bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE BURDEN OF DURABLE ASSET ACQUISITION IN GROWING POPULATIONS
Authors: O'Sullivan Jane N.
Published: February 2012

While most analyses of economic impacts of population growth have been equivocal, this article describes a new perspective from which the effects are strongly negative. The economies and diseconomies of population size are largely circumstantial and empirically inconsistent, but those of growth rate are intrinsic and consistent. These impacts are not apparent on income and per capita GDP, but on costs. The article estimates these costs using the logic of calculus rather than marginal accounting. Specifically, the cost of maintaining per capita capacity of durable assets, including infrastructure, equipment and skilled personnel, is increased by population growth by a factor proportional to the working lifespan of the asset class.
INTER‐CITY BUS SERVICES IN CANADA – TIME FOR DEREGULATION
Authors: Geloso Vincent
Published: February 2012

The regulatory framework for inter‐city bus operators in Canada is facing multiple challenges with regard to productivity, consumer satisfaction and cost controls. In spite of government reports calling for deregulation, there has been little action by provincial governments to deregulate entry and pricing. As a result, Canadians are paying higher fares and service quality is lower than in the more deregulated markets of the United Kingdom and the United States.
TRADE POLICY AND PROTECTIONISM IN ARGENTINA
Authors: Gallo Andres
Published: February 2012

Protectionism can take many different forms. In some cases, strong export performance can mislead observers assessing the trade policy of a country. Such is the case with regard to Argentina, where the strong showing in exports is not the result of a strategy of export‐led economic growth, but rather reflects a complex strategy of government intervention and isolation from international markets in general.
KEYNES, KEYNESIANISM AND KRUGMAN
Authors: Steele G. R.
Published: February 2012

Short courses in economics carry an implicit warning: superficial analysis leads to simplistic conclusions. Where textbooks might be forgiven, a Nobel‐Prize‐winning economist who builds upon that superficiality deserves a reprimand.
Anger management interventions for adults with learning disabilities living in the community: a review of recent (2000–2010) evidence
Authors: Borsay Clare
Published: February 2012

Accessible summary

 One in four adults with learning disabilities living in the community find it hard to manage their anger.

 This can make life hard for adults with learning disabilities and the people who support them.

 This study looks at research on helping adults with learning disabilities to manage their anger.

 More research needs to be carried out to find better ways of helping adults with learning disabilities to manage their anger.

Estimates suggest that around a quarter of adults with learning disabilities living in the community have difficulties controlling their anger. Angry or aggressive behaviour can have serious repercussions, including loss of residential or day placements, admission to hospital and reduced quality of life. In addition, the psychological well being of both paid and family carers can be adversely affected. A previous review of this area (Whitaker 2001) suggested equivocal results for cognitive‐behavioural (CBT) approaches. The current study provides an update to this review, considering papers published in the last 10 years and expanding its scope to include a variety of therapeutic interventions. A systematic search of peer‐reviewed journals identified 14 relevant documents, the majority of which were group‐based and CBT in their approach. Overall, methodological weaknesses made it difficult to draw any firm conclusions about the effectiveness of the different approaches. Implications for clinical and research practice are discussed.
‘Eye Know’: translating needs from annual health checks for people with learning disabilities to demand
Authors: Codling Mary
Published: February 2012

Accessible summary

 When we evaluated our annual health checks, we found that many people with learning disabilities were not having their eyes checked.

 We wanted to find out why people with learning disabilities were not having their eyes tested.

 We worked with people with learning disabilities, their carers, families and optometrists to make eye checks more accessible for people with learning disabilities.

 The importance of this pilot study lies in the outcome, which shows that people with learning disabilities are now going to the optometrist and are having their eyes tested.

Annual health checks for people with learning disabilities are a concept that was introduced by the Government in 2001 as a catalyst to improve access to health services and identify health needs that have previously gone undetected. Nonetheless, to date, there has been little evidence of the effectiveness of these health checks. This study seeks to implore and share the findings from audits conducted on annual health checks in one geographical area that led us to translate consistent identified eye care needs and hence promoted the conception of a pilot study. The aim of this study was to understand the reasons why people with learning disabilities were not accessing optometrist and to amend current services with a view to increasing access and uptake of eye tests. The outcome has shown that access by people with learning disabilities to opticians has increased with a number of people having problems identified and glasses prescribed. This study provides an understanding of how evidence of consistent unmet need identified from annual health checks directed innovative practice to improve outcomes that are of benefit to people with learning disabilities. Annual health checks play a crucial role for people with learning disabilities and can provide the foundation for services to further explore why some health needs continue to go unmet.
Catholicism(s), State Terrorism and Secularisation in Argentina
Authors: MORELLO GUSTAVO
Published: February 2012

The aims of this article are to explore the diversity of Catholic reactions facing state terror in Córdoba, Argentina, during the 1970s and to analyse how different Catholic groups redefined their relations with the State in the public sphere. To do that, I will use case study methodology applied to the kidnapping of an American priest and five seminarians. I will show how religious beliefs shape to some extent how Catholic social actors respond to political events. Different understandings of Catholicism produced different responses to state terror.
Classification of episiotomy: towards a standardisation of terminology
Authors: Kalis V , Laine K , de Leeuw JW , Ismail KM , Tincello DG
Published: February 2012

Please cite this paper as: Kalis V, Laine K, de Leeuw J, Ismail K, Tincello D. Classification of episiotomy: towards a standardisation of terminology. BJOG 2012;119:522–526.

Seven episiotomy incisions are described in the literature, although only midline, mediolateral or lateral episiotomies are commonly used. Recent research has demonstrated variations in both site and direction of the incision, and differences between the angle of incision at the time of crowning of the fetal head and the angle of the scar once the wound has been repaired. We review this evidence and suggest that this variation may undermine the reliability of much published work. We suggest a standardised definition of each type of episiotomy to establish uniformity going forward, so that future studies are amenable to comparison and meta‐analysis.
The impact of maternal body mass index on the phenotype of pre‐eclampsia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Anderson NH , McCowan LME , Fyfe EM , Chan EHY , Taylor RS , Stewart AW , Dekker GA , North RA ,   on behalf of the SCOPE Consortium
Published: February 2012

Please cite this paper as: Anderson N, McCowan L, Fyfe E, Chan E, Taylor R, Stewart A, Dekker G, North R, on behalf of the SCOPE Consortium. The impact of maternal body mass index on the phenotype of pre‐eclampsia: a prospective cohort study. BJOG 2012;119:589–595.

Objective  We hypothesised that among nulliparous women with pre‐eclampsia, overweight or obese women would have a different phenotype of pre‐eclampsia compared with normal weight women with pre‐eclampsia. Specifically, they are more likely to develop term pre‐eclampsia and less likely to have indicators of impaired placental perfusion, e.g. abnormal uterine artery Doppler or a small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) infant.

Design  Prospective, multicentre, cohort SCOPE study (n = 3170).

Setting  New Zealand and Australia.

Population  Nulliparous women who developed pre‐eclampsia.

Methods  Participants were interviewed at 14–16 weeks of gestation, uterine artery Doppler studies were performed at 19–21 weeks and pregnancy outcome was tracked prospectively.

Main outcome measures  Rates of abnormal uterine artery Doppler indices, term/preterm birth and SGA infants were compared between normal, overweight and obese women with pre‐eclampsia. Multivariable analysis was performed to examine the association between body mass index (BMI) and term pre‐eclampsia.

Results  Of 178 women with pre‐eclampsia, one underweight woman was excluded and 66 (37%) were normal weight, 52 (29%) were overweight and 59 (34%) were obese. Pre‐eclampsia developed preterm in 26% of women and at term in 74% of women. There were no differences in the rates of term/preterm pre‐eclampsia, abnormal uterine artery Doppler indices or SGA infants between BMI groups (P > 0.10). No independent association between BMI and term pre‐eclampsia was found (P = 0.56).

Conclusions  Among women with pre‐eclampsia, those who are overweight or obese in early pregnancy are not more likely to have term pre‐eclampsia compared with women with a normal BMI. Overweight and obese women require vigilant surveillance for the development of preterm as well as term pre‐eclampsia.
Agreement between colposcopic impression and histological diagnosis among human papillomavirus type 16‐positive women: a clinical trial using dynamic spectral imaging colposcopy
Authors: Zaal A , Louwers JA , Berkhof J , Kocken M , ter Harmsel WA , Graziosi GCM , Spruijt JWM , Balas C , Papagiannakis E , Snijders PJF , Meijer CJLM , van Kemenade FJ , Verheijen RHM
Published: February 2012

Please cite this paper as: Zaal A, Louwers J, Berkhof J, Kocken M, ter Harmsel W, Graziosi G, Spruijt J, Balas C, Papagiannakis E, Snijders P, Meijer C, van Kemenade F, Verheijen R. Agreement between colposcopic impression and histological diagnosis among human papillomavirus type 16‐positive women: a clinical trial using dynamic spectral imaging colposcopy. BJOG 2012;119:537–544.

Objective  To investigate the agreement between conventional colposcopic impression, dynamic spectral imaging (DSI) colposcopy and histology, for human papillomavirus type 16‐positive (HPV16+) and non‐16 high‐risk (hr) HPV+ women.

Design  Prospective, comparative, multicentre clinical trial.

Setting  Three colposcopy clinics in the Netherlands.

Population  Women (n = 177) aged 18 years or over with an intact cervix, referred for colposcopy.

Methods  The colposcopist graded the lesion by using the DSI colposcope as a regular video colposcope. Subsequently the DSI impression was displayed and biopsies were taken from all abnormal areas as well as from a random (normal) site. A cervical smear was taken for HPV typing.

Main outcome measures  Histologically confirmed high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or cancer (CIN2+), positive for HPV16 or for any other hrHPV type.

Results  The DSI colposcope identified more CIN2+ cervical lesions among HPV16+ women than in non‐16 hrHPV+ women (P = 0.032 regardless of final histology and P = 0.009 among women with CIN2+). Consequently, the sensitivity of the DSI colposcope for detecting CIN2+ lesions was higher in HPV16+ women than in non‐16 hrHPV+ women (97% versus 74%, P = 0.009). No such differences were seen for the colposcopist impression. In addition, mainly smaller cervical lesions are missed by the colposcopist.

Conclusions  The sensitivity of DSI colposcopy for CIN2+ is higher in HPV16+ than in non‐16 hrHPV+ women. Furthermore, regardless of HPV16 status, the sensitivity of DSI for CIN2+ is higher than that of the colposcopist, probably because colposcopists tend to miss smaller cervical lesions.
A G‐Rich element forms a G‐quadruplex and regulates BACE1 mRNA alternative splicing
Authors: Fisette Jean‐François , Montagna Daniel R. , Mihailescu Mihaela‐Rita , Wolfe Michael S.
Published: February 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 763–773.

β‐Site amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is the transmembrane aspartyl protease that catalyzes the first cleavage step in the proteolysis of the APP to the amyloid β‐protein (Aβ), a process involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. BACE1 pre‐mRNA undergoes complex alternative splicing, the regulation of which is not well understood. We identified a G‐rich sequence within exon 3 of BACE1 involved in controlling splice site selection. Mutation of the G‐rich sequence decreased use of the normal 5′ splice site of exon 3, which leads to full‐length and proteolytically active BACE1, and increased use of an alternative splice site, which leads to a shorter, essentially inactive isoform. Nuclease protection assays, nuclear magnetic resonance, and circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed that this sequence folds into a G‐quadruplex structure. Several proteins were identified as capable of binding to the G‐rich sequence, and one of these, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein H, was found to regulate BACE1 exon 3 alternative splicing and in a manner dependent on the G‐rich sequence. Knockdown of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein H led to a decrease in the full‐length BACE1 mRNA isoform as well as a decrease in Aβ production from APP, suggesting new possibilities for therapeutic approaches to Alzheimer’s disease.
Resistance to trophic neurite outgrowth of sensory neurons exposed to insulin
Authors: Singh Bhagat , Xu Yongqin , McLaughlin Todd , Singh Vandana , Martinez Jose A. , Krishnan Anand , Zochodne Douglas W.
Published: February 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 263–276.

Insulin offers trophic support through receptors expressed widely on peripheral neurons. In this work, we studied whether peripheral sensory neurons demonstrate resistance to its trophic properties, a property relevant during type 2 diabetes mellitus or following supraphysiological therapy. Insulin receptors were not only localized to neuronal membranes and cytoplasm but also had a unique, previously unrecognized localization to neuronal nuclei. We confirmed that nanomolar doses increased neurite outgrowth of adult sensory neurons, but in response to micromolar doses of insulin, even following a brief 2‐h exposure, survival and outgrowth of neurites were blunted. Neurons exposed to picomolar insulin concentrations in their media for 5 days had resistance to the impact of later nanomolar doses of insulin. Using a stripe assay seeded with insulin, neurites were more likely to reject higher doses of insulin. Insulin down‐regulated mRNAs of the insulin receptor β subunit and up‐regulated levels of GSK‐3β, both potential mechanisms of insulin resistance, while down‐regulating the protein expression of pAkt and pGSK‐3β. Overall, these studies identify neuronal nuclear targeting of insulin and evidence for insulin‐induced resistance to its trophic properties. The findings have implications for the understanding of the actions of insulin in the treatment of diabetes and neurological disorders.
Parents matter – but relations to parents do not explain gender differences in self‐reported health in adolescents
Authors: Nygren Karina , Bergström Erik , Janlert Urban , Nygren Lennart
Published: February 2012

The aim of the study was to explore whether parent–adolescent relations are associated to self‐reported health of adolescents. Logistic regression analyses were performed on a cross‐sectional data set consisting of 5060 adolescents, grades 7–9, from six municipalities in the northern part of Sweden. The study was approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Umeå, Sweden. Results showed that, in both boys and girls, experiencing low parental demands as well as perceiving the relationship quality and the communication with parents as poor were significantly associated with having poor general health, somatic complaints and feelings of stress. In general, girls scored lower on self‐reported health than boys, but our findings indicate that these gender differences could not be explained by relations to parents. In conclusion, relations to parents play an important role for self‐reported health of adolescents. Although no causal‐effect statements can be determined in this study, it is implied that there is a need for health professionals, such as school nurses, school welfare officers, etc., to pay special attention to parent–adolescent relations in their work with adolescents.
Blood metabolite data in response to maximal exercise in healthy subjects
Authors: Mouadil Amèle , Debout Claire , Read Marie‐Hélène , Morello Rémy , Allouche Stéphane , Chapon Françoise
Published: February 2012

Maximal exercise test with gas exchange measurement evaluates exercise capacities with maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) measurement. Measurements of lactate (L), lactate/pyruvate ratio (L/P) and ammonium (A) during rest, exercise and recovery enhance interpretative power of maximal exercise by incorporating muscular metabolism exploration. Maximal exercise test with gas exchange measurement is standardized in cardiopulmonary evaluations but, no reference data of blood muscular metabolites are available to evaluate the muscular metabolism. We determined normal values of L, L/P and A during a standardized maximal exercise and recovery in 48 healthy sedentary volunteers and compared with results obtained in four patients with exercise intolerance and a mitochondrial disease. In healthy subjects, L, L/P and A rose during exercise. In 98% of them L, L/P or A decreased between the fifth and the fifteenth minutes of recovery. In mitochondrial patients, VO2max was normal or low, and L, L/P and A had the same evolution as normal subjects or showed no decrease during recovery. We gave normal L, L/P and A values, which establish references for a maximal exercise test with muscular metabolism exploration. This test is helpful for clinicians in functional evaluation, management and treatment of metabolic myopathy and would be a useful tool in diagnosis of metabolic myopathy.
Platelet signaling–A primer
Authors: Goggs Robert , Poole Alastair W.
Published: February 2012

Objective

To review the receptors and signal transduction pathways involved in platelet plug formation and to highlight links between platelets, leukocytes, endothelium, and the coagulation system.

Data Sources

Original studies, review articles, and book chapters in the human and veterinary medical fields.

Data Synthesis

Platelets express numerous surface receptors. Critical among these are glycoproteinVI, the glycoproteinIb‐IX‐Vcomplex, integrin αIIbβ3, and theG‐protein‐coupled receptors for thrombin,ADP, and thromboxane. Activation of these receptors leads to various important functional events, in particular activation of the principal adhesion receptor αIIbβ3. Integrin activation allows binding of ligands such as fibrinogen, mediating platelet‐platelet interaction in the process of aggregation. Signals activated by these receptors also couple to 3 other important functional events, secretion of granule contents, change in cell shape through cytoskeletal rearrangement, and procoagulant membrane expression. These processes generate a stable thrombus to limit blood loss and promote restoration of endothelial integrity.

Conclusions

Improvements in our understanding of how platelets operate through their signaling networks are critical for diagnosis of unusual primary hemostatic disorders and for rational antithrombotic drug design.
Do Psyttalia concolor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) males gain in mating competitiveness from being courted by other males while still young?
Authors: BENELLI Giovanni , CANALE Angelo
Published: February 2012

The role of male–male courtship in parasitic wasps is not well understood and nothing has been reported on the implication of learning in regard to homosexual behavior in hymenopteran parasitoids. In Psyttalia concolor (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a synovigenic koinobiont larval–pupal endoparasitoid of many Diptera Tephritidae of economic importance, courtship and mating attempts are frequently displayed among males. Here we determine whether P. concolor males that are courted while still young by sexually mature males can compete better with other males when they court females. The results showed that P. concolor immature males do not appear to gain from receiving male courtship, but they develop a higher intensity (more wing fanning and shorter latency time) in the successive courtship of the females. The hypothesis that, under some conditions, such higher courtship intensities may increase the probability of gaining a mating advantage is discussed.
Selective release of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors by minced skin in vitro supports the effectiveness of autologous minced micrografts technique for chronic ulcer repair
Authors: Pertusi Ginevra , Tiberio Rossana , Graziola Francesca , Boggio Paolo , Colombo Enrico , Bozzo Chiarella
Published: February 2012

A new effective surgical procedure to repair chronic ulcers called minced micrografts technique has been recently reported. The technique consists in spreading a finely minced skin sample upon the wound bed. In this study, we investigate the in vitro release of cytokines (interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1α, and granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor), chemokines (monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and growth‐related oncogene‐α), and growth factors (platelet‐derived growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and nerve growth factor) by minced (referred to as the minced sample) vs. not minced (referred to as the whole sample) human skin biopsy samples from the same donor. Factor release in the culture medium at different time points was detected using a multiplexed protein assay. The minced sample, which could behave like the skin fragments used in vivo in the autologous minced micrografts technique, expressed higher levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1α, platelet‐derived growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor, and lower levels of interleukin‐6, monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, growth related oncogene‐α, and vascular endothelial growth factor compared with the whole sample. In conclusion, mincing of healthy skin may allow appropriate regulation of the inflammatory phase of wound healing and could induce overexpression of some growth factors, which facilitates the proliferative phase of healing.
Childhood Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm Treated with Allogenic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Gambichler Thilo , Pantelaki Ioanna , Stücker Markus
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm is an uncommon malignancy with a high incidence of cutaneous involvement, risk of leukemic dissemination, and poor prognosis. We report a 15‐year‐old boy with blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm who was treated with acute myeloid leukemia‐based polychemotherapy and subsequent allogenic stem cell transplantation.
A Novel Nonsense Mutation in RSPO4 Gene Underlies Autosomal Recessive Congenital Anonychia in a Pakistani Family
Authors: Wasif Naveed , Ahmad Wasim
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Congenital anonychia is an inherited autosomal recessive disorder characterized by complete absence of fingernails or toenails, or both. In the present study, we have described a consanguineous Pakistani family having a family member affected with congenital anonychia. Genotyping using polymorphic microsatellite markers showed linkage of the family to gene RSPO4 encoding R‐spondin and mapped on human chromosome 20p13. Deoxyribonucleic acid sequence analysis of the gene identified a novel nonsense mutation (c.18C>A; p.Cys6X) in the affected family member.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Pampers™ Drymax
Authors: Jacob Sharon E. , Herro Elise M. , Guide Shireen , Cunningham Bari , Connelly Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  We present four cases of children less than 2 years of age, seen in four different practices, with a similar, unique, and specific presentation of diaper dermatitis, all while using Pampers Baby Dry with Drymax™ technology. To date, no reported cases exist of allergic contact dermatitis to Pampers Dryweave™ in medical literature.
“Magic Goggles”: A Distraction Technique for Pediatric Dermatology Procedures
Authors: Salvaggio Heather L. , Zaenglein Andrea L.
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  The sight of needles and surgical equipment can often cause anxiety in children. We describe the use of “Magic Goggles,” a distraction technique of use in pediatric dermatology procedures.
Bacterial Resistance and Impetigo Treatment Trends: A Review
Authors: Bangert Scott , Levy Moise , Hebert Adelaide A.
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  Impetigo is a common cutaneous infection that is especially prevalent in children. The prevalence of colonization and infection with resistant strains is continually increasing, forcing clinicians to reevaluate treatment strategies. Newer topical agents are effective in treating infections with resistant strains and may help minimize resistance and adverse effects from systemic agents. Use of topical disinfectants to decrease colonization is an important adjunctive measure. Physicians should be aware of local resistance patterns in impetigo to help guide therapy.
Adherence with Migraine Prophylaxis in Clinical Practice
Authors: Berger Ariel , Bloudek Lisa M. , Varon Sepideh F. , Oster Gerry
Published: February 2012

Objective:  To characterize adherence with antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs, and beta blockers as prophylaxis against migraine in typical clinical practice.

Methods:  Using a large US health insurance claims database (calendar years 2003 to 2005), we identified all patients with migraine who began prophylaxis with selected antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs, or beta blockers (“study agents”). Patients not continuously enrolled for 6 months prior to start of prophylaxis (“pretreatment”) and for 6 months subsequently (“follow‐up”) were excluded. Treatment cohorts were constituted based on the type of prophylaxis received. Adherence with migraine prophylaxis was examined by type of agent received using medication possession ratios (MPRs), defined as total days with medication divided by total follow‐up days. MPR < 0.80 was considered indicative of nonadherence.

Results:  A total of 4,634 patients met all entry criteria and received antidepressants (n = 1,803), antiepileptics (n = 1,896), or beta blockers (n = 935) on their index date. Over the next 6 months, the mean (SD) number of prescriptions for study agents was 2.7 (1.9) for antidepressants, 2.9 (2.0) for antiepileptics, and 2.8 (2.0) for beta blockers, totaling 91.0 (71.4), 98.7 (75.6), and 96.7 (73.0) therapy‐days, respectively. Mean MPR at 6 months was 0.48 for antidepressants, 0.51 for antiepileptics, and 0.51 for beta blockers. By the end of the follow‐up, 73.4%, 70.2%, and 67.6% of patients who initiated migraine prophylaxis with antidepressants, antiepileptics, and beta blockers, respectively, were designated nonadherent (ie, MPR < 0.80).

Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that many patients who begin migraine prophylaxis with antidepressants, antiepileptics, or beta blockers are no longer taking these medications at 6 months.
The Effectiveness of Alternative Monetary Policy Tools in a Zero Lower Bound Environment
Authors: HAMILTON JAMES D. , WU JING CYNTHIA
Published: February 2012

This paper reviews alternative options for monetary policy when the short‐term interest rate is at the zero lower bound and develops new empirical estimates of the effects of the maturity structure of publicly held debt on the term structure of interest rates. We use a model of risk‐averse arbitrageurs to develop measures of how the maturity structure of debt held by the public might affect the pricing of level, slope, and curvature term structure risk. We find that these Treasury factors historically were quite helpful for predicting both yields and excess returns over 1990–2007. The historical correlations are consistent with the claim that if in December 2006, the Fed were to have sold off all its Treasury holdings of less than 1‐year maturity (about $400 billion) and use the proceeds to retire Treasury debt from the long end, this might have resulted in a 14‐basis‐point drop in the 10‐year rate and an 11‐basis‐point increase in the 6‐month rate. We also develop a description of how the dynamic behavior of the term structure of interest rates changed after hitting the zero lower bound in 2009. Our estimates imply that at the zero lower bound, such a maturity swap would have the same effects as buying $400 billion in long‐term maturities outright with newly created reserves and could reduce the 10‐year rate by 13 basis points without raising short‐term yields.
Have We Underestimated the Likelihood and Severity of Zero Lower Bound Events?
Authors: CHUNG HESS , LAFORTE JEAN‐PHILIPPE , REIFSCHNEIDER DAVID , WILLIAMS JOHN C.
Published: February 2012

Prior to the financial crisis, most economists probably did not view the zero lower bound (ZLB) as a major problem for central banks. Using a range of structural and statistical models, we find that previous research understated the ZLB threat by ignoring uncertainty about model parameters and latent variables, focusing too much on the Great Moderation experience, and relying on structural models whose dynamics cannot generate sustained ZLB episodes. Our analysis also suggests that the Federal Reserve's asset purchases, while materially improving macroeconomic conditions, did not prevent the ZLB constraint from having first‐order adverse effects on real activity and inflation.
What Has—and Has Not—Been Learned about Monetary Policy in a Low‐Inflation Environment? A Review of the 2000s
Authors: CLARIDA RICHARD H.
Published: February 2012

As the world economy recovers from the worst financial crisis and most severe global slump in 75 years, policymakers, regulators, and academics are focusing intensely and appropriately on lessons to be learned for monetary policy. There are certainly many questions to answer. Among the most important are:

Are inflation expectations “well anchored”?

What, if any, influence should asset quantities and prices have on monetary policy?

Do we have sufficient confidence in our alternative monetary policy tools to stabilize the economy at the zero lower bound?
Japan's Deflation and the Bank of Japan's Experience with Nontraditional Monetary Policy
Authors: UEDA KAZUO
Published: February 2012

This paper offers a brief summary of nontraditional monetary policy measures adopted by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) during the last two decades, especially the period 1998–2006, when the so‐called zero interest rate policy (ZIRP) and quantitative easing (QE) were put in place. The paper begins with a typology of policies usable at low interest and inflation rates. They are: strategy (i), management of expectations about future policy rates; strategy (ii), targeted asset purchases; and strategy (iii), QE. Alternatively, QE may be decomposed into a pure attempt to inflate the central bank balance sheet, QE0, purchases of assets in dysfunctional markets, QE1, and purchases of assets to generate portfolio rebalancing, QE2. Strategy (ii), when nonsterilized, is either QE1 or QE2. Using this typology, I review the measures adopted by the BOJ and discuss evidence on the effectiveness of the measures. The broad conclusion is that strategies (i) and (ii) have affected interest rates, while no clear evidence exists so far of the effectiveness of the pure form of strategy (iii), or QE0. Strategy (ii) has been effective especially in containing risk/liquidity premiums in dysfunctional money markets; that is, QE1 has been effective. The effectiveness of QE2, however, is less clear‐cut. The strategies, however, have failed to bring the Japanese economy out of the deflation trap so far. I discuss some possible reasons for this and also implications for the current U.S. situation.
Late Gadolinium Enhancement CMR in Patients with Tachycardia‐Induced Cardiomyopathy Caused by Idiopathic Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: HASDEMIR CAN , YUKSEL ALPER , CAMLI DILSAT , KARTAL YILDIRIM , SIMSEK EVRIM , MUSAYEV OKTAY , ISAYEV ELNUR , AYDIN MEHMET , CAN LEVENT H.
Published: February 2012

Background:
 Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias in the form of monomorphic premature ventricular contractions (PVC) and/or ventricular tachycardia (VT) can cause tachycardia‐induced cardiomyopathy (TICMP). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in patients with TICMP caused by idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias.

Methods:
 The study population consisted of 298 consecutive patients (174 F/124 M; mean age 45 ± 17 years) with frequent PVCs and/or VT. TICMP was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of ≤50% in the absence of any detectable underlying heart disease and improvement of LVEF ≥15% after effective treatment of index ventricular arrhythmia.

Results:
 Twenty‐seven (9.1%) patients found to have LVEF ≤50% and diagnosed as presumptive TICMP. Improvement in LVEF after effective treatment of index ventricular arrhythmia was observed in 22 of 27 patients (TICMP group; mean PVC burden of 30.8 ± 9.9%). LVEF did not improve in five of 27 patients (primary cardiomyopathy group; mean PVC burden of 28.8 ± 10.1%). LGE‐cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging was performed in 19 of 22 patients with TICMP and one patient (5%) had LGE. All five patients with primary cardiomyopathy underwent LGE‐CMR imaging and four patients (80%) had LGE.

Conclusions:
 LGE is a rare finding in patients with TICMP caused by idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias. LGE‐CMR can be used in the diagnostic work‐up of patients with TICMP. Further prospective studies are required to determine the role of LGE‐CMR in predicting the recovery of left ventricular systolic dysfunction in patients with presumptive TICMP. PACE 2012; 35:465–470)
Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery Pseudoaneurysm Compressing the Main Pulmonary Artery in a Patient with Behçet's Disease
Authors: Sharma Vivek , George Anthony , Oechslin Erwin , Slinger Peter , Meineri Massimiliano
Published: February 2012

Behçet's disease is a systemic inflammatory vascular disorder that may affect the cardiovascular system. Left anterior descending (LAD) artery aneurysm is a rare but potentially fatal complication of Behçet's disease. An accurate diagnosis of this clinical entity requires multimodal imaging (computerized tomography, angiography, and echocardiography) and is essential to guide appropriate therapeutic management. We report the case of a 22‐year‐old female with LAD pseudoaneurysm who underwent surgical repair with transesophageal echocardiography guidance. We describe the importance of the use of an alternative view to define the origin and location of this unusual pathology. (Echocardiography 2012;29:E91‐E93)
Decision Making Following a Prenatal Diagnosis of Down Syndrome: An Integrative Review
Authors: Choi Hyunkyung , Van Riper Marcia , Thoyre Suzanne
Published: February 2012

Introduction: Prenatal screening for Down syndrome (DS) is a routine part of prenatal care in many countries, and there is growing interest in the choices women make following a prenatal diagnosis of DS. This review describes what is known about actual and hypothetical decision making following a prenatal diagnosis of DS and adds understanding about the factors that influence women's decision making.

Methods: A search of empirical studies was conducted through electronic databases, major journals, and reference lists that were published in English between January 1999 and September 2010. Inclusion criteria were that the research explored attitudes toward continuation of pregnancy or induced abortion for DS and included at least 1 variable that explored factors influencing women's decision making following a prenatal diagnosis of DS. Studies that did not specify DS, unpublished manuscripts, review articles, and book chapters were excluded.

Results: A total of 11 studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria. The decision to undergo an induced abortion varied depending on whether participants were prospective parents recruited from the general population (23%‐33% would terminate), pregnant women at increased risk for having a child with DS (46%‐86% would terminate), or women who received a positive diagnosis of DS during the prenatal period (89%‐97% terminated). Multiple factors influence women's decision making following a diagnosis of DS, including demographic factors such as religion, maternal age, gestational age, number of existing children, and history of induced abortion. Psychosocial factors including perceived parenting burden/reward, quality of life for a child with DS, attitudes toward and comfort with individuals with disabilities, and support from others also are important influences.

Discussion: Multiple factors influence the decisions pregnant women make following the diagnosis of fetal DS. Therefore, it is critical that health care providers who work with pregnant women are aware of these factors.
The Level of Importance and Level of Confidence that Midwives in the United States Attach to Using Genetics in Practice
Authors: Crane Marilyn J. , Quinn Griffin Mary T. , Andrews Claire M. , Fitzpatrick Joyce J.
Published: February 2012

Introduction: The clinical application of genetic advances has the potential to transform preconception and pregnancy care and improve pregnancy outcomes. The study aim was to evaluate the level of importance and level of confidence that midwives in the United States attach to using genetics in practice.

Methods: The study was a descriptive, cross‐sectional, online survey with a convenience sample of certified nurse‐midwives who were active members of the American College of Nurse‐Midwives (ACNM) and provided midwifery care in the United States. The survey contained genetic case studies and questions related to genetic activities that occur in clinical practice. Participants were asked to rate how important each genetic activity is to midwifery practice generally and their personal level of confidence in carrying out the stated activity at the present time; questions were rated on a Likert‐type scale of 1 (not at all important, not at all confident) to 4 (essential, confident to teach).

Results: There were 612 survey responses from among the 4244 active members of ACNM (14.42%). Most midwives believed that genetics‐related activities were very important or essential to their clinical practices, but they were only moderately confident in their abilities to perform these activities. The average importance survey score was 88%, and the average confidence survey score was 70%. Some midwives (17.5%) thought that taking a 3‐generation family history was essential, and some midwives (20.9%) were extremely confident in their abilities to perform this activity. Almost all midwives (98.5%) indicated that they wanted to learn more about genetics and genomics.

Discussion: Genetics education programs need to be developed and made available to midwives to increase their confidence levels in using genetics in clinical practice.
Reaching Latinas with Our Bodies, Ourselves and the Guía de Capacitación para Promotoras de Salud: Health Education for Social Change
Authors: Bonilla Zobeida E. , Morrison Sharon D. , Norsigian Judy , Rosero Ema
Published: February 2012

As the cultural and linguistic diversity of the United States continues to grow and population shifts transform the communities where we live and work, health care providers continue to face challenges to deliver health services in demographically redefined terrains. This report describes the development of a Spanish‐language training guide for community health workers (Guía de Capacitación para Promotoras de Salud) based on the book Nuestros Cuerpos, Nuestras Vidas (NCNV), the Spanish‐language translation and cultural adaptation of the classic women's health book Our Bodies, Ourselves. The guide aims to 1) provide a tool for addressing the health education needs of immigrant Latinas and 2) facilitate the use of the book NCNV as a health education tool in Latino communities. Thirty telephone interviews with individuals working in agencies and organizations serving Latinos and 2 focus groups with Latinas were conducted to select the topics included in the training guide, all of which were drawn directly from NCNV. The guide contains 11 modules organized into 6 workshops. The modules address 11 topics related to women's health, ranging from sexuality and pregnancy to domestic violence and mental health. An ecological framework is used to deliver the health information. The materials acknowledge the roles of history, environment, culture, economic conditions, migration history, and politics as key determinants of health and illness. The workshops are designed to train community health workers on the women's health topics contained in the guide and to equip them for the delivery of health education among immigrant Latinas.
Necrotizing fasciitis of thigh associated with EscherichiaColi bacteremia in a patient on chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Liu Chung‐Te , Chen Yen‐Cheng , Chen Tso‐Hsiao , Ou Tsong‐Yih
Published: February 2012

Necrotizing fasciitis is a lethal soft tissue infection for its rapid progression to septic shock. We present a 59‐year‐old male on chronic hemodialysis (HD). We made the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis of the right thigh due to the crepitus from physical examination and subcutaneous emphysema from an X film. He was successfully treated with antibiotics and surgical debridement. The blood and surgical drainage cultures showed Escherichia coli, which is less commonly seen in cutaneous infection. The colonoscopic finding revealed adenomatous polyps. Necrotizing fasciitis in patients on HD requires early diagnosis and aggressive treatment to ensure the favorable clinical outcomes.
Conventional Wisdom: Negotiating Conventions of Reference Enhances Category Learning
Authors: Voiklis John , Corter James E.
Published: February 2012

Collaborators generally coordinate their activities through communication, during which they readily negotiate a shared lexicon for activity‐related objects. This social‐pragmatic activity both recruits and affects cognitive and social‐cognitive processes ranging from selective attention to perspective taking. We ask whether negotiating reference also facilitates category learning or might private verbalization yield comparable facilitation? Participants in three referential conditions learned to classify imaginary creatures according to combinations of functional features—nutritive and destructive—that implicitly defined four categories. Remote partners communicated in the Dialogue condition. In the Monologue condition, participants recorded audio descriptions for their own later use. Controls worked silently. Dialogue yielded better category learning, with wider distribution of attention. Monologue offered no benefits over working silently. We conclude that negotiating reference compels collaborators to find communicable structure in their shared activity; this social‐pragmatic constraint accelerates category learning and likely provides much of the benefit recently ascribed to learning labeled categories.
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy with Amygdala Enlargement: A Morphologic and Functional Study
Authors: Takaya Shigetoshi , Ikeda Akio , Mitsueda‐Ono Takahiro , Matsumoto Riki , Inouchi Morito , Namiki Chihiro , Oishi Naoya , Mikuni Nobuhiro , Ishizu Koichi , Takahashi Ryosuke , Fukuyama Hidenao
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with nontumoral amygdala enlargement (AE) has been reported to be a possible subtype of TLE without hippocampal sclerosis (HS). The purpose of this study was to clarify morphologic and functional characteristics of TLE with AE (TLE + AE).

METHODS

We evaluated gray matter volume and cerebral glucose hypometabolism using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and voxel‐based statistical analysis of [18F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) images in 9 patients with TLE + AE as compared with controls. For VBM analysis, we recruited 30 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy volunteers as controls. For the comparison of FDG‐PET analysis, 9 patients with definite mesial TLE with HS (MTLE + HS), and 16 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were recruited.

RESULTS

In patients with TLE + AE, a significant increase in gray matter volume was found only in the affected amygdala, and no significant decrease in gray matter volume was detected. In addition, significant glucose hypometabolism was observed in the affected amygdala, whereas significant glucose hypometabolism in the hippocampus, a prominent feature of definite MTLE+HS, was not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

TLE + AE is different from MTLE + HS from morphologic and functional points of view, and the enlarged amygdala per se is potentially an epileptic focus in patients with partial epilepsy.
Neuroimaging of Pediatric Intracranial Infection—Part 1: Techniques and Bacterial Infections
Authors: Nickerson Joshua P. , Richner Beat , Santy Ky , Lequin Maarten H. , Poretti Andrea , Filippi Christopher G. , Huisman Thierry A.G.M.
Published: February 2012

Conventional and advanced neuroimaging have become central to the diagnosis of infectious diseases of the pediatric central nervous system. Imaging modalities used by (pediatric) neuroradiologists include cranial ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, including advanced techniques such as diffusion weighted or tensor imaging, perfusion weighted imaging, susceptibility weighted imaging, and 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy. In this first of a two part review, imaging techniques in general and the imaging findings of bacterial infections of the intracranial compartment including epidural empyema, subdural empyema, meningitis, cerebritis, cerebral abscess, and pyogenic intraventricular empyema (ventriculitis) are discussed. J Neuroimaging 2012;22:e42–e51.
A logistic model for the detection of circulating tumour cells in human metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Barbazán Jorge , Vieito María , Abalo Alicia , Alonso‐Alconada Lorena , Muinelo‐Romay Laura , Alonso‐Nocelo Marta , León Luís , Candamio Sonia , Gallardo Elena , Anido Urbano , Doll Andreas , de los Ángeles Casares María , Gómez‐Tato Antonio , Abal Miguel , López‐López Rafael
Published: February 2012

The accuracy in the diagnosis of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) represents one of the challenges in the clinical management of patients. The detection of circulating tumour cells (CTC) is becoming a promising alternative to current detection techniques, as it focuses on one of the players of the metastatic disease and it should provide with more specific and sensitive detection rates. Here, we describe an improved method of detection of CTC from mCRC patients by combining immune‐enrichment, optimal purification of RNA from very low cell numbers, and the selection of accurate PCR probes. As a result, we obtained a logistic model that combines GAPDH and VIL1 normalized to CD45 rendering powerful results in the detection of CTC from mCRC patients (AUROC value 0.8599). We further demonstrated the utility of this model at the clinical setting, as a reliable prognosis tool to determine progression‐free survival in mCRC patients. Overall, we developed a strategy that ameliorates the specificity and sensitivity in the detection of CTC, resulting in a robust and promising logistic model for the clinical management of metastatic colorectal cancer patients.