bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Assessment of Changes in Cognitive Functioning in the Elderly: Age- and Education-Specific Reliable Change Indices for the SIDAM
Authors: Stein Janine , Luppa Melanie , Maier Wolfgang , Tebarth Franziska , Heser Kathrin , Scherer Martin , Zimmermann Thomas , Eisele Marion , Bickel Horst , Mösch Edelgard , Weyerer Siegfried , Werle Jochen , Pentzek Michael , Fuchs Angela , Wiese Birgitt , Prokein Jana , König Hans-Helmut , Leicht Hanna , Riedel-Heller Steffi G. ,   for the AgeCoDe Study Group
Published: March 2012

Background/Aims: The diagnostic criteria for dementia include reliable evidence of cognitive deterioration over time measured by cognitive tests. The Structured Interview for the Diagnosis of Dementia of the Alzheimer Type, Multi-infarct Dementia and Dementia of other Etiology according to DSM-III-R, DSM-IV and ICD-10 (SIDAM) is a neuropsychological instrument to determine cognitive status in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. Normative data for changes in cognitive functioning that normally occur in cognitively healthy individuals are required to interpret changes in SIDAM test scores. Methods: A sample of 1,090 cognitively healthy individuals participating in the German Study on Ageing, Cognition and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe) aged 75 years and older was assessed four times at 1.5-year intervals over a period of 4.5 years using the SIDAM. Age- and education-specific reliable change indices (RCIs) accounting for probable measurement error and practice effects were computed for a 90% confidence interval. Results: Across different age and education subgroups, changes from at least 3–5 points indicated significant (i.e. reliable) changes in SIDAM test scores at the 90% confidence level. Conclusion: This study offers age- and education-specific normative data for the SIDAM based upon established RCI methods. The RCI scores provided in this study may help clinicians and researchers to interpret cognitive changes in SIDAM test scores and may contribute to the early detection and diagnosis of MCI and dementia in the elderly.
Metalloproteinase Processing of HBEGF Is a Proximal Event in the Response of Human Aortic Endothelial Cells to Oxidized Phospholipids
Authors: Lee Sangderk , Springstead James R. , Parks Brian W. , Romanoski Casey E. , Palvolgyi Roland , Ho Tiffany , Nguyen Phuc , Lusis Aldons J. , Berliner Judith A.
Published: March 2012

Objective—

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease initiated by monocyte recruitment and retention in the vessel wall. An important mediator of monocyte endothelial interaction is the chemokine interleukin (IL)-8. The oxidation products of phospholipids, including oxidized 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonyl-
sn
-glycerol-3-phosphocholine (Ox-PAPC), accumulate in atherosclerotic lesions and strongly induce IL-8 in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). The goal of this study was to identify the proximal events leading to induction of IL-8 by Ox-PAPC in vascular endothelial cells.

Methods and Results—

In a systems genetics analysis of HAECs isolated from 96 different human donors, we showed that heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HBEGF) transcript levels are strongly correlated to IL-8 induction by Ox-PAPC. The silencing and overexpression of HBEGF in HAECs confirmed the role of HBEGF in regulating IL-8 expression. HBEGF has been shown to be stored in an inactive form and activation is dependent on processing by a dysintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAM) to a form that can activate the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor. Ox-PAPC was shown to rapidly induce HBEGF processing and EGF receptor activation in HAECs. Using siRNA we identified 3 ADAMs that regulate IL-8 induction and directly demonstrated that Ox-PAPC increases ADAM activity in the cells using a substrate cleavage assay. We provide evidence for one mechanism of Ox-PAPC activation of ADAM involving covalent binding of Ox-PAPC to cysteine on ADAM. Free thiol cysteine analogs showed inhibition of IL-8 induction by Ox-PAPC, and both a cysteine analog and a cell surface thiol blocker strongly inhibited ADAM activity induction by Ox-PAPC. Using microarray analyses, we determined that this ADAM pathway may regulate at least 30% of genes induced by Ox-PAPC in HAECs.

Conclusion—

This study is the first report demonstrating a role for the ADAM-HBEGF-EGF receptor axis in Ox-PAPC induction of IL-8 in HAECs. These studies highlight a role for specific ADAMs as initiators of Ox-PAPC action and provide evidence for a role of covalent interaction of Ox-PAPC in activation of ADAMs.
Distinguishing Hyperglycemic Changes by Set7 in Vascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Okabe Jun , Orlowski Christian , Balcerczyk Aneta , Tikellis Chris , Thomas Merlin C. , Cooper Mark E. , El-Osta Assam
Published: March 2012

Rationale:

Epigenetic changes are implicated in the persisting vascular effects of hyperglycemia. The precise mechanism whereby chromatin structure and subsequent gene expression are regulated by glucose in vascular endothelial cells remain to be fully defined.

Objective:

We have studied the molecular and functional mechanism whereby the Set7 methyltransferase associates with chromatin formation and histone methylation in vascular cells in response to current and previous exposure to glucose.

Methods and Results:

To characterize the molecular and functional identity of the Set7 protein, we used vascular cells overexpressing or lacking Set7. Chromatin fractionation for mono-methylation of lysine 4 on histone H3 identified methyltransferase activity. Immunofluorescence experiments strongly suggest that Set7 protein accumulates in the nucleus in response to hyperglycemia. Moreover, activation of proinflammatory genes by high glucose is dependent on Set7 but distinguished by H3K4m1 gene patterns. We show that transient hyperglycemia regulates the expression of proinflammatory genes in vascular endothelial cells in vitro and the persistent increase in glucose-induced gene expression in the aorta of nondiabetic mice.

Conclusions:

This study uncovers that the response to hyperglycemia in vascular endothelial cells involves the H3K4 methyltransferase, Set7. This enzyme appears to regulate glucose-induced chromatin changes and gene expression not only by H3K4m1-dependent but also H3K4m1-independent pathways. Furthermore, Set7 appears to be responsible for sustained vascular gene expression in response to prior hyperglycemia and is a potential molecular mechanism for the phenomenon of hyperglycemic memory.
Accuracy of a Novel Risk Index Combining Degree of Stenosis of the Carotid Artery and Plaque Surface Echogenicity
Authors: Momjian-Mayor Isabelle , Kuzmanovic Igor , Momjian Shahan , Bonvin Christophe , Albanese Stefane , Bichsel Denis , Comelli Mario , Pereira Vitor Mendez , Lovblad Karl O. , Sztajzel Roman F.
Published: March 2012

Background and Purpose—

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of a risk index in symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid stenoses.

Methods—

Consecutive patients presenting 50% to 99% carotid stenoses were included. A semiautomated gray scale-based color mapping (red, yellow, and green) of the whole plaque and of its surface was achieved. Surface was defined as the region located between the lumen (Level 0) and, respectively, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mm. Risk index was based on a combination of degree of stenosis and the proportion of the red color (reflecting low echogenicity) on the surface or on the whole plaque.

Results—

There were 67 (36%) symptomatic and 117 (64%) asymptomatic carotid stenoses. Risk index values were higher among symptomatic stenoses (0.46 mean versus 0.29;
P
<0.0001); on receiver operating characteristic curves, risk index presented a stronger predictive power compared with degree of stenosis or surface echogenicity alone. Also, in a regression model including age, gender, degree of stenosis, surface echogenicity, gray median scale of the whole plaque, and risk index, risk index measured within the surface region located at 0.5 mm from the lumen was the only parameter significantly associated with the presence of symptoms (OR, 4.89; 95% CI, 2.7–8.7;
P
=0.0000002). The best criterion to differentiate between symptomatic and asymptomatic stenoses was a risk index value >0.36 (sensitivity and specificity of 78% and 65%, respectively).

Conclusions—

Risk index was significantly higher in the presence of symptoms and could therefore be a valuable tool to assess the clinical risk of a carotid plaque.
Alcohol Consumption and Risk of Stroke in Women
Authors: Jimenez Monik , Chiuve Stephanie E. , Glynn Robert J. , Stampfer Meir J. , Camargo Carlos A. , Willett Walter C. , Manson JoAnn E. , Rexrode Kathryn M.
Published: March 2012

Background and Purpose—

Light-to-moderate alcohol consumption has been consistently associated with lower risk of heart disease, but data for stroke are less certain. A lower risk of stroke with light-to-moderate alcohol intake has been suggested, but the dose response among women remains uncertain and the data in this subgroup have been sparse.

Methods—

A total of 83 578 female participants of the Nurses' Health Study who were free of diagnosed cardiovascular disease and cancer at baseline were followed-up from 1980 to 2006. Data on self-reported alcohol consumption were assessed at baseline and updated approximately every 4 years, whereas stroke and potential confounder data were updated at baseline and biennially. Strokes were classified according to the National Survey of Stroke criteria.

Results—

We observed 2171 incident strokes over 1 695 324 person-years. In multivariable adjusted analyses, compared to abstainers, the relative risks of stroke were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.75–0.92) for <5 g/d, 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70–0.90) for 5 to 14.9 g/d, 0.87 (0.72–1.05) for 15 to 29.9 g/d, and 1.06 (95% CI, 0.86–1.30) for 30 to 45 g/d. Results were similar for ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke.

Conclusions—

Light-to-moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a lower risk of total stroke. In this population of women with modest alcohol consumption, an elevated risk of total stroke related to alcohol was not observed.
Toll-Like Receptor 7 Preconditioning Induces Robust Neuroprotection Against Stroke by a Novel Type I Interferon-Mediated Mechanism
Authors: Leung Philberta Y. , Stevens Susan L. , Packard Amy E.B. , Lessov Nikola S. , Yang Tao , Conrad Valerie K. , van den Dungen Noortje N.A.M. , Simon Roger P. , Stenzel-Poore Mary P.
Published: March 2012

Background and Purpose—

Systemic administration of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and TLR9 agonists before cerebral ischemia have been shown to reduce ischemic injury by reprogramming the response of the brain to stroke. Our goal was to explore the mechanism of TLR-induced neuroprotection by determining whether a TLR7 agonist also protects against stroke injury.

Methods—

C57Bl/6, TNF
−/−
, interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 7
−/−
, or type I IFN receptor (IFNAR)
−/−
mice were subcutaneously administered the TLR7 agonist Gardiquimod (GDQ) 72 hours before middle cerebral artery occlusion. Infarct volume and functional outcome were determined after reperfusion. Plasma cytokine responses and induction of mRNA for IFN-related genes in the brain were measured. IFNAR
−/−
mice also were treated with the TLR4 agonist (lipopolysaccharide) or the TLR9 agonist before middle cerebral artery occlusion and infarct volumes measured.

Results—

The results show that GDQ reduces infarct volume as well as functional deficits in mice. GDQ pretreatment provided robust neuroprotection in TNF
−/−
mice, indicating that TNF was not essential. GDQ induced a significant increase in plasma IFNα levels and both IRF7
−/−
and IFNAR
−/−
mice failed to be protected, implicating a role for IFN signaling in TLR7-mediated protection.

Conclusions—

Our studies provide the first evidence that TLR7 preconditioning can mediate neuroprotection against ischemic injury. Moreover, we show that the mechanism of protection is unique from other TLR preconditioning ligands in that it is independent of TNF and dependent on IFNAR.
A Scalable Distributed Syntactic, Semantic, and Lexical Language Model
Authors: Tan Ming , Zhou Wenli , Zheng Lei , Wang Shaojun
Published: March 2012

This paper presents an attempt at building a large scale distributed composite language model that is formed by seamlessly integrating an n-gram model, a structured language model, and probabilistic latent semantic analysis under a directed Markov random field paradigm to simultaneously account for local word lexical information, mid-range sentence syntactic structure, and long-span document semantic content. The composite language model has been trained by performing a convergent N-best list approximate EM algorithm and a follow-up EM algorithm to improve word prediction power on corpora with up to a billion tokens and stored on a supercomputer. The large scale distributed composite language model gives drastic perplexity reduction over n-grams and achieves significantly better translation quality measured by the Bleu score and “readability” of translations when applied to the task of re-ranking the N-best list from a state-of-the-art parsing-based machine translation system.
On the String Translations Produced by Multi Bottom–Up Tree Transducers
Authors: Gildea Daniel
Published: March 2012

Tree transducers are defined as relations between trees, but in syntax-based machine translation, we are ultimately concerned with the relations between the strings at the yields of the input and output trees. We examine the formal power of Multi Bottom-Up Tree Transducers from this point of view.
Prospects for Trust in Russia: The Perspective as Seen from 2010 and 2011 Drafts Amendments to the Russian Civil Code
Authors: Benevolenskaya Z.E.
Published: March 2012

The reader of this work is offered two theses by the author: Firstly, the myopic focus on the privatization in the early 1990s reflected the general view that this was the 'only' way to divest the state of property. Because of the predominance of this policy, the state—as an owner—has been deprived of the possibility of managing state property efficiently and effectively in another way short of total divestiture of ownership; i.e., transferring state-owned assets by way of a trust (trust agreement, trust management) to professional mangers. Secondly, that the trust doctrine is not totally alien to Russian legal tradition as many renowned Russian law thinkers argued in the 1990s for example and continue to believe to this day.

Indeed, the issue of whether or not the trust doctrine—as a construct involving 'split' ownership—can be 'transplanted' into Russian legal soil has been a particularly contentious part of law reform in post-Soviet Russia continuing through the present.

After highlighting the 'rush to privatization' mentality in Russia, the author of the present article takes the reader into nineteenth-century Russian legal theory as she demonstrates that trust is not alien to Russia. She also traces this clear thread through the Soviet era by reference to the works of one of its leading intellectual lights in the civil-law field of that time.

In the post-Soviet era, trust has already been explicitly introduced (in the first decade of the twenty-first century) into the legal space immediately bordering the Russian Federation: the new Ukrainian Civil Code.

These historical digressions should help the reader appreciate more clearly the proposed 2010/2011 amendments to the Russian Civil Code. It is the view of the present author that these proposals pave the way for the recognition of the doctrine of trust in modern-day Russian law—augmenting the more limited nature of the institute of 'trust management' currently provided for under the Russian Civil Code.
The Romanian Constitutional Court's Relationship with the Ordinary Courts: What Are Some of the Causes of Its High Caseload?
Authors: Gâdiuţă Filip
Published: March 2012

This article examines the recent high caseload of the Romanian Constitutional Court from a comparative perspective. In investigating possible causes of this phenomenon, the author has created several aggregated data sets based on the primary data available on the website of the Romanian Constitutional Court (over 20,000 referrals since 1992) and has examined the following hypotheses, most of which concern relations between the Constitutional Court and the ordinary courts: automatic suspension of proceedings as a delaying tactic, the ordinary courts as a filter, and the possibility of mass litigation as a storm flood caused by the strict ex nunc effects of the decisions of the Constitutional Court. The author has concluded that, while mass litigation is a substantial factor (responsible for three-quarters of the caseload in 2009), there was an underlying upward trend that can be explained by other causes. The available data are not particularly conclusive, but a recent legislative amendment could—in the near future—provide a test of the 'automatic suspension as a delaying tactic' hypothesis.

The author also has evaluated the extent to which the Court may have been overwhelmed by the number of cases. Surprisingly, the Court has adjusted rather well to the exponential increase in its caseload since it was established in 1992. While its backlog has increased, the lower number of referrals submitted in 2010 and 2011 should relieve part of the pressure.

Furthermore, the author assesses whether key cases involving politicians have been delayed by the Court. The available data seem to indicate that such cases are not being excessively delayed.
Ethical Formation and Subjection
Authors: Schofer Jonathan
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Ethical formation in and through subjection is an extremely widespread pattern that is not limited to particular traditions, time periods, or regions. Examining this pattern requires us to integrate the study of power with the study of virtue and self-cultivation: power is productive of selves, and selves appropriate the ideals presented to or pressed upon them. This paper refines our approaches to power and ethics by showing that we need to address at least three facets of ethical formation and subjection: (a) material power relations, including the ability to kill, torture, punish, imprison, confine, observe, and censor; (b) discourses, and particularly figurative discourses, that convey conceptions of the self as well as ethical ideals; and (c) emotions and motivations of embodied persons who encounter norms and ideals.
Morphological, molecular characterisation and phylogenetic position of Longidorus mindanaoensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Longidoridae) from a Philippine Avicennia mangrove habitat
Authors: Coomans August , Tandingan De Ley Irma , Angsinco Jimenez Lea , De Ley Paul
Published: March 2012

Longidorus mindanaoensis n. sp. is described from samples associated with riverine mangroves in the Philippines and is the first Longidorus species collected from such a habitat. Its relationship within the genus is inferred from molecular and morphological data. Phylogenetic inferences were performed for D2-D3 and SSU rDNA using appropriate phylogenetic algorithms. The new species is characterised by a thickened basal layer of the body cuticle with prominent spiral fibres, a dome-shaped continuous lip region, an oval to elliptical fovea with pore-like opening, the guiding ring at 2.2-2.5 lip region diam. from the anterior end, very weakly developed odontophore, all three pharyngeal gland nuclei at about the mid-point of the basal bulb, vulva at 30-39%, tail convex-conoid to hemispherical, shorter than anal body diam., males with 19-24 ventromedian supplements, and four juvenile stages, all with the replacement odontostyle at a short distance from the functional one. On the basis of amphid shape and structure, shape of anterior body region and general body shape, L. mindanaoensis n. sp. comes close to L. caespiticola, L. eridanicus, L. helveticus, L. macrosoma, L. poessneckensis, L. orongorongensis, L. waikouaitii and L. belondiroides. D2-D3 analysis placed the new species as sister to L. pisi and the two combined are sister clade to a monophyletic group that includes (L. poessneckensis (L. caespiticola (L. helveticus, L. macrosoma))). However, on the basis of SSU phylogeny, L. mindanaoensis n. sp. is positioned within a clade that includes (Longidorus sp. (L. mindanaoensis n. sp. (L. poessneckensis (L. helveticus, L. macrosoma)))). The ‘close’ relationship of the new species with L. pisi in the D2-D3 tree is incongruent with the widely different morphology of the two species. The other species that are close to the new species in the cladogram are in agreement with the morphology.
A new entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema tielingense n. sp. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), from north China
Authors: Ma Juan , Chen Shulong , Li Xiuhua , Han Richou , Khatri-Chhetri Hari Bahadur , De Clercq Patrick , Moens Maurice
Published: March 2012

A new species of Steinernema was isolated from shrub soils in Liaoning province during a survey for entomopathogenic nematodes in north China. This nematode was obtained by the insect-baiting technique using last instar larvae of Galleria mellonella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). This new species is described herein as S. tielingense n. sp. It belongs to the ‘feltiae-kraussei-oregonense’ group and is characterised by infective third-stage juvenile (IJ) with a body length of 915 (824-979) μm, distance from head to excretory pore of 69 (64-73) μm, tail length of 81 (74-85) μm, ratio E=88 (85-94)%, lateral field with eight ridges at mid-body, first generation male spicule 88 (79-98) μm and gubernaculum 61 (49-70) μm long, and first generation female with a vulval protrusion and ratio D=41 (32-49)%. The new species distinctly differs from the related species S. kraussei, S. silvaticum, S. oregonense and S. cholashanense in the different number of ridges in the lateral fields and hyaline tail length as % of total tail length of IJ and male body length and distance from head to excretory pore. Cross hybridisation tests showed that these species were reproductively isolated. The sequences analyses of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and D2-D3 regions of the ribosomal DNA confirm this to be a new species.
Description of Tylenchulus musicola sp. n. (Nematoda: Tylenchulidae) from banana in Iran with molecular phylogeny and characterisation of species of Tylenchulus Cobb, 1913
Authors: Tanha Maafi Zahra , Amani Majid , Stanley Jason D. , Inserra Renato N. , Van den Berg Esther , Subbotin Sergei A.
Published: March 2012

During a survey conducted on banana plantations in Sistan and Blouchestan province, south-east Iran, a new species of Tylenchulus was extracted from the soil and roots of banana plants. This species, named Tylenchulus musicola sp. n., is characterised by mature females having a swollen, hook-shaped body with a conical and elongate post-vulval portion ending in a round terminus, males having a weak stylet and a cylindrical and thick tail ending in a bluntly rounded and smooth terminus, and by second-stage juveniles having a slender body and a posterior body portion ending in a finely pointed or mucronate terminus. The results of glasshouse host tests indicated that the new species does not parasitise sugarcane ratoons or sour orange seedlings. Tylenchulus musicola sp. n. is distinguished from other known Tylenchulus species by the sequences of D2-D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA and ITS rRNA genes. Phylogenetic relationships within Tylenchulus were reconstructed based on rRNA gene sequences using Bayesian inference. Diagnostic PCR-ITS-RFLP profiles are presented for T. musicola sp. n., T. furcus, T. graminis, T. palustris, T. semipenetrans and Trophotylenchulus floridensis. PCR with species-specific primers and genus-specific primer are tested and developed for rapid identification of five Tylenchulus species. An identification key to Tylenchulus species is provided.
Nematode assemblages in banana (Musa acuminata) monocultures and banana plantations with Juçara palms (Euterpe edulis) in the southern Mata Atlântica, Brazil
Authors: Moser Thomas , Förster Bernhard , Frankenbach Silja , Marques Renato , Römbke Jörg , Schmidt Petra , Höfer Hubert
Published: March 2012

The composition of the nematode fauna at two different agrosystems (banana monocultures and mixed banana-palmito plantations) was investigated at six study sites on the coastal plain of southern Brazil. Nematode abundance was higher and the number of families was lower (25 compared to 33) in the soil of banana monocultures. The assemblages in the soil of the banana monocultures were dominated by bacterial feeders and plant parasites, whereas in the soil of the mixed plantations the proportion of the other trophic groups was higher. In the monocultures, the percentage of families categorised as colonisers (c-p 1 families) was higher and the persisters lower. The difference in the assemblage of c-p groups was significant between sites of the two different systems. Principal component analysis (PCA) ordination of the samples by nematode family composition showed site-specific assemblages, similarity between two sites of each system and significant dissimilarities between the two systems. The MI 1-5 and the MI 2-5 were lower in the banana monocultures. Additionally, the MI 2-5 of banana site B2 was significantly higher than that of the two other banana sites. The ratio F/B was higher and the ratio F+B/plant feeders was lower in the banana-palmito plantations. The differences between the systems in nearly all measured parameters indicate a higher degree of disturbance and nutrient enrichment of the soil under monocultures. However, a low number of plant parasites and dominance of c-p 3 taxa at both agroecosystems show that the soil of both agroecosystems seems to be of an advanced successional stage. This may be a result of a less intensive ‘organic’ cultivation without the use of plant protection products and fertilisers and with additional non-host plants. Despite many non-controlled variables in the smallholder systems, according to the results the nematodes can be regarded as suitable indicators of soil disturbance in banana and banana-palmito agro-ecosystems.
A novel nematode diagnostic method using the direct quantification of major plant-parasitic nematodes in soil by real-time PCR
Authors: Min Yu Yu , Toyota Koki , Sato Erika
Published: March 2012

We have developed a direct quantification method using real-time PCR for various plant-parasitic nematodes. Firstly, specific primers were designed for the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, the root-lesion nematode Pratylenchus penetrans, the potato cyst nematode Globodera rostochiensis and the soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines. A DNA extraction method was then developed beginning with 20 g of soil, a relatively large amount of soil but a necessary amount in the consideration of heterogeneous distribution of nematodes in soil. To estimate the density of the target nematode in soil, calibration curves for each plant-parasitic nematode were obtained by inoculating different numbers of the target nematode and then extracting DNA from the soils. The detection limit was 4-5 nematodes (20 g soil)−1. This method was applied to nematode diagnostics. Soil sampling was done when transplanting of radish and sweet potato in fields was taking place, and the density of plant-parasitic nematodes was measured using both the Baermann funnel extraction method and real-time PCR methods. In some soils, P. penetrans and M. incognita were not found with the Baermann method but were detected with the real-time PCR method. At harvest, damage to crops was evaluated and its relationship with initial densities was investigated. The real-time PCR method more precisely predicted damage to radish and sweet potato by nematodes and was considered to be a powerful tool in the diagnosis of nematode diseases.
Muslim Values in Islamic and Non-Islamic Societies
Authors: Marsh Robert M.
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Values are conceptions of the desirable in various domains of life. This study tests the hypotheses that (1) when Muslims are a minority living in a non-Islamic society (e.g., India, Singapore, Uganda), their values are more similar to those of the non-Muslim majority religion in their society than to those of Muslims in Muslim-majority Islamic societies (e.g., Iran, Morocco, Pakistan); and (2) this tendency toward value assimilation is more pronounced when the Muslim minority is socially included, rather than excluded, by the non-Muslim majority. Data from representative samples of the population of nine Muslim-majority societies and nine Muslim-minority societies in the 2000 (fourth) wave of the World Values Surveys are used to construct scales for three domains of cultural values: religious values, family values, and gender values, and measures of social exclusion. The findings largely confirm hypothesis 1 and lend some support to hypothesis 2.
Liberal States and Print Media Coverage of Global Advocacy Events: The Case of the UN Beijing Conference for Women
Authors: Mueller Carol , Mueller Carol , Restifo Salvatore J. , Mueller Carol , Restifo Salvatore J. , Restifo Julie Fox
Published: March 2012

Abstract

UN conferences and summits have played a critical role in bringing local activists’ claims to international audiences. One might assume that UN conferences, like other fora of “information politics,” rely on the global media to convey advocates’ messages. Yet, extensive research on U.S. media portrayals of UN women’s conferences, 1975–1995, have not found this to be the case. To the contrary, U.S. press coverage of these conferences follows a seemingly universal pattern of negative representations of female political candidates and public officials in the media. However, since there are sharp national differences in social policies related to women, we question whether media in other liberal democracies follow the U.S. pattern for covering UN women’s conferences or reflect the more variable pattern of diverse national policies. Comparing elite media from the United States, Canada, and Britain, we find evidence suggesting variable coverage across countries.
Models of Public Theology*
Authors: Jacobsen Eneida
Published: March 2012

Abstract

In this article, different models of public theology are characterized according to the reasons given for the importance of and need for a public theology (foundational models) and the ways proposed for its realization (action models). There are three emphases of identified foundations: the first understands public theology as a task driven by God (model of disclosure); the second anchors the need for public theology in religious questions that affect all of humanity (universal model); the third bases itself on the finding of the public presence of religious discourse in contemporary society (factual model). With regards to the prospects for action, three principal ways are identified, which affirm the possibility of the publicization of theology: addressing different audiences, such as the academy and the church (model of the audience); articulating itself through a style and an accessible form of argument (apologetic model); addressing contextual challenges (contextual model).
Public Theology in Brazil: The Political and Institutional Aspects*
Authors: Passos João Décio
Published: March 2012

Abstract

This article analyses the situation of higher education courses in theology in Brazil, from a political and institutional point of view. It notes the need to adopt the epistemological status of theology itself as a parameter of institutionalization, in order to overcome the exclusively political criteria that have governed the process of accreditation of those courses, as well as the construction of curriculum guidelines. It affirms the ‘public’ aspect as inherent to theological reflection. Theology being a logos of faith structured originally within the university may, in the same space, be recognized as legitimate and established knowledge, according to the academic rules of the scientific community.
From the Sacristy to the Public Square The Public Character of Theology*
Authors: Zabatiero Júlio Paulo Tavares
Published: March 2012

Abstract

This article is a study of the public role of Christian theology in contemporary democratic societies. It focuses on the role of theologians as intellectuals in the public square, as defenders of values like justice, democracy and peace. After a brief reflection on Brazilian experiences of the presence of Christians in public debates, it discusses the role of intellectuals such as Habermas, Bourdieu, Said, Bauman and others.
Pentecostalism and Citizenship in Brazil: Between Escapism and Dominance
Authors: von Sinner Rudolf
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Brazil is, today, the most Catholic, but also the most Pentecostal country in the world. The Pentecostal churches, namely the Assemblies of God, have been particularly successful among the poorest of the poor. There is little discourse on citizenship in Pentecostal churches, and its theological bases still seem to foster escapism; yet, believers regain a sense of dignity and respect for themselves and for others as they discover themselves as bearers of the Holy Spirit. In addition, contrary to the general perception, there are signs of a sense of responsibility for the whole human being, the environment and the common good. However, the relatively recent principle of ‘brother votes for brother’ tends to narrow down internal and external attention in terms of politics to the election of Pentecostal politicians, with all its ambivalences and a danger to seek dominance. This article argues that a third way between escapism and dominance, guided by a public theology, is possible.
Rectification Feedback of High-Frequency Atmospheric Variability into Low-Frequency Zonal Flows in the Tropical Pacific
Authors: Ham Yoo-Geun , Kug Jong-Seong , Lim Mi-Jung
Published: March 2012

In this study, the rectification process of high-frequency (HF) zonal-wind variability on the low-frequency (LF) zonal wind is investigated through an idealized experiment using an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM). Through an idealized AGCM experiment with a fixed SST boundary forcing, it is shown that there is positive (negative) correlation between HF (2–90-day period) zonal-wind variance and LF (3-month average) zonal wind where the HF zonal-wind variance is positively (negatively) skewed because the stronger HF westerly (easterly) wind events than HF easterly (westerly) wind events induce a residual westerly (easterly), and it results in an additional rectified LF westerly (easterly) anomaly. This means that, over regions with positively skewed HF zonal winds, LF westerly anomalies are generated due to the residuals of the HF zonal winds. It implies that the LF zonal wind can be generated through internal processes of the atmosphere without external forcing and the interaction between LF and HF is not a one-way process from LF to HF but, rather, a two-way interaction process.
An Investigation of the Consistency of TAO–TRITON Buoy-Mounted Capacitance Rain Gauges*
Authors: Morrissey Mark L. , Diamond Howard J. , McPhaden Michael J. , Freitag H. Paul , Greene J. Scott
Published: March 2012

The common use of remotely located, buoy-mounted capacitance rain gauges in the tropical oceans for satellite rainfall verification studies provides motivation for an in situ gauge bias assessment. A comparison of the biases in rainfall catchment between Pacific island tipping-bucket rain gauges and capacitance rain gauges mounted on moored buoys in the tropical Pacific is conducted using the relationship between the fractional time in rain and monthly rainfall. This study utilizes the widespread spatial homogeneity of this relationship in the tropics to assess the rain catchment of both types of gauges at given values for the fractional time in rain. The results indicate that the capacitance gauges are not statistically significantly biased relative to the island-based tipping-bucket gauges. In addition, given the relatively small error bounds about the bias estimates any real bias differences among all the tested gauges are likely to be quite small compared to monthly rainfall totals. Underestimates resulting from wind biases, which may be substantial, are not documented in this paper.
Sensitivity of a Simulated Midlatitude Squall Line to Parameterization of Raindrop Breakup
Authors: Morrison Hugh , Tessendorf Sarah A. , Ikeda Kyoko , Thompson Gregory
Published: March 2012

This paper describes idealized simulations of a squall line observed on 20 June 2007, in central Oklahoma. Results are compared with measurements from dual-polarization radar and surface disdrometer. The baseline model configuration qualitatively reproduces key storm features, but underpredicts precipitation rates and generally overpredicts median volume raindrop diameter. The sensitivity of model simulations to parameterization of raindrop breakup is tested under different low-level (0–2.5 km) environmental vertical wind shears. Storm characteristics exhibit considerable sensitivity to the parameterization of breakup, especially for moderate (0.0048 s−1) shear. Simulations with more efficient breakup tend to have higher domain-mean precipitation rates under both moderate and higher (0.0064 s−1) shear, despite the smaller mean drop size and hence lower mass-weighted fall speed and higher evaporation rate for a given rainwater content. In these runs, higher evaporation leads to stronger cold pools, faster propagation, larger storm size, greater updraft mass flux (but weaker convective updrafts at mid- and upper levels), and greater total condensation that compensates for the increased evaporation to give more surface precipitation. The impact of drop breakup on mass-weighted fall speed is also important and leads to a nonmonotonic response of storm characteristics (surface precipitation, cold pool strength, etc.) to changes in breakup efficiency under moderate wind shear. In contrast, the response is generally monotonic at higher wind shear. Interactions between drop breakup, convective dynamics, cold pool intensity, and low-level environmental wind shear are also described in the context of “Rotunno–Klemp–Weisman (RKW) theory,” which addresses how density currents evolve in sheared environments.
Four dialogues and the funeral of a beautiful relationship: European studies and new regionalism
Authors: Jørgensen Knud Erik , Valbjørn Morten
Published: March 2012

This article engages in the debate on (the study of) regionalism in providing an overview of the nexus between European Studies (ES) and (New) Regionalism (NR). While the immediate purpose for doing so is to set the stage for the future debate on regional dynamics, this exploration can also be perceived as a case study into (the plurality of forms of) inter/intra-disciplinary dialogue demonstrating the necessity of engaging in ‘dialogues about dialogues’. The article starts by developing a new typology of four different ideal-typical notions of dialogue: hierarchical, reflexive, transformative and eristic models of dialogue. Each of these models is then used to examine different ways of answering questions about why a dialogue between ES/NR should be of interest or not; what ES has to offer; what the coveted impact of such a dialogue is supposed to be; and, finally, which promises and pitfalls such a conversation holds. In this fashion, the stage for future debate addressing regional integration is outlined. It is concluded that these futures look bleak, however, especially because ES and NR no longer appear as each other’s ideal partner-in-dialogue and the relationship is likely to come to an end and hence await its own funeral.
The external constitution of European identity: Russia and Turkey as Europe-makers
Authors: Morozov Viatcheslav , Rumelili Bahar
Published: March 2012

The view of identities as always situated in a relationship with the Other underlies contemporary constructivist social theory. Taking a step further, and combining constructivist approaches to identity with insights from post-colonial studies, this article argues that the Other, far from being a mere presence, often plays an active role in identity politics. By tracing the historically varying ways in which Turkey and Russia have engaged in European identity construction, it demonstrates that this is an interactive process of negotiation between the European Self and its external Others in which agency of the Other is revealed. In particular, Russia and Turkey exercise agency by challenging, each in its own manner, the EU’s power to define the normative meaning of Europe. While Turkey has contributed to a decentring of European identity by challenging the self-perception of Europe as a multicultural space, Russia’s uncompromising stance tends to consolidate the EU-centred image of Europe as a political community based on liberal democratic values.
De-linkage processes and grassroots movements in transitional justice
Authors: Kovras Iosif
Published: March 2012

Transitional justice literature has highlighted a negative relationship between enforced disappearances and reconciliation in post-conflict settings. Little attention has been paid to how human rights issues can become stepping-stones to reconciliation. The article explains the transformation of the Cypriot Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) from an inoperative body into a successful humanitarian forum, paving the way for the pro-rapprochement bi-communal grassroots mobilization of the relatives of the missing. By juxtaposing the experience of Cyprus with other societies confronting similar problems, the article shows how the issue of the missing can become a driving force for reconciliation. The findings indicate that a policy delinking humanitarian exhumations from the prospect of a wider political settlement facilitates positive transformation in protracted human rights problems and opens up a window of opportunity to grassroots actors.
We Socratic Philosophers Know that We Know Nothing
Authors: Agassi Joseph
Published: March 2012

This volume is as near an authoritative version of analytic philosophy as can be found in the market these days.
Adult Nutrition Assessment Tutorial
Authors: Jensen Gordon L. , Hsiao Pao Ying , Wheeler Dara
Published: March 2012

This tutorial presents a systematic approach to nutrition assessment based on a modern appreciation for the contributions of inflammation that serve as the foundation for newly proposed consensus definitions for malnutrition syndromes. Practical indicators of malnutrition and inflammation have been selected to guide diagnosis that include medical/surgical history and clinical diagnosis, clinical signs and physical examination, anthropometric data, laboratories, dietary assessment, and functional outcomes. Knowledge of systematic nutrition assessment and appropriate diagnosis of malnutrition will help to guide proper interventions and expected outcomes.
Gravity, God and ghosts? Parents’ beliefs in science, religion, and the paranormal and the encouragement of beliefs in their children
Authors: Braswell Gregory S. , Rosengren Karl S. , Berenbaum Howard
Published: March 2012

Using a questionnaire, the present study examined parents’ beliefs regarding the development of children’s beliefs about science, religion, and the paranormal. The study also investigated parental encouragement of children’s beliefs, as well as parents’ own beliefs within these domains. Results revealed that parents make distinctions between domains in terms of (a) the importance and timing of beliefs in children’s lives, (b) their own beliefs, and (c) what they encourage their children to believe. The results also indicated that parents’ beliefs were often consistent with the beliefs, they encouraged in their children. These findings suggest that parental beliefs provide an important contextual background for children’s development.
Antiepileptic drugs and suicidality
Authors: Fountoulakis Konstantinos N , Gonda Xenia , Samara Myrto , Siapera Marianna , Karavelas Vaggelis , Ristic Dragana I , Iacovides Apostolos
Published: March 2012

The current study is a systematic review of the literature concerning the possible relationship of antiepileptics and suicide-related clinical features and behaviours. A MEDLINE search returned 863 papers but only five were chosen as relevant. A critical analysis of the Food and Drug Administration report is also included. Overall, the current review suggests there are no convincing data concerning a ‘class effect’ of antiepileptics in inducing any type of suicide-related behaviours. Further research is needed concerning topiramate, lamotrigine and maybe leviracetam. Clinicians are expected to inform patients and their families on the possible increased risk but it is important not to overemphasise the issue, since stopping or refusing to start antiepileptics may result in serious harm, including death of the patient. Future randomised controlled trials should specifically focus on issues concerning depression and suicidal thoughts in patients with epilepsy.
Semantic parsing of street scenes from video
Authors: Micusik Branislav , Košecká Jana , Singh Gautam
Published: March 2012

Semantic models of the environment can significantly improve navigation and decision making capabilities of autonomous robots or enhance level of human and robot interaction. We present a novel approach for semantic segmentation of street scene images into coherent regions, while simultaneously categorizing each region as one of the predefined categories representing commonly encountered object and background classes. We formulate the segmentation on small blob-based superpixels and exploit a visual vocabulary tree as an intermediate image representation. The main novelty of our approach is the introduction of an explicit model of spatial co-occurrence of visual words associated with superpixels and utilization of appearance, geometry and contextual cues in a probabilistic framework. We demonstrate how individual cues contribute towards global segmentation accuracy and how their combination yields superior performance compared with the best known method on the challenging benchmark dataset which exhibits diversity of street scenes with varying viewpoints, a large number of categories, captured in daylight and dusk.
Economic geographies of power
Authors: Faulconbridge James R.
Published: March 2012

How can the modalities and whereabouts of power – and specifically the spatiotemporal contingencies and reach of power relations – be more effectively studied? This paper shows how issues of validity and reflexivity restrict existing empirical work’s ability to advance understandings of power, and demonstrates how such issues can be overcome through the refined use of methods and analytical techniques that tease out the double contingencies of the social relations that underlie power. Refinements are shown to be possible by learning, in particular, from approaches to analysing power elsewhere in the social sciences, and particularly from management studies and linguistics.
Profiling socially responsible investors: Australian evidence
Authors: Pérez-Gladish Blanca , Benson Karen , Faff Robert
Published: March 2012

With the aid of an online survey, the purpose of this study is to examine financial preferences; social, environmental and ethical concerns; and socio-demographic characteristics of Australian socially responsible (SR) investors. The study advances knowledge of SR investors’ profiles and their motivations when making investment decisions. Based on a sample of 145 investors, our findings suggest that SR investors seek financial return as well as non-financial benefits. Social conscience and social health issues, as opposed to environmental issues, are relevant to investors. Interestingly, investor risk tolerance is a relatively unimportant factor in the choice of SR investments. Finally, in terms of socio-demographics, SR investors tend to be middle-aged, be middle-income professionals and have tertiary qualifications.