bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience in implementing ICRP recommendations: IRPA's perspective on the role of the radiation protection professional
Authors: Kase K.R.
Published: August 2012

The International Radiation Protection Association (IRPA) has a membership of approximately 17,000 individuals who are members of 48 national societies in 60 countries worldwide. As such, IRPA's vision is to be recognised as the international voice of the radiation protection professional. This article will discuss elements of the outcome of the 12th International Congress of IRPA (‘Focus on the future’), objectives and current activities of IRPA, criteria and priorities for the engagement of IRPA with international organisations, current IRPA initiatives in the areas of radiation protection culture and certification/qualification of radiation protection experts, planning for the 13th International Congress of IRPA, comments on the implementation of recent recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), and suggestions about IRPA and ICRP collaboration in their implementation.

IRPA recognises that ICRP is the international body to determine policy and to make recommendations for protection against ionising radiation, and IRPA is in a position to participate in and facilitate the implementation of those recommendations.
Radiation cataract
Authors: Kleiman N.J.
Published: August 2012

Until very recently, ocular exposure guidelines were based on the assumption that radiation cataract is a deterministic event requiring threshold doses generally greater than 2 Gy. This view was, in part, based on older studies which generally had short follow-up periods, failed to take into account increasing latency as dose decreased, had relatively few subjects with doses below a few Gy, and were not designed to detect early lens changes. Newer findings, including those in populations exposed to much lower radiation doses and in subjects as diverse as astronauts, medical workers, atomic bomb survivors, accidentally exposed individuals, and those undergoing diagnostic or radiotherapeutic procedures, strongly suggest dose-related lens opacification at significantly lower doses. These observations resulted in a recent re-evaluation of current lens occupational exposure guidelines, and a proposed lowering of the presumptive radiation cataract threshold to 0.5 Gy/year and the occupational lens exposure limit to 20 mSv/year, regardless of whether received as an acute, protracted, or chronic exposure. Experimental animal studies support these conclusions and suggest a role for genotoxicity in the development of radiation cataract. Recent findings of a low or even zero threshold for radiation-induced lens opacification are likely to influence current research efforts and directions concerning the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this pathology. Furthermore, new guidelines are likely to have significant implications for occupational and/or accidental exposure, and the need for occupational eye protection (e.g. in fields such as interventional medicine).
Radon and the system of radiological protection
Authors: Lecomte J.F.
Published: August 2012

At its meeting in Porto, Portugal, in November 2009, the Main Commission of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) approved the formation of a new Task Group, reporting to Committee 4, to develop guidance on radiological protection against radon exposure. This article describes the Task Group's draft report entitled “Radiological Protection against Radon Exposure” which has been posted on the ICRP website for public consultation between January and June 2012. In this report, the Commission provides updated guidance on radiological protection against radon exposure. The report was developed considering the recently consolidated ICRP general recommendations, the new scientific knowledge about radon risk, and the experience gained by many organisations and countries in the control of radon exposure. The report describes the characteristics of radon exposure, covering sources and transfer mechanisms, nature of the risk, exposure conditions, similarities with other existing exposure situations, and challenges to manage radon exposure. In order to control radon exposure, the Commission recommends an integrated approach that is focused as much as possible on the management of the building or location in which radon exposure occurs, regardless of the purpose of the building and the category of the occupants. This approach is based on the optimisation principle, and a graded approach according to the degree of responsibilities at stake, notably in workplaces, and the level of ambition of the national authorities. The report emphasises the importance of preventive actions, and provides recommendations on how to control radon exposure in workplaces when workers’ exposure can reasonably be regarded as being the responsibility of the operating management. In such a case, workers’ exposures are considered to be occupational, and are controlled using the corresponding requirements on the basis of the optimisation principle, and application, as appropriate, of the dose limit.
Clarifying and simplifying the management of environmental exposures under different exposure situations
Authors: Pentreath R.J.
Published: August 2012

The International Commission on Radiological Protection recognises three different exposure situations: planned, existing, and emergency. In all three situations, the release of radionuclides into the natural environment leads to exposures of non-human species, as well as having the potential for exposures of the general public. Each release may therefore need separate evaluations of these two consequences in order to clarify the relevant objectives of protection, their compliance with various legal requirements, and how these objectives can be achieved. However, the need to meet more than one objective should not necessarily lead to a more complicated regulatory system. Indeed, with regard to low-level routine discharges from most nuclear plants, there would appear to be scope for simplifying the entire system, to protect both humans and biota, by using discharge consent and specified radionuclide environmental quality standards for water, soil, and air in a manner similar to that used to regulate other major, non-nuclear industries. In contrast, different objectives for humans and the environment need to be set and evaluated independently for existing exposure situations. For emergency situations, the separate consequences of different management options for humans and the environment should be made clear. Should an emergency occur, it is important to have meaningful environmental criteria in order to communicate clearly with the public at large as events unfold.
Radiation effects
Authors: Preston R.J.
Published: August 2012

International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) Committee 1 (C1) considers the risk of induction of cancer and heritable disease; the underlying mechanisms of radiation action; and the risks, severity, and mechanisms of induction of tissue reactions (formerly ‘deterministic effects’). C1 relies upon the interpretation of current knowledge of radio-epidemiological studies; current information on the underlying mechanisms of diseases and radiation-induced disease; and current radiobiological studies at the whole animal, tissue, cell, and molecular levels. This overview will describe the activities of C1 in the context of the 2007 Recommendations of ICRP. In particular, the conclusions from the most recent C1 Task Group deliberations on radon and lung cancer, and tissue reactions will be discussed. Other activities are described in summary fashion to illustrate those areas that C1 judge to be likely to influence the development of the risk estimates and nominal risk coefficients used for radiation protection purposes.
ICRP and IAEA actions on radiation protection in computed tomography
Authors: Rehani M.M.
Published: August 2012

In 1998, the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) warned that computed tomography (CT) doses were high, and the frequency of usage was likely to increase in view of spiral CT technology that enhances patient convenience and provides high-quality diagnostic information. Two ICRP publications ( Publications 87 and 102) have provided patient dose management recommendations while reviewing the technology and results of optimisations to date, and stimulated interest in patient dose management. The International Atomic Energy Agency, on the other hand, has been instrumental in assessing the state of practice at grassroots level, identifying lacunae in justification and optimisation, providing guidance to counterparts in various countries, and improving practice. The results from approximately 50 less-resourced countries for adult and paediatric CT studies have become available, and some have been published. The concerted efforts and actions by these two international organisations have contributed to better awareness and improvement of patient protection in CT in adults and children in many countries.
Uranium mining industry views on ICRP statement on radon
Authors: Takala J.
Published: August 2012

In 2009, the International Commission on Radiological Protection issued a statement on radon which stated that the dose conversion factor for radon progeny would likely double, and the calculation of risk from radon should move to a dosimetric approach, rather than the longstanding epidemiological approach. Through the World Nuclear Association, whose members represent over 90% of the world's uranium production, industry has been examining this issue with a goal of offering expertise and knowledge to assist with the practical implementation of these evolutionary changes to evaluating the risk from radon progeny. Industry supports the continuing use of the most current epidemiological data as a basis for risk calculation, but believes that further examination of these results is needed to better understand the level of conservatism in the potential epidemiological-based risk models. With regard to adoption of the dosimetric approach, industry believes that further work is needed before this is a practical option. In particular, this work should include a clear demonstration of the validation of the dosimetric model which includes how smoking is handled, the establishment of a practical measurement protocol, and the collection of relevant data for modern workplaces. Industry is actively working to address the latter two items.
Radiation effects: Modulating factors and risk assessment - an overview
Authors: Wakeford R.
Published: August 2012

Following low dose or low dose-rate exposures to ionising radiation, the principal resulting radiation-related risk is cancer. Site-specific cancer risk models have been developed that describe how the radiation-induced risk of a particular cancer type varies with the relevant tissue-specific absorbed dose of radiation. The degree of risk will also be determined by the radiation quality and the dose-rate, factors that will vary between types of radiation and cancer. Risk models also include a number of intrinsic factors that modify the radiation-related excess risk - sex, age at exposure, time since exposure, and attained age - although not all these factors enter into each site-specific model. Of some importance is how the radiation-related excess risk is transferred between populations when background incidence rates differ. For most cancer types, expert groups consider that the radiation-related excess risk in a population depends, to some extent, upon the background incidence rate, and therefore that radiation interacts with at least some of the major risk factors that determine the background risk for a person. For example, the radiation-induced risk of lung cancer depends on the degree of individual exposure to tobacco smoke, but the implicit assumption of the currently accepted risk transfer models is that interactions are a general feature of radiation-related cancer risk.
Radiation and protection of the environment: the work of Committee 5
Authors: Pentreath R.J.
Published: August 2012

The development of a systematic approach to protection of the environment has required a number of basic steps to be taken, including a discussion of what objectives could reasonably be set, together with an examination of how existing knowledge could best be used in order to achieve them. It has required bold decisions to be made, new modelling to be undertaken, and new data sets to be compiled. Equally challenging, however, has been the need to fold the entire subject area into an expanded system originally developed for the protection of human beings. There are, inevitably, a number of data gaps, and further decisions need to be made. However, the priority now is to examine how this approach to protection of the environment can be used in practice. With an intensifying worldwide debate about the environmental merits of different forms of energy production, it would seem imperative that the various practices involved in the nuclear fuel cycle are able to demonstrate, clearly and independently, their own actual or potential impact on the environment. The International Commission on Radiological Protection now has the basic means for such evaluations to be made, and further developments in this system will reflect the experience of its practical application.
Analysis of maternal and abortion‐related mortality in Mexico over the last two decades, 1990–2008
Authors: Schiavon Raffaela , Troncoso Erika , Polo Gerardo
Published: August 2012

To document the relative contribution of abortion‐related deaths to overall maternal deaths in Mexico, official mortality data were analyzed according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. During 1990–2008, among 24 805 maternal deaths, 1786 (7.2%) were abortion related. Of these, 13.2% occurred in adolescents and 65% in uninsured women; 60% were probably associated with unsafely induced procedures. The study calculated the number of abortion‐related deaths per 100 000 abortion‐related hospitalizations, expressed as a modified abortion case‐fatality rate. During 2000–2008, this rate was 48 at the national level, with wide variations among states: from 140 deaths in Guerrero to 8 in Baja California Sur per 100 000 abortion hospitalizations. Unsafe abortion continues to represent a significant proportion of all maternal deaths in Mexico.
Stories behind the statistics: A review of abortion‐related deaths from 2005 to 2007 in Mexico City
Authors: van Dijk Marieke G. , Ahued Ortega Armando , Contreras Xipatl , García Sandra G.
Published: August 2012

Evidence suggests that restricting abortion does not reduce its occurrence but increases health risk. A qualitative analysis was performed, reviewing the medical charts of 12 women who died from unsafe induced abortions in Mexico City; most deaths occurred before abortion was decriminalized. Women resorted to using unsafe techniques, without medical guidance or under incorrect recommendations by providers, ultimately resulting in the loss of their lives. Postabortion care in private and public health facilities was often inadequate. The cases illustrate the importance of liberalizing abortion laws and improving postabortion care to protect the life and health of women seeking to terminate pregnancy.
Health consequences of unsafe abortion in Colombia, 1989–2008
Authors: Prada Elena , Singh Susheela , Villarreal Cristina
Published: August 2012

The number of Colombian women hospitalized for the treatment of induced abortion complications increased from 57 679 in 1989 to 93 336 in 2008; the hospitalization rate also rose: from 7.2 to 9.1 cases per 1000 women aged 15–44 years. Factors that likely underlie the increase include improved access to postabortion care (although 1 in 5 women still do not obtain the care they need) and the growing role of misoprostol, often used incorrectly and to some extent replacing the use of surgical abortion by doctors. Efforts are evidently needed to improve access to safe abortion and effective contraception.
Trends in hospitalization for abortion‐related complications in Brazil, 1992–2009: Why the decline in numbers and severity?
Authors: Singh Susheela , Monteiro Mario F.G. , Levin Jacques
Published: August 2012

Brazil offers a unique opportunity to analyze trends in abortion‐related morbidity over time with high‐quality data. National data on facility‐based treatment of abortion complications from 1992–2009 were analyzed. Large declines occurred in the number and rate of women treated for abortion complications: the national number of treated cases declined by 41% (from 282 000 in 1992 to 165000 in 2009), and the abortion treatment rate declined by 57% (from 7.1 to 3.1 per 1000 women) over the same period. The decline in this rate was more striking for more serious complications than for less serious ones (69% compared with 52%). Possible reasons for these overall declines include increasing use and greater availability of safer abortion methods, and greater ability to pay for such methods as well as a possible decline in incidence of unintended pregnancy and abortion through more widespread use of modern contraception.
An unequal burden: Risk factors for severe complications following unsafe abortion in Tigray, Ethiopia
Authors: Gerdts Caitlin , Prata Ndola , Gessessew Amanuel
Published: August 2012

Unsafe abortion is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. A total of 266 women seeking care at health facilities for the treatment of incomplete abortion in Tigray, Ethiopia were studied, and factors associated with severe complications related to unsafe abortion were assessed. Women had significantly higher odds of experiencing severe clinical complications if they were married compared with unmarried (odds ratio 3.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.75–9.04) or were seen in a mid‐ or low‐level health facility (a health center or health post) compared with a high‐level facility (a hospital) (odds ratio 4.77; 95% confidence interval, 1.87–12.19). The findings support the need to provide family planning programs that involve men and the need to expand access to confidential, safe abortion services by mid‐level providers so that pregnancy termination no longer means placing women's lives and health in danger.
Outcome of an intervention to improve the quality of private sector provision of postabortion care in northern Nigeria
Authors: Ogu Rosemary , Okonofua Friday , Hammed Afolabi , Okpokunu Edoja , Mairiga Abdulkarim , Bako Abubakar , Abass Tajudeen , Garba Danjuma , Alani Akinyade , Agholor Kingsley
Published: August 2012

The outcomes of an intervention aimed at improving the quality of postabortion care provided by private medical practitioners in 8 states in northern Nigeria are reported. A total of 458 private medical doctors and 839 nurses and midwives were trained to offer high‐quality postabortion care, postabortion family planning, and integrated sexually transmitted infection/HIV care. Results showed that among the 17009 women treated over 10 years, there was not a single case of maternal death. In a detailed analysis of 2559 women treated during a 15‐month period after the intervention was established, only 33 women experienced mild complications, while none suffered major complications of abortion care. At the same time, there was a reduction in treatment cost and a doubling of the contraceptive uptake by the women. Building the capacity of private medical providers can reduce maternal morbidity and mortality associated with induced abortion in northern Nigeria.
The health system cost of postabortion care in Ethiopia
Authors: Vlassoff Michael , Fetters Tamara , Kumbi Solomon , Singh Susheela
Published: August 2012

To address the knowledge gap that exists in costing unsafe abortion in Ethiopia, estimates were derived of the cost to the health system of providing postabortion care (PAC), based on research conducted in 2008. Fourteen public and private health facilities were selected, representing 3 levels of health care. Cost information on drugs, supplies, material, personnel time, and out‐of‐pocket expenses was collected using an ingredients approach. Sensitivity analysis was used to determine the most likely range of costs. The average direct cost per client, across 5 types of abortion complications, was US $36.21. The annual direct cost nationally ranged from US $6.5 to US $8.9 million. Including indirect costs and satisfying all demand increased the annual national cost to US $47 million. PAC consumes a large portion of the total expenditure in reproductive health in Ethiopia. Investing more resources in family planning programs to prevent unwanted pregnancies would be cost‐beneficial to the health system.
Public hospital costs of treatment of abortion complications in Nigeria
Authors: Benson Janie , Okoh Mathew , KrennHrubec Keris , Lazzarino Maribel A. Mañibo , Johnston Heidi Bart
Published: August 2012

Unsafe abortion is a significant contributor to maternal mortality in Nigeria, and treatment of postabortion complications drains public healthcare resources. Provider estimates of medications, supplies, and staff time spent in 17 public hospitals were used to estimate the per‐case and annual costs of postabortion care (PAC) provision in Ogun and Lagos states and the Federal Capital Territory. PAC with treatment of moderate complications (US $112) cost 60% more per case than simple PAC (US $70). In cases needing simple PAC, treatment with dilation and curettage (D&C, US $80) cost 18% more per case than manual vacuum aspiration (US $68). Annually, all public hospitals in these 3 states spend US $807 442 on PAC. This cost could be reduced by shifting service provision to an outpatient basis, allowing service provision by midwives, and abandoning the use of D&C. Availability of safe, legal abortion would further decrease cost and reduce preventable deaths from unsafe abortion.
Quality and efficiency of care for complications of unsafe abortion: A case study from Bangladesh
Authors: Johnston Heidi Bart , Akhter Shamima , Oliveras Elizabeth
Published: August 2012

Treating complications of unsafe abortion can be financially draining for health systems. This analysis assessed incremental health system costs of service delivery for abortion‐related complications in the Bangladesh public health system and confirmed that providing postabortion care with vacuum aspiration is less expensive than using dilation and curettage (D&C). Implementing several evidence‐based best practices, such as replacing D&C with vacuum aspiration, reducing use of high‐level sedation, authorizing midlevel providers to offer postabortion care, and providing postabortion contraceptive counseling and services to women while still at the health facility, could increase the quality and cost efficiency of postabortion care in Bangladesh.
Attitudes toward abortion in Zambia
Authors: Geary Cynthia Waszak , Gebreselassie Hailemichael , Awah Paschal , Pearson Erin
Published: August 2012

Despite Zambia's relatively progressive abortion law, women continue to seek unsafe, illegal abortions. Four domains of abortion attitudes – support for legalization, immorality, rights, and access to services – were measured in 4 communities. A total of 668 people were interviewed. Associations among the 4 domains were inconsistent with expectations. The belief that abortion is immoral was widespread, but was not associated with lack of support for legalization. Instead, it was associated with belief that women need access to safe services. These findings suggest that increasing awareness about abortion law in Zambia may be important for encouraging more favorable attitudes.
Correlates of perceived and internalized stigma among abortion patients in the USA: An exploration by race and Hispanic ethnicity
Authors: Shellenberg Kristen M. , Tsui Amy O.
Published: August 2012

This study estimated the proportion of abortion patients in the USA reporting perceived and internalized stigma, and assessed associations between those outcomes and women's sociodemographic, reproductive, and situational characteristics by race/ethnicity from a nationally representative dataset. Two‐thirds of women reported that some people would look down on them if they knew about the abortion, and more than half of the respondents reported needing to keep their abortion a secret from friends and family. Associations between women's characteristics and abortion stigma varied by race/ethnicity. Results indicate that many abortion patients in the USA perceive and internalize stigma; certain subgroups of women are more likely to perceive or internalize stigma than others.
Public opinion about abortion‐related stigma among Mexican Catholics and implications for unsafe abortion
Authors: McMurtrie Stephanie M. , García Sandra G. , Wilson Kate S. , Diaz‐Olavarrieta Claudia , Fawcett Gillian M.
Published: August 2012

A nationally representative survey was conducted among 3000 Catholics in Mexico during 2009 and 2010. Respondents were presented with a hypothetical situation about a young woman who decided to have an abortion and were asked their personal opinion of her. On the basis of a stigma index, it was found that the majority (61%) had stigmatizing attitudes about abortion; however, 81% believed that abortion should be legal in at least some circumstances. Respondents were significantly more likely to stigmatize abortion if they disagreed with the Mexico City law legalizing the procedure (odds ratio 1.66; 95% CI, 1.30–2.11) and believed that abortion should be prohibited in all cases (odds ratio 3.13; 95% CI, 2.28–4.30). Such stigma can lead women to seek unsafe abortions to avoid judgment by society.
Social and psychological consequences of abortion in Iran
Authors: Hosseini‐Chavoshi Meimanat , Abbasi‐Shavazi Mohammad Jalal , Glazebrook Diana , McDonald Peter
Published: August 2012

Iran has had replacement fertility since 2000. Upholding a small family size has led some couples to terminate unwanted pregnancies. Abortion is, however, permitted only on medical grounds in Iran. Using data from the Iran Low Fertility Survey, this study assessed sociodemographic correlates of abortion among a random sample of 5526 ever‐married women aged 15–54 years, and used in‐depth interviews to explore reasons for and psychological consequences of abortion among 40 women who had experienced an unintended pregnancy. Although social and economic concerns were the main reasons cited for seeking abortion, women experienced anxiety and depression when seeking pregnancy termination and thereafter. Social stigmatization arose from a belief that abortion is sinful and that misfortune experienced thereafter is punishment. Inadequate knowledge and misunderstanding of relevant Sharia laws discouraged women from seeking care when they experienced complications. Iran's reproductive health policies should be revised to integrate pre‐ and postabortion counseling.
The Development of Property Rights on Frontiers: Endowments, Norms, and Politics
Authors: ALSTON LEE J. , HARRIS EDWYNA , MUELLER BERNARDO
Published: August 2012

How do property rights evolve when unoccupied areas attract economic use? Who are the first claimants on the frontier and how do they establish their property rights? When do governments providede jureproperty rights? We present a conceptual framework that addresses these questions and apply it to the frontiers of Australia, the United States, and Brazil. Our framework stresses the crucial role of politics as frontiers develop by identifying situations where the competition for land by those withde factorights and those withde jurerights leads to violence or potential conflicts.
Khmer peasants and land access in Kompong Thom Province in the 1930s
Authors: Guérin Mathieu
Published: August 2012

Based on Cambodian and French archival records, which include colonial and local administration reports, tax rosters and judicial sources, this paper explores landownership in Cambodia in the 1930s. It shows that, contrary to common belief, land access was already an issue in the 1930s. The study of tax registers of three communes in the province of Kompong Thom presents a Khmer rural society dominated by peasants with average-sized landholdings, but where landless peasants or those with very small holdings also existed. It also stresses that women were able to become efficient farm operators. In addition, this analysis of the different sources available shows that Khmer rural society in Kompong Thom was a form of gerontocracy dominated by men aged over 40.
Frontier capitalism and the expansion of rubber plantations in southern Laos
Authors: Laungaramsri Pinkaew
Published: August 2012

This article examines the recent expansion of large-scale rubber plantations in border areas of Laos and argues that this phenomenon as well as the attendant land concession controversy must be understood from the perspective of resource frontiers. While transnational Vietnamese investment in rubber plantations represents one form of land capitalisation, their establishment in southern Laos has been part of the turbulent political economic transition in Laos. Collaboration between frontier states which often bypasses central governance, chaotic boundaries between what is recognised as ‘used or productive’ and ‘unused or underproductive resources’, and regulatory disorientation of resource control allow what I call ‘frontier capitalism’ to proliferate.
Retrieving the Bandung Conference … moment by moment
Authors: Percival Wood Sally
Published: August 2012

The Asian–African Conference at Bandung, Indonesia, in 1955 has been written into twentieth-century history as ‘a moment’ made up of ‘little histories’, as the titles of the two volumes reviewed here suggest. Both belong to the literature on the Bandung Conference published since its fiftieth anniversary, the broad scope of which underscores the intricate and diffuse nature of the Conference. While offering new perspectives, the contributors also add to its ambiguity: Was Bandung a continuation of the struggle against imperialism? An episode of the Cold War? A protest against centuries of racial humiliation? Or a communist plot? It may well have comprised elements of all these.
Insights into the role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor in obesity and insulin resistance
Authors: Finucane Orla M. , Reynolds Clare M. , McGillicuddy Fiona C. , Roche Helen M.
Published: August 2012

High-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity has emerged as a state of chronic low-grade inflammation characterised by a progressive infiltration of immune cells, particularly macrophages, into obese adipose tissue. Adipose tissue macrophages (ATM) present immense plasticity. In early obesity, M2 anti-inflammatory macrophages acquire an M1 pro-inflammatory phenotype. Pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β produced by M1 ATM exacerbate local inflammation promoting insulin resistance (IR), which consequently, can lead to type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the triggers responsible for ATM recruitment and activation are not fully understood. Adipose tissue-derived chemokines are significant players in driving ATM recruitment during obesity. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a chemokine-like inflammatory regulator, is enhanced during obesity and is directly associated with the degree of peripheral IR. This review focuses on the functional role of macrophages in obesity-induced IR and highlights the importance of the unique inflammatory cytokine MIF in propagating obesity-induced inflammation and IR. Given MIF chemotactic properties, MIF may be a primary candidate promoting ATM recruitment during obesity. Manipulating MIF inflammatory activities in obesity, using pharmacological agents or functional foods, may be therapeutically beneficial for the treatment and prevention of obesity-related metabolic diseases.
The Study of Law and Religion in the United States: An Interim Report
Authors: Witte John
Published: August 2012

The study of law and religion has exploded around the world. This article, prepared in celebration of the silver jubilee of the Ecclesiastical Law Society, traces the development of law and religion study in the United States. Despite its long tradition of strict separation of Church and state, and despite its long allegiance to legal positivism and intellectual secularisation, the United States has emerged as a world leader of the new interdisciplinary field of law and religion. Hundreds of American scholars, from different confessions and professions, are now at work in this field, and two dozen major research centres and journals have been established at American law schools. After canvassing some of the main themes and trends in American law and religion scholarship today, this article concludes with a brief reflection on some of the main challenges before Christian scholars who work in the field of ecclesiastical law.1
Law and Religion in a Secular World: A European Perspective
Authors: Ferrari Silvio
Published: August 2012

This article examines two interpretations of the process of secularisation that can be traced back through European legal and political thought, and a more recent trend that challenges both of them. It does this through the prism of the public sphere, because in today's Europe one of the most debated issues is the place and role of religion in this sphere, understood as the space where decisions concerning questions of general interest are discussed. The article concludes, first, that the paradigm through which relations between the secular and the religious have been interpreted is shifting and, second, that this change is going to have an impact on the notion of religious freedom and, consequently, on the recognised position of religions in the public sphere.1
The Royal Peculiars of the Deaneries of Jersey and Guernsey
Authors: Steinberg Burkhard
Published: August 2012

Royal Peculiars are an oddity of the Church of England. Churches and chapels that would normally come under the jurisdiction of the local bishop are in fact ‘peculiar’ when they have an ordinary who is not the local bishop but someone appointed by the Crown – and in some cases the Queen herself. In the Channel Islands, the whole deaneries of Jersey and Guernsey rather than individual churches claim to be Royal Peculiars. Whether this claim is valid is not easy to determine. While together with the Isle of Man, but excluding Ireland, they form part of the British Islands, they are not part of the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom government is responsible for the defence and international relations of the Channel Islands, but the Crown is ultimately responsible for their good government, and Acts of the British Parliament do not apply to the Channel Islands.
Disability as a New Frontier for Feminist Intersectionality
Research
Authors: Hirschmann Nancy J.
Published: August 2012

Disability is the new gender. I make this claim with trepidation and a
sense of irony. Certainly, disability studies today is like women's studies
was in the 1970s and 1980s, when feminist scholars had to convince
colleagues in “mainstream” political science that gender was something worth
attending to, that it was a serious enterprise, and that it should be part
of the mainstream. The fields of history and English have been somewhat more
welcoming of disability as a valid topic of study, just as these fields
preceded political science in realizing that gender was an important
category of study. But political science has been slow to catch on.
Blogging at the Intersections: Black Women, Identity, and
Lesbianism
Authors: Jordan-Zachery Julia S.
Published: August 2012

In my recent explorations of black women as subjects in research-length
articles that employ intersectionality, I discovered that black women are
rarely, if at all, the sole subjects of such research projects
(Jordan-Zachery 2011). This analysis focused on articles published, between
1996 and 2010, in two political science journals that are often ranked at
the top—American Political Science Review and
Journal of Politics (see Garand and Giles,
2003, on the issue of journal ranking). Also included were two political
science journals whose central focus is women and politics, generally
defined—Journal of Women Politics and Policy
and Women & Politics. My analysis was limited
to research-length articles with a U.S.-based emphasis. The data suggest the
following trends: Research on intersectionality tended to treat black women
in a monolithic manner; only a certain group of black women served as
research subjects (elected officials dominated the research); and research
tended to focus on structural and political intersectionality while ignoring
representational intersectionality (Crenshaw 1991).
Spatial distribution of air‐sea heat fluxes over the sub‐polar North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Moore G. W. K. , Renfrew I. A. , Pickart R. S.
Published: August 2012

On a variety of spatial and temporal scales, the energy transferred by air‐sea heat and moisture fluxes plays an important role in both atmospheric and oceanic circulations. This is particularly true in the sub‐polar North Atlantic Ocean, where these fluxes drive water‐mass transformations that are an integral component of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC). Here we use the ECMWF Interim Reanalysis to provide a high‐resolution view of the spatial structure of the air‐sea turbulent heat fluxes over the sub‐polar North Atlantic Ocean. As has been previously recognized, the Labrador and Greenland Seas are areas where these fluxes are large during the winter months. Our particular focus is on the Iceland Sea region where, despite the fact that water‐mass transformation occurs, the winter‐time air‐sea heat fluxes are smaller than anywhere else in the sub‐polar domain. We attribute this minimum to a saddle point in the sea‐level pressure field, that results in a reduction in mean surface wind speed, as well as colder sea surface temperatures associated with the regional ocean circulation. The magnitude of the heat fluxes in this region are modulated by the relative strength of the Icelandic and Lofoten Lows, and this leads to periods of ocean cooling and even ocean warming when, intriguingly, the sensible and latent heat fluxes are of opposite sign. This suggests that the air‐sea forcing in this area has large‐scale impacts for climate, and that even modest shifts in the atmospheric circulation could potentially impact the AMOC.
Location of the magnetodisk in the nightside outer magnetosphere of Saturn near equinox based on ion densities
Authors: Szego K. , Nemeth Z. , Erdos G. , Foldy L. , Bebesi Z. , Thomsen M. , Delapp D.
Published: August 2012

We investigate ion densities derived from measurements by the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer, to determine how these ions are distributed around the magnetodisk of Saturn. The magnetodisk is a variable plasma structure, here we fitted the simple structural model of Arridge et al. (2011) as a reference for the location of the central line of the magnetodisk. This study covers the time range DOY 092–285, 2009, around Saturnian equinox, along nine orbits of the Cassini spacecraft, each of which included a Titan flyby. We also investigated the covariance of the magnetic field components during that period of time. Our main findings are: a) The simple structural model of Arridge et al. (2011) agrees well with the thermal ion density observations and works well in the equinox season of Saturn. b) In this data set the locations of the central sheet of the magnetodisk is identified by the change of sign of BR. At those locations we observed higher heavy ion densities and narrower confinement to the equator than those of protons. The heavy ion and proton layers exhibited the same structure that was found during the primary mission. c) The observed flapping amplitudes of the magnetosheet relative to the spacecraft were high, reaching 5 RS. d) The relative phase of the magnetic field components were different in the equatorial regions and in the lobes (>5 RS).
A molybdenum isotope record of Eocene Thermal Maximum 2: Implications for global ocean redox during the early Eocene
Authors: Dickson Alexander J. , Cohen Anthony S.
Published: August 2012

During the early Eocene, a series of short‐term global warming events (“hyperthermals”) occurred in response to the rapid release of carbon into the oceans and atmosphere. In order to investigate the response of ocean redox to global warming, we have determined the molybdenum isotope compositions (δ98/95Mo) of samples spanning one such hyperthermal (Eocene Thermal Maximum 2 (ETM‐2, 54.1 Ma)), from Integrated Ocean Drilling Program Expedition 302 Site M0004A in the Arctic Ocean. The highestδ98/95Mo in our sample set (2.00 ± 0.11‰) corresponds to the development of local euxinia at Site M0004A during the peak of ETM‐2, which we interpret as recording the global seawaterδ98/95Mo at that time. The ETM‐2 seawaterδ98/95Mo is indistinguishable from a recent estimate of seawater δ98/95Mo from an earlier hyperthermal (Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM, 55.9 Ma), δ98/95Mo = 2.08 ± 0.11‰). We argue that the similarity in seawater δ98/95Mo during ETM‐2 and the PETM was caused by the development of transient euxinia in the Arctic Ocean during each hyperthermal that allowed sediments accumulating in this basin to capture the long‐termδ98/95Mo of early Eocene seawater. Our new data therefore place a minimum constraint on the magnitude of transient global seafloor deoxygenation during early Eocene hyperthermals.
Roles of NOD1 (NLRC1) and NOD2 (NLRC2) in innate immunity and inflammatory diseases
Authors: Correa Ricardo G. , Milutinovic Snezana , Reed John C.
Published: August 2012

NOD1 {nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1; NLRC [NOD-LRR (leucine-rich repeat) family with CARD (caspase recruitment domain) 1]} and NOD2 (NLRC2) are among the most prominent members of the NLR (NOD-LRR) family –proteins that contain nucleotide-binding NACHT domains and receptor-like LRR domains. With over 20 members identified in humans, NLRs represent important components of the mammalian innate immune system, serving as intracellular receptors for pathogens and for endogenous molecules elaborated by tissue injury. NOD1 and NOD2 proteins operate as microbial sensors through the recognition of specific PG (peptidoglycan) constituents of bacteria. Upon activation, these NLR family members initiate signal transduction mechanisms that include stimulation of NF-κB (nuclear factor-κB), stress kinases, IRFs (interferon regulatory factors) and autophagy. Hereditary polymorphisms in the genes encoding NOD1 and NOD2 have been associated with an increasing number of chronic inflammatory diseases. In fact, potential roles for NOD1 and NOD2 in inflammatory disorders have been revealed by investigations using a series of animal models. In the present review, we describe recent experimental findings associating NOD1 and NOD2 with various autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders, and we discuss prospects for development of novel therapeutics targeting these NLR family proteins.
Axon guidance in the developing ocular motor system and Duane retraction syndrome depends on Semaphorin signaling via alpha2-chimaerin
Authors: Ferrario Juan E. , Baskaran Pranetha , Clark Christopher , Hendry Aenea , Lerner Oleg , Hintze Mark , Allen James , Chilton John K. , Guthrie Sarah
Published: August 2012

Eye movements depend on correct patterns of connectivity between cranial motor axons and the extraocular muscles. Despite the clinical importance of the ocular motor system, little is known of the molecular mechanisms underlying its development. We have recently shown that mutations in the
Chimaerin-1
gene encoding the signaling protein α2-chimaerin (α2-chn) perturb axon guidance in the ocular motor system and lead to the human eye movement disorder, Duane retraction syndrome (DRS). The axon guidance cues that lie upstream of α2-chn are unknown; here we identify candidates to be the Semaphorins (Sema) 3A and 3C, acting via the PlexinA receptors. Sema3A/C are expressed in and around the developing extraocular muscles and cause growth cone collapse of oculomotor neurons in vitro. Furthermore, RNAi knockdown of α2-chn or PlexinAs in oculomotor neurons abrogates Sema3A/C-dependent growth cone collapse. In vivo knockdown of endogenous PlexinAs or α2-chn function results in stereotypical oculomotor axon guidance defects, which are reminiscent of DRS, whereas expression of α2-chn gain-of-function constructs can rescue PlexinA loss of function. These data suggest that α2-chn mediates Sema3–PlexinA repellent signaling. We further show that α2-chn is required for oculomotor neurons to respond to CXCL12 and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which are growth promoting and chemoattractant during oculomotor axon guidance. α2-chn is therefore a potential integrator of different types of guidance information to orchestrate ocular motor pathfinding. DRS phenotypes can result from incorrect regulation of this signaling pathway.
Classic Period collapse of the Central Maya Lowlands: Insights about human–environment relationships for sustainability
Authors: Turner B. L. , Sabloff Jeremy A.
Published: August 2012

The ninth century collapse and abandonment of the Central Maya Lowlands in the Yucatán peninsular region were the result of complex human–environment interactions. Large-scale Maya landscape alterations and demands placed on resources and ecosystem services generated high-stress environmental conditions that were amplified by increasing climatic aridity. Coincident with this stress, the flow of commerce shifted from land transit across the peninsula to sea-borne transit around it. These changing socioeconomic and environmental conditions generated increasing societal conflicts, diminished control by the Maya elite, and led to decisions to move elsewhere in the peninsular region rather than incur the high costs of maintaining the human–environment systems in place. After abandonment, the environment of the Central Maya Lowlands largely recovered, although altered from its state before Maya occupation; the population never recovered. This history and the spatial and temporal variability in the pattern of collapse and abandonment throughout the Maya lowlands support the case for different conditions, opportunities, and constraints in the prevailing human–environment systems and the decisions to confront them. The Maya case lends insights for the use of paleo- and historical analogs to inform contemporary global environmental change and sustainability.
Stone tool production and utilization by bonobo-chimpanzees (Pan paniscus)
Authors: Roffman Itai , Savage-Rumbaugh Sue , Rubert-Pugh Elizabeth , Ronen Avraham , Nevo Eviatar
Published: August 2012

Using direct percussion, language-competent bonobo-chimpanzees Kanzi and Pan-Banisha produced a significantly wider variety of flint tool types than hitherto reported, and used them task-specifically to break wooden logs or to dig underground for food retrieval. For log breaking, small flakes were rotated drill-like or used as scrapers, whereas thick cortical flakes were used as axes or wedges, leaving consistent wear patterns along the glued slits, the weakest areas of the log. For digging underground, a variety of modified stone tools, as well as unmodified flint nodules, were used as shovels. Such tool production and utilization competencies reported here inPanindicate that present-dayPanexhibitsHomo-like technological competencies.