bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma thrombomodulin level in very low birthweight infants at birth
Authors: Nako Y. , Ohki Y. , Harigaya A. , Tomomasa T. , Morikawa A.
Published: January 2008

Objective: Plasma soluble thrombomodulin level reflects endothelial damage. The plasma thrombomodulin level at birth is increased in asphyxiated full‐term infants. There is no report of plasma thrombomodulin level in premature infants. To determine the thrombomodulin level in premature infants and whether it might reflect endothelial damage, we examined the plasma thrombomodulin level in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants at birth. Methods: Forty‐five VLBW infants, of whom 14 had perinatal asphyxia complications, were recruited. As a control, 50 full‐term infants wimout complications were also studied. Plasma thrombomodulin concentration, pH, base deficit, serum creatinine and D‐dimer concentration, platelet count and fibrinogen concentration were measured within 1 hour after birth. Results: There were significant differences in plasma pH, creatinine concentration, platelet count, antithrombin in activity and D‐dimer concentration between VLBW infants and full‐term infants. Plasma thrombomodulin concentration (39. 0 (16. 6–93. 7) vs 27. 0 (16. 6–39. 1) μg/L, p < 0. 0001) and plasma taombomodulin‐to‐serum creatinine ratio (0. 82 (0. 19–2. 65) vs 0. 47 (0. 24–0. 70) μg/μmol, p < 0. 0001) were significantly higher in VLBW infants than those in full‐term infants. By univariate analyses for all neonates, there were significant relations between plasma thrombomodulin concentration and gestational age, birthweight, plasma pH, creatinine concentration, platelet count and antithrombin in activity. A stepwise multiple linear regression model using the above variables as dependent factors showed only birthweight contributed significantly to plasma thrombomodulin concentration (plasma thrombomodulin concentration (μg/1) = 45. 677–0. 006 (birthweight; g), r2= 0. 323, p < 0. 0001, n= 94). Plasma thrombomodulin concentration and plasma thrombomodulin‐to ‐serum creatinine ratio in VLBW infants with asphyxia were higher than in those without asphyxia, but not significantly different (43. 2 ± 17. 7 vs 38. 3 ± 8. 5 μg/1 and 0. 92 ± 0. 60 vs 0. 83 ± 0. 37 μg/μmol). Conclusion: Plasma thrombomodulin level in VLBW infants shows a high value at birth, and we consider the main factor responsible for this elevation may be endothelial damage or low clearance rate of thrombomodulin, which may be related to early gestational age.
Hepatitis B and C virus infections in Turkish children with haemophilia
Authors: KocabasL E. , Aksaray N. , Alhan E. , Yarkin F. , Köksal F. , Kilinç Y.
Published: January 2008

We examined 41 Turkish children with haemophilia for evidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatitis B surface antigen was found to be positive in 11 patients (26. 8%) and HCV‐specific antibody (anti‐HCV) was detected in 10 (24. 4%) patients. There was a close relationship of the number of transfusions of blood plasma to the presence of HCV specific antibody, but not to the serum markers of HBV infection. In countries where HBV infection is commonly seen and problems in transfusion practice continue, as in Turkey, children with haemophilia are at greater risk for HBV and HCV infections.
Non‐organic failure to thrive complicated by benign intracranial hypertension during catch‐up growth
Authors: Alison L. , Hobbs CJ , Hanks HGI , Butler G.
Published: January 2008

Severe non‐organic failure to thrive associated with physical and emotional abuse including food deprivation was diagnosed in a 9‐y‐old boy. Rapid catch‐up growth (weight and height) followed change of carer. Recovery of poor growth hormone response to clonidine stimulation was associated with benign intracranial hypertension accompanied by headaches and vomiting. Possible mechanisms are discussed.
The development of atopic sensitization in Estonian infants
Authors: Julge K. , Vasar M. , Björkstén B.
Published: January 2008

In a prospective study, 251 infants were followed from birth up to 12 months of age, recording manifestations of allergy by questionnaires at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months and by clinical examinations at 6 and/or 12 months. Blood samples were obtained at birth and at 6 and 12 months and analysed for serum lgE levels. The children were skin‐prick tested with foods at 6 and 12 months of age and with inhalant allergens at 12 months. Blood samples from SPT‐positive individuals and controls were analysed for the presence of IgE antibodies to common inhalant allergens and their cord sera for the presence of IgE antibodies to cow's milk and egg. Twelve infants (7%) were sensitized against foods [3 to cow's milk (CM) and 9 to egg white (EW)] at 6 months and 11 (5%) (2 to CM and 9 to EW) at 12 months. Seventeen infants (7%) had IgE antibodies against inhalant allergens at 6 and/or 12 months, as determined by either SPT and/or the demonstration of circulating IgE antibodies. Out of 30 children with positive SPT and/or circulating IgE antibodies against foods and inhalant allergens at any age, 6 had atopic dermatitis, 4 gastrointestinal food allergy, 1 urticaria and 4 probable allergy, while 15 had no clinical manifestation of allergy. Immunoglobulin E antibodies against Ascaris were detected in 17% of the infants with S‐IgE levels >20kU/l. The study indicates that the incidence of sensitization and manifestations of allergic disease is similar among Estonian and Scandinavian infants during the first year of life. Given earlier findings indicating a significantly higher prevalence of atopic disease in Scandinavian school‐children relative to their counterparts in Eastern Europe, the present study suggests that the key events which determine disease expression do not occur exclusively during the first year of life.
Usefulness of chest physiotherapy with Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP)‐mask in HIV‐infected children with recurrent pulmonary infections
Authors: Plebani A. , Pinzani R. , Startari R. , Brusa D. , Padoan R.
Published: January 2008

Eight children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and recurrent bacterial pulmonary infections were treated using a Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP)‐mask twice a day for 12 months. At the end of the study, a reduction in the number of pulmonary infections [mean (SD) 2. 1 (0. 9) vs 4. 5 (1) p < 0. 0001] and antibiotic courses [mean (SD) 1. 5 (0. 7) vs 2. 4 (0. 9) p < 0. 021] was noted. The PEP‐mask is a chest physiotherapy technique for removing infected secretions and optimizing airway functions that is also useful in HIV‐infected children.
Severe skin loss after meningococcal septicaemia: complications in treatment
Authors: Huang S. , Clarke JA
Published: January 2008

Meningococcal septicaemia can lead to purpura fulminans with subsequent full thickness skin loss and deep muscle damage. The case reports on two infants who recovered from such a severe episode are used to describe post‐septicaemic procedures and complications encountered in nursing care, psychological support and rehabilitation, with the main focus on surgery. Skin grafting is complicated by contaminated and contracting wound areas. Extensive tissue necrosis required leg amputations. Cultured keratinocytes in one of the patients were found to be too vulnerable. It has still to be proven whether more radical early‐stage fasciotomies can limit skin and muscle necrosis. Patients with meningococcal septicaemia are subject to a high number of complications that are optimally treated in a burns unit. These patients require up‐to‐date knowledge of constantly evolving treatment possibilities and a high‐level collaboration of all medical fields involved.
Absorption of macronutrients and nitrogen balance in children with dysentery fed an amylase‐treated energy‐dense porridge
Authors: Rahman MM , Mahalanabis D. , Ali M. , Mazumder RN , Wahed MA , Fuchs GJ
Published: January 2008

The aim of this study was to determine the absorption of macronutrients and energy from an energy‐dense diet liquefied with amylase from germinated wheat (ARF) in children suffering from acute dysentery. Thirty‐male children aged 6–35 months presenting with acute dysentery were randomly assigned to receive either an ARF‐treated porridge or a standard porridge liquefied with water to make its consistency similar to the ARF porridge. After 24‐h stabilization a 72‐h metabolic balance was performed. Sixteen children received an ARF‐treated porridge and 14 received a standard porridge liquefied with water. The mean ± SD coefficients of absorption (%) of carbohydrate, fat. protein and energy (ARF porridge vs regular porridge) were 81.4 ± 11 vs 86.9 ± 7. 86.1 ± 10 vs 82.8 ± 15, 57.3 ± 12 vs 48.4 ± 24 and 81.4 ± 9 vs 83.1 ± 8, respectively. The stool loss of carbohydrate, protein, fat and energy was similar in the two groups. The net absorption of energy was substantially greater in the ARF‐fed than regular porridge‐fed children (by 28%, p= 0.01). The nitrogen balance was 6.9 ± 3.4mgkg‐1 d‐1 in the ARF porridge group and 1.1 ± 6.7mgkg‐1 d‐1 in the regular porridge group (p= 0.01). These results show that, despite being hyperosmolar, an amylase‐treated liquefied energy‐dense porridge is absorbed as well as a regular porridge by malnourished children with severe dysentery. Consequently, its use substantially increased the absorption of a net amount of macronutrients and resulted in a better nitrogen balance. These results further support this innovative approach of feeding sick children in developing countries.
Leukocyte counts in patients with Kawasaki disease: from the results of nationwide surveys of Kawasaki disease in Japan
Authors: Koyanagi H. , Yanagawa H. , Nakamura Y. , Yashiro M.
Published: January 2008

In the latest survey of Kawasaki disease in Japan, questionnaires on maximal leukocyte counts of the patients were included to clarify whether leukocyte counts could be of value for the diagnosis and prediction of outcome. A questionnaire form and diagnostic guidelines for Kawasaki disease were sent to all pediatric departments of hospitals with ≥100 beds throughout Japan, and information including maximal leukocyte counts was obtained on patients with Kawasaki disease diagnosed during the 2‐y period from January 1993 to December 1994. Of the 11 458 patients diagnosed during the 2‐y period, maximal leukocyte counts were reported in 11 062 patients (96.5%). The mean value and the distribution of maximal leukocyte counts were lower in the age group under 1 y. The mean values and the distribution of leukocyte counts were lowest in suspected cases among three diagnostic categories: typical cases of Kawasaki disease, atypical cases, and suspected cases. The mean values of maximal leukocyte counts of the patients with cardiac sequelae were significantly higher than those without cardiac sequelae in each age group. The proportion of patients with cardiac sequelae increased with leukocyte counts in each age group. The Receiver/Response Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve for maximal leukocyte counts in Kawasaki disease revealed that the accuracy of maximal leukocyte counts for prediction of cardiac sequelae was highest in the age group <6 months, and the most accurate cut‐off point was 16 × 109/l. The strongest association between higher leukocyte counts (≥16 × 109/l) and cardiac sequelae was observed in the age group <6M. A large‐scale analysis of leukocyte counts in patients with Kawasaki disease revealed age‐dependent relationship between maximal leukocyte counts, diagnostic categories and outcome. Maximal leukocyte counts may be helpful for the prediction of outcome with the consideration of age.
Ultrasound scanning the neonatal brain: the state‐of‐the‐art in 1997. Two new books reviewed
Authors: Whitelaw A.
Published: January 2008

Rennie J. Neonatal Cerebral Ultrasound

Govært P, de Vries LS. An Atlas of Neonatal Brain Sonography. Clinics in Developmental Medicine 141–142.
Growth hormone therapy in pre‐pubertal children with Noonan syndrome: first year growth response and comparison with Turner syndrome
Authors: Schepper J De , Otten BJ , François I , Bourguignon J‐P , Craen M , Van der Burgt I , Massa GG
Published: January 2008

We studied the growth‐promoting effect of treatment with recombinant human growth hormone in 23 prepubertal children with Noonan syndrome, aged between 5. 4 and 14. 3 y, and all with a height < 1. 4 SD for Tanner standards. The growth response and skeletal maturation after 1 y of recombinant human growth hormone treatment (0. 15 U/kg/day given by daily injection) in the Noonan syndrome patients was compared with the auxological changes observed in a group of 17 girls with Turner syndrome with a comparable age and height deficit who were treated with recombinant human growth hormone in a similar way. During 1 y of treatment, the mean ± SD height velocity increased by 4. 0 ± 1. 6 cm/y in the Noonan syndrome group and by 3. 6 ± 1. 3 cm/y in the Turner syndrome group. Height SDS for chronological age in the Noonan syndrome group increased by 0. 53 ± 0. 46 (p < 0. 001). In the Noonan syndrome patients the changes in height velocity were positively related to birthweight (r= 0. 48, p < 0. 05). The changes in height velocity or height SDS were not related to the age, height deficit or a delay in bone age maturation at start of treatment. In neither the patients with Noonan syndrome nor Turner syndrome was an acceleration of bone maturation found. We conclude that treatment with recombinant human growth hormone in pre‐pubertal NS patients induces an increase in height velocity and height SDS comparable to that observed in Turner syndrome girls.
The decline in the incidence of SIDS in Scandinavia and its relation to risk‐intervention campaigns
Authors: Wennergren G , Aim B , Øyen N , Helweg‐Larsen K , Milerad J , Skjaerven R , Norvenius SG , Lagercrantz H , Wennborg M , Daltveit AK , Markestad T , Irgens LM
Published: January 2008

A prospective case‐control study of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in Norway, Denmark and Sweden between September 1,1992 and August 31,1995 comprised 244 cases and 869 matched controls. After the introduction of risk‐intervention campaigns, the SIDS incidence decreased from 2. 3/1000 live births in Norway, 1. 6 in Denmark and 1. 0 in Sweden to 0. 6/1000 or fewer in all the Scandinavian countries in 1995. The decrease paralleled a decline in the prone sleeping position and there was an accompanying parallel fall in total postneonatal mortality in all three countries. Thus, the risk‐reducing campaigns for SIDS have been successful not only in Norway and Denmark, starting from relatively high incidences, but also in Sweden, starting from a low incidence. During the study period, a gradual increase was observed for the effects of prone sleeping, smoking and bottle‐feeding as risk factors for SIDS.
Vitamin D status does not influence the breast‐milk calcium concentration of lactating mothers accustomed to a low calcium intake
Authors: Prentice A , Yan L , Jarjou LMA , Dibba B , Laskey MA , Stirling DM , Fairweather‐Tait S
Published: January 2008

Plasma 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D and breast‐milk calcium concentration were measured at 3 months of lactation in 60 Gambian mothers accustomed to a low calcium diet, of whom 30 were consuming a calcium supplement and 30 were receiving a placebo, and in 48 British mothers. The plasma 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D concentration of the Gambian women was not affected by either calcium supplementation (supplemented, 64. 4 ± 2. 5 nmol 1‐1; placebo, 64. 9 ± 3. 5 nmol l‐1; mean ± SE) or season. The British average was lower (53. 9 ± 3. 0 nmol 1‐1, p= 0. 004), owing to marked seasonal effects. The breast‐milk calcium concentration was lower in The Gambia (supplemented, 5. 38 ± 0. 13 mmol 1‐1; placebo, 5. 10 ± 0. 13mmol 1‐1; British, 6. 93 ± 0. 15 mmol 1‐1, p < 0. 0001). There was no relationship between plasma 25‐hydroxy‐vitamin D and breast‐milk calcium concentration in any group. There was no trend towards lower breast‐milk calcium concentration in women with vitamin D status towards the bottom of the normal range or in British women during the winter. This study provides no support for the hypothesis that breast‐milk calcium concentration is influenced by vitamin D status or that lactating women with a low calcium intake are at particular risk of vitamin D deficiency.
Assessment of the impact of climate change on the growth of Sitka spruce in Scotland
Authors: Proe M.F. , Allison S.M. , Matthews K.B.
Published: January 2008

A regression model developed to predict the general yield class (GYC, maximum mean annual volume increment) of Sitka spruce (Piceasitchensis (Bong.) Carrière) from a range of site factors has been used to assess the potential impact of climate warming on the growth of Sitka spruce in Scotland. The model was interfaced with a geographic information system to predict and map the GYC of Sitka spruce across Scotland under a number of climate change scenarios. GYC was predicted to increase by 2.8 m3•ha−1•year−1 per °C rise in temperature when a uniform temperature increase was assumed during the year. A more likely assumption is a greater warming during winter months, and under such a scenario the increase in mean GYC was predicted to be 2.4 m3•ha−1•year−1•°C−1 because of a negative correlation between growth rate and mean winter temperature. When assessed in terms of land area capable of supporting a GYC greater than 18 m3•ha−1•year−1 (a value likely to provide an internal rate of return of approximately 6%), this area was predicted to almost double within the next 20 years with a similar increase occurring during the subsequent 40 years.
Quantitative trait loci conferring resistance in hybrid poplar to Septoriapopulicola, the cause of leaf spot
Authors: Newcombe G. , Bradshaw Jr. H.D.
Published: January 2008

Leaf spot of native black cottonwood, Populustrichocarpa, and its hybrids, is caused by Septoriapopulicola in the Pacific Northwest. F1 clones of the most common poplar hybrid in the region, P. trichocarpa × Populusdeltoides, are typically intermediate in disease phenotype between their susceptible P. trichocarpa and resistant P. deltoides parents. To uncover the genetic basis of the resistance of these hybrids to S. populicola, a three-generation, P. trichocarpa × P. deltoides pedigree was evaluated for leaf spot by determining the percentage of spotted leaves in a randomized, replicated planting during the 4th and 5th years of tree growth. A genome map-based analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL) revealed that a two-QTL model explained 68.3% and 61.2%, and 71.9% and 70.3%, of phenotypic and genetic variance, respectively, in the F2 generation over the 2 years. One QTL conditioning resistance was significant (threshold value for the log10 of the odds ratio = 2.9) both years, while the second QTL was different in map position each year. All three QTLs were dominant, inherited from the resistant, non-native P. deltoides parent, and located on linkage groups A, M, and X. The segregation pattern of resistance to S. populicola in the pedigree coupled with the genome map-based analysis suggests that dominant alleles at two to three resistance loci complement each other to produce a highly resistant phenotype.
Estimation of root biomass and dynamics for the carbon budget model of the Canadian forest sector
Authors: Kurz Werner A. , Beukema Sarah J. , Apps Michael J.
Published: January 2008

Root biomass is expected to contribute significantly to total ecosystem carbon (C) pools and their dynamics. A method for estimating belowground biomass pools and their dynamics was developed for application in the carbon budget model of the Canadian forest sector (CBM-CFS2). Root biomass data for temperate and boreal softwood and hardwood species were compiled from the literature. Total root biomass for softwood and hardwood species was estimated using regression models that incorporate total aboveground biomass as the independent variable. Fine root biomass was estimated as a proportion of total root biomass using a single regression model for softwood and hardwood species combined. A regression model to estimate annual fine root production was derived for softwood and hardwood species. In the CBM-CFS2, net increments of total biomass were estimated using empirical growth functions to predict aboveground biomass. The regression models developed in this study were then used to predict the corresponding root biomass. Total root production was calculated as the sum of net increments, i.e., the change in root biomass per hectare plus annual turnover. The application of this approach to estimate root biomass pools and their dynamics in the CBM-CFS2 is demonstrated. As with all regression models that are developed from regional databases, this approach should not be used to predict root biomass and dynamics of an individual forest ecosystem, because the influence of species, site, and stand characteristics may lead to significant deviations from the regional averages.
THE EFFECT OF OIL PALM FIBERS AS REINFORCEMENT ON TRIBOLOGICAL PERFORMANCE OF POLYESTER COMPOSITE
Authors: YOUSIF B. F. , EL-TAYEB N. S. M.
Published: January 2008

In the present work, the effect of oil palm fibers on tribological performance of polyester composite against a polished stainless steel counterface is investigated using a pin-on-disc machine. Wear and friction characteristics of oil palm fiber reinforced polyester (OPRP) composite and neat polyester were tested at different sliding distances (0–5 km), sliding velocities (1.7–3.9 m/s), and applied loads (30–70 N) under dry contact condition. SEM observations were performed on the worn surfaces to examine the damage features. The results showed that the test parameters significantly influenced the tribo-performance of OPRP composite and neat polyester. The presence of oil palm fiber in the polyester enhanced the wear property by about three to four times compared to neat polyester. In addition, the friction coefficient of OPRP composite was less by about 23% than that of the neat polyester. Wear mechanisms of OPRP composite were categorized by debonding, bending and tear of fibers, and high deformation in resinous region.
STUDIES ON THE INHIBITIVE EFFECT OF DATURA STRAMONIUM EXTRACT ON THE ACID CORROSION OF MILD STEEL
Authors: RAJA PANDIAN BOTHI , SETHURAMAN MATHUR GOPALAKRISHNAN
Published: January 2008

The extract of Datura stramonium has been studied as a possible source of green inhibitor for corrosion of mild steel (MS) in HCl and H 2 SO 4 media at different temperatures. The anticorrosion effect was evaluated by conventional weight loss studies, electrochemical studies viz., Tafel polarization, ac impedance, and SEM studies. The studies reveal that the plant extract acts as a good inhibitor in both the acid media and better in H 2 SO 4 medium. Tafel polarization method indicate that the plant extract behaves as a mixed mode inhibitor. Double layer capacitance and charge transfer resistance values derived from Nyquist plots obtained from ac impedance studies give supporting evidence for the anticorrosive effect. The inhibitive effect may be attributed to the adsorption of the inhibitor on the surface of MS, following Temkin adsorption isotherm. Increase of inhibition efficiency with increase of temperature along with Ea values serve as a proof for chemisorption. SEM studies provide the confirmatory evidence for the protection of MS by the green inhibitor. The study reveals the potential of D. stramonium for combating corrosion which may be due to the adsorption of alkaloids and other phytoconstituents.
CONTROL OF SUCCESSIVELY SWITCHING FROM LLCT TO ILCT AND MLCT EXCITED STATES IN PLATINUM(II) TERPYRIDYL ACETYLIDE COMPLEXES BY SEQUENTIAL PROTONATIONS
Authors: LIU SHASHA , DING YONG , WANG XIANGSI , CHEN MAODU , FAN ZHENJUN
Published: January 2008

Visualized theoretical evidence for successively switching from ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (LLCT) to intraligand charge transfer (ILCT) and then to metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited states in platinum(II) terpyridyl acetylide (PTA) complexes in low-energy absorption by sequential protonations has been given with charge transfer density, based on recently experimental report (Han X. et al., Chem Eur J13:1231, 2007). The sequential protonations have shown significant influence on the molecular geometries, ionization potential, affinity potential, and band gap of PTA. The protonations on the amino group of the ligands result in the shift of the molecular orbital energy levels of PTA. The physical mechanism of switching from LLCT to ILCT and then to MLCT excited states by sequential protonations is interpreted with the theory of molecular orbital transitions.
THEORETICAL STUDY ON SPIN POLARIZATION IN SMALL ALUMINUM CLUSTERS
Authors: ZHANG RUIJIAN , ZHAO YANLING
Published: January 2008

Geometric optimizations of neutral Al n (n = 2–11) clusters at B3LYP/6-31+G(d) level of theory demonstrate that small aluminum clusters are spin-polarized in ground state. Specifically, Al n (n = 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11) clusters are spin doublets, Al n (n = 2, 4, 6, and 8) are triplets, whereas Al 10 is a singlet. The spin polarizability decreases as the size of the cluster increases. The electronic spin polarization is mainly attributed to the atomic 3p electrons of aluminum atoms each of which has a nonzero orbital and spin angular momenta, respectively. Among all the clusters, Al 2 is the most spin-polarized; its evident triplet stability and electronic structural properties are partially ascribed to its nuclear spins, based on the calculations of indirect nuclear spin–spin coupling constants at B3LYP/6-311+G(3df) level of theory. As the size of the cluster increases, the influence of nuclear spins on electronic spin polarization declines due to the multiple couplings.
A Short Course in Politics at the University of Abahlali baseMjondolo
Authors: Patel Raj
Published: January 2008

Shackdweller communities are among the most impoverished and exploited on the planet. With nearly 1 billion people living in them, one might consider them to be hotbeds of radicalism. Yet, in fact, very few settlements have become disobedient. Using the work of S'bu Zikode of the Abahlali baseMjondolo Shackdwellers Movement (South Africa) and the work of Alain Badiou, I show how politics is lived in Durban's shacks, and show how Badiou's thoughts supplement a series of uniquely African instances of politics.
The Hegemon's Purse: No Economic Peace Between Democracies
Authors: Hafner-Burton Emilie M. , Montgomery Alexander H.
Published: January 2008

Cox & Drury broaden the democratic peace literature from the domain of militarized conflict to economic sanctions. Their analysis of economic sanctions data from 1978 through 2000 finds that democracies are more likely to enact sanctions but are less likely to do so against other democracies. In this article, their analysis is extended in three different ways: first, their methodology and sample size are improved; second, interactions between variables are examined; and, third, additional hypotheses are tested. This article finds that the substantive effects of joint democracy on the likelihood of sanctions disappear after accounting for the disproportionate role of the United States (and correcting for method); the United States has a significantly different pattern of implementing sanctions than other states; and the trade dependence of a potential sender plays a significant role in determining the likelihood of sanctions.
Globalizing Beauty: Attitudes toward Beauty Pageants among Nepali Women
Authors: Crawford Mary , Kerwin Gregory , Gurung Alka , Khati Deepti , Jha Pinky , Regmi Anjana Chalise
Published: January 2008

A series of focus groups and semi-structured interviews were conducted exploring the beliefs of urban Nepali women about the introduction of beauty pageants to Nepal. This qualitative study examined how the competing pressures of modernization and traditionality impinge on Nepali women who are attempting to both resist patriarchal restrictions and preserve long-established cultural values. The large majority of participants expressed ambivalence toward beauty contests in Nepal. They expressed the belief that beauty pageants can help to empower Nepali women, facilitate progress in Nepal, and present Nepal positively on a global stage. Moreover, participants called for the perceived benefits of pageant participation to be extended to rural, impoverished, and lower caste Nepali women. At the same time, participants expressed reservations about Nepali women being objectified by their participation in these contests, deplored their commercial aspects, and felt that beauty pageants could contribute to the development of body image disturbance. Their ambivalence may reflect their conflicting positioning as middle-class citizens and as women in a developing consumer economy that retains strong patriarchal norms. Their complex and conflicting responses help to elucidate the process of gendered social change in a developing country during a time of rapid societal transition.
Empathy, Egalitarianism and Emotion Work in the Relational Negotiation of PMS: The Experience of Women in Lesbian Relationships
Authors: Ussher Jane M. , Perz Janette
Published: January 2008

Research on differences between heterosexual and lesbian relationships has reported that lesbian relationships are more satisfying, more egalitarian, more empathic, and facilitate more effective conflict resolution. These differences are of key relevance in terms of the construction and experience of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), as is illustrated through interviews with 15 lesbian women who experience PMS and 10 of their partners. While experiences of premenstrual distress were similar to those previously reported by heterosexual women, the lesbian relationship context and positioning of PMS were markedly different. In contrast to the lack of understanding or support, rejection, and pathologization commonly found in heterosexual women's accounts, lesbian interviewees reported awareness and recognition of premenstrual change, responsiveness to needs, open communication, and responsibility sharing. This had significant consequences for the construction and experience of premenstrual change, facilitating open expression of needs, self-care, and avoidance of guilt and self-blame, reinforcing the view that PMS needs to be understood within a framework of inter-subjectivity.
How Producer Biases Can Favor the Evolution of Communication: An Analysis of Evolutionary Dynamics
Authors: Mirolli Marco , Parisi Domenico
Published: January 2008

Like any other biological trait, communication can be studied from at least four perspectives: mechanistic, ontogenetic, functional, and phylogenetic. In this article, we focus on the following phylogenetic question: how can communication emerge, given that both signal-producing and signal-responding abilities seem to be adaptively neutral until the complementary ability is present in the population? We explore the problem of co-evolution of speakers and hearers with artificial life simulations: a population of artificial neural networks evolving a food call system. The core of the article is devoted to a careful analysis of the complex evolutionary dynamics demonstrated by our simple simulation. Our analyses reveal an important factor, which might solve the phylogenetic problem: the spontaneous production of good (meaningful) signals by speakers because of the need for organisms to categorize their experience in adaptively relevant ways. We discuss our results with respect both to previous simulative work and to the biological literature on the evolution of communication.
Indochine 1910 et Vendée 1940 dans Ma sœur aux yeux d'Asie de Michel Ragon
Authors: Slawy-Sutton Catherine
Published: January 2008

Dans Ma sœur aux yeux d'Asie (1982), la lecture que Michel Ragon fait des lettres que son père avait envoyées d'Indochine entre 1910 et 1920 est entrecoupée de réflexions sur l'Occupation (1940). A partir de cette structure curieuse du roman, cet article montre qu'autant que la mémoire de son père et de sa sœur, c'est l'Histoire que Ragon met en scène, avec son scénario confus, ses ironies dramatiques, ses acteurs qui ne connaissent pas très bien leur rôle. En analysant les contrepoints entre deux lieux (Tonkin, Vendée), deux époques (1910, 1940) deux formes d'occupation (colonisation, Occupation), deux peuples paysans (annamites, vendéens), je propose que ce roman des années 80 esquissait déjà des discussions sur la mémoire coloniale et la représentation de l'Histoire semblables à celles qui enflamment la France aujourd'hui.
Guilt and Betrayal in the Works of Azouz Begag and Linda Lê
Authors: Lay-Chenchabi Kathryn , Do Tess
Published: January 2008

Azouz Begag and Linda Lê, although of different backgrounds, share the common legacy of French colonisation, a legacy which translates in their works into obsessive feelings of guilt and betrayal of their origins. This article provides a comparative analysis of the different ways in which the two writers deal with questions of integration and identity, guilt and betrayal. Guilt results from what is perceived as betrayal in the choice of the French language (Lê), in the desire for integration into French society at the expense of the community (Begag), but principally, for both authors in their relationship to their father. Writing about the father, initially experienced as a strong source of guilt, becomes, for both, the means of expiating this guilt and also of redefining their identity.
9/11 and the Affair of the Muslim Headscarf in Essays by Tahar Ben Jelloun and Abdelwahab Meddeb
Authors: Bourget Carine
Published: January 2008

Ben Jelloun's L'Islam expliqué aux enfants and Meddeb's La Maladie de l'islam, both prompted by 9/11, share the similar intent and didactic function of countering reductive representations of Islam fostered by Islamic extremists and the media, and of tracing historically the link between terrorism and the Muslim faith. Taking into account their location (Ben Jelloun and Meddeb are prominent Maghrebian intellectuals who have been residing in France, for decades), this article demonstrates that these essays do not foster a better understanding of Islam by their French readership. In particular, thay fail to present a balanced account of the issues surrounding the headscarf affair in France and contribute to the confusion between Islam and terrorism, in part because international news bears on domestic issues. In addition, this article addresses 9/11's impact on the translation of literature from the Francophone Arab world.
Facebook's Privacy Trainwreck
Authors: boyd danah
Published: January 2008

Not all Facebook users appreciated the September 2006 launch of the `News Feeds' feature. Concerned about privacy implications, thousands of users vocalized their discontent through the site itself, forcing the company to implement privacy tools. This essay examines the privacy concerns voiced following these events. Because the data made easily visible were already accessible with effort, what disturbed people was primarily the sense of exposure and invasion. In essence, the `privacy trainwreck' that people experienced was the cost of social convergence.
Emerging Participatory Culture Practices
Authors: Dena Christy
Published: January 2008

This article introduces an emerging form of participatory culture, one that is not a modification or elaboration of a primary producer's content. Instead, this article details how the artifacts created to `play' a primary producer's content have become the primary work for massive global audiences. This phenomenon is observed in the genre of alternate reality games (ARGs) and is illustrated through a theory of `tiering'. Tiers provide separate content to different audiences. ARG designers tier their projects, targeting different players with different content. ARG player-production then creates another tier for non-playing audiences. To explicate this point, the features that provoke player-production — producer-tiering, ARG aesthetics and transmedia fragmentation — are interrogated, alongside the character of the subsequent player-production. Finally, I explore the aspects of the player-created tiers that attract massive audiences, and then posit what these observations may indicate about contemporary art forms and society in general.
Dealing with disorder
Authors: Beckett Katherine , Herbert Steve
Published: January 2008

Over the past two decades, municipal governments across the United States have adopted novel social control techniques including off-limits orders, parks exclusion laws, and other applications of trespass law. These new tools are used to exclude the socially marginal from contested public spaces. These new social control techniques fuse criminal and civil legal authority and are touted as `alternatives' to arrest and incarceration. Ironically, these new techniques nonetheless increase the number of behaviors and people defined as criminal and subject to formal social control. This article describes these legal innovations and considers their origins and theoretical implications. We argue that recognition of law's constitutive effects helps to explain the origins and nature of the urban social control innovations described here.
Newspaper design as cultural change
Authors: de Vries James
Published: January 2008

This article describes the (re-)design of newspapers and magazines as a process of cultural change which goes beyond designing a publication's layout, typography and use of colour, and includes designing the processes and structures of its production.
How children make meaning through drawing and play
Authors: Hopperstad Marit Holm
Published: January 2008

This article presents studies of 5—6-year-old children in year one in a Norwegian primary school as they develop and engage in drawing-related play within teacher-initiated drawing sessions. The author discusses the quality of the children's play from a semiotic point of view and reflects on play as a possible learning context for drawing. Elevating drawing and play to the same prominent position as images in contemporary texts, she demonstrates how they can be used to support children's competence in interpreting the visual mode as well as using it to convey meaning.
Inhibitory effect of the sugarcane cystatin CaneCPI-4 on cathepsins B and L and human breast cancer cell invasion
Authors: Gianotti Andréia , Sommer César A. , Carmona Adriana K. , Henrique-Silva Flávio
Published: January 2008

The lysosomal cysteine proteases cathepsin B and L play important roles in tumor cell invasion. An imbalance between these cathepsins and their endogenous inhibitors, the cystatins, has been associated with development of the metastatic phenotype. Accordingly, many studies have indicated potential use of cystatins in therapeutic approaches. We report a novel cystatin from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), CaneCPI-4, with strong inhibitory activity against cathepsins B (K
i=0.83 nm) and L (K
i=0.021 nm). The invasive ability of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells expressing CaneCPI-4 was only slightly decreased. In contrast, addition of low, non-toxic concentrations of recombinant His-tagged CaneCPI-4 significantly reduced invasion through a Matrigel matrix. Immunoblot analyses failed to detect the recombinant protein inside cells, indicating that the cystatin was not internalized by endocytosis, but exerted its anti-invasive effect mainly through inhibition of extracellular cathepsins. Our findings open the possibility of considering phytocystatins for anti-cancer strategies.
The histone H1 family: specific members, specific functions?
Authors: Izzo Annalisa , Kamieniarz Kinga , Schneider Robert
Published: January 2008

The linker histone H1 binds to the DNA entering and exiting the nucleosomal core particle and has an important role in establishing and maintaining higher order chromatin structures. H1 forms a complex family of related proteins with distinct species, tissue and developmental specificity. In higher eukaryotes all H1 variants have the same general structure, consisting of a central conserved globular domain and less conserved N-terminal and C-terminal tails. These tails are moderately conserved among species, but differ among variants, suggesting a specific function for each H1 variant. Due to compensatory mechanisms and to the lack of proper tools, it has been very difficult to study the biological role of individual variants in chromatin-mediated processes. Our knowledge about H1 variants is indeed limited, andin vitroandin vivoobservations have often been contradictory. Therefore, H1 variants were considered to be functionally redundant. However, recent knockout studies and biochemical analyses in different organisms have revealed exciting new insights into the specificity and mechanisms of actions of the H1 family members. Here, we collect and compare the available literature about H1 variants and discuss possible specific roles that challenge the concept of H1 being a mere structural component of chromatin and a general repressor of transcription.
5′-End maturation of tRNA in Aquifex aeolicus
Authors: Marszalkowski Michal , Willkomm Dagmar K. , Hartmann Roland K.
Published: January 2008

5′-End maturation of tRNA primary transcripts is thought to be ubiquitously catalyzed by ribonuclease P (RNase P), a ribonucleoprotein enzyme in the vast majority of organisms and organelles. In the hyperthermophilic bacterium Aquifex aeolicus, neither a gene for the RNA nor the protein component of bacterial RNase P has been identified in its sequenced genome. Here, we demonstrate the presence of an RNase P-like activity in cell lysates of A. aeolicus. Detection of activity was sensitive to the buffer conditions during cell lysis and partial purification, explaining why we failed to observe activity in the buffer system applied previously. RNase P-like activity of A. aeolicus depends on the presence of Mg2+ or Mn2+, persists at high temperatures, which inactivate RNase P enzymes from mesophilic bacteria, and is remarkably resistant to micrococcal nuclease treatment. While cellular RNA fractions from other Aquificales (A. pyrophilus, Hydrogenobacter thermophilus and Thermocrinis ruber) could be stimulated by bacterial RNase P proteins to catalyze tRNA 5′-end maturation, no such stimulation was observed with RNA from A. aeolicus. In conclusion, our results point to the possibility that RNase P-like activity in A. aeolicus is devoid of an RNA subunit or may include an RNA subunit with untypical features.
Cognitive changes in pregnancy: mild decline or societal stereotype?
Authors: Crawley Ros , Grant Sophie , Hinshaw Kim
Published: January 2008

This research compared pregnant and non‐pregnant women's perceptions of cognitive change and their performance on 13 sensitive memory and attention tasks (Study 1) and two complex driving simulation tasks (Study 2). The pregnant, but not the non‐pregnant, women rated their cognitive abilities as worse than before, but only two performance measures from Study 1 differentiated the two groups (speed of language processing and attentional switching). Study 3 examined beliefs about pregnancy‐related cognitive decline. Women and men with and without immediate experience of pregnancy rated pregnant women's cognitive abilities as slightly worse than before pregnancy. Memory ratings were worse from women and from those with immediate experience of pregnancy. It is concluded that there may be some mild effects of pregnancy on performance of some specific cognitive functions but that cultural expectations based on a stereotype of cognitive decline also contribute to pregnant women's perception of cognitive change. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of impulsivity in actual and problematic use of the mobile phone
Authors: Billieux Joël , Van der Linden Martial , Rochat Lucien
Published: January 2008

Several authors have investigated the risks arising from the growth in mobile phone use (e.g. debts incurred by young people). The aims of the present study are (1) to validate a new questionnaire assessing problematic mobile phone use: the Problematic Mobile Phone Use Questionnaire (PMPUQ), and (2) to investigate the relationships between the PMPUQ and the multi‐faceted construct of impulsivity. With these aims, 339 subjects were screened using the PMPUQ and the UPPS Impulsive Behaviour Scale (UPPS) which assesses four distinct components associated with impulsive behaviours (urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance and sensation seeking). The results showed that the PMPUQ has an acceptable fit and assesses four different dimensions of problematic mobile phone use (prohibited use, dangerous use, dependence, financial problems). While each facet of impulsivity played a specific role in mobile phones use, urgency appeared to be the strongest predictor of problematic use. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ‘elasticity’ of criminal evidence: a moderator of investigator bias
Authors: Ask Karl , Rebelius Anna , Granhag Pär Anders
Published: January 2008

This study examined investigators' perceptions of the reliability of incriminating and exonerating evidence of different types. Police trainees in the role of investigators read the background of a homicide case and then received a piece of evidence that either confirmed or disconfirmed their prior suspicion against the suspect. Despite identical objective characteristics of the evidence, participants rated the disconfirming (vs. confirming) evidence as less reliable and generated more arguments to question its reliability. This asymmetrical scepticism was stronger for participants judging witness evidence, compared to DNA and photo evidence, supporting the hypothesis that different types of evidence vary in ‘elasticity’—the extent to which subjective interpretations can be justified. Interestingly, the observed effects were not limited to the specific evidence in the case, but also affected the ratings of the type of evidence in general, suggesting that reliability criteria for witness information are highly malleable and sensitive to contextual influences. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Linear programming data reconciliation methods for multicomponent processes
Authors: Jin Siyi , Tong Li , Yang Chaohe
Published: January 2008

Two linear programming data reconciliation approaches based on the independent flows technique for multicomponent processes are presented. The first method which uses the relationships between independent flows and independent component flows to handle the normalization constraints on variables is effective for processes with no reaction unit. The second method adjusts the independent flows searching method and uses the reaction constraints to deal with the reaction units in chemical processes. Through introducing these constraints with proper confidence factors into the objective functions of data reconciliation, two linear programming formulations are derived. Two examples are presented to demonstrate and verify the techniques. The application results show that the two methods are efficient for data reconciliation of multicomponent processes and are more accurate than the typical projection matrix method. Copyright © 2008 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.