chronicity, frequency, or dependence severity.

Conclusion and Scientific Significance

Smokers with elevated PMA appear to experience greater smoking‐induced affect modulation and nicotine withdrawal than the average smoker, regardless of other depressive symptoms. Given that PMA differentiates a qualitatively unique profile of smoking characteristics, PMA warrants consideration in tobacco addiction research and practice. (Am J Addict 2015;24:166–172)
Typologies of positive psychotic symptoms in methamphetamine dependence
Authors: Bousman Chad A. , McKetin Rebecca , Burns Richard , Woods Steven Paul , Morgan Erin E. , Atkinson J. Hampton , Everall Ian P. , Grant Igor ,   the Translational Methamphetamine AIDS Research Center (TMARC) Group
Published: April 2015

Background and Objectives

Understanding methamphetamine associated psychotic (MAP) symptom typologies could aid in identifying individuals at risk of progressing to schizophrenia and guide early intervention.

Methods

Latent class analysis (LCA) of psychotic symptoms collected from 40 (n = 40) methamphetamine dependent individuals with a history of psychotic symptoms but no history of a primary psychotic disorder.

Results

Three typologies were identified. In one, persecutory delusions dominated (Type 1), in another persecutory delusions were accompanied by hallucinations (Type 2), and in the third a high frequency of all the assessed hallucinatory and delusional symptoms was observed (Type 3).

Discussion and Conclusion

MAP is a heterogeneous syndrome with positive symptom typologies.

Scientific Significance

This study represents the first attempt at identifying typologies of MAP and highlights the potential utility of LCA in future large‐scale studies. (Am J Addict 2015;24:94–97)
Maternal Health and Pregnancy Outcomes Comparing Migrant Women Born in Humanitarian and Nonhumanitarian Source Countries: A Retrospective, Observational Study
Authors: Gibson‐Helm Melanie E. , Teede Helena J. , Cheng I‐Hao , Block Andrew A. , Knight Michelle , East Christine E. , Wallace Euan M. , Boyle Jacqueline A.
Published: April 2015

Background

The relationship between migration and pregnancy outcomes is complex, with little insight into whether women of refugee background have greater risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes than other migrant women. This study aimed to describe maternal health, pregnancy care, and pregnancy outcomes among migrant women from humanitarian and nonhumanitarian source countries.

Methods

Retrospective, observational study of singleton births, at a single maternity service in Australia 2002–2011, to migrant women born in humanitarian source countries (HSCs, n = 2,713) and non‐HSCs (n = 10,606). Multivariable regression analysis assessed associations between maternal HSC‐birth and pregnancy outcomes.

Results

Compared with women from non‐HSCs, the following were more common in women from HSCs: age < 20 years (0.6 vs 2.9% p < 0.001), multiparity (51 vs 76% p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 (38 vs 50% p < 0.001), anemia (3.2 vs 5.9% p < 0.001), tuberculosis (0.1 vs 0.4% p = 0.001), and syphilis (0.4 vs 2.5% p < 0.001). Maternal HSC‐birth was independently associated with poor or no pregnancy care attendance (OR 2.5 [95% CI 1.8–3.6]), late first pregnancy care visit (OR 1.3 [95% CI 1.1–1.5]), and postterm birth (> 41 weeks gestation) (OR 2.5 [95% CI 1.9–3.4]). Stillbirth (0.8 vs 1.2% p = 0.04, OR 1.5 [95% CI 1.0–2.4]) and unplanned birth before arrival at the hospital (0.6 vs 1.2% p < 0.001, OR 1.3 [95% CI 0.8–2.1]) were more common in HSC‐born women but not independently associated with maternal HSC‐birth after adjusting for age, parity, BMI and relative socioeconomic disadvantage.

Conclusions

These findings suggest areas where women from HSCs may have additional needs in pregnancy compared with women from non‐HSCs. Refugee‐focused strategies to support engagement in pregnancy care and address maternal health needs would be expected to improve health outcomes in resettlement countries.
The evolution of peer review as a basis for scientific publication: directional selection towards a robust discipline?
Authors: Ferreira Catarina , Bastille‐Rousseau Guillaume , Bennett Amanda M. , Ellington E. Hance , Terwissen Christine , Austin Cayla , Borlestean Adrian , Boudreau Melanie R. , Chan Kevin , Forsythe Adrian , Hossie Thomas J. , Landolt Kristen , Longhi Jessica , Otis Josée‐Anne , Peers Michael J. L. , Rae Jason , Seguin Jacob , Watt Cristen , Wehtje Morgan , Murray Dennis L.
Published: April 2015

Peer review is pivotal to science and academia, as it represents a widely accepted strategy for ensuring quality control in scientific research. Yet, the peer‐review system is poorly adapted to recent changes in the discipline and current societal needs. We provide historical context for the cultural lag that governs peer review that has eventually led to the system's current structural weaknesses (voluntary review, unstandardized review criteria, decentralized process). We argue that some current attempts to upgrade or otherwise modify the peer‐review system are merely sticking‐plaster solutions to these fundamental flaws, and therefore are unlikely to resolve them in the long term. We claim that for peer review to be relevant, effective, and contemporary with today's publishing demands across scientific disciplines, its main components need to be redesigned. We propose directional changes that are likely to improve the quality, rigour, and timeliness of peer review, and thereby ensure that this critical process serves the community it was created for.
Immunology of IgG4-related disease
Authors: Della-Torre E , Lanzillotta M , Doglioni C
Published: April 2015

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a fibroinflammatory condition that derives its name from the characteristic finding of abundant IgG4+ plasma cells in affected tissues, as well as the presence of elevated serum IgG4 concentrations in many patients. In contrast to fibrotic disorders, such as systemic sclerosis or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in which the tissues fibrosis has remained largely intractable to treatment, many IgG4-RD patients appear to have a condition in which the collagen deposition is reversible. The mechanisms underlying this peculiar feature remain unknown, but the remarkable efficacy of B cell depletion in these patients supports an important pathogenic role of B cell/T cell collaboration. In particular, aberrant T helper type 2 (Th2)/regulatory T cells sustained by putative autoreactive B cells have been proposed to drive collagen deposition through the production of profibrotic cytokines, but definitive demonstrations of this hypothesis are lacking. Indeed, a number of unsolved questions need to be addressed in order to fully understand the pathogenesis of IgG4-RD. These include the identification of an antigenic trigger(s), the implications (if any) of IgG4 antibodies for pathophysiology and the precise immunological mechanisms leading to fibrosis. Recent investigations have also raised the possibility that innate immunity might precede adaptive immunity, thus further complicating the pathological scenario. Here, we aim to review the most recent insights on the immunology of IgG4-RD, focusing on the relative contribution of innate and adaptive immune responses to the full pathological phenotype of this fibrotic condition. Clinical, histological and therapeutic features are also addressed.
Conceptual Integration of Arithmetic Operations With Real‐World Knowledge: Evidence From Event‐Related Potentials
Authors: Guthormsen Amy M. , Fisher Kristie J. , Bassok Miriam , Osterhout Lee , DeWolf Melissa , Holyoak Keith J.
Published: April 2015

Research on language processing has shown that the disruption of conceptual integration gives rise to specific patterns of event‐related brain potentials (ERPs)—N400 and P600 effects. Here, we report similarERPeffects when adults performed cross‐domain conceptual integration of analogous semantic and mathematical relations. In a problem‐solving task, when participants generated labeled answers to semantically aligned and misaligned arithmetic problems (e.g.,6 roses + 2tulips = ?vs.6 roses + 2vases = ?), the second object label in misaligned problems yielded an N400 effect for addition (but not division) problems. In a verification task, when participants judged arithmetically correct but semantically misaligned problem sentences to be “unacceptable,” the second object label in misaligned sentences elicited a P600 effect. Thus, depending on task constraints, misaligned problems can show either of twoERPsignatures of conceptual disruption. These results show that well‐educated adults can integrate mathematical and semantic relations on the rapid timescale of within‐domainERPeffects by a process akin to analogical mapping.
The effects of the intensity, timing and persistence of personal history of mobility on support for redistribution in transition countries
Authors: Dabalen Andrew , Parinduri Rasyad A. , Paul Saumik
Published: April 2015

This paper examines the effect of the intensity, timing and persistence of personal history of mobility on individual support for redistribution. Using both rounds of the Life in Transition Survey, we build measures of downward mobility for about 57,000 individuals from 27 countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. We find that more intensive, recent and persistent downward mobility increases support for redistribution. Accounting for systematic bias in perceived mobility experience and omitted variable bias and considering alternative definitions of redistributive preferences do not alter the basic results.
A new template to study callosal growth shows specific growth in anterior and posterior regions of the corpus callosum in early childhood
Authors: Ansado Jennyfer , Collins Louis , Fonov Vladimir , Garon Mathieu , Alexandrov Lubomir , Karama Sherif , Evans Alan , Beauchamp Miriam H. ,   Brain Development Cooperative Group
Published: April 2015

Most of the studies conducted on the development of the corpus callosum (CC) have been limited to a relatively simple assessment of callosal area, providing an estimation of the size of the CC in two dimensions rather than its actual measurement. The goal of this study was to revisit callosal development in childhood and adolescence by using a three‐dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging template of the CC that considers the horizontal width of the CC and compares this with the two‐dimensional (2D) callosal area. We mapped callosal growth in a large sample of youths followed longitudinally (N = 370 at T1; N = 304 at T2; and N = 246 at T3). Both techniques were based on a five‐section subdivision of the CC. The results obtained with the 3D method revealed that the rate of CC growth over a 4‐year period in the rostrum, the genu, the anterior body and the splenium was significantly higher in the youngest age group (< 7 years) than in older groups, indicating an intense period of development in early childhood for the anterior and posterior parts of the CC. Similar results were obtained when 2D callosal area was used for the anterior and posterior parts of the CC. However, divergent results were found in the mid‐body and the caudal body of the CC. As shown by differences between 2D estimations and actual 3D measurements of callosal growth, our study highlights the importance of considering the horizontal width in measuring developmental changes in the CC.
Microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor expression levels in melanoma cells contribute to cell invasion and proliferation
Authors: Vachtenheim Jiri , Ondrušová Lubica
Published: April 2015

Microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor (MITF) is a nodal point in melanoma transcriptional network that regulates dozens of genes with critical functions in cell differentiation, proliferation and survival. Highly variable MITF expression levels exist in tumor cell subpopulations conferring marked heterogeneity and plasticity in the tumor tissue. A model has been postulated whereby lower MITF levels favour cell invasion and suppress proliferation, whereas high levels stimulate differentiation and proliferation. Additionally, MITF is considered to be a prosurvival gene and a lineage addiction oncogene in melanoma. Herein, we review how MITF expression may affect the melanoma phenotype with consequences on the survival, invasion and metastasis of melanoma cells, and we discuss the research challenges.
Long-Term Effects of Language Course Timing on Language Acquisition and Social Contacts: Turkish and Moroccan Immigrants in Western Europe
Authors: Hoehne Jutta , Michalowski Ines
Published: April 2015

This article investigates long-term effects of the timing of language course participation among immigrants, focusing on self-assessed immigration country language skills and interethnic social contacts among immigrants from Turkey and Morocco who came to Western Europe mainly during the guest worker period. Data stem from the 2008 Six Country Immigrant Integration Comparative Survey. We find a positive, long-term impact of course participation in the first four years after immigration on language skills and social contacts. Results support linguistic theories on the benefits of early language instruction and sociopsychological theories on long-term effects of (even short) social belonging interventions on participants’ perseverance in achieving educational success.
BIOCHEMICAL AND IMMUNOLOGICAL STUDIES ON LYSOZYME FROM HAIRLESS MOUSE SKIN
Authors: Ogawa Hideoki
Published: April 2015

Lysozyme was isolated from hairless mouse skin by extraction with 0.1 N acetic acid containing 0.9 percent NaCl. Crude enzyme was purified using successive chromatographic processes on carboxymethylcellulose and Sephadex G‐50. Purified hairless mouse skin lysozyme was found to have a homogeneous electrophoretic migration pattern on polyacrylamide gel.

The amino acid composition and several physico‐chemical properties of hairless mouse skin lysozyme were similar to those of human skin lysozyme, but different from those of hen egg white lysozyme. The antigenic properties of hairless mouse skin lysozyme were also closely related to those of human skin lysozyme, but not to those of hen egg white lysozyme.
EFFECT OF THIOCYANATE ON HUMAN SKIN COLLAGENASE ACTIVITY
Authors: Shinkai Hiroshi , Fujiwara Noboru , Matsubayashi Shuho , Sano Shigeharu
Published: April 2015

Using tissue culture, human skin collagenase activity and its relationship to serum collagenase inhibitors and the effect of thiocyanate was studied. The following was found:

Collagenase activity did not become apparent in the culture medium before 48 hours; it reached a peak on the 4th day, gradually decreased, and then became elevated again on the 7th day of culture.

Using the immunodiffusion technique, α2‐macroglobulin was detected up to the 4th day and α1‐antitrypsin until the 7th day.

On the 2nd day of culture, two separate peaks of collagenase activity were evident by gel filtration on a Sephadex G‐200 column. One peak was eluted in the area of α1‐antitrypsin, but no collagenase activity was detected in the area of α2‐macroglobulin.

By treatment with NaSCN, the α2‐macroglobulin was dissociated from the enzyme‐serum collagenase inhibitor complex, and skin collagenase was partially purified as a single peak of activity. From these results, the main serum constituent of collagenase inhibitors is considered to be α2‐macroglobulin rather than α1‐antitrypsin.
HIDROACANTHOMA SIMPLEX: AN ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY AND COMPARISON WITH ECCRINE POROMA
Authors: Oka Kichiro , Morohashi Masaaki , Nitto Heita
Published: April 2015

Hidroacanthoma simplex is a rare tumor and its histogenesis and classification have been the subject of discussion, especially as to its relation to eccrine poroma. The tumor in this study developed on the knee of an old woman as a Bowen's disease‐like lesion. Clinical and histological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of hidroacanthoma simplex.

Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells revealed a structure similar to that of eccrine poroma as regards numerous glycogen granules and the ring‐shaped distribution of tonofilaments, but different from eccrine poroma in having no intracellular cavity formation and underdeveloped tonofilaments and desmosomes. These findings indicate that hidroacanthoma simplex is related to eccrine poroma, but is not identical to it nor an intraepidermal form of it.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC STUDY OF PORPHYRIAS
Authors: Nonaka Shigeo , Nishimoto Katsutaro , Hirowatari Tokuji , Honda Tetsuzo , Nogita Michio
Published: April 2015

Electron microscopic examinations were performed on skin specimens obtained from six patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria and one patient with erythropoietic porphyria (Günther).

The most important histopathological findings in the involved skin of porphyria is an accumulation of PAS positive material surrounding the small vessels in the upper dermis. The electron microscopic features of this material are discussed. It is not clear how this material is produced.
INCREASED LEVEL OF ACIDIC NUCLEAR PROTEINS IN HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES ACTIVATED BY PHYTOHEMAGGLUTININ
Authors: Dekio Satoshi , Ozasa Shozaburo
Published: April 2015

Acidic nuclear proteins and histories were extracted from isolated nuclei of human lymphocytes cultured in media both with and without phytohemagglutinin, and their amounts were measured according to Folin‐Lowry's technique. The ratio of the amount of acidic nuclear proteins to histones was calculated in each case. The ratio of nuclear proteins from lymphocytes cultured in media with phytohemagglutinin was higher than that from lymphocytes cultured in media without phytohemagglutinin. It is suggested that acidic nuclear proteins might restore histone‐inhibited DNA‐dependent RNA synthesis in human lymphocytes activated by phytohemagglutinin.
A CASE OF STORIFORM NEUROFIBROMA
Authors: Nishio Kazukata , Kōda Hiromu
Published: April 2015

A storiform neurofibroma on the back of a 23‐year‐old male is reported. The tumor grew slowly and continuously and with no sign of malignancy. The tumor was completely excised with no sign of recurrence in over one and one‐half years of follow‐up. The characteristic mat‐like structure and the presence of melanin in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells suggest that the tumor is of the melanotic type.
SYSTEMIC CHROMOMYCOSIS
Authors: Harada Seiichi , Ueda Tokishi , Kusunoki Toshio
Published: April 2015

This is the report of a case of chromomycosis developing on the skin, left lung, brain, lymph nodes, liver, ileocecal region and kidney of a 15‐year‐old Japanese boy. Phialophora gougerotii from the skin lesions on the back and left upper arm and Phialophora dermatitidis from the left lung, brain, lymph nodes, kidney, as well as the skin lesions on the face, neck and chest were isolated.