bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exchanges of group‐based favours: Ingroup bias in the prisoner's dilemma game with minimal groups in Japan and New Zealand
Authors: Yamagishi Toshio , Mifune Nobuhiro , Liu James H. , Pauling Joel
Published: July 2008

Japanese (N = 48) and New Zealander (N = 55) participants were first assigned to one of two minimal groups, and then played a prisoner's dilemma game twice with an ingroup member and twice with an outgroup member. In one of the two games they played with an ingroup (or outgroup) member, participants and their partner knew one another's group memberships (mutual‐knowledge condition). In the unilateral‐knowledge condition, only the participants knew the group membership of their partner, but the partner did not know the group membership of the participant. Ingroup bias in cooperation emerged only in the mutual‐knowledge condition in both countries; in the unilateral‐knowledge condition no ingroup bias emerged. Mediational analyses found that, in accord with predictions, cooperation in the mutual‐knowledge condition is mediated by expectation of the partner's cooperation. Ingroup bias in the mutual‐knowledge condition emerged only among those who identified with the ingroup. Results provide support for a group heuristics account of ingroup favouritism in the minimal group. According to this account, participants who face minimal groups activate an ecologically adaptive heuristic of unilaterally cooperating with members of the same group, expecting indirect repayment from others in the same group.
Building Communities, Bridging Gaps: Alexander George's Contributions to Research Methods
Authors: Bennett Andrew
Published: July 2008

This article assesses Alexander L. George's seminal contributions in six areas of political psychology and qualitative case study methods. These include George's work on psychological inputs in political processes, the intersection of history and political science, methods of within‐case analysis such as process tracing, the use of structured, focused case comparisons (SFCC), the development of typological theories, and the connections among theory, empirical research, teaching, and policy. The article concludes with an analysis of four ongoing dimensions of George's research agenda: the need to integrate theories on purposive, cognitive, social, and motivational dynamics of decision making; the importance of methodological safeguards against our own cognitive biases as researchers; ways of integrating qualitative, quantitative, formal, and experimental research methods; and ways of modeling and testing theories on causal complexity.
The Theory and Practice of Foreign Policy Decision Making
Authors: Renshon Jonathan , Renshon Stanley A.
Published: July 2008

Central to Alex George's work was a concern with the psychology of presidential decision making. Our analysis focuses on George's work at the intersection of leadership psychology and the psychology of judgment in the making of consequential foreign policy decisions, specifically those dealing with issues of war and peace. We begin with a review of the fundamental dilemmas of political decision making, focusing on the various factors that present challenges to leaders seeking to make high‐quality decisions. We then move to an analysis of the nature of judgment and the ways in which it both shapes and is shaped by cognitive dynamics and conclude by examining a number of steps designed to help leaders avoid the most damaging blind spots of their own psychologies and cognitive biases.
A Theoretical Perspective on Multilateral Agreements on Investment*
Authors: Turrini Alessandro , Urban Dieter M.
Published: July 2008

Why do we observe some developing countries objecting to the prospect of a Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI), even though they have been keen to liberalize investment in preferential agreements in recent years? In this paper, we analyze the issue of MAI implementation and assess the welfare consequences of such kind of agreements. In our model, participation to MAI involves a tradeoff between less rent extraction from multinational firms (MNEs) and more abundant FDI inflows. At equilibrium, either all countries enter MAI, or all countries stay out, or only some of them enter. Coordination problems may induce multiple equilibria: the three types of equilibria may coexist. So, the implementation of MAI may depend not only on structural factors but also on the general “political climate.” When all countries join MAI, world welfare is maximized because this minimizes the hold‐up problem faced by MNEs and stimulates investment. However, in an asymmetric world, welfare gains are not guaranteed for all countries.
The Gender Dimension of Social Policy Reform in Turkey: Towards Equal Citizenship?
Authors: Kılıç Azer
Published: July 2008

This article discusses the current social policy reform process in Turkey from a gender perspective. Until now, social security and labour regulations have provided women with special benefits and protections. Depending on the particular case, these gender‐specific policies can be interpreted differently – as positive discrimination, satisfying practical gender interests, or as a reinforcement of traditional gender norms and relations, stigmatizing women as a weaker, vulnerable group in need of special protection. Ongoing reform initiatives, however, neutralize most of these long‐lasting gendered policies, either by terminating rights formerly enjoyed only by women or by extending these rights to men as well. The article questions this changing nature of social policy as to whether it promises equal citizenship for women or increases their vulnerability, in the absence of former benefits and without sufficient policy measures for improved capability.
Model Equations for Gravity‐Capillary Waves in Deep Water
Authors: Akers Benjamin , Milewski Paul A.
Published: July 2008

The Euler equations for water waves in any depth have been shown to have solitary wave solutions when the effect of surface tension is included. This paper proposes three quadratic model equations for these types of waves in infinite depth with a two‐dimensional fluid domain. One model is derived directly from the Euler equations. Two further simpler models are proposed, both having the full gravity‐capillary dispersion relation, but preserving exactly either a quadratic energy or a momentum. Solitary wavepacket waves are calculated for each model. Each model supports the elevation and depression waves known to exist in the Euler equations. The stability of these waves is discussed, as is the dynamics resulting from instabilities and solitary wave collisions.
Long‐time Solutions of the Ostrovsky Equation
Authors: Grimshaw Roger , Helfrich Karl
Published: July 2008

The Ostrovsky equation is a modification of the Korteweg‐de Vries equation which takes account of the effects of background rotation. It is well known that the usual Korteweg‐de Vries solitary wave decays and is replaced by radiating inertia gravity waves. Here we show through numerical simulations that after a long‐time a localized wave packet emerges as a persistent and dominant feature. The wavenumber of the carrier wave is associated with that critical wavenumber where the underlying group velocity is a minimum (in absolute value). Based on this feature, we construct a weakly nonlinear theory leading to a higher‐order nonlinear Schrödinger equations in an attempt to describe the numerically found wave packets.
Diversity and Affirmative Action in Higher Education
Authors: EPPLE DENNIS , ROMANO RICHARD , SIEG HOLGER
Published: July 2008

We examine the practice of affirmative action and consequences of its proscription on the admission and tuition policies of institutions of higher education in a general equilibrium framework. Colleges are differentiated ex ante by endowments and compete for students that differ by race, household income, and academic qualification. Proscription of affirmative action requires that admission and tuition policies are race blind. Colleges then use the informational content about race in income and academic qualification in reformulating their optimal policies. We find that minority students pay lower tuition and attend higher‐quality schools because of affirmative action. A ban of affirmative action will lead to a substantial decline of minority students in the top‐tier colleges.
Tax Overpayments, Tax Evasion, and Book‐Tax Differences
Authors: GOERKE LASZLO
Published: July 2008

A strictly risk‐averse manager makes joint decisions on a firm's tax payments and book profit declarations according to accounting standards. It is analyzed how the incentives to overpay or evade taxes and to inflate book profits are influenced by (1) the composition of the manager's remuneration, (2) the ability to control the manager's actions, (3) the costs of making untruthful profit declarations, and (4) the tax rate. If the firm's owner or the government take into account these effects when pursuing their own objectives, the changes in tax payments and book profit declarations become theoretically more ambiguous.
Analysis of Heat Wave Effects on Health by Using Generalized Additive Model and Bootstrap-Based Model Selection
Authors: Pauli Francesco , Rizzi Laura
Published: July 2008

It is known that high summer temperature may lead to worsening health conditions among fragile individuals within exposed populations. It is also argued that multiday patterns of high temperature—heat waves—may have relevant effects on health. We discuss the possible measures of intensities of heat waves to be included in a generalized additive model explaining the number of hospital admissions that occurred during summer months in Milan. The issue of variable selection is central to the analysis: a computational method is discussed which may help in assessing the robustness of the model selection method. Eventually, we obtain evidence supporting the relevance of heat waves in driving adverse health episodes.
UNCERTAINTY AND EXPECTATIONS IN SHACKLE'S THEORY OF CAPITAL AND INTEREST
Authors: Meacci Ferdinando
Published: July 2008

This paper is focused on the macroeconomic aspects of Shackle's theory of capital and interest. The paper highlights the strengths and weaknesses of this theory. Among the strengths is Shackle's treatment of historical time, expectations and their disappointment, ex ante and ex post magnitudes, macroeconomic equilibrium and disequilibrium. Among the weaknesses is Shackle's failure to grasp the difference between the theory of interest as such and the theory of the money rate of interest as well as the difference between the theory of capital in the context of logical time (the old Austrian approach) and the theory of capital in the context of historical time (Hayek's and Shackle's preferred approach).

In natural science, what is thought is built upon what is seen: but in economics, what is seen is built upon what is thought. (Shackle, 1972, p. 66)
Detecting Discrimination against Homosexuals: Evidence from a Field Experiment on the Internet
Authors: AHMED ALI M. , HAMMARSTEDT MATS
Published: July 2008

This paper presents the first field experiment studying discrimination against homosexuals on the housing market. The study is conducted on the rental housing market in Sweden using the internet as a research platform. Two fictitious couples, one heterosexual and one male homosexual, apply for vacant rental apartments advertised by landlords on the internet. Our findings show that homosexual males are discriminated against on the Swedish housing market, since the homosexual couple gets far fewer call‐backs and fewer invitations to further contacts and to showings of apartments than the heterosexual couple.
Uncertainty, Irreversibility, Durable Consumption and the Great Depression
Authors: EJARQUE JOÃO MIGUEL
Published: July 2008

What was the role of uncertainty in the Great Depression? This paper uses a calibrated general equilibrium model to show that, in response to an increase in uncertainty, agents increase expenditure on irreversible durable goods and reduce investment in irreversible physical capital. These relative movements occur because durable goods provide a store of utility and are less irreversible than physical capital. These substitutions are unclear at the start of the Great Depression but are clearly visible at the deep end of it in 1932, when the volatility of stock returns is consistently high.
Education and Taxation Policies in the Presence of Countervailing Incentives
Authors: KRAUSE ALAN
Published: July 2008

I examine income taxation and education policy when the government cannot observe individual productivity, and there exist conflicting incentives for individuals to understate and overstate their productivity. In this setting I identify four possible equilibria, and discuss the corresponding taxation/education policy mix. I show that no general restrictions on optimal taxation and education policy emerge in this environment, but each equilibrium and corresponding policy package can be associated with a country on the basis of its relative income and preference for redistribution.
Democracy through Multilevel Governance? The Implementation of the Structural Funds in South Yorkshire
Authors: BACHE IAN , CHAPMAN RACHAEL
Published: July 2008

This article considers the democratic qualities of multilevel governance at the stage of policy implementation closest to the ground, involving local residents and organizations. Drawing on a case study of the structural funds in South Yorkshire (United Kingdom), it puts forward three models of democracy through which to evaluate the democratic credentials of multilevel governance. The case study illustrates that among the expected complexity and technocracy at this stage of policymaking, there are also experiments in local democracy that have not previously been identified in the academic literature. As such, in the context of deep multilevel governance, there is evidence that while traditional mechanisms of accountability may be undermined, other mechanisms may provide a valuable alternative.
Enigmatic Variations: Honours Degree Assessment Regulations in the UK
Authors: Yorke Mantz , Woolf Harvey , Stowell Marie , Allen Rick , Haines Chris , Redding Marian , Scurry Dave , Taylor‐Russell Graham , Turnbull Wayne , Walker Lawrie
Published: July 2008

The debate in the UK about the continued existence of the honours degree classification led to a survey of the assessment regulations in 35 varied higher education institutions. This revealed considerable variation in the way in which honours degree classifications are determined, and also in the handling of weak performances by students. Such variability, deriving from a system in which institutional autonomy is to the fore, raises a question about equitability in the treatment of students. A brief allusion is made to the variability in assessment regulations in the US and Australia.
Academics in a New Work Environment: the Impact of New Public Management on Work Conditions
Authors: Santiago Rui , Carvalho Teresa
Published: July 2008

New public management (NPM) approaches have informed policy in the public sector in advanced countries in the last decade. Some authors suggest that the main objective of NPM at the organisational level is to change the traditional way professionals are regulated. This study examines the impact of NPM on the working conditions of Portuguese higher education academics. The empirical data are based on official statistics, and the analysis leads to the following conclusions. Changes have been slow, but already reveal a corrosion of traditional employment practices. Employment has become more precarious as professionals are increasingly employed on non‐tenured contracts. This tendency is more evident in the polytechnic sector. In short, this means that the growth in skilled employment in higher education in Portugal is based on precarious employment relations.
Impact of Institutional Changes on Hungarian Higher Education after 1989
Authors: Berde Éva , Ványolós István
Published: July 2008

This study uses data summaries and interviews to analyse changes in Hungarian higher education since 1989. The first part of the article relies on statistical data and puts the Hungarian higher education system into the international context. It focuses on enrolment changes, spending patterns and the number and quality of teaching personnel. Available data suggest a dramatic increase in enrolment, coupled with declining or stagnant resources. The second part of the study focuses on micro‐level activities of selected universities and departments, with special emphasis on research, teaching, administration and institutional change. The study argues that the creation of a stable, performance‐oriented, well‐financed higher education system in ex‐socialist Hungary has been achieved imperfectly.
Deserting Desert? Locating the Present Role of Retributivism in the Sentencing of Adult Offenders
Authors: DINGWALL GAVIN
Published: July 2008

Abstract: Academic literature has generally claimed that the importance of desert has been reduced dramatically over the past decade and now plays a minimal role in the sentencing of adult offenders. Whilst an initial reading of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 would support such a view, it will be shown that the Act preserves some very important retributive concepts. In addition, guidance from the Sentencing Guidelines Council, established by the 2003 Act, has concentrated on issues of harm and culpability, again suggesting that notions of desert remain highly important. Commentators have also maintained that provisions in the 2003 Act which allow sentencers to have regard to any relevant previous convictions in determining the seriousness of an offence demonstrate a retreat from desert. This claim will be analysed with reference to the extent that theories of desert can accommodate previous convictions. It will be concluded that, despite some significant changes to sentencing policy, desert retains a central role in the sentencing of adult offenders.
Breakdown of care: the case of Danish teenage placements
Authors: Egelund Tine , Vitus Kathrine
Published: July 2008

This article analyses the breakdown of teenage placements in Denmark from survey data on 227 teenagers placed in care during 2004. We explore frequencies of breakdown, time of breakdown occurrence and factors possibly causing breakdown. These are factors related to (i) the teenager, (ii) the parents, (iii) the care environment and (iv) the casework process. Results show that 26 per cent of the teenagers in the study experienced placement breakdown. Thirty per cent of these breakdowns occurred within the first 4 months of placement. A factor significantly increasing probability of breakdown was emotional problems of the teenager. A factor significantly reducing placement breakdown was the teenager having continuity with the same caseworker throughout the placement. System‐ and policy‐related factors also proved to have an influence on breakdown rates. We discuss possible policy implications of these findings.
Supporting familial and community care for children: legislative reform and implementation challenges in South Africa
Authors: Matthias Carmel R. , Zaal F. Noel
Published: July 2008

This article critically evaluates important legislative reforms in South Africa, which, at the height of the AIDS pandemic, are intended to reduce the need for removing children from their families or communities. In a textual analysis of the 2005 Children's Act and the 2006 Children's Act Amendment Bill, the shift in focus from individual interventions to a developmental approach incorporating prevention and early intervention is explained. New family service and alternative care orders such as partial care, shared care, cluster care and support for child‐headed households are described. Although these creative solutions have considerable potential, there are gaps in the legislation that require supplementary wording. Drawing on the work of researchers and commentators, it is also shown that an inappropriate approach towards implementation has commenced, which harms rather than assists children. Recommendations are made for improving implementation that may be of relevance to other countries faced with similar challenges.
‘Bad Trips’: Airplane Headache not Just in Airplanes?
Authors: Coutinho E , Pereira-Monteiro J
Published: July 2008

A type of headache associated with altitude variations in airplane travellers is increasingly reported and has recently become a subject of debate for experts. We present a patient with headache related to altitude variations in two different settings: airplane and mountain descent, suggesting that different kinds of triggers for pressure variation can cause the same type of pain.
The Usefulness and Applicability of a Basic Headache Diary Before First Consultation: Results of a Pilot Study Conducted In Two Centres
Authors: Tassorelli C , Sances G , Allena M , Ghiotto N , Bendtsen L , Olesen J , Nappi G , Jensen R
Published: July 2008

We tested the usefulness and applicability of a simplified headache diary in the diagnosis of migraine (M), tension-type headache (TTH) and medication overuse headache (MOH). The diary was given to headache patients before their first consultation at the headache centre. Seventy-six naive headache patients completed the study. Their understanding of the diary proved highly satisfactory. The patients' level of compliance was also good, with 71± returning the diary completely filled in. The data entered in the diary were deemed complete for the diagnostic purpose in 93± of cases. The level of agreement between headache information gathered through clinical interview and the headache diary was satisfactory. When comparing the diary with the clinical interview, sensitivity was 92± for M, 75± for TTH and MOH. Specificity was 58± for M and TTH, 87± for MOH. Combined use of a diagnostic diary and clinical interview is recommended from the first consultation for headache.
Difference in Triptan Effect in Patients With Migraine and Early Allodynia
Authors: Lampi C , Huber G , Haas S , Rittberger E , Diener HC
Published: July 2008

The aim of this study was to determine whether in migraine patients with and without aura early treatment with various triptans leads to differences in pain reduction after 1 h and in modulating cutaneous allodynia. Thirty-six patients with early manifestation of a clinically recognizable allodynia of the face and non-responders to earlier treatment with sumatriptan 100 mg were included. Patients were randomized to six triptan treatment groups. Significant pain reduction was seen only in the group receiving zolmitriptan nasal spray 5 mg with a mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score of 3.8 (S.D. 1.2) at baseline and 2.4 (S.D. 1.3; P = 0.015) at 1 h after using the triptan and was thus a predictor of a VAS score 3 within 1 h. The study results indicate that migraine headache intensity can be reduced within 1 h by using zolmitriptan 5 mg nasal spray in spite of the presence of early cutaneous allodynia.
Effectiveness and safety of a prevention‐of‐flare‐progression strategy with pimecrolimus cream 1% in the management of paediatric atopic dermatitis
Authors: Sigurgeirsson B , Ho V , Ferrándiz C , Andriano K , Grinienko A , Jimenez P ,   for the Pimecrolimus 1% cream in (paediatric) Eczema: Prevention of Progression multi‐centre investigator study group
Published: July 2008

Objective  This study was performed to investigate the efficacy and safety of a prevention‐of‐flare‐progression strategy with pimecrolimus cream 1% in children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD).

Methods  A 26‐week multi‐centre, randomized, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled study was conducted in 521 patients aged 2–17 years, with a history of mild or moderate AD, who were clear/almost clear of disease before randomization to pimecrolimus cream 1% (n = 256) or vehicle cream (n = 265). Twice‐daily treatment with study medication was started at the first signs and/or symptoms of recurring AD. If, despite the application of study medication for at least 3 days, AD worsened (as confirmed by the investigator), treatment with a moderately potent topical corticosteroid (TCS) was allowed in both groups. The primary efficacy end point was the number of days on study without TCS use for a flare.

Results  The mean number of TCS‐free days was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in the pimecrolimus cream 1% group (160.2 days) than in the control group (137.7 days). On average, patients on pimecrolimus cream 1% experienced 50% fewer flares requiring TCSs (0.84) than patients on vehicle cream (1.68) (P < 0.0001). Patients on pimecrolimus cream 1% also had fewer unscheduled visits (87) than patients on vehicle cream (246).

Conclusions  In children and adolescents with a history of mild or moderate AD but free/almost free of signs or symptoms of the disease, early treatment of subsequent AD exacerbations with pimecrolimus cream 1% prevented progression to flares requiring TCS, leading to fewer unscheduled visits and reducing corticosteroid exposure.
A clinical study comparing methyl aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy and surgery in small superficial basal cell carcinoma (8–20 mm), with a 12‐month follow‐up.
Authors: Szeimies RM , Ibbotson S , Murrell DF , Rubel D , Frambach Y , De Berker D , Dummer R , Kerrouche N , Villemagne H ,   on behalf of the Excilight Study Group
Published: July 2008

Objective  To compare the efficacy and cosmetic outcome (CO) of photodynamic therapy with topical methyl aminolevulinate (MAL‐PDT) with simple excision surgery for superficial basal cell carcinoma (sBCC) over a 1‐year period.

Methods  In this multicentre, randomised, controlled, open study, patients were treated at baseline either with MAL‐PDT (two sessions, 7 days apart, repeated 3 months later if incomplete clinical response) or surgery (at baseline). Primary endpoints were clinical lesion response (CR) 3 months after last treatment and CO assessed by the investigator 12 months after last treatment. Secondary endpoints were CR at 12 months (i.e. recurrence) and CO assessed by the investigator at 3 and 6 months and by the patient at 3, 6 and 12 months.

Results  Overall, 196 patients were enrolled with 1.4 sBCC lesions on average per patient. Mean lesion count reduction at 3 months was 92.2% with MAL‐PDT vs. 99.2% with surgery [per protocol (PP) population] confirming the non‐inferiority hypothesis (95% confidence interval, –12.1, –1.9). A total of 92.2% lesions showed CR at 3 months with MAL‐PDT vs. 99.2% with surgery (PP population). At 12 months, 9.3% lesions recurred with MAL‐PDT and none with surgery. CO was statistically superior for MAL‐PDT at all time points. At 12 months, 94.1% lesions treated with MAL‐PDT had an excellent or good CO according to the investigator compared with 59.8% with surgery. This difference was confirmed with the patients’ assessment. The proportion of excellent CO markedly improved with time with MAL‐PDT unlike surgery.

Conclusions  MAL‐PDT offers a similarly high efficacy and a much better CO than simple excision surgery in the treatment of sBCC.
Isolated and concurrent prevalence of sensitization to transition metals in a Spanish population
Authors: Bordel‐Gómez MT , Miranda‐Romero A , Castrodeza‐Sanz J
Published: July 2008

Background  Positive patch test results to transition metals (nickel sulphate, palladium chloride, cobalt chloride and potassium dichromate) alone and in combinations with one another are well known. Numerous factors may play a role in isolated and concurrent sensitization to these allergens.

Objetive  This study aims to describe the isolated and concurrent prevalence of sensitization to transition metals in a Spanish Dermatology Department, between 2000 and 2005, and to determine the prevalence of concomitant positive patch test reactions to different transitional metals.

Patients/methods  Patients (N= 1092) were tested with the standard series of our Allergic Contact Unity, using a standardized technique. Data from these patients were recorded on a computer entry form and analysed. Statistical analyses to evaluated associations of metal contact allergy were performed, and we evaluated the concordance among these associations of transition metals.

Results  Three hundred twenty (29.3%) patients reacted positively to nickel, 128 (11.7%) to palladium, 118 (10.8%) to cobalt and 82 (7.5%) to chromium. The prevalence of positive reactions to metals was 32.4%. The association of palladium–nickel was the most frequent, with an acceptable concordance (k= 0.46).

Conclusion  This study illustrates that concomitant positive patch test reactions to different transitional metals are frequently seen in patients with allergic contact dermatitis. Our results reflect the high prevalence of sensitization to nickel in Spain.
A Whole Genome Linkage Scan Identifies Multiple Chromosomal Regions Influencing Adiposity‐Related Traits among Samoans
Authors: Dai F. , Sun G. , Åberg K. , Keighley E. D. , Indugula S. R. , Roberts S. T. , Smelser D. , Viali S. , Jin L. , Deka R. , Weeks D. E. , McGarvey S. T.
Published: July 2008

We conducted a genome‐wide scan in 46 pedigrees, with 671 phenotyped adults, from the independent nation of Samoa to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for adiposity‐related phenotypes, including body mass index (BMI), abdominal circumference (ABDCIR), percent body fat (%BFAT), and fasting serum leptin and adiponectin. A set of 378 autosomal and 14 X chromosomal microsatellite markers were genotyped in 572 of the adults. Significant genetic correlations (0.82–0.96) were detected between pairs of BMI, ABDCIR, %BFAT and leptin. Suggestive linkages were found on 13q31 (LOD = 2.30 for leptin, LOD = 2.48 for %BFAT, LOD = 2.04 for ABDCIR, and LOD = 2.09 for BMI) and on 9p22 (LOD = 3.08 for ABDCIR and LOD = 2.53 for %BFAT). Furthermore, bivariate linkage analyses indicated that the genetic regions on 9p22 (bivariate LOD 2.35–3.10, LODeq (1df) 1.88–2.59) and 13q31 (bivariate LOD 1.96–2.64, LODeq 1.52–2.21) might harbor common major genes with pleiotropic effects. Other regions showing suggestive linkage included 4q22 (LOD = 2.95) and 7p14 (LOD = 2.64) for %BFAT, 2q13 for adiponectin (LOD = 2.05) and 19q12 for BMI‐adjusted leptin (LOD = 2.03). Further fine mapping of these regions may help identify the genetic variants contributing to the development of obesity in Samoan adults.
Anatomy of the nasal profile
Authors: Anderson K. J. , Henneberg M. , Norris R. M.
Published: July 2008

There is a lack in the understanding of the variation within the thickness of the soft tissue structures (muscle, skin and fat) overlying the cartilaginous skeleton of the nose and their relationship to the dorsum shape. We examined such relationships by dissecting noses of six adult female and six adult male cadavers, comparing the internal anatomical structures to the external nasal profile. We found that the soft tissue structures differ in thickness along the dorsum and that these differences are individualized. Specifically, continuous presence of subcutaneous fat from root to tip was found in half the sample, one nose had fat only on the tip, another one only on the root, the four others at both positions. The nasalis muscle was identifiable in nine of the 12 noses, transversing the nose in half the sample, and in the remaining three, only the lateral section of the muscle was identified. The superior border of the septal cartilage does not form a linear extension of the profile contour of the nasal bones but angles downwards. The actual profile contour of the dorsum does not follow the profile of the nasal bones or the septal cartilage. These results may influence the current use of nasal guidelines in forensic facial approximation.
G1 to S phase cell cycle transition in somatic and embryonic stem cells
Authors: Neganova Irina , Lako Majlinda
Published: July 2008

It is well known that G1 to S phase transition is tightly regulated by the expression and phosphorylation of a number of well‐characterized cyclins, cyclin‐dependent kinases and members of the retinoblastoma gene family. In this review we discuss the role of these components in regulation of G1 to S phase transition in somatic cells and human embryonic stem cells. Most importantly, we discuss some new tenable links between maintenance of pluripotency and cell cycle regulation in embryonic stem cells by describing the role that master transcription factors play in this process. Finally, the differences in cell cycle regulation between murine and human embryonic stem cells are highlighted, raising interesting questions regarding their biology and stages of embryonic development from which they have been derived.
The vomeronasal organ of the tammar wallaby
Authors: Schneider Nanette Y. , Fletcher Terence P. , Shaw Geoff , Renfree Marilyn B.
Published: July 2008

The vomeronasal organ is the primary olfactory organ that detects sexual pheromones in mammals. We investigated the anatomy of the vomeronasal organ of the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), a small macropodid marsupial. Pheromones may be important for activation of the hypothalamo‐pituitary axis of tammar males at the start of the breeding season because plasma testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentration in males rise concurrently with pregnancy and the post‐partum ovulation in females. The gross anatomy and the connection to the brain of the vomeronasal organ were examined by light and electron microscopy in adult male and female tammars. The vomeronasal organ was well developed in both sexes. The vomeronasal organ is a tubular organ connected at the rostral end via the nasopalatine duct (incisive duct) to the mouth and nasal cavity. At the rostral end the lumen of the vomeronasal organ was crescent shaped, changing to a narrow oval shape caudally. Glandular tissue associated with the vomeronasal organ increased towards the blind end of the organ. The tammar has the typical pattern of mammalian vomeronasal organs with electron‐dense supporting cells and electron‐lucent receptor cells. Microvilli were present on the surface of both epithelia while cilia were only found on the surface of the non‐receptor epithelium. Some non‐receptor epithelial cells appeared to secrete mucus into the vomeronasal organ lumen. The vomeronasal organ shows a high degree of structural conservation compared with eutherian mammals. The degree of vomeronasal organ development makes it likely that, as in other mammals, pheromones are important in the reproduction of the tammar.
Laminar and cytoarchitectonic features of the cerebral cortex in the Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Furutani Rui
Published: July 2008

The present investigation carried out Nissl, Klüver‐Barrera, and Golgi studies of the cerebral cortex in three distinct genera of oceanic dolphins (Risso's dolphin, striped dolphin and bottlenose dolphin) to identify and classify cortical laminar and cytoarchitectonic structures in four distinct functional areas, including primary motor (M1), primary sensory (S1), primary visual (V1), and primary auditory (A1) cortices. The laminar and cytoarchitectonic organization of each of these cortical areas was similar among the three dolphin species. M1 was visualized as five‐layer structure that included the molecular layer (layer I), external granular layer (layer II), external pyramidal layer (layer III), internal pyramidal layer (layer V), and fusiform layer (layer VI). The internal granular layer was absent. The cetacean sensory‐related cortical areas S1, V1, and A1 were also found to have a five‐layer organization comprising layers I, II, III, V and VI. In particular, A1 was characterized by the broadest layer I, layer II and developed band of pyramidal neurons in layers III (sublayers IIIa, IIIb and IIIc) and V. The patch organization consisting of the layer IIIb‐pyramidal neurons was detected in the S1 and V1, but not in A1. The laminar patterns of V1 and S1 were similar, but the cytoarchitectonic structures of the two areas were different. V1 was characterized by a broader layer II than that of S1, and also contained the specialized pyramidal and multipolar stellate neurons in layers III and V.
Human 2D (index) and 4D (ring) finger lengths and ratios: cross‐sectional data on linear growth patterns, sexual dimorphism and lateral asymmetry from 4 to 60 years of age
Authors: Gillam L. , McDonald R. , Ebling F. J. P. , Mayhew T. M.
Published: July 2008

Human 2D : 4D ratios (measures of the relative lengths of index and ring fingers) attract considerable research interest because they exhibit sexual dimorphism and are associated with various morphological, physiological and behavioural traits as well as sporting abilities and medical conditions. In an attempt to identify potential confounding factors in such studies, we have examined how relative and absolute digit lengths vary with gender and tested whether they are influenced by age, right–left asymmetry and hand preference. Participants between 4 and 60 years of age were recruited from local educational sites. Hand photocopies and calliper measurement were used to obtain digit lengths. We employed linear regression analysis to examine the growth trajectories of individual digits, analyses of variance to isolate main and interaction effects of age, gender and hand preference, and paired t‐tests to identify lateral asymmetries. Both digits exhibited biphasic growth with an early growth phase followed by a stable length phase. Digits in females attained their maximum length about 2.2 years (dextral subjects) or 5.1 years (sinistral subjects) earlier than those in males. Sexual dimorphism in 2D : 4D ratios was apparent by 4 years of age and age changes in ratios depended on gender, side and hand preference. Relative and absolute lengths displayed age, gender, hand‐preference and age × gender interaction effects. Lengths tended to be greater in females in younger subjects and greater in males in older subjects. Ratios tended to be greater in sinistral subjects. In dextral subjects, significant lateral asymmetries in 2D lengths were seen at all ages but asymmetries in males and 4D lengths seemed to be age‐dependent. We conclude that age, lateral asymmetry and hand preference are potential confounding factors and that future study designs should take account of these as well as other known confounders such as ethnicity, birth order, menstrual cycle phase and sexual preference.
The marbled crayfish: a new model organism for research on development, epigenetics and evolutionary biology
Authors: Vogt G.
Published: July 2008

Model organisms have contributed significantly to the understanding of basic biological phenomena. Suitable animal models are at hand for some research disciplines like genetics, development and cell biology but are still sought after for others like epigenetics. Research of the last years has revealed that the marbled crayfish (Marmorkrebs), which was discovered in the mid‐1990s, meets researchers' demands for a vigorous, genetically identical and eurytopic laboratory model very well. Its most prominent advantages are production of high numbers of genetically identical offspring, stepwise alteration of the phenotype by moulting, complex morphology and behaviour and sequential generation of segments and limbs. This paper first reviews the discovery and research history of the marbled crayfish, its biology and culture and its special advantages. It then discusses, based on the published data, its suitability as a laboratory model for various research disciplines. The greatest potential of the marbled crayfish lies in epigenetics and environmental epigenomics and in stem cell research and regeneration. The marbled crayfish also appears to be suitable for the investigation of the role of stochastic developmental variation and epigenetic inheritance in evolution and to contribute to evo‐devo and eco‐devo. This unique crayfish is even of some value for applied biologists, for example as a toxicological test species.
Desiccation tolerance in embryonic stages of the tardigrade
Authors: Schill R. O. , Fritz G. B.
Published: July 2008

Desiccation tolerance commonly found among tardigrades allows them to cope with temporal variation of available water. Although the long‐term survival of adults has been demonstrated in several species, desiccation tolerance of eggs and embryos is less well studied, however it is an important aspect from an ecological and evolutionary point of view. For the first time we evaluated the desiccation tolerance and subsequent hatching success of five different developmental stages of the tardigrade species Milnesium tardigradum, when rehydrated following drying at eight different humidity levels (10, 20, 31, 40, 54, 59, 72, 81%). Humidity level and developmental stage are significant factors in determining successful hatch rates. The results showed that the less developed stages were quite sensitive to desiccation. Low humidity levels during the first 3 days of development lead to a decrease in hatch rates following rehydration. Later developmental stages showed higher hatch rates than embryos dried at earlier stages. However, fast drying at low humidity levels resulted in delayed development and lower hatch rates following rehydration. In general, further developed embryos exhibit a better survival capacity compared with younger stages.
Economic nationalism in Flanders before the Second World War
Authors: BOEHME OLIVIER
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT. In this article the author makes the claim that economic nationalist ideas had their origins in the Flemish Movement before the First World War and were further developed in the interwar period. This is an important modification of the classical view that Flemish nationalism before the Second World War was mainly focused on the linguistic and cultural situation in Belgium. Central to this contribution is the view of economic nationalism as an ideology using social and economic means for nationalistic purposes, although there are variations in the degree to which economy and nationalism are tools or purpose. In any case there was not much consistency, because there were different views on what constituted the interests of the ‘Flemish nation’, and which social and economic principles should be adopted. In addition, a movement that did not show much unity could not construct a homogeneous social‐economic agenda.
Constructions of Australia in pro‐ and anti‐asylum seeker political discourse
Authors: EVERY DANIELLE , AUGOUSTINOS MARTHA
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT. Whilst there has been a proliferation of research on the role of nationalism in the exclusion of asylum seekers, less attention has been paid to how nationalism can be mobilised in accounts opposing, rather than supporting, harsh anti‐asylum seeker regimes. This paper compares the ways in which ‘Australia’ is constructed and used in parliamentary speeches on asylum seekers by both refugee advocates and those seeking harsher asylum seeker laws in Australia. This dual focus is particularly important as it highlights the flexibility of nationalist discourse, in that the same constructions of the nation may be used for both exclusive and inclusive purposes. Whilst typologies of inclusive and exclusive nationalisms, such as Smith's (1991) ethnic/civic typology, focus on the content of nationalist ideologies, we argue that the inclusivity or exclusivity of nationalism can best be determined by examining the subject positions, political solutions and social realities they make possible, and who these discourses benefit and oppress.
Potential contribution of natural enemies to patterns of local adaptation in plants
Authors: Crémieux Lisèle , Bischoff Armin , Šmilauerová Majka , Lawson Clare S. , Mortimer Simon R. , Doležal Jiří , Lanta Vojtěch , Edwards Andrew R. , Brook Alex J. , Tscheulin Thomas , Macel Mirka , Lepš Jan , Müller‐Schärer Heinz , Steinger Thomas
Published: July 2008

DOI:10.1111/j.1469-8137.2008.02632.xCommentary p 265
Premature centromere division of the X chromosome in neurons in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Spremo‐Potparević Biljana , Živković Lada , Djelić Ninoslav , Plećaš‐Solarović Bosiljka , Smith Mark A. , Bajić Vladan
Published: July 2008

Premature centromere division (PCD) represents a loss of control over the sequential separation and segregation of chromosome centromeres. Although first described in aging women, PCD on the X chromosome (PCD,X) is markedly elevated in peripheral blood lymphocytes of individuals suffering from Alzheimer disease (AD). The present study evaluated PCD,X, using a fluorescentin situhybridization method, in interphase nuclei of frontal cerebral cortex neurons from sporadic AD patients and age‐matched controls. The average frequency of PCD,X in AD patients (8.60 ± 1.20%) was almost three times higher (p < 0.01) than in the control group (2.96 ± 1.20). However, consistent with previous studies, no mitotic cells were found in neurons in either AD or control brain, suggesting an intrinsic inability of post‐mitotic neurons to divide. In view of the fact that it has been well‐documented that neurons in AD can re‐enter into the cell division cycle, the findings presented here of increased PCD advance the hypothesis that deregulation of the cell cycle may contribute to neuronal degeneration and subsequent cognitive deficits in AD.
Modulation of the neuronal response to ischaemia by somatostatin analogues in wild‐type and knock‐out mouse retinas
Authors: Cervia Davide , Martini Davide , Ristori Chiara , Catalani Elisabetta , Timperio Anna Maria , Bagnoli Paola , Casini Giovanni
Published: July 2008

Somatostatin acts at five G protein‐coupled receptors, sst1‐sst5. In mouse ischaemic retinas, the over‐expression of sst2 (as in sst1 knock‐out mice) results in the reduction of cell death and glutamate release. In this study, we reported that, in wild‐type retinas, somatostatin, the multireceptor ligand pasireotide and the sst2 agonist octreotide decreased ischaemia‐induced cell death and that octreotide also decreased glutamate release. In contrast, cell death was increased by blocking sst2 with cyanamide. In sst2 over‐expressing ischaemic retinas, somatostatin analogues increased cell death, and octreotide also increased glutamate release. To explain this reversal of the anti‐ischaemic effect of somatostatin agonists in the presence of sst2 over‐expression, we tested sst2 desensitisation because of internalisation or altered receptor function. We observed that (i) sst2 was not internalised, (ii) among G protein‐coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) and regulators of G protein signalling (RGSs), GRK1 and RGS1 expression increased following ischaemia, (iii) both GRK1 and RGS1 were down‐regulated by octreotide in wild‐type ischaemic retinas, (iv) octreotide down‐regulated GRK1 but not RGS1 in sst2 over‐expressing ischaemic retinas. These results demonstrate that sst2 activation protects against retinal ischaemia. However, in the presence of sst2 over‐expression sst2 is functionally desensitised by agonists, possibly because of sustained RGS1 levels.