bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children's participation in health research: from objects to agents?
Authors: Clavering E. K. , McLaughlin J.
Published: June 2010

Background  In the UK, there is a growing recognition of the need to include children's accounts in research on paediatric health care. This paper seeks to examine ways in which children have been included in health‐related studies to identify strengths and weaknesses.

Methods  Key empirical based studies were identified via comprehensive searches of academic literature databases to exemplify research practices related to three ways of engaging with children in health‐related research. These three approaches are summarized as research on children, with children and by children.

Results  Research on children engages with adult ‘authorities’, such as parents and medical professionals. This approach allows some access to children including those understood as hard‐to‐reach: for example, pre‐speech infants, or children with complex developmental disabilities. Research with children includes children as respondents to engage directly with their own understandings. This may be achieved alongside adult representatives, or by focusing only on the children themselves. Research by children encourages children to participate in the research process itself. This may occur across any, or indeed, every stage from design to dissemination to enable children to set the agenda themselves. Each of the three approaches has strengths and weaknesses, and involves some form of adult‐mediation.

Conclusion  Inclusion of children's perspectives can be achieved, at varying levels, in each approach (on, with and by) examined here. Although claims to authority around including children's perspectives may appear to hold more credence when children have directly participated in the research, there may be times when this is neither possible nor appropriate. Researchers are challenged to be open and reflexive about ways in which children are engaged with, incorporated in and represented across the many stages of research. Whichever approach is taken, ethical issues and notions of equity remain problematic. This point holds particular resonance for ways in which ethics around children may be considered in National Health Service ethics governance processes.
Communicative actions, women's degree of social connectedness and child mortality in rural Bangladesh
Authors: Gayen K. , Raeside R.
Published: June 2010

Background  Child deaths are decreasing throughout South East Asia, yet the rate remains high and is a cause of considerable anguish. In Bangladesh, there is also a great deal of variation in child mortality between different regions.

Method  Reported in this paper is the analysis of a survey of 613 Bangladeshi women who live in six rural villages and have reported on their experience of child death. Factors obtained from an interview based questionnaire were investigated to ascertain their association with child death. Multilevel Poison regression models were developed to relate these factors to the number and proportion of child deaths to children ever born while allowing for variation between the villages.

Results  It was found that communicative action, especially women's power as the degree of social connectedness, is important in reducing child mortality. Also important in reducing child mortality is the level of women's education. No evidence could be found of sex preference when comparing male and female child deaths.
Child and parent perceptions of monitoring in chronic illness management: a qualitative study
Authors: Hafetz J. , Miller V. A.
Published: June 2010

Background  The management of a childhood chronic illness can be challenging because it can involve frequent and complex treatment tasks that must be carried out on a daily basis. Parental monitoring of the treatment regimen and child disclosure of health‐related information may impact effective illness management but are not well understood.

Methods  The present study utilized qualitative methods to examine parental monitoring‐related behaviours, youth disclosure of health‐related information, and both perceptions about, and reactions to, these behaviours in a sample of youth diagnosed with a chronic illness (e.g. asthma, diabetes and cystic fibrosis) and parents of youth with one of these illnesses.

Results  Parents solicited information from youth verbally, observed symptoms, reminded youth about treatments and tracked indicators of treatment adherence (e.g. dose counters; glucose meters). Youth reactions varied from acceptance to irritation. Youth behaviours included withholding information and freely disclosing spontaneously and in response to requests.

Conclusions  Findings derived from this qualitative methodology demonstrate convergence with findings from quantitative studies on this topic, add to the literature related to parental monitoring of chronic illness management and suggest several avenues for future research.
Evaluation of the processes of family‐centred care for young children with intellectual disability in Western Australia
Authors: Wilkins A. , Leonard H. , Jacoby P. , MacKinnon E. , Clohessy P. , Forouhgi S. , Slack‐Smith L.
Published: June 2010

Introduction  Government early intervention services for children with intellectual disability (ID) in Western Australia have adopted the model of family‐centred care. The aim of this study was to evaluate how well it was being practised, to describe the pattern of service utilization and to identify factors influencing parental perceptions of family‐centred care.

Methods  The study included children aged 0–6 years with ID, who were registered clients of Disability Services Commission, Western Australia. Parents completed a postal survey questionnaire about the frequency and type of services received and their perceptions of services using the Measure of Processes of Care (MPOC‐56) questionnaire. Mean scores for the five MPOC domains were compared using anova against the independent variables of child age group, child diagnostic group, service type and frequency, place of residence, family and demographic variables. Significant variables in each domain were then entered into multivariate analyses.

Results  Of 292 eligible families, 165 (59%) returned a completed questionnaire. While over 50% of children had contact with occupational, speech and physical therapists at least once per month, less than 20% of children had at least annual contact with either psychology or dental services. Families rated their satisfaction highest for ‘respectful and supportive care’ and lowest for ‘providing general information’. Individual item analyses indicated less satisfaction with ‘co‐ordinated and comprehensive care’. Higher means were associated with more frequent contact with occupational therapy.

Conclusion  Overall respondents reported early intervention services for young children with ID in Western Australia provided satisfactory family‐centred care by means of the 56‐item MPOC. The frequency of contact with allied health professionals was positively associated with parental ratings of family‐centred care. The study indicates under‐servicing in dental care and psychology services.
Carbon sequestration in secondary pasture soils: a chronosequence study in the South African Highveld
Authors: Preger A. C. , Kösters R. , Du Preez C. C. , Brodowski S. , Amelung W.
Published: June 2010

Soil restoration is a means of combating desertification in semi‐arid and arid parts of the world. There, vast areas of the cropped soil degrade, particularly because of the loss of organic matter. One approach to reverse this loss is the conversion of cropland into permanent grassland for use as pasture. This study was designed to evaluate how fast and to what degree degraded cropland may re‐sequester soil organic carbon (SOC) when converted into permanent secondary pasture. Topsoil samples (0–5, 5–10 and 10–20 cm) were taken from chronosequences of secondary pastures (1 to 31 years old) at three agro‐ecosystems in the semi‐arid Highveld of South Africa. Long‐term croplands and primary grassland used as pastures served as the controls. In bulk soil samples (<2 mm) and their clay (<2 µm), silt (2–20 µm), fine sand (20–250 µm) and coarse sand (250–2000 µm) fractions, the contents of carbon (C) and nitrogen were determined. In all three agro‐ecosystems, using a mono‐exponential model, the SOC stocks increased exponentially until a maximum was reached 10–95 years after land conversion. This gain in SOC was clearly pronounced for the top 0–5 cm of soil, but hardly detectable at 10–20‐cm depth. The sand fractions recovered organic C more rapidly but less completely than did the finer size separates. Overall, between 9.0 and 15.3 t of SOC were sequestered in the 0–20 cm of surface soil by this land conversion. Thus, the SOC recovery in the secondary pastures resulted in SOC stocks that were 29.6–93.9% greater than those in the arable land. Yet, in no agro‐ecosystem, at any soil depth, nor in any soil fraction, did the measured SOC content reach that of the primary grassland. In part this can be attributed to a slightly finer texture of the primary grassland that had not lost silt through wind erosion or had never been used as arable land because of slightly elevated clay contents. Overall it appears, however, that previous losses of SOM cannot easily be rectified, suggesting that the native primary grassland soils are only partially resilient to land‐use change.
Changes in species interactions across a 2.5 km elevation gradient: effects on plant migration in response to climate change
Authors: HILLYER RACHEL , SILMAN MILES R.
Published: June 2010

Predicted climate change in the Andes will require plant species to migrate upslope to avoid extinction. Central to predictions of species responses to climate change is an understanding of species distributions along environmental gradients. Environmental gradients are frequently modelled as abiotic, but biotic interactions can play important roles in setting species distributions, abundances, and life history traits. Biotic interactions also have the potential to influence species responses to climate change, yet they remain mostly unquantified. An important interaction long studied in tropical forests is postdispersal seed predation which has been shown to affect the population dynamics, community structure, and diversity of plant species in time and space. This paper presents a comparative seed predation study of 24 species of tropical trees across a 2.5 km elevation gradient in the Peruvian Andes and quantifies seed predation variation across the elevational gradient. We then use demographic modelling to assess effects of the observed variation in seed predation on population growth rates in response to observed increasing temperatures in the area. We found marked variation among species in total seed predation depending on the major seed predator of the species and consistent changes in seed predation across the gradient. There was a significant increase in seed survival with increasing elevation, a trend that appears to be driven by regulation of seed predators via top–down forces in the lowlands giving way to bottom–up (productivity) regulation at mid‐ to high elevations, resulting in a ninefold increase in effective fecundity for trees at high elevations. This potential increase in seed crop size strongly affects modelled plant population growth and seed dispersal distances, increasing population migration potential in the face of climate change. These results also indicate that species interactions can have effects on par with climate in species responses to global change.
Molecular characterization of a gene encoding juvenile hormone esterase in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum
Authors: Tsubota T. , Minakuchi C. , Nakakura T. , Shinoda T. , Shiotsuki T.
Published: June 2010

Juvenile hormone esterases (JHEs) are required for the degradation of juvenile hormones (JHs) in insects. Here, we report the cloning and analysis of the jhe gene in the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum, a model insect of Coleoptera. The Tcjhe gene was strongly expressed at the final instar larva, as would be expected if it functioned to decrease the JH titer at this stage. A recombinant TcJHE protein efficiently degraded JH III, suggesting that the enzyme functions in vivo as a JH‐specific degradation enzyme. This is the first report describing the developmental expression profile of the jhe gene whose enzymatic activity was shown in Coleoptera, and the new data reported here will aid elucidation of the mechanism of JH titer regulation in insects.
UK National Clinical Guidelines in Paediatric Dentistry
Authors: Smallridge Jacqueline
Published: June 2010

The process of guideline production began in 1994, resulting in first publication in 1997. Each guideline has been circulated to all Consultants in Paediatric Dentistry in the UK, to the Council of the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD), and to people of related specialties recognised to have expertise in the subject. The final version of the guideline is produced from a combination of this input and thorough review of the published literature. The intention is to encourage improvement in clinical practice and to stimulate research and clinical audit in areas where scientific evidence is inadequate. Evidence underlying recommendations is scored according to the SIGN classification and guidelines should be read in this context. For those wishing further detail, the process of guideline production in the UK is described in the International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 1997; 7: 267–268. This guideline is an update on the previously published BSPD policy document on fissure sealants. (Nunn et al., Int J Paed Dent 2000; 10: 174–177).
A comparison of the sialochemistry, oral pH, and oral health status of down syndrome children to healthy children
Authors: DAVIDOVICH ESTI , AFRAMIAN DORON JAACOB , SHAPIRA JOSEF , PERETZ BENJAMIN
Published: June 2010

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2010; 20: 235–241

Background:  The aetiology of low caries incidence in Down syndrome (DS) children is not entirely clear.

Aim.  To compare sialochemistry and oral mucosal pH between Down syndrome children with caries (DS‐Ca) and caries free (DS‐CaF), and healthy children with caries (C‐Ca) and caries free (C‐CaF).

Design.  The study group comprised 70 children with DS (mean age 4.41 ± 1.9 years); 32 healthy children (mean age 9.22 ± 2.7 years) served as control. Groups were further subdivided according to caries status: DS‐Ca, DS‐CaF, C‐Ca and C‐CaF. Sialochemistry analysis included calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and chloride (Cl). Mucosal pH, plaque and gingival indices (PI and GI), and caries status were recorded.

Results.  DMFT/dmft were significantly lower in the DS group. Cl and Ca levels were significantly higher in the DS‐Ca compared to the C‐Ca and the C‐CaF children. Na and K were significantly higher in DS‐Ca group compared to DS‐CaF group. PI and GI were significantly higher in DS‐C children compared to DS‐CaF children.

Conclusions.  DS may manifest itself in the salivary glands. Consequently, different electrolyte salivary environment may form, leading to lower caries rates among DS children.
Sensory gating in primary insomnia
Authors: Hairston Ilana S. , Talbot Lisa S. , Eidelman Polina , Gruber June , Harvey Allison G.
Published: June 2010

Although previous research indicates that sleep architecture is largely intact in primary insomnia (PI), the spectral content of the sleeping electroencephalographic trace and measures of brain metabolism suggest that individuals with PI are physiologically more aroused than good sleepers. Such observations imply that individuals with PI may not experience the full deactivation of sensory and cognitive processing, resulting in reduced filtering of external sensory information during sleep. To test this hypothesis, gating of sensory information during sleep was tested in participants with primary insomnia (n = 18) and good sleepers (n = 20). Sensory gating was operationally defined as (i) the difference in magnitude of evoked response potentials elicited by pairs of clicks presented during Wake and Stage II sleep, and (ii) the number of K complexes evoked by the same auditory stimulus. During wake the groups did not differ in magnitude of sensory gating. During sleep, sensory gating of the N350 component was attenuated and completely diminished in participants with insomnia. P450, which occurred only during sleep, was strongly gated in good sleepers, and less so in participants with insomnia. Additionally, participants with insomnia showed no stimulus‐related increase in K complexes. Thus, PI is potentially associated with impaired capacity to filter out external sensory information, especially during sleep. The potential of using stimulus‐evoked K complexes as a biomarker for primary insomnia is discussed.
The kisspeptin system of the human hypothalamus: sexual dimorphism and relationship with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone and neurokinin B neurons
Authors: Hrabovszky E. , Ciofi P. , Vida B. , Horvath M. C. , Keller E. , Caraty A. , Bloom S. R. , Ghatei M. A. , Dhillo W. S. , Liposits Z. , Kallo I.
Published: June 2010

Kisspeptin signaling via the kisspeptin receptor G‐protein‐coupled receptor‐54 plays a fundamental role in the onset of puberty and the regulation of mammalian reproduction. In this immunocytochemical study we addressed the (i) topography, (ii) sexual dimorphism, (iii) relationship to gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons and (iv) neurokinin B content of kisspeptin‐immunoreactive hypothalamic neurons in human autopsy samples. In females, kisspeptin‐immunoreactive axons formed a dense periventricular plexus and profusely innervated capillary vessels in the infundibular stalk. Most immunolabeled somata occurred in the infundibular nucleus. Many cells were also embedded in the periventricular fiber plexus. Rostrally, they formed a prominent periventricular cell mass (magnocellular paraventricular nucleus). Robust sex differences were noticed in that fibers and somata were significantly less numerous in male individuals. In dual‐immunolabeled specimens, fine kisspeptin‐immunoreactive axon varicosities formed axo‐somatic, axo‐dendritic and axo‐axonal contacts with GnRH neurons. Dual‐immunofluorescent studies established that 77% of kisspeptin‐immunoreactive cells in the infundibular nucleus synthesize the tachykinin peptide neurokinin B, which is known to play crucial role in human fertility; 56 and 17% of kisspeptin fibers in the infundibular and periventricular nuclei, respectively, contained neurokinin B immunoreactivity. Site‐specific co‐localization patterns implied that kisspeptin neurons in the infundibular nucleus and elsewhere contributed differentially to these plexuses. This study describes the distribution and robust sexual dimorphism of kisspeptin‐immunoreactive elements in human hypothalami, reveals neuronal contacts between kisspeptin‐immunoreactive fibers and GnRH cells, and demonstrates co‐synthesis of kisspeptins and neurokinin B in the infundibular nucleus. The neuroanatomical information will contribute to our understanding of central mechanisms whereby kisspeptins regulate human fertility.
The histaminergic tuberomammillary nucleus is critical for motivated arousal
Authors: Valdés José Luis , Sánchez Cristián , Riveros María Eugenia , Blandina Patrizio , Contreras Marco , Farías Paula , Torrealba Fernando
Published: June 2010

Obtaining food, shelter or water, or finding a mating partner are examples of motivated behaviors, which are essential to preserve the species. The full expression of such behaviors requires a high but optimal arousal state. We tested the idea that tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN) histamine neurons are crucial to generate such motivated arousal, using a model of the appetitive phase of feeding behavior. Hungry rats enticed with food within a wire mesh box showed intense goal‐directed motor activity aimed at opening the box, an increase in core temperature, a fast histamine release in the hypothalamus and an early increase in Fos immunoreactivity in TMN and cortical neurons. Enticing with stronger‐tasting food induced stronger motor, temperature and Fos immunoreactivity brain responses than ordinary food pellets. TMN lesion greatly decreased all of those responses. We conclude that histamine neurons increase arousal and vegetative activity, allowing the normal unfolding of voluntary, goal‐directed behavior such as obtaining food.
Abundance and diversity of heterotrophic bacterial cells assimilating phosphate in the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Longnecker Krista , Lomas Michael W. , Van Mooy Benjamin A. S.
Published: June 2010

Microorganisms play key roles in the cycles of carbon and nutrients in the ocean, and identifying the extent to which specific taxa contribute to these cycles will establish their ecological function. We examined the use of 33P‐phosphate to identify heterotrophic bacteria actively involved in the cycling of phosphate, an essential inorganic nutrient. Seawater from the sub‐tropical North Atlantic Ocean was incubated with 33P‐phosphate and analysed by microautoradiography to determine the proportion and diversity of the bacterial community‐assimilating phosphate. Complementary incubations using 3H‐leucine and 3H‐thymidine were also conducted. We found that a higher proportion of total heterotrophic bacterial cells in surface water samples assimilated phosphate compared with leucine or thymidine. Bacteria from all of the phylogenetic groups we identified by CARD‐FISH were able to assimilate phosphate, although the abundances of cells within each group did not scale directly with the number found to assimilate phosphate. Furthermore, a significantly higher proportion of Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Cytophaga‐like cells assimilated phosphate compared with leucine or thymidine. Our results suggest that a greater proportion of bacterial cells in surface waters are actively participating in the biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus, and possibly other elements, than is currently estimated through the use of 3H‐leucine or 3H‐thymidine.
Strong effects of amoebae grazing on the biomass and genetic structure of a Microcystis bloom (Cyanobacteria)
Authors: Van Wichelen Jeroen , Van Gremberghe Ineke , Vanormelingen Pieter , Debeer Ann‐Eline , Leporcq Bruno , Menzel Diana , Codd Geoffrey A. , Descy Jean‐Pierre , Vyverman Wim
Published: June 2010

Despite its importance for bloom toxicity, the factors determining the population structure of cyanobacterial blooms are poorly understood. Here, we report the results of a two‐year field survey of the population dynamics of Microcystis blooms in a small hypertrophic urban pond. Microscopic enumeration of Microcystis and its predators and parasites was combined with pigment and microcystin analysis and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of the ITS rDNA region to assess population dynamics and structure. Two main Microcystis morpho‐ and ITS types were revealed, corresponding to M. aeruginosa and M. viridis. In both years, high population densities of naked amoebae grazing on Microcystis coincided with rapid decreases in Microcystis biomass. In one year, there was a shift from heavily infested M. aeruginosa to the less‐infested M. viridis, allowing the bloom to rapidly recover. The preference of amoebae for M. aeruginosa was confirmed by grazing experiments, in which several amoeba strains were capable of grazing down a strain of M. aeruginosa, but not of M. viridis. Zooplankton and chytrid parasites appeared to be of minor importance for these strong and fast reductions in Microcystis biomass. These findings demonstrate a strong impact of small protozoan grazers on the biomass and genetic structure of Microcystis blooms.
Natural transformation of Vibrio fischeri requires tfoX and tfoY
Authors: Pollack‐Berti Amber , Wollenberg Michael S. , Ruby Edward G.
Published: June 2010

Recent evidence has indicated that natural genetic transformation occurs in Vibrio cholerae, and that it requires both induction by chitin oligosaccharides, like chitohexaose, and expression of a putative regulatory gene designated tfoX. Using sequence and phylogenetic analyses we have found two tfoX paralogues in all sequenced genomes of the genus Vibrio. Like V. cholerae, when grown in chitohexaose, cells of V. fischeri are able to take up and incorporate exogenous DNA. Chitohexaose‐independent transformation by V. fischeri was observed when tfoX was present in multicopy. The second tfoX paralogue, designated tfoY, is also required for efficient transformation in V. fischeri, but is not functionally identical to tfoX. Natural transformation of V. fischeri facilitates rapid transfer of mutations across strains, and provides a highly useful tool for experimental genetic manipulation in this species. The presence of chitin‐induced competence in several vibrios highlights the potential for a conserved mechanism of genetic exchange across this family of environmentally important marine bacteria.
Life Balance and Well‐Being: Testing a Novel Conceptual and Measurement Approach
Authors: Sheldon Kennon M. , Cummins Robert , Kamble Shanmukh
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT
Although a balanced life has always been viewed as desirable, there are problems with extant conceptualizations and measures of this construct. Here we introduce 2 new life‐balance measures, based on time‐use profiles, that address these problems. One defines life balance as objectively equitable time use across multiple life domains, and the other defines life balance as low subjective discrepancy between actual and ideal time‐use profiles. Study 1 finds that both measures predict concurrent well‐being, in both U.S. and Indian samples. Study 2 shows that fluctuations in balance predict fluctuations in well‐being over a 3‐week period. Study 3 replicates the Study 1 findings using a different time assessment technique, based on the Day Reconstruction Method. Study 4 assigns participants the month‐long goal of enhancing their life balance, finding that those who achieve this goal enhance their well‐being. In all 4 studies, the balance effects on well‐being were mediated by psychological need satisfaction associated with balance.
Can Disorganized and Positive Schizotypy Be Discriminated From Dissociation?
Authors: Cicero David C. , Kerns John G.
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT
Schizotypy is thought to reflect liability for schizophrenia and involves at least 3 facets: disorganized, positive, and negative. However, it is unclear whether disorganized and positive facets can be discriminated from dissociation. In the current study with college students (N=325), the best‐fitting confirmatory factor model included 3 factors: (a) disorganization, (b) positive‐dissociation, and (c) negative. In addition, the pattern of associations with the disorganization and the positive‐dissociation factors with individual difference variables was very different. Disorganization was associated with (a) poor cognitive estimation and increased ADHD symptoms, (b) increased emotional confusion, and (c) increased neuroticism and decreased conscientiousness. In contrast, the positive‐dissociation factor was associated with (a) an increased influence of emotion on thinking, (b) self‐reported childhood abuse, and (c) increased openness to experience. Overall, these results suggest that disorganized schizotypy can be discriminated from dissociation but that positive schizotypy may not be easily discriminated from dissociation.
The Relevance of Big Five Trait Content in Behavior to Subjective Authenticity: Do High Levels of Within‐Person Behavioral Variability Undermine or Enable Authenticity Achievement?
Authors: Fleeson William , Wilt Joshua
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT
Individuals vary their behavior from moment to moment a great deal, often acting “out of character” for their traits. This article investigates the consequences for authenticity. We compared 2 hypotheses—trait consistency, that individuals feel most authentic when acting in a way consistent with their traits; and state‐content significance, that some ways of acting feel more authentic because of their content and consequences, regardless of the actor's corresponding traits. Three studies using experience‐sampling methodology in laboratory and natural settings, with participants ages 18–51, strongly supported the state‐content significance hypothesis and did not support the trait‐consistency hypothesis. Authenticity was consistently associated with acting highly extraverted, agreeable, conscientious, emotionally stable, and intellectual, regardless of the actor's traits. Discussion focuses on possible implications for within‐person variability in behavior and for the nature of the self‐concept.
Hybrid Cultural Codes in Nonwestern Civil Society: Images of Women in Taiwan and Hong Kong
Authors: Lo Ming-Cheng M. , Fan Yun
Published: June 2010

Scholars have established that cultural codes and styles of expression in civil society must be recognized as informal mechanisms of exclusion, calling into question the possibility of the Habermasian normative ideal of the public sphere. This article joins theoretical discussions of how to remedy this problem. Going beyond Alexander's model of “multicultural incorporation” and borrowing from Sewell's theory of the duality of structure, we develop a theoretical framework of code hybridization to conceptualize how civil society participants achieve civil solidarity amid multiple, potentially contradictory cultural legacies. Code hybridization is a process whereby social actors not only incorporate the cultural codes of subordinate groups into the public sphere, but in doing so also potentially transform dominant codes. We conceptualize code hybridization in terms of three analytic steps: enlargement of the terrains of signification; reinterpretation of codes; and mixing of schemas. The resulting hybridized schemas and frameworks are particularly useful cultural tools for developing visions of civil inclusiveness for young, unstable civil societies. Using a brief comparative study of the representation of women in political cartoons in Hong Kong and Taiwan, we offer a concrete example of code hybridization—a process linking the codes of liberty and caring while producing alternative and more inclusive narratives during moments of political agitation.
Toward a Theory of Emotive Performance: With Lessons from How Politicians Do Anger
Authors: Ng Kwai Hang , Kidder Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2010

This article treats the public display of emotion as social performance. The concept of “emotive performance” is developed to highlight the overlooked quality of performativity in the social use of emotion. We argue that emotive performance is reflexive, cultural, and communicative. As an active social act, emotive performance draws from the cultural repertoire of interpretative frameworks and dominant narratives. We illustrate the utility of the concept by analyzing two episodes of unrehearsed emotive performances by two well-known politicians, Bill Clinton and Jiang Zemin. The two cases demonstrate how emotion can be analyzed as a domain in which culturally specific narratives and rhetorics are used to advance the situational agenda of actors. The concept opens up a more expansive research agenda for sociology. It pushes sociologists to pay greater attention to people's experiences, interpretations, and deployments of emotions in social life.
Against the Wall: Anarchist Mobilization in the Israeli–Palestinian Conflict
Authors: Gordon Uri
Published: June 2010

Anarchists Against the Wall is an Israeli action group supporting the popular Palestinian struggle against segregation and land confiscation in the West Bank. Incorporating participant observation and recent theories of social movements and anarchism, this article offers a thick cultural account of the group’s mobilization dynamics, and assesses the achievements and limitations of the joint struggle. Three dimensions—direct action, bi‐nationalism, and leadership—highlight the significance of anarchist practices and discourses to an informed assessment of the group’s politics of nonviolent resistance. The effectiveness of the campaign is then examined, calling attention to the distinction among immediate, medium‐term, and revolutionary goals.
Curing the Atomic Bomb Within: The Relationship of American Social Scientists to Nuclear Weapons in the Early Cold War
Authors: Jacobs Robert A.
Published: June 2010

This article looks at the initial response of the social science community to the advent of nuclear weapons and their use on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The idea that human society as a whole was not sophisticated enough to responsibly steward nuclear weapons was widespread among American sociologists and psychologists: if society needed to change, many social scientists felt compelled to engineer that transformation. Fundamental to this effort was an analysis of the roots of human violence. I argue that this was a fundamental misdiagnosis that placed the blame in individuated human violence rather than in the organized social violence of militarism. The final section of the article explores the role of social scientists in planning for nuclear war and in creating and assessing the indoctrination of U.S. troops participating in nuclear weapons testing. This indoctrination would form the model for later indoctrinations aimed at easing general public distress over nuclear weapons testing.
Nonviolent Democratization: A Sensitivity Analysis of How Transition Mode and Violence Impact the Durability of Democracy
Authors: Johnstad Petter Grahl
Published: June 2010

This article tests and expands upon the research performed by Adrian Karatnycky and Peter Ackerman in their 2005 Freedom House publication How Freedom Is Won.1 A sensitivity analysis will be given to assess the validity of their finding that nonviolent civic action improves the durability of democracy. The analysis shows that this correlation has statistical significance and remains significant with Polity IV and the Economist Intelligence Unit regime indices replacing the original Freedom House data. It also finds that civic transitions to democracy result in significantly stronger posttransition economic growth than do transitions driven by powerholders. Furthermore, the use of violence by opposition groups during the transition is found to increase dramatically the chances of posttransition violent conflict.
“You Can’t Kill a Louse with One Finger”: A Case Study of Interpersonal Conflict in Karamoja, Uganda
Authors: Jabs Lorelle Beth
Published: June 2010

Among the Karimojong, a preliterate tribe residing in northeast Uganda, interpersonal conflict tends to be harsh, bloody, violent, and often results in serious injury. Intra‐group conflict resolution practices in this remote community were analyzed through interpersonal conflict stories. Virtually all of the thirty‐one stories of violent conflict described here achieve complete reconciliation and full restoration of relationships. The system of conflict resolution so effectively employed among the Karimojong illustrates the place of reconciliation described by Lederach where truth and mercy, justice and peace meet. While Lederach utilizes the concept of reconciliation to discuss intra‐ and inter‐state conflict, the current manuscript illustrates how the paradoxical qualities of truth and mercy, justice and peace are practically employed to effectively resolve situations of extremely difficult interpersonal conflict.
Sigh rate and respiratory variability during mental load and sustained attention
Authors: Vlemincx Elke , Taelman Joachim , De Peuter Steven , Van Diest Ilse , Van Den Bergh Omer
Published: June 2010

Spontaneous breathing consists of substantial correlated variability: Parameters characterizing a breath are correlated with parameters characterizing previous and future breaths. On the basis of dynamic system theory, negative emotion states are predicted to reduce correlated variability whereas sustained attention is expected to reduce total respiratory variability. Both are predicted to evoke sighing. To test this, respiratory variability and sighing were assessed during a baseline, stressful mental arithmetic task, nonstressful sustained attention task, and recovery in between tasks. For respiration rate (excluding sighs), reduced total variability was found during the attention task, whereas correlated variation was reduced during mental load. Sigh rate increased during mental load and during recovery from the attention task. It is concluded that mental load and task‐related attention show specific patterns in respiratory variability and sigh rate.
The Sovereignty of Things: Nationalism and Its Materials in Mexican Photography (1920s–1940s)
Authors: SEGRE ERICA
Published: June 2010

The ubiquity of the artefact in Mexican photography needs to be understood as the locus of key originary concepts and as a point of purchase for metaphotographic reflexivity and not merely as an emblematic prop or decorative marginalia. The article discusses the way in which strategies of focus, composition and visualisation, along with the selection or ‘find’ of particular objects and materials, made palpable the abstractions of self‐hood and cultural singularity through the disclosure of form, light and texture. It considers how the practice of the close‐up itself became a cultural trope and how, paradoxically, the pursuit of sovereign objects and autochthonous production in modernist photography elicited a response that infringed visibility in favour of proximity.
Nurr1 regulates RET expression in dopamine neurons of adult rat midbrain
Authors: Galleguillos Danny , Fuentealba José A. , Gómez Luis M. , Saver Mathias , Gómez Andrea , Nash Kevin , Burger Corinna , Gysling Katia , Andrés María E.
Published: June 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 114, 1158–1167.

Genesis of midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons depends on Nurr1, a nuclear receptor expressed during development and adulthood in these neurons. Nurr1 is required for the expression of genes of dopaminergic phenotype such as tyrosine hydroxylase and DA transporter. The expression of the tyrosine kinase receptor RET also depends on Nurr1 during development. However, it is unknown whether RET expression is regulated by Nurr1 during adulthood, and the mechanism by which Nurr1 regulates RET expression. Using an adeno‐associated vector‐delivered anti‐Nurr1 ribozyme, we knocked‐down Nurr1 expression unilaterally in the substantia nigra (SN) of adult rats. Animals injected with the ribozyme displayed a 57.3% decrease in Nurr1 mRNA in the SN accompanied by decreased DA extracellular levels in the striatum. RET mRNA in the injected SN and RET protein in the ipsilateral striatum decreased 76.9% and 47%, respectively. Tyrosine hydroxylase and DA transporter mRNA did not change in Nurr1 knocked‐down SN. Nurr1 induced the transcription of the human RET promoter in cell type and concentration‐dependent manner. Nurr1 induction of RET promoter is independent of NBRE elements. These results show that the expression of RET in rat adult SN is regulated by Nurr1 and suggest that RET is a transcriptional target of this nuclear receptor.
Repeated administration of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists, but not positive allosteric modulators, increases α7 nAChR levels in the brain
Authors: Christensen Ditte Z. , Mikkelsen Jens D. , Hansen Henrik H. , Thomsen Morten S.
Published: June 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)114, 1205–1216.

The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is an important target for treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the receptor desensitizes rapidlyin vitro, which has led to concern regarding its applicability as a clinically relevant drug target. Here we investigate the effects of repeated agonism on α7 nAChR receptor levels and responsivenessin vivoin rats. Using [125I]‐α‐bungarotoxin (BTX) autoradiography we show that acute or repeated administration with the selective α7 nAChR agonist A‐582941 increases the number of α7 nAChR binding sites in several brain regions, particularly in the prefrontal cortex. The α7 nAChR agonists SSR180711 and PNU‐282987 also increase [125I]‐BTX binding, suggesting that this is a general consequence of α7 nAChR agonism. Interestingly, the α7 nAChR positive allosteric modulators PNU‐120596 and NS1738 do not increase [125I]‐BTX binding. Furthermore, A‐582941‐induced increase in Arc and c‐fosmRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex is enhanced and unaltered, respectively, after repeated administration, demonstrating that the α7 nAChRs remain responsive. Contrarily, A‐582941‐induced phosphorylation of Erk2 in the prefrontal cortex occurs following acute, but not repeated administration. Our results demonstrate that repeated agonist administration increases the number of α7 nAChRs in the brain, and leads to coupling versus uncoupling of specific intracellular signaling pathways. Additionally, our data suggest a fundamental difference between the sequelae of repeated administration with agonists and allosteric modulators of the α7 nAChR.
Simultaneous quantification of myocardial perfusion, oxidative metabolism, cardiac efficiency and pump function at rest and during supine bicycle exercise using 1‐11C‐acetate PET – a pilot study
Authors: Sörensen Jens , Valind Sven , Andersson Lars G.
Published: June 2010

Background:  PET using 1‐11C‐acetate (ACE‐PET) applied at rest is used for measuring absolute myocardial blood flow (MBF) and oxidative metabolic rate (kmono). We evaluated the feasibility of quantitative ACE‐PET during exercise.

Methods:  Five endurance athletes underwent dynamic PET scanning at rest and during supine bicycle stress. Exercise was maintained at a workload of 120 Watt for 17 min. The rate‐pressure product (RPP) was recorded repeatedly. MBF, kmono in left (LV) and right (RV) ventricular wall, cardiac output (CO), cardiac efficiency and a lung uptake value reflecting left heart diastolic pressures were calculated from the PET data using previously validated models.

Results:  MBF increased from 0·71 ± 0·17 to 2·48 ± 0·25 ml min−1 per ml, LV‐kmono from 0·050 ± 0·005 to 0·146 ± 0·021 min−1, RV‐kmono from 0·023 + 0·006 to 0·087 + 0·014 min‐1, RPP from 4·7 ± 0·8 to 13·2 ± 1·4 mmHg × min−1 × 103 and Cardiac Output from 5·2 ± 1·1 to 12·3 ± 1·2 l min −1 (all P < 0·001). Cardiac efficiency was unchanged (P = 0·99). Lung uptake decreased from 1·1 ± 0·2 to 0·6 ± 0·1 ml g−1 (P < 0·001).

Discussion:  A number of important parameters related to cardiac function can be quantified non‐invasively and simultaneously with a short scanning protocol during steady state supine bicycling. This might open up new opportunities for studies of the integrated cardiac physiology in health and early asymptomatic disease.
Assessment of anaerobic power to verify VO2max attainment
Authors: Astorino Todd A. , White Ailish C.
Published: June 2010

Across various populations, verification testing is used to confirm VO2max attainment and has repeatedly shown similar VO2max values to those obtained from incremental exercise. Yet, many individuals show meaningful differences in VO2max between protocols, and an explanation for this is unknown. The aim of the study was to elucidate this phenomenon in 30 men and women of similar age, fitness, and physical activity using assessment of anaerobic power. On day 1, they completed the Wingate test, and returned at least 48 h later to complete incremental cycle ergometry followed by a verification protocol. During exercise, ventilation, pulmonary gas exchange data, and heart rate (HR) were continuously measured. Mean VO2max was similar (P > 0·05) between protocols (42·05 ± 5·88 ml kg−1 per min versus 42·03 ± 5·75 ml kg−1 per min, respectively), although seven subjects (23%) revealed a VO2max that was not ‘verified’ by the supramaximal protocol. Indices of power output and gas exchange data were similar (P > 0·05) between subjects who revealed a ‘true’ VO2max compared to those who did not, although peak and mean power was consistently higher in persons whose VO2max was not ‘verified.’ A previously established HRmax criterion for verification testing was not met in 17% of subjects. Additional study is merited to identify alternate determinants of VO2max, such as muscle activation via assessment of motor unit recruitment, and to investigate utility of verification testing to confirm VO2max attainment in elite athletes and the elderly.
Induction of a novel cation current in cardiac ventricular myocytes by flufenamic acid and related drugs
Authors: Macianskiene R , Gwanyanya A , Sipido KR , Vereecke J , Mubagwa K
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEInterest in non‐selective cation channels has increased recently following the discovery of transient receptor potential (TRP) proteins, which constitute many of these channels.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHWe used the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique on isolated ventricular myocytes to investigate the effect of flufenamic acid (FFA) and related drugs on membrane ion currents.

KEY RESULTSWith voltage‐dependent and other ion channels inhibited, cells that were exposed to FFA, N‐(p‐amylcinnamoyl)anthranilic acid (ACA), ONO‐RS‐082 or niflumic acid (NFA) responded with an increase in currents. The induced current reversed at +38 mV, was unaffected by lowering extracellular Cl‐concentration or by the removal of extracellular Ca2+and Mg2+, and its inward but not outward component was suppressed in Na+‐free extracellular conditions. The current was suppressed by Gd3+but was resistant to 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB) and to amiloride. It could not be induced by the structurally related non‐fenamate anti‐inflammatory drug diclofenac, nor by the phospholipase‐A2inhibitors bromoenol lactone and bromophenacyl bromide. Muscarinic or α‐adrenoceptor activation or application of diacylglycerol failed to induce or modulate the current.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSFlufenamic acid and related drugs activate a novel channel conductance, where Na+is likely to be the major charge carrier. The identity of the channel remains unclear, but it is unlikely to be due to Ca2+‐activated (e.g. TRPM4/5), Mg2+‐sensitive (e.g. TRPM7) or divalent cation‐selective TRPs.
Reduced signal transduction by 5‐HT4receptors after long‐term venlafaxine treatment in rats
Authors: Vidal R , Valdizan EM , Vilaró MT , Pazos A , Castro E
Published: June 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThe 5‐HT4receptor may be a target for antidepressant drugs. Here we have examined the effects of the dual antidepressant, venlafaxine, on 5‐HT4receptor‐mediated signalling events.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHThe effects of 21 days treatment (p.o.) with high (40 mg·kg−1) and low (10 mg·kg−1) doses of venlafaxine, were evaluated at different levels of 5‐HT4receptor‐mediated neurotransmission by usingin situhybridization, receptor autoradiography, adenylate cyclase assays and electrophysiological recordings in rat brain. The selective noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, reboxetine (10 mg·kg−1, 21 days) was also evaluated on 5‐HT4receptor density.

KEY RESULTSTreatment with a high dose (40 mg·kg−1) of venlafaxine did not alter 5‐HT4mRNA expression, but decreased the density of 5‐HT4receptors in caudate‐putamen (% reduction = 26 ± 6), hippocampus (% reduction = 39 ± 7 and 39 ± 8 for CA1 and CA3 respectively) and substantia nigra (% reduction = 49 ± 5). Zacopride‐stimulated adenylate cyclase activation was unaltered following low‐dose treatment (10 mg·kg−1) while it was attenuated in rats treated with 40 mg·kg−1of venlafaxine (% reduction = 51 ± 2). Furthermore, the amplitude of population spike in pyramidal cells of CA1 of hippocampus induced by zacopride was significantly attenuated in rats receiving either dose of venlafaxine. Chronic reboxetine did not modify 5‐HT4receptor density.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSOur data indicate a functional desensitization of 5‐HT4receptors after chronic venlafaxine, similar to that observed after treatment with the classical selective inhibitors of 5‐HT reuptake.