bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Up for Debate: Consultations, the Constitution and the Communications Allowance
Authors: DREW DAVID , LEIGHTON ED
Published: May 2010

Using the Parliamentary Communications Allowance, MP David Drew recently conducted a large scale research project into public opinion on the British Constitution. There could not have been a better time to do so. Not only are we in the wake of severe economic and political crises, but also a period of unprecedented legislative interest in the constitution. Coordinated by Ed Leighton (an undergraduate at the LSE), the project consisted of a postal survey of 43,000 households, public debates around the constituency and workshops in local schools. The response from the public was incredible, and the results both interesting and unexpected. This article will outline some of those findings and demonstrate that large scale consultations with the public are both readily achievable and warmly welcomed. That this can all be done within the budget of the Parliamentary Communications Allowance also shows that at its best this fund can be used to genuinely engage with the public.
Party over Policy? Scottish Nationalism and the Politics of Independence
Authors: LEITH MURRAY STEWART , STEVEN MARTIN
Published: May 2010

The Scottish National Party (SNP) won control of Scotland's devolved government in the 2007 election yet opinion polls show no majority for its objective of independence in Europe. While the party is adept at exploiting short‐term political opportunity structures in the wider British context, as well as appealing to the ‘opinion electorate’, it appears less successful at persuading a majority of Scottish voters to agree with its core ideology. Helpful parallels can be drawn between 2007 and the last time the party polled over 30 per cent of the popular vote in Scotland at the 1974 (October) British General Election—then, as now, the Scottish voter appears to be willing to distinguish between party and policy.
Foxhunting and the Conservatives
Authors: TOKE DAVID
Published: May 2010

The Conservatives are pledged to have a free vote in Parliament on legislation in Government time to reverse the 2004 Hunting Act. This Act bans hunting with dogs. The Countryside Alliance has opposed the Hunting Act as part of campaigns to defend its notion of rural interests. The Countryside Alliance's success in gaining the Tory pledge could be underscored by a Tory hope that hunting supporters give decisive support for Tory candidates in marginal Parliamentary constituencies. However, the Tory leadership may find it politically difficult to give early priority to legislative attempts to repeal the Hunting Act. Moreover, it is likely to require a large Tory majority and years of waiting before a Tory government is able and willing to complete a repeal of the hunting ban.
BOOMS, RECESSIONS AND FINANCIAL TURMOIL: A FRESH LOOK AT INVESTMENT DECISIONS UNDER CYCLICAL UNCERTAINTY
Authors: Chen Yu‐Fu , Funke Michael
Published: May 2010

The paper studies the interaction between cyclical uncertainty and investment in a stochastic real option framework where demand shifts stochastically between three different states, each with different rates of drift and volatility. In our setting, the shifts are governed by a three‐state Markov switching model with constant transition probabilities. The magnitude of the link between cyclical uncertainty and investment is quantified using simulations of the model. The chief implication of the model is that recessions and financial turmoil are important catalysts for waiting. In other words, our model shows that macroeconomic risk acts as an important deterrent to investments.
MANAGING MIGRATION THROUGH CONFLICTING POLICIES: AN OPTION‐THEORY PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Moretto Michele , Vergalli Sergio
Published: May 2010

We try to determine whether it is better for a government to tighten or relax limits for immigrants in order to control migration inflows. To this end, we use a real option approach to migration choice that assumes that the decision to migrate can be described as an irreversible investment decision. Our results show that promoting uncertainty over migration limit may improve the government's control on migration inflows (quotas). In particular, we show that if the government controls the information related to the immigration stock it may delay the mass entry of immigrants, maintaining the required stock in the long run and controlling the flows in the short run.
QUANTIFYING THE ROLE PLAYED BY SUNK CAPITAL COSTS IN REAL‐OPTIONS MODELS
Authors: Ghosal Vivek
Published: May 2010

Sunk capital costs are essential in generating hysteresis in real‐options models that examine firms' decisions under uncertainty. The standard results show that greater uncertainty, in the presence of sunk capital costs, dampens firms' economic activity across a wide range of decision variables. In empirical examination of these models, there is a considerable lack of evidence on the conditioning effects of sunk capital costs. In this paper, I first detail alternative ways to use publicly available data to construct measures of sunk capital costs. The data reveal substantial differences across industries in their magnitudes of sunk capital costs. Second, I provide some evidence that the presence of higher sunk capital costs significantly exacerbates the effects of uncertainty.
Effect of São Pedro do Sul thermal water on skin irritation
Authors: Ferreira M. O. , Costa P. C. , Bahia M. F.
Published: May 2010

Synopsis

Many mineral waters are known for centuries for treating dermatological diseases but there is little scientific evaluation of the effects of these waters in skin. A total of 17 healthy Caucasian volunteers, including men and women, were enrolled in this study. Two skin sites were marked on each volunteer forearm and irritated with sodium lauryl sulphate at 2% (w/v) kept under occlusion for 24 h with Finn chambers. Afterwards, purified water or São Pedro do Sul (SPS) thermal water were applied to the irritated skin sites, and kept under occlusion for 48 h also with Finn chambers. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was used as a measure of the skin barrier function to evaluate the potential anti‐irritant effect of the thermal water on skin. Statistically significant differences in the mean TEWL variations were observed for the skin treated with SPS thermal water and with purified water (P = 0.036). The thermal water reduced the degree to which the skin barrier was disrupted compared with purified water alone in 82.4% of the volunteers. The SPS thermal water is anti‐irritant and, therefore, can be helpful to relieve skin irritation and in cosmetic formulations to improve the tolerability of the products.
Type I pro‐collagen promoting and anti‐collagenase activities of Phyllanthus emblica extract in mouse fibroblasts
Authors: Chanvorachote P. , Pongrakhananon V. , Luanpitpong S. , Chanvorachote B. , Wannachaiyasit S. , Nimmannit U.
Published: May 2010

J. Cosmet. Sci.,
60, 395–403 (July/August 2009)

Synopsis

As part of an ongoing search for the novel pharmacological activities of Phyllanthus emblica, the present study has shown its type I collagen promoting and anti‐collagenase effects on primary mouse fibroblast cells. At a concentration of 0.1 mg ml‐1, emblica extract significantly increased the type I pro‐collagen level up to 1.65‐fold, and 6.78‐fold greater than that of an untreated control, determined by immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis, respectively. Emblica extract caused an approximately 7.75‐fold greater type I pro‐collagen induction compared to the known herbal collagen enhancer asiaticoside at the same treatment concentration (0.1 mg ml­1). Moreover, emblica extract inhibited collagenase activity in a dose‐dependent manner. Maximal inhibition was observed (78.67 ± 3.51%) at a concentration of 1 mg ml­1. In summary, emblica extract has a promising pharmacological effect that benefits collagen synthesis and protects against its degradation and could be used as a natural anti‐aging ingredient.
The effect of N‐acetyl‐glucosamine on stratum corneum desquamation and water content in human skin
Authors: Mammone T. , Gan D. , Fthenakis C. , Marenus K.
Published: May 2010

J. Cosmet. Sci.,
60, 423–428 (July/August 2009)

Synopsis

Alpha‐hydroxy acids have been used topically to treat skin for both dermatological and cosmetic problems for many years. Though there are many known benefits of the use of α‐hydroxy acids on skin, there have been recent reports that topical treatments with α‐hydroxy acids increase skin damage resulting from UVB. Additionally, high concentrations of α‐hydroxy acids by themselves have also been found to cause skin irritation. In order to find alternatives to α‐hydroxy acids, we investigated a variety of amino sugar compounds that were previously reported to inhibit the reaggregation of dissociated corneocytes by modulating cellular adhesion. In vivo, we observed that topical treatments with a formulation containing N‐acetyl‐glucosamine (NAG) led to an increase in skin moisturization, a decrease in skin flakiness, and the normalization of stratum corneum exfoliation. In vitro, we observed an upregulation of differentiation markers, keratin 10 and involucrin, in keratinocytes treated with NAG. CD44 is a lectin cell adhesion molecule that is also expressed in keratinocytes. Amino sugars such as NAG may competitively bind to CD44, modulating keratinocyte cellular adhesion. We hypothesize that these amino sugars modulate keratinocyte cellular adhesion and differentiation, leading to the normalization of stratum corneum exfoliation. We propose the use of amino sugars such as NAG as alternative compounds to replace the use of α‐hydroxy acids in skin care.
A novel method to study the skin‐lightening effect of topical materials
Authors: Muizzuddin N. , Marenus K. D. , Mammone T. , Maes D. H.
Published: May 2010

J. Cosmet. Sci.,
60, 501–508 (September/October 2009)

Synopsis

Skin without significant dyschromia is an aesthetic requirement for people worldwide. There are several in vitro methods to determine the whitening potential of actives; however, the in vivo testing of skin whiteners is a long and expensive process. We have designed a rapid clinical method to screen potential skin whiteners using a UV‐induced skin tan as a model. Small areas of identical suntan are repeatably induced on the skin, and treatment of these sites allows rapid screening of several skin whiteners within the course of a month. The method provides reproducible results and valuable information about the potential skin‐lightening activity of topical preparations.
Enzymatic approach to analyze the effects of mercaptans on hair
Authors: Yamauchi C. , Mochizuki A. , Takayama K. , Suzuki S. , Sakaino A. , Okazaki W.
Published: May 2010

J. Cosmet. Sci.,
60, 527–535 (September/October 2009)

Synopsis

Different mercaptans were used to prepare reduced hair and permed hair samples. The reduced hair showed much higher protease degradation than the permed hair; also, the protease degradability of permed hair increased with repetitive treatments. The degradability of reduced hair was closely related to its cystine content, and that of permed hair was nearly unaffected by its cystine content. The degradability of both the reduced and permed hair was related to the reduction power of each mercaptan used on the hair and increased in the following order: CYS‐treated hair < CA‐treated hair < TG‐treated hair.
Bargaining Power and Negotiation Tactics: The Negotiations on the EU's Financial Perspective, 2007–13
Authors: DÜR ANDREAS , MATEO GEMMA
Published: May 2010

We argue that in intergovernmental negotiations in the European Union, large Member States, countries with a good alternative to negotiated agreement and governments facing domestic constraints are more likely to resort to a hard bargaining strategy than less powerful Member States. We test this prediction with data from a survey with high‐level officials from all EU Member States for the case of the negotiations concerning the EU Financial Perspective 2007–13. The evidence provides support for our argument and casts doubt on studies that suggest either that there are no differences in bargaining strategies across EU member countries or that the main differences exist between old and new EU Member States.
The Maastricht Inflation Criterion: What is the Effect of European Union Enlargement?
Authors: LEWIS JOHN , STAEHR KARSTEN
Published: May 2010

According to the Maastricht Treaty, a country seeking to join the European Monetary Union cannot have an inflation rate in excess of 1.5 per cent plus the average inflation rates in the three ‘best performing’ EU countries. This inflation reference value is a non‐increasing function of the number of EU members. A counterfactual analysis of historical data shows that the effect of enlarging the EU from 15 to 27 countries was sizeable in 2002–04 and again from 2007. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that the enlargement of the EU from 15 to 27 members reduces the inflation reference value by 0.15–0.2 percentage points on average, but there is a considerable probability of a larger reduction at any given moment of time. The treatment of countries with negative inflation rates in the calculation of the reference value has a major impact on the results.
Large‐scale human effects on an arid African raptor community
Authors: Anadón J. D. , Sánchez‐Zapata J. A. , Carrete M. , Donázar J. A. , Hiraldo F.
Published: May 2010

In the current scenario of biodiversity crisis there is a growing need for identifying causes of changes in biodiversity at large scales. Here we assess factors driving raptor community structure in the Sahel, a region suffering a wide range of environmental degradation and a vital area for European migrant birds. Using road surveys, we estimated the effects of population size, human settlement patterns (e.g. urban vs. nomadic) and land use on the raptor community, taking into account the major natural role played by productivity. Total raptor richness values were similar to those described for other steppe regions of the world, with one super‐abundant migrant species, the black kite Milvus migrans; however, richness of resident raptors was strikingly lower than expected, with most large body‐size African species (both eagles and vultures) absent. Raptor richness was strongly correlated with human activities in a scale‐dependent fashion. At a 25 km resolution, raptor richness was driven by habitat and productivity, with a positive response to crops. At a smaller scale, human population was positively related with wintering species richness but negatively with richness of resident ones, perhaps as a consequence of non‐agricultural activities such as direct harvesting and different forms of habitat degradation (e.g. overgrazing or firewood collection). Subsistence economies in systems with low natural environmental heterogeneity and with a human population over carrying capacity, such as the Sahel, may lead to exhausted biological systems even in the absence of intensive agricultural or urban land‐use changes, as shown by the deeply impoverished sedentary raptor community. Our results suggest that, because habitat and productivity seem to play a relevant role in driving species richness, climate change may have a major effect on the raptor community of the Sahel.
The ethical and policy implications of profiling ‘vulnerable’ customers
Authors: Harrison Paul , Gray Charles
Published: May 2010

In the shadow of the global financial crisis, the issue of the marketing of credit has become an increasing concern in the past 12 months. Outstanding personal debt in the UK currently stands at £1479 billion and is rising by £1 million every 10.6 min. In Australia, there is currently $44.6 billion worth of outstanding credit card debt, and in the US, $2596 billion was owed on credit cards in 2008. At present, the banking sector utilizes sophisticated research methods to profile consumers, including those who might be considered financially vulnerable. However, the policy frameworks in most industrialized countries do not account for this form of target marketing when considering how to protect vulnerable groups. This paper is an initial attempt to examine the different methods by which profiling is conducted and the policy implications of this sophisticated form of segmentation and targeting. We argue that current consumer policies are inadequate in protecting vulnerable consumers from these marketing techniques, and recent recommendations from the Federal Reserve Bank of the United States, and the Australian Law Reform Commission to allow banks and lenders to ‘pre‐screen’ potential customers will exacerbate personal debt levels, rather than reducing them.
Complementary roles of prenatal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosis of fetal renal anomalies
Authors: ABDELAZIM Ibrahim A. , ABDELRAZAK Khaled M. , RAMY Ahmed R.M. , MOUNIB Ahmed M.
Published: May 2010

Objectives:  This study was designed to assess the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in refining the diagnosis of prenatally suspected fetal renal abnormalities following screening ultrasound.

Patients and methods:  Twenty pregnant women, with suspected fetal renal abnormality detected during screening ultrasound and more than 14 weeks’ gestation, were included in this observational prospective study at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital from March 2004 to March 2005 after informed consent and after approval of the study protocol by the institute ethics committee.

Results:  The MRI could diagnose correctly 10 cases of hydronephrosis, one case of polycystic kidney disease (PCKD), one case of RA, two normal case and two cases of intra‐abdominal masses (IA Mass) (16 of 18 cases). The prenatal ultrasound could diagnose correctly eight cases of hydronephrosis, one case of PCKD, one case of renal agenesis, one case of multicystic kidney disease and one case of IA Mass (12 of 18 cases). The prenatal ultrasound and MRI gave different diagnoses in eight cases and gave the same diagnosis in 12 cases. The MRI could diagnose the aetiology of congenital renal cysts in 10 of the 20 studied cases (50%).

Conclusion:  Magnetic resonance imaging can be used as a complementary tool in the assessment of sonographically suspected fetal renal anomalies.
Isin vitrofertilisation more effective than stimulated intrauterine insemination as a first‐line therapy for subfertility? A cohort analysis
Authors: CHAMBERS Georgina M. , SULLIVAN Elizabeth A. , SHANAHAN Marian , HO Maria T. , PRIESTER Katelyn , CHAPMAN Michael G.
Published: May 2010

Objective: To compare a strategy of two cycles of intrauterine insemination with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (IUI/COH) vs onein vitrofertilisation (IVF) treatment programme (one fresh plus associated frozen embryo cycles) in couples presenting with unexplained, mild male or mild female subfertility.

Methods: A retrospective cohort design was used and analysed according to intention‐to‐treat principles. A total of 272 couples underwent an intended course of two cycles of IUI/COH and 176 couples underwent one IVF treatment programme.

Results: The cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per couple for the IUI/COH group was 27.6% compared to 39.2% for the IVF group (P = 0.01). The mean time to pregnancy was 69 days in the IUI/COH group compared to 44 days in the IVF group (P = 0.02). The IVF programme was costlier, with an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for an additional live birth in the range of $39 637–$46 325. The multiple delivery rate was 13.3% in the IUI/COH group compared to 10.1% in the IVF group (P = 0.55). One set of triplets and one set of quadruplets followed IUI/COH treatment.

Conclusions: One IVF treatment programme was more effective, but costlier than an intended course of two cycles of IUI/COH. With consistently higher success rates, shorter times to pregnancy and a trend to less higher order multiple pregnancies, this study supports the view that IVF is now potentially safer and more clinically effective than IUI/COH as a first‐line therapy for subfertility.
Adequacy Indices for Dialysis in Acute Renal Failure: Kinetic Modeling
Authors: Debowska Malgorzata , Lindholm Bengt , Waniewski Jacek
Published: May 2010

Many aspects of the management of renal replacement therapy in acute renal failure (ARF), including the appropriate assessment of dialysis adequacy, remain unresolved, because ARF patients often are not in a metabolic steady state. The aim of this study was to evaluate a system of adequacy indices for dialysis in ARF patients using urea and creatinine kinetic modeling. Kinetic modeling was performed for two different fictitious patients (A and B) with characteristics described by the average parameters for two patient groups and for two blood purification treatments: sustained low efficiency daily dialysis (SLEDD) in Patient A and continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) in Patient B, based on data from a clinical report. Urea and creatinine generation rates were estimated according to the clinical data on the solute concentrations in blood. Then, using estimated generation rates, two hypothetical treatments were simulated, CVVH in Patient A and SLEDD in Patient B. KT/V, fractional solute removal (FSR) and equivalent renal clearance (EKR) were calculated according to the definitions developed for metabolically unstable patients. CVVH appeared as being more effective than SLEDD because KT/V, FSR, and EKR were higher for CVVH than SLEDD in Patients A and B. Creatinine KT/V, FSR, and EKR were lower and well correlated to the respective indices for urea. Urea and creatinine generation rates were overestimated more than twice in Patient A and by 30–40% in Patient B if calculated assuming the metabolically stable state than if estimated by kinetic modeling. Adequacy indices and solute generation rates for ARF patients should be estimated using the definition for unsteady metabolic state. EKR and FSR were higher for urea and creatinine with CVVH than with SLEDD, because of higher K·T and minimized compartmental effects for CVVH.
Estimation of Phosphene Spatial Variability for Visual Prosthesis Applications
Authors: Obeid Iyad , Veraart Claude , Delbeke Jean
Published: May 2010

Visual prostheses are the focus of intensive research efforts to restore some measure of useful vision to blind or near‐blind patients. The development of such technology is being guided to an extent by tools that simulate prosthesis behavior for healthy sighted subjects in order to assess system requirements and configurations. These simulators, however, typically assume purely deterministic phosphene properties and thus do not apply any variability to phosphene size, intensity, or location. We address this issue by presenting data on phosphene variability measured in a blind human subject fitted with an optic nerve prosthesis. In order to correct for normal limitations in human‐pointing accuracy, the experimental conditions were repeated with sighted subjects. We conclude that identical optic nerve stimulations can result in phosphenes whose perceived locations vary by up to 5° of deviation angle and 10° of position angle. The consistency of phosphenes presented in the peripheral field of view can vary by an additional 3°.
ANALYSES OF THE COMPLETE CHLOROPLAST GENOME SEQUENCES OF TWO MEMBERS OF THE PELAGOPHYCEAE: AUREOCOCCUS ANOPHAGEFFERENS CCMP1984 AND AUREOUMBRA LAGUNENSIS CCMP15071
Authors: Ong Han Chuan , Wilhelm Steven W. , Gobler Christopher J. , Bullerjahn George , Jacobs Michael A. , McKay John , Sims Elizabeth H. , Gillett Will G. , Zhou Yang , Haugen Eric , Rocap Gabrielle , Cattolico Rose Ann
Published: May 2010

Heterokont members of the Pelagophyceae form the massive brown tides that have continually plagued the coastal regions of the eastern U.S. seaboard and the Gulf of Mexico. To gain a better understanding of the photosynthetic competence that may be linked to their success in forming massive blooms, we sequenced the chloroplast genomes of two pelagophytes: Aureococcus anophagefferens Hargraves et Sieburth and Aureoumbra lagunensis D. A. Stockw., DeYoe, Hargraves et P. W. Johnson. The chloroplast genomes of A. anophagefferens (89,599 bp) and Ar. lagunensis (94,346 bp) are significantly smaller than those of six other stramenopiles sequenced to date. The structure (or configuration) is partially due to the absence of the large inverted repeats common in chloroplast genomes. Eight of 10 small and tandem repeats from the A. anophagefferens and Ar. lagunensis genomes are adjacent to genes coding for photosynthetic or energy production functions, implying that these domains may have functional constraints. High genomic synteny, a multigene phylogenetic analysis, and a synapomorphic change in the form of an attenuated psbA gene confirm that A. anophagefferens and Ar. lagunensis are closely related taxa. Finally, the presence of three light‐independent chl‐biosynthesis genes in the chloroplast of Ar. lagunensis, but absence in the chloroplast and nuclear genomes of A. anophagefferens, suggests the persistence of a more ancient (i.e., dark‐adaptive) potential in Ar. lagunensis but not in A. anophagefferens. Whether the presence of both chl‐biosynthesis pathways in Ar. lagunensis contributes to the ability of this organism to sustain prolonged bloom (continuously for ∼8 years) under reduced light conditions, but not A. anophagefferens (a few months), remains an open question.
Genes Associated With Alcohol Abuse and Tobacco Smoking in the Human Nucleus Accumbens and Ventral Tegmental Area
Authors: Flatscher‐Bader Traute , Harrison Erin , Matsumoto Izuru , Wilce Peter A.
Published: May 2010

Background: The incidence of alcohol and tobacco co‐abuse is as high as 80%. The molecular mechanism underlying this comorbidity is virtually unknown, but interactions between these drugs have important implications for the development of and recovery from drug dependence.

Methods: We investigated the effects of chronic tobacco and alcohol abuse and the interaction of the 2 behaviors on global gene expression in the human nucleus accumbens using cDNA microarrays and 20 alcoholic and control cases, with and without smoking comorbidity. Changes in gene expression were established by factorial ANOVA. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering was utilized to probe the strength of the data sets. Applying real‐time PCR differential expression of candidate genes was confirmed in the nucleus accumbens and explored further in a second core region of the mesolimbic system, the ventral tegmental area.

Results: Subjecting the data sets derived from microarray gene expression screening to unsupervised hierarchical clustering tied the cases into distinct groups. When considering all alcohol‐responsive genes, alcoholics were separated from nonalcoholics with the exception of 1 control case. All smokers were distinguished from nonsmokers based on similarity in expression of smoking‐sensitive genes. In the nucleus accumbens, alcohol‐responsive genes were associated with transcription, lipid metabolism, and signaling. Smoking‐sensitive genes were predominantly assigned to functional groups concerned with RNA processing and the endoplasmic reticulum. Both drugs influenced the expression of genes involved in matrix remodeling, proliferation, and cell morphogenesis. Additionally, a gene set encoding proteins involved in the canonical pathway “regulation of the actin cytoskeleton” was induced in response to alcohol and tobacco co‐abuse and included. Alcohol abuse elevated the expression of candidate genes in this pathway in the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area, while smoking comorbidity blunted this induction in the ventral tegmental area.

Conclusions: The region‐specific modulation of alcohol‐sensitive gene expression by smoking may have important consequences for alcohol‐induced aberrations within the mesolimbic dopaminergic system.
Assessment of Silicone Polymer Composites for Environmental Forensic Applications: A Proof of Concept Study*
Authors: Bell Stephanie K. , Gardinali Piero R.
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  This study evaluates the use of polydimethylsiloxane polymer composites (PDMS, Fe–PDMS) as a passive sampling media to preconcentrate analytes found in environmental settings. Samplers were made using commercially available silicone products. The composite samplers were assessed for their sorption properties using Atrazine and Irgarol 1051 as model compounds. The initial study assessed the utility of PDMS sheets as adsorption material by following analyte depletion from spiked water samples by solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Follow‐up studies conducted at high and low concentrations using lab manufactured iron‐ PDMS rods (Fe–PDMS) showed effective uptake at differential rates from concentrations ranging between 1 μg/L and 10 μg/L. Adsorption mechanism was reversible, and compounds were recovered from the exposed materials and analyzed by liquid–liquid extraction‐GC/MS. Both composites showed better affinity for Irgarol 1051, 100% removal, than for Atrazine, 30% removal, likely representing their KOW differences, 3.6 and 2.6, respectively. This “proof of concept” study demonstrates the positive implications for the use of silicon polymer composites as a monitoring tool for environmental forensic purposes.
Photo‐ and Thermal‐Degradation Studies of Select Eccrine Fingerprint Constituents
Authors: De Paoli Giorgia , Lewis Sr. Samuel A. , Schuette Ellyn L. , Lewis Linda A. , Connatser Raynella M. , Farkas Tivadar
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  Photo‐ and thermal‐degradation studies on eccrine fingerprint components are presented herein. Dilute distinct solutions of urea, lactic acid, and seven amino acids were deposited on steel coupons and Teflon® disks, exposed to artificial sunlight or heat, extracted, and analyzed. This aim of this study was to determine whether the investigated eccrine components, previously determined to be Raman active for a parallel study, experienced photo‐ or thermally induced degradation, and if so, to determine the rate and identify any detectable products. Neither the amino acids nor urea exhibited photo‐degradation; however, when heated for a period of three minutes, the onset of thermal‐degradation was initiated at 100°C for the amino acids and 100°C for urea. Lactic acid, the major polymerization initiator of superglue fuming, showed photochemical and thermal‐degradation. These results could be used for future development of new latent fingerprint visualization methods, especially when lactic acid is degraded.
Less‐Lethal Hybrid Ammunition Wounds: A Forensic Assessment Introducing Bullet‐Skin‐Bone Entity
Authors: De Freminville Humbert , Prat Nicolas , Rongieras Frederic , Voiglio Eric J.
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  Agencies all around the world now use less‐lethal weapons with homogeneous missiles such as bean bag or rubber bullets. Contusions and sometimes significant morbidity have been reported. This study focuses on wounds caused by hybrid ammunition with the pathologists’ flap‐by‐flap procedure. Twenty‐four postmortem human subjects were used, and lesions caused on frontal, temporal, sternal, and left tibial regions by a 40‐mm hybrid ammunition (33 g weight) were evaluated on various distance range. The 50% risk of fractures occurred at 79.2 m/sec on the forehead, 72.9 m/sec on the temporal, 72.5 m/sec on the sternum, and 76.7 m/sec on the tibia. Skin lesions were not predictors of bone fracture. There was no correlation between soft and bone tissue observed lesions and impact velocity (correlated to distance range). Lesions observed with hybrid ammunition were the result of bullet‐skin‐bone entity as the interaction of the projectile on skin and bone tissues.
Potency Trends of Δ9‐THC and Other Cannabinoids in Confiscated Cannabis Preparations from 1993 to 2008*
Authors: Mehmedic Zlatko , Chandra Suman , Slade Desmond , Denham Heather , Foster Susan , Patel Amit S. , Ross Samir A. , Khan Ikhlas A. , ElSohly Mahmoud A.
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  The University of Mississippi has a contract with the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to carry out a variety of research activities dealing with cannabis, including the Potency Monitoring (PM) program, which provides analytical potency data on cannabis preparations confiscated in the United States. This report provides data on 46,211 samples seized and analyzed by gas chromatography‐flame ionization detection (GC‐FID) during 1993–2008. The data showed an upward trend in the mean Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) content of all confiscated cannabis preparations, which increased from 3.4% in 1993 to 8.8% in 2008. Hashish potencies did not increase consistently during this period; however, the mean yearly potency varied from 2.5–9.2% (1993–2003) to 12.0–29.3% (2004–2008). Hash oil potencies also varied considerably during this period (16.8 ± 16.3%). The increase in cannabis preparation potency is mainly due to the increase in the potency of nondomestic versus domestic samples.
The Effect of Decalcifying Solutions on Hemosiderin Staining
Authors: Byard Roger W. , Bellis Maria
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  To determine whether routine decalcification may reduce the amount of stainable iron that is visible on tissue sections, samples of liver and lung tissue with excessive iron stores were placed in three standard decalcifying solutions (i) formic acid [33%], formaldehyde [4%], and NaCl [0.85%]; (ii) formic acid [30%], formaldehyde [4%], and water; and (iii) nitric acid [5%] for 24, 48, 72, and 96 h. After exposure to the decalcifying solutions, the tissues were stained with Perls stain. The slides were examined blind and the intensity of iron staining was scored semiquantitatively from 0 to 3+. The trend in all samples over the course of the experiment (96 h) was for reduction in the intensity of hemosiderin staining. As the amount of stainable hemosiderin in tissues may be significantly altered by decalcification, the absence of hemosiderin in tissues adjacent to a fracture site does not necessarily indicate that the injury was acute.
Cross‐Cultural Comparison of Two Serial Sexual Murder Series in Italy and the United States
Authors: Morton Robert J. , Campobasso Carlo P. , McNamara James J. , Colonna Massimo , Carabellese Felice , Grattagliano Ignazio , Catanesi Roberto , Lawrence Jennifer M.
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  There have been few documented comparisons of serial murder cases committed in the United States with cases occurring internationally. The authors contrasted two unique serial murder series: one in Italy and one in the United States by examining the details of both series, including the M.O., motivation, crime scene interactions, sexual acts performed, and the general backgrounds of both offenders. The comparison revealed a number of similarities. Both offenders specifically targeted elderly women, who were attacked in their residences. The two series involved sexually motivated crimes, although the sexual interactions were different. Both offenders stole objects from their victims after the murders and each kept newspaper accounts of their crimes. In addition, both offenders claimed to have abusive upbringings, including sexual abuse.
If Brain Scans Really Detected Deception, Who Would Volunteer to be Scanned?
Authors: Spence Sean A. , Hope‐Urwin Alexandra , Lankappa Sudheer T. , Woodhead Jean , Burgess Jenny C.L. , Mackay Alice V.
Published: May 2010

Abstract:  Recent neuroimaging studies investigating the neural correlates of deception among healthy people, have raised the possibility that such methods may eventually be applied during legal proceedings. Were this so, who would volunteer to be scanned? We report a “natural experiment” casting some light upon this question. Following broadcast of a television series describing our team’s investigative neuroimaging of deception in 2007, we received unsolicited (public) correspondence for 12 months. Using a customized template to examine this material, three independent assessors unanimously rated 30 of an initial 56 communications as unequivocally constituting requests for a “scan” (to demonstrate their author’s “innocence”). Compared with the rest, these index communications were more likely to originate from incarcerated males, who were also more likely to engage in further correspondence. Hence, in conclusion, if neuroimaging were to become an acceptable means of demonstrating innocence then incarcerated males may well constitute those volunteering for such investigation.
Abnormal grey matter in victims of rape with PTSD in Mainland China: a voxel-based morphometry study
Authors: Sui Shuang Ge , Wu Ming Xiang , King Mark E. , Zhang Yan , Ling Li , Xu Jian Min , Weng Xu Chu , Duan Lian , Shan Bao Ci , Li Ling Jiang
Published: May 2010

Sui SG, Wu MX, King ME, Zhang Y, Ling L, Xu JM, Weng XC, Duan L, Shan BC, Li LJ. Abnormal grey matter in victims of rape with PTSD in Mainland China: a voxel-based morphometry study.

Objective:

This study examined changes in brain grey matter in victims of rape (VoR) with and without post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous research has focused on PTSD caused by various traumatic events, such as war and disaster, among others. Although considerable research has focused on rape-related PTSD, limited studies have been carried out in the context of Mainland China.

Methods:

The study included 11 VoR with PTSD, 8 VoR without PTSD and 12 healthy comparison (HC) subjects. We used voxel-based morphometry to explore changes in brain grey-matter density (GMD) by applying statistical parametric mapping to high-resolution magnetic resonance images.

Results:

Compared with HC, VoR with PTSD showed significant GMD reductions in the bilateral medial frontal cortex, left middle frontal cortex, middle temporal gyrus and fusiform cortex and significant GMD increases in the right posterior cingulate cortex, postcentral cortex, bilateral precentral cortex and inferior parietal lobule. Compared to VoR without PTSD, VoR with PTSD showed significant GMD reductions in the right uncus, left middle temporal gyrus, and the fusiform cortex, and increases in the left precentral cortex, inferior parietal lobule and right post-central cortex.

Conclusion:

The findings of abnormal GMD in VoR with PTSD support the hypothesis that PTSD is associated with widespread anatomical changes in the brain. The medial frontal cortex, precentral cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, post-central cortex and inferior parietal lobule may play important roles in the neuropathology of PTSD.
Aberrant processing of deviant stimuli in schizophrenia revealed by fusion of fMRI and EEG data
Authors: Calhoun Vince D. , Wu Lei , Kiehl Kent A. , Eichele Tom , Pearlson Godfrey D.
Published: May 2010

Calhoun VD, Wu L, Kiehl KA, Eichele T, Pearlson GD. Aberrant processing of deviant stimuli in schizophrenia revealed by fusion of fMRI and EEG data.

Background:

Aberrant electrophysiological and haemodynamic processing of auditory oddball stimuli is among the most robustly documented findings in patients with schizophrenia. However, no study to date has directly examined linked patterns of electrical and haemodynamic differences in patients and controls.

Methods:

In a recent paper we demonstrated a data-driven approach, joint independent component analysis (jICA) to fuse together functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and event-related potential (ERP) data and elucidated the chronometry of auditory oddball target detection in healthy control subjects. In this paper we extend our fusion method to identify specific differences in the neuronal chronometry of target detection for chronic schizophrenia patients compared to healthy controls.

Results:

We found one linked source, consistent with the N2 response, known to be related to cognitive processing of deviant stimuli, spatially localized to bilateral fronto-temporal regions. This source showed significant between-group differences both in amplitude response and in the fMRI/ERP distribution pattern. These findings are consistent with previous work showing N2 amplitude and latency abnormalities in schizophrenia, and provide new information about the linkage between the two.

Conclusions:

In summary, we use a novel approach to isolate and identify a linked fMRI/ERP component which shows marked differences in chronic schizophrenia patients. We also show that jointly using both fMRI and ERP measures provides a fully picture of the underlying haemodynamic and electrical changes which are present in patients. Our approach also has broad applicability to other diseases such as autism, Alzheimer's disease, or bipolar disorder.
Validity and reliability of a Swedish version of the Non‐Communicating Children’s Pain Checklist – Postoperative Version
Authors: Johansson M , Carlberg EB , Jylli L
Published: May 2010

Aim: To test the validity and reliability of a Swedish version of the Non‐Communicating Children’s Pain Checklist – Postoperative Version (NCCPC‐PV).

Methods: Thirty‐two consecutive children/adolescents (2–20 years of age) with cognitive impairment and no verbal communication from four habilitation centres were admitted to the study. Each child’s behaviour was observed by a parent or a caregiver and by a physiotherapist in two calm and two painful situations within the child’s everyday life. The raters independently assessed and graded the child’s behaviour during 5 min according to the translated Swedish version of the NCCPC‐PV.The intrarater and interrater reliability were determined, and the construct validity was examined.

Results: The results from 202 assessments showed that the construct validity was good: children’s behavioural signs differed significantly between situations of pain and situations of calm (p < 0.001). Repeated assessments showed poor agreement both within and between raters [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0.51–0.65]. The agreement for pain was good (ICC 0.83).

Conclusion: The Swedish version of the NCCPC‐PV can be used for pain assessment in children with cognitive impairments who lack verbal communication. Aspects of reliability need to be further analysed.
Increased prevalence of otitis media following respiratory syncytial virus infection
Authors: Kristjánsson S , Skúladóttir HE , Sturludóttir M , Wennergren G
Published: May 2010

Aim:  The aim of this study was to analyse whether, during the 18 months following a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infants, there were differences in the prevalence of common infections such as acute otitis media (AOM), compared with controls. We also wanted to see whether passive smoking could be a contributory factor.

Methods:  In a longitudinal study, 33 children who attended the emergency room with an RSV infection (age ≤7 months) were compared with 37 age‐matched controls recruited from routine infant check‐ups. The 18‐month follow‐up consisted of a questionnaire focusing on environmental factors and the child’s health during the last 12 months. An allergy skin prick test (SPT) was performed and venous blood was obtained.

Results:  The prevalence of AOM and the use of antibiotics were higher in the RSV group than in the controls (p = 0.009 and p = 0.027 respectively). The number of AOMs and the use of antibiotics correlated, r = 0.8. In the RSV group, one or both parents smoked in 52% compared with 14% in the controls (p < 0.001). There were no differences in allergy SPT results.

Conclusion:  The infants with RSV infection had AOM and were prescribed antibiotics more frequently during the follow‐up period. Furthermore, smoking was far more common among the parents of the RSV group. We speculate that passive smoking could be a contributory factor to the infections noted here.
Ultrasound measurements of the lateral ventricles in neonates: why, how and when? A systematic review
Authors: Brouwer Margaretha J , De Vries Linda S , Pistorius Lou , Rademaker Karin J , Groenendaal Floris , Benders Manon JNL
Published: May 2010

Germinal matrix‐intraventricular haemorrhage and subsequent post‐haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) are frequently encountered complications in preterm neonates. As progressive dilatation of the lateral ventricles may be associated with elevated intracranial pressure, ultrasound measurements of ventricular size play a major role in the evaluation of neonates at risk of ventricular dilatation as well as in assessing the effect of intervention for PHVD. A systematic search was carried out in Medline and Embase to identify neonatal and foetal ultrasound studies on lateral ventricular size. This review presents an overview of the available data concerning neonatal reference values for lateral ventricular size, the influence of gender, ventricular asymmetry and the effect of the mode of delivery on the phenomenon of ventricular reopening following birth.

Conclusion:  Serial cranial ultrasound measurements of the lateral ventricles play a key role in the early recognition and therapeutic evaluation of post‐haemorrhagic ventricular dilation and can be of prognostic value in neonates with ventricular dilatation.
Cerebral white matter blood flow and arterial blood pressure in preterm infants
Authors: Børch Klaus , Lou Hans C , Greisen Gorm
Published: May 2010

It is generally assumed that one reason why white matter injury is common in preterm infants is the relatively poor vascular supply.

Aim:  To examine whether blood flow to the white matter is relatively more reduced at low blood pressure than is blood flow to the brain as a whole.

Methods:  Thirteen normoxic preterm infants had blood flow imaging on 16 occasions with single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using 99Tc labelled hexa‐methylpropylenamide oxime (HMPAO) as the tracer. Gestational age was 26–32 weeks. Transcutaneous carbon dioxide was between 4.7 and 8.5 kPa and mean arterial blood pressure between 22 and 55 mmHg.

Results:  There was no statistically significant direct relation between white matter blood flow percentage and any of the variables. Using non‐linear regression, however, assuming a plateau over a certain blood pressure threshold and a positive slope below this threshold, the relation to white matter flow percentage was statistically significant (p = 0.02). The threshold was 29 mmHg (95% confidence limits 26–33).

Conclusion:  Our analysis supports the concept of periventricular white matter as selectively vulnerable to ischaemia during episodes of low blood pressure.
Psychoanalysis and Early Modern Culture: Is it Time to Move Beyond Charges of Anachronism?
Authors: Bellamy Elizabeth Jane
Published: May 2010

In the last few decades, cultural and textual studies of early modern sexualities, passions, kinship bonds, etc., have burgeoned, while more or less overlooking the role of the unconscious within these all too human realms of inquiry. No one doubts that something akin to rationality or irrationality actually occurred in early modernity. But the possibility that something like repression might have occurred opens a floodgate of protests: to pose the question of how repression might have operated within early modernity is to invite the immediate response that the unconscious possesses no earlier history prior to Freud’s famous couch in Vienna. Blunt‐force accusations that psychoanalysis is anachronistic when brought to bear on early modern studies have become mantras, often assuming such mesmerizing, hegemonic force that they have all but foreclosed on the benefits of further reflection and debate. This essay speculates on how – and whether – we can work through and moves beyond this all‐too‐predictable, but stubbornly durable charge.