bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of regulatory T cells requires IL-7Rα stimulation by IL-7 or TSLP
Authors: Mazzucchelli Renata , Hixon Julie A. , Spolski Rosanne , Chen Xin , Li Wen Qing , Hall Veronica L. , Willette-Brown Jami , Hurwitz Arthur A. , Leonard Warren J. , Durum Scott K.
Published: July 2008

Interleukin-7 (IL-7), a cytokine produced by stromal cells, is required for thymic development and peripheral homeostasis of most major subsets of T cells. We examined whether regulatory T (Treg) cells also required the IL-7 pathway by analyzing IL-7Rα−/− mice. We observed a striking reduction in cells with the Treg surface phenotype (CD4, CD25, GITR (glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-like receptor), CD45RB, CD62L, CD103) or intracellular markers (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen-4, CTLA-4, and forkhead box transcription factor 3, Foxp3). Foxp3 transcripts were virtually absent in IL-7Rα−/− lymphoid tissues, and no Treg cell suppressive activity could be detected. There are 2 known ligands for IL-7Rα: IL-7 itself and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP). Surprisingly, mice deficient in IL-7 or the other chain of the TSLP receptor (TSLPR) developed relatively normal numbers of Treg cells. Combined deletion of IL-7 and TSLP receptor greatly reduced Treg cell development in the thymus but was not required for survival of mature peripheral Treg cells. We conclude that Treg cells, like other T cells, require signals from the IL-7 receptor, but unlike other T cells, do not require IL-7 itself because of at least partially overlapping actions of IL-7 and TSLP for development of Treg cells.
Hospital-acquired invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with hepatic failure
Authors: Li Dan , Chen Liang , Ding Xian , Tao Ran , Zhang Yong Xin , Wang Jie Fei
Published: July 2008

Background

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a rapid, progressive, fatal disease that occurs mostly in immunocompromised patients. Patients with severe liver disease are at a heightened risk for infections. Little is known about the clinical presentation including predisposing factors and treatment of IPA in patients with hepatic failure.

Methods

Medical records of patients with hepatic failure between November 2005 and February 2007 were reviewed for lung infection. Nine medical records of definitive diagnosis of IPA and three of probable IPA were identified.

Results

The main predisposing factors were found to be prolonged antibiotic therapy and steroid exposure. Clinical signs and radiological findings were non-specific and atypical. Timely use of caspofungin was found to reduce the mortality due to the disease.

Conclusion

A high index of suspicion is required for early IPA diagnosis in patients with hepatic failure.
Detection of N-acyl homoserine lactones using a traI-luxCDABE -based biosensor as a high-throughput screening tool
Authors: Bernier Steve P , Beeston Anne L , Sokol Pamela A
Published: July 2008

Background

Bacteria use N-acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) molecules to regulate the expression of genes in a density-dependent manner. Several biosensors have been developed and engineered to detect the presence of all types of AHLs.

Results

In this study, we describe the usefulness of a traI-luxCDABE-based biosensor to quickly detect AHLs from previously characterized mutants of Burkholderia cenocepacia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in both liquid and soft-agar co-culture assays in a high-throughput manner. The technique uses a co-culture system where the strain producing the AHLs is grown simultaneously with the reporter strain. Use of this assay in liquid co-culture allows the measurement of AHL activity in real time over growth. We tested this assay with Burkholderia cenocepacia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa but it should be applicable to a broad range of gram negative species that produce AHLs.

Conclusion

The co-culture assays described enable the detection of AHL production in both P. aeruginosa and B. cenocepacia and should be applicable to AHL analysis in other bacterial species. The high-throughput adaptation of the liquid co-culture assay could facilitate the screening of large libraries for the identification of mutants or compounds that block the synthesis or activity of AHLs.
Structural similarity of genetically interacting proteins
Authors: Dror Oranit , Schneidman-Duhovny Dina , Shulman-Peleg Alexandra , Nussinov Ruth , Wolfson Haim J , Sharan Roded
Published: July 2008

Background

The study of gene mutants and their interactions is fundamental to understanding gene function and backup mechanisms within the cell. The recent availability of large scale genetic interaction networks in yeast and worm allows the investigation of the biological mechanisms underlying these interactions at a global scale. To date, less than 2% of the known genetic interactions in yeast or worm can be accounted for by sequence similarity.

Results

Here, we perform a genome-scale structural comparison among protein pairs in the two species. We show that significant fractions of genetic interactions involve structurally similar proteins, spanning 7–10% and 14% of all known interactions in yeast and worm, respectively. We identify several structural features that are predictive of genetic interactions and show their superiority over sequence-based features.

Conclusion

Structural similarity is an important property that can explain and predict genetic interactions. According to the available data, the most abundant mechanism for genetic interactions among structurally similar proteins is a common interacting partner shared by two genetically interacting proteins.
CD11c identifies a subset of murine liver natural killer cells that responds to adenoviral hepatitis
Authors: Burt Bryan M , Plitas George , Stableford Jennifer A , Nguyen Hoang M , Bamboat Zubin M , Pillarisetty Venu G , DeMatteo Ronald P
Published: July 2008

The liver contains a unique repertoire of immune cells and a particular abundance of NK cells. We have found that CD11c defines a distinct subset of NK cells (NK1.1+CD3−) in the murine liver whose function was currently unknown. In naïve animals, CD11c+ liver NK cells displayed an activated phenotype and possessed enhanced effector functions when compared with CD11c− liver NK cells. During the innate response to adenovirus infection, CD11c+ NK cells were the more common IFN-γ-producing NK cells in the liver, demonstrated enhanced lytic capability, and gained a modest degree of APC function. The mechanism of IFN-γ production in vivo depended on TLR9 ligation as well as IL-12 and -18. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that CD11c+ NK cells are a unique subset of NK cells in the murine liver that contribute to the defense against adenoviral hepatitis.
Expression of sialyltransferase activity on intact human neutrophils
Authors: Rifat Salahaldin , Kang Tae Jin , Mann Dean , Zhang Lei , Puche Adam C , Stamatos Nicholas M , Goldblum Simeon E , Brossmer Reinhard , Cross Alan S
Published: July 2008

Endogenous polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN)-associated sialidase activity enhances PMN adhesion to and migration across the endothelium through the removal of sialylated cell-surface residues. We tested the hypothesis that PMNs also express sialyltransferase (ST) activity that restores sialyl residues to the PMN surface. We developed a highly sensitive fluorometric assay to demonstrate that intact human PMNs can mediate and accept sialyl residue transfer. This ST activity is inhibited by a ST inhibitor, CMP, which also inhibits the transendothelial migration of PMNs in response to IL-8 in vitro and in vivo. We conclude that intact PMNs express sialidase and ST activities that permit rapid modulation of their surface sialylation and their ability to adhere to and migrate across the endothelium.
DRD2 and ANKK1 genotype in alcohol-dependent patients with psychopathic traits: Association and interaction study
Authors: Ponce G. , Hoenicka J. , Jiménez-Arriero M. A. , Rodríguez-Jiménez R. , Aragüés M. , Martín-Suñé N. , Huertas E. , Palomo T.
Published: July 2008

Background

The Taql-A polymorphism of the ANKK1 gene, adjacent to the DRD2 gene, has been associated with alcoholism and other psychiatric conditions, although other DRD2 gene variants, such as the C957T polymorphism, could be related to these phenotypic traits.

Aims

To investigate the contribution of the Taql-A and the C957T polymorphisms to the presence of psychopathic traits in patients with alcoholism.

Method

We performed association and interaction analyses of the polymorphisms in 150 controls and 176 male alcohol-dependent patients assessed for the presence of dissocial personal disorder, using the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R).

Results

There was a significant association of the Taql-A and C957T polymorphisms when both genotypes were present, with PCL-R scores of F1–171=0.13 (P=0.01) and a frequency of dissocial personal disorder OR=10.52, P<0.001.

Conclusions

The Taql-A of the ANKK1 gene and the C957T of the DRD2 gene are epistatically associated with psychopathic traits in alcohol-dependent patients.
Quick recovery of orientation after magnetic seizure therapy for major depressive disorder
Authors: Kirov George , Ebmeier Klaus P. , Scott Allan I. F. , Atkins Maria , Khalid Najeeb , Carrick Lucy , Stanfield Andrew , O'Carroll Ronan E. , Husain Mustafa M. , Lisanby Sarah H.
Published: July 2008

Background

Magnetic seizure therapy, in which seizures are elicited with a high-frequency magnetic field, is under development as a new treatment for major depressive disorder. Its use may be justified if it produces the antidepressant effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), coupled with limited cognitive side-effects.

Aims

To evaluate the usefulness of a new 100 Hz magnetic seizure therapy device.

Method

We induced seizures with 100 Hz magnetic transcranial stimulation in 11 patients with major depressive disorder during one session of a regular course of ECT. Recovery times after seizures induced by magnetic seizure therapy and ECT were compared.

Results

Seizures could be elicited in 10 of the 11 patients. Stimulation over the vertex produced tonic-clonic activity on 9 out of 11 occasions. Stimulation over the prefrontal midpoint elicited seizures on 3 out of 7 occasions. The mean duration of magnetically induced seizures was 31.3s, ranging from 10 to 86s. All patients had an exceptionally quick recovery of orientation: mean of 7 min 12s (s.d.=2 min 7 s, range 4 min 20s to 9 min 41 s). The recovery times were on average 15 min 35s shorter with magnetic seizure therapy than with ECT in the same patients (paired-samples t-test: P<0.0001). Patients reported feeling less confused after magnetic seizure therapy. Side-effects were confined to myoclonic movements, associated with the use of etomidate.

Conclusions

The new 100Hz magnetic stimulator elicits seizures in the majority of patients when administered over the vertex. Magnetic seizure therapy was associated with shorter recovery times and less confusion following treatment. Subsequent work will be required to assess the safety and effectiveness of magnetic seizure therapy in the treatment of depression.
Psychopathological factors, memory disorders and transient global amnesia
Authors: Noël Audrey , Quinette Peggy , Gulllery-Girard Bérengère , Dayan Jacques , Piolino Pascale , Marquis Sophie , de la Sayette Vincent , Viader Fausto , Desgranges Béatrice , Eustache Francis
Published: July 2008

Background

Some studies have shown the presence of psychopathological disorders in transient global amnesia.

Aims

To determine whether transient global amnesia is associated with psychopathological disorders and to assess the influence of these psychopathological disorders on memory impairments.

Method

Levels of anxiety and depression before and during transient global amnesia were rated. Memory performances were assessed by means of original episodic memory tasks and working memory tasks. These data were collected in 17 individuals observed during the very acute phase, 18 individuals examined in the peri-acute phase and 26 controls.

Results

During the acute phase, participants with transient global amnesia displayed a higher level of anxiety and a more depressed mood than controls. An alteration of emotional state, as measured by the Adjective Mood Scale, was correlated with deficits in anterograde memory.

Conclusions

Transient global amnesia comprises sudden changes in people's emotional state, which has a major impact on and interacts with episodic memory impairment.
Parents' perspectives on adolescent self-harm: Qualitative study
Authors: Oldershaw Anna , Richards Clair , Simic Mima , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: July 2008

Background

Parents' perspectives on self-harm are considered important, but have not been explored.

Aims

To gain perspective of parents of adolescents who self-harm on: (a) history of self-harm and health service provision; (b) their understanding and ability to make sense of self-harm behaviour; (c) emotional and personal impact; and (d) parent skills as carer and hope for the future.

Method

Interpretative phenomenological analysis was applied to semi-structured interviews with 12 parents of adolescents receiving treatment for self-harm in community child and adolescent mental health services.

Results

Parents commonly suspected and spotted self-harm prior to disclosure or service contact; however, communication difficulties and underestimating significance led to delays in addressing the behaviour. Parents struggled to understand and cope with self-harm.

Conclusions

Parents require advice and support from outside services to help them manage self-harming behaviour and its personal impact. This study suggests parents are early to spot signs of self-harm, indicating their key role in reaching young people in the community who remain unknown to health services.
Help is at hand for people bereaved by suicide and other traumatic death
Authors: Hawton Keith , Simkin Sue , Rees Sian
Published: July 2008

Bereavement following suicide is traumatic. Guilt, shame, stigma and feelings of rejection and isolation set it apart from the sadness following other kinds of death and may make it difficult for the bereaved person to obtain help (Harwood et al, 2002; Hawton & Simkin, 2003; Beautrais, 2004). the necessary official processes surrounding death by suicide, like the police and coroner's investigations, can add to the trauma (Biddle, 2003). This may be compounded by inaccurate or insensitive media reporting. Bereaved individuals are at risk of increased morbidity from abnormal grief reactions (Mitchell et al, 2005) and suicide (Qin et al, 2002), and they often need considerable support (de Groot et al, 2006; 2007).
Renewing psychiatry's contract with society
Authors: Bhugra Dinesh
Published: July 2008

The practice of medicine does not occur in a vacuum. We work within a culture and a society, and we owe it to the society that our services are of a standard that will ensure their use by patients and one in which carers will have confidence in our abilities to look after their loved ones. Society expects certain standards of care and skills from its clinicians and as in any contract we, in turn, expect things from society. However, as such a contract is not specifically written down but is instead a virtual and an implicit one, some factors become crucial in understanding the relationship between society and the psychiatrist. Here, I propose to highlight some of the components of such a contract and how we renew this in the 21st century.
Silvio Benaim: Formerly Consultant Psychiatrist at the Royal Free Hospital, London
Authors: Russell Gerald
Published: July 2008

Silvio Benaim died on 10 January 2008 at Highgate Nursing Home, London, after a long illness. He was a senior consultant psychiatrist at the Royal Free Hospital since 1968, having been a consultant at Halliwick Hospital from 1959. He retired from the National Health Service (NHS) in 1983 but continued his private practice at the Charter Nightingale Clinic until 2004.
DAZAP1, an hnRNP protein, is required for normal growth and spermatogenesis in mice
Authors: Hsu Lea Chia-Ling , Chen Hsiang-Ying , Lin Yi-Wen , Chu Wei-Chen , Lin Ming-Jyun , Yan Yu-Ting , Yen Pauline H.
Published: July 2008

DAZAP1 (Deleted in Azoospermia Associated Protein 1) is a ubiquitous hnRNP protein that is expressed most abundantly in the testis. Its ability to shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm and its exclusion from the transcriptionally inactive XY body in pachytene spermatocytes implicate it in mRNA transcription and transport. We generatedDazap1mutant alleles to study the role of DAZAP1 in mouse development. Most mice homozygous for thenullallele as well as a hypomorphicFnallele died soon after birth. The fewDazap1Fn/Fnmice that survived could nonetheless live for more than a year. They appeared and behaved normally but were much smaller in size compared to their wild-type and heterozygous littermates. Both male and femaleDazap1Fn/Fnmice were sterile. Males had small testes, and the seminiferous tubules were atrophic with increased numbers of apoptotic cells. The tubules contained many germ cells, including pachytene spermatocytes with visible XY-bodies and diplotene spermatocytes, but no post-meiotic cells. FACS analyses confirmed the absence of haploid germ cells, indicating spermatogenesis arrested right before the meiotic division. FemaleDazap1Fn/Fnmice had small ovaries that contained normal-appearing follicles, yet their pregnancy produced no progeny due to failure in embryonic development. The phenotypes ofDazap1mutant mice indicate that DAZAP1 is not only essential for spermatogenesis, but also required for the normal growth and development of mice.
Anticodon loop mutations perturb reading frame maintenance by the E site tRNA
Authors: Sanders Christina L. , Lohr Kristin J. , Gambill Holly L. , Curran Ryan B. , Curran James F.
Published: July 2008

The ribosomal E site helps hold the reading frame. Certain tRNA mutations affect translation, and anticodon loop mutations can be especially detrimental. We studied the effects of mutations saturating the anticodon loop of the amber suppressor tRNA, Su7, on the ability to help hold the reading frame when in the E site. We also tested three mutations in the anticodon stem, as well as a mutation in the D stem (the “Hirsh” mutation). We used the Escherichia coli RF2 programmed frameshift site to monitor frame maintenance. Most anticodon loop mutations increase frameshifting, possibly by decreasing codon:anticodon stability. However, it is likely that the A site is more sensitive to anticodon loop structure than is the E site. Unexpectedly, the Hirsh mutation also increases frameshifting from the E site. Other work shows that mutation may increase the ability of tRNA to react in the A site, possibly by facilitating conformational changes required for aminoacyl-tRNA selection. We suggest that this property may decrease its ability to bind to the E site. Finally, the absence of the ms2io6A nucleoside modifications at A37 does not decrease the ability of tRNA to help hold the reading frame from the E site. This was also unexpected because the absence of these modifications affects translational properties of tRNA in A and P sites. The absence of a negative effect in the E site further highlights the differences among the substrate requirements of the ribosomal coding sites.
Variability in the presentation of synovial sarcoma in children
Authors: Chotel F. , Unnithan A. , Chandrasekar C. R. , Parot R. , Jeys L. , Grimer R. J.
Published: July 2008

We have analysed the pattern of symptoms in patients presenting with synovial sarcoma to identify factors which led to long delays in diagnosis. In 35 children, the early symptoms and the results of clinical and radiological investigation were reviewed, along with the presumed diagnoses. The duration of symptoms was separated into patient delay and doctor delay.

Only half of the patients had one or more of the four clinical findings suggestive of sarcoma according to the guidance of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence at the onset of symptoms. Of the 33 children for whom data were available, 16 (48.5%) presented with a painless mass and in ten (30.3%) no mass was identified. Seven (21.2%) had an unexplained joint contracture. Many had been extensively investigated unsuccessfully. The mean duration of symptoms was 98 weeks (2 to 364), the mean patient delay was 43 weeks (0 to 156) and the mean doctor delay was 50 weeks (0 to 362). The mean number of doctors seen before referral was three (1 to 6) and for 15 patients the diagnosis was obtained after unplanned excision. Tumours around the knee and elbow were associated with a longer duration of symptoms and longer doctor delay compared with those at other sites. Delays did not improve significantly over the period of our study of 21 years, and we were unable to show that delay in diagnosis led to a worse prognosis.

Our findings highlight the variety of symptoms associated with synovial sarcoma and encourage greater awareness of this tumour as a potential diagnosis in childhood.
Treatment of checkrein deformity of the hallux
Authors: Lee H. S. , Kim J. S. , Park S.-S. , Lee D.-H. , Park J. M. , Wapner K. L.
Published: July 2008

We studied 11 patients with checkrein deformities of the hallux who underwent surgical treatment. Six had lengthening of the flexor hallucis longus tendon by Z-plasty in the midfoot, and five underwent release of adhesions and lengthening of the tendon by Z-plasty at the musculotendinous junction at the fracture site.

All six patients who underwent Z-plasty at the midfoot showed complete correction of the deformity without recurrence. Of the five who had release of adhesions and Z-plasty of the tendon at the fracture site, two showed partial and one showed complete recurrence.
Infectious Diseases: Parenteral Polymyxin B Use in Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteremia and Urinary Tract Infections: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: A Pastewski Andrew , Caruso Patricia , R Parris Addison , Dizon Ramon , Kopec Robert , Sharma Shobha , Mayer Suri , Ghitan Monica , Chapnick Edward K
Published: July 2008

Background

Parenteral polymyxin use declined after the 1960s, due to safety concerns. An increase in multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative infections and a shortage of new agents have prompted increased use of parenteral polymyxin.

Objective

TO describe our clinical experience with parenteral polymyxin B for MDR gram-negative bacteremia and urinary tract infection (UTI).

Methods

Paper pharmacy records were used to identify patients aged 18 years or older, presence of MDR gram-negative bacteremia or UTI, and use of parenteral polymyxin B for at least 48 hours. Electronic and paper patient records were then retrospectively reviewed. Polymyxin B susceptibility was evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer method. MDR isolates were defined as resistant to at least 3 antimicrobial classes, excluding polymyxin B. Microbiologic clearance was defined by 1 repeat urine or 2 repeat blood cultures that were sterile or growing different organisms. Secondary outcomes included hospital mortality and nephrotoxicity, defined as an increase in serum creatinine of 0.5 mg/dL or more, or a 50% reduction in creatinine clearance.

Results:

Seventeen infections in 16 patients were treated with polymyxin B (1 pt. had 2 infections that were analyzed separately). Microbiologic clearance occurred in 14 of 16 (88%) cases of MDR gram-negative bacteremia or UTI in which repeat cultures were done. Ten of 16 patients died (all-cause mortality 63%). Five patients required hemodialysis prior to polymyxin B use. Six (55%) of the remaining 11 patients with baseline renal insufficiency developed nephrotoxicity, and none of them required hemodialysis. The mean ± SD number of days from the initiation of therapy to the onset of nephrotoxicity was 7.5 ± 2.3 (range 4–10) days. Three (50%) of 6 patients with nephrotoxicity died.

Conclusions:

Our data suggest that polymyxin B may be effective for MDR gram-negative infections in patients with limited therapeutic options, but precautions should be taken to avoid toxicity.
Left Posterior Fascicular Block Due to High-Dose lnterleukin-2
Authors: Singla Anand , Denmeade Samuel R
Published: July 2008

Obective:

To report a case of reversible left posterior fascicular block (LPFB) associated with high-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) therapy.

Case Summary:

A 50-year-old white, nonsmoking male with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, and hypothyroidism had been recently diagnosed with metastatic clear cell-type renal cell carcinoma. He was started on high-dose IL-2 therapy (600,000 IU/kg/dose by 15-min intravenous infusion every B h for up to 14 consecutive doses over 5 days, as tolerated). He developed new-onset LPFB after the second dose of IL-2, which was diagnosed electrocardiographically with right axis deviation; deep S waves in lead I; and qR waves in leads II, III, and aVF. He denied chest pain, palpitations, or syncope. The LPFB resolved 18 hours after discontinuation of IL-2 without any potential complications or delay of hospital discharge. The patient completed 9 of 14 doses of IL-2 therapy. Similar electrocardiogram changes were noticed during 2 subsequent cycles of high-dose IL-2 treatment, both of which resolved spontaneously.

Discussion:

High-dose IL-2 is a Food and Drug Administration-approved biological agent used as monotherapy for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma and metastatic melanoma. Capillary leak syndrome has been associated with IL-2 therapy and many of its cardiac and noncardiac toxicities. In our patient, LPFB was observed as a reversible adverse reaction to high-dose IL-2 therapy. The Naranjo probability scale indicates a probable relationship between LPFB and high-dose IL-2 in this patient. LPFB has not previously been reported as an adverse reaction associated with high-dose IL-2 therapy.

Conclusions:

LPFB may be a reversible cardiac complication associated with high-dose IL-2 therapy. Healthcare professionals should be aware of this potential adverse effect.
Safety leadership: A longitudinal study of the effects of transformational leadership on safety outcomes
Authors: Mullen Jane E. , Kelloway E. Kevin
Published: July 2008

Transformational leadership based interventions were assessed using a pre‐test, post‐test, and control group design. Leaders (N=54) from 21 long‐term health care organizations were randomly assigned to general transformational leadership training, safety‐specific transformational leadership training, or a control group. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that leadership training resulted in significant effects on manager post‐training ratings of safety attitudes, intent to promote safety, and self‐efficacy. The effects of leadership training on employee (N=115) perceptions of leader safety‐specific transformational leadership, safety climate, safety participation, safety compliance, safety‐related events and, injuries were also assessed. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA), with the pre‐test scores as the covariates, showed that leadership training resulted in significant effects on the safety‐specific transformational leadership and safety climate outcomes.
Typology of Musical Structures in the Japanese Shintô Ritual Kagura
Authors: Kárpáti János
Published: July 2008

Between 1988 and 1994, I had the opportunity to realize a research program in Japan focusing on the kagura . The financial conditions of my research were ensured by The Japan Foundation Fellowship Program, and the work was scholarly and was amicable, helped by such eminent colleagues as Professor Tsuge Gen'ichi from Tôkyô University of Art, Professor Yamaguchi Osamu from Ôsaka University, Terence Lancashire from Osaka Ohtani University, Professor Sasamori Takefusa from Hirosaki University, and Professor Itô Nobuhiro from Osaka Kyoiku University. In the course of my fieldwork, I made sound recordings and photos at Shintô shrines and kagura stages of Tôkyô, Kyôtô, Nara, Takachiho, Nikkô, and Higashidôri-mura, and I compiled a CD from my recordings of 1988 (). I am indebted to all the musicians, singers, dancers, and informants who contributed to my sound documentation with their performances. The results of the entire research program have been summed up in a larger study entitled Dance in Front of the Heavenly Rock Cave: Music and Myth in the Japanese Ritual Tradition (). It was published as a book in the Hungarian language, illustrated with music examples transcribed from my recordings, as well as my own photos. In this paper, I would like to present some points of my work.
Ralph Bunche and African Studies: Reflections on the Politics of Knowledge
Authors: Robinson Pearl T.
Published: July 2008

“The dominant force in modern Africa is that of change.” These words, penned by Ralph Bunche in his 1934 doctoral dissertation (72), prefigured the ethos of what would come to be called, by the 1950s, the new field of African studies. Bunche's thesis, written for Harvard's Department of Government, offered a comparative analysis of French colonial administration in Dahomey (a colony under French rule) and Togoland (a League of Nations Mandate administered by France). His treatment of the subject wove together debates about colonial administration, race relations, and the responsibilities of the international community toward dependent peoples and non-self-governing territories—with the ultimate goal of producing a work of both academic and policy relevance. As a fundamental principle, Bunche insisted that the study of Africa should not be divorced from the study of the larger sweep of world history and global change because “the African is exposed to the pressure of forces of an outside world which is itself in process of transformation” (1934:73). Moreover, in a stance that was unusual for its time, Bunche set out to study Africa from the perspective of the African.
The Rabbi's Well: A Case Study in the Micropolitics of Foreign Aid in Muslim West Africa
Authors: Miles William F. S.
Published: July 2008

A conventional distinction in the foreign aid literature contrasts relief aid (qua emergency help and charitable giving) with developmental assistance (for sustainable economic growth, capacity building, and equitable distribution). In practice, however, the distinction blurs, and in the field it can lead to micropolitical conflict. This point is illustrated by the ecumenical efforts on the part of a U.S. rabbi to assist a school in southcentral Niger. As illustrated by the history of this project, complexities of local administration, and tensions between the staff and principal of one school, crystallized and demonstrated conflicts between traditional authorities and those of the modern state.
The Gambia's 2006 Presidential Election: Change or Continuity?
Authors: Saine Abdoulaye
Published: July 2008

On Friday, September 22, 2006, Gambians voted in the third presidential election since soldier-turned-civilian-president Yahya Jammeh came to power in a bloodless 1994 coup d'état. President Jammeh's ruling party defeated two separate, though ideologically and programmatically similar, political/party alliances. Notwithstanding, the 2006 presidential election has not appreciably moved The Gambia any closer to a more democratic political culture. The election resulted instead in the consolidation of authoritarian rule under Jammeh. Clearly, disunity within the opposition eroded both its popularity and credibility and irreversibly changed the dynamics of the election in Jammeh's favor. Jammeh is in a position to use his “mandate” and “victory” to widen political participation, undertake genuine reconciliation, root out corruption, investigate mounting deaths, protect press freedoms, and put the economy on a course to mend itself. But this seems unlikely, given his proclivity for press repression and a lack of commitment to bettering the lives of ordinary Gambians.
Human Rights in Africa: The Limited Promise of Liberalism
Authors: Mutua Makau
Published: July 2008

I would like to begin by expressing my deep gratitude and humility to the board of directors of the African Studies Association for inviting me to deliver the 2007 Bashorun M. K. O. Abiola Lecture on the momentous occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the ASA. This singular honor makes me conscious that I follow in the hallowed footsteps of several giants of African politics and studies including Ali A. Mazrui, Gertrude Mongella, and Thandika Mkandawire, among other distinguished thinkers who preceded me on this podium. As most of you know, I am trained as a legal scholar, but my work has benefited tremendously from the support of several senior students of Africa in the audience, including Joel D. Barkan, John W. Harbeson, Frank Holmquist, and Ali A. Mazrui. Nor would I forget to thank Athena Mutua, my spouse, who is here with me. But I know that this meeting would not have been possible without the indefatigable work of Pearl Robinson, the president of the ASA; Carol L. Martin, the executive director of the ASA; Kimme Carlos, the program manager of the annual meeting; and Stanlie James, the program chair.

This is a special occasion for all those who study and love Africa. The ASA is fifty, which is a historic milestone by any count. Ghana, one of the first African countries to free itself from the yoke of colonialism, is also fifty. We thus take stock of the continent after the first half century of decolonization with an appropriate theme—“Twenty-First Century Africa: Evolving Conceptions of Human Rights.”
Tòkana: The Collapse of the Rural Malagasy Community
Authors: Marcus Richard R.
Published: July 2008

Madagascar is often cited as an example of a country with a long history of local institutional strength and stalwart community participation in the decision-making process. This article explores the crisis of community life in southern Madagascar, particularly the changed nature of community involvement. Associational life is in decline—a result not only of challenging economic conditions, but also of eroded social norms, as the rule-making institutions of the past have been replaced by the loose guidelines of the present. This situation, which has the potential of exacerbating economic problems, is also likely to have grievous political and ecological consequences.
Following the Endorser's Shadow: Shah Rukh Khan and the Creation of the Cosmopolitan Indian Male
Authors: Cayla Julien
Published: July 2008

Shah Rukh Khan (SRK) is ubiquitous in the Indian public sphere. At last count, he was endorsing more than 25 brands, from computers and cars to vegetable oil, facial creams, noodles, and cream biscuits. However, this ubiquity, rather than hurting SRK's image, helps to make him the quintessential pan-Indian male. Because he is everywhere, for everyone, endorsing every role and every brand, SRK progressively comes to stand for the desires and aspirations of the whole Indian nation. He becomes one of the few symbols that can represent the idea of India in the minds of audiences. Because India is an extremely heterogeneous nation—divided along the lines of language, race, regional communities, religion, class, and caste—pan-Indian symbols such as SRK are especially valuable to the marketing community. This article explores the construction of SRK as a master Indian symbol and more generally, the use of celebrity endorsements in the construction of a national imaginary.
All's Fair in Love and Cream: A Cultural Case Study of Fair & Lovely in India
Authors: Shevde Natasha
Published: July 2008

The fairness cream market is flourishing in India, a country that represents a unique amalgamation of social, religious, and cultural stigmas and stereotypes. For the last three decades, consumer goods giant Unilever/Hindustan Lever (HLL) has successfully leveraged business opportunities inherent in India's obsession with lighter skin tones with the launch of Fair & Lovely , considered to be the leading fairness cream in the Indian subcontinent. The goal of this paper is to take a closer look at the issues related to skin color in India by analysing how Fair & Lovely skin-whitening cream is situated in the context of Indian culture, is fetishized through media, and is distributed to consumers.
Obsessions with Fair Skin: Color Discourses in Indian Advertising
Authors: Karan Kavita
Published: July 2008

In India, the idea of beauty is often associated with fairness. Fairness creams abound in the market, and advertisements glorify fair skin. An analysis of television advertisements of fairness products shows how they connect fairness with achieving other personal goals, such as marriage, success, empowerment, job opportunities, and confidence. Focus-group interviews with Indian women reveal that most agree that an obsession with fairness and its projected attributes continues to prevail despite an awareness that beauty is a more personal and complex concept. Many believe the connection between beauty and fair skin arises from age-old historical beliefs that are now perpetuated in advertisements for fairness creams. Though these women do not personally rate fairness as a predominant indicator of beauty, they are aware of the culturally determined advantages of being fair and have themselves made efforts to look fair.
Immigrant Families and the College Experience: Perspectives of Filipina Americans
Authors: Maramba Dina C.
Published: July 2008

As Filipina/o Americans comprise the largest Asian immigrant population in the United States, the experience of college-aged children of immigrants becomes an increasing concern at the university level. The purpose of this qualitative research investigation was to explore the ways Filipina American students negotiated their home environment and college experiences. Three primary themes emerged from the data: family/ parent influence, home obligations/gender differences, and importance of negotiating their Filipina American identity within the context of their home and college experiences. Provided are implications, particularly for student affairs professionals, administrators, and researchers.
Three Elements of Self-Authorship
Authors: Baxter Magolda Marcia B.
Published: July 2008

This article describes three distinct yet interrelated elements of self-authorship: trusting the internal voice, building an internal foundation, and securing internal commitments. These elements, which emerged from longitudinal interviews with adults in their 30s, offer insights into the complexity and cyclical nature of self-authorship as well as provide guidance for how educators can assist college students in developing their internal voices to meet the challenges of adult life.
Improving Practice Through Outcomes Based Planning and Assessment: A Counseling Center Case Study
Authors: Reynolds Amy L. , Chris Stephen
Published: July 2008

Addressing the increasing psychological needs on campus is a central mission of most college counseling centers. In addition, many centers are expected to contribute to student academic success and retention. Through the use of outcomes based assessment, which examines the needs, expectations, and perceptions of students, counseling centers can develop state-of-the-art services. This article explores the impact of an outcomes based assessment and planning process at a college counseling center and its influence on the services and practices of the center. Implications for future research and practice and the relevance of this outcomes based assessment project for other student affairs units is also explored.
Examining the Academic Success of Latino Students in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Majors
Authors: Cole Darnell , Espinoza Araceli
Published: July 2008

Using a longitudinal sample of 146 Latino students' in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics majors, the purpose of the study was to examine factors that affect their academic performance. The main premise supporting this study suggested that Latino students perform better academically when they have cultural congruity within their chosen academic major. Although this premise was supported, college experience variables like studying with other students and attending diversity functions were negatively correlated with performance. Such experiences may reveal insight into the cultural incongruity that exists for students in these majors and their peers outside of the majors.
Ethnic Identity, Epistemological Development, and Academic Achievement in Underrepresented Students
Authors: Pizzolato Jane Elizabeth , Chaudhari Prema , Murrell Ennad Dyana , Podobnik Sharon , Schaeffer Zachary
Published: July 2008

Through 2 related studies, we investigated the relation ethnic identity, epistemological development, and achievement among students of color. Findings suggest that the three variables are related, with ethnic identity and epistemological development together contributing to explaining variance in college GPA almost as well as a combination of SAT score and high school grade point average. Findings regarding the two developmental processes are summarized.
Preparing New Professionals: Lessons for Graduate Preparation Programs from the National Study of New Professionals in Student Affairs
Authors: Renn Kristen A. , Jessup-Anger Eric R.
Published: July 2008

The National Study of New Professionals in Student Affairs is a year-long study of the transition of 90 new professionals to their first full-time job in the field. Data collection for this qualitative study was conducted monthly through an online survey system. We report findings of the study that bear on graduate program curricula, administrative practice, and future research. Implications address the content and process of graduate education in higher education and student affairs.
Modern Language Association Honored Scholar of Early American
Literature, 2007: Pattie Cowell
Authors: Mulford Carla
Published: July 2008

The Division of American Literature to 1800 is charged to recognize on rare occasions the extraordinary contributions of scholars to early American studies. In 2007, we honor the work of Pattie Cowell.
The Impact of a Liberalised Trade Regime on the Potential for Agricultural Value Addition in Uganda
Authors: Bakunda Geoffrey
Published: July 2008

Uganda is one of the LDCs in Africa whose economy is heavily dependent on agriculture for exports, GDP and domestic employment. However, Uganda has implemented a liberalised agricultural trade regime since the 1990s, and by 2005, Uganda was considered one of the most liberalised economies in Africa. Yet Uganda's experience seems to contradict recent evidence regarding import liberalisation, economic growth and effective integration in the global economy, which suggests that liberalisation, should follow rather than precede sustained periods of economic growth and should be gradual and sequenced. Uganda seems not to have followed that approach. This paper reports the findings of a study on Uganda's experience with import liberalisation of agricultural products and how this has impacted on agricultural value addition potential. The results show that liberalisation of the agricultural trade regime in Uganda has resulted in phenomenal growth in imports of agricultural products particularly the processed ones. The scope of the tariff lines has also expanded sharply. Secondly, almost all potential agricultural value addition possibilities were being supplied by competing imported products with import levels likely to increase. The locally produced value-added agricultural products had very limited competitive space and in many cases were already swamped by imported ones. Last but not least, agro-processing ventures seemed to have experienced declining competitiveness due to increased competition from agricultural imports resulting in declining demand and sales, market share and profitability. To reverse this trend, the study observes the need to accord additional protection to the agricultural sector and to implement specific measures to boost the competitiveness of agro-processing investments.
Urban Development and Displacement in Addis Ababa: The Impact of Resettlement Projects on Low-Income Households
Authors: Yntiso Gebre
Published: July 2008

Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is undergoing a major transformation as evidenced by the development of road networks, schools, healthcare institutions, hotels, condominiums, real estates, banks, shopping centres, and many other businesses. There is a sense of jubilation on the part of authorities and the general public with the direction of the urban development policy and the remarkable gains scored thus far. What remains unnoticed, however, is that thousands of low-income households have been displaced and adversely affected by the process of urban development. The process of relocating people from the inner city to new resettlement sites in the outskirts have disrupted the relocatees' business ties with customers, broken their informal networks of survival, caused loss of locational advantage and jobs and incurred high transport costs. The overwhelming majority of relocatees reported significant income decline. Many displaced households have encountered problems related to water, sanitation, education, and healthcare. Farmers, who lost their land to investors and new resettlers complained about low compensation and lack of other economic options to make a living. In short, progress in Addis Ababa has been exacerbating poverty among a section of the population. This paper, based on a fieldwork conducted in 2006/7, describes the socio-economic and infrastructural changes the City has been experiencing since recent years, examines the impact of the urban development policy and practice on displaced low-income households, and provides recommendations that authorities should consider to minimize development-induced livelihood disruptions.
Matching Extension Service with Farmers' Needs: Towards Combining Social and Agro-Ecological Approaches in Ethiopian Extension
Authors: Berhanu Abeje
Published: July 2008

An extension service grounded in the social, economic and ecological realities of the farming family and the farm can better target its programs to meet farmers' needs. In this study 305 farm households, from two districts of north-central Ethiopia are used as a case study, to examine key socio-economic and ecological indicators that affect effective use of extension services. Data was collected using the household questionnaire method and analysed using univariate statistical methods to see factors that impact effective use of extension inputs. Of the seven variables selected for analysis, plot topography (TOPGRAPH, p < 0.000), holding size (HOLDSIZE, p < 0.006) and number of oxen owned (OXOWN, p < 0.006) were significantly correlated with the amount of fertilizer use. In other words, those fertilizer-using respondents with flat topography, manageable size of land and a pair of oxen were able to use more fertilizers. For an effective extension service, three approaches are necessary: agro-ecology sensitive extension, need-driven extension service and effective use of indigenous farming knowledge. The three are complementary and provide an integrated extension approach at the local level.
Mandeville’s Ship: Theistic Design and Philosophical History in Charles Darwin’s Vision of Natural Selection
Authors: Alter Stephen G.
Published: July 2008

This essay examines the analogy of a savage observing a sailing ship found in the final chapter
of Darwin’s Origin of Species, an image that summed up his critique of British natural
theology’s “design” thesis. Its inspiration drawn from works by Mandeville and Hume, and
Darwin’s experience on the Beagle voyage, the ship illustration shows how Darwin conceived of
natural selection’s relationship to theistic design in terms of a historical consciousness developed
by Scottish Enlightenment thinkers. That outlook involved a dual emphasis on the rationality of
historical inquiry and the largely irrational character of the actual historical process. Symbolized
by the history of ship construction, this perspective aided Darwin in formulating his response to
British natural theology.