bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broad Spectrum Antiviral Fractions from the Lichen Ramalina farinacea (L.) Ach.
Authors: Esimone C.O. , Grunwald T. , Nworu C.S. , Kuate S. , Proksch P. , Überla K.
Published: January 2009

Background: An ethylacetate-soluble fraction (ET4) from the lichen Ramalina farinacea has previously been shown to inhibit the infectivity of lentiviral and adenoviral vectors, as well as wild-type HIV-1. We now determined the antiviral activity of ET4 against other wild-type viruses, including the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Methods: Wild-type HIV-1, HSV-1 or RSV were pre-incubated with various concentrations of ET4 for 30 min at 37°C before adding to P4CCR5 indicator cell line (HIV-1), ELVIS TM indicator cell line (HSV-1) or HEp2 cell line (RSV) in 96-well microtitre plates. Controls contain virus alone without ET4. The anti-HIV and anti-HSV activities were quantified by estimating beta-galactosidase expression of the respective indicator cell lines while the anti-RSV activity was determined via an immunofluorescent technique, employing monoclonal mouse antibody against the P-protein of RSV. Toxicity of ET4 to cell lines was evaluated in parallel using either the BrdU incorporation method or the MTT method. The effect of ET4 on the enzymatic activity of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase was also evaluated using a chemiluminescent reverse transcriptase assay. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the whole methanol extract of R. farinacea involved sequential screening of HPLC fractions using a vector-based assay technique. Results:ET4 inhibited HSV-1 and RSV potently (IC50 = 6.09 and 3.65 μg/ml, respectively). Time-of-addition studies suggest that both entry and post-entry steps of the HIV-1 replication cycle and the entry step of the RSV replication cycle are targeted. Furthermore, ET4 inhibited HIV-1 reverse transcriptase with an IC50 of 0.022μg/ml. Bioassay-guided fractionation of ET4 led to the identification sub-fraction rfO, with activity against lentiviral vector and HIV-1 (RNA viruses) but not against HSV-1 (DNA virus) and sub-fraction rfM, with activity against HSV-1 but not against the lentiviral vector. Conclusions:ET4 represents a novel fraction from the lichen R. farinacea with broad spectrum antiviral activity against DNA viruses (adenovirus and HSV-1) and RNA viruses (HIV-1 and RSV). The effect against DNA and RNA viruses is mediated by different sub-fractions within R. farinacea.
Precalcaneal Congenital Fibrolipomatous Hamartomas: Report of 3 Additional Cases and Discussion of the Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Laetsch Semadeni B. , Mainetti C. , Itin P. , Lautenschlager S.
Published: January 2009

We report 3 cases of otherwise healthy infants with nodules on their soles. The nodules were present at birth or developed in early childhood. This condition has first been described in 1977 and was termed precalcaneal congenital fibrolipomatous hamartoma (PCFH). Since then the same entity has been reported under various denominations. The incidence of PCFH is underestimated, and it is important to recognize the benign nature of this disorder.
Correction towards Normal Hemoglobin Values in Chronic Kidney Disease: What Is the Current Evidence regarding Mortality and Morbidity Outcomes?
Authors: Scherhag Armin
Published: January 2009

Background: Recent studies, in which the cardiovascular risk and mortality associated with high and low hemoglobin target values, respectively, have been investigated, challenged the concept that hemoglobin normalization improves prognosis. Methods: The results of these studies are reviewed with respect to differences in study populations, study design and methodological limitations to provide guidance for their interpretation and relevance for clinical practice. Results: There are important differences with respect to enrolled populations, design and conduct of the studies. Each study has its specific, inherent methodological limitations. Importantly, there is no statistically significant and consistent pattern of negative results for cardiovascular and mortality outcomes, although in general outcomes are not in favor of hemoglobin normalization. On the other hand, the reported data on quality of life are consistently and significantly better with higher hemoglobin values. Conclusions: Recent evidence from large outcome studies suggested an increased risk associated with hemoglobin normalization. On the other side, several study-inherent and methodological limitations must be considered before simply extrapolating the negative findings of these studies into clinical practice. However, until new evidence becomes available from ongoing and future clinical studies, an upper Hb limit of 12 g/dl should not be exceeded.
Generalized Granuloma Annulare Treated with Methylaminolevulinate Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Piaserico S. , Zattra E. , Linder D. , Peserico A.
Published: January 2009

Granuloma annulare (GA) is a non-infectious granulomatous dermatosis characterized by annular papules and rarely nodules and plaques, arising on the dorsa of the hands, feet, elbows and knees; it is usually chronic and asymptomatic. The aetiology of GA is unknown, although many hypotheses have been postulated. About 10% of patients affected by GA present the generalized subtype, characterized by a later age of onset and a chronic course with a low tendency to spontaneous resolution. The widespread papular eruption develops on the trunk and upper or lower limbs. Generalized GA is very disfiguring because of the extensive dissemination of the lesions. The response to various treatments, namely topical and intralesional corticosteroids, topical tacrolimus, dapsone, isotretinoin, etretinate or hydroxychloroquine, is usually unsatisfactory. We report 3 cases with long-lasting generalized GA responding to methylaminolevulinate photodynamic therapy.
Two Observations Raising Questions about Risk Factors of Cutaneous Necrosis Induced by Terlipressin (Glypressin®)
Authors: Mégarbané Hala , Barete Stéphane , Khosrotehrani Kiarash , Izzedine Hassan , Moguelet Philippe , Chosidow Olivier , Frances Camille , Aractingi Selim
Published: January 2009

Introduction: Triglycyl lysine vasopressin (terlipressin, Glypressin®) is a potent vasoconstrictive drug which became popular because of its prolonged duration of action, ease of administration and lower incidence of side effects. Ischemic complications are rare but may be life threatening. Observations: Case 1, a 68-year-old man with alcoholic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, was admitted due to acute functional renal failure. He was first treated for septic shock with intravenous catecholamines. He then developed hepatorenal syndrome and received terlipressin as intravenous bolus (4 mg/day). Three days later, he presented a diffuse purpuric and necrotic eruption with tongue ischemia. He died from Staphylococcus aureus infection. Case 2, a 74-year-old man with metastatic carcinoma, presented severe renal insufficiency. He developed sepsis and pseudohepatorenal syndrome, which was treated with terlipressin (0.5 mg/h) using an infusion pump. Four days later, he developed an isolated large erythematous and purpuric macular plaque of the scalp near skin metastases. The patient died a few weeks later from tumor progression. In both cases, skin biopsies showed ischemic necrosis caused by thrombosis of superficial dermal capillaries. Conclusion: These cases point to the risk of either widespread or localized necrosis. Although the precise incidence of these events as well as risk factors remain to be determined, hypovolemia, concomitant administration of vasoactive drugs and the mode of administration of terlipressin may influence the occurrence of these complications.
Reduced Stretch-Induced Force Response in Failing Human Myocardium Caused by Impaired Na
+
-Contraction Coupling
Authors: von Lewinski Dirk , Kockskämper Jens , Zhu Danan , Post Heiner , Elgner Andreas , Pieske Burkert
Published: January 2009

Background—

Stretch elicits an immediate, followed by a delayed, inotropic response in various animal models and failing human myocardium. This study aimed to characterize functional differences in the stretch response between failing and nonfailing human myocardium.

Methods and Results—

Experiments were performed in muscle tissue from 86 failing and 16 nonfailing human hearts. Muscles were stretched from 88% to 98% of optimal length. Resulting immediate (Frank-Starling mechanism [FSM]) and delayed (slow-force response [SFR]) increases in twitch force were assessed before and after blockade of nitric oxide synthase, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, or reverse-mode Na
+
/Ca
2+
exchange. Stretch-induced changes in [Na
+
]
i
were measured using fluorescent indicator sodium-binding benzofuran isophthalate-AM. Nitric oxide synthase isoform expression was quantified by Western blot analysis. FSM was comparable between nonfailing (227�8%) and failing (222�9%) myocardium, whereas the additional increase during SFR (≈5 minutes) was larger in nonfailing myocardium (to 126�3% versus 119�2% of force of FSM, respectively;
P
<0.05). Basal [Na
+
]
i
and stretch-induced increase in [Na
+
]
i
were lower in nonfailing myocardium. Inhibition of the Na
+
/H
+
exchange largely reduced the increase in [Na
+
]
i
and significantly blocked the SFR. In both groups, SFR was almost completely prevented by reverse-mode Na
+
/Ca
+
-exchanger inhibition. Although neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase expression were significantly upregulated in failing myocardium, inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase had no effect on FSM or SFR.

Conclusions—

These data demonstrate a Na
+
-independent FSM and a Na
+
-dependent SFR in both nonfailing and failing human myocardium. The larger stretch-dependent increase in [Na
+
]
i
in failing myocardium was associated with a blunted functional response, indicating impaired Na
+
-contraction coupling in the failing human heart.
Absolute and Attributable Risks of Heart Failure Incidence in Relation to Optimal Risk Factors
Authors: Folsom Aaron R. , Yamagishi Kazumasa , Hozawa Atsushi , Chambless Lloyd E.
Published: January 2009

Background—

Epidemiological studies have shown that a large proportion of coronary heart disease and stroke events are explained by borderline or elevated risk factors and that adults with optimal risk factors greatly avoid these events. The degree to which this applies to heart failure incidence is not well documented.

Methods and Results—

We categorized baseline (1987–1989) risk factors in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study cohort (n=13460, aged 45 to 64 years) into optimal, borderline, and elevated groups based on national guidelines, using a 4-factor score (blood pressure, plasma cholesterol, diabetes, and smoking) and a 5-factor score (which included body mass). Incidence of hospitalized heart failure (n=1344) was identified over a 16-year period. Only 4.9% of the cohort at baseline had all optimal risk factors based on the 4-factor score and 2.6% using the 5-factor score. Compared with participants with any elevated risk factor using the 4-factor score, the age-, sex-, and race-adjusted relative hazard for heart failure events was 0.18 (95% CI, 0.10 to 0.32) for those with all optimal risk factors and 0.35 (95% CI, 0.30 to 0.41) for those with only borderline risk factors. A population-attributable fraction estimate suggested that having at least 1 of the 4 risk factors, elevated or borderline, accounted for 77.1% of heart failure events. For the 5-factor score, that percentage was 88.8%.

Conclusion—

Middle-aged adults with optimal (low) risk factors have low incidence rates of heart failure, which supports redoubled efforts to prevent risk factor development in the first place.
Impact of Center Volume on Outcomes of Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation as Destination Therapy
Authors: Lietz Katherine , Long James W. , Kfoury Abdallah G. , Slaughter Mark S. , Silver Marc A. , Milano Carmelo A. , Rogers Joseph G. , Miller Leslie W. , Deng Mario , Naka Yoshifumi , Mancini Donna
Published: January 2009

Background—

More than 400 patients with end-stage heart failure underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation of LVAD as destination therapy (DT) after the US Food and Drug Administration approval of DT in 2002. Because most of these patients had surgeries at hospitals that were newly accredited, we sought to examine the impact of LVAD center volume on the outcomes of DT.

Methods and Results—

From July 1998 through December 2005, a total of 377 patients underwent implantation of HeartMate I LVAD as DT at 68 centers in the United States. Using data from the Thoratec DT Registry, we examined the association between LVAD center volume at the time of surgery and 1-year survival with DT. Of the studied 377 DT recipients, 53% underwent device implantation at centers that performed ≤4 DT implants at the time of surgery. Center experience with DT seemed to significantly correlate with the 1-year survival (47.8% versus 67.4% in recipients of ≤4th DT versus >9th DT implant;
P
=0.009). However, the DT center volume was not an independent predictor of 1-year survival with DT when adjusted for the preoperative DT Risk Score, suggesting that other factors, such as improved candidate selection, may have accounted for the institutional learning curve.

Conclusions—

The institutional experience with DT may have a significant impact on outcomes of this therapy. Better selection of candidates, systemic approach to surgical and postoperative care, as well as the long-term medical management most likely all contribute to these improvements.
Violating the Rights of the Child through Inadequate Sexual Health Education
Authors: Kennedy Charlene , Covell Katherine
Published: January 2009

The focus of this research was to examine the impact of traditional sexual health education, an approach that infringes upon children's rights to information, on 15 year-olds' knowledge of birth control, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, attitudes toward gays and lesbians. One hundred and twenty grade ten students completed a survey comprising measures of sex education received, sexual activity, sexual health knowledge, attitudes toward gays, lesbians, and the teaching of homosexuality, and school-based experiences with homophobia. Our findings reinforce the inadequacy of traditional sexual health education to meet rights consistent standards. Although many of the respondents were sexually active, their knowledge of sexual health issues, and especially of homosexuality, was poor. Homophobic expression was reported to be very common in schools, and teacher interventions were few. Prejudicial attitudes toward gays and lesbians were related to experience with homophobia and to a lack of knowledge about homosexuality. In essence current practices are violating the rights of all children but particularly those of sexual minority status. Consistency with children's rights requires shifts in sex education practices and teacher attitudes and behaviors.
For/Against Hybridity: Religious Entrepreneurships in a Roman Catholic Pilgrimage Shrine in Malaysia
Authors: Yeoh Seng Guan
Published: January 2009

Based on ethnographic data gathered in the late 1990s in a popular Roman Catholic pilgrimage shrine in Peninsular Malaysia, this essay discusses popular practices and discourses surrounding elements of everyday religious hybridisation in evidence at the shrine. What are the trajectories amenable to these kinds of translations, exchanges and mixing? How are they contested in turn and why? What do they index about inter-faith relations, and contemporary religious sensibilities in Malaysia?
Negotiating Traditions: Popular Christianity in India
Authors: Robinson Rowena
Published: January 2009

This paper will look at converted Christian communities on the Indian subcontinent and the emergent rich bricolage of religious traditions. A narrative of Indian Christianity takes us almost imperceptibly into the realm of cultural convergence and communication. While the concepts of 'syncretism' or 'composite culture' have framed many discussions regarding this interaction, newer perspectives have begun to emerge. Syncretism sometimes implies the harmonious interaction of different religious traditions, while ethnographies bring up a far more complicated picture of contestation and struggle. We also need to look closely at patterns of religious interaction and engagement. Christianity may take from Hinduism, but this is not always the case. Sometimes both Christianity and Hinduism simultaneously engage with a different religious and cultural environment. Processes are more complex than they at first sight appear and, as this paper will attempt to show, some amount of historicisation is essential when understanding the ways in which they work.
'Mixing and Matching': The Shape of Everyday Hindu Religiosity in Singapore
Authors: Sinha Vineeta
Published: January 2009

Religious pluralism is the norm rather than the exception in contemporary societies but this is by no means a recent phenomenon. This is also an empirical field that students of religion have long engaged theoretically. Such scholarly attention has generated a plethora of conceptual tools to make sense of religious encounters in multi-religious settings. As such, a number of phrases — 'religious pluralism,' 'religious diversity' and 'multi-religiosity' — abound in the relevant literature and the notions of pluralism, multiplicity and diversity inform these discussions. Such expressions as 'religious syncretism' and 'religious hybridisation' have also been proposed to address the various interactions witnessed across a variety of religious traditions. I argue that this terminology and the conceptual frames it advances need to be queried in order to assess their value and relevance for theorising interactions amongst religious traditions. This paper focuses on everyday forms of Hindu religiosity in urban Singapore and the kinds of engagement and participation that occur across religious traditions in this multi-religious context. Through my ethnography, I problematise the above-mentioned noted categories, as well as the sense-making strategies they have led to, while proposing alternative modes of approaching the realm of everyday religiosity at the level of practice.
Chinese Religion and the Challenge of Modernity in Malaysia and Singapore: Syncretism, Hybridisation and Transfiguration
Authors: Goh Daniel
Published: January 2009

The past fifty years have seen continuing anthropological interest in the changes in religious beliefs and practices among the Chinese in Malaysia and Singapore under conditions of rapid modernisation. Anthropologists have used the syncretic model to explain these changes, arguing that practitioners of Chinese "folk" religion have adapted to urbanisation, capitalist growth, nation-state formation, and literacy to preserve their spiritualist worldview, but the religion has also experienced "rationalisation" in response to the challenge of modernity. This article proposes an alternative approach that questions the dichotomous imagination of spiritualist Chinese religion and rationalist modernity assumed by the syncretic model. Using ethnographic, archival and secondary materials, I discuss two processes of change — the transfiguration of forms brought about by mediation in new cultural flows, and the hybridisation of meanings brought about by contact between different cultural systems — in the cases of the Confucianist reform movement, spirit mediumship, Dejiao associations, state-sponsored Chingay parades, reform Taoism, and Charismatic Christianity. These represent both changes internal to Chinese religion and those that extend beyond to reanimate modernity in Malaysia and Singapore. I argue that existential anxiety connects both processes as the consequence of hybridisation and the driving force for transfiguration.
Wudang Mountain and Mount Zion in Taiwan: Syncretic Processes in Space, Ritual Performance, and Imagination
Authors: DeBernardi Jean
Published: January 2009

In this paper, I develop a detailed consideration of ways in which Chinese religious practitioners, including Daoists, Christians, and spirit mediums, deploy syncretism in complex fields of practice. Rather than focusing on doctrinal blending, this study emphasises the ways in which these practitioners combine elements from diverse religious traditions through the media of ritual performance, visual representation, story, and landscape. After considering the diverse ways in which syncretic processes may be deployed in a field of practice, the paper investigates three ethnographic cases, exploring ritual co-celebration at Wudang Mountain in South-central China, charismatic Christian practices in Singapore, and the recent development of Holy Mount Zion as a Christian pilgrimage site in Taiwan.
What's the Use of 'Well-Being' in Contexts of Child Poverty? Approaches to Research, Monitoring and Children's Participation
Authors: Streuli Natalia , Woodhead Martin , Camfield Laura
Published: January 2009

Monitoring, protecting and promoting 'well-being' are central to realisation of children's rights. Yet definitions of the concept are both variable and can appear conceptually confused. Competing research paradigms engage with the concept and its measurement, while applications of well-being in policy are equally contested. This paper outlines some of the major debates, as a starting point for reviewing three contrasting approaches to well-being: indicator-based, participatory, and longitudinal research. In particular, it focuses on applications of the concept in contexts of child poverty worldwide. We suggest there are some promising signs of integration amongst these approaches, and argue that well-being does have potential as a bridging concept, at the same time highlighting inequalities, acknowledging diversity, and respecting children's agency. Drawing on the experience of Young Lives, a 15 year, four-country longitudinal study of child poverty, we suggest that methods for studying child well-being in global contexts should be dynamic and sensitive to culture and time, as well as to the trade-offs that children are required to make between themselves and others. We argue that dynamic approaches are especially important in research with children as they address how people change in time. Well-being is understood by Young Lives to be about real people and the social contexts they inhabit. It can act as a lens - similar to culture - which recognises that outcomes of deprivation are influenced by children and their responses to and interpretation of events. Accessing children's views in the context of their communities is important and can increase the accuracy and credibility of research data. Crucially, well-being research also foregrounds subjective meanings and experiences, and provides the background for interpreting 'best interests'. While shared visions for well-being can set parameters of acceptability and underpin basic entitlements, detailed specification must be negotiable, especially taking account of the views of the principal stakeholders, namely children, their caregivers and others centrally concerned with their lives.
Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in the CRC: Is There a Legal Obligation to Cooperate Internationally for Development?
Authors: Vandenhole Wouter
Published: January 2009

Several provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child contain references to international cooperation, sometimes in combination with a reference to the needs of developing countries. This article explores whether these references, in light of the interpretation given by the Committee on the Rights of the Child and of other human rights treaties which contain similar wording (in particular the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the Disability Convention), amount to a legal obligation to cooperate internationally for development in the field of economic, social and cultural rights. While it is not possible to establish the existence of a legal obligation to provide development assistance in general – which would amount to an extraterritorial obligation to fulfil – legal obligations to respect and protect economic, social and cultural rights of children in third countries do apply. Moreover, the CRC Committee has clarified some specific obligations of fulfilment for donor countries, such as, amongst others, the allocation of 0,7 per cent of GDP to development assistance, and the adoption of a rights-based approach to development cooperation, in which children's rights are mainstreamed.
Child Protection vs. Crime Prevention: The Regulation of Young Offenders' Private Information in Canada
Authors: Piñero Verónica Beatriz
Published: January 2009

Having examined 151 years of enacted legislation in the Canadian youth criminal justice system (1857–2007), the author analyzes how the Parliament of Canada has regulated the publication of information that identifies young people as being or having been dealt with by the justice system. Piñero identifies four different time periods in the legislation: 1857–1891; 1892–1907; 1908–1981; and 1982–2007. The regulation enacted during 1857–1891 was not concerned with the publication of information that may identify young offenders. This position started to change during the period 1892–1907, reaching its highest point during the period 1908–1981. The 1908–1981 period was highly concerned with the protection of young offenders' private information, since such a measure was perceived as an important factor for granting young offenders rehabilitation. However, since 1982 this direction started to change: the enacted regulation during the period 1982–2007 drew a distinction between two groups of young offenders according to the seriousness of the committed offences, thereby protecting the private information of one of the groups but not the private information of the other. Piñero argues that the theoretical implications underlying the regulation of young offenders' privacy rights in the period 1908–1981 constituted an evolution (innovation) with regard to the periods 1857–1891 and 1892–1907, while the theoretical implications underlying the period 1982–2007 constituted (and constitute) a regression as to the third period.
The Impact of the UNCRC on the Italian Legal System
Authors: Long Joëlle
Published: January 2009

Although the direct effect of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) on the legal system have been limited, the UNCRC is for Italy one of the most important multilateral conventions: the legislator approves almost any act on children's rights, stating that the new legal instrument is necessary in order fully to implement the UNCRC; the courts use the Convention to justify judicial interpretations which cannot be given on the sole ground of domestic law and sometimes even to substantiate interpretations against the letter of domestic law. The analysis of the conflicts between the UNCRC and Italian law identified both by the Committee on the Rights of the Child and by Italian scholars shows the ways of implementing this international instrument in Italy are not likely to change in the future: the effects on the sources of Italian law will therefore probably remain the only path through which the Convention actually contributes to the improvement of children's protection in Italy.
Difference, Violence, and Memory
Authors: Volf Miroslav
Published: January 2009

In the face of violence and wrongdoing, remembering is a necessarily complex phenomenon. Violence, generated by difference, particularly across cultural boundaries, accentuates and reinforces otherness. The curing of such violence involves at least the embracing of others in their difference and the realization that the self is in fact structured by the presence of others. In this the redemptive function of memory requires one not simply to remember, but (rather) to remember rightly!
Inventing the Apocrypha: The Role of Early Latin Canon Lists
Authors: O'Loughlin Thomas
Published: January 2009

The Western churches have long had disagreements as to what books form the `canon' of the Old Testament, and, therefore, which books can be used in theological argument. This article argues that this dispute is itself a function of earlier disputes in the late patristic and early medieval periods, and explores how the solution to those disputes left a legacy of confusion that fuelled the Reformation and later debates. This exploration is focused on the canon listings that were produced as part of the patristic and early medieval debates.
Understanding Feyerabend on Galileo
Authors: Hickey Thomas J.
Published: January 2009

In 1990, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger used Feyerabend's analysis of Galileo to illustrate modernism's complacency about science. Feyerabend had used Galileo's writings to illustrate some limitations of empirical science. He claimed further that Galileo practised `counterinduction' to create a new observation language.
Correlates of Spirituality Among African Americans and Caribbean Blacks in the United States: Findings From the National Survey of American Life
Authors: Taylor Robert Joseph , Chatters Linda M. , Jackson James S.
Published: January 2009

The present study examined differences in reports of spirituality among African Americans, Caribbean Blacks (Black Caribbeans), and non-Hispanic Whites using data from the National Survey of American Life. Bivariate analyses indicated that African Americans were most likely to endorse statements regarding the importance of spirituality in their lives (“How important is spirituality in your life?”) and self-assessments of spirituality (“How spiritual would you say you are?”), followed by Caribbean Blacks and non-Hispanic Whites. Regression analyses indicated that African Americans and Caribbean Blacks had significantly higher levels of spirituality than did non-Hispanic Whites. However, there were no significant differences in spirituality between African Americans and Caribbean Blacks. Separate regression analyses for African Americans and Caribbean Blacks indicated distinctive patterns of sociodemographic and denominational correlates of spiritual sentiments. Findings are discussed in relation to available survey and ethnographic data on self-assessments of spirituality.
Evaluation of micro-wind turbine aerodynamics, wind speed sampling interval and its spatial variation
Authors: Makkawi A. , Celik AN , Muneer T.
Published: January 2009

Large wind turbines are usually installed in areas where wind speed distributions have been observed long enough to make sure of their high efficiency. However, micro-wind turbines are mostly used in areas where wind conditions are not necessarily favourable for efficient power production. Therefore, micro-wind turbines require specific designs to work effectively in low and turbulent wind resource areas. However, because this is not the case, more experimental results are being published in recent years that report under-achieving micro-wind turbines. In the present article, a similar under-achievement is reported. The experience gained from the wind energy project undertaken at Napier University is reported, as well as the analysis of the wind speed data collected at the facility and at Edinburgh Airport, some 16 km away from it.

Practical applications: A micro-wind energy system can be one of the most promising technological solutions for producing electricity in residential applications for remote consumers as well as in urban areas provided that the problems reported in the literature are successfully tackled. The currently reported research project identifies such problems associated with micro-wind turbines, stemming from their use in urban areas on roofs of buildings. Thus, this will contribute both to the understanding of micro-wind turbines and to their possible improvements in the coming years.
Acceptable noise levels for construction site offices
Authors: Mui KW , Wong LT , Wong YW
Published: January 2009

This study examined acceptable noise level of a construction site office in Hong Kong by analysing responses obtained from interviews of 77 occupants. The equivalent continuous noise level Leq measured in the office was chosen as an indicator and correlated with the occupant acceptance recorded on a visual analogue assessment scale and a dichotomous assessment scale. With the use of a logistic regression model, this acceptance was found to be significantly influenced by the working experience and age of occupants, which were in turn highly correlated. Satisfactory noise levels within the office have been evaluated by comparing acceptance responses given by the occupants at different Leq. The proposed criterion of aural comfort was further identified by the survey samples and a conclusion was drawn: an indoor environment with an equivalent continuous noise level Leq of 65 dBA would be deemed acceptable for a construction site office.

Practical applications: This study reported the occupant acceptable noise level in construction site offices was more adaptable to a noisy environment than a general office because the occupant acceptance would be significantly influenced by the outdoor noise level, working experience and occupant age. The construction site office with an equivalent continuous noise level of 65 dBA would be recommended as a design criterion for construction site offices as it can balance the cost of acoustical treatment and the satisfaction of occupants.
Environmental assessment of residential buildings with an emphasis on water conservation
Authors: Ilha MSO , Oliveira LH , Gonçalves OM
Published: January 2009

The construction, operation and demolition of buildings represent one of the most damaging human activities in the global environment nowadays and water use and conservation is one of the most representative environmental loads to be considered. Brazil, unlike some other countries, has not yet implemented its own body building environmental assessment. The development of an environmental assessment system requires the identification of the most important topics to be considered in each theme for each country or region, due to local environmental agenda. This article presents a summary of the main topics concerning water conservation considered in some international environmental building assessment systems and presents a proposal of topics to take into account in a Brazilian assessment system.

Practical application: The civil construction industry is not only one of the biggest sectors in the economy but is also one of the greatest polluters. Along with standardisation, it is also necessary to establish measures to attract significantly higher levels in different topics related to sustainable construction. New mechanisms that allow users to recognise the difference between buildings with different sustainable performance levels need to be developed. This article will be used as a base for the development of a Brazilian system of assessment and rating for building environmental performance and sustainability in terms of water use and conservation.
Thermal comfort of an air-conditioned office through different windows-door opening arrangements
Authors: Daghigh R. , Adam NM , Sopian K. , Sahari BB
Published: January 2009

This paper investigates the thermal comfort level of an office room through various windows-door opening arrangements in hot and humid climate. To determine the windows-door opening performance, 14 opening configurations have been considered and the combination of opening arrangements was carried out in an air-conditioned office at UPM, Malaysia. After conducting objective measurement for each condition, Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) were calculated. The concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) were also monitored. Subjective survey involved questions on the thermal environmental perception and indoor air quality for office occupants for this study. Objective data analysis showed that in most of conditions office had thermal conditions falling within the comfort zone of ASHRAE standard 55, and in all of conditions neutral temperatures are higher than ASHRAE standard requirements. Subjective results revealed that staff has higher thermal comfort level as compared to what PMV has predicted.

Practical application: It is believed that the results in this paper will contribute to knowledge that international standards are not applicable in hot and humid climate. Fanger equations would give the results for European conditions, people in hot- humid climate have some cultural preferences that are different from the Europeans hence modifying these equations and standards for this climate are necessary. In terms of the use of climatic control to modify the indoor environment it is found that when the occupants have the freedom to modify the environment, and make necessary adjustment, they always use windows-door opening arrangements to compensate for the less comfortable thermal condition and increase air movement.
Motivated Cultural Worldview Adherence and Culturally Loaded Test Performance
Authors: Landau Mark J. , Greenberg Jeff , Rothschild Zachary K.
Published: January 2009

Academic tests and their conditions of administration are culturally loaded when they make salient culturally specific knowledge structures in addition to measuring the intended cognitive ability. Cultural loading demonstrably influences test performance, but why? Drawing on converging perspectives on the psychological function of culture, this article proposes that one factor is the individual's internal motivation to affirm and uphold the cultural worldview. This possibility is tested within the framework of terror management theory, which claims that cultural worldview adherence defends against mortality-related concerns. It is hypothesized that making mortality salient would (a) improve performance on standardized test items when, incidental to the problem structure, the correct answers affirm prevailing cultural stereotypes and (b) impair test performance when excelling violates stereotypic expectancies for one's group. Two studies provide support for these hypotheses. Implications for test validity are briefly discussed.
Selected Background Findings and Interpretation of Common Lesions in the Female Reproductive System in Macaques
Authors: Cline J. Mark , Wood Charles E. , Vidal Justin D. , Tarara Ross P. , Buse Eberhard , Weinbauer Gerhard F. , de Rijk Eveline P. C. T. , van Esch Eric
Published: January 2009

The authors describe a selection of normal findings and common naturally occurring lesions in the reproductive system of female macaques, including changes in the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, and mammary glands. Normal features of immature ovaries, uteri, and mammary glands are described. Common non-neoplastic lesions in the ovaries include cortical mineralization, polyovular follicles, cysts, ovarian surface epithelial hyperplasia, and ectopic ovarian tissue. Ovarian neoplasms include granulosa cell tumors, teratomas, and ovarian surface epithelial tumors. Common non-neoplastic uterine findings include loss of features of normal cyclicity, abnormal bleeding, adenomyosis, endometriosis, epithelial plaques, and pregnancy-associated vascular remodeling. Hyperplastic and neoplastic lesions of the uterus include endometrial polyps, leiomyomas, and rarely endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial adenocarcinoma. Vaginitis is common. Cervical lesions include endocervical squamous metaplasia, polyps, and papillomavirus-associated lesions. Lesions in the mammary gland are most often proliferative and range from ductal hyperplasia to invasive carcinoma. Challenges to interpretation include the normal or pathologic absence of menstrual cyclicity and the potential misinterpretation of sporadic lesions, such as epithelial plaques or papillomavirus-associated lesions. Interpretation of normal and pathologic findings is best accomplished with knowledge of the life stage, reproductive history, and hormonal status of the animal.

Competing Interests: This article was sponsored by Covance Inc. and Schering-Plough. Gerhard F. Weinbauer and Eberhard Buse are employed by Covance Inc. Eveline P. C. T. de Rijk and Eric Van Esch are employed by Schering-Plough. No other competing interests were declared.
The Macaque Ovary, with Special Reference to the Cynomolgus Macaque (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Buse Eberhard , Zöller Martina , Van Esch Eric
Published: January 2009

Concerning functional and morphological aspects, the ovary of the cynomolgus macaque is representative for the conditions in higher primates like humans and is therefore of major relevance in toxicological research. Against this background, a comprehensive overview about the cynomolgus macaque ovary is given from its embryonic appearance, throughout the adolescent and adult development until old age. The overview includes morphologic characteristics, a description of the different cell types, comparisons between the expression of selected receptors, and some details on hormonal effects if considered necessary for understanding the unit of ovarian morphology and function. The close correlation of hormones and morphological characteristics of the ovary and of the other reproductive organs is emphasized by several schematic drawings and images. Special emphasis is also laid on the comparison to the human organism indicating the similarity of both species and hence underlining the importance of the cynomolgus macaque as a model in toxicological research.

Competing Interests: This article was sponsored by Covance Inc. and Schering-Plough. Martina Zöller and Eberhard Buse are employed by Covance Inc. Eric Van Esch is employed by Schering-Plough. No other competing interests were declared.
Physiology and Endocrinology of the Ovarian Cycle in Macaques
Authors: Weinbauer Gerhard F. , Niehoff Marc , Niehaus Michael , Srivastav Shiela , Fuchs Antje , Van Esch Eric , Cline J. Mark
Published: January 2009

Macaques provide excellent models for preclinical testing and safety assessment of female reproductive toxicants. Currently, cynomolgus monkeys are the predominant species for (reproductive) toxicity testing. Marmosets and rhesus monkeys are being used occasionally. The authors provide a brief review on physiology and endocrinology of the cynomolgus monkey ovarian cycle, practical guidance on assessment and monitoring of ovarian cyclicity, and new data on effects of social housing on ovarian cyclicity in toxicological studies. In macaques, cycle monitoring is achieved using daily vaginal smears for menstruation combined with cycle-timed frequent sampling for steroid and peptide hormone analysis. Owing to requirements of frequent and timed blood sampling, it is not recommended to incorporate these special evaluations into a general toxicity study design. Marmosets lack external signs of ovarian cyclicity, and cycle monitoring is done by regular determinations of progesterone. Cynomolgus and marmoset monkeys do not exhibit seasonal variations in ovarian activity, whereas such annual rhythm is pronounced in rhesus monkeys. Studies on pair- and group-housed cynomolgus monkeys revealed transient alterations in the duration and endocrinology of the ovarian cycle followed by return to normal cyclicity after approximately six months. This effect is avoided if the animals had contact with each other prior to mingling. These experiments also demonstrated that synchronization of ovarian cycles did not occur.

Competing Interests: This article was sponsored by Covance Inc. and Schering-Plough. Gerhard F. Weinbauer, Marc Niehofg, Michael Niehaus, Shiela Srivasav, and Antje Fuchs are employed by Covance Inc. Eric Van Esch is employed by Schering-Plough. No other competing interests were declared.
Determinants of Environmental Performance
Authors: Bouvier Rachel
Published: January 2009

Recent theories of firms' environmental behavior propose that numerous factors influence a firm's environmental decision-making process. Economic considerations play a central role, but interactions between the economic climate, regulatory structure, and social culture in which a firm operates are more important than economic considerations alone. This article investigates the conditions surrounding eight existing pulp and paper mills in Maine that influence the level of compliance. Factors unique to Maine's economy, history, and relationship between people and their environment come together to influence firms' environmental performance and attitude. Such “place-based characteristics” are crucial in designing policies to promote economic development and protect environmental quality.
Vibration Suppression of a Principal Parametric Resonance
Authors: Chen L. , He F. , Sammut K.
Published: January 2009

In this paper, a control method that combines linear and nonlinear-velocity feedback control is proposed to suppress the principal parametric resonance in a flexible cantilever beam structure. Linear-velocity feedback is employed for bifurcation control, and cubic-velocity feedback is employed to suppress high-amplitude vibration. A unified bifurcation parameter 2 that includes both the excitation frequency and amplitude is defined for the stability analysis, so that bifurcations under quasi-stationary frequency-response and quasi-stationary force-response can be treated uniformly when 2 is quasi-statically varied. This unified bifurcation parameter simplifies the system stability analysis as well as the controller design procedure. Numerical simulation and experimental results show that the combined bifurcation control and nonlinear feedback control strategy performs better than linear-velocity or cubic-velocity feedback control alone, and is less susceptible to actuator saturation.
School-Wide Positive Behavior Support in an Alternative School Setting
Authors: Simonsen Brandi , Britton Lisa , Young Dale
Published: January 2009

Students with disabilities who display serious (e.g., dangerous) problem behaviors are frequently educated in alternative school settings. Although there is considerable research on intervention approaches (e.g., function-based support) to support individual students with challenging behaviors, there is a lack of research on schoolwide intervention approaches to support all students in alternative school settings. A 3-year, descriptive, single-subject case study (AB design) was conducted to examine the impact of introducing School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) into an alternative education setting. Results indicate that introducing SWPBS is associated with an overall decrease in serious incidents and an increase in the percentage of students who refrain from serious physical aggression. The limitations and implications of this study are described.
Intimate adventures
Authors: Attwood Feona
Published: January 2009

This article examines women's sexual narration in sex blogs, sex `blooks' and other popular representations of female sexuality. It asks how sex blogs draw on women's association with autobiographical forms and on the connections between accounts of female sexuality, the confessional and notions of authenticity. It focuses on the popular and award-winning sex blogs Belle de Jour and Girl with a One Track Mind. Both have been turned into books (2005 and 2006), and are early examples of the `blook', a genre which has been described as `the world's fastest-growing new kind of book'. This article examines these in relation to other key postfeminist texts such as Sex and the City (1996, 1998—2004 and 2008), and to the broader cultural context where women are increasingly presented as active and autonomous sexual narrators and sexual adventuresses.