bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Montesquieu and Modern Republicanism
Authors: Douglass Robin
Published: January 2012

In this article I explore Montesquieu's discussion of republics and the constitution of England in order to question the extent to which he should be accorded a central place in a tradition of modern republicanism. This involves challenging Paul Rahe's recent thesis that Montesquieu thought both that monarchy was not at all suited to modernity and that England was a republic all along. By stressing the importance of honour and ambition I argue that the liberty that Montesquieu thought exemplified in the English constitution was, in large part, secured by its monarchical principle. Moreover, by eschewing the relevance of political virtue for modern commercial societies, Montesquieu set his own proposals out in opposition to the prevalent French republican discourse of his time; thus it is highly problematic to view him as having proposed a republic for the moderns. The article also serves to disentangle Montesquieu's understanding of political liberty from his analysis of republics in order to refute the idea that he provides support for a distinctively republican conception of liberty as non-domination. This undermines the republican critique of liberalism set forth by Philip Pettit, which is further challenged by considering the affinities between Montesquieu's and Constant's conceptions of liberty. Many commentators have argued that Montesquieu repudiated classical republicanism, yet on the reading advanced in this article it is equally problematic to view him as a modern republican.
Negotiating Citizenship on the Frontlines: How the Devolution of Canadian Immigration Policy Shapes Service Delivery to Women Fleeing Abuse
Authors: BHUYAN RUPALEEM
Published: January 2012

This article examines how nongovernmental service providers navigate devolutionary trends in Canada, in both immigration control and integration policy, when responding to migrants who come to them for help and support. Drawing upon conceptualizations of citizenship as a “negotiated relationship” (Stasiulis and Bakan 2003), I explore how social service providers, who work amidst a complex interplay of federal, provincial, and local policies, can influence both who is deemed worthy of social membership and what rights an individual can successfully claim from the state. Empirically, this article focuses on observation of community meetings and conversational interviews with service providers in violence against women shelters in Toronto, Ontario, Canada's most populous and diverse city. While service providers navigate different levels of government to advocate for women's rights to seek safety from abuse, I argue that both individual service providers and the organizations in which they work monitor and constrain the degree to which they openly challenge state authority to restrict immigrants' “right to have rights” (Arendt 1951 [1979], 296).
NEANDERTAL SOCIAL STRUCTURE?
Authors: HAYDEN BRIAN
Published: January 2012

The cognitive and social capacities of Neandertals have been questioned by a number of authors, while others suggest that such capacities did not differ markedly from those of anatomically modern humans in the last 30,000 years. What does the material evidence indicate? The information that can be gleaned from Middle Palaeolithic sites indicates that there were Neandertal bands of about 12–24 people that formed alliances with 10–20 other bands and had enemy relationships as well. Rituals probably helped hold alliances together. These conclusions indicate that there were language or dialect groups that were probably ethnically self‐conscious. Some of the postulated band ranges and population densities in the literature appear unrealistic. Sexual division of labour was probably pronounced and Neandertals appear to have used rudimentary status markers, including predator pelts, bird wings or claws, colorants, and a range of speciality items.
Adoption is Not Abortion‐Lite
Authors: PORTER LINDSEY
Published: January 2012

abstract

It is standardly taken for granted in the literature on the morality of abortion that adoption is almost always an available and morally preferable alternative to abortion — one that does the same thing so far as parenthood is concerned. This assumption pushes proponents of a woman's right to choose into giving arguments that are based almost exclusively around the physicality of pregnancy and childbirth. On the other side of the debate, the assumption that adoption is a real alternative seems to strengthen the contention that a woman who wishes to abort is morally deficient, whatever the status of the foetus: that she is selfish or short‐sighted in her refusal to bear the temporary physical burden of pregnancy.

In this article, I will argue that adoption is not a genuine alternative to abortion. It does not ‘do the same thing’, even setting aside the physicality of pregnancy. I will show that on the most successful model of parental obligation — a causal account that formalises the distinction between parent: progenitor, and parent: carer — birth mothers and fathers remain obliged, life‐long, to their birth children even when the child is adopted out.
Enzymatic transamination of d‐kynurenine generates kynurenic acid in rat and human brain
Authors: Pérez‐de la Cruz Veronica , Amori Laura , Sathyasaikumar Korrapati V. , Wang Xiao‐Dan , Notarangelo Francesca M. , Wu Hui‐Qiu , Schwarcz Robert
Published: January 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 1026–1035.

In the mammalian brain, the α7 nicotinic and NMDA receptor antagonist kynurenic acid is synthesized by irreversible enzymatic transamination of the tryptophan metabolite l‐kynurenine. d‐kynurenine, too, serves as a bioprecursor of kynurenic acid in several organs including the brain, but the conversion is reportedly catalyzed through oxidative deamination by d‐aminoacid oxidase. Using brain and liver tissue homogenates from rats and humans, and conventional incubation conditions for kynurenine aminotransferases, we show here that kynurenic acid production from d‐kynurenine, like the more efficient kynurenic acid synthesis from l‐kynurenine, is blocked by the aminotransferase inhibitor amino‐oxyacetic acid. In vivo, focal application of 100 μM d‐kynurenine by reverse microdialysis led to a steady rise in extracellular kynurenic acid in the rat striatum, causing a 4‐fold elevation after 2 h. Attesting to functional significance, this increase was accompanied by a 36% reduction in extracellular dopamine. Both of these effects were duplicated by perfusion of 2 μM l‐kynurenine. Co‐infusion of amino‐oxyacetic acid (2 mM) significantly attenuated the in vivo effects of d‐kynurenine and essentially eliminated the effects of l‐kynurenine. Thus, enzymatic transamination accounts in part for kynurenic acid synthesis from d‐kynurenine in the brain. These results are discussed with regard to implications for brain physiology and pathology.
The impact of apheresis platelet manipulation on corrected count increment
Authors: Karafin Matthew , Fuller Alice K. , Savage William J. , King Karen E. , Ness Paul M. , Tobian Aaron A.R.
Published: January 2012

BACKGROUND: Concentrating and washing apheresis platelets (APs) substantially reduce the number of allergic transfusion reactions likely due to removal of plasma. However, these processes may damage platelets (PLTs). This study evaluated whether concentrating or washing APs decrease the corrected count increment (CCI).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated individuals who initially received unmanipulated APs and subsequently received concentrated and/or washed APs at a large university hospital between 1998 and 2009. Concentrated units were prepared by reducing the plasma volume of APs by a goal of more than 67%. Washed units were prepared by washing the APs with 1 L of normal saline. The CCI (PLTs [×106]× m2/L) for all transfusions was calculated. Hypothesis testing was performed with t tests for continuous variables and chi‐square tests for dichotomous variables.

RESULTS: We evaluated 121 individuals: 46 patients who received unmanipulated, concentrated, and then washed APs; 59 patients who received unmanipulated and then concentrated APs; and 16 patients who received unmanipulated and then washed APs. Patient demographics were similar among the three groups. The mean CCI for unmanipulated AP transfusions at 0 to 2 hours posttransfusion was significantly higher than concentrated and washed PLT transfusions (p < 0.001). When accounting for PLT loss due to manipulation, concentrating APs did not impact the CCI. However, the CCI remained significantly lower for washed products at all time points after transfusion (40.7% mean reduction at 20‐24 hr, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Washing APs significantly reduces PLT count recovery and survival, as demonstrated by a significantly reduced CCI.
Resource Tangibility and the Evolution of a Publicly Funded Health and Human Services Network
Authors: Provan Keith G. , Huang Kun
Published: January 2012

This article is a longitudinal examination of a publicly funded network of health and human services organizations that provide services to mentally ill adults. Data were collected at two points in time from a single network in a large U.S. metropolitan area: when the network was completely reorganized, and again when it had matured, four years later. Analysis focuses on changes in the patterns of interaction within and across five resource‐based subnetworks. The authors argue that the structure of network relationships depends on the type of resources involved—whether tangible or intangible, the stage of network evolution, and whether macro‐ or micro‐level interactions are considered. Implications for theory and for network management, governance, and policy are discussed.
Lessons from Over 30 Years of Buy versus Rent Decisions: Is the American Dream Always Wise?
Authors: Beracha Eli , Johnson Ken H.
Published: January 2012

Homeownership is touted as the “American Dream.” It is credited with enhancing wealth; increasing civic pride; and improving self‐esteem, crime prevention, child development and educational outcomes, among other benefits. This article does not dispute any of these claims. Instead, this study hypothesizes that crowding toward homeownership raises the price of homes above their fundamental value resulting in the purchase of a home becoming a contraindicative action. After setting the holding period to the average American's tenure in a residence, renting (not buying) proves to be the superior investment strategy over most of the study period.
Acellular dermal matrix graft with or without enamel matrix derivative for root coverage in smokers: a randomized clinical study
Authors: B. Alves Luciana , P. Costa Priscila , de Souza Sérgio Luís Scombatti , F. de Moraes Grisi Márcio , B. Palioto Daniela , Taba Jr Mario , B. Novaes Jr Arthur
Published: January 2012

Aim

The aim of this randomized controlled clinical study was to compare the use of an acellular dermal matrix graft (ADMG) with or without the enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in smokers to evaluate which procedure would provide better root coverage.

Material and Methods

Nineteen smokers with bilateral Miller Class I or II gingival recessions ≥3 mm were selected. The test group was treated with an association of ADMG and EMD, and the control group with ADMG alone. Probing depth, relative clinical attachment level, gingival recession height, gingival recession width, keratinized tissue width and keratinized tissue thickness were evaluated before the surgeries and after 6 months. Wilcoxon test was used for the statistical analysis at significance level of 5%.

Results

No significant differences were found between groups in all parameters at baseline. The mean gain recession height between baseline and 6 months and the complete root coverage favored the test group (p = 0.042, p = 0.019 respectively).

Conclusion

Smoking may negatively affect the results achieved through periodontal plastic procedures; however, the association of ADMG and EMD is beneficial in the root coverage of gingival recessions in smokers, 6 months after the surgery.
Association between oral bisphosphonate use and dental implant failure among middle‐aged women
Authors: Yip Julie K. , Borrell Luisa N. , Cho Sang‐Choon , Francisco Helena , Tarnow Dennis P.
Published: January 2012

Aim

To investigate the association between the use of oral bisphosphonate therapy and dental implant failure.

Materials and Methods

The case–control study involved 337 female patients, aged 40 years and older, who had 1181 implants placed at the Department of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry at New York University College of Dentistry between January 1997 and December 2004. Cases, defined as women with one or more implant failures, were identified from the departmental database. Controls were then randomly selected for each case. Adjusted odds ratios were estimated using logistic regression models fitted through generalized estimating equations.

Results

After adjusting for selected covariates, the odds of oral bisphosphonate use was 2.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.49–4.86) times higher in women for whom implants failed compared with those for whom implants did not fail. Although no significant interaction was observed (p = 0.41), the stratified analyses suggest that the association between oral bisphosphonate use and dental implant failure was stronger in the maxilla (Odds Ratio [OR] = 2.60; 95% CI, 1.36–4.96) than in the mandible (OR = 1.38; 95% CI, 0.51–3.73).

Conclusion

Findings from this study suggest that dental practitioners should be aware of the increased risk of implant failure associated with oral bisphosphonate use in the population.
Doxorubicin‐induced activation of NF‐κB in melanoma cells is abrogated by inhibition of IKKβ, but not by a novel IKKα inhibitor
Authors: Pletz Nadin , Schön Margarete , Ziegelbauer Karl , Emmert Steffen , Liu Ningshu , Dobbelstein Matthias , Schön Michael P.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Drug resistance is arguably the most important challenge in cancer therapy. Here, doxorubicin induced profound of NF‐κB activation in melanoma cells with a maximum (3.5‐fold) at concentrations relevant in vivo. This was followed by transcriptional induction of several gene products involved in tumor progression. A novel IKKα inhibitor (BAY32‐5915) was identified and characterized, and doxorubicin‐induced NF‐κB activation was assessed following inhibition of IKKα or IKKβ by small‐molecular compounds. While the IKKα inhibitor did not affect doxorubicin‐induced NF‐κB activation, this process was completely abrogated when the IKKβ inhibitor, KINK‐1, was used. Moreover, inhibition of IKKβ, but not IKKα, led to significantly increased apoptosis in response to doxorubicin. Our results indicate that the net outcome of chemotherapy is difficult to predict and may even involve mechanisms conferring chemoresistance. In case of doxorubicin‐induced NF‐κB activation, blocking IKKβ, but not IKKα, by small molecules can antagonize this activity and, thus, increase chemosensitivity.
Melatonin prevents hypochlorous acid‐induced alterations in microtubule and chromosomal structure in metaphase‐II mouse oocytes
Authors: Banerjee Jashoman , Maitra Dhiman , Diamond Michael P. , Abu‐Soud Husam M.
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is generated by myeloperoxidase, using chloride and hydrogen peroxide as substrates. Here we demonstrate that HOCl alters metaphase‐II mouse oocyte microtubules and chromosomal (CH) alignment which can be prevented by melatonin. Metaphase‐II mouse oocytes, obtained commercially, were grouped as: control, melatonin (150, 200 nmol/mL), HOCl (10, 20, 50, and 100 nmol/mL), and HOCl (50 nmol/mL) pretreated with 150 and 200 nmol/mL of melatonin. Microtubule and CH alignment was studied utilizing an indirect immunofluorescence technique and scored by two observers. Pearson chi‐square test and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare outcomes between controls and treated groups and also among each group. Poor scores for the spindle and chromosomes increased significantly at 50 nmol/mL of HOCl (P < 0.001). Oocytes treated with melatonin only at 150 and 200 nmol/mL showed no changes; significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed when oocytes exposed to 50 nmol/mL of HOCl were compared to oocytes pretreated with 200 nmol/mL melatonin. Fifty percent of the oocytes demonstrated good scores, both in microtubule and CH alterations, when pretreated with melatonin at 150 nmol/mL compared to 0% in the HOCl‐only group. HOCl alters the metaphase‐II mouse oocyte spindle and CH alignment in a dose‐dependant manner, which might be a potential cause of poor oocyte quality (e.g., in patients with endometriosis). Melatonin prevented the HOCl‐mediated spindle and CH damage, and therefore, may be an attractive therapeutic option to prevent oocyte damage in endometriosis or inflammatory diseases where HOCl levels are known to be elevated.
Influence of hypodermic needle dimensions on subcutaneous injection delivery – a pig study of injection deposition evaluated by CT scanning, histology, and backflow
Authors: Ann Præstmark Juul Kezia , Bengtsson Henrik , Eyving Bente , Kildegaard Jonas , Lav Steffen , Poulsen Mette , Serup Jørgen , Stallknecht Bente
Published: January 2012

Background

Thinner and shorter needles for subcutaneous administration are continuously developed. Previous studies have shown that a thinner needle causes fewer occurrences of painful needle insertions and that a shorter needle decreases the occurrence of painful intramuscular injections. However, little is known about local drug delivery in relation to needle length and thickness. This study aimed to compare deposition depth and backflow from three hypodermic needles of 3 mm 34G (0.19 mm), 5 mm 32G (0.23 mm), and 8 mm 30G (0.30 mm) in length and thickness.

Methods

Ex vivo experiments were carried out on pigs, in neck tissue comparable to human skin at typical injection sites. Six pigs were included and a total of 72 randomized injections were given, i.e. 24 subcutaneous injections given with each needle type. Accordingly, 400 μL was injected including 70% NovoRapid® (Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvμrd, Denmark) and 30% Xenetix® (Guerbet, Villepinte, France) contrast including 1 mg/mL Alcian blue. Surgical biopsies of injection sites were sampled and computer topographic (CT)‐scanned in 3D to assess deposition and local distribution. Biopsies were prepared and stained to evaluate deposition in comparison to the CT‐scanning findings. The backflow of each injection was collected with filter paper. The blue stains of filter paper were digitized and volume estimated by software calculation vs. control staining.

Results

CT‐scanning (n = 57) and histology (n = 10) showed that, regardless of injection depth, the bulk of the injection was in the subcutaneous tissue and did not propagate from subcutis into dermis. With the 8 mm 30G needle all injections apart from one intramuscular injection were located in the subcutaneous layer. The volume depositions peaked in 4–5 mm depth for the 3 mm 34G needle, in 5–6 mm depth for the 5 mm 32G needle, and in 9–10 mm depth for the 8 mm 30G needle. In general, injection depositions evaluated by histology and CT‐scans compared well for the individual biopsies. The amount of backflow (n = 69) from the 3 mm 34G needle was smaller (P < 0.05) as compared to the 5 mm 32G and the 8 mm 30G needles. Analysis showed a correlation between backflow and the needle's outer dimension with the needle diameter being the pivotal parameter. Furthermore, CT‐scanning and histology confirmed that local propagation of the injection and final distribution followed a route of less mechanical resistance as determined by connective tissue barriers preset in the site of injection.

Conclusion

Needles as short as 3 mm efficiently delivered injections into the subcutaneous target. The amount of backflow was smaller with thinner needles. Local distribution was variable and determined by mechanical barriers preset in the tissue. CT‐scans and histology were concordant.
Skin wrinkling morphology changes suddenly in the early 30s
Authors: Kuwazuru Osamu , Miyamoto Kukizo , Yoshikawa Nobuhiro , Imayama Shuhei
Published: January 2012

Background/purpose

Does the morphology of wrinkles alter gradually with aging or suddenly at a certain age? On the basis of the theoretic wrinkle simulation of ideal skin, we have suggested that the wrinkle morphology suddenly changes from stratum corneum wrinkling to epidermis wrinkling; the former induces shallow fine furrows, and the latter induces deep prominent wrinkles. To examine the existence of drastic change in wrinkling morphology, we developed a new measurement system for facial skin wrinkling test.

Methods

The mechanical compression test of facial skin was carried out for 102 Japanese women aged 25–56 years. The test was performed on the right temple area skin, and the area of wrinkles induced by the compression was measured using a digital video camera. The rate of increase in wrinkle area during compression was defined as the skin wrinkling rate, and it was calculated for all subjects automatically by image processing.

Results

The test results showed that the skin wrinkling rate underwent a step increase at the age 33, which means that the wrinkling morphologies of young and old skins are completely different, and so it changes suddenly in the early 30s.

Conclusion

A new skin measurement system was developed to validate our theory of wrinkle formation mechanism with aging. The results demonstrated the wrinkling morphology changes suddenly at early 30s.
Comparative evaluation of Ca(OH)2 plus points and Ca(OH)2 paste in apexification
Authors: Bezgin Tuğba , Sönmez Hayriye , Orhan Kaan , Özalp Nurhan
Published: January 2012

Abstract –  Aim: The aim of this study was to compare calcium hydroxide plus points (CHPPs) with the conventional calcium hydroxide paste (CHP) clinically and radiographically as materials used in apexification treatment. Material and methods: Sixteen children, each with at least one necrotic permanent central incisor requiring apexification treatment, were selected for this study. Twenty‐two selected teeth were divided into two test groups (10 CHP and 12 CHPP). The children were recalled for clinical evaluations every 3 weeks, and their radiographical evaluations were carried out every 3 months. Mann–Whitney U and Fisher’s exact tests were used to evaluate the differences between the groups. Results: The follow‐up evaluations revealed that the success rate was 100% for CHP and 92% for CHPP. No statistically significant difference between the groups was observed (P > 0.05). Conclusions: CHPP‐treated central incisors requiring apexification demonstrated good success. CHPP can be used for cases in which traditional Ca(OH)2 apexification is indicated as it has a similar outcome with CHP.
Protective effect of dl-3n-butylphthalide preconditioning on focal cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Zhang Pei-Lei , Lu Hai-Tao , Zhao Jun-Gong , Li Ming-Hua
Published: January 2012

Objective

To investigate the effect of dl-3n-butylphthalide (NBP) on the protection of cerebral tissue and possible mechanism on ischaemia-reperfusion injury, and to find out whether NBP therapy can extend the reperfusion window in an experimental stroke model in rats.

Methods

Seventy-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation, ischaemia-reperfusion and ischaemia-reperfusion with NBP groups. Focal cerebral ischaemia was induced using the modified intraluminal thread method and maintained for 2, 3 or 4 h. The ischaemia-reperfusion group received reperfusion immediately after ischaemia-reperfusion. The NBP group received intraperitoneal injection of NBP immediately after ischaemia, followed by reperfusion. The sham operation group received only injection of physiological saline. The cerebral infarction volume and neurological deficit were analysed, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in brain tissues was visualised by immunohistochemistry.

Results

NBP treatment caused a significant decrease in both infarction volume and neurological deficit compared with the ischaemia-reperfusion group at corresponding time points in each (p < 0.05). In the NBP group, the infarction volume and neurological deficit did not change with different ischaemia times. The expression of VEGF was significantly decreased in the ischaemia-reperfusion group compared with the sham group (p < 0.01), while this change was partly prevented in the NBP group (p < 0.01). The expression of VEGF in brain tissue in both the NBP and ischaemia-reperfusion groups gradually decreased when the ischaemic period was prolonged.

Conclusion

NBP treatment has a protective effect against cerebral ischaemia; this possible mechanism maybe related to the VEGF expression and may extend the reperfusion window for subsequent salvage of cerebral ischaemia by reperfusion.
Abutment Rotational Freedom Evaluation of External Hexagon Single‐Implant Restorations after Mechanical Cycling
Authors: Junqueira Marcela C. , Silva Thales Eduardo P. , Ribeiro Ricardo F. , Faria Adriana Cláudia L. , Macedo Ana Paula , de Almeida Rossana P.
Published: January 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rotational freedom between implant and abutment counterpart of two abutments types over external hexagon implants submitted to mechanical cycling.

Materials and Methods: Ten implants with external hexagon (3.75 mm × 13 mm), five cast abutments, and five premachined abutments both with 4.1 mm plataform size were used in this study. Ten metallic crowns were fabricated using the two types of abutments and were fixed to each implant using titanium screws (Ti6Al4V). Rotational freedom measurements were made before and after the cast procedure and after the mechanical cycling. Groups were classified according to the rotational misfit register using University of California, Los Angeles abutment and implants as new (group 1 = G1); using crowns and implants after crown casting (group 2 = G2); and using crowns and implants after mechanical cycling (group 3 = G3). Oblique loading of 120N at 1.8 Hz and 5 × 105 cycles was applied on specimen.

Results: Statistical analysis (p < .05) showed that no significant difference was observed when cast abutment was compared with premachined abutment after casting (p = .390) and mechanical cycling (p = .439); however, significant difference was noted before the casting (p = .005) with higher values for the cast abutments.

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it could be concluded that the abutment type used do not influenced the rotational freedom after casting and the amount of applied cycles (500,000 cycles) was not sufficient to significantly alter the values of rotational freedom at the implant/abutment joint.
Familial Reciprocity and Subjective Well‐being in Ghana
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Chang , Dzorgbo Dan‐Bright S.
Published: January 2012

The authors investigated variations in reciprocity and the impact of reciprocity on well‐being in a West African society. They hypothesized that household size and income diversity encourage reciprocity, which in turn enhances subjective well‐being. In empirical testing of these hypotheses the authors used the data of the Core Welfare Indicators Questionnaire of Ghana, a national sample of household heads (N males = 33,949, N females = 13,900) collected in 2003. A regression analysis showed that remittance facilitates balanced or credited reciprocity, whereas size‐related measures (marital status and generational relationships) produce mixed results. Reciprocity clearly strengthens perceived economic security and level of happiness among Ghanaians. This research suggests that extensive reciprocity among kin, rather than household configurations, should be stressed in efforts to understand the structure of familial relationships and its consequences for well‐being.
Marriage (In)equality: The Perspectives of Adolescents and Emerging Adults With Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Parents
Authors: Goldberg Abbie E. , Kuvalanka Katherine A.
Published: January 2012

The debate over whether same‐sex couples should be allowed to enter into civil marriages continues in the United States. Forty‐nine adolescents and emerging adults (ages 14–29) with lesbian, gay, and bisexual parents were interviewed for the current exploratory study, which examined how individuals perceived themselves and their families as being affected by marriage (in)equality, as well as the factors that shaped their perspectives. More than two thirds of participants voiced unequivocal support for marriage equality, citing numerous legal and symbolic benefits that their families were denied. One quarter of participants articulated critical perspectives of marriage or the fight for marriage equality, while also acknowledging the benefits associated with marriage. As the first study to examine the perspectives of individuals with lesbian, gay, and bisexual parents with regard to marriage (in)equality, this research has important implications for the marriage equality debate and provides a springboard for future studies on this topic.
I Do … Want to Save: Marriage and Retirement Savings in Young Households
Authors: Knoll Melissa A. Z. , Tamborini Christopher R. , Whitman Kevin
Published: January 2012

Increased policy and academic attention has been placed on promoting retirement savings early in the life course. This study investigates the extent to which retirement savings behavior among young persons, a population for which retirement savings is important but typically low, differs by marital status. We draw national survey data on young adult households (ages 22–35; N = 3,894) from the U.S. Federal Reserve Board's Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). Results reveal considerable differences by marital status. Controlling for important characteristics, young adults who were married were more likely than all other groups (including cohabitors) to perceive retirement as an important savings goal and to have an individual retirement account. Married persons were more likely than their single counterparts to participate in a defined contribution pension plan. Single women fared particularly poorly on retirement savings outcomes. A range of possible theoretical links between marriage and retirement savings at young adulthood are discussed.
Neighborhood Contexts, Fathers, and Mexican American Young Adolescents' Internalizing Symptoms
Authors: White Rebecca M. B. , Roosa Mark W.
Published: January 2012

The family stress model posits that contextual stressors, such as neighborhood danger, negatively influence youth adjustment, including internalizing symptoms, via disruptions in parenting and family processes. The current study examined a culturally and contextually modified family stress model in a diverse sample of Mexican‐origin fathers and their children (N = 463) from the southwestern United States. Results supported the hypothesized negative influence of neighborhood danger on youth internalizing symptoms via disruptions in family cohesion. Paternal warmth did not play a role in linking contextual stress to outcomes. The role of harsh parenting was highly nuanced. Results suggest that both culture and context have the potential to moderate putative family stress model associations for specific parenting behaviors and further our understanding of the ways that culture and context may operate in models of family stress and youth outcomes.
Family Influences on Intermarriage Attitudes: A Sibling Analysis in the Netherlands
Authors: Huijnk Willem , Liefbroer Aart C.
Published: January 2012

This study examined the influence of the family on native Dutch attitudes toward having ethnic minority members as kin through marriage using multiactor data from the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study (N = 1,652). Results from multilevel models showed that 28% of the variation in ethnic attitudes can be ascribed to the family. We investigated different pathways through which the family affects these attitudes; 60% of the family influence was explained. Results revealed that the intergenerational congruence of attitudes and the transmission of attitudes and structural and cultural positions are important mechanisms. Furthermore, family characteristics in adulthood—strength and warmth of family relationships—related to intermarriage attitudes, and the strength of family relationships moderated attitude congruence within families.
Marriage and Desistance From Crime: A Consideration of Gene–Environment Correlation
Authors: Barnes J. C. , Beaver Kevin M.
Published: January 2012

An impressive body of research has examined the effect of marriage on desistance from a criminal career. Although extensive efforts have been made to control for potential confounders, almost no research has considered the role that genetic influences play in the relationship. In this study, the authors revisited the marriage–desistance connection by analyzing sibling data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health; Ns ranged between 2,224 and 3,745 siblings) and by using a statistical design that controls for confounding genetic influences. The findings revealed that both marriage and desistance were under genetic influence (h2 = .56 and .49, respectively). In addition, before controlling for shared genetic influences, marriage was predictive of desistance. After genetic influences were controlled, the marriage effect remained statistically significant but was reduced by 60%. The implications of these findings for life course criminology are considered.
ROP11 GTPase is a Negative Regulator of Multiple ABA Responses in Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Zixing , Kang Jun , Sui Ning , Liu Dong
Published: January 2012

The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) plays crucial roles in plant development and plant responses to environmental stresses. Although ABA receptors and a minimal set of core molecular components have recently been discovered, understanding of the ABA signaling pathway is still far from complete. In this work, we characterized the function of ROP11, a member of the plant‐specific ROP small GTPases family, in the ABA signaling process. ROP11 is preferentially expressed in guard cells in all plant organs with stomata. Expression of a constitutively active ROP11 (CA‐ROP11) suppresses ABA‐mediated responses, whereas reduced expression of ROP11 or expression of its dominant‐negative form (DN‐ROP11) causes the opposite phenotypes. The affected ABA‐mediated responses by ROP11 include seed germination, seedling growth, stomatal closure, induction of ABA‐responsive genes, as well as plant response to drought stress. Furthermore, we showed that ROP11 and its closest‐related family member, ROP10, act in parallel in mediating these responses. ABA treatment does not affect ROP11 transcription and protein abundance; however, it causes the accumulation of CA‐ROP11 in the nucleus. These results demonstrated that ROP11 is a negative regulator of multiple ABA responses in Arabidopsis.
Conformational Preferences of Proline Derivatives Incorporated into Vasopressin Analogues: NMR and Molecular Modelling Studies
Authors: Sikorska Emilia , Sobolewski Dariusz , Kwiatkowska Anna
Published: January 2012

In this study, arginine vasopressin analogues modified with proline derivatives – indoline‐2‐carboxylic acid (Ica), (2S,4R)‐4‐(naphthalene‐2‐ylmethyl)pyrrolidine‐2‐carboxylic acid (Nmp), (2S,4S)‐4‐aminopyroglutamic acid (APy) and (2R,4S)‐4‐aminopyroglutamic acid, (Apy) – were examined using NMR spectroscopy and molecular modelling methods. The results have shown that Ica is involved in the formation of the cis peptide bond. Moreover, it reduces to a great extent the conformational flexibility of the peptide. In turn, incorporation of (2S,4R)‐Nmp stabilizes the backbone conformation, which is heavily influenced by the pyrrolidine ring. However, the aromatic part of the Nmp side chain exhibits a high degree of conformational freedom. With analogues IV and V, introduction of the 4‐aminopyroglumatic acid reduces locally conformational space of the peptides, but it also results in weaker interactions with the dodecylphosphocholine/sodium dodecyl sulphate micelle. Admittedly, both analogues are adsorbed on the micelle’s surface but they do not penetrate into its core. With analogue V, the interactions between the peptide and the micelle seem to be so weak that conformational equilibrium is established between different bound states.
Synthesis and Hypolipidemic Activity of Novel 2‐(4‐(2‐Amino‐6‐(4‐Substituted Phenyl) Pyrimidin‐4‐yl)‐2‐Substituted Phenoxy) Acetic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Mokale Santosh N. , Shete Maheshwari T. , Shaikh Sameer I. , Shinde Devanand B.
Published: January 2012

A novel series of 2‐(4‐(2‐amino‐6‐(4‐substituted phenyl) pyrimidin‐4‐yl)‐2‐substituted phenoxy) acetic acid derivatives were efficiently synthesized. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their in vivo hypolipidemic activity, using high‐fat‐diet‐induced hyperlipidemia in rats. Some of these compounds showed significant antihyperlipidemic activity.
Lymphocyte signaling: regulation of FoxO transcription factors by microRNAs
Authors: Haftmann Claudia , Stittrich Anna‐Barbara , Sgouroudis Evridiki , Matz Mareen , Chang Hyun‐Dong , Radbruch Andreas , Mashreghi Mir‐Farzin
Published: January 2012

The Forkhead box O (FoxO) family of transcription factors is important for the maintenance of immunological homeostasis and tolerance by controlling the development and function of B and T lymphocytes. Because dysregulation in FoxO activity can result in chronic inflammation and autoimmunity, the transcriptional activity of FoxO proteins is tightly controlled and generally dependent on complex posttranslational modifications that lead either to their nuclear entry and subsequent activation or, alternatively, to their nuclear export. The phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)–protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) axis represents the major pathway phosphorylating and thereby inactivating FoxO proteins. However, recent results have revealed an additional posttranscriptional mechanism of FoxO inactivation by microRNAs. The discovery of this molecular pathway may provide a new therapeutic avenue for the modulation of FoxO activity in immune‐mediated diseases using either microRNA targeting antagomirs or synthetic microRNA mimics, a topic that is addressed in this review.
New and emerging disease modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Saidha Shiv , Eckstein Christopher , Calabresi Peter A.
Published: January 2012

Several disease‐modifying drugs (DMDs) are currently approved for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Recently, there has been increased identification and development of potential new treatments that may modulate the MS disease process, including oral therapies. Many of the newly approved MS therapies, as well as those in ongoing clinical trials, have the advantage of improved efficacy and/or being oral and more convenient, as compared to conventional injectable first‐line MS therapies. However, many of these new and emerging MS treatments are known to be associated with serious adverse events, some of which may be potentially life threatening. Of additional concern, there is limited experience and long‐term safety data for many of these drugs, and thus the true potential for complications associated with these agents remains ambiguous. With an anticipated explosion in the artillery of available MS therapies in the near future, neurologists will need to carefully weigh drug efficacy, convenience, safety, and tolerability when making therapeutic decisions. In this review, we describe the known mechanisms of action, efficacy, and side‐effect profiles of new and emerging MS DMDs.
Statistics Research at Bell Labs in the Regulated Monopoly Era
Authors: Kettenring Jon R.
Published: January 2012

L'essor et le développement de la recherche industrielle aux Etats‐Unis couvrent une grande partie du 20e siècle. Les Bell Labs, composante du Bell System, en sont peut‐être le meilleur exemple. La période qui s'étend de leur création en 1925 à leur démantèlement en 1984—suite à des poursuites judiciaires relatives aux lois anti‐trust—est d'un intérêt tout particulier. Le système, pendant cette époque, a en effet été géréà la manière d'un monopole, les abonnés soutenant réellement, au travers de leurs factures téléphoniques mensuelles, les activités de recherche et développement, procurant ainsi aux Bell Labs une grande stabilité financière. La statistique figure parmi les domaines de recherche les plus florissants des Labs, pour le plus grand bénéfice du Bell System, de ses clients, et de la science statistique. Le but de cet article est de passer en revue, d'expliquer et d'illustrer les circonstances de ce succès, tout en s'interrogeant sur la façon dont les entreprises modernes, dans le contexte concurrentiel qui est le leur, pourraient s'assurer le même type d'avantages.
Endobronchial valve deployment in severe α‐1 antitrypsin deficiency emphysema: a case series
Authors: Tuohy Mary Majella , Remund Kasper Friedrich , Hilfiker Roger , Murphy Dara Thomas , Murray John Gerard , Egan Jim John
Published: January 2012

Introduction:  Patients with end‐stage emphysema because of α‐1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency represent a challenging clinical management problem, and studies of volume reduction therapy to date have largely excluded these patients. We report the outcome of bronchoscopic volume reduction with the insertion of Emphasys endobronchial valves (Emphasys Medical, Redwood City, CA, USA) in six patients with end‐stage emphysema because of AAT deficiency.

Case Series:  Of 51 patients with end stage emphysema referred for transplantation, we studied six patients with AAT deficiency and utilized the BODE index and lung allocation score for survival estimation.

Measurements and Main Results:  The forced expiratory volume in 1 s improved from a median of 0.575 L to 0.905 L (P = 0.028). There was a median reduction in total lung capacity (TLC) of 0.61 L. The residual volume /TLC fell from 74.0% to 58.4%. Before treatment, four patients had a BODE index of greater than eight units, which correlates with a 4‐year survival of 18%. After treatment, two patients improved their BODE index to below seven units, which correlates with an estimated 4‐year survival of over 50%.

Conclusions:  The data from this case series suggest that this intervention may provide bridging therapy to subsequent transplantation for younger AAT patients with end‐stage emphysema.

Please cite this paper as: Tuohy MM, Remund KF, Hilfiker R, Murphy DT, Murray JG and Egan JJ. Endobronchial valve deployment in severe α‐1 antitrypsin deficiency emphysema: a case series. Clin Respir J 2013; 7: 45–52.
Integrative taxonomy at work: DNA barcoding of taeniids harboured by wild and domestic cats
Authors: GALIMBERTI A. , ROMANO D. F. , GENCHI M. , PAOLONI D. , VERCILLO F. , BIZZARRI L. , SASSERA D. , BANDI C. , GENCHI C. , RAGNI B. , CASIRAGHI M.
Published: January 2012

In modern taxonomy, DNA barcoding is particularly useful where biometric parameters are difficult to determine or useless owing to the poor quality of samples. These situations are frequent in parasitology. Here, we present an integrated study, based on both DNA barcoding and morphological analysis, on cestodes belonging to the genus Taenia, for which biodiversity is still largely underestimated. In particular, we characterized cestodes from Italian wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris), free‐ranging domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) and hybrids populations. Adult taeniids were collected by post‐mortem examinations of the hosts and morphologically identified as Taenia taeniaeformis. We produced cox1 barcode sequences for all the analysed specimens, and we compared them with reference sequences of individuals belonging to the genus Taenia retrieved from GenBank. In order to evaluate the performance of a DNA barcoding approach to discriminate these parasites, the strength of correlation between species identification based on classical morphology and the molecular divergence of cox1 sequences was measured. Our study provides clear evidence that DNA barcoding is highly efficient to reveal the presence of cryptic lineages within already‐described taeniid species. Indeed, we detected three well‐defined molecular lineages within the whole panel of specimens morphologically identified as T. taeniaeformis. Two of these molecular groups were already identified by other authors and should be ranked at species level. The third molecular group encompasses only samples collected in Italy during this study, and it represents a third candidate species, still morphologically undescribed.
Targeting sphingosine kinase‐1 to inhibit melanoma
Authors: Madhunapantula SubbaRao V. , Hengst Jeremy , Gowda Raghavendra , Fox Todd E. , Yun Jong K. , Robertson Gavin P.
Published: January 2012

Resistance to therapies develops rapidly for melanoma leading to more aggressive disease. Therefore, agents are needed that specifically inhibit proteins or pathways controlling the development of this disease, which can be combined, dependent on genes deregulated in a particular patient’s tumors. This study shows that elevated sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S‐1‐P) levels resulting from increased activity of sphingosine kinase‐1 (SPHK1) occur in advanced melanomas. Targeting SPHK1 using siRNA decreased anchorage‐dependent and ‐independent growth as well as sensitized melanoma cells to apoptosis‐inducing agents. Pharmacological SPHK1 inhibitors SKI‐I but not SKI‐II decreased S‐1‐P content, elevated ceramide levels, caused a G2‐M block and induced apoptotic cell death in melanomas. Targeting SPHK1 using siRNA or the pharmacological agent called SKI‐I decreased the levels of pAKT. Furthermore, SKI‐I inhibited the expression of CYCLIN D1 protein and increased the activity of caspase‐3/7, which in turn led to the degradation of PARP. In animals, SKI‐I but not SKI‐II retarded melanoma growth by 25–40%. Thus, targeting SPHK1 using siRNAs or SKI‐I has therapeutic potential for melanoma treatment either alone or in combination with other targeted agents.
Bilacunaria anatolica sp. nov. (Apiaceae) from southwest Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Duran Ahmet , Öztürk Meryem , Ay Hilal
Published: January 2012

A new species, Bilacunaria anatolica A. Duran (Apiaceae) is described and illustrated from southwest Turkey. The species grows on eroded marly stony slopes and in openings of Pinus brutia forest in Fethiye district (C2 Muğla province). Bilacunaria anatolica, an endemic confined to southwest Anatolia, is related to B. microcarpa and B. scabra. It is also similar to the Mediterranean species Cachrys crassiloba and C. cristata in terms of habit, but differs in fruit characteristics. Diagnostic morphological and carpo‐anatomical characters are discussed. Notes are also presented on ecology and conservation status. In addition, pollen characteristics and mericarp surface features are examined by SEM. The geographical distribution of the new species and related species is mapped.