bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Explanations without causes and causes without reasons
Authors: Meadwell Hudson
Published: December 2010

Action is a central category in the social sciences. It is also commonplace to assume that the social world has a causal structure. Yet standard ways of specifying causal relations in social science lack explanatory force when the subject matter is intentional action. The present article considers this problem. The metaphysics of action are distinguished from the metaphysics of intentional action, and it is argued that the former forces an implausible unity on the actions of inanimate nature and of rational agents. Agency in the metaphysics of action adds nothing to state-variable causation. Agency in the metaphysics of intentional action, in contrast, is argued to have a different structure, not reducible to state-variable causation. Work on endogenous choice in social science suggests that the concept of agency that is on view in literature on selection effects and social generation implies the metaphysics of intentional action. Recent research in the philosophy of action is considered in order to specify the structure of intentional action and the force of intentional explanations.
La notion de ‘champ’ à l’épreuve de l’histoire sociale comparée: les sciences économiques en Russie et en Argentine
Authors: Heredia Mariana , Kirtchik Olessia
Published: December 2010

La notion de ‘champ’ élaborée par Pierre Bourdieu reste un outil analytique très utile pour comprendre l’évolution et le fonctionnement de différents systèmes de production symbolique. Les concepts d’autonomisation et de différenciation comme processus constitutifs des champs sont fort heuristiques pour appréhender la dynamique historique des productions symboliques, celui d’autonomie relative permet de rendre compte de leurs rapports avec, notamment, la politique. Cependant, la notion de ‘champ’ n’est pas une catégorie a priori universelle et, à ce titre, elle ne peut pas être mécaniquement transposée dans d’autres lieux et temps historiques. Dans quelle mesure peut-elle être mobilisée dans des études portant sur les pays ‘périphériques’? Nous nous proposons, dans cet article, de mettre cette notion à l’épreuve d’une analyse historique et comparative des sciences économiques en Argentine et en Russie qui ont joué un rôle crucial dans les transformations vécues par ces deux pays depuis plus de 20 ans.
Children’s Conceptions of Career Choice and Attainment: Model Development
Authors: Howard Kimberly A. S. , Walsh Mary E.
Published: December 2010

This article describes a model of children’s conceptions of two key career development processes: career choice and career attainment. The model of children’s understanding of career choice and attainment was constructed with developmental research and theory into children’s understanding of allied phenomena such as their understanding of illness, violence, and ethnicity. The proposed model articulates aspects of career development during childhood that have not been addressed in extant vocational models. Six levels of development of vocational reasoning are described, ranging from magical, association-based thinking to reasoning that involves the dynamic interaction of influences at the individual, relational, and systemic levels.
Does Your Supervisor Stress You Out? How Support Influences Sex Differences in Stress Among Immigrants
Authors: Raghuram Aditi , Luksyte Aleksandra , Avery Derek R. , Macoukji Fred
Published: December 2010

Despite the influx of immigrants in the American workplace, little is known about their well-being. The authors built on literature pertaining to gender-specific stressors and organizational support theory to examine a model of stress for immigrants. Analysis of a national, archival data set ( N = 150) demonstrated that, consistent with research involving U.S. citizens, immigrant women reported higher stress than immigrant men. The authors extended the literature, however, by showing that the sex–stress relationship is not straightforward for this population. Specifically, supervisor support moderated the effect of sex such that male–female stress differences were twice as large when supervisors were less supportive.

Despite the influx of immigrants in the American workplace, little is known about their well-being. The authors built on literature pertaining to gender-specific stressors and organizational support theory to examine a model of stress for immigrants. Analysis of a national, archival data set ( N = 150) demonstrated that, consistent with research involving U.S. citizens, immigrant women reported higher stress than immigrant men. The authors extended the literature, however, by showing that the sex–stress relationship is not straightforward for this population. Specifically, supervisor support moderated the effect of sex such that male–female stress differences were twice as large when supervisors were less supportive.
Differences in Levels of Functional Impairment and Rates of Serious Emotional Disturbance Between Youth With Internalizing and Externalizing Disorders When Using the CAFAS or GAF to Assess Functional Impairment
Authors: Francis Sarah E. , Ebesutani Chad , Chorpita Bruce F.
Published: December 2010

This investigation examined how two commonly employed measures of functional impairment (the Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale [CAFAS] and the Global Assessment of Functioning [GAF] scale) perform with respect to assessing levels of functional impairment and, hence, identifying rates of serious emotional disturbance (SED) across youth diagnosed with internalizing or externalizing disorders. GAF scores indicated comparable levels of functional impairment between groups. CAFAS scores suggested significantly higher levels of functional impairment for youth diagnosed with externalizing disorders. The CAFAS also identified significantly higher rates of SED among youth with externalizing than those with internalizing disorders, whereas the GAF identified comparable rates of SED between groups. These findings suggest caution when relying on a single measure to assess functional impairment and to identify SED, particularly when these measures are used in decisions concerning service allocation. Implications of these findings are addressed, including the need for further research to identify the optimal assessment strategy to assess functional impairment and identify SED among youth diagnosed with internalizing or externalizing disorders.
Academic Outcome Trajectories of Students With ADHD
Authors: Bussing Regina , Porter Phillip , Zima Bonnie T. , Mason Dana , Garvan Cynthia , Reid Robert
Published: December 2010

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been associated with poor academic performance, but little is known about learning trajectories and risk factors for poor academic outcomes. This study investigates the relationship between ADHD and academic performance in students with ADHD ( n = 87), students with subclinical ADHD ( n = 23), and matched comparisons ( n = 112), accounting for exceptional student education (ESE) status. Academic outcomes included reading and math scores on a state-mandated achievement test, the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT), grade point averages, retention, and graduation. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were conducted, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and ESE, to test ADHD status as an independent outcome predictor. Students with ADHD received more special education services (53%) than subclinical (26%) and comparison (10%) students ( p < .01). ADHD was associated with poorer academic performance on all outcome measures, but only when ESE status was not accounted for. In the longitudinal analysis students with ADHD and special education needs consistently achieved lower FCAT scores than peers in the comparison group but showed comparable learning gains, or slopes, over time. Students without special education needs and gifted students with ADHD had comparable achievement and learning gains as comparison students of the same ESE status. Results suggest that special education status is a driving factor in underachievement among students with ADHD.
Who Wants Electoral Competition and Who Wants to Win?
Authors: Brunell Thomas L. , Clarke Harold D.
Published: December 2010

This article employs data gathered in a 2006 national survey to study how the American electorate evaluates a trade-off between competitive elections and winning to implement preferred policies. The results show that voters do not share in the prevailing elite consensus about the overriding virtues of competition. A multilevel model indicates that ideological extremism, partisanship, social trust, and several other individual-level variables have predictable relationships with preferences for winning or competition. In addition, electoral margin in the 2006 congressional district election interacts with support for winning or losing candidates. Voters supporting candidates who are soundly defeated take refuge in competition, whereas those supporting candidates who win decisively view victory as a means of implementing policy preferences. Additional analyses show that preferences for winning and competition influence various forms of political participation. By emphasizing public involvement in policy making, voters expressing a preference to win echo “responsible party government” critiques of the democratic shortcomings of the American political system.
Alcohol and Illicit Substance Use in the Food Service Industry: Assessing Self-Selection and Job-Related Risk Factors
Authors: Zhu JinFei , Tews Michael J. , Stafford Kathryn , George R. Thomas
Published: December 2010

The present study examines alcohol and illicit substance use in the food service industry with a generalizable national sample. Specifically, using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, this research examines whether previous substance use predicts employment in food service and assesses the impact of job-related factors including cumulative experience, occupational differences, compensation, shifts worked, and holding multiple jobs on substance use. The results demonstrate that a modest self-selection effect does exist and that bartenders, employees who receive tipped compensation, and those who hold multiple jobs engage in greater substance use. These findings are discussed along with implications for practitioners and opportunities for future research attention.
The Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Coprinus comatus as a Natural Antiandrogenic Modulator
Authors: Dotan Nesly , Wasser Solomon P. , Mahajna Jamal
Published: December 2010

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men. Chemotherapy, androgen ablation, and androgen antagonist treatments have proven to have significant effects in the early stages of prostate cancer, whereas advanced prostate cancer is resilient to such treatments. The androgen receptor (AR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor, is the major drug target of prostate cancer therapy. Transition to the androgen-independent stage involves the activation of signaling pathways, AR gene mutations, and other mechanisms. Higher basidiomycetes mushrooms have been used since ancient times in folk medicine to treat a diversity of diseases, including cancer. The present study evaluates the antiandrogenic activity of different Coprinus comatus strains in their ability to interfere with AR function. The authors found that the most active extract was C comatus strain 734 extracted with hexane (CC734-H). This extract was able to (1) inhibit AR-mediated reporter activity, (2) inhibit the proliferation and viability of the LNCaP cell line, and (3) inhibit the colony formation of the LNCaP cell line, in comparison to the DU-145, PC-3, and MDA-Kb2 cells. In addition, CC734-H was able to reduce AR levels and prostate-specific antigen gene expression in the LNCaP-treated cell line. This study illustrates the potential of the C comatus mushroom as a natural antiandrogenic modulator that could serve in the treatment of prostatic diseases.
Impact of Relaxation Training According to Yoga in Daily Life® System on Perceived Stress After Breast Cancer Surgery
Authors: Kovačič Tine , Kovačič Miha
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this pilot study was to gather information on the immediate and short-term effects of relaxation training according to Yoga In Daily Life® (YIDL) system on the psychological distress of breast cancer patients. 32 patients at the Institute for Oncology of Ljubljana were randomized to the experimental (N = 16) and to the control group (N = 16). Both groups received the same standard physiotherapy for 1 week, while the experimental group additionally received a group relaxation training sessions according to YIDL® system. At discharge the experimental group was issued with audiocassette recordings containing the similar instructions for relaxation training to be practiced individually at home (for further 3 weeks). An experimental repeated measures design was used to investigate the differences over 1 month period in stress levels, changes in mental health and psychological parameters. Measures were obtained at three time points during the study period: baseline, at 1 week, and at 4 weeks, by blinded investigators using standardized questionnaires General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL) psychological subscale, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Patients who received relaxation training reported feeling significantly less distressed during hospitalization and after discharge-period than did the controls that did not receive relaxation training. The results indicate that relaxation training according to Yoga in Daily Life® system could be useful clinical physiotherapy intervention for breast cancer patients experiencing psychological distress. Although this kind of relaxation training can be applied to clinical oncology in Slovenia, more studies need to be done.
Modulation of Gamma Ray–Induced Genotoxic Effect by Thymol, a Monoterpene Phenol Derivative of Cymene
Authors: Archana P. R. , Nageshwar Rao B. , Satish Rao B. S.
Published: December 2010

The radioprotective effect of thymol (TOH), a monoterpene phenol, on radiation-induced DNA damage was analyzed in vitro. Chinese hamster lung fibroblast cells (V79) were treated with different concentrations of TOH (0-100 µg/mL) for 1 hour before exposure to 3 Gy gamma irradiation, and then cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus and single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay) assays were used to evaluate the radiation-induced cytogenetic damage and genotoxic effects. Furthermore, the modulating effect of TOH on radiation-induced cell death was assessed by apoptotic and necrotic cell detection by staining with ethidium bromide/acridine orange using fluorescence microscopy. To understand the mechanism of TOH-imparted cytoprotection, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was detected by flow cytometry after staining the cells with Rhodamine 123. Pretreatment of V79 cells with various concentrations of TOH (0-100 µg/mL) for 1 hour reduced the radiation-induced micronuclei as well as percent tail DNA and mean Olive tail moment with a maximum protective effect observed at TOH (25 µg/mL). Apoptosis by microscopic, MMP measurements indicated that the V79 cells exposed to gamma radiation alone showed a maximal increase in the number of early and late apoptotic and necrotic cell death associated with a significant loss of the MMP. Pretreatment with TOH (25 µg/mL) showed a significant ( P < .01) decrease in the level of apoptotic fraction as well as necrotic cells and suppressed the radiation-induced collapse of MMP when compared with the radiation alone group. These results suggest that TOH suppresses radiation-induced genotoxicity, apoptosis, and necrosis primarily by the free radical scavenging and modulation of oxidative stress.
Long-Term Effect on EMT6 Tumors in Mice Induced by Combination of Laser Immunotherapy and Surgery
Authors: Li Xiaosong , Le Henry , Wolf Roman F. , Chen Vivian A. , Sarkar Akhee , Nordquist Robert E. , Ferguson Halie , Liu Hong , Chen Wei R.
Published: December 2010

Laser immunotherapy (LI) has been demonstrated to be a promising modality for cancer treatment. The present study was designed to further investigate the impact of LI combined with surgery. LI consists of a near-infrared laser, a light-absorbing dye (indocyanine green, ICG), and an immunostimulant (glycated chitosan, GC). ICG and GC were intratumorally injected, followed by laser irradiation. Female BALB/c mice bearing EMT6 tumor cells were divided into 4 groups: control, LI, LI followed by immediate surgery resection of residual tumor (LI + S0wk), and LI followed by surgical removal of residual tumor after 1 week (LI + S1wk). Successfully treated mice from all treatment groups were rechallenged twice with 105 and 5 × 105 EMT6 cells, respectively. The LI + S1wk group had the highest survival rate (72%) after 90 days, whereas the mice survival rates of the LI + S0wk, LI, and control groups were 50%, 46%, 0%, respectively. The median survival times of control, LI, LI + S0wk, and LI + S1wk groups were 32, 66, 74, and 90 days, respectively. Survival rates of the treated mice after the first and second tumor rechallenges, ranging from 73% to 95%, were not significantly different among the 4 groups ( P > .05). The results show that LI is a useful tool for the treatment of tumor-bearing mice. Long-term antitumor effect can be induced by LI. They also indicate that combination of LI with surgery can further improve the therapeutic efficiency of LI.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbal Treatment May Have a Relevant Impact on the Prognosis of Patients With Stage IV Adenocarcinoma of the Lung Treated With Platinum-Based Chemotherapy or Combined Targeted Therapy and Chemotherapy
Authors: Huiru Guo  , Jia Xiang Liu  , Ling Xu  , Madebo Tesfaye , Baak Jan P. A.
Published: December 2010

Background: Targeted therapy (TT), chemotherapy, and traditional Chinese medicine herbal treatment (TCM) can improve the prognosis of advanced pulmonary adenocarcinoma patients. Their independent prognostic value is unknown. Objective: To study whether TCM improves survival in stage IV pulmonary adenocarcinoma patients with platinum-based chemotherapy (PBT), or combined PBT and second-line TT. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 133 fully ambulant clinical outpatients treated with PBT alone or PBT with/without second-line TT, with/without TCM. Univariate (Kaplan—Meier) and multivariable (Cox model) survival analysis were performed, using disease-specific mortality as an endpoint. Results: Gender ( P = .002), TT ( P < .0001), and TCM ( P < .0001) had univariate prognostic value but not age, radiotherapy, or TCM syndrome differentiation ( P > .10). TCM herbal treatment ( P < .0001) and TT ( P = .03) had multivariable independent prognostic value. TCM-treated patients (n = 103, PBT+TT+TCM+ = 62; PBT+TT−TCM+ =41) had 88% 1-year overall survival rate with median survival time (MST) of 27 months, contrasting 27% 1-year overall survival and MST of 5.0 months for non-TCM-treated (n = 30) patients. Patients with chemotherapy/TT/TCM (PBT+TT+TCM+, n = 62), TCM without TT (PBT+TT−TCM+, n = 41), or chemotherapy only (PBT+TT−TCM−, n = 30), had 1-year survival rates of 94%, 78%, and 27% respectively; for these 3 groups, respectively, MST was not reached (MST of 30.9 months), 22.6, and 5.0 months ( P < .0001). Conclusions: TCM herbal treatment may improve survival of stage IV pulmonary adenocarcinoma patients treated with chemotherapy without or with second-line TT. This warrants formal phase 1 and 2 trials and ultimately properly designed prospective clinical validation trials with adequate methodology developed for data collection.
Exercise in Patients With Breast Cancer and Healthy Controls: Energy Substrate Oxidation and Blood Lactate Responses
Authors: Tosti Karen P. , Hackney Anthony C. , Battaglini Claudio L. , Evans Elizabeth S. , Groff Diane
Published: December 2010

The aim of this study was to compare select aspects of exercise energy metabolism in patients with breast cancer with that of healthy controls across a variety of exercise intensities. Posttreated patients with breast cancer were matched with healthy women based on age, physical fitness level, and menopausal status. Subjects participated in low-, moderate-, and high-intensity submaximal exercise sessions that corresponded with 40% of maximal oxygen consumption ( Vo2max), 60% Vo2max, and 70% Vo2max. Oxygen consumption and respiratory exchange ratio were taken during submaximal exercise sessions to determine substrate oxidation rates for carbohydrate (CHO) and fat. Blood lactate and blood glucose were also measured before and after each of the submaximal exercise sessions as indices of CHO metabolism. Results indicate that the patients with breast cancer had a significantly ( P ≤ .05) lower CHO oxidation rate and higher fat oxidation rate at all exercise intensities compared with healthy women. The patients with breast cancer had a significantly ( P ≤ .05) lower blood lactate response to exercise across all intensities compared with the healthy women. Glucose responses tended ( P < .08) to be more elevated in patients with cancer both before and after the exercise sessions. The findings indicate that posttreated patients with breast cancer have augmented fat metabolism and a reduced CHO-based energy metabolism during submaximal exercise. It is unclear whether these changes are the result of the patient’s cancer or their treatment regimen for the cancer.
Learning to Be Leaders in Higher Education: What Helps or Hinders Women’s Advancement as Leaders in Universities
Authors: Airini  , Collings Sunny , Conner Lindsey , McPherson Kathryn , Midson Brenda , Wilson Cheryl
Published: December 2010

This article examines 110 reported incidents from an online survey of 26 women from each of the eight universities in New Zealand. They responded to questions asking them to describe times when work and non-work situations have helped or hindered their advancement in university leadership roles. Five key themes, incorporating a range of factors, emerged as making a difference to advancement as leaders. These themes are: work relationships; university environment; invisible rules; proactivity; and personal circumstances. This research is part of the L-SHIP (Leadership- Supporting Higher Intent & Practice) project and has two main aims. First, to identify factors in universities that help and hinder women’s advancement as leaders, as reported by women; second, to provide useful evidence to underpin the development of programmes supporting women’s advancement in university leadership roles. This research is a first step in the development of the L-SHIP Toolkit for good practice in leadership development in higher education.
Traditional knowledge and the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library: Digital quandaries and other concerns
Authors: Thomas Pradip N.
Published: December 2010

This article explores issues related to the digitization of traditional knowledge. Using the example of the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) in India, it (1) explores the interfaces between the TKDL and the digital, (2) problematizes the relationship between the TKDL, power and digital knowledge, (3) raises issues around traditional knowledge (TK) and dominant traditions of intellectual property (IP) and (4) explores the status of reinvented traditions in relation to TK. While the article includes an immanent critique of the politics of the digital in relation to the TKDL, it supports the view that the digital can play a significant role in the preservation, elucidation and strengthening of traditional/ indigenous cultures.
The rise of Britain’s super-indies: Policy-making in the age of the global media market
Authors: Chalaby Jean K.
Published: December 2010

This article analyses Britain’s remarkable performance in the European television industry. In the space of a few years the UK has risen to become the world’s leading exporter of TV formats and the world’s second exporter, behind the USA, of finished TV programmes. The first section of the article compares and contrasts British TV export data with that of France, before examining the emergence of London as Europe’s media hub. The second part argues that this significant progress is essentially due to deft policy-making. In 2003, the British government operated a strategic shift in favour of content producers and created a new intellectual property regime. This regime has enabled producers to keep hold of their rights and become asset-owning businesses, eventually giving rise to a new breed of production companies: the super-indies. This article shows how these super-indies have acquired the scale to compete in an international TV market and drive today’s British TV exports. Contrasting again Britain’s performance in the European TV trade with France, this article also analyses historical influences and claims it is Britain’s imperial past that helps its performance in the European TV marketplace. In addition to the globalization of the English language and the cultural affinities this nurtures, the trading heritage of the British Empire has facilitated Britain’s political elite’s understanding of the role that trade and the market can play in the creative industries, and enabled them to frame a broadcasting policy that is adapted to the global age.
Contrasting visual frames of our times: A framing analysis of English- and Arabic-language press coverage of war and terrorism
Authors: Fahmy Shahira
Published: December 2010

By operationalizing visual frames in terms of the human-interest vs technical frame and the anti-war vs the pro-war frame, and exploring the use of two sets of framing devices: graphic portrayal and emphasis, this framing analysis of 1387 photographs examined contrasting visual narratives employed by English- and Arabic-language transnational press in covering the 9/11 attack and the Afghan War. For the English-language newspaper, the International Herald Tribune, the frames emphasized the human suffering of 9/11 and de-emphasized the civilian casualties and moral guilt of implementing military force in Afghanistan by focusing more on a pro-war frame that showed the complex military high-tech operations and patriotic pictures. For the Arabic-language newspaper, Al-Hayat, the frames focused less on the victims and more on the material destruction of 9/11 and humanized the victims of the Afghan War. Furthermore, it focused on an anti-war frame by running visuals of anti-war protests and emphasizing graphic visuals portraying the humanitarian crisis in the Muslim country of Afghanistan.
Internet political discussions in the Arab world: A look at online forums from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan
Authors: Al Nashmi Eisa , Cleary Johanna , Molleda Juan-Carlos , McAdams Melinda
Published: December 2010

This content analysis examines postings on four Internet political discussion forums based in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt. The study of Arabic-language sites concludes that the discussions cover a variety of topics and offer vibrant and complex conversations on political issues in the Arab world. Unlike in the US and European countries, the study found that social issues were not a big part of political debate in the Arab world. The study also found that discussions had varied political agendas influenced by many variables including geography, culture, history, demographics, major news events and political and economic structures. It indicated that the often one-dimensional portrayal of the Arab world in the western media is simplistic and frequently inaccurate.
Diverging frames: A comparison of Indonesian and Australian press portrayals of terrorism and Islamic groups in Indonesia
Authors: Mahony Inez
Published: December 2010

Media coverage of terrorism in Indonesia shows substantial differences in the way Indonesian and Australian news media portray terrorists, Islamic groups and Indonesian attitudes towards terrorism. While the Australian media’s framing of issues relating to terrorism and Islamic groups in Indonesia generates a hegemonic Orientalist image of Indonesian Muslims, Indonesian media treatment of the same issues is more moderate, presenting a very different picture. This comparative analysis of Australian and Indonesian mainstream news coverage, taken from the week following the 2002 Bali bombings, the 2004 Australian Embassy bombing in Jakarta and the 2005 Bali bombings, illustrates the ease with which stereotypical images can be created and reinforced in the media. At the same time, it shows how easily issues can be presented in a way that counters such generalizations.
Who let priming out? Analysis of first- and second-level agenda setting effects on priming
Authors: Lee Gunho
Published: December 2010

This study examines the first- and second-level agenda setting process and priming effects in the same experimental setting. Specifically, it explores the association between the two levels of agenda setting effects and priming effects. The main purpose of the study is to determine which of the two agenda setting effects better explains priming effects by using the global warming issue as the target object. By exposing three groups of subjects, respectively, to three kinds of pseudo online newspaper (High, Medium and No Exposure) stimuli, the experiment found that even if there were two levels of agenda setting and priming effects detected, second-level agenda setting effects were more closely connected to priming effects. With regard to the relationship between agenda setting and priming effects, it is recommended that various issues beyond the environment issue, which this study took, and their attributes should be tested in order to further understand media effects.
Territory under siege: ‘their’ news, ‘our’ news and ‘ours both’ news of the 2008 Gaza crisis
Authors: Handley Robert L. , Ismail Amani
Published: December 2010

This article examines US and Israeli newspaper coverage of the Palestinian—Israeli and Fatah— Hamas conflicts in January 2008 to make claims about the role that national interests play in the manufacture of news. Specifically, the authors interrogate the ‘their/our’ news dichotomy to argue that when two nation-states’ foreign policy interests and their ‘Others’ converge, those shared assumptions will inform the meaning of ‘their’ news constructed by news organizations in different nation-states despite their choice of the professional or national narrative. The authors suggest that ‘their’ news can become ‘ours both’.
Believing the blogs of war? How blog users compare on credibility and characteristics in 2003 and 2007
Authors: Johnson Thomas J. , Kaye Barbara K.
Published: December 2010

This study surveyed those who used blogs for information about the war in Iraq to investigate the degree to which judgements of credibility, reliance, demographics, and political characteristics of war blog users have changed between 2003 and 2007. In both 2003 and 2007, blog users judged blogs as more credible sources for war news than traditional media and their online counterparts. This study also found that different types of blogs were rated differently in terms of credibility in 2007 with military and war blogs rated the most credible and media blogs being judged the lowest in credibility. Additionally, parallels are drawn between the findings and possible roles for blogs in the escalating war in Afghanistan. Results are also discussed in terms of the changing roles of the military in Iraq as well as the changing role of blogs in the Iraq War.
The war in Afghanistan and peace journalism in practice
Authors: Ottosen Rune
Published: December 2010

This article argues that Johan Galtung’s theory on peace journalism can serve as a fruitful supplement to theory-building in the field of war and peace journalism, and critically reviews the scholarly debate on peace journalism. By using examples from Norwegian media coverage of the war in Afghanistan and examples of research on the Norwegian media coverage of the war, the author argues that Galtung’s theory on peace journalism can also serve as a useful platform for teaching and journalism training in the field of conflict and war reporting.
Neo-nationalism seeks strength from the gods: Yasukuni Shrine, collective memory and the Japanese press
Authors: Killmeier Matthew A. , Chiba Naomi
Published: December 2010

This article examines Japanese press coverage of Premier Koizumi’s controversial visits to Yasukuni Shrine from 2001 to 2006. The shrine memorializes war dead, including 14 Class-A Second World War criminals, and is implicated in the history issue — the unresolved legacy of Imperial Japan’s wartime history. Using critical, qualitative content analysis, the authors analyze the Japanese press coverage’s representation of historical context. Theories of the social production of news and collective memory ground their analysis and interpretation of the representations and their implications. They argue that the press coverage that contextualized the shrine’s war criminals offered critical, mnemonic representations, while those that excluded this context provided fragmented representations. The authors assess the implications of these representations for the contemporary political objective of moving Japan toward a martial state. Ultimately, the Japanese press’s capacity to facilitate debate on history issues depends upon the public coming to terms with the war’s history and legacy.
Webs of hate in diasporic cyberspaces: the Gaza War in the Russian-language blogosphere
Authors: Kuntsman Adi
Published: December 2010

This article looks at ways in which a military conflict can produce circuits of hatred in online social spaces. Ethnographically, the article is based on the analysis of selected discussions of Israeli warfare in Gaza in 2008 and 2009 as they took place in the Russian-language networked blogosphere. Bringing together Sara Ahmed’s notion of affective economies, Avtar Brah’s concept of ‘diaspora space’, Judith Butler’s idea of ‘frames of war’ and Eyal Weizman’s notion of ‘elastic frontiers’, the author addresses the disorienting similarity between anti-Jewish and anti-Arab hatred as it emerged in discussions of the conflict. The article examines online circulation of hatred as an integral part of cyber-diasporic connections and ruptures, on the one hand, and of digital circulation of affect, on the other.
From inspiring to instructing: the significance of the March 2010 Adam Gadahn propaganda statement
Authors: Day Michael
Published: December 2010

The December 24, 2009 attempted plane bombing attempt in Detroit catapulted Al Qaeda back into the popular consciousness but, despite the massive amount of publicity this attack created, the Al Qaeda leadership would instead prefer their adherents to follow the example of the Fort Hood gunman Nidal Malik Hasan. Evidence of this emerged in March 2010 when high-ranking American-born Al Qaeda spokesman Adam Gadahn released a propaganda statement entitled ‘A call to arms’ which stated that the latter rather than the former approach should be taken by any of Al Qaeda’s supporters who were considering becoming terrorists. The contents of ‘A call to arms’ display a fundamental shift in Al Qaeda’s tactical planning, their propaganda output and indeed their relationship with their target audience in regard to their media output. If ‘A call to arms’ is not an isolated occurrence, then it could be argued that it is one of the most important Al Qaeda propaganda messages since the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Nfe2l3 (Nrf3) deficiency predisposes mice to T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma
Authors: Chevillard Grégory , Paquet Marilene , Blank Volker
Published: December 2010

We have previously generated mice deficient for Nfe213 (NF-E2 p45 related factor 3 or Nrf3), a member of the cap ‘n’ collar family of basic-leucine zipper transcription factors. To examine whether Nrf3 is involved in chemical-induced carcinogenesis, we exposed the mice to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a carcinogen found in cigarette smoke. Contrary to wild-type mice, Nrf3-null animals are highly susceptible to B[a]P, exhibiting significantly increased mortality. Pathology analysis of affected tissue sections revealed a high incidence of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma in B[a]P-treated Nrf3−/− mice. Lymphoblastic lymphoma occasionally metastasized into the lung as demonstrated by perivascular malignant lymphocytic infiltration. Together, our studies show that the absence of Nrf3 predisposes mice to lymphoma development, suggesting a protective role of this transcription factor in hematopoietic malignancies. Our data demonstrate the first in vivo function of Nrf3 and its link to tumor development. Nrf3-deficient mice may serve as a preclinical mouse model to study carcinogen-induced lymphomagenesis.
Clinical significance of CD56 expression in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia treated with all-trans retinoic acid and anthracycline-based regimens
Authors: Montesinos Pau , Rayón Chelo , Vellenga Edo , Brunet Salut , González José , González Marcos , Holowiecka Aleksandra , Esteve Jordi , Bergua Juan , González José D. , Rivas Concha , Tormo Mar , Rubio Vicente , Bueno Javier , Manso Félix , Milone Gustavo , de la Serna Javier , Pérez Inmaculada , Pérez-Encinas Manuel , Krsnik Isabel , Ribera Josep M. , Escoda Lourdes , Lowenberg Bob , Sanz Miguel A. ,   on behalf of the PETHEMA and HOVON Groups
Published: December 2010

The expression of CD56 antigen in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) blasts has been associated with short remission duration and extramedullary relapse. We investigated the clinical significance of CD56 expression in a large series of patients with APL treated with all-trans retinoic acid and anthracycline-based regimens. Between 1996 and 2009, 651 APL patients with available data on CD56 expression were included in 3 subsequent trials (PETHEMA LPA96 and LPA99 and PETHEMA/HOVON LPA2005). Seventy-two patients (11%) were CD56+ (expression of CD56 in ≥ 20% leukemic promyelocytes). CD56+ APL was significantly associated with high white blood cell counts; low albumin levels; BCR3 isoform; and the coexpression of CD2, CD34, CD7, HLA-DR, CD15, and CD117 antigens. For CD56+ APL, the 5-year relapse rate was 22%, compared with a 10% relapse rate for CD56− APL (P = .006). In the multivariate analysis, CD56 expression retained the statistical significance together with the relapse-risk score. CD56+ APL also showed a greater risk of extramedullary relapse (P < .001). In summary, CD56 expression is associated with the coexpression of immaturity-associated and T-cell antigens and is an independent adverse prognostic factor for relapse in patients with APL treated with all-trans-retinoic acid plus idarubicin–derived regimens. This marker may be considered for implementing risk-adapted therapeutic strategies in APL. The LPA2005 trial is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00408278.
Transcriptome analyses based on genetic screens for Pax3 myogenic targets in the mouse embryo
Authors: Lagha Mounia , Sato Takahiko , Regnault Béatrice , Cumano Ana , Zuniga Aimée , Licht Jonathan , Relaix Frédéric , Buckingham Margaret
Published: December 2010

Background

Pax3 is a key upstream regulator of the onset of myogenesis, controlling progenitor cell survival and behaviour as well as entry into the myogenic programme. It functions in the dermomyotome of the somite from which skeletal muscle derives and in progenitor cell populations that migrate from the somite such as those of the limbs. Few Pax3 target genes have been identified. Identifying genes that lie genetically downstream ofPax3is therefore an important endeavour in elucidating the myogenic gene regulatory network.

Results

We have undertaken a screen in the mouse embryo which employs aPax3GFPallele that permits isolation of Pax3 expressing cells by flow cytometry and aPax3PAX3-FKHRallele that encodes PAX3-FKHR in which the DNA binding domain of Pax3 is fused to the strong transcriptional activation domain of FKHR. This constitutes a gain of function allele that rescues thePax3mutant phenotype. Microarray comparisons were carried out betweenPax3GFP/+andPax3GFP/PAX3-FKHRpreparations from the hypaxial dermomyotome of somites at E9.5 and forelimb buds at E10.5. A further transcriptome comparison between Pax3-GFP positive and negative cells identified sequences specific to myogenic progenitors in the forelimb buds. Potential Pax3 targets, based on changes in transcript levels on the gain of function genetic background, were validated by analysis on loss or partial loss of functionPax3mutant backgrounds. Sequences that are up- or down-regulated in the presence of PAX3-FKHR are classified as somite only, somite and limb or limb only. The latter should not contain sequences from Pax3 positive neural crest cells which do not invade the limbs. Verification by whole mountin situhybridisation distinguishes myogenic markers. Presentation of potential Pax3 target genes focuses on signalling pathways and on transcriptional regulation.

Conclusions

Pax3 orchestrates many of the signalling pathways implicated in the activation or repression of myogenesis by regulating effectors and also, notably, inhibitors of these pathways. Important transcriptional regulators of myogenesis are candidate Pax3 targets. Myogenic determination genes, such asMyf5are controlled positively, whereas the effect ofPax3on genes encoding inhibitors of myogenesis provides a potential brake on differentiation. In the progenitor cell population,Pax7and alsoHdac5which is a potential repressor ofFoxc2, are subject to positive control byPax3.
Genomic organisation analysis of novel immunoglobulin-like transcripts in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) reveals a tightly clustered and multigene family
Authors: Østergaard Anders E , Lubieniecki Krzysztof P , Martin Samuel AM , Stet René JM , Davidson William S , Secombes Christopher J
Published: December 2010

Background

Several novel immunoglobulin-like transcripts (NILTs) which have previously been identified in the salmonid species rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) contain either one or two extracellular Ig domains of the V-type. NILTs also possess either an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activating motif (ITAM) or immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs) in the cytoplasmic region resulting in different signalling abilities. Here we report for the first time the genomic organisation and structure of the multigene family of NILTs in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)using a BAC sequencing approach.

Results

We have identified six novel Atlantic salmon NILT genes (Ssa-NILT1-6), two pseudogenes (Ssa-NILTp1andSsa-NILTp2) and seven genes encoding putative transposable elements in one BAC covering more than 200 kbp.Ssa-NILT1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 contain one Ig domain, all having a CX3C motif, whereasSsa-NILT3 contains two Ig domains, having a CX6C motif in Ig1 and a CX7C motif in Ig2. Atlantic salmon NILTs possess several ITIMs in the cytoplasmic region and the ITIM-bearing exons are in phase 0. A comparison of identity between the amino acid sequences of the CX3C Ig domains from NILTs varies from 77% to 96%.Ssa-NILT1,2,3and4were all confirmed to be expressed either by their presence in EST databases (Ssa-NILT1) or RT-PCR (Ssa-NILT2,3, and4) using cDNA as template. A survey of the repertoire of putative NILT genes in a single individual revealed three novel genes (Ssa-NILT7-9) represented by the Ig domain, which together with Ig domains fromSsa-NILT1-6could be divided into different groups based on specific motifs.

Conclusions

This report reveals a tightly clustered, multigene NILT family in Atlantic salmon. By screening a highly redundant Atlantic salmon BAC library we have identified and characterised the genomic organisation of six genes encoding NILT receptors. The genes show similar characteristics to NILTs previously identified in rainbow trout, having highly conserved cysteines in the Ig domain and several inhibitory signalling motifs in the cytoplasmic region. In a single individual three unique NILT Ig domain sequences were discovered at the genomic DNA level, which were divided into two different groups based on a four residue motif after the third cysteine. Our results from the BAC screening and analysis on the repertoire of NILT genes in a single individual indicates that many genes of this expanding Ig containing NILT family are still to be discovered in fish.
Natural diversity of potato (Solanum tuberosum) invertases
Authors: Draffehn Astrid M , Meller Sebastian , Li Li , Gebhardt Christiane
Published: December 2010

Background

Invertases are ubiquitous enzymes that irreversibly cleave sucrose into fructose and glucose. Plant invertases play important roles in carbohydrate metabolism, plant development, and biotic and abiotic stress responses. In potato (Solanum tuberosum), invertases are involved in 'cold-induced sweetening' of tubers, an adaptive response to cold stress, which negatively affects the quality of potato chips and French fries. Linkage and association studies have identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for tuber sugar content and chip quality that colocalize with three independent potato invertase loci, which together encode five invertase genes. The role of natural allelic variation of these genes in controlling the variation of tuber sugar content in different genotypes is unknown.

Results

For functional studies on natural variants of five potato invertase genes we cloned and sequenced 193 full-length cDNAs from six heterozygous individuals (three tetraploid and three diploid). Eleven, thirteen, ten, twelve and nine different cDNA alleles were obtained for the genes Pain-1, InvGE, InvGF, InvCD141 and InvCD111, respectively. Allelic cDNA sequences differed from each other by 4 to 9%, and most were genotype specific. Additional variation was identified by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis in an association-mapping population of 219 tetraploid individuals. Haplotype modeling revealed two to three major haplotypes besides a larger number of minor frequency haplotypes. cDNA alleles associated with chip quality, tuber starch content and starch yield were identified.

Conclusions

Very high natural allelic variation was uncovered in a set of five potato invertase genes. This variability is a consequence of the cultivated potato's reproductive biology. Some of the structural variation found might underlie functional variation that influences important agronomic traits such as tuber sugar content. The associations found between specific invertase alleles and chip quality, tuber starch content and starch yield will facilitate the selection of superior potato genotypes in breeding programs.