bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total Parathyroidectomy Without Autotransplantation for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Shih Ming‐Lang , Duh Quan‐Yang , Hsieh Chung‐Bao , Lin Shih‐Hua , Wu Hurng‐Sheng , Chu Paul‐Ling , Chen Tien‐Yu , Yu Jyh‐Cherng
Published: October 2008

Background

To treat secondary hyperparathyroidism with subtotal parathyroidectomy or total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation might cause the disease to recur because of growth of the parathyroid remnant or the autografts. The aim of the present study was to determinate an alternative surgical treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Methods

Of 94 uremic patients, 44 (median age: 50.5 years; 33 women/11 men) were assigned to group A, patients who were not expected to receive kidney transplantation for various reasons and had total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation; 50 (median age 46 years; 33 women/17 men) were assigned to group B, patients who had either total parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation or subtotal total parathyroidectomy with preservation of parathyroid tissue in situ. Parameters measured included demographics, perioperative and follow‐up biochemistry tests, operative time, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, patients’ compliance with the postoperative calcium and 1,25 dihydroxy‐viatmin D supplementation regimen, symptom relief, and presence of recurrence.

Results

Mean operative times were 103 and 122 min (P = 0.007); postoperative complication rates were 18.2% and 12.0% (P = 0.563); mean hospital stays were 6 and 9 days (P = 0.259); adequate patient compliance with the postoperative calcium and 1,25 dihydroxy‐viatmin D regimens were 84.1% and 78.0%, respectively (P = 0.6); symptom relief rates were 88.6% and 80.0% (P = 0.277). Recurrence rates over 60 months in group A and group B were 4.5% and 18.0%, resectively (P = 0.028 by Kaplan‐Meier analysis).

Conclusions

Because of the lower recurrent rate and shorter operative time, total parathyroidectomy without autotransplantation may be an option for treating patients with symptomatic secondary hyperparathyroidism who are not expected to receive kidney transplantation.
Perforated Peptic Ulcer: Clinical Presentation, Surgical Outcomes, and the Accuracy of the Boey Scoring System in Predicting Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Lohsiriwat Varut , Prapasrivorakul Siriluck , Lohsiriwat Darin
Published: October 2008

Background

The purposes of this study were to determine clinical presentations and surgical outcomes of perforated peptic ulcer (PPU), and to evaluate the accuracy of the Boey scoring system in predicting mortality and morbidity.

Methods

We carried out a retrospective study of patients undergoing emergency surgery for PPU between 2001 and 2006 in a university hospital. Clinical presentations and surgical outcomes were analyzed. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) of each Boey score on morbidity and mortality rate was compared with zero risk score. Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis was used to compare the predictive ability between Boey score, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and Mannheim Peritonitis Index (MPI).

Results

The study included 152 patients with average age of 52 years (range: 15–88 years), and 78% were male. The most common site of PPU was the prepyloric region (74%). Primary closure and omental graft was the most common procedure performed. Overall mortality rate was 9% and the complication rate was 30%. The mortality rate increased progressively with increasing numbers of the Boey score: 1%, 8% (OR = 2.4), 33% (OR = 3.5), and 38% (OR = 7.7) for 0, 1, 2, and 3 scores, respectively (p < 0.001). The morbidity rates for 0, 1, 2, and 3 Boey scores were 11%, 47% (OR = 2.9), 75% (OR = 4.3), and 77% (OR = 4.9), respectively (p < 0.001). Boey score and ASA classification appeared to be better than MPI for predicting the poor surgical outcomes.

Conclusions

Perforated peptic ulcer is associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. The Boey risk score serves as a simple and precise predictor for postoperative mortality and morbidity.
Localization of Recurrent Thyroid Cancer Using Intraoperative Ultrasound‐Guided Dye Injection
Authors: Sippel Rebecca S. , Elaraj Dina M. , Poder Liina , Duh Quan‐Yang , Kebebew Electron , Clark Orlo H.
Published: October 2008

Background

Small, nonpalpable lymph node recurrences are frequently identified in the follow‐up of patients with thyroid cancer, and finding and removing these lesions in a reoperative field can be very challenging. The goal of this study was to evaluate the utility of preincision ultrasound‐guided injection of blue dye into the abnormal lymph nodes to facilitate their safe and efficient removal.

Methods

We performed a prospective study between January and June 2007 at a single academic institution. Ten patients with isolated, nonpalpable nodal recurrences of papillary thyroid cancer underwent an operation for a neck recurrence (8 central, 2 lateral). A preincision ultrasound was performed in the operating room to localize the lesions, and 0.1 ml of blue dye was injected under ultrasound guidance into each abnormal lymph node. We examined the feasibility of the injection procedure, the accuracy of identifying pathologic lymph nodes, and the complications of injection.

Results

The pathologic lymph nodes averaged 11 mm in size (range = 6–16 mm) and were detectable by ultrasound in all cases. Ultrasound‐guided blue dye injection was successful in all cases. There were no complications related to dye injection. The blue node was easily identified and removed in all cases. The mean operative time was 80.4 min (range = 37–157 min).

Conclusions

Blue dye injection was feasible and was very useful for the identification of lymph node recurrences, especially in the reoperative neck. There were no complications related to the injection in this series. Further study is needed to determine the widespread safety and efficacy of this technique.
The Process of Rice Domestication: A New Model Based on Recent Data
Authors: Izawa Takeshi
Published: October 2008

Rice domestication involved a complex process of selection by ancient humans, leading to the development of a new species, Oryza sativa, during the last 10,000 years. Recent rice genome research and the cloning of domestication-related genes have provided novel knowledge about the domestication process, although recent reviews have revealed more complexity than previously suspected. Some of this additional complexity may arise from a poor fit between the new data and previous models. DNA divergence observed in existing landraces, cultivars, and wild relatives can now be determined accurately, so the order of major DNA changes such as single nucleotide polymorphisms during the domestication process can be abducted owing to relatively low mutation rates. Therefore, a new model to explain the selection process during rice domestication, such as the one proposed for further discussion in this paper, is needed to accommodate the new DNA evidence.
Luteolin inhibits proliferation and affects the function of stimulated rat synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Hou Yanan , Wu Jiacai , Huang Qin , Guo Lihe
Published: October 2008

Hyperproliferation of synovial fibroblasts is considered to be a pivotal event in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Luteolin, a flavonoid, inhibits the proliferation of synovial fibroblasts in collagen‐induced arthritic rats. Treatment with luteolin also decreases the secretion of matrix metalloprotease‐1 and −3 and the expression of IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐15, and TGF‐β. Luteolin treatment caused a delay of cells in the G2/M phase. Interestingly, combination treatment with luteolin and TNF‐α exhibited a synergistic inhibitory effect in all experiments. Western blotting demonstrated that treatment with luteolin alone or combined with TNF‐α inhibited the MAPK/ERKs and PI3K‐Akt pathways. These results indicate that luteolin inhibits the proliferation and partially blocks the pathogenic function of synovial fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis.
Bilateral juvenile renal dysplasia in a Norwegian Forest Cat
Authors: Aresu Luca , Zanatta Renato , Pregel Paola , Caliari Diego , Tursi Massimiliano , Valenza Federico , Tarducci Alberto
Published: October 2008

Renal dysplasia is defined as a condition of disorganised development of renal parenchyma due to abnormal differentiation. The case of a 5-month-old intact male Norwegian Forest Cat with a history of polyuria and polydipsia is reported. Ultrasonographic examination showed a slight enlargement of kidneys. Biochemical parameters, haematological examinations and clinical signs were compatible with chronic renal failure (CRF). Histological examination was correlated with a primary tubular disorganisation and modification of glomerular compartment. The clinical history together with the histological lesions is consistent with bilateral juvenile renal dysplasia in this cat. To our knowledge, feline renal dysplasia has been reported in fetal infections with panleukopenia virus; no reports indicate the idiopathic origin in feline dysplastic lesions.
Dynamics of phase fronts in ore-forming fluid systems of volcanic arcs
Authors: Sharapov V.N. , Cherepanov A.N. , Cherepanova V.K. , Bessonova E.P.
Published: October 2008

A mathematical model is proposed to describe the dynamics of phase fronts in volcanogenic orthomagmatic fluid systems (VOFS). It has been shown that these systems require rather short geologic times to reach a quasi-stationary state. This process is accompanied by slow cooling and pressure decrease as the bubbling front within the intrusive body submerges and magmatic fluid discharge decreases. Decompression boiling zone seems to develop in near-surface VOFS part for a certain combination of such parameters as porosity, permeability, and upper boundary condition. In evolving VOFS the existence of this zone is ephemeral. However in areas of seismic tremor and in mixed hydrothermal systems this zone can be stable and can produce brines below the level of hydrotherm discharge.
TEM-TDEM soundings in the eastern Siberian craton
Authors: Morozova G.M. , Antonov E.Yu.
Published: October 2008

We report forward modeling results for transient magnetic fields excited by horizontal electric or vertical magnetic dipoles. Modeling was performed with reference to resistivity patterns typical of platform areas in East Siberia. We investigate the possibilities to resolve deep reservoirs by measuring the horizontal and vertical components of the transient magnetic field and compare the depth resolution of magnetic and inductive methods.
Compound modeling of Earth rotation and possible implications for interaction of continents
Authors: Mel’nikov V.P. , Smul’skii I.I. , Smul’skii Ya.I.
Published: October 2008

The theory of orbital climate forcing implies an approximate Earth rotation model which has never been checked against other methods. We simulate the rotating Earth in compound models as a system of equal peripheral parts that orbit a central body and investigate the orbital evolution as affected by the gravity pull from the Sun, the Moon, and the planets. The predicted nutation cycles agree well with estimates by other methods. The model of periodic convergence and divergence of peripheral bodies may be useful to explain interaction of continents.
Nonlocal magnetotelluric responses of a 3D inhomogeneous Earth: processing regional data
Authors: Plotkin V.V. , Belinskaya A.Yu. , Gavrysh P.A. , Gubanov A.I.
Published: October 2008

Magnetotelluric responses of a 3D inhomogeneous earth excited by an arbitrary EM field are nonlocal, which is essential in processing regional MTS data. Due regard for this effect requires data acquisition by a dense synchronous 2D array. We suggest to invert the nonlocal MT responses applying correlation of the surface telluric and magnetic components recorded simultaneously at all stations. The new inversion algorithm has been tested using synthetic data that reproduce the conditions of the BEAR experiment.
Hearing in tsetse flies? Morphology and mechanics of a putative auditory organ
Authors: Tuck E.J. , Windmill J.F.C. , Robert D.
Published: October 2008

Tympanal hearing organs are widely used by insects to detect sound pressure. Such ears are relatively uncommon in the order Diptera, having only been reported in two families thus far. This study describes the general anatomical organization and experimentally examines the mechanical resonant properties of an unusual membranous structure situated on the ventral prothorax of the tsetse fly,Glossina morsitans(Diptera: Glossinidae). Anatomically, the prosternal membrane is backed by an air filled chamber and attaches to a pair of sensory chordotonal organs. Mechanically, the membrane shows a broad resonance around 5.3–7.2 kHz. Unlike previously reported dipteran tympana, a directional response to sound was not found inG. morsitans. Collectively, the morphology, the resonant properties and acoustic sensitivity of the tsetse prothorax are consistent with those of the tympanal hearing organs inOrmiasp. andEmblemasomasp. (Tachinidae and Sarcophagidae). The production of sound by several species of tsetse flies has been repeatedly documented. Yet, clear behavioural evidence for acoustic behaviour is sparse and inconclusive. Together with sound production, the presence of an ear-like structure raises the enticing possibility of auditory communication in tsetse flies and renews interest in the sensory biology of these medically important insects.
PRELIMINARY STUDIES OF PEST CONSTRAINTS TO COTTON SEEDLINGS IN A DIRECT SEEDING MULCH-BASED SYSTEM IN CAMEROON
Authors: BRÉVAULT T. , GUIBERT H. , NAUDIN K.
Published: October 2008

The present study evaluated the pest constraints of an innovative crop management system in Cameroon involving conservation tillage and direct seeding mulch-based strategies. We hypothesized that the presence of mulch (i) would support a higher density of phytophagous arthropods particularly millipedes as well as pathogenic fungi that cause severe damage to cotton seedlings and (ii) would reduce early aphid infestations. The impact of two cover-crop mulchesCalopogonium mucunoidesandBrachiaria ruziziensison the vigour of seedling cotton stands and arthropod damage was assessed in two independent field experiments conducted in 2001 and 2002 respectively. In both experiments the presence of mulch negatively affected cotton seedling stand by 13–14% compared to non-mulched plots and the proportion of damaged seedlings was higher in mulched than in non-mulched plots supporting the hypothesis that mulch favoured soil pest damage. In both experiments insecticidal seed dressing increased the seedling stand and the number of dead millipedes collected and fungicide had little or no effect on seedling stand and vigour. It was however observed in 2002 that the fungicide seed dressing had a positive effect on seedling stand in non-mulched plots but not in mulched plots suggesting that fungi may have been naturally inhibited byB. ruziziensismulch. The dynamics of aphid colonization was not influenced by the presence of mulch. In 2001 taller seedlings were found in mulched than non-mulched plots probably due to greater water and nutrient availability inC. mucunoides-mulched plots than in non-mulched plots.
Auricular leishmaniasis mimicking squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Khorsandi-Ashtiani M-T , Hasibi M , Yazdani N , Paydarfar J A , Sadri F , Mirashrafi F , Kouhi A
Published: October 2008

Objectives:

We report a rare case of auricular involvement by leishmaniasis, in order to demonstrate the importance of thorough investigation of cutaneous head and neck lesions, and also the importance of inclusion of infections such as leishmaniasis in the differential diagnosis of auricular lesions, especially in endemic areas.

Case history:

A 42-year-old man with multiple lesions on his head, neck and hands was referred to our centre. He had the following lesions: a painful, crusted, 8 × 8 cm plaque with indurated margins on the left parotid region and auricle; a red papule on the right temporal region; an ulcerative lesion on the skin overlying the proximal interphalangeal joint of the fifth finger of the right hand; and a bluish papule on the neck. Although histopathological examination of the Geimsa-stained specimen was misleading, a direct smear prepared from biopsies showed amastigotes, and therapy resulted in complete recovery.

Conclusion:

Leishmaniasis can be both under- or over-diagnosed. Especially in endemic areas, parasitic causes of chronic infections should always be kept in mind.
Effect of primary neopharyngeal repair on acoustic characteristics of tracheoesophageal voice after total laryngectomy
Authors: Albirmawy O A , El-Guindy A S , Elsheikh M N , Saafan M E , Darwish M E
Published: October 2008

Objectives:

The tracheoesophageal puncture technique of voice restoration enables successful voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy. Because post-operative voice quality can vary significantly, depending on which type of hypopharyngeal repair is chosen, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of such repair on tracheoesophageal puncture voice after total laryngectomy.

Study design:

Prospective, clinical study.

Setting:

Otolaryngology department, Tanta University, Egypt.

Methods:

Tracheoesophageal puncture voice was quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated in 40 patients using a Provox 2TM prosthesis after standard total laryngectomy. The patients were divided, according to the type of hypopharyngeal repair, into four groups of 10 cases each, as follows: group one, pharyngoesophageal myotomy; group two, pharyngeal plexus neurectomy; group three, non-muscle vertical repair; and group four, transverse repair. These surgical groups were compared with each other with respect to different voice parameters.

Results:

Patient profiles were almost equivalent in all surgical groups. The mean values of most of the parameters of quantitative tracheoesophageal puncture voice did not differ significantly, comparing the four surgical groups; however, a slightly significant difference was observed regarding loud intensity in the non-muscle repair group, and soft and loud jitter in the transverse repair group. Mean values for qualitative measures of intelligibility and communicative effectiveness did not show significant difference. However, a slightly significant difference was observed regarding fluency, word correctness, speaking rate and wetness, with higher values for all these parameters except wetness in the myotomy group, and higher values for wetness in the non-muscle repair group.

Conclusion:

The four hypopharyngeal repair types – primary pharyngoesophageal myotomy, pharyngeal plexus neurectomy, non-muscle vertical repair and transverse hypopharyngeal repair – were almost equivalent in prevention of pharyngoesophageal spasm in total laryngectomy patients who had undergone primary tracheoesophageal puncture for voice restoration.
Endoscopic transnasal dacryocystorhinostomy with nasal mucosal and posterior lacrimal sac flap
Authors: Sonkhya N , Mishra P
Published: October 2008

Objective:

To describe a new endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy technique and to assess its efficacy.

Design:

Prospective, non-randomised, interventional case series.

Patients and methods:

Patients with primary nasolacrimal duct obstruction were included. A prospective series of 226 consecutive endoscopic transnasal dacryocystorhinostomies performed between January 2003 and December 2006 were entered into the study. Patients who had undergone previous lacrimal surgery were excluded. The surgical technique involved the creation of nasal mucosal and large posterior lacrimal flaps at the medial lacrimal sac wall. The two flaps were placed in close apposition. The technique also involved creation of a large bony ostium.

Main outcome measures:

Success was defined as the resolution of symptoms, or unobstructed lacrimal irrigation and endoscopic visualisation of a patent rhinostomy.

Results:

A total of 226 consecutive endoscopic transnasal dacryocystorhinostomy procedures performed between January 2003 and December 2006 were reviewed. The main presentation was with epiphora (95 per cent) and/or mucocele (13 per cent). Septoplasty was performed in 36 per cent of cases at the time of surgery. In 18 per cent of cases, endoscopic sinus surgery was also added to the procedure. The follow-up period ranged from six months to two years. Of the 226 patients, eight were lost to follow up and were thus excluded from the series. The procedure achieved a 92 per cent success rate, in terms of symptom relief and anatomical success.

Conclusion:

The described technique of endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy had a success rate comparable to that of external dacryocystorhinostomy. The procedure is simple and cost-effective because it does not require sophisticated equipment such as lasers, optical fibres, silicone stents or a microdebrider.
Why do we have paranasal sinuses?
Authors: Keir J
Published: October 2008

Introduction:

The paranasal sinuses, comprising the frontal, maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses, have caused consternation and debate over their true function over the course of nearly two millennia. This review aims to define the current evidence for the role of the paranasal sinuses, and to attempt to propose an answer to the question ‘why do we have paranasal sinuses?’

Materials and methods:

A literature review was conducted, searching Medline (1966–2007), Embase (1988–2007), the Cochrane Library and Ovid (1966–2007). Combinations of the following search terms were used: ‘paranasal sinuses’, ‘physiology’, ‘anatomy’, ‘function’, ‘evolution’ and ‘rhinology’. Any relevant references were cascaded to increase detection of pertinent information. The current, tenable theories identified in the literature review are discussed and the evidence for them critically analysed.

Results:

The current, tenable theories are described.

Discussion:

The paranasal sinuses may act simply to improve nasal function; certainly, it has been demonstrated that they may act as an adjunct in the production of nitric oxide and in aiding the immune defences of the nasal cavity. However, there is a distinction between utility and evolutionary origin. It may still be that the sinuses arose as an aid to facial growth and architecture, or persist as residual remnants of an evolutionary structure with an as yet unknown purpose, and in doing so have found an additional role as an adjunct to the nasal cavity.
Use of linked mucosal flap for lower lip reconstruction after human bite injury
Authors: Zgaljardic Z , Racic G , Colovic Z
Published: October 2008

Aim:

An alternative method of reconstruction of a lower lip defect is presented, using a mucosal flap taken from the upper lip. This approach leaves the skin intact and therefore avoids skin scarring, with its associated unpredictable healing. The upper lip mucosal flap applied to reconstruct the lower lip injury was identical to the injured tissue type.

Result:

The results were functionally and aesthetically excellent (as illustrated).

Conclusion:

This technique represents an excellent alternative to reconstruction of a damaged lip, with the benefits of minimal scar tissue formation and excellent aesthetic result.
The Risks of International Law
Authors: JOHNS FLEUR , WERNER WOUTER G.
Published: October 2008

The past few decades have witnessed a proliferation in the writings on risk and uncertainty. Led by the work of writers such as Beck, Luhmann, Ewald, and Giddens, scholars across the humanities and social sciences have been engaged in reflections on the ways in which our understanding of risk structure informs decision-making and the attribution of responsibility. One of the central topics in this body of literature is the transformation of the concept of risk in postmodern societies.
Risk and Randomness in International Legal Argumentation
Authors: URUEÑA RENÉ
Published: October 2008

The idea of randomness is mostly excluded from international legal argumentation. If we need law at all, we are told, it is precisely to avoid arbitrary fortuity. Nonetheless, the exclusion of randomness renders international law structurally incapable of dealing with general risk issues, be they external or manufactured. The core of the problem is the notion of causation. International law seems to be infused by a model of causation that excludes any consideration of randomness. The law of state responsibility and certain elements of international trade law bear witness to this point. Randomness, however, is Janus-faced, and risk is its correlate aspect. By excluding randomness, risk is also left out. Therefore the model of causation embedded in international legal language makes that very language incapable of framing the ideas that a risk society needs to express. It is not surprising, then, that risk societies turn to other languages to express their needs, as is evidenced by the WTO SPS disputes. In this context, international law seems to become a broker of expertise, which refers to the relevant epistemic community that is needed to ‘get the job done’, and abandons any aspiration to holding an independent normative pull in itself.
Risk before Justice: When the Law Contests Its Own Suspension
Authors: AMOORE LOUISE
Published: October 2008

Contemporary security practices pose a particular paradox in the relationship between law and norm. On the one hand, the institution of risk practices in advance of, and in place of, juridical decisions appears to have become the technical resolution of choice to the politics of targeted security in the ‘war on terror’. The risk calculus makes possible an array of interventions – from detention, deportation, or ‘secondary’ security to asset freezing and ‘blacklisting’ – that operate in place of, and in advance of, the legal thresholds of evidence and decision. And yet, this article demonstrates, it is not the case that law recedes as risk advances, but rather that law potentially both authorizes and contests specific modes of risk management. As risk practices in the war on terror operate on and through a distinctive and novel terrain of the uncertain future, the capacity of juridical intervention to contest the exposure of people to dehumanizing technologies itself faces new potentials and limits.
Is Risk Changing the Politics of Legal Argumentation?
Authors: KESSLER OLIVIER
Published: October 2008

While risk has established itself within the social sciences in general and international relations in particular as a theoretical concept in its own right, its ‘value added’ for understanding international legal processes and argumentation is still rather unexplored. While the dominant approach to risk and law focuses predominantly on the regulation of some specified risk such as diseases or environmental ‘risks’, this contribution argues that the overall semantic shift from ‘threats’ to ‘risks’ signifies an acceleration of time underlying legal argumentation. It introduces a distinction between norms and risks, highlights the respective temporality and reconstructs the current overlap and conflict between them in the case of the European human rights regime.
‘Witness Proofing’ before the International Criminal Court: A Reply to Karemaker, Taylor, and Pittman
Authors: AMBOS KAI
Published: October 2008

This paper was written at the request of the LJIL editorial board as a reply to the article by Karemaker, Taylor, and Pittman published in the previous issue. It is argued that their position starts from incorrect assumptions and that their overall assessment of proofing is flawed, especially with regard to the risks for fair trial. As to the law of the international tribunals it is acknowledged, however, that there is a structural and normative difference between the ICTY (as the most important ad hoc tribunal) and the ICC. While the former still follows, despite some normative changes, a predominantly adversarial procedure, the ICC Statute provides for a mixed adversarial–inquisitorial procedure. Such a procedural model is not compatible with the adversarial origins of witness proofing and it is therefore not surprising that the ICC Statute does not provide for this technique. As a consequence, at the ICC proofing is neither legally admissible nor necessary.
Witness Proofing in International Criminal Tribunals: Response to Ambos
Authors: KAREMAKER RUBEN , TAYLOR B. DON , PITTMAN THOMAS WAYDE
Published: October 2008

This article examines the analytical framework and key arguments used by K. Ambos to conclude that witness proofing is neither a legally permissible nor necessary useful practice before the ICC in his reply to ‘Witness Proofing in International Criminal Tribunals: A Critical Analysis of Widening Procedural Divergence’. Contrary to Ambos, the article argues that witness proofing cannot be both acceptable at the UN international criminal tribunals and per se inappropriate at the ICC, given the ICC's procedural regime allowing for trials to be conducted in a form almost identical to those of the UN tribunals. A related argument is that the practice of witness proofing is not prohibited in the law governing the ICC, even if not provided for. Further arguments conclude that reliance upon spontaneity of a witness in court as a guarantee of reliability is misplaced, that the merits of national practices are irrelevant to the overall analysis, and that international judges are competent to manage the negligible risks associated with witness proofing.
Punishing the Enemies of All Mankind
Authors: SMEULERS ALETTE
Published: October 2008

How do we and how should we punish perpetrators of international crimes such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide? Is it fair to hold individuals responsible for their role in manifestations of this type of collective violence? Do the punishments issued by international criminal institutions support the usual penological rationales? Do they actually attain their goals? Is the Westernized international criminal justice system the most appropriate means of dealing with mass violence, especially in non-Western countries which might have a different perception of justice? What are the alternatives? These are just some of the questions which Mark Drumbl addresses in this book.
The Political and Legal Force of the Prohibition of Force: Assessing State Behaviour
Authors: VAN STADEN ALFRED
Published: October 2008

Recent political developments on the global scene have shed new light on established rules concerning the employment of military force while giving rise, among other things, to a reappraisal of the scope and limits of the right of self-defence. The terrorist attacks of September 2001 raised the question of whether actions by non-state actors can fall within the concept of ‘armed attack’. Those attacks were defined by UN Security Council Resolution 1368, under Article 39 of Chapter VII of the UN Charter, as ‘a threat to international peace and security’, but the ambiguous formulation left sufficient scope for upholding the prevailing view that Article 51 may only be invoked in the case of conflict between states. According to this view, which meanwhile has been contested, any resort to self-defence for legally justifying unilateral military action against terrorist organizations operating in other countries needs to be supported by evidence or argumentation that attacks perpetrated by those organizations can be attributed to a state. In defending the military campaign conducted to oust the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, the US government could credibly argue that this regime, exercising effective control over the country, was to be held accountable since it was harbouring members of al Qaeda on its territory and was actively supporting them.
A NEW SPECIES OF HEDYOTIS (RUBIACEAE) FROM INDIA
Authors: Viswanathan M. B. , Manikandan U.
Published: October 2008

A new species of Rubiaceae, Hedyotis kottangathattiensis M.B.Viswan. & U.Manik., is described from the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve in the Agastyamalai hills of the southwestern Ghats in South India. Hedyotis kottangathattiensis is allied to Hedyotis barberi (Gamble) Henry & Subram. but differs in its branching, leaf shape and colour, the presence of raphides, the colour and shape of the stipules, the inflorescence structure, calyx lobe shape, corolla lobe shape and colour, and capsule shape. A conservation status is proposed.
A NEW SPECIES OF BELLEVALIA (LILIACEAE / HYACINTHACEAE) FROM IRAN
Authors: Jafari A. , Maassoumi A. A.
Published: October 2008

Bellevalia wendelboi Maassoumi & Jafari from western Iran (Kurdistan Province) is newly described. It is similar to Bellevalia macrobotrys from Bellevalia sect. Nutans subsect. Colorata but differs in having weakly canaliculate leaves, yellow anthers (not violet) and a cordate-ovoid, acuminate capsule (not ovoid and retuse). There are now 19 species of Bellevalia in four sections in Iran.
Designing an interactive open-domain question answering system
Authors: QUARTERONI S. , MANANDHAR S.
Published: October 2008

Interactive question answering (QA), where a dialogue interface enables follow-up and clarification questions, is a recent although long-advocated field of research. We report on the design and implementation of YourQA, our open-domain, interactive QA system. YourQA relies on a Web search engine to obtain answers to both fact-based and complex questions, such as descriptions and definitions. We describe the dialogue moves and management model making YourQA interactive, and discuss the architecture, implementation and evaluation of its chat-based dialogue interface. Our Wizard-of-Oz study and final evaluation results show how the designed architecture can effectively achieve open-domain, interactive QA.
Model simulations of the Bay of Fundy Gyre: 1. Climatological results
Authors: Aretxabaleta Alfredo L. , McGillicuddy Dennis J. , Smith Keston W. , Lynch Daniel R.
Published: October 2008

The characteristics of a persistent gyre in the mouth of the Bay of Fundy are studied using model simulations. A set of climatological runs are conducted to evaluate the relative importance of the different forcing mechanisms affecting the gyre. The main mechanisms are tidal rectification and density‐driven circulation. Stronger circulation of the gyre occurs during the later part of the stratified season (July–August and September–October). The density‐driven flow around the gyre is set up by weak tidal mixing in the deep basin in the central Bay of Fundy and strong tidal mixing on the shallow flanks around Grand Manan Island and western Nova Scotia. Spring river discharge has an important influence on near‐surface circulation but only a small effect when averaged over the entire water column. Retention of particles in the gyre is controlled by the residual tidal circulation, increased frontal retention during stratified periods, wind stress, and interactions with the adjacent circulation of the Gulf of Maine. Residence times longer than 30 days are predicted for particles released in the proximity of the gyre.
Mars 2007 Phoenix Scout mission Organic Free Blank: Method to distinguish Mars organics from terrestrial organics
Authors: Ming D. W. , Morris R. V. , Woida R. , Sutter B. , Lauer H. V. , Shinohara C. , Golden D. C. , Boynton W. V. , Arvidson R. E. , Stewart R. L. , Tamppari L. K. , Gross M. , Smith P.
Published: October 2008

The Organic Free Blank (OFB) for the Mars 2007 Phoenix Scout mission provides an organic carbon null sample to compare against possible Martian organic signatures obtained by the Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA). Major OFB requirements are an organic carbon content of ≤10 ng C g−1 of sample, a nonporous structure, and strength and integrity that permits machining by the Robotic Arm (RA) Icy Soil Acquisition Device (ISAD). A specially fabricated form of commercial Macor™ (a machinable glass ceramic), made with nitrate salts replacing carbonate salts, was selected as the OFB material. The OFB has a total inorganic carbon content of approximately 1.6 μg C g−1 after fabrication, cleaning, and heat treatment in oxygen gas at 550°C. The detection limit for organic carbon is ∼100 ng C g−1 of sample, or about a factor of 10 higher than the design goal. One scenario for OFB use on Mars is subsequent to the first TEGA detection of organic carbon. The OFB sample, acquired by the RA ISAD and delivered to TEGA, would come in contact with all surfaces in the sample transfer chain, collecting residual terrestrial contamination that accompanied the spacecraft to Mars. A second sample of the putative Martian organic‐bearing material would then be obtained and analyzed by TEGA. Different organic contents and/or different mass spectrometer fragmentation patterns between the OFB material and the two Martian samples would indicate that the detected organic carbon is indigenous to Mars.
Effect of intense December 2006 solar radio bursts on GPS receivers
Authors: Cerruti Alessandro P. , Kintner Paul M. , Gary Dale E. , Mannucci Anthony J. , Meyer Robert F. , Doherty Patricia , Coster Anthea J.
Published: October 2008

Solar radio bursts during December 2006 were sufficiently intense to be measurable with GPS receivers. The strongest event occurred on 6 December 2006 and affected the operation of many GPS receivers. This event exceeded 1,000,000 solar flux unit and was about 10 times larger than any previously reported event. The strength of the event was especially surprising since the solar radio bursts occurred near solar minimum. The strongest periods of solar radio burst activity lasted a few minutes to a few tens of minutes and, in some cases, exhibited large intensity differences between L1 (1575.42 MHz) and L2 (1227.60 MHz). Civilian dual frequency GPS receivers were the most severely affected, and these events suggest that continuous, precise positioning services should account for solar radio bursts in their operational plans. This investigation raises the possibility of even more intense solar radio bursts during the next solar maximum that will significantly impact the operation of GPS receivers.
Highly improved predictive skill in the forecasting of the East Asian summer monsoon
Authors: Lee Eungul , Chase Thomas N. , Rajagopalan Balaji
Published: October 2008

The East Asian summer monsoon greatly influences the lives and property of about a quarter of the people in the world. However, the predictive skill of the monsoon is very low in comparison with that of the Indian summer monsoon because of the complexity of the system which involves both tropical and subtropical climates. Previous monsoon prediction models emphasized ocean factors as the primary monsoon forcing. Here we show that preseason land surface cover is at least as important as ocean indices. New statistical forecast models of the East Asian summer monsoon using land cover conditions in addition to ocean heat sources double and triple, respectively, the predictive skill of the northern and southern East Asian summer monsoon forecasting models relative to models using ocean factors alone. This work highlights the, as yet, undocumented importance of seasonal land cover in monsoon prediction and the role of the biosphere in the climate system as a whole. We also detail the physical mechanisms involved in these land surface forcings.
Role of biomass spread in vegetation pattern formation within arid ecosystems
Authors: Thompson Sally , Katul Gabriel , McMahon Sean M.
Published: October 2008

The spatial organization of biomass resulting from plant‐water feedbacks in arid ecosystems, “patterned vegetation,” provides a macroscopic signal of nonlinear plant‐water interactions and ecosystem health. Current models that reproduce such patterning assume diffusive biomass movement but do not account for realistic transport through seed dispersal. An adaptation of an existing three‐equation model that accounts for the interactions between overland flow, subsurface flow, and biomass dynamics is used to investigate the impact of representing biomass spread with realistic dispersal kernels (a “kernel‐based method”). Model results indicate that dispersion behavior changes the spatial organization of vegetation, destabilizing the regular patterns predicted by diffusion‐based models. The kernel‐based approach provides a closer match to power spectra derived from a remotely sensed image of patterned vegetation when compared to their diffusion‐based counterpart. Potential feedbacks between the presence of spatial patterns and selection of optimal seed dispersal length scales are also investigated.
Structural basis and specificity of human otubain 1-mediated deubiquitination
Authors: Edelmann Mariola J. , Iphöfer Alexander , Akutsu Masato , Altun Mikael , di Gleria Katalin , Kramer Holger B. , Fiebiger Edda , Dhe-Paganon Sirano , Kessler Benedikt M.
Published: October 2008

OTUB (otubain) 1 is a human deubiquitinating enzyme that is implicated in mediating lymphocyte antigen responsiveness, but whose molecular function is generally not well defined. A structural analysis of OTUB1 shows differences in accessibility to the active site and in surface properties of the substrate-binding regions when compared with its close homologue, OTUB2, suggesting variations in regulatory mechanisms and substrate specificity. Biochemical analysis reveals that OTUB1 has a preference for cleaving Lys48-linked polyubiquitin chains over Lys63-linked polyubiquitin chains, and it is capable of cleaving NEDD8 (neural-precursor-cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated 8), but not SUMO (small ubiquitin-related modifier) 1/2/3 and ISG15 (interferon-stimulated gene 15) conjugates. A functional comparison of OTUB1 and OTUB2 indicated a differential reactivity towards ubiquitin-based active-site probes carrying a vinyl methyl ester, a 2-chloroethyl or a 2-bromoethyl group at the C-terminus. Mutational analysis suggested that a narrow P1′ site, as observed in OTUB1, correlates with its ability to preferentially cleave Lys48-linked ubiquitin chains. Analysis of cellular interaction partners of OTUB1 by co-immunoprecipitation and MS/MS (tandem mass spectrometry) experiments demonstrated that FUS [fusion involved in t(12;6) in malignant liposarcoma; also known as TLS (translocation in liposarcoma) or CHOP (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein)] and RACK1 [receptor for activated kinase 1; also known as GNB2L1 (guanine-nucleotide-binding protein β polypeptide 2-like 1)] are part of OTUB1-containing complexes, pointing towards a molecular function of this deubiquitinating enzyme in RNA processing and cell adhesion/morphology.
PPR (pentatricopeptide repeat) proteins in mammals: important aids to mitochondrial gene expression
Authors: Lightowlers Robert N. , Chrzanowska-Lightowlers Zofia M. A.
Published: October 2008

Genes encoding PPR (pentatricopeptide repeat)-containing proteins constitute one of the largest gene families in plants. The majority of these proteins are predicted to target organelles and to bind to RNA. Strikingly, there is a dearth of these proteins in mammals, although genomic searches reveal six candidates, all of which are also predicted to target the mitochondrion. Two of these proteins, POLRMT (the mitochondrial RNA polymerase) and MRPS27, a mitoribosomal protein, are involved in transcription and translation respectively. PTCD1 (pentatricopeptide repeat domain protein 1) and PTCD3 are predicted to be involved in the assembly of respiratory chain complexes, whereas mutations in one other protein, LRPPRC (leucine-rich pentatricopeptide repeat cassette), have been shown to cause defects in the levels of cytochrome c oxidase, the terminal member of the respiratory chain. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Xu et al. turn their attention to the remaining candidate, PTCD2. Depletion in a mouse model led to deficiencies of the third complex of the respiratory chain that caused profound ultrastructural changes in the heart. The exact molecular function of PTCD2 remains unclear, but depletion leads to an apparent lack of processing of the mitochondrial transcript encoding apocytochrome b, a critical member of complex III. These data are consistent with PTCD2 playing an important role in the post-transcriptional expression of the mitochondrial genome.
Semantic Complexity in Treatment of Naming Deficits in Aphasia: Evidence From Well-Defined Categories
Authors: Kiran Swathi , Johnson Lauren
Published: October 2008

Purpose

Our previous work on manipulating typicality of category exemplars during treatment of naming deficits has shown that training atypical examples generalizes to untrained typical examples but not vice versa. In contrast to natural categories that consist of fuzzy boundaries, well-defined categories (e.g.,
shapes
) have rigid category boundaries. Whether these categories illustrate typicality effects similar to natural categories is under debate. The present study addressed this question in the context of treatment for naming deficits in aphasia.

Methods

Using a single-subject experiment design, 3 participants with aphasia received a semantic feature treatment to improve naming of either typical or atypical items of shapes, while generalization was tested to untrained items of the category.

Results

For 2 of the 3 participants, training naming of atypical examples of shapes resulted in improved naming of untrained typical examples. Training typical examples in 1 participant did not improve naming of atypical examples. All 3 participants, however, showed weak acquisition trends.

Conclusions

Results of the present study show equivocal support for manipulating typicality as a treatment variable within well-defined categories. Instead, these results indicate that acquisition and generalization effects within well-defined categories such as shapes are overshadowed by their inherent abstractness.
The Effect of Fundamental Frequency on the Intelligibility of Speech With Flattened Intonation Contours
Authors: Watson Peter J. , Schlauch Robert S.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

To examine the effect of fundamental frequency (F0) on the intelligibility of speech with flattened F0 contours in noise.

Method

Participants listened to sentences produced by 2 female talkers in white noise. The listening conditions included the unmodified original sentences and sentences with resynthesized F0 that reflected the average low F0, the median F0, and the average high F0 of each talker’s productions.

Results

The sentences with flattened F0 contours yielded poorer intelligibility than the unmodified ones, but the sentences with flattened F0 did not produce equivalent performance. The sentences with F0 contours flattened at the average low F0 yielded better performance than sentences at the median F0. The sentences with F0 flattened at the average high F0 yielded poorer performance than the sentences flattened at the median F0.

Conclusions

F0 height accounted for only a small amount of the drop in speech understanding in speech with a flattened F0 in healthy talkers. Although this study used healthy talkers, the findings suggest that clinicians should focus on having clients produce speech with naturally varying F0; F0 height is a secondary factor in the drop in intelligibility seen in monotone speech for female talkers.