bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prenatal exposure to elevated maternal body temperature and risk of epilepsy in childhood: a population‐based pregnancy cohort study
Authors: Sun Yuelian , Vestergaard Mogens , Christensen Jakob , Olsen Jørn
Published: August 2010

Sun Y, Vestergaard M, Christensen J, Olsen J. Prenatal exposure to elevated maternal body temperature and risk of epilepsy in childhood: a population‐based pregnancy cohort study. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2010.

Elevated maternal body temperature during pregnancy is of clinical concern as side effects have been reported. We estimated the association between maternal fever and sauna bathing during pregnancy and risk of epilepsy in the offspring. We identified 86 810 liveborn singletons from the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) and followed them for up to 9 years of age. Information on fever including number, timing, level, duration, and symptoms of each fever episodes was collected in two computer‐assisted telephone interviews around 17 and 32 gestational weeks; information on maternal use of a sauna was collected in the latter interview, and information on epilepsy was obtained from the Danish National Hospital Register. We applied Cox regression models to estimate the incidence rate ratios (IRR) of epilepsy for children exposed to maternal fever and sauna bathing during pregnancy. Maternal sauna bathing during pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of epilepsy. Maternal fever during pregnancy in general was not associated with an increased risk of epilepsy in the offspring [IRR = 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.85, 1.19], and no dose‐response pattern was found according to number, level and duration of fever. However we did find an increased risk of epilepsy among children exposed to at least 3 fever episodes (IRR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.19, 2.98), to maternal fever with symptoms in the urinary system (IRR = 4.86, 95% CI 1.56, 15.17), and to one‐day maternal fever of 39.0–39.4°C (IRR = 2.79, 95% CI 1.60, 4.84). Our findings do not support a strong association between hyperthermia and epilepsy but the associations between underlying causes of fever, especially prenatal infections, call for more research.
Biologically active conformations of thymopentin Studies with conformationally restricted analogs
Authors: HEAVNER GEORGE A. , AUDHYA TAPAN , DOYLE DONALD , TJOENG FOE‐SIONG , GOLDSTEIN GIDEON
Published: August 2010

Four cyclic analogs of thymopentin were synthesized and evaluated for biological activity on the human T cell line CEM. Three of these conformationally restricted analogs were biologically active. The one analog which most closely mimicked the conformation predicted from NMR and theoretical energy minimization calculations proved to be inactive. These studies establish that the biologically active conformations of thymopentin differ from the most probable conformation predicted from solution NMR and theoretical energy minimization studies.
Metabolic rates, genetic constraints, and the evolution of endothermy
Authors: HAYES J. P.
Published: August 2010

The metabolic distinction between endotherms and ectotherms is profound. Whereas the ecology of metabolic rates is well studied, how endotherms evolved from their ectothermic ancestors remains unclear. The aerobic capacity model postulates that a genetic constraint between resting and maximal metabolism was essential for the evolution of endothermy. Using the multivariate breeders’ equation, I illustrate how the (i) relative sizes of genetic variances and (ii) relative magnitudes of selection gradients for resting and maximal metabolism affect the genetic correlation needed for endothermy to have evolved via a correlated response to selection. If genetic variances in existing populations are representative of ancestral conditions, then the aerobic capacity model is viable even if the genetic correlation was modest. The analyses reveal how contemporary data on selection and genetic architecture can be used to test hypotheses about the evolution of endothermy, and they show the benefits of explicitly linking physiology and quantitative genetic theory.
Characterization of histone lysine‐specific demethylase in relation to thyroid hormone‐regulated anuran metamorphosis
Authors: Chen Wen , Obara Masanobu , Ishida Yuji , Suzuki Ken‐ichi , Yoshizato Katsutoshi
Published: August 2010

The thyroid hormone receptor (THR) is a member of the nuclear transcription factor and plays a central role in regulating anuran metamorphosis. Previous studies with mammalian cells have suggested that THR is involved in chromatin remodeling through histone methylation. In the present study, we cloned cDNA of lysine‐specific demethylase gene, xLSD1, from Xenopus laevis and examined its expression in relation to metamorphosis. Overexpression of xLSD1 in A6 cells, a Xenopus laevis cell line, resulted in the decrease of methylation status of lysine residues of histone H3, indicating that the protein of cloned xLSD1 was functionally active. The expression of LSD1 at mRNA levels was up‐regulated in the body skin and the intestine during natural and thyroid hormone‐induced metamorphosis. Larval epidermal basal cells and intestinal epithelial cells at the premetamorphic stage were identified as the xLSD1‐expressing cells. At the metamorphic climax stage the progenitor cells of adult epidermal basal cells also expressed xLSD1, whereas those of the adult intestinal epithelial cells did not. We propose that LSD1 participates in the regulation of metamorphosis through THR‐ or another transcriptional factor‐induced chromatin remodeling.
Single‐cell gene profiling of planarian stem cells using fluorescent activated cell sorting and its “index sorting” function for stem cell research
Authors: Hayashi Tetsutaro , Shibata Norito , Okumura Ryo , Kudome Tomomi , Nishimura Osamu , Tarui Hiroshi , Agata Kiyokazu
Published: August 2010

To achieve an integrated understanding of the stem cell system of planarians at both the cellular and molecular levels, we developed a new method by combining “fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) index sorting” analysis and single‐cell reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) to detect the gene expression and cell cycle state of stem cells simultaneously. Single cells were collected using FACS, and cDNAs of each cell were used for semi‐quantitative RT–PCR. The results were plotted on the FACS sorting profile using the “index sorting” function, which enabled us to analyze the gene expression in combination with cell biological data (such as cell cycle phase) for each cell. Here we investigated the adult stem cells of planarians using this method and obtained findings suggesting that the stem cells might undergo commitment during S to G2/M phase. This method could be a powerful and straightforward tool for examining the stem cell biology of not only planarians but also other organisms, including vertebrates.
Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome
Authors: Braitberg George , Miller Mary Beth , Curry Steven C
Published: August 2010

Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome is a rare disorder which occurs after administration of phenytoin, phenobarbitone or carbamazepine. It may be distinguished from a simple drug rash by the presence of fever, hepatitis, haematological abnormalities and other signs of systemic disease. These drugs all contain a benzene ring which is thought to form a toxic metabolite called arene oxide. This highly electrophilic molecule covalently binds to molecules and causes cell death. This compound is normally detoxified by the enzyme epoxide hydroxylase. Those individuals with impaired or absent activity of the enzyme will manifest the syndrome. In the unborn foetus, lack of this enzyme will predispose the child to developing foetal hydantoin syndrome. Treatment consists of removing the offending agent and supportive care. The use of steroids remains controversial.
Ocular manifestations in the mucopolysaccharidoses – a review
Authors: Ashworth Jane L , Kruse Friedrich E , Bachmann Björn , Tormene Alma P , Suppiej Agnese , Parini Rossella , Guffon Nathalie
Published: August 2010

Abstract

Ocular manifestations are very common in all types of mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) and often lead to visual impairment. They arise as a result of the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans deposits in ocular tissues or secondary to increased intracranial pressure. Typical ocular features in MPS include corneal clouding, retinopathy, glaucoma, optic disc swelling, optic atrophy, and ocular motility and refractive error problems. This paper reviews the ocular features in patients with MPS, discusses the diagnosis of these ocular features and the diagnostic problems that may arise in patients (children) with MPS, and highlights the central role ophthalmologists may play in the diagnosis and follow‐up of these patients.
A maturation model for midazolam clearance
Authors: Anderson Brian J. , Larsson Peter
Published: August 2010

Background:  Physiological‐based pharmacokinetic models have been used to describe midazolam clearance (CL) maturation. There are no maturation descriptors of CL from neonate to adulthood based on reported estimates at different ages.

Methods:  Published CL estimates after intravenous administration from time–concentration profiles were used to construct a maturation model based on size and age. Curve fitting was performed using nonlinear mixed effects models.

Results:  There were 16 publications reporting an estimate of CL after intravenous administration in children, although few estimates were available from 44–80 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). CL maturation, standardized to a 70 ‐kg person was described using the Hill equation. Mature CL was 523 (CV 32%, 95%CI 469, 597) ml·min−1·70 kg−1. The maturation half‐time was 73.6 (95%CI 59.4, 80.0) weeks PMA and the Hill coefficient 3 (95%CI 2.2, 4.1). Predicted CL changes with age based on this model were in close agreement with physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models. A comparison with a published PBPK model predictions revealed a root mean squared prediction error (precision) of 4.0% (95%CI 1.1, 5.8) and bias was −0.9% (95%CI −4.3, 2.6).

Conclusions:  Previously published pharmacokinetic parameters can be used to develop maturation models that address gaps in current knowledge regarding the influence of age on a drug’s disposition. If a midazolam sedation target concentration of 0.1 mg·l−1, similar to that given to adults, is assumed, then we might anticipate steady‐state infusion rates of 0.014 mg·kg−1·h−1 in neonates, 0.05 mg·kg−1·h−1 in a 1‐year‐old, 0.06 mg·kg−1·h−1 in a 5‐year‐old and 0.05 mg·kg−1·h−1 in a 12‐year‐old child. Age‐related pharmacodynamic differences that will affect dose and the impact of active metabolites on response are not yet quantified.
The plant pathogen Pseudomonas fuscovaginae contains two conserved quorum sensing systems involved in virulence and negatively regulated by RsaL and the novel regulator RsaM
Authors: Mattiuzzo Maura , Bertani Iris , Ferluga Sara , Cabrio Laura , Bigirimana Joseph , Guarnaccia Corrado , Pongor Sandor , Maraite Henri , Venturi Vittorio
Published: August 2010

Pseudomonas fuscovaginae is a Gram‐negative fluorescent pseudomonad pathogenic towards several plant species. Despite its importance as a plant pathogen, no molecular studies of virulence have thus far been reported. In this study we show that P. fuscovaginae possesses two conserved N‐acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) quorum sensing (QS) systems which we designated PfsI/R and PfvI/R. The PfsI/R system is homologous to the BviI/R system of Burkholderia vietnamiensis and produces and responds to C10‐HSL and C12‐HSL whereas PfvI/R is homologous to the LasI/R system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and produces several long‐chain 3‐oxo‐HSLs and responds to 3‐oxo‐C10‐HSL and 3‐oxo‐C12‐HSL and at high AHL concentrations can also respond to structurally different long‐chain AHLs. Both systems were found to be negatively regulated by a repressor protein which was encoded by a gene located intergenically between the AHL synthase and LuxR‐family response regulator. The pfsI/R system was regulated by a novel repressor designated RsaM while the pfvI/R system was regulated by both the RsaL repressor and by RsaM. The two systems are not transcriptionally hierarchically organized but share a common AHL response and both are required for plant virulence. Pseudomonas fuscovaginae has therefore a unique complex regulatory network composed of at least two different repressors which directly regulate the AHL QS systems and pathogenicity.
Outpatient hand held manometry: comparison of techniques
Authors: Bollard Ruth C. , Gardiner AngiE. , Duthie Graeme S.
Published: August 2010

Objective

Anorectal manometry is an established important investigation in a number of disorders. The specialist ano‐rectal laboratory is not always available, and a hand held manometer may be a useful tool in the outpatient setting to avoid an unnecessary visit to the anorectal physiology laboratory. Our aims were to determine whether the hand held manometer was as reliable as the standard system used in the anorectal laboratory, and to correctly compare the results from these two different techniques.

Patients and methods

24 patients visiting the Anorectal physiology laboratory were studies. Resting pressure, squeeze and cough pressures were recorded using the single channel hand held solid pressure transducer and with the dual channel pressure transducer MRP2 recorder. The first measurement by each method is used to illustrate the comparison of methods, the second measurement being used to study repeatability.

Results

The two methods correlate well for resting and squeeze pressures (Spearman coefficient with P < 0.01 for both) The level of agreement between the two methods was good for resting pressure recordings with a mean difference of 15 cm H2O. The same cannot be said for squeeze and cough pressures. Repeatability of both methods was good with mean differences on repeated recordings near zero.

Conclusions

The hand held manometer is as repeatable as the laboratory but as some discrepancy occurs between the two methods they are not interchangeable. Thus the hand held manometer used alone in the outpatients Department is a useful screening and research tool.
Women with alcohol problems: The possible significance of personality clustering for treatment planning
Authors: SCHEFFEL BIRATH CHRISTINA , DEMARINIS VALERIE , STENBACKA MARLENE , AF KLINTEBERG BRITT
Published: August 2010

Introduction and Aims. Establishing subgroups in clinical practice is important for treatment planning. The aim of the study was to cluster the study group subjects according to personality traits and psychological health variables and to establish possible differences in treatment outcome in terms of: (i) drinking outcomes (gram and number of drinking days); (ii) perceived physiological health; and (iii) use of treatment resources (length of time in treatment and number of visits) among 134 treatment‐seeking women with alcohol problems in a clinical context, between the two clusters obtained. Design and Methods. Data were collected from 134 consecutive women at a Swedish clinic specialised in treating women with alcohol problems. A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed on the basis of self‐rated personality scale scores and psychological health variables. Results. Two clusters were identified: one in which the women displayed personality and psychological health scores indicating problems (Cluster 1); and another where the women showed personality and psychological health scores within the norm range (Cluster 2). Alcohol consumption rates at the start of treatment were the same in both clusters. The consumption rates were also the same at the end of treatment for the cluster, showing a significant decrease in alcohol consumption in each. The Cluster 1 women, however, had a significantly higher number of visits at the clinic, and rated the consequences of their alcohol drinking as being significantly worse than Cluster 2 women. Discussion and Conclusions. The importance of individual differences according to personality traits for treatment planning is discussed in terms of the need for variation in treatment time and methods.[Scheffel Birath C, DeMarinis V, Stenbacka M, af Klinteberg B. Women with alcohol problems: The possible significance of personality clustering for treatment planning. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010]
Institutional adaptation as a governability problem in fisheries: patron–client relations in the Junagadh fishery, India
Authors: Johnson Derek S
Published: August 2010

Interactive governance theory proposes that fisheries can be compared according to their governability, or their overall capacity for governance. Central to governance capacity in fisheries is institutional adaptability, the ability of humans to modify their organizations and reflect on the rules and values that guide them in response to change. In this paper, I suggest a preliminary synthesis of interactive governance theory, resilience thinking and adaptive co‐management in order to refine the understanding of institutional adaptation as a key component of fisheries governability. I use the case of patron–client relationships in the Junagadh fishery to show how governability analysis is a valuable perspective from which to understand institutional characteristics that have contradictory implications for adaptation in fisheries.
Regulating the European Labour Market: Prospects and Limitations of a Reflexive Governance Approach
Authors: Hobbs Richard , Njoya Wanjiru
Published: August 2010

This article reviews developments in European Union employment policy from the perspective of reflexive governance. Reflexive governance instruments have a procedural orientation and provide a structural framework or steering mechanism to facilitate a process of self‐regulation. Recent developments in relation to the Employment Framework Directive, the European Employment Strategy and the Working Time Directive highlight some of the prospects and limitations of this reflexive approach to regulating employment relations and the potential impact on the UK labour market. These developments indicate that the hopes invested in the reflexive approach remain to be fulfilled.
Leadership, Culture and Employee Deceit: the case of the National Australia Bank
Authors: Dellaportas Steven , Cooper Barry J. , Braica Peter
Published: August 2010

The National Australia Bank (NAB), one of Australia's largest banks, announced losses in 2004 of AUD$360 million due to unauthorised foreign currency trading activities by four employees who incurred and deceptively concealed the losses. The NAB had in place risk limits and supervision to prevent trading desks ever reaching positions of this magnitude. However, the risk management policies and procedures proved ineffective. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the deceit, via a content analysis of official investigative reports and other published documents, to determine the extent to which the Bank's culture and leadership may have influenced the rogue traders' behaviour. The findings suggest that cultural issues, and the role played by the Bank's leaders, were influential in creating a profit‐driven culture that ultimately impacted the Bank's foreign exchange operating activities.
Directors' Remuneration and Performance in Australian Banking
Authors: Doucouliagos Hristos , Haman Janto , Askary Saeed
Published: August 2010

This paper explores the relationship between directors' pay and performance within Australian banking, using panel data for the 1992–2005 period. The relationship between CEO pay and performance is investigated also. Several earnings models are estimated, using different dependent variables, alternate measures of performance and different estimation techniques. The results indicate an absence of a contemporaneous relationship between directors' pay and bank performance, and no association with prior year performance. However, there is a more distant pay‐performance relationship, with total directors' pay having a robust positive association with earnings per share lagged two years, as well as with ROE lagged two years. The other key determinants of directors' pay in Australian banking are bank specific managerial policies, lags in the administration of pay, bank size, directors' age and directors' stock ownership. In contrast to total directors' pay, the evidence confirms a strong positive and direct association between CEO remuneration and prior year bank performance. The pay‐performance association is stronger and more direct for CEO remuneration than it is for total directors' remuneration. The responsiveness of CEO pay with respect to bank performance appears to have increased over time.
Inverse association between dopaminergic neurotransmission and Iowa Gambling Task performance in pathological gamblers and healthy controls
Authors: LINNET JAKOB , MØLLER ARNE , PETERSON ERICKA , GJEDDE ALBERT , DOUDET DORIS
Published: August 2010

Linnet, J., Møller, A., Peterson, E., Gjedde, A. & Doudet, D. (2011). Inverse association between dopaminergic neurotransmission and Iowa Gambling Task performance in pathological gamblers and healthy controls. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology 52, 28–34.

The dopamine system is believed to affect gambling behavior in pathological gambling. Particularly, dopamine release in the ventral striatum appears to affect decision‐making in the disorder. This study investigated dopamine release in the ventral striatum in relation to gambling performance on the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) in 16 Pathological Gamblers (PG) and 14 Healthy Controls (HC). We used Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to measure the binding potential of [11C] raclopride to dopamine D2/3 receptors during a baseline and gambling condition. We hypothesized that decreased raclopride binding potentials in the ventral striatum during gambling (indicating dopamine release) would be associated with higher IGT performance in Healthy Controls, but lower IGT performance in Pathological Gamblers. The results showed that Pathological Gamblers with dopamine release in the ventral striatum had significantly lower IGT performance than Healthy Controls. Furthermore, dopamine release was associated with significantly higher IGT performance in Healthy Controls and significantly lower IGT performance in Pathological Gamblers. The results suggest that dopamine release is involved both in adaptive and maladaptive decision‐making. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of dopaminergic dysfunctions in pathological gambling and substance related addictions.
An Interim Assessment of the US Trade Policy of ‘Competitive Liberalization’
Authors: Evenett Simon J. , Meier Michael
Published: August 2010

Since 2001, the Administration of George W. Bush has pursued a trade policy known as Competitive Liberalization. This policy envisages a series of mutually‐reinforcing and sequential steps to open markets abroad to US companies, to strengthen market‐oriented laws and regulations overseas, and to place the United States at the centre of the world trading system. Foreign and security policy considerations have influenced US trade policy making, perhaps more so than in the 1990s. To date the principal outcome of this policy has been the negotiation by the United States of numerous free trade agreements, mainly with developing countries, individually or in sub‐regional groupings. In addition to characterising this policy in detail, the principal purpose of this paper is to assess the logic underlying this approach to trade policy making and whether Competitive Liberalization has begun to fulfil the promise spelled out for it at the beginning of this decade.
The European Constitutional Settlement
Authors: Moravcsik Andrew
Published: August 2010

This paper argues first that a synthesis of the theories of endogenous policy formation, non‐coercive interstate bargaining theory, and international regime theory provides a plausible account of the path of European integration, with little role for explanations stressing geopolitical or ideological factors, international mediation, or political entrepreneurship. Moreover, these theories – which embrace economic fundamentals as driving factors – help explain the ‘sequencing’ of the European Union, especially in regard to successive enlargements. However, the paper concludes that the process of European integration appears to have reached an ‘institutional plateau’, for which incremental change based on the current ‘constitutional compromise’ appears to be the only plausible equilibrium.
Development Path of China and India and the Challenges for their Sustainable Growth
Authors: Li Yuefen , Zhang Bin
Published: August 2010

The segmentation of global manufacturing and services provided China and subsequently India with a golden opportunity to make full use of their absolute advantage – low‐cost, yet educated labour – to integrate into the world economy within a comparatively shorter period of time than some earlier industrialisers. Though international trade functioned as a vent of surplus in view of the narrowness of their domestic markets at the beginning of their economic catch‐up, the label of export‐led model may not reflect the real picture as imports underwent dramatic increases during their respective growth periods, in particular for China. Foreign direct investment has played a pivotal role in their economic growth and has major presence in international trade and investment in leading sectors of both countries, giving rise to certain special features and weak links for their economic expansion and sustainability of fast economic growth. To maintain more broad‐based, fast and balanced growth, it seems that both countries have to redress sectoral imbalances, encourage technology upgrading and cope with future changes in demographic profiles which constituted a trigger to fast economic growth at the time of their respective economic reform.
Measuring the Competitive Threat from China for other Southern Exporters
Authors: Jenkins Rhys
Published: August 2010

In recent years there has been a growing literature which analyses the threat which Chinese exports pose to the exports of other developing countries. This paper provides a critique of the standard measures of export similarity which have been used to estimate the threat from China in these studies. Two alternative indices, the Static and the Dynamic Index of Competitive Threat, are developed and estimated for 18 developing countries and compared with estimates for the standard measures. It is shown that the latter tend to underestimate the extent to which countries are threatened by China. They also distort both the rankings of countries according to the extent to which they face competition from China and the direction of change in the competitive threat over time.
United Arab Emirates Trade Policy Review
Authors: Mina Wasseem
Published: August 2010

This paper reviews the WTO's first Trade Policy Review (TPR) of the United Arab Emirates. The TPR raises a number of concerns about barriers to foreign investment and competition. In reviewing the evaluation, the approach adopted in this paper is to elaborate on two main issues, insufficiently developed in the TPR. The first is investment treaties, which are treated by the UAE as legally superior to and prevailing over domestic legal instruments. The second is free trade zones, which constitute an economic enclave free of barriers to foreign investment and competition. The paper provides preliminary statistical evidence on the relationship between inward FDI, free trade zones and bilateral investment treaties, suggesting the presence of a statistically significant positive association between the three. The evidence lends initial support to the concerns raised by the review.
Intelligibility since 1969
Authors: NELSON CECIL L.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT:  Smith's general intelligibility paradigm has contributed immensely to furthering the cogent analyses of world Englishes. Earlier works such as Bansal's study of The Intelligibility of Indian English (1969) treated only pronunciation, and regularly invoked comparisons with RP. After Smith elucidated the notion “intelligibility” by introducing the conceptual layers intelligibility, comprehensibility and interpretability, examinations of the forms and functions of world Englishes could be much more usefully carried forward. Many writers have applied the concept(s) in their studies of world Englishes, and some recent work challenges any simplistic understanding of the concepts, e.g. in explicating the mixing of English with other languages in various dimensions. This sociolinguistically realistic perspective speaks to the creative functionality of world Englishes, and to the concern voiced from some quarters about a continuing degeneration of intelligibility across varieties.
World Englishes, English as a lingua franca, and intelligibility
Authors: BERNS MARGIE
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT:  This paper tests claims concerning the English as Lingua Franca (ELF) movement's position within the world Englishes paradigm. To do so, it considers the writings of Jennifer Jenkins, a leader in this movement, on what she calls “phonological intelligibility”, and the writings of Larry Smith, an established scholar on intelligibility in cross‐cultural communication. The mutual intelligibility of Expanding Circle users of English is a primary concern to ELF researchers, and Jenkins has identified Smith's work as the foundation for her investigation of core phonological features to use in pronunciation teaching. The paper aims to determine the extent to which Jenkins' theoretical views on intelligibility correspond to Smith's concept of understanding as a central issue in international communication.
An alternative interpretation of tense and aspect in Black South African English
Authors: VAN ROOY BERTUS
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: Terminology for identifying and describing what counts as a linguistic feature is identified as a problem that prevents an understanding of tense and aspect features in Black South African English (BSAE). In this paper, an alternative set of assumptions is proposed for linguistic analysis of new varieites. Grammar should not be regarded as aprioristic, but rather as emergent. The syntagmatic structure of language in context is highlighted as a more useful starting point for the identification of regularities in the description of a variety such as BSAE. After indicating a number of quantitative trends, a detailed qualitative analysis of three texts is undertaken. The analysis leads to the identification of a number of previously unidentified patterns. The timeless use of the present tense creates idealised and generalised verbal processes, rather than historically and/or contextually situated presentations of events. Aspectual meanings are more salient than temporal sequencing of events relative to one another or to the reference point established by the time of writing, speaking or reading. Spatial grounding in the nominal groups seems more important to the writers/speakers than temporal grounding in the verbal group. The observed patterns show that the use of tense and aspect forms, supported by various lexical selections in the texts, is highly consistent and shows regularity, despite the fact that the data may differ from a Standard English rendition of the same content. The paper concludes that it is misleading to judge the data in terms of other varieties of English, rather than in their own terms.
The international intelligibility of Hong Kong English
Authors: KIRKPATRICK ANDY , DETERDING DAVID , WONG JENNIE
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT:  This paper reports on an investigation into the international intelligibility of the English of educated Hong Kong speakers whose L1 is Cantonese. Samples of recordings of extended discourse obtained from three female and three male final‐year English majors studying at the Hong Kong Institute of Education were played to groups of university students in Singapore and Australia. The listeners were asked to complete worksheets based on the recordings in order to determine the extent to which they found the Hong Kong speakers intelligible. They were also asked to evaluate the extent to which they thought the Hong Kong speakers were intelligent and likeable, and to give reasons for their choices.
The social stratification of English in Cameroon
Authors: NGEFAC ALOYSIUS
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT:  Unlike Labov's (1966) and Ngefac's (2006) investigations, which were concerned with the correlation between a Western model of English and social stratification, this study investigates the correlation between mainstream Cameroon English and a model of social structure that is significantly different from the social class structure upon which Labov's (1966) study was based. The investigation reveals that stigmatized deviations from mainstream Cameroon English that are rooted in substrate effects were more dominant in the speech of lower‐status speakers than in the speech of their counterparts with a higher social status, as postulated in Labov's study. But stigmatized deviations from mainstream Cameroon English that result from the speakers' unsuccessful attempt to approximate a Western model of English were, on the contrary, more dominant in the speech of higher‐status speakers than in the speech of their counterparts, and this rather contradicts the pattern reported in the Western world. These findings imply that in Cameroon the type of correlation pattern between English linguistic variables and social hierarchy depends on the variety of English upon which informants are evaluated, the variety of English informants strive to approximate, and the model of social structure that is correlated with the speakers' English linguistic output.
Verb–subject word order in Albanian English
Authors: RISTA‐DEMA MIMOZA
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT:  This paper examines some verb–subject constructions which were found in a number of articles in English published in Albanian newspapers and magazines. These inverse‐order constructions are in contrast with the fixed subject–verb word order of English. Based on (the preverbal) sentence‐initial element, three main groups of verb–subject constructions have been identified in the English texts of the Albanian periodicals: the ones preceded by (a) a topicalized adverbial, prepositional object, or subject complement, (b) the introductory it, and (c) the dummy subject there. The data show that these verb–subject constructions are used to render the discourse function of focus, i.e. new information in discourse. The presence of these constructions in Albanian English provides support for the complementary hypothesis on languages in contact, which highlights the competing influences of both the substrate (L1) and the superstrate (L2) languages. It is suggested that the frequent use of verb–subject word order of Albanian to render focus and the saliency of it and there constructions in English may have contributed to the emergence of these types of construction in Albanian English.
Mother tongues, English, and religion in Singapore
Authors: VAISH VINITI
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT:  This paper reports on an investigation of the effect of religion on language use in Singapore. Data come from the Sociolinguistic Survey of Singapore, 2006, a large‐scale language survey linked to follow‐up studies. The conceptual framework was based upon Castells' idea of a new social order in the network society; the main research questions were (1): Are Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil a ‘cultural ballast’ in the tide of global English? and (2) Does religion influence language maintenance or shift in an ‘informational society’ that is one of the most globalized nations in the world? Answers to these questions were explored through analysis of patterns of language use in multiple domains. It was found that while English dominates the mother tongues (Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil) in the domains of school and public space and competes with them in the domains of family/friends and media, the mother tongues dominate English in the domain of religion. Results also showed that the means of maintaining the mother tongues within the religious domain differ across the three main ethnic groups of Singapore, that languages are maintained in the Malay and Indian communities along with active acquisition and use of such sacred languages as Arabic and Sanskrit, and that language shift is taking place in the Chinese community.
Phonological patterns in the Englishes of Singapore and Hong Kong
Authors: WEE LIAN‐HEE
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: By taking a generative approach to the investigation of two phonological patterns (L‐vocalization and tone assignment) in the Englishes spoken in Singapore and Hong Kong, this study brings theoretical (generative) linguistics to bear on the claim that Englishization and Nativization are indeed two faces of language contact. In the Englishes of these two places, elements of English and the local languages are inseparably interwoven, giving them the distinct characters of their phonologies. The bilingual and bicultural context makes it unviable for anyone to pursue a narrower acquisition of English that is devoid of local character. Extending from the phonological analysis, this paper explains that the asymmetrical perception of English being a language of Singapore but less so of Hong Kong is due to their differences in degrees of Englishization and Nativization. This explanation avoids the difficulty of having to justify the claim that English in one area is of a higher standard than the other. Other than bringing theoretical linguistics in line with the study of world Englishes, implications are that the curricular development of English for the Outer and Expanding Circles should focus on intelligibility and cultural richness rather than assimilation to Inner Circle standards.
China's English language policy for primary schools
Authors: HU YUANYUAN
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT:  This paper explores the implementation of China's English language policy for primary schools in the 2004–5 school year through case studies of four public schools of different types. Data were collected through document reviews, interviews, and observations. The investigation of the four schools illustrates that during 2004–5 the policy has not been universally implemented in school settings – whether a school is able to implement the policy as required is determined by the interplay of various factors, including the school's geographic location, size, administration, availability of teachers, and funding. On the basis of these findings, the paper argues that the policy was issued prematurely, which could have undesirable impact on educationally disadvantaged students, less privileged schools, ELT at the junior secondary school level, and social stratification. Implications may be drawn from the Chinese case for policy‐making regarding primary English education in other Expanding Circle countries.
Data envelopment analysis with classification and regression tree – a case of banking efficiency
Authors: Emrouznejad Ali , Anouze Abdel Latef
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is a non‐parametric method for measuring the efficiency and productivity of decision‐making units (DMUs). On the other hand data mining techniques allow DMUs to explore and discover meaningful, previously hidden information from large databases. Classification and regression (C&R) is the commonly used decision tree in data mining. DEA determines the efficiency scores but cannot give details of factors related to inefficiency, especially if these factors are in the form of non‐numeric variables such as operational style in the banking sector. This paper proposes a framework to combine DEA with C&R for assessing the efficiency and productivity of DMUs. The result of the combined model is a set of rules that can be used by policy makers to discover reasons behind efficient and inefficient DMUs. As a case study, we use the proposed methodology to investigate factors associated with the efficiency of the banking sector in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
The Black Criminal Justice System in West Belfast
Authors: Morrissey Michael , Pease Ken
Published: August 2010

A parallel is drawn between the black economy, which mirrors conventional economic activity, and the black criminal justice system, which is an unofficial system of punishments mirroring the official system. The system under investigation in this exploratory paper is that administered by the Provisional I.R.A. in Catholic West Belfast. Many parallels between the system administered by the I.R.A. and the State system are identified, including the determinants of sentence and recognised mitigating factors. The crucial difference of due process in the State system is identified, together with the riposte of Sinn Fein that due process is effectively preempted in the State system by the pre‐trial actions of the security forces.
Use of Restitution as a Penal Measure in the United States
Authors: Way Burt Gala
Published: August 2010

Requiring offenders to restore victim losses through money payment, or occasionally through service, has been increasingly practised in the United States; this practice, referred to as restitution, has been implemented both through special penal projects and by incorporating restitution requirements into pretrial diversion or probation requirements. Renewed interest in restitution has occurred because of dissatisfaction with prevailing treatment approaches for offenders, a need for intermediate punishments which are more severe than probation but not as severe as imprisonment, the need for increasing public support of criminal justice programmes, and a renewed interest in crime victims. Restitution provides a useful mechanism for integrating crime victims into the criminal justice system but may require reorientation of probation work towards conflict resolution and peacemaking between victims and offenders.
Police Powers and the Citizen
Authors: Baldwin John , Leng Roger
Published: August 2010

Abstract: The revised Police and Criminal Evidence Bill attempts to resolve uncertainties in the relationship between police powers to investigate crime and the rights of citizens. The Bill extends police powers in relation to stop and search, arrest, detention for interrogation and search of premises. Citizens are expressly given rights, for instance to consult a solicitor, and the Bill seeks to safeguard the citizen from arbitrary exercise of authority by requiring that reasons for the exercise of coercive powers be recorded. The effectiveness of these safeguards will depend upon the quality of supervision by senior officers and by the courts. It is argued that the Bill pays too little attention to the dangers of unreliable evidence resulting from use of coercive police powers.
The Use and Abuse of Conditional Bail
Authors: HUCKLESBY ANTHEA
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Conditional bail was introduced to decrease the number of defendants remanded in custody. For this reason it has largely been ignored by researchers as any criticism of the operation of conditional bail may result in an increase in the numbers remanded in custody. However, research carried out in South Wales has highlighted some problems with its use, most notably its inconsistent and, arguably, excessive use.
Gender, Race and the Death Penalty: Lessons from Three 1950s Murder Trials
Authors: MINKES JOHN , VANSTONE MAURICE
Published: August 2010

Abstract: This article uses accounts of three murder trials of the 1950s to examine the role played in the criminal justice process by stereotyped and prejudicial attitudes towards women and people from ethnic minorities. All three defendants were executed although it is arguable that none of them should have been. Ruth Ellis's case highlights the gendered nature of criminal justice in the 1950s, especially in regard to domestic violence and the defence of provocation. Mahmood Mattan's case illustrates the kind of language and assumptions about race which could go unchallenged in the courtroom at that time. Finally, the account of the trial and execution of Styllou Christofi sees these two elements combined. While a significant proportion of the article is concerned with the historical record, comparisons are also drawn with some elements of modern understanding of gender and race in the criminal justice system.
WELFARE GAINS FROM FINANCIAL LIBERALIZATION*
Authors: Townsend Robert M. , Ueda Kenichi
Published: August 2010

Financial liberalization has been a controversial issue, as empirical evidence for growth enhancing effects is mixed. Here, we find sizable welfare gains from liberalization (cost to repression), although the gain in economic growth is ambiguous. We take the view that financial liberalization is a government policy that alters the path of financial deepening, whereas financial deepening is endogenously chosen by agents given a policy and occurs in transition toward a distant steady state. This history‐dependent view necessitates the use of simulation analysis based on a growth model. Our application is a specific episode: Thailand from 1976 to 1996.
Comparison and evaluation of volatile oils from three different extraction methods for some Thai fragrant flowers
Authors: Paibon W. , Yimnoi C.‐A. , Tembab N. , Boonlue W. , Jampachaisri K. , Nuengchamnong N. , Waranuch N. , Ingkaninan K.
Published: August 2010

Synopsis

Several tropical flowers have distinctive fragrances which are very appealing to use in perfumery, cosmetics and spa. However, to obtain a ‘natural fragrance’ from the flower is a challenge as the scent could change during the extraction process. The aim of the study is to find the suitable procedure for extraction of volatile oils from some Thai fragrant flowers. Three different methods: hydrodistillation, solvent extraction and enfleurage methods have been applied for the extraction of volatile oil from Jasminum sambac L. Aiton; Oleaceae (jasmine). The quantities and quality of jasmine volatile oils obtained from the different tested methods were compared. The solvent extraction method using 95% ethanol provided the greatest level of oil yield. However, sensory evaluation using preference test showed that the scents of the volatile oils from solvent extraction using diethyl ether and from enfleurage method were the closest to the fresh flowers compared with the volatile oils obtained from other methods. Their chemical constituents were analysed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer. Both volatile oils were then evaluated using a triangle discrimination test. From the triangle test, we found that 14 panellists from the total of 36 could not distinguish between the scents of jasmine oil from enfleurage and fresh jasmine flowers whereas only one panellist could not distinguish between the scent of jasmine oil from the solvent extraction and fresh jasmine flowers. These results suggest that the scent of the volatile oil obtained from the enfleurage method was the closest to fresh flowers compared with that obtained from other methods. This method was then successfully applied for extraction of volatile oils from three other Thai fragrant flowers, Michelia alba DC.; Magnoliaceae, Millingtonia hortensis L.; Bignoniaceae and Hedychium coronarium J. Konig; Zingiberaceae.