bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel two‐dimensional dynamic anal ultrasonography technique to assess anismus comparing with three‐dimensional echodefecography
Authors: Murad‐Regadas S. M. , Regadas F. S. P. , Barreto R. G. L. , Rodrigues L. V. , De Souza M. H. L. P.
Published: August 2009

Objective  The aim of this prospective study was to test two‐dimensional dynamic anorectal ultrasonography (2D‐DAUS) in the assessment of anismus and compare it with echodefecography (ECD).

Method  Fifty consecutive female patients with outlet delay were submitted to 2D and 3D‐DAUS, measuring the relaxing or contracting puborectalis muscle angle during straining. The patients were assigned to one of two groups based on ECD findings. Group I consisted of 29 patients without anismus and group II included 21 patients diagnosed with anismus. Subsequently 2D‐DAUS images were checked for anismus and compared with ECD findings.

Results  Upon straining, the angle produced by the movement of the puborectalis muscle decreased in 26 out of the 29 (89.6%) patients of group I and increased 19 out of the 21 (90.4%) patients of group II. The mean angle during straining differed significantly between group I and group II. The index of agreement between the two scanning modes was 89.6% (26/29) for group I (Kappa: 0.796; CI: 95%; range: 0.51–1.0) and 90.4% (19/21) for group II (Kappa: 0.796; CI: 95%; range: 0.51–1.0).

Conclusion  Two‐dimensional dynamic anal ultrasonography can be used as an alternative method to assess patients with anismus, although the 3‐D modality is more precise to evaluate the PR angle as the sphincters integrity as the whole muscle length is clearly visualized.
Predicting the past distribution of species climatic niches
Authors: Nogués‐Bravo David
Published: August 2009

Predicting past distributions of species climatic niches, hindcasting, by using climate envelope models (CEMs) is emerging as an exciting research area. CEMs are used to examine veiled evolutionary questions about extinctions, locations of past refugia and migration pathways, or to propose hypotheses concerning the past population structure of species in phylogeographical studies. CEMs are sensitive to theoretical assumptions, to model classes and to projections in non‐analogous climates, among other issues. Studies hindcasting the climatic niches of species often make reference to these limitations. However, to obtain strong scientific inferences, we must not only be aware of these potential limitations but we must also overcome them. Here, I review the literature on hindcasting CEMs. I discuss the theoretical assumptions behind niche modelling, i.e. the stability of climatic niches through time and the equilibrium of species with climate. I also summarize a set of ‘recommended practices’ to improve hindcasting. The studies reviewed: (1) rarely test the theoretical assumptions behind niche modelling such as the stability of species climatic niches through time and the equilibrium of species with climate; (2) they only use one model class (72% of the studies) and one palaeoclimatic reconstruction (62.5%) to calibrate their models; (3) they do not check for the occurrence of non‐analogous climates (97%); and (4) they do not use independent data to validate the models (72%). Ignoring the theoretical assumptions behind niche modelling and using inadequate methods for hindcasting CEMs may well entail a cascade of errors and naïve ecological and evolutionary inferences. We should also push integrative research lines linking macroecology, physiology, population biology, palaeontology, evolutionary biology and CEMs for a better understanding of niche dynamics across space and time.
Niche shift versus niche conservatism? Climatic characteristics of the native and invasive ranges of the Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus)
Authors: Rödder Dennis , Lötters Stefan
Published: August 2009

Aim  The use of ecological niche models (ENMs) to predict potential distributions of species is steadily increasing. A necessary assumption is that climatic niches are conservative, but recent findings of niche shifts during biological invasion indicate that this assumption is not always valid. Selection of predictor variables may be one reason for the observed shifts. In this paper we assess differences in climatic niches in the native and invaded ranges of the Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) in terms of commonly applied climate variables in ENMs. We analyse which variables are more conserved versus relaxed (i.e. subject to niche shift). Furthermore, we study the predictive power of different sets of climate variables.

Location  The Mediterranean region and North America.

Methods  We developed models using Maxent and various subsets of variables out of 19 bioclimatic layers including: (1) two subsets comprising almost all variables excluding only highly collinear ones; (2) two subsets with minimalistic variable sets of water availability and energy measures; (3) two subsets focused on temperature‐related parameters; (4) two subsets with precipitation‐related parameters; and (5) one subset comprising variables combining temperature and precipitation characteristics. Occurrence data from the native Mediterranean range were used to predict the potential introduced range in North America and vice versa. Degrees of niche similarity and conservatism were assessed using both Schoener's index and Hellinger distances. The significance of the results was tested using null models.

Results  The degree of niche similarity and conservatism varied greatly among the predictors and variable sets applied. Shifts observed in some variables could be attributed to active habitat selection while others apparently reflected background effects.

Main conclusions  The study was based on comprehensive occurrence data from all regions where Hemidactylus turcicus is present in Europe and North America, providing a robust foundation. Our results clearly indicate that the degree of conservatism of niches in H. turcicus largely varies among predictors and variable sets applied. Therefore, the extent of niche conservatism of variables applied should always be tested in ENMs. This has an important impact on studies of biological invasion, impacts of climate change and niche evolution.
Do species distribution models explain spatial structure within tree species ranges?
Authors: Montoya Daniel , Purves Drew W. , Urbieta Itziar R. , Zavala Miguel A.
Published: August 2009

Aim  To evaluate the ability of species distribution models (SDMs) to predict the spatial structure of tree species within their geographical ranges (how trees are distributed within their ranges).

Location  Continental Spain.

Methods  We used an extensive dataset consisting of c. 90,000 plots (1 plot km−2) where presence/absence data for 23 common Mediterranean and Atlantic tree species had been surveyed. We first generated SDMs relating the presence or absence of each species to a set of 16 environmental predictors, following a stepwise modelling process based on maximum likelihood methods. Superimposing spatial correlograms generated from the predictions of the SDMs over those generated from the raw data allowed a model–observation comparison of the nature, scale and intensity (level of aggregation) of spatial structure with the species ranges.

Results  SDMs predicted accurately the nature and scale of the spatial structure of trees. However, for most species, the observed intensity of spatial structure (level of aggregation of species in space) was substantially greater than that predicted by the SDMs. On average, the intensity of spatial aggregation was twice that predicted by SDMs. In addition, we also found a negative correlation between intensity of aggregation and species range size.

Main conclusions  Standard SDM predictions of spatial structure patterns differ among species. SDMs are apparently able to reproduce both the scale and intensity of species spatial structure within their ranges. However, one or more missing processes not included in SDMs results in species being substantially more aggregated in space than can be captured by the SDMs. This result adds to recent calls for a new generation of more biologically realistic SDMs. In particular, future SDMs should incorporate ecological processes that are likely to increase the intensity of spatial aggregation, such as source–sink dynamics, fine‐scale environmental heterogeneity and disequilibrium.
The Origin and Content of Expletives: Evidence from “Selection”
Authors: Deal Amy Rose
Published: August 2009

Abstract. While expletivetherehas primarily been studied in the context of the existential construction, it has long been known that some but not all lexical verbs are compatible withthereinsertion. This paper argues thatthereinsertion can be used to diagnose vPs with no external argument, ruling out transitives, unergatives, and also inchoatives, which are argued to project an event argument on the edge of vP. Based on the tight link betweenthereinsertion and low functional structure, I build a case for lowthereinsertion, where the expletive is first merged in the specifier of a verbalizing head v. The low merge position is motivated by a stringently local relationship that holds betweenthereand its associate DP; this relationship plays a crucial role in the interaction oftherewith raising verbs, where local agreement rules out cases of “too manytheres” such as *There seemed there to be a man in the room.An account of these cases in terms of phase theory is explored, in which I ultimately suggest thattheremust be merged in a nonthematic phasal specifier position.
Modals and quasi‐modals in world Englishes
Authors: COLLINS PETER
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  This paper reports findings from a study of the frequency and distribution of a set of modals and quasi‐modals in nine matching corpora representing British, American, Australian, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indian and Kenyan English. The analysis presented is form‐based, with meanings dealt with only in an exemplary, qualitative manner. The findings are discussed in the light of two complementary trends noted by corpus linguists: a rise in the popularity of the quasi‐modals, and a decline in that of the modals. The study notes a strong tendency for American English to be leading the way in these developments within the four ‘Inner Circle’ varieties, and for the South‐East Asian varieties as a set to be leading the way within the ‘Outer Circle’ varieties. The evidence furthermore indicates that stylistic variation is a contributing factor in the trends observed, with quasi‐modals flourishing in speech and their modal counterparts more at home in written registers.
Colloquial Singapore English got: functions and substratal influences
Authors: LEE NALA HUIYING , PING LING AI , NOMOTO HIROKI
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT: Got in Colloquial Singapore English (CSE) has grammatical and semantic functions which are very different from standard varieties of English such as Standard British English (BrE). This paper provides a comprehensive description of the usage of the word. Seven distinct meanings are identified: possessive, existential, realis modality (further divided into temporal location, aspect and emphasis), idiomatic use in the expression where got?, passive, ‘to receive/obtain’ and ‘to become’. With regard to these seven meanings, the paper then makes a cross‐linguistic comparison between CSE and four languages which played a role in the formation of CSE, namely BrE, Hokkien, Cantonese and Baba Malay. The results of the comparison show that it is Hokkien that constitutes the main substrate of CSE. This claim is further supported by sociohistorical facts and a comparison between CSE and Baba Malay of two expressions that are potentially of Malay‐origin, namely the kena passive construction and the idiomatic expression where got?. Moreover, the paper also maintains that the sources of the various uses of got can be classified into three, two of which were gained through successful L2 acquisition and the other through a combination of simplification and relexification.
Agreement patterns in existential constructions in the New Zealand Niuean community1
Authors: STARKS DONNA , THOMPSON LAURA
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT:  This paper examines a small group of Niuean New Zealanders typical of their community; all have English as their primary language, and most only a passive knowledge of the Niuean language. The speakers are members of a lower socio‐economic community, yet they lack most of the grammatical variation associated with similar communities which have English as a first language. The paper considers agreement in there existential constructions in the spontaneous and scripted spoken discourse of a Niuean interviewer and her 14 Niuean participants. This variable is of interest because singular agreement in existential constructions is widespread and relatively unstigmatised in most varieties of spoken New Zealand English, yet stigmatised in some written forms. The findings point to patterns of variation which are both similar to and distinct from that of the wider New Zealand speech community, and highlight the need for qualitative analyses of grammatical variation in immigrant communities.
Technique and empire in the poetry of Ee Tiang Hong
Authors: BUTT DAVID G.
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACT: Despite his high profile in poetry anthologies and in the commentaries of specialists in South East Asian literature, the craft of Ee Tiang Hong has not been subject to close investigation. Systematic attention to the linguistic organization of his poems brings out Ee's command of resources more general to speakers of English than the localistic lexical items and idioms which are overt signals of his provenance as a sensibility, but are not synonymous with his technique as a poet. Ensemble effects in Ee's poems, based on grammatical selections from mood, transitivity, theme and clause combination (including subordination and embedding) are examined and interpreted here. Such textual ensembles are part of the poet's syntactic craft (Ee, personal communication) and invite comparison with strategies developed by other poets of English whose works tend to dominate university curricula in English literature (viz. Yeats, Frost, Stevens, Auden). Such systematic analyses and comparisons stimulate further reflection on terms, such as ‘hybridity’ and ‘code‐switching’, which have directed attention away from a poet's craft and towards his or her cultural provenance. While Malacca, Singapore and Perth cannot be treated merely as background to Ee's work, further enquiry into motivated selection across the language of Ee's poems assists us in understanding what is substantial and what is misleading about the point of view implicit in terms like ‘code‐switching’. Greater attention to ‘register’ and ‘class’ may also help in another systemic domain crucial to Ee's sensibility – namely, what counts as progress in systems of education.
iShares and the US Market Risk Exposure
Authors: Phengpis Chanwit , Swanson Peggy E.
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  Previous researchers find that country iShares are directly and strongly exposed to US market risk in addition to home country market risk. This finding contradicts the fact that by design these iShares should behave as their underlying market indices behave. With monthly data and the appropriate orthogonalization choice, we find that direct US market risk exposure is weaker, less significant and less prevalent than previously suggested. Further tests indicate that in fact a strong majority of country iShares do not behave significantly differently from their underlying market indices. Hence, they are not less effective as diversification instruments to US investors than direct investments in the foreign markets as represented by their underlying market indices.
Discovery and characterization of a conserved pigment dispersing factor‐like neuropeptide pathway inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Janssen Tom , Husson Steven J. , Meelkop Ellen , Temmerman Liesbet , Lindemans Marleen , Verstraelen Karen , Rademakers Suzanne , Mertens Inge , Nitabach Michael , Jansen Gert , Schoofs Liliane
Published: August 2009

The neuropeptides pigment dispersing factor (PDF) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) are known as key players in the circadian clock system of insects and mammals, respectively. In this study, we report the discovery and characterization of a widely conserved PDF‐like neuropeptide precursor pathway in nematodes. Using a combinatorial approach of biochemistry and peptidomics, we have biochemically isolated, identified and characterized three PDF‐like neuropeptides in the free‐living nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans. The two PDF encoding genes, which were designatedpdf‐1andpdf‐2, display a very strong conservation within the phylum of nematodes. Many of the PDF expressing cells inC. elegansplay a role in the control of locomotion and the integration of environmental stimuli, among which light. Our real‐time PCR analysis indicates that both PDF genes are consistently expressed during the day and do not affect each other’s expression. The transcription of both PDF genes seems to be regulated byatf‐2andces‐2, which encode bZIP transcription factors homologous toDrosophila vrilleandpar domain protein 1(Pdp1ε), respectively. Together, our data suggest that the PDF neuropeptide pathway, which seems to be conserved throughout the protostomian evolutionary lineage, might be more complex than previously assumed.
Gastroprotection of (‐)‐α‐bisabolol on acute gastric mucosal lesions in mice: the possible involved pharmacological mechanisms
Authors: Moura Rocha Nayrton Flávio , Venâncio Edith Teles , Moura Brinell Arcanjo , Gomes Silva Maria Izabel , Aquino Neto Manoel Rufino , Vasconcelos Rios Emiliano Ricardo , De Sousa Damião Pergentino , Mendes Vasconcelos Silvânia Maria , De França Fonteles Marta Maria , De Sousa Francisca Cléa Florenço
Published: August 2009

(‐)‐α‐Bisabolol is an unsaturated, optically active sesquiterpene alcohol obtained by the direct distillation essential oil from plants such as Vanillosmopsis erythropappa and Matricaria chamomilla. (‐)‐α‐Bisabolol has generated considerable economic interest, since it possesses a delicate floral odor and has been shown to have anti‐septic and anti‐inflammatory activity. The aim of this work was to evaluate the gastroprotective action of (‐)‐α‐bisabolol on ethanol and indomethacin‐induced ulcer models in mice, and further investigate the pharmacological mechanisms involved in this action. The oral administration of (‐)‐α‐bisabolol 100 and 200 mg/kg was able to protect the gastric mucosa from ethanol (0.2 mL/animal p.o.) and indomethacin‐induced ulcer (20 mg/kg p.o.). Administration of l‐NAME (10 mg/kg i.p.), glibenclamide (10 mg/kg i.p.) or indomethacin (10 mg/kg p.o.) was not able to revert the gastroprotection promoted by (‐)‐α‐bisabolol 200 mg/kg on the ethanol‐induced ulcer. Dosage of gastric reduced glutathione (GSH) levels showed that ethanol and indomethacin reduced the content of non‐protein sulfhydryl (NP‐SH) groups, while (‐)‐α‐bisabolol significantly decreased the reduction of these levels on ulcer‐induced mice, but not in mice without ulcer. In conclusion, gastroprotective effect on ethanol and indomethacin‐induced ulcer promoted by (‐)‐α‐bisabolol may be associated with an increase of gastric sulfydryl groups bioavailability leading to a reduction of gastric oxidative injury induced by ethanol and indomethacin.
Increasing negative spherical aberration with soft contact lenses improves high and low contrast visual acuity in young adults
Authors: Rae Sheila M. , Allen Peter M. , Radhakrishnan Hema , Theagarayan Baskar , Price Holly C. , Sailaganathan Ananth , Calver Richard I. , O’Leary Daniel J.
Published: August 2009

Purpose:  To evaluate the effects of a customised manipulation of spherical aberration (SA) on the high and low contrast visual acuities and contrast sensitivity of young adult myopes.

Methods:  A placebo‐controlled double masked trial of customised spherical aberration controlling soft contact lenses was undertaken in myopes aged 15–23. Participants wore customised soft contact lenses with either (i) zero spherical aberration or (ii) negative spherical aberration that resulted in a net SA (eye plus lens) of −0.1 micron. High and low contrast log MAR visual acuities and Pelli Robson contrast sensitivity were assessed in 196 eyes of 98 subjects after a period of 12 months wearing the lenses.

Results:  Both high and low contrast acuities were significantly better in the group wearing the contact lenses with negative spherical aberration (high contrast log MAR, p = 0.043; low contrast log MAR, p = 0.043) which was not due to differences in residual astigmatism or pupil size between the two groups. Pelli Robson contrast sensitivity was not significantly different in the two groups.

Conclusions:  Manipulation of spherical aberration, taking account of the participants’ baseline level of aberration, can cause statistically significant improvements in high and low contrast distance visual acuity although these improvements are too small in magnitude to be of clinical significance.
MARBLE PROVENANCE INVESTIGATION OF ROMAN SARCOPHAGI FROM THESSALONIKI*
Authors: MANIATIS Y. , TAMBAKOPOULOS D. , DOTSIKA E. , STEFANIDOU‐TIVERIOU TH.
Published: August 2009

The provenance question of the marbles used for making the sarcophagi of local production of Thessaloniki in the Roman period had been posed by archaeologists in the past. The hypothesis was that the material came mainly from the quarries of Thassos Island. This paper presents the scientific analysis of 23 characteristic samples from selected sarcophagi at the Museum of Thessaloniki, using three different techniques: electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, stable isotope analysis and maximum grain size measurements, plus in‐situ examination. New combinations of parameters were used in order to resolve fully the provenance of all samples. The results showed that the vast majority of the objects were indeed made in Thassian marble but from three different quarries, namely Vathy/Saliara (dolomitic marble), Aliki (calcitic marble) and Acropolis/Phanari (calcitic marble). The calcitic marbles from Aliki and to a lesser degree from Acropolis/Phanari are met in all the basic types of sarcophagi (framed type, plain type, garland sarcophagi). The use of the better quality and snow‐white dolomitic marble from Vathy/Saliara quarries is relatively restricted and is often found in works that are above the average regarding the quality of their workmanship. In addition, two sarcophagi were made in Pentlelic marble and one in Proconnesian. The scientific analysis results provide a good confirmation of the archaeological estimates and, furthermore, the conclusions constitute henceforth a secure basis for the study of the entire sculptured works of Thessaloniki.
The Acquisition of Tense–Aspect: Converging Evidence From Corpora and Telicity Ratings
Authors: WULFF STEFANIE , ELLIS NICK C. , RÖMER UTE , BARDOVI–HARLIG KATHLEEN , LEBLANC CHELSEA J.
Published: August 2009

The aspect hypothesis (Andersen & Shirai, 1994) proposes that language learners are initially influenced by the inherent semantic aspect in the acquisition of tense and aspect (TA) morphology. Perfective past emerges earlier with accomplishments and achievements and progressive with activities. Although this hypothesis has been extensively studied, there have been no analyses of the frequency, form, and function of relevant types and tokens in the input. This article reports the results of 2 corpus‐based studies investigating how various features of the input—frequency distributions, reliabilities of form–function mapping, and prototypicality of lexical aspect—affect TA morphology. Study I determined the relative frequency profiles of exemplars of English TA and employed various statistics to determine the associations between particular verb–aspect combinations. Study II expanded the aspect hypothesis, examining whether native speakers judge the most frequent forms in isolation to be more prototypical in lexical aspect. Analyses were then matched against acquisition data for different TA patterns by adult learners of English (Bardovi‐Harlig, 2000) to determine whether the verbs' acquisition order is determined by their frequency, form, and function in the input. Rather than testifying to the effect of 1 factor alone, the results suggest that frequency, distinctiveness, and prototypicality jointly drive acquisition.
Construction Learning as a Function of Frequency, Frequency Distribution, and Function
Authors: ELLIS NICK C. , FERREIRA–JUNIOR FERNANDO
Published: August 2009

This article considers effects of construction frequency, form, function, and prototypicality on second language acquisition (SLA). It investigates these relationships by focusing on naturalistic SLA in the European Science Foundation corpus (Perdue, 1993) of the English verb–argument constructions (VACs): verb locative (VL), verb object locative (VOL), and ditransitive (VOO). Goldberg (2006) argued that Zipfian type/token frequency distributions (Zipf, 1935) in natural language constructions might optimize learning by providing one very high‐frequency exemplar that is also prototypical in meaning. This article tests and confirms this proposal for naturalistic English as a second language. We show that VAC type/token distribution in the input is Zipfian and that learners first use the most frequent, prototypical, and generic exemplar (e.g., put in the VOL VAC, give in the VOO ditransitive, etc.). Learning is driven by the frequency and frequency distribution of exemplars within constructions and by the match of their meaning to the construction prototype.
Input Effects Within a Constructionist Framework
Authors: BOYD JEREMY K. , GOLDBERG ADELE E.
Published: August 2009

Constructionist approaches to language hypothesize that grammar can be learned from the input using domain‐general mechanisms. This emphasis has engendered a great deal of research—exemplified in the present issue—that seeks to illuminate the ways in which input‐related factors can both drive and constrain constructional acquisition. In this commentary piece, we situate results reported by contributors to the present issue within the larger body of acquisition work in the constructionist framework. We address the importance of both type frequency and skewed input samples in the development of constructional categories and we compare different ways that the association between verbs and constructions can be measured, including through the use of conditional probabilities, lexical biases, and introspective judgments.
Integration Factors Related to the Academic Success and Intent to Persist of College Students with Learning Disabilities
Authors: DaDeppo Lisa M. W.
Published: August 2009

Despite increased enrollment, outcomes such as grade point average (GPA), persistence, and graduation rates for college students with learning disabilities (LD) continue to lag behind those of their nondisabled peers. Reasons for the differences vary but may include academic and social integration, factors identified as important to the success of college students in general. This research investigated the relative influence of background characteristics, precollege achievement, and college integration variables on the academic success and intent to persist of college freshmen and sophomores with LD. While academic and social integration were not unique predictors of college GPA, both integration variables were unique predictors of intent to persist. The findings suggest that beyond high school achievement and background characteristics, college experiences as captured by academic and social integration are promising constructs to help explain the persistence of college students with LD. Implications for future research and practices for high school and college personnel are discussed.
Elevating Instruction for Secondary‐School Students with Learning Disabilities by Demystifying the Highly Qualified Subject Matter Requirement
Authors: McKenzie Robert G.
Published: August 2009

The highly qualified mandate of the No Child Left Behind Act and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has created unnecessary confusion, particularly among secondary‐school special educators and administrators with respect to instruction in core academic subjects. The pursuit of compliance solutions to meet this requirement has generally distracted stakeholders from re‐examining the mission of secondary‐school special education for students with learning disabilities (LD). Because effective subject matter instruction within inclusive classrooms is dependent upon general and special educators capitalizing on each other's areas of expertise, the necessity of requiring special educators to possess a comparable level of subject matter knowledge as the general educator is not only of questionable merit, but often counterproductive. This article poses and examines several fundamental philosophical questions related to the delivery of core academic subject matter to students with LD.
Week‐Long High‐Maintenance Dose Clopidogrel Regimen Achieves Better Platelet Aggregation Inhibition than a Standard Loading Dose before Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: Results of a Double‐Blind, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: NGUYEN THUY ANH , LORDKIPANIDZÉ MARIE , DIODATI JEAN G. , PALISAITIS DONALD A. , SCHAMPAERT ERICK , TURGEON JACQUES , PHARAND CHANTAL
Published: August 2009

Background: Adequate platelet inhibition before percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduces periprocedural and long‐term ischemic complications. Reduced response to clopidogrel has been associated with subsequent major adverse cardiovascular events. Strategies to optimize platelet inhibition pre‐PCI are under investigation. This study evaluated the effect on platelet aggregation of four different dosing regimens of clopidogrel given before elective PCI in a randomized, prospective, double‐blind, and placebo‐controlled design.

Methods: One hundred twenty participants were randomized to one of four groups of clopidogrel: (a) 300 mg on the day prior to angiography; (b) 600 mg on the day prior to angiography; (c) 300 mg followed by 75 mg daily started 1 week prior to angiography; and (d) 300 mg followed by 150 mg daily started 1 week prior to angiography. Platelet aggregation was assessed by light transmission aggregometry (LTA) after stimulation with adenosine diphosphate 20 μM at baseline and at the time of diagnostic coronary angiography. The absolute change in platelet aggregation between these two time points was considered the main outcome measure.

Results: At the time of diagnostic coronary angiography, the 300‐mg/150‐mg daily regimen achieved the greatest decrease in platelet aggregation (37 ± 19%), while the 300 mg regimen provided the smallest (20 ± 22%), an absolute difference between the two groups of 17.2 ± 5.1% (P = 0.005).

Conclusions: A 300‐mg loading dose of clopidogrel followed by 150 mg daily for 1 week prior to coronary angiography provides more effective platelet inhibition, as defined by LTA, compared to the standard 300‐mg loading dose regimen at the time of coronary intervention.
Routes to Government TB Treatment:
Authors: Chard Sarah E.
Published: August 2009

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in Uganda. This cross‐sectional study explores Ugandan women's TB treatment‐seeking processes to determine the routes to effective government TB treatment among a sample of urban, semirural, and rural women. This research focuses on women in particular as Ugandan women with tuberculosis must negotiate their treatment paths in a context where women tend to be politically and economically marginalized, with limited control of household resources and senior family members’ health care decisions. The results examine the structural, social, and economic forces similarly guiding treatment seeking across the three research sites and then the specific differences among the settings. The findings suggest that the modest number of nongovernmental health care providers’ diagnoses and referrals, particularly for urban and semirural participants, represents a critical barrier to biomedical TB treatment. Private providers’ diagnosis delays also carry financial and physical costs, which undermine the resources available for subsequent TB treatment and participants’ social and economic well‐being. This study indicates that conceptualizations of the political economy of treatment seeking need to more fully acknowledge the dynamic nature of the microlevel political economic context of treatment seeking, including the domino social, economic, and health effects of structurally problematic health care systems.
Six‐Year Retrospective Study of Suicidal Hangings: Determination of the Pattern of Limb Lesions Induced by Body Responses to Asphyxia by Hanging*
Authors: Sauvageau Anny , Godin Anny , Desnoyers Sébastien , Kremer Célia
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  The objective of the present study was to estimate the proportion of hanging victims presenting with limb lesions, to compare this rate between hanging in restraint spaces and in more open settings, and to describe the usual pattern of limb lesions associated with hanging. Two hundred and seven cases of suicidal hanging were retrospectively reviewed and compared to 45 homicidal nonhanging strangulation victims. Bruises incidence was significantly lower in hanging victims (19.8%) compared to homicidal strangulation victims (55.6%). Bruises were more commonly encountered in restraint areas such as closets and staircases (56.3% and 66.7%, respectively) than in more open settings such as barn, bridge, fence, and park. Limb bruises on hanging victims were generally located on the posterior upper limb or the anterior lower limbs, whereas strangulation victims did not display this preferential bruises concentration. Possible suspicion criteria for limb bruises distribution are discussed, in relation to physiopathology of human asphyxia by hanging.
Polymerase Resistance to Polymerase Chain Reaction Inhibitors in Bone*
Authors: Eilert Kenneth D. , Foran David R.
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  Amplification of DNA from aged or degraded skeletal remains can be a challenging task, in part due to naturally occurring inhibitors of the polymerase chain reaction. PCR inhibitors may act by inactivating a polymerase itself, or compete with or bind other reaction components, although various polymerases may be differentially susceptible to such insult. In this study, ten thermostable polymerases from six bacterial species were examined for their ability to amplify DNA in the presence of bone‐derived or individual PCR inhibitors. Two polymerases, one from Thermus aquaticus and one from Thermus thermophilus, showed lower susceptibility to inhibition from bone, while polymerases from Thermus flavus were highly susceptible. Addition of bovine serum albumin improved the activity of most of the enzymes. Taken together, the results indicate that thermostable DNA polymerases have different susceptibility to bone‐derived PCR inhibitors, and that those most often used in forensic laboratories may not be optimal when working with DNA from skeletal remains.
Hard and Soft Commitments to Human Rights Treaties, 1966–20001
Authors: Cole Wade M.
Published: August 2009

What factors determine whether and how deeply countries will commit to the international human rights regime? Using data for up to 142 countries between 1966 and 2000, this article analyzes patterns of membership to the International Human Rights Covenants. The analysis produced two main conclusions. First, the potential costs associated with joining a treaty, rather than its substantive content, motivates the decision to join. Treaties that protect different rights but establish comparable implementation mechanisms exhibit similar patterns of membership, whereas treaties that protect identical rights but establish different implementation provisions exhibit dissimilar patterns of membership. Second, rates of treaty membership differ by level of commitment. Countries that sign human rights treaties differ from countries that ratify. Results are interpreted with respect to four theories of commitment and compliance: realism, liberalism, constructivism, and sociological institutionalism. Theories that emphasize the importance of a treaty’s costs (realism and institutionalism) fare better than theories that prioritize a treaty’s content (liberalism and constructivism).
Tragic Narratives in Popular Culture: Depictions of Homicide in Rap Music1
Authors: Hunnicutt Gwen , Andrews Kristy Humble
Published: August 2009

Homicide is a rare event, but depictions of it are quite common in our culture and discourse. Commercially successful rappers have appropriated homicide as a central theme in their lyrical compositions. The tremendous success of rap music is indicative of its increasing popular appeal and cultural impact. We reveal the ways homicide is constructed within rap music and its frequency of occurrence across time. Employing a cultural criminology framework, we analyze the most popular rap songs over the period 1989–2000, as determined by Billboard music charts, for references to homicide. Using content analysis we explore the emergent themes associated with homicide scenarios in rap lyrics. Results show violent death was constructed in glorified ways, incorporated cautionary tales, or used as an analogy for powerful rhyming. The major themes found in these homicide‐related rap lyrics were the normalization of killing, respect maintenance, confrontation with the power structure, vengeance, and masculine confrontation. Gender patterns of killing were surprising and distinct. Homicide was almost always male on male. Careful consideration is given to the multiple meanings of homicide, particularly the ways rappers have appropriated the word “killing” and transformed it into a term that indicates creative success.
“There Ain’t No Bond in Town Like There Used to Be”: The Destruction of Social Capital in the West Virginia Coalfields1
Authors: Bell Shannon Elizabeth
Published: August 2009

There is a paucity of research focusing on the circumstances that cause or contribute to a decline in social capital within communities. Furthermore, relatively few researchers employ qualitative methods in their studies of social capital, despite the multidimensional and many‐layered nature of this concept, characteristics that make social capital well suited for qualitative analysis. To address these two gaps in social capital research, I explore the mechanisms that have led to a depletion of social capital in the southern coal‐producing region of West Virginia. I examine whether the coal industry, which has caused bitter conflicts among residents over environmental degradation and union loyalties, has also undermined social capital in the region. My principal data include 40 semi‐structured, face‐to‐face interviews with randomly selected individuals in a coal‐mining town and a demographically similar non‐coal‐mining town in West Virginia. I analyze the experiences of residents in each town, assessing the qualitative differences in community and personal life associated with social capital. I find that the loss of social capital in the coal‐mining community has arisen through a combination of depopulation and the community‐wide conflict that arose when an anti‐union coal company bought out the union coal mine at which many in the community worked, challenging the union identity so engrained in this region.
Mother’s, Father’s, or Both? Parental Gender and Parent‐Child Interactions in the Racial Classification of Adolescents1
Authors: Bratter Jenifer , Heard Holly E.
Published: August 2009

Research on racial identification in interracial families shows that children are more likely to be labeled as minority if the father is of minority race. Yet, prior studies have not sufficiently considered the role of parent‐child relationships in shaping children’s identification with either mother’s or father’s race. We address this limitation using data on 706 adolescents in interracial families from Wave 1 of Add Health. We examine whether adolescents identify with their mother’s race or with their father’s race, as opposed to selecting a multiracial identity, within specific combinations of parents’ races. We also explore whether indicators of parental involvement (i.e., quantity and quality of involvement, educational involvement, and social control) explain any gender effects. Contrary to prior studies, we find that the tendency to match father’s race is only true in black/white households, particularly if he is white, while adolescents in Asian/white families tend to match mothers regardless of her race. Moreover, while father’s involvement, particularly educational involvement, was more likely than mother’s to influence racial classification, adjusting for involvement does not explain gender patterns. This study shows that the well‐known gender influences on parenting have little to do with the complex ways parent‐child relationships impact racial classification.
Projects and Possibilities: Researching Futures in Action
Authors: Mische Ann
Published: August 2009

How can we understand the social impact of cognitions of a projected future, taking into account both the institutional determinants of hopes and their personal inventiveness? How can we document the repercussions, often contrary to intentions, “back from” such projected futures to the production and transformation of social structures? These are some of the questions to be addressed by a cultural sociology that attempts to look seriously at the effects of a projected future as a dynamic force undergirding social change. In this essay I discuss some of the reasons why the analysis of the future has been so neglected in sociological theory and research, and then sketch a possible framework for reincorporating it that specifies some of the cognitive dimensions of projectivity. In the process, I will show how a focus on future projections can help us make a link between cognition and action in a manner that has so far been neglected in the sociological literature.
Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides in a psoriatic patient under methotrexate treatment
Authors: Di Lernia Vito , Ricci Cinzia , Grenzi Laura , Froio Elisabetta , Piana Simonetta
Published: August 2009

Folliculotropic mycosis fungoides is a variant of mycosis fungoides with a worse prognosis than the classic form. It can be associated with follicular mucinosis. We report a case of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides developing in the months following methotrexate therapy in a psoriatic patient. This lymphoma did not regress after stopping the antipsoriatic treatment. There is a known relationship between the use of immunosuppressive therapies and the development of lymphoproliferative malignancies. However these lymphomas are mainly B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas associated with Epstein‐Barr virus. In our patient the short period of time from the beginning of the immunosuppressive treatment to the occurrence of the T‐cell lymphoma does not support a strong causal relationship between the drug intake and the development of mycosis fungoides. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of folliculotropic mycosis fungoides in a patient treated with methotrexate for psoriasis.
Diagnosis of perinatal stroke I: definitions, differential diagnosis and registration
Authors: Govaert P , Ramenghi L , Taal R , De Vries L , DeVeber G
Published: August 2009

Introduction: Perinatal stroke can be divided into three subtypes: ischaemic stroke, either arterial or sinovenous and haemorrhagic stroke. For the sake of universal registration and to perform intervention studies, we propose a detailed diagnostic registration system for perinatal stroke taking 10 variables into account. These variables are discussed here and in the accompanying article.

Material and results: Differentiation is needed from focal brain changes as a result of disorders other than stroke, whereby accurate timing is possible only when early neonatal imaging is available. Detailed templates are presented for arterial and venous vascular classification. AIS is further subdivided into single territory and complex infarction and some stratification is proposed in the complicated stroke group. This registration system has been applied to a retrospective cohort of 134 newborns with stroke (single‐centre observation from 1999 to 2007) and the results are compared with published data. By applying this registration system, intervention studies for one homogeneous stroke type (e.g. complete middle cerebral artery stroke) may be facilitated.

Conclusion: Ten variables may be sufficient to register a perinatal stroke. These include gestational age, birthweight, gender, delivery mode, time of detection, presentation, type of stroke, vessel affected or type of cavity, imaging method at detection and clinical context.
Impact Fracture Resistance of Two Titanium‐Abutment Systems Versus a Single‐Piece Ceramic Implant
Authors: Silva Nelson R.F.A. , Nourian Pedram , Coelho Paulo G. , Rekow Elizabeth D. , Thompson Van P.
Published: August 2009

Background: The number of patients with oral implants has increased significantly. However, the literature addressing the effect of impact force on titanium and/or ceramic implants is inconclusive. This study sought to determine the fracture resistance to impact load of titanium and ceramic endosseous oral implants.

Materials and Methods: Endosseous oral implants were vertically positioned in two different mounting media: brass and a bone‐simulation material. The implant configurations tested included an experimental one‐piece Y‐TZP implant and a commercially available titanium implant (external hex) with both titanium and zirconia abutments. The specimens were subjected to an impact load using a pendulum impact tester with tup weights varying from 0.9 to 4.5 kg delivered at a radius of 40.64 mm. Loads were delivered to the abutment at a point 4.27 mm above the implant fixture and block junction. Statistical differences (p < .05) were established using the F‐test for variances and, when different, t‐test assuming unequal variances.

Results: For implants clamped in brass, the titanium implant with titanium abutment required the greatest energy to fracture the implant‐abutment system (only the abutment screw failed). The ceramic implant and ceramic abutment on titanium implant presented the lowest fracture energy (p < .01). No significant differences were observed when different systems were inserted into the foam blocks of the bone substitute (p > .25).

Conclusion: This investigation showed that the fracture energy of two titanium‐abutment systems versus a single‐piece Y‐TZP implant in foam blocks simulating bone elastic modulus was not different, and that differences occurred when the embedding material elastic modulus was increased an order of magnitude.