bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ptk7 promotes non-canonical Wnt/PCP-mediated morphogenesis and inhibits Wnt/β-catenin-dependent cell fate decisions during vertebrate development
Authors: Hayes Madeline , Naito Mizue , Daulat Avais , Angers Stephane , Ciruna Brian
Published: March 2013

Using zebrafish, we have characterised the function of Protein tyrosine kinase 7 (Ptk7), a transmembrane pseudokinase implicated in Wnt signal transduction during embryonic development and in cancer. Ptk7 is a known regulator of mammalian neural tube closure and Xenopus convergent extension movement. However, conflicting reports have indicated both positive and negative roles for Ptk7 in canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling. To clarify the function of Ptk7 in vertebrate embryonic patterning and morphogenesis, we generated maternal-zygotic (MZ) ptk7 mutant zebrafish using a zinc-finger nuclease (ZFN) gene targeting approach. Early loss of zebrafish Ptk7 leads to defects in axial convergence and extension, neural tube morphogenesis and loss of planar cell polarity (PCP). Furthermore, during late gastrula and segmentation stages, we observe significant upregulation of β-catenin target gene expression and demonstrate a clear role for Ptk7 in attenuating canonical Wnt/β-catenin activity in vivo. MZptk7 mutants display expanded differentiation of paraxial mesoderm within the tailbud, suggesting an important role for Ptk7 in regulating canonical Wnt-dependent fate specification within posterior stem cell pools post-gastrulation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a plasma membrane-tethered Ptk7 extracellular fragment is sufficient to rescue both PCP morphogenesis and Wnt/β-catenin patterning defects in MZptk7 mutant embryos. Our results indicate that the extracellular domain of Ptk7 acts as an important regulator of both non-canonical Wnt/PCP and canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling in multiple vertebrate developmental contexts, with important implications for the upregulated PTK7 expression observed in human cancers.
Dll4-Notch signaling determines the formation of native arterial collateral networks and arterial function in mouse ischemia models
Authors: Cristofaro Brunella , Shi Yu , Faria Marcella , Suchting Steven , Leroyer Aurelie S. , Trindade Alexandre , Duarte Antonio , Zovein Ann C. , Iruela-Arispe M. Luisa , Nih Lina R. , Kubis Nathalie , Henrion Daniel , Loufrani Laurent , Todiras Mihail , Schleifenbaum Johanna , Gollasch Maik , Zhuang Zhen W. , Simons Michael , Eichmann Anne , le Noble Ferdinand
Published: March 2013

Arteriogenesis requires growth of pre-existing arteriolar collateral networks and determines clinical outcome in arterial occlusive diseases. Factors responsible for the development of arteriolar collateral networks are poorly understood. The Notch ligand Delta-like 4 (Dll4) promotes arterial differentiation and restricts vessel branching. We hypothesized that Dll4 may act as a genetic determinant of collateral arterial networks and functional recovery in stroke and hind limb ischemia models in mice. Genetic loss- and gain-of-function approaches in mice showed that Dll4-Notch signaling restricts pial collateral artery formation by modulating arterial branching morphogenesis during embryogenesis. Adult Dll4+/- mice showed increased pial collateral numbers, but stroke volume upon middle cerebral artery occlusion was not reduced compared with wild-type littermates. Likewise, Dll4+/- mice showed reduced blood flow conductance after femoral artery occlusion, and, despite markedly increased angiogenesis, tissue ischemia was more severe. In peripheral arteries, loss of Dll4 adversely affected excitation-contraction coupling in arterial smooth muscle in response to vasopressor agents and arterial vessel wall adaption in response to increases in blood flow, collectively contributing to reduced flow reserve. We conclude that Dll4-Notch signaling modulates native collateral formation by acting on vascular branching morphogenesis during embryogenesis. Dll4 furthermore affects tissue perfusion by acting on arterial function and structure. Loss of Dll4 stimulates collateral formation and angiogenesis, but in the context of ischemic diseases such beneficial effects are overruled by adverse functional changes, demonstrating that ischemic recovery is not solely determined by collateral number but rather by vessel functionality.
Lgr4-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in peritubular myoid cells is essential for spermatogenesis
Authors: Qian Yu , Liu Shijie , Guan Yuting , Pan Hongjie , Guan Xin , Qiu Zhongwei , Li Liang , Gao Na , Zhao Yongxiang , Li Xiaoying , Lu Yan , Liu Mingyao , Li Dali
Published: March 2013

Peritubular myoid cells (PMCs) are myofibroblast-like cells that surround the seminiferous tubules and play essential roles in male fertility. How these cells modulate spermatogenesis and the signaling pathways that are involved are largely unknown. Here we report that Lgr4 is selectively expressed in mouse PMCs in the testes, and loss of Lgr4 leads to germ cells arresting at meiosis I and then undergoing apoptosis. In PMCs of Lgr4 mutant mice, the expression of androgen receptor, alpha-smooth muscle actin and extracellular matrix proteins was dramatically reduced. Malfunctioning PMCs further affected Sertoli cell nuclear localization and functional protein expression in Lgr4-/- mice. In addition, Wnt/β-catenin signaling was activated in wild-type PMCs but attenuated in those of Lgr4-/- mice. When Wnt/β-catenin signaling was reactivated by crossing with Apcmin/+ mice or by Gsk3β inhibitor treatment, the Lgr4 deficiency phenotype in testis was partially rescued. Together, these data demonstrate that Lgr4 signaling through Wnt/β-catenin regulates PMCs and is essential for spermatogenesis.
A role for Vg1/Nodal signaling in specification of the intermediate mesoderm
Authors: Fleming Britannia M. , Yelin Ronit , James Richard G. , Schultheiss Thomas M.
Published: March 2013

The intermediate mesoderm (IM) is the embryonic source of all kidney tissue in vertebrates. The factors that regulate the formation of the IM are not yet well understood. Through investigations in the chick embryo, the current study identifies and characterizes Vg1/Nodal signaling (henceforth referred to as ‘Nodal-like signaling’) as a novel regulator of IM formation. Excess Nodal-like signaling at gastrulation stages resulted in expansion of the IM at the expense of the adjacent paraxial mesoderm, whereas inhibition of Nodal-like signaling caused repression of IM gene expression. IM formation was sensitive to levels of the Nodal-like pathway co-receptor Cripto and was inhibited by a truncated form of the secreted molecule cerberus, which specifically blocks Nodal, indicating that the observed effects are specific to the Nodal-like branch of the TGFβ signaling pathway. The IM-promoting effects of Nodal-like signaling were distinct from the known effects of this pathway on mesoderm formation and left-right patterning, a finding that can be attributed to specific time windows for the activities of these Nodal-like functions. Finally, a link was observed between Nodal-like and BMP signaling in the induction of IM. Activation of IM genes by Nodal-like signaling required an active BMP signaling pathway, and Nodal-like signals induced phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8, which is normally associated with activation of BMP signaling pathways. We postulate that Nodal-like signaling regulates IM formation by modulating the IM-inducing effects of BMP signaling.
Size- and Shape-Controlled Syntheses of Colloidal Sn, Te, and Bi Nanocrystals
Authors: Watanabe Ryota , Ishizaki Toshitaka
Published: March 2013

We report the synthesis of monodisperse spherical Sn nanocrystals 9.0 nm in size by reduction of SnCl2 using tetrabutylammonium borohydride (TBBH, N(C4H9)4BH4) in a one-pot synthesis using a mixed solvent of oleylamine (OA, C18H35NH2) as a capping agent and tetrahydrofuran (THF). The size and shape of the Sn nanocrystals were found to be influenced by both the amount of OA and THF used and the synthetic temperature. The particle sizes varied from 9 to 83 nm. Spherical nanocrystals were formed at a particular initial concentration of OA, while rod-shaped nanocrystals were formed at reduced initial concentrations of OA. The Sn nanocrystals are used as a bonding material by mixing Cu nanocrystals. The shear strength of Cu plates bonded by the mixture of Cu and Sn nanocrystals at higher than 300 °C is significantly increased, compared with that bonded by Cu nanocrystals without addition of the Sn nanocrystals. The synthetic method was also applied to the synthesis of Te and Bi nanocrystals. The shapes of the Te and Bi nanocrystals were similarly controlled by the amount of OA used and the synthetic temperature. All of the samples were obtained as stable colloidal dispersions.
Making Yourself Attractive: Pre-Marital Investments and the Returns to Education in the Marriage Market
Authors: Lafortune Jeanne
Published: March 2013

I explore how a gender's scarcity may impact educational investments using exogenous variation in the marriage market of second generation Americans in early twentieth century. I find that worse marriage market conditions spur higher pre-marital investments: the effect for males is significant, while, for females, it is only observed in highly endogamous groups. When faced with an exogenously larger number of males per females, males' marriages appear to be less stable and more likely to involve natives and highly educated spouses, while women are less likely to work and, for those in high endogamous groups, marry more immigrants. (JEL C78, D83, J12, J16, N31)
School Inputs, Household Substitution, and Test Scores
Authors: Das Jishnu , Dercon Stefan , Habyarimana James , Krishnan Pramila , Muralidharan Karthik , Sundararaman Venkatesh
Published: March 2013

Empirical studies of the relationship between school inputs and test scores typically do not account for household responses to changes in school inputs. Evidence from India and Zambia shows that student test scores are higher when schools receive unanticipated grants, but there is no impact of grants that are anticipated. We show that the most likely mechanism for this result is that households offset their own spending in response to anticipated grants. Our results confirm the importance of optimal household responses and suggest caution when interpreting estimates of school inputs on learning outcomes as parameters of an education production function. (JEL D12, H52, I21, O15)
I’m Like You, Just Not In That Way: Tag Networks to Improve Collaborative Filtering
Authors: Boorn Jason , Goldberg Debra S
Published: March 2013

Collaborative filtering aims to predict a person’s preferences by examining the preferences of similar people. Many collaborative filtering algorithms rely on a coarse notion of similarity, which assumes that if two people are sufficiently simiar in a few specific areas, each is likely to make good recommendations for the other in most areas. Our trust in the opinions of others, though, is rarely absolute; we often tend to trust recommendations from certain people in certain areas.

In this paper we develop an algorithm which reflects this notion. Rather than capturing taste information at the user level, we capture taste at the topic level by making use of tags: arbitrary words or phrases which are often used to group online content. Previous attempts to improve collaborative filtering using tag information have attempted to determine tag meanings, and as a result have depended upon complex semantic analyses. Our algorithm avoids these complications by focusing instead on the clusters which tags establish. Using tags in this way provides a significant improvement in the accuracy of recommendations without a commensurate loss in coverage. These tag clusters also give rise to networks which can be exploited to further improve recommendation results.
The Age of the Earth & Its Importance to Biology
Authors: Senter Phil
Published: March 2013

Biology textbooks tend to assert the correctness of evolutionary concepts but mention very little of the evidence that supports them. This gives the impression that evolutionary theory is poorly supported, which discourages acceptance of the theory. A case in point is the age of the Earth. Biology textbooks usually mention that the planet is ~4.6 billion years old but neither tell how that was determined nor give evidence that the method (radiometric dating) is reliable. Students are therefore given insufficient reason to doubt that the Earth is any older than the 6000 years that the Genesis account suggests. Here, therefore, I review the evidence for an old Earth, to provide a concise but thorough reference for teachers who wish to supplement the meager information in textbooks with further details. Earth’s age is relevant to biology because an old Earth is necessary for macroevolution to occur and also because some dating methods (e.g., dendrochronology, varves) use materials of biological origin.
A New Twist on Vocabulary Instruction for Students with Learning Disabilities in Biology
Authors: Grillo Kelly J. , Dieker Lisa A.
Published: March 2013

An essential element of science instruction is content literacy. In order to improve literacy specific to science, vocabulary must be addressed. As Jitendra et al. (2004) pointed out, “because learning vocabulary during independent reading is very inefficient for students with reading difficulties, vocabulary and word learning skills must be taught.” We provide a summary of an investigation to improve the technology-based vocabulary of students with learning disabilities in a freshman high school biology class. The procedures for the project are provided, along with lessons learned about vocabulary instruction of students with disabilities.
A role of prostaglandin transporter in regulating PGE2 release from human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells in response to LPS
Authors: Shirasaka Yoshiyuki , Shichiri Megumi , Kasai Taku , Ohno Yasuhiro , Nakanishi Takeo , Hayashi Kazuyuki , Nishiura Akio , Tamai Ikumi
Published: March 2013

Naturally occurring prostaglandin E2(PGE2) plays a role in inflammatory responses through eicosanoid signaling pathways. PGE2is impermeable to cell membranes at physiological pH and needs solute carrier across the membranes; however, it remains unclear how intercellular concentrations of PGE2are regulated under the condition of inflammation. We aimed to clarify a role of organic anion-transporting polypeptide 2A1 (OATP2A1/SLCO2A1), also known as prostaglandin transporter (PGT), in PGE2release from cells. Human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and PGT inhibitors were tested to evaluate contribution of PGT to PGE2release by assessing its extracellular concentration and characterizing PGT-mediated PGE2efflux inXenopus laevisoocytes. As a result, LPS elevated mRNA expression of a pro-inflammatory cytokine IL6 and extracellular concentration of PGE2in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. PGT inhibitors tested (e.g. bromocresol green (BCG), bromosulfophthalein (BSP), and PGB1) significantly inhibited efflux of PGE2from oocytes expressing PGT. Similarly, the amount of released PGE2from the BEAS-2B cells decreased in the presence of BCG and BSP by 45 and 44% respectively while TGBz increased the concentration by 71%, suggesting that PGT mediates the release. In conclusion, these results imply a role of PGT in regulating intra- and extracellular concentrations of PGE2in response to cells under inflammatory conditions.
Perinatal Origins of First-Grade Academic Failure: Role of Prematurity and Maternal Factors
Authors: Williams Bryan L. , Dunlop Anne Lang , Kramer Michael , Dever Bridget V. , Hogue Carol , Jain Lucky
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE:

We examined the relationships among gestational age at birth, maternal characteristics, and standardized test performance in Georgia first-grade students.

METHODS:

Live births to Georgia-resident mothers aged 11 to 53 years from 1998 through 2003 were deterministically linked with standardized test results for first-grade attendees of Georgia public schools from 2005 through 2009. Logistic models were used to estimate the odds of failure of the 3 components of the first-grade Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT).

RESULTS:

The strongest risk factor for failure of each of the 3 components of the first-grade CRCT was level of maternal education. Child race/ethnicity and maternal age at birth were also associated with first-grade CRCT failure irrespective of the severity of preterm birth, but these factors were more important among children born moderately preterm than for those born on the margins of the prematurity distribution. Adjusting for maternal and child characteristics, there was an increased odds of failure of each component of the CRCT for children born late preterm versus term, including for math (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.13–1.22), reading (aOR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08–1.18), and English/language arts, for which there was an important interaction with being born small for gestational age (aOR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.07–1.29).

CONCLUSIONS:

Preterm birth and low maternal education increase children’s risk of failure of first-grade standardized tests. Promoting women’s academic achievement and reduce rates of preterm birth may be important to achieving gains in elementary school performance.
Quality of Reporting and Evidence in American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines
Authors: Isaac Andre , Saginur Michael , Hartling Lisa , Robinson Joan L.
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVES:

The primary objectives were to evaluate the quality of development and reporting of American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines and to determine the level of evidence underlying the recommendations.

METHODS:

Two reviewers scored each guideline by using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE-II) instrument and determined the level of evidence for each recommendation in each guideline. Subgroup analyses compared AAP guidelines published before and after key changes in AAP guideline development policy and compared internal with endorsed guidelines.

RESULTS:

For the 28 current guidelines, the highest average scores on AGREE-II were in scope and purpose (75%) and clarity of presentation (73%). The lowest average scores were in editorial independence (17%) and applicability (30%). The only domain that improved after AAP policy updates was editorial independence (P = .01). Of the 190 treatment recommendations, 43% were based on experimental studies, 30% on observational studies, and 27% on expert opinion or no reference. Compared with early guidelines, late guidelines included a higher proportion of treatment recommendations based on experimental studies (P = .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

There was no clear improvement in the quality of development and reporting of AAP clinical practice guidelines over time. Routine application of AGREE-II to guideline development could enhance guideline quality. The proportion of guideline recommendations based on experimental evidence has increased slightly over time. Pediatric research agendas should be matched to vital gaps in the evidence underlying pediatric guidelines.
Growth of Spontaneously Descended and Surgically Treated Testes During Early Childhood
Authors: Kollin Claude , Granholm Tina , Nordenskjöld Agneta , Ritzén E. Martin
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate whether in congenital unilateral cryptorchidism the growth of a spontaneously descended testis is normal, compared with the contralateral scrotal testis or similar to the growth of testes that failed to descend spontaneously and later underwent orchidopexy.

METHODS:

Ninety-one boys with congenital unilateral cryptorchidism with later spontaneous descent of the initially retained testis were followed from birth (0–3 weeks) up to 5 years of age and compared with boys randomized to surgery at either 9 months (n = 78) or 3 years (n = 85) of age. Testicular volume was determined with ultrasonography.

RESULTS:

Eighty-two percent of spontaneous descent occurred before 2 months of age. Twenty-two percent of these descended testes were later again found in a retained position. The spontaneously descended testis was smaller than its scrotal counterpart at all ages (P < .001). We also showed a significant difference in the testicular volume between the early and late treated boys from age 2 years and onward. At 2, 4, and 5 years of age, the volumes of the spontaneously descended testes were significantly larger than those of boys operated on at 3 years but similar to those operated on at 9 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

We have shown that in boys with congenital unilateral cryptorchidism with later spontaneous descent, the originally retained testes show impaired growth compared with its scrotal counterpart from birth and onwards. Also, they are prone to later ascent to a retained position. Furthermore, the longer testes remain untreated the more they exhibit impaired growth.
Teen Birth Rates in Sexually Abused and Neglected Females
Authors: Noll Jennie G. , Shenk Chad E.
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Prospectively track teen childbirths in maltreated and nonmaltreated females and test the hypothesis that child maltreatment is an independent predictor of subsequent teen childbirth over and above demographic characteristics and other risk factors.

METHODS:

Nulliparous adolescent females (N = 435) aged 14 to 17 years were assessed annually through age 19 years. Maltreated females were referred by Child Protective Services agencies for having experienced substantiated sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect within the preceding 12 months. Comparison females were matched on race, family income, age and family constellation. Teen childbirth was assessed via self-report during annual interviews. Births were confirmed using hospital delivery records.

RESULTS:

Seventy participants gave birth during the study, 54 in the maltreated group and 16 in the comparison group. Maltreated females were twice as likely to experience teen childbirth after controlling for demographic confounds and known risk factors (odds ratio = 2.17, P = 0.01). Birth rates were highest for sexually abused and neglected females. Sexual abuse and neglect were both independent predictors of teen childbirth after controlling for demographic confounds, other risk factors and alternative forms of maltreatment occurring earlier in development.

CONCLUSIONS:

Results provide evidence that sexual abuse and neglect are unique predictors of subsequent teen childbirth. Partnerships between protective service providers and teen childbirth prevention strategists hold the best promise for further reducing the US teen birth rate. Additional research illuminating the pathways to teen childbirth for differing forms of maltreatment is needed so that tailored interventions can be realized.
Oxygen Delivery Using a Neonatal Self-inflating Resuscitation Bag: Effect of Oxygen Flow
Authors: Trevisanuto Daniele , Dal Cengio Valentina , Doglioni Nicoletta , Cavallin Francesco , Zanardo Vincenzo , Parotto Matteo , Weiner Gary
Published: March 2013

OBJECTIVE:

We evaluated the effect of oxygen (O2) flow rate on the corresponding delivered fraction of oxygen (FiO2) during positive pressure ventilation (PPV) when using a neonatal self-inflating bag (SIB).

METHODS:

Fifteen health care professionals administered PPV at a respiratory rate of 40 to 60 breaths per minute and at peak inspiratory pressures of 25 and 35 cm H2O to a manikin by using a SIB with reservoir connected to an O2 source equipped with a flowmeter (flow rates: 0–10 L/min). The FiO2 corresponding to each flow rate was measured at the inflow to the facial mask for 60 seconds.

RESULTS:

In total, 2520 FiO2 data points were collected. At every O2 flow rate, the FiO2 gradually increased from time 0 seconds to time 60 seconds, both at 25 cm H2O and at 35 cm H2O. After 1 minute of PPV at 25 cm H2O, the delivered FiO2 was 31.5% ± 2.1% and 43.1% ± 3.1% at O2 flow rates of 0.1 and 0.5 L/min, respectively. After 1 minute of PPV at 35 cm H2O, the delivered FiO2 was 29.4% ± 2.0% and 42.1% ± 4.6% at O2 flow rates of 0.1 and 0.5 L/min, respectively. At all O2 flow rates >5 L/min, the delivered FiO2 was >85% and >95%, after 1 minute of PPV at 25 and 35 cm H2O, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Delivered FiO2 during PPV depends on 3 factors: oxygen flow rate, peak inspiratory pressures, and time elapsed. These data can be used to develop a scheme correlating the oxygen flow rate and the corresponding delivered FiO2 when using a neonatal SIB.
Evaluating for Suspected Child Abuse: Conditions That Predispose to Bleeding
Authors: Carpenter Shannon L. , Abshire Thomas C. , Anderst James D. ,   the SECTION ON HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY AND COMMITTEE ON CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, Carpenter Shannon L. , Abshire Thomas C. , Anderst James D. , Hord Jeffrey , Crouch Gary , Hale Gregory , Mueller Brigitta , Rogers Zora , Shearer Patricia , Werner Eric , Feig Stephen , Kodish Eric , Gamis Alan
Published: March 2013

This Technical Report was revised. See https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2022-059277.

Child abuse might be suspected when children present with cutaneous bruising, intracranial hemorrhage, or other manifestations of bleeding. In these cases, it is necessary to consider medical conditions that predispose to easy bleeding/bruising. When evaluating for the possibility of bleeding disorders and other conditions that predispose to hemorrhage, the pediatrician must consider the child’s presenting history, medical history, and physical examination findings before initiating a laboratory investigation. Many medical conditions can predispose to easy bleeding. Before ordering laboratory tests for a disease, it is useful to understand the biochemical basis and clinical presentation of the disorder, condition prevalence, and test characteristics. This technical report reviews the major medical conditions that predispose to bruising/bleeding and should be considered when evaluating for abusive injury.
The Consumer Using the Environment
Authors: Julesz Máté
Published: March 2013

A fogyasztói jogok és az egészséges környezethez fűződő jog szorosan összefüggnek. A fogyasztói jogok és a környezeti jogok az emberi jogok harmadik nemzedékéhez számítanak. A „fogyasztó” fogalma állandó változásban van. Ezen fogalmi változások erősen függnek az innovatív környezetvédelmi jogtól. Mind a fogyasztói jogok, mind a környezeti jogok technikai alapokon nyugvó jogok, mivel mindkét jogterület nagymértékben a technika fejleményeinek szabályozási formába öntött normáin alapul. A „fogyasztó” fogalmát meg lehet határozni a szubsztantív/procedurális jog, az abszolút/relatív szerkezetű jogviszonyok, vagy akár a közjog/magánjog aspektusából is.
Ageing Europe – Young India
Authors: Gáthy Vera
Published: March 2013

Az Eurostat előrejelzése szerint az EU27 népességének 45,52%-a lesz 2040-ben 65 év feletti. A nagyarányú nyugdíjaztatások következtében hiány lesz a magasan kvalifikált munkaerőből csaknem valamennyi területen. Amikor 2050-re átlagosan már csak két aktív dolgozó jut egy nyugdíjasra, a jóléti ellátások Európa-szerte drasztikusan hanyatlani fognak, és növekszenek majd az egészségügyi és nyugdíjrendszerek kiadásai. Amennyiben az európai gazdaság az elkövetkező években magához tér, továbbra is szüksége lesz mérnökökre, orvosokra, különféle szakemberekre, akikből máris számos országban súlyos hiány mutatkozik. A problémát súlyosbítja, hogy a felsőoktatás általában nem követi a munkaerőpiac szükségleteit és voltaképpen növeli a fiatal diplomások munkanélküliségét. Az elöregedő európai társadalom szakemberszükségletét várhatóan néhány évtized múlva más forrásokból kell biztosítani, és erre kínálkozik a hatalmassá növekedett indiai felsőoktatás; Indiában ma is mintegy 120-140 millióan beszélnek jól angolul. Azonban az indiai felsőoktatás mai helyzete számos problémát mutat, amelyeket várhatóan az elkövetkező évtizedekben leküzdenek és keletkezik majd ott jól képzett munkaerő, amely bárhol a világon képes munkát vállalni, ehhez azonban arra van szükség, hogy a saját gondjait is megoldó európai felsőoktatás rendszeres és szoros munkakapcsolatot építsen ki az indiai felsőoktatási intézményekkel annak érdekében, hogy kölcsönösen megismerjék az elvárásokat és lehetőségeket.
Giddens’ Social Theory
Authors: Sik Domonkos
Published: March 2013

A tanulmány célja Anthony Giddens társadalomelméleti koncepciójának kritikai elemzése. A hazai modernizáció- és társadalomelméleti szakirodalomban annak ellenére, hogy a 80-as és 90-es években önálló koncepciót dolgozott ki, Giddens mindeddig nem kapott különösebb figyelmet. Ennek megfelelően átfogó jellegében Bourdieu mező- és habituselméletéhez, Luhmann rendszerelméletéhez és Habermas kommunikatív cselekvéselméletéhez hasonlítható strukturációelméletéről sem született reflexió. Az alábbi tanulmány ezt a hiányt kívánja pótolni, bemutatva, miként kapcsolódik egymáshoz Giddens cselekvés- és struktúraelmélete a strukturáció dinamikus modelljében. Minthogy a strukturációelmélet a modernizációelméleti elemzések alapjául is szolgál, így alapos ismeretük nélkül ez utóbbi vizsgálódásokhoz sem férhetünk hozzá. Ez jelöli ki a tanulmány tétjét.
The Theoretical Possibilities of Reorganization in Systems of Insolvency
Authors: Piller Zsuzsa
Published: March 2013

A fizetésképtelen helyzetek kezelésével összefüggo eljárások alapvetoen reorganizációs vagy likvidációs típusúak lehetnek. Az elobbi célja, hogy az adós a hitelezoivel való megegyezés segítségével a muködését újjászervezve talpon maradhasson, míg az utóbbi alapvetoen a vagyon értékesítésén, illetve a követelések behajtásán keresztül a befolyó vagyon hitelezok közötti szétosztásával jár. Az egyes eljárási típusok konkrét megjelenési formája – az adott országban uralkodó gazdaságpolitikai célrendszer és beavatkozási szint szerint – rendkívül sokféle képet mutathat. A legkülönfélébbek lehetnek továbbá az eljárások közötti átjárhatósági viszonyok, egyszóval az eljárások kapcsolódási módjai.A reorganizációs és a likvidációs típusú eljárások kapcsolódásai együttesen eljárási rendszert alakítanak ki, mely eljárási rendszerek tipizálhatóak. Miután a jelenlegi gazdasági viszonyok között mind nagyobb hangsúly helyezodik a visszafordítható válság stádiumában álló cégek megmentésére, a cikk – a játékelméletbol ismert fogoly-dilemma játék segítségével – választ ad arra kérdésre, hogy vajon mindegyik tipizált eljárási rendszer ugyanolyan módon képes támogatni a reorganizációs célkituzéseket.
Towards a Sociology of budo
Authors: Molle Andrea
Published: March 2013

In the first part of the paper is described how the religious implication of Japanese budo can be studied sociologically. The author discusses the results of his research on aikido gathered within and compared across training settings in Japan and Italy. Interviews and Internet data include US, France, and Malta. This research investigated whether a relationship exists between religious issues and points of emphasis in the training in martial arts where the spiritual perceptions among practitioners generate religious-related concepts. The methods employed here emphasize qualitative approaches, but connect them to quantitative approaches as well and can be used to study a variety of religion-related issues in not strictly religious settings. Although this presentation is narrowed down to Japan, some of the ideas and theories can be applied to the traditions of other locations such as China, Korea, and the Philippines.
Editorial
Authors: Bailey Edward
Published: March 2013

Religion, irreligion, implicit religion?
Children’s Literature as Implicit Religion
Authors: Worsley Howard
Published: March 2013

This article is a development of research into children’s literature that investigates how religious concepts are present in the writings of well-known children’s authors. Previous work has considered atonement theories and this considers the concept of grace. Grace is identified as unconditional love seen as forgiveness (without a demand for justice), moving on (without vengeance), and

extravagant offering. These three hallmarks are used as a lens through which to scrutinise The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis), The Lord of the Rings (Tolkein) and the Harry Potter series (J.K. Rowling). Grace is concluded to be a core concept within implicit religion.
The Gospel and Popular Culture
Authors: Bridger Francis
Published: March 2013

Books Reviewed

Connie Neal. The Gospel According to Harry Potter, Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2002, 166pp, p/b $9.99, ISBN-13: 9780664226015.

Marcia Z. Nelson. The Gospel According to Oprah, Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005, 105pp, p/b $9.99, ISBN-13: 9780664229429.

B.J. Oropeza (ed).The Gospel According to Superheroes, New York: Peter Lang 2005, 295pp, p/b $19.20, ISBN-13: 9780820474229.

Mark I. Pinsky. The Gospel According to the Simpsons, Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2001, 164pp, p/b $4.43, ISBN-13: 9780664224196.

Mark I. Pinsky. The Gospel According to Disney, Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004, 286pp, p/b $9.99, ISBN-13: 9780664225919.

Steve Turner. The Gospel According to the Beatles, Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2006, 254pp, h/b $10.99, ISBN-13: 9780664229832.

Ralph C. Wood. The Gospel According to Tolkien, Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2003, 169pp, p/b $9.99, ISBN-13: 9780664226107.
Towards a Common Sense Religion? The Young and Religion in Italy
Authors: Giordan Giuseppe
Published: March 2013

The culture of pluralism, understood as the legitimation of the most diverse life options, seems to unite more and more both church-goers and non church-goers, even in a country like Italy where Catholicism still holds a position of “relative monopoly.” A research carried on with a sample of eight hundred Italian eighteen year old young people has highlighted their opinions about a few particularly “hot” questions inside Catholicism: women’s and homosexual people’s ordination, priests’ marriage, Holy Communion for divorced people who are re-marrying, the relation between various religions and truth. Although a few differences remain between those who regularly take part in religious rites and those who don’t, a “common sense religion” seems to be emerging which, through progressive erosion of the differences between these two groups, legitimates the freedom of choice for the individuals, especially for what concerns the ambit of the individual life.
Implicit Religion and Ordinary Prayer
Authors: Ap Siôn Tania
Published: March 2013

Research in implicit religion has been conducted in a wide range of contexts, including those commonly associated with explicit religion. This study explores ordinary prayer by analysing 1,067 prayer cards left in one rural church over a

sixteen-month period. The analysis is placed in theoretical contexts defined by the study of implicit religion and the study of ordinary prayer. It uses a conceptual framework which distinguishes between three aspects of ordinary intercessory and supplicatory prayer, defined as reference, intention, and objective (ap Siôn 2007), and explores areas relevant to implicit religion by drawing on Lord’s (2006) nine types of implicit religion. Results of the analysis show that specific concrete issues were not included in 30% of prayer requests, but in the 70% of requests where concrete contexts were provided, 29% cited illness and 20% death. Overall, there were more examples of primary control (55%) than secondary control (45%), and primary control was found more often in requests which had the prayer author as a key focus and in the categories of illness, growth, work, relationships, conflict or disaster, sport or recreation, travel and general requests. Secondary control was found mainly in death and the open intention category. These results, alongside the exemplification of categories, give rise to a number of hypotheses regarding ordinary prayer and implicit religion.
Exploring the Nexus between Wilderness and Therapeutic Experiences
Authors: Akhurst Jacqueline
Published: March 2013

This article was written in South Africa, where there are still tracts of wilderness in which people are able to spend a number of days away from the pressures of modern existence. The narrative draws from personal experiences in the wilderness, and explores aspects of the “call” of the wilderness for some, and links between wilderness experiences and effective psychotherapy. The cognitive freedom possible in the wilderness is contrasted with the ever-tightening influence of technology and “progress” on human well-being, providing a recurring theme. Shared metaphors, the nature of the journey and encounters with the self are explored in the contexts of the wilderness and therapy, and draw from a form of spiritual experience. Some of the emergent ideas are intended to be thought provoking, engaging the reader in questions about the promotion of well-being.
Superstition and Human Agency
Authors: Goodall Janet
Published: March 2013

While much ink has been poured on the phenomena of human (and indeed, avian) superstition, most of the attention has been focused on a process seen as somehow pejorative, as negative – as correlated with feelings of inadequacy or powerlessness, or with faulty understanding of science can causality. This paper proposes a different thesis: that there are some forms of superstition which actually reflect an exercise of human agency, of exertion of control over a universe which is perceived as capricious, rather than as absolutely predetermined or fated. To this end, a new system of classifying superstitious beliefs and practices is proposed, which delineates not on the purported outcome of the action but on the level of human agency involved. Many superstitions are based on the ultimately hopeful premise that willed human action can have an effect on the future.
Implicit Religion and the Quest for Meaning
Authors: Williams Emyr , Francis Leslie J. , Robbins Mandy
Published: March 2013

A range of theoretical perspectives postulate that religion, in both its implicit and explicit manifestations, is associated with the quest for meaning and purpose in life. This theoretical perspective is examined by the administration of the Purpose in Life Test (developed by Crumbaugh & Maholick) to a sample of 139 undergraduate students from Northern Ireland and Wales, alongside measures concerned with contrasting views of transcendence: the Revised Paranormal Belief Scale (developed by Tobacyk) and the Scale of Attitude towards Christianity (developed by Francis). The data demonstrate that purpose in life is significantly related to conceptualisations of transcendence. The implications of these fascinating findings for nuancing the construct of implicit religion are discussed.
Incarnating the Money-Sign
Authors: Singh Devin
Published: March 2013

This paper initiates an investigation into the theological and political dynamics surrounding the nature and function of money. Contrary to views of money’s spontaneous emergence and efficacy, or ideas of its intrinsic worth, I present the understanding of money as an authoritatively instituted sign. Whether emperor, monarch or state, authorizing institutions and discourses are necessary to render money’s performance successful in a given territory. Since in our day this implicates the nation-state, predictions of the state’s demise in light of financial market preponderance appear incoherent. In broaching an analysis of the many elements of money’s function in the nexus of power, politics, and economy, I propose the Christian concept of incarnation as a useful hermeneutic. Incarnational dynamics shed light on attempts at an enforced codification of reality by money’s semiotic institution by the powers, and open up a space for potential critique.
Paying Attention
Authors: Ramp William
Published: March 2013

While the perennial vitality of religion, including “religious” aspects of supposedly secular phenomena, has cast doubt on the so-called “secularization thesis,” the demise of the “demise of religion” story may have been prematurely reported. In popular culture, the new atheism of Dawkins, Hitchens and Harris populates (in unintended irony) the “religion” shelves of bookshops. Though academic studies concerned with new manifestations of explicit or implicit religious life proliferate, they do not always or necessarily entail renewed respect for religion’s intrinsic claims. Scholarly fascination and disenchantment can go hand in hand.

The books reviewed here all explore, from different angles, the fraught relations between ways of perceiving, thinking, telling or acting which could be called religious, and the intellectualizing drive of the scholarship which addresses them. In different ways, they beg the question how both religion and the study of religion relate to their cultural, historical and philosophical matrices, and in particular, how to understand the relation and opposition between forms of narrative appropriate to religion on one hand, and to science, history or philosophical psychology on the other.
Levitating the Pentagon
Authors: Laycock Joseph P.
Published: March 2013

On 21 October 1967 Allen Ginsberg, Abbie Hoffman, and Ed Sanders of the band The Fugs, and others, organized an “exorcism” of the Pentagon in which several thousand demonstrators participated. Most historians have regarded this event as “a put on” or at best as “performance art.” This article takes seriously the nominal status of the ritual as a “sacred” or “magical” event. It argues that the organizers were utilizing innovative strategies of social action to alter the terms of debate regarding the Vietnam War.

Inasmuch as these strategies drew on “secret” insights into the nature of social reality, they were seen as “magical” and in continuity with pre-modern esoteric traditions. Finally, it is argued that the new left turned to such tactics out of a deep frustration with traditional forms of democratic political engagement.
On Spirituality
Authors: King Ursula
Published: March 2013

The Spiritual Dimension of Childhood by Kate Adams, Brendan Hyde and Richard Woolley. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2008. 160pp., pb., £16.99/$29.95. ISBN-13: 9781843106029.

Spirituality in Management: Means or End? by S. K. Chakraborty and Debangshu Chakraborty. Oxford University Press, 2008. 256pp., hb., RS 815/$24.95. ISBN-13: 9780195692235.
Location and Perspective in the Theran Flotilla Fresco
Authors: Strasser Thomas F.
Published: March 2013

The Flotilla Fresco from Akrotiri on Thera depicts 14 sea craft, with seven large ships seemingly en route between two landmasses. There are, however, strong arguments against the idea of a long-distance voyage, and instead this study supports the concept of a nautical ceremony. By using palaeotopographical research, it is suggested additionally that the fresco depicts a specific setting inside the Theran caldera prior to the Bronze Age eruption; the perspective is from its interior eastern rim, looking west towards the oppositefacing cliffs of the crater’s spits. This interpretation overcomes iconographic difficulties such as the placement of the boats and dolphins above the landmasses and the unique depiction of horizontally bedded rocks around the Departure Town.
Settlement History and Urban Planning at Zincirli Höyük, Southern Turkey
Authors: Casana Jesse , Hermann Jason T.
Published: March 2013

This paper presents results of geophysical survey at Zincirli Höyük, a 40-hectare site in southern Turkey dating to the early first millennium bc. The site’s lower town offers ideal circumstances for magnetic gradiometry, and survey results from this area, combined with the results of excavations from the 1890s on the central high citadel, now reveal a nearly complete plan of the ancient city. The results therefore present a unique opportunity to explore the relationship between the production of urban space and the social and historical forces that drove it. Our evidence from Zincirli strongly suggests a pattern of distributed authority in creating the built environment of the city, whereby the king and his administrators planned and constructed the circular walls, streets, and citadel, but according to which individual elite households were probably left to plan and build their own residential compounds. The spatial relationships of these features raise important questions regarding social organization at Iron Age Zincirli. The results also offer a model for understanding the unique spatiality of new cities that were founded throughout Syria and Anatolia during the early first millennium and highlight the relationship of Zincirli to these and other planned cities of the ancient Near East.
Paraneoplastic cutaneous manifestations: concepts and updates*
Authors: Silva Josenilson Antônio da , Mesquita Kleyton de Carvalho , Igreja Ana Carolina de Souza Machado , Lucas Isabella Cristina Rodrigues Naves , Freitas Aline Ferreira , Oliveira Sandra Maximiano de , Costa Izelda Maria Carvalho , Campbell Iphis Tenfuss
Published: March 2013

The skin often signals systemic changes. Some neoplastic diseases that affect internal organs may trigger several cutaneous manifestations. Although these dermatoses are relatively unusual, the recognition of some typical paraneoplastic dermatoses may lead to the early diagnosis of a neoplasm and determine a better prognosis. In this review article, we discuss the paraneoplastic cutaneous manifestations strongly associated with neoplasms, which include acanthosis nigricans maligna, tripe palms, erythema gyratum repens, Bazex syndrome, acquired hypertrichosis lanuginosa, necrolytic migratory erythema, Leser-Trélat sign and paraneoplastic pemphigus. We also review the clinical manifestations of each condition and include updated knowledge on disease pathogenesis.
Analysis of interobserver reproducibility in grading histological patterns of dysplastic nevi*
Authors: Nobre Aretha Brito , Piñeiro-Maceira Juan , Raggio Luiz Ronir
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND: Dysplastic nevi are among the most important cutaneous melanoma simulators. They are important risk markers for this neoplasia and can be its potential precursors. Some authors found a statistically significant relationship between the degree of dysplasia and the risk for developing melanoma. However, reproducibility of grading criteria ranged from poor to fair in the researched articles. OBJECTIVE: To test the reproducibility of the grading criteria proposed by Sagebiel et al. regarding dysplastic nevi. METHODS: Histological specimens of 75 dysplastic nevi were graded, independently and in a blinded fashion, according to preestablished criteria, by a panel of 10 pathologists with different levels of experience. Diagnostic agreement was calculated using weighted kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients. RESULTS: The average of weighted kappa values was 0.13 for all observers, 0.12 for dermatopathologists, 0.18 for general pathologists and 0.05 for residents. Intraclass correlation coefficient values were 0.2 for all observers, 0.18 for dermatopathologists, 0.33 for general pathologists and 0.15 for residents. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathological grading for dysplastic nevi was not reproducible in this Brazilian series, so the criteria used are not a helpful histopathological parameter for clinicopathological correlation.