bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refractory Ascites
Authors: Cárdenas Andrés , Arroyo Vicente
Published: May 2005

Patients with cirrhosis have significant abnormalities in their fluid and electrolyte balance; this is manifested mainly by the development of ascites and edema. Ascites is the most common complication of patients with cirrhosis and its development constitutes the first and most important manifestation of the disease. With disease progression, patients with advanced cirrhosis and severe urinary sodium retention develop refractory ascites, a condition in which patients do not respond to diuretics or develop severe side effects to these that preclude their use. This condition occurs in 5–10% of cases admitted to the hospital for treatment of ascites. Approximately half of these patients will die within 1 year if not transplanted; therefore, the best therapy is liver transplantation in suitable candidates. During the last two decades, significant advances have been made in regard to pathogenesis and treatment of refractory ascites. The re-introduction of therapeutic paracentesis with plasma expansion in the 1980s was a milestone in the treatment of these patients. In addition, the introduction of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts as a therapy for refractory ascites has certainly provided a reasonable alternative for those patients with preserved liver function and unwilling to undergo several taps per month. This article will discuss the pathophysiology, clinical features and therapy of refractory ascites in cirrhosis.
Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis
Authors: Sheer Todd A. , Runyon Bruce A.
Published: May 2005

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a bacterial infection of ascitic fluid in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. The modifier ‘spontaneous’ distinguishes this from surgical peritonitis. The infecting organisms are usually enteric gram-negatives which have translocated from the bowel. Symptoms of infection occur in most patients with SBP, including fever, abdominal pain, mental status changes, and ileus. A high index of suspicion should exist for SBP in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. Diagnostic abdominal paracentesis can be undertaken with minimal risk and should be performed in all patients admitted to the hospital, during times of worsening clinical appearance, or when gastrointestinal bleeding occurs. The ascitic fluid polymorphonuclear cell count is the most sensitive test in evaluating for infection. Cultures of the ascitic fluid are helpful in identifying the organism and are best performed by bedside injection of blood culture bottles. Ascites total protein, lactate dehydrogenase, and glucose levels can assist in distinguishing SBP from secondary peritonitis. Empirical therapy is recommended after paracentesis if suspicion for infection exists. Cefotaxime is the best-studied antibiotic for this purpose and has excellent penetration into ascites with no nephrotoxicity. Prophylaxis should be limited to high-risk settings. Mortality rates in SBP have declined dramatically, largely due to earlier detection and improved therapy.
Hepatorenal Syndrome
Authors: Guevara Mónica , Ginès Pere
Published: May 2005

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a serious event during the course of decompensated cirrhosis. Although the most characteristic feature of the syndrome is a functional renal failure due to intense renal vasoconstriction, it is a more generalized process affecting the heart, brain and splanchnic organs. There are two types of HRS. Type 1 HRS is characterized by a rapidly progressive impairment of the circulatory and renal functions associated with a very poor prognosis (median survival rate lower than 2 weeks). Type 2 HRS is characterized by a steady impairment of the circulatory and renal functions with a median survival of 6 months. The pathogenesis of HRS is a deterioration of the effective arterial blood volume due to splanchnic arterial vasodilation and a reduction in venous return and cardiac output. It is therefore not surprising that the syndrome can be reversed by the simultaneous administration of intravenous albumin and arterial vasoconstrictors. Intrarenal mechanisms are important as well and require prolonged improvement of the circulatory function to be deactivated. Long-term administration of intravenous albumin and vasoconstrictors or correction of portal hypertension with a transjugular intrahepatic portacaval shunt are effective treatments of HRS, and many serve as a bridge to liver transplantation, the treatment of choice in these patients.
Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt
Authors: Ochs Andreas
Published: May 2005

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is an interventional treatment resulting in decompression of the portal system by creation of a side-to-side portosystemic anastomosis. Since its introduction 16 years ago, more than 1,000 publications have appeared demonstrating broad acceptance and increasing clinical use. This review summarizes our present knowledge about technical aspects and complications, follow-up of patients and indications. A technical success rate near 100% and a low occurrence of complications clearly depend on the skills of the operator. The follow-up of the TIPS patient has to assess shunt patency, liver function, hepatic encephalopathy and the possible development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Shunt patency can best be monitored by duplex sonography and can avoid routine radiological revision. Short-term patency may be improved by anticoagulation, while such a treatment does not influence long-term patency. Stent grafts covered with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene show promising long-term patency comparable with that of surgical shunts. With respect to the indications of TIPS, much is known about treatment of variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. The thirteen randomized studies that are available to date show that survival is comparable in patients receiving TIPS or endoscopic treatment for acute or recurrent variceal bleeding. Another group comprises patients with refractory ascites and related complications, such as hepatorenal syndrome and hepatic hydrothorax. It has been demonstrated that TIPS improves these complications. Five randomized studies comparing TIPS with paracentesis and one study comparing TIPS with the peritoneo-venous shunt showed good response of ascites but controversial results on survival. In addition, TIPS has been successfully applied to patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome, portal vein thrombosis, before liver transplantation, and for the treatment of ectopic variceal bleeding.
Liver Transplantation as Ultimate Tool to Treat Portal Hypertension
Authors: Klupp J. , Kohler S. , Pascher A. , Neuhaus P.
Published: May 2005

Portal hypertension is a complication of liver cirrhosis that may itself cause complications such as variceal bleeding, ascites and hepatorenal syndrome. There are several options for symptomatic treatment including drug therapy, endoscopy, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and various surgical procedures, notably liver transplantation, the only causal treatment. The indication for liver transplantation has to be defined carefully. Progression of the primary disease, evaluation of comorbidity and overall prognosis have to be considered. Conservative symptomatic treatment is used for bridging purposes until liver transplantation can be provided to cure portal hypertension and the underlying primary disease. Careful timing of the transplantation is necessary as well as reorganization of the waiting lists by introducing new priority systems as the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) in order to reduce mortality. Furthermore, living donor liver transplantation and split liver transplantation are methods to enlarge the donor pool, and thus accessibility of transplantation to a greater number of patients. This review evaluates the indication of liver transplantation in the treatment of portal hypertension.
Should Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Be Renamed?
Authors: Loria Paola , Lonardo Amedeo , Carulli Nicola
Published: May 2005

Background:None of the synonyms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) include clinical correlates nor do they mention insulin resistance, a recognized determinant of the etiopathogenesis and natural history of NAFLD. Method: The literature concerning the pathogenesis and definition of NAFLD is reviewed Results: The reasons why NAFLD should be renamed are: (a) clinically meaningful hepatic steatosis could be present at less than 5% triglyceride hepatic content; (b) steatosis is usually no longer observed in the most advanced forms of NAFLD (‘cryptogenic cirrhosis’); (c) the concurrence of metabolic derangements could be more important than alcohol in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease; (d) a concurrent metabolic etiology might worsen the course of chronic HCV and autoimmune hepatitis; (e) in NAFLD the liver is a target organ of the metabolic syndrome, a systemic subclinical inflammatory state. Conclusion: The introduction of a positive criterion also mentioned in its definition would benefit the diagnosis of NAFLD and of steatohepatitis observed in the setting of other liver diseases, help to estimate the risk of its progression and aid the treatment of metabolic (fatty) liver disorders. There is a compelling need for an experts’ agreement on a new definition of insulin resistance/metabolic-related liver disease.
Acute Pancreatitis Associated with Combined Lisinopril and Atorvastatin Therapy
Authors: Kanbay Mehmet , Sekuk Haldun , Yilmaz Ugur , Gur Gürden , Boyacıoglu Sedat
Published: May 2005

Few data exist about the incidence of drug-induced pancreatitis in the general population. Drugs are related to the etiology of pancreatitis in about 1.4–2% of cases. Although statins are generally well tolerated, acute pancreatitis has been reported in a few cases treated with atorvastatin, fluvastatin and simvastatin. A 86-year-old man with long-standing history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, who was treated with lisinopril 10 mg and atorvastatin 20 mg once daily presented with acute pancreatitis. Other causes of the disease were ruled out. After cessation of the drugs, his physical condition improved and the amylase level decreased. To our knowledge, pancreatitis induced by a combination of atorvastatin together with lisinopril has never been reported in the literature.
Endoscopic Perductal Electrolytic Ablation of the Pancreas: Experimental Studies of Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Morrison C.P. , Court F.G. , Teague B.D. , Metcalfe M.S. , Wemyss-Holden S.A. , Texler M. , Dennison A.R. , Maddern G.J.
Published: May 2005

Background: Palliation of pancreatic cancer remains the only option for the majority of patients. Palliative techniques such as surgical bypass and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with stenting are not ideal. The ‘ideal’ palliative technique would combine the efficacy of surgery with the minimal complications of an endoscopic procedure. Endoscopically delivered perductal electrolytic ablation of pancreatic lesions has the potential to meet these criteria. Methods: Fifteen pigs were used. The pancreatic duct was cannulated with an electrolysis catheter. Animals were randomised to either: controls, treatment 2-week survivor or treatment 8-week survivor. An electrolytic dose was administered to the treatment animals. Post-operatively, serum amylase and leucocyte count were assessed. Pancreata were histologically examined to detect evidence of acute pancreatitis. Results: Electrolysis was well tolerated. There was no difference in post-operative hyperamylasaemia and leucocyte count between the groups. Histological examination showed inflammation at the ablation site at 2 weeks, by 8 weeks this was replaced by scarring. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that endoscopic perductal electrolytic ablation of the pancreas is feasible and safe. Biochemical and histological findings indicate self-limiting localised inflammation of the pancreas. This technique may have a role in the palliation of pancreatic cancer and warrants further investigation.
What Do Patients Want from Their Acute Migraine Therapy?
Authors: Lantéri-Minet Michel
Published: May 2005

A minority of migraine sufferers are diagnosed and treated and medical consultation rates are low even among those aware of their condition. Despite guidelines recommending the use of triptans, there are high rates of usage of nonspecific treatments, mainly simple analgesics, coupled with low prevalence of triptan use. Consequently, many individuals with migraine are not receiving the kind of treatment that would meet their expec tations and leave them satisfied. For patients, the most important attributes of acute migraine treatment are complete freedom from pain, rapid onset of action, no recurrence and absence of side effects. More widespread use of triptans would have the potential to improve outcomes and increase patient satisfaction, leading to a better migraine-related quality of life. In choosing among triptans, physicians need to match individual patients’ needs and wants with the attributes of the particular triptans, taking into account a medication’s complete profile of efficacy, consistency and tolerability, and using information from meta-analyses and modelling to ensure evidenced-based, patient-oriented decision-making.
Should We Advise Patients to Treat Migraine Attacks Early: Methodologic Issues
Authors: Ferrari Michel D.
Published: May 2005

In clinical trials of triptans in acute migraine, patients have traditionally been required to take their medication only when their pain reached moderate or severe intensity. This methodology better ensured that migraine attacks rather than nonmigraine headaches were treated, minimized the placebo response and simplified comparison of improvement as all patients start from the same baseline pain level. In clinical practice, patients do not take medication in this way, and there is some theoretical evidence that early treatment might be beneficial. There are increasing numbers of reports claiming advantages of ‘early’ treatment, when the pain is mild, over ‘late’ treatment, when pain is moderate or severe, but these studies raise significant methodologic issues. Treating ‘early’ may equate with treating ‘mild’ in slowly progressing attacks only but this may not always be the case in rapidly progressing attacks; these two types of migraine attacks should be distinguished carefully and investigated separately. Trials should be placebo-controlled, blinded, assess the therapeutic gain versus placebo rather than the absolute rates, and use the sustained pain-free endpoint. Early treatment may also increase the risk of medication overuse headaches. At present, there is no scientific support to advise patient to treat early. Patients should be advised to take their medication as soon as they are sure they are developing a migraine headache, but not during the aura phase.
Defining Response in Migraine: Which Endpoints Are Important?
Authors: Edmeads John
Published: May 2005

The primary endpoint traditionally measured in clinical trials of triptans for acute migraine therapy has been 2-hour pain relief, a decrease in pain intensity from moderate/severe to mild/none. Although harder to achieve, endpoints such as 2-hour pain free and the composite measure sustained pain free are now preferred as they better reflect what patients desire from medication, namely rapid onset of action, and complete and lasting relief of pain. A comprehensive meta-analysis has shown that oral triptans differ in their ability to achieve these endpoints, with almotriptan 12.5 mg, eletriptan 80 mg and rizatriptan 10 mg providing the highest likelihood of success. Although all triptans have simple and consistent pharmacokinetic features, they also have specific differences that may play a part in their differing clinical attributes. Incorporating tolerability to generate a more stringent endpoint, sustained pain free with no adverse events (SNAE), may provide an even better representation of patients’ expectations. Comparison of SNAE rates using data from the meta-analysis of oral triptans indicates that almotriptan 12.5 mg has the best balance of high efficacy and good tolerability.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Almotriptan in Postmarketing Surveillance Studies
Authors: Pascual Julio
Published: May 2005

While randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are considered the gold standard of clinical evidence, they are limited by patient numbers, duration of patient exposure, and restricted patient populations. Data from controlled trials may not be generalizable to all individuals likely to take the drug under investigation. Postmarketing surveillance studies are designed to measure efficacy and safety in larger and more diverse populations, allowing them to detect less common and delayed adverse events. However, postmarketing surveillance studies are limited by their lack of randomization, open-label design that can result in patient and physician bias, incomplete follow-up, less than rigorous outcome measurement, and lack of a contemporaneous control group. With regard to acute treatment of migraine, clinical trials using per protocol primary endpoints do not reflect the more favorable experience with triptans in general practice. Postmarketing surveillance studies have been performed to determine whether the high levels of efficacy and tolerability of almotriptan reported in controlled clinical trials can been reproduced in routine practice. An observational study conducted in Spain with 2,074 migraine sufferers (4,183 attacks) reported a 2-hour pain-relief rate of 86.9%, a 2-hour pain-free rate of 51.5%, and a sustained pain-free rate of 46.0%; 1.1% of patients reported adverse reactions. A German postmarketing study in 899 patients (2,131 attacks) with acute migraine treated with almotriptan 12.5 mg reported 2-hour pain relief in 84.5% of attacks and 2-hour pain free in 41.4%; 1.1% of patients reported adverse reactions. The consistency of response (at least two out of three attacks successfully treated) with almotriptan 12.5 mg was 87.3%. Regarding satisfaction, 88.5% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied and 80.3% of patients stated that almotriptan was better compared to their prior therapy; 92% of physicians indicated that they would continue treating their patients’ migraines with almotriptan. The results of these studies demonstrate that the high levels of efficacy and tolerability seen with almotriptan in controlled clinical trials are achieved in real-world clinical settings. In conclusion, a combination of controlled clinical trials, postmarketing surveillance studies, and physician’s experience in the general population can give us a better understanding of the efficacy and tolerability of acute migraine agents.
Blood Pressure-Independent ETA and AT1 Receptor Blocker Effects on the Coronaries of Rats Harboring Human Renin and Angiotensinogen Genes
Authors: Gerbaulet Stephan P. , Krämer Jochen , Bohlender Jürgen , Dietz Rainer , Gross C. Michael
Published: May 2005

Background:Blood pressure-independent (BP) effects of angiotensin (Ang) II and endothelin (ET) on coronaries (remodeling) in high renin hypertension are incompletely understood. Methods:We studied the effects of subdepressor doses of Ang II receptor (AT1) blockade with losartan (10 mg/kg/day gavage) and endothelin A receptor (ETA) blockade with LU135252 (30 mg/kg/day) on the coronaries of rats harboring human renin and angiotensinogen genes (dTGR). Nontransgenic Sprague-Dawley rats were controls. The rats were treated between the ages of 6 and 10 weeks. Coronary cross-sectional area [CSA; 0.79 × (external diameter2 – internal diameter2)], cell proliferation, and infiltration of monocytes/macrophages were determined. Results:Monotherapy did not lower BP while combination treatment did (p < 0.05). All treatments reduced mortality (p < 0.01). CSA was decreased by all treatments compared to vehicle, independent of blood pressure (p < 0.05). Extensive proliferation by PCNA staining and infiltration of ED-1-positive cells was diminished by both treatment and the combination. Conclusions:The data show that Ang II promotes coronary inflammation and remodeling, in part independent of blood pressure but dependent upon ET signaling. Combination treatment directed at both pathways may improve outcome, independent of blood pressure reduction.
Consequences of Inadequate Management of Hyponatremia
Authors: Adrogué Horacio J.
Published: May 2005

Dilutional hyponatremia is a commonly observed disorder in hospitalized patients. It represents an excess of water in relation to prevailing sodium stores and is most often associated with a high plasma level of arginine vasopressin, including that found in patients with the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. Hyponatremia may be classified as either acute or chronic depending on the rate of decline of serum sodium concentration, and can lead to a wide range of deleterious changes involving almost all body systems. Serious complications of dilutional hyponatremia most frequently involve the central nervous system. In fact, acute severe hyponatremia is potentially life-threatening and must be treated promptly and aggressively. Chronic hyponatremia often develops in patients with nonrenal diseases and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In patients hospitalized for congestive heart failure, hyponatremia is linked to a poor prognosis and increased length of hospital stay. Prompt recognition and optimal management of hyponatremia in hospitalized patients may reduce in-hospital mortality and symptom severity, allow for less intensive hospital care, decrease the duration of hospitalization and associated costs, and improve the treatment of underlying comorbid conditions and patients’ quality of life. The proper treatment of dilutional hyponatremia, especially when chronic, must avoid increasing serum sodium too rapidly, which can lead to permanent or fatal neurologic sequelae. The treatment of hyponatremia may be facilitated by emerging therapies that block the actions of arginine vasopressin at V2 and V1a receptors to promote aquaresis, the electrolyte-sparing elimination of free water, and elevate serum sodium concentrations.
Time Remembered
Authors: Sills Helen
Published: May 2005

The human brain is capable of experiencing highly complex auditory imagery. Musicians find it valuable to mentally rehearse the auditory image of a piece of music, in the absence of the orchestra or instrument, to help perfect their actual physical performance of it. For this, the auditory image must first be founded on a perfect memory of all the work's musical aspects, and then 'lived- through  in a very finely-judged realisation of its movement in time, so that all its precision or expressive flexibility of tempo and qualities of meaning are fully released.

Two neural processes shed light on the trained musician's ability to reproduce the duration of a mental rehearsal with great accuracy: the generation of firing patterns searching for pattern and symmetry, and the coherence behaviour of music processing units in the higher wave-bands. In the light of these two processes, I comment on the experience of mentally rehearsing 'Prélude á L'Aprés-midi d'un Faune', and 'Symphonies of Wind Instruments', and on the organising relationships which heighten the temporal aspects to produce a strong auditory form.
Times on the Wall: An Analysis of a Traditional Turkish Calendar
Authors: Yakýn Aslý Yazýcý
Published: May 2005

This essay analyses a wall calendar called "Saatli Maarif Takvimi" which creates a domesticated temporality. It reconstructs the relation of Turkish society with its past while reflecting three separate time experiences. The first one is linear time. The other is cyclical time found on the daily pages of the calendar where there are references to farming and agriculture. The third and most exceptional time concept discloses itself via a definition on the background and in the physical form of the calendar. It is a time that does not flow, called vakit in Islamic mysticism, and is based on spatiality.
Fictive Time - Bachelard on Memory, Duration and Consciousness
Authors: Russell Conrad
Published: May 2005

I am concerned here with an analysis of time and memory as human creations. Drawing on the work of Bachelard, but also on Guyau and Janet, I argue that time and memory can be thought of as "fictive", as a work of human imagination and creativity. Temporal rhythms are not simple repetitions, but acts of will, marked by an attempt to perfect earlier repetitions. Memory is not simply a photographic record of the past accessed by intuition, but rather a cinematic act of narration. Time is a human creative act, as is the self, with which it is closely bound up. The very nature of reasoning and of our engagement with the world, imply that both time and the self are discontinuous and open. Thought and creation involve negations and ruptures. As such, Bachelardian time is at odds with Bergsonian duration. This paper follows Bachelard as he develops his own understanding of time and memory through a "subversive" critique of Bergson's thought.
Buddhist Modernism and the Rhetoric of Meditative Experience
Authors: Sharf Robert
Published: May 2005

The category “experience” has played a cardinal role in modern studies of buddhism. Few scholars seem to question the notion that Buddhist monastic practice, particularly meditation, is intended first and foremost to inculcate specific religious or “mystical” experiences in the minds of practitioners. Accordingly, a wide variety of Buddhist technical terms pertaining to the “stages on the path” are subject to a phenomenological hermeneutic—they are interpreted as if they designated discrete “states of consciousness” experienced by historical individuals in the course of their meditative practice.
Religion, Law and the Construction of Identities
Authors: Fallers Sullivan Winnifred
Published: May 2005

This introduction sets the academic and historical context for the four articles that follow. It considers how the modern legal disestablishment of religion has changed both religion and law and the nature of the interaction between them. It further argues that there has been insufficient academic attention given to the effect of disestablishment on both religion and the discourse about religion in modern secular society.
Conflicts of Law: Reconsidering the Influence of Religion on Law in Massachusetts Bay
Authors: Dale Elizabeth
Published: May 2005

The idea that there were different points of view in seventeenth century Massachusetts Bay is not a new one. Several recent studies have undermined Perry Miller's monolithic “Puritan Mind”—demonstrating there were many strands of thought even among the nominally orthodox, and suggesting that we think of the settlers in New England as members of a movement with many ideas, rather than holders of a single point of view.While the idea that there were divisions within the category of Puritan is not a new one, the extent to which that ideological pluralism had a practical impact on the Bay colony's institutions, from its families to its governing system, has not yet been explored. This paper is a preliminary effort to demonstrate how ideological pluralism led to different conceptions of law, and had a practical effect on the legal system developed in the first generation of settlement in Massachusetts Bay.
Competing Theories of Religion and Law in the Supreme Court of the United States: An Hasidic Case
Authors: Fallers Sullivan Winnifred
Published: May 2005

The meaning and application of the religion clauses of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution are currently a matter of intense and increasingly intractable public debate. The academic study of religion can make a positive contribution to this debate by inviting its participants into a conversation about human religion that is already struggling with problems of definition and of language and that wishes to affirm the existence and importance of human religion without establishing a particular definition of religion, without unconsciously theologizing. A close examination of the legal debate can, in turn, serve the purposes of scholars of religion. The politically charged context of First Amendment jurisprudence provides an interesting laboratory in which to test theories of religion.
The Revival of Mexican Religions: The Impact of Nativism
Authors: Torres Yolotl González
Published: May 2005

About thirty years ago, there was a deep transformation in Mexican society due, among other things, to the introduction of capitalist technologies and a geographical mobility of population which generated a generalized social crisis which allowed the massive penetration and proliferation of religious movements in Mexico. These were mainly Protestant in its different versions as well as groups of Eastern origins. Somewhat, as a counterpart movement, the “Mexicanidad”-Mexicaness, started to increase in popularity. The “Mexicanidad” is formed by three main groups which differentiate in many aspects, but have as their common goal the restoration of Mexico as the spiritual center of the world. We try to analyze the three different groups and its associations with each other.
Appendice
Authors: Cahen Claude
Published: May 2005

Claude Cahen a rédigé ce compte-rendu de l'ouvrage De la connaissance historique publié en 1955 par Henri-Irénée Marrou. Il l'a proposé à la revue Esprit dirigée alors par Jean-Marie Domenach. La rédaction d'Esprit ne semble pas avoir donné suite, car on lit, de la main de Claude Cahen, sur le texte dactylographié et resté inédit: «Envoyé à Esprit en février 1955. Pas de réaction.»
Préface à la Réimpression de sa Thèse par Claude Cahen
Authors: Cahen Claude
Published: May 2005

En 1981, Claude Cahen avait accepté de voir sa thèse rééditée et avait rédigé une préface qui a été retrouvée dans ses papiers. Ce projet a néanmoins échoué, dans la mesure où la maison Geuthner était en réalité détentrice du copyright et refusa alors de le céder.
First record of female of Ilybius wewalkai (Fery & Nilsson, 1993) (Coleoptera, Dytiscidae) from Turkey
Authors: Erman Ömer Köksal
Published: May 2005

The female of Ilybius wewalkai has been found in Turkey at two new sites for this species, previously known only as males from the type locality. The identification of this species is reviewed.
Breeding patterns and demography of a population of the Cabrera vole, Microtus cabrerae
Authors: Fernández-Salvador Rosa , Ventura Jacint , García-Perea Rosa
Published: May 2005

A population of the Iberian endemic rodent, Cabrera vole Microtus cabrerae Thomas, 1906, was monitored from April 1997 to April 1999 in monthly trapping sessions. Results suggest that low rainfall combined with high temperatures is a limiting factor for reproduction in this population. Population density (17-115 ind/ha) was lower than values recorded for most Microtus species, and similar to those recorded for certain species living in atypical habitats or for non-cyclic microtines. The total value of recruitment (55.8%) was lower than for other Microtus, attributable to the weather, litter size, monogamy, and territoriality. Persistence and residency were higher than in other species of Microtus; such values in M. cabrerae could be due to its slower rate of renewal, characteristic of the K-strategy of reproduction. Habitat patch size correlated with reproductive variables, but not with presence/absence of individuals. The minimum area to consider a patch as a source was 300 m2; smaller patches showed non-continuous occupation, lower number of breeding pairs, and scarce number of young born. Habitat fragmentation at the local level, in addition to human activities in rural areas, may worsen the effects of climatic fluctuations in Cabrera vole habitats, leading to a decrease of patch size and therefore of the ability to sustain populations.
Effects of a Spectral Surface Reflectance on Measurements of Backscattered Solar Radiation: Application to the MOPITT Methane Retrieval
Authors: Pfister G. , Gille J. C. , Ziskin D. , Francis G. , Edwards D. P. , Deeter M. N. , Abbott E.
Published: May 2005

The amount of solar radiation emerging from the top of the atmosphere is strongly influenced by the reflectance of the underlying surface. For this reason, some information about the magnitude and the spectral variability of the surface reflectance typically has to be included in the retrieval of atmospheric parameters from reflected solar radiation measurements. Sufficient information about the surface reflectance properties is rarely available, and the integration of this effect in the retrieval might turn out to be a challenge, especially for broadband instruments. In this paper the focus is on the Measurements of Pollution in the Troposphere (MOPITT) remote sensing instrument. Theoretical studies are performed to investigate how a spectrally varying surface reflectance might impact the retrieval of the total column amount of methane from MOPITT radiance measurements, and the current findings are compared to observed biases. However, the findings present herein might be valuable and applicable for other remote sensing instruments that are sensitive to the amount of solar radiation reflected from the earth’s surface.
A Modified Beam-to-Earth Transformation to Measure Short-Wavelength Internal Waves with an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler
Authors: Scotti A. , Butman B. , Beardsley R. C. , Alexander P. Soupy , Anderson S.
Published: May 2005

The algorithm used to transform velocity signals from beam coordinates to earth coordinates in an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) relies on the assumption that the currents are uniform over the horizontal distance separating the beams. This condition may be violated by (nonlinear) internal waves, which can have wavelengths as small as 100–200 m. In this case, the standard algorithm combines velocities measured at different phases of a wave and produces horizontal velocities that increasingly differ from true velocities with distance from the ADCP. Observations made in Massachusetts Bay show that currents measured with a bottom-mounted upward-looking ADCP during periods when short-wavelength internal waves are present differ significantly from currents measured by point current meters, except very close to the instrument. These periods are flagged with high error velocities by the standard ADCP algorithm. In this paper measurements from the four spatially diverging beams and the backscatter intensity signal are used to calculate the propagation direction and celerity of the internal waves. Once this information is known, a modified beam-to-earth transformation that combines appropriately lagged beam measurements can be used to obtain current estimates in earth coordinates that compare well with pointwise measurements.
Error Characteristics of Rainfall Measurements by Collocated Joss–Waldvogel Disdrometers
Authors: Tokay Ali , Bashor Paul G. , Wolff Katherine R.
Published: May 2005

Error characteristics of rainfall measurements were studied using six collocated Joss–Waldvogel (JW) disdrometers that are located at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. The six disdrometer means of rain rate R, reflectivity Z, and differential reflectivity ZDR, for a given minute were considered as a reference. The maximum deviations of R, Z, and ZDR from the mean in a rain event were 0.6 mm h−1, 1.3 dB, and 0.05 dB, respectively. Rainfall statistics were then examined between disdrometer pairs. The root-mean-square (rms) difference of R, Z, and ZDR between paired disdrometers in a rain event were as high as 3.2 mm h−1, 3.7 dB, and 0.3 dB, respectively. The rms difference of R and ZDR were even higher when the disdrometer observations were stratified based on reflectivity intervals. The differences in disdrometer rainfall measurements have a potential impact when the disdrometers are considered as calibration tools for vertically pointing and scanning radars. The differences between the disdrometer measurements also result in differences in coefficients and exponents of the derived relations between radar parameters and rain rate. Among the four different relations between radar parameters and rain rate, the absolute difference in rain rate |ΔR| from two different JW disdrometers was highest in R(ZH, ZDR) and lowest in R(KDP, ZDR). The other two relations were R(Z) and R(KDP). The |ΔR| increases with increasing horizontally polarized reflectivity ZH, and differential specific phase KDP in both single- and dual-parameter rainfall estimators, while the |ΔR| increases with decreasing ZDR in dual-parameter rainfall estimators. Several sources of JW disdrometer malfunctions were also presented. The hardware problems were the leading cause for the malfunction of the JW disdrometers, as identified by the manufacturer. A single JW disdrometer could have inherent measurement errors that can only be identified in the presence of collocated (preferably two) rain-measuring instruments.
Bridging Different Worlds?
Authors: Rydgren Jens
Published: May 2005

This article examines economy and politics in Sweden from a network theoretical perspective. In Sweden, economic and political elites make up two distinct catnets that are largely separated from each other, although there are bridges between them. The article contributes to an understanding of what brokerage roles are at work within the institutional arrangements of corporatism and pluralism. For several decades Sweden was considered one of the prototypical examples of corporatism. Representative brokerage was common, and promoted a relatively high degree of system integration. However, Swedish corporatism has declined dramatically since the early 1990s. This article discusses the consequences for contacts between the economic and political catnets in Sweden, and how corporatism has affected the level of system integration and the creation of social capital. The article shows that the more pluralistic institutional settings that replaced corporatism have resulted in two simultaneous processes: one of fragmentation of the economic catnet, caused by a shift from interest organizations to singular corporations as the locus of contact with political decision-makers, and one of increased importance of professional lobbyists as brokers (of the liaison type).
Systemic Power
Authors: Borch Christian
Published: May 2005

Niklas Luhmann’s theory of power is based on two fundamental pillars. First, he analyzes power functionally as a symbolically generalized medium of communication, which endows his conception of power with a strong evolutionary foundation. Second, he claims that power is constitutively tied to negative sanctions. Drawing upon Michel Foucault’s analytics of power, the article is a critical examination of Luhmann’s theory of power. In particular, Foucault’s critique of the so-called discourse of sovereignty is transformed into an immanent critique of the second pillar in Luhmann’s theory of power. The argument is that this pillar is converse to Luhmann’s evolutionary theoretical objectives, as it reinstalls an Old-European semantics of power. The article contends that systems theory would better redeem its historical goals if it focused primarily upon the functional dimension of power. It is argued that this conceptual revision endows systems theory with a more flexible perspective on power that is both attentive to historical transformations of how power is exercised, and which still carries a strong link to a general theory of society and its evolution. In the article, this openness is demonstrated through a systemic reconstruction of Foucault’s notion of subjectification which, in its Luhmannian version, is coined semantic intrusion.
Business Ethics and Corporate Governance in Latin America
Authors: Bedicks Heloisa B. , Arruda M. Cecilia
Published: May 2005

This article determines what the role of business ethics is within the Latin American corporate governance context. We analyzed five sources of information that provide vital information on the state of corporate governance in Latin America: the meetings of the Latin American Corporate Governance Network; the debates in the Latin America Corporate Governance Roundtables; the study Panorama Atual da Governança Corporativa no Brasil [Overview of Corporate Governance in Brazil], developed by the IBGC (Brazilian Institute of Corporate Governance) in partnership with Booz Allen Hamilton in 2003; the third version of the Code of Best Practices of Corporate Governance produced by the IBGC in March 2004; and the IBGC Corporate Governance Survey in Brazil. Based on the analysis of the above sources, conclusions are drawn on the role of business ethics within Latin American corporate governance.
Experimental and Modeling Studies of Stress Wave Propagation in Multilayer Composite Materials: Low Modulus Interlayer Effects
Authors: Tasdemirci A. , Hall I. W.
Published: May 2005

The behavior of a multilayer material at high strain rate is investigated by a combination of experimental and numerical techniques. It is shown that, although the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) at first appears unsuitable for such applications, it is a valuable tool to validate finite element modeling. The feasibility and usefulness of modeling the stress wave propagation in complex multilayer materials was thus demonstrated. The one-dimensional stress state usually assumed for conventional SHPB testing is inapplicable, but it is shown that both numerical and experimental results can nevertheless be coupled for a complete understanding of the wave propagation characteristics. The specific material consists of ceramic face plate and glass/epoxy backing plate with a low modulus interlayer. It is shown that the lateral constraint of an interlayer with a significant positive Poisson’s ratio allows relatively easy transmission of the elastic compressive wave into the backing plate, whereas a low modulus interlayer with an almost zero Poisson’s ratio drastically reduces the ease of elastic wave transmission. The implications for the reduction in damage of the backing layer are discussed. Numerical modeling clearly shows that the severe stress inhomogeneities and discontinuities exist and these may have serious consequences regarding mechanical and other properties. The stress states inside the components are presented here.
The Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Banana and Glass Fiber Woven Fabric-Reinforced Polyester Composite
Authors: Pothan Laly A. , Potschke Petra , Habler Rudiger , Thomas Sabu
Published: May 2005

The static and dynamic mechanical properties of banana and glass woven fabric-reinforced polyester composites have been determined with special reference to the effect of fiber volume fraction, layering pattern, and the weaving architecture. Even though articles related to natural fiber composites are abundant in the literature, work on natural fiber textile composites is found to be rare. Composites with high tensile strength can be obtained using banana and glass in the fabric form, using two layers of the fabric. The impact strength of the composites increases with the number of layers and the fiber volume fraction. By incorporating the fabric, the G0 curve shows an improved rubbery plateau indicating that the incorporation of the fabric induces reinforcing effects in the polyester matrix. The storage modulus has been found to be the highest for composites with four layers of the fabric. In all the composite samples, the relaxation peak of polyester is visible as peak in G00 at about 98 C. In the case of composites with four layers of the fabric, two peaks and one shoulder are seen. Increase in the number of layers made a second relaxation peak visible. The damping peaks have been found to be lowered by the incorporation of more number of layers.
Modeling the Effect of Fiber Diameter and Fiber Bundle Count on Tow Impregnation during Liquid Molding Processes
Authors: Foley Maureen E. , Gillespie John W.
Published: May 2005

This paper explores the effect of fiber diameter and fiber bundle count on tow impregnation during liquid molding processes. Resin and fiber wetting properties play an important role on the resin infiltration behavior within a single fiber tow. Dynamic and equilibrium microflow models, based on Darcy’s Law and force equilibrium at the resin flow front, assume that the infiltration of the resin is driven through capillary pressure and hindered by the entrapped gas within the tow. The results of the dynamic model show that the fiber tow count and the fiber diameter have a significant effect on the tow infiltration time. The infiltration time is 10 times longer for a 60 K carbon fiber tow than for a 6 K one. The infiltration time is also inversely proportional to the fiber diameter. As the fiber diameter is decreased 100 times, from 3.5 mm to 35 nm, the infiltration time increases 100 times for the same diameter tow. It also shows that fiber volume fraction also has a significant effect on the tow infiltration time and any fiber volume variations along the fiber tow could lead to dry spots in the composite due to the large differences in infiltration rates. The model indicates that the entrapment of a critical amount of air within a tow will lead to higher than acceptable void contents.
Progressive Failure of Marine GFRP Laminated Plates Under Static Water Pressure
Authors: Chung Cheng-Hsien , Lee Ya-Jung
Published: May 2005

This study examines the progressive failure of marine glass fiberreinforced plastic (GFRP) laminates subjected to out-of-plane water pressure. First, experimental data concerning laminates that consist of a single type of fiber are used to establish the finite element model by separating the section into fiber layers and matrix layers. After a suitable failure criterion has been specified and the stiffness modification factor of different materials obtained experimentally, a numerical model is used to simulate the failure behavior of marine GFRP laminates. This numerical model is then applied to analyze the failure of GFRP ship bottom structures under water pressure. The water pressure failure experiment is designed to verify the numerical results. The experimental system includes a watertight cabin, which comprises the wall of the fixture, the specimen, and a movable piston, filled with water. Then, the water pressure is increased by moving the piston to compress the water-sealed zone, until the specimen reaches ultimate failure. After the numerical model has been validated, the abilities of testing and analyzing the failure behavior of laminates under static water pressure are established. More information is presented about the capacity to resist out-of-plane water pressure, the proper use of the material, and improving the efficiency of the design.
Free-edge Stress Singularities and Edge Modifications for Fiber Pushout Experiments
Authors: Xu L. Roy , Kuai Huacheng , Sengupta Sreeparna
Published: May 2005

A comprehensive investigation of the fiber pushout test reveals that the existence of free-edge stress singularities hinder the accurate measurement of interfacial shear strengths. An integrated analytical, numerical, and experimental investigation is conducted to remove the free-edge stress singularities by modifying the edge design in a model fiber pushout test. The proposed interfacial joint angles are applicable to most composite material systems. The microdroplet test is recommended over the fiber pushout test since the convex shape of the microdroplet matrix makes it a natural choice.