bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPLAINING FEDERAL RESERVE MONETARY POLICY
Authors: Saeki Manabu , Shull Steven A.
Published: September 2010

In an examination of Federal Funds rate monthly from 1954 to 2000, we compare a model using presidential party as a compositional variable with a model using presidential party as an interactive variable. Federal Reserve monetary policy was found responsive to the economy, to business elites, and to political circumstances. However, these influences had different patterns depending upon presidential party. The Federal Reserve appears to act neither randomly nor in isolation. It is responsive to the economy and interest groups but a President's partisan preference is particularly influential in decisions on monetary policy.
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO POLICY TRANSER AND DIFFUSION
Authors: Newmark Adam J.
Published: September 2010

This article reviews the existing literature on policy transfer and diffusion and offers a more integrated theory for examining the spreading of policy. Typical studies have treated each as separate, yet they are similar in many respects. For example, both involve many of the same agents and processes involved in the spreading of policy. This article integrates the two literatures by developing a theoretical continuum upon which varying degrees of policy diffusion occur.
Tradable Permits for Common‐Pool Resources: An Assessment
Authors: Dolšak Nives
Published: September 2010

Scholars often attribute deterioration in common‐pool resources (CPRs) to ill‐defined property rights and suggest privatization and tradable permit markets as a solution to the commons problem. CPRs are heterogeneous, differing in physical characteristics and use patterns. Regulating their use requires tailored policy solutions that cohere with these characteristics. This paper examines factors that contribute to a well‐performing tradable permit market. While the literature offers rich empirical analyses of individual tradable permit markets, it has not provided an analytical framework enabling comparative analysis of these markets. This paper develops and employs an analytical framework for comparing across markets. The comparative analysis of market performance suggests that markets are not successful in all environmental problems and all demand situations. Further, it shows that even some markets frequently cited as exemplary successes have been that for nonmarket‐related reasons. On the other hand, this comparative analysis identifies sources of success for markets that partial analytical frameworks would have predicted to fail.
Material Objects and Aura: Popular Culture Images against and for War
Authors: Toohey David
Published: September 2010

Surrealism, altered to fit the politics of marginalized people, helps to analyze popular culture's response to war and terrorism. Metaphors from surrealist art and sources from popular culture, including Fahrenheit 9/11 and the apocalyptic, violent, dispensationalist, Left Behind novel series, reveal many discussions of U.S. policy that are currently occurring. This article asks how political agendas are communicated and framed to society via images and how this influences debate over war. The overall conclusion is that the prowar movement uses images that dissuade U.S. society from critical thought and debate on foreign policy issues. While surrealist imagery provides metaphors for the analytic framework, imagery in support of war uses less thought and more violence, which is appropriately analyzed using German Romantic film as a metaphor.
Universities and State Policy Formation: Rationalizing a Nanotechnology Strategy in Pennsylvania
Authors: Sá Creso M. , Geiger Roger L. , Hallacher Paul M.
Published: September 2010

Technology‐based economic development programs have become a salient feature of the state policy landscape since the 1980s. While much research exists on the topic, little attention has been given to the processes of policy formation. State programs have moved towards high technology areas emphasized at the federal level over the past decades, and nanotechnology became one of the latest targets. This paper examines the eight‐year process through which Pennsylvania adopted a “state‐wide strategy,” culminating in the Pennsylvania Initiative for Nanotechnology. In this process, programs that responded to the interests of multiple agents came first, and a state policy was formulated after the fact. This pattern of “rationalized policy formation,” as opposed to rational policy formation, may be more common than suspected. Its strengths and weaknesses in this Pennsylvania case are discussed.
Public Participation and Environmental Policy: What Factors Shape State Agency's Public Participation Provisions?
Authors: Daley Dorothy M.
Published: September 2010

Public participation is becoming increasingly common in environmental decision making. While researchers have focused on understanding why individuals get involved and the impact of their engagement, less is known about the forces that shape agency and legislative decision making regarding participation. This paper uses multinomial logistic regression to explore the determinants of public participation provisions in state hazardous waste programs over time. The results suggest that states with more liberal citizenry, higher levels of manufacturing, and urban areas are more likely to formalize the participation provisions in their hazardous waste programs. Comparatively, states with fewer Democratic representatives are more likely to informally engage in public participation procedures in their states programs.
Race, Medicine, and Social Justice: Pharmacogenetics, Diversity, and the Case of BiDil
Authors: Jordan Sara R.
Published: September 2010

In this article, I probe an example of high‐technology medicine as a case study in the problems of the regulation of advancing technology. Specifically, I address the implications of pharmacogenomics—an emerging form of population‐based health care intervention—for public policies designed to eliminate racial disparities in health. Using the case of BiDil, a historical precursor to pharmacogenetic technology, I offer a framework for further studies of high‐technology medicine in which policy analysis is part of a social review based on the justice standard of ex ante mutual advantage. It is the contention in this article that the most just and reasonable deployment of pharmacogenomics is as a compensatory tool to alleviate health disparities.
The effect of whole‐body sunbed ultraviolet A exposure on the pharmacokinetics of the photolabile drug nifedipine
Authors: Al‐Ajmi H. S. , Dawe R. S. , Renwick A. G. , Macklin B. S. , Ferguson J. , Gibbs N. K.
Published: September 2010

The calcium antagonist nifedipine absorbs ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation and readily photodegrades in vitro to a toxic nitroso‐pyridine photoproduct. We examined whether whole body exposure of normal subjects to sunbed UVA radiation would affect the pharmacokinetics of nifedipine. Eight healthy, male, Caucasian volunteers (phototypes I–III) participated in this ethically approved, randomised, cross‐over study. Each subject attended on 2 occasions, one week apart, and on each occasion was given a single oral dose (10 mg) of nifedipine following which blood samples were collected at 0, 0.5, 1. 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5, 6 and 7 h. During one of the visits, 15 min after nifedipine ingestion, a whole‐body UVA (sunbed comprising Philips R‐UVA lamps) dose of 70% of the individual's predetermined minimal phototoxic dose was delivered over a period of 17–36 min. Plasma nifedipine levels were measured using a standard reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method. The area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) of nifedipine during the UVA irradiation session (median 206 ng · ml−1 · h−1) was significantly higher than during the non‐irradiation control session (median 174.5 ng · ml−1 · h−1) (P=0.03; 95% C.I. for difference in medians 9.9 to 55.9 ng · ml−1 · h−1). UVA irradiation did not significantly affect any of the other measured pharmacokinetic parameters (Cmax, t1/2, tmax). We demonstrate that sunbed UVA irradiation does not lead to in vivo photodegradation of nifedipine in healthy humans after a single dose. The apparent increase in AUC during UVA irradiation may be due to slightly slower metabolism of nifedipine in the presence of toxic photoproduct(s) or due to blood distribution changes affecting liver blood flow.
The effect of PUVA on Langerhans cells in rat oral epithelium photosensitized with systemic methoxsalen or topical trioxsalen
Authors: Kuusilehto A. , Happonen R.‐P. , Peltola J. , Lehtinen R. , Jansén C. T.
Published: September 2010

Background/purpose: Ultraviolet‐A radiation (UVA) of the oral mucosa after photosensitization with either systemic methoxsalen (8‐MOP) or topical trioxsalen (TMP), i.e. mouth‐PUVA, has been reported to be successful in the treatment of oral lichenoid lesions. In the case of PUVA treatment of skin disorders, local immune suppressive effects have been demonstrated, and the antigen presenting epithelial Langerhans cells (LCs) have been shown to be especially sensitive to ultraviolet treatments. Our aim was to compare the photobiological effects of PUVA in oral mucous membrane (OMM) using topical TMP or systemic 8‐MOP photosensitization.

Methods: Rat OMM photosensitized with topical TMP or systemic 8‐MOP was treated with PUVA using UVA doses of 1–8 J/cm2. The LCs were demonstrated in epithelial sheets of the treated OMM with ATPase staining.

Results: Both treatments caused a similar, dose‐dependent depletion of ATPase‐positive LCs, with a maximal depletion of 80% or 73% with 8 J/cm2 at 2 days after irradiation as photosensitized with TMP or 8‐MOP, respectively. This contrasts with earlier published findings in human skin, where topical TMP is an order of magnitude greater a sensitizer than 8‐MOP, and PUVA‐induced depletion of LCs occurs maximally 5 days after irradiation.

Conclusion: The depletion of LCs of rat OMM after PUVA treatment is greater using topical TMP compared to systemic 8‐MOP, but the difference is significantly smaller than reported earlier in human skin.
Field‐based measurements of personal erythemal ultraviolet exposure through a common summer garment
Authors: Parisi A. V. , Kimlin M. G. , Mulheran L. , Meldrum L. R. , Randall C.
Published: September 2010

The research in this paper quantifies the solar erythemal UV exposures to the skin through a common summer garment during outdoor activities. The erythemal exposures under the garment for the wet white garment exceeded a MED (minimum erythemal dose) at some anatomical sites in summer for a two‐hour period. An erythemal exposure of 1.7 MED, in excess of the occupational limit for UV exposure, was measured under the white garment during swimming for a one‐hour period. Clothing must form an important component of a UV protection strategy. However, it must be realised that total UV protection is not provided and significant UV exposures may be received beneath the garment, particularly for a white garment in the wet state. This re‐enforces the necessity of a combination of several UV prevention strategies to minimise UV exposure.
Parental sun protection management in preschool children
Authors: Abeck D. , Feucht J. , Schäfer T. , Behrendt H. , Krämer U. , Ring J.
Published: September 2010

A total of 287 children (5 to 8 years old) were investigated for parental sun protection management techniques in a questionnaire‐based survey. We evaluated the parents' knowledge about the risk of melanoma, their level of education, their nationality and the child's skin type with the children's use of sunscreen, clothes and shade. In general, the parents' knowledge about the correlation of skin cancer with extensive sun exposure in childhood was good. There was no correlation between the level of parental education and the frequency of sun protection measures. Children of non‐German parents had significantly less sun protection. Our results indicate the need for special teaching programs for children in Germany to achieve a more responsible sun protection management.
Liposomes in investigative dermatology
Authors: Yarosh Daniel B.
Published: September 2010

Liposomes are microscopic spheres, usually composed of amphiphilic phospholipids. They may be useful without skin penetration if they simply protect or sequester compounds that would otherwise be unstable in the formulation. Liposomes that remain on the skin surface are useful as light‐absorbers, agents to deliver color or sunscreens, or as depots for timed‐release. Liposomes that penetrate the stratum corneum have the potential to interact with living tissue. Topically applied liposomes can either mix with the stratum corneum lipid matrix or penetrate the stratum corneum by exploiting the lipid‐water interface of the intercellular matrix. There are at least four major routes of entry into the skin: pores, hair follicles, columnular spaces and the lipid:water matrix between squames. A major force driving liposome penetration is the water gradient, and flexible liposomes are best able to exploit these delivery opportunities. Some liposomes release their contents extracellularly. Topical application of photosensitizers may be enhanced by encapsulation in liposomes. Higher and longer‐lasting drug concentrations may be produced in localized areas of skin, particularly at disease sites where the stratum corneum and the skin barrier function are disrupted. The liposome membrane should be designed to capture lipophilic drugs in the membrane or hydrophilic drugs in the interior. Other types of liposomes can be engineered to be taken up by cells. Once inside cells, the lysosomal sac and clatherin‐coated pit are the dead‐end destinations for liposomes unless an escape path has been engineered into the liposome. A novel method has been developed to allow delivery into cells of the skin, by escape from the lysosomal sac. These liposomes have been used to topical deliver active DNA repair enzymes from liposomes into epidermal cells and to enhance DNA repair of UV‐irradiated skin. From these studies a tremendous amount has been learned about the relationship of DNA damage and skin cancer. Both mutations and immunosuppression appear to be essential to skin cancer and both are induced by DNA damage. DNA damage produces immediate effects by inducing the expression of cytokines, which means that DNA damage can induce signaling in neighboring, undamaged cells. The repair of only a fraction of the DNA damage has a disproportionate effect on the biological responses, clearly demonstrating that not all DNA damage is equivalent. This technology demonstrates that biologically active proteins can be delivered into the cells of skin, and opens up a new field of correcting or enhancing skin cell metabolism to improve human health.
Downregulation of Bcl‐2 and activation of caspase‐8 in the UVB‐induced apoptosis of a cultured human melanoma cell line
Authors: Park K. H. , Choi H. O. , Jang D. D. , Park Y. I. , Park K. C.
Published: September 2010

Purpose: This study was performed to determine the effect of UV radiation on the activation of apoptosis regulatory proteins using cultured human melanoma cells.

Methods: G361 lightly pigmented melanoma cells were irradiated with increasing doses of UVB and analyzed for an apoptotic mechanism using a cell viability test, TEM, FACS, and western blotting analysis.

Results: TEM and FACS showed apoptotic features of cell death after UVB irradiation. Western blotting disclosed downregulation of Bcl‐2 and the activation of caspase‐9. Caspase‐8, a downstream molecule of Fas/FasL interaction, was also activated. The activation of downstream molecules of both caspase‐8 and caspase‐9 was also demonstrated.

Conclusion: Our data showed that the regulation of the Bcl‐2 family and caspase‐8 may work together to activate a caspase‐3 mediated apoptotic pathway following UVB irradiation of cultured human melanoma cells.
Determination of the ultraviolet protection factor of textile materials:measurement precision
Authors: Laperre J. , Gambichler T. , Driscoll C. , Böhringer B. , Varieras S. , Osterwalder U. , Rieker J. , Camenzind M. , Hoffmann K.
Published: September 2010

Background: There is much interest in the use of textiles for sun protection. In vitro test methods are frequently used to assess the degree of protection to solar ultraviolet radiation of textile materials. It is, however, of paramount importance that methods are clearly described and that the precision of these methods is determined such that comparison between laboratories can be performed. An in vitro method for the determination of the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) is described in a new European Standard and is referred to as prEN 13758. Thirty experts from 11 European member states, forming a working group of the European Standardization Commission (CEN), have developed this method in consensus. In this paper the reliability of this test method for the determination of the UPF of textiles worn in close proximity to the skin and in a relaxed and dry state is studied.

Methods: For the determination of the precision of the test method, eight laboratories, using nine different measuring devices located in five different countries, have measured 14 textile materials of various types of construction and levels of UVR protection. Statistical analysis of the results has been performed according to ISO 5725.

Results: The repeatability standard deviation of the described method is independent of the UPF in the range 1–70 and is 1.36. The reproducibility standard deviation, however, clearly increases with the level of UPF.

Conclusions: For high UPF values, differences between laboratories, due to factors such as different operators, equipment and calibration, can become important. This makes classification of high UPF materials questionable.
Analysis of photosensitivity in Japanese cancer‐bearing patients receiving photodynamic therapy with porfimer sodium (PhotofrinTM)
Authors: Moriwaki Shin‐Ichi , Misawa Junko , Yoshinari Yasushi , Yamada Ichiro , Takigawa Masahiro , Tokura Yoshiki
Published: September 2010

A major disadvantage of a new cancer treatment, porfimer sodium (PhotofrinTM)‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PF‐PDT), is photosensitivity for several weeks after cessation of the treatment. To characterize persistent sensitivity to visible light following PF‐PDT, phototestings were performed in 59 Japanese cancer‐bearing patients with a slide projector lamp 3 weeks or more after the treatment. The duration of photosensitivity was analyzed in relation to the patients’ sex, skin phototype (SPT), site of tumor and liver function. There was no correlation of the photosensitivity persistency with the site of cancers and the function of liver. However, female subjects needed significantly longer recovery periods than male subjects from potential photosensitivity after PF‐PDT. Patients with SPT2 were significantly more sensitive than patients with SPT3 and 4. These results suggest that the prolonged photosensitivity occurs after PF‐PDT especially in female patients and in cases with a lighter SPT. Such patients should be carefully followed up for post‐PDT photosensitivity.
Near‐infrared irradiation stimulates cutaneous wound repair:laboratory experiments on possible mechanisms
Authors: Danno Kiichiro , Mori Noriko , Toda Ken‐ichi , Kobayashi Takashi , Utani Atsushi
Published: September 2010

Background/Aims: Several physical agents such as low‐energy lasers have been used in the treatment of chronic skin ulcers. This study was performed to investigate potential effects of a newly‐developed, specific near‐infrared light source on wound repair.

Methods: Cultured human keratinocytes, endothelial cells and fibroblasts were exposed to the light, and the production of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 was examined by enzyme immunoassay, zymography and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Incisional wounds were created in ICR and db/db diabetic mice and the effect of irradiation on wound closure was followed photographically.

Results: The TGF‐β1 and MMP‐2 content of the medium of cultured cells was significantly elevated after irradiation. The amount of MMP‐2 mRNA extracted from irradiated fibroblasts was also upregulated. Negative results in thermal controls suggested that the action of the light was athermic in nature. In animal models, the rate of wound closure was significantly accelerated by repeated exposures.

Conclusion: Near‐infrared irradiation potentially enhances the wound healing process, presumably by its biostimulatory effects.
Single dose radiation is more effective for the UV‐induced activation and proliferation of melanocytes than fractionated dose radiation
Authors: An H. T. , Yoo J. Y. , Lee M. K. , Shin M. H. , Rhie G. E. , Seo J. Y. , Chung J. H. , Eun H. C. , Cho K. H.
Published: September 2010

Purpose: To establish whether the effect of fractionating radiation modifies the effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on epidermal melanocytes, we compared the clinical and histological effects of single high dose radiation against repeated intermediate to low dose radiation on epidermal melanocytes.

Methods: Three minimal erythema UV doses (MED) were administered to three sites on the buttocks of healthy volunteers. One site was irradiated with 0.5 MED UV every day for 6 consecutive days, another site was irradiated with 1 MED UV every second day, and a third site received a single dose of radiation with 3 MED UV. The treatment was replicated on the other buttock. For the evaluation of UV‐induced erythema and pigmentation, erythema and melanin indices were measured at 2 and 14 days post‐irradiation. For purposes of histological evaluation, tissue specimens taken from each irradiated site at 2 and 14 days post‐irradiation and were stained with monoclonal antibodies against Mel‐5, HMB‐45 and tyrosinase. Fontana‐Masson silver staining, DOPA staining and split DOPA reactions were also performed.

Results: At 14 days post‐irradiation, UV radiation induced melanocyte activation, proliferation and melanogenesis in proportion to the radiation dose administered to each fraction. The most prominent responses were observed after single high doses of radiation.

Conclusion: When the total administered dose is identical, fractionation of radiation dose diminishes the effects of UV radiation on epidermal melanocytes. Furthermore, long, uninterrupted doses of UV radiation were found to more effective in inducing melanogenesis and melanocyte activation.
Mechanisms of mutation formation with long‐wave ultraviolet light (UVA)
Authors: Rünger Thomas M. , Kappes Ulrike P.
Published: September 2010

Long‐wave ultraviolet (UV) A light is able to damage DNA, to cause mutations, and to induce skin cancer, but the exact mechanisms of UVA‐induced mutation formation remain a matter of debate. While pyrimidine dimers are well established to mediate mutation formation with shortwave UVB, other types of DNA damage, such as oxidative base damage, have long been thought to be the premutagenic lesions for UVA mutagenesis. However, pyrimidine dimers can also be generated by UVA, and there are several lines of evidence that these are the most important premutagenic lesions not only for UVB‐ but also for UVA‐induced mutation formation. C→T transition mutations, which are generated by pyrimidine dimers, are called UV‐signature mutations. They cannot be interpreted to be solely UVB‐induced, as they are induced by UVA as well. Furthermore, there is no consistent evidence for a separate UVA‐signature mutation that is only generated with UVA. We hypothesize that a weaker anti‐mutagenic cellular response, but not a different type of DNA damage, may be responsible for a higher mutation rate per DNA photoproduct with UVA, as compared with UVB.
Photocontact allergic and phototoxic studies of chlorproethazine
Authors: Kerr Alastair , Woods Julie , Ferguson James
Published: September 2010

Background: Neuriplege® cream was available as a non‐prescription medication in France until its withdrawal from the market by regulatory authorities in January 2007. Its active ingredient is the phenothiazine chlorproethazine (CPE). Before its withdrawal, we investigated the photocontact allergic and phototoxic potential of Neuriplege® cream and CPE.

Methods: An in vitro phototoxic study was performed in HaCaT keratinocytes using the neutral red dye phototoxic assay. Phototoxicity and photocontact allergy were assessed in humans by photopatch testing.

Results: In vitro, a 1 h incubation of keratinocytes with CPE was approximately 13 times as toxic to the cells in the presence of ultraviolet light compared with incubation with the drug alone. Of two healthy volunteers initially photopatch tested to Neuriplege® cream on the arm, one developed a phototoxic reaction. These two volunteers were then photopatch tested to Neuriplege® and CPE on the back with seven additional healthy volunteers. Both of the initial study volunteers experienced a photocontact allergic reaction to Neuriplege® as is upon this re‐exposure. Of the seven volunteers not previously exposed to Neuriplege® as is, five developed phototoxic reactions.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the strong phototoxic and photocontact allergic potential of CPE in Neuriplege® cream, and supports the decision of the French pharmaceutical regulatory authorities to withdraw it.
Effect of a new infrared light device (1100–1800 nm) on facial lifting
Authors: Ahn J. Y. , Han T. Y. , Lee C. K. , Seo S. J. , Hong C. K.
Published: September 2010

Laser skin resurfacing procedures can be classed into two categories – invasive and non‐invasive. The last several decades have witnessed a host of advancements in ablative laser therapy and other ablative modalities for the rejuvenation of skin, including the CO2 laser, the erbium : yttrium aluminum garnet laser, chemical peels, and dermabrasion. Despite the excellent results that can result from the practice of these techniques by experienced surgeons, the invasive nature of these devices is associated with inherent risks and patient discomfort. Therefore, much of the focus has been on non‐ablative lasers and intense‐pulsed light devices. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of treatment with the new infrared light device (1100–1800 nm), Titan, and assessed the degree of improvement associated with two‐time laser treatments, as compared to one‐time laser treatment.
Perinatal folate supply: relevance in health outcome parameters
Authors: Fekete Katalin , Berti Cristiana , Cetin Irene , Hermoso Maria , Koletzko Berthold V. , Decsi Tamás
Published: September 2010

The importance of physiological supply of folate is well recognized in human health; the crucial roles of folate in one‐carbon metabolism for physiological DNA synthesis and cell division, as well as in the conversion of homocysteine (Hcy) to methionine, and subsequently, to S‐adenosylmethionine, have been convincingly demonstrated. Improved folate status may reduce the risk of macrocytic anaemia, cardiovascular diseases, neuropsychiatric disorders and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Inadequate folate status results in a decrease in the methylation cycle and in increased blood levels of the neurotoxic Hcy. The aim of this review is to provide insight into the influence of folate status on pregnancy health outcomes, and to consider increasing evidence of a link between the extent of genome/epigenome damage and elevated risk for adverse obstetrical endpoints.

Pregnant women are at risk for folate insufficiency because of the increased need for folate for rapid fetal growth, placental development and enlargement of the uterus. Inadequate folate status may cause fetal malformations, impaired fetal growth, pre‐term delivery and maternal anaemia. Even some diseases of the placenta may arise from folate deficiencies. Fetal growth seems to be vulnerable to maternal folate status during the periconception period, because it has the potential to affect both the closure of the neural tube and several epigenetic mechanisms within the placenta and the fetus. Mainly on the basis of the well recognized link between maternal folate status and fetal neural tube defects, women are advised to receive folic acid supplement during the periconceptional period. Because an adequate folate supply seems to play an important role in the implantation and development of the placenta and in improving endothelial function, folic acid supplementation in the late first trimester or early second trimester might also be beneficial.
The nutritional requirements of infants. Towards EU alignment of reference values: the EURRECA network
Authors: Hermoso Maria , Tabacchi Garden , Iglesia‐Altaba Iris , Bel‐Serrat Silvia , Moreno‐Aznar Luis A. , García‐Santos Yurena , García‐Luzardo Ma del Rosario , Santana‐Salguero Beatriz , Peña‐Quintana Luis , Serra‐Majem Lluis , Moran Victoria Hall , Dykes Fiona , Decsi Tamás , Benetou Vassiliki , Plada Maria , Trichopoulou Antonia , Raats Monique M. , Doets Esmée L. , Berti Cristiana , Cetin Irene , Koletzko Berthold
Published: September 2010

This paper presents a review of the current knowledge regarding the macro‐ and micronutrient requirements of infants and discusses issues related to these requirements during the first year of life. The paper also reviews the current reference values used in European countries and the methodological approaches used to derive them by a sample of seven European and international authoritative committees from which background scientific reports are available. Throughout the paper, the main issues contributing to disparities in micronutrient reference values for infants are highlighted. The identification of these issues in relation to the specific physiological aspects of infants is important for informing future initiatives aimed at providing standardized approaches to overcome variability of micronutrient reference values across Europe for this age group.
Methodological aspects of the study of dietary patterns during pregnancy and maternal and infant health outcomes. A systematic review
Authors: Sánchez‐Villegas Almudena , Brito Noe , Doreste‐Alonso Jorge , Nissensohn Mariela , Henriquez Patricia , Hermoso Maria , Berti Cristiana , Majem Lluis Serra
Published: September 2010

The objective of the present study was to systematically review the literature exploring the associations between different dietary patterns obtained from Food Frequency Questionnaires during pregnancy and the development of health‐related maternal and infant outcomes in the Framework of the Eurreca Network of Excellence. A systematic search was conducted on Pubmed for literature published up to September 2009. The search strategy resulted in an initial amount of 2048 articles. After applying the selection criteria, seven studies were finally identified. Five articles were based on prospective cohort studies and the other two were case‐control studies. The methods used to elaborate the dietary pattern could be classified as hypothesis‐oriented (three studies) or empirically‐derived (four studies). The different food frequency questionnaires used for diet assessment were self‐administered, semi‐quantitative and had been previously validated, but just four studies employed questionnaires validated specifically for their use in a pregnant population. The divergent methods used to assess the dietary patterns make it difficult to compare results. However, some resulting recommendations can be applied when dietary patterns during pregnancy are analyzed: to employ a validated food frequency questionnaire designed for use in pregnancy, to consider the special role exerted by mineral and vitamin supplements in this particular population group, to adequately select the time in which dietary data is collected, to adjust the results for life‐style and educational characteristics, and in the case of hypothesis‐oriented dietary patterns, to correctly choose the components comprising the score.
Authority in the Church —The Interpretation of Lay Members of the Bishops' Commission in the Mid 1970s
Authors: Mansfield Mary C , Hornsby‐Smith Michael P
Published: September 2010

The study of the question of authority within religious institutions has been inadequate, from both theological and sociological perspectives. McKenzie has explained the inadequacy of theological studies as being due to ‘the emphasis placed on authority and the fervour in defending it’ and, according to Kokosalakis

‘the reluctance of many sociologists to deal with the question of values and the structures of authority and meaning in religious institutions derives mainly from the lack of a profounder theoretical foundation and/or adequate methodology to cope with the difficulties which these questions imply.’

Clearly, the Church like any other social institution, is in dialectical relation with the society in which it exists. If we are to establish the causes of a change in the attitudes towards religious authority we must begin by considering firstly the social changes which have taken place not only in the global society but also within the Roman Catholic community itself, and secondly, those changes which are the direct result of some immanent force within the institution itself.

Advances in science and technology have vastly expanded man’s knowledge and thereby his mastery over his physical and social environment. Additionally, developments in communications have provided him with an amount of information which greatly exceeds his own personal experience; in particular, the introduction of the television interview has exposed many authority figures to public scrutiny for the first time. Both factors have contributed to a de-sacralisation of authority whereby its origin has become de-mystified and its power is no longer considered to be-taboo. In addition there has been a process of democratisation in many institutions in society.
Will there be Life before Death?
Authors: Crowley Tony
Published: September 2010

When the dust from the present troubles settles, the debt to those who have consistently and courageously campaigned against injustice and violence will be clear. One of those campaigners is Fr Des Wilson, who has now written a book that covers the struggle for justice and peace (note that it is justice and peace, not peace and then justice) in N Ireland. It would be unfair to Des Wilson to attempt to review his book out of its context, so it is necessary to sketch out the background first.

In the eyes of “The Man From The Daily Mail,” to quote the song of that title,

“Ireland is a very funny place, sir,

It’s a strange and a troubled land”.

And there’s no disputing that superficial observation, though it’s one of the few comments from that particular source regarding the present situation in N Ireland that I could agree with. For the characteristics of the present era of troubles in the North have been horror (the violence of a bloody Monday, a bloody Tuesday, a bloody Wednesday, a bloody Thursday, a bloody Friday, a bloody Saturday, and bloody Sunday) terror (sectarian warfare, intimidation, internment, rubber and plastic bullets) anger and frustration (sit-ins, demos, barricades, riots) and the constapt unemployment (Billy-now Lord-Blease of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, said there was a “crisis in unemployment” in 1971 when the figure was 7% — it’s now 20% and climbing).
The Need for Philosophy in Theology Today
Authors: Kerr Fergus
Published: September 2010

The text of a paper presented at the Upholland Theological Consultation, 25—27 April 1984, the gathering which founded the Catholic Theological Association of Great Britain.

With all the welcome emphasis, since Vatican II, on biblical studies, patristic ressourcement, the historical approach, the ecumenical dimension, pastoral and missionary relevance, and so on, there is still a need, in Catholic theology, for philosophy: that is the thesis to be ventilated here

With the tradition we have inherited, constructive theology is something that people have a right to expect from the Catholic community. There can be no constructive theology—because there can be no constructive thought on any matter of human concern—without a measure of philosophical reflection. Certainly, if theologians work in the belief that they are doing without philosophy, they will simply be the prisoners of whatever philosophy was dominant thirty years earlier—or 350 years earlier. For it is with Descartes that Catholic theologians have not yet settled their account. A great deal of theology today displays the marks of a certain Cartesianism. That is why some of it is so popular. The philosophy which it was the main purpose of pre-Vatican II theology to exclude has never really been expelled. We failed to keep Cartesianism out of our system because we did not realize how deeply rooted inside the system it had been all along.

It is worth going into this here because it indicates one of the ways in which a more self-critical (and therefore more self-confident) Catholic theology might connect with some of the deepest arguments in Anglo-American philosophy today.
Incarnation and Holy Places
Authors: Axe Tony
Published: September 2010

What makes a holy place holy? This is the question that soon presents itself to the Christian visiting the ‘Holy Land’. Wherever one goes, whether it be among the many sites in and around Jerusalem itself, or whether one travels through the countryside that Jesus must have looked on and walked over, one soon realises that some sites are more ‘authentic’ than others, and piety assumes many different forms. There is the old lady who caresses the stone on which, ostensibly, Jesus’ body was prepared for burial, then transferring whatever power she considers it has by going through the motions of anointing her own body. At the other extreme is the pilgrim, scandalised by the superstition and credulousness of such simple faith and by the unscrupulous behaviour of the clerical custodians in encouraging such behaviour, who seeks refuge in a less earthly spirituality which effectively holds itself aloof from the holy places he visits. If one feels a stranger in both camps then one has to either make excuses for the situation or make sense of it.

One can adopt the theological snobbery of the ‘well-informed Christian’ who accepts that that sort of demonstrative behaviour is fine and perhaps even a good thing for simple (not to say gullible) people whose only contact with the post-Vatican II Church is that brand of piety. Yet these same critics of the ‘simple faithful’ can offer their own equally unquestioning and questionable explanation of why they visit the holy places by bringing into play some theological formula.
Bind Us Together: Repentance, Ugandan Martyrs, and Christian Unity
Authors: Furry Timothy J.
Published: September 2010

Bind Us Together argues that in naming both the Anglican and Catholic Ugandans killed in the mid 1880s as “martyrs” a visible unity is implied that is useful in contemporary ecumenical theology. By recounting the story of the Ugandan martyrs told through both Catholic and Protestant sources, I am able to perform the Christian unity that I am arguing for. I also engage historical and theological obstacles to my argument. The historical obstacle is brought about by the mutual condemnation of both Catholic and Protestant martytrs by each side during the 16th century. The theological obstacle is the work of Ephraim Radner. Being indebted to Radner's understanding of repentance, I use John Paul II to overcome both of these obstacles. I conclude by discussing more explicitly the connections between the Ugandan martyrs and church unity showing that these martyrs provide Christians with language to speak intelligibly about Christian unity today.
What is Western Cultural Identity? Three Examples, Three Disputes
Authors: Storck Thomas
Published: September 2010

The concept of cultural identity is illustrated by the example of Latin America. At the same time Latin America is shown to be a true part of the Western world and understandable only as such, and the reasons for other cultural identifications of Latin America are examined. Then the cultural development and identity of the West as a whole is considered, with special reference to two competing accounts of Western cultural development, both of which focus chiefly on the econonmic development of Europe and North America, in contrast to its cultural or spiritual roots. Finally the special case of the United States is looked at, and it is asked how her peculiar self‐understanding affects her cultural identity as part of the Western world.
PERSONALITY MEASURES AS PREDICTORS OF JOB PERFORMANCE: A META‐ANALYTIC REVIEW
Authors: TETT ROBERT P. , JACKSON DOUGLAS N. , ROTHSTEIN MITCHELL
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this study was to investigate conflicting findings in previous research on personality and job performance. Meta‐analysis was used to (a) assess the overall validity of personality measures as predictors of job performance, (b) investigate the moderating effects of several study characteristics on personality scale validity, and (c) appraise the predictability of job performance as a function of eight distinct categories of personality content, including the “Big Five” personality factors. Based on review of 494 studies, usable results were identified for 97 independent samples (total N= 13,521). Consistent with predictions, studies using confirmatory research strategies produced a corrected mean personality scale validity (.29) that was more than twice as high as that based on studies adopting exploratory strategies (.12). An even higher mean validity (.38) was obtained based on studies using job analysis explicitly in the selection of personality measures. Validities were also found to be higher in longer tenured samples and in published articles versus dissertations. Corrected mean validities for the “Big Five” factors ranged from .16 for Extroversion to .33 for Agreeableness. Weaknesses in the reporting of validation study characteristics are noted, and recommendations for future research in this area are provided. Contrary to conclusions of certain past reviews, the present findings provide some grounds for optimism concerning the use of personality measures in employee selection.
Requirement of KNAT1/BP for the Development of Abscission Zones in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Qun , XU Wei‐Hui , Ma Li‐Geng , Fu Zhi‐Ming , Deng Xing‐Wang , Li Jia‐Yang , Wang Yong‐Hong
Published: September 2010

The KNAT1 gene is a member of the Class I KNOX homeobox gene family and is thought to play an important role in meristem development and leaf morphogenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated that KNAT1/BP regulates the architecture of the inflorescence by affecting pedicle development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Herein, we report the characterization of an Arabidopsis T‐DNA insertion mutant that shares considerable phenotypic similarity to the previously identified mutant brevipedicle (bp). Molecular and genetic analyses showed that the mutant is allelic to bp and that the T‐DNA is located within the first helix of the KNAT1 homeodomain (HD). Although the mutation causes a typical abnormality of short pedicles, propendent siliques, and semidwarfism, no obvious defects are observed in the vegetative stage. A study on cell morphology showed that asymmetrical division and inhibition of cell elongation contribute to the downward‐pointing and shorter pedicle phenotype. Loss of KNAT/BP function results in the abnormal development of abscission zones. Microarray analysis of gene expression profiling suggests that KNAT1/BP may regulate abscission zone development through hormone signaling and hormone metabolism in Arabidopsis.

(Managing editor: Ping He)
New Cytotoxic Saponins from Lysimachia davurica Ledeb.
Authors: Tian Jing‐Kui , Zou Zhong‐Mei , Xu Li‐Zhen , Yang Shi‐Lin
Published: September 2010

To investigate the saponins from whole plants of Lysimachia davurica Ledeb., two new saponins named davuricoside I (compound 1) and E (compound 2) were isolated. Their chemical structures were elucidated as 3β, 16α, 28, 29‐tetrihydroxy‐olean‐12‐en‐3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐glucuronopyranoside (compound 1) and 3β, 16α, 29‐trihydroxy‐13, 28‐epoxy‐oleanane‐3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐glucuronopyranoside (compound 2) on the basis of their one‐ and two‐dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry data, and chemical methods. Compound 1 showed significant cytotoxic activity against human A2780 cells.

(Managing editor: Wei Wang)
Chemical Constituents of Phacellaria compressa Benth.
Authors: Zhang Xiu‐Yun , Li Bo‐Gang , Zhou Min , Yuan Xiao‐Hong , Zhang Guo‐Lin
Published: September 2010

Two new compounds, 1‐(3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐3‐(3, 5‐dimethoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐propane (1) and 5, 7, 3′‐trimethyoxyflavan‐4′‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (2) were isolated from the ethanol extract of the dried aerial parts of Phacellaria compressa Benth., together with 2,3‐bis[(4‐hydroxy‐3,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐methyl]‐1,4‐butanediol (3), ethyl 3,4,5‐trihydroxybenzoate (4), methyl 3, 4, 5‐trihydroxybenzoate (5), β‐sitosterol (6), 5, 7, 3′, 4′‐tetrahydroxyflavan (7), lupeol (8), zhebeiresinol (9), quercetin‐3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnopyranoside (10), (+)‐catechin (11), betulin (12), β‐daucosterol (13), (+)‐syringaresinol (14), scopoletin (15), and proximadiol (16). The structures of these compounds were determined by spectral evidence or by comparing them with authentic samples. Compound 9 showed α‐amylase inhibitory activity of 57.55% at a concentration of 50 μg/mL.

(Managing editor: Wei Wang)
Interactive Effects of Elevated CO2 and Ozone on Leaf Thermotolerance in Field‐grown Glycine max
Authors: Mishra Sasmita , Heckathorn Scott A. , Barua Deepak , Wang Dan , Joshi Puneet , Hamilton III E. William , Frantz Jonathan
Published: September 2010

Humans are increasing atmospheric CO2, ground‐level ozone (O3), and mean and acute high temperatures. Laboratory studies show that elevated CO2 can increase thermotolerance of photosynthesis in C3 plants. O3‐related oxidative stress may offset benefits of elevated CO2 during heat‐waves. We determined effects of elevated CO2 and O3 on leaf thermotolerance of field‐grown Glycine max (soybean, C3). Photosynthetic electron transport (Φet) was measured in attached leaves heated in situ and detached leaves heated under ambient CO2 and O3. Heating decreased Φet, which O3 exacerbated. Elevated CO2 prevented O3‐related decreases during heating, but only increased Φet under ambient O3 in the field. Heating decreased chlorophyll and carotenoids, especially under elevated CO2. Neither CO2 nor O3 affected heat‐shock proteins. Heating increased catalase (except in high O3) and Cu/Zn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD), but not Mn‐SOD; CO2 and O3 decreased catalase but neither SOD. Soluble carbohydrates were unaffected by heating, but increased in elevated CO2. Thus, protection of photosynthesis during heat stress by elevated CO2 occurs in field‐grown soybean under ambient O3, as in the lab, and high CO2 limits heat damage under elevated O3, but this protection is likely from decreased photorespiration and stomatal conductance rather than production of heat‐stress adaptations.