bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BARTH AFTER KANT?
Authors: STANLEY TIMOTHY
Published: May 2012

Barth consistently comments on Kant's importance for his early thought in his autobiographical sketches, letters, and even more explicitly in his 1930 lectures on Kant in his Protestant Theology in the Nineteenth Century. Interestingly, however, little attention has been paid to these latter lectures on Protestant history in the secondary literature. In part, this oversight has been due to the manner in which Barth's theology has been thought to overcome Kant's influence much earlier on in his intellectual development. Hence, although commentators such as Merold Westphal, Simon Fisher and Bruce McCormack have developed keen interest in Kant's influence upon Barth's early work, even engaging Barth's Neo‐Kantian context in great detail, my contention is that Barth's later interpretation of Kant is crucial to his intellectual development, and gives further insight into Barth's legacy for contemporary theology today. My aim in what follows is to refigure the relationship between Barth's early appropriation and critique of Kant, and the more onto‐theological issues at stake in his later Protestant history lectures. In so doing, we can begin to discern in Barth, not an abandonment or disregard for the metaphysical questions of being, but rather, the call to face them all the more rigorously.
AGENCY, AUTONOMY, AND SOCIAL INTELLIGIBILITY
Authors: HASSELBERGER WILLIAM
Published: May 2012

Popular Frankfurt‐style theories of autonomy hold that (i) autonomy is motivation in action by psychological attitudes that have ‘authority’ to constitute the agent's perspective, and (ii) attitudes have this authority in virtue of their formal role in the individual's psychological system, rather than their substantive content. I pose a challenge to such ‘psychologistic’ views, taking Frankfurt's and Bratman's theories as my targets. I argue that motivation by attitudes that play the roles picked out by psychologistic theories is compatible with radically unintelligible behavior. Because of this, psychologistic views are committed to classifying certain agents as ‘autonomous’ whom we intuitively find to be dysfunctional. I then argue that a necessary condition for autonomy is that an agent's behavior is intelligible in a particular way: autonomy necessarily involves acting from a subjective practical perspective that is, in principle, minimally comprehensible to others – not simply in a causal sense, but in a substantive, socio‐cultural sense.
DEVIANCE AND CAUSALISM
Authors: O'BRIEN LILIAN
Published: May 2012

Drawing on the problem of deviance, I present a novel line of argumentation against causal theories of action. The causalist faces a dilemma: either she adopts a simple account of the causal route between intention and outcome, at the cost of failing to rule out deviance cases, or she adopts a more sophisticated account, at the cost of ruling out cases of intentional action in which the causal route is merely unusual. Underlying this dilemma, I argue, is that the agent's perspective plays an ineliminable role in determining which causal pathways are deviant and which are not.
EQUAL POLITICAL LIBERTIES
Authors: FREIMAN CHRISTOPHER
Published: May 2012

Formal guarantees of political equality are compatible with inequalities in the value of political liberties, as individuals may convert their socioeconomic advantages into political advantages. Perhaps the predominant strategy for limiting substantive political inequalities recommends limiting inequalities in the means of acquiring political power for private gain – most notably, economic means. I express a worry that measures instituted to restrict economic inequalities may do more to frustrate the cause of political equality than to further it. I argue that attempts to decrease individuals' means to capture political power will systematically increase their motives to capture political power.
PRE‐PUNISHMENT, COMMUNICATIVE THEORIES OF PUNISHMENT, AND COMPATIBILISM
Authors: WRINGE BILL
Published: May 2012

Saul Smilansky holds that there is a widespread intuition to the effect that pre‐punishment – the practice of punishing individuals for crimes which they have not committed, but which we are in a position to know that they are going to commit – is morally objectionable. Smilanksy has argued that this intuition can be explained by our recognition of the importance of respecting the autonomy of potential criminals. (Smilansky, 1994) More recently he has suggested that this account of the intuition only vindicates it if determinism is false, and argues that this presents a problem for compatibilists, who, he says, are committed to thinking that the truth of determinism makes no moral difference (Smilansky, 2007).

In this paper I argue that the intuitions Smilansky refers to can be explained and vindicated as consequences of the truth of a communicative conception of punishment. Since the viability of the communicative conception does not depend on the falsity of determinism, our intuitions about pre‐punishment do not clash with (what Smilanksy calls) compatibilism. And if the communicative theory of punishment is – as Duff (2001) suggests – a form of retributivism, the account also meets New's (1992) challenge to retributivists to explain what is wrong with pre‐punishment.
THE RATCHETING‐UP EFFECT
Authors: CARBONELL VANESSA
Published: May 2012

I argue for the existence of a ‘ratcheting‐up effect’: the behavior of moral saints serves to increase the level of moral obligation the rest of us face. What we are morally obligated to do is constrained by what it would be reasonable for us to believe we are morally obligated to do. Moral saints provide us with a special kind of evidence that bears on what we can reasonably believe about our obligations. They do this by modeling the level of sacrifice a person can realistically bear. Exposure to moral saints thus ‘ratchets‐up’ our obligations by combating a type of ignorance that would otherwise defeat those obligations.
Political Business Cycles and Partisan Politics: Evidence from a Developing Economy
Authors: Köksal Bülent , Çalışkan Ahmet
Published: May 2012

This paper explores whether the evidence supports the Political Business Cycle (PBC) theory, Partisan Theory (PT), and Rational Partisan Theory (RPT) using stock market data from Turkey, a rapidly growing developing economy. The results indicate that the PBC hypothesis is not supported by the data. We find permanent partisan effects in the conditional variance but not in returns. The conditional volatility of the returns is higher during the periods in which a leftist party or a coalition government is in office. We also find that the stock market returns temporarily decreases (increases) at the beginning of a right‐wing (left‐wing) government, providing evidence in favor of RPT.
Household Migration, Remittances and Their Impact on Health in Indonesia1
Authors: Lu Yao
Published: May 2012

The growing flow of migrants’ remittances has generated much interest in understanding the socio‐economic consequences of household migration for individuals and families in migrant‐sending areas. In this paper, I examine the effect of household migration on health status, as measured by nutritional status, of adults who have remained behind in rural Indonesia, a setting with a high rate of out‐migration and poor nutritional profiles. Assuming that remittances may improve household economic resources and thus change dietary intake and health‐related investment, household migration may be associated with the risks of both undernutrition and overnutrition. The analyses use longitudinal data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey and fixed‐effect regressions. The results show that adults in emigrant households were significantly less susceptible to being underweight than those in non‐migrant households, but that they did not have an increased risk of being overweight. The improved nutritional status was restricted to people in households with labour migrants, highlighting the role of remittances in improving nutritional intake. The health gain was also concentrated among women, increased with the number of out‐migrants and was revealed over time as remittances arrived. Overall, this study demonstrates the beneficial role of household migration, and especially the resulting remittances, in the health status of household members in resource‐constrained settings. Improving transfers of remittances would be helpful in reducing the problem of undernutrition in poor migrant‐sending areas.
How Responsive are Remittances to Recipients’ Welfare? Evidence from Fiji
Authors: Jimenez Eliana V. , Brown Richard P.C.
Published: May 2012

Using data from a customized household survey in Fiji, we assess the extent to which remittances are motivated by the migrants’ commitment to provide social protection to their families back home. We test this hypothesis by estimating econometrically the responsiveness of migrants’ remittances to the perceived financial need of recipients. We extend a mixed‐motives model of private transfers, incorporating household‐specific, subjectively assessed welfare in place of the more generally used poverty‐line measure of welfare. We find stronger evidence that remittances provide important social protection for the poorest when using our extended model. We also find a positive, but relatively much weaker, relationship for those above the poverty threshold, implying support for switching of motives once the household’s welfare has reached a level that is deemed adequate. We consider the possibility that welfare improvements in migrant‐sending countries could increase or decrease remittance flows depending on pre‐transfer welfare levels and other intervening factors. In relation to policy, we caution against policy interventions that could undermine the functioning of the informal social protection role of migration and remittances. We also caution against unwarranted concern over the use of remittances for consumption spending and the associated, misplaced policy measures to address this.
Digital image analysis vs. clinical assessment to evaluate repigmentation after punch grafting in vitiligo
Authors: Linthorst Homan M.W. , Wolkerstorfer A. , Sprangers M.A.G. , van der Veen J.P.W.
Published: May 2012

Background  Repigmentation as a treatment outcome in vitiligo is not assessed in a standard way, making results of clinical trials hard to compare. Different types of repigmentation assessments after punch grafting have not been compared so far.

Objective  To compare assessments of repigmentation by a digital image analysis system (DIAS) with those of clinical observers and patients after punch grafting for vitiligo.

Methods  One vitiligo patch was selected in each patient (n = 21). This patch was treated with the punch grafting technique. The grade of repigmentation (%) after 3 months was assessed by: (i) DIAS; (ii) 3 clinical observers ; and (iii) the patient, scoring the grade of repigmentation on photographs. Physicians and patients also evaluated the global result on a 7‐point scale.

Results  There was an almost perfect agreement between the three clinical observers and the DIAS (ICC 0.83). As expected, variation was found between the clinical observers. Patients’ scores showed a moderate agreement with the DIAS (ICC 0.49) and a poor agreement with the physicians (ICC 0.28). Overall, the patients were more satisfied with the results than the physicians.

Conclusions  Whereas the results of the digital and clinical assessments were comparable, patients’ ratings diverged. The DIAS can overcome the inevitable differences between observers, which are intrinsic to a visual grading method, and is advisable for clinical trials on vitiligo to objectively assess repigmentation in limited lesions.
Relationship between itch and psychological status of patients with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Chrostowska‐Plak D. , Reich A. , Szepietowski J.C.
Published: May 2012

Background  Itching is a cardinal symptom of atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objective  The study aim was to evaluate the relationships between pruritus and stress, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and depression in adult patients with AD.

Methods  Eight‐nine patients (30 men and 59 women) with AD were included. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The intensity of pruritus was assessed according to the 10‐point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the 4‐Item Itch Questionnaire, HRQoL according to Dermatology Life Quality Index, and depression symptoms with Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI). Stress experienced by patients was evaluated with Social Readjustment Rating Scale and Stress Self‐assessment Scale.

Results  The mean intensity of pruritus according to VAS was 7.9 ± 2.2 points, and according to 4‐Item Itch Questionnaire 14.0 ± 4.4 points. The intensity of pruritus was related to the stress experienced by the patients prior to disease exacerbation (ρ = 0.37, P < 0.001). A significant correlation between pruritus and HRQoL was also found (VAS: ρ = 0.5, P < 0.001, 4‐Item Itch Questionnaire: ρ = 0.5, P < 0.001) as well as between pruritus and BDI (VAS: ρ = 0.44, P < 0.001, 4‐Item Itch Questionnaire: ρ = 0.51, P < 0.001). Patients with symptoms suggesting depression had more intense pruritus compared with the rest of patients (VAS: 9.1 ± 1.6 vs. 7.6 ± 2.2 points, P = 0.004; 4‐Item Itch Questionnaire: 17.3 ± 2.5 vs. 13.1 ± 4.4 points, P < 0.001).

Conclusions  Itching intensity in AD plays an important role in determining patients’ psychosocial well‐being. Patients with atopic dermatitis require an effective, long‐term antipruritic therapy to improve their QoL and reduce the potential risk of depression.
MicroRNAs in the pathogenesis of malignant melanoma
Authors: Glud M. , Gniadecki R.
Published: May 2012

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is the most aggressive and lethal form of skin cancer. Over the past decades, its incidence has been increasing by 3–8% per year in western countries while mortality has stabilized. Melanoma is a heterogenous disease and can be subclassified based on distinct clinical characteristics, histopathological features and mutation patterns within NRAS and BRAF genes. Recent data indicate that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the pathogenesis of malignant melanoma. MiRNAs are small, non‐coding, regulatory RNA molecules expressed in a tissue and cell specific manner and are known to play a crucial role in cell homeostasis and carcinogenesis. MiRNAs might prove to be powerful cancer biomarkers and future therapeutic targets. In this review, we focused on the miRNA involvement in four molecular pathways known to be deregulated in malignant melanoma, including the RAS‐RAF‐MEK‐ERK pathway, the p16INK4A‐CDK4‐RB pathway, the PIK3‐AKT pathway and the MITF pathway.
Pyrite–sulfosalt reactions and semimetal fractionation in the Chinkuashih, Taiwan, copper–gold deposit: a 1 Ma paleo‐fumarole
Authors: HENLEY R. W. , BERGER B. R.
Published: May 2012

The mineralized fracture system that underlay paleo‐fumarole field at Chinkuashih, Taiwan has been exposed by copper–gold mining to depths of about 550 m below the paleo‐surface. Its mineralogy and systematic variations in metal and semimetal (Fe, Cu, As, Sb, Bi, Hg, Cd, Sn, Zn, Pb, Se, Te, Au, Ag) concentrations provide insights into the chemical responses of a magmatic‐vapor phase as it expands through fracture arrays to the surface and discharges as fumaroles associated with more extensive solfatara. At Chinkuashih, following initial sealing of the fractures by silica‐alunite alteration, brittle failure reestablished discharge from an underlying reservoir of magmatic vapor. Crystalline pyrite was deposited first in the fractures and was succeeded and replaced by ‘enargite’ (Cu3(As,Sb)S4) as sulfosalt encrustations (‘sublimate’) on fracture surfaces and in extensional cracks. Subsequent recrystallization resulted in complex exsolution intergrowths with antimony fractionation to the evolving crystal–vapor interface. Heavy metal fractionation between sulfosalt and vapor enriched the vapor phase in heavy metals that subsequently precipitated as complex Bi–Hg–Sn sulfosalts in discrete areas (paleo‐fumaroles) close to the paleo‐surface in a manner analogous to modern‐day fumaroles on active volcanoes such as Vulcano, Italy. As in similar paleo‐fumaroles (e.g., El Indio, Chile and Lepanto, Philippines), the most characteristic reaction sequence is the partial replacement of the early pyrite by enargite and Fe‐tennantite. It is proposed that this reaction tracks the decrease in the pressure of the underlying magmatic‐vapor reservoir because of the sustained discharge of vapor to the surface.
Long‐term cognitive outcomes of infants born moderately and late preterm
Authors: ODD DAVID EDWARD , EMOND ALAN , WHITELAW ANDREW
Published: May 2012

Aim  To investigate whether infants born late preterm have poorer cognitive outcomes than term‐born infants.

Method  A cohort study based on the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Cognitive measures were assessed between the ages of 8 and 11 years. Exposure groups were defined as moderate/late preterm (32–36 weeks’ gestation) or term (37–42wk). Regression models were used to investigate the association between gestational age and IQ.

Results  Seven hundred and forty‐one infants (5.4% of total eligible population; 422 males, 319 females; mean (SD) birthweight 2495g [489]) were born between 32 and 36 weeks’ gestation. The analysis was based on 6957 infants with IQ data at age 11 (50% of eligible infants). In the adjusted model, children born moderately and late preterm had similar IQ scores to peers born at term (mean difference [95% confidence interval] −0.18 [−1.88 to 1.52]). However, the preterm infants had a higher risk of having special educational needs at school (odds ratio 1.56 [1.18–2.07]).

Interpretation  Despite an increased risk of special educational needs, there is little evidence of a reduction in IQ, memory, or attention measures at school age in children born between 32 and 36 weeks’ gestation. Although interpretation is limited by the amount of missing data, further work is needed to identify why these infants have increased educational needs.
Factors affecting decision making about fertility preservation after cancer diagnosis: a qualitative study
Authors: Peddie VL , Porter MA , Barbour R , Culligan D , MacDonald G , King D , Horn J , Bhattacharya S
Published: May 2012

Please cite this paper as: Peddie V, Porter M, Barbour R, Culligan D, MacDonald G, King D, Horn J, Bhattacharya S. Factors affecting decision making about fertility preservation after cancer diagnosis: a qualitative study. BJOG 2012;119:1049–1057.

Objective  To increase our understanding of factors underlying the decision to store gametes after the diagnosis of cancer.

Design  Qualitative interview study.

Setting  Andrology, Haematology, and Oncology Departments of a Scottish teaching hospital, and patients’ own homes.

Population  Sixteen men and 18 women aged 17–49 years recently diagnosed with cancer; 15 health professionals concerned in cancer care.

Methods  Audio‐recorded semi‐structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. Topics included perceptions of diagnosis; prognosis; future reproductive choices; priorities; quality of information received; communication and decisions made about future reproductive choices; and the role of partners, family, friends and healthcare professionals. Professional interviews examined their role in decision making and that of protocols and guidelines, together with information emerging from patient interview analysis.

Main outcome measure  Themes identified following analysis of interview transcripts.

Results  The primary barriers to pursuing fertility preservation were the way in which information was provided and the ‘urgent need for treatment’ conveyed by staff. Survival was always viewed as paramount, with future fertility secondary. Sperm banking was viewed as ‘part and parcel’ of oncology care, and the majority of men quickly stored sperm as ‘insurance’ against future infertility. Few women were afforded the opportunity to discuss their options, reflecting clinicians’ reservations about the experimental nature of egg and ovarian tissue cryopreservation, and the need for partner involvement in embryo storage.

Conclusions  Significant gaps in the information provided to young women diagnosed with cancer suggest the need for an early appointment with a fertility expert.
Neurotrophic actions initiated by proNGF in adult sensory neurons may require peri‐somatic glia to drive local cleavage to NGF
Authors: Kalous Adrianna , Nangle Matthew R. , Anastasia Agustin , Hempstead Barbara L. , Keast Janet R.
Published: May 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 523–536.

The nerve growth factor (NGF) precursor, proNGF, is implicated in various neuropathological states. ProNGF signals apoptosis by forming a complex with the receptors p75 and sortilin, however, it can also induce neurite growth, proposed to be mediated by the receptor of mature NGF, tyrosine kinase receptor A (TrkA). The way in which these dual effects occur in adult neurons is unclear. We investigated the neurotrophic effects of proNGF on peptidergic sensory neurons isolated from adult mouse dorsal root ganglia and found that proNGF stimulated neurite extension and branching, requiring p75, sortilin and TrkA. Neurite growth rarely occurred in sortilin‐expressing neurons but was commonly observed in TrkA‐positive, sortilin‐negative neurons that associated closely with sortilin‐positive glia. ProNGF was unable to induce local trophic effects at growth cones where sortilin‐positive glia was absent. We propose that in adult sensory neurons the neurotrophic response to proNGF is mediated by NGF and TrkA, and that peri‐somatic glia may participate in sortilin‐ and p‐75 dependent cleavage of proNGF. The potential ability of local glial cells to provide a targeted supply of NGF may provide an important way to promote trophic (rather than apoptotic) outcomes under conditions where regeneration or sprouting is required.
Family–school nurse partnership in primary school health care
Authors: Mäenpää Tiina , Paavilainen Eija , Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi
Published: May 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 195–202

Family–school nurse partnership in primary school health care

Background:  The foundation of the health and well‐being of a child in primary school age is the family. To promote the child’s comprehensive health, we must develop the cooperation between the family and the primary school nurse.

Aim:  The aim of the study was to develop a family nursing oriented substantive theory of cooperation between primary school nurses and families.

Method:  The study used grounded theory based on Straussian principles. Data were collected from sixth‐graders (N = 22) using group discussions. Interviews were conducted with parents (N = 19), and the views of school nurses (N = 20) on their cooperation with families were obtained via free form essays.

Findings:  The core concept of the theory describing cooperation between primary school nurses and families is problem‐based communication. As a result of the analysis, nine‐2‐dimensional concepts were formed to describe this cooperation. The theory is structured further by four dimensions, which contain concepts explaining them and which also describe the relationships between the different concepts. These dimensions are the meeting between the school nurse and the family, mutual exchange of information, attending to the child’s health monitoring and being at school for the child and family. The substantive theory describing cooperation between the primary school nurse and family entails the concepts formed in the analysis, their interrelationships, as well as, the core concept.

Conclusions:  Primary school nurses can apply the resulting theory while working with families and while developing this cooperation. This theory can also be implemented in developing nursing education.
Monetary Policy, Bank Lending, and the Risk‐Pricing Channel
Authors: KISHAN RUBY P. , OPIELA TIMOTHY P.
Published: May 2012

This paper identifies a monetary policy channel through the risk pricing of bank debt in the market for jumbo certificates of deposit (jumbo CDs). Adverse policy shocks increase debt holder perceptions of bank default, increasing the risk premia for some banks, thereby decreasing their external funding of loans. The results show that contractionary policy increases the sensitivity of jumbo‐CD spreads to leverage and asset risk for small banks, and to leverage for large banks. The results also show a distributional and aggregate effect on banking system jumbo CDs and total loans, producing a risk‐pricing (or market discipline) channel. This channel has implications for monetary and regulatory policies, and financial stability.
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Commercial Bank Portfolio Composition
Authors: FRAME W. SCOTT , HANCOCK DIANA , PASSMORE WAYNE
Published: May 2012

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances are a source of government‐sponsored liquidity intended to encourage housing finance, although “community financial institutions” may use such funds more generally. Because money is fungible, it is an empirical question as to how advances are actually employed. Using panel‐vector autoregression techniques, we estimate dynamic responses of U.S. commercial bank portfolios to: FHLB advance shocks, bank lending shocks, and macroeconomic shocks. We find that FHLB advances: (i) are used as a general source of liquidity by U.S. commercial banks of all sizes and (ii) dampen the sensitivity of mortgage lending to macroeconomic shocks at small banks.
A Comparison of Histomorphometric Data Collection Methods*
Authors: Stewart Marissa C. , McCormick Lara E. , Goliath Jesse R. , Sciulli Paul W. , Stout Sam D.
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Although many variables that skeletal biologists examine have been standardized, the actual techniques used to collect these data from bone thin sections vary. This project compares different methods of obtaining data (relative cortical area values) for histomorphometric research. One visual and three digital methods of histomorphometric data collection are compared: (i) Merz microscopic eyepiece counting reticule, (ii) flatbed scanner, (iii) overlaying multiple images of a thin section, and (iv) digital SLR camera with macro settings. The discussion includes a comparison of usability factors such as cost, time, user‐experience, and ease‐of‐use, which vary for each method. Values from the different methods are compared using ANOVA tests to evaluate inter‐method, inter‐observer, and intra‐observer variability. Intra‐observer error was greater for the microscopic method, although the error values are concomitant with experience. We found no statistically significant differences between the four methods examined, but certain caveats must be addressed when these methods are used.
Childbearing in adolescents aged 12–15 years in low resource countries: a neglected issue. New estimates from demographic and household surveys in 42 countries
Authors: NEAL SARAH , MATTHEWS ZOË , FROST MELANIE , FOGSTAD HELGA , CAMACHO ALMA V. , LASKI LAURA
Published: May 2012

There is strong evidence that the health risks associated with adolescent pregnancy are concentrated among the youngest girls (e.g. those under 16 years). Fertility rates in this age group have not previously been comprehensively estimated and published. By drawing data from 42 large, nationally representative household surveys in low resource countries carried out since 2003 this article presents estimates of age‐specific birth rates for girls aged 12–15, and the percentage of girls who give birth at age 15 or younger. From these we estimate that approximately 2.5 million births occur to girls aged under 16 in low resource countries each year. The highest rates are found in Sub‐Saharan Africa, where in Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mozambique, Niger and Sierra Leone more than 10% of girls become mothers before they are 16. Strategies to reduce these high levels are vital if we are to alleviate poor reproductive health.
Primary care physicians’ and psychiatrists’ approaches to treating mild depression
Authors: Lawrence R. E. , Rasinski K. A. , Yoon J. D. , Meador K. G. , Koenig H. G. , Curlin F. A.
Published: May 2012

Lawrence RE, Rasinski KA, Yoon JD, Meador KG, Koenig HG, Curlin FA. Primary care physicians’ and psychiatrists’ approaches to treating mild depression.

Objective:  To measure how primary care physicians (PCPs) and psychiatrists treat mild depression.

Method:  We surveyed a national sample of US PCPs and psychiatrists using a vignette of a 52‐year‐old man with depressive symptoms not meeting Major Depressive Episode criteria. Physicians were asked how likely they were to recommend an antidepressant counseling, combined medication, and counseling or to make a psychiatric referral.

Results:  Response rate was 896/1427 PCPs and 312/487 for psychiatrists. Compared with PCPs, psychiatrists were more likely to recommend an antidepressant (70% vs. 56%), counseling (86% vs. 54%), or the combination of medication and counseling (61% vs. 30%). More psychiatrists (44%) than PCPs (15%) were ‘very likely’ to promote psychiatric referral. PCPs who frequently attended religious services were less likely (than infrequent attenders) to refer the patient to a psychiatrist (12% vs. 18%); and more likely to recommend increased involvement in meaningful relationships/activities (50% vs. 41%) and religious community (33% vs. 17%).

Conclusion:  Psychiatrists treat mild depression more aggressively than PCPs. Both are inclined to use antidepressants for patients with mild depression.
Proliferation and maturation of microvessels in arteriovenous malformations – expression patterns of angiogenic and cell cycle‐dependent factors
Authors: Meijer‐Jorna Lorine B. , van der Loos Chris M. , Teeling Peter , de Boer Onno J. , Florquin Sandrine , van der Horst Chantal M. A. M. , van der Wal Allard C.
Published: May 2012

Background: Areas of microvascular proliferation have been observed in a subpopulation of symptomatic congenital vascular malformations later in life. We investigated whether this angiogenic response is followed by a stage of maturation.

Methods: Resections of vascular malformations (n = 15), infantile hemangiomas (IHs) (n = 8) and pyogenic granulomas (PGs) (n = 5) were studied. Histopathologically, all lesions were screened for presence of foci of immature and/or mature microvessels. These areas were further studied immunohistochemically for differential expression of several angiogenic factors, cell cycle‐dependent proteins, p53 and active caspase3. Immunostains were scored semiquantitatively.

Results: Immature microvessel areas were present in five vascular malformations (all of the arteriovenous type), five IHs and five PGs; these lesions also contained transitions between immature and mature microvessels. Conglomerates of mature microvessels were found in 19 cases (6 vascular malformations, 5 PGs and 8 IHs). Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor‐A, angiopoietin‐1, Ki‐67, p16 and p21/27 ratios were overall significantly lower in mature areas than in immature areas including those in vascular malformations. P53 and caspase3 expression was scarce in all lesions.

Conclusions: Microvascular areas in vascular malformations appear to follow the same pattern of vascular proliferation and maturation as seen in other microvascular lesions of skin and soft tissue.

Meijer‐Jorna LB, van der Loos CM, Teeling P, de Boer OJ, Florquin S, van der Horst CMAM, van der Wal AC. Proliferation and maturation of microvessels in arteriovenous malformations – expression patterns of angiogenic and cell cycle‐dependent factors.
Preliminary studies of neurosensory and cardiopulmonary health compromise in captive– bred Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) suffering scoliosis
Authors: Hernández‐Godínez Braulio , Ibáñez‐Contreras Alejandra , Reyes‐Pantoja Sergio , Durand‐Rivera Alfredo , Galvan‐Montaño Alfonso , Perdigón‐Castañeda Gerardo , Carmen Climent‐Palmer Ma. , Tena‐Betancourt Eduardo
Published: May 2012

Background  It has been widely documented that quadrupedal animals rarely display natural spontaneous scoliotic rachis deviations of the spinal column. The objective was to determine spinal deformities developed by geriatric monkeys of the Macaca mulatta species, by radiographical and tomographical studies of the vertebral column correlating morphological changes with altered physiological parameters and electrical neurosensorial conductivity of somatosensory‐evoked potentials (SEPs).

Materials and methods  A cohort of six geriatric monkeys was used: three non‐scoliotic subjects and three monkeys with naturally acquired true scoliosis.

Results  Radiographic and tomographic studies depicted a thoracic curvature displaying a left‐sided thoracic vertebral rotation. The evaluation of physiological parameters demonstrated significant differences in the respiratory rate, as it was observed for the diastolic blood pressures, which showed a decrease in the monkeys with scoliosis compared with healthy monkeys. Regarding the SEPs studies, the non‐parametric test for independent samples Mann–Whitney U test displayed a significant difference observed at the left and right thoracic derivative in P1; while regarding the study of upper limbs, a significant difference was seen at the Erb’s point derivative, left afferency in P1, showing in all the derivatives an increase in latency in monkeys with scoliosis versus monkeys in the control group.

Conclusions  This study has demonstrated that quadrupedal animals can develop true scoliosis showing an analogous way to that occurring in humans.
Pluripotent stem cells are protected from cytomegalovirus infection at multiple points: Implications of a new pathogenesis for congenital anomaly caused by cytomegalovirus
Authors: Kawasaki Hideya
Published: May 2012

In humans, the cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most significant cause of intrauterine infections that cause congenital anomalies. Intrauterine infection with human CMV is thought to be responsible for a variety of abnormalities, including mental retardation, microcephaly, developmental delay, seizure disorders, and cerebral palsy, depending on the timing of the fetal infection, the infectious route, and the virulence of the virus. In addition to the adaptive immune system, the embryo has potential resistance to CMV during early embryogenesis. Embryonic stem (ES) cells are more resistant to CMV than most other cell types, although the mechanism responsible for this resistance is not well understood. ES cells allow approximately 20‐fold less murine CMV (MCMV) DNA to enter the nucleus than mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), and this inhibition occurs in a multistep manner. In situ hybridization showed that ES cell nuclei had significantly less MCMV DNA than MEF nuclei. This finding appears to be supported by the fact that ES cells express less heparan sulfate, β1‐integrin, and vimentin and have fewer nuclear pores than differentiated cells such as MEF. This may reduce the ability of MCMV to attach to and enter the cellular membrane, translocate to the nucleus, and cross the nuclear membrane in pluripotent stem cells (ES‐induced pluripotent stem cells). This finding may indicate a new pathogenesis for the congenital anomaly caused by CMV.
Typical density profile for warm dark matter haloes
Authors: Viñas Jordi , Salvador-Solé Eduard , Manrique Alberto
Published: May 2012

Using the model for (bottom-up) hierarchical halo growth recently developed by Salvador-Solé et al., we derive the typical spherically averaged density profile for haloes with several relevant masses in the concordant warm dark matter (ΛWDM) cosmology with non-thermal sterile neutrinos of two different masses. The predicted density profiles become flat at small radii, as expected from the effects of the spectrum cut-off. The core cannot be resolved, however, because the non-null particle velocity yields the fragmentation of minimum mass protohaloes in small nodes, which invalidates the model at the corresponding radii.
Identifying the Molecular Mechanics and Binding Dynamics Characteristics of Potent Inhibitors to HIV‐1 Protease
Authors: Li Dechang , Liu Ming S. , Ji Baohua , Hwang Keh‐Chih , Huang Yonggang
Published: May 2012

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease (HIV‐1 PR) is one of the primary inhibition targets for chemotherapy of AIDS because of its critical role in the replication cycle of the HIV. In this work, a combinatory coarse‐grained and atomistic simulation method was developed for dissecting molecular mechanisms and binding process of inhibitors to the active site of HIV‐1 PR, in which 35 typical inhibitors were trialed. We found that the molecular size and stiffness of the inhibitors and the binding energy between the inhibitors and PR play important roles in regulating the binding process. Comparatively, the smaller and more flexible inhibitors have larger binding energy and higher binding rates; they even bind into PR without opening the flaps. In contrast, the larger and stiffer inhibitors have lower binding energy and lower binding rate, and their binding is subjected to the opening and gating of the PR flaps. Furthermore, the components of binding free energy were quantified and analyzed by their dependence on the molecular size, structures, and hydrogen bond networks of inhibitors. Our results also deduce significant dynamics descriptors for determining the quantitative structure and property relationship in potent drug ligands for HIV‐1 PR inhibition.
Photoionization of Oxidized Coenzyme Q in Microemulsion: Laser Flash Photolysis Study in Biomembrane‐like System
Authors: Li Kun , Wang Mei , Wang Jin , Zhu Rongrong , Sun Dongmei , Sun Xiaoyu , Wang Shi‐Long
Published: May 2012

Photoexcitation to generate triplet state has been proved to be the main photoreaction in homogeneous system for many benzoquinone derivatives, including oxidized coenzyme Q (CoQ) and its analogs. In the present study, microemulsion of CoQ, a heterogeneous system, is employed to mimic the distribution of CoQ in biomembrane. The photochemistry of CoQ10 in microemulsion and cyclohexane is investigated and compared using laser flash photolysis and results show that CoQ10 undergoes photoionization via a monophotonic process to generate radical cation of CoQ10 in microemulsion and photoexcitation to generate excited triplet state in cyclohexane. Meanwhile, photoreactions of duroquinone (DQ) and CoQ0 in microemulsion are also investigated to analyze the influence of molecular structure on the photochemistry of benzoquinone derivatives in microemulsion. Results suggest that photoexcitation, which is followed by excited state‐involved hydrogen‐abstraction reaction, is the main photoreaction for DQ and CoQ0 in microemulsion. However, photoexcited CoQ0 also leads to the formation of hydrated electrons. The isoprenoid side chain‐involved high resonance stabilization is proposed to explain the difference in photoreactions of CoQ0 and CoQ10 in microemulsion. Considering that microemulsion is close to biomembrane system, its photoionization in microemulsion may be helpful to understand the real photochemistry of biological quinones in biomembrane system.
Periphyton Nutrient Limitation and Maximum Potential Productivity in the Beaver Lake Basin, United States1
Authors: Ludwig Andrea , Matlock Marty , Haggard Brian , Chaubey Indrajeet
Published: May 2012

Ludwig, Andrea, Marty Matlock, Brian Haggard, and Indrajeet Chaubey, 2012. Periphyton Nutrient Limitation and Maximum Potential Productivity in the Beaver Lake Basin, United States. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(5): 896‐908. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00657.x

Abstract:  The objectives of this study were to measure periphytic growth responses to enrichment with nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and simultaneous N and P using in situ bioassays in streams draining Beaver Reservoir Basin, Northwest Arkansas; compare periphytic growth responses measured with in situ bioassays with a range of land use and point sources; and test the lotic ecosystem trophic status index (LETSI) as a simplifying metric to compare effects of nonpoint‐source pollutant‐limiting variables of N, P, and sediment across the basin. P limitation was observed at sites across a transect of stream orders throughout the basin; however, at the two sites with highest ambient nitrogen concentrations, limitation was often coupled with nitrogen limitation. Nutrients were at nonlimiting levels at both of two sites below wastewater treatment plants in all seasonal deployments. A Michaelis‐Menten growth equation described LETSI as a function of ambient PO4‐P concentrations (p < 0.05); the midpoint (LETSI of 0.50) corresponded with a PO4‐P concentration of approximately 3 μg/l. Change‐point analysis indicated a threshold point at LETSI of 0.80 and 15 μg/l PO4‐P. These low values show that the periphytic community has a high affinity for available P, and that the watershed as a whole is sensitive to available nutrient inputs.
Gentle Africanized bees on an oceanic island
Authors: Rivera‐Marchand Bert , Oskay Devrim , Giray Tugrul
Published: May 2012

Oceanic islands have reduced resources and natural enemies and potentially affect life history traits of arriving organisms. Among the most spectacular invasions in the Western hemisphere is that of the Africanized honeybee. We hypothesized that in the oceanic island Puerto Rico, Africanized bees will exhibit differences from the mainland population such as for defensiveness and other linked traits. We evaluated the extent of Africanization through three typical Africanized traits: wing size, defensive behavior, and resistance to Varroa destructor mites. All sampled colonies were Africanized by maternal descent, with over 65% presence of European alleles at the S‐3 nuclear locus. In two assays evaluating defense, Puerto Rican bees showed low defensiveness similar to European bees. In morphology and resistance to mites, Africanized bees from Puerto Rico are similar to other Africanized bees. In behavioral assays on mechanisms of resistance to Varroa, we directly observed that Puerto Rican Africanized bees groomed‐off and bit the mites as been observed in other studies. In no other location, Africanized bees have reduced defensiveness while retaining typical traits such as wing size and mite resistance. This mosaic of traits that has resulted during the invasion of an oceanic island has implications for behavior, evolution, and agriculture.
Diagnostic accuracy of non‐echo‐planar diffusion‐weighted MRI versus other MRI sequences in cholesteatoma
Authors: Sharifian Hashem , Taheri Elham , Borghei Pedram , Shakiba Madjid , Jalali Amir Hossein , Roshanfekr Majid , Firouznia Kavous
Published: May 2012

Introduction: Non‐echo‐planar imaging (EPI) MRI has been recently introduced to improve the detection of small‐sized cholesteatoma and decrease different artefacts occurring in the EPI‐diffusion‐weighted (DW) technique. This technique is also time saving in comparison to delayed post‐contrast imaging. We prospectively assessed the diagnostic accuracy of MRI including delayed post‐contrast standard MRI, EPI and non‐EPI‐DW sequences in the detection of middle ear cholesteatoma.

Methods: We evaluated 35 patients suspected of having cholesteatoma who underwent MRI including delayed post‐contrast MRI, EPI and non‐EPI‐DW sequences prior to their planned surgery, and the MR findings were compared with surgical findings. Two experienced radiologists reported the images. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of MRI were estimated.

Results: We detected 26 cases of cholesteatoma at surgery. Sensitivity and specificity of delayed post‐contrast MRI, EPI DW and non‐EPI DW were 73.1 and 77.8%, 61.5 and 88.9%, and 96.2 and 100%, respectively, as interpreted by the first radiologist. Sensitivity and specificity of delayed post‐contrast MRI, EPI‐DW sequence and non‐EPI‐DW sequence were 84.6 and 88.9%, 50 and 88.9%, and 92.3 and 100%, respectively, as interpreted by the second radiologist.

Conclusion: The non‐EPI MRI technique is a more accurate method in detecting middle ear cholesteatoma in comparison to other conventional sequences.
Acting fast helps avoid extinction
Authors: Martin Tara G. , Nally Simon , Burbidge Andrew A. , Arnall Sophie , Garnett Stephen T. , Hayward Matt W. , Lumsden Linda F. , Menkhorst Peter , McDonald‐Madden Eve , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: May 2012

Failure to act quickly on evidence of rapid population decline has led to the first mammal extinction in Australia in the last 50 years, the Christmas Island Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus murrayi). The fate of another iconic species, the migratory Orange‐bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster), monitored intensively for over 20 years, hangs in the balance. To inform future conservation management and decision making, we investigate the decision process that has led to the plight of both species. Our analysis suggests three globally relevant recommendations for minimizing species extinction worldwide: (1) informed, empowered, and responsive governance and leadership is essential; (2) processes that ensure institutional accountability must be in place, and; (3) decisions must be made whilst there is an opportunity to act. The bottom line is that, unless responsive and accountable institutional processes are in place, decisions will be delayed and extinction will occur.
Adalimumab significantly reduces inflammation and serum DKK‐1 level but increases fatty deposition in lumbar spine in active ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Hu Zaiying , Xu Manlong , Li Qiuxia , Lin Zhiming , Liao Zetao , Cao Shuangyan , Wei Qiujing , Zhang Yan li , Li Tianwang , Jin Ou , Huang Jianlin , Pan Yunfeng , Wu Yuqiong , Deng Xinghe , Gu Jieruo
Published: May 2012

Aim

To investigate whether adalimumab is effective for active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and whether it has an impact on the formation of fatty deposition lesions (FDL) and serum Dickkopf homolog 1 (Dkk‐1) level in AS patients.

Method

This was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. Active AS patients received 40 mg adalimumab (n = 26) or placebo (n = 20) every other week during an initial 12‐week double‐blind period, and all switched to adalimumab treatment for another 12 weeks. Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Function Index (BASFI), C‐reactive protein (CRP), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Scores (ASDAS) and serum DKK‐1 levels were measured and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of both the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints were obtained at baseline, week 12 and week 24. Spinal and sacroiliac joint inflammations were evaluated using the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) MRI index, and FDL were assessed in a dichotomous manner.

Results

Obvious improvements in clinical assessments (BASDAI, BASFI, CRP and ASDAS reduced, all P < 0.05), as well as MRI inflammation measurements (both lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints SPARCC scores decreased, all P < 0.05) were shown in active AS patients treated by adalimumab for 12 weeks, but FDL in the lumbar spine seen by MRI increased significantly (P < 0.05) accompanied by decrease of serum DKK‐1 levels (P < 0.05), while FDL remained stable after the treatment of placebo in AS patients.

Conclusion

Our study found that adalimumab was highly effective in reducing inflammation in active AS patients, but it was accompanied by the formation of FDL in the lumbar spine and decrease in serum DKK‐1 levels.