bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Association of Childhood Personality on Sexual Risk Taking During Adolescence
Authors: Atkins Robert 
Published: October 2008

ABSTRACTBackground:  Sexual risk taking during adolescence such as failure to use contraception or condoms is associated with premature parenthood and high rates of sexually transmitted infection. The relation of childhood personality to sexual risk taking during adolescence has been largely unexplored.Methods:  Using data collected from participants in the Child Sample of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (CS‐NLSY) when they were 5 or 6 years of age (time 1) and 17 or 18 years of age (time 2), the relation of childhood personality to sexual risk taking during adolescence was investigated. Maternal ratings of childhood personality were used to derive resiliency, undercontrol, and overcontrol prototypical profile scores for a diverse sample of 1219 child participants from the CS‐NLSY. At time 2, participants reported whether they failed to use oral contraception or condoms during their last sexual intercourse. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the association of personality to sexual risk taking.Results:  Proximity to the overcontrolled personality prototype at time 1 was associated with a decreased likelihood of sexual risk taking. Age, male gender, and childhood cognitive achievement were also significant predictors of sexual risk taking.Conclusions:  The findings suggest that children with personality profiles in which internalizing traits are more prominent are less likely than their peers to engage in sexual risk taking during late adolescence. The findings of this study augment previous studies that indicate that personality is an important predictor of development and underscore the importance of conducting research into the processes by which personality influences health behavior.
Musical Works: Ontology and Meta‐Ontology
Authors: Dodd Julian 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe ontological nature of works of music has been a particularly lively area of philosophical debate during the past few years. This paper serves to introduce the reader to some of the most fertile and interesting issues. Starting by distinguishing three questions – the categorial question, the individuation question, and the persistence question – the article goes on to focus on the first: the question of which ontological category musical works fall under. The paper ends by introducing, and briefly considering, meta‐ontological questions in the ontology of music.
Modality in Language
Authors: Swanson Eric 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis article discusses some of the ways in which natural language can express modal information – information which is, to a first approximation, about what could be or must be the case, as opposed to being about what actually is the case. It motivates, explains, and raises problems for Angelika Kratzer's influential theory of modal auxiliaries, and introduces a new approach to one important debate about the relationships between modality, evidentiality, context change, and imperative force.
Modeling the effects of El Niño, density‐dependence, and disturbance on harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) counts in Drakes Estero, California: 1997–2007
Authors: Becker Benjamin H. , Press David T. , Allen Sarah G. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractHarbor seal (Phoca vitulina) haul‐out site use may be affected by natural or anthropogenic factors. Here, we use an 11‐yr (1997–2007) study of a seal colony located near a mariculture operation in Drakes Estero, California, to test for natural (El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), density‐dependence, long‐term trends) and anthropogenic (disturbance or displacement related to oyster production activities) factors that may influence the use of haul‐out subsites. Annual mariculture related seal disturbance rates increased significantly with increases in oyster harvest (rs= 0.55). Using generalized linear models (GLMs) ranked by best fit and Akaike's Information Criteria, ENSO and oyster production (as a proxy for disturbance/displacement) best explained the patterns of seal use at all three subsites near the mariculture operations, with effects being stronger at the two subsites closest to operations. Conversely, density‐dependence and linear trend effects poorly explained the counts at these subsites. We conclude that a combination of ENSO and mariculture activities best explain the patterns of seal haul‐out use during the breeding/pupping season at the seal haul‐out sites closest to oyster activities.
Differences in detecting blasts between ADVIA 2120 and Beckman‐Coulter LH750 hematology analyzers
Authors: SHELAT S. G. , CANFIELD W. , SHIBUTANI S. 
Published: October 2008

SummaryThe complete blood count is often used as a screening tool to detect hematologic abnormalities in the peripheral blood. In patients with suspected or known leukemia, blast cells serve as an indicator of disease pathology. We compared the analytical performance of the Siemens ADVIA 2120 to the Beckman‐Coulter LH750 in the detection of blasts. In the study, 390 blood samples were analyzed from a general hospital population, which included oncology patients. The presence of blasts, as indicated by the analyzers’ flags, was compared with the results of a manual differential (regarded as the reference method). The ADVIA 2120 demonstrated 100% sensitivity at detecting blasts compared with 62% using the LH750. This improved sensitivity came at the expense of a lower specificity (49%vs. 86%). The effect of the false‐positive and false‐negative samples on the laboratory’s manual review was partially (false‐positive) or completely (false‐negative) mitigated by triggering of other criteria. Detecting blasts in the peripheral blood depends on the performance characteristics of the hematology analyzer, in conjunction with the stringency of the laboratory’s manual review criteria.
High shear enrichment improves the performance of the anodophilic microbial consortium in a microbial fuel cell
Authors: Pham Hai The , Boon Nico , Aelterman Peter , Clauwaert Peter , De Schamphelaire Liesje , Van Oostveldt Patrick , Verbeken Kim , Rabaey Korneel , Verstraete Willy 
Published: October 2008

SummaryIn many microbial bioreactors, high shear rates result in strong attachment of microbes and dense biofilms. In this study, high shear rates were applied to enrich an anodophilic microbial consortium in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). Enrichment at a shear rate of about 120 s−1 resulted in the production of a current and power output two to three times higher than those in the case of low shear rates (around 0.3 s−1). Biomass and biofilm analyses showed that the anodic biofilm from the MFC enriched under high shear rate conditions, in comparison with that under low shear rate conditions, had a doubled average thickness and the biomass density increased with a factor 5. The microbial community of the former, as analysed by DGGE, was significantly different from that of the latter. The results showed that enrichment by applying high shear rates in an MFC can result in a specific electrochemically active biofilm that is thicker and denser and attaches better, and hence has a better performance.
Interplay of metagenomics and in vitro compartmentalization
Authors: Ferrer Manuel , Beloqui Ana , Vieites José María , Guazzaroni María Eugenia , Berger Ilana , Aharoni Amir 
Published: October 2008

SummaryIn recent years, the application of approaches for harvesting DNA from the environment, the so‐called, ‘metagenomic approaches’ has proven to be highly successful for the identification, isolation and generation of novel enzymes. Functional screening for the desired catalytic activity is one of the key steps in mining metagenomic libraries, as it does not rely on sequence homology. In this mini‐review, we survey high‐throughput screening tools, originally developed for directed evolution experiments, which can be readily adapted for the screening of large libraries. In particular, we focus on the use of in vitro compartmentalization (IVC) approaches to address potential advantages and problems the merger of culture‐independent and IVC techniques might bring on the mining of enzyme activities in microbial communities.
Mechanism of action of and resistance to quinolones
Authors: Fàbrega Anna , Madurga Sergi , Giralt Ernest , Vila Jordi 
Published: October 2008

SummaryFluoroquinolones are an important class of wide‐spectrum antibacterial agents. The first quinolone described was nalidixic acid, which showed a narrow spectrum of activity. The evolution of quinolones to more potent molecules was based on changes at positions 1, 6, 7 and 8 of the chemical structure of nalidixic acid. Quinolones inhibit DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV activities, two enzymes essential for bacteria viability. The acquisition of quinolone resistance is frequently related to (i) chromosomal mutations such as those in the genes encoding the A and B subunits of the protein targets (gyrA, gyrB, parC and parE), or mutations causing reduced drug accumulation, either by a decreased uptake or by an increased efflux, and (ii) quinolone resistance genes associated with plasmids have been also described, i.e. the qnr gene that encodes a pentapeptide, which blocks the action of quinolones on the DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV; the aac(6′)‐Ib‐cr gene that encodes an acetylase that modifies the amino group of the piperazin ring of the fluoroquinolones and efflux pump encoded by the qepA gene that decreases intracellular drug levels. These plasmid‐mediated mechanisms of resistance confer low levels of resistance but provide a favourable background in which selection of additional chromosomally encoded quinolone resistance mechanisms can occur.
tmRNA of Streptomyces collinus and Streptomyces griseus during the growth and in the presence of antibiotics
Authors: Palečková Petra , Bobek Jan , Mikulík Karel 
Published: October 2008

SummaryStreptomycetes are soil microorganisms with the potential to produce a broad spectrum of secondary metabolities. The production of antibiotics is accompanied by a decrease in protein synthesis, which raises the question of how these bacteria survived the transition from the primary to the secondary metabolism. Translating ribosomes incapable to properly elongate or terminate polypeptide chain activate bacterial trans‐translation system. Abundance and stability of the tmRNA during growth of Streptomyces collinus and Streptomyces griseus producing kirromycin and streptomycin, respectively, was analysed. The level of tmRNA is mostly proportional to the activity of the translational system. We demonstrate that the addition of sub‐inhibitory concentrations of produced antibiotics to the cultures from the beginning of the exponential phase of growth leads to an increase in tmRNA levels and to an incorporation of amino acids into the tag‐peptides at trans‐translation of stalled ribosomes. These findings suggest that produced antibiotics induce tmRNA that facilitate reactivation of stalled complex of ribosomes and maintain viability. The effect of antibiotics that inhibit the cell‐wall turnover, DNA, RNA or protein synthesis on the level of tmRNA was examined. Antibiotics interfering with ribosomal target sites are more effective at stimulation of the tmRNA level in streptomycetes examined than those affecting the synthesis of DNA, RNA or the cell wall.
Social Control Behavior: The Effects of Social Situations and Personal Implication on Informal Social Sanctions
Authors: Chekroun Peggy 
Published: October 2008

AbstractSocial control is the generic term used to refer to reactions to counter‐normative behaviors and to informal social sanctions that can be attributed to deviant individuals. This review of theories and experimental findings addresses the determinants of social control reactions. First, we examine researches in experimental social psychology that show how people's reactions can be inhibited by the presence of others; a phenomenon known as the ‘Bystander effect’. Next, we examine the extent to which group membership factors affect social control. According to the ‘Black Sheep effect’, people are more severe with a deviant when they share their social identity than when he is a member of an out‐group. Even though these processes appear as good predictors for social control reactions, other findings highlight that social control and the previous processes could be associated to self‐related motivations that are encouraging people to defend themselves through the protection of their group's norms.
Social Movements and New Media
Authors: Loader Brian D. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis article explores the contention that social movements are a significant social force transforming societies through their engagement with new media, such as the Internet, Web 2.0, and digital communications, which are seen as capable of facilitating new power structures. Utilizing della Porta and Diani's framework, it considers how new media technologies may be shaping the structure, identity, opportunity, and protest dimensions of social movements. It concludes by suggesting that new media does offer important opportunities for cost‐effective networking, interpretive framing, mobilization, and repertoires of protest action. However, their adoption does not represent the creation of entirely new virtual social movements but rather a new means of providing existing social movement organisations, local activist networks, and street‐level protest with a trans‐national capacity to collaborate, share information, and communicate with a wider audience. Such new media‐enabled social action is both more congruent with a politics of identity but may also increasingly be competing within a media environment saturated by user‐generated content.
Understanding Employment Discrimination: A Multilevel Approach
Authors: Hirsh C. Elizabeth , Cha Youngjoo 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper reviews recent research on employment discrimination on the basis of sex, race, and ethnicity in US work establishments. Unlike blatant discrimination of the past, contemporary discrimination is typically more subtle, often unintentional, and develops in relationship to the social context in which it is embedded. Focusing on this covert and dynamic nature of discrimination, we review recent research that identifies factors at the individual, workplace, and societal level that contribute to variation in sex and race discrimination across employment contexts. At each level, we conceptually distinguish between factors that influence employers’ sex and race biases and factors that affect potential victims’ capacity to identify discriminatory experiences at work.
Feminist and Gender Media Studies: A Critical Overview
Authors: Mendes Kaitlynn , Carter Cynthia 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis paper offers a general overview of past, current, and developing issues and debates in the growing field of gender and feminist media studies. Its main aim is to provide for those who are new to the field, as well as advanced students and researchers, a broad sense of what is now significant and important area of academic research. It engages with the differences and similarities between gender and feminist media studies, gendered communication systems, gendered news production, feminist methodologies and methods in communication research (textual, audience, and production based), the media's role in constructing gender, and gendered and feminist research by specific media form including advertising, magazines, film, television, news, radio, and the Internet and new media. The outline of research presented is not exhaustive; however, it attempts to trace certain significant developments in the field historically, conceptually, methodologically politically and trans‐nationally.
The Information Environment of War
Authors: Gillan Kevin , Pickerill Jenny , Webster Frank 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis article observes high levels of anxiety about war in the present era, although wars are in decline. It addresses this paradox by distinguishing ideal‐typical features of Industrial and Information War.Industrial War is fought predominantly between states over territory, harnesses industry and the military, and requires mass mobilisation of people as well as resources.Information War is the prerogative of a few advanced societies and has emerged in a context that has enabled the extension of market practices on a global scale (with America as a unipolar power). Information War transcends frontiers, is asymmetrical, and itshardside is manifest in digitalised technologies and small professional forces. However, itssoftside evokes the expanded and fast‐changing information environment of globalised media, trans‐national networks and the Internet. Through these, media wars can be experienced intensely by civilians who are otherwise untouched: at once close up and far away. This contributes to heightened consciousness of war, although such spectators are removed from danger. Although interests try to control information flows from and about war, theinformation environmentis huge, shifting and unpredictable. As such, it is impossible to control fully, thereby presenting opportunities for vigoroussymbolic strugglesinvolving anti‐war campaigners and others.
Relationship between ocular pulse amplitude and systemic blood pressure measurements
Authors: Grieshaber Matthias C. , Katamay Robert , Gugleta Konstantin , Kochkorov Asan , Flammer Josef , Orgül Selim 
Published: October 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  This study aimed to determine whether ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) measured with dynamic contour tonometry (DCT) is related to systemic blood pressure (BP) parameters.Methods:  Blood pressure was measured continuously and simultaneously with OPA in one randomly selected eye in 29 healthy subjects. Systemic parameters of interest were: systolic and diastolic BPs and their difference (BP amplitude), and left ventricle ejection time (LVET; defined as the time between the diastolic trough and the incisural notch in the BP curve). In addition, the axial length (AL) of the eye was measured. Associations between OPA, AL and systemic cardiovascular parameters were analysed in a multivariate regression model.Results:  Measurements of OPA ranged from 1.0 mmHg to 4.9 mmHg (mean 2.3 ± 0.9 mmHg, median 1.9 mmHg). In a univariate analysis with one predictor at a time, means of intraocular pressure (IOP) (p = 0.008), AL (p = 0.046) and LVET (p = 0.037) were significantly correlated with OPA, whereas systolic and diastolic BPs and their amplitude were not. A multiple linear regression analysis showed that mean IOP (p < 0.005), AL (p = 0.01) and LVET (p = 0.002) all independently contributed to OPA.Conclusions:  The OPA readings measured with DCT in healthy subjects were not related to BP levels and amplitude. It seems that the OPA strongly depends on the time−course of the cardiac contraction. Regulating mechanisms in the carotid system as well as scleral rigidity may be responsible for dampening the direct effect of BP variations.
Mortality after uveal and conjunctival melanoma: which tumour is more deadly?
Authors: Kujala Emma , Tuomaala Seppo , Eskelin Sebastian , Kivelä Tero 
Published: October 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  We aimed to model and compare mortality rates for uveal melanoma (UM) and conjunctival melanoma (CM) by adjusting for differences in tumour size and local recurrence.Methods:  Population‐based mortality data for 240 and 85 patients with primary UM and CM and 91 and 23 patients with disseminated UM and CM, respectively, were compared with cumulative incidence analysis. Cox proportional hazards multivariate regression with time‐dependent variables was used to adjust for differences in tumour diameter, thickness and recurrence rates.Results:  The 10‐year cumulative incidences of metastatic death from UM and CM were 39% (95% confidence interval [CI] 33–45) and 32% (95% CI 21–44), respectively. After adjusting for tumour size, risk of death from CM was higher than from UM (hazard ratio [HR] 1.9; p = 0.039). Additional adjustment for more frequent local recurrence of CM diminished the difference (HR 1.5; p = 0.25). Survival periods after systemic metastasis of UM and CM were comparable (median 8 months).Conclusions:  Clinical observations show longer survival after primary CM than after primary UM. This reflects the smaller average size of CM. However, a primary CM of a given size is more deadly than a UM of equivalent size because primary CM tends to recur after treatment and, possibly, because additional lymphatic dissemination occurs with CM.
LIQUIDITY AND THE INFORMATIONAL EFFICIENCY OF AFRICAN STOCK MARKETS
Authors: Smith Graham 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe hypothesis that a stock market price index follows a random walk is tested for 11 African stock markets, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia and Zimbabwe using joint variance ratio tests with finite‐sample critical values, over the period beginning in January 2000 and ending in September 2006. The iid random walk hypothesis is rejected in all 11 markets. In four stock markets, Egypt, Nigeria, Tunisia and South Africa, weekly returns are a martingale difference sequence. Liquidity is an important factor which contributes to whether a stock market follows a random walk.
FINANCIAL AND MONETARY AUTONOMY AND INTERDEPENDENCE BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND THE OTHER SACU COUNTRIES
Authors: Aziakpono Meshach Jesse 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe paper uses cointegration and error correction modelling techniques together with tests of weak exogeneity, and monthly interest rates for the period 1990 to 2005, to examine the degree of financial and monetary autonomy and interdependence between South Africa and the other Southern African Customs, Union (SACU) countries. The results reveal a high level of dependence of the other SACU countries' financial systems on South Africa's financial system, which suggests that a monetary unification with a single central bank (South African Reserve Bank) and monetary policy for the union is feasible.
CORRUPTION AND THE COMPOSITION OF TAX REVENUE IN MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICAN ECONOMIES1
Authors: Thornton John 
Published: October 2008

AbstractRegression results from a panel of 53 Middle East and African economies suggest that corruption has a quite large negative and statistically significant impact on tax revenues, mainly reflecting the impact of corruption on tax collections from social security, and taxes on domestic goods and services and international trade transactions. Policy changes to boost tax revenues might usefully focus on changes in direct taxes and efforts to combat corruption in tax collections should focus on indirect taxes.
ECONOMIC GROWTH, INCOME AND HAPPINESS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY
Authors: Mahadea D. , Rawat T. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe pursuit of high economic growth is considered desirable as it generates an increase in a nation's wealth, income, employment and output. The rising income should enable consumers to purchase more goods and services, which in turn should result in enhanced utility and subjective happiness. Empirical studies suggest that higher income resulting from high rates of economic growth contribute to poverty alleviation and life satisfaction in low income countries. Higher income raises the happiness of the poor. In developed countries, higher income does not seem to “buy” higher happiness, once a threshold level of income is reached. This exploratory study seeks to examine the quantitative and qualitative sources of happiness. A higher absolute level of income is found to be significantly related to subjective happiness. Among the non‐income factors, family togetherness, a good working environment and a higher level of education can contribute to making people happier. Happiness thus involves more than just economic growth and income.