bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smoke‐derived nitric oxide and vascular prostacyclin are unable to counteract the platelet effect of increased thromboxane formation in healthy female smokers
Authors: Åström C. , Wennmalm Å.
Published: April 2008

Summary. The incidence of cigarette smoking tends to be higher in women, justifying directed studies on smoke‐related mechanisms of cardiovascular disorder in females. Platelet activity plays an important etiological role in several settings of cardiovascular disease. Cigarette smoking facilitates platelet formation of proaggregatory thromboxane A2. However, cigarette smoke contains nitric oxide (NO), which has antiplatelet activity. Furthermore, the formation of anti‐aggregatory prostacyclin (PGl2) may be higher in smokers than in non‐smokers. Hence, the concerted action of NO and PGI2 on platelet activity in smoking females is important to elucidate. The metabolites of TxA2, NO, and PGI2, as well as cyclic guanosine 3′:5′‐monophosphate (cGMP; second messenger for NO in the platelets) and cyclic adenosine 3′:5′‐monophosphate (cAMP; second messenger for PGI2 in the platelets), were analysed in 23 healthy female smokers (daily consumption 11–20 cigarettes per day) and in 26 matched non‐smokers. The urinary excretion of 2,3‐dinor TxB2 (metabolite of TxA2) was considerably higher in smokers than in non‐smokers (177 vs. 72 pg/mg creatinine, respectively; P < 0.001). Plasma and urinary levels of nitrate (metabolite of inhaled NO) did not differ between the groups. Plasma and urinary cGMP were slightly increased (252 vs. 193 nmol/L; P < 0.05 and 0.63 vs. 0.51 μmol/24 h; P < 0.05, respectively) in smokers compared to non‐smokers, while platelet cGMP was lower in smokers than in non‐smokers (81 vs. 10.3 pmol/106 platelets, respectively; P < 0.05).The urinary excretion of 2,3‐dinor‐6‐keto‐PGF1a (metabolite of PGI2) did not differ between the groups. Platelet or urinary cAMP did not differ between the groups either, while plasma cAMP was lower in smokers than in non‐smokers (19.2 vs. 26.2 nmol/1, respectively; P < 0.001). In healthy female smokers NO is not absorbed from the inhaled smoke, and endothelial PGI2 formation is not enhanced to counterbalance the increased platelet formation of proaggregatory TxA2.
Effects of sodium lactate on ventilation and acid‐base balance in healthy humans
Authors: Tappy L. , Cayeux M.‐C. , Chioléro R.
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. Sodium lactate inhibits ventilation when infused in healthy human subjects. This effect has been attributed to lactate‐induced metabolic alkalosis. In order to further delineate the mechanisms responsible for this depression of ventilation, healthy humans were infused with sodium lactate with or without acetazolamide. Sodium lactate increased blood pH from 7.37±0.02 to 7.47±0.01 and induced a sustained urinary excretion of bicarbonate. PO2 of arterialized blood decreased by 10.3±2.l mmHg, indicating an inhibition of ventilation. Acetazolamide decreased lactate‐induced alka‐linisation of blood (pH after lactate+acetazolamide 7.42±00.02), but did not prevent the drop in PO2 Acetazolamide alone tended to stimulate ventilation, as indicated by an increase in PO2. These results indicate that sodium lactate inhibits ventilation independently of changes in systemic blood pH. Alkalinization of the cerebrospinal fluid, or other central effects of lactate, is probably responsible for this ventilatory depression.
Sleep architecture as related to temperature changes in neonates at term
Authors: Tirosh E. , Bader D. , Hodgins H. , Cohen A.
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. Sleep architecture was assessed under different environmental temperatures in 10 full‐term and 10 preterm infants who reached term. Five 30‐min periods of baseline, normothermia heating, peak temperature, cooling and normothermia were analysed. A significant decrease in the proportion of active sleep (AS) and an increase in quiet sleep (QS) was noted among the full‐term infants during the heating and peak temperature conditions, whereas, among the preterm infants, a similarly significant difference was noted during the heating and cooling stages of the study, but not during the stage of peak temperature. This differential response to environmental hyperthermia is possibly related to maturational factors. This phenomenon may be related to the increased vulnerability of low birth weight infants to apnoea and sudden infant death syndrome.
Evidence‐Based Psychotherapy for Children and Adolescents: Data from the Present and a Model for the Future
Authors: Weisz John R. , Gray Jane Simpson
Published: April 2008

What is the best way to help children cope with behavioural and emotional problems? This question has been a focus of concern — to children and the adults who care for them — across many centuries and in cultures around the world. In this article we examine the current state of efforts to help children by means of an array of non‐medical interventions designed to alleviate psychological distress, reduce maladaptive behaviour, and/or increase adaptive behaviour. We refer to these interventions, collectively, as ‘psychotherapy’. In the article, we will note some accomplishments of the effort to develop effective interventions through clinical research. Then we will note some concerns about these efforts, and suggest ways to address the concerns through an alternate model of intervention development and testing.
Obesity as a Predictor of Vascular Access Outcomes: Analysis of the USRDS DMMS Wave II Study
Authors: Chan Micah R. , Young Henry N. , Becker Yolanda T. , Yevzlin Alexander S.
Published: April 2008

Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are widely regarded as the preferred vascular access in hemodialysis patients due to their primary patency and patient survival benefits. While the obesity paradox has been associated with improved cardiovascular morbidity and all‐cause mortality in dialysis patients, its long‐term vascular access outcomes are less clear. Recent literature has suggested that obese patients may have increased early and late fistula failure. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between obesity and vascular access outcomes. We performed a retrospective cohort analysis using the USRDS DMMS Wave 2 data set. All incident dialysis patients as of January 1, 1996, over the age of 18, receiving only hemodialysis as mode of renal replacement therapy were eligible for inclusion. Among other variables, data collected for the DMMS Wave 2 included: type and location of vascular access, AVF maturity, vascular access revision, and failure. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between obesity and vascular access outcomes, adjusting for important covariates. In all, 1486 hemodialysis patients were included. Using body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2 as reference, obesity did not emerge as a factor in predicting vascular access revisions or failures. An increased risk of AVF failure to mature was found only in the highest BMI quartile (≥35 kg/m2) (aOR 3.66 [95% CI 1.27–10.55], p = 0.017). Peripheral vascular disease was independently associated with an increased risk of AVF failure (aOR 2.78 [95% CI 1.01–7.63], p = 0.047) and arteriovenous graft (AVG) failure (aOR 1.65 [95% CI 1.03–2.64], p = 0.036). Obesity was not associated with increased AVF or AVG revision rates or failure and only associated with poorer AVF maturity at highest BMI quartile. We conclude that obesity should not preclude placement of AVF as vascular access of choice, except in the very obese where assessment should be individually based.
Editorial Focus: Thrombosis with Erythropoietic Stimulating Agents—Does Iron‐Deficient Erythropoiesis Play a Role?
Authors: Dahl Naomi V. , Henry David H. , Coyne Daniel W.
Published: April 2008

Thrombocytosis is common in iron deficiency and resolves following iron repletion. Increased platelet number, whether from iron deficiency or from other causes, may increase the risk of thrombovascular events. One mechanism thought to mediate iron deficiency‐induced thrombocytosis is increased erythropoietin production. Similarly, erythropoietic stimulating agents (ESA) have long been known to increase platelet number and frequently lead to functional or absolute iron deficiency. This state of relative or absolute iron deficiency may be the mechanism whereby ESA increase the platelet count. If correct, co‐administration of iron should prevent or diminish ESA‐driven thrombocytosis. Data from the DRIVE trial in hemodialysis patients do, in fact, suggest that this is the case. Platelet counts in patients receiving IV iron decreased, while they remained unchanged in patients not given iron (mean change −29,000/μl vs. −0/μl; p = 0.017). Other supporting data have been observed in IV iron trials in oncology patients. The harm from higher hemoglobin targets and higher ESA doses may be mediated in part through induction of iron deficiency and thrombocytosis. The major anemia trials of ESAs have not reported platelet data, but should examine the relationship of platelet count, iron deficiency, IV iron administration, and cardiovascular events in greater detail.
Study of uptake of cell penetrating peptides and their cargoes in permeabilized wheat immature embryos
Authors: Chugh Archana , Eudes François
Published: April 2008

The uptake of five fluorescein labeled cell‐penetrating peptides (Tat, Tat2, mutated‐Tat, peptide vascular endothelial‐cadherin and transportan) was studied in wheat immature embryos. Interestingly, permeabilization treatment of the embryos with toluene/ethanol (1 : 20, v/v with permeabilization buffer) resulted in a remarkably higher uptake of cell‐penetrating peptides, whereas nonpermeabilized embryos failed to show significant cell‐penetrating peptide uptake, as observed under fluorescence microscope and by fluorimetric analysis. Among the cell‐penetrating peptides investigated, Tat monomer (Tat) showed highest fluorescence uptake (4.2‐fold greater) in permeabilized embryos than the nonpermeabilized embryos. On the other hand, mutated‐Tat serving as negative control did not show comparable fluorescence levels even in permeabilized embryos. A glucuronidase histochemical assay revealed that Tat peptides can efficiently deliver functionally active β‐glucuronidase (GUS) enzyme in permeabilized immature embryos. Tat2‐mediated GUS enzyme delivery showed the highest number of embryos with GUS uptake (92.2%) upon permeabilization treatment with toluene/ethanol (1 : 40, v/v with permeabilization buffer) whereas only 51.8% of nonpermeabilized embryos showed Tat2‐mediated GUS uptake. Low temperature, endocytosis and macropinocytosis inhibitors reduced delivery of the Tat2–GUS enzyme cargo complex. The results suggest that more than one mechanism of cell entry is involved simultaneously in cell‐penetrating peptide‐cargo uptake in wheat immature embryos. We also studied Tat2‐plasmid DNA (carrying Act‐1GUS) complex formation by gel retardation assay, DNaseI protection assay and confocal laser microscopy. Permeabilized embryos transfected with Tat2–plasmid DNA complex showed 3.3‐fold higher transient GUS gene expression than the nonpermeabilized embryos. Furthermore, addition of cationic transfecting agent Lipofectamine™ 2000 to the Tat2–plasmid DNA complex resulted in 1.5‐fold higher transient GUS gene expression in the embryos. This is the first report demonstrating translocation of various cell‐penetrating peptides and their potential to deliver macromolecules in wheat immature embryos in the presence of a cell membrane permeabilizing agent.
EFFECTS OF SODIUM CASEINATE AND WHEY PROTEINS ON WHIPPING PROPERTIES AND TEXTURE CHARACTERISTICS OF WHIPPED CREAM
Authors: ZHAO QIANGZHONG , ZHAO MOUMING , WANG JINSHUI , WANG CAIHUA , YANG BAO
Published: April 2008

In the present study, different concentrations of sodium caseinate and whey proteins were used to prepare whipped cream. Determination of the average particle size of whipped cream by integrated laser light scattering instrument suggested that both proteins could cause an obvious decrease in it. Partial coalescence of fat globules and overrun during whipping were analyzed to evaluate the effects of sodium caseinate and whey proteins on the whipping properties of whipped cream. Sodium caseinate and whey proteins showed dose‐dependent effects on the partial coalescence of whipped cream and overrun during the whipping process. The partial coalescence of whipped cream with 0.3% of sodium caseinate was 20.28% after whipping for 6 min, while the sample with 0.9% of sodium caseinate reached 65.40%. More significant (P < 0.05) increase in the partial coalescence of whipped cream with sodium caseinate was found than those with whey proteins. The highest overrun value of whipped cream was reached when it was whipped with 0.7% of sodium caseinate for 6 min. The effects of sodium caseinate and whey proteins on texture characteristics were also investigated by texturometer. Using both proteins could result in increased firmness, consistency, cohesiveness and viscosity of whipped cream . A bigger improvement in texture characteristics was observed for whipped creams with sodium caseinate than for those with whey proteins.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

In the present study, different concentrations of sodium caseinate and whey proteins were used to prepare whipped cream. The effects of sodium caseinate and whey proteins on the texture characteristics of whipped cream using a texturometer were investigated. Using both proteins could result in increased firmness, consistency, cohesiveness and viscosity of whipped cream. The changes in average particle size distribution, partial coalescence of fat globules and overrun of whipped cream during whipping were also evaluated. The average particle size of whipped cream decreased obviously after adding sodium caseinate or whey proteins. Both proteins showed dose‐dependent effects on the partial coalescence of whipped cream and overrun during the whipping process.
Is gonadal investment in walleye (Sander vitreus) dependent on body lipid reserves? A multipopulation comparative analysis
Authors: Moles Matthew D , Johnston Thomas A , Robinson Beren W , Leggett William C , Casselman John M
Published: April 2008

A key requirement of effective fisheries management is a better understanding of the mechanisms driving recruitment variability. Recent research suggests that the quantity and quality of gametes produced by fish is closely linked to the availability of surplus energy, usually stored as lipid. We sampled mature walleye (Sander vitreus) from seven populations across Canada to determine if indices of reproductive effort were positively related to indices of adult nutrient reserves, primarily body lipid concentration. Populations varied greatly in growth rates, body lipid contents, and reproductive traits. Within-population trends between indices of reproductive effort and parental body traits were highly variable. Body lipid concentration was most closely related to gonad lipid concentration, but not in all populations. Among populations, relative fecundity and ovary lipid concentrations were positively related, and egg size was negatively related to whole-body lipid concentrations; no trends were evident for males. Our results suggest that relationships between walleye reproductive effort and body lipid reserves may be more complex than previously thought.
Estimates of juvenile and adult raggedtooth shark (Carcharias taurus) abundance along the east coast of South Africa
Authors: Dicken Matthew Laurence , Booth Anthony John , Smale Malcolm John
Published: April 2008

A Cormack–Jolly–Seber model was developed to estimate abundance, survival, and probability of capture for juvenile (<1.8 m total length, TL) and adult (>1.8 m TL) raggedtooth sharks (Carcharias taurus) along the east coast of South Africa. Model estimates were adjusted to account for tag loss, nonreporting, and after release mortality. The model was constructed using mark–recapture data from the Oceanographic Research Institute and Port Elizabeth Museum cooperative tagging programs from 1984 to 2004. The adjusted estimate for juvenile survival was 0.56 and that for adult survival was 0.89. The adjusted estimate of probability of capture for juvenile sharks ranged from 0.06 to 0.17, while that for adult sharks was from 0.02 to 0.04. The mean annual abundance of juvenile sharks was 6800 (coefficient of variation, CV = 13%) and adult sharks 16 700 (CV = 9%). The accumulated effect of tag loss, nonreporting, and after release mortality were to reduce the overall estimate of juvenile and adult abundance by approximately 50%. The adjusted estimate of population size for both juvenile and adult sharks over the last decade appears to have remained constant (P > 0.05).
Bomb radiocarbon chronologies in the Arctic, with implications for the age validation of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and other Arctic species
Authors: Campana Steven E , Casselman John M , Jones Cynthia M
Published: April 2008

Radiocarbon generated by atmospheric testing of nuclear weapons (bomb radiocarbon) produced a strong signal with an abrupt onset in the 1950s, which serves as a dated marker for tracing oceanic circulation and confirming age in animals forming growth bands. Here, we report the first prebomb and postbomb radiocarbon chronologies for marine and freshwater environments in the Canadian Arctic, extend the radiocarbon chronology for the northwest Atlantic Ocean, and use the onset of the bomb signal to validate our age interpretations of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in Arctic lakes. Both surface and deepwater Arctic chronologies became detectable on or around 1958, similar to the year of onset elsewhere in the world. In contrast, the freshwater Arctic chronology increased sharply in 1957, with a peak value sixfold higher than the adjacent marine environment. The radiocarbon content of the adult otolith core validated our age interpretation criteria for Arctic lake trout to an age of at least 50 years. Otolith growth in such slow-growing fish was so low as to be unresolvable under conventional examination with a dissecting microscope. With these new radiocarbon reference chronologies, age validation of a large number of Arctic organisms should now be possible.
Increases in steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) redd abundance resulting from two conservation hatchery strategies in the Hamma Hamma River, Washington
Authors: Berejikian Barry A , Johnson Thom , Endicott Richard S , Lee-Waltermire Joy
Published: April 2008

Conservation hatcheries for anadromous salmonids that aim to increase production and minimizing genetic, ecological, and demographic risks have not been experimentally tested for their ability to increase number of adults spawning in the natural environment. The conservation hatchery program for steelhead (i.e., sea-run rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss) evaluated in this study caused an increase in the number of redds in the supplemented Hamma Hamma River compared with the presupplementation period. Three control populations (nonsupplemented) either remained stable or declined over the same period. The increase in redds from hatchery-produced spawners did not reduce the redd production from natural-origin spawners. The strategy of rearing and releasing adult steelhead accounted for the greatest proportion of redd abundance increases. Environmentally induced differences in spawn timing between the adult release group and anadromous adults of hatchery and natural origin may explain why the adult release group and anadromous adults assortatively formed pairing combinations on the spawning grounds. Although captively reared adults produced the majority of redds in years they were released in substantial numbers, uncertainty regarding the relative reproductive success of this strategy suggests caution in recommending one strategy over the other. A demographic boost to the naturally spawning population was effected while managing to minimize negative ecological consequences.
ASYMPTOTIC DECAY TOWARD THE PLANAR RAREFACTION WAVES FOR A MODEL SYSTEM OF THE RADIATING GAS IN TWO DIMENSIONS
Authors: GAO WENLIANG , ZHU CHANGJIANG
Published: April 2008

In this paper, we consider the asymptotic decay rate towards the planar rarefaction waves to the Cauchy problem for a hyperbolic–elliptic coupled system called as a model system of the radiating gas in two dimensions. The analysis based on the standard L2-energy method, L1-estimate and the monotonicity of profile obtained by the maximum principle.
SOFTWARE PACKAGES FOR STUDYING DIFFUSION PATHWAYS OF GASES IN PROTEINS
Authors: PANT KARTIKEYA , DUTTA UDAYAN
Published: April 2008

Mapping entry and exit pathways of gases in proteins is now carried out using a combination of crystallographic, spectroscopic and computational techniques. Recent technological advances have brought about a broad range of software packages that can map diffusion pathways in several different classes of proteins, the results of which can be verified experimentally. We review some of the software packages used to study diffusion pathways in different proteins and discuss some common applications. It is anticipated that this review will serve as a useful resource in choosing the software package best suited to one's need to study a problem on diffusion pathways for diatomic molecules while providing the necessary background for this purpose.
Wetting and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Simple Liquids
Authors: De Coninck J. , Blake T.D.
Published: April 2008

Large-scale molecular dynamics simulations are increasingly applied to the study of wetting dynamics. They have the advantage of being able not only to model the macroscopic world with reasonable accuracy, but also to reveal details at the microscopic level. Here we review the principles of modeling, using molecular dynamics, and comment on the specific methods used in our laboratory in comparison with others. By way of example, we explain how we extract physical parameters from simulations of partially wetting liquids on homogeneous substrates in a variety of geometries. We then show how the results have been applied to build our understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
Suppression of Survivin Expression by Short Hairpin RNA Induces Apoptosis in Human Laryngeal Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Chen Xiu-mei , Luan Xin-yong , Lei Da-peng , Ma Xiao-jie , Liu Xue-xia , Liu Jie , Pan Xin-liang
Published: April 2008

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the suppression effect of survivin shRNA on the expression of the survivin gene in the human laryngeal cancer cell line Hep-2. Procedures: 60 cases of laryngeal squamous-cell carcinoma (LSCC) and 10 cases of normal laryngeal mucosa were examined using immunohistochemistry to determine whether the expression of survivin correlated with tumorigenesis. Three plasmid vectors of short hairpin RNA (shRNA) specific for survivin were designed and generated. Western blot and real-time PCR analysis of survivin expression in Hep-2 cells was performed 48 h after transfection. The growth curve was used to determine the cell proliferation. Propidium iodide (PI) single staining was applied to detect the cell cycle. The apoptosis of the cells was analyzed by flow cytometry with the FITC-annexin-V/PI double staining and PI single staining. Results: 68.33% (41 out of 60) of tumors were positive for survivin expression and significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and advanced stage. In contrast, no expression of survivin in normal mucosa was detected. Transfection of Hep-2 cells with survivin shRNA significantly inhibited survivin expression at both the mRNA and the protein level in Hep-2 cells. Downregulation of survivin resulted in increasing the apoptosis index, but the results showed no obvious influence on cell cycle. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that survivin shRNA effectively inhibits survivin gene expression in Hep-2 cells leading to growth suppression and apoptotic induction in Hep-2 cells.
Intravital Microlesions in the Human Otic Capsule
Authors: Frisch Thomas , Bretlau Poul , Sorensen Mads Solvsten
Published: April 2008

Purpose of the Study: To verify microcracks in human temporal bones by a method which distinguishes intravital lesions from artifacts, to revisit previous information derived from decalcified materials on their morphology and classification and to discuss the possible clinical significance. Procedures: Histological analysis of 210 undecalcified adult human temporal bones bulk-stained by basic fuchsin in ethanol prior to embedding in methyl methacrylate and processing by the cutting and grinding method. Results: Intravital crack lesions appeared in all specimens and could be distinguished from artifacts regardless of crack morphology and size. Particularly, large microfissures were found around the labyrinthine windows, while smaller microfissures originating at the perilymphatic space were found throughout perilabyrinthine bone. Small noncommunicating fatigue microdamage was identified for the first time. All lesions were reorganized according to morphology, topography and possible clinical significance. Conclusion: Microfissures accumulate in the adult otic capsule as expected when bone remodeling is low. Any capsular microlesion may introduce a possible barrier in the recently discovered antiresorptive signaling pathway from inner ear structures via the lacunocanalicular osteocytic network to perilabyrinthine bone. For this reason intravital microfissures may interfere with in vivo inhibition of temporal bone remodeling and consequently offer another pathogenetic factor in otosclerosis.
Locomotor Activity in Drosophila Melanogaster
Authors: Scharloo W. , Van Stolwijk H. , Van Dijken F.R.
Published: April 2008

The effects of various experimental conditions on locomotor activity of adult Drosophila melanogaster flies of both sexes were measured in the locometer. This apparatus measures linear progression of flies and is based on the fractionating principle of mazes used for behavioural studies. Groups of approximately 100 flies are tested simultaneously but every individual fly is assigned a locomotor activity score. This score is positively correlated with open-field behaviour as measured in the Elens-Wattiaux-chamber. Strong lasting effects of ether anaesthesia were demonstrated. Other anaesthetics (c.q. CO

2

and N

2

) did not show such profound effects. The effects of culturing conditions, density, age and sex were measured. The locometer proved to be useful for the investigations of the effects of different stimuli on the locomotory behaviour of fruitflies.
The Arterial Vascular Supply of the Upper Abdominal Organs in the Rat
Authors: Boekelaar A.B. , Baljet B. , Drukker J.
Published: April 2008

In this study the arterial vascular supply of the upper abdominal organs in the rat was investigated. In general the main anatomical features seem to be in accordance with the anatomy in man. However there are some important differences worth mentioning and the nomenclature used in the rat is not adequate in all respects: 1. The branch of the celiac artery which bifurcates into the hepatic artery proper and the gastroduodenal artery should not be given the incorrect name hepatic artery but is named common hepatic artery. 2. The hepato-esophageal artery is a constantly present branch of the hepatic artery proper running in the hepatogastric ligament. 3. The right gastric artery, present in about 40% of the specimens, is a branch of the gastroduodenal artery which runs towards the lesser curvature where it communicates freely with a left gastric artery branch. 4. The gastrosplenic artery is one of the branches of the splenic artery. It divides into a gastric and a splenic branch. The gastric branch is the only short gastric artery present in the rat. 5. A gastro-epiploic artery at the splenic side of the stomach is not present in the rat. The continuation of the splenic artery into the greater omentum has been referred to as the left epiploic artery. Anastomoses with epiploic branches of the gastro-epiploic artery are present in the greater omentum.
Enzyme Variation in Haplochromine Cichlid Fishes From Lake Victoria
Authors: Verheyen E. , Selens M. , Van Rompaey J.
Published: April 2008

In the great lakes of Africa, endemism and high rates of speciation are characteristic for some genera within cichlid species flocks. These flocks present novel problems in differentiation and speciation. Much debate has centered around the actual way in which speciation has taken place in the African lakes and in particular whether or not the cichlid flocks provide an example supporting sympatric as opposed to allopatric speciation. To characterize evolutionary changes in some species of the presumed young species flock of Lake Victoria, we studied allozyme variation through electrophoretic analysis of muscle enzymes from 10 haplochromine species. The genetic similarities calculated between the 8 Haplochromis species are very high (genetic identities are all higher than 0.97). Even the monotypic genera Hoplotilapia retrodens and Macropleurodus bicolor are electrophoretically indistinguishable from members of Haplochromis. Based upon the available evidence, the species used here are biologically valid. Therefore it is argued that the very high genetic similarities reported here (and by other authors) are best explained by a very recent separation of the different haplochromine gene pools. This implies that the genetic differences, which did accompany reproductive isolation, involved either regulatory genes or non enzymatic parts of the structural genome. This is in accordance with the accepted views on the dominant factors in cichlid speciation.
Singapore Political Cartooning
Authors:   Lim Cheng Tju
Published: April 2008

The lack of research on the history of political cartoons in Singapore and the kind of tradition it has evolved is what prompted this thesis to perform its rudimentary search through 36 years of The Straits Times (1959-1995) in a basic attempt to fill in some of the gaps. It has taken upon itself to identify the trends - thematic and stylistic - of this tradition, by looking at the political context behind the cartoon's production. The assumption here is that the kind of tradition an art form has evolved can be understood by studying it from a historical viewpoint, that is, from its political context. A political cartoon is more than just a summing up of the day's issues. In Singapore, it has a consensus-shaping role as well. It reflects the times and political space and how things are run here. That is why its history is important to any society.
The Politics of Ageing: Perspectives from State and Society in Singapore
Authors: Rappa Antonio L.
Published: April 2008

An understanding of the extent and degree of political influence on the elderly is crucial in any constituency. The paper analyses how state and civil society actors (1) anticipate the problems associated with an increasingly ageing population; and (2) provide solutions that reconcile the importance of material sustenance through economic performance while preserving traditional kinship ties through familial bonds. The article hopes to encourage more academic analyses on the issues, prejudices and biases associated with ageing and the elderly in Singapore. A politics of ageing exists because the state and society are faced with a question of governance for this cohort of citizens: (1) What policies and resources from state and society should be devoted to their needs? (2) Where will these resources be derived from? (3) When should such policies be implemented and resources delivered? (4) How will we know that policies implemented are effective? Ultimately, a politics of ageing dependent on materialism will succeed or fail by those materialist standards.
The Enticement To Re-Read: Repetition as Parody in 2 Samuel
Authors: Pyper Hugh S.
Published: April 2008

The story of Nathan's parable in 2 Samuel 12 and the story of David's encounter with the woman of Teqoa in 2 Samuel 14 bear striking structural similarities. In both, the king is enticed into committing himself by an oath in response to a fictional story retailed to him on behalf of a third person. The argument of this paper is that the relationship between the two is parodic; 2 Samuel 14 contains a bathetic reprise of motifs and devices from the earlier story. Once the reader has registered this, the effect is to raise questions as to what is going on in the earlier story. Rereading 2 Samuel 12 in the light of 2 Samuel 14 raises questions about David's capacity to read events clearly. Both stories provide an internal model of text reception, which is complicated by the parodic reflection of the model. Drawing on studies of similar devices in ancient Greek novels, I argue that the result for the reader is to throw into question the categories of reading strategies we apply to the text.
What Did the Prophets Think They Were Doing? Speech Acts and Prophetic Discourse in the Old Testament
Authors: Houston Walter
Published: April 2008

The texts in the prophetic books which suggest a consciousness of the power of the divine word form the starting-point for an investigation of prophetic discourse in these books in terms of J.L. Austin and J.R. Searle's theory of speech acts. R.P. Carroll's suggestions on the topic are critically examined, and a study is then undertaken of judgement prophecy to demonstrate that it should be understood as having the illocutionary force of a declaration placing the hearers (or a third party) under judgement. The response narrated or expected to such prophecies in prophetic narratives is shown to be ambiguous as between mourning over an accomplished act of judgement and prayer for mercy, and this is seen to be appropriate to an illocutionary act of that kind.
Second Temple Judaism, Jesus, and Women Yeast of Eden
Authors: Levine Amy-Jill
Published: April 2008

Reconstructions of first-century Judaism frequently depict a systemic patriarchy that oppressed and repressed Jewish women; such studies also argue that Jesus' message liberated women from their hierarchical, misogynistic social context and located them within an egalitarian community. Addressing the various data on women in formative Judaism and exploring the sayings material of the Gospels that might reflect the Palestinian Jesus movement, this article suggests revisions of both models.
Circumcision of the Prostitute: Gender, Sexuality, and the Call To Repentance in Jeremiah 3:1- 4:41
Authors: Shields Mary E.
Published: April 2008

The move from accusation to promise in Jer. 3:1—4:4 is mirrored by a move from female imagery to male imagery. The passage begins with marriage imagery: God as the husband, and Israel as the wife who acts like a harlot. Sister imagery is used next to portray the "rivalry" in prostitution between Judah and the northern kingdom. When the chapter begins to move to the possibility of repentance, however, the imagery changes to father-son imagery, God being the father and Israel being the repentant and obedient son. The last shift in imagery, that of circumcision, as a sign both of human repentance and of God's promise, occurs in Jer. 4:1-4. In addition to shifts in imagery, there are also shifts in mode of address, from feminine direct address to masculine direct address. Equally significant as the shift in imagery, the direct address is used rhetorically to pressure the audience into identifying in one way as opposed to another (e.g., to identify as the proper sons to God as father rather than as unfaithful wife to God as husband). This article explores these shifts in gender imagery and direct address, focusing on the ways in which gender and sexuality are constructed in this chapter, and how they in turn construct the call to repentance.
"Stand, Therefore ... ": Ephesians 6:10-20 as Peroratio
Authors: Lincoln Andrew T.
Published: April 2008

Despite objections that can be raised against the way ancient rhetorical categories are applied to the New Testament letters, an analysis of Ephesians which labels 6:10-20 as peroratio proves illuminating. Most discussions of this pericope have simply treated it as the concluding element of the letter's paraenesis, while noting its apparent change of imagery and mood. It is argued here that, on a rhetorical analysis, Ephesians 6:10-20 contains the major elements expected of a peroratio by the ancient rhetoricians and also has features in common with ancient accounts of speeches of generals before battle. Once the pericope is recognized as a peroratio, greater justice can be done to its links with the whole of the letter, fresh light is shed on the dispute about the reference of the various pieces of armour, and the concluding depiction of Paul's imprisonment falls into place. In particular such an analysis enables a clearer evaluation of the effectiveness of the pericope's imagery and exhortation as part of the writer's overall strategy of persuasion.
Pour Une Lecture «Catholique» De La Bible
Authors: L'Hour Jean
Published: April 2008

L'arrivée sur la scène internationale de la revue Biblical Interpretation marque un tournant dans l'histoire de l'exégèse. Au plan de la recherche biblique, elle reflète un nouveau positionnement du christianisme dans le concert mondial des cultures, des religions, mais aussi de la modernité. En effet, l'objectif que s'est donné cette revue d'une interprétation des Ecritures chrétiennes en dialogue avec les autres religions et, plus largement, avec le monde moderne, n'est pas sans poser un certain nombre de questions au christianisme et à ses églises. L'Eglise Catholique, en raison de sa fermeté doctrinale, nous paraît particulièrement interpellée. Jusqu'où cette Eglise peut-elle aller dans le dialogue sans mettre en péril sa doctrine touchant à la révélation, au canon des Ecritures, à la christologie, sans renoncer à la conception qu'elle a d'elle-même, de son universalisme, de sa mission? Les exégètes catholiques engagés dans ce dialogue font figure de francs-tireurs et l'articulation de leur recherche avec la doctrine catholique est pour le moins malaisée. Le présent article a pour ambition, d'une part, de prendre la mesure des difficultés qui sembleraient compromettre un dialogue à parité avec les autres religions et avec la modernité souvent athée, et, d'autre part, de dégager les ouvertures possibles en vue d'un tel dialogue.
Intertextuality and Historical Criticism in New Testament Studies: Is There a Relationship? 1
Authors: Hatina Thomas R.
Published: April 2008

An increasing number of historically oriented biblical scholars investigating the use of scripture in the New Testament are applying the term "intertextuality" as a descriptive category to refer to the relationship between written texts, primarily as the imbedding of fragments of earlier texts within later texts. The term is often used pragmatically as a substitute category for uncovering and investigating conscious or unconscious allusions to scripture in the New Testament. What is often lost in the process is the poststructuralist framework within which intertextuality arose and acquired its distinct meaning. In this essay I argue that intertextuality, as it is commonly understood in the poststructuralist context, is inimical to current historical critical inquiry. I present three major characteristics of intertextuality which historical critics have often failed to consider whenever they appropriate the term: (1) the ideological context wherein the term was coined; (2) the inherently related concept of text; and (3) the distinction between influence and intertextuality.
Strategies of Concentration and Diffusion in Isaiah 61
Authors: Landy Francis
Published: April 2008

This article analyses the rhetorical strategies of Isaiah 6 and their relationship to the paradoxical commission to speak so that the audience should not understand. In particular, I look at strategies of concentration and diffusion, how the chapter directs attention to the prophet and his initiatory experience, and directs attention away from the vision of God, the moment of encounter, and the consciousness of the people. I divide the chapter into three parts (w. 1-4, 5-8, 9-13), respectively characterized by divergence, convergence, and divergence again. In the third part, the rhetorical technique is more complicated, in that the centrifugal dynamic is reinforced by failed attempts at focus. Throughout, synecdoche is the preeminent instrument both for directing attention to the participants and away from them. In the last verse, there is a shift from metonymy to metaphor as the principal poetic device, and thus a transference from a narrative, historical paradigm to a diffused alterity. The chapter is thereby decentred; since it is generally regarded as a key chapter in the book of Isaiah, the book itself is unstable. I conclude by discussing the commission as a model for the reading process, and wondering whether the metaphorical equivalence of fullness and emptiness subverts the entire rhetorical structure I have delineated.
Wrongdoers, Wrongdoing and Righting Wrongs in Micah 21
Authors: Ben Zvi Ehud
Published: April 2008

Micah 2 explains the "loss of the land" in terms of the wrongdoing of powerful groups in the monarchic period, but also conveys sure hope for a new beginning. Defamiliarization, polysemy and other literary techniques are at the service of these communicative goals in this text. Micah 2 is fashioned in such a way that it both allows the intended (re)readers to identify the wrongdoers with multiple referents and facilitates rereading. Neither Micah 2 nor its literary subunits is constructed with a mimetic, literary pattern in mind, nor does the text attempt to imitate the "natural" language of an actual, oral interchange. Micah 2 is not a reliable source for the reconstruction of the social conditions in the eighth century BCE. However, it does shed light on the world of a group of (post-monarchic) literati who considered their text to be .
Judicial Divorce At the Wife's Initiative: the SharīcFa Courts of Egypt, 1920-1955
Authors: Shaham Ron
Published: April 2008

Islamic law defines divorce as a unilateral act of a husband. In Egypt, modernist statutory legislation (1920 and 1929) improved the legal status of women by granting them four grounds for judicial divorce based on Mālikī doctrine: a husband's defects and diseases; his nonprovision of maintenance; his prolonged absence; and injury caused by him to his wife. This study, based on seventy decisions of the sharīca courts issued between 1920 and 1955, attempts to determine which of these four grounds was more frequently used and to clarify the attitude of the qādīs toward the reform. The qādīs interpreted the term injury (darar) broadly, thereby enabling women to complain of a wide range of physical and mental abuses. The qādīs were capable of adapting their decisions to the changing social environment and they generally supported the liberal expectations of the Egyptian legislator.
Kadijustiz or Qadī-Justice? a Paternity Dispute From Fourteenth-Century Morocco
Authors: Powers David S.
Published: April 2008

Sometime after the year 1312-13 a paternity dispute was brought before a qādī serving in an undetermined location in the northern part of the Western Maghrib. The claimant asserted that he was the son of a local notable, whereas the latter's legally recognized children asserted that he was the child of a slave-girl who belonged to the notable's daughter. Before issuing his judicial decision, the qādī wrote a detailed letter to a distinguished Fāsī mufti in which he presented a summary transcription of the testimonial evidence and asked the mufti to issue a fatwā corroborating his handling of the case. In the following essay, I seek to shed light on the operation of qādī-justice under the Mārinids in the fourteenth-century by studying the qādī¸s familiarity with legal doctrine, his ability to manipulate legal discourse, and the "art" of his judicial narrative.
Some Reflections On the Relationship Magic-Religion
Authors: Versnel H.S.
Published: April 2008

The well-known substantialist-'Frazerian'-definitions of magic as distinct from religion by its immediate and individual goals, the concomitant manipulative and coercive attitude, the instrumental and mechanical type of action etc., have been under attack for more than half a century. Anthropologists in particular have argued that no meaningful contrast between religion and magic can be gained from this approach and that our notion 'magic' is a modern-western biased construct which does not fit representations of other cultures. Consequently, in the view of some of them, the term 'magic' should be altogether avoided. Furthermore, with respect to the ancient and early modern world, in which the opposition religion-magic is supposed to have originated, it is argued that magic and religion function exclusively as value-judgments, terms indicating 'magic' being exploited to stigmatize illegitimate or undesired (religious) behaviour of socially or culturally deviant groups. In the present article it is argued that-although admittedly this functionalist approach has yielded remarkable and lasting results-rejection of the term 'magic' will soon turn out to be unworkable and, in fact, is putting the cart before the horse. From an etic point of view-which in the view of the author is the only possible way to conduct scholarly discourse-it will be impossible to do cultural research without the aid of heuristic instruments such as-at least broad, polythetic or prototypical-definitions. And, if possible at all, it would be utterly unpractical to completely eliminate religion as one of the obvious models of contrast. This position is substantiated with some practical instances from the Graeco-Roman world. It is shown that, at least in the context of (magical) curse-tablets and-related but clearly distinct-(religious) prayers for justice or vengeance, the ancient authors were clearly aware of the very same distinctions modern people normally associate with the notions of magic and religion.
Indigenous Eroticism and Colonial Morality in Mexico: the Confession Manuals of New Spain
Authors: Marcos Sylvia
Published: April 2008

This article explores the impact of the Conquest on eroticism and the place of the feminine in 16th century indigenous society in Mexico. It shows how this most intimate area of human experience became the battleground of a war that amounted in part to a cultural annihilation. The article analyses one aspect of the missionaries' well-intentioned "battle to save people's souls". Like in previous, internal forms of violent subjugation of one culture by another, the Spaniards destroyed local gods and temples. However, unlike previous "conquerors" who superimposed their beliefs upon local customs, the newcomers demanded a complete eradication of those customs, as if they only could save the Indians by destroying their identity, their culture's relation to reality and their very concept of time, space and of the person. By condemning indigenous erotic practices and imposing unprecedented restraints on them, the missionaries altered the roots of ancient Mexican perceptions of the body and the cosmos. Particuliar attention is paid to the confession manuals, written as an answer to the Spaniards' discovery "that lust was the Indian's most frequent sin". These manuals are considered here as instruments of the alteration of indigenous perceptions. In these manuals the repetition of the same excruciating questions tended to graft guilt onto the Mesoamerican conscience and thus eradicate the Indians perception of eroticism in its sacred and vitalizing dimension. Commentaries of the old song of the women of Chalco attempt to recapture, through the playful voices of women speaking openly, some of the flavor of a very different symbolic universe.