bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio‐demographic factors associated with methamphetamine treatment contact among dependent methamphetamine users in Sydney, Australia
Authors: McKETIN REBECCA , KELLY ERIN
Published: March 2007

Australia has a sizable population of dependent methamphetamine users, the majority of whom do not receive treatment for their drug use. The aim of the current study was to identify socio‐demographic factors related to not having received treatment for methamphetamine use among dependent users of the drug in Sydney, Australia. A cross‐sectional survey of methamphetamine users in Sydney was used to identify a sample of dependent methamphetamine users (n = 173). Dependence was defined as a score of four or greater on the Severity of Dependence Scale. Dependent methamphetamine users who had received treatment for their methamphetamine use (n = 57) were compared with those who had never received treatment for their methamphetamine use (n = 116) on socio‐demographic characteristics and drug use. After adjusting for severity of methamphetamine dependence, socio‐demographic factors that were predictive of not having received methamphetamine treatment included being female, being born outside Australia and being in full‐time employment. Methamphetamine smokers were less likely to receive treatment than people who took the drug via other routes of administration, while primary heroin users who were concurrently dependent on methamphetamine were unlikely to receive treatment for their methamphetamine use. Further research is needed to understand the barriers to receiving methamphetamine treatment among these subgroups of dependent methamphetamine users.
Neutron activation analysis for studying Cr uptake in the blue-green microalga Spirulina platensis
Authors: Mosulishvili L.M. , Belokobylsky A.I. , Kirkesali E.I. , Frontasyeva M.V. , Pavlov S.S. , Aksenova N.G.
Published: March 2007

Exposure of Spirulina platensis cells to Cr(III) and Cr(VI) showed that unlike other organisms this blue-green alga demonstrates a protective ability against Cr(VI). In laboratory experiments, the less toxic Cr(III) was absorbed much more readily than the more toxic Cr(VI). Colorimetric and EPR tests indicated that higher oxidation states of Cr are not formed following the accumulation of Cr(III) in Spirulina platensis cells. Control of the protein content and cytological study of the alga cells indicated that Spirulina platensis retains its natural properties after exposure to significant amounts of Cr(III).
Current design of disk chopper time-of-flight spectrometer at KAERI
Authors: So J.-Y. , Moon M.K. , Cho S.-J. , Choi Y-H. , Lee C-H. , Park J.-G.
Published: March 2007

HANARO is a 30 MW multi-purpose research reactor located at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) with a maximum thermal flux of 5.4 × 1014 n/cm2/s. It reached first criticality in 1995. As part of its present cold neutron project, the KAERI selected disk chopper time-of-flight (DC-TOF) spectrometer as one of the day-one instruments. In this report, we present the current design of our DC- TOF. In order to optimize the design parameters of DC-TOF and its guide layout, we made full use of two Monte-Carlo simulation codes, VITESS and McStas. We have also optimized technical parameters using analytical tools, whenever possible.
Cold-neutron disk-chopper spectrometer at J-PARC
Authors: Nakajima K. , Nakamura M. , Kajimoto R. , Osakabe T. , Kakurai K. , Matsuda M. , Metoki M. , Wakimoto S. , Sato T.J. , Itoh S. , Arai M. , Yoshida K. , Niita K.
Published: March 2007

We are constructing a cold-neutron double-chopper spectrometer for the new spallation neutron source at the Materials and Life Science Facility (MLF), J-PARC. The spectrometer is dedicated to inelastic and quasi-elastic measurements in the cold and thermal neutron incident energy region of Ei =1-80 meV. Looking at a H2-coupled moderator and employing a combination of two fast disk-choppers, one as the pulse-shaping and another as the monochromating chopper, the spectrometer realizes both high intensity and fine resolution. The expected neutron flux at the sample position is of the order of 104-107 n/cm2/s depending on Ei (e.g. 106 n/cm2/s at Ei = 20 meV with ΔE/Ei = 3%). The newly developed fast disk- chopper enables a fine and tunable energy resolution (ΔE/Ei ≥ 1% at Ei = 20 meV). A large area detector bank (± 135° in horizontal, −22-+30° in vertical and 1.3π in solid angle) covers wide momentum transfer range with the resolution of a few percent of ΔQ/ki, where ΔQ is the uncertainty in the longitudinal component of the scattering vector. The spectrometer is planned to be ready in 2008, when the first neutron beam at MLF, J-PARC is expected.
Fast Monte Carlo simulation of a dispersive sample on the SEQUOIA spectrometer at the SNS
Authors: Granroth Garrett E. , Chen Meili , Kohl James A. , Hagen Mark E. , Cobb John W.
Published: March 2007

Simulation of an inelastic scattering experiment, with a sample and a large pixilated detector, usually requires days of time because of finite processor speeds. We report simulations on an spallation neutron source (SNS) instrument, SEQUOIA, that reduce the time to less than 2 h by using parallelization and the resources of the TeraGrid. SEQUOIA is a fine resolution (ΔE/Ei ∼ 1%) chopper spectrometer under construction at the SNS. It utilizes incident energies from Ei = 20 meV–2 eV and will have ∼ 144,000 detector pixels covering 1.6 Sr of solid angle. The full spectrometer, including a 1-D dispersive sample, has been simulated using the Monte Carlo package McStas. This paper summarizes the method of parallelization for and results from these simulations. In addition, limitations of and proposed improvements to current analysis software will be discussed.
Exploitation of neutron biodynamics data from pulsed-source spectrometers
Authors: Middendorf H.D.
Published: March 2007

Efficient exploitation of substantial increases in data volumes from third-generation pulsed sources requires a freely accessible database of neutron spectra from biomolecules and their building blocks. The main characteristics of existing biodynamics databases are outlined and attention is drawn to the fact that neutron scattering is the only major technique lacking such a facility.
Repetition rate multiplication capability for a high energy resolution mode of DIANA at J-PARC
Authors: Takahashi Nobuaki , Shibata Kaoru , Sato Taku J. , Arai Masatoshi
Published: March 2007

DIANA is an indirect geometry TOF spectrometer which will be installed at Materials and Life science experimental Facility (MLF), Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC). We are especially aiming at high energy resolution of about 2 µeV by using perfect crystal Si(111) analyzer together with high speed counter-rotating pulse-shaping choppers with each rotation frequency of 300 Hz as optional equipments. Although such a high energy resolution is attained, it is considerably inefficient to chop a very narrow incident energy band from one pulse period of a source. Therefore, we have varied the number of slits and have performed Monte Carlo simulations to study repetition rate multiplication (RRM) capabilities. By using the optimum 8-slit pulse-shaping choppers, 23 incident energy bands are simultaneously available from one pulse period of a source. It will give us better measurement efficiency when investigating between quasi-elastic and low energy inelastic regions of about 3 meV with high energy resolution of about 0.1%.
High intensity chopper spectrometer 4SEASONS at J-PARC
Authors: Kajimoto R. , Yokoo T. , Nakajima K. , Nakamura M. , Soyama K. , Ino T. , Shamoto S. , Fujita M. , Ohoyama K. , Hiraka H. , Yamada K. , Arai M.
Published: March 2007

Design and performance of a new chopper spectrometer 4SEASONS, which is under construction for the spallation neutron source at Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC), are described. This spectrometer has middle energy resolution and two orders higher performance than current state-of-the-art chopper spectrometers by utilizing a unique beam transport design and the repetition rate multiplication (RRM) method. 4SEASONS has a specification optimized for the study of the high critical temperature (Tc) superconductivity, and should be suitable for collecting weak inelastic signals from a single crystal over a wide four-dimensional (4D) Q-ω space.
Utilization of multiple incident energies on Cold-Neutron Disk-Chopper Spectrometer at J-PARC
Authors: Nakamura M. , Nakajima K. , Kajimoto R. , Arai M.
Published: March 2007

Inelastic neutron scattering measurement utilizing the multiple incident energies is a promising method to improve the measurement efficiency of chopper spectrometers at pulsed neutron sources. In this paper, we will show the performance of utilizing the multiple incident energies measurement on Cold-Neutron Disk-Chopper Spectrometer (CNDCS) at J-PARC. The related issues of the instrument design to realize the multiple incident energies measurement will also be mentioned.
The wide-angle neutron spin echo spectrometer project WASP
Authors: Fouquet Peter , Ehlers Georg , Farago Bela , Pappas Catherine , Mezei Ferenc
Published: March 2007

This paper describes design and optimization for the wide angle spin-echo spectrometer (WASP) presently being planned at the ILL. The spectrometer will be a replacement for the high intensity spectrometer IN11 and will enhance its signal by more than one order of magnitude while maintaining the resolution of the present spectrometer. The paper outlines the magnetic field calculations and the considerations about possible limitations. The projected performance has been verified carefully by Monte Carlo raytracing and Biot–Savart magnetic field calculations. The maximum momentum transfer of the new spectrometer is to be extended to 4 Å−1.
The assets of crystal monochromator-Fermi chopper time-of-flight on continuous sources—potential for high efficiency PASTIS operation
Authors: Stewart J.R. , Andersen K.H. , Stride J.A. , Mutka H. , Schober H.
Published: March 2007

Crystal monochromator-Fermi-chopper (FC) (X-TOF) instruments provide a high count-rate with flexible resolution optimization. We show that the most advantageous range of operation for this class of instruments falls in the thermal and sub-thermal range where focusing Bragg optics can be used to full benefit. In this spectral window, an X-TOF instrument at a high-flux reactor can match a chopper spectrometer on a MW power short pulse spallation source as can be shown by comparing the optimized concepts. The high count-rate makes this type of instrument highly attractive for polarized neutron operation. Recent experiments performed using a new large solid-angle 3He neutron spin-filter represent a significant breakthrough in the field of neutron polarization analysis studies on multi-detector spectrometers, forming the basis of the proposed PASTIS project which enables xyz-polarization analysis studies on a thermal TOF spectrometer (Stride et al., Stewart et al.). Outlook for implementation of PASTIS as a thermal X-TOF spectrometer will be discussed.
Dysphoric About Dysphoria: Towards a Greater Conceptual Clarity of the Term
Authors: Starcevic Vladan
Published: March 2007

Objective: The aim of this study was to conceptualize dysphoria in a way that is clearer, better delineated and more clinically useful, after reviewing its meanings in a variety of psychopathological contexts and the consequent conceptual confusion.

Conclusions: The current semantic status of dysphoria is most unsatisfactory. Its definitions are usually too broad or too simplistic and, therefore, not clinically useful. There is no agreement on what the term means. In this article, dysphoria is conceptualized primarily as a complex emotional state, consisting of intense unhappiness/discontent and irritability. In addition, dysphoria is often, though not invariably, accompanied by certain cognitive and behavioural features. This article reviews relationships between dysphoria and related emotional states and various psychiatric disorders, and proposes differentiations that have implications for clinical practice. The role of dysphoria in mixed states within bipolar disorder is particularly in need of further study.
The Interface Between Religion and Psychosis
Authors: Ng Felicity
Published: March 2007

Objective: This paper aims to explore the interface between religion and psychosis, and to comment on its relevance in clinical practice.

Method: The context of religious psychotic phenomena is briefly discussed, leading to an examination of the biological substrates of religious experiences, the hypothesized process of religious psychotic symptom formation, and the clinical implications when assessing religious delusions. A PubMED search was conducted to identify original research and review articles of relevance to the discussion.

Results: Religion is an enduring theme in psychosis, the understanding of which can be assisted by distinguishing between religion as a culture and religiosity as pathology. There are strong arguments for the involvement of temporolimbic instability in the generation of religious psychotic symptoms.

Conclusions: Psychosis can be conceptualized as the manifestation of aberrant perceptual and/or integrative processes. The prevalence of religion as a psychotic theme may be explained by its central cultural role, the implication of temporolimbic overactivity in the pathogenesis of some cases of psychosis, and the tendency to interpret intense or discrepant perceptual events as spiritual. In the clinical setting, the determination of religious delusions can be challenging at times. In addition to seeking advice on unfamiliar religions, a thorough assessment of the dimensions of religious beliefs and symptoms of neurocognitive dysfunction can be useful.
Releasing Psychiatry from the Constraints of Categorical Diagnosis
Authors: Mellsop Graham , Menkes David , El-Badri Selim
Published: March 2007

Objective: The aim of this study was to make a case for freeing psychiatry from the limits of categorical diagnosis.

Conclusions: From Pinel through to Kraepelin, Bleuler, DSM-IV and ICD-10, clinical and research activities in psychiatry have all depended upon categorical classification. Recent decades have seen increasing argument in favour of dimensional measurement, description and prediction, in part because invalidities in categorical classification are becoming impossible to deny. Some suggestions for developing useful dimensional approaches are made.
Clickety-click: E-Mental Health Train on Track
Authors: Griffiths Kathleen , Farrer Louise , Christensen Helen
Published: March 2007

Objective: Experts forecast that the Internet will bring about radical change in healthcare. This paper aims to summarise evidence concerning the efficacy of Internet-based programs in the delivery of mental health care and its implications for mental health professionals. It also describes those Internet programs which are both of demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety or depression and available without restriction or cost to the public.

Conclusions: There is evidence that Internet-based programs can improve a range of mental health conditions. Some of these programs could be used by psychiatrists and other mental health professionals as an adjunct to clinician-based treatment. However, clinicians need to know which programs work and how they can be accessed.
Gunfire, Humour and Psychotherapy
Authors: Middleton Warwick
Published: March 2007

Objective: To reflect on the humour associated with one's cultural heritage, the mechanisms of humour in the cultures of many, and its role in the processes of psychotherapy.

Conclusions: The practice of psychotherapy is enhanced by the therapist who maintains a sense of humour, who appreciates its development in his/her patients, and who respectfully uses it to assist in building the therapeutic alliance. Therapy is not so serious that laughter need be excluded from it.
Outcome in a Specialist Referral Clinic for Mood Disorders: A Qualitative and Quantitative Review
Authors: Parker Gordon , Brotchie Heather , Fletcher Kathryn , Hyett Matthew , Barrett Melissa
Published: March 2007

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether short-term outcome for those referred with a depressive disorder could be predicted from baseline clinical assessment and identify factors contributing to outcome in a clinic operating to a subtyping diagnostic and aetiologically weighted management model.

Method: This pilot study involved a consecutive series of 85 patients referred to the Depression Clinic at the Black Dog Institute.

Results: Globally assessed baseline prediction was associated with short-term outcome. Comparably high rates of improvement were evident in those with bipolar, melancholic and non-melancholic subtypes, and somewhat lower in those diagnosed with a ‘secondary depression’. Qualitative and quantitative analyses established that outcome was most clearly associated with referral source, degree of take up of recommendations and implementation of psychotropic drug strategies.

Conclusions: Study results encourage more definitive and comparative study designs to be derived.
Gambling and Substance Use Disorders: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Petry Nancy M.
Published: March 2007

This paper briefly reviews the clinical presentation of pathological gambling and presents data related to the co‐occurrence of pathological gambling and substance use disorders. Both epidemiological and treatment data are reviewed. The putative physiological substrates underlying pathological gambling are described, along with the limited genetics data. Types of treatments applied to gamblers are described, including data on efficacy and overlap of issues that relate to both gambling and substance use disorders. Finally, areas for future research are suggested to advance our understanding of pathological gambling and its relationship to substance use disorders.
Criminal Behavior in Antisocial Substance Abusers between Five and Fifteen Years Follow‐Up
Authors: Fridell Mats , Hesse Morten , Billsten Johan
Published: March 2007

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is one of the most common co‐occurring disorders in substance abusers, characterized among other things by a high propensity for criminal actions. A cohort of 125 substance abusers were followed in a longitudinal design. Patients were diagnosed with ASPD at an index treatment episode, interviewed at five‐year follow‐up, and followed‐up through the Swedish criminal justice register by 2005 for the years 1995–2003. ASPD and non‐ASPD subjects were compared using Mann Whitney U test for ordinal variables (number of offenses and months in prison) and chi‐square tests for categorical variables. A total of 107 were alive by 1995, when the period of observation began. ASPD diagnosed at baseline was related to criminal offenses and incarceration during the follow‐up from 5 to 15 years. For most categories, ASPD diagnosis was associated with higher frequency of offense. An ASPD diagnosis based on SCID‐II interview made at five‐year follow‐up was related to the number of offenses but unrelated to incarceration. In a sample of drug abusers, ASPD was associated with high levels of criminal behavior, even years after the diagnosis was given. A diagnosis based on clinical observation during treatment was at least as predictive of criminal behavior as a diagnosis based on a SCID‐II interview.
A Retrospective Case Control Study of Alcohol Relapse and Spiritual Growth
Authors: Sterling Robert C. , Weinstein Stephen , Losardo Diane , Raively Kerry , Hill Peter , Petrone Annemarie , Gottheil Edward
Published: March 2007

In the context of an NIAAA/Fetzer Institute‐funded study designed to look at the impact of spirituality in an inpatient alcohol treatment, this retrospective case control study investigated whether spiritual growth occurred during an inpatient phase of treatment for alcohol dependence, the degree to which spiritual gains (if noted) would be maintained at follow‐up, and whether spiritual growth would be associated with follow‐up sobriety. To accomplish this goal, thirty‐six individuals who reported relapsing to alcohol at three‐month follow‐up were compared with thirty‐six matched controls who reported abstinence at follow‐up. Spiritual development and change was assessed via a set of six measures. Paired t‐tests revealed that spiritual growth occurred across all measures during the treatment phase. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that this growth was maintained at three‐month follow‐up. Two‐way repeated measures ANOVA revealed that while non‐relapsers maintained spiritual growth over the course of four weeks of treatment and in the three‐month period following treatment, renewed alcohol use was associated with decreased spirituality.
Individual and Social Network Factors that Predict Entry to Drug Treatment
Authors: Davey Melissa A. , Latkin Carl A. , Hua Wei , Tobin Karin E. , Strathdee Steffanie
Published: March 2007

Prospective data were analyzed to examine individual and social network characteristics that predict entry into drug treatment among a sample of 557 heroin and cocaine users. Entering treatment was associated with being HIV positive [AOR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.33–3.81] and a history of drug treatment [AOR: 3.41, 95% CI: 2.19–5.31]. Individuals with a greater number of social network members who were in drug treatment [AOR: 1.29, 95% CI: 1.07–1.56] and fewer network members who smoked crack [AOR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.75–0.99] were more likely to enter treatment. Social network‐based interventions that promote successful outcomes in drug treatment are needed.
Influence of Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms on Methadone Treatment Outcome
Authors: Kolpe Manasi , Carlson Gregory A.
Published: March 2007

A review of 687 consecutive admissions to a Midwestern methadone maintenance program was undertaken to establish the prevalence of ADHD symptoms and their association with treatment outcome. Of the 687 admissions, 396 (58%) patients self‐reported experiencing one or more ADHD symptoms during the two weeks prior to admission, and 131 (19%) patients reported ADHD symptoms that significantly interfered with functioning in daily activities. At nine months post‐admission, the patients who reported significant symptoms of ADHD were able to reduce their drug use but were less likely to have achieved abstinence than those who did not report significant symptoms (p ≤ 0.001). The authors discuss the importance of screening for ADHD symptoms in methadone treatment programs and propose interventions believed helpful in improving management of ADHD symptoms and improving outcome.
Cellular Physiology of Retinal and Choroidal Arteriolar Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: SCHOLFIELD C. N. , MCGEOWN J. G. , CURTIS T. M.
Published: March 2007

Control of ocular blood flow occurs predominantly at the level of the retinal and choroidal arterioles. The present article provides an overview of the Ca2 + handling mechanisms and plasmalemmal ion channels involved in the regulation of retinal and choroidal arteriolar smooth muscle tone. Increases in global intracellular free Ca2 + ([Ca2 +]i) involve multiple mechanisms, including agonist‐dependent release of Ca2 + from intracellular stores through activation of the inositol trisphosphate (IP3) pathway. Ca2 + enters by voltage‐dependent L‐type Ca2 + channels and novel dihydropyridine‐sensitive store‐operated nonselective cation channels. Ca2 + extrusion is mediated by plasmalemmal Ca2 +‐ATPases and through Na+/Ca2+ exchange. Local Ca2 + transients (Ca2 + sparks) play an important excitatory role, acting as the building blocks for more global Ca2 + signals that can initiate vasoconstriction. K+ and Cl− channels may also affect cell function by modulating membrane potential. The precise contribution of each of these mechanisms to the regulation of retinal and choroidal perfusion in vivo warrants future investigation.
Abrupt Reoxygenation of Microvascular Endothelial Cells After Hypoxia Activates ERK1/2 and JNK1, Leading to NADPH Oxidase‐Dependent Oxidant Production
Authors: YU GUO , PENG TIANQING , FENG QINGPING , TYML KAREL
Published: March 2007

Objective: Mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) in microvascular endothelial cells (EC) may participate in organ pathophysiology following hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). The authors aimed to determine the role of MAPK in H/R‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in mouse microvascular EC.

Methods: Cultured EC derived from skeletal muscle of male wild‐type (WT), gp91phox−/− or p47phox−/− mice were subjected to hypoxia (0.1% O2, 1 h) followed by abrupt reoxygenation, H/RA (hypoxic medium quickly replaced by normoxic medium), or slow reoxygenation, H/RS (O2 diffused to cells through hypoxic medium). Cells were analyzed for ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK phosphorylation, NADPH oxidase activation, and ROS generation.

Results: In WT cells, H/RA but not H/RS rapidly phosphorylated ERK1/2 and JNK1 and subsequently increased ROS production. H/RA did not affect p38. MAPK phosphorylation persisted despite inhibition of NADPH oxidase, mitochondrial respiration, protein tyrosine kinase, or PKC. ROS increase during H/RA was prevented by deletion of gp91phox or p47phox, or MAPK inhibition.

Conclusions: Abrupt reoxygenation after hypoxia activates ERK1/2 and JNK1 in mouse microvascular endothelial cells via a tyrosine kinase‐, PKC‐, and NADPH oxidase‐insensitive mechanism, leading to increased NADPH oxidase‐dependent ROS production. The results suggest that MAPK activation in the microvascular endothelium is O2‐sensitive, contributing critically to tissue pathophysiology after H/R.
The “Low Dose” Hypothesis: Validity and Implications for Human Risk
Authors: Kamrin Michael A.
Published: March 2007

In the late 1990s, a “low dose” hypothesis was proposed based on studies that purported to show that hormonally active environmental agents were causing a variety of effects, mainly reproductive and developmental, at “low doses.” The supporters of this hypothesis claim that traditional “high-dose” toxicity studies are not adequate to assess adverse effects from these hormonally active agents in that they do not detect effects that are occurring at “low doses.” In addition, it is claimed that these “low dose” effects are occurring at levels comparable to those to which humans are being exposed. These claims have been controversial and expert panels evaluated the evidence behind them in the early 2000s. Although these panels generally concluded that such “low dose” effects were not conclusively established, proponents of the “low dose” hypothesis assert that a large number of more recent studies now provide clear support for their hypothesis. This review carefully examines both recent and older studies that have been cited to support the “low dose” hypothesis, including their relevance for the human population. These include in vivo and in vitro laboratory studies as well as a very limited number of epidemiological investigations. Based on the evidence, it is concluded that these “low dose” effects have yet to be established, that the studies purported to support these cannot be validly extrapolated to humans, and the doses at which the studies have been performed are significantly higher than the levels to which humans are exposed.
Potential Side Effects of Dendritic Cells Pulsed with Allogenic Melanoma Cell Lysate in Mice
Authors: Park Shin-Young , Choi Woo Hyuck , Kim Yong Bum , Ha Chang Su , Lee Hyunah , Kwon Young-Do , Choi Ok-Mi , Lee Young-Joon , Koh Woo Suk
Published: March 2007

An attempt has been made to investigate the toxicity of cancer immunotherapy based on the dendritic cells pulsed with lysate of allogenic melanoma cell, DM401. Dendritic cells pulsed with lysate of clone M3 were subcutaneously administered once a week eight times to C57BL/6 mice at 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 × 107 cells/kg. No changes attributable to the administration were observed in clinical signs and food and water consumption. The administration induced slight increases in body weights, white blood cells, total protein, total cholesterol, triglyceride, phospholipids, and absolute spleen weights, but a slight decrease in albumin/globulin ratio. Microscopic examinations revealed the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung, mainly in the pulmonary arteriole, in which the tunica media thickened, and in the pulmonary alveoli and alveolar space. Thickened tunica media of pulmonary arteriole was observed in both males and females at all selected doses. In addition, the subcutis at the test substance-application site showed inflammation and fibrosis. In conclusion, lung is a target organ of DM401, and most of the changes including the findings in lung are considered as the immunomodulatory functions of dendritic cells.
Polymorphisms of Microsomal Epoxide Hydrolase and Glutathione S-transferase P1 in a Male Turkish Population
Authors: Ada Ahmet O. , Suzen H. Sinan , Iscan Mumtaz
Published: March 2007

Polymorphic genes encoding drug-metabolizing enzymes may account for interindividual differences in certain types of diseases especially cancer. In this study, microsomal epoxide hydrolase (EPHX1) and glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) gene polymorphisms were determined among 133 healthy males of a Turkish population. Frequencies of EPHX1 and GSTP1 gene polymorphisms were determined by using the polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR/RFLP) method. The observed genotype frequencies of EPHX1 exon 3 were Tyr113Tyr:50.4%, Tyr113His: 42.1%, His113His: 7.5% and EPHX1 exon 4 were His139His: 69.2%, His139Arg: 28.6%, Arg133Arg: 2.2%. GSTP1 exon 5 genotype frequencies were Ile105Ile: 58.7%, Ile105Val: 35.3%, Val105Val: 6.0% and GSTP1 exon 6 genotype frequencies were Ala114Ala: 85.0%, Ala114Val: 14.3%, Val114Val: 0.7%. These results reveal that the frequencies of EPHX1 and GSTP1gene polymorphisms in a small sampling of males within a Turkish population are similar to European Caucasian populations.
Mercury Activates Vascular Endothelial Cell Phospholipase D through Thiols and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Hagele Thomas J. , Mazerik Jessica N. , Gregory Anita , Kaufman Bruce , Magalang Ulysses , Kuppusamy M. Lakshmi , Marsh Clay B. , Kuppusamy Periannan , Parinandi Narasimham L.
Published: March 2007

Currently, mercury has been identified as a risk factor of cardiovascular diseases among humans. Here, the authors tested the hypothesis that mercury modulates the activity of the endothelial lipid signaling enzyme, phospholipase D (PLD), which is an important player in the endothelial cell (EC) barrier functions. Monolayers of bovine pulmonary artery ECs (BPAECs) in culture, following labeling of membrane phospholipids with [32P]orthophosphate, were exposed to mercuric chloride (inorganic form), methylmercury chloride (environmental form), and thimerosal (pharmaceutical form), and the formation of phosphatidylbutanol as an index of PLD activity was determined by thin-layer chromatography and liquid scintillation counting. All three forms of mercury significantly activated PLD in BPAECs in a dose-dependent (0 to 50 μM) and time-dependent (0 to 60 min) fashion. Metal chelators significantly attenuated mercury-induced PLD activation, suggesting that cellular mercury-ligand interaction(s) is required for the enzyme activation and that chelators are suitable blockers for mercury-induced PLD activation. Sulfhydryl (thiol-protective) agents and antioxidants also significantly attenuated the mercury-induced PLD activation in BPAECs. Enhanced reactive oxygen species generation, as an index of oxidative stress, was observed in BPAECs treated with methylmercury that was attenuated by antioxidants. All the three different forms of mercury significantly induced the decrease of levels of total cellular thiols. For the first time, this study revealed that mercury induced the activation of PLD in the vascular ECs wherein cellular thiols and oxidative stress acted as signal mediators for the enzyme activation. The results underscore the importance of PLD signaling in mercury-induced endothelial dysfunctions ultimately leading to cardiovascular diseases.
Effect of the Carotenoid-Producing Alga, Dunaliella bardawil, on CCl4-Induced Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Vanitha A. , Chidambara Murthy K. N. , Kumar Vinod , Sakthivelu G. , Veigas Jyothi M. , Saibaba P. , Ravishankar Gokare A.
Published: March 2007

Dunaliella bardawil is a carotenoid-producing alga that is being considered for use in nutraceuticals. To evaluate potential protective effects of consumption of this alga, rats were treated with two different doses of D. bardawil (2.5 and 5.0 g kg–1 body weight [bw]) as a biomass suspension daily for 14 days. Animals were tested against Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4; 2 ml kg–1)–induced liver toxicity as measured by various biochemical marker enzymes in liver and blood. All measurements were taken 6 h following the single dose of CCl4. The results of this study show that there was a slight, but statistically significant mean serum enzyme values, with D. bardawil treatment, compared to higher mean values in animals receiving CCl4 alone. Lipid peroxidation is measured by thiobarbituric acid–reactive substance (TBARS) activity was likewise slightly less elevated with algae treatment. The results also demonstrated protection against DNA strand breaks in hepatocytes, as measured by single cell gel electrophoresis. Liver histopathology was less severe with D. bardawil treatment, supporting the apparent protective action of 14-day treatment on hepatic oxidative injury.
Coordination Deficits Induced in Young Adult Mice Treated with Methylmercury
Authors: Bellum Sairam , Thuett Kerry A. , Grajeda Raul , Abbott Louise C.
Published: March 2007

Male and female C57BL/6J mice starting at postnatal (P) day 34 were exposed orally to five divided doses totaling 1.0 or 5.0 mg/kg of methylmercury (MeHg; given as methylmercuric chloride) or sterile deionized water in moistened rodent chow. After a 5-day waiting period, control and MeHg-treated mice were subjected to a standard battery of behavior tests for balance and motor coordination. Latency to falling on the accelerating rota-rod was significantly decreased in 5.0 mg/kg MeHg-exposed mice when compared to control mice. In the open field, horizontal exploration with respect to total distance traveled during the first 5 min on the first test day was significantly reduced in 1.0 mg/kg MeHg-exposed mice when compared to control mice. Rearing activity was not affected by MeHg treatment. In the footprint analysis, angle of foot placement measured in 1.0 mg/kg MeHg-treated mice was significantly greater compared to control mice. Base stance and stride length were unaffected by MeHg treatment. On the vertical pole test, 10 mice from each treatment group fell off the pole during the time the pole was shifted from a horizontal position to a vertical position, whereas none of the control mice fell. These results indicate that short-term, low to moderate doses of MeHg in young adult mice can be detrimental to motor coordination and balance.
26-Week Dermal Oncogenicity Study Evaluating Pure trans-Capsaicin in Tg.AC Hemizygous Mice (FBV/N)
Authors: Chanda Sanjay , Erexson Gregory , Frost Denzil , Babbar Sunita , Burlew Jo-Anne , Bley Keith
Published: March 2007

The objective of this study was to assess the oncogenic potential of trans-capsaicin when administered weekly via topical application to the dorsal skin of Tg.AC mice for 26 weeks. Male and female Tg.AC mice (25 mice/sex/group) received dose formulations containing trans-capsaicin dissolved in diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DGME). The positive control was tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) dissolved in DGME. Appropriate controls, including a topical lidocaine local anesthetic pretreatment (4% w/ w), were maintained. All groups were dosed once weekly, except for the TPA group, which was dosed twice per week. Analysis of the macroscopic observations after the final sacrifice revealed no noteworthy treatment-related findings, with the exception of dermal masses that were randomly dispersed throughout all treatment groups for both males and females. The frequency of dermal masses in the capsaicin-treated groups (at a dose level of up to 102 mg/kg and an application rate of 25.6 mg/cm2/kg/week) was not elevated in comparison to either concurrent vehicle or untreated controls. In contrast, a notable increase in the frequency of dermal masses was observed in the TPA-treated mice compared to both the concurrent vehicle and untreated controls. Dermal application of capsaicin resulted in no increased incidence of preneoplastic or neoplastic skin lesions. In contrast, over half the male and female mice exposed to TPA had multiple skin papillomas; the majority of the TPA-treated animals either died early or was humanely euthanized due to tumor load. Spontaneously occurring neoplasms were not appreciably increased in capsaicin-treated animals. Capsaicin-related non-neoplastic microscopic findings were seen sporadically in both genders and included acanthosis, hyperkeratosis/parakeratosis (primarily females), epidermal crusts, subepidermal fibrosis, epidermal ulcerations/erosions, and chronic-active inflammation. There was no evidence of a dose response in either the incidence or severity of these findings. The lidocaine- (at a dose level of 162 mg/kg and at an application rate of 40.5 mg/cm2/kg/week) and DGME-treated (at a dose level of 4.0 g/kg and at an application rate of 1 g/cm2/kg/week) control groups also did not display any evidence of increase in dermal masses. Based on these results, trans-capsaicin, lidocaine, and DGME should be considered nononcogenic in the Tg.AC mouse dermal model.
The Five Faces of Silvio Berlusconi: The Knight of Anti-politics
Authors: Pasquino Gianfranco
Published: March 2007

Between 1994 and 2006 Berlusconi has been the dominant figure of Italian politics. Following his electoral defeat in the April 2006 elections, it is possible to begin an initial evaluation of the many roles he has played as well as to assess his overall accomplishments in politics. This article focuses on five roles—party builder, coalition maker, institution builder, Prime Minister, and opinion leader. The article briefly explores Berlusconi's achievements and inadequacies and attempts to explain the reasons for his failures. Because Berlusconi has been unable fundamentally to institutionalize his politics and to reform Italian institutions, the article comes to the conclusion that his legacy will be of limited duration. All this notwithstanding, Berlusconi's political trajectory may not yet have reached its conclusion.
Italian Foreign Policy in the ‘Second Republic’. Changes of Form and Substance
Authors: Walston James
Published: March 2007

The birth of the ‘Second Republic’ was at least partially due to the changes in international relations in Europe and the rest of the world. The instablity in the Balkans forced Italy to face security issues close to home, while instability in the Middle East meant that Italy had to reconsider its energy security policy as well as military security in the region. The change in the form of government in Italy under both the centre-right and centre-left has involved the Prime Minister taking on a much more important role in foreign policy. The two traditional pillars of Italian foreign policy—Atlanticism and an attachment to the European institutions—have remained largely unchanged, but their relative importance and emphasis have altered markedly with the alternation of administrations. During the course of the Second Republic we can therefore conclude that Italy has moved from being a ‘consumer of security’ to being a ‘producer of security’ due to a combination of external necessities and internal reforms.
Modal verbs with and without tense: a study of English‐ and Cantonese‐speaking children with specific language impairment
Authors: Leonard Laurence B. , Deevy Patricia , Wong Anita M.‐Y. , Stokes Stephanie F. , Fletcher Paul
Published: March 2007

Background: Surprizingly little is known about the use of modal auxiliaries by children with specific language impairment (SLI). These forms fall within the category of grammatical morphology, an area of morphosyntax that is purportedly very weak in children with SLI.

Aims: Three studies were conducted to examine the use of modal auxiliaries by preschool‐aged children with SLI.

Methods & Procedures: In each study, probe tasks were designed to create contexts that encouraged the use of modals to express the modality functions of ability and permission. In Studies 1 and 3, English‐speaking children participated. In Study 2, the participants were Cantonese‐speaking children. In each study, three groups of children participated: A group exhibiting SLI, a group of younger typically developing children (YTD), and a group of (older) typically developing children (OTD) matched with the SLI group according to age.

Outcome & Results: In Study 1, English‐speaking children with SLI were as proficient as YTD children, though less proficient than OTD children in the use of the modal can to express the modality functions of ability and permission. In Study 2, the same modality functions were studied in the speech of SLI, YTD and OTD groups who were speakers of Cantonese. In this language, tense is not employed, and therefore the modality function could be examined independent of formal tense. Results similar to those of Study 1 were obtained. Study 3 again studied SLI, YTD and OTD groups in English to determine whether the children's expression of ability differed across past (could) and non‐past (can) contexts. The results for can replicated the findings from Study 1. However, the children with SLI were significantly more limited than both the YTD and OTD groups in their use of could.

Conclusions: The results suggest that most children with SLI have access to modality functions such as ability and permission. However, the findings of Study 3 suggest that they may have a reduced inventory of modal forms or difficulty expressing the same function in both past and non‐past contexts. These potential areas of difficulty suggest possible directions for intervention.
Behavioural intervention effects in dysarthria following stroke: communication effectiveness, intelligibility and dysarthria impact
Authors: Mackenzie Catherine , Lowit Anja
Published: March 2007

Background: Dysarthria is a common post‐stroke presentation. Its management falls within the remit of the speech and language therapy profession. Little controlled evaluation of the effects of intervention for dysarthria in stroke has been reported.

Aims: The study aimed to determine the effects of a period of behavioural communication intervention on communication effectiveness and intelligibility, and of the speech disorder's impact on the person with dysarthria.

Methods & Procedures: Eight people with dysarthria following stroke received individually tailored intervention programmes of 16 sessions during an 8‐week period. Conversation, and reading aloud of connected speech and of single words were sampled at four points, at intervals of around 2 months: two before intervention and two after intervention. The data were perceptually evaluated by ten listeners, blind to assessment point, for the overall effectiveness of communication (conversation) and for single‐word and reading intelligibility. The impact of dysarthria was assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention period.

Outcome & Results: The level of reliability of listener ratings was high. There was no evidence of group change between assessment points for measures of communication effectiveness during conversation, or for reading and word intelligibility. Individual participant analysis indicated that five speakers improved in at least one of these three measures. In all cases this followed either stability or deterioration during the 2‐month pre‐intervention period. There was very little evidence of deterioration during the 2 months after withdrawal of treatment. For three participants no intervention‐related speech benefit was demonstrated. Age, dysarthria severity or lesion information did not appear to differentiate those who improved from those who did not. Improvement occurred in all who began the intervention phase between 5 and 8 months following stroke onset. Group data indicated no change in the Dysarthria Impact Profile in respect of three sections (The effect of dysarthria on me as a person; How I feel others react to my speech; and How dysarthria affects my communication with others). There was a significant difference between the start and end of intervention for Accepting my dysarthria, suggesting a reduction in the negative impact of dysarthria.

Conclusions: The results demonstrate that some individuals with dysarthria have a capacity to respond positively to intervention, some months after stroke, and to maintain this improvement following 2 months of no intervention. Consideration is given to how the results of the present study may inform subsequent phases of dysarthria stroke research.
GENDER BUDGETING IN BELGIUM: FINDINGS FROM A PILOT PROJECT
Authors: Holvoet Nathalie
Published: March 2007

The article highlights activities and findings of the Belgian initiative regarding gender budgeting, which are put against the background of theory and practice developed so far elsewhere. Attention is drawn upon the opportunities of gender budgeting to push further forward the policy goals of gender equality, thereby overcoming a number of problems commonly associated with the currently widely propagated strategy of gender mainstreaming. The article provides first-hand information on the origin of the Belgian initiative, its political location, the activities performed and the methodology used. Analysis of findings addresses a number of key dimensions in gender budgeting, including (i) the overarching importance of the political location, (ii) the internal management and monitoring function of gender budgeting and the importance of prevailing budgetary systems, and (iii) the external accountability function of gender budgeting and the need to link up with outside-government initiatives.
‘ON PAR’? THE ROLE OF THE AU PAIR IN SWITZERLAND AND FRANCE
Authors: Mellini Laura , Yodanis Carrie , Godenzi Alberto
Published: March 2007

The role of the au pair as outlined in the 1969 Council of Europe's European Agreement on ‘Au Pair’ Placement is ambiguous. Although they provide child care for pay, au pairs are supposed to be treated as members of the host family. Based on in-depth interviews with au pairs in Switzerland and France, this paper examines how au pairs define their role. Results show how au pairs’ definitions of their roles vary and are constructed through interactions within the host family. The au pair's definition of her role is constructed through work and non-work dyadic interactions with the host mother. The relationship between mother and the au pair does not happen in isolation, however but is shaped by the intimate relationship between the host mother and host father. The triadic relationship between the au pair, host mother, and host father further shapes how the au pair defines and experiences her role.
SOCIAL CHANGE AS A SOURCE OF MACROSOCIAL STRESS: DOES IT ENHANCE NATIONALISTIC ATTITUDES?
Authors: Boehnke Klaus , Kindervater Angela , Baier Dirk , Rippl Susanne
Published: March 2007

The paper reports a representative study of inhabitants (age > 13) of the common border regions of Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Based on Stephan and Stephan's integrated threat theory three hypotheses are tested, namely that (1) the experience of threat due to the EU enlargement leads to a higher prevalence of nationalist attitudes, that (2) positive intercultural attitudes lower the impact of enlargement-related threat on nationalism, and that (3) the impact of a threat experience on nationalism will be most pronounced in a border region where status differences and repercussions of historic conflicts are most salient, namely the region where the Czech Republic borders on West Germany (Bavaria). Findings support the first hypothesis. Hypothesis 2 finds little support, while Hypothesis 3 is largely supported. In the Western Czech/Bavarian border region the most imminent conflict potential exists; only there the hypothesis of a mediation effect of positive interpersonal attitudes finds partial support.