bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MicroRNAs Expressed during Lung Cancer Development Are Expressed in Human Pseudoglandular Lung Embryogenesis
Authors: Navarro Alfons , Marrades Ramon M. , Viñolas Nuria , Quera Angels , Agustí Carlos , Huerta Arturo , Ramirez Jose , Torres Antoni , Monzo Mariano
Published: February 2009

Background/Aims: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role during mouse embryonic development and are also important in carcinogenesis. In order to investigate whether there are similar patterns of miRNA expression levels in pseudoglandular human embryonic lung and in human lung tumors, we have analyzed 18 miRNAs (the let-7 family, the miR-17–92 cluster, miR-221 and miR-222) in human embryonic lung samples and in paired lung tumor and normal lung tissue samples and correlated the results with clinicopathological characteristics. Methods: RNA was obtained from 12 human embryonic lung samples, 33 lung tumor samples and 33 paired normal lung samples. miRNAs were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: Members of the let-7 family were downregulated and members of the miR-17–92 cluster and miR-221 were overexpressed both in embryonic lung tissue and in lung tumors. Low levels of let-7c were associated with absence of metastases (p = 0.015), early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC, p = 0.05), and smokers (p = 0.009). High levels of miR-106a were associated with small-cell lung cancer (p = 0.031), and high levels of miR-19a with advanced NSCLC (p = 0.008). Conclusion: Our study lends support to the model of cancer as an alteration of normal development, as many miRNAs were similarly expressed in early human lung development and stage I-II of lung cancer development.
The Ile646Val (2073A>G) Polymorphism in the Kinase-Binding Domain of A-Kinase Anchoring Protein 10 and the Risk of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Mo-Jin , Zhou Zong-Guang , Wang Ling , Yu Yong-Yang , Zhang Peng , Zhang Yi , Cui Chang-Fu , Yang Lie , Li Yuan , Zhou Bin , Sun Xiao-Feng
Published: February 2009

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the Ile646Val (2073A>G) polymorphism in the kinase-binding domain of A-kinase anchoring protein 10 (AKAP10) is related to the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC), clinicopathological variables and the environmental factors for the development of CRC. Methods: Applying TaqMan allelic discrimination, we investigated AKAP10 Ile646Val (2073A>G) polymorphism in 288 Chinese CRC patients and 281 healthy controls. Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association of AKAP10 Ile646Val (2073A>G) polymorphism with increased CRC risk (adjusted OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.01–2.07, p = 0.02). Stratification analysis showed that the increased risk associated with the variant genotypes (GG+AG) was more evident in male subjects (adjusted OR = 1.48, 95% CI 0.94–2.34, p = 0.03). Compared with the AA genotype, the adjusted OR for the variant genotypes was 1.81 (95% CI 1.08–3.05, p = 0.01) among young subjects (age <57 years). Among individuals who did not smoke or who smoked lightly, there was a significantly increased risk with the variant genotypes (adjusted OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.08–2.56, p = 0.02). We did not observe a relationship between the AKAP10 polymorphism and other clinicopathological and environmental factors. Conclusions: Our data suggested that the AKAP10 2073A>G variation is associated with an increased risk of CRC in the Chinese population.
Administration of Interferon-Alpha in Mice Provokes Peripheral and Central Modulation of Immune Cells, Accompanied by Behavioral Effects
Authors: Orsal Arif S. , Blois Sandra M. , Bermpohl Daniela , Schaefer Martin , Coquery Nicolas
Published: February 2009

Background: Interferon-α (IFN-α) is used in the treatment of many viral and malignant diseases. Although IFN-α administration is highly efficacious, treatment is often complicated by psychiatric side effects such as depression, which may require discontinuation of the therapy. Unfortunately, the mechanisms underlying IFN-α-induced depression are still not well understood. Methods: In this study, we explored behavioral and immune effects of IFN-α administration in mice. BALB/c mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of 60,000 U/kg murine IFN-α for 8 days. Behavioral and immunological analysis was performed at least 15 h after injection to avoid any acute IFN-α effect. We monitored depression and anxiety-like behavior in mice using the Forced Swimming Test (FST), Tail Suspension Test (TST), and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM). Moreover, we studied the expression of adhesion molecules on peripheral blood leukocytes and analyzed the recruitment of lymphocyte subsets into the brain. Results: IFN-α administration resulted in increased immobility of mice in the late phase of FST, without significant effects in TST and EPM. Increased percentages of natural killer cells and lymphocytes expressing LFA-1 or Mac-1 were observed in peripheral blood. The percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes as well as the percentages of LFA-1-expressing CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes were increased in the brains of IFN-α-treated mice. Conclusion: Our data suggest that IFN-α administration leads to an increase in peripheral blood cells with migratory potential, accompanied by an increased number of lymphocytes in brain, whilst the detectable modulation of the behavior was rather modest.
Morphology of Sighs and Their Role in the Control of Breathing in Preterm Infants, Term Infants and Adults
Authors: Qureshi M. , Khalil M. , Kwiatkowski K. , Alvaro R.E.
Published: February 2009

Background: Although there is evidence that sighs are important to restore lung volume, the factors responsible for inducing a sigh and the effects of sighs on the stability of the respiratory system remain unclear. Objective: To compare newborn with adult sigh morphology in order to better understand the physiological mechanisms that induce sighs and the role sighs play on the control of breathing in infants. Design/Methods: We measured respiratory variables during control, the pre-sigh, the sigh, and the post-sigh period during quiet and REM sleep in 10 preterm infants, 10 term infants and 10 adults using a flow-through system. Results: No significant differences were observed in any of the respiratory variables between the pre-sigh and the control breaths in any of the subjects in any of the two sleep states, suggesting that indices of respiratory drive are not predictive of an impending sigh. Sighs were relatively larger in infants than in adults and had a characteristic biphasic inspiratory flow observed almost exclusively in infants. While post-sigh ventilation was usually increased in adults, it was usually decreased in infants due to the presence of apneas. Conclusions: The established indexes of respiratory drive are not predictive of an impeding sigh. When compared with control breaths, sighs are much larger in preterm and term infants than in adults. These big augmented breaths in infants are often followed by apnea and hypoventilation likely secondary to the increased activity of the peripheral chemoreceptors present in neonates.
Course and Outcome of Dialysis Pericarditis in Diabetic Patients Treated with Maintenance Hemodialysis
Authors: Tseng Jing-Ren , Lee Ming-Jse , Yen Kung-Chi , Weng Cheng-Hao , Liang Chih-Chia , Wang I-Kuan , Chang Chiz-Tzung , Lin-Tan Dan-Tzu , Lin Ja-Liang , Yen Tzung-Hai
Published: February 2009

Introduction: This observational study investigated the course and outcome of dialysis pericarditis in diabetic dialysis patients, as previous reports found that in contrast to uremic pericarditis, which responds in most cases to intensive hemodialysis, dialysis pericarditis resolves with intensification of hemodialysis in fewer cases. Methods: From 2002 through 2006, 88 maintenance hemodialysis patients (47 diabetic and 41 non-diabetic) were referred for management of dialysis pericarditis. Results: Dialysis pericarditis in 85.1% of diabetic and 82.9% of non-diabetic patients improved following institution of intensive hemodialysis. For the few unresponsive and critical cases, 8.5% of diabetic and 7.3% of non-diabetic patients received pericardiocentesis, whereas 6.4% of diabetic and 9.8% of non-diabetic patients received surgical drainage. In terms of outcome, 85.1, 4.3 and 10.6% of diabetic patients were alive without recurrence, alive with recurrence and deceased, respectively. There was no significant difference with their non-diabetic counterparts, for which the percentages were 87.8, 4.9 and 7.3%, respectively (p > 0.05). Kaplan-Meier analysis did not find any significant difference in survival as well (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Whether used in diabetics or not, intensive hemodialysis remains the primary and most effective dialysis pericarditis treatment, whereas pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage should be reserved for the few unresponsive and critical cases.
Worry Exposure versus Applied Relaxation in the Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Hoyer Jürgen , Beesdo Katja , Gloster Andrew T. , Runge Juliane , Höfler Michael , Becker Eni S.
Published: February 2009

Background: Worry exposure (WE) is a core element of cognitive-behavioral treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Its efficacy as a stand-alone treatment method (without further cognitive-behavioral therapy interventions) has never been tested.We aimed to examine whether WE alone is as efficacious as the empirically supported stand-alone treatment for GAD, applied relaxation (AR). Methods: In a randomized controlled study, 73 outpatients meeting DSM-IV criteria for GAD as primary diagnosis were allocated to either WE or AR or a waiting list control group; in a 2nd randomization procedure the waiting list subjects were reallocated to WE or AR. The treatment was manualized (15 sessions with WE or AR), included 6-month and 1-year follow-ups, as well as last observation carried forward and completer analyses, and was controlled for allegiance effects.The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Scale were used as primary outcome measures. Self-report scales of anxiety, worrying and depression including negative metacognition about worrying and thought suppression served as secondary outcome measures. Results: The dropout rate was moderate. The pre-/posttreatment effects were high for the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (standardized mean difference >1) and for the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (standardized mean difference >0.87). The proportion of patients reaching high end state functioning was 48% (WE) and 56% (AR). WE and AR did not differ with regard to dropout rate or treatment effects. The treatment effects were stable at 6 month and 1 year follow-up. Conclusion: This is the first study to show that a stand-alone exposure in sensu technique – WE – is efficacious in the treatment of GAD. Both AR and WE seem to represent effective principles of change in GAD.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Retroperitoneal Teratoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Asai Satoshi , Ishimoto Hitoshi , Kim Seon Hye , Higuchi Takayuki , Minegishi Kazuhiro , Tanaka Mamoru , Hoshino Ken , Morikawa Yasuhide , Yoshimura Yasunori
Published: February 2009

We report a case of retroperitoneal teratoma diagnosed prenatally by serial sonographic examinations in the third trimester. A 29-year-old woman was referred for sonographic evaluation at 33 weeks’ gestation because of a fetal intra-abdominal mass. Our initial sonographic image suggested a neuroblastoma. Repeat ultrasound images demonstrated an increase in size of the tumor, while the content of the tumor became predominantly solid with areas of calcification. Teratoma should be considered on detection of any cystic or mixed semisolid mass, especially when calcification is present. The fetus was prenatally diagnosed with retroperitoneal teratoma. After birth at 39 weeks, the tumor was removed and histological analysis revealed an immature retroperitoneal teratoma. Intensive monitoring of the changes in ultrasound images of the tumor should provide ground for a precise antenatal diagnosis.
Autophagy in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Martinet Wim , De Meyer Guido R.Y.
Published: February 2009

Autophagy is a reparative, life-sustaining process by which cytoplasmic components are sequestered in double-membrane vesicles and degraded on fusion with lysosomal compartments. A growing body of evidence suggests that autophagy is stimulated in advanced atherosclerotic plaques by oxidized lipids, inflammation, and metabolic stress conditions. However, despite the increasing interest in autophagy in various pathophysiological situations such as neurodegeneration, cancer, and cardiac myopathies, the process remains an underestimated and overlooked phenomenon in atherosclerosis. As a consequence, its role in plaque formation and stability is poorly understood. Most likely, autophagy safeguards plaque cells against cellular distress, in particular oxidative injury, by degrading damaged intracellular material. In this way, autophagy is antiapoptotic and contributes to cellular recovery in an adverse environment. An interesting observation is that basal autophagy can be intensified by specific drugs. Excessively stimulated autophagic activity is capable of destroying major proportions of the cytosol, leading finally to type II programmed cell death that lacks several hallmarks of apoptosis or necrosis. Because atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disorder of the arterial intima, pharmacological approaches could be developed to stabilize vulnerable, rupture-prone lesions through selective induction of macrophage autophagic death.
Regulation of Intracellular and Mitochondrial Sodium in Health and Disease
Authors: Murphy Elizabeth , Eisner David A.
Published: February 2009

The transmembrane sodium gradient is essential for both excitability of the cardiac cell and the regulation of the cytoplasmic concentrations of Ca and protons. In addition, movements of Na across the mitochondrial membrane affect matrix protons and calcium. In the first part of the review, we discuss the most important pathways responsible for sarcolemmal and mitochondrial sodium movements. The bulk of the review considers the changes of intracellular Na concentration ([Na
+
]
i
) that occur in disease, specifically, ischemia, reperfusion, and heart failure. We review evidence implicating the increase of intracellular sodium to either increased influx of sodium (via either sodium channels or sodium/hydrogen exchange) or, alternatively, to decreased efflux on the Na/K pump. Although much has been learned about sodium regulation in the heart, there are still many unanswered questions, particularly concerning mitochondrial Na regulation.
The Study of Effect of a Polyurethane Filament on Mechanical Properties of Plain Stitch Fabrics
Authors: Yamada Tomoko , Matsuo Masaru
Published: February 2009

In an attempt to investigate good fit of underwear, two kinds of plain stitch fabric were used as test specimens to study their different mechanical properties. The two fabrics were knitted with the same cotton yarn. For one fabric, a polyurethane filament was mixed as a double yarn together with a cotton yarn. In spite of the very small amount of polyurethane filaments, the elongation ratio of the plain stitch fabric containing polyurethane filaments at the same applied load was more than three times higher than that of the other plain stitch fabric with no polyurethane filaments. Such a large deformation mechanism was investigated in terms of the different structures of the two kinds of yarn pulled out from the knitted fabrics. Results showed that crimps of a cotton yarn, by doubling a polyurethane filament in a free state, are sharper than intrinsic crimps of a cotton yarn. The sharper crimps result from the shrinking force of an extended polyurethane filament within a double yarn.
A Comparison Among Performance Characteristics of Various Denim Fading Processes
Authors: Tarhan Murat , Sarıışık Merih
Published: February 2009

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of fading methods such as sand-blasting, laser and washing on performance properties of denim products. In this study, on one type of denim fabric, fading methods by laser and sand-blasting were applied in different intensities and pressures, and then fabrics were washed with the aid of different types of washing processes. Also, another denim fabric group was only washed by applying different types of washing processes. At the end of the study, loss of weight, color abrasion and loss of tensile strength of denim fabrics were measured. As a result, fading methods decreased tensile strength and weight values and the decrease rates changed in line with the intensity and the pressure of fading methods. Furthermore, color abrasion values of the fabrics changed due to the intensity and the pressure of fading methods. Back-staining values decreased after laccase enzyme and hypochlorite bleaching, but after other washings, back-staining values increased due to washing type.
Model-based Decentralized Control of Time-delay Teleoperation Systems
Authors: Shahdi Ali , Sirouspour Shahin
Published: February 2009

Recently, within a centralized control framework, the authors proposed a time-delay reduction method to achieve improved transparency in time-delay teleoperation. In this paper, a decentralized version of the controller is introduced that can further enhance the teleoperation transparency and robust stability by allowing the use of local delay-free measurements in local master/slave controllers. State/observation transformations are proposed that produce delay-free dynamics/measurements from the perspective of the local controllers at the master and slave stations. It is shown that the use of local suboptimal linear quadratic Gaussian master and slave controllers results in a delayed state perturbation term in the closed-loop dynamics. The stability of the system is then analyzed using a delay-dependent frequency sweeping test. The controllers employ a simple switching logic to handle large variations in the environment dynamics from free motion to rigid contact. The performance and robustness of the new decentralized controller are compared with those of the centralized controller using numerical analysis. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Robust Appearance Based Visual Route Following for Navigation in Large-scale Outdoor Environments
Authors: Zhang Alan M. , Kleeman Lindsay
Published: February 2009

In this paper we present a navigation algorithm that enables mobile robots to retrace routes previously taught under the control of human operators in outdoor environments. Possible applications include robot couriers, autonomous vehicles, tour guides and robotic patrols. The appearance-based approach presented in the paper is provably convergent, computationally inexpensive compared with map-based approaches and requires only odometry and a monocular omnidirectional vision sensor. A sequence of reference images is recorded during the human-guided route-teaching phase. Before starting the autonomous phase, the robot needs to be positioned at the beginning of the route. During the autonomous phase, the measurement image is compared with reference images using image cross-correlation performed in the Fourier domain to recover the difference in relative orientation. Route following is achieved by compensating for this orientation difference. Over 18 km of experiments performed under varying conditions demonstrate the algorithm's robustness to lighting variations and partial occlusion. Obstacle avoidance is not included in the current system.
The Forgetfulness of Julia Kristeva: Psychoanalysis, Marxism and the Taboo of the Mother
Authors: Boer Roland
Published: February 2009

Julia Kristeva is known both for her reinterpretations of psychoanalysis and her regular engagements with the Bible. What is less known is her earlier interaction with Marxist analysis, even though at times she draws upon Marx when she is in a corner. In this article the focus is on one of Kristeva's better biblical readings—the taboos in Leviticus, which ultimately rely on the taboo of the mother—where it can be seen that her dominant psychoanalytical reading can get her only so far. In order to go further we need the forgotten Marxist Kristeva. After finding this Marx in a number of her texts, this study suggests a way in which Kristeva's reading of Leviticus might be filled out with some social and economic analysis.
The Hezekiah—Sennacherib Narrative as Polyphonic Text*
Authors: Evans Paul S.
Published: February 2009

2 Kings 18—19 is commonly viewed as an incoherent narrative composed of multiple sources, necessitating a diachronic approach. However, this hypothesis is only a heuristic model suggesting we read the pericope in this way. This article instead takes a Bakhtinian approach, viewing 2 Kings 18—19 as a polyphonic composition which accounts for both the disjunctions within the narrative and its unity. Viewed as a dialogue of genres (history-like narrative, direct speech and prophetic oracle) in implicit dialogue, this narrative is `dialogic' as different voices intersect in this pericope, revealing a plurality of viewpoints. A Bakhtinian approach not only allows a fresh exegesis of the narrative but also has implications regarding the composition of the narrative, allowing the Deuteronomist more creativity than is often the case.
The formation and hydrological significance of cryoconite holes
Authors: MacDonell Shelley , Fitzsimons Sean
Published: February 2009

Cryoconite holes have been discussed in the literature since Nordenskiöld's 1870 crossing of Greenland. They are found in high latitude and high alpine glaciers where sediment is transported onto the glacier surface, causing differential ablation. While studied periodically since 1870, in the last decade there has been a resurgence of interest in understanding the hydrology, biogeochemistry and ecology of cryoconite holes, and so it is timely to take stock of the current state of understanding, and to compile a roadmap for future endeavours. This paper combines past findings into a systems framework so as to identify the key integrative findings of cryoconite holes as single entities, and as a part of the wider glacier system.
Mobility in Old Age
Authors: Kaiser Heinz Juergen
Published: February 2009

For the elderly mobility is a constitutive and essential element of their quality of life. Due to their aging population modern societies intend to intervene and enhance the mobility of the elderly on the basis of research findings. Indeed, numerous research projects pointed out existing barriers to mobility in old age: personal barriers (e.g., achievement deficits, diseases or handicaps), and environmental barriers (e.g., physical obstacles, technical complications). Simply overcoming these barriers does not guarantee mobility without problems and an increase of the quality of life. Beyond a “transportation perspective” of mobility more emphasis is needed with respect to emotional, motivational and social aspects of being mobile. In doing so, decision makers as well as scientists will be confronted with unexpected and non-obvious societal tasks and peculiar demands on social sciences like gerontological psychology, sociology, political science and even education.
Parameters for assessing recycled aggregate and their correlation
Authors: Tam Vivian W. Y. , Tam C.M.
Published: February 2009

Construction and demolition (C&D) waste has consumed a large portion of the landfill areas in Hong Kong. Among them, concrete occupies more than 70% of the total C&D waste by volume. Thus it is necessary to recycle concrete waste to preserve landfill areas. Various governmental departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) are encouraging the use of recycled aggregate (RA) in the Hong Kong construction industry by issuing various guidelines and specifications. Owing to uncertainty in their properties, however, practitioners are sceptical in using it as a substitute. In this study, an attempt has been made to look at relations among six main parameters that describe the behaviour of RA: (1) particle size distribution; (2) particle density; (3) porosity and absorption; (4) particle shape; (5) strength and toughness; and (6i) chloride and sulphate contents. RA samples were obtained from nine demolition sites with service lives ranging from 10 to 40 years and another set of samples was collected from the Tuen Mun Area 38 recycling plant. The behaviour of these samples was compared with that of normal aggregate samples. This study revealed that there is a strong correlation among various parameters, and by measuring three of them: either `particle density' or `porosity and absorption' or `particle shape', and `strength and toughness', and `chloride and sulphate contents', it is possible to assess the behaviour of RA. This can significantly help by reducing RA testing time and cost before using it as recycled aggregate concrete.
Strategy for use of alternative waste sort sizes for characterizing solid waste composition
Authors: Sharma Mukesh , McBean Edward
Published: February 2009

Although there is widespread interest in identifying opportunities to improve solid waste management, current methodologies for quantifying the number of waste sorts needed for categories with only small percentages of the waste stream which require a large number of waste sorts. In response, for those categories (e.g. batteries, gypsum, PVC, plastic film) with small percentages in the waste stream, an alternative methodology has been developed. By employing a large quantity of solid waste for sorting (e.g. 408 kg), the standard deviation of percent weight (of a category) is shown to be reduced by approximately 45%. This reduction in standard deviation translates to a reduction of about 65% in the number of samples required to characterize the waste. The proposed methodology is demonstrated using data taken from solid waste sorting of Greater Vancouver Regional District.
Leaching behaviour and mechanical properties of copper flotation waste in stabilized/solidified products
Authors: Mesci Basşak , Çoruh Semra , Ergun Osman Nuri
Published: February 2009

This research describes the investigation of a cement-based solidification/stabilization process for the safe disposal of copper flotation waste and the effect on cement properties of the addition of copper flotation waste (CW) and clinoptilolite (C). In addition to the reference mixture, 17 different mixtures were prepared using different proportions of CW and C. Physical properties such as setting time, specific surface area and compressive strength were determined and compared to a reference mixture and Turkish standards (TS). Different mixtures with the copper flotation waste portion ranging from 2.5 to 12.5% by weight of the mixture were tested for copper leachability. The results show that as cement replacement materials especially clinoptilolite had clear effects on the mechanical properties. Substitution of 5% copper flotation waste for Portland cement gave a similar strength performance to the reference mixture. Higher copper flotation waste addition such as 12.5% replacement yielded lower strength values. As a result, copper flotation waste and clinoptilolite can be used as cementitious materials, and copper flotation waste also can be safely stabilized/solidified in a cement-based solidification/stabilization system.
The Relationship Between Cerebral Hemisphere Volume and Receptive Language Functioning in Dyslexia and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Kibby Michelle Y. , Pavawalla Shital P. , Fancher Jill B. , Naillon Angela J. , Hynd George W.
Published: February 2009

Because poor comprehension has been associated with small cerebral volume and there is a high comorbidity between developmental dyslexia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and specific language impairment, the goal of this study was to determine whether cerebral volume is reduced in dyslexia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in general, as some suggest, or whether the reduction in volume corresponds to poor receptive language functioning, regardless of the diagnosis. Participants included 46 children with and without dyslexia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, aged 8 to 12 years. Our results indicated that cerebral volume was comparable between those with and without dyslexia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder overall. However, when groups were further divided into those with and without receptive language difficulties, children with poor receptive language had smaller volumes bilaterally as hypothesized. Nonetheless, the relationship between cerebral volume and receptive language was not linear; rather, our results suggest that small volume is associated with poor receptive language only in those with the smallest volumes in both dyslexia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The establishing of Norwegian child psychiatry: ideas, pioneers and institutions
Authors: Ludvigsen Kari , Seip Åsmund Arup
Published: February 2009

In this article we analyse the central features of the establishment and development in Norway of a mental health service for children. Influenced by the movements for mental hygiene and child guidance from the 1920s, Norwegian psychiatrists turned their attention increasingly towards prevention of mental and social problems. During the 1930s, IQ-testing and segregation of troublesome children from school became an important tool for handling children with mental or behavioural problems. With increasing public attention, child mental health activities grew from the late 1940s, and the first regular therapeutic clinic for children was established in 1947. Therapeutic ideas derived from psychoanalytical theory and applied in the new clinics, challenged the dominant view of segregation as a solution to mental and social problems. From 1961 a comprehensive mental healthcare service for children was developed in Norway, and the aim of therapeutic treatment changed gradually from segregation to integration.
Folie à plusieurs: forensic cases from nineteenth-century Ireland
Authors: Kelly Brendan D.
Published: February 2009

Folie à plusieurs is a syndrome in which two or more individuals share symptoms (e.g., delusions). This paper uses archival material to present and discuss forensic psychiatric cases of folie à plusieurs from nineteenth-century Ireland. The cases of three brothers who all `became insane at the same time' and killed another brother illustrate: the role of organic factors in folie à plusieurs; the use of `moral management' strategies; and the problem of tuberculosis in asylums. The case of one woman whose family `all became insane at once' and killed one of her sons illustrates: the importance of identifying the `primary' patient; the difficulties experienced by `secondary' cases; and the limited therapeutic progress achieved in nineteenth-century asylums. While further historical study is required to explain the emergence of the concept of folie à plusieurs in the late nineteenth century, it is clear that, over one hundred years since the term came to prominence, `communicated insanity' still presents substantive diagnostic, clinical and ethical challenges to mental health and judicial services.
Classic Text No. 77 `Hebephrenia. A contribution to clinical psychiatry' by Dr. Ewald Hecker in Görlitz (1871)
Authors: Kraam Abdullah
Published: February 2009

When Kahlbaum reluctantly allowed his disciple Hecker to write the paper on hebephrenia no one could foresee that it would be one of the few psychiatric concepts that would still be relevant today, for three reasons. First, it is still included in major current psychiatric classification systems. Second, some authors believe that it signifies a particularly malignant form of schizophrenia with an early onset and poor prognosis. Third, its introduction coincided with increased interest in age of onset of psychiatric disorders and proved to be a sensitive marker for the emergence of child psychiatry as a specialty. Until now, only excerpts of Hecker's seminal paper have been available in English; this is the first complete translation including all case reports and letters.The seven cases and accompanying letters formed a crucial part of Hecker's paper. Readers can now, for the first time, judge for themselves why it had such a tremendous impact beyond nineteenth-century German psychiatry.
Recent Advances in Positioning Theory
Authors: Harré Rom , Moghaddam Fathali M. , Cairnie Tracey Pilkerton , Rothbart Daniel , Sabat Steven R.
Published: February 2009

Positioning theory opens up a new dimension in the psychology of interpersonal encounters, through explicit attention to the role of rights and duties in the management of action. People are positioned or position themselves with respect to rights and duties to act within evolving story-lines, and on the basis of claims about relevant personal attributes, the discursive process of prepositioning. Some recent applications of positioning theory are presented, ranging from simple interpersonal encounters, through positioning in a complex public but limited legal struggle, to the positioning techniques used to justify civilian causalities in warfare, to the analysis of examples of the discourses by which large-scale social entities position themselves in relation to others.
The Surprising History of Passive-Aggressive Personality Disorder
Authors: Lane Christopher
Published: February 2009

The history of passive-aggressive personality disorder (PAPD) reveals many things about American psychiatry, including how its use and understanding of diagnostic categories have in recent decades changed. The disorder is thus a useful litmus test for establishing whether categories in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ( DSM) have undergone a type of “diagnostic bracket creep” (Peter Kramer's term) with significant effects on the wider culture. The history of PAPD also allows us to assess whether psychiatry has encroached on routine traits and everyday practices, pathologizing behavior that was once considered normal. While the expansion of the DSM has generated widespread commentary and analysis, less has been written about PAPD, including how it came to be recognized and why its diagnostic parameters expanded so dramatically in each edition of the DSM. After tracing its roots to World War II, the essay reveals how the disorder came to be applied to ever-larger numbers of the civilian population. Original research drives the argument: previously unpublished memoranda from the American Psychiatric Association's archive that not only reveal the back-story to the disorder's expansion, but also cast new light on the organization's methodology, including its practical and theoretical difficulties in differentiating normal from pathological behavior.
Psychological Kinds and `Discourse Dependence'
Authors: Held Barbara S.
Published: February 2009

In this reply to Martin and Sugarman (2009), I challenge two of their core assertions: (a) that on my view acts of interpretation (which contain linguistic, discursive, or conceptual elements) can in principle yield only subjective psychological knowledge; and (b) that because humans are socioculturally situated beings, we cannot make claims about human psychological existence that are objective in the conventional sense that I and others use the term “objective.” I reject both of these assertions. In Psychology's Interpretive Turn (Held, 2007), I instead argue that (a) interpretive acts can in principle help us attain objective psychological knowledge, and (b) because humans are not “simply” “what they interpret themselves as being, within their historical and sociocultural contexts” (Martin & Sugarman, 2009, p. 116), an objectivist ontology and epistemology of human social/ psychological kinds can obtain.
Clinicopathological characteristics of familial SLE patients with lupus nephritis
Authors: Wang Z , Tang Z , Zhang HT , Hu WX , Liu ZH , Li LS
Published: February 2009

This study aimed to analyze the clinicopathological characteristics of familial SLE patients with lupus nephritis (LN). A total of 136 Chinese patients with lupus nephritis diagnosed by renal biopsy, including 34 familial patients and 102 sporadic cases, were recruited. Their demographic information, age of onset, disease duration, clinical features, laboratory data and histological manifestations were compared. The first-degree relatives (17 sibling cases and eight parent–offspring cases) of familial SLE patients were primarily affected. The prevalence of fever, rash and arthritis in familial subjects was higher than that in sporadic subjects. Familial patients had lower platelet counts and higher low-density lipoprotein. In familial patients, class V lupus nephritis was less common. After adjusted with the Benjamini and Hochberg procedure, however, fever was the only feature occurring significantly and more frequently in familial patients (58.8% vs 26.5%, P = 0.001). Moreover, SLEDAI and other clinicopathological features did not differ significantly between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that a higher prevalence of fever was an independent predictor of familial SLE. Most clinicopathological features in familial SLE patients were not significantly different from those in sporadic patients; the severity of LN in familial SLE patients was similar to that of sporadic cases. Thus, familial SLE may not be a different clinical entity.
European consensus statement on the terminology used in the management of lupus glomerulonephritis
Authors: Gordon C , Jayne D , Pusey C , Adu D , Amoura Z , Aringer M , Ballerin J , Cervera R , Calvo-Alén J , Chizzolini C , Dayer JM , Doria A , Ferrario F , Floege J , Guillevin L , Haubitz M , Hiepe F , Houssiau F , Lesavre P , Lightstone L , Meroni PL , Meyer O , Moulin B , O’Reilly K , Praga M , Schulze-Koops H , Sinico RA , Smith KGC , Tincani A , Vasconcelos C , Hughes G
Published: February 2009

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex, multisystem autoimmune disorder, which often involves referral to multiple medical specialists. Lupus nephritis (LN) occurs in ~35% of adults with SLE and predicts poor survival. There is currently no consensus on how to manage patients with SLE or LN across specialties and across different European countries. The Lupus Nephritis Terminology Advisory Group was formed to address this issue as it impacts upon LN treatment. It has developed consensus statements based on opinions from expert panel meetings with nephrologists, nephropathologists, rheumatologists, clinical immunologists and internal medicine specialists from many European countries, after reviewing current guidelines from the European League Against Rheumatism, the American College of Rheumatology and the participants’ experience. In this article, we report consensus statements that were developed in six important areas: classification of patients with LN, how classification affects the selection of treatment options and definitions of induction, response, flare and maintenance. We have also proposed a consensus for the terminology involved in the management of LN that is consistent with clinical opinion gathered from multidisciplinary expert meetings and with existing guidelines. We believe this consensus approach provides agreed expert opinion to clinicians and will form the basis for optimising LN treatment.
Co-existing sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
Authors: Wesemann DR , Costenbader KH , Coblyn JS
Published: February 2009

Sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (APS) are chronic conditions of immune dysregulation whose aetiologies remain mysterious. Expression of sarcoidosis and SLE within individuals has been reported in a handful of cases in the last 60 years. In this study, we report two cases of sarcoidosis and SLE occurring together, and each case demonstrated complications associated with the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies. Clinical, serological and pathological findings confirmed the diagnoses in each case and both patients improved with therapy. The association of sarcoidosis, SLE and APS is unique and may present difficult therapeutic options, as well as to shed light on their immunopathogenesis.
Creating a Mock-Western Identity Through English in Japanese Ads
Authors: Loveday Leo J.
Published: February 2009

This study focuses on the forms and purposes of English codeswitching behaviour in Japanese advertising discourse today. By investigating a limited set of data, that of Japanese chocolate wrappers, a picture emerges of the way the global commodity of English is exploited primarily as a metaphor invoking a ‘mock-Western’ identity. The various playful techniques Japanese admen employ to achieve these ends are analyzed and illustrated. Among the linguistic ploys uncovered include the extensive use of the Latin alphabets to encode items that are originally part of the Japanese language, the adoption of Western-style names and the exploitation of snappy, short slogans that work like charms. The ideological dimensions behind the commercial discourse are also explored in connection to the theory of global English domination and the common convention of segregating English and Japanese to different spatial zones in the copy layout. Throughout the study, the cosmetic construction of a Western-style identity enhanced by resources drawn from English and the Roman script is referred to by a term coined by the researcher, namely linguistic ‘occidentalization’. Ultimately, it can be concluded from the study that Japanese admen manipulate English in a way that leads to the defusion and containment of its inherent potential threat as a carrier of neo-imperialist domination.
Glocalization and English Mixing in Advertising in Taiwan
Authors: Jia-Ling Hsu
Published: February 2009

This article intends to provide a socio-linguistic profile of the role and impact of English in advertising in Taiwan in an era of globalization, by integrating results obtained from discourse analysis, readers’ attitudinal surveys, and copywriters’ interviews. Results show that from copywriters’ advertising design to consumers’ underlying psychology, English has consistently cast its magic spell even on the English-illiterate public. Regardless of one's proficiency or literacy in English, English mixing mainly represents attention-getting, internationalism, premium quality, and the trendy taste of the younger generation, and in addition, a graphic design for real estate advertisers. However, specific socio-psychological features of English correlate with the language ratios of code-mixing in advertising copy, product type, and the public's level of English proficiency. Furthermore, the charm of English is culturally and linguistically constrained. Culturally, English does not agree with the advertising of traditional products. Linguistically, English mixing is best received with the bilingual advertising copy composed of easy-to-read vocabulary. Existing alongside the globalization of the local marketing discourse is the localization of English, which is mainly characterized by verbatim translation of Chinese grammatical structure into English. Participants’ evaluation of localized English patterns correlates with their English proficiency. Overall, in spite of the public's generally low proficiency in English, it is predicted that English mixing will continue to flourish in advertising in Taiwan.
Reaching the Unreachable
Authors: Bhatia Tej K. , Bhargava Mukesh
Published: February 2009

Due to globalization and the need to seek out new markets (sometimes labelled as business to 4-billion [B2-4B]), rural marketing is gaining new importance in India as well as across the globe. This article examines three facets: the marketing, linguistic and advertising of these markets. Our study shows that global companies are engaged in devising new strategies to market their products. Indian media planners have pioneered new media forms (for example, Video Vans) combining conventional and non-conventional advertising to meet the challenge of reaching rural India. The result is that messages are customized effectively to meet their audiences’ regional sensibilities and tastes.

The main focus of this study is on the analysis of the messages in the ‘unconventional’ media and wall advertising. We base our study on an empirical investigation of over 2,000 ads in rural settings. The ads include commercial, social and service advertisements. The findings indicate that the advertisers favour the ‘cooperative’ view as opposed to the ‘competitive’ view. They mix languages and scripts to optimize the strength and appeal of their messages. The strengths and limits of the ‘standardization’ versus ‘adaptation’ strategies are accounted for with special reference to the structural properties of wall ads. The directions for future research are outlined.
Therapeutic Letters in Nursing
Authors: Moules Nancy J.
Published: February 2009

This article summarizes the first research to be completed on the Family Systems Nursing intervention of therapeutic letters. In the Family Nursing Unit (FNU) at the University of Calgary, therapeutic letters have been used for more than 22 years in work with families experiencing illness and suffering. Using Gadamerian philosophical hermeneutic inquiry, the research explores 11 therapeutic letters sent and received in the work with three families (four participants) seen in the FNU. Textual interpretation of the 11 letters was complemented by research interviews with the families and nurses who wrote the letters as well as in-session, presession, and postsession transcriptions. Interpretations suggest that letters have an influence related to the tone of the individuals and the relationship created; the balancing of questions, commendations, and artful writing; memory and remembrance; measures and markers of change; and the obligation of meeting people experiencing illness at the point of their suffering.
Gender and Materiality in-the-Making
Authors: Naji Myriem
Published: February 2009

In this article, I propose a praxeological and phenomenological approach to weaving in the Sirwa, Southern Morocco. My perspective highlights the significance of `body techniques' in the material process of socialization and subject construction. From the Francophone anthropology of technology I derive the argument that materiality is not given or finished, but is in-the-making and emerging through body techniques. My argument that embodied engagement with materiality constructs gendered subjects through performance can be situated in a theoretical tradition that analyses gender as achieved through `doing' (Butler, 1990, Gender Trouble). I show how the making of carpets contributes to the transforming of the body and mind, desires and emotions of the Sirwan women to fit the patriarchal norm prevailing in their society. Using the concept of subjectivation, however, I argue that the disciplinary techniques of weaving allow practitioners to gain not only technical skills but agency.