certain verbs and constructions need ne but not pas in order to be negative
The use of pas in these constructions is not prohibited, simply optional.
The ne littéraire is used with seven verbs:
Cesser, oser, and pouvoir never need pas.
Il ne cesse de parler.
He never stops talking.
The ne explétif is used after certain verbs and conjunctions. I call it a "non-negative ne" because it has no negative value in and of itself. It is used in situations where the main clause has a negative (either negative-bad or negative-negated) meaning, such as expressions of fear, warning, doubt, and negation.
Elle a peur qu'il ne soit malade.
She's afraid that he is sick.
Reference:
http://french.about.com/od/grammar/a/negation_form_3.htm
http://www86.homepage.villanova.edu/seth.whidden/nesanspas.html
http://www.personal.psu.edu/aas195/blogs/french_402y_spring_2009/2009/02/french-grammar-arcana-ne-litteraire-ne-expletif.html
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