bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acute Morphine Administration Reduces White Blood Cells’ Capability to Induce Innate Resistance against HSV-1 Infection in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Jamali Abbas , Bamdad Taravat , Soleimanjahi Hoorieh , Pakdel Firouz Ghaderi , Arefian Ehsan
Published: August 2007

Objective: It has been reported that acute morphine administration modulates innate immune response to herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection. In this study, the effect of acute morphine on innate resistance and its probable mechanisms in increasing the mortality rate during HSV-1 infection were investigated. Methods: Mice were infected with HSV-1 24 h prior to different doses of morphine or saline administration and the mortality rate was recorded. Spleen cells were obtained from morphine- or saline-treated mice, then natural killer (NK) cell activity and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production were evaluated. The effect of morphine on white blood cells’ capacity to induce protection against HSV-1 infection was evaluated by adoptive transfer of spleen cells to cyclophosphamide-treated mice that were previously infected with HSV-1. Furthermore, in a separate experiment, a different group of mice received corticosterone 24 h after HSV-1 infection. Results: Mortality rate in high-dose acute morphine-treated mice increased significantly compared to saline-treated mice (p = 0.035). NK cell cytotoxicity and IFN-γ mRNA levels also showed a significant reduction compared to those of control groups (p < 0.001 and p = 0.014, respectively). Corticosterone administration reduces innate resistance against HSV-1 infection compared to saline-treated mice (p = 0.044). Furthermore, adoptive transfer of normal but not morphine-treated spleen cells induces resistance against HSV infection in cyclophosphamide-injected mice (p = 0.009). Conclusions: The current study shows that acute morphine administration reduces white blood cells’ capability to induce protection against HSV-1 infection via suppression of IFN-γ production and NK cells activity. This may be due to the increase in corticosteroids. Further studies are needed to test the effect of acute morphine on other immune cells.
Use of Electroacupuncture at ST36 to Inhibit Anaphylactic and Inflammatory Reaction in Mice
Authors: Moon Phil-Dong , Jeong Hyun-Ja , Kim Su-Jin , An Hyo-Jin , Lee Hye-Jung , Yang Woong Mo , Park Seong Kyu , Hong Seung-Heon , Kim Hyung-Min , Um Jae-Young
Published: August 2007

Objective: Electroacupuncture (EA) has been used to treat myalgia, allergy and gastroenteropathy in Korea. To determine whether EA can treat anaphylactic and inflammatory reactions, the effect of EA was investigated in a murine model. Methods: EA stimulation of the ST36 acupoint was performed for 10 min. Using a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) model, the antianaphylactic effects of EA were examined. Interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured using the ELISA method. The level of nuclear factor (NF)-ĸB/RelA protein and NF-ĸB DNA-binding activity was determined using the Western blot analysis and the transcription factor enzyme-linked immunoassay method. Results: EA inhibits PCA and β-hexosaminidase release, IL-6 secretion on the PCA, and in addition, EA reduces NF-ĸB DNA-binding activity. Conclusion: These results indicate that EA may possess antianaphylactic and antiinflammatory properties.
Mechanisms of Interferon-β-Induced Survival in Fetal and Neonatal Primary Astrocytes
Authors: Barca Olga , Seoane Marcos , Ferré Susana , Prieto Jose M. , Lema Manuela , Señarís Rosa , Arce Víctor M.
Published: August 2007

Background: We have previously shown that interferon-β (IFN-β) is a potent promoter of astrocyte survival. Although the mechanism(s) by which IFN-β promotes astrocyte survival have not been completely elucidated, it has been shown that IFN-β directly stimulates survival signaling pathways. In the present report, we took advantage of the differences in the susceptibility of fetal and neonatal astrocytes to apoptosis to further investigate the mechanism(s) underlying the antiapoptotic effect of IFN-β. Methods: Primary monolayer cultures of cortical astrocytes were established from neonatal (3- to 6-day-old) or fetal (embryonic days: E15 or E17) Sprague-Dawley rat cerebral cortices. Apoptotic cell death was determined by fluorescent-microscopic analysis of staining patterns of cell DNA with Hoechst 33258, and determination of annexin V binding.Akt phosphorylation was detected by Western blottingusing a commercial kit that allows specific recognition of both non-phosphorylated and serine-phosphorylated Akt. Results: In the present work, we have found that primary astrocytes obtained from neonatal rats are resistant to apoptosis induced by serum starvation, though cell death may be induced by combining serum starvation with sodium butyrate treatment. This effect is counteracted by IFN-β treatment through a mechanism that involves phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase stimulation. Conclusions: IFN-β can be considered as a neuroprotective agent and, therefore, part of its beneficial effects in multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment may depend on its capacity to protect astrocytes against the apoptotic cell death that occurs in the course of the MS lesions.
Differential Expression of Extracellular Matrix and Adhesion Molecule Genes in the Brain of Juvenile versus Adult Mice in Responses to Intracerebroventricular Administration of IL-1
Authors: Ching San , Zhang Hao , Chen Qun , Quan Ning
Published: August 2007

Objective: Intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of interleukin-1 (IL-1) stimulates the recruitment of leukocytes into the central nervous system at different time points in juvenile versus adult mice. Our results showed that leukocytes entered brain parenchyma at 8 and 16 h after injection in juvenile and adult mice, respectively. This study compares the differential gene expression patterns of extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules in the brain of juvenile and adult mice. Methods: We analyzed these gene expressions in mice brains by microarray and real-time PCR at 2 and 8 h after ICV IL-1. Results: After ICV IL-1, the following genes were significantly upregulated in both juvenile and adult mice: LAMβ1-1, MMP17, TGFβ, THBS3 and VCAM1 were upregulated at 2 h after injection; LAMβ1-1 and TGFβ were upregulated at 8 h. Additional changes were found in adult mice only: CNTN1, ECM1, ICAM1 and LAMα4 were upregulated at 2 h after injection; COL4α1, MMP3 and VCAM1 were upregulated at 8 h; TIMP4 was downregulated. Comparing juvenile and adult mice, real-time PCR analysis showed that there was more induction of TGFβ at 8 h and a stronger downregulation of TIMP4 at 2 h after injection in juvenile mice. Higher expression of MMP17 was found in juvenile mice, compared to adult mice, at both 2 and 8 h after injection. Conclusions: These data show distinct expression patterns of molecules related to the extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules in juvenile versus adult mice, and suggest that increased expression of MMP17 and TGFβ and decreased expression of TIMP4 may contribute to the accelerated recruitment of leukocytes into the central nervous system in juvenile animals.
Early Effects of Lipopolysaccharide on Cytokine Release, Hemodynamic and Renal Function in Newborn Piglets
Authors: John Eunice , Pais Priya , Furtado Nicholas , Chin Anthony , Radhakrishnan Jayant , Fornell Linda , Lumpaopong Adisorn , Beier Ulf H.
Published: August 2007

Background: Gram-negative sepsis in newborns is associated with high mortality and morbidity. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cytokines released upon exposure to gram-negative sepsis are well known to be involved in the pathophysiology. Objective: In this report we investigate cytokine release, hemodynamic, and renal function induced by LPS in a newborn animal model with the intention to further examine early changes in gram-negative sepsis. Methods: Five 7- to 10-day-old domestic piglets were anesthetized and catheters placed in the jugular veins, left ventricle, and femoral artery. Urine output was monitored via suprapubic cystostomy. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and arterial blood gases were continuously monitored. Thirty minutes after line placement and obtaining baseline values, 0.06 µg/kg LPS were administered intravenously. One, 2, and 3 h later samples were taken to monitor tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, endothelin, and nitric oxide (NO)/nitrate via ELISA. In addition, blood flow was assessed by the microsphere method. Results: Our data show an initial surge of TNF-α and IL-1β at 1 h after exposure to LPS. NO/nitrate, endothelin, and hemodynamic as well as metabolic changes became apparent mostly 3 h after exposure, by which time TNF-α and IL-1β fell back to baseline. Conclusions: Our sepsis model suggests a brief initial TNF-α and IL-1β surge following LPS challenge; however, their effects become apparent by the time the levels are already subsiding. The emergence of vasoactive substances, NO and endothelin, precedes the first substantial clinical symptoms.
Left Atrial Appendage Mimicking an Intra-Cardiac Vegetation in Preterm Neonates
Authors: El-Khuffash Afif F. , Molloy Eleanor J. , Walsh Kevin
Published: August 2007

Infective endocarditis is emerging as a significant cause of morbidity in the neonatal intensive care with an incidence ranging from 0.07 to 4.3%. The rise in incidence may be explained by the increasing availability of echocardiography facilities in the neonatal unit. The diagnosis of infective endocarditis has major therapeutic implications as the neonate is treated with potentially toxic drugs and exposed to prolonged intravenous catheters. However, the consequences of a missed diagnosis of endocarditis in preterm neonates are unknown and may potentially lead to significant long-term cardiac complications. Onsite echocardiography in the neonatal unit by neonatologists may improve the speed of diagnosis in cases of endocarditis. However, lack of adequate training and experience in normal echocardiographic views may increase the false-positive rate. The posterior mitral valve leaflet is rarely affected due to the low velocity of blood passing through and because of the absence of prosthesis. We report 2 cases of the left atrial appendage rarely mimicking a posterior mitral valve leaflet vegetation, leading to an erroneous diagnosis of infective endocarditis. The features which distinguish the left atrial appendage from a posterior mitral valve leaflet vegetation are illustrated.
Associated Factors and Health Impact of Sarcopenia in Older Chinese Men and Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Lee Jenny S.W. , Auyeung Tung-Wai , Kwok Timothy , Lau Edith M.C. , Leung Ping-Chung , Woo Jean
Published: August 2007

Background: Sarcopenia is increasingly being recognized as a feature of frailty in old age and is associated with unfavorable health outcomes in Western populations. Little is known about sarcopenia among Asian elderly populations. Objectives: The study was undertaken to study the association between sarcopenia and common chronic illnesses, lifestyle factors, psychosocial well-being and physical performance. Methods: 4,000 community-dwelling Chinese elderly ≧65 years were recruited. Medical illnesses, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity level and psychosocial well-being scores were recorded. Physical performance measured included grip strength, timed chair-stands, stride length and a timed 6-meter walk. Muscle mass was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Relationships between appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM/ht2) and multiple variables were analyzed using uni- and multivariate analyses. Results: Mean ASM/ht2 was 7.19 and 6.05 kg/m2 in men and women respectively. Older age, cigarette smoking, chronic lung disease, atherosclerosis, underweight, and physical inactivity were associated with low adjusted ASM, which was in turn associated with poorer physical well-being in men. After adjustment to age, lower appendicular muscle mass was associated with weaker grip strength in both sexes. In men, lower limb tests (chair-stands, walking speed and step length) were not related to ASM, while in women, lower muscle mass was not associated with poorer lower limb muscle performance. Conclusions: Sarcopenia in community-dwelling older Chinese men and women was associated with cigarette smoking, chronic illnesses, underweight, physical inactivity, poorer well-being and upper limb physical performance.
Effects of Ambient Acoustic Noise on the Auditory Steady-State Response Thresholds in Normally Hearing Adults
Authors: Kei Joseph , Smith Damian , Joseph Salimon , Stopa James , Kang Soonsil , Darnell Ross
Published: August 2007

The effect of noise on auditory steady-state response (ASSR) has not been systematically studied, despite the fact that ASSR thresholds are sometimes measured in noisy environments. This study examined the effects of noise (speech babble) on the ASSR thresholds obtained from 31 normal hearing adults aged from 17 to 36 years (mean = 25 years). The ASSR thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz were measured in the right ear only using the Biologic MASTER system twice in quiet and in the presence of 55 dB A and 75 dB A of speech babble. The results showed no change in mean ASSR thresholds across the test-retest conditions in quiet. The mean ASSR thresholds obtained in the quiet conditions were 23.8, 22.5, 18.2 and 20.4 dB HL at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz, respectively. No significant shift in ASSR thresholds across all test frequencies was found when 55 dB A of speech babble was presented. However, when 75 dB A of noise was applied, the mean ASSR thresholds were significantly shifted by 9.5, 3.8, 4.2 and 5.8 dB at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz, respectively.
Sequence Polymorphisms of Major German Cockroach Allergens Bla g 1, Bla g 2, Bla g 4, and Bla g 5
Authors: Jeong Kyoung Yong , Lee Haeseok , Shin Kwang Hyun , Yi Myung-hee , Jeong Kyoung-jin , Hong Chein-Soo , Yong Tai-Soon
Published: August 2007

Background: The allergenicity of allergens could be influenced by amino acid substitutions in B- or T-cell epitope regions. The German cockroach is known to produce potent allergens inducing strong IgE-mediated allergic reactions. This study was performed to investigate sequence variations in major allergens of the German cockroach. Methods: Reverse transcriptase PCR was used to amplify the cDNA sequences encoding major allergens of the German cockroach (Bla g 1, Bla g 2, Bla g 4, and Bla g 5). Results: The deduced amino acid sequences revealed 38 Bla g 1 variants with 1–7 amino acid substitutions (98.6–99.8% identity), 28 Bla g 2 variants with 1–3 substitutions (99.1–99.7%), 27 Bla g 4 variants with 0–32 substitutions (82.4–100%), and 8 Bla g 5 variants with 1–2 substitutions (99.0–99.5%), respectively. Bla g 1 and Bla g 2 showed sporadic amino acid substitutions despite the divergence in their sequences. Bla g 4 exhibited frequent variations, with clusters of substitutions in residues 29–38, 52–80, and 132–155. Sequence variations in Bla g 4 imply the presence of multiple isoforms and isoallergens, which may in turn have various effects on the IgE-binding capacity and T-cell responsiveness. Only 8 variants were found in Bla g 5, with infrequent amino acid changes of one or two residues. Conclusions: Analyses of T-cell and IgE-binding epitope regions would clarify the effect of sequence polymorphisms on allergenicity, which in turn will aid in the design of allergen formulations for diagnosis and immunotherapy for cockroach allergies.
An Evaluation of Cyclooxygenase-2 as a Prognostic Biomarker in Mid-Gut Carcinoid Tumours
Authors: Cadden Ian , Johnston Brian T. , Turner Graham , McCance David , Ardill Joy , McGinty Ann
Published: August 2007

Background/Aims: Mid-gut carcinoids (MGC) are the most common of the gastrointestinal carcinoid tumours. There is a lack of reliable prognostic indicators for MGC. Cox-2 and Bcl-2 were evaluated as prognostic biomarkers in a cohort of well-characterised non-appendiceal MGC. Methods: Tissue from the primary MGC tumours of 37 patients was subjected to immunohistochemical detection of Cox-2 and Bcl-2. In 9 cases, tissue from secondary lesions was also examined. The study assessed whether tumour-associated Cox-2 and Bcl-2 expression were related to patient survival. Results: Cox-2 expression was demonstrated in 30/36 primary tumours. When all tumours were analysed, Cox regression analysis indicated a trend towards worsening survival with increasing Cox-2 histoscore (intensity × proportion; hazard ratio 1.53, 95% CI 0.93, 2.52; p = 0.09). Analysis of Cox-2-positive tumours revealed a highly significant association between increasing histoscore and decreased survival (hazard ratio 3.03, 95% CI 1.33, 6.91; p = 0.008). Tumour-associated Bcl-2 expression had no effect on patient survival (hazard ratio 1.12, 95% CI 0.42, 2.99; p = 0.82). There was no significant association between Cox-2 and Bcl-2 expression (χ2 p = 0.16), or Cox-2 histoscore and Bcl-2 expression (MWU p = 0.59). Analysis of the Cox-2 histoscores of primary tumours and their corresponding secondary lesions revealed a statistically significant trend towards increasing histoscore in the latter (Wilcoxon p = 0.04). Conclusions: This study has provided evidence that Cox-2 expression in primary MGC may be associated with a more negative prognostic outlook.
Treadmill Aerobic Training Improves Glucose Tolerance and Indices of Insulin Sensitivity in Disabled Stroke Survivors
Authors: Ivey Frederick M. , Ryan Alice S. , Hafer-Macko Charlene E. , Goldberg Andrew P. , Macko Richard F.
Published: August 2007

Background and Purpose—

Insulin resistance and glucose intolerance are highly prevalent after stroke, contributing to worsening cardiovascular disease risk and a predisposition to recurrent stroke. Treadmill exercise training (T-AEX) increases aerobic capacity (V
o
2
peak) in chronic stroke patients, suggesting intensity levels that may be adequate to improve glucose metabolism. We compared the effects of a progressive T-AEX intervention to an attention-matched stretching intervention (CONTROL) on glucose tolerance and indices of insulin sensitivity in stroke survivors.

Methods—

Participants had hemiparetic gait after remote (>6 months) ischemic stroke. They were randomized to 6-month T-AEX or a duration matched reference CONTROL program of supervised stretching exercises. Main outcome measures were glucose and insulin responses during a 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Results—

Forty-six subjects (T-AEX=26, CONTROL=20) completed OGTT testing before and after the interventions. T-AEX increased V
o
2
peak (+15% versus −3% Δ,
P
<0.01) compared with CONTROL. There were significant reductions in fasting insulin (−23% versus +9% Δ,
P
<0.05) and the total integrated 3-hour insulin response (−24% versus +3% Δ,
P
<0.01) in T-AEX compared with CONTROL. In patients with abnormal glucose tolerance at baseline, T-AEX resulted in a significant 14% decrease in 3-hour glucose response (n=12,
P
<0.05). Fifty-eight percent of T-AEX participants with abnormal baseline OGTT (7 of 12) improved glucose tolerance status at 2 hours compared with <10% (1 of 11) of impaired CONTROLS (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

These preliminary findings suggest that progressive aerobic exercise can reduce insulin resistance and prevent diabetes in hemiparetic stroke survivors. Larger clinical trials are needed to definitively establish the use of structured exercise training for stimulating metabolic improvement poststroke.
Households and Plague in Early Modern Italy
Authors: Cohn, Jr. Samuel K. , Alfani Guido
Published: August 2007

The remarkable Books of the Dead from early modern Milan and the parish and tax records of Nonantola during the plague of 1630 allow historians to reconstitute the patterns of family and household deaths caused by pestilence. Not only did deaths caused by this highly contagious disease cluster tightly within households; the intervals between household deaths were also extremely short. As much as one-quarter of all plague deaths were multiple household deaths that occurred on the same day. Similar to a deadly influenza, the speed and efficiency with which the late medieval and early modern plagues spread depended on unusually short periods of incubation and infectivity.
Shoot to Kill: The Use of Deadly Force by the Chicago Police, 1875–1920
Authors: Adler Jeffrey S.
Published: August 2007

The American police have a long history of relying on violence. In Chicago, however, the widespread use of deadly force did not date to the rough-hewn, early days of nineteenth-century policing. Rather, an analysis of more than 300 killings by Chicago policemen from 1875 through 1920 reveals that the frequent resort to deadly force began during the Progressive era. In this period, a formal shoot-to-kill, law-enforcement strategy developed in response both to a local crime wave and, ironically, to reformers' demands for more vigorous and more professional crime fighting.
Synaptic Dynamics in Analog VLSI
Authors: Bartolozzi Chiara , Indiveri Giacomo
Published: August 2007

Synapses are crucial elements for computation and information transfer in both real and artificial neural systems. Recent experimental findings and theoretical models of pulse-based neural networks suggest that synaptic dynamics can play a crucial role for learning neural codes and encoding spatiotemporal spike patterns. Within the context of hardware implementations of pulse-based neural networks, several analog VLSI circuits modeling synaptic functionality have been proposed. We present an overview of previously proposed circuits and describe a novel analog VLSI synaptic circuit suitable for integration in large VLSI spike-based neural systems. The circuit proposed is based on a computational model that fits the real postsynaptic currents with exponentials. We present experimental data showing how the circuit exhibits realistic dynamics and show how it can be connected to additional modules for implementing a wide range of synaptic properties.
Learning the Lie Groups of Visual Invariance
Authors: Miao Xu , Rao Rajesh P. N.
Published: August 2007

A fundamental problem in biological and machine vision is visual invariance: How are objects perceived to be the same despite transformations such as translations, rotations, and scaling? In this letter, we describe a new, unsupervised approach to learning invariances based on Lie group theory. Unlike traditional approaches that sacrifice information about transformations to achieve invariance, the Lie group approach explicitly models the effects of transformations in images. As a result, estimates of transformations are available for other purposes, such as pose estimation and visuomotor control. Previous approaches based on first-order Taylor series expansions of images can be regarded as special cases of the Lie group approach, which utilizes a matrix-exponential-based generative model of images and can handle arbitrarily large transformations. We present an unsupervised expectation-maximization algorithm for learning Lie transformation operators directly from image data containing examples of transformations. Our experimental results show that the Lie operators learned by the algorithm from an artificial data set containing six types of affine transformations closely match the analytically predicted affine operators. We then demonstrate that the algorithm can also recover novel transformation operators from natural image sequences. We conclude by showing that the learned operators can be used to both generate and estimate transformations in images, thereby providing a basis for achieving visual invariance.
The remote past of the Flemish legal term balfart: The county of Flanders as the cradle of the notions bolwerk, boulevard and belfort
Authors: Vandecasteele Maurits
Published: August 2007

Based on the Germanic warda, a military term originated in the Low Frankish area, namely *balward. Within the county of Flanders, *balward developed into an institution (better known as balfart) which was responsible for bolwerc, being the construction and maintenance of fortifications. In course of time, bolwerc became a common name for the physical result of these efforts. A terminological confusion between both terms led to the materialization of *balward as *bolward, which gave rise to the French boulevard. Early differentiation of the Low Frankish *balward resulted in two variants for 'belfort', namely *balferd and balfred. The first variant independently developed in Flanders and was introduced in the French-speaking area. The second variant, conserved in Medieval Latin, spread from the Low Frankish region to the English-speaking area. The remarkable German spelling bergfried can be explained by south-east migration of the hybrid form *balgfred.
The Effects of Different Climate Input Datasets on Simulated Carbon Dynamics in the Western Arctic
Authors: Clein Joy , McGuire A. David , Euskirchen Eugenie S. , Calef Monika
Published: August 2007

As part of the Western Arctic Linkage Experiment (WALE), simulations of carbon dynamics in the western Arctic (WALE region) were conducted during two recent decades by driving the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model (TEM) with three alternative climate datasets. Among the three TEM simulations, we compared the mean monthly and interannual variability of three carbon fluxes: 1) net primary production (NPP), 2) heterotrophic respiration (Rh), and 3) net ecosystem production (NEP). Cumulative changes in vegetation, soil, and total carbon storage among the simulations were also compared. This study supports the conclusion that the terrestrial carbon cycle is accelerating in the WALE region, with more rapid turnover of carbon for simulations driven by two of the three climates. The temperature differences among the climate datasets resulted in annual estimates of NPP and Rh that varied by a factor of 2.5 among the simulations. There is much spatial variability in the temporal trends of NPP and Rh across the region in the simulations driven by different climates, and the spatial pattern of trends is quite different among simulations. Thus, this study indicates that the overall response of NEP in simulations with TEM across the WALE region depends substantially on the temporal trends in the climate dataset used to drive the model. Similar to the recommendations of other studies in the WALE project, this study indicates that coupling methodologies should use anomalies of future climate model simulations to alter the climate of more trusted datasets for purposes of driving ecosystem models of carbon dynamics.
The Role of Northern Sea Ice Cover for the Weakening of the Thermohaline Circulation under Global Warming
Authors: Levermann A. , Mignot J. , Nawrath S. , Rahmstorf S.
Published: August 2007

An increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration and the resulting global warming are typically associated with a weakening of the thermohaline circulation (THC) in model scenarios. For the models participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP), this weakening shows a significant (r = 0.62) dependence on the initial THC strength; it is stronger for initially strong overturning. The authors propose a physical mechanism for this phenomenon based on an analysis of additional simulations with the coupled climate models CLIMBER-2 and CLIMBER-3α. The mechanism is based on the fact that sea ice cover greatly reduces heat loss from the ocean. The extent of sea ice is strongly influenced by the near-surface atmospheric temperature (SAT) in the North Atlantic but also by the strength of the THC itself, which transports heat to the convection sites. Consequently, sea ice tends to extend farther south for weaker THC. Initially larger sea ice cover responds more strongly to atmospheric warming; thus, sea ice retreats more strongly for an initially weaker THC. This sea ice retreat tends to strengthen (i.e., stabilize) the THC because the sea ice retreat allows more oceanic heat loss. This stabilizing effect is stronger for runs with weak initial THC and extensive sea ice cover. Therefore, an initially weak THC weakens less under global warming. In contrast to preindustrial climate, sea ice melting presently plays the role of an external forcing with respect to THC stability.
Regional Impact of an Elevated Heat Source: The Zagros Plateau of Iran
Authors: Zaitchik Benjamin F. , Evans Jason P. , Smith Ronald B.
Published: August 2007

The authors propose that a heat-driven circulation from the Zagros Plateau has a significant impact on the climate of the Middle East Plain (MEP), especially summertime winds, air temperature, and aridity. This proposal is examined in numerical experiments with a regional climate model. Simulations in which the Zagros Plateau was assigned a highly reflective, “snowlike” albedo neutralized the heat-driven circulation and produced an extra summertime warming of 1°–2°C in the MEP, measured relative to a control simulation and to the records of the NCEP–NCAR reanalysis project. This effect was largest in midsummer, when heating on the plateau was greatest. Additionally, simulations with high albedo on the Zagros showed reduced subsidence and enhanced precipitation in the MEP. These sensitivities are interesting because the Zagros Plateau lies downwind of the MEP. Analysis of model results indicates that the sensitivity of the upwind subsidence region to Zagros albedo can be understood as a linear atmospheric response to plateau heating, communicated upwind by a steady heat-driven circulation that influences the thermodynamic balance of the atmosphere. This regional phenomenon adds to the large-scale subsidence patterns established by the Hadley circulation and the Asian monsoon. Observed patterns of vertical motion in the Middle East, then, are a combined product of Zagros-induced subsidence and hemispheric-scale circulations.
The Roles of Counseling Psychologists in Reducing Health Disparities
Authors: Tucker Carolyn M. , Ferdinand Lisa A. , Mirsu-Paun Anca , Herman Keith C. , Delgado-Romero Edward , van den Berg Jacob J. , Jones Jessica D.
Published: August 2007

This article presents an overview of the health disparities problem that exists among individuals from ethnic minority and low-income backgrounds and their majority counterparts. The argument is made that the involvement of counseling psychologists in addressing this health disparities problem presents an opportunity for the field to remain true to its commitment to prevention, multiculturalism, and social justice while becoming more competitive in the health care and health promotion fields. This article highlights the prevalence of health disparities and identifies the primary factors contributing to these disparities. In addition, the roles and approaches that counseling psychologists can adopt to help alleviate this problem are specified.
Re-Socialization: Undoing the Damage
Authors: Berrington W.P.
Published: August 2007

(8)"It is no accident that in mental illness there have been persistent experiments at bridging the gap between home and hospitals.... I hope that in the next decade there will be more effective steps to fill this gulf, either by reinforcement for the home which cannot cope, or by places of refuge which do not need to place a parking-meter beside each bed, or preferably both."
An Evaluation of a Program for the Treatment of Alcoholism in Croatia
Authors: Sikic Branimir Ivan , Walker Roger Dale , Peterson R. Dennis
Published: August 2007

This study was sponsored by Grant PL—480 of the United States Public Health Service, in co-operation with the Association of American Medical Colleges, the Andrija Stampar School of Public Health in Zagreb, Croatia, and the Institute for the Study and Control of Alcoholism, Zagreb, Croatia.
The Relationship of Disease and Other Stress To Second Language
Authors: Peck Edwin C.
Published: August 2007

This paper applies insights about bilingualism to the everyday practice of general psychiatry. Past studies, though useful, do not concentrate on the effects of stress on self expression in a second language. The case reported herein illustrates in detail such effects. The author concludes that to make accurate clinical assessments when consulting with bilingual patients, the psychiatrist must add these questions to his mental status assessment : (1) At what age and in what place did the patient learn his language? (2) What are the attitudes toward his languages in his current environ ment? (3) Is the patient under stress, and how is the stress effecting his self expression in his second language?
Some Implications of a Community Mental Health Model for Developing Countries
Authors: Mehryar Amir
Published: August 2007

THE aim of this paper is to call attention to certain problems facing many developing countries which are bound to lead to further difficulties in psycho-social adjustment. Almost all these problems are inherent in the process of socio-economic change, urbanization, and industrialization. These changes may not only lead to an increase in the rate of mental illness, but because of their impact on the basic family structure and living conditions, will result in a reduced tolerance of deviation on the part of the community. Moreover, the spread of public education and mass media is also likely to lead to a change in the expectations and attitudes of developing nations making it no longer possible to endure psychological suffering as part of one's destiny. Even the improvement of public health services leading to reduction of infant mortality and a rise in life expectancy may lead to a gross increase in demands for mental health services by the very young and the aged sections of the population.

It is the contention of this paper that a community mental health model, with certain modifications to fit the local culture, will best serve the increasing mental health needs of developing nations. Of particular relevance are such aspects of the model as population and prevention orientation, community involvement, extension of professional resources through consultation, utilization of non-professional man-power, continuity and comprehensiveness of care as well as an open systems conceptualization of the whole process of the organization and delivery of mental health services. The latter approach will help bring about an integration of mental health services within the wider framework of human service agencies, e.g., public health, general and adult education, family planning, and community development.

The implications of these new roles and functions for the training of mental health workers will be discussed.
Community Involvement, Judicial Administration and Campus Prisons
Authors: Barr Norman I. , Zunin Leonard M.
Published: August 2007

San Quentin, you've been living hell to me You blistered me since 1963 I've seen 'em come and go and I've seen 'em die And long ago I stopped askin' why. San Quentin I hate every inch oy you You cut me and you scarred me thru and thru And I'll walk out a wiser, weaker man Mr. Congressman why can't you understand. San Quentin what good do you think you do Do you think I'll be different when you're thru You bend my heart and mind and you warp my soul Your stone walls turn my blood a little cold. San Quentin may you rot and burn in hell May your walls fall-and I live to tell May all the world forget you ever stood And may all the world regret you did no good San Quentin I hate every inch of you.
The Role of Cognitive Process in Social Interaction
Authors: Carr John E. , Posthuma Allan
Published: August 2007

THIS paper reports on a series of studies designed to investigate the hypothesis that the success of a social interaction is a function of the compatibility among the participants in complexity or degree of differentiation of their cognitive structure.

Patient-therapist cognitive compatibility is shown to predict the success of treatment outcome. Its role in the teacher-student relationship in mental health training is more complex : the teacher's cognitive structure appearing to be a primary variable. In community action groups, cognitive compatibility determines the nature and type of decisions or behaviors carried out by the group. The resarch emphasizes the need for increased familiarity with cognitive research among social psychiatrists.
Brainwashing, Lsd, and Cia: Historical and Ethical Perspective
Authors: Buckman John
Published: August 2007

The history of various attempts at thought control and chemical warfare is briefly reviewed. Brainwashing, thought control, industrial and national espionage, and covert activities are becoming more sophisticated. These issues have been revived and accentuated by the Vietnam war, the Middle East Crisis, Watergate, the CIA investigations and the Patty Hearst trial. Historical perspective and the ethical implications of these activities are explored. It is suggested that there is a growing level of individual and international mistrust amounting to paranoia and compli cating the issues of individual freedom, civil rights and human experimentation.
Culture Change and Mental Illness
Authors: El Sendiony M.F.M. , Abou-El-Azaem M.G.M. , Luza F.
Published: August 2007

A study of the relationship of culture change to the frequency of mental illness in the outpatient clinic in the city of Cairo indicates that rapid industrialisation tends to produce significantly higher rates of patients who were judged to have serious symptoms of depression especially among village migrants who moved from their villages to work in the city's factories. A suggestive explanation is that the higher rates of depression are a factor of the social disorganisation associated with moving from the village to the city.*
A Review of the Hostel Situation in County Down, Northern Ireland
Authors: Guirguis Ezzat F.
Published: August 2007

In 1972 a working party was set up to report on the hostel situation in Co. Down, Northern Ireland, and to make recommendations regarding future needs. This paper describes briefly the method adopted to arrive at such findings and the results and recommendations of the report.

Hostels have been in existence in Co. Down since 1963 and have increased from four beds to 102 beds at the time of the report. The present set-up consists of seven hostels throughout the county. These are supervised and are not mixed hostels; other descriptive aspects of the structure and population are mentioned.

The potential hostel candidates both in the hospital, which is the main source of referral to hostels, and in the community were evaluated. This was done by means of two questionnaires; one for the hospital and one for the community. The former yielded 46 candidates of whom 32 are described in greater detail regarding diagnosis, age, degree of supervision required, etc. The latter yielded 136 candidates who were divided into four categories, depending on the type of hostel needed. The needs of the alcoholic patients are discussed separately. Other aspects are discussed such as financial problems, selection procedure, the method of collecting information and the significance of the figures.

Finally, recommendations are made regarding modification of the present set-up and the establishment of more hostels based on the data obtained from the report.
Profile of Curanderos: a Study of Mexican Folk Practitioners
Authors: Hamburger Sonia
Published: August 2007

Allied health practitioners, or doctor's assistants, are being increasingly utilised in modern Anglo medicine. It has been suggested that such practitioners could play an especially important role in minority communities. To investigate this possibility a study of curanderos (Mexican folk practitioners) was undertaken. A survey of the literature unearthed no references to personal interviews with curanderos. In this study, the first method for locating curanderos, questioning Mexican-American clinic patients about their health practices and practitioners, failed to provide successful leads to curanderos. A second approach, in which the author established a social relationship with the least Anglicised Mexican-Americans, identified 17 curanderos, of whom 14 were successfully interviewed. Demographic information, the curanderos' conception of illness and their role led to the develop ment of a composite profile, as well as to individual profiles. The findings suggest that at least some curanderos might be incorporated as allied health professionals in Anglo medical care. Possible ways to accomplish this and the benefits to be derived are discussed.
Separation Experiences and Other Emotional Traumata in Childhood, and Their Relationship To Subsequent Adolescent Breakdown
Authors: Haslam M.T.
Published: August 2007

This paper forms part of an M.D. Thesis presented at the University of Cambridge.

One hundred adolescents and their parents were interviewed to ascertain details of their early history. Fifty were obtained from adolescent patients in psychiatric units in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and were compared with fifty matched individuals who had no psychiatric history, obtained from other departments in the hospital.

A comparison of these two groups showed a significantly higher incidence of separation experiences in the childhood of the patient group than in the control group. This was also true of other traumatic events occurring in childhood. These factors also related adversely to prognosis in a two year follow-up of the patient group.
Altered States of Consciousness During Psychotherapy: a Historical and Cultural Perspective
Authors: Buckley Peter , Galanter Marc
Published: August 2007

This paper reviews the frequent phenomenon of altered states of consciousness in disparate cultural psychotherapeutic contexts. The historical antecedents of contemporary Western psychodynamic psychotherapy are examined and the central importance of altered states in the therapeutic effects of religious institutions such as the Dionysian rite and the Asclepia is illustrated. The continued presence of this phenomenon in Western psychotherapy from Mesmerism to psychoanalysis is shown. The use of trance states in the healing rituals of non-Western societies is examined and further evidence is found for the frequency of this phenomenon in culturally variegated therapeutic settings. The ubiquitous nature of the altered state phenomenon in such widely varied cultural contexts suggests the possibility of its being a universal component of psychotherapy.
The Trigamist Syndrome
Authors: Bierer Joshua
Published: August 2007

A BIGAMIST is a MAN who is "legally" married to two women.

A "TRIGAMIST" (according to my definition) is a PERSON who is "married" (in the sense of being deeply attached) three times over to such an extent that there is little or no room left for a "permanent" commitment.

The three "marriages" are to:

a) a parent

b) an occupation

c) an ideal figure which exists only in the mind of the beholder.

Parts of this syndrome have been described separately in scientific and literary form innumerable times but the syndrome as a WHOLE has never been recognised or described in spite of the fact that it is responsible for influencing millions of human relationships and destroying the life of countless people.
Some Methodological Remarks On Transcultural Interviewing On Psychopathology
Authors: De Figueiredo John M.
Published: August 2007

Methods to make measurement both valid and reliable in a transcultural setting are exemplified from a study done in Goa, India, to examine symptom prevalence in two groups, Christians and Hindus. Access to Goan culture was gained through field consultants, library research, and field observations. The interview instrument consisted of multiple-choice questions on social characteristics, general health status, and symptoms. Two forms, one in Portuguese, the other in Konkani, were made equivalent in meaning by a translation and back-translation. Symptoms were defined within the culture. The Langner scale was used for questions on symptoms. Reliability and validity checks were included in the instrument itself as well as its translation and use. Bilingual physicians and bilingual experts in Goan culture worked in the instrument construction. Bilinguals and monolinguals were pretested and probed. Other steps involved: careful wording of questions, use of redundancy and decentering, provision of context, warning translators against biases and supervising their work, approaching subjects in local ways and through local leaders, and having the instrument administered by a bilingual physician.
Regional Variations in the Characteristics of Victims of Violence
Authors: Hudson R. Page , Humphrey John A. , Kupferer Harriet J.
Published: August 2007

This paper investigates variations in the characteristics of victims of violence in the four regions of North Carolina: the mountains, piedmont, coastal plains, and tidewater. Distinct patterns of homicide and suicide are found in each of these regions. The montains are characterized by high rates of suicide and low rates of homicide, while the coastal plains are marked by an opposite pattern, high homicide and low suicide.

The two remaining regions of North Carolina, the piedmont and tidewater, have similar violence patterns. The piedmont has slightly higher rates of both homicide and suicide than the tidewater; however, both exhibit positive relationships between homicide and suicide rates.

Socio-cultural dimensions of each of these regions are outlined. Those variables which differentiate areas having opposite violence patterns are isolated. Also, similarities between other regions manifesting comparable rates of homicide and suicide are cited.

Within the socio-cultural context of each region, an examination of the variations in the characteristics of victims of violence is made. These characteristics include: age, sex, marital status, race, occupation, time of injury, means of death type of premise of injury and, where applicable, type of weapon used.
The Psychotherapeutic Value of a More Homogeneous Group Composition
Authors: Cabral R.J. , Best J. , Jones P. , Paton A.
Published: August 2007

An attempt was made to estimate the value of group composition by computer-assisted analyses of variance, in three psychotherapy groups. The results showed that more homogeneous groups were quicker to improve in overall symptomatology than was the more heterogeneous group.
Problems Related To the Organization and Opening of the First Day Hospital in Athens
Authors: Mantonakis John
Published: August 2007

Problems in connection with the preparation and opening of the first Day Hospital in Athens are described, as well the difficulties created by local conditions. These problems are mainly related to our out-dated legislation, bureaucracy, public prejudice about the psychiatric patient, the lack of supplementary helping services and more general state care for the rehabilitation of psychiatric patients, as well as the fact that the single Day Hospital in Athens will be called upon to cover a very large sector of our population.
The Impact of Recent Rehospitalization On Community Adjustment
Authors: Segal Steven P.
Published: August 2007

In a study of 500 formerly hospitalized mentally ill residents of comunity-based sheltered- care facilities in California, results indicate that rehospitalization services as a means of 'updating' the chronic patient's treatment. By returning to the hospital the patient is linked to the service system and its newest benefits accrue to him. In the absence of a care system which can more effectively link chronic patients to available services, rehospitalization may serve an unforseen positive function.