bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A preliminary examination of emotional and cognitive mediators in the relations between violence exposure and violent behaviors in youth
Authors: Allwood Maureen A. , Bell Debora J.
Published: October 2008

This study examined the possible mediational roles of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and acceptance of violence cognitions in the association between violence exposure and youth violent behaviors. This study also examined whether the strength of the relations between exposure and behavior varied across context of exposure and across sex. Participants were 123 early adolescents from the Midwest. Findings indicate a strong positive association between violence exposure at home and in the community. Regardless of context, violence exposure was significantly related to PTSD symptoms, acceptance of violence cognitions, and violent behaviors in youth. PTSD symptoms and acceptance of violence cognitions were both significant mediators in the exposure—behavior relationship but the associations differed for girls and boys and varied across context of exposure. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
From the stage to the laboratory: Magicians, psychologists, and the science of illusion
Authors: Lachapelle Sofie
Published: October 2008

In 1894, French psychologist Alfred Binet published an article on the psychology of conjuring. By observing five magicians perform in his laboratory, he was hoping to gain a better understanding of the psychological processes responsible for inducing illusions in an audience. This article focuses on the subjects of these experiments and their world. It attempts to explain why five men belonging to a profession in which secrecy was vital agreed to enter the laboratory and reveal their tricks. It argues that magicians saw themselves as men of science and that, by entering Binet's laboratory, they were responding to an opportunity to participate in a world to which they wished to belong. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
John Dewey and the savage mind: Uniting anthropological, psychological, and pedagogical thought, 1894–1902
Authors: Fallace Thomas D.
Published: October 2008

In 1902 influential American philosopher John Dewey wrote a short essay on anthropolo‐gists'view of the savage mind, arguing that it had had been unfairly dismissed as inchoate and incapable, when in fact the savage had much to teach scholars about the “present mind.” The ideas presented in Dewey's essay were not only theoretical; they also served as the basis for his entire curriculum his famous laboratory school at the University of Chicago. Thus, the author argues that Dewey's pedagogical thought informed his anthropological thought, and vice versa. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Michael‐Adler report (1933): Criminology under the microscope
Authors: Goff Colin , Geis Gilbert
Published: October 2008

This paper details the responses made by social scientists as well as criminal justice practitioners during 1932 to a study focusing on the status of criminology by the Bureau of Social Hygiene. These responses ultimately led to the publication of the controversial Crime, Law and Social Science (1933), which gave much‐needed direction to the development of criminology. Despite the importance of these responses to the creation of criminological thought, only one (by Edwin H. Sutherland) has previously been published. Examining the responses of all of the individual participants in the project gives a clearer picture of controversies and changes which ultimately occurred as the field of criminology gradually became institutionalized as an academic discipline. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effecting science, affecting medicine: Homosexuality, the Kinsey reports, and the contested boundaries of psychopathology in the United States, 1948–1965
Authors: Chiang Howard Hsueh‐Hao
Published: October 2008

Despite the well‐documented intensive battle between Alfred Kinsey and American psychiatrists around the mid‐twentieth century, this paper argues that Kinsey's work, in fact, played a significant role in transforming mental health experts' view of homosexuality starting as far back as the late 1940s and extending all the way through the mid‐1960s. After analyzing the way in which Kinsey's work pushed American psychiatrists to re‐evaluate their understanding of homosexuality indirectly through the effort of clinical psychologists, I then focus to a greater extent on examples that illustrate how the Kinsey reports directly influenced members of the psychiatric community. In the conclusion, using a Foucauldian conception of “discourse,” I propose that in order to approach the struggle around the pathological status of homosexuality in the 1950s and the 1960s, thinking in terms of a “politics of knowledge” is more promising than simply in terms of a “politics of diagnosis.” Central to the struggle was not merely the matter of medical diagnosis, but larger issues regarding the production of knowledge at an intersection of science and medicine where the parameters of psychopathology were disputed in the context of mid‐twentieth‐century United States. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study of istradefylline in patients with Parkinson's disease on levodopa with motor fluctuations
Authors: Hauser Robert A. , Shulman Lisa M. , Trugman Joel M. , Roberts John W. , Mori Akihisa , Ballerini Rocco , Sussman Neil M.
Published: October 2008

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of istradefylline 20 mg once daily versus placebo as an adjunct to levodopa in subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) who have motor fluctuations. Istradefylline (KW‐6002) is an adenosine A2A receptor antagonist that in primate models of PD improves motor function without causing or worsening dyskinesia. This 12‐week, multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, Phase 3 study of istradefylline was conducted in subjects experiencing an average daily OFF time of at least 3 hours (116 randomized to istradefylline; 115 to placebo). All were on stable levodopa regimens; 90% were also on stable regimens of other anti‐Parkinson's medications. Istradefylline‐treated subjects had significant placebo‐corrected reductions in daily OFF time from baseline to endpoint: 4.6% (P = 0.03) and 0.7 hours (P = 0.03). For ON time with troublesome dyskinesia, the changes between istradefylline and placebo were not significant. Istradefylline was well tolerated, with 6 (5.2%) istradefylline‐treated and 7 (6.1%) placebo‐treated subjects withdrawing from the study because of adverse events. Dyskinesia, lightheadedness, tremor, constipation, and weight decrease were reported more often with istradefylline than placebo. We conclude that istradefylline is well tolerated and significantly reduces OFF time as an adjunct to levodopa in PD subjects with motor fluctuations. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Psychogenic tremor: Long term prognosis in patients with electrophysiologically‐confirmed disease
Authors: McKeon Andrew , Ahlskog J. Eric , Bower James H. , Josephs Keith A. , Matsumoto Joseph Y.
Published: October 2008

We describe the presenting features and long‐term outcomes of patients with electrophysiologically‐confirmed psychogenic tremor. Clinical information for all patients with psychogenic tremor confirmed by our Movement Disorders Neurophysiology Laboratory (2003–2004) was reviewed. A follow‐up questionnaire was administered to all included patients in 2007. Psychogenic tremor was documented in 62 patients; 33 responded to the questionnaire (53%). Median onset‐age was 50 years (range, 15–71); 23 were female (70%). Clinical certainty of psychogenic etiology was: definite, 8 (24%); probable, 16 (49%), and possible, 9 (27%). Characteristic electrodiagnostic features of psychogenic tremor were documented in all. All but two patients were ultimately given a definite diagnosis of psychogenic tremor; recommended psychiatric consultation was only done by 12 (36%). Twenty‐one patients (64%) rated tremor disability as moderate or severe after a median follow‐up of 5.1 years (range, 3.3–19). Improvement occurred spontaneously in 5 (15%), and after a specific intervention in 4 (12%), whereas 3 (9%) had mild but unchanged symptoms. The mean duration of symptoms, prior to diagnosis with psychogenic tremor, was significantly shorter for patients with mild or no tremor at follow‐up (P = 0.037). Physiologically‐confirmed psychogenic tremor carries a poor prognosis, with unremitting or worse tremor persisting 3‐years after diagnosis in most. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Determination of metabolite concentrations in human brain tumour biopsy samples using HR‐MAS and ERETIC measurements
Authors: Martínez‐Bisbal M. Carmen , Monleon Daniel , Assemat Olivier , Piotto Martial , Piquer José , Llácer José Luis , Celda Bernardo
Published: October 2008

Accurate determination of the concentration of the metabolites contained in intact human biopsies of 10 glioblastoma multiforme samples was achieved using one‐dimensional 1H high‐resolution magic angle spinning (HR‐MAS) NMR combined with ERETIC™ (electronic reference to in vivo concentrations) measurements. The amount of sample used ranged from 6.8 to 12.9 mg. Metabolite concentrations were measured in each sample using two methods: with DSS (2,2‐dimethyl‐2‐silapentane‐5‐sulfonate sodium salt) as an internal reference and with ERETIC™ as an external electronically generated reference. The ERETIC™ signal was shown to be highly reproducible and did not affect the spectral quality. The concentrations calculated by the ERETIC™ method in model solutions were shown to be independent of the salt concentration in the range typically found in biological samples (0–250 mM). The ERETIC™ method proved to be straightforward to use in tissues and much more robust than the internal standard method. The concentrations calculated using the internal DSS concentration were systematically found to be higher than those determined using the ERETIC™ technique. These results indicate a possible interaction of the DSS molecules with the biopsy sample. Moreover, variations in the sample preparation process, with possible loss of DSS solution, may hamper the quantification process, as happens in one of the ten samples analysed. In this study, the ERETIC™ method was validated on model solutions and used in brain tumour tissues. Calculated metabolite concentrations obtained with the ERETIC™ procedure matched the values determined in the same type of tumours by in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro methodologies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autonomic dysregulation in young girls with Rett Syndrome during nighttime in‐home recordings
Authors: Weese‐Mayer Debra E. , Lieske Steven P. , Boothby Christina M. , Kenny Anna S. , Bennett Heather L. , Ramirez Jan‐Marino
Published: October 2008

This study was designed to specifically characterize the autonomic phenotype of cardiorespiratory dysregulation during the nighttime in young girls with MECP2 mutation‐confirmed Rett Syndrome (RS), studied in their home environment. Computerized breath‐to‐breath and beat‐to‐beat characterization of at‐home continuously recorded respiratory inductance plethysmography of chest/abdomen and ECG (VivoMetrics, Inc.) was obtained during overnight recordings in 47 girls with MECP2 mutation‐confirmed RS and 47 age‐, gender‐, and ethnicity‐matched screened controls (ages 2–7 years). We determined that although the breathing and heart rate appear more regular during the night compared to the day, young girls with RS demonstrate apparent nocturnal irregularities. Comparing daytime versus nighttime, breathing was more irregular, with an increased breathing frequency (and irregularity), mean amplitude of respiratory inductance plethysmography sum (AMP)/TI, and heart rate and decreased AMP in girls with RS. Comparing girls with RS versus controls during nighttime recording, breathing was more irregular, with an increased breathing frequency (and irregularity), mean AMP/TI, and heart rate. An increased uncoupling between measures of breathing and heart rate control indicates malregulation in the autonomic nervous system, and is apparent during the day as well as the night. This uncoupling may represent a mechanism that renders the girls with RS more vulnerable to sudden death. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:1045–1060. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure and stability of high‐spin Aun(n = 2–8) clusters
Authors: Jiang Zhen‐Yi , Hou Yu‐Qing , Lee Kuo‐Hsing , Chu San‐Yan
Published: October 2008

The structures and relative stability of the maximum‐spin n+1Aun and nAu (n = 2–8) clusters have been determined by density‐functional theory. The structure optimizations and vibrational frequency analysis are performed with the gradient‐corrections of Perdew along with his 1981 local correlation functional, combined with SBKJC effective core potential, augmented in the valence basis set by a set of f functions. We predicted the existence of a number of previously unknown isomers. The energetic and electronic properties of the small high‐spin gold clusters are strongly dependent on sizes. The high‐spin clusters tend to holding three‐dimensional geometry rather than planar form preferred in low‐spin situations. In whole high‐spin Aun (n = 2–8) neutral and cationic species, 5Au4, 2Au, and 4Au are predicted to be of high stability, which can be explained by valence bond theory. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Electron density and its derivatives at the nucleus for spherically confined hydrogen atom
Authors: Montgomery H. E. , Sen K. D.
Published: October 2008

It is shown that the energy of a hydrogen‐like atom confined inside a spherical cavity of radius, R, and potential barrier, V0, is quantitatively defined by the ratio $\left[{\eta_l^{\prime\prime} (0)\over\eta_l(0)}\right]$. Here, the conventional spherical density $\overline\varrho$(r) is scaled as ηl(r) = ${\bar{\varrho} (r)\over r^{2l}}$ and the ratio of the second derivative η(r) to ηl(r) is evaluated at the nucleus. Numerical results of the ratios are presented for 1s, 2s, 2p, and 3d states at several values of V0. For such states, the characteristic radii of confinement leading to the well‐defined values of energy are identified. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Semiempirical electronic structure calculation on Ca and Pb apatites
Authors: Matos Maria , Terra Joice , Ellis D. E.
Published: October 2008

A systematic study is made on the electronic structure of stoichiometric calcium and lead apatites, using the tight binding extended Hückel method (eHT). The aim is to investigate the applicability of the semiempirical theory to study this family of compounds. A10(BO4)6X2 (A = Ca, Pb) apatites, differing by substitutions in the BO4 tetrahedral unit (B = P, As, and V) and X‐channel ion (X = OH, Cl), are considered. The calculations show that eHT is suitable to describe basic properties especially concerning trends with atomic substitution and geometry changes. Band structure, Mulliken charge distribution, and bond orders are in good agreement with results of ab initio density functional theory (DFT) found in the literature. Large variations in the optical gap due to vanadium and lead substitutions are newly found. Changes in the anion X‐channel affect the optical gap, which is in close agreement with DFT results. Analysis involving subnets are performed to determine the role of halogenic orbitals in the electronic structure of chloroapatites, showing evidence of covalent Cl bonding. It was also found that PbOH bonding in hydroxy‐vanadinite Pb10(VO4)6(OH)2, recently synthesized, is weaker than that of CaOH in vanadate Ca10(VO4)6(OH)2. Arsenium is found to be more weakely bound to the O‐tetrahedron than phosphorous, although CaO bond is increased with the substitution. We investigate, in addition, the electronic structure of a model system Ca10(AsO4)6(OH)2, obtained from direct As substitution in the vanadate Ca10(VO4)6(OH)2. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Representations of scientists in Canadian high school and college textbooks
Authors: van Eijck Michiel , Roth Wolff‐Michael
Published: October 2008

This study investigated the representations of a select group of scientists (n = 10) in a sample of Canadian high school and college textbooks. Drawing on semiotic and cultural‐historical activity theoretical frameworks, we conducted two analyses. A coarse‐grained, quantitative analysis of the prevalence and structure of these representations exhibited bias toward particular scientists' representations and particular types of texts and inscriptions therein, suggesting a domain‐specific rhetorical structure. A fine‐grained, qualitative analysis of scientists' representations revealed that high school and college textbooks represent: (a) objects of scientific practice as projected or anticipated independently from human activity; (b) scientists' individual actions aiming at the creation of non‐tangible tools and rules by means of observation, modification, or manipulation of given, tangible objects; (c) scientific practice as isolated due to which the simultaneous belonging to different practices hardly determines the goals of scientists' actions; and (d) scientists as part of a small community of mainly other scientists who subsequently determine each other's individual actions. The implications of these outcomes were discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 1059–1082, 2008
Effects of experimenting with physical and virtual manipulatives on students' conceptual understanding in heat and temperature
Authors: Zacharia Zacharias C. , Olympiou Georgios , Papaevripidou Marios
Published: October 2008

This study aimed to investigate the comparative value of experimenting with physical manipulatives (PM) in a sequential combination with virtual manipulatives (VM), with the use of PM preceding the use of VM, and of experimenting with PM alone, with respect to changes in students' conceptual understanding in the domain of heat and temperature. A pre–post‐comparison study design was used which involved 62 undergraduate students that attended an introductory course in physics. The participants were randomly assigned to one experimental and one control group. Both groups used the same inquiry‐oriented curriculum materials. Participants in the control group used PM to conduct the experiments, whereas, participants in the experimental group used first PM and then VM. VM differed from PM in that it could provide the possibility of faster manipulation, whereas, it retained any other features and interactions of the study's subject domain identical to the PM condition. Conceptual tests were administered to assess students' understanding before, during, and after the study's treatments. Results indicated that experimenting with the combination of PM and VM enhanced students' conceptual understanding more than experimenting with PM alone. The use of VM was identified as the cause of this differentiation. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 1021–1035, 2008
Feasibility of Family Member Presence in the OR During Breast Biopsy Procedures
Authors: Evans Linda A.
Published: October 2008

FAMILY‐CENTERED CARE IS AN ACCEPTED and promoted philosophy within the health care community. Perioperative nurses are empowered to support change in the health care arena and to examine and institute policies that affect patient care.

THIS STUDY EXAMINED THE FEASIBILITY OF family presence in the OR during breast biopsy procedures performed with local anesthesia, by ascertaining perioperative nurses' attitudes toward the concept.

FAMILY PRESENCE IN THE OR during breast biopsy procedures is considered a novel initiative. The results of this study indicate that the feasibility of instituting this intervention would be challenged by system barriers. AORN J 88 (October 2008) 568–586. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
A Voluntary Summer Program to Expose Nursing Students to the Perioperative Specialty
Authors: Sigsby Linda M.
Published: October 2008

PERIOPERATIVE COURSES often are not available in undergraduate nursing programs, even though students are interested in the specialty.

A VOLUNTARY SUMMER PROGRAM can provide opportunities that other clinical experiences cannot and can be a rewarding experience for faculty members and students.

ONE SUCH PROGRAM has been established at a college in the southeastern United States. AORN J 88 (October 2008) 609–617. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
The Origins of Radical Mastectomy
Authors: Sakorafas George H.
Published: October 2008

WILLIAM HALSTED is the 19th century surgeon whose name is most frequently associated with the radical mastectomy procedure; however, this type of surgery actually has been performed since the 16th century.

THE DEVELOPMENT of radical mastectomy was a long process, and many surgeons over time have contributed valuable insights and alterations to this fundamental treatment for breast cancer.

THIS PROCEDURE may be most commonly associated with Halsted because he promoted a meticulous operative technique, synthesized the best points in the techniques suggested by the most famous surgeons of the 19th century, and provided a scientific basis for the performance of radical mastectomy. AORN J 88 (October 2008) 605–608. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
Understanding Current Steam Sterilization Recommendations and Guidelines
Authors: Spry Cynthia
Published: October 2008

PROCESSING SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS in preparation for surgery is a complex multistep practice. It is impractical to culture each and every item to determine sterility; therefore, the best assurance of a sterile product is careful execution of every step in the process coupled with an ongoing quality control program.

PERIOPERATIVE STAFF NURSES and managers responsible for instrument processing, whether for a single instrument or multiple sets, must be knowledgeable with regard to cleaning; packaging; cycle selection; and the use of physical, chemical, and biological monitors. Nurses also should be able to resolve issues related to loaner sets, flash sterilization, and extended cycles. AORN J 88 (October 2008) 537–550. © AORN, Inc, 2008.
Heart rate variability monitored by the implanted device predicts response to CRT and long‐term clinical outcome in patients with advanced heart failure
Authors: Landolina Maurizio , Gasparini Maurizio , Lunati Maurizio , Santini Massimo , Rordorf Roberto , Vincenti Antonio , Diotallevi Paolo , Montenero Annibale S. , Bonanno Carlo , de Santo Tiziana , Valsecchi Sergio , Padeletti Luigi ,   InSync/InSync ICD Italian Registry Investigators
Published: October 2008

Background:

Few data exist on the long‐term changes and the prognostic value of heart rate variability (HRV) assessed by implanted devices in heart failure (HF) patients treated with resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Aims:

To analyze the long‐term changes in the standard deviation of 5‐minute median atrial–atrial sensed intervals (SDANN), and assess its role in predicting CRT efficacy and major cardiovascular events.

Methods and results:

We included 509 consecutive patients implanted with CRT devices. At 12‐month follow‐up, 44 patients had died and 86 patients had at least one HF hospitalisation. A significant increase in SDANN occurred after 4 weeks of CRT (from 69±22 ms to 82±27 ms, p<0.001). A further increase in SDANN was observed 6 months after implantation. Multivariable analysis identified SDANN as the sole predictor of major cardiovascular events (p=0.03) among several baseline parameters. SDANN≤65 ms at the first week and SDANN≤76 ms after 4 weeks of CRT yielded the best prediction of all‐cause mortality and urgent heart transplantation on Kaplan–Meier analysis (log‐rank test p=0.015 and p=0.011, respectively for week 1 and 4 values). Moreover, relative reduction in LVESV after CRT significantly correlated with SDANN at week 1 (r=−0.596, p=0.012), and week 4 (r=−0.703, p=0.001).

Conclusions:

Device‐monitored HRV is a useful tool to identify, early after implantation, patients with a low likelihood of long‐term benefits from CRT and at high risk for cardiovascular events.
Membrane perturbing properties of natural phenolic and resorcinolic lipids
Authors: Stasiuk Maria , Kozubek Arkadiusz
Published: October 2008

The effects induced by natural phenolic and resorcinolic lipids on membrane permeability were investigated. All of the compounds tested perturbed the phospholipid bilayer and stabilized erythrocytes against hypoosmotically induced hemolysis. Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine liposomes with two preincorporated fluorescent dyes (1‐(4‐trimethylammoniumphenyl)‐6‐phenyl‐1,3,5‐hexatrien p‐toluenesulfonate (TMA‐DPH) and N‐(‐nitrobenz‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazol‐4‐yl)‐1,2‐dihexadecanoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoetanolamine triethylammonium salt (NBD‐PE)) were used to determine the effects of tested compounds on the core and surface of the bilayer. Resorcinolic lipids from rye and cardol increased the polarization of TMA‐DPH fluorescence more than that of NBD‐PE, but anacardic acid, methylocardol, and alkylphenol increased NBD‐PE dye fluorescence.
Characterization of the papillomavirus α1E2 peptide unfolded to folded transition upon DNA binding
Authors: Giesel Guilherme Menegon , Lima Luís Maurício T.R. , Faber-Barata Joana , Guimarães Jorge Almeida , Verli Hugo
Published: October 2008

Transcriptional regulation depends on sequence‐specific binding of regulatory proteins to their responsive elements in viral DNA. The papillomavirus E2 protein binds to DNA through the consensus sequence ACCG‐NNNN‐CGGT, activating or inhibiting viral replication. Through molecular dynamics simulations we were able to characterize the role of the DNA molecule on E2 binding region (named α1E2) conformation, acquiring structural insights for previous works suggesting an unfolded to folded transition upon α1E2 complexation to DNA. Moreover, the results indicate sites to guide the design of α1E2 synthetic derivatives to inhibit the HPV infection.
Mitochondria and l‐lactate metabolism
Authors: Passarella Salvatore , de Bari Lidia , Valenti Daniela , Pizzuto Roberto , Paventi Gianluca , Atlante Anna
Published: October 2008

We review here the novel insights arisen from investigations on l‐lactate metabolism in mammalian, plant and yeast mitochondria. The presence of l‐lactate dehydrogenases inside mitochondria, where l‐lactate enters in a carrier‐mediated fashion, suggests that mitochondria play an important role in l‐lactate metabolism. Functional studies have demonstrated the occurrence of several l‐lactate carriers. Moreover, immunological investigations have proven the existence of monocarboxylate translocator isoforms in mitochondria.
Far‐red fluorescence: A direct spectroscopic marker for LHCII oligomer formation in non‐photochemical quenching
Authors: Miloslavina Yuliya , Wehner Antje , Lambrev Petar H. , Wientjes Emilie , Reus Michael , Garab Győző , Croce Roberta , Holzwarth Alfred R.
Published: October 2008

Time‐resolved fluorescence on oligomers of the main light‐harvesting complex from higher plants indicate that in vitro oligomerization leads to the formation of a weakly coupled inter‐trimer chlorophyll–chlorophyll (Chl) exciton state which converts in tens of ps into a state which is spectrally broad and has a strongly far‐red enhanced fluorescence spectrum. Both its lifetime and spectrum show striking similarity with a 400 ps fluorescence component appearing in intact leaves of Arabidopsis when non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) is induced. The fluorescence components with high far‐red/red ratio are thus a characteristic marker for NPQ conditions in vivo. The far‐red emitting state is shown to be an emissive Chl–Chl charge transfer state which plays a crucial part in the quenching.
Direct and indirect modulation of neuropeptide Y gene expression in response to hypoglycemia in rat arcuate nucleus
Authors: Watanabe Minemori , Arima Hiroshi , Fukushima Kuriko , Goto Motomitsu , Shimizu Hiroshi , Hayashi Masayuki , Banno Ryoichi , Sato Ikuko , Ozaki Nobuaki , Nagasaki Hiroshi , Oiso Yutaka
Published: October 2008

Expression of neuropeptide Y (Npy) heteronuclear (hn) RNA, an indicator of gene transcription, was significantly increased in the arcuate nucleus of rats 30 min after insulin injection. Npy hnRNA levels were also increased significantly in response to hypoglycemia in rats in which the hypothalamus was deafferentated, although the absolute levels were significantly lower than in sham‐operated rats. Direct effects of lowering glucose levels on Npy gene expression were also confirmed in hypothalamic organotypic cultures. Thus, Npy gene transcription in the arcuate nucleus increases rapidly in response to hypoglycemia, and both direct and indirect inputs are involved in the rapid upregulation.
Effects of diet on glucose control in cats with diabetes mellitus treated with twice daily insulin glargine
Authors: Hall Tanya D. , Mahony Orla , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , Freeman Lisa M.
Published: October 2008

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary modification in addition to twice daily insulin glargine. Cats were treated with insulin glargine twice daily and randomized to receive either a low carbohydrate, high protein (LCHP) diet ( n=6) or a control diet ( n=6) for 10 weeks. Re-evaluations of clinical signs, blood glucose curves, and serum fructosamine concentrations were performed at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10. Two of 12 cats achieved complete remission by the end of the study but remission rate was not different between diet groups. Using twice daily insulin glargine and frequent monitoring, all cats in both diet groups achieved successful glycemic control. Frequent monitoring is key to achieving glycemic control in diabetic cats; potential benefits of dietary modification require further evaluation.
Congenital oligodontia of the deciduous teeth and anodontia of the permanent teeth in a cat
Authors: Vieira Ana Luiza S. , de Ocarino Natalia M. , Boeloni Jankerle N. , Serakides Rogeria
Published: October 2008

This report describes a rare case of congenital oligodontia of the deciduous teeth and anodontia of the permanent teeth in a cat. According to cat's veterinarian, the patient had only two deciduous upper canines and no permanent teeth had ever erupted. Post-mortem evaluation showed a complete absence of teeth in the oral cavity and inflammatory lesions were not found on the gums. Histopathological analysis of serial sections of maxilla and mandible revealed absence of odontogenic epithelium, inflammatory cells and odontoclastic resorptive lesions. Diagnosis was confirmed after both the establishment that there were no remaining dental structures and the exclusion of other relevant diseases that lead to tooth loss, such as periodontal disease, renal fibrous osteodystrophy, odontoclastic resorptive lesions, ectodermal dysplasia and trauma.
Globalisation, Institutions and Interests: Comparing Recent Changes in Industrial Relations Policy in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Wailes Nick , Ramia Gaby
Published: October 2008

This article explores the possibilities for an integrated theoretical framework which is capable of explaining similarities and differences in national industrial relations policies in the context of globalisation. The first half of the article reviews three theoretical frameworks that can be used to compare industrial relations developments in different countries- simple globalisation, the new institutionalism and a material interest approach to political economy. It argues that whilst institutionalist arguments tend to dominate analysis of the effects of globalisation on national patterns of industrial relations, a model which combines institutionalist and material interest approaches can overcome some of the anomalies attendant in institutionalist analysis. The second section demonstrates the benefits of an integrative theoretical framework for explaining patterns of industrial relations reform in Australia and New Zealand during the 1980s and 1990s. The article concludes by examining the implications of this discussion for broader debates about relationship between globalisation and national patterns of public policy.
The Old Boys’ Network? Social Ties and Policy Consensus amongst Australian and New Zealand Economic Policy Elites
Authors: Goldfinch Shaun
Published: October 2008

While much popular and academic work assumes strong links between elites, there is a surprising lack of empirical evidence for such beliefs, especially in New Zealand. This paper aims to address some of these empirical gaps by examining elite linkages in New Zealand and Australia, drawing on 180 interviews with economic policy elites in the two countries. It shows there are significant social network ties between economic policy elites within Australia and New Zealand and some evidence this has facilitated policy consensus.
Vietnam's Financial Services Sector: Prospects for Reform
Authors: Jarvis Darryl S L
Published: October 2008

This article explores the reform process currently underway in Vietnam's financial services sector, specially the strategic drivers of the reform process and the structural changes it is likely to bring about in the coming years. While Vietnam has remained mostly closed to external influences since 1975, especially the type of rapid financial sector liberalization that swept Southeast Asia in the late 1980s and 1990s, renewed pressures stemming from a desire to join the WTO as well as the recently ratified Vietnam-US Bilateral Trade Agreement, promise to open up Vietnam to foreign competition and initiate substantial structural economic reform. The article argues that this bodes well for Vietnam, since access to foreign investment capital and greater export trade will help secure enhanced growth and quicken the pace of poverty reduction.
Neo-Liberal Industry Policy and Employment Relations in Australia's Shipping Industry
Authors: Klikauer Thomas
Published: October 2008

This paper examines Australian neo-liberal shipping policy and the resulting employment characteristics of the current era. The author argues on the basis of documentary and interview research, for a significant discontinuity in contemporary policy and employment practices. These discontinuities are cumulative, and are part of a causal chain involving government, employers, customers and trade unions. With the rise of neo-liberalism, Australian shipping policy has substantially changed course rejecting not only past forms, strategies, and cooperative approaches, but also extent the alternative norms and models of developed world practice in the staffing and regulation of merchant shipping.
The Influence of Culture and Values on Policy-Making and Teenage Pregnancy Rates in the United States, Canada, and Italy
Authors: Vlaicu Sorina
Published: October 2008

Ignoring the heated morality debates and millions of dollars invested in educational programs, the teenage pregnancy rate (and consequently the adolescent birth rate) in the United States remains the highest among the developed countries, even though it had decreased during the 1990s. Adolescent birth rates are 2.5 times higher than Canada's, and 7.2 times the rate reported by Italy. To account for the differences in teenage pregnancy outcomes among the three developed countries – United States, Canada, and Italy – a complex theoretical model of attitudes, beliefs, values, and policy decisions was constructed. Departing from the rational model approach, the present analysis emphasizes culture and values, and the way in which they influence the political process, and are ultimately reflected in the policy-making decisions.

Data used to assess attitudes and beliefs prevalent in each of the three countries were obtained from the most recent release of the World Value Survey. Teenage pregnancy rates and other demographic data were drawn mostly from the World Bank's 2001 World Development Indicators. For the geographical analysis of the variations within the United States, data was obtained from the Center for Disease Control. The methodology combines cross-tabular and logistic regression analysis of individual attitudes and beliefs; a comparative table of social and economic indicators for a country-level analysis; a geographical information analysis (GIS) of the United States data; and a political analysis of the differences observed.
W(h)ither Women's Equality? Neoliberalism, Institutional Change and Public Policy in British Columbia
Authors: Teghtsoonian Katherine
Published: October 2008

In this article I provide an account of the elimination of Women's Equality as a freestanding ministry in the government of the Canadian province of British Columbia and its reconfiguration as Women's Services and Social Programs, one of several organizational elements in the newly-created Ministry of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services. I also present an analysis of a number of policy developments with particular significance for women that have accompanied this institutional transformation. In my discussion I argue that while many of these policy directions date from the arrival in office of the current provincial Liberal government, others did not emerge de novo after the 2001 election. Rather, they originated while the left-of-centre New Democratic Party (NDP) formed the government provincially during the 1990s. I assess the relative contributions of ideology and institutional structure to the policy changes that are detailed in the article, and conclude that the relationships between ideology, institutions and policy can best be understood as complex and recursive.
Women and Proportional Representation in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Curtin Jennifer
Published: October 2008

This article examines the recent impact of proportional representation on women's parliamentary presence in four Australasian political systems: New Zealand, the Australian Senate, the lower house in the state of Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) Legislative Assembly. The question asked is: Why have women not achieved an equal presence in these parliaments, given the presence of proportional electoral systems? While it is evident that there is now a critical mass of women standing as candidates in all four constituencies, in only four of the 12 elections reviewed here, has the proportion of women elected reflected the proportion of women candidates. Moreover, women have yet to constitute more than 35 percent elected to these legislatures. Overall, the representation of women in these four systems seems to have stagnated, suggesting that proportional representation should be seen as only part of the solution to the under-representation of women.
Leadership in Bandwagon: A Historical Sketch of Japan's Security Policy
Authors: Ito Go
Published: October 2008

This article has two purposes. The first is to provide a historical overview of Japan's security leadership, while at the same time it seeks to locate Japan's response to the September 11 terrorism in the context of a larger process of defining its security leadership. As opposed to the Japanese transforming leadership that sought to balance the power of the United Nations, and that eventually invited unproductive consequences in the pre-World War II period, its pursuit of security roles in the postwar period has been well built in the U.S. hegemony. I then argue that Japan's security policy has rested on its principle of bandwagoning with the U.S. government, in which the Japanese government has transformed its own security policy so that it could present itself as a major ally with the United States.

The first section discusses the differences between “transforming” and “transactional” leaderships, and locates them in the context of how the Japanese government has addressed alliances. The second section depicts the structural constraints of the alliances in which allies have had the dilemma of being abandoned from or entrapped into the partner's security policy. It then documents the larger process of Japan redefining its security role in the Asia-Pacific region. In this context, the Japanese government's response to the September 11 terrorism is also addressed. Special attention is paid to how the government sought to maintain a balance between military contributions to U.S.-Japan security alliance and the restriction on the “threat and use of force” prescribed in the Constitution. The fourth section changes the focus, and examines Japan's recent transactional pro-activeness toward Asia and entry into regional politics. Japan's holding of the Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan will be also addressed, and this article argues the conference was the fruit of Japan's recent emphasis on human security. Finally, this article concludes that the combination of Japan's continued transforming security policy and its strenuous, transactional efforts to enter Asian regional politics will be the first step toward real “normalcy” of Japan.
Assessing Japan's Role as a Global Environmental Leader
Authors: Schreurs Miranda A
Published: October 2008

The Japanese government's attitude towards global environmental stewardship has changed dramatically in the period since the late 1980s. The government has introduced a wide array of new environmental regulations aimed at addressing domestic and international pollution and promoting greater conservation of resources. Environmental decision making has also been made more open to environmental citizens’ groups. What should be made of these changes? How does Japan rank as a global environmental leader? This article assesses Japan's performance in a comparative light and finds that while Japan has made considerable progress in pluralizing environmental policy making and introducing many new environmental laws there is still considerable room for improvement.
Beyond Good and Evil in Policy Implementation: Instrument Mixes, Implementation Styles, and Second Generation Theories of Policy Instrument Choice
Authors: Howlett Michael
Published: October 2008

Dichotomous sets of policy alternatives – like market vs state – and metaphors – like carrots vs sticks – lend themselves to blunt thinking about instruments and their modalities. Administrators and politicians need to expand the menu of government choice to include both substantive and procedural instruments and a wider range of options of each, and to understand the important context-based nature of instrument choices. The paper illustrates the origins of the deficiencies of simple models of instrument choice and suggests that, ultimately, both scholars and practitioners are interested in the same thing: designing and adopting optimal “mixes” of instruments in complex decision-making and implementation contexts.
The Politics of SARS – Rational Responses or Ambiguity, Symbols and Chaos?
Authors: Christensen Tom , Painter Martin
Published: October 2008

The main focus in this article is on the SARS event as a political process, involving political leaders, administrators and health professionals. How can we understand the reactions to SARS of some of the main actors and institutions? What aspects were they preoccupied with and did their definition of what SARS was all about change during the process? A selection of jurisdictions is chosen – China, the Hong Kong SAR, Canada and the World Health Organization – to explore these questions. The starting point is a view that the reactions cannot primarily be seen as an instrumental, based on rational, standard-operating-procedures (SOPs) and technical expertise, but may be better understood by a garbage can-perspective. From a review of the events as publicly reported, we find, as suggested by garbage can theory, that politicians’ and administrators’ responses to the SARS outbreak were a combination of competing rationalities and overlapping agendas. Critical decisions were triggered by extraneous factors and administrative actions were shaped by dramatic switches from one set of standard operating procedures to another, as events unfolded. The public health issues constantly vied with other agendas and only when compelling alignments among them occurred did professional or technical rationales for “solving the problem” become dominant.
Economic Development, Deregulation and Employment Conditions: The Indian Experience
Authors: Acharya Sarthi
Published: October 2008

This paper attempts to trace the economic performance in India, first through periods of heavy labour regulation and thereafter, through periods of deregulation. Heavy regulation was accompanied by low economic growth rates while relatively free labour regimes have seen higher growth. However, in none of the periods did labour enjoy high earnings: during the first combination, a relatively small organized group of workers enjoyed high wages, while in the latter, the general wage level has been low. The paper argues that the demand and supply of workers matter much more than regulation and protection in determining employment levels and earnings. It further argues that in flexible labour regimes, it is more meaningful to protect workers through state-sponsored social security systems rather than through regulating employment conditions.
Global Subsidiarity and the WTO: An Analysis using Dworkin’s Conception of Democracy
Authors: Schofield Mark
Published: October 2008

Ronald Dworkin argues that democratic government means government subject to “democratic conditions”. The first type of condition is structural and these conditions set out the character that a community as a whole must have if it is to be a genuine political community. The second type is relational and these conditions describe how a person must be treated if she is to be considered a genuine moral member of the community.

These conditions establish a framework that can be used to examine arguments that the WTO suffers from a democratic deficit as well as different arguments for democratic reform of the WTO. Using the democratic conditions, it is argued that a number of the more common allegations of democratic deficit are legitimate, and that instituting the Global Subsidiarity Model will go a long way to reforming the WTO.
Axing ATSIC: Australian Liberalism and the “Government of Unfreedom”
Authors: Watson Virginia
Published: October 2008

The Howard Government’s axing of ATSIC has attracted widespread criticism from Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike, much of it articulated in terms of an argument that we are witnessing a “return to assimilation” in Australian Indigenous affairs. This paper cautions against such a “return to assimilation” analysis of Indigenous policy and administration. Rather, I argue that the changes are more accurately understood in terms of a shifting configuration of “liberal” and “advanced liberal” forms of governance. Both modes of governance (and the forms of political reasoning and technologies of government they manifest) are typically understood as premised on liberal practices of freedom, but the axing of ATSIC is just one example of how they are shown in Australian Indigenous affairs simultaneously to manifest specifically authoritarian liberal practices of “unfreedom”.
Business Cluster Promotion in New Zealand and the Limits of Exemplar Clusters
Authors: Perry Martin
Published: October 2008

Cluster policies have been adopted around the world despite the lack of agreement over how clusters should be identified. Much of the justification relies on an interpretation of exemplar clusters as models for local economic development. This claim overlooks constraints on the ability to replicate exemplar clusters. A review of cluster projects in New Zealand finds six ways that clusters fall short of the ideal: (i) value chain division; (ii) conditions on cooperation; (iii) the need to go national; (iv) facilitator dependence; (v) need for a leader; (vi) missing clusters. These limitations are traced to gaps in the interpretation of exemplar clusters rather than policy imperfections. Hitherto unaddressed policy dilemmas arise when working with the forms of cluster that have been encouraged.