bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in the diagnosis and the management of Meniere's disease: Results of a survey
Authors: Kim Harold H. , Wiet Richard J. , Battista Robert A.
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

To determine the practices of the American Neurotology Society (ANS) membership in the evaluation and treatment of the Meniere's patient.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective.

INTERVENTION

Questionnaire.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Respondents’ response to questions pertaining to the diagnostic and therapeutic practices in the management of Meniere's disease.

RESULTS

Three hundred members of ANS were mailed a 15‐item questionnaire. Two hundred three responded, for a 67.7% response rate. For the diagnosis of Meniere's disease, 1 in 3 practitioners relied solely on history, physical exam, and audiometry, whereas 2 in 3 relied in part on adjunctive tests, such as electrocochleography (ECOG) and electronystagmography (ENG). Two in 3 practitioners pursued retrocochlear studies on initial evaluation, with the overwhelming majority using MRI. In treating Meniere's disease, conservative medical management was preferred. For medically recalcitrant Meniere's disease, endolymphatic sac surgery (ESS) was the most commonly employed initial intervention (50%), followed by transtympanic gentamicin (38%). Currently, <10% routinely recommend the Meniett device. Eighty‐three percent include ESS as a therapeutic option for medically recalcitrant Meniere's disease. The vast majority continue to perform surgical labyrinthectomies and vestibular nerve sections for Meniere's disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Meniere's disease continues to pose a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic problem, resulting in heterogeneous approaches to both evaluation and treatment. Despite the 1995 American Academy of Otolaryngology guidelines in the diagnosis of Meniere's disease, most clinicians rely in part on ENG or ECOG in diagnosing Meniere's disease. Furthermore, despite the passing of 20 years since the publications claiming a purely placebo effect, ESS is the most commonly employed initial surgical treatment for Meniere's disease. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005;132: 722‐6.)
Tumor‐dendritic cell fusion as a basis for cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Lee Walter T. , Shimizu Keiji , Kuriyama Hide , Tanaka Hiro , Kjaergaard Jorgen , Shu Suyu
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

To establish the basis for use of allogeneic dendritic‐tumor fusion cells.

STUDY DESIGN

Fusion cells were created by electrofusion. We used 2 allogeneic murine tumor lines (D5 and 4T1) that were virally transduced to express the antigen (β‐galactosidase) as a surrogate tumor marker.

RESULTS

Cross‐immunization was achieved with irradiated allogenic tumor cells. Successful electrofusion of dendritic cells and tumor cells was confirmed by using fluorescence‐activated cell sorting and cytospin. Significant responses were shown in immunized mice against tumor challenge and established 3‐day pulmonary metastasis with fusion cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Allogeneic tumor sharing a common tumor antigen can immunize against syngeneic tumor challenge. Fusion cells showed successful immunization against tumor challenge and showed regression of 3‐day established pulmonary metastasis.

SIGNIFICANCE

These preclinical studies provide evidence that an allogenic tumor‐dendritic cell fusion vaccine is a valid approach for head and neck cancer immunotherapy. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005;132:755‐64.)
Oncologic and functional results of supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidopexy
Authors: Akbas Yucel , Demireller Alp
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

Supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidopexy (SPL‐CHP) is an alternative technique described for extensive tumors of the larynx that are beyond the limits of classical conservation partial laryngectomy and otherwise would be treated by total laryngectomy.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Forty‐six patients with carcinoma of the larynx underwent SPL‐CHP between 1991 and 2003. The median age was 54 (range, 37 to 72). In 28 cases both arytenoids were spared; in 17 cases, 1 arytenoid was spared; and in 1 case, 2 arytenoids were resected. Bilateral elective neck dissections were performed in supraglottic carcinomas. In glottic carcinomas, neck dissection was performed in the presence of clinically positive lymph nodes. None of the patients were treated with postoperative radiation therapy.

RESULTS

Forty‐five patients were successfully decannulated; 1 patient with 2 arytenoids resected could not tolerate decannulation. The mean time for decannulation was 20 days (range, 9 to 60 days) when both arytenoids were spared with SPL‐CHP, and 41 days (range, 13 to 150 days) for SPL‐CHP when 1 arytenoid was spared. The average time for removal of the feeding tube was 21 days (range, 9 to 60 days) when both arytenoids were spared, and 40 days (range, 16 to 127 days) when 1 arytenoid was spared. The removal time of the feeding tube of the patient with 2 arytenoids resected was postoperative day 63. In 2 patients, aspiration pneumonia occurred as a result of swallowing impairment. In none of the patients temporary or permanent gastrostomy was needed. Two patients had local recurrence and were treated with a total laryngectomy; they are still alive. In 2 patients, secondary primary tumors were detected. The 3‐year overall and cause‐specific actuarial survival rates were 95.7% and 87.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although prolonged hospitalization and delaying physiological functions can be termed as disadvantages of SPL‐CHP, the operation is a reliable and oncologically valid procedure in selected cases of cancer of the larynx who would otherwise be operated by total laryngectomy.
Tracheal wall for the reconstruction of extended hemilaryngectomy in the rabbit model
Authors: Brandariz Jose Antonio , Grau Monserrat
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate reconstruction of the surgical wound of extended hemilaryngectomy using the tracheal wall.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective, nonrandomized experimental study in a rabbit model in which cricothyroid hemilaryngectomy was performed in 10 rabbits. The proximal trachea was tailored to cover the surgical wound and sutured to it. The ipsilateral lobe of the thyroid gland and the medial thyroid vascular pedicle were conserved so as to assure vascular supply to the tracheal flap. After 4 weeks the animals were sacrificed and pathology analysis conducted.

RESULTS

Eight of the 10 rabbits survived without respiratory or deglutitory alterations. Pathologic analysis showed well‐healed suture lines together with normal mucosa and cartilage rings in the tracheal flap.

CONCLUSIONS

The tracheal wall appears to be the ideal donor tissue for repair of the larynx.

SIGNIFICANCE

This simple, 1‐session surgical procedure demonstrates an effective reconstruction of an extended hemilaryngectomy wound.
Evaluation of tumor oxygenation by color duplex sonography: A new approach
Authors: Martino Ercole F.N. Di , Gagel Bernd , Schramm Oliver , Maneschi Payam , Westhofen Martin
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

Description of a new noninvasive method for the evaluation of tissue oxygenation in head and neck cancer.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective nonrandomized controlled study in an academic medical center on 20 patients with neck metastases of head and neck cancer. Metastases were investigated using color duplex sonography and pO2 histography. The vascularization in sonography was quantitatively evaluated by color pixel density and compared to the pO2 values of the same nodes.

RESULTS

The correlation between vascularization and flow velocity was 0.71. For the mean/median pO2‐values and for the pO2 readings < 10.0 mmHg correlations were r = 0.65/0.76 and 0.71.

CONCLUSION

This sonographic method allows a safe and reliable evaluation of oxygenation in metastases of head and neck cancer.

SIGNIFICANCE

The new approach is an alternative to pO2 histography and may play a future role in the planning of radiotherapy in the neck. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005;132:765‐9.)
Four cases of simultaneous triple primary cancers of the hypopharynx, esophagus, and stomach
Authors: Ikeda Yoichi , Tsukuda Mamoru , Ishitoya Junichi , Arai Yasuhiro , Matsuda Hideki , Katori Hideaki , Taguchi Takahide , Yoshida Takafumi , Ono Machiko , Sakuma Yasunori , Yagisawa Mizuho , Saito Norifumi
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

To study the efficacy of intensive chemotherapy for simultaneous triple primary cancers of the hypopharynx, esophagus, and stomach.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case study.

METHODS

From April 2000 to March 2002, we treated 4 patients who had simultaneous triple primary cancers, including hypopharyngeal, esophageal, and gastric carcinomas. These 4 patients were designated as the objects for analysis, and the treatment modality for simultaneous multiple primary cancer cases was examined.

RESULTS

In 3 of 4 patients, all 3 primary cancers could be controlled by intensive induction chemotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy for hypopharyngeal cancer and by endoscopic mucosal resection or argon plasma coagulation for esophageal and gastric carcinomas.

CONCLUSIONS

In the treatment modality for simultaneous multiple primary cancers, including head and neck cancer, it is important to select intensive systemic chemotherapy and decide the order for treating each primary lesion in consideration of each patient's curability and prognosis. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005;132:788‐93.)
Intrinsic laryngeal muscle reinnervation with nerve‐muscle pedicle
Authors: Tóth Andrea , Szócs Attila , Harasztosi Csaba , Matesz Klára , Pucsok Klára , Mikó Irén , Sziklai István
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

To test the application of the nerve‐muscle pedicle (NMP) technique for selective rein‐nervation of previously denervated posterior cricoarytenoid (PCA) muscle.

METHODS

The left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) was severed in 5 mongrel dogs, and an ansa cervicalis‐sternohyoid muscle pedicle was sutured to the left PCA muscle. Three dogs underwent a sham operation. Videolaryngoscopy was performed, and electromyographic data were collected after 1 year on average. Finally, histologic analysis of the NMP was performed.

RESULTS

The video records showed the return of mobility of the PCA muscle reinnervated by the NMP. EMG data as to show evoked polyphasic potentials showed also evidence of reinnervation of the PCA muscle. With immunohistochemical reaction (antineurofilament antibody+biotin) we could show neurofilaments and motor endplates in both sides in all 5 animals.

CONCLUSIONS

The NMP technique could eliminate the need for arytenoidectomy and laterofixation in patients with unilateral or bilateral vocal fold paralysis. The quality of life and voice may be improved. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005;132:701‐6.)
The “pull‐back” technique for Nucleus 24 perimodiolar electrode insertion
Authors: Todt Ingo , Basta Dietmar , Eisenschenk Andreas , Ernst Arne
Published: May 2005

OBJECTIVE

To observe the influence of electrode pull‐back after cochlear implant insertion of Nucleus 24 perimodiolar electrodes.

STUDY DESIGN

In a prospective intraoperative study, we analyzed the impedances, neural response telemetry responses, and the spread of excitation after cochlear implant electrode insertion and compared these data to those obtained after a subsequent, controlled pull‐back of the electrode. Postoperative depth of electrode insertion was controlled by x‐ray.

SETTING

Tertiary referral center.

SUBJECTS

Six patients (4 male, 2 female; 18 to 69 years) were implanted with a Nucleus 24 (RCA) cochlear implant with a perimodiolar electrode.

RESULTS

After a controlled pull‐back, a significant decrease of the spread of excitation at the stimuli electrodes 5, 10, 15, and a nonsignificant decrease at stimuli electrode 20 compared to the recordings after the primary normal insertion procedure was found. The mean electric compound action potential amplitude was increased with an apical‐to‐basal tendency. Impedances remained unchanged by the pull‐back. Mean insertion depth at the postoperative x‐ray control was 372 degrees (± 10.2).

CONCLUSION

Controlled cochlear implant electrode pull‐back is a novel technique that optimizes objective intraoperative electrophysiological recordings in patients implanted with a Nucleus 24 perimodiolar cochlear implant by a greater approximation of the electrode to the modiolus. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2005;132:751‐4.)
The European Union and democratization in Ukraine
Authors: Kubicek Paul
Published: May 2005

The European Union (EU) has encouraged democratic development in a number of post-communist states. This article examines the extent of EU involvement in Ukraine and its results. It notes that there has been a substantial disconnect between the rhetoric of Ukraine’s ‘‘European Choice’’ and authoritarian trends in the country. Ukraine signed a series of agreements with the EU, but membership in the organization was never offered. The EU’s interest in Ukraine, however, was rather meager and it never gained means to have much leverage. As authoritarianism became more pronounced, the EU began to disengage from the country. The article argues that part of the problem was that the EU never applied political conditionality to Ukraine as it had with other states. The ‘‘Orange Revolution’’ opens up new possibilities and challenges, and the EU now must come to grips with a more democratically and Western-oriented leadership.
In Response to Saltman
Authors: Tullock Gordon
Published: May 2005

Saltman's comment (PS, July 2004, 383) simply ignores the bulk of my previous letter (PS, January 2004, 1–2) which dealt with Alabama. I gather that there he agrees with Russell and myself. Thus, there is no dispute on the question of whether Nixon or Kennedy had more popular votes in 1960. His criticism concerns my feeling, originally suggested by Russell, that with more political honesty on the part of the Chicago and Texas machines, Nixon might have taken the Electoral College, too. He doesn't specifically dispute my statement that the difference in Illinois was “smaller than the usual number of votes produced by the Chicago machine from graveyards and empty lots.”
Litigating Same-Sex Marriage: Might the Courts Actually Be Bastions of Rationality?
Authors: Gerstmann Evan
Published: May 2005

The great political philosopher John Stuart Mill once asked, “Was there any domination which did not appear natural to those that possessed it?” (Mill 1984, 269–270). For same-sex couples seeking access to the institution of marriage, the public sense that marriage is naturally and obviously meant only for opposite-sex couples has been a formidable barrier. The first state supreme courts to rule on same-sex marriage, in the early 1970s, simply relied upon dictionary definitions to hold that marriage was obviously a heterosexual institution. Politicians mostly ignored the issue altogether until the courts of Hawaii, Vermont, and Massachusetts forced public debate of the issue.
The Marriage Debate and Minority Stress
Authors: Riggle Ellen D. B. , Thomas Jerry D. , Rostosky Sharon S.
Published: May 2005

Healthy adult development commonly includes a desire and intent to form intimate, long-term relationships. For individuals attracted to members of the other sex, these relationships may be formed, socially affirmed, and, by mutual choice, legally recognized by government agencies in the U.S. For individuals attracted to members of the same sex, these relationships may be formed, but social affirmation and legal recognition are only sporadically available. Thus, the normative relational developmental processes for same-sex attracted individuals incur unique challenges that other-sex attracted individuals do not.
The Politics of Same-Sex Marriage in Canada and the United States
Authors: Smith Miriam
Published: May 2005

“Nobody listens to us. There is not a single person in Washington who will get us…anything but shit and more shit. I'm sorry. This is where we are now. Nowhere.”
Attributions and the Regulation of Marriage: Considering the Parallels Between Race and Homosexuality
Authors: Haider-Markel Donald P. , Joslyn Mark R.
Published: May 2005

Few would dispute that religion has played a fundamental role in shaping our understanding of human relationships, including marriage, and what types of relationships are permitted. However, science, especially biology, has also played an important role in government regulation of marriage (Bittles and Neel 1994; Ottenheimer 1990; Dupuis 2002; Ellison 2004; Strasser 2002). A cursory overview of government regulations of marriage reveals laws that establish age requirements, necessitate testing for diseases, ban nuptials between individuals with biological relations, set limits on the number of spouses, and ban interracial marriage (miscegenation), among other things (Barlow and Probert 2004; Bratt 1984; Cott 2000; Micklos and Carlson 2000; Moran 2001; Ottenheimer 1990; Scott 2000). Certainly some of these policies reflect a religious based morality, but some, such as those that ban marriages between individuals within a family, also reflect a biological understanding of potential problems associated with the offspring of these couples (Bratt 1984; Ottenheimer 1990; Cott 2000; Micklos and Carlson 2000; St. Jean 1998; Scott 2000; Stoddard 2003).
Deconstructing the 2004 Presidential Election Forecasts: The Fiscal Model and the Campbell Collection Compared
Authors: Cuzán Alfred G. , Bundrick Charles M.
Published: May 2005

In this paper we compare the August 1st forecast of the 2004 presidential election generated with the fiscal model with those made with the seven models of what we call the “Campbell Collection,” after James E. Campbell, the editor or co-editor of several forecasting symposia that have appeared in the American Politics Quarterly (October, 1996) and in successive issues of PS: Political Science and Politics (October, 2004 and January, 2005). For reasons that will become evident, Ray Fair's “presidential vote equation” (Fair 2002a, 2002b) is also included in the comparison. First, given space constraints, we present only a brief summary of the theoretical model. (For a more extended discussion, interested readers are encouraged to pursue the relevant references.) Then, as we did pursuant to issuing a forecast for the 2004 election, we estimate the model over the 22 elections held between 1916 and 2000, showing the out-of-sample results. Finally, we evaluate the model relative to the Campbell Collection on operational and substantive criteria.
The Mission-Driven Department: Benefits of Departmental Assessment
Authors: Deardorff Michelle D. , Posler Brian D.
Published: May 2005

Over the last 10 years in the discipline of political science, there has been a flourishing discussion about the role of departmental assessment. Clearly, one fear has been that these external mandates are infringements on academic freedom at worst, and make extra work for faculty at best. In an early article published in PS: Political Science and Politics, a survey of political science departments discovered that frequently the response to assessment was one of ignorance and often animosity.
Staging a Career, Staging a Life: Strategies for Retirement
Authors: Prestage Jewel L.
Published: May 2005

Preparing for retirement is a multifaceted endeavor, varying according to individual and experience. In my particular case, I did not develop a specific retirement strategy which I can articulate today as the Prestage Plan for “how a female political science professor can fade into oblivion after 48 years in the profession.” Rather, What Was Planned—that is, the content of my remarks today—can best be described as What Happened. For me, what can be labeled as “Strategy” for the purposes of this roundtable is an ex post facto matter. That is, I must try to recall and reconstruct the retirement experience as it happened, and put some logical order to it, or try to.
The State of Undergraduate Research Methods Training in Political Science
Authors: Thies Cameron G. , Hogan Robert E.
Published: May 2005

Debates over methodology have long occupied a prominent role in political science and its various empirical sub-fields. Recently, these debates and occasional dialogues seem to have intensified. The Perestroika movement within APSA protested the perceived hegemony of rational choice and quantitative methods in journal publications and graduate training (Kasza 2001). Renewed attention has focused on the types of methodologies employed by studies published in the discipline's leading journals (Garand and Giles 2003; Bennett, Barth, and Rutherford 2003; Braumoeller 2003). The kinds of concerns over methodological diversity that motivate these studies also inform discussions about graduate training (Alvarez 1992; Dyer 1992; Schwartz-Shea 2003; Morrow 2003; Smith 2003).
Multiple Methods, More Success: How to Help Students of All Learning Styles Succeed in Quantitative Political Analysis Courses
Authors: Gershkoff Amy R.
Published: May 2005

It is often advised to “know your audience” before giving a lecture, and this is especially important when we lecture to students. Moreover, knowing your audience is critical in quantitative analysis courses, where it can be especially challenging to teach mostly math-phobic students. But it is in quantitative analysis courses where faculty may know their audience the least. While many subfields in the discipline have implemented pedagogical innovations such as seminar-style discussion, simulations, and even learning communities, quantitative methods courses seem to be the last hold-out for the traditional lecture format.
So, You Want to Run for Elected Office? How to Engage Students in the Campaign Process Without Leaving the Classroom
Authors: Caruson Kiki
Published: May 2005

The use of active learning strategies can involve students with course material in ways that the traditional lecture can not. As described by Bonwell and Eison (1991), active learning requires that students engage in activity (other than listening) that emphasizes the development of cognitive skills through higher order thinking tasks such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. There are numerous ways to integrate active learning strategies in the classroom, including: collaborative or group exercises, experiential learning, guided discussion, computer-based instruction, peer-to-peer teaching, and participant demonstrations. Incorporating active learning exercises into course curriculum can have a powerful effect on the development of learning skills. The benefits of active learning for students include an increased motivation to learn, increased responsibility for learning, improved attitudes toward learning, better interpersonal skills, and an increased ability to appreciate and consider a variety of perspectives (Jacobs, Power, and Inn 2002).
Could You Explain My Grade?” The Pedagogical and Administrative Virtues of Grading Sheets
Authors: Roever Sally , Manna Paul
Published: May 2005

The scenario is as unpleasant for the teacher as it is for the student. After spending countless hours trudging through a stack of mind-numbingly repetitive bluebooks, the teacher has finally returned graded midterm exams to her class. With grading safely in the past, she gleefully returns to other teaching, publishing, and personal responsibilities. At least she tries to—until a concerned student appears at the office door asking her to explain the points she assigned to a given answer. She flips to the relevant page of the bluebook and discovers no comments in the margin. The teacher is now on the spot to rack her brain for the reasoning that justified the score she assigned several days or even weeks before and explain to the student clearly and accurately why he did not receive full credit. The student is in a likewise awkward position, wondering how much thought went into the grade the first time around.
A. Leroy Bennett
Authors: Oliver James K.
Published: May 2005

A. Leroy Bennett, age 90, professor emeritus of political science and international relations at the University of Delaware, died from complications of pneumonia November 9, 2004. Lee taught at the University of Delaware from 1962 until his retirement in 1991 and continued his research and publication activity to the very end of his life, publishing the seventh edition of his widely used International Organizations: Principles and Issues in 2002.
Valerie A. Earle
Authors: Cerny Karl H.
Published: May 2005

Valerie A. Earle, professor emeritus at Georgetown University, died at the age of 85 on August 20, 2004. Her death came unexpectedly because of heart problems.
The Master of Disaster as Bureaucratic Entrepreneur
Authors: Roberts Patrick
Published: May 2005

Washington, D.C., overflows with organized interests and issue networks competing for the attention of lawmakers. A very few people manage to navigate the flotsam and jetsam of the policy currents to redefine an issue or put a new problem on the political agenda. Like their cousins in the private market, political scientists call these navigators “entrepreneurs.”
Congressional Fellows Take On “Iron Triangle” of Assignments, Canada Trip and Wilson Seminar
Authors: Ra Dougherty Sarah Mi
Published: May 2005

November and December were a whirlwind for the Congressional Fellows as they attended back-to-back orientation sessions and interviewed for positions on the Hill. Now that they have secured full-time assignments as legislative aides, they have begun turning their attention to the yearly Canadian Parliamentary Exchange. Hardly had a description left Program Director Jeff Biggs' mouth before emails were flying on how best to plan the Canadians' visit to Washington. True to form, the political scientists established steering committees with names like “The Political Scientist Committee,” “The Federal Committee,” “The Journalist Committee,” “The Entertainment Committee,” and “The Miscellaneous Committee.” Meanwhile, the journalists began to brainstorm and sketch out a draft schedule—four months in advance. Clearly, they were enthused.
Highly magnetic Upper Miocene sandstones of the San Francisco Bay area, California
Authors: Hillhouse John W. , Jachens Robert C.
Published: May 2005

A high‐resolution aeromagnetic survey of the San Francisco Bay area shows prominent positive anomalies over distinctive blue sandstones of Late Miocene age. The total‐field survey was measured at a nominal height of 300 m above the land surface along flight lines spaced 0.5 km apart. Anomalies with amplitudes up to 200 nT correlate with sandstones of the San Pablo Group, and these anomalies are similar in strength to the magnetic signatures of serpentinites and basalts in the surveyed region. Andesitic sandstone of the Neroly Formation, the upper part of the San Pablo Group, has high magnetic susceptibility (0.013 SI units, volume) and relatively strong natural remanent magnetization (0.29 A/m). Total magnetization of the sandstone is two thirds induced and one third remanent magnetization. The presence of coarse‐grained magnetite detritus, low coercivity of remanence, low thermal stability of remanence, and multidomain properties is consistent with the NRM being a viscous remanent magnetization that grew during the Brunhes normal‐polarity chron. The strong magnetic signature of the Upper Miocene sandstones allows their delineation over distances as great as 100 km, through areas where they are concealed by landslides and younger deposits. The sandstones are important structural markers for understanding the complex folding and faulting associated with active fault systems in the San Francisco Bay area.
The feedback mechanism of runaway air breakdown
Authors: Babich L. P. , Donskoy E. N. , Kutsyk I. M. , Roussel‐Dupré R. A.
Published: May 2005

The feedback mechanism presented in the paper published by Dwyer (2003) is examined in the context of runaway breakdown and thunderstorm electrical conditions. A detailed comparison between previous kinetic and Monte Carlo simulations performed by the authors and others and those of Dwyer are presented. The role of positrons and bremsstrahlung photons in contributing to the runaway avalanche rate is discussed. An alternative and simplified treatment of the feedback mechanism is presented. Our preliminary results are in basic agreement with Dwyer and indicate that positron feedback is more important. In addition, we find that there is a temporal ‘stepping’ effect associated with the feedback process and that this effect could also lead to a spatial stepping reminiscent of stepped leaders.
Increase in turbulent heat flux during the 1990s over the Kuroshio/Oyashio extension region
Authors: Tomita Hiroyuki , Kubota Masahisa
Published: May 2005

Various turbulent heat flux data indicate remarkable increase in heat loss by latent and sensible heat fluxes over Kuroshio and Kuroshio/Oyashio Extension regions during the 1990's. This increase is found in net heat flux, and the heat flux reached its maximum during last 50 years. The slope is about 5.8 W m−2 year−1 on average and is found over the most part of Kuroshio, Kuroshio/Oyashio Extension regions and Japan Sea. The increase in latent heat flux dominantly contributes to the increase in turbulent heat flux mainly due to the increase in SST. Although the increase in wind speed also contributes to the increase in turbulent heat flux, the contribution is smaller than that of SST. In contrast, the increase of specific humidity which contributes the decrease in latent heat flux is also found.
Suppression of deep convection over the tropical North Atlantic by the Saharan Air Layer
Authors: Wong Sun , Dessler Andrew E.
Published: May 2005

The effects of the dust‐laden Saharan Air Layer (SAL) on the occurrence of deep convection over the eastern and central tropical North Atlantic Ocean off‐shore of the African continent during August–September 2002 are investigated. We show that the SAL is associated with suppressed convection in this region. To determine the possible cause of the suppressed convection, the thermodynamic structure and dust content of the SAL are investigated. We find that the SAL is associated with warmer and dryer air below 700 hPa with the largest temperature anomalies located around 850 hPa. This warm and dry air layer raises the lifting condensation level and level of free convection, and increases the energetic barrier to convection that leads to reduced occurrence of deep convection.
Discrete element simulations of gravitational volcanic deformation: 2. Mechanical analysis
Authors: Morgan Julia K. , McGovern Patrick J.
Published: May 2005

Particle dynamics simulations of granular piles constructed upon planar substrates with different shear strengths model the gravitational deformation of natural volcanoes. Results reveal direct correlations among pile morphology, layer stratigraphy, deformation structures, and stress field, dependent upon the shear strength along the base of the pile. Piles constructed above a strong, cohesive substrate that prevents basal slip develop outward dipping layers through particle avalanching down angle of repose slopes. In the absence of basal cohesion, slip occurs along a basal décollement if the topographically induced shear stresses exceed the basal shear strength. For friction coefficients decreasing from 0.3 to 0.1, fault planes migrate progressively inward, defining a transition in deformation mode from shallow slumping to deep‐seated landsliding and, finally, to full gravitational spreading. The variations in deformation mode reflect the dependence of internal fault geometry on basal strength in accordance with critical Coulomb wedge theory. In order for slip to occur both internal and basal failure criteria must be met simultaneously. Topographically induced shear stresses increase outward along the base of the pile, enabling décollement sliding once the basal failure criterion is met. Normal faults arise from the inside edge of the slipping décollement, accommodating downward and outward displacements of the flanks. Surface slopes evolve to maintain equilibrium between gravitational driving and basal resisting stresses. This simple mechanical understanding of gravitational deformation of granular piles provides insight into the controls on modes of volcanic deformation, providing a predictive tool for understanding volcanic evolution and hazards in many settings.
Changes in crack density and wave velocity in association with crack growth in triaxial tests of Inada granite
Authors: Takemura Takato , Oda Masanobu
Published: May 2005

A nondimensional second‐rank tensor Fij, called the crack tensor, has successfully been introduced to deal with geometrical aspects of microcracks (fabric) such as anisotropy and crack density. Unfortunately, however, its usage for practical purposes is rather limited because its determination involves tedious and time‐consuming laboratory work. We seek the possibility of using the directional change of longitudinal wave velocities to conquer the difficulty associated with the determination of crack tensors. A new second‐rank tensor Vij is introduced, such that the directional change in the longitudinal wave velocities is represented in terms of the tensor, and the crack tensor Fij is then given as a function of Vij. On the basis of the analyses of the crack tensors for one intact and several damaged samples of Inada granite, we then discuss how microcracks grow through the whole inelastic process, terminating at brittle failure. The conclusions are summarized as follows: The second‐rank symmetrical tensor Vij (or its inversion tensor Vij−1) can be determined experimentally, with sufficient accuracy from the directional change in the squared longitudinal wave velocity. It is found that the tensor changes markedly so as to reflect the fabric of the damaged Inada granite formed by open microcracks. The principal axes of Vij−1 are coaxial with the principal axes of Fij so that both tensors are correlated in terms of their principal values Fi and Vi−1. Four successive stages can be distinguished in regard to the crack growth as follows: In stage 1, the rock behaves like an elastic solid. In stage 2, microcracks start to grow so that inelastic volumetric strain is slowly accumulated, along with microcracking. However, crack growth does not occur globally but rather is limited within some local zones (probably in each grain). In stage 3, microcracking is considerably accelerated, suggesting that the micromechanism leading to crack growth changes substantially at the boundary stress between stages 2 and 3. In stage 4, the crack density, as well as the dilatancy, increases explosively in association with a drop of a few percent in the differential stress after the peak stress is reached. Interestingly, this explosive increase is always associated with the development of a few fault zones. Experimental evidence seems to support the postulate that Inada granite starts to collapse once the crack density, F0(f), the first invariant of Fij, attains a threshold value of 7–8, regardless of the applied confining pressure. This can be a failure criterion in terms of the crack density, and be an extended expression for the so‐called “critical dilatancy” for creep failure suggested by Kranz and Scholz (1977).
Rupture process of the 1948 Fukui earthquake (M 7.1) from the joint inversion of seismic waveform and geodetic data
Authors: Ichinose Gene A. , Somerville Paul , Thio Hong Kie , Matsushima Shinichi , Sato Toshiaki
Published: May 2005

We used teleseismic body waves, regional low‐gain strong motion seismograms, and horizontal geodetic displacements from triangulation surveys to invert for the slip distribution of the 1948 Fukui, Japan, earthquake using the multiple time window method. The earthquake ruptured unilaterally from a depth of 10 km to the north with very little slip (0–0.5 m) evenly distributed across a fault of 24 by 18 km over a period of about 10 s. At 9 s after the initiation of rupture, an adjacent fault along the same strike ruptured to the south from the hypocenter to about 20–30 km toward Fukui city mostly along a shallow asperity between 0 and 12 km depth. The large amount of shallow slip (1–1.5 m) below and within the sedimentary basin and strong rupture directivity likely contributed to the high amount of damage in Fukui city. We obtain a total seismic moment of 1.6–2.2 × 1026 dyn cm (Mw 6.74–6.84) which is similar to results by Kanamori (1973), Sagiya (1999), and Kikuchi et al. (1999) using portions of the same regional strong motion and geodetic data sets. We needed to use very low rupture velocities (1.5 km/s) and a hypocenter 10–20 km north of the original location to fit the combined geodetic and seismic data sets with a single fault model. We developed an alternative fault model with two segments allowing for different rupture dynamics for each segment. This resulted in a slightly better fit to the data and allows for a more reasonable rupture velocity up to 2.4 km/s.
A flexible and robust direct reconstruction method for magnetospheric radio tomography
Authors: Zhai Yuhu , Cummer Steven A.
Published: May 2005

We present a flexible and robust direct reconstruction method for magnetospheric radio tomography. We show that for a combined reconstruction of plasma density Ne and magnetic field B, the direct reconstruction method performs as well as popular iterative methods such as algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) and multiplicative algebraic reconstruction technique (MART) for large number of satellites, but it performs significantly better when the number of satellites is small. The main advantages of this method are that extra information, such as in situ measurements, can be easily and flexibly incorporated into the reconstruction; it is relatively robust in the presence of noise; and it is less sensitive than other methods to numerical reconstruction parameters like assumed grid size. We demonstrate the good performance of this method in reconstructing electron density and magnetic field using constellations of relatively few satellites (11 and fewer) in a single orbit in a variety of magnetospheric regions. Although this method is relatively robust to noisy measurements, local measurements can significantly increase the reconstruction accuracy.
Effects of land water storage on global mean sea level over the past half century
Authors: Ngo‐Duc T. , Laval K. , Polcher J. , Lombard A. , Cazenave A.
Published: May 2005

The output of the ORCHIDEE Land Surface Model, driven by a 53‐yr (1948–2000) atmospheric forcing data set, was used to estimate the effects of land water storage on global mean sea level. Over the past half century, no significant trend was detected but there is a strong decadal variability in the land water storage, driven by precipitation and originating principally in the tropics. The land water contribution to sea level change over the past 50 yr appears highly anti‐correlated with thermal expansion of the oceans. This result suggests that change in ocean heat content influences the global water cycle. It also shows that, at decadal time scale, there is partial compensation in sea level changes between thermal expansion and ocean water mass change due to changes in land water storage.
The altitude extension of the mid‐latitude trough and its correlation with plasmapause position
Authors: Yizengaw Endawoke , Moldwin Mark B.
Published: May 2005

Tomographic imaging provides a powerful technique for obtaining images of the spatial distribution of ionospheric electron density in an altitude versus geographic latitude grid at a specified longitudinal sector. The method, which involves monitoring the total electron content (TEC) of the ionosphere using signals transmitted from the global positioning system (GPS), has the ability to reveal the detailed structure of the ionosphere including the mid‐latitude trough. The tomographic reconstruction of ionospheric electron density structures are performed at different specific longitudinal sectors both in the northern and southern hemisphere. At the same time the plasmapause position is estimated from IMAGE EUV images and mapped onto tomographic images. The simultaneous location of the altitude extension of the mid‐latitude trough and the plasmapause position are essentially co‐located.
Psychosocial rehabilitation and psychiatry in the treatment of schizophrenia — what are the boundaries?
Authors: Leona  , Bachrach L.
Published: May 2005

Objective: To examine the relationship between psychosocial rehabilitation and psychiatry with particular emphasis upon treatment of people who suffer from schizophrenia.

Method: Current literature is examined in an effort to identify prevailing premises and myths held by each discipline as it relates to the other.

Results: A working definition of psychosocial rehabilitation is proposed, and nine interrelated concepts that constitute the belief system of that discipline are identified.

Conclusion: Rehabilitation's biopsychosocial perspective provides a strong basis for joint enterprise with psychiatry in the care of people with schizophrenia. However, members of both disciplines must pursue active measures in order to effect co‐operative treatment interventions.
Models of community treatments in schizophrenia: do they travel?
Authors: Burns Tom
Published: May 2005

Objective: To explore the stability of conclusions from mental health services research across differing care systems. Contradictory results in different countries for similar studies of programmes for patients with schizophrenia have usually been attributed to poor replication. This paper explores whether these differing results can illuminate aspects of schizophrenia by examining the interaction of the disorder with the care context as an alternative explanation.

Method: The findings of a large UK random controlled trial of intensive case management with such patients is compared to previous UK and US studies.

Results: Reduction of case‐load size of psychotic patients did not significantly reduce their need for hospitalization in the context of locally available co‐ordinated care.

Conclusion: There is more to be gained in understanding complex disorders such as schizophrenia by interpreting the impact of context on treatment study outcomes than by simply dismissing contradictory findings as failures of implementation of either research or clinical practice.
Public acceptance of restrictions on mentally ill people
Authors: Lauber C. , Nordt C. , Falcato L. , Rössler W.
Published: May 2005

Objective: To assess the influence of demographic, psychological, sociological and cultural variables on the public acceptance of restrictions on mentally ill people.

Method: Multiple logistic regression analysis of the results of an opinion survey conducted on a representative sample in the German, French and Italian‐speaking part of Switzerland.

Results: Public acceptance of restrictions depends on age, education and gender. The influence of demographic variables is reduced when including rigidity, anomie, social distance and contact with mentally ill people in the analysis. The cultural influence of the language region is significant. All these factors predict acceptance. Stereotypes and emotional reactions have no influence.

Conclusion: Attitudes to mentally ill people are shaped on three distinct levels, the psychological, social and cultural, respectively. Demographic variables partly play the role of placeholders covering the underlying relationships.
Ethnic disadvantage and schizophrenia
Authors: Eaton William , Harrison Glynn
Published: May 2005

Objective: To review and interpret epidemiologic research on ethnic disadvantage and schizophrenia.

Method: A search of the research literature was conducted.

Results: Seventeen population‐based studies were reported in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands from 1967 to 1997. The studies report high incidence rates for immigrants whose position in society is disadvantaged, than majority‐group native‐born, with a range of relative incidence from 1.7 to 13.2. It is proposed that the developmental task for formulating the life plan challenges the young adult's executive function abilities, which may be weaker in individuals vulnerable to schizophrenia. Formulating the life plan may be made more difficult by the position in society of disadvantaged ethnic minorities, raising the risk for schizophrenia.

Conclusion: Further research on executive function, and the developmental challenge of formulating the life plan, might provide insights into the etiology of schizophrenia, as well as suggest avenues for prevention.
Long‐term course of schizophrenic, affective and schizoaffective psychosis: focus on negative symptoms and their impact on global indicators of outcome
Authors: Möller Hans‐Jürgen , Bottlender Ronald , Wegner Ulrike , Wittmann Johannes , Strauß Anton
Published: May 2005

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare indicators of outcome between different types of psychosis and to verify whether or not negative symptoms (NS) have a special relevance for schizophrenia.

Method: This is a follow‐up study on functional psychosis according to ICD‐9. Patients were assessed standardized at the time of first hospitalization and about 12.5 years later.

Results: Comparison of global outcome parameters and NS revealed that schizophrenia had the poorest outcome of all types of psychosis. NS had the highest impact on global functioning and the severity of illness in schizophrenia. NS assessed at the first hospitalization were associated with the different outcome parameters only in schizophrenia at follow‐up.

Conclusion: The course of schizophrenia is a more deteriorating one than that of affective or schizoaffective psychosis. The findings point to the special relevance of NS for the outcome and their relative specificity for schizophrenia.
Gender aspects in schizophrenia: bridging the border between social and biological psychiatry
Authors: Riecher‐Rössler A. , Häfner H.
Published: May 2005

Objective: This paper tries to show that gender differences in mental diseases are a valuable paradigm for research into the interplay between biological and psychosocial factors — not only regarding pathogenetic mechanisms, but also concerning therapeutic approaches.

Method: Based on relevant literature, this topic is highlighted using schizophrenia as an example.

Results: Schizophrenic disorders show a later age of onset in women and a slightly better course, especially in young women. As to pathogenesis, there is some evidence that the age difference might be due at least partly to the female sex hormone oestradiol being a protective factor. Differences in course might also have to do with this biological factor, but at the same time with the psychosocial advantages of a higher age of onset and other psychosocial factors. Concerning therapy, these gender differences have important implications for pharmacotherapy, but also psychotherapy and social measures.

Conclusion: A gender‐sensitive approach in psychiatry improves our understanding of mental illness and our therapeutic strategies and at the same time illustrates that comprehensive psychiatry cannot be practised in artificially separated ‘drawers’ called ‘biological psychiatry’, on one hand, and ‘social psychiatry’ on the other.