bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of serum and whole blood levels of cytomegalovirus and Epstein–Barr virus DNA
Authors: Kullberg‐Lindh C. , Olofsson S. , Brune M. , Lindh M.
Published: May 2008

Abstract: The monitoring of viral DNA levels after transplantation is crucial for prevention of complications from cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection but there is no consensus as to which matrix is the most adequate. To compare serum and whole blood (WB) as specimens for measuring viral DNA, clinical samples from a 3‐year period were studied, with focus on cases where serum and WB were drawn on the same day. In 1896 paired serum and WB samples, CMV DNA was detected in both specimen types in 472 samples with 0.18 log higher levels (P<0.001) in WB than in serum (median level 2.73 vs. 2.56 log copies/mL), and in only either serum or WB in 127 and 108 samples, respectively, generally at levels below 1000 copies/mL. In 664 paired samples, EBV DNA was detected in both serum and WB in 160 samples, with 1.48 log higher levels (P<0.001) in WB (median 4.2 vs. 2.4 log copies/mL), in only WB in 227 cases with a median at 3.0 log copies/mL, and only in serum in 14 samples at low levels. The correlation between serum and WB DNA levels was weaker for EBV than for CMV (R2 0.31 vs. 0.74). We conclude that either serum or WB may be used for monitoring CMV and EBV DNA levels, that EBV DNA is detected post transplant in >50% of WB samples and at 30 times higher levels than in serum, and that post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) may develop without further increase of EBV DNA in WB. Identification of PTLD may require EBV DNA testing in both specimen types or complementary tests.
Optimization of coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari (Col., Scolytidae), mass trapping with an attractant mixture
Authors: Dufour B. P. , Frérot B.
Published: May 2008

Mass trapping is a technique currently being considered to control the coffee berry borer (CBB), Hypothenemus hampei Ferrari (Col., Scolytidae), as part of the integrated management of its populations. However, the research undertaken in this field has variable and sometimes contradictory results. The purpose of this study carried out with a single type of trap (experimental model ‘1B’) was to evaluate the technique and define parameters for its efficient use. The first result obtained was detection of the excellent attractant properties of the ethanol–methanol mixture, and its efficiency related to the proportion of the two alcohols. Coffee borers were not attracted to traps with caffeine, green coffee powder, freshly pulped and hulled coffee berries and ground CBB. It was shown that the ethanol–methanol mixture (1 : 1) release rate varied without affecting the capture rate, and that the red colour of the trap substantially increased CBB attraction. In terms of trap set‐up, it was found that capture rates were three times better with a trap height at 1.2 m, than that for a position near ground level. In addition, the best density of traps for achieving efficient mass trapping was 22 units per hectare. These results show the importance of developing an attractant using pure compounds, and of improving the trap and the trapping technique in line with CBB behaviour.
Effects of a 12‐month exercise program on cardiorespiratory health indicators of Vietnam War veterans resident in the tropics
Authors: Kerr Rebecca M. , Leicht Anthony S. , Spinks Warwick L.
Published: May 2008

Objective:  To measure the effect of a combined aerobic and resistance exercise program on key cardiovascular disease risk factors (i.e. body composition or anthropometry and cardiorespiratory function) of Australian male, Vietnam War veterans living in the tropics.

Design:  Twelve‐month exercise program with assessments at commencement, 3, 6 and 12 months.

Setting:  North Queensland regional centre.

Participants:  Australian male, Vietnam War veterans (n = 164) resident in north Queensland.

Main outcome measures:  Measurement of heart rate, blood pressure, skinfold and girth measurements, exercise heart rate response and estimated aerobic capacity to determine whether the implementation of a simple aerobic and resistance exercise program could positively change selected cardiovascular disease risk factors in Vietnam Veterans.

Results:  Significant improvements were reported for systolic blood pressure (131.1 (SD 15.7) reduced to 122.7 (12.4) mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (82.7 (9.1) reduced to 76.3 (10.3) mmHg), resting heart rate (73 (11) reduced to 69 (11) bpm), sum of skinfolds (127.5 (40.3) reduced to 99.5 (32.1) mm), waist girth (103.2 (12.0) reduced to 100.5 (12.1) cm), hip girth (105.3 (9.6) reduced to 103.7 (10.4) cm) and aerobic capacity (2.17 (0.39) increased to 2.36 (0.34) L min

−1

).

Conclusion:  Participation in a combined aerobic and resistance training program elicited significant anthropometric and cardiorespiratory benefits that might lead to a decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease for male Vietnam War veterans resident in rural and regional areas.
Extended scope practitioners and clinical specialists: A place in rural health?
Authors: Ruston Sally A.
Published: May 2008

This review identifies two models of allied health advanced practitioner practice that are currently in place in the National Health Service in the United Kingdom (UK). A review of the background to advanced practitioner status is given for UK allied health professionals and comments made on the outcomes of the UK roles. Description of the work of Clinical Specialist and Extended Scope Practitioner is given. Alignment with senior physiotherapy staff roles in Australia is commented upon. Some barriers or impediments to implementation of such a system in Australia are discussed with respect to registration, funding and support. The feasibility of such advanced practice roles for physiotherapy is discussed while benefits and cautions are identified. The potential for such a model of health service to be used in Australia, particularly in rural and remote areas, is identified for debate.
Exploring the barriers and enablers to attendance at rural cardiac rehabilitation programs
Authors: De Angelis Carla , Bunker Steve , Schoo Adrian
Published: May 2008

Objective:  The objectives of this study were to: (i) identify local barriers and enablers to the uptake of hospital‐based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs, and (ii) identify preferred alternatives for the delivery of CR.

Design:  A questionnaire administered by local CR coordinators and focus groups facilitated by the research team.

Setting:  Six regional hospitals in south‐west Victoria offering hospital‐based CR programs.

Participants:  Patients and their carers referred to and eligible for local CR programs; health professionals working within local CR programs.

Main outcomes measures:  CR attendees and decliners demographics, patient and health professional perceived factors which contribute to enabling hospital‐based CR attendance, patient and health professional perceived barriers to CR attendance, and receptiveness and preferences for alternative modes of CR delivery.

Results:  This study identified distance to travel to hospital‐based CR programs the only statistically significant factor in determining uptake of CR. Easy access to transport (63%) and to a lesser extent family support (49%) and work flexibility (43%) were the primary enablers to attendance. Of the 97 study participants, 38% were receptive to alternative CR methods such as programs in outlying communities, evening facility‐based programs, home and GP based programs, telephone support and a patient manual/workbook.

Conclusions:  The results of this study provide valuable information for designing strategies to increase utilisation and improve patient acceptability of existing hospital‐based CR programs. It provides a basis for pilot testing alternative modes of CR program delivery for cardiac patients in rural areas unable to access hospital‐based CR.
Risk behaviours and blood borne virus exposure for transient workers in rural Victoria
Authors: Pedrana Alisa , Aitken Campbell , Higgs Peter , Hellard Margaret
Published: May 2008

Objective:  To investigate risk behaviours associated with the transmission of blood borne viruses (BBVs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among transient rural workers in Victoria.

Design:  Cross‐sectional study using a convenience sampling frame.

Setting:  Between June and August 2006, 89 participants were recruited from sites located in three rural centres in Victoria's Loddon and Mallee regions. Data were collected using a short questionnaire that asked about history of transient work, sexual history, condom use, alcohol and illicit drug use, and BBV history and testing. Finger‐prick blood samples were collected in order to determine prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) exposure.

Results:  Eighty‐nine individuals completed a questionnaire, and 85 (96%) provided a finger‐prick blood sample for antibody testing. Twenty‐seven participants (30%) were consuming alcohol at levels risky to health. Thirty per cent of participants with new partners reported infrequent condom use. Illicit drug use (mainly marijuana) was widespread with more than 46% of the sample reporting recent use of illicit drugs. An HCV exposure prevalence of 2.4% was measured; no samples tested reactive for HIV antibodies.

Conclusions:  Compared with nationally representative data, our study sample reported high rates of alcohol consumption at levels risky to health, illicit drug use and infrequent use of condoms. These results suggest that transient workers and their contacts would benefit from the targeted provision of harm‐reduction services, with a particular focus on sexual behaviour and alcohol and drug use.
Rural pharmacy in New Zealand: Effects of a compulsory externship on student perspectives and implications for workforce shortage
Authors: Capstick Stuart , Beresford Rosemary , Gray Andrew
Published: May 2008

Objective:  To explore student perceptions of rural pharmacy practice, factors affecting interest in rural work and effects of an educational intervention designed to raise awareness of rural practice.

Design:  Qualitative and quantitative survey questionnaire administered before and after a week‐long rural externship.

Setting:  Undergraduate – rural pharmacy externship.

Participants:  Third‐year Bachelor of Pharmacy undergraduate cohort (n = 123).

Intervention:  Week‐long exposure to rural pharmacy practice

Main outcome measures:  Rural/urban origin of students, interest in working in rural practice, views held of rural practice and towards externship.

Results:  Rural‐origin students were significantly more likely to report they would consider working in rural practice prior to the intervention than urban‐origin students (77% rural origin versus 40% urban origin). The intervention significantly increased the overall proportion (48% pre‐versus 73% post‐externship), proportion of female students (48% pre versus 79% post‐externship) and proportion of urban‐origin students (38% pre‐versus 67% post‐externship) prepared to consider rural practice. Despite apprehension towards the externship, students reported overwhelmingly positive experiences of it. Negative aspects related mainly to travel and accommodation costs incurred.

Conclusions:  This targeted, experiential intervention affected perceptions of rural practice in a positive direction among urban‐origin students by raising awareness and challenging their preconceptions of rural pharmacy practice. Further research is required to see whether this will affect recruitment and to investigate what appears to be a particular effect on female students.
Community perception of childhood drowning and its prevention measures in rural Bangladesh: A qualitative study
Authors: Rahman Aminur , Shafinaz Shumona , Linnan Michael , Rahman Fazlur
Published: May 2008

Objectives:  To gain an in‐depth understanding of people's perception of causes and their concepts of prevention of childhood drowning in rural Bangladesh.

Design:  A qualitative study and focus group discussion (FGD) was adopted.

Setting:  A rural community in Bangladesh.

Participants:  FGDs were conducted with mothers of children aged under 5 years, adolescent male and female students, fathers and local leaders. One FGD was conducted for each group. Out of 53 participants 25 were women.

Results:  The respondents considered that children of 5–10 years are at risk of drowning. Ponds, ditches and canals were frequently mentioned locations of drowning. Most of the drownings were reported to occur around noon. For prevention of childhood drowning the participants suggested that the children should be constantly supervised, unwanted ditches should be filled in, ponds should be fenced and drowning prevention awareness in the community be increased by community leaders. They suggested that government should organise campaigns for preventing childhood drowning, promoting swimming instruction activities for children and motivating communities to fence ponds.

Conclusions:  People interviewed in general know the causes of childhood drowning and its preventive measures, but they do not put their knowledge into preventative actions as they fail to recognise this as a major child survival issue and they are never reached with definite actions points to change the behaviours.
Clinical significance of α‐fetoprotein: involvement in proliferation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mitsuhashi Noboru , Kobayashi Souichi , Doki Tomoko , Kimura Fumio , Shimizu Hiroaki , Yoshidome Hiroyuki , Ohtsuka Masayuki , Kato Atsushi , Yoshitomi Hideyuki , Nozawa Satoshi , Furukawa Katsunori , Takeuchi Dan , Suda Kosuke , Miura Seiki , Miyazaki Masaru
Published: May 2008

Background and Aim:  Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancers. α‐Fetoprotein is strongly expressed in most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, and high levels of α‐fetoprotein expression have been reported as an independent prognostic factor. However, there have been few reports on the reasons for poor prognosis.

Methods:  We analyzed the correlation between serum α‐fetoprotein levels and clinicopathological findings in 37 hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing curative surgery. α‐Fetoprotein mRNA expression in tissue samples was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), while protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. To assess the mechanistic correlations between α‐fetoprotein and tumor progression, we further analyzed cell proliferation (Ki‐67), angiogenesis (CD34), and apoptosis (TdT‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end labeling [TUNEL] assay).

Results:  Post‐operative serum α‐fetoprotein levels were correlated with disease‐free and overall survival, and were an independent prognostic factor for survival. α‐Fetoprotein expression, as assessed by immunohistochemistry, was strong and heterogeneous in hepatocellular carcinoma. Control livers did not express α‐fetoprotein and there was weak expression of α‐fetoprotein in adjacent regions in hepatocellular carcinoma patients. The Ki‐67 labeling index in the high serum α‐fetoprotein cases was significantly higher than in α‐fetoprotein‐negative cases (P = 0.042). The α‐fetoprotein‐positive cases also showed a significantly higher microvessel density than α‐fetoprotein‐negative cases (P = 0.035), whereas hepatocellular carcinoma without α‐fetoprotein overexpression had a higher apoptotic index when compared to hepatocellular carcinoma with α‐fetoprotein overexpression (P = 0.033).

Conclusion:  These results indicate that the poor prognosis associated with high α‐fetoprotein is due to high cell proliferation, high angiogenesis, and low apoptosis.
Management and patient survival in hepatocellular carcinoma: Does the physician's level of experience matter?
Authors: Chen Tsung‐Ming , Chang Tzu‐Ming , Huang Pi‐Teh , Tsai Ming‐Hung , Lin Lien‐Fu , Liu Chung‐Cheng , Ho Ka‐Sic , Siauw Chuan‐Pau , Chao Po‐Liang , Tung Jai‐Nien
Published: May 2008

Introduction:  The prognostic determinants of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) depend on tumor stage, liver function reserve, and treatments offered. The clinical impact of the physician's experience on HCC management and the survival outcome is unknown.

Methods:  A total of 103 patients were managed by one high‐volume physician and 249 patients by seven low‐volume physicians. The experience of high‐volume physician in HCC management was five times more than that of low‐volume physicians. Patient survival was the single end point for this study.

Results:  Compared to the low‐volume physician group, more of the patients allocated to the high‐volume physician had early stage HCC on the date of diagnosis (66/103, 64.1%; vs 119/249, 47.8%; P = 0.008), and they received curative therapies including radiofrequency ablation or liver resection (66/103, 64.1% vs 54/249, 21.7%, P < 0.001), and had significantly better survival outcome (median survival of 34 months, 95% confidence interval [CI], 17.6–50.4; vs 6 months, 95% CI, 4.3–7.7; P < 0.001) with a multivariable‐adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for survival of 1.94 (95%, CI, 1.31–2.87, P < 0.001). A multivariate analysis of the pretreatment prognostic factors for these two groups identified α‐fetoprotein (AFP) level (HR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.01–1.99; P = 0.042), ascites (HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.15–2.46; P = 0.007), maximum tumor diameter (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.16–2.74; P = 0.009), and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) (HR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.49–3.17; P < 0.001) as independent factors for the low‐volume physician group. However, only maximum tumor diameter (HR, 4.54; 95% CI, 1.77–11.67; P < 0.001) and PVT (HR, 5.73; 95% CI, 2.30–14.22; P = 0.002) were independent factors for the high‐volume physician group.

Conclusion:  The survival of HCC patients was dependent on the level of experience of the physicians who oversaw these patients.
Stem‐like cells in hepatitis B virus–associated cirrhotic livers and adjacent tissue to hepatocellular carcinomas possess the capacity of tumorigenicity
Authors: Sun Yu‐Ling , Yin Sheng‐Yong , Xie Hai‐Yang , Zhou Lin , Xue Fei , Wu Li‐Ming , Gao Feng , Zheng Shu‐Sen
Published: May 2008

Background and Aim:  Recent investigations demonstrate that adult stem cells may be targets for malignant transformation and that the stem‐like cells in diseased livers possess the capacity of tumorigenicity in animal models. The aim of this study is to examine expression patterns of stem‐cell markers in hepatitis B virus–associated cirrhotic livers and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC), and to investigate the stem‐like cell capacity of tumorigenicity in these tissues.

Methods:  Twenty surgically resected HCCs and corresponding adjacent tissues as well as 10 cirrhotic liver tissues were collected and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect the expression of CD34, Thy‐1, CD133, and c‐kit. Then the non‐cancerous tissues were transplanted into immunodeficient mice and the characteristics of the cells from primary tissue cultures were explored in vitro.

Results:  Immunohistochemical analysis characterized different expression patterns of stem‐cell markers among these tissues. First, CD34 and Thy‐1 expression was identified in proliferating bile ductules and it represented hepatic progenitor cells; CD133 and c‐kit‐positive cells were observed in the parenchyma of these tissues, and some of them were characterized as intermediate hepatocytes morphologically and spatially. Second, in two groups including three mice transplanted with tissues adjacent to HCC‐initiated tumors, CD133 and c‐kit expression was detected. Finally, our study also indicated that stem‐like cells from tissue could express hepatic‐lineage markers and possessed great capacities to proliferate, self‐renew, and form clones in vitro.

Conclusion:  Our results suggest that the stem‐like cells in cirrhotic livers possess the capacity of tumorigenicity and may contain candidates for HCC cancer stem cells.
Clinicopathologic analysis of renal biopsies after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: CHAN GAVIN SW , LAM MAN FAI , AU WING YAN , CHIM STELLA , TSE KAI CHUNG , LO STANLEY HK , FUNG SHING HOI , LAI KAR NENG , CHAN KWOK WAH
Published: May 2008

Aim:  The ever‐growing number and increasing survival of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) allow better recognition of its associated renal injuries. We aimed to study the clinicopathologic features of renal biopsies after HSCT by reviewing 13 percutaneous renal biopsies in our institute (Queen Mary Hospital).

Methods:  A retrospective clinicopathologic study of all renal biopsies archived to the Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital during the period January 1999 to December 2006 was performed. Biopsies from patients with HSCT were selected. Clinical data on presentation and follow up were retrieved from hospital records and physicians.

Results:  In the 8‐year period, a total of 2233 native renal biopsies were archived. Thirteen renal biopsies were selected from 12 patients with HSCT (11 allogeneic, one autologous). All but one patient were male. The age at renal biopsy ranged from 7 to 63 years (median: 32 years). The median interval of renal biopsy after HSCT was 24 months (range 1–134 months). Evidence of graft‐versus‐host disease was found in nine patients. The most common presentation was significant proteinuria (10 cases) and renal impairment (eight cases). The predominant histological changes were membranous glomerulonephritis (n = 4) and thrombotic microangiopathy (n = 4). One case of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, IgA nephropathy, minimal change disease, acute tubular necrosis and hypertensive nephrosclerosis were also recorded. Four of our patients died at 0–11 months after renal biopsy. Of the remaining eight patients with a mean follow up of 43.6 months (range, 10–98 months), chronic renal impairment were found in three (37.5%) patients and significant proteinuria also persisted in three. One patient had cytogenetic evidence of relapse of underlying haematological malignancy after HSCT.

Conclusion:  Among the various renal lesions after HSCT, membranous glomerulonephritis and thrombotic microangiopathy were the most common. Mechanisms of renal injury varied from graft‐versus‐host disease‐associated immune complex deposition to non‐immune complex injury on endothelial cells, glomerular epithelial cells and tubular epithelium. Pathologists and clinicians should attend to the histological and temporal heterogeneity of renal injury when managing patients after HSCT.
Methyl jasmonate and methyl salicylate, but not cis‐jasmone, evoke defenses against infection of Arabidopsis thaliana by Orobanche aegyptiaca
Authors: BAR‐NUN NURIT , MAYER ALFRED M.
Published: May 2008

The mechanism by which some plant species develop resistance to the root parasite, broomrape (Orobanche aegyptiaca), is still not clear. Resistance to other pathogens can be induced by methyl jasmonate and systemic acquired resistance can be induced by treatment with salicylic acid, while cis‐jasmone can act as a signaling molecule in plant–insect interactions. The three compounds studied, methyl jasmonate, cis‐jasmone, and methyl salicylate, were applied to Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings that were then transferred to Nunc cell culture plates and exposed to the germinating seeds of O. aegyptiaca. The number of infections of the roots of single seedlings of A. thaliana was then quantified. Exposure for 24 h to very low concentrations of methyl jasmonate or methyl salicylate, which were then removed, effectively induced resistance to infection of A. thaliana by O. aegyptiaca, reducing attachment and tubercle formation by 90%. cis‐Jasmone was far less effective in inducing a similar resistance to infection. These results support the view that methyl jasmonate can induce almost full resistance to infection by broomrape. The fact that such resistance is not observed under normal conditions of infection supports the idea that the root parasite does not evoke the full defensive response in the host plant.
Presence of Arcobacter spp. in environmental waters correlates with high levels of fecal pollution
Authors: Collado Luis , Inza Isabel , Guarro Josep , Figueras Maria Jose
Published: May 2008

We investigated the presence of Arcobacter spp. in 205 water samples of freshwater, seawater and sewage in Spain. These bacteria were present in 55.1% of the samples (113/205) and were significantly associated for the first time with bacterial indicators of fecal pollution. The dominant species in the positive samples was Arcobacter butzleri (94%) followed by Arcobacter cryaerophilus (30%) and Arcobacter skirrowii (1.8%).
Follicular development in the volcano mouse (Neotomodon alstoni alstoni, Rodentia: Muridae) from birth to maturity: A morphological approach
Authors: Luis‐Díaz J. , Cárdenas‐Vázquez R. , Villalpando‐Fierro I. , Martínez‐Torres M. , Merchant H.
Published: May 2008

The present study describes the morphology and ultrastructural features of postnatal follicular development in the volcano mouse (Neotomodon alstoni alstoni), an endemic Mexican rodent. By the first week of age, germ cells were organized in clusters within the ovigerous cords, and only 51.8% of them were associated with somatic cells. At the ultrastructural level, pairing chromosomes and cellular junctions between germ and pregranulosa cells, such as desmosomes, were observed. At this time, the zona pellucida could not be detected in the formed follicles. From 15 to 28 days postpartum, growing follicles were located at the medulla and inner cortex of the ovary, but most were atretic. The first preovulatory follicles were seen at 40 days. Likewise, corpora lutea were observed at this stage of development, which shows that the volcano mouse is a spontaneous ovulator. The follicular development of the volcano mouse shows strong similarities with that of the golden hamster, particularly during the first week. The morphological changes observed during postnatal follicular development of the volcano mouse follow the same general histological pattern as reported for other mammals, although the timing of these events is species‐specific.
Clarifying the role of character loss in phylogenetic inference
Authors: Fitzhugh Kirk
Published: May 2008

Character loss, as opposed to absence, in the Annelida is regarded byBleidorn (2007,Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research,45, 299–307) as a problem for phylogenetic inference. Bleidorn's concern is derived from two misconceptions. First, from an epistemic standpoint, objects are perceived by way of their properties. ‘Absence’ refers to properties not observed of an object, rather than what is perceived, allowing an infinite possibility of positive instances. ‘Loss’ is an explanatory, not descriptive concept, directed at what is observed of objects. Neither absence nor loss is applicable to describing properties in need of explanation by phylogenetic hypotheses. The second problem is that partitioning data as ‘morphological’ and ‘molecular’ is not justified for discerning loss from absence. Naive partitioning is unwarranted since it violates the requirement of total evidence (RTE). The RTE precludes partitioning unless data are irrelevant to one another. Given that ‘morphological’ and ‘molecular’ data are used to infer ‘phylogenetic’ hypotheses, the relevance issue cannot be avoided, thereby denying partitioning. Ultimately, ‘character loss’ is not a problem once it is acknowledged that neither absence nor loss are properties of organisms that systematists perceive or explain by way of phylogenetic hypotheses.
Has Globalization Increased Inequality?*
Authors: Dreher Axel , Gaston Noel
Published: May 2008

There is no shortage of theories that purport to explain why globalization may have adverse, insignificant, or even beneficial effects on income and earnings inequality. Surprisingly, the empirical realities remain an almost complete mystery. In this paper, we use data on industrial wage inequality, household income inequality as well as measures of the economic, social and political dimensions of globalization to examine this controversial issue. Overall, while we find that globalization has exacerbated inequality; this is particularly true in the case of income inequality in OECD countries.
The Effect of Monetary Policy on Exchange Rates during Currency Crises: the Role of Debt, Institutions, and Financial Openness*
Authors: Eijffinger Sylvester C. W. , Goderis Benedikt
Published: May 2008

This paper empirically examines the effect of monetary policy on exchange rates during currency crises. We find strong evidence that raising the interest rate: (i) has larger adverse balance sheet effects and is therefore less effective in countries with high domestic corporate short‐term debt; (ii) is more credible and therefore more effective in countries with high‐quality institutions; (iii) is more credible and therefore more effective in countries with high external debt; and (iv) is less effective in countries with high capital account openness. Our results support the idea that the effect of monetary policy depends on its impact on fundamentals, as well as its credibility, as suggested in the recent theoretical literature.
RATINGS OF ANXIETY‐PRONENESS AND RESPONSES TO ELECTRICAL PAIN STIMULATION: Preliminary experiments in a group of young delinquents
Authors: Schalling Daisy , Levander Sonja
Published: May 2008

A group of young delinquents clinically rated as manifesting a tendency to react with anxiety and tension was compared with a group from the same prison with predominantly ‘psychopathic’ traits according to clinical ratings. The delinquents were subjected to electrical pain stimulation and tested with a battery of tests and personality inventories. In line with the hypotheses, the more anxiety‐prone delinquents showed greater sensitivity to pain, had lower scores in the Leg Persistence Test, shorter reaction times and more errors in an auditive choice reaction test. There were no significant differences with regard to the inventory variables.
A SCALING METHOD FOR MEASURING COLOR CONSTANCY
Authors: Fieandt K. von , Ahonen Lea , Järvinen J.
Published: May 2008

Recently developed types of indirect psychophysical scaling method served as starting point in finding a handy procedure for measuring differences in the degrees of ‘color constancy’. A design for carrying out categorical comparisons with color paper proofs was constructed. The raw scores, given as percentage distributions, prove transformable into standard scale values. These demonstrate the shifted positions of the colors in question when presented in alternating conditions of illumination.
RECOVERY TIME AFTER GLARE: An experimental investigation of glare after‐effect under night driving conditions
Authors: Johansson Gunnar , Ottander Chris
Published: May 2008

Preliminary experiments suggest that the changes in adaptation level due to glaring light in a night traffic meeting situation give no practically important deterioration of visibility. To obtain a more complete answer, one experiment was done in a ‘real’ night driving situation, and two experiments were carried out using a glare simulator, aimed at quantifying the change in the level of adaptation in terms of redetection time of a target made invisible due to glare. The effect of three factors were studied: duration of glare, maximum illuminance of glare, and contrast ratio between background and target. The preliminary suggestions were fully confirmed.
SOCIAL VULNERABILITY AND ADJUSTMENT OF CEREBRAL PALSIED CHILDREN
Authors: Nielsen Helle H.
Published: May 2008

Social adjustment of forty cerebral palsied children was studied by means of the Düss Fable Test, and interviews with parents and teachers. More cerebral palsied than normal children apperceived the fables as containing rejective and frustrating elements and responded with feelings of hostility, jealousy and defiance. The cerebral palsied children revealed a more dependent and conflict‐laden relationship with their parents. One third of the cerebral palsied children showed a poor social adjustment in school but those with harmonious family background obtained a satisfactory social adjustment in school. The data gave no support for the existence of a typical psychological syndrome of cerebral palsy.
RAVEN'S PROGRESSIVE MATRICES IN TWELVE PAIRS OF UNIOVULAR TWINS BROUGHT UP APART
Authors: Mogensen Alan
Published: May 2008

Twelve Danish pairs of uniovular twins brought up apart were studied individually using the 1938 version of Raven's Progressive Matrices. Significant within‐pair correlations were found for raw scores and solving time pointing to a considerable influence of hereditary factors on such test performances.
PSYCHOMOTOR EXPRESSION AND PERSONALITY STUDY
Authors: Takala Martti , Rantanen Antti
Published: May 2008

The problem was to examine the generality of some expressive graphic variables across the techniques. Three types of technique differing in complexity were chosen: sensorimotor tests, stereotyped motor performance, and motor expression of fantasy. Corresponding graphic variables were scored for each technique, and the interrelationships were compared. The graphic characteristics included were shown to be fairly general individual traits and relatively independent of the specific techniques.
TIME RELATIONS OF OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTIVE REACTIONS TO D‐AMPHETAMINE AND PENTOBARBITONE
Authors: Frankenhaeuser Marianne , Post Birgitta
Published: May 2008

Successive measurements of pulse rate, blood pressure, objective and subjective reaction speed, and six mood variables were made on 12 healthy subjects during 135 min. periods following the intake of either 15 mg d‐amphetamine, 200 mg Pentobarbitone, or a placebo. It was shown that (1) the two drugs had essentially opposite effects on all objective and most subjective variables; (2) after d‐amphetamine subjective effects appeared earlier and reached their maximum more rapidly than objective effects; (3) both types of reaction were less pronounced after Pentobarbitone than after d‐amphetamine under the present dose conditions; and that (4) after Pentobarbitone maximum objective effects were attained at an earlier point in time.
FACTOR ANALYSIS OF A NEUROTICISM INVENTORY
Authors: Jonsson Carl‐Otto , Lidvall Hans F. , Henrysson Sten , Lindén Ake
Published: May 2008

The Lidvall neuroticism inventory is comprised of 25 questions referring to symptoms presumed to be connected with manifest neurotic anxiety. It was presented to 377 persons, an unscreened group with respect to neurotic symptoms, and a factor analysis with rotation to simple structure was performed.—Four factors could be identified: (1) manifest neurotic anxiety, (2) neurotic difficulties in interpersonal relations, (3) neurasthenic symptoms and (4) obsessive‐compulsive symptoms. The factor scales were correlated with Neuroticism and Extraversion in MPI. Neuroticism was shown to be a heterogeneous factor. The correlation between Factor (2) and Extraversion was high.
A FURTHER FACTORIAL INVESTIGATION OF SPEECH SOUND PERCEPTION
Authors: Hanson Göte
Published: May 2008

Through measurement of speech sound perception by means of a multidimensional scaling method an auditive stimulus description has been obtained and reported in a previous article. A place‐frequency theory for sinusoidal frequency perception was adopted and the receptor function introduced as an hypothetical construct. With this reductionistic type of explanation the auditive stimulus description becomes readily understandable. The proposed model allows for prediction of stimulus object position along auditive dimensions when the stimulus object is masked on the proximal level. Variations of proximal masking have been performed on hard‐of‐hearing subjects. The predictions made from the model are supported in the obtained auditive stimulus descriptions.
THE FACTOR OF PROXIMITY: An attempt to specify its critical conditions
Authors: Lie Ivar
Published: May 2008

Two experiments were undertaken for the purpose of investigating whether the Factor of Proximity, operative in perceptual organization according to Gestalt theory, should be specified with reference to the perceived or to the objective spacing of the elements of a stimulus field. The results indicate that a series of dots arranged in horizontal and vertical rows is more readily grouped in vertical than in horizontal lines. This finding implies that the Factor of Proximity cannot be exactly specified either in terms of the perceived or the objective spacing of the elements to be grouped.
MEASUREMENT OF EYE MOVEMENTS DURING A MICHOTTE LAUNCHING EVENT
Authors: Jansson Gunnar
Published: May 2008

The verbal responses and the eye movements of subjects viewing a Michotte launching event were recorded. The subjects were divided into two main groups: those reporting launching on every exposure and those giving no launching response at all. These two groups were compared with regard to several eye movement variables. They did not differ on the first exposure but did so on repeated exposures, indicating that what a subject perceives on the first exposure influences his eye movements on the following exposures.
PERCEPTION OF MOTION AND CHANGING FORM: A study of visual perception from continuous transformations of a solid angle of light at the eye
Authors: Johansson Gunnar
Published: May 2008

It is shown how geometrically changing projections of objects which move and/or change their shape carry no specific information about form and three‐dimensional motion. How, then, does the visual apparatus produce specific percepts from such non‐specific changing stimuli? By applying an analogue computer technique, changing projections of artificial objects are generated on a CRT screen. These projections are fed into the eye by means of an optical device where they form a continuously changing solid angle of homogeneous light. The main conclusion is that it is a principle of perceptual three‐dimensionality which gives specificity to the percepts. Preliminary statements of principles for prediction of perceived motion in depth from a given change in proximal stimulus are presented.
AGE DIFFERENCES IN CUMULATIVE LEARNING OF MEANINGFUL AND MEANINGLESS MATERIAL
Authors: Heron Alastair , Craik Fergus
Published: May 2008

Age differences in cumulative learning were explored using a technique developed by Hebb. In the first experiment Finnish subjects recalled messages of English digits and in two subsequent experiments English subjects recalled messages of Finnish and of English digits. The finding from the first experiment was that young subjects exhibited cumulative learning while old subjects did not but it was concluded on the basis of the two further experiments that both age groups could show cumulative learning under the conditions used. An age difference in immediate memory for meaningful and meaningless material is noted and the possibility of increasing vulnerability with age to different forms of interference is discussed.
CHANGES IN REPEATED REPRODUCTION OF WEIGHT AS A FUNCTION OF ADAPTATION LEVEL
Authors: Wright J. M. von , Mikkonen V.
Published: May 2008

The retention of memorized weights was repeatedly tested by the reproduction method, the subject's state of adaptation for weight being systematically changed between the tests. The reproduction scores were found to vary as approximately linear functions of the adaptation level. This relationship was unaffected by changes in the degree of learning of the memorized weight and in several other variables. The ‘anchoring’ and retention of weight, and different indicators of adaptation level, are discussed.
SCALES OF UNPLEASANTNESS OF ELECTRICAL STIMULATION
Authors: Ekman Gösta , Frankenhaeuser Marianne , Levander Sonja , Mellis Inga
Published: May 2008

The subjective unpleasantness elicited by an A.C. current of 50 c/sec. applied to two fingers was scaled by 14 subjects using the methods of magnitude and of category estimation. Nine current intensities, ranging between 2 and 10 times the individual sensation thresholds, were used as stimuli. A power function yielded a good fit to the magnitude‐estimation data; the exponent was 1.81. The difference between this value and a considerably higher exponent reported by previous investigators was interpreted in terms of the wider stimulus range used in the present study. The relation between the category scale and the magnitude scale had the same general form as that found in several previous investigations.
EYEMOVEMENT AND PERCEPTUAL ADAPTATION TO CURVATURE
Authors: Carlson V. R.
Published: May 2008

It is proposed that perceptual adaptation is basically an immediate localized consequence of stimulation but can become generalized through a process of conditioning by temporal contiguity. Experimental conditions were designed to assess the aftereffect of adaptation to curvature under various combinations of eye position and eye movement activity for adapting vs. test periods. In general, the results support the hypothesis that perceptual adaptation to a visual stimulus can be associated with the nonvisual factors present at the time the adaptation occurs.
Differential relations between two dimensions of self‐esteem and the Big Five?
Authors: RAMSDAL GRO HILDE
Published: May 2008

Recent research has suggested the possibility that self‐esteem (SE) may be viewed as a two‐dimensional concept consisting of: (a) self‐liking, the subjective evaluation of oneself as a social being; and (b) self‐competence, the internal conceptions of success and failure in performing tasks (Tafarodi & Swann, 1995). Establishing differential relations between these two dimensions of SE and an important psychological concept like the Big Five, would support the notion of two‐dimensional SE. To test this hypothesis the self‐liking/self‐competence scale (SLCS) and the Big Five Inventory (BFI) were administered to 128 Norwegian college students. The results show a differential relationship between the two dimensions of SE and the personality dimensions of the BFI.
Methodological Issues in the Use of Peer Sociometric Nominations with Middle School Youth
Authors: Poulin François , Dishion Thomas J.
Published: May 2008

Studies reporting sociometric assessments based on nominations have been characterized by important methodological inconsistencies when conducted in the middle school context. The purpose of this study was to examine (1) the possibility of a response bias when participants are provided with a long roster sorted alphabetically, (2) the impact of including or not other‐sex peers in the voting population, and (3) the impact of including or not all the grademates in the voting population. Participants were 664 sixth graders from three middle schools. Peer nominations for sociometric items (i.e., like most and like least), as well as teacher ratings of antisocial behavior and records of academic performance, were collected. A sequence effect in peer nominations was found, suggesting that students whose names were listed higher on the rosters received more nominations than did students whose names were listed lower on the list. Moreover, results indicated that the nominations received from the other‐sex grademates and from the grademates outside the classroom improved the predictive validity of the sociometric measure. The implications of these results for the use of sociometric assessment in middle schools are discussed.
Ekila: blood, bodies, and egalitarian societies
Authors: Lewis Jerome
Published: May 2008

Mbendjele forest hunter‐gatherers in northern Congo refer to a confusing body of seemingly unconnected and diverse practices and beliefs as ‘ekila’. Ethnographically, ekila has many meanings. I suggest a number of possible ways to understand what connects these different practices, but argue that it is only when considering learning in this egalitarian environment that ekila really begins to make sense. The ethnography demonstrates how formulaic and counter‐intuitive explanations of specific taboos and related behaviour stimulate a learner‐motivated pedagogic process – one devoid of an individual or institutional focus – through which Mbendjele learn important knowledge. Ekila anchors key areas of cosmological knowledge, gender and political ideology in the physical and biological experiences of human growth and maturation so that gendered practices and cultural values take on a natural, inevitable quality.

Les chasseurs‐cueilleurs Mbendjele des forêts du nord du Congo font référence sous le nom d’ekilaà un corpus apparemment confus de pratiques et de croyances diverses et sans rapport entre elles. Du point de vue ethnographique, l’ekila a de nombreuses significations. L'auteur suggère plusieurs manières possibles de comprendre ce qui relie ces différentes pratiques, mais avance que ce n'est qu'en considérant l'apprentissage dans cet environnement égalitaire que l’ekila commence vraiment à prendre un sens. L'ethnographie démontre comment les explications toutes faites et contre‐intuitives de certains tabous et des comportements y afférents ont suscité un processus pédagogique motivé par les destinataires de l'enseignement, vide de toute attention individuelle ou institutionnelle, par lequel les Mbendjele acquièrent des connaissances importantes. L’ekila ancre des notions essentielles de connaissances cosmologiques, de genre et d'idéologie politique dans l'expérience physique et biologique de la croissance et de la maturation humaines, de sorte que les pratiques sexuées et les valeurs culturelles prennent une qualité naturelle et inévitable.