bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transferred Shame in the Cultures of Interdependent-Self and Independent Self
Authors: Tang Mei , Wang Zhiyan , Qian Mingyi , Gao Jun , Zhang Lili
Published: April 2008

The construal of the self is related to individuals' cognition, emotion and behavior. The aim of this study was to investigate shame in the context of interdependent-self and independent-self culture. 163 Chinese and 196 American college undergraduates completed a questionnaire about their reaction to 3 different scenarios about shameful events involving 5 different persons including self, mother, boy/girl friend, best friend and classmate. The participants reported the intensity of shame they felt in each of the situation and how close they were related to other people in the scenarios. The results demonstrated that there is a significant difference between Chinese and American participants on the levels of shame across all the scenarios, as well as for the persons involved in the scenario. It was also found that the intensity of shame was reduced as the relationship between the participants and the persons involved in the shameful events becomes remote in social distance. A significant correlation was found between closeness of relationship and intensity of shame felt. Implications for understanding cultural differences to emotions and future studies are discussed.
Blaming Badly
Authors: Alicke Mark
Published: April 2008

Knobe and Burra show that people will ascribe internationality to outcomes that an actor had no intention to effect. I describe this ostensibly contradictory effect in terms of outcome bias – the tendency for people to blame actors for the outcomes of their actions, independent of their casual and intentional role in the event. Whereas intention refers to an actor's pre-behavioral desires, intentionality characterizes an event that includes both behavior and outcome. Thus, while people recognize that the actor did not desire for the outcome to occur, they ascribe intentionality as a means of registering diaspproval for what ultimately did occur. I describe these findings in terms of my culpable control (Alicke, 2000) model of blame.
Royal Executions: Evidence bearing on the Subject of Sanctioned Killing in the Middle Kingdom
Authors: Muhlestein Kerry
Published: April 2008

Sanctioned killing in Ancient Egypt has been a much debated theme. So far, however, the perspective on this subject matter has been too broad, static, and limited in scope. Supported by a large body of inscriptional evidence dating to the Middle Kingdom, this paper argues that during this period the grounds for sanctioned killing and its practices were more wide-ranging than has often been supposed. Le thème de l'homicide sanctionné dans l'Égypte ancienne a fait l'objet de nombreux débats. Toutefois, jusqu'à présent l'approche a été trop générale, statique et limitée. Fondée sur l'étude de nombreuses inscriptions datant du Moyen Empire, cette contribution suggère que durant cette période les principes subordonnés aux pratiques de l'homicide sanctionné étaient plus variés qu'on ne l'avait cru auparavant.
The Rise and Fall of a Man-Made Lake: Training Lake in Jiangnan, China, 300-2000 A.D.
Authors: Vermeer Eduard
Published: April 2008

The shallow Training Lake in Jiangnan has received much attention in historical records because of the direct involvement of successive dynastic governments in the protection of its seasonal water supply to the Grand Canal. Historians have all praised the periodical efforts to restore the lake's water supply and irrigation functions. However, in view of the high operating costs of the lake and its limited benefits, the various attempts to reclaim land and water for agriculture may have been more rational in terms of economic profit. Visitors' descriptions provide many details on the long-term environmental changes in the lake area. In the 1960s, it was drained and turned into a state farm. Le Lac d'Entraînement peu profond de Jiangnan a retenu l'attention dans les textes historiques parce que les gouvernements dynastiques successifs se sont investis pour assurer alimentation saisonnier du Grand Canal par ses eaux. Tous les historiens ont loué les efforts périodiques visant à lui conserver sa fonction d'alimentation et d'irrigation. Parce que les frais d'entretien du lac étaient élevés et les profits limités, il se peut néanmoins que les travaux entrepris pour convertir le lac en terres agricoles étaient plus rentables. Les descriptions des visiteurs nous fournissent d'abondants détails sur les changements environnementaux à long terme que subit la région du Lac. Dans les années 1960, il fut drainé pour y installer une exploitation agricole d'état.
Tombstones, Texts, and Typologies: Seeing Sources for the Early History of Islam in Southeast Asia
Authors: Lambourn Elizabeth
Published: April 2008

This article is a case study of an iconic symbol of Indonesian Islamization: the tombstones of al-Malik al-Sālih (d.696/1297 AD), believed to be the first Muslim Sultan of the polity of Samudra in Sumatra. The author questions the dominance of textualist approaches in Southeast Asian historical inquiry by applying the concept of the "integral cultural product"—in which text, visual content and material are equally important and interdependent. This fresh analysis suggests that al-Sālih's tombstones are actually later replacements for an older grave, so raising new questions about the construction of legitimacy and ancestry in early Islamic Southeast Asia. Cette contribution étudie un symbole de l'islamisation indonésienne: les pierres tombales d'al-Malik al-Sālih (décédé en l'an 696/1297 ap. J.-C.) réputé être le premier sultan musulman du royaume de Samudra à Sumatra. L'auteur conteste la dominance de la méthode textualiste dans les recherches historiques sur l'Asie du Sud-est en utilisant le concept de "produit culturel intégral": le texte, l'aspect extérieur et la matière, interdépendants, doivent être analysés globalement. Cette approche nouvelle suggère que les pierres tombales d'al-Malik al-Sālih seraient effectivement des substituts tardifs d'un tombeau plus ancien, ce qui soulève des interrogations sur la construction de la légitimité et de l'ascendance à l'aube de l'ère islamique en Asie du Sud-est.
Waqfs of Awlād al-Nās in Aleppo in the Late Mamlūk Period as Reflected in a Family Archive
Authors: Layish Aharon
Published: April 2008

A family archive from Aleppo of the late Mamlūk period sheds light on a society in transition from military to civil elite. It provides us with insights on the religious, social, and economic role of the waqf and on its function as a means for circumventing the Islamic inheritance law and preserving the integrity of the patrimony. Vital information is provided on the possibilities for women and manumitted slaves to own and dispose of property. The study is also concerned with the impact of the legal pluralism created by the introduction of sharīi' a courts belonging to the four Sunnī schools on the ability of the waqf to accommodate itself to social and economic pressures. Les archives d'une famille d'Alep datant de la fin de la période mamelouke apportent un éclairage sur une société en transition, passant du statut militaire à celui de dignitaires civils. L'examen du manuscrit dévoile le rôle du waqf dans les domaine religieux, social et économique, et la manière dont sont contournées les lois de succession islamiques pour conserver l'intégralité d'un patrimoine. Le document fournit également des éléments sur la possibilité pour des femmes et des esclaves affranchis de détenir et de disposer de biens propres. Cette contribution explore également l'effet du pluralisme légal, issu de la création de tribunaux religieux des quatre écoles juridiques sunnites, sur la capacité d'adaptation de cette institution à la pression sociale et économique.
RS based RE in Public Schools: A Must for a Secular State
Authors: Jensen Tim
Published: April 2008

This article is a reasoned, normative argument for making religion education (RE) a separate, compulsory, time-tabled and totally normal school subject at all levels in public schools. With reference to Religion (RE) in Danish upper-secondary school as well as to the way Danish departments for the study of religions (RS) educate Religion teachers, key contents and principles of an RS based RE are outlined. It is stressed that only the historical and comparative study of religions can provide the scientific basis for RE, and that it must be the RS departments that educate RE teachers. It is, furthermore, suggested that normalisation of RE in public schools be added to defining characteristics of a secular state, and that scholars of religion engage not only in studies of RE but also in establishing RS based RE.
Teaching about Religions in the Public Sphere: European Policy Initiatives and the Interpretive Approach
Authors: Jackson Robert
Published: April 2008

This paper charts a policy shift within international and European inter-governmental institutions towards advocating the study of religions (or the study of religions and beliefs) in European publicly funded schools. The events of September 11, 2001 in the USA acted as a "wake up call" in relation to recognising the legitimacy and importance of the study of religions in public education. For example, policy recommendations from the Council of Europe and guiding principles for the study of religions and beliefs from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe have been developed and are under consideration by member or participating states of both bodies. In translating policy into practice, appropriate pedagogies need to be adopted or developed. The paper uses the example of the interpretive approach to indicate how issues of representation, interpretation and reflexivity might be addressed in studying religious diversity within contemporary societies in ways which both avoid stereotyping and engage students' interest.
Religious Education in Switzerland as a Field of Work for the Study of Religions: Empirical Results and Theoretical Reflections
Authors: Frank Katharina , Bochinger Christoph
Published: April 2008

The following article addresses the current state of religious education in Switzerland and the involvement of the study of religions in this field. Since the 1990s, the existence of different religions and world-views has become a politically and socially significant factor in Switzerland. Not only representatives of public schools and particularly teachers of religious education, but also scholars of the study of religions, are challenged by the consequences of this multireligious and multicultural situation. During the past few years, religious education therefore has become a scholarly issue for this discipline in the German-speaking area. The article demonstrates what the engagement of the study of religions in the practical field of religious education should be like and how this has already been worked out. The authors differentiate between basic research, applied research and application, referring to their own research and practical experience. Based on empirical data, two basic forms of religious education are generated: religiöser Unterricht, which treats objects of religious traditions in a religious manner, including a dogmatic and a life-world sub-type, and religionskundlicher Unterricht, which treats objects of religious traditions in the scholarly way of the cultural studies. In the last part of the article some cornerstones for the implementation of the school subject Religionskunde and for the development of an applied didactics in the perspective of the study of religions are presented.
Religious Education in England
Authors: Revell Lynn
Published: April 2008

This article argues that RE in England is shaped by a number of factors that promote a rigid definition of religiosity and which discourage engagement with new, unconventional or non-mainstream forms of religion. The article identifies the close relationship between RE and the national church and other faith communities as well as a reliance on local agreed syllabi as key characteristics in the inability of RE in England to fully engage with contemporary forms of religion. It ends by calling for a revaluation of the basis for RE and a greater engagement with other disciplines involved in the study of religion.
Teaching Religion in Australian Schools
Authors: Goldburg Peta
Published: April 2008

Traditionally the teaching of religion in schools in Australia was confined to Church-sponsored or independent schools because public education in Australia prided itself on being "free, secular and compulsory." For over one hundred years, the teaching of religion in church schools was grounded in a faith-forming approach but, in the 1980s, there was a shift to an educational approach to teaching of religion. The development of educational approaches enabled the introduction of Studies of Religion for senior secondary school students. After considering these shifts, suggestions will be made for some dynamic teaching approaches for students in Studies in Religion.
Unity in Diversity: Religion Education and Public Pedagogy in South Africa
Authors: Chidester David
Published: April 2008

On 12 September 2003, Minister of Education, Kader Asmal, presented to Parliament South Africa's new national policy on religion and education. Breaking with the confessional religious instruction of the past, the policy established a new educational agenda for teaching and learning about religion, religions, and religious diversity in South African schools. Although this policy was the focus of many years of educational debate and religious controversy, it was also part of broader post-apartheid efforts in nation building. The policy was based on an inclusive definition of citizenship; it enacted the state's commitment to constitutional values, respect for cultural diversity, and transformational promise of moving a divided society towards national unity. In this broader context, I want to link South Africa's national policy for religion and education with post-apartheid initiatives in cultural heritage. As public pedagogy, state-driven and market-driven heritage projects have created an expanding classroom for "celebrating diversity and building national unity." Heritage projects have been criticized for manufacturing uniformity and privileging the extraordinary. In working out a curriculum for religion education in schools, these criticisms also need to be addressed. This article proposes that fruitful exchanges in theory and pedagogical practice can emerge at the intersection of religion education, heritage studies, and the history of religions.
Didactics of the Study of Religions
Authors: Alberts Wanda
Published: April 2008

In contrast to well-established didactics of theologies, the study of religions, even though its field is becoming more and more important in schools and elsewhere in society, has not yet developed a didactic branch. This article outlines and exemplifies three tasks for didactics of the study of religions: (1) analysis of models of education about religion/s, (2) development of concepts for education about religion/s, (3) engagement in practical issues related to education about religion/s, including participation in political and public debates about religion, religious plurality, education, and religious education. Tasks 1 and 2, which may be called "inner-academic," are exemplified with research results from my study about integrative religious education in Europe. Task 3, relating to the communication of academic insights beyond academia, is regarded as a necessary complement to "inner-academic" work. In conclusion, it is argued that in order to develop didactics of the study of religions it is necessary to combine the subject knowledge and methodologies of the study of religions with insights from education. Rather than leaving this educational task to educationalists with little knowledge of our subject, the study of religions needs to establish its own didactics with respect to various educational contexts.
Sensibility and Democratic Space
Authors: Scott Charles
Published: April 2008

People have shared funds of sense that operate in every aspect of their lives. These complex sensibilities constitute a range of often contradictory dispositions and attunements that we can describe as sensible disorders. Further, sensibilities are available for multiple differential determinations from which the ability for self-reflection and intervention derives. 'Democratic space' is an appropriate name for the region of sensibilities. Rather than naming a grounding identity, 'democratic space' names a region without imperative, voice, or intention. Nothing that happens defines the region of determination. The paper describes a sense of democratic space that is distinguishable from other senses and points to dispositional and political aspects of that sense.
Antagonism and Democratic Citizenship (Schmitt, Mouffe, Derrida)
Authors: Fritsch Matthias
Published: April 2008

In the context of the recent proliferation of nationalisms and enemy figures, this paper agrees with the desirability of retaining some of the explanatory and motivational potential of an agonistic account of politics, but gives reasons not to accept too much of Carl Schmitt's account of citizenship. The claim as to the necessarily antagonistic exclusion of concrete others can be supported neither on its own terms nor on Derridian grounds, as Chantal Mouffe, in particular, attempts to do. I then indicate that différance may nonetheless account for strong (but not necessary) tendencies toward exclusion as well as for the intrinsic contradictions of liberal universalism.
Michael Purcell, Levinas and Theology
Authors: Plant Bob
Published: April 2008

Michael Purcell's Levinas and Theology is an original and stimulating exposition of one of the most difficult French philosophers of recent years. Drawing predominantly on Levinas' phenomenological roots, Purcell analyses a number of theological concepts (notably liturgy, incarnation and grace) through a broadly Levinasian lense. While Purcell's book deserves serious attention, especially by those working in 'continental' theology, there are three areas which would have benefited from further analysis: whether Levinas reduces 'religion' to ethics; how the (alleged) radical 'otherness' of the other is supposed to be ethically motivating; whether Levinas' work can truly accommodate the concept of salvation. These are the areas I will pursue here.
Preparation of Anti-Sperm Protein 17 Immunomagnetic Nanoparticles for Targeting Cell
Authors: Zhang Song , Zhang Yu , Liu Jiwei , Zhang Chunhua , Gu Ning , Li Fangqiu
Published: May 2008

Poly(ethylene glycol) was functionalized with carboxyl groups by esterification with succinic anhydride in the media of dioxane and pyridine as catalyst. Maghemite nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical coprecipitation and coated with carboxylated poly(ethylene glycol) to improve
their biocompatibility. And the properties were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Transmission electronic microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Zeta potential analyzer and Vibrating sample magnetometer. The immunomagnetic nanoparticles were obtained by grafting anti-sperm
protein 17 monoclonal antibody onto the surface of carboxylated poly(ethylene glycol) coated maghemite nanoparticles by covalent bonds. After incubated with human sperm protein 17 gene transfected ovarian cancer HO8910 cells, the immunomagnetic nanoparticles were targeted successfully to the
positive cells and no obviously non-specific adsorption occured. It is of significance to target to the cell successfully for diagnosis and therapy of ovarian carcinoma such as magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic hyperthermia.
Combination of Nanogel Polyethylene Glycol-Polyethylenimine and 6(hydroxymethyl)-1,4-anthracenedione as an Anticancer Nanomedicine
Authors: Ganta Chanran , Shi Aibin , Battina Srinivas K. , Pyle Marla , Rana Sandeep , Hua Duy H. , Tamura Masaaki , Troyer Deryl
Published: May 2008

Polyethylene glycol-polyethylenimine (PEG-PEI) nanogels have been used to deliver nucleic acids and oligonucleotides into cells. First, we synthesized PEG-PEI nanogels with methylene proton ratios (CH2O:CH2N) in PEG-PEI ranging from ∼6.8:1 to 4:1 and less,
as shown by 1H NMR spectra. We first synthesized various nanogels with varying ratios of CH2O:CH2N (methylene proton) in PEG-PEI as shown by 1H NMR spectra and tested their cytotoxicity using a rodent pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line (Pan 02).
We showed that the nanogel PEG-PEI with methylene proton ratio of 4:1 was strongly cytotoxic to Pan 02 cells in vitro, while the nanogel with the methylene proton ratio of 6.8:1 was not toxic. We incorporated a novel anti-cancer drug, 6-(hydroxymethyl)-1,4-anthracenedione (AQ) analogue
(AQ10) into nontoxic nanogel PEG-PEI and tested the effect of AQ10 loaded nanogel PEG-PEI (AQ10-nanogel PEG-PEI) and AQ10 dissolved in DMSO on Pan 02 cell growth. The size of this AQ10-nanogel PEG-PEI was characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Our studies showed that the AQ10-nanogel
PEG-PEI is readily taken up by Pan 02 cells. Growth attenuation of Pan 02 cells treated with AQ10-nanogel PEG-PEI was three to four times that of cells treated with AQ10 dissolved in DMSO. These results suggest that PEG-PEI, usually used to deliver nucleic acids into cells, can also be used
to deliver an insoluble small molecule anticancer drug, AQ10.
Bayesian Design and Analysis for Superensemble-Based Climate Forecasting
Authors: Berliner L. Mark , Kim Yongku
Published: April 2008

The authors develop statistical data models to combine ensembles from multiple climate models in a fashion that accounts for uncertainty. This formulation enables treatment of model specific means, biases, and covariance matrices of the ensembles. In addition, the authors model the uncertainty in using computer model results to estimate true states of nature. Based on these models and principles of decision making in the presence of uncertainty, this paper poses the problem of superensemble experimental design in a quantitative fashion. Simple examples of the resulting optimal designs are presented. The authors also provide a Bayesian climate modeling and forecasting analysis. The climate variables of interest are Northern and Southern Hemispheric monthly averaged surface temperatures. A Bayesian hierarchical model for these quantities is constructed, including time-varying parameters that are modeled as random variables with distributions depending in part on atmospheric CO2 levels. This allows the authors to do Bayesian forecasting of temperatures under different Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES). These forecasts are based on Bayesian posterior distributions of the unknowns conditional on observational data for 1882–2001 and climate system model output for 2002–97. The latter dataset is a small superensemble from the Parallel Climate Model (PCM) and the Community Climate System Model (CCSM). After summarizing the results, the paper concludes with discussion of potential generalizations of the authors’ strategies.
Measuring the Wind Vector Using the Autonomous Mini Aerial Vehicle M2AV
Authors: van den Kroonenberg Aline , Martin Tim , Buschmann Marco , Bange Jens , Vörsmann Peter
Published: April 2008

The meteorological mini unmanned aerial vehicle (M2AV) was used for measuring the meteorological wind. The wind is the vector difference between the aircraft speed relative to the earth (inertial velocity) and relative to the airflow (true airspeed). The latter was computed from five-hole-probe pressure measurements in combination with calibration–coefficient polynomials obtained during wind tunnel calibration. The aircraft inertial velocity, position, and attitude were calculated using a Kalman filter that combined data from a global positioning system (GPS) and an inertial navigation system (INS). The temporal (and spatial) resolution of the M2AV wind measurement is remarkably fine. An inertial subrange of locally isotropic turbulence can be measured up to 40 Hz (or 0.55 m at 22 m s−1 airspeed).

The first M2AV wind estimation showed some systematic deviations compared to the expected values (like a constant mean wind in every flight direction). Therefore, an in-flight wind calibration technique was developed that corrects for the inaccuracy of the true heading, the constant offset of the pitch angle, and the underestimation of the true airspeed. The final adjusted wind measurements were verified during a field experiment at the measurement field of the German Meteorological Service, southeast of Berlin. The mean horizontal and vertical wind measured by the M2AV agreed well with simultaneous sodar and tower measurements.
Poor, Black, Learning Disabled, and Graduating
Authors: Murray Christopher , Naranjo Jason
Published: April 2008

This qualitative investigation examines factors and processes associated with high school graduation in a high-risk urban context. Participants include 11 graduating seniors with learning disabilities, all of whom are African American from low-income backgrounds. These youth are interviewed on multiple occasions to determine how protective factors and processes contribute to their school persistence. Case studies of these youth indicate that there are a number of important factors and processes that they believe contributed to their ability to complete high school in an environment where approximately 80% of youth fail to complete school with their incoming freshman class. Broad themes associated with school persistence among these youth include individual, family, peer, and teacher factors. Specific processes underlying these themes are examined, and the implications of these findings for teachers and other school professionals are discussed.
Polymorphism at the apical membrane antigen 1 locus reflects the world population history of Plasmodium vivax
Authors: Grynberg Priscila , Fontes Cor Jesus F , Hughes Austin L , Braga Érika M
Published: April 2008

Background

In malaria parasites (genus Plasmodium), ama-1 is a highly polymorphic locus encoding the Apical Membrane Protein-1, and there is evidence that the polymorphism at this locus is selectively maintained. We tested the hypothesis that polymorphism at the ama-1 locus reflects population history in Plasmodium vivax, which is believed to have originated in Southeast Asia and is widely geographically distributed. In particular, we tested for a signature of the introduction of P. vivax into the New World at the time of the European conquest and African slave trade and subsequent population expansion.

Results

One hundred and five ama-1 sequences were generated and analyzed from samples from six different Brazilian states and compared with database sequences from the Old World. Old World populations of P. vivax showed substantial evidence of population substructure, with high sequence divergence among localities at both synonymous and nonsynonymous sites, while Brazilian isolates showed reduced diversity and little population substructure.

Conclusion

These results show that genetic diversity in P. vivax AMA-1 reflects population history, with population substructure characterizing long-established Old World populations, whereas Brazilian populations show evidence of loss of diversity and recent population expansion.

Note

Nucleotide sequence data reported is this paper are available in the GenBank™ database under the accession numbers EF031154 – EF031216 and EF057446 – EF057487
The abundant extrachromosomal DNA content of the Spiroplasma citri GII3-3X genome
Authors: Saillard Colette , Carle Patricia , Duret-Nurbel Sybille , Henri Raphaël , Killiny Nabil , Carrère Sébastien , Gouzy Jérome , Bové Joseph-Marie , Renaudin Joël , Foissac Xavier
Published: April 2008

Background

Spiroplama citri, the causal agent of citrus stubborn disease, is a bacterium of the class Mollicutes and is transmitted by phloem-feeding leafhopper vectors. In order to characterize candidate genes potentially involved in spiroplasma transmission and pathogenicity, the genome of S. citri strain GII3-3X is currently being deciphered.

Results

Assembling 20,000 sequencing reads generated seven circular contigs, none of which fit the 1.8 Mb chromosome map or carried chromosomal markers. These contigs correspond to seven plasmids: pSci1 to pSci6, with sizes ranging from 12.9 to 35.3 kbp and pSciA of 7.8 kbp. Plasmids pSci were detected as multiple copies in strain GII3-3X. Plasmid copy numbers of pSci1-6, as deduced from sequencing coverage, were estimated at 10 to 14 copies per spiroplasma cell, representing 1.6 Mb of extrachromosomal DNA. Genes encoding proteins of the TrsE-TraE, Mob, TraD-TraG, and Soj-ParA protein families were predicted in most of the pSci sequences, in addition to members of 14 protein families of unknown function. Plasmid pSci6 encodes protein P32, a marker of insect transmissibility. Plasmids pSci1-5 code for eight different S. citri adhesion-related proteins (ScARPs) that are homologous to the previously described protein P89 and the S. kunkelii SkARP1. Conserved signal peptides and C-terminal transmembrane alpha helices were predicted in all ScARPs. The predicted surface-exposed N-terminal region possesses the following elements: (i) 6 to 8 repeats of 39 to 42 amino acids each (sarpin repeats), (ii) a central conserved region of 330 amino acids followed by (iii) a more variable domain of about 110 amino acids. The C-terminus, predicted to be cytoplasmic, consists of a 27 amino acid stretch enriched in arginine and lysine (KR) and an optional 23 amino acid stretch enriched in lysine, aspartate and glutamate (KDE). Plasmids pSci mainly present a linear increase of cumulative GC skew except in regions presenting conserved hairpin structures.

Conclusion

The genome of S. citri GII3-3X is characterized by abundant extrachromosomal elements. The pSci plasmids could not only be vertically inherited but also horizontally transmitted, as they encode proteins usually involved in DNA element partitioning and cell to cell DNA transfer. Because plasmids pSci1-5 encode surface proteins of the ScARP family and pSci6 was recently shown to confer insect transmissibility, diversity and abundance of S. citri plasmids may essentially aid the rapid adaptation of S. citri to more efficient transmission by different insect vectors and to various plant hosts.
Prevalence and determinants of biochemical dysfunction of the liver in Atayal Aboriginal community of Taiwan: Is betel nut chewing a risk factor?
Authors: Lin Ching-Feng , Shiau Tun-Jen , Ko Ying-Chin , Chen Ping-Ho , Wang Jung-Der
Published: April 2008

Background

We address the independent and interactive roles of habitual betel quid chewing and other known risk factors for biochemical dysfunction and cirrhosis of the liver.

Methods

To determine the prevalence rates and risk factors associated with biochemical dysfunction of the liver, a total of 3,010 adult residents in an Atayal Aboriginal community were invited to participate in the study. Abdominal ultrasonography was used to diagnose liver cirrhosis.

Results

There were 2,063 Atayal Aboriginal and 947 non-Aboriginal in this study. The result showed overall prevalence rates for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) were 21.2 % and 2.9 %, respectively. There were 16.5 %, 15.1 % and 22.4 % subjects with abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), accordingly. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that combined infections with HBV and HCV presented with the highest risks with OR (odds ratio) and 95% CI (confidence interval) of 4.2 (1.2–17.4) and 3.8 (1.0–14.1), respectively for elevation of ALT and AST; followed by alcohol (1.7 and 3.1), male gender (1.7 and 1.6), betel quid (1.5 and 1.3), smoking (1.4 and 1.8), and aboriginal (1.4 and 1.3). There is effect-measure modification between viral infection and betel quid chewing for increased severity of abnormal ALT elevation. Among 1,382 subjects consenting to abdominal ultrasonography, 41(3.0%) were found to have liver cirrhosis with the same factors associated with higher risks.

Conclusion

In addition to infections with viral hepatitis B and/or C, we found Atayal Aboriginal, males, current smokers, drinkers and betel quid chewers were independently associated with biochemical dysfunction and probably cirrhosis of the liver. Further study is needed to corroborate the above hypothesis.
Specific detection of fungal pathogens by 18S rRNA gene PCR in microbial keratitis
Authors: Embong Zunaina , Wan Hitam Wan Hazabbah , Yean Chan Yean , Rashid Nur Haslindawaty Abdul , Kamarudin Balqis , Abidin Siti Khaironi Zainal , Osman Sabariah , Zainuddin Zainul F , Ravichandran Manickam
Published: April 2008

Background

The sensitivity and specificity of 18S rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the detection of fungal aetiology of microbial keratitis was determined in thirty patients with clinical diagnosis of microbial keratitis.

Methods

Corneal scrapings from patients were used for Gram stain, culture and PCR analysis. PCR was performed with primer pairs targeted to the 18S rRNA gene. The result of the PCR was compared with conventional culture and Gram staining method. The PCR positive samples were identified by DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA gene. Main outcome measures were sensitivity and specificity of PCR in the detection of fungus in corneal keratitis.

Results

Combination of microscopy and culture gave a positive result in 11 of 30 samples of microbial keratitis. PCR detected 10 of 11 samples that were positive by conventional method. One of the 19 samples that was negative by conventional method was positive by PCR. Statistical analysis revealed that the PCR to have a sensitivity of 90.9% and specificity of 94.7% in the detection of a fungal aetiology in microbial keratitis.

Conclusion

PCR is a rapid, sensitive and useful method to detect fungal aetiology in microbial keratitis.
A school-curriculum-based exercise intervention program for two years in pre-pubertal girls does not influence hip structure
Authors: Alwis Gayani , Linden Christian , Stenevi-Lundgren Susanna , Ahlborg Henrik G , Dencker Magnus , Besjakov Jack , Gardsell Per , Karlsson Magnus K
Published: April 2008

Background

It is known that physical activity during growth has a positive influence on bone mineral accrual, and is thus possibly one strategy to prevent osteoporosis. However, as bone geometry, independent of areal bone mineral density (aBMD), influences fracture risk, this study aimed to evaluate whether hip structure in pre-pubertal girls is also affected by a two-year exercise intervention program.

Methods

Forty-two girls aged 7–9 years in a school-curriculum-based exercise intervention program comprising 40 minutes of general physical activity per school day (200 minutes per week) were compared with 43 age-matched girls who participated in the general Swedish physical education curriculum comprising a mean of 60 minutes per week. The hip was scanned by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and the hip structural analysis (HSA) software was applied to evaluate bone mineral content (BMC, g), areal bone mineral density (aBMD, g/cm2), periosteal diameter, cross-sectional area (CSA, cm2), section modulus (Z, cm3) and cross-sectional moment of inertia (CSMI, cm4) of the femoral neck (FN). Annual changes were compared. Subjective duration of physical activity was estimated by questionnaire and objective level of everyday physical activity at follow-up by means of accelerometers worn for four consecutive days. All children remained at Tanner stage 1 throughout the study. Group comparisons were made by independent student'st-test between means and analyses of covariance (ANCOVA).

Results

At baseline, the two groups did not differ with regard to age, anthropometrics or bone parameters. No between-group differences were observed for annual changes in the FN variables measured.

Conclusion

A two-year school-based moderately intense general exercise program for 7–9-year-old pre-pubertal girls does not influence structural changes in the FN.
Bilateral giant femoropopliteal artery aneurysms: a case report
Authors: Perdikides Theodossios P , Avgerinos Efthimios , Christianakis Efstratios , Fotis Theofanis , Chronopoulos Anastasios , Siafakas Konstantinos X , Pashalidis Nikolaos , Filippou Dimitrios K
Published: May 2008

Introduction

Popliteal artery aneurysms are the most common peripheral arterial aneurysms, and are frequently bilateral. Acute limb ischemia, rupture and compression phenomena can complicate these aneurysms when the diameter exceeds 2 cm.

Case Presentation

We report an 82-year-old male patient with two giant femoropopliteal aneurysms, 10.5 and 8.5 cm diameters, managed in our institution. Both aneurysms were resected and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) femoropopliteal interposition graft was placed successfully. Management and literature review are discussed.

Conclusion

We believe this is the first report in the medical literature of bilateral giant femoropopliteal aneurysms.
The validity, reliability and normative scores of the parent, teacher and self report versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in China
Authors: Du Yasong , Kou Jianhua , Coghill David
Published: April 2008

Background

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) has become one of the most widely used measurement tools in child and adolescent mental health work across the globe. The SDQ was originally developed and validated within the UK and whilst its reliability and validity have been replicated in several countries important cross cultural issues have been raised. We describe normative data, reliability and validity of the Chinese translation of the SDQ (parent, teacher and self report versions) in a large group of children from Shanghai.

Methods

The SDQ was administered to the parents and teachers of students from 12 of Shanghai's 19 districts, aged between 3 and 17 years old, and to those young people aged between 11 and 17 years. Retest data was collected from parents and teachers for 45 students six weeks later. Data was analysed to describe normative scores, bandings and cut-offs for normal, borderline and abnormal scores. Reliability was assessed from analyses of internal consistency, inter-rater agreement, and temporal stability. Structural validity, convergent and discriminant validity were assessed.

Results

Full parent and teacher data was available for 1965 subjects and self report data for 690 subjects. Normative data for this Chinese urban population with bandings and cut-offs for borderline and abnormal scores are described. Principle components analysis indicates partial agreement with the original five factored subscale structure however this appears to hold more strongly for the Prosocial Behaviour, Hyperactivity – Inattention and Emotional Symptoms subscales than for Conduct Problems and Peer Problems. Internal consistency as measured by Cronbach's α coefficient were generally low ranging between 0.30 and 0.83 with only parent and teacher Hyperactivity – Inattention and teacher Prosocial Behaviour subscales having α > 0.7. Inter-rater correlations were similar to those reported previously (range 0.23 – 0.49) whilst test retest reliability was generally lower than would be expected (range 0.40 – 0.79). Convergent and discriminant validity are supported.

Conclusion

We report mixed findings with respect the psychometric properties of the Chinese translation of the SDQ. Reliability is a particular concern particularly for Peer Problems and self ratings by adolescents. There is good support for convergent validity but only partial support for structural validity. It may be possible to resolve some of these issues by carefully examining the wording and meaning of some of the current questions.
Respiratory effects of different recruitment maneuvers in acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Constantin Jean-Michel , Jaber Samir , Futier Emmanuel , Cayot-Constantin Sophie , Verny-Pic Myriam , Jung Boris , Bailly Anne , Guerin Renaud , Bazin Jean-Etienne
Published: April 2008

Introduction

Alveolar derecruitment may occur during low tidal volume ventilation and may be prevented by recruitment maneuvers (RMs). The aim of this study was to compare two RMs in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients.

Methods

Nineteen patients with ARDS and protective ventilation were included in a randomized crossover study. Both RMs were applied in each patient, beginning with either continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with 40 cm H2O for 40 seconds or extended sigh (eSigh) consisting of a positive end-expiratory pressure maintained at 10 cm H2O above the lower inflection point of the pressure-volume curve for 15 minutes. Recruited volume, arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2), and hemodynamic parameters were recorded before (baseline) and 5 and 60 minutes after RM. All patients had a lung computed tomography (CT) scan before study inclusion.

Results

Before RM, PaO2/FiO2 was 151 ± 61 mm Hg. Both RMs increased oxygenation, but the increase in PaO2/FiO2 was significantly higher with eSigh than CPAP at 5 minutes (73% ± 25% versus 44% ± 28%; P < 0.001) and 60 minutes (68% ± 23% versus 35% ± 22%; P < 0.001). Only eSigh significantly increased recruited volume at 5 and 60 minutes (21% ± 22% and 21% ± 25%; P = 0.0003 and P = 0.001, respectively). The only difference between responders and non-responders was CT lung morphology. Eleven patients were considered as recruiters with eSigh (10 with diffuse loss of aeration) and 6 with CPAP (5 with diffuse loss of aeration). During CPAP, 2 patients needed interruption of RM due to a drop in systolic arterial pressure.

Conclusion

Both RMs effectively increase oxygenation, but CPAP failed to increase recruited volume. When the lung is recruited with an eSigh adapted for each patient, alveolar recruitment and oxygenation are superior to those observed with CPAP.
Antimicrobial treatment for ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis: a randomized, controlled, multicenter study
Authors: Nseir Saad , Favory Raphaël , Jozefowicz Elsa , Decamps Franck , Dewavrin Florent , Brunin Guillaume , Di Pompeo Christophe , Mathieu Daniel , Durocher Alain ,   the VAT Study Group
Published: May 2008

Introduction

Ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) is associated with increased duration of mechanical ventilation. We hypothesized that, in patients with VAT, antibiotic treatment would be associated with reduced duration of mechanical ventilation.

Methods

We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled, unblinded, multicenter study. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive or not receive intravenous antibiotics for 8 days. Patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) prior to VAT and those with severe immunosuppression were not eligible. The trial was stopped early because a planned interim analysis found a significant difference in intensive care unit (ICU) mortality.

Results

Fifty-eight patients were randomly assigned. Patient characteristics were similar in the antibiotic (n = 22) and no antibiotic (n = 36) groups. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified in 32% of VAT episodes. Although no difference was found in mechanical ventilation duration and length of ICU stay, mechanical ventilation-free days were significantly higher (median [interquartile range], 12 [8 to 24] versus 2 [0 to 6] days, P < 0.001) in the antibiotic group than in the no antibiotic group. In addition, subsequent VAP (13% versus 47%, P = 0.011, odds ratio [OR] 0.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04 to 0.70) and ICU mortality (18% versus 47%, P = 0.047, OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.88) rates were significantly lower in the antibiotic group than in the no antibiotic group. Similar results were found after exclusion of patients with do-not-resuscitate orders and those randomly assigned to the no antibiotic group but who received antibiotics for infections other than VAT or subsequent VAP.

Conclusion

In patients with VAT, antimicrobial treatment is associated with a greater number of days free of mechanical ventilation and lower rates of VAP and ICU mortality. However, antibiotic treatment has no significant impact on total duration of mechanical ventilation.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00122057.
Assessing Patients in their Homes
Authors: Jones S. J. , Turner R. J. , Grant J. E.
Published: May 2008

General adult psychiatric services in Nottingham operate on a sector basis, with clinical teams having responsibility for the psychiatric care of all patients resident in a defined area. Sectors, which are conterminous with two or more social service areas, are not of equal population size, but comprise populations likely to give rise to similar demands for psychiatric services. The Social Services Department responded to the introduction of full sectorisation of hospital services in 1982 by allocating social workers to sector teams where possible, aiding the development of multidisciplinary teams.
Self Esteem and Personal Safety (UK, 1986, 55 mins)
Authors: Macaulay Andrew
Published: May 2008

Sexual abuse in children is a common problem. The Department of Psychological Medicine at Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, have developed a treatment approach based on six sessions of small group work with sexually abused young children. It is evident that they have considerable experience and have produced a training package to help other professionals working in this field. The package consists of a video, detailed manual and flash-cards. The video begins with a brief introduction to the whole subject. The major portion of the tape is given over to clinical illustrations from sessions and these are briefly commented on. The tape shows the children progressing and the staff coping with problems such as shyness. At the end of the tape there is a discussion between the presenter (Dr E. Vizard) and Dr A. Bentovim about the project and its successes, failures and limitations. They also discuss how the group work fits in with other treatment strategies.
Reginald Warren Medlicott, Emeritus Professor, 11 Kew Grove, Raumati Beach, New Zealand
Authors: PAMck
Published: May 2008

Professor Reg Medlicott died at New Plymouth on 9 September 1986. He was 73.
The management of potentially dangerous patients in the community
Authors: Dooley Enda
Published: May 2008

With the accelerating drive towards the running down of large psychiatric hospitals and the trend towards the care and management of psychiatrically ill people in the community, it is inevitable that a small proportion of these people will be unable to cope with this change. Some patients may have a long history of violent behaviour which has been coped with in hospital. Others may have been able to cope within the ‘asylum’ environment but, when placed in a community which is little better able to cope with them than they are with it, regress to violent behaviour when faced with unaccustomed stress.
The Manchester scheme for training overseas psychiatrists
Authors: Tantam Digby , Goldberg David
Published: May 2008

There was a time when overseas psychiatrists considered themselves fortunate to come to this country to be an assistant in one of the well-known postgraduate departments. If they showed perseverance they could learn enough to obtain an English postgraduate qualification, and they could participate in the training of English psychiatrists. The more entrepreneurial of them could obtain full-time jobs in psychiatry, but otherwise hands on experience of patient care was limited.