bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PATHOGENESIS OF SENDAI VIRUS INFECTION IN MICE.
Authors: Degré Miklos , Jr Halvor Rollag
Published: August 2010

Intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected interferon prolonged the survival time of mice inoculated intranasally (i.n.) with Sendai virus and reduced the mortality in mice inoculated i.n. withHaemophilus influenzae.Moderate concentrations of interferon were demonstrated in homogenized lungs of Sendai virus infected mice as long as the virus was present. Similar concentrations could be produced by i.p. injection of Sendai virus or interferon. Alveolar macrophages from mice treated i.p. with interferon or Sendai virus phagocytized more actively than control macrophages. From the present and earlier data it is concluded that interferon may have a direct effect on the Sendai virus infection. The total effect of virus pneumonia is a reduction of the lung macrophage antimicrobial activity, and therefore the phagocytosis‐modifying effect of interferon produced in the lungs is probably of minor importance for the outcome of the disease.
ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY OF HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE STRAINS INCLUDING THREE RECENT CHLORAMPHENICOL‐RESISTANT ISOLATES
Authors: Zackrisson Gunilla , Brorson John‐Erik
Published: August 2010

The antibiotic sensitivity of 100 recent isolates of Haemophilus influenzae was determined. Three strains were resistant to chloramphenicol with minimal inhibitory concentrations of 16 μg/ml. Of these three resistant strains, one produced betalactamase and one was resistant to sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim. The remaining strains were inhibited by 0.25–2.0 μg/ml of chloramphenicol. Ampicillin and benzylpenicillin were found to inhibit all but the betalactamase‐producing strains at low concentrations. Regarding sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim 96% had minimal inhibitory concentrations of 2.5–0.12 μg/ml or less, while two strains were resistant. The invitro efficacy of erythromycin against H. influenzae was low. The majority of the strains was inhibited by low concentrations of doxycycline and cefuroxime while cefoxitin exhibited minimal inhibitory concentrations values usually exceeding 1 μg/ml. The minimal inhibitory concentrations registered are compared to the concentrations of the different antibiotics attainable in certain body fluids.
BIOTYPES OF CAPSULATED AND NON‐CAPSULATED HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE. Correlation between Biotypes andβ‐Lactamase Production
Authors: Kamme Carl
Published: August 2010

396 Haemophilus influenzae strains were biotyped according to Kilian. 393 of the strains were assigned to biotypes I to V, while 3 strains remained unclassified. Eighty‐nine per cent of the capsulated strains produced both urease and ornithine decarboxylase, biotypes I or IV, while 95 per cent of the non‐capsulated strains produced only one of the enzymes, biotypes II, III, or V. Of consecutive strains from the upper respiratory tract, the incidence ofβ‐lactamase‐positive strains was higher among capsulated than among non‐capsulated strains (p< 0.025). None of 133 non‐capsulatedβ‐lactamase‐positive strains produced both urease and ornithine decarboxylase, in contrast to 15 out of 147 non‐capsulatedβ‐lactamase‐negative strains (p< 0.001). The type e strains were all of biotype IV and 3 of 7 consecutive strains wereβ‐lactamase‐positive.
A PROTEIN ANTIGEN CHARACTERISTIC OF BRANHAMELLA CATARRHALIS. Serological Identification of the Genus
Authors: Eliasson Ingvar
Published: August 2010

Precipitation patterns of sonicated, acid‐extracted and other extracts from Branhamella catarrhalis were examined by double diffusion‐in‐gel technique, using antiserum to B. catarrhalis. Acid extract gave rise to 4 distinct precipitates. One of these lines was further studied. The bacterial component responsible for this line was trypsin‐sensitive, indicating that it was a protein. It was anodally localized by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. By absorption of antiserum with whole bacteria, the precipitating capacity of the serum was diminished, suggesting that the protein antigen (P‐antigen) was exposed on the bacterial surface. F(ab')2‐fragments of IgG from antiserum, but not from normal rabbit serum, precipitated the P‐antigen, indicating that it was a true antigen‐antibody reaction. It was possible to make an IgG preparation monospecific for the P‐antigen, by absorbing antiserum with trypsinized bacterial extract. 31 strains of B. catarrhalis, 9 strains of N. gonorrhoeae, 10 strains of N. meningitidis, 12 other Neisseria spp. and 2 strains of H. influenzae were investigated for presence of cross‐reacting surface antigens, using IgG monospecific for the P‐antigen and 125I‐labelled protein A from Staphylococcus aureus. After antibody exposure, all 31 strains of B. catarrhalis showed abundant uptake of protein A. No significant uptake was detected on any other investigated strain. Hence, the P‐antigen appears to be characteristic of B. catarrhalis. The possibility of a serological identification of the species is introduced. Precipitating antibodies against the P‐antigen were demonstrated in 69% of normal human sera.
IN VITRO ANTIBIOTIC SENSITIVITY TESTING OF VIBRIO ALGINOLYTICUS
Authors: Larsen Jens L. , Farid Adel F.
Published: August 2010

V. alginolyticus from environmental sources of different geographical areas and some human pathogenic strains were investigated for their sensitivity to 29 different antimicrobial agents, using the agar diffusion method. All strains were sensitive to Gentamicin, Neomycin, Sulfaisodimidin, Sulfamethoxazole‐Trimethoprim, Rifamycin, Nalidixan and Linco‐Spectin and all except one to Trimethoprim, Tetracycline, Chloramphenicol, Nitrofurantoin and Tobramycin. Between 80 and 94% of tested strains were sensitive to Clindamycin, Cephalotin, Kanamycin, Tylosin and Spiramycin, while Ampicillin, Vancomycin and Novobiocin were effective to approximately 50%. A high percentage of resistance was found to Meticillin, Carbenicillin and Lincomycin. All strains were resistant to Penicillin and Fucidin. No variation in sensitivity pattern between environmental strains isolated from different areas was detected. Great correlation was found among environmental and human pathogenic strains, which could be helpful as guidance in therapy.
A MODIFIED ISOLATION TECHNIQUE FOR CHLAMYDIA PSITTACI IN L‐CELLS TREATED WITH CYCLOHEXIMIDE AND GLUCOCORTICOID
Authors: RÖNSHOLT L.
Published: August 2010

Various auxiliary treatments of L‐cells employed for the isolation and cultivation of C. psittaci were investigated in order to develop an improved method for the detection of the agent, in addition to the aid obtained by centrifugation and cycloheximide treatment. Glucocorticoid treatment increased the observed number of inclusions considerably through a preservative effect on host cells and enhanced a spontaneous re‐infection. Besides, the hormone made the scanning of cell culture for inclusions more convenient through an altered cell morphology. This method was tested with two extreme species types that differed as regards cytopathogenicity and growth rate. The length of the cultivation period was of great importance for the diagnostic result. Especially the cytopathogenic agent‐type influenced the optimal time of cell culture fixation, which was situated around 48 or 88 hours post infection (h p.i.). Owing to the cytotoxicity of field samples (milk secretion), the cell culture technique (48 h p.i.) was less sensitive compared to the conventional isolation method in embryonated eggs. However, a different sampling technique improved the result, and simultaneous use of the secondary multiplication cycle of chlamydia (88 h p.i.) makes the less cumbersome cell culture technic recommendable.
SURVEY ON THE RESERVOIRS OF YERSINIA ENTEROCOLITICA AND YERSINIA ENTEROCOLITICA‐LIKE BACTERIA IN SCANDINAVIA
Authors: KAPPERUD GEORG
Published: August 2010

Data pertaining to 330 Yersinia strains isolated from wild‐living mammals, birds, fish, water, and soil in Scandinavia are summarized. The strains represent a broad spectrum of antigenic and biochemical variants interconnecting the species Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis. A total of 136 strains were Y. enterocolitica sensu stricto; 55 strains produced acid from rhamnose (Y. frederiksenii); 49 strains did not produce acid from sucrose (Y. kristensenii); 21 strains produced acid from rhamnose and melibiose (Y. intermedia); three strains were classified as Y. pseudotuberculosis. The remaining 66 strains could not be ascribed to any presently defined species. Seven strains were antigenically related to serogroup 3. Ecologically, Y. frederiksenii and Y. intermedia were more confined to aquatic ecosystems (fish and water) than Y. enterocolitica sensu stricto which was prevalent in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Y. kristensenii was ecologically comparable to Y. enterocolitica biotype 1, with their highest prevalence among terrestrial vertebrates. Y. frederiksenii and Y. intermedia seemed antigenically and biochemically more similar to Y. enterocolitica sensu stricto than Y. kristensenii.
MICROBIAL CONVERSION OF BILIRUBIN TO UROBILINS IN VITRO AND IN VIVO
Authors: MIDTVEDT TORE , GUSTAFSSON BENGT E.
Published: August 2010

No urobilins are formed from bilirubin in germ‐free rats. To isolate and investigate the strains of intestinal microorganisms responsible for this transformation, a suitable test medium was adopted. The strength of the medium and a rather high initial pH were found to be of importance. In this medium, suspensions of rat faeces and a single strain, Cl. ramosum (G62), converted bilirubin to urobilins. Cultivations of Cl. ramosum (G62) together with E. coli significantly enhanced the conversion, whereas addition of 4 other bacterial strains was without this influence. The highest in vitro formation of the urobilins was about 10% of the bilirubin present. When the 6 strains investigated in vitro were established in EXG rats, the in vivo conversion of bilirubin to urobilins was found to be about 15%, compared to 70% in CONV rats.
SOLID PHASE ANTI‐IgM ELISA FOR DETECTION OF RUBELLA SPECIFIC IgM ANTIBODIES
Authors: VEJTORP MOGENS
Published: August 2010

IgM in the test sample was bound to anti‐IgM on a solid phase consisting of a polystyrene microtest plate and rubella specific IgM antibody subsequently detected by incubation with crude rubella virus antigen and anti‐rubella conjugate. High levels of rubella specific IgG, which decreased the sensitivity of an indirect ELISA for rubella IgM, did not interfere in the anti‐IgM ELISA, whereas non‐rubella IgM interfered by a competition for the anti‐IgM on the solid phase. False‐positive results owing to IgM rheumatoid factor could be prevented by the addition of aggregated IgG 0.1 mg/ml to the serum diluent. The median duration of the antibody response detected by the solid phase anti‐IgM assay was 60 days (range 24–140) in tests of serial serum samples from 17 patients with rubella. The assay appears suitable for routine diagnosis of postnatal rubella and will probably be particularly valuable for diagnosis of prenatal rubella.
BIOCHEMICAL AND SEROLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF R, S, AND RS STREPTOCOCCI
Authors: PERCH B. , KJEMS E. , SLOT P. , PEDERSEN K. B.
Published: August 2010

Sixty‐six strains of R, S, and RS streptococci could be distinguished from other species of streptococci by their ability to ferment inulin and glycogen and to hydrolyze arginine, combined with resistance to optochin. Likewise, they were easily recognizable serologically. The capsular reaction test is the test of choice.
GENTAMICIN‐RESISTANT STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS STRAINS ISOLATED IN DENMARK IN 1979
Authors: ROSENDAL KIRSTEN , BANG JØRGEN , ROSDAHL VIBEKE T.
Published: August 2010

In 1979 seven gentamicin (G)‐resistant (res.) Staphylococcus aureus strains caused epidemic episodes in eight Danish hospitals. Furthermore, a total of 37 resistant strains were isolated from separate incidents. All the G‐res. strains were resistant to kanamycin, sisomicin and tobramycin, five to amikacin and two to cephalothin. None were resistant to netilmicin. Twelve out of the total of 44 strains were multiply‐res. (resistant to penicillin, streptomycin and tetracyclines), and 10 of these were also resistant to methicillin (M). All phage groups/complexes were represented, group III by 13, and the 83A complex by seven strains. Multiply‐res. strains, resistant to both M and G were all resistant to mercury, but sensitive to arsenate, whereas such strains resistant to either M or G usually have been found resistant to both metals. Twenty‐three strains lost resistance to G upon storage, among them only one multiply‐res. Loss of resistance did not influence the metal resistance pattern. From one patient only, the various isolates (nine) differed in respect to bacteriological properties. It was concluded, however, that they all were descendants of the same unstable strain. In the majority of the cases treatment with G had preceded isolation of the resistant strain.
A POLYPEPTIDE ANTIGEN FROM A STRAIN OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS SIMULANS
Authors: OSLAND ARVE , SVEEN KJELL
Published: August 2010

A purified polypeptide antigen from Staphylococcus simulans CCM 2705 produced one precipitation line by double diffusion in agar with rabbit antiserum against homologous whole bacteria. The purified antigen did not induce antibody production in rabbits. However, when the antigen was complexed with methylated bovien serum albumin, antibodies with specificity against the polypeptide were produced. The antigen did not sensitize normal or tanned erythrocytes for agglutination in antiserum. The polypeptide antigen induced a primary skin reaction and was toxic for mice. It also induced production of MIF as demonstrated by the migration inhibition test. The polypeptide was found to be a leukotaxigen. No difference between C4 normal and C4 deficient serum was noted. CS was found to be necessary for the induction of chemotaxis.
COMPARATIVE IN VITRO ACTIVITY OF FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD GENERATION CEPHALOSPORINS
Authors: FORSGREN ARNE
Published: August 2010

Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined against 662 recent clinical isolates for eight cephalosporins representing first, second and third generation compounds. All four third‐generation cephalosporins tested (cefoperaxone, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and moxalactam) were significantly more active against aerobic gram‐negative bacteria than the older compounds (cephalothin, cefamandole, cefoxitin, and cefuroxime). Cefotaxime and moxalactam were most active against Enterobacteriaceae with extremely low MIC‐values. Ceftazidime was definitely most active against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with more than 9096 of strains inhibited at 4 μg/ml. MIC‐values for cefotaxime against Staphylococcus aureus were for all strains 1–2 μg/ml, slightly higher for cefoperazone, while the effect of ceftazidime and moxalactam was more limited. All third generation cephalosporins demonstrated efficiency against Streptococcus pyogenes, cefotaxime being most active and moxalactam least active, but were essentially ineffective against Streptococcus faecalis. Moxalactam demonstrated higher activity against Bacteroides fragilis than other second and third generation cephalosporins including cefoxitin. Previous studies have demonstrated a very high activity of all third generation cephalosporins against Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, including beta‐lectamase producing strains.
USE OF SELECTED ION MONITORING FOR DETECTION OF TUBERCULOSTEARIC AND C32 MYCOCEROSIC ACID IN MYCOBACTERIA AND IN FIVE‐DAY‐OLD CULTURES OF SPUTUM SPECIMENS FROM PATIENTS WITH PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS
Authors: LARSSON LENNART , MÅRDH PER‐ANDERS , ODHAM GÖRAN , WESTERDAHL GUNILLA
Published: August 2010

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and selected ion monitoring (SIM), employing both electron (EI) and chemical ionization (CI), was used to detect 10‐methyloctadecanoic (tuberculostearic) and 2, 4, 6, 8‐tetramethyloctacosanoic (C32 mycocerosic) acids in bacteria of 14 species of Mycobacterium and 3 species of Nocardia. Tuberculostearic acid was found in all species studied, while C32 mycocerosic acid was demonstrated only in M. africanum, M. bovis, M. bovis strain BCG, M. kansasii and M. tuberculosis. The relative amounts of these acids in the organisms of these five species varied, thereby constituting a presumptive diagnostic technique. The lowest detectable amount of C32 mycocerosic acid was approximately 5 pg when using EI‐SIM, monitoring at m/z 88 and m/z 101. When using CI, employing isobutane as reactant gas and focusing at m/z 495, 2 pg could be detected, and when ammonia was the reactant gas, the corresponding figure was ∼1 pg, monitoring at m/z 512. Tuberculostearic acid was demonstrated in 5‐day incubated sputum specimens from 6 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, including 5 patients infected with M. tuberculosis and 1 patient infected with M. avium. C32 mycocerosic acid was detected in 4 of the 5 patients with M. tuberculosis infection. None of the acids was found in a further 8 patients who had viral or bacterial (non‐mycobacterial) pneumonia. Tuberculostearic acid could be demonstrated in 10 of another 12 sputum specimens from patients with tuberculosis, when the samples were analyzed directly, viz. prior to culturing. The possibility of using SIM for the rapid diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis is thus worth consideration.
RAPID DIAGNOSIS OF RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL (RS) VIRUS INFECTION BY IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE: A SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE FOR THE PREPARATION OF NASOPHARYNGEAL SUCTION SPECIMENS
Authors: Ånestad Gabriel , Mœhle Osvald Ragnvald
Published: August 2010

A preliminary report on a simplified procedure for the preparation of nasopharyngeal suction specimens making direct smears of aspirated material is presented. The smears were examined by the indirect immunofluorescence (IF) technique for the presence of respiratory syncytial (RS) virus antigens. Specimens from 99 children with acute respiratory tract illnesses were collected during the winter season 1978–79, and RS virus was identified in samples from 45 of these patients. Serological investigations run in parallel showed fairly good correlation with the IF examinations of the smears. This simplified procedure for the preparation of nasopharyngeal suction specimens may be recommended when the conventional preparation cannot readily be performed.
A SENSITIVE ELISA METHOD FOR PROTEIN A DETECTION
Authors: Olsvik Ørjan , Berdal Bjørn P.
Published: August 2010

Protein A in solution will act as a bridge between different IgG layers in a solid‐phase sandwich ELISA. When suitable IgG species are selected, protein A can be detected down to 1 ng per ml by the sandwich ELISA method.
RADIATION‐RESISTANCE OF MICRO‐ORGANISMS FROM AIR IN CLEAN PREMISES
Authors: CHRISTENSEN EBBE AHRENSBURG , KRISTENSEN HANNE
Published: August 2010

A total of more than 20,000 colonies of bacteria and fungi collected by means of slit‐sampler in controlled environments for aseptic microbiological work were included in a screening test of the occurrence of micro‐organisms with high radiation‐resistance. A D‐6 value, the dose necessary to reduce the initial population of micro‐organisms with a factor of one million, of 1.8 megarads or more, was used as criterion. A total of 117 strains were isolated. No differences in the proportion of radiation‐resistant strains could be demonstrated between different laboratories or at various seasons of the year. In the lower half of the resistance spectrum for the 117 isolates with unusually high radiation‐resistance, half of the strains were spore‐forming. In the uppermost part of the spectrum, spores were not observed. Rods dominated the lower part of the resistance spectrum, cocci the upper part. A large proportion of the strains were pigment‐producing. 50 strains with D‐6 values of 3.2 megarads or higher, and 15 strains with D‐6 values of 4.5 megarads or higher, were found. In the upper part of the resistance spectrum the dose‐response curves for the organisms were all upward convex, when the organisms were irradiated in a dry state and glued together with small amounts of organic compounds. On the basis of the proportion of radiation‐resistant bacteria demonstrated and the assumptions that a medical device with an average total count of 20 contaminating organisms per product unit prior to irradiation should comply with an established norm (1:106), or a suggested norm (1:103), respectively, for radiation sterilized devices, the minimum dose necessary for routine sterilization was estimated as about 3.8 megarads and about 2.0 megarads, respectively. In parallel screening tests for heat‐resistant organisms, only one resistant, thermophilic strain was found among organisms equivalent to about 7,000 colony‐forming units as total counts on slit‐sampler plates, and no resistant mesophilic organisms were detected among more than 30,000 colonies from slit‐sampler plates.
IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF KINGELLA KINGAE
Authors: ØDUM LARS , FREDERIKSEN WILHELM
Published: August 2010

Kingella kingae is a rarely isolated opportunistic pathogen in the family Neisseriaceae. Thirteen strains of this organism, including six strains isolated in Denmark, were characterized. They formed a homogeneous group of small, non‐motile, fastidious Gram‐negative rods which were beta‐haemolytic, oxidase positive, catalase negative and saccharolytic. Acid was produced from glucose and maltose. Growth was most pronounced aerobically but corroding colonies increased considerably in size during anaerobic incubation.
EFFECT OF PENICILLIN ON THE MORPHOLOGY OF A NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS STRAIN LIBERATING FREE ENDOTOXIN
Authors: ANDERSEN BJØRG MARIT , SKJØRTEN FREDRIK , SOLBERG OTTO
Published: August 2010

An endotoxin‐liberating strain of Neisseria meningitidis plasmolysed extensively after 2h of exposure to 100 times MIC values of benzylpenicillin. The peptidoglycan layer could be demonstrated after 2h of treatment in places where the cytoplasm still was close to the cell wall. After 20h, however, this layer was complete undetectable. In untreated cells the peptidoglycan layer could more easily be found in older cultures than in very young cultures. An increased adhesiveness and aggregation to other bacterial cells and to cell wall material could be observed after 2h of penicillin treatment, and more pronouncedly after 20h. A high yield of free cell wall material could be demonstrated after 2h of penicillin treatment. This corresponded well to an increased content of free endotoxin in the filtrates from the cell cultures treated with penicillin, compared to untreated controls. After 20h of treatment, free cell wall material had formed large aggregates or was adherent to the cell walls of ghost cells. The corresponding endotoxin analysis showed a reduced content of filtrable endotoxin. Possible implications of the structural changes in relation to penicillin treatment of patients are discussed.
SEPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ENTEROTOXIN AND TWO HAEMOLYSINS FROM AEROMONAS HYDROPHILA
Authors: LJUNGH ÅSA , WRETLIND BENGT , MÖLLBY ROLAND
Published: August 2010

Aeromonas hydrophila produces two haemolysins, now designated α‐ and β‐haemolysin (formerly aerolysin or cytotoxic protein), and one enterotoxin. These toxins were separated and purified by isoelectric focusing and gel chromatography. Alpha‐ and β‐haemolysin differ with regard to prerequisites for their elaboration, such as selection of A. hydrophila strains and temperature and time for cultivation. The nature of their lytic effects on erythrocytes toxic effects on tissue culture cells differs significantly. Alpha‐ but not β‐haemolysin was inactivated by reducing agents and activated by oxygen, while β‐haemolysin was more resistant than α‐haemolysin to proteolytic enzymes but was inactivated by crude gangliosides. When separated from the two haemolysins, the enterotoxin gave positive reactions in the rabbit intestinal loop test, the rabbit skin and the adrenal Yl cell test, though the sensitivity of the Y1 cell was low as compared with cholera toxin and E. coli LT toxin. No cytotoxic effects were obtained in HeLa cells.
WOMEN, POLITICS AND CONTEMPORARY CUBA: A RESEARCH NOTE
Authors: Van Tassell G. Lane
Published: August 2010

Some Summary Comments

Clearly some caution should be exercised in presenting some of these data. As anyone familiar with official sources in Cuba recognizes, figures are almost always presented in the most favorable light possible. This can be expected from virtually any governmental source and is not limited to efforts made by the Cuban government. As anyone who has traveled in Cuba realizes, secondary confirmation of much of the official data is often hard to come by. This is not necessarily because other sources might be contradictory and therefore not available, but that they just do not exist. Personal interviews, subjective observations and other resource people do help. But raw statistical data remain open to further critical review. However, any tendency by the various Cuban sources to inflate the numbers to their official advantages will have the likelihood of being counterproductive. In the future, current figures will have to serve as the base from which judgments about subsequent progress towards the goal of political equality will be measured. All things considered, the various sources of raw data concerning the political status of Cuban women seem reliable.

Several conceptual challenges confront those who seek to assess relationships between gender and politics in a particular national setting. Included among the key questions are: (1) At what levels are gender and political linkages significant? (2) Are data available sufficient to make meaningful distinctions? and (3) What systematic explanations can be attributed to a particular national setting?

Students of women and politics have a great deal to learn from the Cuban example since the Revolution. Not only did several women figure significantly in the struggle against the Batista regime, the emergence of the Cuban Federation of Women early in the Castro era gave credibility to the claim that the quest for political equality between the sexes was of more than token importance. Gaining official recognition in the new Cuban constitution as a mass organization is further evidence of the organization's ability to consolidate and support political gains for Cuban women.

Additional concrete verification of political influence by women in Cuba can be found in formal organizations of the Cuban political system. The data included in this research note suggest rates of participation for contemporary Cuban women consistently above double‐digit figures. This research note is offered as further food for thought in the important quest toward greater understanding and clarification of the “revolution within a revolution.”
DEFINING TERRORISM
Authors: Zeidenstein Harvey
Published: August 2010

In both the popular media and academic literature, “terrorism” has no common‐sense meaning that distinguishes it from less heinous acts of politically‐motivated violence. This article develops separate definitions for political violence and terrorism, based on both an ethical and a pragmatic distinction‐the political accountability or political innocence of the victims. Because they focus on victims, either definition may apply to either revolutionary or state‐sponsored violence or terrorism. The definitions are tested by being applied to specific acts of violence, and to gray areas where the distinction between political violence and terrorism may be harder to make.
UPPING THE ANTE: GAMBLING AS A REVENUE SOURCE FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENTS
Authors: Sutphen Sandra , Grant Ronald M. , Ball Barbara
Published: August 2010

Among some of the “entrepreneurial” efforts which cities are exploring to raise revenue is legalized gambling. California law permits a local option on the establishment of poker clubs, and in Los Angeles County, five cities now operate clubs which provide anywhere from 10 to 60 percent of their revenue. This paper explores several questions relating to this revenue in these cities, including its stability and growth, and whether the costs of increased crime outweigh the benefit of increased revenue. Data collected over a ten‐year period indicate that the revenue results are mixed but that the card clubs do not have any measurable impact on the rate of crime in the community.
THE NUCLEAR LEGACY OF THE SOVIET UNION
Authors: Michelsen Niall
Published: August 2010

Russian and American efforts convinced the three non‐Russian states to forsake their nuclear inheritances. Belarus and Kazakhstan concluded that the costs of maintaining their inheritance exceed any security benefits which the weapons may provide. Ukraine has been obstinate but even it has apparently concluded that its nuclear inheritance is too expensive to maintain, not a sufficient deterrent, and an impediment to better relations with the West. Yet, Ukraine's record of backing away from its commitments suggests that the story may not be over

Liberalism argues that Ukraine risks becoming an outlaw state by refusing to become a non‐nuclear state. Realism argues that Ukraine must provide for its own securiy and that the US would not break all ties with Ukraine. Ukraine's international orientation will depend upon how the US treats it and a nuclear Ukraine could be tied to the US.
THE CONTENT OF SUPREME COURT COVERAGE: MAKING SENSE OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MEDIA AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE
Authors: Larson Stephanie Greco
Published: August 2010

This article takes a closer look at the New York Times coverage of the Supreme Court from 1966 to 1984 in order build on the work done by Gregory Caldeira which found that the amount of Times coverage increased public confidence in the Court. In addition, it studies national television news coverage of the Court. By content analyzing both for the direction (positive, neutral, or negative) and focus (the Court or personnel), the assumption that coverage is “extraordinarily positive” is challenged and dismissed. Speculation is offered as to why volume of coverage coincides with public confidence when that coverage is predominantly neutral.
Transnational Corporations and The Question of Sovereignty: an Alternative Theoretical Framework for the Information Age
Authors: Turner Scott
Published: August 2010

A central theme related to globalization is the decline of sovereignty. Non‐state institutions, particularly transnational corporations, are often portrayed as rivals of the state which threaten traditional sovereignty with their largesse and enhanced mobility. Yet this framework often suffers from a lack of clarity regarding the meaning of sovereignty and the nature of the evolving relationship between states and corporations. The distribution of power between states and corporations is often portrayed as a zero‐sum relation. Thus the persistence of powerful states tends to undermine the thesis. This article, however, reframes the issue by reconsidering the meaning of sovereignty and the nature of the relationship between states and corporations. Sovereignty, it is argued, refers as much to policy autonomy as to the capacity for adversarial intervention. The relationship between states and corporations is as cooperative as it is adversarial. Transnational corporations undermine sovereignty not only by escaping state jurisdictions, but by constricting the range of policy alternatives available to states.
FEDERAL ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY POLICY MAKING BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT
Authors: Kilvein John C. , Brisbin Richard A.
Published: August 2010

This article examines the reasons for the Supreme Court of the United States' support for federal agency policy choices through an examination of cases litigated from 1953 to 1991. Three explanations of the Court's support of agency policy choices are evaluated. The attitudinal explanation posits that the Court supports agency policy because it agrees with the political ideology of agency policy. The legal context explanation postulates that the Court should defer to agency policy choices except in personal freedoms issues. A political context explanation hypothesizes that the decisions of the Court will be influenced by party control of the presidency and Congress, the agency's policy agenda or constitutional status, or the characteristics of the private party litigating against the agency. Logit analysis of separate models of the Court's support of liberal and conservative agency policy choices using public record data and the United States Supreme Court Judicial Database are used to evaluate the explanations. The conclusions indicate that the attitudinal characteristics of the justices, the legal context in which the agency is appealing to the Court, and the presence of an independent agency as a party all have a significant effect on the Court's support for agency policy choices.
Intergovernmental Lobbying in the States
Authors: Freeman Patricia K. , Nownes Anthony J.
Published: August 2010

Although intergovernmental interest groups are one of the more powerful interests operating in state capitals, we know very little about them. Using survey data of lobbyists in three states, we conclude that intergovernmental lobbyists today occupy an enviable position. Intergovernmental lobbyists bring to the job characteristics typically cited as important for successful lobbying (good salaries, governmental experience and experience as a lobbyist). The lobbying techniques of intergovernmental representatives differ significantly from their nongovernmental counterparts. Intergovernmental lobbyists are significantly less likely to do favors for public officials, engage in informal contacts and advertise. They avoid involvement in elections and campaigns. Nevertheless, decision‐makers seek them out. They appear to possess an “insider status” by virtue of their position as governmental representatives.
IDEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE IN THE 1996 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN: COMMUNITY AND INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS
Authors: Scheb John M. , Lyons William
Published: August 2010

Ideology has both individual and aggregate components—it exists in the minds of individuals as well as in a shared community dialogue. Individual Differences Scaling (INDSCAL) has been shown to be useful in studying ideological structure at both levels. However, few, if any, attempts have been made to employ INDSCAL in large‐scale survey research. In a national telephone survey during the 1996 presidential campaign, we used INDSCAL to ascertain the ideological structure of the American electorate and the individual variations around that structure. In the aggregate, we find that the national political community arrayed the candidates, parties and issues in the campaign in a reasonably predictable and rational manner. It is clear that one dimension, the traditional liberal‐conservative continuum, which more or less coincides with the political party spectrum, provides the common structure for political evaluation and communication. However, individuals vary widely in their ability to spatially array political objects in a manageable intellectual space and their participation in the dominant ideological paradigm. We find these variations to be related to strength of partisan attachment and level of education, respectively.
Friends of the Earth? Partisanship, Party Control of Congress, and Environmental Legislation in Congress
Authors: Gershtenson Joseph , Smith Brian W. , Mangun William R.
Published: August 2010

Broad, bipartisan support for environmental protection in the 1960s eroded in subsequent decades as environmental issues became more polarized, particularly along party lines with Democrats lending greater support to environmental causes than Republicans. Yet, party differences and the general influence of partisanship on member behavior may vary over time as changes occur in Congress. Specifically, this article posits that the Republican takeover of the House and Senate in the 1994 elections and the accompanying increase of power vested in leaders enhanced the significance of partisanship. Using League of Conservation Voters’ scores for members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate for the years 1993–2002, this article examines the role of partisanship and other factors on environmental support. While this article confirms the enduring importance of partisanship, we found that both partisanship and other determinants, like constituency characteristics, of members’ support for the environment exhibit considerable variation. This article concludes by suggesting that future research should examine the sources of this variation.
Ideological Realignment in the American Electorate: A Comparison of Northern and Southern White Voters in the Pre‐Reagan, Reagan, and Post‐Reagan Eras
Authors: Abramowitz Alan I. , Knotts H. Gibbs
Published: August 2010

This article builds on the work of Abramowitz and Saunders (1998) by exploring the ideological realignment theory among northern and southern whites in the pre‐Reagan, Reagan, and post‐Reagan eras. Our findings indicate that among conservative southern whites there has been a steady movement toward the Republican Party during the last three decades. For other groups, Republican gains have been largely limited to the Reagan era. Overall, these results suggest that voters in the North and South are responding to the increasing southern influence on the Republican Party and the decreasing southern influence on the Democratic Party.
Reservation Gaming, Tribal Sovereignty, and the State of Texas: Gaining Ground in the Political Arena?
Authors: Skopek Tracy A. , Hansen Kenneth
Published: August 2010

The increased devolution of federal responsibilities to states coupled with lack of programs and income is heightening the need for economic development among Native American tribes. The fastest growing and most profitable investment is reservation casino gambling. However, the inability of many tribes to successfully negotiate gaming ‘compacts’ with state governments as prescribed by federal law is creating a new dynamic in state politics. Tribal governments are increasingly engaged in interest group behavior, such as narrowing the scope of conflict, and inside and outside lobbying, to try and create favorable policy decisions. Using a case study of two Texas tribes, an analysis of interest group learning is conducted. We conclude that, in order to survive, tribal gaming interest groups must gain access to state political venues instead of relying on the federal government and the courts.
The Political Strategies of Winning and Losing Coalitions: Agricultural and Environmental Groups in the Debate over Hypoxia1
Authors: Morris Mary Hallock
Published: August 2010

In any debate over a particular policy issue, one must be curious about what will happen when conflicting viewpoints emerge. How do winning and losing coalitions react to potential changes in the status quo? What political strategies are used by the opposing sides of the debate? This article presents a new typology that can be used to assess the political strategies used by winners and losers, ranging from mobilization to venue shifts and issue framing. The typology takes into account the “threat” factor, creating new categories for potential winners and losers. The debate over the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico is used to illustrate the typology.
The State, the Market, Economic Growth, and Poverty in China
Authors: Donaldson John A.
Published: August 2010

The reform of agriculture in China is cited by scholars advocating economic growth through market reform. Such scholars argue that this aspect of reform has been characterized by the liberalization of markets for agricultural commodities, which spurred production, increased rural incomes, and reduced poverty. This view exaggerates the roles played by open markets and economic growth in that reform. This article argues that the role of the state in redistributing public assets, establishing institutions that supported markets, and designing and implementing poverty reduction policies also reduced poverty in China. I conclude that scholars, not just in China's case but also more generally, should examine the economic and political effects of various possible relationships between state and market. I offer this as one way forward in deepening our understanding of the role of politics and policy in promoting development and reducing poverty.
Give ‘Em Something to Talk about: The Influence of Female Candidates’ Campaign Issues on Political Proselytizing
Authors: Stokes‐Brown Atiya Kai , Neal Melissa Olivia
Published: August 2010

Previous research has demonstrated that the presence of a woman on the ballot is linked to political proselytizing among women. Yet this type of political engagement is enhanced when certain contextual conditions are met. We hypothesize that women are more likely to proselytize when female candidates stress women's issues than when female candidates do not emphasize women's issues. Using American National Election Study (ANES) data, we find that the combined effect of candidate gender and candidate issues is positively related to proselytizing among women. However, economic issues, not women's issues, increase women's attempts to influence others' votes. Overall, the results demonstrate that female candidates and their issues provide important contextual cues to women that help in activating their political voice.
Interpreting the Emergence of Water Export Policy in Canada
Authors: Bakenova Saule
Published: August 2010

Canadian water export is an important, yet not an autonomous, policy in its own right that would justify direct governmental intervention. Water export policy should be understood as a by‐product of larger and more imperative national governmental agendas such as the institutionalization of neoliberal projects, perceived national security concerns, and Canadian federal–provincial relations. Consideration of these agendas as primary movers and shapers of water export policy in Canada helps to fill in contextual gaps and bring into play a broader spectrum of evidence. Further, this approach may refine our understanding of the phenomenon and show that an explanation for the emergence of the policy problem under investigation could be found in the policies surrounding it.
Women's perceptions of screening mammography
Authors: Irwig Les , Cockburn Jill , Turnbull Deborah , Simpson Judy M. , Mock Philip , Tattersall Martin
Published: August 2010

Abstract: A random sample of women in Sydney were interviewed by telephone to determine their knowledge about and attitudes to mammography. A response rate of 56 per cent (628 women) was obtained. While the majority of women had had some experience with breast cancer, knowledge about which age groups were most at risk and treatment alternatives was limited. Only about half of the sample had heard about screening mammography before the survey. However, when a simple explanation was given, 79 per cent expressed a favourable attitude toward it. Only 22 per cent of women thought of themselves as being personally susceptible to breast cancer; the proportion was lower in women over 60 than in those in their 40s. Morbid concern about breast cancer was rare. About a quarter of the sample expressed concern about mammographically induced exposure to radiation. Attitudes and perceptions of personal susceptibility were not associated with knowledge about risks of breast cancer. However, having a favourable attitude and a lack of concern about radiation were associated with previously having heard about screening mammography. Women speaking a language other than English at home and from households where the main income earner was in an unskilled occupation were least likely to have heard of screening mammography. Suggestions for data‐based recruitment strategies are discussed.
Stomach cancer mortality in New South Wales and Sydney, 1980 to 1985
Authors: Burnley I.H.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Unit list mortality data for the period 1980–1985 are used to examine differential mortality from stomach cancer in New South Wales, with reference to age, marital status, occupational status and birthplace, and geographical variations in mortality in metropolitan Sydney. Ecological correlation and analysis of characteristics of persons dying in areas of high mortality in Sydney are undertaken to determine where populations at risk reside and whether different populations at risk inhabit particular areas, resulting in significantly higher mortality. This was found to be the case in certain areas and it appears that the immigrant population contributed considerably to mortality variation. The implications for health service provision and preventive measures are discussed.
Reported measles immunisation and serological immunity in children attending general practitioners
Authors: Barrand John , Chapman Jacqueline , Jeffs David A. , Jack Ian , Wenzel Wendy A. , Bridges‐Webb Charles , Levy Michael H.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: To determine the feasibility of serological testing for measles immunity in children attending general practitioners and to assess the validity of establishing immune status by reported immunisation history compared with serology, a cross‐sectional descriptive study was conducted in general practices in the Illawarra area south of Sydney, New South Wales. Participants were 234 children under 15 years attending general practitioners. 87 per cent of children were reported to have been immunised against measles, but 46 per cent of these children were seronegative for measles antibody using an ELISA test on finger‐prick blood. This could not be explained by inaccurate reporting of immunisation. No causes other than failure to seroconvert or inadequate specificity of the test on the blood samples were evident. Failure to seroconvert as a result of inadequate adherence to cold chain requirements is a possibility that needs further investigation. The results further question whether a single vaccination is adequate to achieve the public health aims of measles immunisation programs.
Changes in smoking behaviour after a total workplace smoking ban
Authors: Borland Ron , Owen Neville , Hocking Bruce
Published: August 2010

Abstract: This paper reports data on changes in smoking behaviour after the introduction of a total workplace smoking ban in Telecom Australia. A sample of 1089 Telecom staff were surveyed in the months before the introduction of the ban and 620 were resurveyed six months after the ban had been implemented. A further sample of 1424 was drawn from the same parts of the organisation 18 months after implementation. Among the smokers in these samples, the bans produced a reduction in workday cigarette consumption of between three and four cigarettes a day and this reduction was maintained at 18 months. Over the two‐year period from six months before the ban to 18 months after it, smoking prevalence dropped about 5 per cent, which we estimate is about twice the decline found in the general community. Workplace smoking bans can produce public health and can assist individual smokers to regulate their habit.
Measuring blood cholesterol outside the pathology laboratory: issues of accuracy and reliability
Authors: Reid C.M. , Jennings G.L. , Leonard R.F. , Conyers R.A.J.
Published: August 2010

Abstract: Desk‐top analysers that are simple to use, portable and free from technical requirements are now widely used for blood cholesterol measurement outside the traditional pathology laboratory setting. Test accuracy and reliability are essential if these portable desk‐top analysers are to be of value in the assessment and management of elevated blood cholesterol.

To determine their accuracy and reliability we compared the results obtained from four different desk‐top analysers with those from a teaching hospital's routine laboratory method. The desk‐top analysers assessed were the Ames Minilab, the Kodak DT60, the Boehringer Reflotron and the Abbott Vision.

The precision of each desk‐top analyser was within acceptable limits, defined as a coefficient of variation less than 5 per cent. The results from the Vision, Reflotron and DT60 related closely to those from the routine laboratory method, with least squares linear regression slopes ranging from 0.92 to 1.06 and intra‐class correlation coefficients from 0.95 to 0.99.

The Minilab showed least agreement with the routine laboratory method and caution should be taken in the interpretation of cholesterol estimations made with this device.