bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aid Effectiveness in Africa*
Authors: Loxley John , Sackey Harry A.
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  This paper revisits the issue of aid effectiveness in Africa by examining the effect of aid on growth. Historically, Africa's development context appears to be an aid‐dependent one, and with the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) calling for additional capital flows to improve growth levels on the continent, and the attainment of the UN's Millennium Development Goals partly conditioned on aid inflows, there is a new urgency to evaluate the effectiveness of aid. Using a sample comprising 40 member countries of the African Union, and estimating fixed‐effects growth models, we find a positive and statistically significant effect of aid on growth. Aid increases investment, which is a major transmission mechanism in the aid‐growth relationship. An extension of our analysis to examine sources of growth finance shows aid, workers' remittances, debt‐service resources and domestic savings are important sources of development finance. Thus, for now, aid matters for the continent's growth. However, given the apparent donor aid fatigue and the debt servicing implications of concessional loans, the paper supports the need to strategize to reduce future dependence on aid.
Asymétrie d'information, Litiges et Bien‐être social dans le cadre d'un contrat de Partenariat Public/Privé: Le cas de la construction d'infrastructures d'intérêt public en Afrique
Authors: Founanou Mathurin
Published: July 2008

Résumé:  Dans cet article, nous analysons la structure des contrats optimaux de partenariat Public/Privé concernant la construction d'infrastructures d'intérêt public. Nous considérons une forme générale de contrat incitatif comportant un paiement ex‐post qui dépend du coût du projet observé et d'un prix fixe. Lorsque l'opérateur du projet peut influencer le résultat ex‐post par une action non observable par le partenaire public, il existe un risque de litiges concernant le coût observé ex‐post. On montre que, le contrat optimal réalise un arbitrage entre deux effets: aléa moral et partage du risque. Les mécanismes réalisables en présence ou en absence de litiges sont caractérisés. En cas de litige, le contrat à prix fixe peut être inférieur à un contrat à remboursement de coût. Ce résultat entre en contradiction avec le résultat bien connu selon lequel, en incitant l'agent à exercer un effort de réduction du coût, un contrat à prix fixe domine le contrat à remboursement du coût.

Abstract:  In this article, we analyzes the optimal structure of public/private partnership agreements, in cases where these contracts concern the construction of economic infrastructure. We consider a form of incentive contract stipulating rules of payment based on the ex post value, which are calculated based on the observed costs of the project and a fixed price. In cases where a private contractor can influence the final cost of a project by an action unobservable by the principal, there is a risk that a dispute will arise concerning the project's observable cost. We show that, the optimal contract establish a balance between moral hazard and risk sharing. We derive the feasible mechanisms, either in the presence or absence of litigation. In litigation contest, a fixed‐price contract may be inferior to a cost‐plus contract. This result stands in contrast to the well‐established finding that, in providing incentive for the agent to engage in cost‐reducing effort, a fixed‐price contract dominates a cost‐plus contract.
The Revenue–Expenditure Nexus: The Experience of 13 African Countries
Authors: Wolde‐Rufael Yemane
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  The aim of this paper is to investigate the causal relationship between government revenue and government expenditure for 13 African countries within a multivariate framework using a modified version of the Granger causality test due to Toda and Yamamoto (1995). The empirical evidence suggests that there was a bi‐directional causality running between expenditure and revenue for Mauritius, Swaziland and Zimbabwe; no causality in any direction for Botswana, Burundi and Rwanda; unidirectional causality running from revenue to expenditure for Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali and Zambia; and a uni‐directional causality running from expenditure to revenue for Burkina Faso only.
S‐curve Dynamics of Trade in Africa*
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Gelan Abera , Ratha Artatrana
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Two concepts summarize the short‐run relationship between the trade balance and the terms of trade or the real exchange rate, the old concept known as the J‐curve and a new concept that comes under the heading of the S‐curve. The S‐curve introduced in 1994 basically claims that while the cross‐correlation between past value of the trade balance and current value of the exchange rate is negative, the correlation is positive between the future value of trade balance and the current value of the exchange rate. In this paper we investigated the experiences of 20 African nations and found support for the S‐curve in eight of them.
State‐owned Enterprises: NWSC's Turnaround in Uganda
Authors: Mugisha Silver , Berg Sanford V.
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Oversight agencies in the water sector emphasize performance monitoring based on outputs, such as customers served, volume delivered, and service quality. However, bureaucratic tendencies can curtail operational innovation and creativity. In situations where managers lack full operating knowledge and capacities, proactive and consultative monitoring and regulation can yield benefits. This study reviews the results of Uganda's National Water and Sewerage Corporation's (NWSC) approach to performance monitoring (and ‘self‐regulation’). The purpose of this study is to outline corrective actions undertaken by the NWSC Management and Staff to turn around performance, the sequencing of those steps, and the outcomes from this reform program. The NWSC focuses on promoting improvements in technical processes and input selection. Improvements in service quality and network expansion resulted from aligning performance improvement initiatives with the organization's financial performance and team development. The program's success required managing organizational rigidities and moving towards full cost‐recovery. In particular, organizational incentives and information flows encouraged managers to reduce rules and procedures that hindered strong performance. African proverbs are interspersed throughout the article to underscore key themes and lessons for those designing, implementing, and evaluating infrastructure sector reform initiatives.
PATIENT AUTONOMY, ASSESSMENT OF COMPETENCE AND SURROGATE DECISION‐MAKING: A CALL FOR REASONABLENESS IN DECIDING FOR OTHERS
Authors: BÆRØE KRISTINE
Published: July 2008

In this paper, I address some of the shortcomings of established clinical ethics centring on personal autonomy and consent and what I label the Doctrine of Respecting Personal Autonomy in Healthcare. I discuss two implications of this doctrine: 1) the practice for treating patients who are considered to have borderline decision‐making competence and 2) the practice of surrogate decision‐making in general. I argue that none of these practices are currently aligned with respectful treatment of vulnerable individuals. Because of ‘structural arbitrariness’ in the whole process of how we assess decision‐making competence, this area is open to disrespectful treatment of people. The practice of surrogate decision‐ making on the basis of a single person's judgment is arguably not consistent with ethical and political requirements derived from the doctrine itself. In response to the inadequacies of the doctrine, I suggest a framework for reasonableness in surrogate decision‐making which might allow practice to avoid the problems above. I conclude by suggesting an extended concept of Patient Autonomy which integrates both personal autonomy and the regulative idea of morality that is required by reasonableness in deciding for non‐competent others.
Anxiety, Stress and Coping Behaviours in Primary Care Migraine Patients: Results of the SMILE Study
Authors: Radat F , Mekies C , Géraud G , Valade D , Vivès E , Lucas C , Joubert J-M , Lantéri-Minet M
Published: July 2008

The objectives of the SMILE study were to assess anxiety, stress, depression, functional impact and coping behaviours in migraine patients consulting in primary care in France. General practitioners ( n = 1467) and 83 neurologists included 5417 consulting migraine patients. Of these patients, 67± were found anxious, of whom 59± were also depressive. Patients with both anxiety and depressive dimensions showed a profile similar to that of chronic migraine patients (severe attacks, poor treatment effectiveness and pronounced stress, functional impact and maladaptive behaviours). A quantitative progression in the levels of stress, maladaptive coping behaviours and functional impact was noted from patients with neither dimension to those with both anxious and depressive dimensions. Stress and maladaptive coping strategies were found to be major determinants of anxiety. Anxious and depressive dimensions were associated with elevated consumption of acute treatments for migraine and low treatment effectiveness. Stress and anxiety should be looked for carefully in migraine patients.
Sickness Absence Among Female Employees With Migraine and Co-Existing Conditions
Authors: Mäki K , Vahtera J , Virtanen M , Elovainio M , Pentti J , Keltikangas-Järvinen L , Kivimäki M
Published: July 2008

This prospective cohort study examined the risk of sickness absence among 27 127 female public-sector employees by status of migraine and co-existing conditions. A baseline survey was used to assess chronic disorders and demographic factors. Information on sickness absence in the 3 years following the survey was obtained from employers' registers. Migraine was related to 5.4 extra sickness absence days per person-year, with the corresponding figures being 14.6 and 6.1 for depression and respiratory disorders, respectively. After adjusting for age, marital status, socioeconomic status and presence of depression or respiratory disorders, employees with migraine had a 1.21 (95± confidence interval 1.18, 1.24) times higher risk of self-certified sickness absence episodes (≤ 3 days) than did those without migraine. The corresponding excess risk for medically certified absence episodes (≤ 3 days) was 1.15 (1.12, 1.19). Among employees with depression or respiratory disorders, secondary migraine was associated with an increased risk of sickness absence episode of 1.15 to 1.23. These findings suggest that migraine is associated with increased risk of recorded sickness absence independent of depression and respiratory disorders.
Selective Diffusion Changes of The Visual Pathways in Patients with Migraine: A 3-T Tractography Study
Authors: Rocca MA , Pagani E , Colombo B , Tortorella P , Falini A , Comi G , Filippi M
Published: July 2008

Using diffusion tensor (DT) tractography, we quantified optic radiation (OR) structural changes in seven migraine patients with (MA) and eight without visual aura (MoA) and their relation to clinical manifestations and T2-visible burden. The corticospinal tract and the corpus callosum were studied as ‘control’ white matter (WM). No difference was found for any of the WM fibre bundles metrics between controls and MoA patients. MA patients had reduced average fractional anisotropy (FA) of both OR compared with controls and reduced average FA of the right OR compared with MoA patients. They also showed higher right OR mean diffusivity than controls. OR metrics were not correlated with clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) metrics. DT tractography reveals OR changes in MA patients that might represent a phenotypic biomarker of the disease given the lack of correlation with clinical and structural MRI metrics.
Cumulative Lifetime Migraine Incidence in Women and Men
Authors: Stewart WF , Wood C , Reed ML , Roy J , Lipton RB
Published: July 2008

The aim was to estimate lifetime sex and age-specific incidence of migraine. Data are from the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention study, a mailed survey sent to 120 000 US households. Age-specific incidence was estimated using self-reported data relevant to identification of migraine cases, age of onset of migraine and age at interview. Migraine incidence peaked between the ages of 20 and 24 years in women (18.2/1000 person-years) and the ages of 15 and 19 years in men (6.2/1000 person-years). Cumulative incidence was 43± in women and 18± in men. Median age of onset was 25 years among women and 24 years among men. Onset in 50± of cases occurred before age 25 and in 75± before age 35 years. Four of every 10 women and two of every 10 men will contract migraine in their lifetime, most before age 35 years. The incidence estimates from this analysis are consistent with those reported in previous longitudinal studies.
Temporal correlation of the memory deficit with Alzheimer‐like lesions induced by activation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3
Authors: Wang Yue , Zhang Jun‐Xia , Du Xiao‐Xia , Zhao Li , Tian Qing , Zhu Ling‐Qiang , Wang Shao‐Hui , Wang Jian‐Zhi
Published: July 2008

We have reported that activation of glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) by ventricle injection of wortmannin (WT) and GF‐109203X (GFX) induces Alzheimer‐like memory deficit in rats [Liuet al.,J. Neurochem.87 (2003), 1333]. To further explore the factors responsible for the memory loss, we studied here the temporal alterations of GSK‐3, tau phosphorylation, β‐amyloid (Aβ), and acetylcholine (ACh) after injection of WT/GFX, and analyzed their correlation with the memory loss. We observed that the severe memory deficit occurred at 24 and 48 h, and simultaneously, GSK‐3 activation, tau hyperphosphorylation at Thr231, Ser396, and Ser404 and decline of ACh in hippocampus were detected, and these changes were mostly recovered at 72 and 96 h after the injection of WT/GFX. Remarkable increase of Aβ and intracellular accumulation of argentophilic substances were detected at 72 h. Pearson analysis showed that the memory deficit was correlated with GSK‐3 activation, tau hyperphosphorylation, and decline of ACh but not with Aβ overproduction. Our data provide direct evidence demonstrating that activation of GSK‐3 by WT/GFX may cause memory deficit through tau hyperphosphorylation and suppression of ACh in hippocampus.
GISP binding to TSG101 increases GABAB receptor stability by down‐regulating ESCRT‐mediated lysosomal degradation
Authors: Kantamneni Sriharsha , Holman David , Wilkinson Kevin A. , Corrêa Sônia A. L. , Feligioni Marco , Ogden Simon , Fraser William , Nishimune Atsushi , Henley Jeremy M.
Published: July 2008

The neuron‐specific G protein‐coupled receptor interacting scaffold protein (GISP) is a multidomain, brain‐specific protein derived from the A‐kinase anchoring protein‐9 gene. We originally isolated GISP as an interacting partner for the GABAB receptor subunit GABAB1. Here, we show that the protein tumour susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101), an integral component of the endosomal sorting machinery that targets membrane proteins for lysosomal degradation, also interacts with GISP. TSG101 co‐immunoprecipitates with GISP from adult rat brain, and using GST pull‐downs, we identified that the eighth coiled‐coiled region of GISP is critical for TSG101 association. Intriguingly, although there is no direct interaction between GISP and the GABAB2 subunit, their co‐expression in HEK293 cells increases levels of GABAB2. GISP also inhibits TSG101‐dependent GABAB2 down‐regulation in human embryonic kidney 293 cells whereas over‐expression of a mutant GISP lacking the TSG101 binding domain has no effect on GABAB2 degradation. These data suggest that GISP can function as a negative regulator of TSG101‐dependent lysosomal degradation of transmembrane proteins in neurons to promote receptor stability.
A “Caesarian,”“Augustan,” or “Justinian” Worldview of Theoretical and Quantitative Geography?
Authors: Baker Robert G. V.
Published: July 2008

An evolving world view of theoretical and quantitative geography is presented using an analogy from the development of the ancient Roman and Byzantine Empires between Julius Caesar in the first century BC to Justinian in the sixth century AD. This is used to set the discussion platform for a series of papers presented by participants from the early days of quantitative revolution in geography and its transformation into a robust and relevant spatial science. Current theoretical and quantitative geography needs to be, first, active in developing new ideas and applications, second, to continue to transform its methodology to be more societally relevant and scientifically robust and, third, to actively engage cultural critiques of these processes.
Geography, Space, and Science: Perspectives from Studies of Migration and Geographical Sorting
Authors: Clark William A. V.
Published: July 2008

For the past four decades a significant subset of geographers have had a strong interest in using scientific methods and tools to answer questions about society and societal change. The scientific endeavor, learning and verifying new knowledge, has been at the heart of this project. Even though the discipline as a whole seems currently less interested in the classic science project, that project continues within geography and is a part of the wider social science community's attempt to provide verifiable and useful knowledge to a wide range of stakeholders. The findings from studies of migration and the life course, and segregation and geographical sorting reemphasize the very real contribution of spatial science to understanding societal change. Recent work on the geography of neighborhoods and mobility with the context of legal contestation goes beyond academic research per se to show the continuing relevance of an informed scientific approach and the contributions of geography beyond narrow disciplinary boundaries.
The Local Shape of Revolution: Reflections on Quantitative Geography at Cambridge in the 1950s and 1960s
Authors: Haggett Peter
Published: July 2008

The “quantitative revolution” in human geography which swept across so many universities in the 1950s and 1960s had its main diffusion centers in a few locations which were to have global significance. Two critical early centers were the University of Washington in the Pacific Northwest and Lund University in southern Sweden. But the experience of change was different in different locations as the general forces of perturbation sweeping around academia were translated into local eddies with local repercussions. Here, small and somewhat random quirks at the outset, led eventually to fundamental divergences between adoption and rejection. The theme is illustrated by reference to changes which occurred at Cambridge, one of England's two oldest universities, as seen from the perspective of someone who—as undergraduate, graduate student, and later, faculty member—was caught up in these changes and took some small part in propagating them. Special attention is given to the role of two environmental scientists, Vaughan Lewis and Richard Chorley, in introducing changes and the way in which later developments in human geography drew on preceding experiences in physical geography. The reasons behind the “Cambridge variant” and the questions of how intellectual DNA is passed across the generations are discussed.
Phonological Awareness and Rapid Naming Skills of Children with Reading Disabilities and Children with Reading Disabilities Who Are At Risk for Mathematics Difficulties
Authors: Wise Justin C. , Pae Hye Kyeong , Wolfe Christopher B. , Sevcik Rose A. , Morris Robin D. , Lovett Maureen , Wolf Maryanne
Published: July 2008

Limited research has examined the skills of children with a reading disability (RD) and children with RD and a mathematics disability (MD). Even less research has examined the phonological awareness (PA) and rapid automatized naming (RAN) skills in these two groups of children and how these skills relate to reading and math achievement. Additionally, various classification criteria are frequently implemented to classify children with MD. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the PA and RAN skills in children who met different criteria for RD only and children with RD who are at risk for mathematics difficulties (MDR). Participants were 114 second‐ or third‐grade students with RD from public elementary schools in three large metropolitan areas. Students were classified as at risk for mathematics difficulties utilizing a 25th‐percentile cutoff and a 15th‐percentile cutoff as assessed by the KeyMath‐Revised Test (Connolly, 1988). A series of PA and RAN measures were administered along with a range of reading and mathematics measures. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that children with RD only evidenced a different pattern of results compared to children with RD + MDR. Additionally, using a more stringent criterion to classify children at risk for mathematics difficulties resulted in a differential pattern of results when compared to a less stringent classification criterion.
The Rise of the Rest Warms the Planet
Authors: GARDELS NATHAN
Published: July 2008

tokyo—America's post‐World War II commitment to universal rules of openness has spread economic gains far and wide, enabling new prosperity on a global scale. It is this American‐forged stable world order that has led to what Fareed Zakaria refers to as “the third great powershift” in the last 500 years: the “rise of the rest,” which follows on the rise of the West and the rise of the United States as the dominant Western power. It is indeed a remarkable legacy of American hegemony that China, India and others are rising, or arising anew, without the pillage, plunder and war associated with the emergent great power experiences of the past.
Here Comes the Second World
Authors: KHANNA PARAG
Published: July 2008

American‐led globalization has enabled the third great powershift of the last five hundred years—the “rise of the rest” following on the rise of the West and then the rise of the US as the dominant power in the West.

When China, India, Brazil, Turkey and the rest sit at the table of global power with the West what will the world order look like? Will it be post‐American? Will it be culturally non‐Western, but play by the same rules of an open international order laid down by the American's after World War II?

In the following pages, leading American and Asian intellectuals ponder these questions.
China and the Rest Are Only Joining the American‐Built Order
Authors: IKENBERRY G. JOHN
Published: July 2008

American‐led globalization has enabled the third great powershift of the last five hundred years—the “rise of the rest” following on the rise of the West and then the rise of the US as the dominant power in the West.

When China, India, Brazil, Turkey and the rest sit at the table of global power with the West what will the world order look like? Will it be post‐American? Will it be culturally non‐Western, but play by the same rules of an open international order laid down by the American's after World War II?

In the following pages, leading American and Asian intellectuals ponder these questions.
Be Wary of Asian Triumphalism
Authors: SLAUGHTER ANNE‐MARIE
Published: July 2008

American‐led globalization has enabled the third great powershift of the last five hundred years—the “rise of the rest” following on the rise of the West and then the rise of the US as the dominant power in the West.

When China, India, Brazil, Turkey and the rest sit at the table of global power with the West what will the world order look like? Will it be post‐American? Will it be culturally non‐Western, but play by the same rules of an open international order laid down by the American's after World War II?

In the following pages, leading American and Asian intellectuals ponder these questions.
Do Human Rights Require a Strong State?
Authors: FUKUYAMA FRANCIS
Published: July 2008

Will China's authoritarian leaders succeed in building a future by erasing the past? Can the ideology of “nationalist consumerism” obliterate memory altogether? Will the Olympic applause drown out the weak and exiled witnesses of the Tiananmen crackdown?

In this section we listen to a key Tiananmen student leader two decades on as well as check in with today's young elites in Beijing. A political leader from the reformist regime in 1989 calls for justice from house arrest and a young Chinese novelist wonders what kind of identity is possible without memory.
Culture, Segregation, and Tolerance in Urban America*
Authors: Sharp Elaine B. , Joslyn Mark R.
Published: July 2008

Objective.The objective of this article is to examine whether racial tolerance attitudes are influenced by the character of the urban subculture in which individuals live. Specifically, is there a significant association betweenFlorida's (2002)concept of creative class and racial tolerance among white survey respondents?

Methods.The Social Capital Community Benchmark Survey that comprises respondents across some 27 cities provides the data for this analysis. Ordered logit regression was utilized.

Results.Independent of key explanations of racial tolerance such as racial threat and contact theories, creative class or new political culture cities are associated with more progressive racial attitudes among white respondents. In addition, important evidence is uncovered that shows creative class operates as an interactive variable, conditioning the effects of traditional determinants of tolerance.

Conclusions.Evidence suggests that creative class or new political culture cities should be viewed as constituting distinctive cultural milieus that have important direct and interactive effects on tolerance attitudes.
Post‐Hurricane Katrina Employment Recovery: The Interaction of Race and Place*
Authors: Zottarelli Lisa K.
Published: July 2008

Objective. The mass migrations, infrastructure decimation, and widespread impact zone make Hurricane Katrina an especially difficult disaster from which to recover. Employment is an important aspect of effective disaster recovery. The purpose of this article is to examine determinants of employment recovery approximately one month and one year after Hurricane Katrina.

Methods. The data are from a two‐stage survey of Hurricane Katrina survivors conducted by the Gallup Organization in September/October 2005 and August 2006. A series of logistic regression models were preformed on data from the two time points.

Results. The results suggest a complexity to inequality where race and place interact to determine employment recovery. Displacement, gender, income, and homeownership were also significant.

Conclusions. Recovery efforts and future research need to incorporate more complex understandings of vulnerability, with particular attention paid to the issues of employment and reemployment.
Does Campus Diversity Promote Friendship Diversity? A Look at Interracial Friendships in College*
Authors: Fischer Mary J.
Published: July 2008

Objectives. One of the hopes of having diverse campus environments is that the daily interaction with students from different backgrounds will promote interracial understanding and friendship. However, it is not clear to what extent interactions and friendships are multiracial. This article examines the impact of college characteristics, social distance felt toward other groups, and precollege friendship diversity on the formation of interracial friendships in the first year of college.

Methods. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Freshmen, I examine how college characteristics, social distance felt toward other groups, and precollege friendship diversity affects the formation of interracial friendships in the first year of college.

Results. The results show that while precollege experiences and initial attitudes do have an impact on the formation of interracial friendship in college, campus racial/ethnic diversity is also important in predicting friendship heterogeneity. Minorities have higher predicted friendship diversity than whites, but this difference nearly disappears in the most diverse schools due to the interactive effects of school diversity on friendship diversity for white students.

Conclusions. This research provides evidence of the social benefits of assembling a diverse student body, particularly for white students, and can add to the debate over the continuation of affirmative action policies.
School Readiness of Children of Immigrants: Does Parental Involvement Play a Role?*
Authors: Lahaie Claudia
Published: July 2008

Objectives.Using data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey—Kindergarten Cohort, this article analyzes the link between parental involvement and the school readiness of children of immigrants.

Methods.Multivariate regression models estimate the association between parental involvement and the school readiness in English proficiency and math scores of children of immigrants. They also estimate the impact of this association on the gap in math scores between children of immigrants and children of natives.

Results.Results demonstrate that parental involvement is associated with an increase in the level of English proficiency for children of immigrants. Parental involvement also is associated with a decrease in the gap in math scores between immigrant children from English‐ and non‐English‐speaking backgrounds. Parental involvement decreases the gap in math scores between children of immigrants and children of the native born by a third of a standard deviation.

Conclusion.Given that parental involvement appears to benefit children of immigrants and given that they have lower academic achievement than children of the native born, these findings suggest that parental involvement policies and practices targeting children of immigrants could help decrease the academic achievement gap between children of immigrants and children of the native born.
Food Insufficiency, Food Stamp Participation, and Mental Health*
Authors: Heflin Colleen M. , Ziliak James P.
Published: July 2008

Objectives. This study examines whether the mental health consequences associated with food insufficiency vary by food stamp participation status and/or the value of the food stamp benefit received.

Methods. We use longitudinal data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics along with fixed‐effect methods that control for unobserved heterogeneity to test our hypotheses.

Results. We find that, conditional on the food stamp benefit amount, the emotional distress associated with food insufficiency is higher among food stamp participants. Moreover, we find evidence of a dosage effect such that food‐insufficient individuals who receive higher amounts of food stamp benefits suffer greater emotional distress than food‐insufficient individuals who receive lower levels of food stamp benefits. However, the negative mental health effects of food insufficiency and food stamp participation are driven primarily by periods of transition onto the Food Stamp Program and into food insufficiency.

Conclusions. The negative mental health aspects of participating in the Food Stamp Program seem to outweigh the positive mental health aspects, at least during the period of application and initial receipt, suggesting that programmatic reform is needed to improve overall well‐being among new participants.
Determining Democracy in the Organization of the Islamic Conference*
Authors: Calfano Brian Robert , Sahliyeh Emile
Published: July 2008

Objectives. We determine the conditions that account for change in the realized level of political rights and civil liberties within the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

Methods. We use ordered logit to assess the impact of religious pluralism and fragmentation and related controls on changes in Freedom House Political Rights and Civil Liberties scores at five‐year intervals between 1976 and 2004.

Results. Findings suggest that the presence of non‐Islamic religious groups within OIC states leads to an increase in political rights, while the presence of Islamic groups practicing a version of the faith not officially recognized by the state reduced political rights and civil liberties.

Conclusions. Islam's influence on democratization does not fall neatly into either the “pro” or “con” categories that have so strongly defined the relevant literature. Islam's influence is, instead, variable and contingent on the wider degree of religious characteristics within each state.
Evidence of Left Ventricular Systolic and Diastolic Dysfunction by Color Tissue Doppler Imaging Despite Normal Ejection Fraction in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis Program
Authors: Gulel Okan , Soylu Korhan , Yuksel Serkan , Karaoglanoglu Muge , Cengiz Kuddusi , Dilek Melda , Hamiseyev Cavid , Kale Abdurrahman , Arik Nurol
Published: July 2008

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for about half of deaths and are the major cause of mortality in hemodialysis patients. The aim of this study is to assess left ventricular (LV) longitudinal myocardial functions by color tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in patients with chronic renal failure on a regular hemodialysis program. Methods: Thirty‐one patients on a regular hemodialysis program (mean age 47 ± 12 years; 17 males, 14 females) were included into the study. Twenty‐three healthy subjects (mean age 44 ± 8 years; 15 males, 8 females) were studied as a control group. The patients had been on maintenance hemodialysis for at least 1 month and hemodialysis sessions were three times per week. For color TDI, apical two‐ and four‐chamber views of left ventricle were used. Sample volumes were placed on the mid‐left ventricle in the inner half of the myocardium at the septum, lateral, inferior, and anterior walls. Peak LV strain, peak systolic strain rate, peak early diastolic strain rate, peak late diastolic strain rate, peak systolic tissue velocity, peak early diastolic tissue velocity, and peak late diastolic tissue velocity values were measured. Results: Mean peak LV strain, mean peak systolic strain rate, and mean peak systolic tissue velocity values were all lower in the hemodialysis group. Although mean peak late diastolic strain rate and mean peak late diastolic tissue velocity values were similar between the groups, mean peak early diastolic strain rate and mean peak early diastolic tissue velocity values were lower in the hemodialysis group. Conclusion: Patients with chronic renal failure on regular hemodialysis program show significant alterations at LV longitudinal myocardial function parameters assessed by color TDI.
Left Ventricular Collapse Secondary to Pericardial Effusion Treated with Pericardicentesis and Percutaneous Pericardiotomy in Severe Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Aqel Raed A. , Aljaroudi Wael , Hage Fadi G. , Tallaj Jose , Rayburn Barry , Nanda Navin C.
Published: July 2008

A 61‐year‐old white female, a Jehovah's Witness, with severe pulmonary hypertension, presented with worsening heart failure symptoms. She had a pericardial effusion with left ventricular (LV) diastolic collapse on transthoracic echocardiography. She was not a candidate for surgical pericardial window and therefore underwent pericardiocentesis and percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy with remarkable improvement in her clinical condition and with no recurrence of the effusion. LV diastolic collapse, an atypical presentation of cardiac tamponade, is commonly seen in postoperative patients with localized pericardial effusions. However, outside the surgical setting, isolated LV diastolic collapse is rare. Our case is one of the first cases described in the literature of LV diastolic collapse in the setting of severe pulmonary hypertension treated successfully with pericardiocentesis and percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy.
Value of Transesophageal 3D Echocardiography as an Adjunct to Conventional 2D Imaging in Preoperative Evaluation of Cardiac Masses
Authors: Müller Silvana , Feuchtner Gertrud , Bonatti Johannes , Müller Ludwig , Laufer Günther , Hiemetzberger Renate , Pachinger Otmar , Barbieri Verena , Bartel Thomas
Published: July 2008

Background: This study sought to compare three‐dimensional (3D) and two‐dimensional (2D) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to assess intracardiac masses. It was hypothesized that 3D TEE would reveal incremental information for surgical and nonsurgical management. Methods: In 41 patients presenting with intracardiac masses (17 thrombi, 15 myxomas, 2 lymphomas, 2 caseous calcifications of the mitral valve and one each of hypernephroma, hepatocellular carcinoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, lipoma, and fibroelastoma), 2D and 3D TEE were performed, aiming to assess the surface characteristics of the lesions, their relationship to surrounding structures, and attachments. Diagnoses were made by histopathology (n = 28), by computed tomography (n = 8), or by magnetic resonance imaging (n = 5). Benefit was categorized as follows: (A) New information obtained through 3D TEE; (B) helpful unique views but no additional findings compared to 2D TEE; (C) results equivalent to 2D TEE; (D) 3D TEE missed 2D findings. Results: In 15 subjects (37%), 3D TEE revealed one or more items of additional information (category A) regarding type and site of attachment (n = 9, 22%), surface features (n = 6, 15%), and spatial relationship to surrounding structures (n = 8, 20%). In at least 18% of all intracardiac masses, 3D TEE can be expected to deliver supplementary information. In six patients, additional findings led to decisions deviating from those made on the basis of 2D TEE. In 11 subjects (27%), 3D echocardiographic findings were categorized as “B.” Conclusions: Information revealed by 3D imaging facilitates therapeutic decision making and especially the choice of an optimal surgical access prior to removal of intracardiac masses.
Echocardiographic Predictors of Pulmonary Embolism in Patients Referred for Helical CT
Authors: Lodato Joseph A. , Ward R. Parker , Lang Roberto M.
Published: July 2008

Background: Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is ordered frequently in patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE). Multiple indices have been suggested to play a useful diagnostic role. We sought to determine the relative predictive accuracy of suggested quantitative indices among patients referred for CT scanning for exclusion of PE. Methods: We retrospectively identified 67 consecutive patients who underwent CT for the exclusion of PE, and had a TTE within 48 hours of CT. Echo indices suggested to play a role in the diagnosis of PE were measured RV/LV area ratio, RV/LV end diastolic dimension ratio, the “McConnell” sign, interventricular septal shift (“D‐sign”), Pulmonary artery diameter, tricuspid regurgitation velocity, and “60/60 sign” (TR velocity < 3.9 m/sec plus pulmonary artery acceleration time < 60 msec). Results: CT confirmed PE in 41 (61%). Mean age was 58 (18–92). Forty‐five were female. Subjects with PE were younger, and more likely to be tachycardic and require ICU admission. Of the echocardiographic indices, RV/LV EDD ratio > 0.7 was the most accurate predictor (sensitivity 66%, specificity 77%). The McConnell sign was the most specific (96%), however, with poor sensitivity (16%). Mean TR velocities did not differ between those with and without PE (270 ± 74 vs. 294 ± 83, P = 0.25). Conclusions: RV/LV EDD ratio > 0.7 has good accuracy for the diagnosis of acute PE. RV/LV area ratio > 0.7 and McConnell sign are specific but not sensitive indicators of acute pulmonary embolism. The presence of these findings should prompt further diagnostic testing for PE.
Abnormal Myocardial Flow Reserve in Sickle Cell Disease: A Myocardial Contrast Echocardiography Study
Authors: Almeida Ana G. , Araújo Francisco , Rego Fernanda , David Cláudio , Lopes Mário G. , Ducla‐Soares J.
Published: July 2008

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by obstruction of microvessels leading to ischemia and necrosis. We have aimed to demonstrate whether myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) is able to detect myocardial perfusion abnormalities in SCD patients and to assess their relationship with left ventricle (LV) perfusion and systolic function. Methods: A group of 25 patients with SCD and a control group of 19 normal individuals were studied. Using MCE, myocardial perfusion reserve indices (A, β, and A×β) were obtained, before and after hyperemia with dypiridamole. LV function was also analyzed: ejection fraction (EF), index of myocardial performance (IMP), the ratio of transmitral early‐diastolic flow velocity E and the pulsed tissue Doppler mitral annular early diastolic velocity Ea (E/Ea) (E/Ea), tissue Doppler mitral annular peak systolic velocity (Sa), and peak systolic strain (S) were obtained. Results: Myocardial velocity (β) and myocardial blood flow (A×β) reserves were lower in the patients than in controls (1.7 ± 0.4 vs. 3.3 ± 0.2, P = 0.000 and 2.1 ± 0.6 vs. 4.1 ± 0.2, P = 0.000, respectively). In SCD patients, a correlation was found between β reserve and EF, IMP, Sa, E/Ea, and S% and between A×β reserve and Sa. Conclusions: MCE detected abnormal perfusion reserve in patients with SCD, which correlated with systolic function indices. This suggests that perfusion plays a role in SCD ventricular dysfunction.
Ceria‐ and Cu‐Doped Ceria Nanocrystals Synthesized by the Hydrothermal Methods
Authors: Wang Jiacheng , Liu Qingfeng , Liu Qian
Published: July 2008

Ceria‐ or Cu‐doped ceria nanocrystals with a uniform diameter of about 4–5 nm have been successfully synthesized directly via a hydrothermal treatment of the precipitate Ce(OH)3 (purple) or Cu‐doped Ce(OH)3 in a strongly basic solution of sodium hydroxide at 180°C for 24 h. The formation of the nanocrystals involves the transformation of Ce (III) to Ce (IV) under the hydrothermal conditions. The as‐synthesized ceria‐ and Cu‐doped ceria crystalline nanoparticles have high specific surface areas, pore volumes, and pore sizes.
Neuroimaging genetics: new perspectives in research on major depression?
Authors: Frodl T. , Möller H.‐J. , Meisenzahl E.
Published: July 2008

Objective:  Stress‐related changes in the hippocampus are influenced by genetic factors. To enhance our understanding of both the interaction between the brain, behaviour and genetics and of biological mechanisms in mood disorders neuroimaging genetics provide a good opportunity.

Method:  A MEDLINE search was conducted to identify articles on neuroimaging genetics in major depression (MD).

Results:  Hippocampal volumes were found to be associated with polymorphisms in the promotor region of the serotonin transporter (5‐HTTLPR) in patients with MD. Met‐allele carriers of the BDNF (val66met) polymorphism had smaller hippocampal volumes in both patients and healthy controls when compared with homozygous val‐allele carriers. Polymorphisms of the serotonin transporter (5‐HTTLPR) and 5‐HT1a receptor are associated with increased amygdala activation investigated with functional MRI in patients with MD.

Conclusion:  Genetic variants seem to modulate the effects of stress on hippocampal volumes as well as amygdala activity as well as the development of the brain.
Cumulative prevalence of personality disorders between adolescence and adulthood
Authors: Johnson Jeffrey G. , Cohen Patricia , Kasen Stephanie , Skodol Andrew E. , Oldham John M.
Published: July 2008

Objective:  To investigate the cumulative prevalence of personality disorder (PD) among adults in the community, based on prospective longitudinal data from a series of psychiatric interviews.

Method:  Psychiatric interviews were administered to a regionally representative community‐based sample of 568 individuals in 1983 (mean age = 14), 1985–1986 (mean age = 16), 1991–1993 (mean age = 22), and 2001–2004 (mean age 33).

Results:  The point prevalence of any current DSM‐IV PD, including depressive PD and passive‐aggressive PD, varied between 12.7% and 14.6% across the four diagnostic assessments. The cumulative prevalence of PD increased at each of the follow‐up assessments. At mean age 33, the estimated lifetime prevalence of PD was 28.2%.

Conclusion:  The cumulative prevalence of PD, based on a series of interviews conducted during adolescence and adulthood, may be substantially higher than the point prevalence of current PD based on a single assessment interview.
Melatonin as a major skin protectant: from free radical scavenging to DNA damage repair
Authors: Fischer Tobias W. , Slominski Andrzej , Zmijewski Michal A. , Reiter Russel J. , Paus Ralf
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Melatonin, one of the evolutionarily most ancient, highly conserved and most pleiotropic hormones still operative in man, couples complex tissue functions to defined changes in the environment. Showing photoperiod‐associated changes in its activity levels in mammals, melatonin regulates, chronobiological and reproductive systems, coat phenotype and mammary gland functions. However, this chief secretory product of the pineal gland is now recognized to also exert numerous additional functions which range from free radical scavenging and DNA repair via immunomodulation, body weight control and the promotion of wound healing to the coupling of environmental cues to circadian clock gene expression and the modulation of secondary endocrine signalling (e.g. prolactin release, oestrogen receptor‐mediated signalling). Some of these activities are mediated by high‐affinity membrane (MT1, MT2) or specific cytosolic (MT3/NQO2) and nuclear hormone receptors (RORα), while others reflect receptor‐independent antioxidant activities of melatonin. Recently, it was shown that mammalian (including human) skin and hair follicles are not only melatonin targets, but also sites of extrapineal melatonin synthesis. Therefore, we provide here an update of the relevant cutaneous effects and mechanisms of melatonin, portray melatonin as a major skin protectant and sketch how its multi‐facetted functions may impact on skin biology and pathology. This is illustrated by focussing on recent findings on the role of melatonin in photodermatology and hair follicle biology. After listing a number of key open questions, we conclude by defining particularly important, clinically relevant perspectives for how melatonin may become therapeutically exploitable in cutaneous medicine.
Pemphigus mouse model as a tool to evaluate various immunosuppressive therapies
Authors: Takae Yujiro , Nishikawa Takeji , Amagai Masayuki
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is an autoimmune bullous disease caused by immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies against desmoglein 3 (Dsg3). We have generated an active disease mouse model for PV by adoptive transfer of Dsg3−/− lymphocytes. In this study, we investigated the benefits and limitations of this model as a tool to evaluate various immunosuppressive therapeutic strategies. We used the following three measurements to evaluate the effects of the drugs during the time course: Dsg3 enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay scores that represent the level of production of anti‐Dsg3 IgG, body weight loss that reflects the severity of oral erosions and PV score that reflects the extent of skin lesions. We examined various immunosuppressive agents currently used to treat patients with PV model mice in preventive protocol. Cyclophosphamide almost completely suppressed the production of anti‐Dsg3 IgG, development of body weight loss and the appearance of the PV phenotype in contrast with the control group without the drug. Azathioprine, cyclosporin A and tacrolimus hydrate also showed suppressive effects to various degrees. However, methylprednisolone and dexamethasone failed to show significant effects in contrast to the findings reported in humans. Knowing the advantages and limitations of this model will provide an important foundation for the future evaluation and development of novel therapeutic strategies.