bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Frame Dominance’ and the SerialOrganization of Babbling, and First Words in Korean-Learning Infants
Authors: Lee Soyoung , Davis Barbara L. , MacNeilage Peter
Published: April 2008

Korean-learning infant patterns in babbling and single words were compared with those of English-learning infants and with Korean adult-directed and infantdirected speech to evaluate the roles of intrinsic production constraints proposed by the frame dominance hypothesis versus early learning mechanisms based on input regularities. Intrasyllabic patterns in babbling of Korean-learning infants were like those of English-learning infants. These patterns were not present in Korean infant-directed speech, providing evidence for the assertion that they are intrinsic to infants, and not triggered by input. Unlike English-learning infants, however, Korean-learning infants did not show the expected intrasyllabic patterns in their first words, suggesting that the intrinsic constraints can be overcome in first words if they conflict with ambient speech patterns as they do in Korean. Intersyllabic patterns of Korean-learning infants were mostly similar to those of English-learning infants, showing preferences for consonant manner and vowel height variegation in babbling though only a vowel variegation preference in words. Some implications of the results for generative phonology are considered.
Association of the Homeobox Transcription Factor Gene ENGRAILED 2 with Autistic Disorder in Chinese Children
Authors: Yang Pinchen , Lung For-Wey , Jong Yuh-Jyh , Hsieh Hsin-Yi , Liang Chung-Ling , Juo Suh-Hang Hank
Published: April 2008

Background: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong genetic component. Previous studies have mapped the disease to chromosome 7q, where the homeobox transcription factor ENGRAILED 2 (EN2) gene is located. EN2 is specifically involved in patterning the region that gives rise to the cerebellum. In the present work, we carried out a case-control study to determine whether 2 intronic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of EN2 are a susceptibility to autism in a Han Chinese population. Method: We enrolled 184 cases of DSM-IV-TR diagnosed autistic disorder, 225 controls of unrelated healthy volunteers and 409 randomly selected controls from the community who lives in the adjacent geographical regions for this study. Two SNPs (rs1861972, rs1861973) at the EN2 gene that have been reported to be associated with autism underwent analysis among our studied cohorts. Both the UNPHASE and PHASE statistical programs were utilized for evaluating the association of EN2 SNPs with autism based on allelic and genotypic frequencies and haplotype compositions accompanied with the goodness-of-fit method of the χ2 test. The gender difference was also investigated by using 2-side Fisher’s exact test treated as a covariate in logistic regression analysis. Results and Conclusion: Both the allelic and genotypic distributions of the 2 polymorphisms were concordant with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Significant differences were found for cases versus community and overall controls. By using the UNPHASE and PHASE programs, the 2-marker haplotype A-C of EN2 was identified to have a protective effect for autism, indicating that the ethnic difference might confound the EN2 association with autism. Therefore, more EN2 gene association studies of Han Chinese populations are warranted to confirm this finding.
Diurnal Cortisol Levels and Cortisol Response in Youths with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Gustafsson Per E. , Gustafsson Per A. , Ivarsson Tord , Nelson Nina
Published: April 2008

Background/Aims: Recent results indicate a role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the pathophysiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Although childhood onset is common, the HPA axis has scarcely been studied in young OCD subjects. Therefore, the present study aimed at examining basal and response levels of salivary cortisol in a sample of young OCD subjects. Methods: Twenty-three children and adolescents with DSM-IV OCD were compared to a reference group of school children (n = 240–336). The basal cortisol rhythm was measured through saliva samples 3 times/day. The cortisol response to a psychological stressor (exposure therapy in the OCD group and a fire alarm in the reference group) was also examined. Results: Compared to the reference group, OCD subjects displayed higher early-morning cortisol values (p = 0.005) with no difference between the late-morning and evening values. The cortisol levels in the OCD group diminished in response to the psychological stressor, compared to a positive response in the reference group (p < 0.001). No relation was found between cortisol and clinical parameters. Conclusion: These results support the idea that HPA hyperactivity, commonly found in adult OCD patients, is also present at an earlier stage of development, with specificity for the early-morning peak.
The National Registry of Veterans with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Allen K.D. , Kasarskis E.J. , Bedlack R.S. , Rozear M.P. , Morgenlander J.C. , Sabet A. , Sams L. , Lindquist J.H. , Harrelson M.L. , Coffman C.J. , Oddone E.Z.
Published: April 2008

Background: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cooperative Studies Program has established a National Registry of Veterans with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This article describes the objectives, methods, and sample involved in the registry. Methods: United States military veterans with ALS were identified through national VA electronic medical record databases and nationwide publicity efforts for an enrollment period of 4 1/2 years. Diagnoses were confirmed by medical record reviews. Registrants were asked to participate in a DNA bank. Follow-up telephone interviews are conducted every 6 months to track participants’ health status. Results: As of September 30, 2007, 2,400 veterans had consented to participate in the registry, 2,068 were included after medical record review, 995 were still living and actively participating, and 1,573 consented to participate in the DNA bank. 979 participants had been enrolled in the registry for at least 1 year, 497 for at least 2 years, and 205 for at least 3 years. Fourteen studies have been approved to use registry data for epidemiological, observational, and interventional protocols. Conclusion: This registry has proven to be a successful model for identifying large numbers of patients with a relatively rare disease and enrolling them into multiple studies, including genetic protocols.
Insufficient Tetanus Vaccination Status in Patients with Chronic Leg Ulcers
Authors: Körber A. , Graue N. , Rietkötter J. , Kreuzfelder E. , Grabbe S. , Dissemond J.
Published: April 2008

Background: Tetanus disease is caused by Clostridium tetani and is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide. Despite international recommendations for patients with a chronic leg ulcer, there has been a distinctive lack of protection provided by vaccination for these patients in the past decades. Methods: Within the context of our prospective clinical investigation we consecutively determined the concentrations of immunoglobulin G antibodies against C. tetani in 100 patients with a chronic leg ulcer between January 2005 and November 2006. Results: A total of 38 patients were male, and 62 were female. Their mean age was 71 years (25–94). In a total of 47% (n = 47; 13 male, 34 female, mean age: 76 years) of the patients, insufficient immunoglobulin G antibody concentrations were detected. Particularly the subanalysis indicated an insufficient tetanus protection provided by vaccination in 70% of the people aged ≧80 years. Conclusion: A chronic wound, e.g. in the form of a leg ulcer, is known as a potential entrance for C. tetani. Unlike acute wounds, however, it is hardly ever considered to be a reason for assessment of the tetanus immune status. The results of our investigation clarify that particularly elderly people suffering from a leg ulcer have to be tested for tetanus protection provided by vaccination more strictly than ever, and if necessary, vaccinations have to be renewed.
Skin Cancer Knowledge and Preventive Behaviors among Patients with a Recent History of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Renzi Cristina , Mastroeni Simona , Mannooranparampil Thomas J. , Passarelli Francesca , Caggiati Alessio , Pasquini Paolo
Published: April 2008

Aims: To evaluate skin cancer knowledge and preventive behaviors of patients recently treated for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and to examine the factors associated with the adoption of preventive behaviors. Methods: Telephone survey on 315 SCC patients treated at a large dermatological hospital in Italy, evaluating skin cancer knowledge, sun protection and skin examination practices as well as medical recommendations received after SCC removal. Results: Skin cancer knowledge was fair/low for 48.9% of the participants. Doctors were the main source of skin cancer information for 24.4% of the patients. Of the patients assessed ≧12 months after SCC removal, 32.7% reported a total skin examination after removal. Of the participants, 41.6% never/rarely used sunscreens. In a multivariate analysis, the likelihood of having complete skin examinations was associated with a doctor’s advice to have an examination (odds ratio, OR = 2.29; 95% confidence interval, CI = 1.2–4.4), a higher knowledge level (OR = 2.05; 95% CI = 1.1–3.8) and past skin examinations (OR = 3.62; 95% CI = 1.9–7.0). Doctor’s recommendations increased the likelihood of adopting preventive behaviors. Conclusions: We found substantial knowledge gaps and limited adoption of skin cancer prevention, highlighting the need for interventions promoting knowledge and preventive behaviors, particularly among higher-risk patients.
Cholesterol Absorption From the Intestine Is a Major Determinant of Reverse Cholesterol Transport From Peripheral Tissue Macrophages
Authors: Sehayek Ephraim , Hazen Stanley L.
Published: April 2008

Objective—

We examined the effect of ezetimibe, a cholesterol absorption (CA) inhibitor, and genetic determinants of CA on reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) from subcutaneously injected macrophages using a new dual isotope label technique.

Methods and Results—

Treatment of C57BL/6J mice with ezetimibe decreased dietary CA by 86% and increased RCT from peripheral tissue macrophages (PTM) by 6-fold (
P
<0.0001). Moreover, congenic 14DKK mice with a modest 41% decrease in dietary CA displayed a 67% increase in RCT from PTM (
P
<0.007).

Conclusions—

These findings indicate that pharmacological and genetic modifiers of cholesterol absorption are major determinants of reverse cholesterol transport from peripheral tissue macrophages.
Comparison of 12 Risk Stratification Schemes to Predict Stroke in Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors:   Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Working Group
Published: April 2008

Background and Purpose—

More than a dozen schemes for stratifying stroke risk in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation have been published. Differences among these schemes lead to inconsistent stroke risk estimates for many atrial fibrillation patients, resulting in confusion among clinicians and nonuniform use of anticoagulation.

Methods—

Twelve published schemes stratifying stroke risk in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation are analyzed, and observed stroke rates in independent test cohorts are compared with predicted risk status.

Results—

Seven schemes were based directly on event-rate analyses, whereas 5 resulted from expert consensus. Four considered only clinical features, whereas 7 schemes included echocardiographic variables. The number of variables per scheme ranged from 4 to 8 (median, 6). The most frequently included features were previous stroke/TIA (100% of schemes), patient age (83%), hypertension (83%), and diabetes (83%), and 8 additional variables were included in ≥1 schemes. Based on published test cohorts, all 8 tested schemes stratified stroke risk, but the absolute stroke rates varied widely. Observed rates for those categorized as low risk ranged from 0% to 2.3% per year and those categorized as high risk ranged from 2.5% to 7.9% per year. When applied to the same cohorts, the fractions of patients categorized by the different schemes as low risk varied from 9% to 49% and those categorized by the different schemes as high-risk varied from 11% to 77%.

Conclusions—

There are substantial, clinically relevant differences among published schemes designed to stratify stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. Additional research to identify an optimum scheme for primary prevention and subsequent standardization of recommendations may lead to more uniform selection of patients for anticoagulant prophylaxsis.
Early Diffusion-Weighted MRI as a Predictor of Caspase-3 Activation After Hypoxic–Ischemic Insult in Neonatal Rodents
Authors: Wendland Michael F. , Faustino Joel , West Tim , Manabat Catherine , Holtzman David M. , Vexler Zinaida S.
Published: April 2008

Background and Purpose—

Neonatal encephalopathy in human babies is a serious condition associated with permanent neurological deficits. Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) is increasingly used for early diagnosis of brain injury in human babies. The relationship between the presence of DWI abnormalities and cellular injury, including apoptosis, during the neonatal period are not well understood. We asked whether the extent of injury depicted on DWI can predict the presence of caspase-3 activation, a quantitative marker of apoptotic injury, after hypoxia–ischemia (H-I) in postnatal day 7 rats.

Methods—

Injury volume was determined by DWI at 2 hours, 24 hours, and 7 days after H-I and compared with histology. Caspase-3 activation and microgliosis were determined at 24 hours post-H-I.

Results—

DWI-defined lesions (eg, decreased apparent diffusion coefficient) at 24 hours post-H-I correlated with a major increase in caspase-3 activity in the injured hemisphere and predicted injury. A modest but significant increase in caspase-3 activity occurred in the cortex of rats that had no apparent diffusion coefficient decrease in the injured hemisphere but had unilaterally enlarged regions of high apparent diffusion coefficient at the ipsilateral ventricle/white matter interface. Caspase-3 activity was similar in both hemispheres in pups with unchanged DWI.

Conclusions—

Abnormal DWI signal at 24 hours post-H-I is predictive of caspase-3 activation and can be used as an indicator that injury involving an apoptotic-like mechanism is present. Our data also suggest that the presence of an enlarged unilateral region with high apparent diffusion coefficient at the ventricle/white matter interface without significant apparent diffusion coefficient decrease in the cortex is a sign of modest caspase-3 activation after H-I.
Variation in the PDE4D Gene and Ischemic Stroke Risk
Authors: Bevan Steve , Dichgans Martin , Gschwendtner Andreas , Kuhlenbäumer Gregor , Ringelstein E.B. , Markus Hugh S.
Published: April 2008

Background and Purpose—

PDE4D was identified as the first novel gene associated with ischemic stroke risk. Replication studies have produced conflicting results, but many have been small and underpowered. Meta-analysis provides a method to combine this data and determine in a larger sample size whether the association with PDE4D can be replicated.

Methods—

A meta-analysis of all PDE4D variants investigated in relation to ischemic stroke has been undertaken. Analysis of any variant appearing in 2 or more replication studies was included; this comprised 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms together with allele 0 of minisatellite AC008818 and the G0 haplotype. A total of 16 studies were identified, allowing examination of up to 5216 cases and 6615 controls for a single variant. Analyses were performed including all data, excluding data from the original report (providing true replication data), and for individual stroke subtypes and limited to white ethnicity.

Results—

No individual single nucleotide polymorphism was associated with all ischemic stroke cases. Allele 0 of AC008818 and haplotype G0 carriers was associated with increased risk (relative risk, 1.12; 95 CI, 1.01 to 1.25;
P
=0.03 and relative risk, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.33;
P
=0.007), but these associations became nonsignificant after exclusion of the original study from the analysis (relative risk, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.94 to 1.20;
P
=0.34 and relative risk, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.34;
P
=0.06, respectively). Analyzing only whites, the majority of cases studied, did not result in a significant association for any analysis. Few robust associations were found with individual stroke subtypes.

Conclusion—

No genetic variant examined in PDE4D showed a robust and reproducible association to ischemic stroke. Any association that may exist is likely to be weak and potentially restricted to specific populations.
A Dual Role of the NF-κB Pathway in Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Damage
Authors: Nijboer Cora H. , Heijnen Cobi J. , Groenendaal Floris , May Michael J. , van Bel Frank , Kavelaars Annemieke
Published: April 2008

Background and Purpose—

NF-κB is a transcription factor that regulates inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. We described previously that intraperitoneal administration of the NF-κB inhibitor TAT-NBD at 0 and 3 hours after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) markedly reduced brain damage. We hypothesize that timing and duration of NF-κB inhibition will be a major factor in determining outcome.

Methods—

HI was induced in P7 rats by unilateral carotid artery occlusion and hypoxia. In vivo TAT-NBD effects were determined on cerebral damage, NF-κB activity, cytokine expression, and pro- and antiapoptotic molecules. In vitro effects of TAT-NBD were determined using primary neurons and cell lines.

Results—

HI induced 2 peaks of cerebral NF-κB activity at 3 to 6 and 24 hours after HI. Neuroprotective 0/3-hour TAT-NBD treatment only inhibited early NF-κB activity. However, inhibition of both early and late NF-κB-activity by 0/6/12-hour TAT-NBD or only late NF-κB activity by 18/21-hour TAT-NBD aggravated damage. 0/6/12-hour TAT-NBD did not prevent HI-induced upregulation of cytokines at 24 hours after HI. Protective 0/3-hour TAT-NBD treatment prevented nuclear accumulation of p53 at 24 hours after HI. Nuclear p53 was not reduced after 0/6/12-hour TAT-NBD. Prolonged TAT-NBD increased the proapoptotic factor PUMA and reduced the antiapoptotic factors Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Also in neuronal cultures prolonged TAT-NBD exposure overruled protective short-term TAT-NBD treatment.

Conclusions—

Early NF-κB activation contributes to neonatal HI brain damage. Late NF-κB provides endogenous neuroprotection and upregulates antiapoptotic molecules. Inhibition of early NF-κB activity is neuroprotective only when late NF-κB activity is maintained. Moreover, cerebral cytokine production can occur independently of NF-κB.
Protection Against STDs
Authors: Deuraseh Nurdeen
Published: April 2008

In Islamic law, there is a principle known as sadd al-dharāʿi, or blocking the means. By virtue of blocking the means, any particular action, which may bring harm to mankind, would be deemed unlawful and illegitimate. To apply this concept, Islam does not tolerate the practice of unlawful sexual relations. It is found that many victims of STDs and HIV/ AIDS are those who practice sodomy or even anyone who maintains sexual relations with anyone other than his/her lawful spouse. In Islam, al-zinā (tr. adultery and fornication) and al-liwāṭ (tr. homosexuality) are crimes not only against one person but against society as a whole. The present paper will study the role of Islamic criminal law in the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) in general, and HIV/AIDS in particular.
Minority Mobilisation in Greece and Litigation in Strasbourg
Authors: Tsitselikis Konstantinos
Published: April 2008

Why would minorities of Greece bring their case before the European Court of Human Rights? What do the minority groups or individuals belonging to a minority group envisage when they communicate their case to Strasbourg? What are the common patterns of minority mobilisation for rights claims before the Court of Strasbourg? Minority mobilisation and litigation in Strasbourg is related to the formation of the status regarding a minority group, the latter being the product of a complex process of political character, dependent on a continuous, overt or covert struggle for power. The axis of this relation is defined by claims of the minority and their recognition or non-recognition by the state. In other terms, this struggle can be seen as a balance between demand and enjoyment of rights. These claims of minorities aim at improving, correcting or implementing the legal status. Freedom of expression, religion or association constitute the main grounds for allegations of more than 45 cases brought before the Court of Strasbourg so far. It seems that the Greek law-making and policy-implementing mechanisms are reluctant to accommodate a broader conception about membership to the Greek nation/Greek state mainly due to the continuing ideological constraints. Although religious otherness is slowly being acknowledged and institutionalised, the recognition of national otherness is so far not tolerated.
Enforcing Migrant Workers' Rights in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: McGeehan Nicholas , Keane David
Published: April 2008

The appalling treatment of migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who constitute 80 per cent of the population and 95 per cent of the workforce, has largely escaped international scrutiny. The paper analyses the failure to protect migrant workers' rights in the UAE from a domestic and an international perspective. It outlines the extent of the abuses and demonstrates how the state's weak domestic laws have been further undermined by poor enforcement mechanisms and a lack of political will to address the issue. It examines violations of international human rights law and possible avenues of redress, notably those relating to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination of 1965, one of only three international human rights treaties that the UAE has ratified. Furthermore, the paper will argue that the UAE's exploitation of the relative economic weakness of its South Asian neighbours has led to a situation that can be characterised as bonded labour of migrant workers, a form of slavery as defined under international law. It will be concluded that domestic labour provisions in the UAE will never be sufficient to provide basic rights to migrant workers due to the de facto control of the private sector by the public sector. Therefore, concerted international attention and pressure will be required to improve a situation in which over two million workers live in terrible conditions, wholly at odds with the wealth and luxury of the country they have helped to build.
Beyond the Rivers of Africa: The Afrocentric Pentecostalism of Mensa Otabil
Authors: van Gorder Christian
Published: April 2008

Mensa Otabil is an African Pentecostal who has developed an Afrocentric focus as a way of responding to the initiatives and interest that face today's growing African Pentecostal church. Otabil warns African Americans that questions of their relationship with Africa must be addressed. Perhaps Otabil's legacy will be his most immediate role of a motivational speaker and encourager for progress in a part of the world that has been drowned with both internal and external projections of pessimism. What is certain is that Mensa Otabil believes in a Pentecostal faith which is able to speak to Africa's social needs. His conviction is rooted in his conviction that the inherent strength of the great people of Africa is yet to be fully released.
Coming of Age in African Theology: The Quest for Authentic Theology in African Soil
Authors: Mashau Derrick , Frederiks Martha
Published: April 2008

This article explores the concept of African theology from a historical and methodological point of view. It shows that there is not one type of theology that can be called African theology but that there is a cluster of diverse theologies which share a number of common characteristics: African theology is theology done in Africa, arising out of the identity of African people, using African concepts of thought and speaking to the African context. The authors signal that there is relatively little interaction between the various theologies developed on the continent and that much theology is a reaction to Western Christianity and Western colonialism. The article ends by concluding that the quest for African theologies is in full progress, as the contexts in the midst of which African theologies are developed continue to change. Yet, despite the many challenges African theologians face, their theologies speak of hope and life. This vitality of African theologies, according to the authors, is the contribution of African theologies to the discourse of world Christianity.
Ethiopian Traditional Values versus the Social Teaching of the Church
Authors: Dejene Solomon
Published: April 2008

Even if the Roman Catholic Church does not have a very long history in Ethiopia and constitutes a small minority of the society, her social significance is great in part due to the structural development programs she runs through out the country. The main aim of this paper is to identify how much the Church has made use of traditional systems and values in reflecting and communicating pastorally particularly in regard the Social of the Church (henceforth CST). By analyzing four selected pastoral letters, this article tries to spell out the strengths and shortcomings of the Church in employing traditional systems and values in giving form to the CST.
Rhetoric, Drama and Truth in Plato's Symposium
Authors: Sheppard Anne
Published: April 2008

This paper draws attention to the Symposium's concern with epideictic rhetoric. It argues that in the Symposium, as in the Gorgias and the Phaedrus, a contrast is drawn between true and false rhetoric. The paper also discusses the dialogue's relationship to drama. Whereas both epideictic rhetoric and drama were directed to a mass audience, the speeches in the Symposium are delivered to a small, select group. The discussion focuses on the style of the speeches delivered by Aristophanes, Agathon, Socrates and Alcibiades. Aristophanes speaks in the simple style of comedy, fable and folktale, also used by Protagoras in Plato's Protagoras. Agathon speaks in the high-flown style of Gorgias. Socrates' speech is a miniature Platonic dialogue, and both Alcibiades' speech and Socrates' speech may be compared to satyr play. The paper concludes with a suggestion that the claim at 223D, that the same person should be able to write both comedy and tragedy, refers to style as well as subject-matter.
Multiple Scattering Effects in Pulsed Radar Systems: An Intercomparison Study
Authors: Battaglia Alessandro , Kobayashi Satoru , Tanelli Simone , Simmer Clemens , Im Eastwood
Published: April 2008

In this paper, two different numerical methods capable of computing multiple scattering effects in pulsed-radar systems are compared. Both methods are based on the solution of the time-dependent vectorial form of the radiative transfer equation: one exploits the successive order of scattering approximation, the other a forward Monte Carlo technique.

Different benchmark results are presented (including layers of monodisperse spherical water and ice particles), which are of specific interest for W-band spaceborne cloud radars such as CloudSat’s or EarthCARE’s cloud profiling radars. Results demonstrate a good agreement between the two methods. The pros and cons of the two models are discussed, with a particular focus on the validity of the second order of scattering approximation.
Examination of the Link Between Parental Racial Socialization Messages and Racial Ideology Among Black College Students
Authors: Barr Simone C. , Neville Helen A.
Published: April 2008

The relations between racial socialization and color-blind racial beliefs (i.e., the denial, distortion, or minimization of racism) among 153 Black American college students, including 34 college student-parent dyads, were examined. Findings from open-ended data indicate that participants identified receiving both protective (i.e., messages about the presence of racism) and proactive (i.e., messages focusing on individual and group strengths) racial socialization messages that were previously identified in the literature (e.g., racial pride, racial barriers, and promotion of mistrust), and three new types of racial socialization messages emerged from the data (egalitarian status, egalitarian treatment, and counter stereotypes). Parents'racial color-blindness was related to providing fewer messages about racial mistrust. In addition, parents' adoption of color-blind racial beliefs was negatively related to their report of providing protective racial socialization. Also, students' racial socialization experiences while growing up were related to their color-blind racial beliefs. Greater minimization of racism (i.e., racial color-blindness) was related to reports of receiving fewer messages protecting against racism and racial barriers youth may face in the future. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Cosmopolitan Perspectives on European and Asian Transnationalism
Authors: Delanty Gerard , Baogang He
Published: April 2008

The article explores the implications of major social transformation in Asia for Europe. It specifically addresses expressions of cosmopolitan engagement between transnational organizations representing Asia and Europe. Within Asia, there is some evidence to indicate that cosmopolitanism is becoming a significant factor in culture and in politics, as is illustrated by increasing transnational cooperation within Asia and the dilution of national interests. A major question is whether such forms of cooperation will play a significant role in Asia's relation to Europe and whether as a consequence European—Asian relations will develop in a direction congruent with cosmopolitan principles. The thesis of the article is that if its momentum continues to develop, cosmopolitan relations and normative regionalism in Asia and Europe are significant factors in reshaping the world and transregional order, and that critical cosmopolitanism can be an alternative to nationalism and to narrowly defined globalization.
Challenging intensification: human—environment interactions in the Holocene geoarchaeological record from western New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Holdaway Simon , Fanning Patricia , Rhodes Ed
Published: April 2008

An intensification theory was developed in Australian archaeology in the early 1980s from a desire to make the study of Australian hunter-gatherers closer to theoretical developments in hunter-gatherer studies elsewhere. An apparent increase in the quantity and range of archaeological deposits was interpreted as demonstrating a combination of population increase and increased social complexity beginning 2—3000 years BP. Data were amassed in support of the theory but, with only one or two exceptions, they were not directly tested. Here we report on a series of studies that permit us to formulate a test for one aspect of the intensification theory. Chronologies constructed using OSL determinations of sediments are combined with the results of age determinations obtained from hearth charcoal to develop an `envelope of time' for human occupation of the southeast margin of the Australian arid zone. The results indicate that the apparent increase in the quantity and range of archaeological materials in the late-Holocene record of western New South Wales reflects the age of the surface on which these materials rest. The apparent rapid increase in the archaeological record at the end of the Holocene reflects the culmination of erosion and deposition processes through time that have removed or covered archaeological records from earlier periods. A large number of radiocarbon determinations from hearths suggest that occupation was not continuous in the late Holocene, with occupation ceasing in this area during periods of climatic change. Analysis of surface stone artefact assemblages does not support the existence of semi-permanent camps or the congregation of large numbers of people. We conclude, therefore, that the intensification theory is incorrect at least in the areas of western New South Wales we have studied, and that human—environment interactions in the Holocene were much more complex than reflected by a simple summing of artefact and/or site data.
Inclusions, exclusions and transitions: Torres Strait Islander constructed landscapes over the past 4000 years, northeast Australia
Authors: McNiven Ian J.
Published: April 2008

Many hunter-gatherer-cultivators, including Indigenous Australians, intentionally manipulated their environments via three broad processes — inclusions (plant and animal translocations), exclusions (quarantining of certain plants and animals) and transitions ( in situ change of biotas, landforms and hydrologies, often through fire). These environmental changes resulted in deliberately and strategically `constructed landscapes' that not only supported societies but also established new contexts and conditions for cultural change. The structured and structuring nature of constructed landscapes is explored across the islands of Torres Strait of northeast Australia during the mid to late Holocene. Torres Strait Islanders deliberately imported and established the dog (dingo) while actively ensuring that cuscuses, cassowaries and pigs imported from New Guinea never produced viable populations on islands. Floral resources of islands were augmented by introducing a range of food crop staples and raw material plants through long-established contacts with peoples from New Guinea and more recent contacts with outsiders during the colonial era. Fire was a key tool of in situ vegetation change resulting in forest clearance and lowland sedimentation. These terrestrial activities supported, maintained and in some cases entrenched specialized marine lifeways in the region. In many respects, Torres Strait Islanders engineered the deterministic qualities of their own environment.
Charting Plasticity in the Regenerating Maps of the Mammalian Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Belluscio Leonardo , Cummings Diana M.
Published: April 2008

The anatomical organization of a neural system can offer a glimpse into its functional logic. The basic premise is that by understanding how something is put together one can figure out how it works. Unfortunately, organization is not always represented purely at an anatomical level and is sometimes best revealed through molecular or functional studies. The mammalian olfactory system exhibits organizational features at all these levels including 1) anatomically distinct structural layers in the olfactory bulb, 2) molecular maps based upon odorant receptor expression, and 3) functional local circuits giving rise to odor columns that provide a contextual logic for an intrabulbar map. In addition, various forms of cellular plasticity have been shown to play an integral role in shaping the structural properties of most neural systems and must be considered when assessing each system's anatomical organization. Interestingly, the olfactory system invokes an added level of complexity for understanding organization in that it regenerates both at the peripheral and the central levels. Thus, olfaction offers a rare opportunity to study both the structural and the functional properties of a regenerating sensory system in direct response to environmental stimuli. In this review, we discuss neural organization in the form of maps and explore the relationship between regeneration and plasticity. NEUROSCIENTIST 14(3):251–263, 2008. DOI: 10.1177/1073858408315026
Is Class Becoming a More Important Determinant of Neighborhood Attainment for African-Americans?
Authors: Freeman Lance
Published: April 2008

In the wake of the civil rights era, it is generally thought that the importance of class in determining social outcomes has increased. The extent to which this is true for locational outcomes, however, is unclear. This article examines how Blacks' ability to translate individual characteristics into locational outcomes changed over the period from 1970 to 2000. The results presented here show that higher socioeconomic status Blacks have more White neighbors, fewer poor neighbors, and live in neighborhoods with higher housing values. This pattern was evident in 1970, however, and appears to have changed little over time. To the extent Blacks are living in more integrated and higher-status neighborhoods, it appears to be because their socioeconomic status is improving. Their ability to translate their status into locational outcomes remained static.
Defective circulating CD25 regulatory T cells in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Yu Jin , Heck Susanne , Patel Vivek , Levan Jared , Yu Yu , Bussel James B. , Yazdanbakhsh Karina
Published: April 2008

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is characterized by the presence of antiplatelet autoantibodies as a result of loss of tolerance. CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are important for maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Decreased levels of peripheral Tregs in patients with ITP have been reported. To test whether inefficient production or reduced immunosuppressive activity of Tregs contributes to loss of tolerance in patients with chronic ITP, we investigated the frequency and function of their circulating CD4+CD25hi Tregs. We found a com-parable frequency of circulating CD4+CD25hiFoxp3+ Tregs in patients and controls (n = 16, P > .05). However, sorted CD4+CD25hi cells from patients with chronic ITP (n = 13) had a 2-fold reduction of in vitro immunosuppressive activity compared with controls (n = 10, P < .05). The impaired suppression was specific to Tregs as shown by cross-mixing experiments with T cells from controls. These data suggest that functional defects in Tregs contribute to breakdown of self-tolerance in patients with chronic ITP.
Insight into the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) through analysis of IgVH gene usage and mutation status in familial CLL
Authors: Crowther-Swanepoel Dalemari , Wild Ruth , Sellick Gabrielle , Dyer Martin J. S. , Mauro Francesca R. , Cuthbert Robert J. G. , Jonsson Viggo , Matutes Estella , Dearden Claire , Wiley James , Fuller Stephen , Catovsky Daniel , Houlston Richard S.
Published: April 2008

To address the proposition that familial B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) may exhibit a more restricted phenotype than sporadic CLL with respect to immunoglobulin gene usage or ontogenic development, we compared immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain variable region (VH) gene usage and IgVH mutation status in 327 patients with CLL from 214 families with 724 patients with sporadic cases. The frequency of mutated CLL was higher in familial CLL (P < .001), and there was evidence of intrafamilial concordance in mutation status (P < .001). The repertoire and frequency of IgVH usage was, however, not significantly different between familial and sporadic CLL. Furthermore, IgVH usage was not correlated between affected members of the same family. These observations provide evidence that familial CLL is essentially indistinguishable from sporadic CLL, favoring a genetic basis to disease development in general rather than a simple environmental etiology.
In vivosite-specific biotinylation of proteins within the secretory pathway using a single vector system
Authors: Predonzani Andrea , Arnoldi Francesca , López-Requena Alejandro , Burrone Oscar R
Published: April 2008

Background

Due to its extremely high strength, the interaction between biotin and (strept)avidin has been exploited for a large number of biotechnological applications. Site-specific biotinylation of proteinsin vivocan be achieved by co-expressing in mammalian cells the protein of interest fused to a 15 amino acid long Biotin Acceptor Peptide (BAP) and the bacterial biotin-protein ligase BirA, which specifically recognizes and attaches a biotin to the single lysine residue of the BAP sequence. However, this system is mainly based on the contemporaneous use of two different plasmids or on induction of expression of two proteins through an IRES-driven mechanism.

Results

We developed a single bigenic plasmid that contains two independent transcriptional units for the co-expression of both the protein tagged with BAP and an engineered version of the BirA enzyme. Upstream of the cDNA encoding BirA, a signal secretion leader sequence was added to allow translocation of the enzyme to the secretory pathway. Three different recombinant antibodies in the scFv format, a membrane bound and secretory truncated IgE Fc fragment and a soluble version of the human IgE high affinity receptor were shown to be efficiently biotinylated and to maintain their binding properties in immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry and ELISA assays.

Conclusion

The present study shows the universal applicability to both secretory and membrane bound proteins of a single bigenic plasmid to induce the site-specificin vivobiotinylation of target molecules tagged with a short acceptor peptide. These molecules could be easily obtained from supernatants or extracts of mammalian cells and used for a wide range of biological applications.
Review of the utilization of HEEPF – competitive projects for educational enhancement in the Egyptian medical sector
Authors: Abdellah Galal Abdel-Hamid , Taher Salah El-Din Mohamed Fahmy , Hosny Somaya
Published: April 2008

In Egypt, the medical sector has been facing the same problems that challenged the system of higher education in the past decades, mainly an increasing student enrollment, limited resources, and old governance and bylaws. These constraints and the escalating paucity of resources have had a major negative influence on quality of education. Consequently, thoughts of educational reform came forward in the form of competitive projects, which have attracted several institutes from the health sector to improve their educational performance. The aim of this paper is to review the share of the medical sector in the higher education enhancement project fund (HEEPF), its outcomes, sustainability, and to provide recommendations for keeping the momentum of reform pursuit in the future. The methodology included obtaining statistics pertaining to the medical sector in Egypt as regards colleges, students, and staff. We also reviewed the self-studies of the medical sector colleges, HEEPF projects reports, performance appraisal reports, and World Bank reports on HEEPF achievements in order to retrieve the required data. Results showed that medical sector had a large share of the HEEPF (28.5% of projects) as compared to its size (8% of student population). The projects covered 10 areas; the frequency distribution of which ranged between 4.4% (creation of new programs) to 97.8% (human resource development). In conclusion, educational enhancement in the medical sector in Egypt could be apparently achieved through the HEEPF competitive projects. A study of the long-term impact of these projects on the quality of education is recommended
Melatonin therapy to improve nocturnal sleep in critically ill patients: encouraging results from a small randomised controlled trial
Authors: Bourne Richard S , Mills Gary H , Minelli Cosetta
Published: April 2008

Introduction

Sleep disturbances are common in critically ill patients and when sleep does occur it traverses the day-night periods. The reduction in plasma melatonin levels and loss of circadian rhythm observed in critically ill patients receiving mechanical ventilation may contribute to this irregular sleep-wake pattern. We sought to evaluate the effect of exogenous melatonin on nocturnal sleep quantity in these patients and, furthermore, to describe the kinetics of melatonin after oral administration in this patient population, thereby guiding future dosing schedules.

Methods

We conducted a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 24 patients who had undergone a tracheostomy to aid weaning from mechanical ventilation. Oral melatonin 10 mg or placebo was administered at 9 p.m. for four nights. Nocturnal sleep was monitored using the bispectral index (BIS) and was expressed in terms of sleep efficiency index (SEI) and area under the curve (AUC). Secondary endpoints were SEI measured by actigraphy and nurse and patient assessments. Plasma melatonin concentrations were measured in nine patients in the melatonin group on the first night.

Results

Nocturnal sleep time was 2.5 hours in the placebo group (mean SEI = 0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17 to 0.36). Melatonin use was associated with a 1-hour increase in nocturnal sleep (SEI difference = 0.12, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.27; P = 0.09) and a decrease in BIS AUC indicating 'better' sleep (AUC difference = -54.23, 95% CI -104.47 to -3.98; P = 0.04). Results from the additional sleep measurement methods were inconclusive. Melatonin appeared to be rapidly absorbed from the oral solution, producing higher plasma concentrations relative to similar doses reported in healthy individuals. Plasma concentrations declined biexponentially, but morning (8 a.m.) plasma levels remained supraphysiological.

Conclusion

In our patients, nocturnal sleep quantity was severely compromised and melatonin use was associated with increased nocturnal sleep efficiency. Although these promising findings need to be confirmed by a larger randomised clinical trial, they do suggest a possible future role for melatonin in the routine care of critically ill patients. Our pharmacokinetic analysis suggests that the 10-mg dose used in this study is too high in these patients and may lead to carryover of effects into the next morning. Reduced doses of 1 to 2 mg could be used in future studies.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN47578325.
The influence of venous admixture on alveolar dead space and carbon dioxide exchange in acute respiratory distress syndrome: computer modelling
Authors: Niklason Lisbet , Eckerström Johannes , Jonson Björn
Published: April 2008

Introduction

Alveolar dead space reflects phenomena that render arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide higher than that of mixed alveolar gas, disturbing carbon dioxide exchange. Right-to-left shunt fraction (Qs/Qt) leads to an alveolar dead space fraction (VdAS/VtA; where VtA is alveolar tidal volume). In acute respiratory distress syndrome, ancillary physiological disturbances may include low cardiac output, high metabolic rate, anaemia and acid-base instability. The purpose of the present study was to analyze the extent to which shunt contributes to alveolar dead space and perturbs carbon dioxide exchange in ancillary physiological disturbances.

Methods

A comprehensive model of pulmonary gas exchange was based upon known equations and iterative mathematics.

Results

The alveolar dead space fraction caused by shunt increased nonlinearly with Qs/Qt and, under 'basal conditions', reached 0.21 at a Qs/Qt of 0.6. At a Qs/Qt of 0.4, reduction in cardiac output from 5 l/minute to 3 l/minute increased VdAS/VtA from 0.11 to 0.16. Metabolic acidosis further augmented the effects of shunt on VdAS/VtA, particularly with hyperventilation. A Qs/Qt of 0.5 may increase arterial carbon dioxide tension by about 15% to 30% if ventilation is not increased.

Conclusion

In acute respiratory distress syndrome, perturbation of carbon dioxide exchange caused by shunt is enhanced by ancillary disturbances such as low cardiac output, anaemia, metabolic acidosis and hyperventilation. Maintained homeostasis mitigates the effects of shunt.