bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and Characterization of Proteins Involved in Rice Urea and Arginine Catabolism
Authors: Cao Feng-Qiu , Werner Andrea K. , Dahncke Kathleen , Romeis Tina , Liu Lai-Hua , Witte Claus-Peter
Published: July 2010

Rice (Oryza sativa) production relies strongly on nitrogen (N) fertilization with urea, but the proteins involved in rice urea metabolism have not yet been characterized. Coding sequences for rice arginase, urease, and the urease accessory proteins D (UreD), F (UreF), and G (UreG) involved in urease activation were identified and cloned. The functionality of urease and the urease accessory proteins was demonstrated by complementing corresponding Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants and by multiple transient coexpression of the rice proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana. Secondary structure models of rice (plant) UreD and UreF proteins revealed a possible functional conservation to bacterial orthologs, especially for UreF. Using amino-terminally StrepII-tagged urease accessory proteins, an interaction between rice UreD and urease could be shown. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic urease activation complexes seem conserved despite limited protein sequence conservation for UreF and UreD. In plant metabolism, urea is generated by the arginase reaction. Rice arginase was transiently expressed as a carboxyl-terminally StrepII-tagged fusion protein in N. benthamiana, purified, and biochemically characterized (K  m = 67 mm, k  cat = 490 s−1). The activity depended on the presence of manganese (K  d = 1.3 μm). In physiological experiments, urease and arginase activities were not influenced by the external N source, but sole urea nutrition imbalanced the plant amino acid profile, leading to the accumulation of asparagine and glutamine in the roots. Our data indicate that reduced plant performance with urea as N source is not a direct result of insufficient urea metabolism but may in part be caused by an imbalance of N distribution.
Review of theHalieutichthys aculeatusspecies complex (Lophiiformes: Ogcocephalidae), with descriptions of two new species
Authors: Ho H.‐C. , Chakrabarty P. , Sparks J. S.
Published: July 2010

TheHalieutichthys aculeatusspecies complex is reviewed. Members of this clade are distinguished by the presence of tubercles on the tail and a reticulate dorsal pigmentation pattern. Three species are recognized, including two species new to science. A neotype is chosen forH. aculeatus.Halieutichthys bispinosusn. sp. is characterized by having relatively strong tubercles on the dorsal surface, a row of tubercles almost always present dorsal to the orbit, both sphenotic tubercles well developed and sharp, trifid principal tubercles on the disk margin with anterior spinelet enlarged, dense arrangement of tubercles on the tail and a comparatively large adult body size.Halieutichthys intermediusn. sp. can be distinguished from congeners by having both sphenotic tubercles strongly reduced, the tubercles almost always absent dorsal to the orbit, principal tubercles on the disk margin uniformly short and blunt tubercles, with all spinelets generally reduced.
Drug‐induced hepatic injury in children: a case/non‐case study of suspected adverse drug reactions in VigiBase
Authors: Ferrajolo Carmen , Capuano Annalisa , Verhamme Katia M. C. , Schuemie Martijn , Rossi Francesco , Stricker Bruno H. , Sturkenboom Miriam C. J. M.
Published: July 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Drug‐induced hepatic injury is one of the most important reasons for drug withdrawal in adults.

• Very little is known about drug‐induced hepatic injury in children and adolescents.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• The rate of hepatic injury as suspected adverse drug reactions in the paediatric population is low.

• Drugs associated with hepatotoxicity in children and adolescents were mostly known to be associated with hepatotoxicity in adults as well.

AIM

To identify which drugs are associated with reports of suspected hepatic injury in children and adolescents.

METHODS

Using a worldwide pharmacovigilance database, VigiBase, we conducted a case/non‐case study on suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) occurring in the population <18 years old. Cases were all the records with hepatic ADRs and non‐cases were all the other ADR records. Records regarding topically administered drugs were excluded from both groups. The association between drug and suspected hepatic ADRs was calculated using the reporting odds ratio (ROR) as a measure of disproportionality while adjusting for gender, country, reporter and calendar year. Sub‐analyses were performed within therapeutic class and by excluding vaccination‐related reports to reduce confounding.

RESULTS

Overall, 6595 (1%) out of 624 673 ADR records in children and adolescents concerned hepatic injury. Most of the reported hepatic injuries concerned children 12–17 years of age. Drugs that were most frequently reported as suspected cause and were associated with hepatic injury comprised paracetamol, valproic acid, carbamazepine, methotrexate, minocycline, zidovudine, pemoline, ceftriaxone, bosentan, ciclosporin, atomoxetine, olanzapine, basiliximab, erythromycin and voriconazole. The association between hepatotoxicity and all these drugs, except for basiliximab, is already known.

CONCLUSIONS

Drug‐induced hepatic injury is infrequently reported (only 1% of total) as a suspected ADR in children and adolescents. The drugs associated with reported hepatotoxicity (paracetamol, antiepileptic and anti‐tuberculosis agents) are known to be hepatotoxic in adults as well, but age related changes in associations were observed. VigiBase is useful as a start to plan further drug safety studies in children.
Does what happens in group care stay in group care? The relationship between problem behaviour trajectories during care and post‐placement functioning
Authors: Lee Bethany R. , Chmelka M. Beth , Thompson Ron
Published: July 2010

Residential programmes for youth may improve youth behaviour during placement, but it is not clear whether there is an association between a youth's behaviour pattern during placement and post‐placement outcomes. Life course perspective has been used to understand longitudinal patterns and pathways, and new statistical methods have been developed to identify latent trajectory groups. This study used administrative data from a family‐style group care programme to assess whether a youth's externalizing behaviour trajectory while in placement can significantly predict delinquency and adjustment outcomes at discharge and 6‐month follow‐up. Findings from multinomial logistic regression revealed a statistically significant relationship between a youth's behaviour trajectory class and outcomes. Behaviour pattern during care was a stronger predictor of outcome than cross‐sectional measures such as other demographic factors, placement history or mental‐health need indicators.
‘It's just like another home, just another family, so it's nae different’ Children's voices in kinship care: a research study about the experience of children in kinship care in Scotland
Authors: Burgess Cheryl , Rossvoll Froya , Wallace Bruce , Daniel Brigid
Published: July 2010

Growing acknowledgement of the importance of the role of kinship carers in caring and supporting children and young people in Scotland has led to a burgeoning of research on this topic. However, most research has tended to focus on the role of kinship carers. A significant gap has been direct studies into the views and experiences of children and young people living with relatives or friends. This paper seeks to address this by drawing on the findings from a small‐scale qualitative collaborative research project with 12 children and young people living in informal and formal kinship care in the Northeast of Scotland. The literature on foster and kinship care is reviewed and key themes identified. The qualitative research data is outlined employing a thematic analysis approach. The key findings are analysed with a view to the potential implications for policy and practice. The paper concludes with proposals for potential future research.
Learning difficulties and academic competence among children in contact with the child welfare system
Authors: Iversen Anette C. , Hetland Hilde , Havik Toril , Stormark Kjell M.
Published: July 2010

Children who have been in the welfare system tend to have poor social and health outcomes as adults. The aim of this study was to examine learning difficulties, as well as academic competence, among children in contact with child welfare service, and to compare this group to their same‐age peers. The material consisted of 4114 children in fifth to seventh grade, of which 101 were in contact with child welfare services. Information on learning difficulties and academic competence was obtained through questionnaires to teacher and parent/caregivers. As expected, there were significantly more children with learning difficulties in the child welfare group than the peer group; 12% of child welfare clients had general learning difficulties compared to only 0.4% of their peers, and 31% had specific learning difficulties in relation to mathematics and/or reading and writing, compared to 10% of their peers. The majority of child welfare children received assistance from pedagogical–psychological services. While more than every second child welfare client without general learning disability had low academic competence, there were also 15% who had high academic competence. The results show that although many of the children in contact with child welfare service have learning difficulties, there is also heterogeneity and potential for academic achievement.
A new approach to care proceedings
Authors: Masson Judith
Published: July 2010

A new approach to care proceedings, introduced in April 2008 with revised Children Act 1989 Guidance Volume 1 and the Public Law Outline (PLO), a procedural guide for the courts, adds a semi‐formal pre‐proceedings stage. This paper critiques the aims and objectives of the pre‐proceedings process in the light of what is known about the families who become subject to care proceedings. Drawing on the Care Profiling Study, the analysis of a random sample of 386 court files for care proceedings brought in 2004 and the Ministry of Justice's preliminary study of the operation of care proceedings under the PLO, it questions whether formalizing communication between the local authority and the parents immediately before proceedings can produce the intended benefits of diverting cases from the courts and improving the preparation of court applications. It considers how the new processes fit with existing safeguarding and planning procedures, the impact on workers and families, and whether the procedures will help produce good, long‐term arrangements for children at risk of significant harm more quickly.
Experience with Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu eradication measures in Slovenia*
Authors: Knapič V. , Seljak G. , Kolšek M.
Published: July 2010

After causing damage in Asia and the USA, Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu recently established in Europe on Castanea. The first outbreak in Europe occurred at a C. sativa nursery for production of plants for planting in Cuneo (Piemonte, Italy) in 2002. The Piemonte official service notified Slovenia that a consignment originating from an infested nursery was sold to Slovenia. Prompt phytosanitary action was taken in Slovenia in 2005 in order to trace back plants from this consignment and prevent establishment of the pest. In the period 2006–2009, intensive surveys of forests and fruit production areas showed absence of the pest in the majority of the Slovenian territory, including the demarcated area from 2005. An earlier introduction of infested plants from Cuneo in January 2004 remained undiscovered until 2007. Despite the radical measure of eliminating the infested orchard and removing infested Castanea trees in the forest bordering this orchard, the pest was not eradicated in this outbreak area. Individual infested trees in the forest were confirmed at a distance of up to 10–34 km in 2008, and a further 15 km in 2009. The results of annual surveys, eradication campaigns based on generic contingency elements and the change of strategy after the finding of infested forests are presented.
Hirschmanniella caudacrenaSher, 1968 intercepted in aquarium plants imported to Poland
Authors: Ryss A. Y. , Karnkowski W.
Published: July 2010

Hirschmanniella caudacrena was detected in roots of aquarium plants imported from Thailand and Singapore to Poland. Morphology, morphometrics and diagnostic characters of the species are analyzed. It was shown that the ventral notch near the tail tip is a structure of two small symmetrical cuticular flaps. The significance of the tail tip structure to identify Hirschmanniella spp. pests is emphasized. Such detections indicate that aquarium plants imported from non‐European countries are an important pathway for entry to the EPPO region of the EU quarantine species of Hirschmanniella Luc & Goodey, 1963, other than H. gracilis (De Man, 1880), and deserve special attention from the plant quarantine services of EU member states.
Examination of latent infection in raspberry canes with Phytophthora rubi and P. idaei and transmission in micropropagation
Authors: Schlenzig A. , Chard J.
Published: July 2010

Buds of raspberry canes from naturally and artificially infected root stocks were tested by nested PCR for the latent presence of Phytophthora rubi and P. idaei to establish the risk of introducing these pathogens into micropropagation. Fifteen out of 201 buds tested positive for P. rubi and only 1 out of 176 for P. idaei. These infections were not restricted to buds in the lower part of the cane and mostly do not appear to spread systemically up from the rootstock but seem to be caused by secondary infections of the canes. Buds from symptomless canes from infected root stocks were used for micropropagation and P. rubi could be detected in 5.8% of the obtained microplants after ten generations in one of the two trials. This indicates that micropropagation procedures are not absolutely infallible in eliminating infection and underlines the necessity of a zero tolerance towards diseases in the starting material.
How does local weather predict red deer home range size at different temporal scales?
Authors: Rivrud Inger Maren , Loe Leif Egil , Mysterud Atle
Published: July 2010

1. There is a rapidly growing literature on how climate affects populations of vertebrates. For large herbivorous mammals, most attention has been paid to demographic responses to climate variation. Much less information is available regarding how climate affects animal behaviour, i.e. the climate mechanisms. Further, the appropriate measurement scale of climate variables remains debated. Here, we investigate how local climate variables determine home range sizes at four temporal scales using the Börger‐method on GPS telemetry data from 47 female red deer Cervus elaphus L. in Norway.

2. If local climate operates directly on the immediate activity level of the animal, we predict home range sizes to show season‐specific variation on short temporal scale (weekly‐daily) related to temperature and precipitation. If local climate operate indirectly through plant growth, we rather predict variation in home range sizes to be apparent on longer time scales (biweekly‐monthly), and during summer only.

3. At all time scales home range size was positively correlated with temperature during winter and negatively during summer, while the effect of precipitation was season‐ and scale‐specific, except when accumulating as snow. Extensive snow cover decreased home range size, indicating direct effects of climate.

4. The effects of local climate was weaker at the shortest time scales (weekly‐daily) compared to the longest time scales (monthly‐biweekly), while the effects of day length on home range size was only apparent on the monthly and daily scale. At the longest time scales variation in local climate had a large effect on home range size. This is consistent with climatic variables operating indirectly through plant growth, but we cannot exclude a certain direct effect even at longer time scales.

5. We show how local climate‐home range size correlations measured over different temporal scales can be used to infer direct and indirect climate mechanisms. Insight on the behavioural basis of responses to climate enables more accurate predictions of possible nonlinear relationships to future global warming.
Origins, ages and population histories: comparative phylogeography of endemic Hawaiian butterflyfishes (genus Chaetodon)
Authors: Craig Matthew T. , Eble Jeff A. , Bowen Brian W.
Published: July 2010

Aim  To investigate phylogeographic relationships, genetic connectivity and potential colonization routes for Hawaii’s endemic butterflyfishes (family Chaetodontidae).

Location  The Hawaiian Archipelago (central Pacific Ocean).

Methods  Molecular genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA from three species of endemic Hawaiian butterflyfishes (Chaetodon multicinctus, n = 280; Chaetodon miliaris, n = 408; Chaetodon fremblii, n = 358) sampled from across the Hawaiian Archipelago was used in a suite of population genetic analyses to examine population histories and calculate coalescence times. We review a recent phylogenetic hypothesis for the Chaetodontidae and optimize ancestral distributions to nodes as a means of inferring colonization pathways to Hawaii.

Results  We found no evidence for population subdivisions across their ranges for any of the three endemic Hawaiian butterflyfish species (ΦST ≈ 0; P > 0.05 in each case). Coalescence analyses revealed that C. multicinctus, C. miliaris and C. fremblii date to genetic bottlenecks of c. 12 ka (95% confidence interval of τ, 0–46,732 years ago), c. 74 ka (95% confidence interval of τ, 62,918–105,699 years ago) and c. 301 ka (95% confidence interval of τ, 88,981–478,495 years ago), respectively. We found that the West Pacific appears to be the ancestral source for two of three independent colonization events to Hawaii (leading to the speciation of C. miliaris and C. fremblii). The third colonization of Hawaii (leading to the divergence of C. multicinctus) is ambiguous, but may have involved island‐hopping from the South Pacific via the Line Islands.

Main conclusions  Our results are consistent with the growing body of data indicating that ecological specialists may be more susceptible to severe population bottlenecks during large‐scale climatic variation on evolutionary time‐scales. The isolation of the Hawaiian Archipelago presents challenges for colonization by even the most highly dispersive marine organisms, and routes of colonization by endemic butterflyfishes show a variable pattern, indicating that there may be several pathways, both spatially and temporally, for marine fauna to colonize Hawaii. Hawaiian endemic butterflyfishes appear to represent genetically homogeneous populations across the archipelago.
Turning over a new ‘leaf’: multiple functional significances of leaves versus phyllodes in HawaiianAcacia koa
Authors: PASQUET‐KOK JESSICA , CREESE CHRISTINE , SACK LAWREN
Published: July 2010

Hawaiian endemic treeAcacia koais a model for heteroblasty with bipinnately compound leaves and phyllodes. Previous studies suggested three hypotheses for their functional differentiation: an advantage of leaves for early growth or shade tolerance, and an advantage of phyllodes for drought tolerance. We tested the ability of these hypotheses to explain differences between leaf types for potted plants in 104 physiological and morphological traits, including gas exchange, structure and composition, hydraulic conductance, and responses to varying light, intercellular CO2, vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and drought. Leaf types were similar in numerous traits including stomatal pore area per leaf area, leaf area‐based gas exchange rates and cuticular conductance. Each hypothesis was directly supported by key differences in function. Leaves had higher mass‐based gas exchange rates, while the water storage tissue in phyllodes contributed to greater capacitance per area; phyllodes also showed stronger stomatal closure at high VPD, and higher maximum hydraulic conductance per area, with stronger decline during desiccation and recovery with rehydration. While no single hypothesis completely explained the differences between leaf types, together the three hypotheses explained 91% of differences. These findings indicate that the heteroblasty confers multiple benefits, realized across different developmental stages and environmental contexts.
Evaluation of the association of superficial dermatophytosis and athletic activities with special reference to its prevention and control
Authors: Bassiri‐Jahromi Shahindokht , Sadeghi Golnar , Asghari Paskiaee Farnoosh
Published: July 2010

Objective  This study was conducted to evaluate the association of superficial mycosis and athletic activities with special references to its prevention and control in Tehran. Participating in various kinds of sports can lead to direct and indirect exposures to and transmission of micro‐organisms between athletes and also passive observers.

Methods  A retrospective study of superficial fungal infections in athletes was carried out during the period of March 2002 to December 2006 on 656 mycological proven cases of dermatophytosis found in athletes in Tehran. Mycologic examination consisted of culturing of pathologic material followed by direct microscopic observation. Mycologic cultures were carried out on Sabouraud Chloramphenicol Agar, Sabouraud Chloramphenicol and Cyclohexamide Agar, and Dermatophyte Agar incubated at 25 °C for at least 28 d. Diagnosis was based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the colonies.

Results  A total of 1075 athletes, from 201 institutions, suspected of cutaneous fungal infections were examined and 656 (61%) were found to be positive for fungal infections. The fungal isolates comprised Trichophyton tonsurans (56%), Epidermophyton floccosum (11.8%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (8.9%), Trichophyton rubrum (8.3%), Trichophyton verrucosum (3.9%), Trichophyton violaceum (3.3%), Microsporum canis (2.5%), and Malassezia spp. (5.3%). The distribution of lesions on the body in decreasing order was as follows: trunk, groin, hair and scalp, sole, toe webs, finger nails, and toe nails. Fungal infections were more commonly seen in wrestlers and individuals that participate in aerobics.

Conclusion  The results suggest that athletic activity seems to be a predisposing factor, especially for fungal infections. Guidelines are provided regarding measures to prevent transmission of infectious diseases in athletic settings, including hygiene, infection control practices, and education of officials, coaches, trainers, and sports participants.
CXCL5 plasma levels decrease in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Tacke Frank , Zimmermann Henning W , Trautwein Christian , Schnabl Bernd
Published: July 2010

Background and Aims:  CXCL5 (chemokine [C‐X‐C motif] ligand 5, also known as epithelial neutrophil‐activating peptide 78 [ENA78]) belongs to the CXC chemokine family and has been shown to have promitotic effects on hepatocytes. The aim of our study was to assess CXCL5 plasma levels in patients with chronic liver disease.

Methods:  CXCL5 plasma levels were measured in 111 patients with chronic liver disease and 98 healthy controls. The gene expression of CXCL5 and its main receptor, CXC receptor‐2, were also determined in liver biopsies from 46 patients.

Results:  CXCL5 levels were correlated with clinical presentation, laboratory parameters, and liver histology. Plasma CXCL5 levels in patients with liver cirrhosis were lower than those in healthy controls, and correlated with hepatic biosynthetic capacity, Child–Pugh and model for end‐stage liver disease scores. Patients with hepatic necroinflammation and fibrosis on liver histology showed lower plasma CXCL5 levels. In patients with typical clinical complications of cirrhosis, CXCL5 levels were found to be decreased. Intrahepatically, CXCL5 expression was increased in patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. The isolation of different cellular compartments from mouse livers suggested that hepatic stellate cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells are the main sources of hepatic CXCL5.

Conclusions:  Plasma CXCL5 levels are lower in patients with chronic liver disease, suggesting that CXCL5 might be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic liver disease. CXCL5 could serve as an additional biomarker for hepatic necroinflammation and fibrosis.
Singlet oxygen, a neglected but important environmental factor: short‐term and long‐term effects on bacterioplankton composition in a humic lake
Authors: Glaeser Stefanie P. , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Glaeser Jens
Published: July 2010

Photolysis of dissolved organic matter (DOM) leads to contrasting effects on bacterioplankton dynamics, i.e. stimulation and inhibition of bacterial activity. In particular, the role of short‐lived reactive oxygen species (ROS), e.g. singlet oxygen (1O2), in altering microbial activity and species composition has scarcely been investigated. Therefore, we have artificially increased the natural rate of 1O2 formation in short‐term (∼4 h) in situ and long‐term (72 h) laboratory incubations of surface water samples from a humic acid‐rich lake. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) patterns revealed significant changes in occurrence of abundant bacterioplankton phylotypes upon 1O2 exposure. Cluster analysis of DGGE patterns showed that a moderate increase in 1O2 exposure leads to similar changes in different years indicating the establishment of bacterial communities adapted to 1O2 exposure. Bacterioplankton phylotypes favoured under these conditions belonged to Betaproteobacteria of the beta II cluster (e.g. Polynucleobacter necessarius) and the beta I cluster related to Limnohabitans (R‐BT subcluster) as well as Alphaproteobacteria affiliated to Novosphingobium acidiphilum. In contrast, Actinobacteria of the freshwater acI‐B cluster were sensitive even against moderate 1O2 exposure. We conclude that 1O2 exposure due to DOM photolysis represents an important natural selective factor affecting bacterial species dynamics in aquatic ecosystems in many ways.
A c‐type cytochrome and a transcriptional regulator responsible for enhanced extracellular electron transfer in Geobacter sulfurreducens revealed by adaptive evolution
Authors: Tremblay Pier‐Luc , Summers Zarath M. , Glaven Richard H. , Nevin Kelly P. , Zengler Karsten , Barrett Christian L. , Qiu Yu , Palsson Bernhard O. , Lovley Derek R.
Published: July 2010

The stimulation of subsurface microbial metabolism often associated with engineered bioremediation of groundwater contaminants presents subsurface microorganisms, which are adapted for slow growth and metabolism in the subsurface, with new selective pressures. In order to better understand how Geobacter species might adapt to selective pressure for faster metal reduction in the subsurface, Geobacter sulfurreducens was put under selective pressure for rapid Fe(III) oxide reduction. The genomes of two resultant strains with rates of Fe(III) oxide reduction that were 10‐fold higher than those of the parent strain were resequenced. Both strains contain either a single base‐pair change or a 1 nucleotide insertion in a GEMM riboswitch upstream of GSU1761, a gene coding for the periplasmic c‐type cytochrome designated PgcA. GSU1771, a gene coding for a SARP regulator, was also mutated in both strains. Introduction of either of the GEMM riboswitch mutations upstream of pgcA in the wild‐type increased the abundance of pgcA transcripts, consistent with increased expression of pgcA in the adapted strains. One of the mutations doubled the rate of Fe(III) oxide reduction. Interruption of GSU1771 doubled the Fe(III) oxide reduction rate. This was associated with an increased in expression of pilA, the gene encoding the structural protein for the pili thought to function as microbial nanowires. The combination of the GSU1771 interruption with either of the pgcA mutations resulted in a strain that reduced Fe(III) as fast as the comparable adapted strain. These results suggest that the accumulation of a small number of beneficial mutations under selective pressure, similar to that potentially present during bioremediation, can greatly enhance the capacity for Fe(III) oxide reduction in G. sulfurreducens. Furthermore, the results emphasize the importance of the c‐type cytochrome PgcA and pili in Fe(III) oxide reduction and demonstrate how adaptive evolution studies can aid in the elucidation of complex mechanisms, such as extracellular electron transfer.
New Order: Political Change and the Protestant Orange Tradition in Northern Ireland
Authors: Tonge Jon , Evans Jocelyn , Jeffery Robert , McAuley James W.
Published: July 2010

The 1998 Good Friday Agreement (GFA) led to a major realignment in unionist politics in Northern Ireland. The Ulster Unionist party (UUP), hitherto the dominant force within the Protestant British tradition, was usurped in electoral popularity by the Democratic Unionist party (DUP). In its post-GFA rise, the DUP garnered majority support from members of the Orange Order, the largest organisation in Protestant civil society. Drawing upon a recent membership survey of the Orange Order conducted by the authors, this article examines the demographic and attitudinal bases of support for unionist political parties among its members, and tests whether the locus of support for the DUP is evenly distributed, or instead biased towards particular age groups, social classes or Protestant denominations within the Order, as well as assessing whether attitudinal variations may be influential in determining party loyalties.
Sierra Leone’s Former Child Soldiers: A Follow‐Up Study of Psychosocial Adjustment and Community Reintegration
Authors: Betancourt Theresa Stichick , Borisova Ivelina Ivanova , Williams Timothy Philip , Brennan Robert T. , Whitfield Theodore H. , De La Soudiere Marie , Williamson John , Gilman Stephen E.
Published: July 2010

This is the first prospective study to investigate psychosocial adjustment in male and female former child soldiers (ages 10–18;n = 156, 12% female). The study began in Sierra Leone in 2002 and was designed to examine both risk and protective factors in psychosocial adjustment. Over the 2‐year period of follow‐up, youth who had wounded or killed others during the war demonstrated increases in hostility. Youth who survived rape not only had higher levels of anxiety and hostility but also demonstrated greater confidence and prosocial attitudes at follow‐up. Of the potential protective resources examined, improved community acceptance was associated with reduced depression at follow‐up and improved confidence and prosocial attitudes regardless of levels of violence exposure. Retention in school was also associated with greater prosocial attitudes.
Impact of Maternal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Following Exposure to the September 11 Attacks on Preschool Children’s Behavior
Authors: Chemtob Claude M. , Nomura Yoko , Rajendran Khushmand , Yehuda Rachel , Schwartz Deena , Abramovitz Robert
Published: July 2010

To evaluate whether conjoined maternal posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are associated with increased behavioral problems among terrorism‐exposed preschool children (N = 116; 18–54 months), this study compared clinically significant child behavioral problem rates among the preschool children of mothers with PTSD and depression, depression alone, and neither disorder. Behavioral problems were independently rated by mothers and preschool teachers. Maternal depression and PTSD, relative to maternal depression alone, and to neither disorder, were associated with substantially increased child problems. Notably, maternal depression and PTSD were associated with increased emotional reactivity (relative risk [RR] = 5.9 by mother’s and 3.4 by teacher’s reports) and aggressive behavior problems (RR = 11.0 by mother’s and RR = 5.9 by teacher’s reports). This was corroborated by teacher ratings. Implications for intervening with terrorism‐exposed preschool children are discussed.
Exposure to 9/11 Among Youth and Their Mothers in New York City: Enduring Associations With Mental Health and Sociopolitical Attitudes
Authors: Gershoff Elizabeth T. , Aber J. Lawrence , Ware Angelica , Kotler Jennifer A.
Published: July 2010

The enduring impact of exposure to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on mental health and sociopolitical attitudes was examined in a sample of 427 adolescents (M = 16.20 years) and their mothers residing in New York City. Direct exposure to the terrorist attack was associated with youth depression symptoms and with mothers’ posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. There was no evidence of reciprocal effects of mother exposure on youth or of youth exposure on mothers. Although mothers reported engaging in more emotional processing coping assistance with their children, coping assistance was not associated with youth’s symptomatology. Media exposure was found to be a strong predictor of youth’s and mothers’ sociopolitical attitudes about issues such as prejudice toward immigrants, social mistrust, and current events.
Growing Pains: The Impact of Disaster‐Related and Daily Stressors on the Psychological and Psychosocial Functioning of Youth in Sri Lanka
Authors: Fernando Gaithri A. , Miller Kenneth E. , Berger Dale E.
Published: July 2010

Daily stressors may mediate the relation between exposure to disaster‐related stressors and psychological and psychosocial distress among youth in disaster‐affected countries. A sample of 427 Sri Lankan Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim youth (mean age = 14.5) completed a survey with measures of exposure to disaster‐related stressors and daily stressors, psychological distress (posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety), and psychosocial distress. The results indicated that daily stressors significantly mediated relations between war‐ and tsunami‐related stressors and psychological and psychosocial distress. Some daily stressors not directly related to disaster also predicted functioning. These results point to the need for policies and interventions that focus on reducing proximal daily stressors that are salient to Sri Lankan youth exposed to disasters.
Sex Differences in Salivary Cortisol, Alpha‐Amylase, and Psychological Functioning Following Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Vigil Jacob M. , Geary David C. , Granger Douglas A. , Flinn Mark V.
Published: July 2010

The study examines group and individual differences in psychological functioning and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity among adolescents displaced by Hurricane Katrina and living in a U.S. government relocation camp (n = 62, ages 12–19 years) 2 months postdisaster. Levels of salivary cortisol, salivary alpha‐amylase, depression, anxiety, distress, aggression, and self‐esteem for this group were contrasted with a demographically matched no‐trauma control group (n = 53). Results revealed that hurricane exposure and SNS activity moderated the relations between lower cortisol and higher internalizing behaviors. Sex‐related differences were observed in behavioral adjustment and stress regulation. Implications of sex differences in biobehavioral adjustment to loss, displacement, and relocation are discussed in relation to evolutionary and developmental theory.
Typologies of Family Functioning and Children’s Adjustment During the Early School Years
Authors: Sturge‐Apple Melissa L. , Davies Patrick T. , Cummings E. Mark
Published: July 2010

Guided by family systems theory, the present study sought to identify patterns of family functioning from observational assessments of interparental, parent–child, and triadic contexts. In addition, it charted the implications for patterns of family functioning for children’s developmental trajectories of adjustment in the school context across the early school years. Two‐hundred thirty‐four kindergarten children (129 girls and 105 boys; mean age = 6.0 years, SD = 0.50 at Wave 1) and their parents participated in this multimethod, 3‐year longitudinal investigation. As expected, latent class analyses extracted 3 primary typologies of functioning including: (a) cohesive, (b) enmeshed, and (c) disengaged families. Furthermore, family patterns were differentially associated with children’s maladaptive adjustment trajectories in the school context. The findings highlight the developmental utility of incorporating pattern‐based approaches to family functioning.
MIND YOUR ACCRUALS: PERCEIVED USEFULNESS OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN THE AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC SECTOR UNDER DIFFERENT ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS
Authors: Kober Ralph , Lee Janet , Ng Juliana
Published: July 2010

This study examines the usefulness of three accounting systems (cash, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) accrual, and Government Finance Statistics (GFS) accrual) for public sector decision‐making. From a survey of internal users, external users, and preparers in Australia, we find that GAAP accrual information is perceived to be relatively more useful and understandable than the other two systems for most decisions examined. The relatively higher ratings for GAAP accrual information differ from earlier studies and may reflect an experience or familiarity effect whereby perceptions of usefulness are enhanced because respondents have become more used to the system. This effect might also explain the lower ratings for GFS accrual.
PERFORMANCE AUDITING AND THE NARRATING OF A NEW AUDITEE IDENTITY
Authors: Justesen Lise , Skærbæk Peter
Published: July 2010

This paper analyzes how performance auditing affects the auditee in different and sometimes unexpected ways. On the basis of a detailed case study of the Danish Ministry of Transport's encounter with performance auditing we argue that performance audit is a practice that generates multiple effects and that some of these effects can be characterized as a reconfiguration of the organizational identity of the auditee. In this process, accountabilities are reformulated and reallocated which sometimes lead to ‘blame games’ and strong feelings of discomfort. We draw on actor‐network theory and a narrative approach to study how performance audit reports produce narratives that picture new possible identities that the auditee in question must take into consideration. We argue that auditee identities are partly shaped by relations to ‘significant others’, such as the National Audit Office, the politicians and the press who all give accounts of who the Ministry is and ought to be. Furthermore, we argue that accounting and management information systems are enrolled as important ‘nonhuman’ actors that enable the suggested identity positions.
AMBITIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ASSESSING MILITARY PERFORMANCE IN CRISIS RESPONSE OPERATIONS
Authors: Beeres Robert , De Waard Erik , Bollen Myriame
Published: July 2010

This paper addresses the issue of measuring armed forces’ performance in crisis response operations. By means of interviews (17 respondents) and a large scale survey (1,253 respondents) field and general officers of the Netherlands Armed Forces (NAF) have been questioned on perceived organisational success in crisis response operations. The Dutch officers assess the NAF's performance positively. A number of senior officers are hesitant about the usefulness of measuring the performance of crisis response operations. According to them the context in which the operations are being executed is too complex. Most interviewees, however, are convinced that measuring performance is useful and should be improved. These military leaders express a strong need for criteria to assess their performance on the job.
Botulinum toxin assessment, intervention and follow‐up for paediatric upper limb hypertonicity: international consensus statement
Authors: Fehlings D. , Novak I. , Berweck S. , Hoare B. , Stott N. S. , Russo R. N.
Published: July 2010

The primary objective of this paper was to evaluate the published evidence of efficacy and safety of botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injections in paediatric upper limb hypertonia (PULH). Secondary objectives included the provision of clinical context, based on evidence and expert opinion, in the areas of assessment, child and muscle selection, dosing, and adjunctive treatment. A multidisciplinary panel of authors systematically reviewed, abstracted, and classified relevant literature. Recommendations were based on the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) evidence classification. Following a literature search, 186 potential articles were screened for inclusion, and 15 of these met the criteria and were reviewed. Grade A evidence was found to support the use of BoNT to reach individualized therapeutic goals for PULH. There is grade B evidence (probably effective) for tone reduction following BoNT injections and grade U evidence (inconclusive) for improvement in upper limb (UL) activity and function. BoNT injections were generally found to be safe and well tolerated with the most common side effect identified as a transient decrease in grip strength.
Botulinum toxin assessment, intervention and after‐care for upper limb hypertonicity in adults: international consensus statement
Authors: Sheean G. , Lannin N. A. , Turner‐Stokes L. , Rawicki B. , Snow B. J.
Published: July 2010

Upper limb spasticity affecting elbow, wrist, and finger flexors can be safely and effectively reduced with injections of botulinum toxin type‐A (BoNT‐A). It has been best studied in adults in the context of post‐stroke spasticity. The clinical benefits include reduction in pain and deformity, improvement in washing and dressing the upper limb, and a reduction in caregiver burden (Class I evidence, recommendation level A). Some patients show improvement in function performed by active movement of the affected upper limb (Class III evidence, recommendation C), but predicting and measuring this is difficult, and further research is needed. An individually based approach to treatment and outcome measurement is preferred (Class IV, recommendation U). More research is needed to resolve many unknown issues of assessment and treatment, using research methods appropriate to the question.
Botulinum toxin assessment, intervention and aftercare for cervical dystonia and other causes of hypertonia of the neck: international consensus statement
Authors: Novak I. , Campbell L. , Boyce M. , Fung V. S. C.
Published: July 2010

Dystonia in the neck region can be safely and effectively reduced with injections of Botulinum neurotoxin‐A and B. People with idiopathic cervical dystonia have been studied the most. Benefits following injection include increased range of movement at the neck for head turning, decreased pain, and increased functional capacity (Class I evidence, level A recommendation). The evidence for efficacy and safety in patients with secondary dystonia in the neck is unclear based on the lack of rigorous research conducted in this heterogeneous population (level U recommendation). Psychometrically sound assessments and outcome measures exist to guide decision‐making (Class I evidence, level A recommendation). Much less is known about the effectiveness of therapy to augment the effects of the injection (Class IV, level U recommendation). More research is needed to answer questions about safety and efficacy in secondary spastic neck dystonia, effective adjunctive therapy, dosing and favourable injection techniques.
Botulinum toxin assessment, intervention and aftercare for paediatric and adult niche indications including pain: international consensus statement
Authors: Rawicki B. , Sheean G. , Fung V. S. C. , Goldsmith S. , Morgan C. , Novak I.
Published: July 2010

Evidence is emerging for the use of botulinum neurotoxin type‐A (BoNT‐A) for niche indications including pain independent of spasticity. Pain indications such as chronic nociceptive back pain, piriformis syndrome, chronic myofascial pain, pelvic pain, complex regional pain syndrome, facial pain and neuropathic pain are outlined in this paper. Of these, class I evidence is available for the treatment of chronic nociceptive low back pain, piriformis syndrome, myofascial pain, facial pain, neuropathic pain and plantar fasciitis. Peri‐operative use of BoNT‐A is emerging, with indications including planning for surgery and facilitating surgery, as well as healing and improving analgesia post‐operatively. Evidence is limited, although there are some reports that clinicians are successfully using BoNT‐A peri‐operatively. There is class I evidence showing pre‐operative use of BoNT‐A has a beneficial effect on outcomes following adductor‐release surgery. The use of BoNT for treatment of tremor, other than neck tremor in the setting of cervical dystonia, including evidence for upper limb tremor, cranial tremor and non‐dystonic neck tremor is reviewed. The evidence is variable at this stage, and further study is required to develop definitive recommendations for the clinical utility of BoNT‐A for these indications.
Role of TNF‐α polymorphism ‐308 in neurosensory irritation
Authors: Davis J. A. , Visscher M. O. , Wickett R. R. , Hoath S. B.
Published: July 2010

Synopsis

Neurosensory cutaneous discomfort in response to topical products is common, yet the relationship between symptoms such as stinging and visible irritation is currently unclear. The presence of a polymorphism at position ‐308 on the TNF‐α gene has been associated with skin irritation, i.e., erythema, dryness. Individuals with a G to A transition (AA/GA genotypes) have a lower threshold to experimentally induced irritation than those with the wild type (G allele, GG genotype). We investigated the effect of this polymorphism on neurosensory irritation (NSI). DNA genotyping was used to determine the allele type amongst a population of health care workers. The neurosensory response to lactic acid and water on the nasolabial folds and hands was assessed using a quantitative lactic acid sting test. Both genotypes had a more intense response to lactic acid compared with water on the face. The AA/GA genotypes had directionally higher scores from lactic acid (P = 0.1) and significantly higher stinging intensities from water (P = 0.001) on the face. For the hands, stinging intensities were higher for lactic acid and water amongst the AA/GA genotypes (P = 0.03 and 0.006 respectively). NSI to lactic acid was significantly higher on the face than on the hands (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that subjects with the A transition at position ‐308 on the TNF‐α gene experience more intense NSI with common ingredients, i.e., lactic acid and water, than those with the wild type. TNF‐α polymorphism ‐308 may account for some of the inter‐individual variability in response to skin care practices.