bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aggregations of retinal pigment epithelial cells on inferior retinal blood vessels, a clinical sign of early proliferative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Williamson Tom H , Laidlaw D Alistair H , Doyle Eddie 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPurpose:  To determine the relationship between ‘pigment clusters’ on blood vessels (BvRPE) on the inferior retina in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, and existing proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).Methods:  A prospective observational non‐comparative study of consecutive patients presenting with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment to a tertiary referral university department was performed. The retina was inspected preoperatively for the detection of BvRPE. A relationship with existing PVR was determined.Results:  A total of 103 patients were recruited, 70 men and 32 women, mean age 56.7 years, with 57 left eyes. Mean duration of follow up was 9.2 months. Nineteen patients (18.4%) had BvRPE, and 20 had RPE clusters off blood vessels (nine had both). In those with the sign of BvRPE the mean number of RPE clusters on blood vessels was 5.7 (SD 5.8). The mean number of clock hours affected was 2.32 (SD = 1.58). Eight had B grade PVR and three C grade PVR. Patients with BvRPE were more likely to have PVR grades B or C than those without the sign (P = 0.002). The mean number of operations in those with the sign was 1.32 (SD = 0.58) and was statistically similar to those without BvRPE. Visual outcome was statistically similar in those with and without the sign.Conclusion:  Patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment may demonstrate ‘pigment clusters’ on blood vessels in the inferior retina (BvRPE). This is likely to be a specific feature found in PVR and an early sign of activation of retinal pigment epithelial cells.
Sexual activity and prostate cancer risk in men diagnosed at a younger age
Authors: Dimitropoulou Polyxeni , Lophatananon Artitaya , Easton Douglas , Pocock Richard , Dearnaley David P. , Guy Michelle , Edwards Steven , O’Brien Lynne , Hall Amanda , Wilkinson Rosemary ,   The UK Genetic Prostate Cancer Study Collaborators, British Association of Urological Surgeons Section of Oncology, Eeles Rosalind , Muir Kenneth R. 
Published: November 2008

OBJECTIVETo examine, in a case‐control study, the association between the frequency of sexual activity (intercourse, masturbation, overall) and prostate cancer risk in younger men diagnosed at ≤60 years old.PATIENTS, SUBJECTS AND METHODSIn all, 431 prostate cancer cases and 409 controls participated and provided information on their sexual activity. In particular, the frequencies of intercourse and masturbation during the participants’ different age decades (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s) were collected.RESULTSWhereas frequent overall sexual activity in younger life (20s) increased the disease risk, it appeared to be protective against the disease when older (50s). Alone, frequent masturbation activity was a marker for increased risk in the 20s and 30s but appeared to be associated with a decreased risk in the 50s, while intercourse activity alone was not associated with the disease.CONCLUSIONThese findings could imply different mechanisms by which sexual activity is involved in the aetiology of prostate cancer at different ages. Alternatively, there is a possibility of reverse causation in explaining part of the protective effect seen for men in their 50s.
Stress assessment in acute care department nurses by measuring interleukin‐8
Authors: Fukuda H. , Ichinose T. , Kusama T. , Sakurai R. , Anndow K. , Akiyoshi N. 
Published: November 2008

Background:  Cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)‐8, have been shown to be related to depressive symptoms or inflammatory diseases and may be useful as stress biomarkers.Aim:  This study was to assess whether urinary IL‐8 levels were reliable indicators of stress among acute care department (AD) nurses.Methods:  A total of 118 nurses participated in the study. Urinary IL‐8 levels of 49 AD nurses were compared with levels of a control group of 69 chronic care department (CD) nurses.Results:  The urinary IL‐8 levels of AD nurses, who reported a higher level of professional stress, were higher than the levels of CD nurses (P < 0.01).Conclusion:  Measurement of urinary IL‐8 may be an appropriate biomarker for stress assessment in nurses.
The Rational Reconstruction of Weighing and Balancing on the Basis of Teleological‐Evaluative Considerations in the Justification of Judicial Decisions
Authors: FETERIS EVELINE T. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractIn this contribution the author develops an argumentation model for the reconstruction of weighing and balancing on the basis of teleological‐evaluative considerations. The model is intended as a heuristic and critical tool for the rational reconstruction of the justification of judicial decisions. From the perspective of a rational discussion, it makes explicit the choices underlying the weighing and balancing on the basis of goals and values so that they can be made explicit and submitted to rational critique.
PRAGMATISM, REALISM, AND RELIGION
Authors: Slater Michael R. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTPragmatism is often thought to be incompatible with realism, the view that there are knowable mind‐independent facts, objects, or properties. In this article, I show that there are, in fact, realist versions of pragmatism and argue that a realist pragmatism of the right sort can make important contributions to such fields as religious ethics and philosophy of religion. Using William James's pragmatism as my primary example, I show (1) that James defended realist and pluralist views in metaphysics, epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of religion, and (2) that these views not only cohere with his pragmatism but indeed are basic to it. After arguing that James's pragmatism provides a credible and useful approach to a number of basic philosophical and religious issues, I conclude by reflecting on some ways in which we can apply and potentially improve James's views in the study of religion.
GEORGE TYRRELL AND KARL RAHNER: A DIALOGUE ON REVELATION
Authors: CANDELARIO MA. DELIA A. 
Published: November 2008

The reality of revelation was one of the fundamental questions that occupied 1 Tyrrell as a writer until he died on 15 July 1909. The centenary of his death is an opportune time to engage this English Modernist in a dialogue with Karl Rahner on the subject of revelation. Tyrrell insists on the primacy of the interior experience of revelation. An exaggerated emphasis on inner religious experience, however, led him inevitably to a separation of the interior dimension of revelation from its verbal expressions and doctrinal formulations.Rahner also affirms the primacy of the originating inner experience of God but stresses at the same time the intrinsic unity between this transcendental revelation and its categorical, historical dimension. Revelation corresponds to the symbolic nature of the addressee. The Mystery of the Incarnation is the point of reference for understanding God's self‐communication. The fullness of revelation has been realized in the indissoluble and irreversible unity of the Divine Logos with the Man Jesus.
AN AXIOMATIC APPROACH TO NATIONAL ACCOUNTING: AN OUTLINE
Authors: Aukrust Odd 
Published: November 2008

Reprinted from The Review of Income and Wealth 12: 179–189 (1966)This article deals in an axiomatic manner with problems of definition, classification, and measurement in the national accounts. It argues that the elementary units which must be classified in national accounting are economic objects (real and financial), rather than transactions. The article defines briefly a set of postulates, and shows that the structure of a simple system of national accounting can be derived from them. There are twenty postulates–certain of them establishing basic categories such as sector, time, economic object, value (price); others establishing relations between categories (for example the notion of ownership); and others describing operations in which economic objects can be involved, such as production, final consumption, change of ownership, and change of debtor and creditor (in the case of financial objects). It is shown that the system of postulates makes it possible to consider a large number of accounting concepts (flows or stocks) as classes (baskets) of real objects (e.g., exports, real capital) or financial objects (e.g., payments, total debt of a sector). These concepts can be defined without reference to prices, although prices are necessary to measure them. Other concepts cannot be defined in this way in this system of postulates, for example value added, foreign balance, saving, net worth. However, it is possible to define magnitudes of the latter type and measure them in terms of value: for example, value added can be defined as the difference between the value of receipts and the value of outlays of a sector. In this way it is possible to establish algebraic relations among the national accounting concepts. (This article is a summary of certain parts of the doctoral thesis of the author, published in Norwegian in 1955.)
Market Structure, Internal Capital Markets, and the Boundaries of the Firm
Authors: MATHEWS RICHMOND D. , ROBINSON DAVID T. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTWe study how the creation of an internal capital market (ICM) can invite strategic responses in product markets that, in turn, shape firm boundaries. ICMs provide ex post resource flexibility, but come with ex ante commitment costs. Alternatively, stand‐alones possess commitment ability but lack flexibility. By creating flexibility, integration can sometimes deter a rival's entry, but commitment problems can also invite predatory capital raising. These forces drive different organizational equilibria depending on the integrator's relation to the product market. Hybrid organizational forms like strategic alliances can sometimes dominate integration by offering some of its benefits with fewer strategic costs.
Trusting the Stock Market
Authors: GUISO LUIGI , SAPIENZA PAOLA , ZINGALES LUIGI 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTWe study the effect that a general lack of trust can have on stock market participation. In deciding whether to buy stocks, investors factor in the risk of being cheated. The perception of this risk is a function of the objective characteristics of the stocks and the subjective characteristics of the investor. Less trusting individuals are less likely to buy stock and, conditional on buying stock, they will buy less. In Dutch and Italian micro data, as well as in cross‐country data, we find evidence consistent with lack of trust being an important factor in explaining the limited participation puzzle.
Stock Returns and Volatility: Pricing the Short‐Run and Long‐Run Components of Market Risk
Authors: ADRIAN TOBIAS , ROSENBERG JOSHUA 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTWe explore the cross‐sectional pricing of volatility risk by decomposing equity market volatility into short‐ and long‐run components. Our finding that prices of risk are negative and significant for both volatility components implies that investors pay for insurance against increases in volatility, even if those increases have little persistence. The short‐run component captures market skewness risk, which we interpret as a measure of the tightness of financial constraints. The long‐run component relates to business cycle risk. Furthermore, a three‐factor pricing model with the market return and the two volatility components compares favorably to benchmark models.
Performance of a Ventricular Automatic‐Capture Algorithm in a Wide Clinical Setting
Authors: PECORA DOMENICO , MORANDI FRANCESCA , LICCARDO MATTIA , PEPI PATRIZIA , ORAZI SERAFINO , CAICO SALVATORE IVAN , SCACCIA ALBERTO , BIZEAU OLIVEIR , CITERNE OLIVIER , RACITI GIOVANNI , GIUDICE GIOVANNI DEL 
Published: November 2008

Background: The optimal
programming of a pacemaker (PM) voltage output considers both efficiency (prolonging battery cell longevity) and patient safety (adequate safety margin). Currently, automatic capture (AC) algorithms are designed to ensure safe automatic stimulation threshold determination and pacing with a safety margin.
Methods: The aims of this prospective observational study were (1) to evaluate, over a short‐term follow‐up, the extent of backup pacing in patients implanted with an AC‐featured PM produced by Boston Scientific (Insignia) and a wide range of ventricular leads; (2) to identify patient‐ or lead‐specific predictors of ventricular threshold increase or missed detection of the ventricular pacing threshold; and (3) to analyze day‐to‐day fluctuations in the ventricular pacing threshold and the relationship between their magnitude, the characteristics of patients, and the system implanted.
Results: Five hundred and seventy‐nine patients implanted with 89 different leads were followed up for a median of 2.1 months. Five hundred and thirty‐six patients (92.5%) never experienced failure of automatic threshold testing; 571 (98.6%) did not experience permanent failure requiring continuous backup pacing at high energy. On multivariate analysis, none of the patient or lead characteristics predicted the occurrence of high‐energy backup pacing during the study period. Day‐to‐day threshold fluctuations were associated only with higher thresholds (>1 V).
Conclusion: AC algorithm reliably measures ventricular pacing thresholds in most patients: in only 1.4% of patients the system is permanently unable to detect the ventricular threshold. Backup pacing is not dependent on lead or patient characteristics, including lead polarization, polarity, and maturation.
The impact of clinical significance criteria on subthreshold depression prevalence rates
Authors: Baumeister H. , Morar V. 
Published: November 2008

Objective:  To examine and compare prevalence rates of subthreshold depression (SD) based on symptom count only as well as additional categorically and dimensionally operationalized clinical significance (CS) criteria.Method:  Data were drawn from the German National Health Survey (n = 4181). DSM‐IV‐SD and categorically defined CS criteria were operationalized by means of the Munich‐Composite International Diagnostic Interview, dimensionally defined CS criteria by means of the SF‐36‐mental component summary score (MCS) Scale.Results:  Four‐week and 12‐month prevalence rates of SD ranged from 0.7% (MCS‐CS criteria) to 1.8% (symptom count) and 1.8% to 6.8% respectively. Prevalence rates of SD were lower than those of Major Depression (5.7% and 10.9%). Within linear regression models, the association between SD and health care utilization variables remained insignificant.Conclusion:  Although prevalences rates of SD are bound to the CS criterion used, they are lower than for Major Depression. The use of a CS criterion is recommended to avoid pathologizing human behavior.
Severe mental illness and criminal victimization: a systematic review
Authors: Maniglio R. 
Published: November 2008

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of criminal victimization among people with severe mental illness and to explore risk factors.Method: Four databases (MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, ERIC, and AMED) were searched for articles published between January 1966 and August 2007, supplemented with hand‐search of reference lists from retrieved papers. The author and a Medical Doctor independently abstracted data and assessed study quality. Disagreements were resolved by consensus after review of the article and the review protocol.Results: Nine studies, including 5195 patients, were identified. Prevalence estimates of criminal victimization ranged from 4.3% to 35.04%. Rates of victimization among severely mentally ill persons were 2.3–140.4 times higher than those in the general population. Criminal victimization was most frequently associated with alcohol and/or illicit drug use/abuse, homelessness, more severe symptomatology, and engagement in criminal activity.Conclusion: Prevention and intervention programs should target high‐risk groups and improve patients’ mental health and quality of life.
Retrievability of implant‐retained crowns following cementation
Authors: Mehl Christian , Harder Sönke , Wolfart Mona , Kern Matthias , Wolfart Stefan 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the retrievability of cemented implant crowns using two different removal devices. The influence of five cement types and two cement application techniques was evaluated.Methods: Forty copings were cast from a CoCr alloy for 40 tapered titanium abutments (5° taper, 4.3 mm diameter, 6 mm height, Camlog, Germany). Twenty copings were modeled as single crowns, whereas 20 copings were modeled with an extension to simulate fixed partial dentures (FPDs). Before cementation, the inner surfaces of the copings were air‐abraded (50 μm Al2O3 particles at 2.5 bars), while the abutments were used as delivered with machined surfaces. Copings were cemented with eugenol‐free zinc oxide (Freegenol), zinc phosphate (Harvard), glass ionomer (Ketac Cem), polycarboxylate (Durelon) and so‐called self‐adhesive resin (RelyX Unicem) cement. Cement was applied in a thin film band of 1 or 3 mm to the cervical margin of the inner surface of the copings, respectively. After cementation, specimens were stored in saline solution for 24 h. The Coronaflex and a standardized custom‐made removal device were used to remove the copings from the abutments.Results: Using the same cement, no statistically significant influence with regard to the type of restoration (crown/FDP), cement application mode and device was detected (P>0.05). Therefore, data of specimens cemented with the same cement were pooled. Median attempts to remove the copings were: zinc oxide: 3, self‐adhesive resin: 3, zinc phosphate: 5, glass ionomer: 16 and polycarboxylate: 58. Four levels of significance (P<0.0001) were found: (1) zinc oxide/self‐adhesive resin; (2) zinc phosphate; (3) glass ionomer; and (4) polycarboxylate.Conclusions: Zinc phosphate and glass ionomer cement might be suitable for a so‐called ‘semipermanent’ (=retrievable) cementation, while polycarboxylate seems to provide the most durable cementation.
Effects of Coccoloba uvifera L. on UV‐stimulated melanocytes
Authors: Silveira Jéssica Eleonora Pedroso Sanches , Pereda Maria del Carmen Velazquez , Eberlin Samara , Dieamant Gustavo Campos , Di Stasi Luiz Claudio 
Published: November 2008

Background: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation induces generation of reactive oxygen species, production of proinflammatory cytokines and melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (MSH) as well as increase in tyrosinase activity. The potential photoprotective effects of Coccoloba uvifera extract (CUE) were evaluated in UV‐stimulated melanocytes.Methods: Human epidermal melanocytes were used as an in vitro model to evaluate the effects of CUE on the production interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), and α‐MSH under basal and UV‐stimulated conditions. Antioxidant and anti‐tyrosinase activities were also evaluated in membrane lipid peroxidation and mushroom tyrosinase assay, respectively.Results: Coccoloba uvifera L. showed antioxidant and anti‐tyrosinase activities and also inhibited the production of IL‐1α, TNF‐α and α‐MSH in melanocytes subjected to UV radiation (P<0.01). Moreover, CUE inhibited the activity of tyrosine kinase in cell culture under basal and UV radiation conditions (P<0.001), corroborating the findings of the mushroom tyrosinase assay.Conclusion: This study supports the photoprotective potential of CUE.
Genetic variation in heat shock protein 70 is associated with septic shock: narrowing the association to a specific haplotype
Authors: Kee C. , Cheong K. Y. , Pham K. , Waterer G. W. , Temple S. E. L. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryHeat shock protein 70 (HSP70) plays a major role in immune responses. Polymorphisms within the gene have been associated with development of septic shock. This study refines the region of the HSP70 gene associated with development of septic shock and confirms its functionality. Subjects (n = 31) were grouped into one of three haplotypes based on their HSPA1B‐179C>T and HSPA1B1267A>G genotypes. Mononuclear cells from these subjects were stimulated with heat‐killed bacteria (107 colony‐forming units/mL Escherichia coli or Streptococcus pneumoniae) for 8 and 21 h. HSP70 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) mRNA and protein levels were measured by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction and ELISA, respectively. The HSPA1B‐179*C:1267*A haplotype was associated with significantly lower levels of HSPA1B mRNA and protein and higher production of TNF mRNA and protein compared to the other haplotypes. Induction of HSP70 was TNF independent. These results suggest that the HSPA1B‐179C>T:1267A>G haplotype is functional and may explain the association of the HSP70 gene with development of septic shock.
Development And Adjustment Policy For A Low Income Farm Area1
Authors: GARTNER G.J. 
Published: November 2008

This paper attempts to develop profit‐maximizing plans for a low income farm area and to indicate the magnitude of resource adjustment required to meet this optimum. A secondary objective is to evaluate the usefulness of the variable resource programming technique as a device for determining resource misallocation and as a guide to regional and national policy. The study set out to develop optimum plans for the individual farm units and for the area using the variable resource programming technique. The results of the individual farm programs indicate that considerable income development potential exists on farms through internal farm resource reorganization and development. Results of the area programs suggest a need for substantial farm unit adjustment in order to achieve efficient resource use, particularly in achieving minimum farm income needs of the future.
AGGREGATING COMPETITIVE BEHAVIOR IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY
Authors: HAWKINS MURRAY H. 
Published: November 2008

There exists a wide and continuing informational gap between the Food Retailing Industry and the academic community. The amount of information in regard to market conduct in this area is isolated and fragmented. Current measurements of concentration and market power include no subjective values or operational conduct variables. The value judgments and conduct of the participants in the market place are not considered.This article presents a theoretical discussion in developing a measurement which could help in rectifying the above shortcomings. The development of a competitive rating index would pressure agricultural economists to rely less readily on traditional measures of market power in drawing conclusions and to examine with greater care the conventional relationship which is alleged to exist between market structure conduct and performance.SummaryThe inclusion of the above indices into one competitive rating index gives us a tool which would allow economists to study the relative position of each firm hi a national, regional or local environment. The type of competition can be classified. The stages that various markets pass through as markets develop in their use of price and non‐price competition can be reviewed. Weighted indices could also be evaluated, i.e., if an index of advertising and promotion were included, it would be possible to weight this index by market share to gauge the possible impact on competitive intensity.The use of the many sub‐indices would facilitate decisions by management and management consultants, in regard to rectifying weaknesses which exist in the competitive tactics of the individual firm. It would thus increase the ability of the firm to initiate countermoves and thus introduce a stronger competitive tone into the market place [5, pp. 471–476].A careful and continuing analysis of the sub‐indices by policy makers would enable them to initiate control procedures without the “hue and cry” of a Royal Commission.