bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell cycle and viral and immunologic profiles of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma as predictable variables of tumor progression
Authors: Rittà Massimo , De Andrea Marco , Mondini Michele , Mazibrada Jasenka , Giordano Carlo , Pecorari Giancarlo , Garzaro Massimiliano , Landolfo Vincenzo , Schena Marina , Chiusa Luigi , Landolfo Santo
Published: December 2008

Background

The aim of this study was to determine whether the aberrant expression of cell‐cycle or immune‐response markers together with human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity impacts patient survival in different head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) subsets.

Methods

A total of 59 HNSCC specimens were analyzed for expression of cell cycle and proliferation markers, and macrophage infiltration. HPV was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing.

Results

The HPV presence in oropharynx carcinoma was associated with survival advantage. Low Ki67 expression was associated with favorable outcome in oropharynx and oral cavity carcinoma. A more favorable outcome was associated with low cyclin E expression in larynx carcinoma and with low p53 expression in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity. A direct correlation between macrophage infiltration and tumor proliferation index was observed irrespective of the tumor subset.

Conclusions

The assessment of proliferation, viral, and immunologic profiles may be crucial to finding beneficial treatments for the different HNSCC subsets. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Presence of HPV type 6 in dysplasia and carcinoma arising from recurrent respiratory papillomatosis
Authors: Jeong Woo‐Jin , Park Seok‐Woo , Shin Miwha , Lee You Jeong , Jeon Yoon Kyung , Jung Young Ho , Hun Hah J. , Kwon Tack‐Kyun , Song Yong‐Sang , Kim Kwang Hyun , Sung Myung‐Whun
Published: December 2008

Background

We collected rare cases of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) undergoing malignant transformation. We sought to identify human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes in areas of papilloma, dysplasia, and carcinoma and investigate thve pattern of protein overexpression.

Methods

Three patients whose disease underwent malignant transformation from RRP to carcinoma were subjected to this study. Morphologically distinct areas in the pathology specimen of each patient were diagnosed as papilloma, dysplasia, and carcinoma. Each lesion was separately obtained by laser capture microdissection and was PCR amplified for the presence of HPV. A DNA chip was used to determine the type of HPV in each area. Immunohistochemistry for p53, Ki‐67, and pRb was performed.

Results

HPV type 6 was present in all specimens tested positive. Expression of p53 and Ki‐67 increased with increasing severity of dysplastic change.

Conclusion

Although HPV type 11 is most frequently associated with malignant change of RRP, HPV type 6 may also contribute to play an equally important role in RRP carcinogenesis. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Intratumoral interferon regulatory factor (IRF)‐1 but not IRF‐2 is of relevance in predicting patient outcome in ovarian cancer
Authors: Zeimet Alain G. , Reimer Daniel , Wolf Dominik , Fiegl Heidi , Concin Nicole , Wiedemair Annemarie , Wolf Anna M. , Rumpold Holger , Müller‐Holzner Elisabeth , Marth Christian
Published: December 2008

IRF‐1 and IRF‐2 expression was determined by real‐time PCR in 138 ovarian cancer samples and 30 healthy ovarian biopsies and was correlated with the expression of other relevant immunologic parameters and common clinicopathologic variables. Regulation of IRF‐1 and IRF‐2 was evaluated by cytokine treatment of various ovarian cancer cell lines, human peritoneal mesothelial cells and ovarian surface epithelium. IRF‐1 but not IRF‐2 was constitutively over‐expressed in 5 of 7 ovarian cancer cell lines. Both IRFs were inducible with IFN‐γ and to a lesser extent with IL‐1 or TNF‐α, but not with IL‐6. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) treatment down‐regulated both IRFs. In ovarian cancer samples only IRF‐1, but not IRF‐2 mRNA, was up‐regulated when compared with healthy ovarian tissue. IRF‐1 but not IRF‐2 expression was significantly associated with interferon (IFN)‐γ and forkhead box P3 (FoxP3). In univariate survival analysis, strong expression of IRF‐1 and IRF‐2 predicted improved disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). In Cox regression analyses, IRF‐1 retained independent prognostic significance for DFS and OS and IFN‐γ for OS. In contrast to other solid tumors, IRF‐2 expression cannot be regarded as a classic oncoprotein associated with poor prognosis in ovarian cancer. Of the immunologic parameters investigated, intratumoral IRF‐1 expression is the most powerful independent predictor of a favorable clinical outcome. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐run purchasing power parity with asymmetric adjustment: evidence from nine major oil‐exporting countries
Authors: Chang Tsangyao , Liu Wen‐Chi
Published: December 2008

In this study, we apply threshold cointegration test advanced by Enders and Siklos (2001) to investigate the properties of asymmetric adjustment in long‐run purchasing power parity (PPP) in nine major oil‐exporting countries. Although there is evidence of long‐run PPP for these nine oil‐exporting countries, the adjustment mechanism is asymmetric. These results have important policy implications for these nine oil‐exporting countries under study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atypical presentations of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A review
Authors: Sarode Ravi
Published: December 2008

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is diagnosed by the presence of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia in a patient who frequently presents with central nervous system involvement and, to a lesser extent, renal dysfunction. Recent understanding of the pathophysiology of TTP due to severe deficiency of von Willebrand factor cleaving protease, known as ADAMTS13, has improved diagnosis of TTP. Once the diagnosis is suspected, life‐saving therapeutic plasma exchange therapy is initiated. Occasionally, an unusual clinical presentation makes TTP diagnosis difficult, thus resulting in a delay in the management of TTP. This review highlights a variety of atypical TTP presentations described in the literature. It is intended to bring unusual scenarios to the clinician's awareness, so that timely treatment can be delivered. J. Clin. Apheresis, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using participatory methods and geographic information systems (GIS) to prepare for an hiv community‐based trial in Vulindlela, South Africa (Project Accept–HPTN 043)
Authors: Chirowodza Admire , van Rooyen Heidi , Joseph Philip , Sikotoyi Sindisiwe , Richter Linda , Coates Thomas
Published: December 2008

Recent attempts to integrate geographic information systems (GIS) and participatory techniques, have given rise to terminologies such as participatory GIS and community‐integrated GIS. Although GIS was initially developed for physical geographic application, it can be used for the management and analysis of health and health care data. Geographic information systems, combined with participatory methodology, have facilitated the analysis of access to health facilities and disease risk in different populations. Little has been published about the usefulness of combining participatory methodologies and GIS technology in an effort to understand and inform community‐based intervention studies, especially in the context of HIV. This article attempts to address this perceived gap in the literature. The authors describe the application of participatory research methods with GIS in the formative phase of a multisite community‐based social mobilization trial, using voluntary counseling and testing and post‐test support as the intervention. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
National benchmarking between the Nordic countries on the quality of care
Authors: Mainz Jan , Hjulsager Morten , og Mette Thorup Eriksen , Burgaard Jytte
Published: December 2008

This paper describes the Nordic Indicator Project that aims at describing and analysing the quality of care for important diseases in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden). The Council of Ministers decided to appoint a working group for quality mapping with the aim of giving Nordic citizens, politicians, health workers and authorities the opportunity to evaluate and compare performance across the Nordic countries. The working group selected 36 prioritised quality indicators, including cancer indicators, for benchmarking between the Nordic countries. Additionally, 40 ‘potential indicators’ have been identified for future developments. This international projects document how difficult it is to do international benchmarking. The experience of the Nordic Council of Ministers Quality Project has shown that even for common indicators as survival and mortality rates for breast cancer, colorectal cancer and lung cancer etc., it is difficult to yield data that are representative to the international nations as a whole. It seems that modern health care systems are not able do document their quality. At national and international level we need to invest in quality measurement systems and in international collaboration. J. Surg. Oncol. 2009;99:505–507. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A unique case of cortical myoclonus sensitive to visual stimuli in the peripersonal space
Authors: Parasivam Sharavanan , Cowey Max , Day Bruce , Thyagarajan Dominic
Published: December 2008

Multimodal representation of peripersonal or near space has been demonstrated in the brain of the nonhuman primate through invasive electrophysiological experiments. Representation of peripersonal space in the human brain has been inferred from extinction experiments and functional imaging studies. We present a unique case of lower limb myoclonus in a patient with common variable immunodeficiency which is sensitive to visual stimuli in the peripersonal space and light touch. This case provides further evidence for near space representation in the human brain. We hypothesize that somatopically organized multimodal areas exist in the human brain which code for peripersonal space. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Hispanic charitable giving: An opportunity for nonprofit development
Authors: Marx Jerry D. , Carter Vernon Brooks
Published: December 2008

In 2003, the U.S. Census Bureau indicated that Hispanics had become the largest U.S. minority group. Representing 14 percent of the population, more than forty million Hispanics currently live in the United States and are a growing source of charitable giving. This study uses a national probability sample (n = 3,261) to examine variables that may influence Hispanic charitable giving in the United States to private nonprofit organizations. Logistic regression analyses indicated that Hispanics were eight times more likely to donate to human service organizations when using payroll deduction. In addition, Hispanics who were solicited for a donation by telephone were twice as likely to make a donation to educational organizations as Hispanic donors not solicited by phone. Volunteerism was also a predictor of Hispanic charitable giving. U.S. demographic trends and this study's findings suggest that nonprofit leaders, including those responsible for fundraising in private nonprofit organizations, need to be aware of the opportunities for Hispanic charitable support.
Effects of vinyltrimethoxy silane on mechanical properties and morphology of polypropylene‐woodflour composites
Authors: Bouza Rebeca , Abad María José , Barral Luis , Ladra Marcelino
Published: December 2008

The effects of composition and interface modification on the tensile properties and the impact resistance of different woodflour/polypropylene composites (WPC) were studied. The woodflour was treated with vinyltrimethoxy silane as a coupling agent, and its effect on the WPC properties was examined. In addition, the tensile data were fitted with several semiempirical models to clarify the mechanical behavior of the composites. The Pukánszky parameters obtained from the fit of the tensile strength data revealed that the distribution of the filler was more homogeneous in the composites containing silane and that interaction between components was improved. The impact strength was maximal for the composites containing 30% of silane‐treated woodflour. Morphological analysis by SEM revealed that the woodflour tended to form agglomerates when present in relatively high amounts in the formulations. For the silane‐treated composites, the dispersion of the filler into the polypropylene (PP) matrix improved, although surface treatment blocked the inclusion of PP into the wood cells. This probably decreased the elastic moduli, even when the filler‐matrix interaction was improved. The beneficial effects of the coupling agent on the WPC properties were greater in the materials containing a relatively low amount of filler (up to 30%); the effectiveness of 0.5% and 1% organosilane were very similar, demonstrating the effectiveness of the coupling agent. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Graft polymerization of N‐tert‐butylacrylamide onto polypropylene during melt extrusion and biocidal properties of its products
Authors: Badrossamay Mohammad Reza , Sun Gang
Published: December 2008

Functionalization of polypropylene (PP) by radical graft polymerization with N‐tert‐butylacrylamide (NTBA) was successfully conducted during melt extrusion, and the grafted products were employed as precursors of biocidal N‐halamine polymers. Graft polymerization conditions, including monomer and initiator concentrations, addition of a comonomer styrene (St), were studied. Fourier transformed spectroscopy (FTIR) results and nitrogen analysis confirmed the graft polymerization on PP backbone during the reactive extrusion. The results also indicated that increase in initiator concentration led to more PP chain scission and reduction in mixing torque or polymer chain length. As the monomer concentration rose, grafted monomer content in the products improved, revealing increased grafting copolymerization in the system. Addition of St as a comonomer adversely affected grafting of NTBA, but significantly prevented polymer chain scission. This may be due to lower tendency of NTBA for copolymerization. The halogenated products exhibited potent antimicrobial properties against Escherichia coli, and the antimicrobial properties were durable and regenerable. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Evaluation of stimulus preference assessment methods with general education students
Authors: Schanding G. Thomas , Tingstrom Daniel H. , Sterling‐Turner Heather E.
Published: December 2008

The current exploratory study examined the ability of three stimulus preference assessments to identify effective reinforcers for general education students. Four students from Grades K through 5 and their teachers participated. A student nomination, teacher nomination, and ongoing (daily) stimulus preference assessment were evaluated. The results demonstrate that reinforcers identified by both general education students and their teachers increased behavior similarly, although correspondence between teacher‐ and student‐selected items themselves were low. Evaluation of the procedures indicated the highest rate of responding occurred under the ongoing reinforcer assessment condition for 3 of the 4 students. Limitations and future research are discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fibril aggregation inhibitory activity of the β‐sheet breaker peptides: a molecular docking approach
Authors: Chini Maria Giovanna , Scrima Mario , D'Ursi Anna Maria , Bifulco Giuseppe
Published: December 2008

In the present study, we used a molecular docking as a rapid, interactive method to study the inhibition of fibrillogenesis process by β‐sheet breaker peptide (BSB) (Ac‐L1‐V2‐(NMet)F3‐F4‐A5‐NH2). Our aim was to find the complex (Aβ:BSB) that blocks the aggregation of the fibrils, and to identify the binding sequences for the small peptides on Aβ1–42. An NMR structure solved by Lührs et al. in 2005 was used to study the interaction of BSB with the amyloid aggregated forms. From our preliminary step‐by‐step docking studies, the L(17)‐D(23) sequence seems to be one of the most common active sites of Aβ1–42, and critical in amyloid fibril formation. We note that a single molecule of BSB does not influence the interaction between the two fibrils, while a little excess of BSB (two molecules) with respect to the amyloid does not completely block but undoubtedly obstructs the aggregation process. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolism of androsta‐1,4,6‐triene‐3,17‐dione and detection by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in doping control
Authors: Parr Maria K. , Fußhöller Gregor , Schlörer Nils , Opfermann Georg , Piper Thomas , Rodchenkov Grigory , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: December 2008

The urinary metabolism of the irreversible aromatase inhibitor androsta‐1,4,6‐triene‐3,17‐dione was investigated. It is mainly excreted unchanged and as its 17β‐hydroxy analogue. For confirmation, 17β‐hydroxyandrosta‐1,4,6‐trien‐3‐one was synthesized and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in addition to the parent compound. In addition, several reduced metabolites were detected in the post‐administration urines, namely 17β‐hydroxyandrosta‐1,4‐dien‐3‐one (boldenone), 17β‐hydroxy‐5β‐androst‐1‐en‐3‐one (boldenone metabolite), 17β‐hydroxyandrosta‐4,6‐dien‐3‐one, and androsta‐4,6‐diene‐3,17‐dione. The identification was performed by comparison of the metabolites with reference material utilizing gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of the underivatized compounds and GC/MS and GC/tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) of their trimethylsilyl (TMS) derivatives. Alterations in the steroid profile were also observed, most obviously in the androsterone/testosterone ratio. Even if not explicitly listed, androsta‐1,4,6‐triene‐3,17‐dione is classified as a prohibited substance in sports by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) due to its aromatase‐inhibiting properties. In 2006 three samples from human routine sports doping control tested positive for metabolites of androsta‐1,4,6‐triene‐3,17‐dione. The samples were initially found suspicious for the boldenone metabolite 17β‐hydroxy‐5β‐androst‐1‐en‐3‐one. Since metabolites of androst‐4‐ene‐3,6,17‐trione were also present in the urine samples, it is presumed that these findings were due to the administration of a product like ‘Novedex Xtreme’, which could be easily obtained from the sport supplement market. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of δ18O in soils: measuring conditions and a potential application
Authors: Schaub Monika , Seth Barbara , Alewell Christine
Published: December 2008

The stable oxygen isotope signature (δ18O) of soil is expected to be the result of a mixture of components within the soil with varying δ18O signatures. Thus, the δ18O of soils should provide information about the soil's substrate, especially about the relative contribution of organic matter versus minerals. As there is no standard method available for measuring soil δ18O, the method for the measurement of single components using a high‐temperature conversion elemental analyser (TC/EA) was adapted. We measured δ18O in standard materials (IAEA 601, IAEA 602, Merck cellulose) and soils (organic and mineral soils) in order to determine a suitable pyrolysis temperature for soil analysis. We consider a pyrolysis temperature suitable when the yield of signal intensity (intensity of mass 28 per 100 µg) is at a maximum and the acquired raw δ18O signature is constant for the standard materials used and when the quartz signal from the soil is still negligible. After testing several substances within the temperature range of 1075 to 1375°C we decided to use a pyrolysis temperature of 1325°C for further measurements. For the Urseren Valley we have found a sequence of increasing δ18O signatures from phyllosilicates to upland soils, wetland soils and vegetation. Our measurements show that the δ18O values of upland soil samples differ significantly from wetland soil samples. The latter can be related to the changing mixing ratio of the mineral and organic constituents of the soil. For wetlands affected by soil erosion, we have found intermediate δ18O signatures which lie between typical signatures for upland and wetland sites and give evidence for the input of upland soil material through erosion. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retracted: Genetic diversity in hepatitis C virus (HCV): A brief review
Authors: Irshad Mohammad
Published: December 2008

The following article from Reviews in Medical Virology, Genetic diversity in hepatitis C virus (HCV) a brief review, by M Irshad, published online on December 16 2008 in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) has been retracted by agreement between the author, the journal Editor in Chief, P.D. Griffiths, and the publisher Wiley Blackwell. The retraction has been agreed due to overlap with the following article by P Simmonds, Genetic diversity and evolution of hepatitis C virus fifteen years on, published in Journal of General Virology, 2004, 85, 3173–3178.
Proof of the local REM conjecture for number partitioning. I: Constant energy scales
Authors: Borgs Christian , Chayes Jennifer , Mertens Stephan , Nair Chandra
Published: December 2008

In this article we consider the number partitioning problem (NPP) in the following probabilistic version: Given n numbers X1,…,Xn drawn i.i.d. from some distribution, one is asked to find the partition into two subsets such that the sum of the numbers in one subset is as close as possible to the sum of the numbers in the other set. In this probabilistic version, the NPP is equivalent to a mean‐field antiferromagnetic Ising spin glass, with spin configurations corresponding to partitions, and the energy of a spin configuration corresponding to the weight difference. Although the energy levels of this model are a priori highly correlated, a surprising recent conjecture of Bauke, Franz, and Mertens asserts that the energy spectrum of number partitioning is locally that of a random energy model (REM): the spacings between nearby energy levels are uncorrelated. More precisely, it was conjectured that the properly scaled energies converge to a Poisson process, and that the spin configurations corresponding to nearby energies are asymptotically uncorrelated. In this article, we prove these two claims, collectively known as the local REM conjecture. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2009
An efficient scheme for removing compromised sensor nodes from wireless sensor networks
Authors: Wang Yong , Ramamurthy Byrav , Zou Xukai , Xue Yuyan
Published: December 2008

The goal of key management is to establish the required keys between sensor nodes which exchange data. A key management protocol includes two aspects: key distribution and key revocation. Key distribution has been extensively studied in the context of sensor networks. However, key revocation has received relatively little attention. In this paper, we first review and summarize the current key revocation schemes for sensor networks. Then, we present an efficient scheme, KeyRev, for removing compromised sensor nodes from a wireless sensor network (WSN). Unlike most proposed key revocation schemes focusing on removing the compromised keys on the sensor nodes, the KeyRev scheme uses key update techniques to obsolesce the keys owned by the compromised sensor nodes and thus remove the nodes from the network. We analyze the security of the KeyRev scheme and compare its performance against another centralized key revocation scheme and a distributed key revocation scheme. Our analyses show that the KeyRev scheme is secure in spite of not removing the pre‐distributed key materials at compromised sensor nodes. Simulation results also indicate that the KeyRev scheme is scalable and performs very well compared with other key revocation schemes in WSNs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Normative barriers to imitation: social complexity of core competences in a mutual fund industry
Authors: Jonsson Stefan , Regnér Patrick
Published: December 2008

Imperfectly imitable resources are central in contemporary analysis of sustainable competitive advantage. While prior work has focused on limitations on the ability to imitate, we argue that it is only a third step in an imitation procedure that also involves the identification of what to imitate and the willingness to imitate. In this study we focus on this last step of unwillingness to imitate due to institutionalized professional norms on product appropriateness. Drawing on institutional theory, we test hypotheses and discuss the complex relationship between institutionalized norms, core competences, and systematic differences in the willingness to imitate. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nicotine and Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol withdrawal induce Narp in the central nucleus of the amygdala
Authors: Reti Irving M. , Han Sungho , Miskimon Matthew , Rosen Jeffrey B. , Baraban Jay M.
Published: December 2008

The central nucleus of the amygdala plays a key role in mediating aversive responses to drug withdrawal, effects thought to contribute to continued drug use. In previous studies, we found that the immediate early gene Narp, which encodes a secreted protein that binds to AMPA receptors, is induced in this nucleus following opiate withdrawal. Furthermore, Narp deletion alters the acquisition and extinction of aversive conditioning induced by opiate withdrawal. We now report that Narp is also induced in the central nucleus following withdrawal from other drugs of abuse, nicotine and Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, indicating that Narp is a common component of the transcriptional response triggered by drug withdrawal. Synapse 62:252–255, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Chlamydia pneumoniae induces macrophage‐derived foam cell formation via PPAR α and PPAR γ‐dependent pathways
Authors: Mei Chun‐li , He Ping , Cheng Bei , Liu Wei , Wang Yan‐fu , Wan Jing‐jing
Published: December 2008

In the presence of low density lipoprotein (LDL), Chlamydia pneumoniae induces macrophage‐derived foam cell formation, a typical pathological feature of early atherosclerosis. However, its mechanism has not been fully understood. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPARs) are key regulators of macrophage lipid metabolism. This study therefore investigated the role that PPAR α and PPAR γ may play a role in C. pneumoniae‐induced foam cell formation. Oil Red O staining and Lipid mass quantification showed that LDL‐treated THP‐1 macrophages infected with high doses of C. pneumoniae (5 × 105 and 1 × 106 IFU) resulted in the large accumulation of lipid droplets and markedly increased the ratio of intracellular cholesteryl ester (CE) to total cholesterol (TC) (>50%). The results of RT‐PCR and Western blot indicated that C. pneumoniae infection dose‐dependently suppressed the expression of PPAR α and PPAR γ at mRNA and protein levels in LDL‐treated THP‐1 macrophages. PPAR α (fenofibrate) and PPAR γ (rosiglitazone) agonists, inhibited the accumulation of intracellular CE by C. pneumoniae in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, C. pneumoniae‐induced foam cell formation was significantly suppressed by higher doses of fenofibrate (20 and 50 μM) and rosiglitazone (10 and 20 μM). These results first reveal that C. pneumoniae induces foam cell formation via PPAR α and PPAR γ‐dependent pathway, which may contribute to its pro‐atherogenic properties.
The BDI-II factor structure in pregnancy and postpartum: Two or three factors?
Authors: Carvalho Bos Sandra , Pereira Ana Telma , Marques Mariana , Maia Berta , Soares Maria João , Valente José , Gomes Ana , Macedo António , Azevedo Maria Helena
Published: December 2008

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the factor structure of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) in pregnancy and postpartum. Women were asked to fill in the BDI-II in their last trimester of pregnancy and at 3 months after delivery. A total of 331 pregnant women, with a mean age of 29.7 years (SD = 4.6), and 354 mothers, aged 30.6 years (SD = 4.6 years), answered the BDI-II. The first group was mainly nulliparas (65.6%) and the second group was mostly primiparas (57.4%). Factor analyses with principal components solution and varimax rotation were performed. Based on the scree test of Cattell a 2-factor solution and a 3-factor solution were explored. The 2-factor solution was identical in pregnancy and postpartum. Items loading in the Cognitive–Affective factor and in the Somatic–Anxiety factor were almost the same, though the Cognitive–Affective factor explained more of the BDI-II total variance in pregnancy, whereas in postpartum both factors explained similar total variances. The 3-factor solution of the BDI-II in pregnancy and postpartum slightly diverged. Besides the Cognitive–Affective and the Somatic–Anxiety factors, a third factor, Fatigue, was obtained in pregnancy while Guilt was the third factor identified in postpartum. This study reveals that the BDI-II 3-factor solution might be more appropriate to assess depressive symptoms in pregnancy and postpartum.
Monocephalus dipygus parapagus: A suspected case of complete caudal duplication in a British Blue kitten
Authors: Seavers Aine M.
Published: December 2008

Complete caudal duplication is an extremely rare type of conjoined twinning. This communication reports the birth and gross features of a live conjoined British Blue kitten born naturally to a healthy queen. The monocephalic dipygus kitten exhibited a normal skull and upper body, two separate pelves, four hind limbs and two tails. A cleft palate and bifurcation of rostral mandible were also noted. The absence of maternal dystocia was unusual for conjoined twinnings.
The Political “Nature” of Pregnancy and Childbirth
Authors: Johnson Candace
Published: December 2008

Abstract.In this paper, I examine the theoretical debates concerning “medicalization” in relation to the empirical trend toward increased demand for “natural” options for childbirth. Many feminist theorists have argued that medical intervention in pregnancy and childbirth is both unwarranted and disempowering and devalues women's own abilities and experiences. Further, it is argued that medicalization (of seemingly natural events) is particularly damaging for women and other marginalized people. In this paper, I explore the claims (of both providers and consumers) concerning medical care for pregnancy and childbirth among privileged populations and ask why rejection of medical care for pregnancy and childbirth is not proportional to disadvantage. It appears to be the case that criticism of medical intervention in pregnancy and childbirth is strongest among privileged women and is expressed consistently as preference for “natural,” “traditional” or “normal” approaches and practices. Reverence for the natural, I argue, is a political claim that asserts social position, identity, and resistance. I consider this political claim to be embodied and demonstrated in the occurrence of a physical and psychic duality, a “split subjectivity,” that is exacerbated by the sharpness of the public-private divide in women's lives.

Résumé.Dans cet article, j'examine le débat théorique sur la médicalisation à la lumière de la vogue actuelle croissante des options plus naturelles pour l'accouchement. De nombreux auteurs féministes ont soutenu que les interventions médicales durant la grossesse et l'accouchement étaient injustifiées et qu'elles privaient les femmes de leur autonomie, tout en dévaluant leur expérience et leurs aptitudes naturelles. De même, la médicalisation (de phénomènes apparemment naturels) est, selon certains, particulièrement néfaste pour les femmes et les groupes marginalisés. Dans cet article, j'explore les affirmations (à la fois des prestataires et des bénéficiaires) concernant l'assistance médicale durant la grossesse et l'accouchement parmi les populations favorisées et je soulève la question de savoir pourquoi le rejet de l'assistance médicale durant la grossesse et l'accouchement n'est pas surtout le fait des milieux défavorisés. Il semble, en effet, que les critiques envers les interventions médicales durant la grossesse et l'accouchement proviennent surtout des femmes de milieux favoriséset que ces dernières manifestent de manière constante une préférence pour les approches et les pratiques «naturelles», «traditionnelles» ou «normales». La révérence envers le naturel est, selon moi, une revendication politique afin d'affirmer sa position sociale, son identité et sa résistance. Je considère que cette revendication politique est incarnée et démontrée par l'existence d'une dualité physique et psychique, une «subjectivité divisée» qui est exacerbée par l'acuité de la division entre le monde public et le monde privé dans la vie des femmes.
La vice-présidence américaine contemporaine : une école pour la présidence?
Authors: Prémont Karine
Published: December 2008

Résumé.La vice-présidence est probablement l'institution la plus sous-estimée de la démocratie américaine. Souvent la cible de quolibets, elle a cependant réussi à se transformer et à se définir au fil des années. Aujourd'hui, les vice-présidents sont presque automatiquement pressentis à la présidence et d'ailleurs, la majorité d'entre eux ont cette ambition. Que s'est-il donc passé pour que la vice-présidence devienne une institution d'où peut émaner un éventuel président? Pour répondre à cette question, nous examinons, dans un premier temps, les changements externes qui ont contribué à modifier les fonctions vice-présidentielles. Dans un deuxième temps, nous comparons quatre vice-présidents contemporains (Nixon, Ford, Mondale et Bush) pour tenter de voir s'il existe une corrélation entre le mode de gestion qu'ils ont adopté et leur succès ou leur échec durant leur campagne présidentielle. Finalement, nous abordons d'autres pistes de réflexion afin de cerner les éléments qui permettraient d'expliquer en quoi la vice-présidence est un atout pour d'éventuels candidats à la présidence.

Abstract.The vice-presidency is probably the most unappreciated and the most underestimated institution of the American democracy. Often the target of gibes, it nevertheless achieved a radical transformation years after years. Now, vice-presidents are almost always considered for the presidency and moreover, the majority of them have the ambition to be president someday since World War II. What can explain that the vice-presidency, not ridiculed anymore, is now an institution where one can find the next president of the United States? To answer this question, we initially examine the external changes that affected the vice-presidential functions. Secondly, we compare four contemporary vice-presidents (Nixon, Ford, Mondale and Bush) in order to see if their management style is linked to their chances to be president. Finally, we talk about other considerations that could explain why the vice-presidency is a significant asset for those who want to be president.
Needs, Rights and “One Law for All”: Contemporary Debates in New Zealand Maori Politics
Authors: O'Sullivan Dominic
Published: December 2008

Abstract. This paper examines contemporary debates in Maori politics by responding to the argument of the former leader of the opposition National party, Don Brash, that Maori public policy is most properly based on “need” alone because indigenous status offers no “rights” beyond those of common national citizenship. The paper's alternative argument is that the politics of indigeneity and associated theories of self-determination provide a way of avoiding a general belief that addressing need is all that is required to include Maori fairly in the national polity. It is argued that Maori ought to enjoy rights of indigeneity as the basis of an inclusive, cohesive and fair society.

Résumé. Cette étude examine certains débats dans le domaine de la politique maorie en répondant aux propos de l'ancien chef du parti National, Don Brash, selon qui la politique publique maorie se baserait le plus aptement sur la notion du seul ‘besoin’, le statut de peuple indigène ne conférant aucun ‘droit’ au-delà de ceux qu'accorde la citoyennenté nationale régulière. Nous proposons par contre que la politique de l'indigénéité et les théories de l'auto-détermination qui y sont associées constituent un moyen de parer à une croyance généralisée qu'il suffirait de suppléer au besoin pour inclure avec justice les Maoris dans la politique nationale. Nous démontrerons que dans une société inclusive, cohésive et juste, les Maoris devraient jouir des droits accordés par l'indigénéité.
Ceylon's Kristallnacht: A Reassessment of the Pogrom of 1915
Authors: ROWELL GEORGE
Published: December 2008

In 1915 the south-western quadrant of Ceylon was convulsed by a week of rioting in which the Buddhist Sinhalese majority attacked a Muslim minority known as the Moors. The consensus amongst historians has long been that the pogrom (as it is best described) was the spontaneous result of religious tension and/or economic grievances at the popular level, with no leadership beyond the uncoordinated activities of local agitators. The consensus ignores significant evidence of wider orchestration, including the activities of itinerant gangs and other mobile agitators, the deliberate propagation of identical false rumours throughout the affected area, and the activities of individuals and societies associated with the Sinhala-Buddhist nationalist movement. Although the picture is far from complete, the best interpretation of the evidence is that this movement orchestrated the pogrom, albeit with varying degrees of success in each locality. That it was able to do so shows that Sinhala-Buddhist nationalism (as opposed to non-communalist, Ceylon-wide nationalism) was more deeply entrenched than is usually thought, which helps to explain Sri Lanka's political direction later in the century.
CONJUGACY CLASS SIZES IN FINITE GROUPS
Authors: MANN AVINOAM
Published: December 2008

We make several conjectures, and prove some results, pertaining to conjugacy classes of a given size in finite groups, especially in p-groups and 2-groups.
FROBENIUS CIRCULANT GRAPHS OF VALENCY FOUR
Authors: THOMSON ALISON , ZHOU SANMING
Published: December 2008

A first kind Frobenius graph is a Cayley graph Cay(K,S) on the Frobenius kernel of a Frobenius group $K \rtimes H$ such that S=aH for some a∈K with 〈aH〉=K, where H is of even order or a is an involution. It is known that such graphs admit ‘perfect’ routing and gossiping schemes. A circulant graph is a Cayley graph on a cyclic group of order at least three. Since circulant graphs are widely used as models for interconnection networks, it is thus highly desirable to characterize those which are Frobenius of the first kind. In this paper we first give such a characterization for connected 4-valent circulant graphs, and then describe optimal routing and gossiping schemes for those which are first kind Frobenius graphs. Examples of such graphs include the 4-valent circulant graph with a given diameter and maximum possible order.
Summer retreat of Arctic sea ice: Role of summer winds
Authors: Ogi Masayo , Rigor Ignatius G. , McPhee Miles G. , Wallace John M.
Published: December 2008

The unprecedented retreat of first‐year ice during summer 2007 was enhanced by strong poleward drift over the western Arctic induced by anomalously high sea‐level pressure (SLP) over the Beaufort Sea that persisted throughout much of the summer. Comparison of the tracks of drifting buoys with monthly mean SLP charts shows a substantial Ekman drift. By means of linear regression analysis it is shown that Ekman drift during summer has played an important role in regulating annual minimum Arctic sea‐ice extent in prior years as well. In combination, the preconditioning by events in prior years, as represented by an index of May multi‐year ice, and current atmospheric conditions, as represented by an index of July–August–September SLP anomalies over the Arctic basin account for ∼60% of the year‐to‐year variance of September sea‐ice extent since 1979.
Sea ice‐derived dissolved iron and its potential influence on the spring algal bloom in the Bering Sea
Authors: Aguilar‐Islas A. M. , Rember R. D. , Mordy C. W. , Wu J.
Published: December 2008

Observational and modeling studies in the Bering Sea indicate that changes in the seasonal ice cover and time of ice retreat influence open‐water productivity. In particular, the timing of the spring bloom and its phytoplankton community composition are affected. Dissolved iron (DFe) data in the water column and ice cores collected during the 2007‐ Bering Ecosystem Study (BEST) cruise indicate that the melting ice provided substantial DFe to the water column. The additional DFe input from melting sea ice could be biologically important along the outer shelf and shelf break where in ice‐free areas insufficient DFe (<1 nM) existed for the complete assimilation of available nitrate (>20 μM). Variability in sea ice dynamics are likely to result in a varying supply of DFe to the outer shelf and shelf break in early spring, and to contribute to the observed changes in the timing and community composition of the spring phytoplankton bloom.
Automated monitoring of subglacial hydrological processes with ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) at high temporal resolution: scope and potential pitfalls
Authors: Kulessa B. , Booth A. D. , Hobbs A. , Hubbard A. L.
Published: December 2008

We demonstrate that automated GPR techniques can monitor, at repeat timescales of minutes, hydrological processes beneath glaciers experiencing perennial surface melting. At Grubengletscher, Swiss Alps, melt penetrates into porous near‐surface ice during the day, modifying the transmitted radar energy and thus the amplitudes of the targeted subglacial reflections. Normalising these reflections by early‐time radar arrivals, integrated over a suitable time window, minimises such artefacts. In mid afternoon peak surface ablation, a diagnostic pulse in englacial reflectivity, sharp increases in subglacial reflectivity and glacier surface uplift precede the onset of transient glacier acceleration. Sliding terminates as the glacier surface lowers and the magnitude of subglacial reflectivity decreases. We infer a prominent episode of basal sliding as subglacial water pressure rises rapidly in response to englacially‐routed melt delivery, jacking the glacier off its bed and modifying the observed reflectivity. Quantification of such processes is pertinent for any measurement and interpretation of basal reflection strength or bed reflection power from a GPR dataset.
A method for the intensification of atomic oxygen green line emission by internal gravity waves
Authors: Kaladze T. D. , Horton W. , Garner T. W. , Van Dam J. W. , Mays M. L.
Published: December 2008

Low‐frequency internal gravity waves, such as may be generated by seismic activity and nonlinearly propagated through the stably stratified atmosphere to the E layer of the ionosphere, are shown to cause intensification of atomic oxygen green line emission when their amplitude is sufficiently large. The nonlinear equations for the internal gravity waves are derived with the interaction of the induced currents with the geomagnetic field taken into account. When the source of the internal gravity waves is sufficiently strong, nonlinear vortex structures are predicted to be formed in the upper stratosphere and lower ionosphere. These nonlinear vortex structures are damped owing to Joule losses. The vortices provide a mechanism for increasing the concentration of atomic oxygen in the E layer and hence the associated intensity of the green light radiation at 557.7 nm. Data are discussed that report the observation of enhanced green light emission prior to earthquakes; this could lead to a forecasting model if the connection with seismic activity can be established.
Seismicity and deformation induced by magma accumulation at three basaltic volcanoes
Authors: Lengliné O. , Marsan D. , Got J.‐L. , Pinel V. , Ferrazzini V. , Okubo P. G.
Published: December 2008

We analyzed the evolution of volcano‐tectonic (VT) seismicity and deformation at three basaltic volcanoes (Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Piton de la Fournaise) during phases of magma accumulation. We observed that the VT earthquake activity displays an accelerating evolution at the three studied volcanoes during the time of magma accumulation. At the same times, deformation rates recorded at the summit of Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcanoes were not accelerating but rather tend to decay. To interpret these observations, we propose a physical model describing the evolution of pressure produced by the accumulation of magma into a reservoir. This variation of pressure is then used to force a simple model of damage, where damage episodes are equivalent to earthquakes. This model leads to an exponential increase of the VT activity and to an exponential decay of the deformation rate during accumulation phases. Seismicity and deformation data are well fitted by such an exponential model. The time constant, deduced from the exponential increase of the seismicity, is in agreement with the time constant predicted by the model of magma accumulation. This VT activity can thus be a direct indication of the accumulation of magma at depth, and therefore can be seen as a long‐term precursory phenomenon, at least for the three studied basaltic volcanoes. Unfortunately, it does not allow the prediction of the onset of future eruptions, as no diverging point (i.e., critical time) is present in the model.
Statistical exploration and volume reduction of planetary remote sensing spectral data
Authors: Marzo G. A. , Roush T. L. , Blanco A. , Fonti S. , Orofino V.
Published: December 2008

Modern planetary scientific experiments are providing a huge amount of information that requires extensive analysis and evaluation in order to understand its scientific content. In this work we evaluate the ability of a previously developed and evaluated technique to explore a large data set in order to identify the cluster representatives of the spectral variability of a selected Martian region and obtain a reduction of the original data volume ∼2 × 104. We also demonstrate that the cluster centroids are able to quantitatively reproduce previously interpreted atmospheric, topographic, and compositional properties. The results build additional confidence in the application of the statistical techniques.