bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated analysis of eclipsing binary light curves – II. Statistical analysis of OGLE LMC eclipsing binaries
Authors: Mazeh T. , Tamuz O. , North P.
Published: March 2006

In the first paper of this series, we presented EBAS – Eclipsing Binary Automated Solver, a new fully automated algorithm to analyse the light curves of eclipsing binaries, based on the ebop code. Here, we apply the new algorithm to the whole sample of 2580 binaries found in the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment (OGLE) Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) photometric survey and derive the orbital elements for 1931 systems. To obtain the statistical properties of the short-period binaries of the LMC, we construct a well-defined subsample of 938 eclipsing binaries with main-sequence B-type primaries. Correcting for observational selection effects, we derive the distributions of the fractional radii of the two components and their sum, the brightness ratios and the periods of the short-period binaries. Somewhat surprisingly, the results are consistent with a flat distribution in log P between 2 and 10 d. We also estimate the total number of binaries in the LMC with the same characteristics, and not only the eclipsing binaries, to be about 5000. This figure leads us to suggest that (0.7 ± 0.4) per cent of the main-sequence B-type stars in the LMC are found in binaries with periods shorter than 10 d. This frequency is substantially smaller than the fraction of binaries found by small Galactic radial-velocity surveys of B stars. On the other hand, the binary frequency found by Hubble Space Telescope (HST) photometric searches within the late main-sequence stars of 47 Tuc is only slightly higher and still consistent with the frequency we deduced for the B stars in the LMC.
Gelatinase B [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9] and collagenases (MMP‐8/‐13) are upregulated in cerebrospinal fluid during aseptic and bacterial meningitis in children
Authors: Lindberg R. L. P. , Sorsa T. , Tervahartiala T. , Hoffmann F. , Mellanen L. , Kappos L. , Schaad U. B. , Leib S. L. , Leppert D.
Published: March 2006

We investigated the protein expression of gelatinases [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and ‐9] and collagenases (MMP‐8 and ‐13) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with bacterial (BM, n = 17) and aseptic (AM, n = 14) meningitis. In both, MMP‐8 and ‐9 were increased in 100% of patients, whereas MMP‐13 was detectable in 53% and 82% respectively. Three patients with clinical signs of meningitis, without CSF pleocytosis, scored positive for all three MMPs. MMP‐8 appeared in two isoforms, granulocyte‐type [polymorphonuclear cell (PMN)] and fibroblast/macrophage (F/M) MMP‐8. Analysis of kinetic changes from serial lumbar punctures showed that these MMPs are independently regulated, and correlate only partly with CSF cytosis or levels of the endogenous inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase‐1. In vitro, T cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and granulocytes (PMN) release MMP‐8 and ‐9, whereas MMP‐13 could be found only in the former two cell types. Using models of exogenous (n‐formyl‐Met‐Leu‐Phe, T cell receptor cross‐linking) and host‐derived stimuli (interleukin‐2), the kinetics and the release of the MMP‐8, ‐9 and ‐13 showed strong variation between these immune cells and suggest release from preformed stocks. In addition, MMP‐9 is also synthesized de novo in PBMCs and T cells. In conclusion, invading immune cells contribute only partially to MMPs in CSF during meningitis, and parenchymal cells are an equally relevant source. In this context, in patients with clinical signs of meningitis, but without CSF pleocytosis, MMPs seem to be a highly sensitive marker for intrathecal inflammation. The present data support the concept that broad‐spectrum enzyme inhibition targeting gelatinases and collagenases is a potential strategy for adjunctive therapy in infectious meningitis.
Diurnal regulation of plant growth*
Authors: NOZUE KAZUNARI , MALOOF JULIN N.
Published: March 2006

Life occurs in an ever‐changing environment. Some of the most striking and predictable changes are the daily rhythms of light and temperature. To cope with these rhythmic changes, plants use an endogenous circadian clock to adjust their growth and physiology to anticipate daily environmental changes. Most studies of circadian functions in plants have been performed under continuous conditions. However, in the natural environment, diurnal outputs result from complex interactions of endogenous circadian rhythms and external cues. Accumulated studies using the hypocotyl as a model for plant growth have shown that both light signalling and circadian clock mutants have growth defects, suggesting strong interactions between hypocotyl elongation, light signalling and the circadian clock. Here, we review evidence suggesting that light, plant hormones and the circadian clock all interact to control diurnal patterns of plant growth.
The costs of changing national policy: lessons from malaria treatment policy guidelines in Tanzania
Authors: Mulligan J‐A. , Mandike R. , Palmer N. , Williams H. , Abdulla S. , Bloland P. , Mills A.
Published: March 2006

Objective  To document the cost incurred by the Tanzanian government by changing the policy on first‐line treatment of malaria, from chloroquine to sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine.

Methods  Costs were analysed from the perspective of the Ministry of Health and included all sources of funding. Costs external to the public health sector (e.g. private and community costs) were not included. The base case analysis adopted an incremental rather than a full cost approach, assuming that an organizational infrastructure was already in place. However, specific attention was paid to the burden placed on National Malaria Control Program staff. We also costed activities planned but not implemented to estimate the total expense for an ‘ideal’ process.

Results  Total costs were Tsh 795 million (USD 813 743), with the largest proportion accounted for by training. Costs of the policy change process were equivalent to about 4% of annual government and donor expenditure on malaria and to about 1% of overall public expenditure on health. A number of planned activities were not implemented; including these would bring the total cost to Ts 880 million (USD 896 130).

Conclusion  On top of extra costs for the drugs themselves, a change in treatment policy requires time, resources and substantial management capacity at national and local level. A better understanding of these issues and the costs involved benefits countries planning and implementing policy change.
The Guinea Fowl Spleen at Embryonic and Post‐Hatch Periods
Authors: Onyeanusi B. I.
Published: March 2006

The spleen of the guinea fowl was bean‐shaped but without a dented hilus. It is supplied by three short arteries that came from the ventral surface, two on the cranial end and one at the caudal end of the organ. The whole organ had a thin but tough capsule covering the outer surface except at the point of entry of the blood vessels. By day 18 of incubation, the spleen had a thin but well‐defined capsule and internal to this been complete network of sinusoids filled with erythrocytes, lymphocytes and granulocytes. By day 19, dark and light staining zones, which could be termed red and white pulps, had appeared. By day 20, the granulocytes with a lot of granules within their cytoplasm, had become the biggest‐sized cells in the spleen. At day 21, arteries and veins were noticed clearly in the spleen and many lymphocytes, few granulocytes and reticular cells surrounded these. Red pulp with its sinusoids was now distinct. A giant cell containing three nuclei was seen within the red pulp. At day 1 post‐hatch, the capsule was at its greatest thickness so far and muscle cells were seen at the inner most part of the capsule. Granulocytes that had been a constant feature suddenly disappeared. At day 5, the small lymphocytes had dominated the large and medium‐sized ones. By 2 weeks, the red and white pulps were virtually equal in distribution but by 3 weeks, the red pulp was convincingly greater. By 7 weeks, plasma cells had appeared in the peripheral splenic cords. Monocytes were observed in the sinusoids. Two germinal centres were identified for the first time in week 13 post‐hatch.
The Lymph Drainage of the Neoplastic Mammary Glands in the Bitch: A Lymphographic Study
Authors: Patsikas M. N. , Karayannopoulou M. , Kaldrymidoy E. , Papazoglou L. G. , Papadopoulou P. L. , Tzegas S. I. , Tziris N. E. , Kaitzis D. G. , Dimitriadis A. S. , Dessiris A. K.
Published: March 2006

The purpose of this investigation was to study the lymph drainage of the neoplastic mammary glands in the bitch using indirect lymphography. The main conclusions drawn from the study of 41 natural cases were as follows: the first or cranial thoracic and second or caudal thoracic neoplastic mammary glands usually drain into the ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes and rarely into the ipsilateral axillary and sternal lymph nodes, simultaneously. The third or cranial abdominal neoplastic mammary gland usually drains into the ipsilateral axillary and superficial inguinal lymph nodes simultaneously, but sometimes only cranially into the ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes. Rarely, it drains only caudally into the ipsilateral superficial inguinal and medial iliac lymph nodes, simultaneously. The fourth or caudal abdominal neoplastic mammary gland usually drains only caudally into the ipsilateral superficial inguinal lymph nodes. Rarely, it drains into the ipsilateral axillary and superficial inguinal lymph nodes simultaneously. The fifth or inguinal neoplastic mammary gland usually drains into the ipsilateral superficial inguinal lymph nodes but rarely, does it also drain into the ipsilateral popliteal lymph node and into a lymphatic plexus at the medial aspect of the ipsilateral thigh. Lymphatic connections between the neoplastic and adjacent normal mammary glands were demonstrated in only one case. The lymph drainage pattern of the neoplastic mammary glands is slightly different to that described in normal glands using the same radiographic method.
Genetic Analysis of Tolerance to Rice Tungro Bacilliform Virus in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Through Agroinoculation
Authors: Zenna N. S. , Sta Cruz F. C. , Javier E. L. , Duka I. A. , Barrion A. A. , Azzam O.
Published: March 2006

Balimau Putih [an Indonesian cultivar tolerant to rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV)] was crossed with IR64 (RTBV, susceptible variety) to produce the three filial generations F1, F2 and F3. Agroinoculation was used to introduce RTBV into the test plants. RTBV tolerance was based on the RTBV level in plants by analysis of coat protein using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The level of RTBV in cv. Balimau Putih was significantly lower than that of IR64 and the susceptible control, Taichung Native 1. Mean RTBV levels of the F1, F2 and F3 populations were comparable with one another and with the average of the parents. Results indicate that there was no dominance and an additive gene action may control the expression of tolerance to RTBV. Tolerance based on the level of RTBV coat protein was highly heritable (0.67) as estimated using the mean values of F3 lines, suggesting that selection for tolerance to RTBV can be performed in the early selfing generations using the technique employed in this study. The RTBV level had a negative correlation with plant height, but positive relationship with disease index value.
FusariumSpecies Colonizing Spears and Forming Mycotoxins in Field Samples of Asparagus from Germany and Poland
Authors: Weber Z. , Kostecki M. , von Bargen S. , Gossmann M. , Waskiewicz A. , Bocianowski J. , Knaflewski M. , Büttner C. , Golinski P.
Published: March 2006

The occurrence ofFusariumspp. and associated mycotoxins in asparagus spears was evaluated in Poland in 2002 and 2003 and in Germany in 2002. Spears of two cultivars, Eposs and Gijnlim, were collected from two locations in Poland, Swidwowiec and Poznan, on sandy and sandy loam soil, respectively.Fusarium oxysporumandF. proliferatumwere detected at an average incidence of 38.3% and 15.8% in the spear sections sampled, respectively. In stands of 11 (tested) cultivars of asparagus sampled in Germany on sandy soil, the same species dominated, however, they were less frequent than in Poland (26.6% and 5.6% of the spears infected withF. oxysporumandF. proliferatum, respectively). Chemical analyses revealed that fumonisin B1(FB1) and moniliformin (MON) were present in some of the spears sampled in Poland. FB1was not found and MON was not assessed in spears sampled in Germany in 2002, butF. proliferatumwas able to form the toxinin vitroin the range from 101.4 up to 205.8 μg/kg maize kernel substrate. Asparagus samples in Poland contained FB1at up to 5.6 μg/kg spear fresh weight. The highest MON concentration (1350 μg/kg) was detected in cultivar Eposs in Marcelin, Poland, in 2002. MON and FB1were found in spears infected by bothF. oxysporumandF. proliferatum, however, only the latter fungus was able to synthesize both toxins.
Changes in Phenolic Acid Content During Alternaria alternata Infection in Tomato Fruit
Authors: Ruelas C. , Tiznado‐Hernández M. E. , Sánchez‐Estrada A. , Robles‐Burgueño M. R. , Troncoso‐Rojas R.
Published: March 2006

Phenolic acids are components of the plant defence system; however few studies had been done with fruits. The objective of this experiment was to elucidate the changes in phenolic acid content in tomato fruits in response to pathogenic attack. Tomato fruit ‘Pinto’ was inoculated with spores of Alternaria alternata and stored for 10 days at 25°C and 90–92% of relative humidity. Sampling of epicarp and mesocarp tissues of control and infected tomato fruits were done every 2 days. Phenolic acids were extracted from each tissue and identified by HPLC coupled to a mass spectrometer. Quantification was done based in standard curves. In vitro evaluation of the phenolic acid effect either one‐by‐one and in a mixture of phenolic acids (MPA) over A. alternata spore germination was done with 25, 50, 100, 200 and 500 mm. It was found caffeic, chlorogenic and vanillic acids in both epicarp and mesocarp tomato tissues before the beginning of the experiment. Infected tomato fruits showed significantly higher concentrations of vanillic acid in the epicarp, only. Chlorogenic acid and the MPA inhibit spore germination by 30%, whereas caffeic acid and vanillic acid inhibit 16% at 500 mm. It was concluded that chlorogenic, vanillic and caffeic acids are phytoanticipins in tomato fruit. The concentration of vanillic acid also increases in tomato fruit epicarp as part of the defence system during a pathogenic attack.
Plasma total homocysteine in the active stage of ulcerative colitis
Authors: Drzewoski Józef , Gąsiorowska Anita , Małecka‐Panas Ewa , Bald Edward , Czupryniak Leszek
Published: March 2006

Background:  Homocysteine, an independent risk factor for thromboembolism, has been recently shown to be elevated in ulcerative colitis (UC). However, its relation to the activity of the disease remain unclear.

Methods:  Two groups were studied: group consisted of 1–30 patients with UC (17 men, 13 women, mean age 50.3 ± 14.7 years), including 15 patients with active disease. Group 2 (controls) consisted of 21 age‐, sex‐, bodyweight‐matched healthy persons (12 men, nine women, mean age 53.1 ± 12.8 years). Total plasma homocysteine (tHcy) and serum folate and vitamin B12 as well as selected coagulation parameters were assessed.

Results:  Mean tHcy in UC patients was significantly higher than in healthy controls: 10.8 ± 3.1 mmol/L versus 6.8 ± 2.5 mmol/L (P < 0.001). Patients with active disease had higher tHcy than patients in remission: 11.2 ± 3.5 mmol/L versus 9.0 ± 2.3 mmol/L (P = 0.048). Patients with ≥4 recurrences of the disease had also higher tHcy than the others: 11.5 ± 3.6 mmol/L versus 9.0 ± 2.1 mmol/L (P = 0.035). The tHcy correlated with duration of disease: r = 0.6632 (P < 0.05). Folate and B12 levels were within their reference ranges in all subjects. However, in the patients with active disease the platelet count, fibrinogen and d‐dimer were significantly higher than in the patients in remission and the controls.

Conclusions:  Ulcerative colitis is associated with elevated tHcy concentration, particularly in the active stage, and in more recurrent types of the disease; this elevation does not seem to be prevented by a normal folate status and might have an enhancing effect on the procoagulation blood profile.
Rapid induction and activation of Tec tyrosine kinase in liver regeneration
Authors: Wang Si‐Ying , Li Fei‐Fei , Zheng Hong , Yu Ke‐Ke , Ni Fang , Yang Xiao‐Ming , Qu Cheng‐Kui , Li Jun
Published: March 2006

Background:  Previous studies have indicated that Tec tyrosine kinase is differentially expressed in the regenerating liver. The purpose of the present study was to further investigate the potential involvement of Tec tyrosine kinase in hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration.

Methods:  Tec kinase gene expression after partial (two‐thirds) hepatectomy was examined by representational difference analysis. Tissue distribution and potential involvement of Tec kinase in liver regeneration and hepatocyte proliferation were then determined by northern blotting, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), and western blotting. Full‐length rat Tec cDNA was cloned.

Results:  Using this cDNA as the probe, northern blotting showed that Tec was specifically expressed in liver and kidney, the highest expression of Tec being detected in embryonic day 15–19 fetal livers. In contrast, the expression level of Tec in adult and neonatal rat livers was significantly decreased. Similar results were obtained from western blotting analyzes. It was thus hypothesized that Tec might be involved in hepatocyte proliferation. To test this hypothesis, Tec expression was examined in regenerating rat livers. An increase in Tec expression and activation of Tec kinase were observed within 1 h after partial hepatectomy. Moreover, it has been shown that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) dramatically induces Tec expression in primary rat hepatocytes. Additionally, it was observed that Tec gene expression in serum‐starved liver tumor cell line HepG2 was substantially decreased. Stimulation with 10% fetal bovine serum and insulin but not epidermal growth factor resulted in dramatic elevation of Tec expression in these cells.

Conclusion:  Tec is an inducible early response gene that might enhance hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation: Potential treatment for tinnitus?
Authors: PRIDMORE SAXBY , KLEINJUNG TOBIAS , LANGGUTH BERTHOLD , EICHHAMMER PETER
Published: March 2006

Abstract  Tinnitus is a common and often severely disabling disorder for which there is no satisfactory treatment. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a new, non‐invasive method of modifying the excitability of the cerebral cortex, which has proven effective in auditory hallucinations and other disorders. Some early studies have been published in which TMS has been trialed in the treatment of tinnitus. The aim of the present paper was to examine the literature and consider the potential for TMS as a therapy in tinnitus. A thorough search of the tinnitus and TMS literature was conducted, and all available relevant material was examined. Discussions were held with leaders in both fields. Tinnitus is common and there are no effective treatments. It is frequently associated with deafness, and may be the result of a pathological plastic process, secondary to loss of innervation of the outer hair cells of the cochlea. Neuroimaging studies demonstrate increase blood flow to the primary and secondary auditory cortices, particularly on the left side. Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a non‐invasive method of perturbing and inducing change in the cerebral cortex. It uses electromagnetic principles and has been successfully employed in the treatment of other conditions associated with increased activity of the cerebral cortex. A small number of studies have suggested that TMS may be effective in the treatment of tinnitus. There is a good theoretical basis and early research evidence suggesting that TMS may have treatment potential in tinnitus. Further, larger studies are necessary.
Correlates of methamphetamine use for Taiwanese adolescents
Authors: YEN CHENG‐FANG , YANG YI‐HSIN , CHONG MIAN‐YOON
Published: March 2006

Abstract  The aim of the present study was to assess the associations between methamphetamine (MAP) use and psychiatric comorbidity, individual attitudes and personal knowledge of MAP use, family characteristics and peer factors in Taiwanese adolescents via a case–control study. Two hundred adolescent MAP users and 400 adolescent non‐users were recruited. Their psychiatric comorbidity, attitudes and knowledge toward MAP use, family characteristics and peer interactions were assessed systematically. The associations between MAP use and those factors were examined by univariate and multivariate analysis. In conditional logistic regression analysis, comorbid conduct disorder, attitude favorable to MAP use and poor knowledge of MAP use, disrupted parenting, lower caregiver education level, having friends using or providing MAP and actively interacting with peers were associated significantly with MAP use. Adolescent MAP use was correlated with multiple factors that lie within individuals and the interaction with their family and peers. Correlates of MAP use identified in the present study may be helpful for the design and implementation of preventive intervention.
Increased inhibition and decreased facilitation effect during a lexical decision task in children
Authors: NAKAMURA ERINA , OHTA KATSUYA , OKITA YOKO , OZAKI JUNKO , MATSUSHIMA EISUKE
Published: March 2006

Abstract  Widespread theories propose that implicit memory is established in the early stages of development, while explicit memory continues to develop until later stages. However, recent studies have argued that implicit memory changes developmentally. In order to elucidate the differences of implicit memory and semantic memory structures between children and adults, a single‐word presentation method was developed using lexical decision tasks in which repeated real words, related real words, unrelated real words and pseudowords were presented in a list. Semantic priming and repetition priming using a single‐word presentation method were employed in 25 children and 18 adults. Reaction time (RT) and correct rate for real words following pseudowords served as the base. Inhibition effect was defined as an increase in RT between a real word preceded by an unrelated real word and a real word preceded by a pseudoword. Facilitation effect was defined as a decrease in RT between a real word preceded by a related real word and a real word preceded by a pseudoword. Although the effect sizes of semantic priming did not differ between children and adults, the inhibition effect was larger and the facilitation effect was smaller in children. Repetition priming in children did not differ from that in adults. These findings challenge the idea of developmental invariance in implicit memory, suggesting that the strength of links between nodes in the semantic network increases and the range of spreading activation expands developmentally.
Seasonality of birth in patients with schizophrenia in Japan
Authors: MINO YOSHIO , OSHIMA IWAO
Published: March 2006

Abstract  Although most Western studies have found a birth excess during winter or early spring among patients with schizophrenia, this has not been found in Japanese samples. The purpose of the present paper was to investigate this finding using a large Japanese sample. Distributions of monthly birth numbers of patients with schizophrenia were compared to those of the general population. Patients were from the governmental data, numbering 88 788. A significant birth excess during winter to early spring was found in male and female subjects with schizophrenia compared to the general population. There is a significant birth excess during winter to early spring for schizophrenia in Japan. The authors consider that the discrepancy between the current study and the previous Japanese studies was caused by small sample size and selection bias in the previous Japanese studies.
Clinical neurological abnormalities in young adults with Asperger syndrome
Authors: TANI PEKKA , LINDBERG NINA , APPELBERG BJÖRN , NIEMINEN‐VON WENDT TAINA , VON WENDT LENNART , PORKKA‐HEISKANEN TARJA
Published: March 2006

Abstract  Children with Asperger syndrome (AS), a neurodevelopmental disorder falling in the autism spectrum disorders, have an increased rate of neurological abnormalities, especially in motor coordination. While AS is a lifelong condition, little is known about the persistence of neurological abnormalities in adulthood. Twenty young adults with AS were compared with 10 healthy controls using a structured clinical neurological rating scale. The score for neurological abnormalities was higher in the AS group. In addition, a subscore for neurological soft signs indicating defective functioning of the central nervous system with a non‐localizing value was significantly higher in the AS subjects. This preliminary study indicates that neurological abnormalities, soft signs in particular, represent a non‐specific vulnerability factor for AS. Consistent with other features of AS, neurological abnormalities seem to persist into adulthood.
An unknown second tracheoesophageal fistula: a rare cause of postoperative respiratory failure
Authors: HACK Henrik , RAJ NAVEEN
Published: March 2006

The case of a 6‐year‐old boy who developed complications following gastric interposition surgery for severe, recurrent esophageal stricture is reported. Investigation of his pleural effusion revealed a rare and unexpected complication.
Postoperative continuous intrathecal pain treatment in children after selective dorsal rhizotomy with bupivacaine and two different morphine doses
Authors: HESSELGARD KARIN , STRÖMBLAD LARS‐GÖRAN , ROMNER BERTIL , REINSTRUP PETER
Published: March 2006

Background:  Children undergoing selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) experience severe pain postoperatively; a pain related to both the extensive surgical exposure with multilevel laminectomy and nerve root manipulation. We sought to define an optimal dose of continuous intrathecal (IT) morphine and bupivacaine to treat this severe pain. The aim of this study was to compare two different concentrations of morphine in a fixed dose of bupivacaine with regard to the analgesic effect and survey if they differed in side effects.

Methods:  Twenty‐six children, aged 2.7–7.4 years undergoing SDR were included in this study. Postoperatively 11 children received a continuous infusion of morphine 0.4 μg.kg−1.h−1 and bupivacaine 40 μg.kg−1.h−1 (low‐dose group) and 15, a continuous infusion of morphine 0.6 μg.kg−1.h−1 and bupivacaine 40 μg.kg−1.h−1 (high‐dose group). The Behavioral Observational Pain Scale (BOPS) was used to evaluate pain.

Results:  Better pain relief was obtained in the high‐dose group seen in lower BOPS score compared with the low‐dose group [P = 0.03, Fisher's permutation test and P = 0.06 Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney (WMW) test]. The low‐dose group received seven times as much ketobemidone 0.43 ± 0.54 mg.kg−1 48 h−1 compared with 0.06 ± 0.09 mg.kg−1 48 h−1 in the high‐dose group (P = 0.0005 Fisher's permutation test, P = 0.0017 WMW test). There was no statistical difference in pruritus and postoperative nausea and vomiting between the groups. Respiratory and hemodynamic depression was not found.

Conclusion:  This study shows that, compared with low‐dose, the higher dose of continuous IT morphine combined with bupivacaine, significantly reduce pain score and postoperative intravenous analgesic requirements without increasing adverse effects.
A redescription of Eucyclops serrulatus (Fischer, 1851) (Crustacea: Copepoda: Cyclopoida) and some related taxa, with a phylogeny of the E. serrulatus‐group
Authors: Alekseev Victor , Dumont Henri J. , Pensaert Jeannine , Baribwegure Deo , Vanfleteren Jacques R.
Published: March 2006

Eucyclops serrulatus (Fischer, 1851), the type species of the genus Eucyclops, is redescribed from specimens found in the St. Petersburg area, Russia (type locality) and compared with specimens from Siberia, western Europe and North Africa. A neotype is selected. Cultures were set up, and interpopulation hybridization as well as hybridization with related species was attempted. The classical description of external body morphology was combined with pore signature mapping and with DNA nuclear small subunit (18S) ribosomal gene sequence analysis. Comparisons with E. dumonti Alekseev, 2000, E. hadjebensis Kiefer, E. speratus Lilljeborg, E. turcomanus Lindberg, and E. pectinifer (Cragin, 1883) were carried out. A phylogenetic tree based on molecular information shows that E. serrulatus and E. speratus should be regarded as separate species. E. dumonti also deserves species status, but not E. hadjebensis. A cladistic tree based on the pore pattern of the cephalosome agrees well with a tree based on the sequence of the 18S rDNA gene. Cephalosome (and probably metasome) pore patterns seem useful to elucidate relationships within genera, while urosomal pore patterns better reflect the relationship between genera. E. serrulatus occurs in three morphological forms over most of its range; one of these (C) might be a rare (‘recessive’) morphotype, while forms A and B differ in microhabitat choice, but hybridize when living together. The same polymorphism also occurs in an American species (E. prionophorus), and therefore two hypotheses regarding its origin are advanced: either forms A and B evolved during the glacial episode (Pleistocene origin), separately on both sides of the Atlantic, or the polymorphism was already present in the ancestor of the serrulatus‐group, and was later lost in some but not in all species (Pliocene origin.)
WEIGHTED SUMS OF NEGATIVELY ASSOCIATED RANDOM VARIABLES
Authors: Liang Han‐Ying , Baek Jong‐Il
Published: March 2006

In this paper, we establish strong laws for weighted sums of negatively associated (NA) random variables which have a higher‐order moment condition. Some results of Bai Z.D. & Cheng P.E. (2000)[Marcinkiewicz strong laws for linear statistics. Statist. and Probab. Lett.43, 105–112,] and Sung S.K. (2001)[Strong laws for weighted sums of i.i.d. random variables, Statist. and Probab. Lett.52, 413–419] are sharpened and extended from the independent identically distributed case to the NA setting. Also, one of the results of Li D.L. et al. (1995)[Complete convergence and almost sure convergence of weighted sums of random variables. J. Theoret. Probab.8, 49–76,] is complemented and extended.
A NEW CALIBRATION METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING EMPIRICAL LIKELIHOOD‐BASED CONFIDENCE INTERVALS FOR THE TAIL INDEX
Authors: Peng Liang , Qi Yongcheng
Published: March 2006

Empirical likelihood has attracted much attention in the literature as a nonparametric method. A recent paper byLu & Peng (2002)[Likelihood based confidence intervals for the tail index.Extremes5,337–352] applied this method to construct a confidence interval for the tail index of a heavy‐tailed distribution. It turns out that the empirical likelihood method, as well as other likelihood‐based methods, performs better than the normal approximation method in terms of coverage probability. However, when the sample size is small, the confidence interval computed using theχ2approximation has a serious undercoverage problem. Motivated byTsao (2004)[A new method of calibration for the empirical loglikelihood ratio.Statist. Probab. Lett.68,305–314], this paper proposes a new method of calibration, which corrects the undercoverage problem.
A NEW FAMILY OF NON‐NEGATIVE DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: Hankin Robin K. S. , Lee Alan
Published: March 2006

We introduce a new, flexible family of distributions for non‐negative data, defined by means of a quantile function. We describe some properties of this family, and discuss several methods for estimating the parameters. The distribution is applied to an example from environmental engineering.
Phases and Locality constraints on A‐movement in Japanese*
Authors: Kiguchi Hirohisa
Published: March 2006

Abstract.  This paper explores locality conditions on A‐movement in Japanese and their interaction with Chomsky's phases, based on McGinnis’ (2001, 2004) proposal. Assuming morphologically derived causative constructions share the same structural status with McGinnis’ (2001, 2004) applicative constructions in the spirit of Marantz (1993), this paper provides evidence that locality constraints on A‐movement exist in Japanese and that they should interact with phrasal and ‘phasal’ structures. Furthermore, this analysis can provide a unified explanation to the (un)availability of long passives both in causative and applicative constructions in various languages.
Parallel Conjuncts
Authors: Osborne Timothy
Published: March 2006

Abstract.  The paper presents a constraint based in Dependency Grammar (DG), called the Parallelism Requirement (PR). The PR predicts the extent to which the conjuncts of coordinate structures must be parallel. It states that the conjuncts must be parallel with respect to the number and syntactic function of the roots appearing in them. The term root is defined in terms of dependency structures. After the validity of the PR in English and German is established, the discussion examines the extent to which constituency grammar can explain the parallelism effect. The argument is made that constituency grammar is indeed in a position to express the PR, although doing so requires that certain non‐standard assumptions about constituency structures are adopted. Moreover, it is emphasized that the dependency‐based approach is preferable due to its paucity of structure.
Bodily Awareness, Imagination and the Self
Authors: Smith Joel
Published: March 2006

Common wisdom tells us that we have five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. These senses provide us with a means of gaining information concerning objects in the world around us, including our own bodies. But in addition to these five senses, each of us is aware of our own body in ways in which we are aware of no other thing. These ways include our awareness of the position, orientation, movement, and size of our limbs (proprioception and kinaesthesia), our sense of balance, and our awareness of bodily sensations such as pains, tickles, and sensations of pressure or temperature. We can group these together under the title ‘bodily awareness’. The legitimacy of grouping together these ways of gaining information is shown by the fact that they are unified phenomenologically; they provide the subject with an awareness of his or her body ‘from the inside’. Bodily awareness is an awareness of our own bodies from within. This perspective on our own bodies does not, cannot, vary. As Merleau‐Ponty writes, ‘my own body…is always presented to me from the same angle’ (1962: 90).

It has recently been claimed by a number of philosophers that, in bodily awareness, one is not simply aware of one's bodyasone's body, but one is aware of one's bodyas oneself. That is, when I attend to the object of bodily awareness I am presented not just with my body, but with my ‘bodily self’. The contention of the present paper is that such a view is misguided. In the first section I clarify just what is at issue here. In the remainder of the paper I present an argument, based on two claims about the nature of the imagination, against the view that the bodily self is presented in bodily awareness. Section two defends the dependency thesis; a claim about the relation between perception and sensory imagination. Section three defends a certain view about our capacity to imagine being other people. Section four presents the main argument against the bodily self awareness view and section five addresses some objections.
Sartre's Theory of Character
Authors: Webber Jonathan
Published: March 2006

Various influential ethical theories propose that we should strive to develop morally sound character traits, either because good actions are those that issue from good character traits, or because good traits are those that generally incline us toward actions that are good for some independent reason such as the intentions with which they are performed or the consequences of performing them. This proposal obviously raises questions about the nature and origins of character traits, and our degree of control over them. For if we cannot develop our traits then this proposal should be abandoned, and if we can then we need to know how this is best achieved.
Understanding public attitudes towards Social Security
Authors: Yang Philip , Barrett Nadine
Published: March 2006

There has been very little research on why individuals hold different attitudes toward Social Security. In this article we integrate social location theory and political predisposition theory to provide a framework of explanation and test these theories using a unique sample from the 1998 General Social Survey. Our multivariate results reveal that social structural positions along the lines of race, gender, class and age play a more important role than political predispositions in explain‐ing individual differences in support for the current Social Security system against privatisation. Political party affiliation also partly contributes to variation in support for Social Security, but political ideology does not have a significant effect. Our results suggest that with regard to support for Social Security, primary consideration must rest on social structural positions. Racial minorities, women, the poor and the elderly tend to dislike a drastic change in the current Social Security system, and Social Security reform ought to pay attention to their concerns. Our robust finding of a positive relationship between age and support for Social Security also challenges much of the established knowledge, pointing to an intergenerational discord over Social Security. It is also important to differentiate among social welfare programmes in order to uncover the real determinants of public attitudes towards them.
Life stress, social support, coping and depressive symptoms: a comparison between the general population and family caregivers
Authors: Song Li‐yu , Singer Mark
Published: March 2006

Major depression is one of the four most prevalent psychiatric diseases in Taiwan. Furthermore, a study showed that 45 per cent of the family caregivers of persons with persistent psychiatric disability were at risk of depression. The present study aimed at examining if caregivers experienced more depressive symptoms than the general population while controlling for other variables (direct effect), and if the constellation of correlates of depressive symptoms was different between the general population and caregivers (interaction effect). Data from 1979 subjects were gathered in a national survey, using stratified random sampling. The results revealed that the caregivers experienced significantly more depressive symptoms than the general population. However, the effect disappeared when other variables were taken into account. Life stress appeared to be more important than coping and social support. The other two common correlates of depressive symptoms were age and being unmarried. Relational stress mattered especially for caregivers. Lastly, social support variables were significant only for the general population; satisfaction with support could buffer the negative effect of survival stress on depressive symptoms.
Reconsidering intergenerational concerns
Authors: Schindlmayr Thomas
Published: March 2006

This article argues that most government policies towards intergenerational issues are deficient. Government attention has focused largely on environmental and economic considerations, at the expense of other concerns such as social dimensions. Some of these neglected issues, such as social inequality and generational legacies are presently hindering the formation of social capital and social development, as well as preventing individuals from reaching their full potential. These examples highlight that governments should consider a broader range of concerns within the context of reviewing the underlying intergenerational contract in each society as a result of demographic, economic and political changes.
When an Empire is not an Empire: The US Case
Authors: King Desmond
Published: March 2006

This paper critically assesses the description ‘empire’ as applied to the United States in the twentieth century, proposing that US policy makers lack the territorial and occupation motives pre-requisite to being an imperial power. It is proposed that the USA is better described as an empire by accident than by design. Americans’ domestic experience of nation-building within the USA, since the early twentieth century, helps account for their unwillingness to permit the USA to be an imperial nation.
‘One Man Alone’? A Longue Durée Approach to Italy's Foreign Policy under Berlusconi
Authors: Brighi Elisabetta
Published: March 2006

By adopting a longue durée approach this paper aims to move the debate on Italy's foreign policy under the leadership of Silvio Berlusconi beyond the presentism and personalization currently dominating it. It argues firstly that the equation of Italian foreign policy with Berlusconi – irresistible as it may be – does not ultimately hold, and secondly that Berlusconi's ‘new course’ in foreign policy has to be put in a broader context. A more historically informed reading of the subject can on the one hand confer meaning and substance to what otherwise could appear to be a supremely ephemeral foreign policy, and on the other help illuminate its current trajectory and future implications. Far from being the product of ‘one man alone’ and his surreal quirks, the recent change in Italy's foreign policy results from a particular dialectic interplay between structural and contingent developments, which have come to intersect at this particular time.
Democracy, Human Rights and Market Development in Turkey: Are They Related?
Authors: Mousseau Demet Yalcin
Published: March 2006

Some studies suggest that market-based economic development with state policies based on the rule of law are essential in stabilizing democracy and protecting civil and political rights. This article explores a possible association between weak civil and political rights, democratic instability and the delay in a state-regulated market development under the rule of law in Turkey. Despite its experience with democratic institutions since the 1950s, Turkey can be characterized as an ‘illiberal’ democracy because of its poor record on human rights. The lack of a relatively autonomous and competitive market economy may be explained by clientelist and inegalitarian forms of state intervention. These in turn contribute to the perpetuation of low income levels, a clientelist rent-seeking political and economic culture and unstable and illiberal democracy.
Pareto, Parsons, and the Boundary Between Economics and Sociology
Authors: Dalziel Paul , Higgins Jane
Published: March 2006

Abstract.  Recent discussions of the separation bUniversity of Bremenetween economics and sociology in the United States highlight the way Talcott Parsons used Vilfredo Pareto's Trattato di Sociologia Generale to propose that economics study logical actions and sociology study nonlogical actions. This article argues instead that in Pareto's treatise: (1) sociology is a synthetic discipline concerned with the study of human society in general; (2) human behavior is nearly always logical from a subjective point of view; and (3) sociology studies both logical and nonlogical behavior judged from an objective viewpoint. Thus, Pareto is an important intellectual ancestor for economic sociology.
Importance of host oviposition pattern and plant size for the selection of Trichogramma strains to control the diamondback moth
Authors: Tabone Elisabeth , Bardon Céline , Pintureau Bernard , Alauzet Claude
Published: March 2006

The aim of this work was to select a candidate strain of Trichogrammatidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) to control the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), an important pest of cabbage in Europe. The parasitic efficiency of Trichogramma chilonis Ishii from Japan and Réunion Island, Trichogramma evanescens Westwood from Egypt, Trichogramma ostriniae Pang & Chen from Japan, and Trichogramma semblidis (Aurivillius) from France was studied with sentinel eggs in greenhouse‐grown cauliflower. The percentage of parasitized eggs was measured 1 m from the release point and 3 days after release. Two factors were studied: host‐egg density (three eggs per stem vs. 50 eggs per stem) and plant size (50–100 cm high plants vs. 100–150 cm high plants). Trichogramma evanescens from Egypt achieved the best parasitism. Parasitism efficiency of T. ostriniae from Japan and T. chilonis from Réunion Island was not influenced by egg density. In contrast, parasitism efficiencies of the three other strains were higher at the lower egg density than at the higher egg density. Parasitism efficiency was lower when the plants were bigger, with the exception of T. chilonis from Réunion Island, for which the level of parasitism was not affected by plant size. Thus, T. chilonis from Réunion Island appeared to be the most suitable Trichogramma strain for use in controlling P. xylostella, regardless of the growth stage of the crop. However, T. ostriniae from Japan may also be more suitable for use on cauliflower crops at the early stage of crop development. If potential problems related to the introduction of exotic species are taken into consideration, it is possible to consider the native T. evanescens.
Eicosanoid actions in insect cellular immune functions
Authors: Stanley David W. , Miller Jon S.
Published: March 2006

Insects are more or less constantly challenged with a daunting array of pathogenic organisms, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoans as well as various metazoan parasites and parasitoids. At the first level of defense, the pathogens are rebuffed by physical barriers, including the cuticle and peritrophic membrane. Upon breaching these barriers, pathogens meet with an arsenal of robust and efficacious immune defense mechanisms. Two general categories of defenses are typically recognized, humoral defenses and hemocytic or cellular defenses. The former involves induced synthesis of various antibacterial proteins and peptides, such as cecropins and lysozyme. Cellular defense mechanisms are characterized by direct interactions between circulating hemocytes and the invaders. These include phagocytosis, microaggregation, nodulation, and encapsulation. Microaggregation is a step in the nodulation process, which is responsible for clearing the bulk of bacterial infections from circulation. Coordinated cellular actions lead to encapsulation of invaders, such as parasitoid eggs, that are very much larger than individual hemocytes. While the defense mechanisms are broadly appreciated, less is known about the biochemical signals responsible for mediating and coordinating the cellular actions. We now know eicosanoids mediate phagocytosis, microaggregation, and nodulation reactions to immune challenge, as well as cell spreading, a specific step in nodulation. We have several goals in this mini review. We provide a brief background on cellular immunity, outline eicosanoid biosynthesis, and review eicosanoid actions in cellular immunity in insects. Recent work indicates some pathogens have usurped eicosanoid‐mediated immunity; they disable insect immunity by inhibiting eicosanoid biosynthesis. We interpret these findings and their significance with respect to the biological control of insects. We also present preliminary work designed to test hypotheses on how eicosanoids exert their actions. We address shortcomings in our knowledge on eicosanoids in insect biology.