bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of psychological support for bereaved families in Japan
Authors: Nishimaki Shigeru , Higuchi Rumiko , Nakajima Shoko , Miyamae Takako , Goto Hiroaki , Mori Masaaki , Yokota Shumpei
Published: September 2009

Background:  The aim of the present study was to investigate the current conditions of psychological support for the families of children who died suddenly of disease or accident.

Methods:  A questionnaire survey was conducted in 2415 medical facilities across the country that have at least 100 beds and are staffed by pediatricians. Of these, 981 facilities (40.6%) responded to the questionnaire.

Results:  There were 653 infant deaths soon after admission in 254 facilities (25.9%). For pronouncement of death, approximately 43% of the pediatricians made no attempt to provide psychological support for the family members affected. In contrast, some 53% of the pediatricians did offer psychological support. In self‐assessments, approximately 53% of the pediatricians stated that the support was ‘not very satisfactory' or ‘unsatisfactory', while only 28% considered that they were ‘fully satisfied with the help being given'. Reasons for this response were appropriate specialized knowledge, and enough time for such tasks. The proportion of institutions that employed staff specializing in psychological support for families was only 7%. Approximately 83% of institutions without such specialist staff, however, acknowledged the need for them. The number of medical facilities that gave information regarding family support associations to bereaved families was very low (11%).

Conclusion:  Psychological support for families of children who died shortly after entering hospital cannot be characterized as satisfactory. The provision of grief care by family associations is desirable, and the cooperation of the institutions and family associations is important.
Low‐dose vasopressin infusion therapy for refractory hypotension in ELBW infants
Authors: Ikegami Hitoshi , Funato Masahisa , Tamai Hiroshi , Wada Hiroshi , Nabetani Makoto , Nishihara Masato
Published: September 2009

Background:  Severe hypotension in infants, especially in preterm infants, is associated with poor neurological outcome and high mortality. In adults, low‐dose vasopressin (arginine vasopressin: AVP) infusion therapy has been effective for treating hypotension that is refractory to vasopressors and inotropes.

Methods:  The effects of AVP infusion therapy for refractory hypotension were retrospectively evaluated in extremely low‐birthweight infants. Between January 2002 and November 2005, 22 infants with refractory hypotension treated with low‐dose AVP infusion were reviewed. The average birthweight was 658 g (±142 g), and the average gestational age was 24.9 weeks (±1.4). The changes in blood pressure, urinary output, and other parameters in response to AVP therapy were analyzed in all the infants.

Results:  After AVP infusion, systolic blood pressure increased from 30 mmHg to 43 mmHg (P < 0.0001), and the diastolic pressure increased from 15 mmHg to 24 mmHg (P < 0.0001). The urine output dramatically increased from 1.5 mL/kg per h to 4.0 mL/kg per h (P < 0.0001). AVP infusion, however, was not effective in four of the 22 patients (18%). The sodium concentration in the serum decreased mildly after administration. In six patients the serum sodium concentration decreased below 130 mEq/L. Severe mitral regurgitation was observed in two patients. Three infants showed a transient decrease in the platelet count during AVP infusion.

Conclusions:  Low‐dose AVP therapy should be considered as rescue therapy when high‐dose catecholamine therapy and/or steroid administration do not produce sufficient increase in the blood pressure. Further investigations are required to prove the efficacy and safety of AVP infusion therapy in preterm infants.
Burden of male stress urinary incontinence: A survey among urologists in Japan
Authors: Arai Yoichi , Kaiho Yasuhiro , Takei Mineo , Nonomura Katsuya , Baba Shiro , Habuchi Tomonori , Matsuda Tadashi , Takahashi Satoru , Igawa Mikio , Nakagawa Haruo
Published: September 2009

Objective:  To determine the burden of male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in Japan and to identify candidates for artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation.

Methods:  In 2008, a survey form was sent to all 1202 training hospitals certified by the Japanese Urological Association. The survey included questions about the number of patients with moderate to severe SUI who could be candidates for AUS implantation, the etiology, and incidence of SUI in 2007.

Results:  Overall, 682 (56.7%) responded to the survey. The total number of patients was 1276. The most common reported etiology for SUI was post‐radical prostatectomy (59.1%), followed by neurogenic bladder (23.0%), surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (10.3%), neobladder reconstruction (2.8%), urethral injury (2.4%), and others (2.4%). There were 203 new cases in 2007. Adjusted by the response rate, the prevalence and annual incidence were estimated to be 2235 and 358 cases, respectively.

Conclusions:  This survey confirms that a significant number of men suffer from moderate to severe SUI, with the majority of cases being post‐prostatectomy incontinence. The Japanese urological community needs to provide appropriate treatment for these patients.
Safety of transperineal 14‐core systematic prostate biopsy in diabetic men
Authors: Suzuki Masahito , Kawakami Satoru , Asano Touko , Masuda Hitoshi , Saito Kazutaka , Koga Fumitaka , Fujii Yasuhisa , Kihara Kazunori
Published: September 2009

Objectives:  To examine whether the transrectal ultrasound‐guided transperineal 14‐core prostate biopsy can be carried out safely in diabetic men and to determine adequate antimicrobial prophylaxis protocol in this setting.

Methods:  The present study included 539 men, 135 with concurrent diabetes mellitus (DM) and 404 without DM, who underwent transperineal extended 14‐core biopsy due to elevated prostate‐specific antigen ≥2.5 ng/mL and/or abnormal digital rectal examination. Any complication requiring prolonged hospitalization or rehospitalization during the 4‐week post‐biopsy period was considered major. All other complications were considered minor. Intensity of antimicrobial prophylaxis was prospectively reduced in a stepwise manner down to single dose of oral levofloxacin.

Results:  Except for DM, there was no significant difference in clinical background between the diabetic and non‐diabetic men. The procedure was completed in all revealing prostate cancer in 42% of the diabetic men and 36% of the non‐diabetic men (P = 0.23). Incidence of minor or major complications was not significantly different between the two groups. Minor complications were observed in 15.6% and 16.6% of each group, respectively, with voiding disturbance being the most common. No infectious major complication was observed regardless of the presence of DM. In the diabetic men, there was no statistical difference in incidence of biopsy‐related complications according to modality of DM treatment, HbA1c level or antimicrobial prophylaxis protocol.

Conclusions:  Transperineal 14‐core biopsy can be carried out without major infectious complications in diabetic men. Oral levofloxacin 300 mg once before the procedure seems to represent an effective antimicrobial prophylaxis in diabetic men without other risk of infection.
Sexual activity of middle‐aged women coupled with a male partner in Japan
Authors: Mita Koji , Kakehashi Masayuki , Matsubara Akio
Published: September 2009

Objective:  To assess the sexual activity of women with male partners in Japan.

Methods:  An original web‐based questionnaire was conducted. A total of 2593 women in five age groups (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s or older) were randomly invited to participate. Of the 1077 (41.5%) respondents, data for 883 women with partners were evaluated. Age and 15 items related to sexual activity and social background were analyzed. Women who stated that they neither had sexual activity with a partner nor had frustration with a partner's erectile dysfunction (ED) were defined as low sexuality (LS) subjects. Some subjects in the LS group were psychologically serious cases who did not feel the importance of a sexual relationship with their partner. These subjects were selected and defined as high‐risk LS (HLS) subjects.

Results:  Of the participants, 36.6% (n = 323) stated that they did not have sexual activity with their partner, and 30.7% (n = 271) and 21.7% (n = 192) were categorized as LS and HLS subjects, respectively. The percentage of HLS subjects increased significantly with age: 2.0%, 5.6%, 18.6%, 36.1% and 41.8% in the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s or older age groups, respectively. Age and unemployment status were independent predictors of HLS behavior.

Conclusion:  A high proportion of Japanese middle‐aged women with a male partner have low sexual activity.
Incidence of Type 2 diabetes in the elderly German population and the effect of clinical and lifestyle risk factors: KORA S4/F4 cohort study
Authors: Rathmann W. , Strassburger K. , Heier M. , Holle R. , Thorand B. , Giani G. , Meisinger C.
Published: September 2009

Aims  To determine the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in an elderly population in Germany and its association with clinical and lifestyle factors.

Methods  Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT, World Health Organization criteria) were carried out in a random sample of 1353 subjects (age group 55–74 years; 62% response) in Augsburg (Southern Germany) (1999–2001). The cohort was re‐investigated in 2006–2008. Of those individuals without diabetes (baseline), 887 (74%) participated in the follow‐up.

Results  Ninety‐three (10.5%) developed diabetes during the 7‐year follow‐up period {standardized incidence rates [95% confidence interval (CI)] per 1000 person‐years: total 15.5; 12.6, 19.1; men 20.2; 15.6, 26.1; women 11.3; 7.9, 16.1}. In both sexes, those who developed diabetes were slightly older, were more obese, had a more adverse metabolic profile (higher glucose values, HbA1c, fasting insulin, uric acid, and triglycerides) and were more likely to have hypertension at baseline than were participants remaining free of diabetes (P < 0.05). On stepwise logistic regression, age, parental diabetes, body mass index, uric acid, current smoking, HbA1c and fasting and 2‐h glucose (OGTT) were strong predictors of diabetes incidence. The risk of diabetes was higher in subjects with isolated impaired glucose tolerance (odds ratio 8.8; 95% CI 5.0, 15.6) than in isolated impaired fasting glucose (4.7; 2.2, 10.0), although the difference did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions  For the first time, we have estimated the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in an elderly German cohort and demonstrated that it is among the highest in Europe. The OGTT appears to be useful in identifying individuals with high Type 2 diabetes risk. Our results support a role of smoking in the progression to diabetes.
Metabolic syndrome and alanine aminotransferase: a global perspective from the NAVIGATOR screening population
Authors: Bethel M. A. , Deedwania P. , Levitt N. S. , Schmitz O. , Huntsman‐Labed A. , Califf R. M. , Haffner S. M. , Diem P. ,   for the NAVIGATOR Study Group
Published: September 2009

Aims  Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with features of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and may be an expression of the syndrome within the liver. Using screening data from the Nateglinide And Valsartan in Impaired Glucose Tolerance Outcomes Research (NAVIGATOR) study (n = 42 149), we examined whether alanine aminotransferase (ALT), a biomarker for NAFLD, clustered with features of MetS and whether the clusters differed across global geographic regions.

Methods  Exploratory factor analysis using principle components analysis was applied to data drawn from the NAVIGATOR screening population (n = 41 111). Demographic data, anthropomorphic measurements and blood pressure (BP) collected during the screening visit, as well as blood samples analysed for ALT, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐density lipoprotein, low‐density lipoprotein, and fasting and 2‐h glucose measures after an oral glucose tolerance test were used for our analysis.

Results  Two factors, interpreted as lipid (Factor 1), and BP/obesity (Factor 2) were identified, explaining approximately 50% of the variance in the overall population. Similar patterns of aggregation were reproducible across all geographic regions except Asia, where fasting glucose loaded more consistently on Factor 1. ALT loaded with mean arterial pressure, fasting glucose and waist circumference except in Asia, where it loaded only with mean arterial pressure and waist circumference.

Conclusions  ALT aggregated with components of MetS, and the pattern of aggregation of ALT with other features of MetS was similar across regions except Asia, possibly indicating a different pathophysiology for NAFLD in Asia. Predictive models of NAFLD may need to be adjusted for regional and ethnic differences.
The variation of apparent crown size and canopy heterogeneity across lowland Amazonian forests
Authors: Barbier Nicolas , Couteron Pierre , Proisy Christophe , Malhi Yadvinder , Gastellu‐Etchegorry Jean‐Philippe
Published: September 2009

Aim  The size structure of a forest canopy is an important descriptor of the forest environment that may yield information on forest biomass and ecology. However, its variability at regional scales is poorly described or understood because of the still prohibitive cost of very high‐resolution imagery as well as the lack of an appropriate methodology. We here employ a novel approach to describe and map the canopy structure of tropical forests.

Location  Amazonia.

Methods  We apply Fourier transform textural ordination (FOTO) techniques to subsamples of very high‐resolution satellite imagery freely available through virtual globe software (e.g. Google Earth®) to determine two key structural variables: apparent mean crown size and heterogeneity in crown size. A similar approach is used with artificial forest canopy images generated by the light interaction model (discrete anisotropic radiative transfer, DART) using three‐dimensional stand models. The effects of sun and viewing angles are explored on both model and real data.

Results  It is shown that in the case of canopies dominated by a modal size class our approach can predict mean canopy size to an accuracy of 5%. In Amazonia, we could evidence a clear macrostructure, despite considerable local variability. Apparent crown size indeed consistently increases from about 14 m in wet north‐west Amazonia to more than 17 m for areas of intermediate dry season length (1–3 months) in south and east Amazonia, before decreasing again towards the ecotone with the Cerrado savanna biome. This general trend reflects the known variation of other forest physiognomic properties (height) reported for South America and Africa. Some regions show significantly greater canopy heterogeneity, a feature that may be related to substratum, perturbation rate and/or forest turnover rate.

Main conclusions  Our results demonstrate the feasibility and interest of large‐scale assessment of rain forest canopy structure.
Role of microRNAs in obesity and the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Heneghan H. M. , Miller N. , Kerin M. J.
Published: September 2009

Obesity and the metabolic syndrome are major public health concerns, and present a formidable therapeutic challenge. Many patients remain recalcitrant to conventional lifestyle changes and medical therapies. Bariatric surgery has made laudable progress in the treatment of obesity and its related metabolic disorders, yet carries inherent risks. Unravelling the molecular mechanisms of metabolic disorders is essential in order to develop novel, valid therapeutic strategies. Mi(cro)RNAs play important regulatory roles in a variety of biological processes including adipocyte differentiation, metabolic integration, insulin resistance and appetite regulation. Investigation of these molecules and their genetic targets may potentially identify new pathways involved in complex metabolic disease processes, improving our understanding of metabolic disorders and influence future approaches to the treatment of obesity. This review discusses the role of miRNAs in obesity and related components of the metabolic syndrome, and highlights the potential of using miRNAs as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for these diseases.
CRYOETHICS: SEEKING LIFE AFTER DEATH
Authors: SHAW DAVID
Published: September 2009

Cryonic suspension is a relatively new technology that offers those who can afford it the chance to be ‘frozen’ for future revival when they reach the ends of their lives. This paper will examine the ethical status of this technology and whether its use can be justified.

Among the arguments against using this technology are: it is ‘against nature’, and would change the very concept of death; no friends or family of the ‘freezee’ will be left alive when he is revived; the considerable expense involved for the freezee and the future society that will revive him; the environmental cost of maintaining suspension; those who wish to use cryonics might not live life to the full because they would economize in order to afford suspension; and cryonics could lead to premature euthanasia in order to maximize chances of success. Furthermore, science might not advance enough to ever permit revival, and reanimation might not take place due to socio‐political or catastrophic reasons.

Arguments advanced by proponents of cryonics include: the potential benefit to society; the ability to cheat death for at least a few more years; the prospect of immortality if revival is successful; and all the associated benefits that delaying or avoiding dying would bring. It emerges that it might be imprudent not to use the technology, given the relatively minor expense involved and the potential payoff. An adapted and more persuasive version of Pascal's Wager is presented and offered as a conclusive argument in favour of utilizing cryonic suspension.
Football Spectator Behaviour in Argentina: A Case of Separate Evolution
Authors: Duke Vic , Crolley Liz
Published: September 2009

There has been a separate and distinctive evolution of football related violence in Argentina. Fighting between rival gangs of fans in Argentina developed independently and considerably in advance of the modern phenomenon of football hooliganism in Britain. This case is argued using Argentine sources not previously translated into English. The distinctive features of Argentine football violence are described and the main differences in relation to England are outlined. Of paramount importance are the explicit political links of Argentine football clubs. Organised football preceeded democratic politics in Argentina which resulted in the new political parties utilising the football infrastructure of neighbourhood-based clubs. The death rate associated with Argentine football is significantly higher than in England, and the role of the police is more negative in Argentina. In the conclusion a framework is proposed for the comparative and historical analysis of football related violence.
Max Weber's Concept of Patrimonialism and the Soviet System
Authors: Maslovski Mikhail
Published: September 2009

The concept of patrimonial domination was at first underutilized in western social science and then often used without proper clarification of its methodological basis. When the Soviet system was characterized as patrimonial, conceptual analysis was also generally lacking. In the article an attempt is made to fill in the gap between Weberian sociological theory and historical studies of Soviet society. It is argued that, although the concept of patrimonialism is applicable to the Stalinist system, this concept is not sufficient for the description of the Soviet state throughout its history. It is assumed in the article that Weber's concept of Beamtenmherrschaft might be more appropriate for the analysis of the post-Stalinist political regime in the USSR.
‘What about the Boys?’: Schooling, Class and Crisis Masculinity
Authors: Ghaill Máirtín Mac an
Published: September 2009

Currently there is growing professional concern in education about ‘boys’ schooling underachievement'. At the same time, popular representations are emerging in the media that position boys as the new victims of institutional gender discrimination. Implicit in these accounts is the notion of fixed gender categories for girls and boys that are in the process of changing. In contrast, recent feminist research on schooling has shown the limits of earlier sex role models of socialisation, that operated with fixed gender images of male and female pupils. It is suggested in this paper that there is a need to draw upon this literature, in order to develop a more sophisticated framework of male identity formation at a school level. The emerging thesis of ‘boys’ underachievement' needs to be located within this framework, that suggests that schools make available a range of femininities and masculinities that young people come to occupy. This paper focuses upon an exploration of the cultural production of white working-class male students. More specifically there is a critical examination of a crisis masculinity experienced by specific sectors of young working class men, who are low academic achievers and have little prospect of future work. Of particular concern here is that new modes of school masculinity are being constructed at a time of retreat from social class analysis in critical accounts of schooling.
Young Environmentalists: Post-Modern Identities or Middle-Class Culture?
Authors: Skogen Ketil
Published: September 2009

The dominance of certain fractions of the ‘new middle class’ within the environmental movement seems beyond dispute. As regards youth, on the other hand, involvement in ‘new social movements’ is often interpreted as part of identity-formation processes typical of the ‘postmodern’ era, where class background allegedly do not have the same impact as before. However, the latter position seems somewhat lacking in empirical foundation. A study of 5,624 Norwegian 13–19 year olds demonstrated that youth with a background in the humanistic-social intermediate strata were particularly over-represented in environmental organizations (EOs) and gave the highest political priority to environmental issues (EIs). Youth whose parents were manual or clerical workers were under-represented in EOs, and they attached less importance to EIs. A similar pattern was discerned in youth choosing academic and vocational subjects respectively, and there was a strong relationship between background class and choice of subjects. Number of books in childhood home (an indicator of cultural assets, itself strongly related to class) was also correlated with environmental orientation. It is suggested that the findings should be interpreted along four dimensions: a cultural polarization between abstraction and production, proximity to production and market, proximity to nature, and cultural dominance vs. subordination.
THE SUBJECTIVIST CONSEQUENCES OF EXPRESSIVISM
Authors: SUIKKANEN JUSSI
Published: September 2009

Jackson and Pettit argue that expressivism in metaethics collapses into subjectivism. A sincere utterer of a moral claim must believe that she has certain attitudes to be expressed. The truth‐conditions of that belief then allegedly provide truth‐conditions also for the moral utterance. Thus, the expressivist cannot deny that moral claims have subjectivist truth‐conditions. Critics have argued that this argument fails as stated. I try to show that expressivism does have subjectivist repercussions in a way that avoids the problems of the Jackson‐Pettit argument. My argument, based on the norms for asserting moral sentences, attempts to tie expressivists to a more modest form of subjectivism than the previous arguments.
HOW DEMONSTRATIVE PICTORIAL REFERENCE GROUNDS CONTEXTUALISM
Authors: VOLTOLINI ALBERTO
Published: September 2009

In a very recent paper (forthcoming),Dominic McIver Lopeshas claimed that pictures perceptually ground demonstrative reference to depicted objects. If as I think Lopes is right, this has important consequences for the debate on the semantics/pragmatics divide. For one can exploit Lopes' claim in order to provide one more argument in favour of the well‐known contextualist thesis that wide context has not only both a pre‐ and a post‐semantic role, but also a semantic role – to put it inPerry's (1997) terms.
Different problems – same treatment. Swedish juvenile offenders in community‐based rehabilitative programmes
Authors: Hau Hanna Ginner , Smedler Ann‐Charlotte
Published: September 2009

Ginner Hau H, Smedler A‐C. Different problems – same treatment. Swedish juvenile offenders in community‐based rehabilitative programmes

Int J Soc Welfare 2011: 20: 87–96 © 2009 The Author, Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare.

Young delinquents may be regarded as children in need of rehabilitation or as offenders deserving of consequences proportional to the committed crime. The focus has increasingly been on the latter, while research shows that individual risk assessment is essential for effective rehabilitation. This study explored self‐reported history of antisocial behaviour among Swedish male offenders 15–17 years of age (n= 189) who were sentenced to participate in rehabilitative programmes conducted by local social services. Antisocial behaviour was extensive and, according to a principal component analysis, consisted of three dimensions: (i) adolescent delinquency; (ii) violence and theft; (iii) drug‐related crimes. Using cluster analysis, the participants were divided into four subgroups representing different levels and characteristics of delinquency, which explained 73 per cent of the variance in antisocial behaviour. The conclusion is that assignment to rehabilitative programmes appeared unrelated to subgroups, i.e. to risk level. Organisational obstacles to an evidence‐based practice are discussed.
A Comparative Study of Net Transfers for Different Immigrant Groups: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Gerdes Christer
Published: September 2009

In the wake of immigration to Western welfare states, certain aspects, such as the financial cost of providing social welfare, have become a subject of debate. The net amount of costs and tax payments, sometimes referred to as net transfers, has been used as a measure for evaluating the sustainability of welfare state systems. The present study analyses determinants of the volume of net transfers in Germany in 2002 with reference to immigrants from Poland, Turkey, former Yugoslavia, Lebanon and Iran. The study focuses on the differences and similarities between their outcomes. In line with previous research, the results below suggest that employment situation and family composition explain a large part of the differences in net transfers. One outcome that has not previously been adequately addressed, however, is that the legal immigration status granted on arrival in Germany is of considerable importance.
Management of cutaneous side‐effects of cetuximab therapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Ocvirk J , Cencelj S
Published: September 2009

Background  Cetuximab is a chimeric human‐murine monoclonal antibody against the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). It has shown activities against multiple malignancies in clinical trials. EGFR‐inhibitors (EGFRI) often cause skin toxicity, most frequently acneiform eruption. Xerosis, eczema, fissures, teleangiectases, nail changes and paronychia can be seen in some cases, rarely hyperpigmentation.

Materials and methods  We reviewed local practice of skin toxicity management during treatment with cetuximab. From November 2005 to January 2007, 31 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer were treated with cetuximab in combination with chemotherapy. They all suffered from acne‐like rash. They were followed up for at least 3 months, once per week. Skin toxicity was evaluated according to NCI CTCAE, v3.0.

Results  Of 31 patients, six had grade three rash, 16 patients Grade 2 and nine patients Grade 1 acne like rash. Less frequently, pruritus, dry skin, desquamation, hair modification, conjunctivitis, telangiectases, paronychia or fissures were observed. After the first documented cutaneous toxicity, topical use of emollients was started. For Grade 2 rash, we used emollients and topical antibiotics. Therapy with cetuximab was discontinued at Grade 3 until skin reactions resolved. Skin reactions at Grade 3 were generally manageable with emollients, topical and systemic antibiotics. No Grade 4 skin reactions were observed.

Conclusion  During the treatment with EGFRI, it is necessary to recognize and manage adverse reactions promptly to assure better patient quality of life and allowing continuation of therapy without dose reduction or drug discontinuation.
Emotion identification in girls at high risk for depression
Authors: Joormann Jutta , Gilbert Kirsten , Gotlib Ian H.
Published: September 2009

Background:  Children of depressed mothers are themselves at elevated risk for developing a depressive disorder. We have little understanding, however, of the specific factors that contribute to this increased risk. This study investigated whether never‐disordered daughters whose mothers have experienced recurrent episodes of depression during their daughters’ lifetime differ from never‐disordered daughters of never‐disordered mothers in their processing of facial expressions of emotion.

Method:  Following a negative mood induction, daughters completed an emotion identification task in which they watched faces slowly change from a neutral to a full‐intensity happy, sad, or angry expression. We assessed both the intensity that was required to accurately identify the emotion being expressed and errors in emotion identification.

Results:  Daughters of depressed mothers required greater intensity than did daughters of control mothers to accurately identify sad facial expressions; they also made significantly more errors identifying angry expressions.

Conclusion:  Cognitive biases may increase vulnerability for the onset of disorders and should be considered in early intervention and prevention efforts.
Scale‐dependent relationships between native richness, resource stability and exotic cover in dock fouling communities of Washington, USA
Authors: Grey Erin K.
Published: September 2009

Aim  In terrestrial plant communities, the relationship between native species diversity and exotic success is typically scale‐dependent. It is often proposed that within local neighbourhoods, high native diversity limits resources, thereby inhibiting exotic success. However, environmental variation that manifests over space or time can create positive correlations between native diversity and exotic success at larger scales. In marine habitats, there have been few multi‐scale surveys of this pattern, so it is unclear how diversity, resource limitation and the environment influence the success of exotic species in these systems.

Location  Washington, USA.

Methods  I analysed nested spatial and temporal surveys of fouling communities, which are assemblages of sessile marine invertebrates, to test whether the relationships between native richness, resource availability and exotic cover supported the diversity‐stability and diversity‐resistance theories, to test whether these relationships changed with spatio‐temporal scale, and to explore the temperature preferences of native and exotic fouling species.

Results  Survey data failed to support diversity‐stability theory: space availability actually increased with native richness at the local neighbourhood scale, and neither space availability nor variability decreased with native richness across larger spatio‐temporal scales. I did find support for diversity‐resistance theory, as richness negatively correlated with exotic cover in local neighbourhoods. Unexpectedly, this negative correlation disappeared at intermediate scales, but emerged again at the regional scale. This scale‐dependent pattern could be partially explained by contrasting water temperature preferences of native and exotic species.

Main conclusions  Within local neighbourhoods, native diversity may inhibit exotic abundance, but the mechanism is unlikely related to resource limitation. At the largest scale, correlations suggest that native richness is higher in cooler environments, whereas exotic richness is higher in warmer environments. This large‐scale pattern contrasts with the typical plant community pattern, and has important implications for coastal management in the face of global climate change.
Formation and diagenesis of modern marine calcified cyanobacteria
Authors: PLANAVSKY N. , REID R. P. , LYONS T. W. , MYSHRALL K. L. , VISSCHER P. T.
Published: September 2009

Calcified cyanobacterial microfossils are common in carbonate environments through most of the Phanerozoic, but are absent from the marine rock record over the past 65 Myr. There has been long‐standing debate on the factors controlling the formation and temporal distribution of these fossils, fostered by the lack of a suitable modern analog. We describe calcified cyanobacteria filaments in a modern marine reef setting at Highborne Cay, Bahamas. Our observations and stable isotope data suggest that initial calcification occurs in living cyanobacteria and is photosynthetically induced. A single variety of cyanobacteria, Dichothrix sp., produces calcified filaments. Adjacent cyanobacterial mats form well‐laminated stromatolites, rather than calcified filaments, indicating there can be a strong taxonomic control over the mechanism of microbial calcification. Petrographic analyses indicate that the calcified filaments are degraded during early diagenesis and are not present in well‐lithified microbialites. The early diagenetic destruction of calcified filaments at Highborne Cay indicates that the absence of calcified cyanobacteria from periods of the Phanerozoic is likely to be caused by low preservation potential as well as inhibited formation.
INVESTIGATION OF THE CONTENT OF ANCIENT TIBETAN METALLIC BUDDHA STATUES BY MEANS OF NEUTRON IMAGING METHODS
Authors: LEHMANN E. H. , HARTMANN S. , SPEIDEL M. O.
Published: September 2009

Many important cultural and religious objects from Asia consist of outer metallic shapes, usually bronze, which fully enclose inner contents made of organic materials such as wood, bark, paper, textile, plants and others. Bronze and other metallic materials, such as copper and silver, are generally more transparent to neutrons than to X‐rays. However, organic materials are less transparent to neutrons than to X‐rays and therefore organic materials, enclosed by metallic materials, can be made visible with neutrons. Therefore, neutron imaging (radiography and tomography) was found to be an ideal tool for the inspection of objects that consist of metal outside and organic materials inside. This has been successfully demonstrated here with four metallic Tibetan Buddha statues, providing archaeometry with a powerful new tool. The first successful applications of this novel technique are described in this article. Further possible and useful applications of neutron imaging of cultural objects are outlined.
Examining the individual within marriage: Personal strengths and relationship satisfaction
Authors: GORDON CAMERON L. , BAUCOM DONALD H.
Published: September 2009

The present investigation aims to identify individual strengths that may benefit efforts toward marital enhancement. Ninety‐two married couples from the Southeastern United States completed questionnaires measuring positive affectivity, optimism, coping skills, personal expansion, and marital satisfaction. Results indicate that perceptions of a spouse's positive affectivity, as well as one's own positive affectivity, are related to relationship satisfaction. In addition, positive affectivity contributed to satisfaction above and beyond negative affectivity. Finally, optimism, coping skills, and personal expansion appear to be important resources for marriage via their association with each partner's affectivity. The discussion considers these results in the context of marital enhancement and relationship flourishing.
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF CHLORELLA SOROKINIANA GXNN01 (CHLOROPHYTA) WITH THE PROPERTIES OF HETEROTROPHIC AND MICROAEROBIC GROWTH1
Authors: Qiao Hongjin , Wang Guangce , Zhang Xiaojuan
Published: September 2009

Heterotrophic and anaerobic microalgae are of significance in both basic research and industrial application. A microalga strain was isolated from a wastewater treatment pond and identified as Chlorella sorokiniana Shihira et W. R. Krauss GXNN01 in terms of morphology, physiology, and phylogeny. The strain grows rapidly in heterotrophic or mixotrophic conditions with addition of various carbon sources, and even in anaerobic conditions. The maximum growth rate reached 0.28 d−1 when using d,l‐malate as the carbon source, and the protein content of the microalgae was 75.32% in cell dry weight. The strain was shown to be capable of (1) utilizing d,l‐malate only with light, (2) inhibiting photosynthesis in mixotrophic growth, and (3) growing in anaerobic conditions with regular photosynthesis and producing oxygen internally. This study demonstrates the influence of oxygen (aerobic vs. anaerobic) and metabolic regime (autotrophy, mixotrophy, heterotrophy) on the physiological state of the cell.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY OF SELECTED SPECIES OF THE ORDER DINOPHYSIALES (DINOPHYCEAE)—TESTING THE HYPOTHESIS OF A DINOPHYSIOID RADIATION1
Authors: Jensen Maria Hastrup , Daugbjerg Niels
Published: September 2009

Almost 80 years ago, a radiation scheme based on structural resemblance was first outlined for the marine order Dinophysiales. This hypothetical radiation illustrated the relationship between the dinophysioid genera and included several independent, extant lineages. Subsequent studies have supplied additional information on morphology and ecology to these evolutionary lineages. We have for the first time combined morphological information with molecular phylogenies to test the dinophysioid radiation hypothesis in a modern context. Nuclear‐encoded LSU rDNA sequences including domains D1‐D6 from 27 species belonging to Dinophysis Ehrenb., Ornithocercus F. Stein, Phalacroma F. Stein, Amphisolenia F. Stein, Citharistes F. Stein, and Histioneis F. Stein were obtained from the Indian Ocean. Previously, LSU rDNA has only been determined from one of these. In Bayesian analyses, Amphisolenia formed a long basal clade to the other dinophysioids. These diverged into two separate lineages, the first comprised species with a classical Phalacroma outline, also including the type species P. porodictyum F. Stein. Thus, we propose to reinstate the genus Phalacroma. The relationship between the genera in the second lineage was not well resolved. However, the molecular phylogeny supported monophyly of Histioneis and Citharistes and showed the genus Dinophysis to be polyphyletic and in need of a taxonomic revision. Species of Ornithocercus grouped with Citharistes, but this relationship remained unresolved. The phylogenetic trees furthermore revealed convergent evolution of several morphological characters in the dinophysioids. According to the molecular data, the dinophysioids appeared to have evolved quite differently from the radiation schemes previously hypothesized. Four dinophysioid species had identical LSU rDNA sequences to other well‐established species.
2. A New Framework for Macroeconomics
Authors: Gaffney Mason
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Most forms of macroeconomics today, whether Keynesian or monetarist, presuppose that problems of economic instability can be treated as errors in financial management. Neither fiscal nor monetary policy recognizes the existence of systemic faults in the real economy that result in overinvestment in durable capital that turns over slowly, in contrast to forms of capital that interact more frequently with land and labor. Only by removing serious distortions in microeconomic relations can macroeconomic problems be resolved. The current global economic crisis exemplifies the limitations of policies that ignore distortions in the rate of turnover of investment capital.
Primary Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation: Does the Atrial Lead Position Influence the Incidence of Atrial Arrhythmias in Patients with Sinus Node Dysfunction? Results from the PASTA Trial
Authors: SPITZER STEFAN G. , WACKER PETRA , GAZAREK STEFFEN , MALINOWSKI KLAUS , SCHIBGILLA VOLKER ,   on behalf of the PASTA Study Group
Published: September 2009

Introduction: PASTA (pacing of the atria in sinus node disease) is a prospective and randomized trial, assessing the effect of different atrial lead positions on the atrial fibrillation (AF) incidence in patients with sinus node disease (SND).

Method: The atrial lead position is randomized to: (a) free right atrial wall, (b) right atrial appendage (RAA), (c) coronary sinus ostium (CS‐Os), or (d) dual site right atrial pacing (CS‐Os + RAA). The pacemakers (Vitatron Selection 9000 or Prevent AF, Vitatron B.V., Arnhem, The Netherlands) are programmed in DDDR 70 mode and the total follow‐up duration is 24 months. To describe the atrial rhythm state, pacemaker‐derived data (arrhythmia counter) were assessed for AF episodes. AF was considered as evident, if the AF burden (time in AF related to follow‐up interval) was >1% (i.e., 15 min/d). Follow‐up data after 24 months were evaluated.

Results: The analysis evaluates 142 patients (77 male, 74.5 ± 7.8 years). There was no statistical significant difference with respect to the occurrence of AF between the four groups after 24 months (A: 36%; B: 38%, C: 32%, D: 48%). The percentage of atrial/ventricular pacing was in A: 78/76%, in B: 84/81%, in C: 70/65%, and in D: 79/69%. These differences were not significant.

Conclusion: The evaluation of the AF burden >1% and the total AF burden after 24 months did not show differences in the incidence of AF in patients with dual chamber pacemaker therapy for SND. We were not able to demonstrate a significant influence of right atrial lead position on the incidence of AF recurrence.
Nonlinear FEM Simulation of Air Cushion Vehicle (ACV) Skirt Joint Under Tension Loading
Authors: ZHOU JIA , GUO JINTING , TANG WENYONG , ZHANG SHENGKUN
Published: September 2009

The mechanical properties of an air cushion vehicle (ACV) skirt cloth, which is a nonlinear rubber‐coated fabric, are tested on a Series IX 4465 electron tension machine manufactured by Instron Company. Compared with the Mooney–Rivlin and Ogden form, the second‐order Mooney–Rivlin form agrees with the model test result better. The ultimate bearing capacity of an ACV skirt joint structure is tested on a mechanical tension machine and the ultimate load is recorded manually. Then, considering the contact effect of each assembly and the large‐displacement of skirt elements, a nonlinear finite element method (FEM)‐based simulation process of an ACV skirt joint structure under tension loading is presented. The simulation process comprises three steps: assembly of parts, bolts' tightening, and tensioning the skirt cloth. Under these loadings, the stress distribution and deformation of the skirt cloth, and the cloth broken locations and directions are obtained. These results agree well with the test results. As for the ultimate bearing capacity of the skirt joint, the simulation result is slightly smaller than the test result. Thus, this FEM‐based simulation method is proven to be reliable and relatively conservative.
Molecular risk stratification in advanced heart failure patients
Authors: Lamirault Guillaume , Meur Nolwenn Le , Roussel Jean‐Christian , Cunff Marie‐France Le , Baron Daniel , Bihouée Audrey , Guisle Isabelle , Raharijaona Mahatsangy , Ramstein Gérard , Teusan Raluca , Chevalier Catherine , Gueffet Jean‐Pierre , Trochu Jean‐Noël , Léger Jean J. , Houlgatte Rémi , Steenman Marja
Published: September 2009

Risk stratification in advanced heart failure (HF) is crucial for the individualization of therapeutic strategy, in particular for heart transplantation and ventricular assist device implantation. We tested the hypothesis that cardiac gene expression profiling can distinguish between HF patients with different disease severity. We obtained tissue samples from both left (LV) and right (RV) ventricle of explanted hearts of 44 patients undergoing cardiac transplantation or ventricular assist device placement. Gene expression profiles were obtained using an in‐house microarray containing 4217 muscular organ‐relevant genes. Based on their clinical status, patients were classified into three HF‐severity groups: deteriorating (n= 12), intermediate (n= 19) and stable (n= 13). Two‐class statistical analysis of gene expression profiles of deteriorating and stable patients identified a 170‐gene and a 129‐gene predictor for LV and RV samples, respectively. The LV molecular predictor identified patients with stable and deteriorating status with a sensitivity of 88% and 92%, and a specificity of 100% and 96%, respectively. The RV molecular predictor identified patients with stable and deteriorating status with a sensitivity of 100% and 96%, and a specificity of 100% and 100%, respectively. The molecular prediction was reproducible across biological replicates in LV and RV samples. Gene expression profiling has the potential to reproducibly detect HF patients with highest HF severity with high sensitivity and specificity. In addition, not only LV but also RV samples could be used for molecular risk stratification with similar predictive power.
Survival and failure rates of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices: a systematic review
Authors: Schätzle Marc , Männchen Roland , Zwahlen Marcel , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: September 2009

Aim: The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature on the survival rates of palatal implants, Onplants®, miniplates and mini screws.

Material and methods: An electronic MEDLINE search supplemented by manual searching was conducted to identify randomized clinical trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies on palatal implants, Onplants®, miniplates and miniscrews with a mean follow‐up time of at least 12 weeks and of at least 10 units per modality having been examined clinically at a follow‐up visit. Assessment of studies and data abstraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Reported failures of used devices were analyzed using random‐effects Poisson regression models to obtain summary estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of failure and survival proportions.

Results: The search up to January 2009 provided 390 titles and 71 abstracts with full‐text analysis of 34 articles, yielding 27 studies that met the inclusion criteria. In meta‐analysis, the failure rate for Onplants® was 17.2% (95% CI: 5.9–35.8%), 10.5% for palatal implants (95% CI: 6.1–18.1%), 16.4% for miniscrews (95% CI: 13.4–20.1%) and 7.3% for miniplates (95% CI: 5.4–9.9%). Miniplates and palatal implants, representing torque‐resisting temporary anchorage devices (TADs), when grouped together, showed a 1.92‐fold (95% CI: 1.06–2.78) lower clinical failure rate than miniscrews.

Conclusion: Based on the available evidence in the literature, palatal implants and miniplates showed comparable survival rates of ≥90% over a period of at least 12 weeks, and yielded superior survival than miniscrews. Palatal implants and miniplates for temporary anchorage provide reliable absolute orthodontic anchorage. If the intended orthodontic treatment would require multiple miniscrew placement to provide adequate anchorage, the reliability of such systems is questionable. For patients who are undergoing extensive orthodontic treatment, force vectors may need to be varied or the roots of the teeth to be moved may need to slide past the anchors. In this context, palatal implants or miniplates should be the TADs of choice.