bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distress among women receiving uninformative BRCA1/2 results: 12‐month outcomes
Authors: O'Neill Suzanne C. , Rini Christine , Goldsmith Rachel E. , Valdimarsdottir Heiddis , Cohen Lawrence H. , Schwartz Marc D.
Published: February 2009

Objective: Few data are available regarding the long‐term psychological impact of uninformative BRCA1/2 test results. This study examines change in distress from pretesting to 12‐months post‐disclosure, with medical, family history, and psychological variables, such as pretesting perceived risk of carrying a deleterious mutation prior to testing and primary and secondary appraisals, as predictors.

Methods: Two hundred and nine women with uninformative BRCA1/2 test results completed questionnaires at pretesting and 1‐, 6‐, and 12‐month post‐disclosure, including measures of anxiety and depression, cancer‐specific and genetic testing distress. We used a mixed models approach to predict change in post‐disclosure distress.

Results: Distress declined from pretesting to 1‐month post‐disclosure, but remained stable thereafter. Primary appraisals predicted all types of distress at 1‐month post‐disclosure. Primary and secondary appraisals predicted genetic testing distress at 1‐month as well as change over time. Receiving a variant of uncertain clinical significance and entering testing with a high expectation for carrying a deleterious mutation predicted genetic testing distress that persisted through the year after testing.

Conclusions: As a whole, women receiving uninformative BRCA1/2 test results are a resilient group. For some women, distress experienced in the month after testing does not dissipate. Variables, such as heightened pretesting perceived risk and cognitive appraisals, predict greater likelihood for sustained distress in this group and could be amenable to intervention. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection Limits and Decomposition Mechanisms for Organic Contaminants in Water Using Optical Emission Spectroscopy
Authors: Trevino Kristina J. , Fisher Ellen R.
Published: February 2009

In addition to drinking water resources, the need for clean water in many industrial processes is critical. Among potential contaminants, those associated with fuel oxygenate additives (e.g. MTBE) are of concern as they partition into aqueous phases. Development of methods for detection and decontamination, including plasma pollution control, have been the objective of many studies. Here, inductively‐coupled rf plasmas were used for detection of organic contaminants (CH3OH, MTBE) in water. Parent molecule decomposition was followed using actinometric OES. Emission from CO* yielded a detection limit of 0.01 ppm for each compound. Complementary mass spectrometry data were also collected to explore decomposition mechanisms.

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Aegerolysins: Structure, function, and putative biological role
Authors: Berne Sabina , Lah Ljerka , Sepčić Kristina
Published: February 2009

Aegerolysins, discovered in fungi, bacteria and plants, are highly similar proteins with interesting biological properties. Certain aegerolysins possess antitumoral, antiproliferative, and antibacterial activities. Further possible medicinal applications include their use in the prevention of atherosclerosis, or as vaccines. Additional biotechnological value of fungal aegerolysins lies in their involvement in development, which could improve cultivation of commercially important edible mushrooms. Besides, new insights on microheterogeneity of raft‐like membrane domains could be gained by using aegerolysins as specific markers in cell and molecular biology. Although the exact function of aegerolysins in their producing organisms remains to be explained, they are biochemically well characterized all‐β structured proteins sharing the following common features: low isoelectric points, similar molecular weights (15–17 kDa), and stability in a wide pH range.
Characterizing and controlling the inherent dynamics of cyclophilin‐A
Authors: Schlegel Jennifer , Armstrong Geoffrey S. , Redzic Jasmina S. , Zhang Fengli , Eisenmesser Elan Zohar
Published: February 2009

With the recent advances in NMR relaxation techniques, protein motions on functionally important timescales can be studied at atomic resolution. Here, we have used NMR‐based relaxation experiments at several temperatures and both 600 and 900 MHz to characterize the inherent dynamics of the enzyme cyclophilin‐A (CypA). We have discovered multiple chemical exchange processes within the enzyme that form a “dynamic continuum” that spans 20–30 Å comprising active site residues and residues proximal to the active site. By combining mutagenesis with these NMR relaxation techniques, a simple method of counting the dynamically sampled conformations has been developed. Surprisingly, a combination of point mutations has allowed for the specific regulation of many of the exchange processes that occur within CypA, suggesting that the dynamics of an enzyme may be engineered.
Switching of molecular magnets
Authors: Misiorny Maciej , Barnaś Józef
Published: February 2009

In this paper we consider magnetic properties of single‐molecule magnets (SMMs). The main focus, however, is on possible mechanisms of magnetic switching of SMMs. One mechanism considered is the phenomenon of macroscopic quantum tunneling of magnetization (QTM) in an external time‐dependent magnetic field. When the molecule is additionally attached to magnetic leads, the phenomenon of QTM is associated with transfer of charge and spin between the leads, so the SMM can work as a charge and/or spin pump. Another possibility follows from spin momentum transfer from conduction electrons to the molecule, which effectively may reverse spin moment of the molecule attached to magnetic leads, provided the bias voltage exceeds some threshold value determined by the anisotropy barrier. To calculate the basic transport characteristics we apply the rate equation to a model Hamiltonian that includes exchange interaction of tunneling electrons with the molecule's magnetic core and electron correlations in the LUMO level. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic field induced charging effect in a single CdSe quantum dot
Authors: Ren Qijun , Bai Lihui , Murayama Akihiro , Chen Zhanghai , Shen Xuechu
Published: February 2009

We report the magneto‐photoluminescence spectroscopy measurements on single CdSe/ZnSe self‐assembled QDs. The evolution of the single dot excitonic transition lines exhibits an abnormal energy shift which deviates from the diamagnetic shift and linewidth broadening under magnetic field, followed by the photoluminescence quench at a certain magnetic field. A model involving electron cyclotron motion and tunneling processes is proposed to interpret these novel phenomena and is verified by the coincidence of the large energy shift and the linewidth broadening. This mechanism could be an effective way of external control of charges and optical properties of single QDs. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
β-Catenin Expression in the Bone Marrow Microenvironment Is Required for Long-Term Maintenance of Primitive Hematopoietic Cells
Authors: Nemeth Michael J. , Mak Kingston K. , Yang Yingzi , Bodine David M.
Published: February 2009

Hematopoiesis is dependent upon the bone marrow microenvironment, which is comprised of multiple mesenchymal cell types, including fibroblasts, endothelial cells, osteoblasts, and stroma progenitors. The canonical Wnt signaling pathway, which relies on the β-catenin protein to mediate its signal, is necessary for the normal development of mesenchymal tissue. We hypothesized that canonical Wnt signaling regulates the cellular composition and function of the bone marrow microenvironment. We observed that a β-catenin-deficient bone marrow microenvironment maintained hematopoietic stem cells but exhibited a decreased capacity to support primitive hematopoietic cells. These results correlated with decreased numbers of osteoblasts and with decreased production of basic fibroblast growth factor, stem cell factor, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. From these data, we propose a model in which β-catenin in the microenvironment is required noncell autonomously for long-term maintenance of hematopoietic progenitors.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Endogenous Wnt Signaling Maintains Neural Progenitor Cell Potency
Authors: Wexler Eric M. , Paucer Andres , Kornblum Harley I. , Palmer Theodore D. , Geschwind Daniel H.
Published: February 2009

Wnt signaling regulates neural stem cell (NSC) function and development throughout an individual's lifetime. Intriguingly, adult hippocampal progenitors (AHPs) produce several Wnts, and the intracellular machinery necessary to respond to them, creating the potential for an active autocrine-signaling loop within this stem cell niche. However, the standard luciferase-based Wnt assay failed to detect this signaling loop. This assay is inherently less temporally sensitive to activity among a population of unsynchronized proliferating cells because it relies on the rapidly degrading reporter luciferase. We circumvented this limitation using a promoter assay that employs green fluorescent protein (GFP), as a relatively long-lived reporter of canonical Wnt activity. We found that at baseline, AHPs secreted functional Wnt that self-stimulates low-level canonical Wnt signaling. Elimination baseline Wnt activity, via application of an extracellular Wnt antagonist promoted neurogenesis, based on a combination of unbiased gene expression analysis and cell-fate analysis. A detailed clonal analysis of progenitors transduced with specific intracellular antagonists of canonical signaling, either Axin or truncated cadherin (β-catenin sequestering), revealed that loss of baseline signaling depletes the population of multipotent precursors, thereby driving an increasing fraction to assume a committed cell fate (i.e., unipotent progenitors). Similarly, baseline Wnt signaling repressed differentiation of human NSCs. Although the specific Wnts produced by neural precursors vary with age and between species, their effects remain remarkably consistent. In sum, this study establishes that autonomous Wnt signaling is a conserved feature of the neurogenic niche that preserves the delicate balance between NSC maintenance and differentiation.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Polycistronic Lentiviral Vector for “Hit and Run” Reprogramming of Adult Skin Fibroblasts to Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Chang Chia-Wei , Lai Yi-Shin , Pawlik Kevin M. , Liu Kaimao , Sun Chiao-Wang , Li Chao , Schoeb Trenton R. , Townes Tim M.
Published: February 2009

We report the derivation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from adult skin fibroblasts using a single, polycistronic lentiviral vector encoding the reprogramming factors Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4. Porcine teschovirus-1 2A sequences that trigger ribosome skipping were inserted between human cDNAs for these factors, and the polycistron was subcloned downstream of the elongation factor 1 alpha promoter in a self-inactivating (SIN) lentiviral vector containing a loxP site in the truncated 3′ long terminal repeat (LTR). Adult skin fibroblasts from a humanized mouse model of sickle cell disease were transduced with this single lentiviral vector, and iPS cell colonies were picked within 30 days. These cells expressed endogenous Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, alkaline phosphatase, stage-specific embryonic antigen-1, and other markers of pluripotency. The iPS cells produced teratomas containing tissue derived from all three germ layers after injection into immunocompromised mice and formed high-level chimeras after injection into murine blastocysts. iPS cell lines with as few as three lentiviral insertions were obtained. Expression of Cre recombinase in these iPS cells resulted in deletion of the lentiviral vector, and sequencing of insertion sites demonstrated that remnant 291-bp SIN LTRs containing a single loxP site did not interrupt coding sequences, promoters, or known regulatory elements. These results suggest that a single, polycistronic “hit and run” vector can safely and effectively reprogram adult dermal fibroblasts into iPS cells.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Nanotoxicology: a personal perspective
Authors: Holl Mark M. Banaszak
Published: February 2009

Nanoparticles arise from a wide variety of natural and man‐made sources and have a diverse array of biological, chemical, and physical properties. The toxicity of these particles can be roughly divided into two categories: 1) the enhanced delivery of toxic agents 2) toxicity induced the properties of the particle itself. The use of nanoparticles to provide enhanced delivery of chemotherapeutics is presented followed by a discussion of the size‐based effects of electron transfer and physical membrane disruption. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Influence of Nanogels on Mechanical, Dynamic Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Elastomers
Authors: Mitra Suman , Chattopadhyay Santanu , Bhowmick Anil K
Published: February 2009

Use of sulfur crosslinked nanogels to improve various properties of virgin elastomers was investigated for the first time. Natural rubber (NR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) nanogels were prepared by prevulcanization of the respective rubber lattices. These nanogels were characterized by dynamic light scattering, atomic force microscopy (AFM), solvent swelling, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical property measurements. Intermixing of gel and matrix at various ratios was carried out. Addition of NR gels greatly improved the green strength of SBR, whereas presence of SBR nanogels induced greater thermal stability in NR. For example, addition of 16 phr of NR gel increased the maximum tensile stress value of neat SBR by more than 48%. Noticeable increase in glass transition temperature of the gel filled systems was also observed. Morphology of these gel filled elastomers was studied by a combination of energy dispersive X-ray mapping, transmission electron microscopy, and AFM techniques. Particulate filler composite reinforcement models were used to understand the reinforcement mechanism of these nanogels.
Predictors of response to group cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Raffin Andréa Litvin , Guimarães Fachel Jandyra Maria , Ferrão Ygor Arzeno , Pasquoto de Souza Fernanda , Cordioli Aristides Volpato
Published: February 2009

Purpose

To identify the presence of factors associated with treatment outcome in patients under group cognitive-behavioral therapy (GCBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Subjects and methods

This study evaluated 181 patients with OCD that attended a 12-session weekly GCBT program. Response criteria were: ≥35% reduction in Y-BOCS scores and global improvement score of the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) ≤ 2 at post-treatment evaluation. Sociodemographic data, OCD characteristics, and treatment data were studied.

Results

In the bivariate analysis, the following variables showed statistical significance (p< 0.20) to enter the regression model: being woman (p= 0.074), greater insight (p= 0.017) and better quality of life (QOL) in all domains before treatment (p= 0.053), overall severity of disease according to the CGI (p= 0.007), number of associated comorbidities (p= 0.063), social phobia (p= 0.044), and dysthymia (p= 0.072). In the final regression model, these variables were associated with response to GCBT: female gender (p= 0.021); WHOQOL-BREF psychological domain (p= 0.011); insight (p= 0.042); and global improvement score of the CGI severity-scale before therapy (p= 0.045).

Conclusion

Special attention should be paid to patients with poor insight, increasing the cognitive aspects of the therapy in an attempt to modify the rigidity and fixity of their beliefs. In addition, male patients should be more observed, since they showed lower chance of response to GCBT when compared to women. Patients with more severe global symptoms (CGI) are poorer responders to GCBT, which indicates that not only obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) should be evaluated, since other symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, may affect the treatment; therefore, an attempt to reduce these symptoms, prior to the treatment of OCD, should be considered as an option in some cases.
The influence of baseline symptoms and insight on the therapeutic alliance early in the treatment of schizophrenia
Authors: Wittorf Andreas , Jakobi Ute , Bechdolf Andreas , Müller Bernhard , Sartory Gudrun , Wagner Michael , Wiedemann Georg , Wölwer Wolfgang , Herrlich Jutta , Buchkremer Gerhard , Klingberg Stefan
Published: February 2009

Background

The consistent association between therapeutic alliance and outcome underlines the importance of identifying factors which predict the development of a positive alliance. However, only few studies have examined the association between pretreatment characteristics and alliance formation in patients with schizophrenia.

Objective

The study examined whether symptoms and insight would predict the therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy of schizophrenia. Further, the associations and differences between patient and therapist alliance ratings were studied.

Methods

Eighty patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders received manual-based psychotherapy. Assessment of symptoms and insight was conducted at baseline, and questionnaire-based alliance ratings were obtained three weeks into treatment. Patient and therapist alliance ratings were examined separately.

Results

Patient and therapist alliance ratings were not significantly correlated (r = 0.17). Patient ratings of the alliance were significantly higher than the ratings of their therapists (d = 0.73). More insight in psychosis significantly predicted higher patient ratings of the alliance. Less positive and negative symptoms were significant predictors of higher therapist alliance ratings.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that symptoms and insight have an influence on the therapeutic alliance in the treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Patients' and therapists' perceptions of the alliance do not seem to demonstrate much convergence.
The geography of metropolitan carbon footprints
Authors: Brown Marilyn A , Southworth Frank , Sarzynski Andrea
Published: February 2009

The world's metropolitan carbon footprints have distinct geographies that are not well understood or recognized in debates about climate change, partly because data on greenhouse gas emissions is so inadequate. This article describes the results of the most comprehensive assessment of carbon footprints for major American metropolitan areas available to date, focusing on residential and transportation carbon emissions for the largest 100 metropolitan areas in the United States. These findings are put into the context of efforts across the country and the globe to characterize carbon impacts and policy linkages.
Wake structure of a transversely rotating sphere at moderate Reynolds numbers
Authors: GIACOBELLO M. , OOI A. , BALACHANDAR S.
Published: February 2009

The uniform flow past a sphere undergoing steady rotation about an axis transverse to the free stream flow was investigated numerically. The objective was to reveal the effect of sphere rotation on the characteristics of the vortical wake structure and on the forces exerted on the sphere. This was achieved by solving the time-dependent, incompressible Navier–Stokes equations, using an accurate Fourier–Chebyshev spectral collocation method. Reynolds numbers Re of 100, 250 and 300 were considered, which for a stationary sphere cover the axisymmetric steady, non-axisymmetric steady and vortex shedding regimes. The study identified wake transitions that occur over the range of non-dimensional rotational speeds Ω* = 0 to 1.00, where Ω* is the maximum velocity on the sphere surface normalized by the free stream velocity. At Re = 100, sphere rotation triggers a transition to a steady double-threaded structure. At Re = 250, the wake undergoes a transition to vortex shedding for Ω* ≥ 0.08. With an increasing rotation rate, the recirculating region is progressively reduced until a further transition to a steady double-threaded wake structure for Ω* ≥ 0.30. At Re = 300, wake shedding is suppressed for Ω* ≥ 0.50 via the same mechanism found at Re = 250. For Ω* ≥ 0.80, the wake undergoes a further transition to vortex shedding, through what appears to be a shear layer instability of the Kelvin–Helmholtz type.
A branched one-dimensional model of vessel networks
Authors: FULLANA JOSE-MARIA , ZALESKI STÉPHANE
Published: February 2009

We introduce a model representing the venous network of the leg. The network consists of a coupled system of elastic tubes. The flow through each elastic tube is assumed to be unsteady, incompressible and one-dimensional. The network topology, as well as the lengths and diameters of the tubes, is based on literature data. As in the human leg the network is composed of two sub-networks, deep and superficial, which are connected by transverse segments. We introduce a new model for confluences or branching points, as well as models of the valvular system and of the muscular activity. We perform a numerical study of the transmission and reflection of waves at a confluence. Our model valvular system imposes a privileged direction of the flow towards the heart. Muscular activity is modelled using a modification of the tube law of the vessel and through an inflow of blood when muscle contraction pushes blood from the microcirculation to the veins. The model is capable of simulating several motions such as walking, dorsal flexion and tiptoe. Numerical tests show the physical relevance of the model, and in particular demonstrate that when the system is excited at the foot level, a two-frequency response appears. These frequencies are closely related to the characteristic lengths of the typical segments of the deep and of the superficial networks. We find good qualitative agreement between experimental and numerical flow rates, using clinical data corresponding to a single ‘tiptoe’ motion. We make numerical predictions of the internal venous pressure at the foot level in a valvular-incontinent system which agree with clinical observations.
Direct numerical simulation of turbulence in a square annular duct
Authors: XU HONGYI
Published: February 2009

Direct numerical simulation (DNS) is performed to investigate the fully developed turbulence in a straight square annular duct. The mean flow field and the turbulent statistics are compared with existing experiments and numerical results. The comparisons and the analysis of the DNS data led to the discovery of the turbulent boundary layers of concave and convex 90° corners, a corner flow similarity and the scaling characteristics of corner turbulence. Analysis of the mean streamwise velocity near the concave and convex 90° corners resulted in establishing the ‘law-of-the-corner’ formulations. Comparing these formulations with the ‘law-of-the-wall’ relation, both damping and enhancing mechanisms analytically represented by the van Driest damping function, and the enhancement function were revealed for the concave and convex corner turbulence. The investigation captures the distinctive turbulence-driven secondary flows for both convex and concave 90° corners, and a corner flow similarity rule is discovered, which is associated with the pattern of these secondary flows. A turbulence energy spectrum analysis provides the distinctive features of the fully developed turbulence in the wall and corner regions. The validity of the turbulence eddy viscosity concept is evaluated based on these turbulence energy spectra. The turbulence-driven secondary-flow generation mechanisms are investigated by analysing the anisotropy of the Reynolds stresses.
Nonlinear higher-order spectral solution for a two-dimensional moving load on ice
Authors: BONNEFOY FÉLICIEN , MEYLAN MICHAEL H. , FERRANT PIERRE
Published: February 2009

We calculate the nonlinear response of an infinite ice sheet to a moving load in the time domain in two dimensions, using a higher-order spectral method. The nonlinearity is due to the moving boundary, as well as the nonlinear term in Bernoulli's equation and the elastic plate equation. We compare the nonlinear solution with the linear solution and with the nonlinear solution found by Parau & Dias (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 460, 2002, pp. 281–305). We find good agreement with both solutions (with the correction of an error in the Parau & Dias 2002 results) in the appropriate regimes. We also derive a solitary wavelike expression for the linear solution – close to but below the critical speed at which the phase speed has a minimum. Our model is carefully validated and used to investigate nonlinear effects. We focus in detail on the solution at a critical speed at which the linear response is infinite, and we show that the nonlinear solution remains bounded. We also establish that the inclusion of nonlinearities leads to significant new behaviour, which is not observed in the linear solution.
Extracting a needle from a haystack: reanalysis of whole genome data reveals a readily translatable finding
Authors: Keers R. , Farmer A. E. , Aitchison K. J.
Published: February 2009

There is significant unmet need for more effective treatments for bipolar disorder. The drug discovery process is becoming prohibitively expensive. Hence, biomarker clues to assist or shortcut this process are now widely sought. Using the publicly available data from the whole genome association study conducted by the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium, we sought to identify groups of genetic markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in which each marker was independently associated with bipolar disorder, with a less stringent threshold than that set by the original investigators (p⩽1×10−4). We identified a group of markers occurring within the CACNA1C gene (encoding the alpha subunit of the calcium channel Cav1.2). We then ascertained that this locus had been previously associated with the disorder in both a smaller and a whole genome study, and that a number of drugs blocking this channel (including verapamil and diltiazem) had been trialled in the treatment of bipolar disorder. The dihydropyridine-based blockers such as nimodipine that bind specifically to Cav1.2 and are more penetrant to the central nervous system have shown some promising early results; however, further trials are indicated. In addition, migraine is commonly seen in affective disorder, and calcium channel antagonists are successfully used in the treatment of migraine. One such agent, flunarizine, is structurally related to other first-generation derivatives of antihistamines such as antipsychotics. This implies that flunarizine could be useful in the treatment of bipolar disorder, and, furthermore, that other currently licensed drugs should be investigated for antagonism of Cav1.2.
Investigating whether adverse prenatal and perinatal events are associated with non-clinical psychotic symptoms at age 12 years in the ALSPAC birth cohort
Authors: Zammit S. , Odd D. , Horwood J. , Thompson A. , Thomas K. , Menezes P. , Gunnell D. , Hollis C. , Wolke D. , Lewis G. , Harrison G.
Published: February 2009

Background

Non-clinical psychosis-like symptoms (PLIKS) occur in about 15% of the population. It is not clear whether adverse events during early development alter the risk of developing PLIKS. We aimed to examine whether maternal infection, diabetes or pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, gestational age, perinatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation or 5-min Apgar score were associated with development of psychotic symptoms during early adolescence.

Method

A longitudinal study of 6356 12-year-old adolescents who completed a semi-structured interview for psychotic symptoms in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) birth cohort. Prenatal and perinatal data were obtained from obstetric records and maternal questionnaires completed during pregnancy.

Results

The presence of definite psychotic symptoms was associated with maternal infection during pregnancy [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–1.86, p=0.006], maternal diabetes (adjusted OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.14–10.36, p=0.029), need for resuscitation (adjusted OR 1.50, 95% CI 0.97–2.31, p=0.065) and 5-min Apgar score (adjusted OR per unit decrease 1.30, 95% CI 1.12–1.50, p<0.001). None of these associations were mediated by childhood IQ score. Most associations persisted, but were less strong, when including suspected symptoms as part of the outcome. There was no association between PLIKS and gestational age or pre-eclampsia.

Conclusions

Adverse events during early development may lead to an increased risk of developing PLIKS. Although the status of PLIKS in relation to clinical disorders such as schizophrenia is not clear, the similarity between these results and findings reported for schizophrenia indicates that future studies of PLIKS may help us to understand how psychotic experiences and clinical disorders develop throughout the life-course.
Vulnerability to depression: what is the role of stress genes in gene × environment interaction?
Authors: El Hage W. , Powell J. F. , Surguladze S. A.
Published: February 2009

Vulnerability to depression has been linked to the interaction of genetic predisposition with stressful life events. This review considers the associations between serotonergic and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) systems. We follow the standpoint of a previous Editorial Review (Bhagwagar & Cowen, Psychological Medicine 2008, 38, 307–313) and consider another possible mechanism of vulnerability to depressive disorder, that is we suggest that the gene×environment interaction involves complex participation of serotonergic genes modulating response to stress through the HPA system.
Early adversity and 5-HTT/BDNF genes: new evidence of gene–environment interactions on depressive symptoms in a general population
Authors: Aguilera M. , Arias B. , Wichers M. , Barrantes-Vidal N. , Moya J. , Villa H. , van Os J. , Ibáñez M. I. , Ruipérez M. A. , Ortet G. , Fañanás L.
Published: February 2009

Background

Adverse childhood experiences have been described as one of the major environmental risk factors for depressive disorder. Similarly, the deleterious impact of early traumatic experiences on depression seems to be moderated by individual genetic variability. Serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulate the effect of childhood adversity on adult depression, although inconsistencies across studies have been found. Moreover, the gene×environment (G×E) interaction concerning the different types of childhood adversity remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyse the putative interaction between the 5-HTT gene (5-HTTLPR polymorphism), the BDNF gene (Val66Met polymorphism) and childhood adversity in accounting for adult depressive symptoms.

Method

A sample of 534 healthy individuals filled in self-report questionnaires of depressive symptomatology [the Symptom Check List 90 Revised (SCL-90-R)] and different types of childhood adversities [the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)]. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (5-HTT gene) and the Val66Met polymorphism (BDNF gene) were genotyped in the whole sample.

Results

Total childhood adversity (β=0.27, p<0.001), childhood sexual abuse (CSA; β=0.17, p<0.001), childhood emotional abuse (β=0.27, p<0.001) and childhood emotional neglect (β=0.22, p<0.001) had an impact on adult depressive symptoms. CSA had a greater impact on depressive symptoms in Met allele carriers of the BDNF gene than in the Val/Val group (F=5.87, p<0.0001), and in S carriers of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (5-HTT gene) (F=5.80, p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Childhood adversity per se predicted higher levels of adult depressive symptoms. In addition, BDNF Val66Met and 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms seemed to moderate the effect of CSA on adult depressive symptoms.
Research education shaped by musical sensibilities
Authors: Bresler Liora
Published: February 2009

Based on my own research education courses for doctoral students, I examine the ways in which music provides powerful and rich models for perception, conceptualisation and engagement for both listeners and performers, to cultivate the processes and products of qualitative research in the social science in general, and in music education in particular. I discuss temporality and fluidity, listening and improvisation, originally terms associated with music, and their ramifications for qualitative inquiry. I then present some concrete examples from my research course, not as prescriptions to follow but as invitations for readers to generate their own activities and experiences.
Maternal mental state talk and infants' early gestural communication
Authors: SLAUGHTER VIRGINIA , PETERSON CANDIDA C. , CARPENTER MALINDA
Published: February 2009

Twenty-four infants were tested monthly for the production of imperative and declarative gestures between 0 ; 9 and 1 ; 3 and concurrent mother–infant free-play sessions were conducted at 0 ; 9, 1 ; 0 and 1 ; 3 (Carpenter, Nagell & Tomasello, 1998). Free-play transcripts were subsequently coded for maternal talk about mental states. Results revealed that the earlier infants produced imperative gestures, the more frequently their mothers made reference to the infants' own volitional states (want, try, need, etc.) at 1 ; 3. The same relation also emerged using maternal reports of their infants' gestural communication on a standard language development measure. These results indicate that mothers' talk about desires and intentions is linked to their infants' early developing communicative competence.
Macau: From Portuguese Autonomous Territory to Chinese Special Administrative Region
Authors: Edmonds Richard Louis , Yee Herbert S.
Published: February 2009

On 13 April 1987, the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the Republic of Portugal signed a Joint Declaration on the question of Macau, agreeing that the PRC would resume the exercise of sovereignty over the territory from 20 December 1999. In the Joint Declaration, the PRC promised that the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) would enjoy a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs which are the responsibilities of Beijing, as was to be the case for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Joint Declaration further stipulated that the government and the legislature of the Macau SAR will be composed of local inhabitants and will be vested with legislative and independent judicial power. This marked the beginning of the transition period for Macau to move from Portuguese to Chinese administration.
Nation-Building and Curriculum Reform in Hong Kong and Taiwan
Authors: Hughes Christopher , Stone Robert
Published: February 2009

Recent changes in the relationships of Hong Kong and Taiwan to mainland China have presented education policy-makers in both territories with problems of reforming school curricula in areas of teaching that are important for the formation of national identity. While both territories are subject to claims that they are part of China, both have also been separated from the Chinese mainland for long periods, and in recent years their relationships with it have been undergoing fundamental changes. Hong Kong's relationship with China has become closer due to economic integration with the hinterland and the 1997 transfer of sovereignty. Taiwan's identification as a part of China, on the other hand, has become increasingly uncertain as the process of liberalization and democratization that began in 1986 has allowed sovereignty to be practised by the residents of the island and a sense of “Taiwan consciousness” (Taiwan yishi) to develop.
Income and Inequality in China: Composition, Distribution and Growth of Household Income, 1988 to 1995
Authors: Khan Azizur Rahman , Riskin Carl
Published: February 2009

The first comprehensive effort to estimate household income and its distribution in China according to standard international definitions was made for the year 1988 by an international group of economists working with members of the host institution, the Economics Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). The sample survey designed by this team produced estimates of household income that were substantially different from those of the State Statistical Bureau (SSB), based on its annual surveys, with different implications for both the average standard of living and the degree of inequality of income distribution. The study, first reported in the pages of this journal in December 1992, found that per capita household income was both substantially higher and more unequally distributed than suggested by the SSB estimates. It also provided insights into sources of inequality in China that were unobtainable from the published official data on income and its distribution.
The Chinese Conception of National Interests in International Relations
Authors: Deng Yong
Published: February 2009

The pursuit of national interests is the legitimate goal of a state's foreign policy. Yet in the 1990s, politicians in the West and the U.S. have criticized the Chinese government for its allegedly narrow-minded, backward view, especially on issues concerning human rights and irredentist claims. Many scholarly analyses in North America also point to a “hard-core,” well-entrenched Chineserealpolitik“worldview” with little ingrained liberal thinking. The conclusion seems to be that, in the Chinese worldview, the international system consists essentially of atomistic nation-states locked in a perpetual struggle for power. China's foreign policy is based on an outmoded Westphalian notion of sovereignty in a world where state sovereignty is being eroded and the traditional notion of national interests is under increasing challenge, thanks to unprecedentedly “dense interdependence.” The blunt policy criticisms and subtle scholarly analyses point to a problematic Chinese definition of national interests.
Re-examining China's “Urban” Concept and the Level of Urbanization
Authors: Zhang L. , Zhao Simon X. B.
Published: February 2009

China is experiencing rapid growth in urbanization in the current transitional period, but the real level of China's urbanization remains unclear, although no longer mysterious. The problem stems not from deficiency of published data, but from inconsistencies and ambiguities in China's official data on the urban population. In China, four major factors affect the size of urban population and therefore the urbanization level: the criteria for designating a settlement as urban, the physical and administrative boundaries of places so demarcated, the household registration (hukou) system and the urban status of floating people. The controversies related to these four factors include what kind of settlements should be included in the urban territory and what kind of people should be included in the urban population. Our objectives in this paper are: (1) to clarify current understandings on and to examine the weaknesses in China's urban concept and official data; and (2) to readjust China's urban population data and hence the level of urbanization in line with both the international practice and the situation found in China. Drawing on a comprehensive review of the official criteria for urban designation and the official indicators for urban population, we first identify the important issues that create confusion and controversies. This background is then used to develop a conceptual framework for an estimate of China's urban population. Finally, based on a series empirical studies, China's urban population and urbanization level adjusted.
Xiaopin: Chinese Theatrical Skits as Both Creatures and Critics of Commercialism
Authors: Du Wenwei
Published: February 2009

Nowadays, when one mentions the wordxiaopinin China, everybody understands it as meaning “theatrical skits performed on stage or television,” although the term itself indicates a number of different things. The term “xiaopin” is said to have first appeared in the Jin Dynasty; it referred to the simplified or abridged versions of Buddhist scriptures. Later, the term meant, in a broad sense, “a literary or artistic creation, short in length or small in size and simple in style.” “Xiao” the first Chinese character of the term, means “little,” and the second character can be understood as “a product of good quality” or as a verb meaning “to savour.” When this term is followed by other terms denoting various literary or artistic genres, the meaning becomes more definite. For example, “xiaopin wen” is understood as “short, familiar essays”; “guangbo xiaopin” means “short pieces for broadcasting”; “meishu xiaopin” denotes “artistic sketches.” Since the mid-1980s, however, the popularity of theatrical skits has caused the term to be understood by most Chinese people as simply “short and comic theatrical performances.”
The Sino-Vatican Negotiations: Old Problems in a New Context
Authors: Leung Beatrice
Published: February 2009

The relationship between the PRC and the Vatican formally broke down in 1951 with the expulsion of the Papal Nuncio Archbishop Ribieri. Given Mao's emphasis on class struggle and his intolerant approach to ideological issues, no prospect of a dialogue emerged during his lifetime that could have led to a rapprochement. However, after Deng Xiaoping initiated the policy of “openness” as a component of his modernization programme, the Vatican saw the opportunity to try and begin a dialogue in order to establish a Sino-Vatican concordat.
The People's Republic of China after 50 Years
Authors: Edmonds Richard Louis
Published: February 2009

This volume assesses the state of the People's Republic of China on its 50th anniversary by asking leading scholars in various fields to give their views of developments since 1949 with emphasis on recent decades. With the exception of the contributions by Bob Dernberger and Michael Sullivan, the papers were presented and discussed at a conference cosponsored with the Centra de Estudos Asiáticos of the Universidade de Aveiro in Aveiro, Portugal from 28 to 31 January 1999. The China Quarterly wishes to acknowledge the generous support of the Universidade de Aveiro, its Rector, Júlio Pedrosa de Jesus, and the efforts of the staff of the Centro de Estudos Asiáticos, in particular Pedro Vilarinho, António Miranda and Helena Costa.
Political Movements, Change and Stability: The Chinese Communist Party in Power
Authors: Schoenhals Michael
Published: February 2009

Actually we could have picked a different name, such as the Chinese People's Party, the Revolutionary Party, the Liberation Party – any of these would have been OK. But no matter what, our intention remains to resolve the “property” (chan) issue. What are we fighting for? What is our goal all about? Getting “property” – not private property, but public property. For everybody to get rich, for everybody to lead a good life. That's why there has to be a revolution.
China's Foreign Relations: The Long March, Future Uncertain
Authors: Yahuda Michael
Published: February 2009

As we mark the 50th anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC) we have the opportunity to assess China's experience over five decades in accommodating itself to the outside world. It is an opportunity to take stock and to consider in the light of this experience what is China's current international standing and what may be said to be its agenda for the future with regard to the conduct of foreign affairs.
Social Welfare Reform: Trends and Tensions
Authors: Croll Elisabeth J.
Published: February 2009

The acceleration of economic reform in the early and late 1990s has highlighted repeatedly the importance of social welfare for maintaining economic growth, social stability and political authority. Indeed each of these decade-long goals of China's government can be seen to rest on either establishing or maintaining an accessible social welfare package. Economic growth requires further enterprise reform which in turn requires alternative forms and funding of worker social welfare. Sporadic reports of urban unrest resulting from lay-offs and loss of welfare benefits and of rural discontent resulting from the continued absence of welfare benefits suggests that social stability and political authority are dependent on the government's ability to reform social welfare provisioning. Simultaneously the process of economic reform itself has altered urban and rural socio-economic and political environments and had far-reaching consequences for welfare demand, service supply and notions of security.
China's America Watchers: Changing Attitudes Towards the United States
Authors: Saunders Phillip C.
Published: February 2009

The People's Republic of China (PRC) has hundreds of analysts who interpret American policy for a Chinese audience. Some hold positions in government ministries, but many are in semi-official research institutes. These “America watchers” advise Chinese policy-makers and write internal papers which circulate among the top leadership. By influencing how China's leaders view the United States, they indirectly help shape policy. This article describes the community of America watchers and examines the theoretical orientations they use to understand international relations and to think about the United States. By surveying Chinese interpretations of Sino-U.S. relations during the 1990s, it seeks to evaluate how well China's America watchers understand the United States and assess their influence on Chinese foreign policy.
Negotiating the State: The Development of Social Organizations in China
Authors: Saich Tony
Published: February 2009

One notable feature of the reform programme sponsored by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been the expansion of social organizations. With greater social space created by the reforms and with the state unable or unwilling to carry the same wide range of services and functions as before, organizations with varying degrees of autonomy from the party-state structures have been set up. They have been allowed or have created an increased organizational sphere and social space in which to operate and to represent social interests, and to convey those interests into the policy-making process. They not only liaise between state and society but also fulfil vital welfare functions that would otherwise go unserved.
Forest Claims, Conflicts and Commodification: The Political Ecology of Tibetan Mushroom-Harvesting Villages in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Yeh Emily T.
Published: February 2009

Villages scattered along the steep slopes of north-west Yunnan present a serene picture of colourful prayer flags fluttering from rooftops and only the occasional vehicle raising dust from dirt roads. But for the past few years, summers have been a time of intense and often violent conflict. In late July, neighbouring villages prepare to fight once again over access to forests which produce wild matsutake mushrooms, a high-value Japanese luxury food that has been harvested and exported from the region for the past 12 years. The quiet summer nightlife in the nearby county seat has been transformed to a bustling mushroom market busiest between midnight and dawn. Why has this market come into existence, and what have been its effects on access to and control over forest resources?
Central–Local Relations in an Era of Fiscal Decline: The Paradox of Fiscal Decentralization in Post-Mao China
Authors: Wong Christine P. W.
Published: February 2009

Finding the proper balance between central control and local autonomy is a perennial problem in the Chinese economy, and the Chinese fiscal system has undergone numerous changes in central-provincial revenue-sharing arrangements since the 1950s. In the post-Mao period, fiscal decentralization began in 1980 under the slogan of “cooking in separate kitchens” (fenzao chifan), and a series of reforms was implemented to put local governments increasingly on a self-financing basis. However, this attempt to revamp the financial interaction between the central and provincial governments has been made immensely more complicated by rapid changes in the fiscal system and the shifting composition of revenues and expenditures brought by economic reform.