bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enforced Displacement of Civilian Populations in War: A Potential New Element in Crimes against Humanity
Authors: Leaning Jennifer 
Published: July 2011

AbstractForced migration in war is known to arise from serious assaults on populations and is known to carry serious consequences for the people who move. In the context of international humanitarian law, forced migration is viewed as a survival strategy, a resort to flight in order to get out of the way of hostile action. The varieties of injuries associated with forced migration have been largely assigned to the category of unavoidable or difficult-to-mitigate collateral costs of armed conflict. It is argued in this paper that the phenomenon of forced migration in war constitutes, in itself, a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The agency of government or military command is behind the military or political action that provokes population flight; the short and long-term mortality and morbidity always associated with forced migration occurs disproportionately and indiscriminately to civilian non combatants; and the dissolution of identity, the assault on dignity, the destruction of personal and community records, and the sweeping loss of livelihoods occasioned by war-induced forced migration represent in themselves war crimes or on a grand scale crimes against humanity. This paper presents evidence to substantiate the claim that forced migration in war inflicts intense and extended suffering on civilian populations. Reference is made to Hague and Geneva law, the two international human rights covenants (ICCPR and ICESCR) and to the Refugee Convention to find elements of what should arguably be advanced as the constituent basis for defining forced migration in war as a distinct and independent crime in international criminal law. In much of international humanitarian law, empirically grounded recognition of a new class of grievous injuries or a new category of people to protect leads to an expansion of a preexisting framework (civilian protection) or an entirely new treaty or convention (cluster munitions). The suggestion made here is that forced migration in war be considered within that historical continuum—not as a prevalent and (largely) unavoidable process but as a newly recognised crime.
Beyond Consent: Conceptualising Sexual Assault in International Criminal Law
Authors: O'Byrne Katie 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis article examines the development, definition and treatment of sexual assault in international criminal law over time. It charts the evolution of sexual assault as a crime, with particular focus on the relevant statutory provisions and jurisprudence of the ICTY, ICTR and ICC, noting that the recent characterisation of sexual assault as a genus crime including rape significantly broadens the scope of the offence. The article analyses some of the legal and conceptual problems arising from the use of non-consent as an element of sexual crimes, comparing the approach of the ad hoc tribunals with the (as yet untested) principles in the ICC's foundation documents. It is submitted that proof of coercion, rather than proof of non-consent, is the appropriate test to use in conceptualising crimes within the genus of sexual assault, and that consent should instead be raised as a defence where relevant.
First-Class Crimes, Second-Class Justice: Cumulative Charges for Gender-Based Crimes at the International Criminal Court
Authors: Green Laurie 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWhile sexual and gender-based violence crimes are now prosecutable as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide, the Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court recently declined to confirm cumulative charges for sexual and gender-based violence in Prosecutor v. Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo. Born out of the historical tendency of international criminal tribunals to treat rape and sexual violence as secondary crimes, this paper argues that the International Criminal Court is far from achieving true gender justice, or from serving as a deterrent against sexual and gender-based violence crimes. This paper also argues that the ICC's failure in this regard risks undermining the very legitimacy of the Court.
A Manuscript by Jesse Ramsden at Palermo Observatory
Authors: Chinnici Ileana , Randazzo Donatella 
Published: July 2011

AbstractAn interesting manuscript, unsigned and undated, containing two incomplete texts, has been found in the Palermo Astronomical Observatory Library. The handwriting has been recognized as belonging to Jesse Ramsden, the famous London instrument maker and the texts deals with some little-known improvements made by him around 1787-88 on the adjustments of astronomical quadrants and transit instruments. The provenance of the manuscript is unclear, owing to the absence of any related documentary evidence.
The earliest earwigs in amber (Dermaptera): A new genus and species from the Early Cretaceous of Lebanon
Authors: Engel Michael , Ortega-Blanco Jaime , Azar Dany 
Published: July 2011

AbstractRhadinolabis phoenicica Engel, Ortega-Blanco & Azar gen. et sp.n. is described and figured from two female earwigs preserved in Early Cretaceous amber from Lebanon, representing the oldest Dermaptera in amber. In addition a partial nymph is recorded from the same deposits. The placement of the genus among Neodermaptera is briefly discussed.
The oldest fossil record of Lymexylidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) from the Lower Cretaceous Crato Formation of Brazil
Authors: Wolf-Schwenninger Karin 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe fossil ship-timber beetle Cratoatractocerus grimaldii gen. et sp.n. is described from the Lower Cretaceous of Brazil. The new taxon is placed within Atractocerinae. It is distinguished from all modern genera of the subfamily by a M+Cu fork in the hind wing venation. Cratoatractocerus grimaldii is the oldest known representative of Lymexylidae and considered as the most basal member of Atractocerinae. This fossil proves that this subfamily appeared at least by the Early Cretaceous.
The oldest amphientomete booklouce from Lower Cretaceous amber of Lebanon (Psocodea: Troctomorpha)
Authors: Nel André , Choufani Joanna , Azar Dany 
Published: July 2011

AbstractLibanomphientomum nudus gen. et sp.n. is described and assigned to Amphientometae, possibly Amphientomidae, but it is devoid of scales on body and wings, which is very unlikely in this family, questioning the diagnostic value of this character for the family. This fossil provides evidence that the Amphientometae are an old group and that their evolutionary history was more complex than previously thought.
Rainfall Retrieval and Nowcasting Based on Multispectral Satellite Images. Part I: Retrieval Study on Daytime 10-Minute Rain Rate
Authors: Zhuge Xiao-Yong , Yu Fan , Zhang Cheng-Wei 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis study develops a method for both precipitation area and intensity retrievals based on multispectral geostationary satellite images. This method can be applied to continuous observation of large-scale precipitation so as to solve the problem from the measurements of rainfall radar and rain gauge. Satellite observation is instantaneous, whereas the rain gauge records accumulative data during a time interval. For this reason, collocated 10-min rain gauge measurements and infrared (IR) and visible (VIS) data from the FengYun-2C (FY-2C) geostationary satellite are employed to improve the accuracy of satellite rainfall retrieval. First of all, the rainfall probability identification matrix (RPIM) is used to distinguish rainfall clouds from nonrainfall clouds. This RPIM is more efficient in improving the retrieval accuracy of rainfall area than previous threshold combination screening methods. Second, the multispectral segmented curve-fitting rainfall algorithm (MSCFRA) is proposed and tested to estimate the 10-min rain rates. Rainfall samples taken from June to August 2008 are used to assess the performance of the rainfall algorithm. Assessment results show that the MSCFRA improves the accuracy of rainfall estimation for both stratiform cloud rainfall and convective cloud rainfall. These results are practically consistent with rain gauge measurements in both rainfall area division and rainfall intensity grade estimation. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the temporal resolution of satellite detection is important and necessary in improving the precision of satellite rainfall retrieval.
The Nigerian home video boom: Should Nigerian psychiatrists be worried? Lessons from content review and views of community dwellers
Authors: Atilola Olayinka , Olayiwola Funmilayo 
Published: August 2011

Background: Media depiction of sufferers of mental illness is a widely viewed source of stigmatization and studies have found stigmatizing depictions of mental illness in Nigerian films. With the recent boom in the Nigerian home video industry, there is a need to know how often Nigerians are exposed to films that contain scenes depicting mental illness and how much premium they place on such portrayals as reflecting reality. Aim: To assess the popularity of Nigerian home videos among Nigerian community dwellers and the frequency of their exposure to scenes depicting mental illness. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was designed to obtain socio-demographic data and to find out how often respondents see scenes depicting ‘madness’ in home videos, as well as their views about the accuracy of such depictions from the orthodox psychiatry point of view. Current home videos available in video rental shops were selected for viewing and content review. Results: All 676 respondents had seen a Nigerian home video in the preceding 30 days: 528 (78%) reported scenes depicting ‘mad persons’; 472 (70%) reported that the scenes they saw agreed with their own initial understanding of the cause and treatment of ‘madness’. About 20% of the films depicted mental illness. The most commonly depicted cause was sorcery and enchantment by witches and wizards, while the most commonly depicted treatment was magical and spiritual healing by diviners and religious priests. Conclusions: Nigerian home video is a popular electronic media in Nigeria and scenes depicting mental illness are not uncommon. The industry could be harnessed for promoting mental health literacy.
Boredom proneness in a psychiatric inpatient population
Authors: Newell Susan E. , Harries Priscilla , Ayers Susan 
Published: August 2011

Background: Boredom has been reported as a common experience for service users of acute psychiatric wards. It has been associated with negative mental and physical health. Research has yet to show what factors are associated with boredom proneness within the acute psychiatric population. Aims: (1) To investigate the distribution of boredom proneness in a population of mentally ill inpatients according to age, gender, diagnosis, Mental Health Act status and length of stay in hospital. (2) To test the hypothesis that boredom proneness is negatively correlated with autonomous activity levels. Method: Two self-report questionnaires were used with 55 inpatients of acute psychiatric wards: the Boredom Proneness Scale (Farmer & Sundberg, 1986) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (Zigmond & Snaith, 1983). Questions were also asked about individuals’ activity engagement during their current admission. Data on age, gender, diagnosis, ethnicity, Mental Health Act status and length of stay were collected from case notes. Results and conclusions: The highest incidence of boredom proneness was in participants with depression. Those detained under the Mental Health Act appeared less boredom prone than those admitted voluntarily. Boredom proneness was not associated with age, gender or length of stay. There was an association between engagement in more autonomous activities and lower boredom proneness.
The Patient Reported Outcomes in Lupus (PATROL) study: role of depression in health-related quality of life in a Southern California lupus cohort
Authors: Moldovan I , Katsaros E , Carr FN , Cooray D , Torralba K , Shinada S , Ishimori ML , Jolly M , Wallace DJ , Weisman MH , Nicassio PM 
Published: August 2011

This study examines the relationship between psychosocial factors, ethnicity, disease activity and quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus. Methods: One hundred and twenty-five adult Caucasian and Hispanic lupus patients were recruited from four Southern California medical centers. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the correlation of ethnicity, socioeconomic factors (age, income), and disease activity (patient and physician reported), as well as psychological (depression, internality, helplessness) variables with quality of life (QOL) as measured by the Short Form (SF)-36. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was then used to determine the stepwise contribution of the above determinants on the eight domains of the SF-36 questionnaire. Results: Depression negatively correlated with QOL in both Caucasians ( r −0.488 to −0.660) and Hispanics ( r −0.456 to −0.723). Patient-reported disease activity was moderately related ( r −0.456 to −0.698) to seven of the eight SF-36 domains in Hispanics, and none in Caucasians. Physician-reported disease activity, measured by SLEDAI, did not correlate with QOL among Hispanics or Caucasians. When linear and hierarchical regression was used, depression significantly correlated ( p  <  0.0001) with the majority of the SF-36 domains, except general health, while age had a significant effect in only one domain of the SF-36, physical functioning ( p  <  0.0001). Conclusion: Depression, and not disease activity, appears to have a major influence on quality of life in both Hispanic and Caucasian patients in this lupus cohort.
Potential association of vitamin D receptor polymorphism Taq1 with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Cox Mathew B , Ban Maria , Bowden Nikola A , Baker Amie , Scott Rodney J , Lechner-Scott Jeannette 
Published: August 2011

Background: The environmental influence of sun exposure and vitamin D in particular and its implication with multiple sclerosis (MS) has recently received considerable attention. Current evidence based on genetic and epidemiological studies indicate that vitamin D is implicated in the aetiology of this disease. Methods: We examined two common variants in the vitamin D receptor ( VDR) gene in 1153 trio families and 726 cases and 604 controls. We also examined epistatic interactions between the VDR SNPs rs731236 and rs2228570 with the tagging single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs3135388 for the HLA-DRB*1501 locus containing a highly conserved vitamin D responsive element within its promoter region. Results: We found weak evidence for an association between the rs731236C allele and MS, while there was no direct association with rs2228570. When examining the interaction between the VDR gene variations and the DRB1*1501 tagging SNP a more complex relationship was observed. Although the interaction was not statistically significant, there appeared to be a trend of increasing risk of MS in participants who were homozygous for the HLA-DRB1*1501 allele in association with the more active form of the VDR (Fok1). Conclusion: We have identified weak evidence of an association between a common variation within the VDR gene and MS, in the largest study reported to date of this candidate gene. There appears to be a relationship between polymorphisms in the VDR and the risk of MS, which is potentially modified by HLA-DRB1*1501.
AUF1 and HuR: possible implications of mRNA stability in thyroid function and disorders
Authors: Trojanowicz Bogusz , Dralle Henning , Hoang-Vu Cuong 
Published: August 2011

AbstractRNA-binding proteins may regulate every aspect of RNA metabolism, including pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA trafficking, stability and translation of many genes. The dynamic association of these proteins with RNA defines the lifetime, cellular localization, processing and the rate at which a specific mRNA is translated. One of the pathways involved in regulating of mRNA stability is mediated by adenylate uridylate-rich element (ARE) binding proteins. These proteins are involved in processes of apoptosis, tumorigenesis and development. Out of many ARE-binding proteins, two of them AUF1 and HuR were studied most extensively and reported to regulate the mRNA stabilityin vivo. Our previously published data demonstrate that both proteins are involved in thyroid carcinogenesis. Several other reports postulate that mRNA binding proteins may participate in thyroid hormone actions. However, until now, exacts mechanisms and the possible role of post-transcriptional regulation and especially the role of AUF1 and HuR in those processes remain not fully understood. In this study we shortly review the possible function of both proteins in relation to development and various physiological and pathophysiological processes, including thyroid function and disorders.
Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Primary Aldosteronism: A Biomarker of Severity for Aldosterone Vasculopathy and Prognosis
Authors: Wu Vin-Cent , Lo Shyh-Chyi , Chen Yuh-Lien , Huang Po-Hsun , Tsai Chia-Ti , Liang Chan-Jung , Kuo Chin-Chi , Kuo Yih-Shing , Lee Bai-Chin , Wu En-Ling , Lin Yen-Hung , Sun Yun-Yu , Lin Shuei-Liong , Chen Jaw-Wen , Lin Shing-Jong , Wu Kwan-Dun 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Context:
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular events, probably through mineralocorticoid receptor (MR)-dependent endothelial cell dysfunction, in comparison with essential hypertension (EH).

Objective:
Our objective was to investigate the number and function of endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) in PA and the relationship with arterial stiffness and disease progression.

Design and Setting:
We conducted a prospective study of the change of EPC number and outcome of PA patients after treatment at a tertiary medical center.

Primary Outcomes:
Changes in arterial stiffness and EPC number after treatment and the curability of hypertension were assessed.

Patients:
A total of 113 PA patients (87 patients diagnosed with aldosterone-producing adenoma, 26 with idiopathic hyperaldosteronism) and 55 patients with EH participated.

Results:
PA patients had higher arterial stiffness than EH patients (P = 0.006), with a lower numbers of circulating EPC and endothelial colony-forming units (P &lt; 0.05). The differences were ameliorated at 6 months after unilateral adrenalectomy or treatment with spironolactone. Expression of MR was identified in the EPC. The number of circulating EPC was inversely correlated with the plasma aldosterone concentration (P = 0.021), arterial stiffness (P = 0.029) and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P = 0.03). High-dose aldosterone (10−5 and 10−6m) attenuated EPC proliferation and angiogenesis in vitro. Among the 45 patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy, 32 (71%) were cured of hypertension. The preoperative number of EPC [log(EPC number percent) &gt;−3.6] predicted the curability of hypertension after adrenalectomy (P = 0.003).

Conclusions:
The relative deficiency of EPC in PA patients may contribute to aldosterone vasculopathy, which can be reversed by adrenalectomy and spironolactone. High aldosterone levels attenuated EPC proliferation and angiogenesis. Circulating EPC number may be a valuable biomarker to identify PA patients with a high incidence of arterial stiffness and to predict postoperative residual hypertension of aldosterone-producing adenoma.
Clinical performance of the Roche cobas e411 automated assay system for thyrotropin-receptor antibodies for the diagnosis of Graves' disease
Authors: Syme Neil R , Toft Anthony D , Stoddart Mary , Beckett Geoff J 
Published: August 2011

Background The clinical performance of the Roche cobas e411 automated assay for the measurement of thyrotropin (TSH)-receptor antibodies (TRAbs) for the diagnosis of Graves' disease was evaluated in the setting of new referrals to a specialized thyroid clinic. Methods The final diagnosis of 102 new patients attending their first outpatient appointment at a thyroid clinic was correlated with the TRAbs result. In all cases, the diagnosis was made independently of the TRAbs result by the same consultant (ADT) based on clinical examination, thyroid function tests (TSH, free thyroxine, total triiodothyronine measured on Architect; Abbot Diagnostics), and a technetium-99m uptake and scan. TRAbs were measured using the cobas e411 (Roche Diagnostics). The clinical sensitivity and specificity of the assay were determined and compared with other published performance characteristics of the assay. Results Optimal sensitivity (95%) and specificity (98%) were obtained using a cut-off of 1.6 IU/L. The positive and negative predictive values at this cut-off were calculated as 98% and 94%, respectively. Conclusions Using a cut-off of 1.6 IU/L, considered independently of thyroid function tests, the Roche cobas e411 automated immunoassay for TRAbs is a convenient, sensitive and specific tool for the differential diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.
Humor in conflict discussions: Comparing partners' perceptions
Authors: Bippus Amy M. , Young Stacy L. , Dunbar Norah E. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis study assessed romantic partners' perceptions of their own and each others' humor usage during a conflict discussion. Forty-eight married and dating couples were recorded discussing conflict topics that both partners cited as sources of disagreement in their relationships. Both partners then viewed the videotaped interaction and reported on the humor used by each of them in the interaction. Humor was identified by at least one participant in all couples, with a total of 412 instances of verbal humor identified by participants across 336 minutes of recoded interaction. Partners identified the same instances as humor attempts about 34% of the time. A mix of actor and partner variables predicted participants' relationship satisfaction and their perceptions of conflict escalation and progress. The implications of these findings for advancing the understanding of humor in conflict, as well as the utility of this methodology for further study of humor in dyads, are discussed.
The humor of Christ: A different methodological approach
Authors: Bennett David J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe Gospels never mention Jesus laughing. Therefore, the inference some make is that if it does not specifically say that he did, then he must not have. Other scholars have argued that it is easy to see humor in the writings about Christ if you look for it (e.g., Buckner, The joy of Jesus, The Canterbury Press, 1993; Trueblood, The humor of Christ, Harper & Row Publishers, 1964; Wirt, Jesus man of joy, Harvest House Publishers, 1999). The goal of the present study is to examine how Christians describe the humorous (or not) behavior of Jesus Christ using the Humorous Behavior Q-Sort Deck (Craik, Lampert, and Nelson, Humor: International Journal of Humor Research 9: 273–302, 1996). This is a new application of an established methodological approach which should aid our thinking on the subject of humor and Christ. Thirty subjects sorted the 100 statements while reflecting on Jesus. The results are discussed within the humorous style framework of Craik and Ware (Humor and personality in everyday life, Mouton de Gruyter. 1998) and the larger research context.