bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical characterization of Leishmania major aquaglyceroporin LmAQP1: possible role in volume regulation and osmotaxis
Authors: Figarella Katherine , Uzcategui Nestor L. , Zhou Yao , LeFurgey Ann , Ouellette Marc , Bhattacharjee Hiranmoy , Mukhopadhyay Rita
Published: July 2007

The Leishmania major aquaglyceroporin, LmAQP1, is responsible for the transport of trivalent metalloids, arsenite and antimonite. We have earlier shown that downregulation of LmAQP1 provides resistance to trivalent antimony compounds whereas increased expression of LmAQP1 in drug‐resistant parasites can reverse the resistance. In this paper we describe the biochemical characterization of LmAQP1. Expression of LmAQP1 in Xenopus oocytes rendered them permeable to water, glycerol, methylglyoxal, dihydroxyacetone and sugar alcohols. The transport property of LmAQP1 was severely affected when a critical Arg230, located inside the pore of the channel, was altered to either alanine or lysine. Immunofluorescence and immuno‐electron microscopy revealed LmAQP1 to be localized to the flagellum of Leishmania promastigotes and in the flagellar pocket membrane and contractile vacuole/spongiome complex of amastigotes. This is the first report of an aquaglyceroporin being localized to the flagellum of any microbe. Leishmania promastigotes and amastigotes expressing LmAQP1 could regulate their volume in response to hypoosmotic stress. Additionally, Leishmania promastigotes overexpressing LmAQP1 were found to migrate faster towards an osmotic gradient. These results taken together suggest that Leishmania LmAQP1 has multiple physiological roles, being involved in solute transport, volume regulation and osmotaxis.
Analysis of a genomic island housing genes for DNA S‐modification system inStreptomyces lividans66 and its counterparts in other distantly related bacteria
Authors: He Xinyi , Ou Hong‐Yu , Yu Qing , Zhou Xiufen , Wu Jun , Liang Jingdan , Zhang Wei , Rajakumar Kumar , Deng Zixin
Published: July 2007

The complete sequence (92 770 bp) of a genomic island (GI) named SLG fromStreptomyces lividans66, encoding a novel DNA S‐modification system (dnd), was determined. Its overall G+C content was 67.8%, lower than those of three sequencedStreptomycesgenomes. Among 85 predicted open reading frames (ORFs) in SLG, 22 ORFs showed little homology with previously known proteins. SLG displays a mosaic structure composed of four modules, indicative of multiple recombination events in its formation. Spontaneous excision and circularization of SLG was observed, and the excision rate appeared to be induced at least fivefold by MNNG exposure. Using constructed mini‐islands of SLG, we demonstrated that Slg01, a P4‐like integrase, was sufficient to promote SLG integration, excision and circularization. Eleven counterpartdndclusters, which also mapped to GIs in 10 chromosomes and a plasmid, were found in taxonomically unrelated bacterial species from various geographic niches. Additionally,c.10% of actinomycetes were found to possess adndcluster in a survey involving 74 strains. Comparison ofdndclusters in the 12 bacteria strongly suggests that thesednd‐bearing elements might have evolved from a common ancestor similar to plasmid‐originated chromosome II ofPseudoalteromonas haloplanktisTAC125.
The tyrosine degradation gene hppD is transcriptionally activated by HpdA and repressed by HpdR in Streptomyces coelicolor, while hpdA is negatively autoregulated and repressed by HpdR
Authors: Yang Haihua , Wang Linqi , Xie Zhoujie , Tian Yuqing , Liu Gang , Tan Huarong
Published: July 2007

Streptomyces coelicolor produces a brown pigment on nutrient‐limited agar medium (Tyr‐PM) using l‐tyrosine as the sole nitrogen and carbon source. The pigment production is associated with the second step of l‐tyrosine catabolism catalysed by 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HppD), which converts 4‐hydroxyphenylpyruvate (4HPP) to 2, 5‐dihydroxyphenylacetate (homogentisate) to provide the carbon and energy substrates for the growth of S. coelicolor on Tyr‐PM. An hppD mutant did not produce brown pigment, and its normal growth was impaired on Tyr‐PM. hpdA and hpdR, located close to hppD, were identified as activator and repressor genes for hppD transcription in the presence of tyrosine. hpdA, divergently transcribed from hppD, is negatively autoregulated in the absence of tyrosine, whereas it is repressed by both its own protein and HpdR in the presence of tyrosine. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays and footprinting experiments showed that HpdA and HpdR each bind to an overlapping region spanning the promoters of both hppD and hpdA, and that 4HPP, instead of tyrosine, is the specific ligand modulating the binding patterns and footprints of HpdA and HpdR on the hppD–hpdA promoter region. These results suggested that the transcription of hppD is subject to coarse and fine control by a complex regulatory system.
New insights into the altered adhesive and mechanical properties of red blood cells parasitized by Babesia bovis
Authors: Hutchings Claire L. , Li Ang , Fernandez Kate M. , Fletcher Taryn , Jackson Louise A. , Molloy John B. , Jorgensen Wayne K. , Lim Chwee T. , Cooke Brian M.
Published: July 2007

Sequestration of parasite‐infected red blood cells (RBCs) in the microvasculature is an important pathological feature of both bovine babesiosis caused by Babesia bovis and human malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Surprisingly, when compared with malaria, the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie this abnormal circulatory behaviour for RBCs infected with B. bovis have been relatively ignored. Here, we present some novel insights into the adhesive and mechanical changes that occur in B. bovis‐infected bovine RBCs and compare them with the alterations that occur in human RBCs infected with P. falciparum. After infection with B. bovis, bovine RBCs become rigid and adhere to vascular endothelial cells under conditions of physiologically relevant flow. These alterations are accompanied by the appearance of ridge‐like structures on the RBC surface that are analogous, but morphologically and biochemically different, to the knob‐like structures on the surface of human RBCs infected with P. falciparum. Importantly, albeit for a limited number of parasite lines examined here, the extent of these cellular and rheological changes appear to be related to parasite virulence. Future investigations to identify the precise molecular composition of ridges and the proteins that mediate adhesion will provide important insight into the pathogenesis of both babesiosis and malaria.
A framework guiding critical thinking through reflective journal documentation: A Middle Eastern experience
Authors: Simpson Elaine , Courtney Mary
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this paper is to present a framework to guide critical thinking through reflective journaling, and describe how a group of 20 Middle Eastern nurses used reflective journaling to enhance their practice. Journal documentation was used during clinical practicum to foster the development of critical thinking in order to assist nurses when analysing and evaluating their clinical experiences. The findings from this study demonstrated that nurses accepted the framework for journal documentation because it provided structure for reflection, speculation, synthesis and metacognition of events experienced during clinical practice. Journaling gave nurses the opportunity to transfer thoughts onto paper and write down subjective and objective data, and created dialogue between the nurse educators and nurses. They were engaged in productive and positive activity to enhance their nursing practice. Nurses also commented that writing helped to develop their confidence in writing English.
Nursing from the casual pool: Focus group study to explore the experiences of casual nurses
Authors: FitzGerald Mary , McMillan Margaret , Maguire Jane Margaret
Published: July 2007

The use of flexible non‐contract nursing staff is increasing in Australia and in other countries where there is currently a nursing shortage. There is sparse empirical evidence relating to the experience of these nurses. This focus group study with six groups of enrolled and registered nurses in one regional health authority in New South Wales reports on the challenges and rewards of working through the casual pool. The textual data were coded and reported in themes and subthemes; the overarching theme is balance of social and professional life, while subthemes are social politics, nursing work and professional performance. The results reveal that nurses who work from the casual pool have insight into the work environment and culture of clinical teams that is untapped formally. They have little or no chance to provide clinical teams with feedback or receive feedback on their own performance. The consequence of this study has been the development of a two‐way performance intervention to promote high standards of care from nurses who work from the casual pool and the promotion of safe clinical environments and cultures.
Factors associated with childhood constipation
Authors: Inan Mustafa , Aydiner Cagatay Y , Tokuc Burcu , Aksu Burhan , Ayvaz Suleyman , Ayhan Sinan , Ceylan Turan , Basaran Umit N
Published: July 2007

Aim:  To evaluate factors associated with constipation, determine its risk factors and identify common methods of managing constipation among schoolchildren from ages 7–12 in Edirne, Turkey.

Methods:  This was a cross‐sectional and descriptive study and 1900 children were stratified by the school population, age and gender. The questionnaire collected information from parents about the prevalence of constipation and associated factors as well. It asked about bowel movements, socio‐demographic data, personal and family stressors, parental concern about constipation, and treatment methods.

Results:  The overall prevalence of constipation was 7.2%. It was 7.3% in boys and 7.2% in girls (P > 0.05). The parameters of siblings with health problems, constipation history in family members, abnormal oral habits, and little regular sporting activity were more common in constipated children than in non‐constipated ones (P < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, never having used school toilets (OR: 5.9) and having problem to control their bowel after 2 years of age (OR: 3.1) were found to be major risk factors for constipation in schoolchildren ages 7–12 years. Constipated children had a lower consumption rate of fruits and vegetables and a higher consumption rate of milk‐group foods, biscuits and macaroni than non‐constipated children. Parental concern was at 90% and the rate of medical consultation was 23.2% for constipated children.

Conclusions:  The risk factors for childhood constipation may be genetic, psychological or organic. Bowel functions may be affected by dietary habits. Parents, health and education professionals should give special attention to childhood constipation.
Child use of dental services and receipt of dental care in New Zealand
Authors: Jamieson Lisa M , Koopu Pauline I
Published: July 2007

Aim:  To examine dental service use and dental care receipt by a range of factors among Maori, Pacific and New Zealand European or Other children in New Zealand.

Methods:  Data were from the 2002 National Children’s Nutrition Survey. Bivariate associations were calculated between three dental service use and dental care receipt measures, and 48 personal characteristics in five domains. Analyses took into account the complex sampling design.

Results:  Some 3275 children participated; 37.4% Maori, 32.3% Pacific and 30.3% New Zealand European or Other. Irregular dental attendance was associated with children who were 11–14 years, Pacific, had not always lived in New Zealand, lived in rented accommodation, frequently watched television, consumed breakfast on the way to school, purchased lunch, consumed sugar‐containing products or had food security issues. A higher proportion of children who were aged 11–14 years, Maori, had low household income, lived with 4+ children, regularly watched television, consumed breakfast on the way to school, frequently consumed high‐sugar foods, had food security issues, experienced dental pain at night or had received dental care under a general anaesthetic had received a restoration. Extraction receipt was associated with children who were Pacific, had low household income, had a disability, purchased their lunch, regularly consumed high‐sugar‐containing products, had food security issues, had experienced dental pain at night or received dental care under a general anaesthetic.

Conclusions:  Material and behavioural factors all play a role in New Zealand child use of dental services and receipt of dental care.
Trans fatty acids from milk of Brazilian mothers of premature infants
Authors: Tinoco Sandra Manzato Barboza , Sichieri Rosely , Setta Cecília Leal , Moura Anibal Sanchez , Tavares do Carmo Maria das Graças
Published: July 2007

Aim:  The presence of trans fatty acids (TFA) in human milk may be a concern because of their possible adverse nutritional effects on the infant development. TFA may interfere with the metabolism of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFA). Marked variation in TFA of milk appears in different populations. No data have yet been reported in Brazil, particularly as regards the milk of mothers of premature infants. Because of the importance of LC‐PUFA in infant growth and development, we investigated the fatty acids composition of the milk of Brazilian mothers of premature infants.

Methods:  We analysed, through gas‐liquid chromatography, the content of fatty acids of 37 milk samples obtained from mothers delivering prematurely. Samples were collected from colostrum and mature milk of exclusive breastfeeding.

Results:  All samples contained trans isomers of C18:1 acid with trans isomers of PUFA in lower proportion. The percentage of TFA (mean ± SD) in the colostrum was 2.34 ± 0.75, and 2.19 ± 0.47 in the mature milk. For the LC‐PUFA these values were 0.97 ± 0.34 in the colostrum and 0.66 ± 0.25 in the mature milk. The contents of total essential fatty acids and PUFA n‐6 were inversely correlated with TFA in colostrum and mature milk. We found a positive correlation between levels of arachidonic acid in mature milk and change in the children’s height.

Conclusions:  The study showed that the intake of TFA occupies an intermediate position between the values of North America and European countries, reflecting the ongoing transition to industrialised foods in Brazil.
Two outbreaks of Burkholderia cepacia nosocomial infection in a neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Lee Jimmy KF
Published: July 2007

Background:  An outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia septicaemia occurred in our neonatal unit over a 9‐week period in 2001, affecting 23 babies and two died. A second outbreak lasting 8 days occurred a year later, affecting five babies.

Setting:  Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Kuala Terengganu Hospital.

Aim:  To review the patient characteristics and the risk factors for septicaemia in the first outbreak.

Methods:  Retrospective review of records and in the first outbreak a case–control analysis with 23 matched controls for risk factors for septicaemia.

Results:  In the first outbreak, median birthweight was 1670 g (range 860–3760) and median gestational age was 32 weeks (range 27–41). There were 32 episodes of septicaemia, and five and two patients had two and three episodes, respectively. The mortality rate was 6.3% per septicaemic episode. Multiple logistic regression showed the presence of a prior long line was associated with first septicaemic episode (OR 7.07, 95% CI 1.37–36.47 with P = 0.019) but not prior assisted ventilation. The organism was isolated from the water of an oxygen humidifier in the delivery room, three ventilator water traps and one humidifier water trap in the neonatal unit. In the second outbreak, six episodes of septicaemia occurred in five neonates with median birthweight 2060 g and median gestational age 32.5 weeks. The organism was isolated from two ventilator water traps.

Conclusion:  These two outbreaks of Burkholderia cepacia subsided with general infection control measures. The sources of these two outbreaks were not identified.
Feasibility of nitric oxide administration by neonatal helmet‐CPAP: a bench study
Authors: TREVISANUTO DANIELE , Doglioni NICOLETTA , MICAGLIO MASSIMO , ZANARDO VINCENZO
Published: July 2007

Background:  Inhaled nitric oxide (NO) may have a role in the treatment of preterm infants with respiratory failure. We evaluated the feasibility of administering NO therapy by a new continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system (neonatal helmet‐CPAP).

Methods:  While maintaining a constant total flow of 8, 10, and 12 l·min−1, NO concentrations were progressively increased to 5, 10, 20, and 40 p.p.m. in the neonatal helmet‐CPAP pressure chamber (5 cmH2O). NO, NO2, and O2 concentrations were measured in the pressure chamber and the immediate external environment.

Results:  In the chamber, NO2 levels remained low (≤0.8 p.p.m.) at inhaled therapeutic NO concentrations (5, 10, 20, and 40 p.p.m.). The lower O2 concentrations were 95% at 40 p.p.m. NO levels. Leakage of NO and NO2 to the surrounding environment was negligible.

Conclusions:  NO administration is safe and feasible using the neonatal helmet‐CPAP system. This method allows the delivery of accurate NO levels and high O2 concentrations avoiding NO2 accumulation. Further experimental and clinical studies are needed.
Emotional Development in Adolescence: What can be Learned From a High School Theater Program?
Authors: Larson Reed W. , Brown Jane R.
Published: July 2007

Grounded‐theory analyses were used to formulate propositions regarding the processes of adolescent emotional development. Progress in understanding this difficult topic requires close examination of emotional experience in context, and to do this the authors drew on qualitative data collected over the course of a high school theater production. Participants’ (ages 14–17) accounts of experiences in this setting demonstrated their capacity to actively extract emotional knowledge and to develop strategies for managing emotions. These accounts suggested that youth’s repeated “hot” experience of unfolding emotional episodes in the setting provided material for this active process of learning. Youth also learned by drawing on and internalizing the emotion culture of the setting, which provided concepts, strategies, and tools for managing emotional episodes.
The Roles of Prior Experience and the Timing of Misinformation Presentation on Young Children’s Event Memories
Authors: Roberts Kim P. , Powell Martine B.
Published: July 2007

The current study addressed how the timing of interviews affected children’s memories of unique and repeated events. Five‐ to six‐year‐olds (N= 125) participated in activities 1 or 4 times and were misinformed either 3 or 21 days after the only or last event. Although single‐experience children were subsequently less accurate in the 21‐ versus 3‐day condition, the timing of the misinformation session did not affect memories of repeated‐experience children regarding invariant details. Children were more suggestible in the 21‐ versus 3‐day condition for variable details when the test occurred soon after misinformation presentation. Thus, timing differentially affected memories of single and repeated events and depended on the combination of event‐misinformation and misinformation‐test delays rather than the overall retention interval.
Training Mothers in Elaborative Reminiscing Enhances Children’s Autobiographical Memory and Narrative
Authors: Reese Elaine , Newcombe Rhiannon
Published: July 2007

This longitudinal intervention assessed children’s memory at 2‐1/2 years (short‐term posttest; N= 115) and their memory and narrative at 3‐1/2 years (long‐term posttest; N= 100) as a function of maternal training in elaborative reminiscing when children were 1‐1/2 to 2‐1/2 years. At both posttests, trained mothers were more elaborative in their reminiscing than untrained mothers. At the long‐term posttest, trained mothers were also more repetitive than untrained mothers. Children of trained mothers provided richer memories than children of untrained mothers at both posttests. Children of trained mothers also produced more accurate memories with researchers but only if they had high initial levels of self‐awareness. Results are discussed with respect to theory and practice in autobiographical memory development.
Analyzing False Memories in Children With Associative Lists Specific for Their Age
Authors: Carneiro Paula , Albuquerque Pedro , Fernandez Angel , Esteves Francisco
Published: July 2007

Two experiments attempted to resolve previous contradictory findings concerning developmental trends in false memories within the Deese‐Roediger‐McDermott (DRM) paradigm by using an improved methodology‐‐constructing age‐appropriate associative lists. The research also extended the DRM paradigm to preschoolers. Experiment 1 (N = 320) included children in three age groups (preschoolers of 3–4 years, second‐graders of 7–8 years, and preadolescents of 11–12 years) and adults, and Experiment 2 (N = 64) examined preschoolers and preadolescents. Age‐appropriate lists increased false recall. Although preschoolers had fewer false memories than the other age groups, they showed considerable levels of false recall when tested with age‐appropriate materials. Results were discussed in terms of fuzzy‐trace, source‐monitoring, and activation frameworks.
Development of Decision Making in School‐Aged Children and Adolescents: Evidence From Heart Rate and Skin Conductance Analysis
Authors: Crone Eveline A. , Van Der Molen Maurits W.
Published: July 2007

Age differences in decision making indicate that children fail to anticipate outcomes of their decisions. Using heart rate and skin conductance analyses, we tested whether developmental changes in decision making are associated with (a) a failure to process outcomes of decisions, or (b) a failure to anticipate future outcomes of decisions. Children aged 8‐10, 12‐14, and 16‐18 years performed the Hungry Donkey task, a child version of the Iowa Gambling Task, while heart rate and skin conductance activity were continuously recorded. Children aged 16‐18 learned to make advantageous choices over task blocks faster than the two younger age groups. Age differences were present for anticipation‐related autonomic activity but not outcome‐related autonomic activity. The results are interpreted vis‐à‐vis models of prefrontal cortex maturation.
Action Speaks Louder Than Words: Young Children Differentially Weight Perceptual, Social, and Linguistic Cues to Learn Verbs
Authors: Brandone Amanda C. , Pence Khara L. , Golinkoff Roberta Michnick , Hirsh‐Pasek Kathy
Published: July 2007

This paper explores how children use two possible solutions to the verb‐mapping problem: attention to perceptually salient actions and attention to social and linguistic information (speaker cues). Twenty‐two‐month‐olds attached a verb to one of two actions when perceptual cues (presence/absence of a result) coincided with speaker cues but not when these cues were placed into conflict (Experiment 1), and not when both possible referent actions were perceptually salient (Experiment 2). By 34 months, children were able to override perceptual cues to learn the name of an action that was not perceptually salient (Experiment 3). Results demonstrate an early reliance on perceptual information for verb mapping and an emerging tendency to weight speaker information more heavily over developmental time.
Cognitive Mechanisms Underlying Achievement Deficits in Children With Mathematical Learning Disability
Authors: Geary David C. , Hoard Mary K. , Byrd‐Craven Jennifer , Nugent Lara , Numtee Chattavee
Published: July 2007

Using strict and lenient mathematics achievement cutoff scores to define a learning disability, respective groups of children who are math disabled (MLD, n = 15) and low achieving (LA, n = 44) were identified. These groups and a group of typically achieving (TA, n = 46) children were administered a battery of mathematical cognition, working memory, and speed of processing measures (M = 6 years). The children with MLD showed deficits across all math cognition tasks, many of which were partially or fully mediated by working memory or speed of processing. Compared with the TA group, the LA children were less fluent in processing numerical information and knew fewer addition facts. Implications for defining MLD and identifying underlying cognitive deficits are discussed.
How Children Learn About Morphological Spelling Rules
Authors: Chliounaki Kalliopi , Bryant Peter
Published: July 2007

A 2‐year longitudinal study was carried out to test the hypothesis that children’s word‐specific learning of inflectional spellings is an essential first step in their acquiring an understanding of morphological rules for spelling inflections. Ninety children, who were 6‐years‐old at the start of the project, were asked to spell pseudowords and real words on three separate occasions. Inflections in pseudowords can be spelled only on the basis of morphological spelling rules, whereas the same inflections in real words can be spelled either through familiarity with the specific words (word‐specific knowledge) or through morphological rules. Cross‐lagged correlations suggested that the children’s initial word‐specific learning may be the basis for their later adoption and use of morphological spelling rules.
Leader Self‐Reported Emotional Intelligence and Perceived Employee Creativity: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Rego Arménio , Sousa Filipa , Pina e Cunha Miguel , Correia Anabela , Saur‐Amaral Irina
Published: July 2007

This research studies the relationship between six dimensions of leaders' emotional intelligence and two dimensions of employee creativity. A sample of 138 managers from 66 organizations reported on their own emotional intelligence and the creativity of their teams. Our results point out two main findings: (a) leaders' emotional intelligence explains significant variance of both creativity dimensions; (b) emotional intelligence dimensions with higher predictive power are self‐control against criticism and empathy. The findings suggest that emotionally intelligent leaders behave in ways that stimulate the creativity of their teams.
Assessing Job Candidates' Creativity: Propositions and Future Research Directions
Authors: Malakate Anna , Andriopoulos Constantine , Gotsi Manto
Published: July 2007

Identifying and selecting creative employees is of key importance in today's high‐pace business environment. Yet, little is known about how assessors in organizational settings evaluate the creative potential of job candidates. In this paper we review the extant literature on individual and team creativity in order to identify criteria (cues) against which job candidates' creativity could be assessed. We argue that the creative potential of job candidates could be evaluated against four key dimensions (the creative individual, the creative product, the creative process and the creative environment) and call for empirical research to further explore and test our propositions in practice.
Corruption, Bribery, and Wait Times in the Public Allocation of Goods in Developing Countries
Authors: Batabyal Amitrajeet A. , Yoo Seung Jick
Published: July 2007

What are the nexuses between corruption, bribery, and wait times in the public allocation of goods in developing countries? This question has received scant attention in the literature. Consequently, we use queuing theory to analyze models in which a good is allocated publicly, first in a non‐preemptive corruption regime and then in a preemptive corruption regime. Specifically, for both regimes, we calculate wait times for citizens who pay bribes and for those who do not. Second, we use these wait times to show that bribery is profitable for citizens with a high opportunity cost of time. Third, we show that high and low opportunity cost of time citizens will have dissimilar preferences as far as the corruption regime is concerned. Finally, we conclude with some across‐citizens and across‐corruption regimes observations about the value of preemption, the benefit from bribery, and a measure of resource misallocation in the economy.
Toward a Critical Phenomenology of “Illegality”: State Power, Criminalization, and Abjectivity among Undocumented Migrant Workers in Tel Aviv, Israel
Authors: Willen Sarah S.
Published: July 2007

Given the vast scope and magnitude of the phenomenon of so‐called “illegal” migration in the present historical moment, this article contends that phenomenologically engaged ethnography has a crucial role to play in sensitizing not only anthropologists, but also policymakers, politicians, and broader publics to the complicated, often anxiety‐ridden and frightening realities associated with “the condition of migrant illegality,” both of specific host society settings and comparatively across the globe. In theoretical terms, the article constitutes a preliminary attempt to link pressing questions in the fields of legal anthropology and anthropology of transnational migration, on one hand, with recent work by phenomenologically oriented scholars interested in the anthropology of experience, on the other. The article calls upon ethnographers of undocumented transnational migration to bridge these areas of scholarship by applying what can helpfully be characterized as a “critical phenomenological” approach to the study of migrant “illegality” (Willen, 2006; see also Desjarlais, 2003). This critical phenomenological approach involves a three‐dimensional model of illegality: first, as a form of juridical status; second, as a sociopolitical condition; and third, as a mode of being‐in‐the‐world. In developing this model, the article draws upon 26 non‐consecutive months of ethnographic field research conducted within the communities of undocumented West African (Nigerian and Ghanaian) and Filipino migrants in Tel Aviv, Israel, between 2000 and 2004. During the first part of this period, “illegal” migrants in Israel were generally treated as benign, excluded “Others.” Beginning in mid‐2002, however, a resource‐intensive, government‐sponsored campaign of mass arrest and deportation reconfigured the condition of migrant “illegality” in Israel and, in effect, transformed these benign “Others” into wanted criminals. By analyzing this transformation the article highlights the profound significance of examining not only the judicial and sociopolitical dimensions of what it means to be “illegal” but also its impact on migrants' modes of being‐in‐the‐world.
Topical 8‐methoxypsoralen enhances the therapeutic results of targeted narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for plaque‐type psoriasis
Authors: Asawanonda P , Amornpinyokeit N , Nimnuan C
Published: July 2007

Targeted broadband ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy as well as 308‐nm excimer laser have been reported to significantly improve or clear localized psoriatic plaques within 5 to 10 treatments when medium fluences [i.e. 4–6 multiples of minimal erythema doses (MED)] were used. Our study was conducted to determine the effects of different concentrations of topical 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) cream when used in combination with targeted UV phototherapy with regard to number of treatments and cumulative UV doses to clear localized psoriasis. Ten evaluable patients with stable plaque‐type psoriasis completed the study. Three different concentrations of 8‐MOP creams (0.001%, 0.01% and 0.1%) were applied prior to irradiation with 4 MEDs of targeted narrowband UVB (NB‐UVB), whereas 0.001% 8‐MOP cream was used in conjunction with 5 J/cm2 UVA. All irradiations took place once weekly for 12 weeks. Psoriasis severity index (PSI) score was used to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment. With area‐under‐the‐curve analysis, 0.1% 8‐MOP/NB‐UVB was superior to other modalities in reducing the PSI scores. The number of treatments and cumulative NB‐UVB doses necessary to achieve PSI‐95, a 95% reduction in the scores, was also lower in the 0.1% 8‐MOP/NB‐UVB group, although the differences were not statistically significant. We conclude that topical 8‐MOP cream enhances the therapeutic effects of targeted NB‐UVB phototherapy without significantly increasing the short‐term adverse effects.
Melanoma epidemic across the millennium: time trends of cutaneous melanoma in Emilia‐Romagna (Italy) from 1997 to 2004
Authors: Pellacani G , Lo Scocco G , Vinceti M , Albertini G , Raccagni A Ascari , Baldassari L , Catrani S , Donelli S , Ghetti P , Lanzoni A , Leardini M , Reggiani M , Santini M , Stanganelli I , Virgili A , Seidenari S
Published: July 2007

Background  After a rapid increase in malignant melanoma (MM) incidence in the last decades, trends of the melanoma epidemic in the recent years seemed not homogeneous.

Objective  This study aimed at the monitoring of some epidemiological data referring to melanoma in a region of the Northern Italy during the past 8‐year period.

Methods  All cases of melanoma, including also in situ lesions, diagnosed in Emilia‐Romagna and San Marino State, with the exclusion of Cesena province, from 1997 to 2004 were recorded and the incidence of melanoma, adjusted for the European standard population by the direct method, was calculated.

Results  Mean standardized incidence was 9.7 for invasive MMs and 11.9, considering also in situ ones, showing an ascending trend with an increment of 3.3 new incident cases in 2004 compared with 1997. No differences in age distribution, gender and site were reported. Concerning tumour thickness, although a general ascending trend in all subtypes, only thin melanoma incidence significantly increased over the study period.

Conclusions  Contrary to data from Northern European countries, melanoma incidence still showed an ascending trend in the Italian population of Emilia Romagna.
Salt tectonics and shallow subseafloor fluid convection: models of coupled fluid‐heat‐salt transport
Authors: WILSON A. , RUPPEL C.
Published: July 2007

Thermohaline convection associated with salt domes has the potential to drive significant fluid flow and mass and heat transport in continental margins, but previous studies of fluid flow associated with salt structures have focused on continental settings or deep flow systems of importance to petroleum exploration. Motivated by recent geophysical and geochemical observations that suggest a convective pattern to near‐seafloor pore fluid flow in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GoMex), we devise numerical models that fully couple thermal and chemical processes to quantify the effects of salt geometry and seafloor relief on fluid flow beneath the seafloor. Steady‐state models that ignore halite dissolution demonstrate that seafloor relief plays an important role in the evolution of shallow geothermal convection cells and that salt at depth can contribute a thermal component to this convection. The inclusion of faults causes significant, but highly localized, increases in flow rates at seafloor discharge zones. Transient models that include halite dissolution show the evolution of flow during brine formation from early salt‐driven convection to later geothermal convection, characteristics of which are controlled by the interplay of seafloor relief and salt geometry. Predicted flow rates are on the order of a few millimeters per year or less for homogeneous sediments with a permeability of 10−15 m2, comparable to compaction‐driven flow rates. Sediment permeabilities likely fall below 10−15 m2 at depth in the GoMex basin, but such thermohaline convection can drive pervasive mass transport across the seafloor, affecting sediment diagenesis in shallow sediments. In more permeable settings, such flow could affect methane hydrate stability, seafloor chemosynthetic communities, and the longevity of fluid seeps.
A two‐year prospective follow‐up study of community‐based early intensive behavioural intervention and specialist nursery provision for children with autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Magiati Iliana , Charman Tony , Howlin Patricia
Published: July 2007

Background:  This prospective study compared outcome for pre‐school children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) receiving autism‐specific nursery provision or home‐based Early Intensive Behavioural Interventions (EIBI) in a community setting.

Methods:  Forty‐four 23‐ to 53‐month‐old children with ASD participated (28 in EIBI home‐based programmes; 16 in autism‐specific nurseries). Cognitive, language, play, adaptive behaviour skills and severity of autism were assessed at intake and 2 years later.

Results:  Both groups showed improvements in age equivalent scores but standard scores changed little over time. At follow‐up, there were no significant group differences in cognitive ability, language, play or severity of autism. The only difference approaching significance (p = .06), in favour of the EIBI group, was for Vineland Daily Living Skills standard scores. However, there were large individual differences in progress, with intake IQ and language level best predicting overall progress.

Conclusions:  Home‐based EIBI, as implemented in the community, and autism‐specific nursery provision produced comparable outcomes after two years of intervention.
Do paternal arrest and imprisonment lead to child behaviour problems and substance use? A longitudinal analysis
Authors: Kinner Stuart A. , Alati Rosa , Najman Jake M. , Williams Gail M.
Published: July 2007

Background:  Children of prisoners are at increased risk of impaired health, behavioural problems and substance misuse; however, the causal pathways to these problems are unclear. Under some circumstances, parental imprisonment may result in improved outcomes for the child. This study investigates the impact of paternal arrest and imprisonment on child behaviour and substance use, as a function of child gender, and in the context of known social and familial risk factors.

Methods:  Longitudinal analysis of an Australian birth cohort (N = 2,399) recruited 1981–83, with child outcomes measured at age 14. Participants were recruited prenatally from a large, public hospital in Brisbane, Australia and followed up in the community. History of paternal arrest and imprisonment were based on maternal self‐report, at age 14. Outcome measures included mother‐ and child‐reported internalising and externalising behaviour (CBCL and YSR), and child self‐reported alcohol and tobacco use.

Results:  In univariate analyses, paternal imprisonment was associated with maternal reports of increased child internalising (OR = 1.82, 95%CI 1.08–3.06) and externalising (OR = 2.24, 95%CI 1.41–3.57), and alcohol use (OR = 1.68, 95%CI 1.11–2.53) at age 14. However, controlling for socio‐economic status, maternal mental health and substance use, parenting style and family adjustment, these associations became non‐significant. For boys only, in the multivariate model paternal arrest but not imprisonment predicted alcohol (OR = 1.79, 95%CI 1.09–2.95) and tobacco (OR = 1.83, 95%CI 1.03–3.25) use at age 14.

Conclusions:  The association between paternal arrest and imprisonment and adverse outcomes in adolescence is accounted for by well‐established social and familial risk factors. Paternal imprisonment may not, in itself, increase the risk for child behaviour and substance use problems.
An optimized protocol for the identification of diatoms, flagellated algae and pathogenic protozoa with phylochips
Authors: METFIES KATJA , BERZANO MARCO , MAYER CHRISTIAN , ROOSKEN PAUL , GUALERZI CLAUDIO , MEDLIN LINDA , MUYZER GERARD
Published: July 2007

In the past decade, molecular probe‐based methods have proved successful in improving both the efficiency and accuracy of the identification of microorganisms, especially those that are devoid of distinct morphological features. However until recently, these methods had the major drawback of being limited to the identification of only one or just a few species at a time. With the use of DNA microarrays, it is possible to identify large numbers of taxa on a single‐glass slide, the so‐called phylochip. There are numerous microarray protocols in the literature. These protocols share the same principles, but vary in details, e.g. labelling approach or detergent concentration in the washing buffer. In this study, we show that even small variations in hybridization protocols can have a strong impact on the outcome of the microarray hybridization. An optimized protocol for species identification on phylochips is presented. The optimized protocol is the result of a joined effort of three laboratories to develop phylochips for microbial species identification.
High throughput tissue preparation for large‐scale genotyping experiments
Authors: SLOTTA TRACEY A. BODO , BRADY LEE , CHAO SHIAOMAN
Published: July 2007

A fast, efficient technique is described for the extraction of DNA from a large number of samples. The applications of this method include population genetics, plant breeding, and genetic screening. In the field, samples are collected in premeasured silica gel aliquots in polypropylene blocks, which are later used to grind the dried tissue. This permits naturalists, breeders, and collaborators to collect a large number of samples in a short amount of time and allows the samples to dry quickly during shipping. No phenol or chloroform steps are required to obtain high‐quality DNA. Samples representing 12 plant families, three invertebrates, and a mammal were included. Quantities of DNA obtained were consistent with or better than other techniques. The quality of samples was tested by amplification of the internal transcribed spacer region. Test amplifications were successful, confirming the quality of extracted DNA.
Cognitive Dysfunction and Depression May Decrease Activities in Daily Life More Strongly Than Pain in Community‐Dwelling Elderly Adults Living With Persistent Pain
Authors: Kauppila Timo , Pesonen Anne , Tarkkila Pekka , Rosenberg Per H.
Published: July 2007

Background and Objectives:  Chronic pain, dementia, and depression may reduce activities of daily life in elderly people. We evaluated the correlation between pain intensity and daily activities, cognitive state, and depression, as well as their interrelationships in home‐dwelling elderly people with chronic pain.

Methods:  Forty‐one elderly home‐dwelling people who suffered from long‐lasting pain, and who participated in a rehabilitation program, were enrolled. Severity of pain at rest and after pain‐provoked motion was assessed on a visual analog scale (VAS, 0 to 100) and a 5‐point verbal rating scale (VRS). Cognitive status was assessed with the mini‐mental state examination (MMSE, 0 to 30), depression on the geriatric depression scale (GDS, 0 to 15), and functional ability in daily life was assessed with the Barthel Index (0 to 100).

Results:  VAS and VRS scores correlated positively with each other. Rating pain at rest on the VRS (mean 1.0, median 1) correlated with severity of depression (GDS mean 5.4) (r = 0.3997, P < 0.01), while scores on the VAS did not. Pain ratings at rest did not correlate with the Barthel Index (mean 87.7), but the latter correlated positively with motion‐evoked VRS pain scores (mean 2.8, median 3) (r = 0.42829, P < 0.01). The MMSE (mean 25.3) did not correlate with any pain parameter, but it correlated positively with the Barthel Index (r = 0.3660, P < 0.05). The Barthel Index correlated negatively with the GDS (r = −0.39969, P < 0.01).

Conclusion:  In home‐dwelling elderly people, chronic pain states do not seem to reduce daily activities as much as cognitive dysfunction and depression. The seemingly controversial finding of a positive correlation between daily activities and pain in motion, and lack of correlation with pain at rest, may be explained by a relatively low intensity of pain in our study people.
Competency assessment for infection control in the undergraduate dental curriculum
Authors: Milward Mike R. , Cooper Paul R.
Published: July 2007

Objectives:  This study aimed at investigating the introduction of an infection control competency assessment on undergraduate dental student's awareness and knowledge of infection control.

Method:  A short course, including an introductory lecture and a three component competency based assessment exercise testing student's knowledge and ability in infection control measures was incorporated into the previously established training programme. The assessment exercises included a written test of students’ knowledge of the Infection Control Policy, a unit management exercise and a hand hygiene assessment. The infection control competency was initially incorporated into the final term of the second year in 2004 and is now an established part of the 5‐year dental undergraduate degree programme. Re‐assessments were scheduled (at the start of third year) for students failing to meet the required standard as successful completion of this course was compulsory prior to students being allowed to treat their first patients. Student performance over the last 2 years on this course and during their first year on clinic were analysed to determine potential improvements in student knowledge and application in infection control. Examination results from the year 3, infection control spot test were compared with those of earlier years. In addition, the opinions, as assessed by questionnaire analysis, of dental staff and students on the infection control competency were obtained.

Results:  All students successfully completed the infection control competency (either at first or second attempt) and were subsequently allowed to enter clinical training in year 3. Significant improvements were seen in students passing the course at their initial attempt, 42% and 78%, in the 2004 and 2005 academic years, respectively. Also subsequent testing of these students during their first year on clinic showed marked increases in awareness and knowledge of the infection control protocols. Staff and student feedback on this course was also found to be highly supportive of the introduction of the infection control competency.

Conclusion:  Incorporation of additional formal pre‐clinical teaching and introduction of an infection competency potentially provides enduring knowledge and clinical application benefits.
A qualitative exploration of the role of gender, ethnicity and clinical experience upon dental students’ interpersonal skills when interacting with dental nurses
Authors: Freeman R. , Gorter R. , McWilliams C. , Williams S.
Published: July 2007

Aim:  To explore qualitatively the role of gender, ethnicity and clinical experience upon dental students’ interpersonal skills when interacting with dental nurses.

Method:  A convenience sample of 15 clinical dental students studying at Belfast (n = 9) and Leeds (n = 6) were invited to take part. The students were interviewed individually using an open format. Interviewing was stopped after 15 interviews as stability and saturation of the qualitative data had occurred. The data were analysed using content analysis.

Results:  Interactions with dental nurses were primarily dictated by the dental students’ perceptions of the essential qualities of a dental nurse. Novitiate students perceived the dental nurse as an ‘teacher‐ally’, whereas clinically experienced students used the nurse as a ‘helper’. The degree to which dental students embraced hierarchical working styles and professional demarcation was influenced by clinical experience and gender, ethnicity. In order to promote cooperative working when interacting with dental nurses it seemed there was a need to consider incorporating interprofessional and cultural diversity training into undergraduate programmes.

Conclusions:  The dental students’ interpersonal skills were affected by clinical experience, gender and ethnicity.