bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Semicircular Canal Size to Vestibular-Nerve Afferent Sensitivity in Mammals
Authors: Yang Aizhen , Hullar Timothy E.
Published: October 2007

The relationship between semicircular canal radius of curvature and afferent sensitivity has not been experimentally determined. We characterized mouse semicircular canal afferent responses to sinusoidal head rotations to facilitate interspecies and intraspecies comparisons of canal size to sensitivity. The interspecies experiment compared the horizontal canal afferent responses among animals ranging in size from mouse to rhesus monkey. The intraspecies experiment compared afferent responses from the larger anterior canal to those from the smaller horizontal canal of mice. The responses of mouse vestibular-nerve afferents showed a low- and high-frequency phase lead and high-frequency gain enhancement. Regular horizontal-canal afferents showed a sensitivity to 0.5-Hz sinusoidal rotations of 0.10 ± 0.03 (SD) spike · s−1/deg · s−1and high-gain irregular afferents showed a sensitivity of 0.25 ± 0.11 spike · s−1/deg · s−1. The interspecies comparison showed that the sensitivity of regular afferents was related to the radius of curvature R according to the formula Gr= 0.23R − 0.09 ( r2= 0.86) and the sensitivity of irregular afferents was related to radius according to the formula Gi= 0.32R + 0.01 ( r2= 0.67). The intraspecies comparison showed that regularly firing anterior canal afferents were significantly more sensitive than those from the relatively smaller horizontal canal, with Gr= 0.25R. This suggests that canal radius of curvature is closely related to afferent sensitivity both among and within species. If the relationship in humans is similar to that demonstrated here, the sensitivity of their regular vestibular-nerve afferents to 0.5-Hz rotations is likely to be about 0.67 spike · s−1/deg · s−1and of their high-gain irregular afferents about 1.06 spikes · s−1/deg · s−1.
Feeding CPG in Aplysia Directly Controls Two Distinct Outputs of a Compartmentalized Interneuron That Functions as a CPG Element
Authors: Sasaki Kosei , Due Michael R. , Jing Jian , Weiss Klaudiusz R.
Published: October 2007

In the context of motor program generation in Aplysia, we characterize several functional aspects of intraneuronal compartmentalization in an interganglionic interneuron, CBI-5/6. CBI-5/6 was shown previously to have a cerebral compartment (CC) that includes a soma that does not generate full-size action potentials and a buccal compartment (BC) that does. We find that the synaptic connections made by the BC of CBI-5/6 in the buccal ganglion counter the activity of protraction-phase neurons and reinforce the activity of retraction-phase neurons. In buccal motor programs, the BC of CBI-5/6 fires phasically, and its premature activation can phase advance protraction termination and retraction initiation. Thus the BC of CBI-5/6 can act as an element of the central pattern generator (CPG). During protraction, the CC of CBI-5/6 receives direct excitatory inputs from the CPG elements, B34 and B63, and during retraction, it receives antidromically propagating action potentials that originate in the BC of CBI-5/6. Consequently, in its CC, CBI-5/6 receives depolarizing inputs during both protraction and retraction, and these depolarizations can be transmitted via electrical coupling to other neurons. In contrast, in its BC, CBI-5/6 uses spike-dependent synaptic transmission. Thus the CPG directly and differentially controls the program phases in which the two compartments of CBI-5/6 may transmit information to its targets.
Utilizing Cross-Layer Information to Improve Performance in JPEG2000 Decoding
Authors: Persson Hannes , Brunstrom Anna , Ottosson Tony
Published: October 2007

We focus on wireless multimedia communication and investigate how cross-layer information can be used to improve performance at the application layer, using JPEG2000 as an example. The cross-layer information is in the form of soft information from the physical layer. The soft information, which is supplied by a soft decision demodulator, yields reliability measures for the received bits and is fed into two soft input iterative JPEG2000 image decoders. When errors are detected with the error detecting mechanisms in JPEG2000, the decoders utilize the soft information to point out likely transmission errors. Hence, the decoders can correct errors and increase the image quality without making time-consuming retransmissions. We believe that the proposed decoding method utilizing soft information is suitable for a general IP-based network and that it keeps the principles of a layered structure of the protocol stack intact. Further, experimental results with images transmitted over a simulated wireless channel show that a simple decoding algorithm that utilizes soft information can give high gains in image quality compared to the standard hard-decision decoding.
Stimulatory Effects of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γon FcγReceptor-Mediated Phagocytosis by Alveolar Macrophages
Authors: Aronoff David M. , Serezani Carlos H. , Carstens Jennifer K. , Marshall Teresa , Gangireddy Srinivasa R. , Peters-Golden Marc , Reddy Raju C.
Published: October 2007

Alveolar macrophages abundantly express PPAR-γ, with both natural and synthetic agonists maintaining the cell in a quiescent state hyporesponsive to antigen stimulation. Conversely, agonists upregulate expression and function of the cell-surface receptor CD36, which mediates phagocytosis of lipids, apoptotic neutrophils, and other unopsonized materials. These effects led us to investigate the actions of PPAR-γagonists on the Fcγreceptor, which mediates phagocytosis of particles opsonized by binding of immunoglobulin G antibodies. We found that troglitazone, rosiglitazone, and 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandinJ2increase the ability of alveolar, but not peritoneal, macrophages to carry out phagocytosis mediated by the Fcγreceptor. Receptor expression was not altered but activation of the downstream signaling proteins Syk, ERK-1, and ERK-2 was observed. Although it was previously known that PPAR-γligands stimulate phagocytosis of unopsonized materials, this is the first demonstration that they stimulate phagocytosis of opsonized materials as well.
Impact of Background Traffic on Speech Quality in VoWLAN
Authors: Počta Peter , Kortiš Peter , Vaculík Martin
Published: October 2007

This paper describes measurements of the impact of background traffic on speech quality in an environment of WLANs (IEEE 802.11). The simulated background traffic consists of three types of current traffics in telecommunication networks such as data transfer service, multimedia streaming service, and Web service. The background traffic was generated by means of the accomplished Distributed Internet Traffic Generator (D-ITG). The impact of these types of traffic and traffic load on speech quality using the test sequence and speech sequences is the aim of this paper. The assessment of speech quality is carried out by means of the accomplished Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality (PESQ) algorithm. The proposal of a new method for improved detection of the critical conditions in wireless telecommunication networks from the speech quality point of view is presented in this paper. Conclusion implies the next application of the method of improved detection of critical conditions for the purpose of algorithms for link adaptation from the speech quality point of view in an environment of WLANs. The primary goal of these algorithms is improving speech quality in the VoWLAN connections, which are established in the competent link.
Significance of Nano- and Microtopography for Cell-Surface Interactions in Orthopaedic Implants
Authors: Jäger M. , Zilkens C. , Zanger K. , Krauspe R.
Published: October 2007

Cell-surface interactions play a crucial role for biomaterial application in orthopaedics. It is evident that not only the chemical composition of solid substances influence cellular adherence, migration, proliferation and differentiation but also the surface topography of a biomaterial. The progressive application of nanostructured surfaces in medicine has gained increasing interest to improve the cytocompatibility and osteointegration of orthopaedic implants. Therefore, the understanding of cell-surface interactions is of major interest for these substances. In this review, we elucidate the principle mechanisms of nano- and microscale cell-surface interactions in vitro for different cell types onto typical orthopaedic biomaterials such as titanium (Ti), cobalt-chrome-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys, stainless steel (SS), as well as synthetic polymers (UHMWPE, XLPE, PEEK, PLLA). In addition, effects of nano- and microscaled particles and their significance in orthopaedics were reviewed. The significance for the cytocompatibility of nanobiomaterials is discussed critically.
Film Thickness Analysis for EHL Contacts under Steady‐State and Transient Conditions by Automatic Digital Image Processing
Authors: Ciulli E. , Draexl T. , Stadler K.
Published: October 2007

The knowledge of the film thickness values is very important in lubricated contacts to verify the
lubrication conditions. Optical interferometry is one of the most used methodologies for film thickness
and shape determination of Elastohydrodynamic‐lubricated contacts.
An image processing programme has been developed for the analysis of white light interferograms.
The programme, based on the analysis of the hue channel, has been developed in order to process big
amounts of images, as often generated under transient conditions. The measurement range is currently
limited to a maximum film thickness of 0.7 μm.
The programme has been used for analysing several images recorded in tests carried out with a ball
on disc contact under steady‐state as well as transient conditions for different velocities and slide‐to‐roll
ratios. Under transient conditions, the entraining velocity is varied with a sinusoidal law for two
different frequencies.
The results obtained evidenced an asymmetric reduction of the film thickness when increasing the
percentage of sliding, both for stationary and transient conditions. Under transient conditions with
increasing test frequency, film thickness loops of increasing amplitude have been found that reduce
their amplitude more when the ball is running faster than the disc. Squeeze and thermal effects can
explain the results obtained.
Omnivorous diet of the endangered Pygmy Bluetongue Lizard, Tiliqua adelaidensis
Authors: Fenner Aaron , Bull Michael , Hutchinson Mark
Published: October 2007

We used scats from 71 individuals to determine the diet of the endangered
Pygmy Bluetongue Lizard, Tiliqua adelaidensis, from South Australia. As
predicted both from its previously reported behaviour as an ambush forager,
and from its relatively small size, this scincid lizard feeds largely on
arthropod prey, and the prey in the diet change opportunistically over the
spring and summer. As expected, the species is less herbivorous than larger
species in the same or related genera. However plant material is included in
the diet to a greater extent as the summer progresses. Conservation of this
species may rely on maintaining a high abundance of arthropod prey, and a
habitat where efficient prey capture is possible, and on retaining
appropriate plants in the species' habitat.
Diversity, ecological structure and conservation of herpetofauna in a Mediterranean area (Dadia National Park, Greece)
Authors: Kati Vassiliki , Foufopoulos Johannes , Ioannidis Yiannis , Papaioannou Haritakis , Poirazidis Kostas , Lebrun Philippe
Published: October 2007

The current study attempts to explore the diversity patterns and the
ecological structure of herpetofauna in order to provide a guideline for its
conservation management, taking as case study the Dadia national park, in
Greece. We surveyed 36 sites by conducting time constraint visits and random
transects to sample semi-aquatic (amphibians and freshwater terrapins) and
terrestrial (lizards and terrestrial tortoises) herpetofauna respectively.
We recorded 20 herpetofauna taxa, including five protected species. The park
authorities should maintain brooks as a high priority habitat for
semi-aquatic herpetofauna, periodically flooded land and lowland streams as
important habitats, and to a lesser degree anthropogenic wet habitats.
Semi-aquatic species have narrow habitat requirements related to substrate
type and humidity. Terrestrial herpetofauna species are influenced by the
degree of shade and the type of substrate; they favour a diversity of
semi-open habitats (open oakwoods, heaths), located in the buffer zone
rather than in the core of the park that contains densely forested habitats.
Management focusing on raptors, the initial conservation priority of the
national park, is compatible with the conservation of the terrestrial
herpetofauna, as the proposed maintenance of an open forest structure is
beneficial for terrestrial herpetofauna as well. Our research indicates that
future management programs will have to address the needs of herpetofauna
species independently and that they should also be integrated in the
monitoring programme of the park, with emphasis on the conservation status
and trend of the five protected species.
Roost site characteristics of sympatric dwarf chameleons (genus Brookesia) from western Madagascar
Authors: Randrianantoandro Joseph Christian , Randrianavelona Roma , Andriantsimanarilafy Raphali Rodlis , Fideline Hantalalaina Elisoa , Rakotondravony Daniel , Jenkins Richard
Published: October 2007

Madagascar's Brookesia dwarf chameleons are believed to require relatively
intact forest for survival. Although they have featured in herpetological
surveys, taxonomic reviews and trade assessments, very little is known about
their microhabitat requirements or ecology. Over a 5 night period in a
deciduous forest in western Madagascar we recorded the night roosting sites
for three sympatric Brookesia species. We calculated the area and distance
between successive night roost locations and described the characteristics
of each roost. Distance between roosts and the area used were larger for B.
brygooi and B. perarmata than B. exarmata. The distance between roosts was
significantly greater for male than female B. brygooi and B. perarmata.
Roost sites were generally in low vegetation (<0.75 m) with the animals
located on stems or leaves. Roost height differed significantly between the
species, with B. brygooi using the highest perches and B. exarmata the
lowest.
Kinetics of Nitriding in Titanium Bearing Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Aghazadeh Mohandesi J. , Nazari A.
Published: September 2007

The kinetics of nitriding in titanium bearing austenitic stainless steels in cylindrical coordination has been investigated. Nitriding at nitrogen partial pressure of 0.5 atm and temperature from 980°C up to 1160oC resulted in the formation of titanium and chromium nitride and above the Cr2N solvus temperature (1100°C), no chromium nitride was formed. The nitrided case may consist of up to three zones: nitrogen in solid solution, precipitation of TiN and finally mixed TiN+Cr2N precipitation. These are in consistent with the affinity of titanium and chromium towards nitrogen which has been thermodynamically justified. To assess the kinetics of nitriding, a mathematical model for nitrogen diffusion in cylindrical system has been developed via solving Fick’s equation for cylindrical coordinate by numerical method. For this purpose the use has been made of the austenite stabilizing effect of nitrogen to correlate the movement of the boundary of the nitrogen stabilized austenite and plastic deformation induced martensite. Since the crystal structure of the material used in this study is of fcc type and it is nitrided in a fully annealed and unstrained state, therefore the effect of excess nitrogen on the kinetics of nitride fronts growth has been assumed as negligible. The results are in good agreement with the previous investigations. Unlike previous works, the present model takes into account the change of nitrogen diffusion coefficient due to nitrogen concentration profile and
Hydro‐magnetic Flow Effects in Uniform Tube Through Peristaltic Motion for Generalized Newtonian Fluid on Trapping
Authors: El Hakeem Abd El Naby Abd , Abd El Kareem M.F.
Published: September 2007

The peristaltic motion for Carreau fluid by means of an infinite train of sinusoidal waves traveling along the walls of a circular cylindrical flexible tube is investigated. The fluid is subjected to a constant transverse magnetic field. A perturbation solution is obtained for the case in which Weissenberg number is small. The effects of Hartmann number, Weissenberg number, power‐law index and amplitude ratio on the pressure rise and the friction force are discussed. The trapping limit and the trapping occurrence region at the centerline decrease by increasing Hartmann number but they are independent approximately of Weissenberg number and power‐law index.
Computational Analysis of Mine Blast on a Commercial Vehicle Structure
Authors: Grujicic M. , Pandurangan B. , Haque I. , Cheeseman B.A. , Roy W.N. , Skaggs R.R.
Published: September 2007

The kinematic response (including plastic deformation, failure initiation and fracture) of a soft‐skinned vehicle (represented by a F800 series single‐unit truck) to the detonation of a landmine shallow‐buried in (either dry or saturated sand) underneath the vehicle’s front right wheel is analyzed computationally. The computational analysis included the interactions of the gaseous detonation products and the sand ejecta with the vehicle and the transient non‐linear dynamics response of the vehicle. A frequency analysis of the pressure versus time signals and visual observation clearly show the differences in the blast loads resulting from the landmine detonation in dry and saturated sand as well as the associated kinematic response of the vehicle. It is noted that the dominant vehicle structural response to the blast is similar to the first torsional structural mode shape obtained through an eigenvalue analysis of the system. Tailoring the vehicle modal response may result in more desirable modes of failure.
An Optimization Method to Identify Bird’s Constitutive Model and Its Parameters
Authors: Wang F.S. , Yue Z.F. , Liu Y.S.
Published: September 2007

An optimization method has been presented to simultaneously identify the bird’s constitutive model and its parameters automatically in the bird strike problems. The full contact‐impact coupling algorithm of finite element method (FEM) has been applied and the optimization objective is to minimize the square sum of percentage errors between testing results and FEM results. As an example, two bird’s material constitutive models, Plastic Kinematics model and hyper elastic Mooney‐Rivlin Rubber material model, have been used to testify the feasibility and reliability of the optimization method. The results show that the method presented in this paper can be used to study the bird strike problems.
Thermoelasticity for the Evaluation of Fatigue Behaviour of 6061/AL
Authors: Cavaliere P. , Rossi G.L. , Sante Di , Moretti M.
Published: September 2007

In this study, the effect of Friction Stir Welding on a 6061 aluminium alloy reinforced with 20% of alumina particles metal matrix composite was analysed. The sheets were joined by employing a tool rotating speed of 700 RPM and a welding speed of 250 mm/min. The optical and scanning electron microscopy observations performed on the different zones of FSW joints cross section revealed the different structures of the nugget, the thermo‐mechanical affected zone and the heat affected zones thanks to the difference in reinforcing particles dimensions as a consequence of friction process. After FSW the material was aged in a 3.5% NaCl solution for 1, 10 and 90 days. The aim of this work is to apply thermoelastic stress analysis to the study of crack formation and propagation of friction stir welded MMC sheets, during cyclic fatigue tests. Fatigue tests were carried out under the axial total stress‐amplitude control mode with R=omin/omax = 0.1 using a resonant electro‐mechanical testing machine (TESTRONICTM 50 25 KN by RUMUL (SUI)). All the mechanical tests were performed on as‐FSW and aged samples up to failure. The TSA measurement system allowed the crack evolution to be observed in real‐time during fatigue cycles and stress fields to be derived on the specimens from the temperature variation measured.
Modeling of the Degradation Electromigrational Processes in Structures with Intercrystallite Potential Barriers
Authors: Ivanchenko A.V. , Tonkoshkur A.S.
Published: September 2007

The electromigration degradation model of nonlinear electrical properties of non‐uniform structures with intercrystallite potential barriers is developed. It allows connecting the increasing of near surfaces concentration of volume donors by their migration in electrical field at heating up structures by means of electrical current in the process of degradation. It results in experimentally observed deterioration varistoral properties, deterioration and asymmetrical deformation of currentvoltage characteristics during their exploitation.
Plane Insteady Problem of Punch
Authors: Bagdoev A.G. , Martirosyan A.N. , Vardanyan A.V. , Vardanyan S.V.
Published: September 2007

The mixed unsteady problem of stress intensity coefficients calculations near edge of rigid punch acted on elastic halfplane is solved analytically and numerically. The obtained tables are important to clarify possibility of fracture of material of halfplane for any given boundary displacement of punch, which is realized by placing of calculated stress intensity coefficients in known yielding conditions. The solution of this boundary value problem, when on left part of boundary of halfplane stresses are equal to zero, and on right one are given displacements, is solved by method of integral transformations and solution of second order Wienner‐Hopf system. The transformed Hilbert problem has discontinuous on infinity matrix, which is improved and for new continuous coefficient solution is brought to Fredholm system, the last one is solved numerically. Furthermore are carried out inverse integral transformations, solutions for stresses under punch are brought to effective Smirnov‐Sobolev form in one quadrature, which is calculated numerically.
Finite Element Simulation of Elastic Contact Between Two Cylinders
Authors: Hojjati M.H. , Kazemi Esfe M.
Published: September 2007

Contact problems are central to solid mechanics as contact is the principal method of applying loads to a deformable body and the point with resulting stress concentration is often the most critical point within the body. This paper presents a finite element model for the elastic contact between two cylinders at several positions. The effects of friction and surface roughness have been considered. The contact between two skew cylinders is also investigated. Results from finite element model show a good agreement with those of analytical solutions available in the literature. It was seen that the geometry of contacting bodies and orientation of applied load effect highly on contact stresses. Although the effect of surface roughness was seen to be more than that of friction, both of them can be assumed negligible in elastic contact problems.
Buckling and Vibration Analysis of Layered and Multiphase Magneto‐Electro‐Elastic Beam Under Thermal Environment
Authors: Kumaravel A. , Ganesan N. , Sethuraman Raju
Published: September 2007

The paper deals with the investigation of linear buckling and free vibration behavior of layered and multiphase magneto‐electro‐elastic (MEE) beam under thermal environment. The constitutive equations of magneto‐electro‐elastic materials are used to derive finite element equations involving the coupling between mechanical, electrical and magnetic fields. The finite element model has been verified with the commercial finite element package ANSYS. The influence of magneto electric coupling on critical buckling temperature is investigated between layered and multiphase magneto‐electro‐elastic beam. Furthermore, the influence of temperature rise on natural frequencies of magneto‐electro‐elastic beam with layered and different volume fraction is presented.
Nuclear localization of beta-catenin involved in precancerous change in oral leukoplakia
Authors: Ishida Kosei , Ito Satoshi , Wada Naoyuki , Deguchi Hiroyo , Hata Tsuyoshi , Hosoda Masaru , Nohno Tsutomu
Published: October 2007

Background

Oral leukoplakia is a precancerous change developed in the oral mucosa, and the mechanism that oral leukoplakia becomes malignant through atypical epithelium is not known. Here we compared the β-catenin expression detected by immunohistochemical staining in the normal oral epithelium and in the oral leukoplakia with or without dysplasia.

Results

The normal oral epithelium showed β-catenin expression only in the cell membrane, but not in the nuclei. In the oral leukoplakia without dysplasia, 7 out of 17 samples (41%) showed β-catenin expression in the cell membrane, and 5 samples (29%) showed expression in the nuclei. In the oral leukoplakia with dysplasia, nuclear expression of β-catenin was shown in 11 out of 12 samples (92%). Incidence of nuclear β-catenin expression was significantly different between dysplasia and normal oral epithelium (P < 0.01), and also between oral leukoplakia with dysplasia and those without dysplasia (P < 0.01). Wnt3 expression was detected in the epithelial cell membrane or cytoplasm in oral leukoplakia where nuclear expression of β-catenin was evident, but not in epithelial cells without nuclear expression of β-catenin.

Conclusion

The components of canonical Wnt pathway, such as Wnt3, β-catenin, and cyclin D1, were detected, implying that this pathway is potentially involved in the progression of dysplasia in oral leukoplakia.
Transcriptional profiling of inductive mesenchyme to identify molecules involved in prostate development and disease
Authors: Vanpoucke Griet , Orr Brigid , Grace O Cathal , Chan Ray , Ashley George R , Williams Karin , Franco Omar E , Hayward Simon W , Thomson Axel A
Published: October 2007

Background

The mesenchymal compartment plays a key role in organogenesis, and cells within the mesenchyme/stroma are a source of potent molecules that control epithelia during development and tumorigenesis. We used serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) to profile a key subset of prostatic mesenchyme that regulates prostate development and is enriched for growth-regulatory molecules.

Results

SAGE libraries were constructed from prostatic inductive mesenchyme and from the complete prostatic rudiment (including inductive mesenchyme, epithelium, and smooth muscle). By comparing these two SAGE libraries, we generated a list of 219 transcripts that were enriched or specific to inductive mesenchyme and that may act as mesenchymal regulators of organogenesis and tumorigenesis. We identified Scube1 as enriched in inductive mesenchyme from the list of 219 transcripts; also, quantitative RT-PCR and whole-mount in situ hybridization revealed Scube1 to exhibit a highly restricted expression pattern. The expression of Scube1 in a subset of mesenchymal cells suggests a role in prostatic induction and branching morphogenesis. Additionally, Scube1 transcripts were expressed in prostate cancer stromal cells, and were less abundant in cancer associated fibroblasts relative to matched normal prostate fibroblasts.

Conclusion

The use of a precisely defined subset of cells and a back-comparison approach allowed us to identify rare mRNAs that could be overlooked using other approaches. We propose that Scube1 encodes a novel stromal molecule that is involved in prostate development and tumorigenesis.
Women's Interest in Gene Expression Analysis for Breast Cancer Recurrence Risk
Authors: O'Neill Suzanne C. , Brewer Noel T. , Lillie Sarah E. , Morrill Edward F. , Dees E. Claire , Carey Lisa A. , Rimer Barbara K.
Published: October 2007

Purpose

Genomic and other technologies are improving the accuracy with which clinicians can estimate risk for recurrence (RFR) of breast cancer and make judgments about potential benefits of chemotherapy. Little is known of how patients will respond to genomic RFR testing or interact with their physicians to make informed decisions regarding treatment. We assessed interest in genomic RFR testing and patient preferences for incorporating results into treatment decision making.

Patients and Methods

One hundred thirty-nine women previously treated for early-stage breast cancer completed surveys that presented hypothetical scenarios reflecting different test outcomes and potential decisions. We assessed women's attitudes toward RFR testing, how results would affect their choices about adjuvant treatment, and potential concerns about and perceived benefits of testing.

Results

The majority of participants said they would “definitely” want to be tested (76%), receive their results (87%), and discuss these results with their physicians. They were willing to pay, on average, $997 for testing. Those who expressed more concerns about testing were less interested in testing and in incorporating results into treatment decision making. Participants were more likely to want chemotherapy when presented with high-risk results and would worry more about those results. They were least likely to trust and most likely to express potential anticipated regret in response to intermediate RFR results.

Conclusion

Participants expressed strong interest in testing. Although these decisions were sensitive to RFR, participants’ complex reactions to intermediate RFR suggest care is needed when communicating such results.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genetic Testing in Hispanic Patients: Mutation Prevalence and Evaluation of the BRCAPRO Risk Assessment Model
Authors: Vogel Kristen J. , Atchley Deann P. , Erlichman Julie , Broglio Kristine R. , Ready Kaylene J. , Valero Vicente , Amos Christopher I. , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Lu Karen H. , Arun Banu
Published: October 2007

Purpose

The BRCAPRO model, used to predict a family's likelihood of carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, was designed using mutation frequencies of white and Ashkenazi Jewish populations, and may not be applicable to other populations. BRCAPRO was recently validated in African Americans, although has yet to be examined in Hispanics. This retrospective study reports the mutation frequency and spectrum of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in a Hispanic population and evaluates the BRCAPRO model in Hispanics.

Patients and Methods

A descriptive analysis of mutation frequency and spectrum was performed for Hispanic patients who underwent BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing at a single institution. For comparative analysis of the BRCAPRO risk model, Hispanic patients who underwent comprehensive analysis were compared with white controls using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC).

Results

Fourteen Hispanic individuals who underwent comprehensive analysis were identified to carry a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 (17.9%; 95% CI, 10.2% to 28.3%) and seven individuals had a variant of uncertain significance (9.0%; 95% CI, 12.0% to 30.8%). A total of eight different mutations and three variants were observed within the entire Hispanic population. When evaluating the performance of the BRCAPRO model, the AUROC for Hispanics was 0.774 (95% CI, 0.63 to 0.90), compared with the AUROC of 0.770 (95% CI, 0.65 to 0.89) for whites.

Conclusion

Deleterious BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations occur at considerable frequency within the Hispanic population, many of which have been identified previously in other ethnic populations. The BRCAPRO model appears to perform equally well in Hispanics as in whites.
Ortho-selective Cross Coupling of Dibromophenols and Dibromoanilines with Grignard Reagents in the Presence of Palladium Catalysts Bearing Hydroxylated Oligoarene-type Phosphine
Authors: Ishikawa Shunpei , Manabe Kei
Published: October 2007

p-Terphenylphosphines with a hydroxy group were used as ligands for palladium in the catalytic cross coupling of dibromophenols and dibromoanilines with Grignard reagents. High ortho-selectivity that cannot be achieved with other phosphine ligands was observed.
The Funding of Local Voluntary Organisations
Authors: Russell Lynne , Scott Duncan , Wilding Paul
Published: October 2007

This paper reports the findings of an intensive study of the funding experience of a small sample of voluntary agencies in the north of England. It shows that the income of the sample organisations increased from just over £1m in 1989-90 to just over £2m in 1993-94, with statutory funding becoming a larger proportion of total income. The paper looks at changing patterns of funding, at reasons for greater or less success in securing funding, and at the costs offunding success to the organisation. Through a case study approach it explores and explains the paradox of financial growth and constraint.
Exploring Liability Profiles: A Proximate Cause Analysis of Police Misconduct: Part II
Authors: Kinnaird Brian A.
Published: September 2007

Recent history shows that a significant number of citizens, internationally, are now seeking litigation against police agencies when law enforcement officers violate their civil rights. Often the events that precede complaints occur due to poor policy, training and early warning by law enforcement agencies. Hence, this study analysed past policies and training procedures that were in effect for the San Francisco, California Police Department (SFPD) during 1998, to determine if there was any liability of risk following evidence of officer misconduct. Mixed methodology, using a descriptive quantitative approach and based on a historical design, was used to determine whether or not the SFPD had appropriate policies, training, and control measures in place to minimise potential citizen complaints against officers that could have led to misconduct allegations and, ultimately, civil litigation. Results showed that SFPD policies, recruit and in-service training and early warning system measures resulted in a lower number of substantiated complaints of officer misconduct based upon clear policy, appropriate training, and deployed early warning system measures. Consequently, the findings suggested that the SFPD created a lower liability profile in respect to random versus non-random risks required in court to explain a department's position relative to their risk management of officer misconduct.
Between Protection and Repression: A Short History of Juvenile Policing in the Netherlands
Authors: van de Riet Manon , Bernasco Wim , van der Laan Peter
Published: September 2007

The police in the Netherlands have traditionally been characterised by restraint when dealing with cases involving minors. However, this policy of minimal intervention appears to be waning in recent years. This shift from welfare to justice seems to be in line with the developments in other European countries. This article comments on this development by framing it in the long-term history of juvenile policing in the Netherlands. It describes the founding and development of the Juvenile Police as an organisation, and sketches the parallel changes in juvenile policing that occurred during the twentieth century. The organisation of juvenile policing has changed considerably over time with a visible tendency away from welfare oriented policing. As such, restraint and minimal intervention may no longer characterise the way Dutch police handle juvenile offenders.
Corruption and Politics within the South Korean Government
Authors: Byun Sung-Eun , Ruiz James M.
Published: September 2007

The purpose of this study is (1) to examine cause and effect relationships between bureaucratic corruption and personal, political, legal, and cultural factors in South Korea; (2) to employ criminological theory in an attempt to explain each relationship; and (3) to suggest policies for corruption prevention. Through analysing the official crime report, Analytical Report on Crimes from 1999 to 2004 issued annually by the Prosecution Office of South Korea, this study finds the following six relationships between corruption and factors. First, public officials with low socio-economic status (SES) might be more likely to commit crimes than those with high SES. Second, married officials might be more likely to commit crimes than those of any other marital status. Third, public officials in law enforcement departments are more likely to commit job-related crimes than in any other departments. Fourth, higher-ranked public officials are more likely to commit job-related crimes than are lower-ranking public officials. Fifth, arrested public officials are less likely to be convicted than are regular citizens. And, sixth, most crimes of public officials might be influenced by organisational custom. This study endeavours to apply three criminological theories: rational choice theory; control theory; and conflict theory to the above findings and to develop insight toward a corruption-free society.
The Police, Intelligence, and Young Offenders
Authors: Waters Ian
Published: September 2007

The government and the Youth Justice Board of England and Wales have placed considerable emphasis on robust community interventions for young offenders, and the vital role of multi-agency work in Youth Offending Teams (YOTs). The police are expected to play an increasingly important part in the control of persistent young offenders, and to facilitate a ‘joined-up’ criminal justice system. This paper discusses the involvement of the police in the Intensive Supervision and Surveillance Programme (ISSP) which is targeted at the most serious and persistent young offenders. It is shown that such involvement primarily revolves around the concept and practice of intelligence-led policing, and the sharing of information between ISSP teams and the police. The specialised knowledge and functions of police officers form key elements in the implementation of the ISSP, and were widely welcomed by other professionals in ISSP teams and YOTs. Whilst the research suggested some cynicism, or lack of knowledge, about the programme amongst local police forces, police officers seconded to YOTs were generally supportive of the ISSP.
Where's the Intelligence in the National Intelligence Model?
Authors: Kleiven Maren Eline
Published: September 2007

This article investigates the status of community intelligence within The National Intelligence Model (NIM) in the UK. The study included focused interviews with 23 intelligence practitioners across the UK police service, combined with open-ended interviews with academics and persons working to implement the NIM. The results indicate that police officers and informants are the most trusted and the most used sources of intelligence, and that the use of community intelligence is marginal. A combination of police culture, lack of knowledge within management and police officers, the absence of a general definition of ‘intelligence’, a lack of guidance around community intelligence and the secrecy surrounding intelligence, stand out as factors that may explain the low status and use of community intelligence.
Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption among Australian Police Officers: 1989 to 2005
Authors: Smith Derek R.
Published: September 2007

Lifestyle factors represent a significant occupational health issue for law enforcement personnel around the world. Despite this fact, longitudinal investigations of alcohol and tobacco consumption trends among them are rarely undertaken, particularly on a national basis. The aim of the current study therefore, was to examine the changing nature of high-risk alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking habits among a nationally representative sample of Australian police officers, for what appears to be the first time. Data pertaining to law enforcement personnel were extracted from four National Health Surveys conducted in Australia between 1989 and 2005. A referent group was also formulated for the same time periods. Results from this investigation suggest that the proportion of Australian police who consume alcohol at high rates is slowly declining in recent years. On the other hand, tobacco consumption among them has remained relatively stable, with around one-fifth of Australian police still smoking in 2004–05. Law enforcement is clearly a high-stress occupation when compared with other jobs, and the impact of workplace issues continues to influence lifestyle factors beyond the work environment. This unique facet ensures that alcohol and tobacco consumption will remain an important occupational health issue for police management in future years. As the retention of healthy, experienced law enforcement personnel is essential for the smooth functioning of any police force, additional research and management efforts should focus on the continued reduction of these detrimental lifestyle factors.
Maximising the Opportunities to Detect Domestic Burglary with DNA and Fingerprints
Authors: Bond John W.
Published: September 2007

The impact on the detection and reduction of domestic burglary by a prioritisation of forensic resources and processing over a six-month study period is examined. Targets were set and monitored for the twin factors of increased attendance at crime scenes and increased timeliness of processing both DNA and fingerprint samples. The results showed that it is possible to increase the number of primary detections derived from DNA and fingerprints with the DNA increase being statistically significant. This increase was accompanied by a decrease in reported domestic burglaries. After its completion, the longer term effect of the study on domestic burglary revealed a return to pre-study levels for both DNA and fingerprint detections although continuing reductions in DNA process times enable an increasing number of crimes to be detected with DNA. The results illustrate how a police force may run a focused forensic initiative to provide a short-term prioritisation on a ‘problem’ crime type such as burglary or auto crime where DNA and fingerprints can make a significant contribution to crime detection.
Currency Devaluation and Rank: The Yoruba and Akan Experiences
Authors: Adebayo Akanmu G.
Published: September 2007

Jane Guyer has clearly demonstrated in Marginal Gains (2004) that the ranking of people historically was linked to quantitative scales of money. Guyer's study focuses on the Igbo and Ibibio, two societies in which ranking was by achievement rather than ascription. How do ranking and money interface in other African societies with strong monarchical or centralized social systems? What impact does currency instability have on rank in such societies? This paper examines these questions. Focusing on the Yoruba of Nigeria and the Akan of Ghana, it evaluates the degree to which ranking has been affected by currency devaluation and economic instability since the mid-1980s.
When People Cross Thresholds
Authors: Barber Karin
Published: September 2007

This paper makes a very preliminary and provisional attempt to relate the discussion in Jane Guyer'sMarginal Gains(2004) of disjunction, thresholds, and multiple scales of value characteristic of economies in the Atlantic zone with the disjunction, profusion, and fragmentation characteristic of artistic genres of the region, especially praise poetry. It suggests that their underlying common property is an intense focus on the making and unmaking of persons. In a region where social and political self-realization is open-ended and depends upon acquiring people, and where people are transactable, transitions between multiple conditions of personhood can take place, but some thresholds cannot be crossed. One of the key ethnographic examples inMarginal Gains—the Niger Delta—is revisited to suggest possible lines of further inquiry into this aspect of the originality of cultural production in the zone of the Atlantic trade.
Marginal Gains, Market Values, and History
Authors: Berry Sara
Published: September 2007

Inspired by Jane Guyer's insights inMarginal Gains(2004) into the distinctive logics and performative repertoires that animate economic life in Africa, this article offers a few reflections on the implications of African economic dynamics for conceptual debates about economic and social meanings of value. In particular, it is suggested that market values may be understood not simply as momentary quantitative indicators or measurements of opportunity costs, but as social processes in which people continually assess present circumstances and options in terms of their understandings of the past. Since history may always be read in more than one way, there is always an element of ambiguity in market values. Rather than a chronicle of exceptional responses to global forces and common human needs, African economic history may be read as an opportunity to reflect on how people and events come together in economically enabling or destructive ways in particular times and places, and what is historically specific about Africans' gains and losses from economic interactions with one another and with other parts of the world.
Formalities of Poverty: Thinking about Social Assistance in Neoliberal South Africa
Authors: Ferguson James
Published: September 2007

In Marginal Gains (2004), Jane Guyer traces the logic of African socioeconomic practices that have long confounded attempts by modern states to impose what she terms “formalization.” Nowhere is the tension between pragmatically “informal” economic life and putatively “formal” state structures more evident than in the domain of poverty interventions, which typically aim to bring state institutional power to bear precisely on those who are most excluded from the “formal sector.” This article offers a preliminary analysis of some new rationalities of poverty alleviation observable in recent South African political and policy discourse. I will argue that new sorts of programmatic thinking about poverty represent a new development within (and not simply against) neoliberalism, and that they seek, by abandoning the regulatory and normalizing functions usually associated with social assistance, to bring the formal and the informal into a new sort of relation.
Introduction: Marginal Gains Revisited
Authors: Geschiere Peter , Goheen Mitzi , Piot Charles
Published: September 2007

This Special Issue is the condensation of an author-meets-critics double panel organized for the African Studies Association meeting in Washington, D.C., in November 2005, on Jane Guyer's challenging book Marginal Gains—Monetary Transactions in Atlantic Africa. The book was published in the first half of 2004, and when the three of us met in the fall of that year, we all felt it was a text that lent itself especially well to such a session. One of the elements that makes the book so compelling is Guyer's particular style of theorizing: Starting from a painstaking effort to discover regular patterns in empirical data, she moves to the positing and testing of theoretical notions—but in a way that does not strive to produce closure or systematicity. On the contrary, the book can sometimes be confusing because it leaves so much open. But precisely because Guyer continues to create new openings, it is an inspiring piece of work, constantly offering novel starting points for further research and reflection.
Regional Shifts—Marginal Gains and Ethnic Stereotypes
Authors: Geschiere Peter
Published: September 2007

This article addresses the question as to how Jane Guyer's seminal explorations of special traits of West African economies in Marginal Gains (2004) can help us understand variations within the region. This question acquires some urgency—for instance in the Cameroonian context, but elsewhere also—since the dimensions she emphasizes (reciprocity, gain, rank) play a crucial role in quite vicious ethnic stereotypes that increasingly dominate people's perceptions of economic developments. The challenge may be, therefore, to determine how an analysis in terms of disjunctures as an asset for marginal gains can steer clear of the ethnic stereotypes through which people themselves perceive discontinuities in everyday life. Starting from the historical example of the wild-rubber boom in southern Cameroon under German rule (1890–1913) and its chaotic effects at the local level, the article considers how Arjun Appadurai's notion of “tournaments of value” might help us understand such variations.