bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
John Hick's Theology of Religions and Inter-Religious Dialogue: a Critique
Authors: Meyer John R. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWhile denying that belief in Jesus Christ is an essential element for personal salvation, John Hick presupposes Christian concepts of salvation. Even though he denies the universality of Christ vis-à-vis other world religions, the Christian doctrine of salvation is at the very heart of his project, albeit in a controversial form (as universal salvation or apocatastasis). I explore the influence of Immanuel Kant and Friedrich Schleiermacher in Hick's thought and discuss how his theology of religions and his concept of inter-religious dialogue are related to Christianity and yet are divorced from some of its central tenets.
The Restrainer Removed: A Truly Alarming Thought (2 Thess 2:1-12)
Authors: Tonstad Sigve 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWhile many of the apocalyptic images in 2 Thessalonians have puzzled readers, it is question of the identities of "the lawless one" in 2:8 and "the retrainer" in 2:6 that has occasioned the most debate. The author of the letter is apparently building upon and assuming earlier discussions that the modern reader cannot re-create. However, this article argues that by placing these terms in the context of biblical prophecy, esp. Isa. 14:12-20 and Hab. 2:3, it becomes likely that "the lawless one" is Satan or a representative thereof and that "the restrainer" is God. This reading further suggests that a complex apocalyptic narrative underlies these texts.
Ten- to 14-Year Follow-up of the Nirschl Surgical Technique for Lateral Epicondylitis
Authors: Dunn Jonathan H. , Kim John J. , Davis Lonnie , Nirschl Robert P. 
Published: December 2007

Background Good to excellent short-term results have been reported for the surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis using various surgical techniques. Hypothesis Surgical treatment for lateral epicondylitis using the mini-open Nirschl surgical technique will lead to durable results at long-term follow-up. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Records from 139 consecutive surgical procedures (130 patients) for lateral epicondylitis performed by 1 surgeon between 1991 and 1994 were retrospectively reviewed. Eighty-three patients (92 elbows) were available by telephone for a mean follow-up of 12.6 years (range, 10–14 years). Outcome measures included the Numeric Pain Intensity Scale, Nirschl and Verhaar tennis elbow–specific scoring systems, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons elbow form. Preoperative data were collected retrospectively. Results The mean age of the study group was 46 years (range, 23–70 years) with 45 men and 38 women. Eighty-seven of the procedures were primary, and 5 were revision tennis elbow surgeries. Concomitant procedures were performed in 30 patients including ulnar nerve release in 24 patients, medial tennis elbow procedures in 23 patients, shoulder arthroscopy in 2 patients, carpal tunnel release in 1 patient, and triceps debridement and osteophyte excision in 1 patient. The mean duration of preoperative symptoms was 2.2 years (range, 2 months to 10 years). The mean Nirschl tennis elbow score improved from 23.0 to 71.0, and the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 34.3 to 87.7 at a minimum of 10-year follow-up ( P < .05). The Numeric Pain Intensity Scale pain score improved from 8.4 preoperatively to 2.1 ( P < .05). Results were rated as excellent in 71 elbows, good in 6 elbows, fair in 9 elbows, and poor in 6 elbows by the Nirschl tennis elbow score. By the criteria of Verhaar et al, the results were excellent in 45 elbows, good in 32 elbows, fair in 8 elbows, and poor in 7 elbows. Eighty-four percent good to excellent results were achieved using both scoring systems. Ninety-two percent of the patients reported normal elbow range of motion. The overall improvement rate was 97%. Patient satisfaction averaged 8.9 of 10. Ninety-three percent of those available at a minimum of 10-year follow-up reported returning to their sports. Conclusion The mini-open Nirschl surgical technique with accurate resection of the tendinosis tissue remains highly successful in the long term.
The Effects of Sequential Sectioning of Defined Posterior Cruciate Ligament Fiber Regions on Translational Knee Motion
Authors: Covey D. C. , Sapega Alexander A. , Riffenburgh R. H. 
Published: December 2007

Background Recent studies have shown that the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is composed of a continuum of fiber regions that display characteristic mechanical behavior under different motion and loading conditions. Hypothesis The anterior, central, and posterior fiber regions of the PCL differentially contribute to control of posterior translation of the tibia. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Nine intact, fresh-frozen cadaveric knees were instrumented with excursion wires implanted within the anterior, central, and posterior fiber regions of the PCL. In groups of 3, patterns of incremental posterior tibial translation using a 74-N posterior force were analyzed as a function of the variable linear separation distance between tibial and femoral fiber region attachment sites during posterior drawer testing at knee flexion angles of 20° and 90° before and after sequential fiber region abs. Results At 20° of knee flexion, there was no statistical difference in the relatively small amount of posterior tibial translation, regardless of whether the anterior, central, or posterior fibers were alone transected ( P = .350). At 90° of knee flexion, whether the posterior fibers were cut first, second, or third (order of section), the incremental difference in posterior tibial translation this produced was significantly different ( P = .039). For the fiber regions combined, the third fiber region section resulted in a significantly larger incremental translation than did either the first or second section with the knee flexed 90° ( P < .001). After transection of all fiber regions, significantly more total posterior tibial translation occurred at 90° versus 20° of flexion ( P = .002). Conclusions This study shows that fiber regions within the PCL have unique characteristics and behave differently in response to posterior drawer forces. Clinical Relevance This study provides additional information on the complex mechanical behavior of the PCL and suggests that some partial tears (ie, those involving 1 or 2 fiber regions) may only result in minimal posterior translation during drawer testing at 90°.
Discovery of novel alternatively spliced C. elegans transcripts by computational analysis of SAGE data
Authors: Ruzanov Peter , Jones Steven J , Riddle Donald L 
Published: December 2007

Abstract

Background
Alternative RNA splicing allows cells to produce multiple protein isoforms from one gene. These isoforms may have specialized functions, and may be tissue- or stage-specific. Our aim was to use computational analysis of SAGE and genomic data to predict alternatively spliced transcripts expressed in C. elegans.

Results
We predicted novel alternatively spliced variants and confirmed five of eighteen candidates selected for experimental validation by RT-PCR tests and DNA sequencing.

Conclusion
We show that SAGE data can be efficiently used to discover alternative mRNA isoforms, including those with skipped exons or retained introns. Our results also imply that C. elegans may produce a larger number of alternatively spliced transcripts than initially estimated.
Stromal cell-derived factor 1-α (SDF)-induced human T cell chemotaxis becomes phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-independent: role of PKC-θ
Authors: Shahabi Nahid A , McAllen K , Sharp Burt M 
Published: December 2007

AbstractStromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α) is the exclusive ligand for the chemokine receptor CXCR4. This receptor plays a pivotal role in immune responses, the pathogenesis of infection such as HIV, and cellular trafficking. However, the signaling mechanisms regulating SDF-driven T cell migration are not well defined. In this study, we determined the role of PI3K and protein kinase C- θ (PKC-θ) in SDF-induced human T cell migration in fresh versus cultured T cells. Purified human T cells (fresh vs. 48 h in media, unstimulated or activated by anti-CD3+anti-CD28) were used. Western blots showed that SDF induced phospho-(p)-Akt [threonine (Thr)308 and serine 473], a proxy for PI3K activity, in fresh cells and p-PKC-θ in 48 h unstimulated cells. LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) reduced SDF-induced chemotaxis in fresh cells by 51%, whereas it minimally affected chemotaxis in 48 h unstimulated or activated cells. However, a specific PKC-θ inhibitor, pseudosubstrate for PKC-θ, reduced chemotaxis in 48 h unstimulated and stimulated T cells by 72% and 87%, respectively. Thus, chemotaxis becomes independent of PI3K signaling in human T cells cultured for 48 h. Under these conditions, PKC-θ is phosphorylated (Thr538) by SDF, and chemotaxis becomes largely PKC-θ-dependent.
Impairment of human NK cell cytotoxic activity and cytokine release by cigarette smoke
Authors: Mian M Firoz , Lauzon Nicole M , Stämpfli Martin R , Mossman Karen L , Ashkar Ali A 
Published: December 2007

AbstractNK cells play essential roles in innate host defense against microbial infections and tumor surveillance. Although evidence suggests that smoking has adverse effects on the immune system, little is known about whether smoking compromises NK cell effector functions. In this study, we show that cigarette smoke-conditioned medium (SCM) dose-dependently inhibits in vitro IFN-γ production by polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C)-activated PBMC and NK cells isolated from nonsmoking individuals. Similarly, SCM attenuated poly I:C-induced TNF-α production by PBMC and NK cells. The inhibitory effect of cigarette smoke on TNF-α production was reversible. PBMC and NK cells isolated from smokers displayed significant reduction of IFN-γ and TNF-α secretions compared with nonsmokers in response to poly I:C activation. We further observed that SCM attenuated NK cell cytotoxic activity, which was associated with decreased up-regulation of perforin expression. Attenuated cytotoxic activity was also observed in PBMCs isolated from smokers. Finally, anti-IL-12 mAb-blocking data revealed that an attenuation of IFN-γ production by PBMC was indirect, likely via attenuation of IL-12 production, and the effect on NK cells was IL-12-independent. Our data indicate that cigarette smoke compromises function of human NK cells. This may contribute to a higher incidence of viral infections and cancer among smokers.
Cost of scaling up mental healthcare in low-and middle-income countries
Authors: Chisholm Dan , Lund Crick , Saxena Shekhar 
Published: December 2007

BackgroundNo systematic attempt has been made to calculate the costs of scaling up mental health services in low-and middle-income countries.AimsTo estimate the expenditures needed to scale up the delivery of an essential mental healthcare package over a 10-year period (2006–2015).MethodA core package was defined, comprising pharmacological and/or psychosocial treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and hazardous alcohol use. Current service levels in 12 selected low-and middle-income countries were established using the WHO–AIMS assessment tool. Target-level resource needs were derived from published need assessments and economic evaluations.ResultsThe cost per capita of providing the core package attarget coverage levels (in US dollars) ranged from $1.85 to $2.60 per year in low-income countries and $3.20 to $6.25 per year in lower-middle-income countries, an additional annual investment of $0.18–0.55 per capita.ConclusionsAlthough significant new resources need to be invested, the absolute amount is not large when considered at the population level and against other health investment strategies.
Mental health and quality of residential environment
Authors: Thomas Hollie , Weaver Nikki , Patterson Joanne , Jones Phil , Bell Truda , Playle Rebecca , Dunstan Frank , Palmer Stephen , Lewis Glyn , Araya Ricardo 
Published: December 2007

BackgroundThere is increasing interest in the proposition that residential environment can affect mental health.AimsTo study the degree to which common mental disorder clusters according to postcode units and households. To investigate whether contextual measures of residential environment quality and geographical accessibility are associated with symptoms of common mental disorder.MethodA total of 1058 individuals aged 16–75 years (response rate 66%) participated in a cross-sectional survey The 12-item General Health Questionnaire measured symptoms of common mental disorder.ResultsOnly 2% (95% CI 0–6) of the unexplained variation in symptoms existed at postcode unit level, whereas 37% (95% CI 27–49) existed at household-level, but the postcode unit variation was reduced to zero after adjustments. There was little evidence to suggest that residential quality or accessibility were associated with symptoms.ConclusionsThere was substantial unexplained variation at the household level but we could find no evidence of postcode unit variation and no association with residential environmental quality or geographical accessibility. It is likely that the psychosocial environment is more important than the physical environment in relation to common mental disorder.
Computer-aided psychotherapy: revolution or bubble?
Authors: Marks I. M. , Cavanagh K. , Gega L. 
Published: December 2007

SummaryResearch into computer-aided psychotherapy is thriving around the world. Most of it concerns computer-aided cognitive–behavioural therapy (CCBT). A recent narrative review found 97 computer-aided psychotherapy systems from nine countries reported in 175 studies, of which 103 were randomised controlled trials. The rapid spread of the mass delivery of psychotherapy through CCBT, catalysed in the UK by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's recommendation of two CCBT programmes and the Department of Health's CCBT implementation guidance, seems unprecedented. This editorial is a synopsis of the current status of CCBT and its future directions.
The Political Ideology of Labour Councillors
Authors: Gordon Ian , Whiteley Paul 
Published: December 2007

Studies of local politics in the UK have paid increasing attention to policy-making but have virtually ignored the role of ‘ideology’. This is rather unfortunate since the literature abounds with the implicit assumption that it has a part to play. The majority of studies have examined the political attitudes of party activists in terms of partisan attachment and social class. Forms of political leadership and their impact upon decision-making have also been examined in terms of community values. Building upon the American literature policy output studies have identified partisanship as being of importance while several other writers have attached different values to the role types found on local councils. Finally, John Dearlove has used ‘ideology’ in a rather restrictive fashion as the ‘proper scope of government’ to explain policy-making in Kensington and Chelsea.
The absence of any serious consideration given to political ideology may be due to several reasons. In the first place the characterization of local government as being highly centralized by some writers would deny local political ideology any meaningful role. Secondly, the view held by some practitioners and academics that local services provision is over and above party politics.
Politics and Public Bureaucracies: A Reconsideration
Authors: Greenwood Royston 
Published: December 2007

In a recent paper an attempt was made to trace the impact of political pressures upon the structural arrangements of public bureaucracies. The existence of political pressures, it was hypothesized, would result in greater control of administrative activities and decisions through use of rules, procedures, formal systems of communication and a highly centralized form of personal supervision. The results of the study reported in the paper failed to support the hypothesis.
It is tempting in the face of discrepant empirical observations to discard the theory as formulated. That has not been the procedure here, although in re-examining the original theory a number of unneccessary flaws were detected and (we hope) duly recitified, Discrepant observations however, may also be the product of deficiencies in research methods and it is wise to seek there for explanation. The postmortem represented here includes re-examination of the methods used. Let us begin, nevertheless, with the logic of the hypothesis. Is it flawed, or worthy of further consideration?
The hypothesis emanated from a disturbing omission within the literature of organization theory. There is a lengthy programme of researche’s which has cumulatively added to what is now popularly referred to as ‘contingency theory’.
Transport Forecasting: Fixing the Future
Authors: Gershuny Jonathan 
Published: December 2007

There is no one single future to be forecast. The future is, to a greater or lesser extent, determined by our own actions; to the extent that we have discretion in our activities we must think, not of the future but of alternative possible futures. This is particularly important in the case of transport, which has been seen over the last century to be a major causal variable in the pattern of social change; in choosing a future transport system we are also choosing the much wider system of social relations that will be dependent on the particular transport provisions. The choice of transport system is thus an especially important part of public policymaking, and forecasting must playa significant role in choice. This paper will look at two particular examples – motor vehicle forecasting, and airport demand and capacity forecasting – in order to throw some light on the nature of this role.
The concept of rational policymaking is helpful in formulating a view of the appropriate form for forecasting. Rationality is an attribute, not of some particular policy, but of a particular process of choosing a policy.
Misbehaviour Among School Children: The Role of the School in Strategies for Prevention
Authors: Heal Kevin 
Published: December 2007

On the purely pragmatic grounds that it may be easier to change the child’s school than his home, the proposal that policy should give the school a central part to play in the prevention of crime must be taken seriously. What remains a matter of debate is whether the school is capable of fulfilling this role.
A review of the research literature reveals general agreement that secondary schools can exert an independent influence over the behaviour of pupils. One exception to this consensus of opinion – and, in particular, to the conclusions of Power et al. – is presented by the Cambridge Study of Delinquent Development conducted by West and Farrington. On the basis of their findings, the authors concluded that ‘attendance at different secondary schools made no substantial difference to boys’ pre-existing delinquency potentials’.
A more detailed discussion of the same data, however, had earlier led Farrington to a rather different conclusion: having noted that differences in the delinquency rates between schools were primarily due to differences among the boys entering them, Farrington commented that ‘it should not be assumed that secondary schools have no influence at all on the development of juvenile delinquency’.
‘Values’ in the Policy Process
Authors: Young Ken 
Published: December 2007

This paper is addressed to some of the problems of using the concept values as an explanatory factor in the analysis of public policy-making. An obvious justification for a focus upon values is the presence within the field of policy output studies of implicit or partly explicated value or predisposition variables. The attention given to party control or Labour strength as intervening variables in the papers by Newton and Sharpe and Alt testify to the assumed importance of values, for party identification and control are clearly surrogates for a constellation of values which, though rarely discussed, are thought to inhere in the party. A broad range of studies conducted on both sides of the Atlantic suggest that such dimensions as ‘the scope of government’, ‘attitude to deviance’, ‘tolerance of ambiguity’, as well as more general aspects of actor roles, class cultures, or organizational ideologies, playa major part in the determination of policy decisions.
Value analysis is without doubt a theoretical and methodological minefield. It is clear that different dimensions of belief and evaluation bear upon different policy areas; that levels of analysis problems arise in the identification of whose values are potent for policy;
Policy Innovation in the Yugoslav Commune: The Search for a Pattern
Authors: Seroka James 
Published: December 2007

In recent years the study of innovation in public policy decision-making has become an important research subject, Many scholars have searched for a common model of policy innovation but, in general, their results have been contradictory. One factor leading to the paucity of theoretically generalizeable findings may be that innovation is too broad a concept for simple empirical examination. In other words, ‘innovation’ may mean all things to all men. This research note suggests that there are various conceptual dimensions to the innovation process, and determines that it is premature to apply a single predictive model to the entire range of innovation decisions without examining the various stages and foci of the innovation process.
There are at least two distinct conceptual dimensions to the innovation process: one is the type of decision and the other is the policy arena for the decision. First, the entire process of innovation within an organization is very complex and can embrace a large number of different independent decisions. Even though all of the decisions of an organization concerning an innovation process are heavily interconnected and dependent upon each other, each decision may be implemented and excecuted in a different manner.
Factors Affecting the Location of Voluntary Organization Branches
Authors: Hatch Stephen , Mocroft Ian 
Published: December 2007

The contribution that voluntary organizations can make to social welfare is affected by the fact that the branches of most national organizations are not distributed evenly over the country. The study reported here was carried out for the Wolfenden Committee on Voluntary Organizations in order to examine the extent of this unevenness and to see whether the distribution was random or followed a pattern.
The study was confined to the towns in England and Wales with a population in 1971 of over 50,000. London and the London boroughs were omitted. For each town the following information was obtained: 1) whether each of 22 national voluntary organizations had a branch located in the town; and 2) 26 indicators of economic and social conditions mostly drawn from the 1971 census. The 22 voluntary organizations and the 26 indicators are listed in Appendix 1.
The towns were classified on the basis of the 26 indicators, employing a technique derived from Moser and Scott’s British Towns. A computer analysis was used to identify the main underlying factors that seemed to account for most variations in the 26 indicators.