bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VEGF-Induced Growth Cone Enhancement Is Diminished by Inhibiting Tyrosine-Residue 1214 of VEGFR-2
Authors: Foehring Daniel , Brand-Saberi Beate , Theiss Carsten
Published: March 2012

Axonal outgrowth is of paramount significance for establishing the intricate neuronal network both during embryogenesis and nerve regeneration. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is known for its essential role in vascular sprouting and its involvement in cancer, has recently been found to exert a trophic activity on neurons leading to an increased axonal outgrowth. Although two receptors, VEGFR-2 and neuropilin-1, were identified on neurons, the signaling pathways associated with them are not well understood. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of VEGF on the growth cone morphology and motility of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. Moreover, we aimed for a deeper understanding of VEGFR-2 on growth cones that potentially mediates the stimulating and attractive effects. We cultivated chicken DRG in medium containing mouse VEGF and analyzed growth cone size. The data presented here show a positive effect of VEGF on growth cone size. Furthermore, we interrupted the activity of VEGFR-2 by either blocking the tyrosine residue 1214 (tyr1214) or by inhibiting the receptor phosphorylation with axitinib, a novel small molecule, which has recently entered phase III trials for cancer treatment. Disruption of the VEGFR-2 leads to a significantly diminished growth cone size. Based on these findings, we propose a positive effect of VEGF on peripheral nervous system growth cone size and show for the first time quantitative data to underline this hypothesis. Additionally, we propose that VEGFR-2 and especially the tyr1214-dependent pathway of VEGFR-2 are of importance in VEGF signaling in the growth cone of DRG neurons.
Development and Application of Biological Age Prediction Models with Physical Fitness and Physiological Components in Korean Adults
Authors: Jee Haemi , Jeon Byeong Hwan , Kim Young Hwan , Kim Hong-Kyu , Choe Jaeone , Park Jaehyun , Jin Youngsoo
Published: March 2012

Background: Several biological age (BA) prediction models have been suggested with a variety of biomarkers. Valid models should be able to measure BA in a relatively short time period and predict subsequent physiological capability. Physiological and physical fitness variables have been shown to be distinctive markers for predicting BA and morbidity. The practical and noninvasive nature of such variables makes them useful as clinical assessment tools in estimating BA for in-depth diagnosis and corresponding intervention. Objective: To identify, develop and evaluate biomarkers and BA prediction models and validate their clinical usefulness for the practical diagnosis of functional aging. Methods: Fourteen variables were measured in 3,112 male and 1,233 female participants aged 30 and older between the years 2004 and 2007. Through a series of parsimonious stepwise elimination processes, two sets of 8 gender-specific variables were selected as candidate biomarkers for 1,604 men and 760 women. Principal component analysis, linear regression analysis and adjustment methods were further applied to obtain two sets of true BA (TBA) prediction models. The TBA models were examined for validity by comparing TBA to the corresponding chronological age (CA) with clinical risk factors. Results: TBA prediction models with r2 values of 0.638 and 0.672 were developed, each unique to men and women, respectively. The overall mean TBA and CA of the participants were 53.9 and 51.8 years, respectively, with a marginal difference of –2.1 and –1.3 years. The regression slopes or rates of TBA as a function of CA were 1.00 and 1.28 for men and women with r values of 0.799 and 0.820 (p < 0.001), respectively. In comparing TBA to CA rates between healthy and clinical risk groups, both sarcopenic and obese groups showed significant increases in TBA. Conclusions: The selected biomarkers encompass various complex physiopathological factors related to intrinsic and extrinsic physiological and functional aging. The BA prediction models based on the selected biomarkers could be practical in assessing BA for Korean adults.
Improved Eigenanalysis of Discrete Subpopulations and Admixture Using the Minimum Average Partial Test
Authors: Shriner Daniel
Published: March 2012

Principal components analysis of genetic data has benefited from advances in random matrix theory. The Tracy-Widom distribution has been identified as the limiting distribution of the lead eigenvalue, enabling formal hypothesis testing of population structure. Additionally, a phase change exists between small and large eigenvalues, such that population divergence below a threshold of FST is impossible to detect and above which it is always detectable. I show that the plug-in estimate of the effective number of markers in the EIGENSOFT software often exceeds the rank of the sample covariance matrix, leading to a systematic overestimation of the number of significant principal components. I describe an alternative plug-in estimate that eliminates the problem. This improvement is not just an asymptotic result but is directly applicable to finite samples. The minimum average partial test, based on minimizing the average squared partial correlation between individuals, can detect population structure at smaller FST values than the corrected test. The minimum average partial test is applicable to both unadmixed and admixed samples, with arbitrary numbers of discrete subpopulations or parental populations, respectively. Application of the minimum average partial test to the 11 HapMap Phase III samples, comprising 8 unadmixed samples and 3 admixed samples, revealed 13 significant principal components.
A Randomised, Two-Period, Cross-Over, Open-Label Study to Evaluate the Pharmacokinetic Profiles of Single Doses of Two Different Flurbiprofen 8.75-mg Lozenges in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Matzneller Peter , Burian Angela , Martin Wolfgang , Annoni Ottavia , Lauro Vittoria , Tacchi Raffaella , Brunner Martin , Zeitlinger Markus
Published: March 2012

Aims: To compare the bioavailability of a new oromucosal formulation of flurbiprofen 8.75-mg lozenges, developed by Alfa Wassermann S.p.A. (test drug) to that of marketed flurbiprofen 8.75-mg lozenges (Benactiv Gola®, reference drug). Methods: This was an open, randomised, two-period, crossover, pharmacokinetic (PK) study in which flurbiprofen plasma levels were compared in 12 healthy volunteers after the administration of single doses (8.75 mg × 2) of two different oromucosal lozenges to be sucked and slowly dissolved in the mouth. A wash-out period of at least 7 days separated the two study periods. Blood samples were collected prior to dosing and at predefined intervals for 24 h after dose. Flurbiprofen plasma concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. PK parameters maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to maximum plasma concentration (Tmax), area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to 24 hours (AUC0–t), area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC0–∞) and half-life were calculated and compared by analysis of variance using treatment, period and sequence as sources of variation. Bioequivalence between the two formulations was based on 90% confidence intervals of the ratio of the geometric means of Cmax and AUC falling within the 0.80–1.25 range as defined in bioequivalence guidelines by regulators. Tolerability of the two formulations was assessed by adverse event monitoring, routine laboratory tests, physical examination, electrocardiographic tracing and vital sign measurements. Results: All enrolled subjects completed the study. Bioequivalence without significant treatment effect was demonstrated between the test drug/reference drug ratios of mean Cmax and AUCs. Moreover, mean Tmax was superimposable. No safety parameter presented a clinically relevant variation after administration of either formulation that were therefore well tolerated. Conclusion: The new formulation of flurbiprofen 8.75-mg compressed lozenges developed by Alfa Wassermann S.p.A. is bioequivalent to the reference product flurbiprofen 8.75-mg lozenges (Benactiv Gola) in healthy volunteers.
Agreement of Dermatopathologists in the Evaluation of Clinically Difficult Melanocytic Lesions: How Golden Is the ‘Gold Standard’?
Authors: Braun R.P. , Gutkowicz-Krusin D. , Rabinovitz H. , Cognetta A. , Hofmann-Wellenhof R. , Ahlgrimm-Siess V. , Polsky D. , Oliviero M. , Kolm I. , Googe P. , King R. , Prieto V.G. , French L. , Marghoob A. , Mihm M.
Published: March 2012

Background: The ‘gold standard’ for the diagnosis of melanocytic lesions is dermatopathology. Although most of the diagnostic criteria are clearly defined, the interpretation of histopathology slides may be subject to interobserver variability. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the variability among dermatopathologists in the interpretation of clinically difficult melanocytic lesions. Methods: This study used the database of MelaFind®, a computer-vision system for the diagnosis of melanoma. All lesions were surgically removed and sent for independent evaluation by four dermatopathologists. Agreement was calculated using kappa statistics. Results: A total of 1,249 pigmented melanocytic lesions were included. There was a substantial agreement among expert dermatopathologists: two-category kappa was 0.80 (melanoma vs. non-melanoma) and three-category kappa was 0.62 (malignant vs. borderline vs. benign melanocytic lesions). The agreement was significantly greater for patients ≥40 years (three-category kappa = 0.67) than for younger patients (kappa = 0.49). In addition, the agreement was significantly lower for patients with atypical mole syndrome (AMS) (kappa = 0.31) than for patients without AMS (kappa = 0.76). Limitations: The data were limited by the inclusion/exclusion criteria of the MelaFind® study. This might represent a selection bias. The agreement was evaluated using kappa statistics. This is a standard method for evaluating agreement among pathologists, but might be considered controversial by some statisticians. Conclusions: Expert dermatopathologists have a high level of agreement when diagnosing clinically difficult melanocytic lesions. However, even among expert dermatopathologists, the current ‘gold standard’ is not perfect. Our results indicate that lesions from younger patients and patients with AMS may be more problematic for the dermatopathologists, suggesting that improved diagnostic criteria are needed for such patients.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Coats’ Disease: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Ghorbanian Samim , Jaulim Adil , Chatziralli Irini P.
Published: March 2012

Coats’ disease is an idiopathic, ophthalmic condition characterized by retinal telangiectasis, intraretinal and subretinal exudation, which can lead to retinal detachment. It is mostly unilateral, progressive and affects mainly males during childhood, although adult cases have also been described. In this review, we make an update of the literature about Coats’ disease, emphasizing on diagnosis and treatment, including the most recent treatment modalities, i.e. anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents.
Altered Vascular Resistance Properties and Acute Pressure-Natriuresis Mechanism in Neonatal and Weaning Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Komolova Marina , Friberg Peter , Adams Michael A.
Published: March 2012

Although it has been extensively scrutinized, the factor(s) involved in the initiation and development of hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) remains unresolved. The objective of the present study was to determine whether, early in development, the causal mechanism(s) for the development of hypertension in young SHRs involves an integration of 2 processes, specifically an upregulation of structurally based vascular resistance properties and a rightward shift in the hemodynamic component of pressure-natriuresis. Mean arterial pressure was determined in conscious 4-week–old SHRs and Wistar-Kyoto rats via previously implanted aortic catheters. Structurally based hindlimb vascular resistance properties were assessed in 2- and 4-week–old SHRs and Wistar-Kyoto rats. Renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure was measured after short-term manipulations of renal arterial pressure (RAP) in 4-week–old, anesthetized rats. Although mean arterial pressure in conscious SHRs (113±5 mm Hg) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (110±6 mm Hg) was not significantly different at 4 weeks of age, SHRs at 2 and 4 weeks of age already had increases in structurally based vascular resistance properties of ≈30% above age- and weight-matched Wistar-Kyoto rats. Furthermore, the acute RAP-renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure relationship was found to be linear in both strains, and the temporal coupling of the stimulus to response was rapid; that is, renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure responses to changes in RAP were <2 s. Although the slope of the RAP-renal interstitial hydrostatic pressure relationship was not significantly different between strains, the relationship was significantly shifted (18%) to higher RAPs in SHRs. These results suggest that alterations in both vascular structure and renal function in young SHRs occur before elevations in mean arterial pressure.
Endothelin 1 Activation of Endothelin A Receptor/NADPH Oxidase Pathway and Diminished Antioxidants Critically Contribute to Endothelial Progenitor Cell Reduction and Dysfunction in Salt-Sensitive Hypertension
Authors: Chen Dan-Dan , Dong Yu-Gang , Yuan Hong , Chen Alex F.
Published: March 2012

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are reduced in hypertension, which inversely correlates with its mortality. Deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertension features elevated endothelin (ET) 1 and oxidative stress. We tested the hypothesis that ET-1 induces EPC dysfunction by elevating oxidative stress through the ET
A
/NADPH oxidase pathway in salt-sensitive hypertension. Both ET
A
and ET
B
receptors were expressed in EPCs, but only ET
A
receptors were significantly increased in EPCs of DOCA-salt rats. EPC number and function were reduced in DOCA-salt rats compared with sham controls, and both were reversed by in vivo blockade of ET
A
receptors or NADPH oxidase. The enzymatic activities of NAPDH oxidase and its subunits gp91
phox
, p22
phox
, and Rac1 were augmented in EPCs of DOCA-salt rats, with concomitantly decreased antioxidant enzymes manganese superoxide dismutase, copper-zinc superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase 1. Reactive oxygen species level was elevated in EPCs from DOCA-salt rats, accompanied by increased EPC telomerase inactivation, senescence, and apoptosis, which were rescued by ET
A
or NADPH oxidase blockade. Cell therapy of normal or treated DOCA EPCs, but not untreated DOCA EPCs, significantly increased capillary density and blood perfusion in ischemic hindlimbs of DOCA-salt rats. p53 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratios were increased in EPCs of DOCA-salt rats, which were reversed by ET
A
antagonist, NADPH oxidase inhibitor, or polyethylene glycol-superoxide dismutase. Finally, in ET
B
-deficient rats, plasma ET-1 was elevated, and EPC number and telomerase activity were diminished. These results demonstrate, for the first time, that both ET-1 activation of ET
A
/NADPH oxidase pathway and diminished antioxidants critically contribute to EPC reduction and dysfunction via increased oxidative stress in salt-sensitive hypertension.
Orthostatic Hypotension as a Risk Factor for Incident Heart Failure
Authors: Jones Christine D. , Loehr Laura , Franceschini Nora , Rosamond Wayne D. , Chang Patricia P. , Shahar Eyal , Couper David J. , Rose Kathryn M.
Published: March 2012

Heart failure causes significant morbidity and mortality. Distinguishing risk factors for incident heart failure can help identify at-risk individuals. Orthostatic hypotension may be a risk factor for incident heart failure; however, this association has not been fully explored, especially in nonwhite populations. The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study included 12363 adults free of prevalent heart failure with baseline orthostatic measurements. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a decrease of systolic blood pressure ≥20 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥10 mmHg with position change from supine to standing. Incident heart failure was identified from hospitalization or death certificate disease codes. Over 17.5 years of follow-up, orthostatic hypotension was associated with incident heart failure with multivariable adjustment (hazard ratio: 1.54 [95% CI: 1.30–1.82]). This association was similar across race and sex groups. A stronger association was identified in younger individuals ≤55 years old (hazard ratio: 1.90 [95% CI: 1.41–2.55]) than in older individuals >55 years old (hazard ratio: 1.37 [95% CI: 1.12–1.69]; interaction
P
=0.034). The association between orthostatic hypotension and incident heart failure persisted with exclusion of those with diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, and those on antihypertensives or psychiatric or Parkinson disease medications. However, exclusion of those with hypertension somewhat attenuated the association (hazard ratio: 1.34 [95% CI: 1.00–1.80]). We identified orthostatic hypotension as a predictor of incident heart failure among middle-aged individuals, particularly those 45 to 55 years of age. This association may be partially mediated through hypertension. Orthostatic measures may enhance risk stratification for future heart failure development.
Transformations of The Woman Warrior Hua Mulan: From Defender of The Family To Servant of The State
Authors: Edwards Louise
Published: March 2012

For over 1500 years the Hua Mulan story has remained a popular source of inspiration for writers of plays, poems, and novels as well as films and television dramas. The sustained interest in Mulan rests in part with her daring cross-dressing and the humour that this challenge to gender norms provokes. This article shows that the various versions of the Mulan story also reveal the gendered nature of a key tension within the Chinese social and moral universe—how individuals manage the competing demands from their families and the central state. The article traces the transformations of her story from its inception in the Northern Wei ballad through to the 2010 cinema versions in order to trace the evolution of gendered norms of loyalty, patriotism, virtue and filial piety.
Tragic Ending and Inversion in The Tale of Orchid Dream
Authors: Wang Ying
Published: March 2012

This essay examines the representation of gender conflict in the late Qing novel Lanhua meng qizhuan (The tale of orchid dream) through an analysis of the novel's responses to its two literary models: Cao Xueqin's Honglou meng (Dream of the red chamber) and Wen Kang's Ernü yingxiong zhuan (A tale of heroes and lovers, 1878). Written as an imitation of Cao Xueqin's masterpiece and a reversal of Wen Kang's novel (itself also a rewriting of Cao Xueqin's work), Lanhua meng qizhuan consciously returns to the tragic mode of representation while it re-polarizes the themes of heroism and love (or ritualized morality versus private feeling) in its portrayal of the married life of a female hero, Song Baozhu. Through the deterioration of the heroine's marriage and her death, the novel exposes the deep-seated male centeredness in Chinese society and culture. At the same time, it reveals the ideological and artistic clashes of the hero-lover model promoted by Wen Kang and undermines his effort of assimilating qing (love, feelings) into the domain of public morality. The author's effort in Lanhua meng qizhuan, while seriously tackling the social problem of gender inequality in its time, also challenged old conventions and opened new avenues in Chinese fiction.
The Ontogeny of Predatory Behaviour in the Golden Hamster (Mesocricetus a. Auratus). IV. Effects of Prolonged Exposure, Iti, Size of Prey and Selective Breeding
Authors: Richard H. Polsky
Published: March 2012

As an outgrowth of previous experimental work (POLSKY, 1977a, 1977b, 1977c) this paper presents findings which examined the influence of the following variables on the development of predatory behaviour in golden hamsters (M. a. auratits) : (a) prolonged exposure to the prey; (b) the interval between successive prey presentations (ITI) ; (c) the size of prey, and (d) selective breeding. Nymphs of Locusta migratoria served as prey. The basic methodology consisted of testing naive hamsters individually for the capture of a locust in their own home compartment. The principal measure was latency to capture; in addition, in Experiment 3 the frequency of exploration of the prey, withdrawal from the prey, nip at the prey and unsuccessful capture were recorded. Results showed: 1. Increasing familiarization with the prey via prolonged exposure resulted in an increase in the incidence of capture. 2. Latency to capture decreased significantly with repeated testing when the prey was presented at intervals of five or ten days; no significant decrease occurred when the prey was presented at intervals of one day. Further, the response of capture remained intact in established captors after a period of seventy days without the opportunity for capture. 3. Large prey were captured with relatively high latencies by forty day old hamsters; overall, forty day old hamsters, when compared with seventy day old hamsters, also showed a greater frequency of the behaviours associated with capture. 4. Prey capture was susceptible to the effects of selective breeding. The above results were discussed within the framework of habituation (Experiment i), methodological procedures and the stability of the prey capture response (Experiment 2), the relative size between predator and prey (Experiment 3) and genetic predispositions for capture (Experiment 4). Areas for future research were suggested.
Individual and Situational Differences in the Vocalizations of Young Stumptail Macaques (Macaca Arctoides)
Authors: Lillehei Robyn A. , Snowdon Charles T.
Published: March 2012

Recordings were made of contact-location vocalizations and behaviors of six troop-living juvenile stumptail macaques. Quantitative analysis of 354 spectrograms distinguished thirteen of the fifteen pairs of animals and led to construction of a "profile" of distinctive acoustic features for the vocalizations of each animal. Individual variation was also found in vocalization occurrence rates in five contextual categories. Acoustic distinctions found between two behavioral contexts were the same found to differentiate similar social settings in Japanese macaques (GREEN, 1975). Individual differences in acoustic features and rates of vocalization are correlated with stages of social development, serve as contextual cues, and are an important source of variability in primate communication.
Do Female Zebra Finches Vary Primary Reproductive Effort in Relation to Mate Attractiveness?
Authors: Balzer Alison , Williams Tony
Published: March 2012

Female choice and mate preference have been shown to affect female reproductive effort both prior to copulation (e.g. females seeking extra-pair copulation) and during parental care ('secondary' reproductive effort) in relation to mate quality. Here we show that female zebra finches, Taeniopygia guttata, vary their 'primary' reproductive effort in egg production in relation to the attractiveness of their male partner, for some components of reproduction but not others. Females were allowed to choose 'preferred' and 'non-preferred' males in standard mate choice trials, and were then paired sequentially with each male. Preferred males had significantly higher song duration and song frequency than non-preferred males confirming that females preferred attractive, higher quality males. Male attractiveness had a positive, but weak, effect on clutch size: in breeding experiments individual females laid on average 0.5 eggs more when paired with their preferred male compared to the non-preferred male. However, there was no significant difference in breeding propensity (whether females laid eggs or not), number of days between pairing and laying, mean egg size or egg quality (protein and lipid composition) in relation to male type. These results suggest that components of primary reproductive effort in individual female zebra finches are relatively non-plastic traits.
DOMINANCE AND PATCH DISTRIBUTION OF GREAT TITS PARUS MAJOR: A PRELIMINARY TEST OF THEORETICAL PREDICTIONS
Authors: Holmgren Noel
Published: March 2012

1. Predictions from existing models on 'ideal free distribution of unequal competitors' were tested by comparing the intake rates of the birds in relation to their bowl preferences.

2. Three types of distributions across two patches (1 and 2, where 1 provides higher food production rate than 2) were tested: truncated (H

1

> L

1

H

2

> L

2

), semi-truncated (H

1

> H

2

> L

1

L

2

), and mixed (H

1

H

2

> L

1

L

2

). H

i

indicates highest individual intake rate in patch i, L

i

indicates lowest individual intake rate in patch i.

3. The birds were studied in groups of six. They were fed by presenting two bowls containing mealworms, one bowl had twice the food-input rate of the other.

4. Four birds visited the high-density bowl more often than the low-density bowl, whereas the other two birds showed no or opposite preferences.

5. The semi-truncated distribution was the only distribution that could not be rejected by any criteria.

6. When members of the experimental group were exchanged, the changes in individual intake rates suggest that the intake rate is related to each individual's quantitative competitive ability rather than to the individual's rank.
RESPONSES TO MULTIPLE CHEMICAL CUES BY THE CRAYFISH ORCONECTES VIRILIS
Authors: Hazlett Brian
Published: March 2012

To investigate how organisms respond to multiple cues, the responses of the crayfish Orconectes virilis to natural chemical stimuli presented both one at a time and in combinations were recorded in the laboratory. Following the introduction of predator (snapping turtle) odours, individuals decreased the rate of non-locomotory movements compared to control levels. The addition of food odour resulted in an increase in movement as well as postural changes. When both signals were presented simultaneously, the level of food-elicited movements was reduced and the extent of inhibition of food-related responses depended upon the relative intensity of the two types of input. The behavioural effect of predator odour introduction lasted about two hours. When alarm odour and food odour were presented simultaneously, movements were reduced even more strongly than with the predator odour-food odour combination. Presentation of two signals associated with danger (alarm and predator odours) resulted in a significantly greater reduction of food odour-induced movement than for either danger signal by itself.
Prospects in Theories of Religion
Authors: Stausberg Michael
Published: March 2012

The article proposes possible reasons for the avoidance of theories of religion in the discipline of religious studies. The article further discusses some main challenges for theories of religion: the complexity of the subject matter, the variety of discourses in other relevant scholarly fields and disciplines, and the various (philosophical, anthropological etc.) choices theorists have to make (and sometimes made without further reflection). These challenges are illustrated by introducing the articles of this special issue on Prospects in Theories of Religion. The introductory article points to some shared concerns and developments but also to some points of potential dialogue and matters of contention among the articles of this special issue.
On the Production of Religious Configurations
Authors: Benavides Gustavo
Published: March 2012

Research on the emergence of the configuration known as “religion” requires tracing the articulation among biological, psychological and social processes. This research must take into account evolutionary approaches; first, in terms of hominid evolution, for it is only by taking into consideration work on symbolization, language development, the capacity to engage in metacognition and cooperation, the tendency to form hierarchies, engage in violence, sexual differentiation, and related topics, that one can hope to trace the emergence of certain relatively stable features of human behavior. But since symbolization and the other capacities mentioned above are exercised in specific social circumstances—which themselves could not have come into existence were it not for the exercise of those capacities—it is essential to consider social evolution, especially insofar as this evolution leads to the appearance of stratified societies and to the kind of labor that prevails in them.
The Evolution of Charismatic Cultures
Authors: Bulbulia Joseph , Frean Marcus
Published: March 2012

The following essay explains how religion may evolve to support cooperation among anonymous partners. It first reviews honest signalling theory, and reveals a limitation in the model’s capacity to explain large-scale cooperation. It then suggests that much cooperation is threatened by uncertainty, rather than by cheating. Finally, it explains how signalling theory can be extended to address the problem of cooperation threatened by uncertainty, ‘fragile cooperation’. The resulting extension of signalling theory—called ‘charismatic signalling’—directs attention to potential cooperative benefits from religion’s fascinating and diverse effects on the body. The charismatic signalling model is presented as a ‘how-possibly model’, not as a ‘just-so story’. The model’s interest comes from its ability to organise seemingly unrelated puzzles under a common solution, and to motivate the study of cooperative strategies harboured in shared ecologies.
Ten Implications of Semantic Holism for Theories of Religion
Authors: Engler Steven , Gardiner Mark Q.
Published: March 2012

This article proposes ten theses on the impact of semantic holism (an important philosophical view of meaning) on theories of religion. We argue that, if correct, semantic holism imposes metatheoretical constraints on the nature of such theories, theoretical constraints on the way that “religion” must be characterized, and methodological constraints on the way that religious phenomena must be analyzed.
Theory and Criticism: The Cognitive Science of Religion
Authors: Saler Benson
Published: March 2012

After describing what the author regards as important and commendable characteristics of the current cognitive science of religion, the author contends that future theorizing ought to take account of mounting criticisms of cognitive-evolutionary theories of religion. That is especially so when criticism recognizes the great complexity of what we conventionally mean by the term “religion” and when it suggests that monochromatic theorizing is likely to prove inadequate for explaining the existence of polychromatic phenomena. Indeed, monochromatic perspectives tend to confine or impoverish our understandings of religion. Future theorizing about religion should aim for theories that better reflect the complexity of the phenomena that they purport to explain. One possibility, based on an analogy to epigenetic theorizing, is described by way of providing an example.
Explaining order in religious systems
Authors: Malley Brian E.
Published: March 2012

Ours is a problem of order, cognitive and cultural. Were religion simply chaotic, we would not recognize it as an object of study. In this article, I outline two complementary approaches to religious phenomena; both aim to explain different aspects of order in religion. First, recently-developed cognitive theories of religious phenomena account for some aspects of cultural order in terms of cognitive constraints. Second, complexity theory offers hypotheses about the emergent dynamics of entire religious systems. Before examining these theories themselves, however, I will explain in more detail the problem of order and the place of these theories in explaining it.
Reading difference in Isaiah 56-66: The interplay of literary and sociological strategies
Authors: Berquist Jon L.
Published: March 2012

Current trends in biblical scholarship investigate texts using a variety of strategies, including literary and sociological methods. Usually, these different methods never interact in ways that could lead to fuller understandings of their underlying assumptions. Isaiah 56-66 provides a test-case for the comparison of method, with a focus on the ways in which various newer methodologies can interpret the differences within the text. Whereas philosophical and literary methods (such as those of Derrida, Fish, and Bakhtin) understand that texts construct themselves within infinite difference, sociological approaches may better concentrate on the power differentials inherent within textual differences. However, both canon and method conspire to (fail to) interpret, in that they limit the infinite interplay of difference in order to produce a (single) interpretation. The singularity and multiplicity of "meaning" coheres in the multiple identities formed by interpreting communities. Fragmentation of self mirrors the fragmentation of text and interpretation.
How new is neo-phenomenology? A comparison of the methodologies of Gerardus van der Leeuw and Jacques Waardenburg
Authors: Daniels John
Published: March 2012

In this article, an attempt is made to relate the "intuitive" classical phenomenology of Gerardus van der Leeuw and the neo-phenomenology of Jacques Waardenburg. An outline of van der Leeuw's methodology is presented along with a summary of Waardenburg's critique. An account is then given of Waardenburg's alternative approach. When the two methodologies are juxtaposed, two points fo convergence emerge. The first relates to the nonempirical nature of meanings; the second relates to the need to reconstitute the believer's world in order to gain understanding of phenomena. Discussion suggests that both methodologies entail the combined use of Erklären ['explanation'] and Verstchen ['understanding'] in explicating meanings. The conclusion is ventured that neo-phenomenology can be plausibly viewed as a modification of van der Leeuw's approach which is distinguished by greater hermeneutical sensitivity.
Holism and comparative religious ethics1
Authors: Levine Michael P.
Published: March 2012

This article is devoted to an examination of Jeffrey Stout's holistic approach to comparative religious ethics. Although the strategy I pursue involves a close examination of Stout's criticism of a particular work in comparative religious ethics, defending that work is incidental to my purpose. I argue, first, that Stout is seriously mistaken about the implications of holism for comparative study and, second, that his own approach to doing comparative religious ethics is unacceptable for a variety of theoretical and practical reasons. On a more positive side, I briefly explain what I take the purpose of comparative ethics to be. I also set out to show that how one understands the task of comparative religious ethics, and the way one undertakes comparative work in general, cannot be divorced from the type of concern with method and theory (e.g., a theory of religion) that Stout surprisingly sees as detrimental to comparative study.
Religion and magic: Durkheim and the Année sociologique group
Authors: Belier Wouter W.
Published: March 2012

The study of religious phenomena was very important for early sociologists. It is to be expected, therefore, that they tried to define religious phenomena precisely. For example, Durkheim, Mauss, and Hubert attached great value to definitions of the social phenomena under research. However, they differed on the meaning of the adjective "social". In this article, I examine the implicit and explicit definitions given by these writers. More precisely, the article focuses on the distinctions they made between religion and magic. It turns out that for these scholars the given definitions and the distinctions between religion and magic are ambiguous. The paper argues that, when it comes to defining religion and magic, there were considerable differences between the central members of the Année sociologique. The paper concludes that differences between Mauss' and Hubert's definitions, on the one hand, and Durkheim's, on the other, can be related both to a difference in their initial motivations for research into religious phenomena and to their differing definitions of the adjective "social".
The World Bank and ICSID: Family or Incestuous Ties?
Authors: Fouret Julien
Published: March 2012

This article attempts to clarify the different issues regarding the links and the possible conflicts of interest between the World Bank, the parent institution, and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), the child. Structural issues, philosophical problems concerning the possible bias when judging World Bank's policies, and the involvement of former Bank officials in ICSID tribunals will be considered in turn. The amendment of the Arbitration Rules in April 2006 raised many hopes but fell short of solving some of the practical problems that result from the close ties between these two Washingtonian institutions. Some necessary structural changes should thus be envisaged for ICSID.
United Nations Experts on Mission and their Privileges and Immunities
Authors: Miller Anthony
Published: March 2012

Persons, other than officials of the Organization, who are entrusted with tasks requiring professional expertise by the Secretary-General, or by an organ of the United Nations, may be accorded the status of experts on mission under the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. Such tasks may be entrusted to experts on mission by treaty organs not part of the United Nations. Whether this requires an explicit or implied decision of the General Assembly and whether such treaty organs are limited to those without their own Secretariats is open to question. The privileges and immunities enjoyed by experts on mission are quasi-diplomatic in nature because it was foreseen that they would often operate away from UN premises, which are inviolable. However, these privileges and immunities are enjoyed in the interests of the United Nations. If immunity is asserted against a third party alleging damage by the expert, a remedy must be provided by the United Nations to finally dispose of the substance of the claim. This ensures that the United Nations is accountable for such acts. The General Assembly has promulgated regulations to govern the conduct of experts and to ensure that they are held to account for their activities.
Safeguarding the Organizational Acquis: The EU's External Practice
Authors: Klabbers Jan
Published: March 2012

Treaty conflict is one of the more significant practical issues in international law these days, in particular as the law of treaties is unable to solve the most difficult emanations. With international organizations, there is the added consideration that the organization may wish to preserve its internal legal order. The present paper investigates the practice of the EC/EU plus its member states, trying to chart the techniques used by them in order to solve or prevent treaty conflicts. It presents a taxonomy of this practice as well as an interpretation.
Engaging with Tragic Spirituality and Victim Sensibility: On the Cultural Setting of Mission in the West Today
Authors: Kettle David
Published: March 2012

Researchers into contemporary spirituality in Britain raise the question of a possible return of the classical tragic sense of life once displaced by Christianity. Such a sense of life renders faith incredible. This profound mission challenge shows itself especially in "tragic spirituality" and in an exalted "victim sensibility." The intrinsic relation between tragedy and victimhood is here explored. Since the experience of tragic victimhood is personally demanding it is characteristically evaded, in one of two basic ways: either by adopting a dismissive attitude, or by giving in to being overwhelmed and spiritually defeated. Both responses are destructive: the former tends to create or re-victimize victims, while the latter turns into self-destructive resentment and rage which readily creates new victims. Jesus Christ accepted the vocation of the ultimate victim who embraces radical victimhood without evasion and empowers others to do the same. Nevertheless Christians have sometimes either been dismissive of victimhood by appealing superficially to the resurrection, or have made Jesus the mere icon of tragic suffering. Western culture is now seen to foster vulnerability towards overwhelming by victimhood. This vulnerability is associated with the cultural fostering of depleted, narcissistic personalities. Such overwhelming often shows itself in rage and the search for scapegoats. The relation between overwhelming, the sacrifice of scapegoats and the sacred is now explored with attention to René Girard's writings. His discernment here of a contemporary "twofold Nietzschean heritage" is presented as a vital context for mission today, together with "scapegoating" tendencies in fundamentalist religion. In conclusion, an underlying issue is alternative understandings of "the sacred" and the ensuing relation between sacred and secular, and the need to witness to what true sacredness is. This is to be found in Christ's self-sacrificial love towards all who dismiss or are overwhelmed by the painful demands of this same love.
Inculturation and Theology in Africa
Authors: Okoye James C.
Published: March 2012

In this article James C. Okoye first speaks about inculturation as the mutual transformation of culture and understandings of the gospel. He then outlines some aspects of the inculturation process as it has been employed in Africa in the last four decades.. In a brief historical overview, Okoye speaks of three stages of inculturation in Africa: the stage of indigenization and adaptation, the stage of inculturation and liberation and the stage of contextualization. The rest of the article is devoted to outlining inculturation efforts in two crucial areas for African theology: salvation and christology. Salvation for Africans is more physical and ecclesial than spiritual and individualistic. A plurality of christological approaches exist in African and perhaps can be characterized as comparative, as systematic, as formed by the theology of liberation, and as arising from communal experience. Professor Okoye concludes with a brief overview of the Kairos Document from South Africa.
Women and Hiv/Aids
Authors: Paterson Gillian
Published: March 2012

The worldwide epidemic of HIV/AIDS has in recent years begun to affect women, and infants born to them, in an alarming degree. Research done in a WCC program entitled "Women and Health and the Challenge of HIV/AIDS" has suggested that this situation is intimately linked both to patriarchy and irresponsible capitalism. The challenge for the church's mission is to work, on the one hand, to prevent the spread of HIV infection in very direct ways; on the other hand, it is to work for the dignity and autonomy of women in all cultures, including giving women voice and responsibility in the churches themselves.
Mission as Dialogue
Authors: Thomas Joy
Published: March 2012

This Forum Paper argues along with Michael Amaladoss and Paul Knitter that the practice of interreligious dialogue, while not replacing the duty of proclamation of the gospel, is an essential part of Christian mission. As the church moves from an "ecclesiocentric" understanding of salvation to an understanding shaped by the Reign of God, it recognizes that dialogue is the way that the church fulfills its mission in a non-Christian or pluralistic environment. Christians need to partner with other believers for the sake of God's Reign while witnessing by their lives and commitment to the truth to the power of the gospel and the love of God in Jesus Christ.
Optimizing school-based health-promotion programmes: Lessons from a qualitative study of fluoridated milk schemes in the UK
Authors: Foster Geraldine RK , Tickle Martin
Published: March 2012

Background and objective:

Some districts in the United Kingdom (UK), where the level of child dental caries is high and water fluoridation has not been possible, implement school-based fluoridated milk (FM) schemes. However, process variables, such as consent to drink FM and loss of children as they mature, impede the effectiveness of these schemes. The aim of this study was to investigate the views of lay participants in FM schemes on the barriers and potential solutions to optimizing schemes and understand how this may inform the implementation of other school-based health-promotion programmes.

Design and setting:

A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews and focus groups was carried out in schools participating in FM schemes in the north west of England.

Findings:

Grounded theory analysis on interview data revealed that the overarching potential solution for optimizing schemes was the need for engagement by schools in the scheme. The degree of engagement with the scheme was related to (the interrelated categories of) acceptability and understanding of FM by the school community.

Conclusion:

The concept of the need for engagement by schools in health-promotion programmes may be useful for sensitizing health planners to the needs of the school community when developing strategies for the implementation of fluoridated-milk schemes and other school-based health-promotion programmes.
Early childhood development and obesity risk-factors in a multi-ethnic, low-income community: Feasibility of the ‘Five Hundred under Five’ social determinants of health pilot study
Authors: Hearst Mary O , Martin Lauren , Rafdal Brooke H , Robinson Ronel , McConnell Scott R
Published: March 2012

Objective:

First, to describe a community–academic partnership that piloted a parent and home-based programme focused on the intersection of health and education from a social determinants foundation and determine the feasibility and acceptability of such work. Second, to examine trends and co-occurrence of social and environmental context, including obesity-related and school-readiness risk factors.

Design:

Cross-sectional component of pilot intervention.

Setting:

Family-based programme based in a low-income, multi-ethnic neighbourhood in Minneapolis, Minnesota, 2007–2009.

Methods:

English/Spanish/Somali-speaking families with preschool-aged children were recruited for the pilot intervention. Interviews were conducted with study staff to assess feasibility and acceptability. The intervention included an outreach worker and a parent education programme, home visits, school readiness activities and coordination and referral to social, health and school readiness resources through a trained family support advocate. Developmental assessments and a health and sociodemographic survey were conducted.

Results:

Complete data were available for 60/136 enrolled families. Recruiting and measuring families was feasible and acceptable under certain circumstances. The programme was well accepted by participants. Descriptive analyses suggest a relationship between school readiness, social conditions and obesity-related risk factors.

Conclusions:

This type of intervention has challenges but offers promising community-based strategies to address the interconnectedness of social conditions, weight-related health and education.