bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors Leading to Hospital Admission in Iranian Asthmatic Children
Authors: Moin Mostafa , Aghamohammadi Asghar , Gharavi Mohammad Hossein , Ardestani Ali , Faghihimehr Armaghan , Kouhi Ali , Mazloumi Mehdi
Published: October 2007

Background: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in the world, leading to an increased rate of hospitalization. We performed this study to better understand the factors leading to admission among asthmatic children. Methods: We performed a study among asthmatic children in a referral hospital for asthma and allergy in Tehran. Sixty-three cases were selected from asthmatic children admitted to the emergency room (ER) who still had an indication for ward or intensive care unit admission after primary treatment. Our control group was the asthmatic children discharged after primary treatment and patients who were referred to the asthma and allergy clinic (63 patients). Data were obtained by structured questionnaires filled out during clinical interviews. Results: There was a significant difference in mean age (5 years for cases vs. 6 years for controls; p = 0.049), personal and familial allergic history (69.8 and 57.1% for cases vs. 34.9 and 36.5% for controls; p < 0.01 and p = 0.02, respectively), history of recent respiratory infections (79.4% for cases vs. 49.2% for controls; p < 0.01), hospitalization history due to asthma (57.1% for cases vs. 23.8% for controls; p < 0.01) and regular use of inhaled corticosteroid (66.7% for cases vs. 33.3% for controls; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Our findings confirm most previous observations, suggesting that recent respiratory infections, hospitalization, personal or familial allergy, disease severity and lower ages are important factors leading to hospitalization. We also found that regular clinical follow-up, regular use of inhaled corticosteroids, higher IgE levels and O2 saturation may lower the probability of hospitalization during asthmatic attacks.
Insulin Resistance, Oxidative Stress, and Podocyte Injury: Role of Rosuvastatin Modulation of Filtration Barrier Injury
Authors: Whaley-Connell Adam , DeMarco Vincent G. , Lastra Guido , Manrique Camila , Nistala Ravi , Cooper Shawna A. , Westerly Blair , Hayden Melvin R. , Wiedmeyer Charles , Wei Yongzhong , Sowers James R.
Published: October 2007

Background/Aim: There is an emerging relationship between insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia, oxidative stress, and glomerular injury manifesting as albuminuria. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) have been shown to reduce oxidative stress in the vasculature as well as albuminuria in animal models and in human studies. The glomerular filtration barrier is emerging as a critical determinant of albumin filtration. We investigated the effects of insulin resistance and rosuvastatin or placebo on the glomerular filtration barrier. Method: Young Zucker obese and Zucker lean rats (6–7 weeks old) were treated with the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg/day) or placebo for 21 days. Results: In the Zucker obese rats, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index, oxidative markers (NADPH oxidase activity, reactive oxygen species, and urine isoprostane formation), podocyte foot process effacement, and albuminuria were increased as compared with Zucker lean controls, independent of increases in systolic blood pressure. Albuminuria correlated with podocyte foot process effacement (r2 = 0.61) and insulin level (r2 = 0.69). Rosuvastatin treatment improved albuminuria, filtration barrier indices, and oxidative stress via copper/zinc superoxide dismutase. Conclusions: These data indicate that hyperinsulinemia together with insulin resistance is associated with podocyte injury and albuminuria independent of the systolic blood pressure. Further, rosuvastatin modulates filtration barrier injury and albuminuria and improves oxidative stress measures via copper/zinc superoxide dismutase.
Oxidative Stress and Asymmetric Dimethylarginine Is Independently Associated with Carotid Intima Media Thickness in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Kocak H. , Gumuslu S. , Ermis C. , Mahsereci E. , Sahin E. , Gocmen A.Y. , Ersoy F. , Suleymanlar G. , Yakupoglu G. , Tuncer M.
Published: October 2007

Backgrounds: Oxidative stress (OS) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) are accepted as nonclassical cardiovascular risk factors in end-stage renal disease patients. To clarify the role of these factors in the atherosclerotic process, we investigated if OS and ADMA are associated with common carotid artery intima media thickness (CIMT) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: Thirty PD patients without known atherosclerotic disease and classical cardiovascular risk factors as well as age- and gender-matched 30 healthy individuals were included. We measured serum thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced glycation end product (AGE), pentosidine, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), ADMA and CIMT in each subjects. Results: TBARS, MDA, AOPP, AGE, pentosidine and ADMA levels were significantly higher in PD patients than in controls (p < 0.001). CIMT in patients was higher than in the control group (0.83 ± 0.09 vs. 0.77 ± 0.06 mm; p < 0.01). CIMT was independently correlated with TBARS (β = 0.33, p < 0.01), MDA (β = 0.27, p < 0.01), AOPP (β = 0.22, p < 0.02), AGE (β = 0.45, p < 0.01), pentosidine (β = 0.56, p < 0.01) and ADMA (β = 0.54, p < 0.01). Conclusions: OS markers and serum ADMA levels independently predict the CIMT level in PD patients.
Pheromone trailing in male European whip snake, Hierophis viridiflavus
Authors: Fornasiero Sara , Bresciani Elisa , Dendi Federica , Zuffi Marco
Published: October 2007

The ability of snakes to follow conspecific pheromone trails during the
breeding season is of primary importance to locate potential mates, and also
to elicit and maintain courtship or other reproductive behaviours, such as
agonistic behaviour. Despite the recent increased knowledge on snake
chemical ecology, yet little information is available on European species
and nothing is known about chemical communication in European colubrid
species. The aim of this study was to characterise the pheromone-mediated
trailing behaviour in male European whip snake, Hierophis viridiflavus. When
tested in trailing experiments using a Y-maze, male European whip snakes
displayed the ability to trail both male and female pheromones when
presented versus a blank arm of the maze. Moreover, adult males followed the
female pheromone trail when presented simultaneously with the male trail.
Our study demonstrated that male Hierophis viridiflavus rely on chemical
cues for the location and the sexual discrimination of conspecifics during
the breeding season. Convergence between different mating systems and
chemical communication ability in distantly related species is
discussed.
Null model analysis of lizard communities in five urban parks of Rome
Authors: Rugiero Lorenzo , Luiselli Luca
Published: October 2007

Null models are an essential tool for investigating structure in natural
communities of animals, including reptiles. In this paper, we studied the
assembly structure of a lizard community constituted by four species
(Lacerta bilineata, Podarcis muralis, P. sicula, Chalcides chalcides) along
25 different transects, each 300 m long and representing a specific habitat
type, in five independent urban green areas in Rome, central Italy. Lacerta
bilineata was observed in 92% of the total transects (n = 25), P. muralis in
100%, P. sicula in 72%, and C. chalcides in 52%. Based on the number of
lizards observed along the various transects, it seemed that each species
was linked especially to particular habitat types within each study area,
but that the habitat types frequented by each species were not necessarily
exactly the same across the study areas. Null model analyses revealed that
the lizard community was not randomly organized in four of five study areas
by RA2 (thus denoting that the generalist-specialist nature of the species
reduced ecological similarity) but not by RA3 algorithms (thus denoting that
the types of resources used did not reduce ecological similarity). Thus, the
community structure was due mainly to the different specialist-generalist
nature of the various co-occurring species.
A PIT tag based analysis of annual movement patterns of adult fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) in a Middle European habitat
Authors: Schulte Ulrich , Küsters Daniel , Steinfartz Sebastian
Published: October 2007

We studied patterns of annual movement of individual adult fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) during the years 2001 and 2002 in Western Germany in a typical middle European habitat for this species. We tested whether salamanders inhabit small home ranges and move little during the activity period as predicted for a species that shows strong site fidelity to a limited area. Initially, 98 individuals were collected in their natural habitat and marked with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. Of those individuals 88 were released at the collection site for recapture during the activity periods of the years 2001 and 2002. Ten marked individuals were kept in captivity to test for the tolerance of PIT tags. We did not find any negative impact of PIT tags on marked individuals of S. salamandra, neither under captive nor natural conditions. Forty-seven of the marked individuals (corresponding to 53% of the 88 released ones) were recaptured at least once and 28 individuals (corresponding to 32%) were recaptured multiple times. The return rate of males (78%) was higher than for females (43%). Mean home range size (and standard deviation) was estimated to 494 ± 282 m2 for 4 individuals as the minimum convex polygon based on 5 to 6 recapture events for each individual per year and to 1295 ± 853 m2 for 3 individuals with 8 records over two years. Minimum distances moved inferred from individual recaptures increased during the activity period of both years with time, indicating that individuals have more of a tendency to disperse than to stay within a limited area. Our data suggest therefore that S. salamandra adults display site fidelity, but use a much larger area than hitherto documented for this and other terrestrial salamander species.
Beaver ponds as habitat of amphibian communities in a central European highland
Authors: Dalbeck Lutz , Lüscher Beatrice , Ohlhoff Dagmar
Published: October 2007

The Eurasian beaver Castor fiber, formerly occurred across the Palaearctic,
but was nearly eradicated in the 19th century. Due to reintroductions in the
20th century, beaver populations are increasing and now extend into highland
areas. Natural still waters are scarce in highlands of Central Europe.
Therefore the question arises, “Are beaver ponds essential habitats for
amphibians?”, especially since fishes, predators of amphibian larval stages,
also inhabit beaver ponds. We investigated the amphibian fauna of one
typical valley in the Eifel, that was colonized by beavers in 1981, and
compared areas with and without beaver ponds. All anuran species of the
region occupied beaver ponds, including species that were absent (Alytes
obstetricans, Bufo bufo and Rana kl. esculenta) or rare (Rana temporaria) in
natural waters. Alytes obstetricans obviously benefited from pond
construction and the removal of trees by beavers which leads to sunny plots
along the slopes of the valley, crucial habitat for this species. The
urodelans Salamandra salamandra, Triturus alpestris and Triturus helveticus
were widely distributed in beaver ponds. Our results show clearly, that
beaver altered landscapes offer high quality habitats for amphibians in our
study area. Due to a considerable increase of habitat heterogeneity in
impounded streams, the predator Salmo trutta was not able to extirpate the
amphibian fauna. We conclude that the historic effects of beavers need to be
considered for a proper understanding of patterns of amphibian distribution
and habitat requirements in Central European Highlands. Furthermore,
beaver-created landscapes will be of future relevance for conservation of
endangered species, like Alytes obstetricans.
Phalangeal formulae of geoemydid terrapins (Batagur, Callagur, Hardella, Heosemys, Kachuga, Orlitia, Pangshura, Rhinoclemmys) reflect distinct modes of life
Authors: Ludwig Maxim , Auer Markus , Fritz Uwe
Published: October 2007

Using radiographies of manus and pes of 133 geoemydid terrapins of nine
highly aquatic species (genera Batagur, Callagur, Hardella, Kachuga,
Orlitia, Pangshura), four aquatic Rhinoclemmys species, three
semiterrestrial Heosemys species, and three terrestrial Rhinoclemmys
species, we confirm a correlation between mode of life and phalangeal
formulae. Terrestrial geoemydid species tend to have lost phalanges or
entire digits, while highly aquatic species with extensive toe webbing
generally have retained the full phalangeal number in manus and pes.
Phalangeal formulae of species that are not so strictly adapted to aquatic
environments, and having less extensive toe webbing, are intermediate, like
in the studied semiterrestrial species.
Assignment tests applied to relocate individuals of unknown origin in a threatened species, the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis)
Authors: Velo-Antón Guillermo , Godinho Raquel , Ayres César , Ferrand Nuno , Rivera Adolfo Cordero
Published: October 2007

The pet trade is an important business around the world and one of the
factors that might menace some wild populations. If wild animals are
collected to maintain them as pets, this activity can produce several
problems: i) an increase of population vulnerability, especially in the case
of rare species; ii) the release of exotic pets in natural habitats, with
the risk of competition with native species and the spreading of parasites
and diseases, and iii) the maintenance of animals of unknown origin in
Recovery Centres or zoos, which if too numerous are sacrificed or re-located
to their supposed original regions. In this paper, we used seven
microsatellite loci to analyze genetic diversity and genetic structure of
the European pond turtle (Emys obicularis) covering the species range in the
Iberian Peninsula. A Bayesian test revealed a genotypic differentiation
between the regions sampled where most individuals (90%) were assigned to
their sampling location with a probability higher than 95%. The likelihood
values for individuals from Recovery Centres to came from one of our
populations was higher than 90% in 22 out of 36 individuals. This work is a
first step to relocate animals of unknown origin taking into account genetic
similarities and contribute to reinforcement programs of endangered
species.
Activity patterns of the sand viper (Vipera ammodytes) from the central Balkans
Authors: Crnobrnja-Isailovic Jelka , Ajtic Rastko , Tomovic Ljiljana
Published: October 2007

Activity patterns of the sand viper, Vipera ammodytes from the central Balkans (Serbia, Montenegro and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) were analysed. The total sample (n = 118) was divided into adult males and females, and depending on the part of the day, habitat type, exposition, and behaviour in two separate seasons (spring and summer). Simple correspondence analysis showed that in spring, males and females were associated with different expositions, while in summer, they displayed different behaviours. Multivariate correspondence analysis showed that in spring males were found more often while basking during the midday in the open forests at south-western exposition. In summer, females were found more often while basking or hiding in the morning in rocky terrains at eastern and southern expositions. The results point out that seasonal variation and intergender differences in behaviour and microhabitat use may occur in sand vipers, as was previously observed in other viper species.
Blood cell morphology of the Moorish gecko, Tarentola mauritanica
Authors: Sacchi Roberto , Pupin Fabio , Zuffi Marco , Scali Stefano , Boncompagni Eleonora , Binda Alessandra , Galeotti Paolo , Fasola Mauro
Published: October 2007

The morphology of erythrocytes, trombocytes, monocytes, basophils and
lymphocytes on Moorish geckos (Tarentola mauritanica) is quite similar to
that of other reptiles, even though some peculiarities were detected for
heterophils and eosinophils. Moreover, we found a fourth type of granulocyte
whose morphology highly differs from both heterophils and eosinophils.
Sexually-based differences in the relative abundance of different types of
leukocytes was detected: lymphocytes were the most frequent in females,
while heterophils and eosinophils prevailed in males. Interestingly, in most
individuals we found intra-erythrocytic vacuoles whose structure is similar
to that previously described as Chelonoplasma in tortoises and
Serpentoplasma in snakes.
Pharmacokinetic Profile of Temsirolimus With Concomitant Administration of Cytochrome P450‐Inducing Medications1
Authors: Boni Joseph , Leister Cathie , Burns Jaime , Cincotta Maria , Hug Bruce , Moore Laurence
Published: October 2007

Temsirolimus is a novel inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin, with antitumor activity in advanced tumors. Because temsirolimus and its metabolite, sirolimus, are cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4/5 substrates, the potential exists for interaction with drugs that induce CYP3A activity, including enzyme inducers and rifampin. Cancer patients received once‐weekly intravenous (IV) 220 mg/m2 temsirolimus with or without enzyme inducers. Coadministration with enzyme inducers decreased temsirolimus maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) by 36% and increased volume of distribution by 99%. Sirolimus Cmax and area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) were decreased by 67% and 43%, respectively. In healthy adult subjects, coadministration of 25‐mg intravenous temsirolimus with rifampin had no significant effect on temsirolimus Cmax and AUC but decreased sirolimus Cmax and AUC by 65% and 56%, respectively. Rifampin decreased AUCsum by 41%. Temsirolimus was well tolerated in both studies. If concomitant agents with CYP3A induction potential are used, higher temsirolimus doses may be needed to achieve adequate tumor tissue drug levels.
Strength, leachability and microstructure characterisation of Na2SiO 3-activated ground granulated blast-furnace slag solidified MSWI fly ash
Authors: Dajie Zhang  , Wenshi Liu  , fHaobo Hou  , Xinghua He
Published: October 2007

The chemical composition and the leachability of heavy metals in municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) fly ash were measured and analysed. For the leachability of unstabilized MSWI fly ash it was found that the concentrations of Pb and Cr exceeded the leaching toxicity standard. Cementitious solidification of the MSWI fly ash by Na2SiO3activated ground granulated blast-furnace slag (NS) was investigated. Results show that all solidified MSWI fly ash can meet the landfill standards after 28 days of curing. The heavy metals were immobilized within the hydration products such as C—S—H gel and ettringite through physical encapsulation, substitution, precipitation or adsorption mechanisms.
Feasibility of energy recovery from municipal solid waste in an integrated municipal energy supply and waste management system
Authors: Luoranen Mika , Horttanainen Mika
Published: October 2007

A decision-support model for determining the feasibility of a planned energy-from-waste (EfW) investment for an integrated waste management and energy supply system is presented. The aim is to present an easy-to-understand, inexpensive and fast-to-use tool to decision-makers for modelling and evaluating different kinds of processes. Special emphasis is put on forming the model and interpretation of the results of the example case. The simple integrated system management (SISMan) model is presented through a practical example of the use of the model. In the example the viability of the described system is studied by comparing five different cases including different waste-derived fuels (WDF), non-segregated municipal solid waste (MSW) being one of the fuel options. The nominal power output of the EfW plant varied in each case according to the WDF classification. The numeric values for two main variables for each WDF type were determined, the WDF price at the gate of the EfW plant and the waste management fee (WMF) according to the `polluter pays' -principle. Comparison between the five cases was carried out according to two determinants, the WMF related to each case and the recovery rate related to each case. The numeric values for the constants and variables used in the calculations were chosen as realistically as possible using available data related to the issue. In the example of this paper, the mass-incineration solution (`pure' MSW as a fuel) was found to be the most viable solution for the described system according to the calculations. However, the final decision of the decision-makers might differ from this in the real world due to extra `fuzzy' information that cannot be reliably included in the calculations. This paper shows that certain key values of modelled systems can be calculated using an easy-to-use tool at the very early stages of a larger design process involving municipal and business partners. The use of this kind of tools could significantly decrease the overall design costs of large systems in the long run by cutting out irrational system options at the very beginning of the planning.
Use of gold mill tailings in making bricks: a feasibility study
Authors: Roy Surendra , Adhikari Govind R. , Gupta Rama N.
Published: October 2007

Mill tailings dumps at Kolar Gold Fields, Karnataka, are creating environmental problems. One of the solutions to these problems is to use the mill tailings for some useful purpose. This study examined the possibility of making bricks from the mill tailings with some additives in laboratory experiments. Samples of the mill tailings and the additives were analysed for particle size distribution, Atterberg limits and specific gravity. The plasticity index of the mill tailings being zero, they could not be used directly for making bricks. Therefore some additives that had plasticity or binding properties were mixed with the mill tailings. Ordinary Portland cement, black cotton soils and red soils were selected as additives. Each of the additives was mixed separately with the mill tailings in different proportions by weight and a large number of bricks were prepared using metallic moulds. The bricks were termed as cement— tailings bricks or soil—tailings bricks, depending on the additives used. The cement—tailings bricks were cured for different periods and their corresponding compressive strengths were determined. The bricks with 20% of cement and 14 days of curing were found to be suitable. The soil—tailings bricks were sun-dried and then fired in a furnace at different temperatures. The quality of bricks was assessed in terms of linear shrinkage, water absorption and compressive strength. The cost analysis revealed that cement—tailings bricks would be uneconomical whereas the soil—tailings bricks would be very economical.
Open dumps in the Hellenic prefecture of Laconia: statistical analysis of characteristics and restoration prioritization on the basis of a field survey
Authors: Tsatsarelis Thomas , Antonopoulos Ioannis , Karagiannidis Avraam , Perkoulidis George
Published: October 2007

This study presents an assessment of the current status of open dumps in Laconia prefecture of Peloponnese in southern Greece, where all open dumps are targeted for closure by 2008. An extensive field survey was conducted in 2005 to register existing sites in the prefecture. The data collected included the site area and age, waste depth, type of disposed waste, distance from nearest populated area, local geographical features and observed practices of open burning and soil coverage. On the basis of the collected data, a GIS database was developed, and the above parameters were statistically analysed. Subsequently, a decision tool for the restoration of open dumps was implemented, which led to the prioritization of site restorations and specific decisions about appropriate restoration steps for each site. The sites requiring restoration were then further classified using Principal Component Analysis, in order to categorize them into groups suitable for similar restoration work, thus facilitating fund allocation and subsequent restoration project management.
Study of fine sediments for making lightweight aggregate
Authors: Hung Meng-Feng , Hwang Chao-Lung
Published: October 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate the recycling of the fine sediments of Shih-Men Reservoir to manufacture lightweight aggregate. By qualitative and quantitative analysis of the fine sediment and sintered aggregate through soil test, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, a strategy of recycling fine sediment as aggregate for other similar material is proposed. The test results indicate that such fine sediment can be classified as low plastic clay, and clay of such chemical composition is located in the Riley's `area of bloating'. The particle density of sintered lightweight aggregate decreases when the sintering temperature increases especially above 1200°C due to phase transformation and formation of a vitrified layer on the surface through subsequent dehydration, bloating and collapsing stages. Our findings show that the fine sediment of Shin-Men Reservoir could be a suitable raw material for making expanded lightweight aggregate sintered at 1200 to 1300°C for 10 to 12 min by a programmable furnace and a diffusion process.
Influence of test conditions on solubility controlled leaching predictions from air-pollution-control residues
Authors: Hyks Jiri , Astrup Thomas , Christensen Thomas H.
Published: October 2007

Leaching of Al, Ca, Mg, Si, S, Ba, Sr, Mo, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu from waste incineration air-pollution-control (APC) residues was investigated. Real-life conditions, i.e. removal of readily soluble compounds and longer equilibration time, were considered. Three different pH-static leaching experiments evaluating the importance of salt level and equilibration time were performed: (i) 48-h test on untreated APC residue samples, (ii) 48-h test on washed residue samples, and finally (iii) a 172-h test on washed residue samples. Experimental data were evaluated by geochemical modelling to identify potential solubility controlling minerals. For some elements (Al, Ca, Mg, Si, S, Mo, Zn, Cd, and Cu) the same controlling minerals were suggested regardless of the equilibration period or untreated/washed character of the tested material, whereas leaching of other elements (Ba, Sr) was far better described by considering a longer equilibration time, thereby pointing out the kinetic effects. Finally, a significant fraction of total lead (57%) was found to be rather mobile in the initial stage of leaching. Both pre-washing of the residues and longer equilibration times were shown to be simple yet useful methods to identify mineral phases that could control the release of constituents after the removal of readily soluble compounds in the initial stage of leaching.
Study of the evaporation process of saline waste from the tanning industry
Authors: Bódalo A. , Gómez J.L. , Gómez E. , Hidalgo A.M. , Alemán A.
Published: October 2007

The second and third steps of wastewater treatment in the tanning industry generate sludges that are rich in salts, organic matter and suspended solids. Since these are formally catalogued as industrial wastes by environmental legislation, they cannot be disposed of directly but need a final treatment. One of the problems with these wastes is their high water content, which has to be reduced. In the particular case of the concentrated streams from the secondary and tertiary treatment steps, the sludges are first concentrated by evaporation, and the evaporated water is used in other parts of the plant. This study, which preceded evaporator design, analysed the evaporation process (laboratory scale) of a saline residue produced in the reverse osmosis step of the treatment of tanning wastewaters by the company Aquagest Levante, S.A. in Lorca (Murcia, Spain), to ascertain its behaviour in the evaporation process and the evolution of its physical properties. The study served to determine the exact mineralogy and ionic composition as well as the characteristics of the waste in question. This information was used in the last step of the design of the evaporation equipment.
Locked-Out Lovers: Wisdom of Solomon 1.16 in Light of the Paraclausithyron Motif
Authors: Dodson J.R.
Published: October 2007

The common Greco-Roman motif of paraclausithyron was made up of three key elements. These most basic components found in both rudimentary and developed forms of paraclausithyron are (1) an inflamed lover, who for some reason (2) has been locked-out from the beloved, which results in (3) expressions of deep longing to be united with them. This article establishes these elements in classical examples and demonstrates that Wis. Sol. 1.16 contains these three elements in its reference to the love affair between the ungodly and the personification of Death. Such an allusion to this motif would show the extent of the fools' commitment to evil and would assist in the sage's pursuit to make their actions look absurd. It is likely that the audience of the Wisdom of Solomon would have picked up on this allusion.
Economic Common Sense and the Depoliticization of the Economic
Authors: Swanson Jacinda
Published: October 2007

This article theorizes and begins to explore the extent to which academic and nonacademic discourses contribute to the reproduction and legitimacy of the economic status quo. The author argues that economic practices in the United States are often depoliticized in at least two different ways: They are naturalized or essentialized conceptually, and political control over them is limited. Drawing on antiessentialist Marxian economic theory, Gramsci's theory of hegemony, and poststructuralist theory, the author constructs a framework for conceptualizing economic practices in a more politicized manner. The author also provides some specific examples of depoliticized discourses and a few examples of more politicized discourses.
Justice and the Environment in Nussbaum's “Capabilities Approach”
Authors: Holland Breena
Published: October 2007

What principles should guide how society distributes environmental benefits and burdens? Like many liberal theories of justice, Martha Nussbaum's “capabilities approach” does not adequately address this question. The author argues that the capabilities approach should be extended to account for the environment's instrumental value to human capabilities. Given this instrumental value, protecting capabilities requires establishing certain environmental conditions as an independent “meta-capability.” When combined with Nussbaum's nonprocedural method of political justification, this extension provides the basis for adjudicating environmental justice claims. The author applies this extended capabilities approach to assess the distribution of benefits and burdens associated with climate change.
Assessing College Students' Satisfaction With Their Academic Majors
Authors: Nauta Margaret M.
Published: October 2007

A six-item measure of global satisfaction with one's major, the Academic Major Satisfaction Scale (AMSS), was developed and validated. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggested a unidimensional structure. The measure had high internal consistency and distinguished between students who remained in their majors versus those who changed majors during 1- and 2-year periods. AMSS scores were positively associated with career decision self-efficacy and negatively associated with career choice anxiety and generalized indecisiveness. AMSS scores were also associated with indices of socially desirable responding, but social desirability did not account for the relationships between major satisfaction and the career decision-making variables. Implications for theory and ideas for using the AMSS in research and practice are presented.
Charting Grades Over 26 Years to Evaluate a Career Course
Authors: Reardon Robert C. , Leierer Stephen J. , Lee Donghyuck
Published: October 2007

Grades in a standardized career course offered at a large southeastern university over a 26-year period were analyzed to measure the impact on student learning. The results revealed that 74% of the 6,176 students completing the course met the learning objectives of the course with a grade of B+ or higher. Grades did not differ across quarter and semester systems or following the introduction of a plus—minus grading scheme. However, grades were lower toward the end of the 26-year period following the introduction of a career theory to the course and coinciding with the increasing use of the Internet in occupational research. Grades varied by semester, and they were lower in the most recent period than in any other. Implications for career course design and management based on these longitudinal results are explained.
Party Polarization and the Rise of Partisan Voting in U.S. House Elections
Authors: Born Richard
Published: October 2007

Most explanations for the increased effect of partisanship on voting for the U.S. House focus on the polarization of parties at the elite levels of politics. It remains unclear, however, just how the two phenomena are connected. In this study, we find that partisans near the extreme of their respective party's prevailing ideology have largely been responsible for the change in voting behavior, because it is these voters who have experienced the greatest increase in relative ideological closeness to the party at the same time that the ideological component of party identification has become a more powerful determinant of electoral choice. There is little support, however, for the idea that partisan realignment by moderately liberal Republicans and moderately conservative Democrats in response to perceptions of growing divergence between the parties has been the mechanism behind elevated party-based voting.
Exit, Voice, and Interest Group Governance
Authors: Barakso Maryann , Schaffner Brian F.
Published: October 2007

Interest groups constitute critical mediating institutions linking citizens and political elites, thereby enhancing participation and representation at all levels of government. But to what extent are citizens connected to the organizations to which they belong? In this article, we demonstrate that some voluntary organizations are structured more democratically than others and examine the reasons for these differences. Analyzing the bylaws of a random sample of 114 national membership organizations, we find that groups from which exit is more costly (professional associations and unions) are structured more democratically than those in which members face fewer barriers to exit (citizen associations). Our findings raise important concerns about the extent to which members of citizen associations are provided meaningful avenues for participation and, ultimately, the extent to which these organizations truly link citizens to their government.
Toward a One-Party South?
Authors: Hayes Danny , McKee Seth C.
Published: October 2007

Most observers now consider the American South a two-party region, with Democrats and Republicans competing vigorously for political office. In this article, we raise the possibility that the South has begun a transformation into a one-party region dominated by the GOP. Three factors tip the scales in the party's favor: the ideological congruence between the Republican Party and the region's electorate, the Republican trend among the region's younger voters, and the incumbency advantage accrued by current Republican officeholders. Using a vast array of longitudinal data from the South, we provide evidence that speaks to the daunting challenges facing the Democratic Party in the South. We also address the results in the South's 2006 midterm elections. The findings suggest that as the United States' most reliably Republican region continues to change, Democrats may have an exceedingly difficult time winning statewide races.
Platelet-associated PF-4 as a biomarker of early tumor growth
Authors: Cervi David , Yip Tai-Tung , Bhattacharya Nandita , Podust Vladimir N. , Peterson Jon , Abou-Slaybi Abdo , Naumov George N. , Bender Elise , Almog Nava , Italiano Joseph E. , Folkman Judah , Klement Giannoula L.
Published: October 2007

Early tumor detection and intervention are important determinants of survival in patients with cancer. We have recently reported that the “platelet angiogenesis proteome” may be used to detect microscopic tumors in mice. We now present evidence that changes in platelet-associated platelet factor-4 (PF-4) detect malignant growth across a spectrum of human cancers in mice. A deregulated expression of an 8206-Da protein was observed by surfaceenhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-ToF MS) proteomic comparison of platelets from normal and tumor-bearing mice. The differentially expressed protein was identified as PF-4 by tandem mass spectrometry and ProteinChip immunoassay using anti–PF-4 antibody. The platelet-associated PF-4 appeared to be up-regulated in early growth of human liposarcoma, mammary adenocarcinoma, and osteosarcoma. A 120-day follow-up study of liposarcoma revealed a sustained 2-fold or higher increase of platelet-associated PF-4 at 19, 30, and 120 days. In contrast, only an insignificant change of PF-4 was observed in the plasma of mice bearing the different human tumor xenografts, and throughout the 120 days of the liposarcoma study. We conclude that platelet-associated PF-4, but not its plasma counterpart, may represent a potential biomarker of early tumor presence.
Bovine monocyte TLR2 receptors differentially regulate the intracellular fate ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp. paratuberculosis andMycobacterium aviumsubsp.avium
Authors: Weiss Douglas J , Souza Cleverson D , Evanson Oral A , Sanders Mark , Rutherford Mark
Published: October 2007

Pathogenic mycobacterial organisms have the capacity to inhibit macrophage activation and phagosome maturation. Although the mechanism is complex, several studies have incriminated signaling through TLR2 receptors with subsequent activation of the MAPK pathway p38 (MAPKp38) and overproduction of IL-10 in the survival of pathogenic mycobacterial organisms. In the present study, we compared the response of bovine monocytes with infection by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), the cause of paratuberculosis in ruminants, with the closely related organism M. avium subspecies avium (Maa), which usually does not cause disease in ruminants. Both MAP and Maa induced phosphorylation of MAPKp38 by bovine monocytes; however, addition of a blocking anti-TLR2 antibody partially prevented MAPKp38 phosphorylation of MAP-infected monocytes but not Maa-infected monocytes. Addition of anti-TLR2 antibody enhanced phagosome acidification and phagosome-lysosome fusion in MAP-containing phagosomes and enabled monocytes to kill MAP organisms. These changes were not observed in Maa-infected monocytes. The effect on phagosome maturation appears to occur independently from the previously described inhibitory effects of IL-10 on phagosome acidification and organism killing, as IL-10 production was not affected by addition of anti-TLR2 antibody to monocyte cultures. Therefore, signaling through the TLR2 receptor appears to play a role in phagosome trafficking and antimicrobial responses in MAP-infected bovine mononuclear phagocytes.
Mutations in the BMP pathway in mice support the existence of two molecular classes of holoprosencephaly
Authors: Fernandes Marie , Gutin Grigoriy , Alcorn Heather , McConnell Susan K. , Hébert Jean M.
Published: October 2007

Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is a devastating forebrain abnormality with a range of morphological defects characterized by loss of midline tissue. In the telencephalon, the embryonic precursor of the cerebral hemispheres,specialized cell types form a midline that separates the hemispheres. In the present study, deletion of the BMP receptor genes, Bmpr1b and Bmpr1a, in the mouse telencephalon results in a loss of all dorsal midline cell types without affecting the specification of cortical and ventral precursors. In the holoprosencephalic Shh-/- mutant, by contrast, ventral patterning is disrupted, whereas the dorsal midline initially forms. This suggests that two separate developmental mechanisms can underlie the ontogeny of HPE. The Bmpr1a;Bmpr1b mutant provides a model for a subclass of HPE in humans: midline inter-hemispheric HPE.
HIF1α regulation ofSox9is necessary to maintain differentiation of hypoxic prechondrogenic cells during early skeletogenesis
Authors: Amarilio Roy , Viukov Sergey V. , Sharir Amnon , Eshkar-Oren Idit , Johnson Randall S. , Zelzer Elazar
Published: October 2007

During early stages of limb development, the vasculature is subjected to extensive remodeling that leaves the prechondrogenic condensation avascular and, as we demonstrate hereafter, hypoxic. Numerous studies on a variety of cell types have reported that hypoxia has an inhibitory effect on cell differentiation. In order to investigate the mechanism that supports chondrocyte differentiation under hypoxic conditions, we inactivated the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) in mouse limb bud mesenchyme. Developmental analysis of Hif1α-depleted limbs revealed abnormal cartilage and joint formation in the autopod,suggesting that HIF1α is part of a mechanism that regulates the differentiation of hypoxic prechondrogenic cells. Dramatically reduced cartilage formation in Hif1α-depleted micromass culture cells under hypoxia provided further support for the regulatory role of HIF1αin chondrogenesis. Reduced expression of Sox9, a key regulator of chondrocyte differentiation, followed by reduction of Sox6, collagen type II and aggrecan in Hif1α-depleted limbs raised the possibility that HIF1α regulation of Sox9 is necessary under hypoxic conditions for differentiation of prechondrogenic cells to chondrocytes. To study this possibility, we targeted Hif1αexpression in micromass cultures. Under hypoxic conditions, Sox9expression was increased twofold relative to its expression in normoxic condition; this increment was lost in the Hif1α-depleted cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated direct binding of HIF1α to the Sox9 promoter, thus supporting direct regulation of HIF1αon Sox9 expression. This work establishes for the first time HIF1α as a key component in the genetic program that regulates chondrogenesis by regulating Sox9 expression in hypoxic prechondrogenic cells.
The Problem with Social Housing: discretion, accountability and the welfare ideal
Authors: Smith Susan J. , Mallinson Sara
Published: October 2007

Research on the practical problems of allocating homes according to need has recently been eclipsed by heated debate on the privatisation of public housing. In the wake of the British government’s new commitment to the idea of state-subsidised accommodation, this paper reconsiders the problem of discretion in effecting welfare transfers. It explores how nine local authority housing departments process applications from people with health problems and mobility needs. We argue, contrary to the prevailing wisdom, that discretion is inevitable, necessary and often desirable when assessing housing needs and matching needy applicants to homes. Neither total market freedom nor complete bureaucratic constraint seem likely to solve the problem with social housing. However, an approach balancing unavoidable discretion with rigorous accountability might be a fruitful way forward.
Industrial Policy Partners: explaining the European level firm-Commission interplay for electronics
Authors: Lawton Thomas C.
Published: October 2007

This paper explores the relationship which exists between the European Commission and electronics transnational corporations (TNCs) in the creation and control of European Community (EC) industrial policy. The objective is to understand and to provide a framework of analysis for the processes of Commission–TNC relations. This necessitates understanding how the various organisations interact and how they influence one another (Wilks and Wright, 1987: 275). This policy-making power interplay is best conceptualised in terms of the Pentagonal Diplomacy model. It is acknowledged that other actors, especially national governments, are important players in EC industrial policy formulation. We argue however, that EC electronics policy is shaped and guided mainly by the Commission and a group of large firms. This process occurs through what Wilks and Wright describe as “informal relationships” (1987: 286), the effects of which are often underestimated in analyses of EC industrial policy.
Direct Democracy in Practice: the case of ‘Community Ownership’ housing associations
Authors: Clapham David , Kintrea Keith , Kay Helen
Published: October 2007

This paper evaluates the achievement of ‘direct democracy’ in Community Ownership schemes. Community Ownership is a programme in Scotland to create small, community-based housing associations and cooperatives in areas of former council housing. The paper reviews four different views of direct democracy: as a form of radical politics; as a means of encouraging better or more rational decision making; as a method of rolling back the state, improving competition and consumer choice; and as a way of improving liberal democracy. It concludes that Community Ownership is neither radical politics nor privatisation, but that it has resulted in better service provision and has provided some limited democratic benefits.
Consumerism Versus Empowerment: a principled approach to the involvement of older service users
Authors: Barnes Marian , Walker Alan
Published: October 2007

The first purpose of this article is to critically evaluate the particular approach to user involvement and user empowerment adopted by the British government. In order to expose fully the rather shallow basis of this model of user involvement, we use the term ‘consumerism’ to convey the market analogy underpinning the government’s policy and contrast this with genuine empowerment. Secondly, the article contains an outline of the eight key principles according to which the empowerment of service users could be realised. Finally, a practical example is used to show how to achieve the empowerment of frail older people.
Child Protection in a Multi-Racial Context
Authors: Owen Morag , Farmer Elaine
Published: October 2007

Between 1989 and 1993, the authors conducted research on decision making, intervention and outcome in child protection work (Farmer and Owen, 1995). The project was based at Bristol University and funded by the Department of Health. The main research, which was carried out in two local authorities, was extended to a metropolitan area in order to include a sample of Black children on the child protection register. This article outlines some of the findings from the sub-study, and highlights issues of importance when child protection work is carried out in a multi-racial context.
Revaluing the NHS: empowering ourselves to shape a health care system fit for the 21st century
Authors: Towell David
Published: October 2007

Like the United Kingdom itself, the National Health Service needs renewal to meet the challenge of the next century. Critically, this requires that we reexamine the values which underpin the NHS - building on its postwar foundations but learning from subsequent disappointments and adapting to contemporary conditions. By reflecting on personal experiences we can identify values informing the everyday practice of successful health care and show their relationship to wider social assumptions which provide the context for health system design. Through sharing in dialogue about these values we can empower ourselves to shape a better future.