bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
`Real' violence?: Gender and (male) violence — an Australian perspective
Authors: Seymour Kate
Published: February 2009

Based on the findings of an exploratory study this article focuses on the ways in which a group of South Australian practitioners, engaged in work with men who are violent towards their female partners, construct and understand male violence. Evident in the participants' understandings of violence is a tendency, firstly, to dichotomize violence into two `types' — that directed towards other men and that directed at women; and, secondly, to categorize violence as either `normal'/ unremarkable (male-to-male violence) or gendered (`domestic' violence). In distinguishing between gendered violence and `other' violence, such as that between men in the public sphere, the latter is constructed as `ordinary' violence, worthy of intervention in only certain, `extreme' or excessive, circumstances. It is argued that these understandings, based upon a conflation of masculinity and violence, reflect the broader context of gendered power, disciplinary knowledge and expertise, and have significant implications for the ways in which male violence is explained and addressed, and, in the Australian context, the associated marginalization of domestic violence as an area of professional intervention.
Media System, Public Knowledge and Democracy
Authors: Curran James , Iyengar Shanto , Brink Lund Anker , Salovaara-Moring Inka
Published: February 2009

■ This article addresses the implications of the movement towards entertainment-centred, market-driven media by comparing what is reported and what the public knows in four countries with different media systems. The different systems are public service (Denmark and Finland), a `dual' model (UK) and the market model (US). The comparison shows that public service television devotes more attention to public affairs and international news, and fosters greater knowledge in these areas, than the market model. Public service television also gives greater prominence to news, encourages higher levels of news consumption and contributes to a smaller within-nation knowledge gap between the advantaged and disadvantaged. But wider processes in society take precedence over the organization of the media in determining how much people know about public life. ■
Information and Communication Technologies and Society
Authors: Fuchs Christian
Published: February 2009

■ This article argues for the need of Critical Internet Theory. It outlines how such a theory operates by the example of the role of gifts and commodities in the Internet economy. It is argued that after the crisis of the `New Economy', the emergence of what is termed `Web 2.0' signifies the increasing importance of the Internet gift commodity strategy. This strategy commodifies the users who produce content and communications online on free access platforms so that advertisement rates are driven up, and functions as a legitimizing ideology. In this context, the notion of the Internet prosumer commodity is introduced. ■
Review Essay: Mead: Sources in Sociology
Authors: Misheva Vessela
Published: February 2009

This essay is a critical analysis of Da Silva's G. H. Mead: A Critical Introduction, which has the twofold goal of introducing Mead's thought to a new generation of scholars and inspiring a scholarly debate concerning the significance of his work in modern social science. The discussion acknowledges the originality of Da Silva's conception of Mead's thought as a system that develops in and through a dialogue with other thinkers. Nevertheless, this dialogue is shown to be inadequate as a strategy for reconstructing Mead's social psychology, which did not rely solely upon philosophy and psychology. The focus is brought to bear on Da Silva's uncritical acceptance of authoritative opinion concerning the main sources of Mead's inspiration, among which not even a single sociologist is mentioned. The essay argues, on the one hand, that Blumer's symbolic interactionism compressed two quite different traditions into one — a view adequately supported by evidence. Meadian scholarship then continued to conflate and subsume under `Mead' what may be termed the micro-sociopsychological tradition, as found in the pioneering works of Cooley, and what may be termed the macro-sociopsychological tradition of Mead himself, to which the former gave impetus. The essay also maintains that the origin of Mead's theory cannot be properly understood outside its indebtedness to the sociological climate in America at the turn of the 20th century, which was conditioned by the social and psychological ideas of such thinkers as Jane Addams and Freud. The conclusion is drawn that if the relationship between symbolic interactionism and modern social theory is to be understood, then the area of research should be extended from the main canonical gallery, in which Mead deservedly has a place, to what may be described as the `minor sociological gallery' of Simmel, Tarde, Addams and Cooley, which at present remains in the background.
Lhermitte’s sign, electric shock sensations and high dose ecstasy consumption: preliminary findings
Authors: Boland B. , Mitcheson L. , Wolff K.
Published: February 2009

The objectives of this study were to perform a preliminary investigation into the nature of electric shock-like experiences reported in association with the use of ecstasy tablets thought to contain methylenedioxymethamphetamines (MDMA). This included exploration of reports of electric shock-like experiences from the user’s perspectives and identification of other variables that may be associated with their development. Furthermore we aimed to examine whether the well-recognised electric shock-like symptom, Lhermitte’s sign (LS), is associated with ecstasy tablet use in some drug users. A single measure, cross-sectional survey was used incorporating mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology. A select group of ecstasy users (n = 35) recruited through a dance, music and lifestyle magazine completed a telephone interview. Lifetime prevalence of LS in the study population was 18% (n = 6). Development of LS was associated with use of more ecstasy tablets before a typical incident. This study indicates a relationship may exist between the use of ecstasy tablets and LS. The relationship may be dose dependent. The majority of the study population used other substances including alcohol when experiencing electrical shock sensations. LS may explain only a proportion of all electrical shock experiences among ecstasy users.
Comparison of metabolic and prolactin variables from a six-month randomised trial of olanzapine and quetiapine in schizophrenia
Authors: Bushe C. , Sniadecki J. , Bradley AJ , Poole Hoffmann V.
Published: February 2009

Schizophrenia patients have a potential increased risk of metabolic dysregulation during antipsychotic treatments. Our objective was to compare changes in prolactin and metabolic variables (glucose, lipids and weight) as a post-hoc analysis from a six-month, randomised, controlled study of olanzapine (OLZ, n = 171; 10—20 mg/day) or quetiapine (QUE, n = 175; 300—700 mg/day). No statistically significant treatment group differences for baseline to endpoint mean changes in body mass index ( P = 0.209) or weight ( P = 0.250) were observed. There was a greater incidence of clinically significant weight gain (defined as ≥7% increase from baseline) in OLZ (19.2%) compared to QUE (13.2%)—treated patients ( P = 0.181). No statistically significant treatment group differences for lipids and glucose variables, either as mean change from baseline to endpoint or treatment-emergent (TE) categorical changes were found ( P ≥ 0.05). Incidence rates for TE diabetes were similar between treatment groups 2.5% ( n = 4) in the OLZ-treatment group and 1.3% ( n = 2) in the QUE-treatment group ( P = 0.685). Hyperprolactinaemia was present at baseline in many patients (OLZ 32.9%; QUE 31.4%), but after 2 weeks of treatment prolactin values had reverted to normal for nearly all patients (OLZ 100%; QUE 99.4%). There were no significant treatment differences in any variable between cohorts.
Travelling landscape-objects
Authors: della Dora Veronica
Published: February 2009

Over the past few years the notion of `landscape as a text' has been increasingly problematized. A number of experiments have been attempted to approach landscape via a revisited phenomenology. Landscape in the sense of graphic pictorial representation, however, has largely remained out of such debates. Reviewing and synthesizing work on landscape, materiality and performance, this article suggests some new directions for study. In particular, it calls for a reconceptualization of visual landscape representations as `travelling landscape-objects': graphic representations embedded in different material supports which physically move through space and time, and thus operate as active media for the circulation of place.
A laboratory-scale comparison of compost and sand—compost—perlite as methane-oxidizing biofilter media
Authors: Philopoulos Andrew , Ruck Juliane , McCartney Daryl , Felske Christian
Published: February 2009

Municipal solid waste landfills produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas. A treatment approach is to passively vent landfill gas through a methane-oxidizing biofilter medium, a porous substrate that facilitates the growth of methanotrophic bacteria. Two substrates, compost and a sand—compost—perlite (SCP) mixture, were evaluated in a laboratory-scale experiment for their suitability as biofilter media. The SCP mixture was investigated to minimize settlement and was based on a particle size distribution specification used for turf grass. The long-term (218 days) methane removal rates showed that both compost and SCP were capable of removing 100% of the methane influent flux (134 g CH4 m —2 day—1). The post-experiment analysis showed that compost had compacted more than SCP. This did not affect the results; however, in a field installation, traffic on the biofilter surface (e.g. maintenance) could cause further compaction and negatively affect performance. Exopolymeric substance produced by the methanotrophic bacteria, attributed by others for declining removal rates due to bio-clogging, was not observed to affect the results. The maximum exopolymeric substance values measured were 23.9 and 7.8 mg D-glucose g—1 (dry basis) for compost and SCP, respectively.
Reclamation of a mine contaminated soil using biologically reactive organic matrices
Authors: Alvarenga Paula , Gonçalves Ana Paula , Fernandes Rosa Maria , de Varennes Amarillas , Duarte Elizabeth , Cunha-Queda Ana Cristina , Vallini Giovanni
Published: February 2009

Organic residues such as sewage sludge, biowastes and composts are increasingly used in land rehabilitation because they can improve the physical, chemical and biochemical properties of soil, and reduce the need for inorganic fertilization. Furthermore, their use contributes to an integrated approach to waste management by promoting recycling of nutrients and minimizing final disposal, especially of organic residues that, due to their composition, can pose problems to agricultural soils. In the present study, three different types of organic residues were considered as amendments to be used in the reclamation of a metal-contaminated mine soil from the Aljustrel mining area (a pyrite mine located in the SW Portugal in the Iberian Pyrite Belt), with high Cu, Pb and Zn total contents: sewage sludge from a municipal wastewater treatment plant (SS), compost from the organic fraction of unsorted municipal solid waste (MSWC), and garden waste compost (GWC), applied at 100 and 200 Mg ha—1 . The soil and mixtures of soil and amendments were adjusted to 70% of the maximum water-holding capacity determined for each type of sample and incubated in a controlled-temperature room at 20 ± 1 °C. Sub-samples were taken prior to wetting (time zero), and after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of incubation, and analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter content, effectively bioavailable Cu, Zn and Pb (extracted with 0.01 mol L— 1 calcium chloride) and potentially bioavailable metals (extracted with 0.5 mol L—1 ammonium acetate, 0.5 mol L —1 acetic acid and 0.01 mol L— 1 EDTA, pH 4.7). In general, organic residues corrected soil acidity, and increased the total organic matter content of the soil. The SS and the MSWC amendments were roughly equivalent in their ability to correct soil acidity whereas the GWC had the smallest liming capacity and only with 200 Mg ha—1 GWC did the soil pH reach acceptable values. As expected, all the tested organic residues, at both application rates, were effective in reducing the effectively bioavailable metals in the soil. The Zn bioavailability was the most affected by the addition of organic residues, whereas Pb bioavailability was small even in the unamended soil and was the least affected by treatments. Potentially bioavailable metals increased with SS and MSWC application and the opposite was true following amendment with GWC.
Rotary drum composting of different organic waste mixtures
Authors: Kalamdhad Ajay S. , Kazmi Absar A.
Published: February 2009

The effects of three different mixtures of organic waste on composting in a rotary drum were examined by measuring changes in physico-chemical and biological parameters. It was observed that the time courses of the three mixtures: run A (grass cuttings, vegetable waste and food waste), run B (cattle manure, vegetable waste and sawdust) and run C (cattle manure, food waste, vegetable waste, paper waste and sawdust) were quite diverse. Run B, with initial C/N ratio 22 and containing a large proportion of cattle manure produced high quality and mature compost within 20 days. It showed a final total nitrogen (2.1%), final total phosphorus 3.52 g kg—1, final total organic carbon (TOC) (24.8%) and final moisture content (44%). At the end of 20 days, higher degradation led to final chemical oxygen demand (COD) (454 mg L— 1), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (107 mg L— 1), fecal coliform (1.2 × 102 bacteria g— 1), fecal streptococci (85 bacteria g—1) and low electrical conductivity (1.658 dS m—1), respectively. Furthermore, run C with initial C/N ratio of 30 and containing a larger amount of food and vegetable waste produced good quality compost and resulted in 4.34% total nitrogen and 2.42% total phosphorus after 20 days, but, it had higher final fecal coliform 2.5 × 104 bacteria g —1, fecal streptococci 2.1 × 104 bacteria g—1, high TOC and NH4-N and a BOD/COD ratio of 0.63, which rendered it hygienically unsafe and immature. Finally, run A with initial C/N ratio of 15 showed a higher amount of EC (4.84 dS m—1), NH4-N, BOD/COD ratio of 0.4 with 15% nitrogen loss, which indicated an unstable product even after 20 days of composting. Therefore, it was found that rotary drum composting of a combination of cattle manure, vegetable waste and sawdust resulted in a primary stabilized compost within 20 days of composting.
Experimental Studies on Water Mist Suppression of Liquid Fires with and without Additives
Authors: Beihua Cong  , Guangxuan Liao
Published: February 2009

The purpose of this article is to examine the effect of additives on the extinguishment of liquid pool fires with water mist. Tests are conducted using gasoline, diesel, and ethanol pool fires in a 3.0 × 3.0 × 3.0 m well ventilation compartment. The additives included representative kinds of metal compound, NaHCO3, film-forming agent, AFFF, and a multi-component agent, MC additive. Results showed that the suppression performance varied greatly depending on fuel type, additive type, and concentration. The higher the fire point, the easier it is to extinguish the hydrocarbon liquid pool fires with water mist. But for the polar fuel, small fractal flames existing around the pool edge after the fire is suppressed increased the suppression difficulty. The benefit of adding film-forming additives is observed in the suppression of hydrocarbon fires when forming a thin film layer by fluorinated surfactant on the surface. However, too much film-forming additive decreased the marginal fire extinguishing effectiveness due to the saturation effects of surfactants. Addition of a small quantity of film-forming additives did not improve the performance of water mist for ethanol fires, which is considered to be eroded by the fuel. Addition of metal compounds increased the effectiveness of water mist gradually both for ethanol and hydrocarbon fires, but there also existed upper agent limit because of the associated limiting vapor pressure of the active metal compound. The multi-component additive showed a combined suppression effect of film-forming agent and metal chemicals. It effectively extinguished both ethanol and hydrocarbon fires though coupling the physical and chemical fire suppression mechanisms and seems worth further exploration.
Investigation of Turbulence Models for CFD Simulations of Gas and Liquid Pool Fires
Authors: Zhang J. , Dembele S. , Wen J.X.
Published: February 2009

The effect of turbulence models on CFD predictions of gas and liquid pool fires is investigated. A buoyancy-modified four-equation (4EQ) model and two modified versions of the standard two-equation(2EQ) k-ε model are employed for simulating three pool fire scenarios. The 4EQ model includes all the important source terms in the turbulent heat flux expressions and emphasizes the anisotropy of turbulence due to buoyancy effects by adding an algebraic term to the eddy-viscosity expression of Reynolds stresses. Predicted results show that the 4EQ model predicts far larger values of buoyancy production of turbulent kinetic energy than the 2EQ models, and consequently achieves better agreement with experimental temperature and velocity data.
Congenital Myopathy With Tubular Aggregates: Report on Two Siblings From India
Authors: Narayanappa Gayathri , Nalini Atchayaram , Thaha Fazil
Published: February 2009

The clinical features and morphological findings in 2 Indian siblings with tubular aggregates are described. The siblings aged 14 and 9 years, respectively, born of consanguineous marriage presented with early onset gradually progressive lower limb proximal muscle weakness associated with seizures and mental subnormality. Muscle biopsy in both revealed characteristic tubular aggregates in type II fibers, which were confirmed electron microscopically. To the best of our knowledge, association of seizures and mental subnormality in familial tubular aggregates has not been described. Muscle biopsy helped in establishing the diagnosis of this rare familial disorder.
Differences in the Visual Design Language of Paper-and-Pencil Surveys Versus Web Surveys
Authors: Fuchs Marek
Published: February 2009

Respondents in self-administered, paper-based surveys answer open-ended frequency questions differently depending on the size of the response field provided. Longer fields increase the proportion of alphanumeric elaborations or answers explicitly designated as an estimate (``about 20,'' ``60-70''). By contrast, shorter fields yield higher proportions of pure digit responses. It is assumed that respondents interpret the size of the response field as an instruction regarding the format of the expected answer. In this article, the authors assess the effect of the length of the response field in a web survey compared to a paper-and-pencil questionnaire. Results indicate that the effect of the length of the response field is more pronounced in the paper-and-pencil condition compared to the web survey condition. This raises the question as to what extent the underlying visual design language differs across self-administered survey modes.
Exploring Online Structures on Chinese Government Portals
Authors: Min Jiang  , Heng Xu
Published: February 2009

This article explores the communicative structures of Chinese government web sites and their implications for citizen political participation. Taking issue with the party-state's dubious claim of building a transparent, service-oriented, and democratic administration, the study analyzed web features on 31 Chinese provincial government portals. The UN's e-participation framework was adapted to locate venues for citizen involvement. The results suggest that by manipulating online structures, Chinese government resorts to more subtle forms of online social control through information delivery, agenda setting, and containment of public dissent. Limited improvement in administrative efficiency and transparency serves the dual role of deflating social tension and reestablishing party legitimacy. Paradoxically, citizens' political participation may generate unintended consequences of incremental reform of China's local governance and political institutions.
A review of the toxic effects and mechanisms of action of fumonisin B1
Authors: Stockmann-Juvala H , Savolainen K
Published: February 2009

Fumonisin B1(FB1) is a mycotoxin produced by the fungus Fusarium verticillioides, which commonly infects corn and other agricultural products. Fusarium species can also be found in moisture-damaged buildings, and, therefore, exposure of humans to Fusarium mycotoxins including FB1may take place. FB1bears a clear structural similarity to the cellular sphingolipids, and this similarity has been shown to disturb the metabolism of sphingolipids by inhibiting the enzyme ceramide synthase leading to accumulation of sphinganine in cells and tissues. FB1is neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, and nephrotoxic in animals, and it has been classified as a possible carcinogen to humans. The cellular mechanisms behind FB1-induced toxicity include the induction of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cytotoxicity, as well as alterations in cytokine expression. The effects of FB1on different parameters vary markedly depending on what types of cells are studied or what species they originate from. These aspects are important to consider when evaluating the toxic potential of FB1.
In-vitro bioactivity of Venda medicinal plants used in the treatment of respiratory conditions
Authors: Pallant CA , Steenkamp V
Published: February 2009

Infectious diseases, especially those affecting the respiratory tract, represent a critical problem to health. Crude methanol and water extracts of 10 Venda plants reported to be used ethnomedically in the treatment of respiratory conditions were assessed for their antimicrobial activity against standard strains and clinical isolates of Candida albicans, Haemophilis influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Mycobacterium smegmatis using the disc diffusion assay. Four of the 10 plants tested possessed antimicrobial activity, but no activity against K. pneumoniae was observed. Minimum inhibitory concentrations, as determined by the broth microdilution assay, showed three plants, Securidaca longepedunculata, Syzygium cordatum, and Tabernaemontana elegans, to possess MICs ≤ 1 mg/mL. Phytochemical screening, performed by separation on thin layer chromatography using a variety of mobile phases and visualization with spray reagents as well as UV light showed various classes of compounds in the active extracts. Some of these have been associated with antioxidant activity, as confirmed in this study. Moreover, these extracts showed toxicity in vitro to lymphocytes. Although three plant species with significant antimicrobial activity were identified, there is a need for further scientific evaluation regarding identification of the bioactive constituents, as well as their toxicity.
Influence of nitrogen fertilizers on yield and antifungal bioactivity of Tulbaghia violacea L.
Authors: van den Heever E , Allemann J , Pretorius JC
Published: February 2009

Tulbaghia is known to have antifungal properties that can be used in the treatment of both human and plant pathogens and is used in traditional medicine in South Africa. Increasing demands for plant material makes it necessary to cultivate this species on a large scale. Unfortunately, cultivation can lead to a reduction in the biological activity of plants making them unsuitable for use. In light of the lack of knowledge regarding the agronomic requirements of this plant, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of several rates and two forms of nitrogenous fertilizer on the yield and biological activity of Tulbaghia violacea. Plants were cultivated in sand while the basic fertilization used was the same as that of garlic (20 kg P ha−1, 75 kg K ha−1), a plant from the same family, containing similar active ingredients. Nitrogen was applied once at the beginning of the trial at rates of 30, 60, 120, and 180 kg ha−1 in the form of either nitrate or ammonium. Vegetative growth was quantified in terms of number of leaves and leaf area as well as root and leaf dry mass, while harvested material was tested for antifungal activity. The results indicated that compared with the untreated control, increasing N-rates in both the nitrate and ammonium forms increased leaf number and leaf area as well as both root and leaf dry mass. However, at a rate above 60 kg ha−1, and especially at 180 kg ha−1, the nitrate form stimulated growth more markedly than the ammonium form, whereas antifungal activity decreased sharply and almost linearly as the application rate was increased. Although growth was not stimulated to the same extent by the ammonium form, it increased the in-vitro antifungal activity at different levels during different times of the growing season. From an ornamental perspective, nitrate is the preferred nitrogenous form but, from a bioactivity perspective, ammonium is recommended.
Global Festivals Through a National Prism
Authors: Jung Woo Lee  , Maguire Joseph
Published: February 2009

This study investigates the global—national nexus in the media representation of the Olympic Games and examines the ways in which the notions of globalization and Korean nationalism are represented. Attention is paid to the South Korean media coverage of opening and closing ceremonies of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. While globalization was promoted through themes such as global friendship and fraternity, the media also framed the event with reference to anti-Japanese sentiments and an expression of unitary Korea nationalism — both of which are central elements of Korean nationalism. On this basis, it is clear that a complex interplay between the global and the national impetus is evident. The media coverage is investigated in a qualitative manner, and a thematic analysis is used. The research, from a process sociological perspective, offers a useful insight into understanding Korean national identity politics in the global era.
Protection of Children in Competitive Sport
Authors: Weber Romana
Published: February 2009

Sport for children — although a popular and healthy free-time activity in general — under certain circumstances can be harmful. This article explores how children engaged in elite sport may suffer from health problems, lack of education and limited or no free time. Furthermore, it considers the ways through which they may be exploited by their training and competing environments and how their right to freedom of association is often limited. Adopting a human rights approach, this contribution seeks to examine national as well as international measures to protect child athletes. An analysis of existing regulation identifies shortcomings and is followed by suggestions on how to improve child protection in elite sport.
Understanding Foster Youth Outcomes
Authors: Berzin Stephanie Cosner
Published: February 2009

Objectives: This study seeks to examine the relationship between foster care and outcomes using multiple comparison methods to account for factors that put foster youth at risk independent of care. Methods: Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, matching, propensity scoring, and comparisons to the general population are used to examine whether results differ depending on the matching strategy. Results: Propensity scoring produces a better model and more closely matched groups than traditional matching. No group differences emerge in outcomes using propensity scoring; however, differences emerge in other schemes. Conclusions: When examining outcomes for foster youth, it is important to consider multiple matching strategies, as this may affect results. Propensity scoring may be one approach to inform child welfare practice.
Relationship of Hospital Organizational Culture to Patient Safety Climate in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Hartmann Christine W. , Meterko Mark , Rosen Amy K. , Shibei Zhao  , Shokeen Priti , Singer Sara , Gaba David M.
Published: February 2009

Improving safety climate could enhance patient safety, yet little evidence exists regarding the relationship between hospital characteristics and safety climate. This study assessed the relationship between hospitals' organizational culture and safety climate in Veterans Health Administration (VA) hospitals nationally. Data were collected from a sample of employees in a stratified random sample of 30 VA hospitals over a 6-month period (response rate = 50%; n = 4,625). The Patient Safety Climate in Healthcare Organizations (PSCHO) and the Zammuto and Krakower surveys were used to measure safety climate and organizational culture, respectively. Higher levels of safety climate were significantly associated with higher levels of group and entrepreneurial cultures, while lower levels of safety climate were associated with higher levels of hierarchical culture. Hospitals could use these results to design specific interventions aimed at improving safety climate.
ApoE alleles, depression and positive affect in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Julian LJ , Vella L , Frankel D , Minden SL , Oksenberg JR , Mohr DC
Published: February 2009

Background

The role of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) alleles has received recent attention in depressive disorders, the ApoE ε4 conferring greater risk for poorer outcomes, and the ApoE ε2 allele providing some protective effects. Depression is common in multiple sclerosis (MS) and the role of ApoE alleles is unknown.

Aims

To evaluate ApoE alleles in relation to symptoms of depression in a cohort of patients with MS participating in the Sonya Slifka Longitudinal Multiple Sclerosis Study (Slifka Study). To examine risk and protection, depressed mood and positive affect were each investigated with respect to the ApoE ε4 and ApoE ε2 alleles, respectively.

Results

Of the total 101 participants, 22.8% were ApoE ε2 carriers and 21.8% were ApoE ε4 carriers. Hierarchical linear regression analyses suggested that after controlling for demographics, disease duration, and disability, ApoE ε2 significantly predicted increased positive affect (R2Δ = 0.05, F(1,94) = 5.44, P = 0.02) and was associated with decreased severity of depressive symptoms, although this did not reach statistical significance (R2Δ = 0.03, F(1,94) = 3.44, P = 0.06). ApoE ε4 did not significantly predict depression status.

Conclusion

The presence of the ApoE ε2 allele in this study is suggested to be protective against depressive symptoms in our subsample of patients recruited from the Slifka Study. These findings are consistent with reports in psychiatric populations linking ApoE ε2 with decreased incidence of depressive disorders. Further investigation would be warranted to understand the role of ApoE genotypes and risk for depressive symptoms.
Democracy, War and Expansion through Historical Lenses
Authors: Russett Bruce M.
Published: February 2009

This article examines various implications of democratic peace theory in both the contemporary era and in Greece during the Peloponnesian War era. It considers the evidence for various hypotheses in both contexts, to understand why those hypotheses — especially those concerning institutions — find much better support in the contemporary era. It also addresses the causes and possible consequences of expansionist policies, including hypotheses that democracies are more effective war-fighters and thus better able to pursue successful expansion by military means.
A Clash of Emotions: The Politics of Humiliation and Political Violence in the Middle East
Authors: Fattah Khaled , Fierke K.M.
Published: February 2009

After the attacks of 9/11 Americans asked, `Why do they hate us so much?' The answer has been framed in terms of a range of `clashes', none of which has addressed emotion, which is at the centre of the question. Emotion, and particularly humiliation, has begun to be addressed within the literature of IR. Numerous scholars have highlighted the pervasiveness of a discourse of humiliation in the Middle East and its relationship to the swelling ranks of recruits who are willing to act as human bombs. The purpose of this article is to examine the emotional dynamics of this relationship. The first section undertakes a conceptual analysis of humiliation and betrayal. The second section explores how these emotions have been given coherent meaning in the narrative of Islamists from the region. This is followed by an historical analysis of how this narrative has provided a framework for giving meaning to a range of national, regional and international interactions, particularly since 1967, and has contributed to the emergence of Islam as the basis for transnational identity in what had become a highly secular region. Section three examines flaws in the logic of both militant Islamists and the US-led `War on Terrorism', arguing that both have exacerbated feelings of humiliation in the region rather than contributing to a restoration of dignity. The conclusion builds on the principle of human dignity to rethink the international approach to political violence.
The Geography of Fear: Regional Ethnic Diversity, the Security Dilemma and Ethnic War
Authors: Melander Erik
Published: February 2009

This article explores to what extent the security dilemma through geographically induced first-strike advantages is a contributing cause of ethnic warfare. If there are possibly decisive advantages to be gained from striking the first blow, both temptation and fear may shortcut efforts to resolve a conflict in less costly ways, and trigger massive violence. Theoretical work and case studies suggest that in ethnic conflicts intermingled settlement patterns give rise to such first-strike advantages. I test whether ethnic groups in conflict are more likely to become involved in ethnic warfare if their main region of settlement is ethnically diverse. I also include controls intended to capture other aspects of the security dilemma. In robustness tests, I add indicators of group concentration and local majority status that have been found to increase the risk of ethnic violence in previous quantitative studies. I find a strong, statistically significant association between regional ethnic diversity and ethnic warfare.
Transition to postgraduate study
Authors: O'Donnell Victoria L. , Tobbell Jane , Lawthom Rebecca , Zammit Maria
Published: February 2009

This article explores transition to postgraduate (PG) study in terms of the widening participation (WP) agenda. The research is located within a Communities of Practice framework, allowing for explanations of transition in terms of learning, identity and participation in practices. A qualitative ethnographic methodology is employed, and analysis reveals two themes: the heterogeneity of PG students, and the nature of PG teaching and learning. It is argued that the imperatives that the WP agenda generates are as compatible with PG as with undergraduate study, and that this may have been overlooked previously owing to assumptions of the homogeneity of postgraduates. However, students' experiences of academic practices do not always reflect the dogma of how teaching and learning should occur at PG level, and this may prevent full participation in PG study by those who might otherwise be included.
Using technology to direct learning in higher education
Authors: Turney C.S.M. , Robinson D. , Lee M. , Soutar A.
Published: February 2009

Improvements in technology appear to provide an unprecedented opportunity to improve learning and teaching within the higher education system. At present, however, opinions are divided over the efficacy of such an approach and the extent to which technology should be embraced in teaching. Over a period of two years, we have developed a new `blended' module where all learning resources are provided online and formal teaching sessions are used to provide the directed learning needed by students. This article explores the effectiveness of using technology to direct learning and identifies generic problems. Using measures of student performance, we demonstrate that technology in higher education can significantly improve student learning when fully aligned to the teaching aims and fully embedded within a module. The ability of students to use technology to repeatedly return to resources was a clear benefit, allowing students to take responsibility for their own study at a pace appropriate for the learner.
Podagogy
Authors: Dale Crispin , Pymm John M.
Published: February 2009

With the growing influence of social media on contemporary society, educators have to adapt to new ways of engaging students in the learning process. The use of iPod technologies, as part of this new breed of social media and associated gadgetry, offers fresh opportunities to enhance the student learning experience. As part of a research project entitled Podagogy at the University of Wolverhampton, three projects within the performing arts subjects were undertaken to explore the use of the iPod as a learning technology. This article reports on a number of common themes that have emerged as a process of the research that has been undertaken. These themes offer educators an understanding of how the iPod can be used as a learning technology within their learning and teaching practices.
An Update on Fibromyalgia Syndrome: The Multimodal Therapeutic Approach
Authors: Rosenzweig Tamara M. , Thomas Tara M.
Published: February 2009

Fibromyalgia is a chronic, musculoskeletal, noninflammatory pain disorder. Patients frequently suffer from sleep disturbances, headaches, anxiety, morning stiffness, and a poor sense of well-being. It is estimated that approximately 6 million Americans live with this condition. Fibromyalgia is characterized by the presence of at least 11 tender points, as well as widespread bilateral pain for at least 3 months. If left untreated, it may lead to a significant impairment in patients' quality of life or even disability. Although the exact pathophysiology of fibromyalgia remains a source of speculation, several treatment modalities are available to patients with this condition. Among nonpharmacological options, cognitive-behavioral therapy, patient education, exercise, physical therapy, and diet have all been found effective in reducing the symptoms of fibromyalgia. Pregabalin, a second-generation anticonvulsant, and duloxetine (a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) are the only pharmacological agents approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of fibromyalgia. However, other medications such as tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, anticonvulsants, and tramadol have been investigated in clinical trials and shown to be effective treatment options. Currently, the recommended management strategy for patients with fibromyalgia is a combination of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment modalities.
Bulk metallic glass formation in the Mg–Cu–Y system
Authors: Katz-Demyanetz A. , Rosenson H. , Koren Z. , Regev M.
Published: February 2009

The influence of the cooling rate on 80Mg–15Cu–5Y was investigated. Four different cooling rates yielded different microstructures that were characterised by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, high-resolution SEM, energy dispersive spectroscopy chemical analysis, TEM and high-resolution TEM. The different casting procedures were gravity castings of 3 mm diameter specimens into a copper mould held at different temperatures (cooled to −195°C with the aid of liquid nitrogen, held at room temperature and heated to 300°C) and melt spinning. Only the melt spun specimen yielded what appeared to be an amorphous XRD spectrum; however, a detailed TEM analysis showed that this specimen was characterised by a micro- or even nanocrystalline rather than amorphous structure.
Development of laminated composite materials based on orthorhombic aluminide/titanium alloy and their tensile mechanical properties
Authors: Galeyev R. M. , Valiakhmetov O. R. , Safiullin R. V. , Imayev V. M. , Imayev R. M. , Fecht H.-J.
Published: February 2009

Laminated composite materials consisting of an orthorhombic Ti2AlNb based alloy and an ( α+ β) titanium alloy have been fabricated at a laboratory scale using a two-step process involving diffusion bonding and hot rolling. The feasibility of fabrication of two and three layered materials with high quality bonding between layers was demonstrated. Preliminary assessment of the tensile mechanical properties of the obtained composite materials showed that they were superior to those of the titanium alloy and slightly inferior to the orthorhombic alloy.
Prospective outcome data on 267 unselected adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia confirms superiority of allogeneic transplantation over chemotherapy in the pre-imatinib era: results from the International ALL Trial MRC UKALLXII/ECOG2993
Authors: Fielding Adele K. , Rowe Jacob M. , Richards Susan M. , Buck Georgina , Moorman Anthony V. , Durrant I. Jill , Marks David I. , McMillan Andrew K. , Litzow Mark R. , Lazarus Hillard M. , Foroni Letizia , Dewald Gordon , Franklin Ian M. , Luger Selina M. , Paietta Elisabeth , Wiernik Peter H. , Tallman Martin S. , Goldstone Anthony H.
Published: February 2009

Prospective data on the value of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) in Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are limited. The UKALLXII/ECOG 2993 study evaluated the outcome of assigning alloHSCT with a sibling (sib) or matched unrelated donor (MUD) to patients younger than 55 years of age achieving complete remission (CR). The CR rate of 267 patients, median age 40, was 82%. Twenty-eight percent of patients proceeded to alloHSCT in first CR. Age older than 55 years or a pre-HSCT event were the most common reasons for failure to progress to alloHSCT. At 5 years, overall survival (OS) was 44% after sib alloHSCT, 36% after MUD alloHSCT, and 19% after chemotherapy. After adjustment for sex, age, and white blood count and excluding chemotherapy-treated patients who relapsed or died before the median time to alloHSCT, only relapse-free survival remained significantly superior in the alloHSCT group (odds ratio 0.31, 95% confidence interval 0.16-0.61). An intention-to-treat analysis, using the availability or not of a matched sibling donor, showed 5-year OS to be nonsignificantly better at 34% with a donor versus 25% with no donor. This prospective trial in adult Ph+ ALL indicates a modest but significant benefit to alloHSCT. This trial has been registered with clinicaltrials.gov under identifier NCT00002514 and as ISRCTN77346223.
The effect of tiotropium therapy on markers of elastin degradation in COPD
Authors: Ma Shuren , Lin Yong Y , Tartell Lori , Turino Gerard M
Published: February 2009

Background

Desmosine and Isodesmosine (D/I) are cross-linking amino acids which are present only in mature elastin. Changes in their concentration in body fluids indicate changes in elastin degradation and can be a reflection of tissue elastase activity. This study was undertaken to determine whether continuous therapy with the long-acting bronchodilator Tiotropium bromide (TTP) could result in reductions in D/I as measured by mass spectrometry in plasma, urine and sputum.

Methods

Twelve not currently smoking patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), never on TTP, were selected for study. Levels of D/I, along with measurements of FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC. were determined before starting TTP daily, and then one and two months after.

Results

D/I decreased in plasma (10 of 12 patients), in sputum all (12 of 12), and in the percentage of free D/I in urine (10 of 12). Most patients showed slight increases in FVC and FEV1 percent predicted over two months.

Conclusion

The results are consistent with an effect of prolonged bronchodilitation by anti-cholinergic blockade to also result in reduced lung elastin degradation.
Allopatric speciation in ticks: genetic and reproductive divergence between geographic strains of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus
Authors: Labruna Marcelo B , Naranjo Victoria , Mangold Atilio J , Thompson Carolina , Estrada-Peña Agustín , Guglielmone Alberto A , Jongejan Frans , de la Fuente José
Published: February 2009

Background

The cattle tick,Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, economically impact cattle industry in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The morphological and genetic differences amongR. microplusstrains have been documented in the literature, suggesting that biogeographical and ecological separation may have resulted in boophilid ticks from America/Africa and those from Australia being different species. To test the hypothesis of the presence of different boophilid species, herein we performed a series of experiments to characterize the reproductive performance of crosses betweenR. microplusfrom Australia, Africa and America and the genetic diversity of strains from Australia, Asia, Africa and America.

Results

The results showed that the crosses between Australian and Argentinean or Mozambican strains of boophilid ticks are infertile while crosses between Argentinean and Mozambican strains are fertile. These results showed that tick strains from Africa (Mozambique) and America (Argentina) are the same species, while ticks from Australia may actually represent a separate species. The genetic analysis of mitochondrial 12S and 16S rDNA and microsatellite loci were not conclusive when taken separately, but provided evidence that Australian tick strains were genetically different from Asian, African and American strains.

Conclusion

The results reported herein support the hypothesis that at least two different species share the nameR. microplus. These species could be redefined asR. microplus(Canestrini, 1887) (for American and African strains) and probably the oldR. australisFuller, 1899 (for Australian strains), which needs to be redescribed. However, experiments with a larger number of tick strains from different geographic locations are needed to corroborate these results.