bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the quantitative relations between structure and antiaggregation activity of ω-aryl-ω-oxoalkanoic acids
Authors: Kuchař Miroslav , Brunová Bohumila , Grimová Jaroslava , Rejholec Václav , Čepelák Václav
Published: September 2010

A series of ω-aryl-ω-oxoalkanoic acids, I-IV, has been prepared and investigated for dissociation constants in 80% methylcellosolve, retention characteristics in thin-layer partition chromatography and partition coefficients P in the system octanol-water. Also evaluated were their anti-inflammatory efficacy and inhibitory effect on the platelet aggregation induced by collagen. Analysing the relations between structure and antiaggregation effect, we obtained a non-linear, quadratic dependence of this effect on lipophilicity, the optimum being at log P = 3. The antiaggregation effect increased with shortening the chain between the carbonyl and the carboxyl, and with increasing acidity. It was also diminished by the presence of a methyl group on the interlinking chain. To assess the role of lipophilicity we used the RM values of partition chromatography. The relation between anti-inflammatory efficacy and structure was assessed only qualitatively. In this aspect, too, the nature of the chain between the carbonyl and carboxyl proved to have a marked influence. The anti-inflammatory activity proved considerably enhanced by the presence of another aromatic ring in ω-oxoalkanoic acids derived from biphenyl.
Mathematical model of reorganization of valence electrons involving two atoms
Authors: Koča Jaroslav , Kratochvíl Milan , Matyska Luděk , Kvasnička Vladimír
Published: September 2010

The algebraic description of states of atomic vectors and their interconversions in a form of 9-dimensional vectors is suggested. The elaborated algorithms LENGTH and PATH calculate the distance between two states of an atomic vector and construct all possible shortest paths between them, respectively. Illustrative applications demonstrate the chemical impact and interpretation of the theory.
Oscillation system of Belousov-Zhabotinskii type in presence of Cl- ions
Authors: Mrákavová Marta , Treindl Ľudovít
Published: September 2010

A modified Belousov-Zhabotinskii oscillation system involving ethyl ester of 3-oxobutanoic acid and Fe(phen)32+ - Fe(phen)33+ as redox catalyst is remarkable in that it shows an oxygen-induced excitability. The oscillating state, involving 4-5 oscillations in the absorbancy of Fe(phen)32+ ions, comes soon to its end but can be restored by shaking the reaction system, thus incresing the transport of oxygen from the air. This phenomenon is not influenced by Cl- ions in a low concentration, but if this is equal to 10-3 mol dm-3 or higher, no oscillations are observed, the increase of the concentration of Fe(phen)32+ ions is autocatalytic in character and can be reproduced several times by shaking or stirring the solution. These phenomena are discussed in terms of a probable reaction mechanism.
Preparation of potassium selenites, their solubility and bonding conditions
Authors: Mička Zdeněk , Ebert Miroslav , Ptáček Pavel
Published: September 2010

The solubility diagrams of a K2SeO3-H2SeO3-H2O system were studied at 293 and 303 K for the first time. The effect of temperature on the character of the studied system from the point of view of the transition from hydrogenselenite to diselenite was studied. The results were used to refine the preparation conditions for K5H3(SeO3)4, KHSeO3, KH3(SeO3)2, and K2Se2O5. The compounds obtained were studied using thermoanalytical methods and infrared spectroscopy. The behaviour of protons in the hydrogen bonds of the acid salts was described.
Hydrogenation of ethylene on a Co-Mo/Al2O3 catalyst under transient conditions
Authors: Samková Jana , Klusáček Karel , Schneider Petr
Published: September 2010

Hydrogenation of ethylene on a Co-Mo/Al2O3 catalyst at 353 K and atmospheric pressure has been studied. The unsteady-state method was used, in which reactor feed-rate and feed-composition were changed in a defined way. The analysis of transient response curves proved negligible adsorption of hydrogen and ethane and confirmed the reaction mechanism of ethylene hydrogenation which involves reaction of adsorbed ethylene with hydrogen from gas phase in the rate determining step. Combined stationary and transient experimental data were used to calculate kinetic parameters: rate constant of ethylene hydrogenation, total concentration of active sites on the catalyst surface and equilibrium adsorption coefficient of ethylene.
Kinetic salt effects in the hydrolysis of ethyl malonate, methyl glutarate and ethyl adipate semiesters
Authors: Herrera M. Martín , Puig J. J. Maraver , Burgos F. Sánchez
Published: September 2010

A study is made on the kinetic salt effect on the reaction of hydrolysis of several charged esters in alkaline media. The results are interpreted on the basis of the coulombic interaction, the salting in of hydroxide ion and a third component depending on size of the substrate.
Cyclization and acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of O-benzoylbenzamidoximes
Authors: Grambal František , Lasovský Jan
Published: September 2010

Kinetics of formation of 1,2,4-oxadiazoles from 24 substitution derivatives of O-benzoylbenzamidoxime have been studied in sulphuric acid and aqueous ethanol media. It has been found that this medium requires introduction of the Hammett H0 function instead of the pH scale beginning as low as from 0.1% solutions of mineral acids. Effects of the acid concentration, ionic strength, and temperature on the reaction rate and on the kinetic isotope effect have been followed. From these dependences and from polar effects of substituents it was concluded that along with the cyclization to 1,2,4-oxadiazoles there proceeds hydrolysis to benzamidoxime and benzoic acid. The reaction is thermodynamically controlled by the acid-base equilibrium of the O-benzylated benzamidoximes.
Reactions of ethyl ester of N-(5-methoxycarbonyl-2-furyl)imidoformic and imidoacetic acids with amines
Authors: Štibrányi Ladislav , Sekretár Stanislav , Peeva Milena
Published: September 2010

By the reaction of ethyl ester of N-(5-methoxycarbonyl-2-furyl)imidoformic (I) and imidoacetic (II) acids, resp., with ammonia, aniline, isopropylamine and methyl ester of 5-amino-2-furancarboxylic acid, resp., N,N'-disubstituted amidines were prepared.
Preparation of isomeric 2-methyl-1-oxotriterpenoids of the 18α-oleanane series; Conformation of ring A
Authors: Klinot Jiří , Světlý Jarmil , Klinotová Eva , Buděšínský Miloš , Vystrčil Alois
Published: September 2010

2β-Methyl-1α-hydroxy (XV) and two isomeric 2-methyl-1-oxo derivatives (XVI and XVII) of 19β,28-epoxy-18α-oleanane were prepared from 19β,28-epoxy-2-methyl-18α-olean-1-en-3-one (XI) via 3β-chloro derivative XIII and unsaturated 1α-hydroxy derivative XIV. Allylic oxidation of 2-methyl-2-ene VI was studied as an alternative approach to compound XIV. Oxidation with selenium dioxide led to diol VII, aldehyde VIII and alcohol IV, oxidation with tert-butyl chromate gave epoxy ketone X. According to 1H NMR and CD data, ring A in the 2β-methyl derivatives XV and XVI exists in a boat conformation. The 2α-methyl ketone XVII (chair form) is more stable than its 2β-epimer XVI (boat form): only 9 ± 3% of XVI exists at equilibrium. Conformation of ring A in the unsubstituted 1-ketone I and differences in stability of the boat form in 1,2- and 2,3-disubstituted triterpenoids are discussed.
Synthesis of blood serum thymic factor and its analogs
Authors: Černý Martin , Kasafírek Evžen , Rovenský Jozef , Křepelka Jiří
Published: September 2010

The blood serum thymic factor (FTS) and its two analogs (desGlp1)-FTS and (Gln1)-FTS were synthesized by a novel procedure. The biological activity of these compounds was assayed by the E-rosette test. The activity of (desGlp1)-FTS is decreased and (Gln1)-FTS shows an inhibitory effect.
Formation of the poly(Lys-Ala-Ala) complex with potassium oligogalacturonates
Authors: Bystrický Slavomír , Sticzay Tibor , Kohn Rudolf , Bláha Karel
Published: September 2010

The helix-forming interaction of poly(Lys-Ala-Ala) with potassium oligogalacturonates of various polymerization degree (n = 1-9) was investigated by the circular dichroism spectra. The complex-forming effect of these oligomers is considerably lower than that of the polymeric D-galacturonan. The highest efficiency was observed at n = 4 and 6, where the chain lengths of oligogalacturonates approximate to the distance of the most nearly located -NH3(+) groups of the α-helical polypeptide conformation.
Injuries among World Cup freestyle skiers
Authors: Flørenes Tonje Wåle , Heir Stig , Nordsletten Lars , Bahr Roald
Published: September 2010

Background

Limited knowledge exists on injuries among professional freestyle skiers.

Objective

To describe the risk of injury and injury patterns among competitive World Cup (WC) freestyle skiers during the competitive season.

Methods

Retrospective interviews were conducted with WC freestyle skiers from 20 nations in a cohort study at the end of the 2006–2007, 2007–2008 and 2008–2009 winter seasons, and all acute injuries occurring during the 4.5 month competitive season were recorded. If an athlete was not present, we interviewed his or her coach or medical personnel.

Results

A total of 291 acute injuries were recorded among 662 WC freestyle skiers. Ninety-three injuries (32%) were severe in nature, defined as >28 days absence from training/competition. This corresponds to 14 (95% CI 11.2 to 16.9) injuries per 100 athletes per season. The most frequently injured body part was the knee with 77 injuries (27%) and 37 of these were severe. The head was the next most commonly injured body part with 39 (13%) injuries. As many as 106 injuries (36%) occurred during WC/World Ski Championship competitions, corresponding to an injury rate of 15.6 injuries per 1000 runs (95% CI 12.7 to 18.6). There were no significant differences between men and women in either the injury rate or the rate seen for knee injuries.

Conclusions

The injury rate among WC athletes in freestyle skiing is high, especially for severe injuries. The knee is the most commonly injured body part, also dominated by severe injuries. We found no significant difference in the injury rate related to sex.
SIGNATURE, NULLITY AND DETERMINANT OF CHECKERBOARD COLORABLE VIRTUAL LINKS
Authors: IM YOUNG HO , LEE KYEONGHUI , LEE SANG YOUL
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we present the Goeritz matrix for checkerboard colorable virtual links or, equivalently, checkerboard colorable links in thickened surfaces Sg × [0, 1], which is an extension of the Goeritz matrix for classical knots and links in ℝ3. Using this, we show that the signature, nullity and determinant of classical oriented knots and links extend to those of checkerboard colorable oriented virtual links.
COLLABORATIVE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT WITH COMPETITORS TO STIMULATE DOWNSTREAM INNOVATION
Authors: ERZURUMLU SINAN
Published: September 2010

Open innovation through collaboration could be beneficial for various reasons, but participating firms must also consider the strategic consequences of their formation on the supply chain. This study is concerned with how open innovation through inter-firm collaboration and strategic alliances may generate value for competing suppliers by stimulating the adoption of the new component innovation by the downstream supply chain. The analysis specifically examines three types of firm interaction representing different levels of open innovation. First, in the joint venture, fully integrated suppliers would develop and market the component. Second, in the development alliance, partially integrated suppliers share the development outcome, but compete in marketing. Finally, independent suppliers do not form any kind of collaborative formation. The findings reveal that the value of open innovation comes not only from technology development, but also how well it stimulates the downstream OEM to invest.
A CONTINGENT PERSPECTIVE OF OPEN INNOVATION IN NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS
Authors: BAHEMIA HANNA , SQUIRE BRIAN
Published: September 2010

Studies of open innovation are predominantly concerned with firm-level strategy development. The result is that the literature has largely ignored the multiple contingencies that influence the implementation of an open strategy at the level of the NPD project. In this paper, we develop a conceptual framework of inbound open innovation at the NPD project level to assess factors that help determine the degree of openness along three dimensions. We argue that the margin of managerial action is not only constrained to the decision to open up the NPD project to a wide range of different types of external parties (breadth dimension), but that it is equally important to consider the depth of the relationships with different types of external parties (depth dimension) and the balance between the development of new and longstanding relationships (ambidexterity dimension). The calibration of these three dimensions represents the levers when managing an inbound open innovation strategy during an NPD project. Finally, we identify a range of contingencies, which potentially have a bearing on the appropriate calibration of the breadth, depth and ambidexterity dimensions of an open innovation strategy. We argue that appropriate calibration of the three dimensions of inbound open innovation is determined by the type of innovation (radical versus incremental), product complexity (discrete versus complex) and the appropriability regime (tight versus weak).
Economics of Health Risk Assessment
Authors: Lichtenberg Erik
Published: September 2010

The methods that scientific and technical experts have developed for constructing quantitative assessments of health and safety risks have major shortcomings as tools for decision analysis. We use a model of cost-effective risk management under uncertainty to discuss shortcomings of standard risk assessment methods as decision support aids, including problems of (a) comparability of risk estimates and costs of saving statistical lives from compounded conservatism and (b) lack of flexibility in modeling regulatory intervention. Offsets and risk shifting due to regulation-induced changes in firm and household behavior show that risk assessments need to incorporate economic and behavioral science models. Empirical studies demonstrate that the tools of economic analysis can help risk assessments generate much richer information sets both at the overarching level of embedding risk assessments in decision-theoretic frameworks for risk management decisions and at the internal level by giving risk assessments the capacity to capture the effects of behavioral changes on risk.
On the Increasing Role of Economic Research in Management of Resources and Protection of the Environment
Authors: Baumol William J.
Published: September 2010

This paper follows precedent in mixing substantive matters related to resource and environmental economics with an autobiographical framework. Unavoidably, this pushes the contents toward my own contributions to the field—especially those that, in my belief, have not received the attention they merit. After following precedent and beginning with some words on my origins and my subsequent affiliations, I focus on several examples showing how economic analysis has helped to illuminate this subject that is so critical for the general welfare. I begin with the origins of our understanding of externalities and their increasing role in the literature on the subjects under discussion here. Second, I turn to the issue of effective policy measures and the political obstacles that impede their adoption. As part of this, I discuss markets in emission permits as a way to make the Pigouvian taxation approach more palatable. I show that these two are basically equivalent, but the same is not true of the carrot and the stick approaches—i.e., taxes on emissions and subsidy rewards for reducing such environmental damage. Third, I use a Leontief approach to show how the benefits of the use of substitutes for scarce resources are commonly exaggerated and can inadvertently hasten depletion of a scarce resource, despite appearing to contribute to preservation. Finally, I turn to as-yet-unpublished material, which shows that the cost disease model I have used to account for the persistent, cumulative, and rapid rise in the real cost of activities such as health care, education, and the performing arts also describes and explains the pecuniary source of much of the threat that currently besets the environment—paradoxically doing so through the decreasing real costs of other products that are an inescapable companion to the rising costs that beset other economic activities.
Managing Infectious Animal Disease Systems
Authors: Horan Richard D. , Fenichel Eli P. , Wolf Christopher A. , Gramig Benjamin M.
Published: September 2010

We review the bioeconomic and disease ecology literatures on managing the spread of infectious diseases among and between wild and domestic animals. Management recommendations derived from these two literatures are compared and shown to differ due to the way each treats human behaviors. Conventional disease ecology models treat human behaviors as external to the disease system, whereas bioeconomic analysis treats behavior as an internal component of a jointly determined human-disease ecology system. The complexities of animal disease systems, including multiple state variables and imperfect controls, are shown to influence the overall level of optimal disease control, the optimal allocation of controls across species and activities, and long-run outcomes. Eradication is not always optimal, nor may it be optimal to pursue a steady-state outcome. Human responses to disease risks in decentralized settings are also examined. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of future research avenues.
Empirical Challenges for Risk Preferences and Production
Authors: Just David R. , Khantachavana Sivalai V. , Just Richard E.
Published: September 2010

The importance of risk preferences in agricultural production has long been identified as an important and preeminent issue of policy relevance. Recent developments in the study of production risk have called into question much of the core of risk production research. This article provides an overview of the prominent literature attempting to quantify the impact of risk preferences on production and a discussion of the recently discovered challenges. These challenges are typified by (a) an inability to discern risk preferences, (b) an inability to discern the factors that relate to risk preferences, (c) evidence that prior estimation has severe problems, and (d) a general failure of current models to address the important policy or behavioral issues. Although some of these challenges may appear at first blush to be insurmountable, we suggest a new agenda for risk research in production that directly addresses each of these issues.
Consumer Surplus with Apology: A Historical Perspective on Nonmarket Valuation and Recreation Demand
Authors: Spencer Banzhaf H.
Published: September 2010

When economists first turned to applied benefit-cost analysis in the 1930s and 1940s, prices were the only widely accepted measure of benefits. Perhaps surprisingly, economists did not consider measures like consumer surplus, which seemed quite foreign. Consequently, when they turned to nonmarket valuation for goods like outdoor recreation, their constructed demand curves seemed less informative than a simple equilibrium price. As they struggled with how to make use of such information, natural resource economists set important precedents for the larger profession in coming to consumer surplus as a new measure of benefits. By creating important precedents and learning through practice, they shaped the discipline as much as they were shaped by received theory. At the same time, by coming to these notions in the context of political debates, they were also shaped by the norms of the state.
Antibiotic Effectiveness: New Challenges in Natural Resource Management
Authors: Herrmann Markus , Laxminarayan Ramanan
Published: September 2010

Problems of optimal natural resource extraction that were first addressed by economists in the contexts of fisheries and forests have reemerged in the context of a newly recognized resource: antibiotic effectiveness. This review introduces economists to the growing literature on optimal use, innovation, and regulation of antibiotic effectiveness. Along the way, we draw links and parallels to similar problems in the management of other resources with which economists may be more familiar, and we address new questions that have arisen in the context of antibiotic effectiveness but that are also relevant to other resources.
Invasive Species and Endogenous Risk
Authors: Finnoff David , McIntosh Chris , Shogren Jason F. , Sims Charles , Warziniack Travis
Published: September 2010

Invasive species policy is an economic issue. People affect the spread of invasive species, and these invaders affect people. This review discusses bioeconomic modeling using endogenous risk theory to capture the idea of jointly determined ecological and economic systems. This perspective adds precision to risk assessment and cost-benefit estimation. Bioeconomic modeling can help increase the chance of developing policies that promote better invasive species protection at lower cost. Several key points emerge. Differentiating between import- and export-related externalities determines the ability of agents to manage risk. A manager has four general economic strategies to mitigate invasive species risk and associated damages: prevention, eradication, control, and adaptation. When flexibility and timing play a critical role, a real options framework becomes the more appropriate analytical framework relative to traditional cost-benefit analysis. For many invasive species, valuation exercises will involve eliciting preferences to delay in the inevitable invasion and spread.
Detecting the ITCZ in Instantaneous Satellite Data using Spatiotemporal Statistical Modeling: ITCZ Climatology in the East Pacific
Authors: Bain Caroline L. , De Paz Jorge , Kramer Jason , Magnusdottir Gudrun , Smyth Padhraic , Stern Hal , Wang Chia-chi
Published: September 2010

A Markov random field (MRF) statistical model is introduced, developed, and validated for detecting the east Pacific intertropical convergence zone in instantaneous satellite data from May through October. The MRF statistical model uses satellite data at a given location as well as information from its neighboring points (in time and space) to decide whether the given point is classified as ITCZ or non-ITCZ. Two different labels of ITCZ occurrence are produced. IR-only labels result from running the model with 3-hourly infrared data available for a 30-yr period, 1980–2009. All-data labels result from running the model with additional satellite data (visible and total precipitable water), available from 1995 to 2008. IR-only labels detect less area of ITCZ than all-data labels, especially where the ITCZ is shallower. Yet, qualitatively, the results for the two sets of labels are similar.

The seasonal distribution of the ITCZ through the summer half year is presented, showing typical location and extent. The ITCZ is mostly confined to the eastern Pacific in May, and becomes more zonally distributed toward September and October each year. Northward and westward shifts in the location of the ITCZ occur in line with the seasonal cycle and warm sea surface temperatures. The ITCZ is quite variable on interannual time scales and highly correlated with ENSO variability. When the ENSO signal was removed from labels, interannual variability remained high. The resulting IR-only labels, representing the longer time series, showed no evidence of a trend in location nor evidence of a trend in area for the 30-yr period.
Validation of a High-Resolution Version of the Regional Climate Model RegCM3 over the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Torma Csaba , Coppola Erika , Giorgi Filippo , Bartholy Judit , Pongrácz Rita
Published: September 2010

This paper presents a validation study for a high-resolution version of the Regional Climate Model version 3 (RegCM3) over the Carpathian basin and its surroundings. The horizontal grid spacing of the model is 10 km—the highest reached by RegCM3. The ability of the model to capture temporal and spatial variability of temperature and precipitation over the region of interest is evaluated using metrics spanning a wide range of temporal (daily to climatology) and spatial (inner domain average to local) scales against different observational datasets. The simulated period is 1961–90. RegCM3 shows small temperature biases but a general overestimation of precipitation, especially in winter; although, this overestimate may be artificially enhanced by uncertainties in observations. The precipitation bias over the Hungarian territory, the authors’ main area of interest, is mostly less than 20%. The model captures well the observed late twentieth-century decadal-to-interannual and interseasonal variability. On short time scales, simulated daily temperature and precipitation show a high correlation with observations, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9 for temperature and 0.6 for precipitation. Comparison with two Hungarian station time series shows that the model performance does not degrade when going to the 10-km gridpoint scale. Finally, the model reproduces the spatial distribution of dry and wet spells over the region. Overall, it is assessed that this high-resolution version of RegCM3 is of sufficiently good quality to perform climate change experiments over the Carpathian region—and, in particular, the Hungarian territory—for application to impact and adaptation studies.
Spatiotemporal Characteristics of Meteorological Drought for the Island of Crete
Authors: Koutroulis Aristeidis G. , Vrohidou Aggeliki-Eleni K. , Tsanis Ioannis K.
Published: September 2010

A modified drought index, named the spatially normalized–standardized precipitation index (SN-SPI), has been developed for assessing meteorological droughts. The SN–SPI is a variant index to the standardized precipitation index and is based on the probability of precipitation at different time scales, but it is spatially normalized for improved assessment of drought severity. Results of this index incorporate the spatial distribution of precipitation and produce improved drought warnings. This index is applied in the island of Crete, Greece, and the drought results are compared to the ones of SPI. A 30-year-long average monthly precipitation dataset from 130 watersheds of the island is used by the above indices for drought classification in terms of its duration and intensity. Bias-adjusted monthly precipitation estimates from an ensemble of 10 regional climate models were used to quantify the influence of global warming to drought conditions over the period 2010–2100. Results based on both indices (calculated for three time scales of 12, 24, and 48 months) from 3 basins in west, central, and east parts of the island show that 1) the extreme drought periods are the same (reaching 7% of time) but the intensities based on SN–SPI are lower; 2) the area covered by extreme droughts is 3% (first time scale), 16% (second time scale), and 25% (third time scale), and 96% (first time scale), 95% (second time scale), and 80% (third time scale) based on the SN–SPI and SPI, respectively; 3) concerning the longest time scale (48 months), more than half of the area of Crete is about to experience drought conditions during 28%, 69%, and 97% for 2010–40, 2040–70, and 2070–2100, respectively; and 4) extremely dry conditions will cover 52%, 33%, and 25% of the island for the future 90-year period using 12-, 24-, and 48-month SN–SPI, respectively.
On the Linear Relationship between Loop Current Retreat Latitude and Eddy Separation Period
Authors: Lugo-Fernández Alexis , Leben Robert R.
Published: September 2010

A linear correlation exists between the retreat latitude of the Loop Current following eddy separation and the subsequent eddy separation period. This empirical relationship was first identified in satellite altimeter-derived Loop Current metrics. In this paper, a simple vorticity model of the Loop Current is used to provide a semitheoretical basis for this relationship. After suitable scaling approximations, the theory predicts that the LC separation period is a linear function of retreat latitude, which agrees well with altimeter-derived empirical results. Specifically, the predicted slope and y intercept agree to within 9% and 2%, respectively, with the altimetry-derived values.
Observing the Galápagos–EUC Interaction: Insights and Challenges
Authors: Karnauskas Kristopher B. , Murtugudde Raghu , Busalacchi Antonio J.
Published: September 2010

Although sustained observations yield a description of the mean equatorial current system from the western Pacific to the eastern terminus of the Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO) array, a comprehensive observational dataset suitable for describing the structure and pathways of the Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC) east of 95°W does not exist and therefore climate models are unconstrained in a region that plays a critical role in ocean–atmosphere coupling. Furthermore, ocean models suggest that the interaction between the EUC and the Galápagos Islands (∼92°W) has a striking effect on the basic state and coupled variability of the tropical Pacific. To this end, the authors interpret historical measurements beginning with those made in conjunction with the discovery of the Pacific EUC in the 1950s, analyze velocity measurements from an equatorial TAO mooring at 85°W, and analyze a new dataset from archived shipboard ADCP measurements. Together, the observations yield a possible composite description of the EUC structure and pathways in the eastern equatorial Pacific that may be useful for model validation and guiding future observation.
Psychological distress among Plains Indian mothers with children referred to screening for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Parker Tassy , Maviglia Marcello A , Lewis Phyllis Trujillo , Phillip Gossage J , May Philip A
Published: September 2010

Background

Psychological distress (PD) includes symptoms of depression and anxiety and is associated with considerable emotional suffering, social dysfunction and, often, with problematic alcohol use. The rate of current PD among American Indian women is approximately 2.5 times higher than that of U.S. women in general. Our study aims to fill the current knowledge gap about the prevalence and characteristics of PD and its association with self-reported current drinking problems among American Indian mothers whose children were referred to screening for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).

Methods

Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data was conducted from maternal interviews of referred American Indian mothers (n = 152) and a comparison group of mothers (n = 33) from the same Plains culture tribes who participated in an NIAAA-funded epidemiology study of FASD. Referred women were from one of six Plains Indian reservation communities and one urban area who bore children suspected of having an FASD. A 6-item PD scale (PD-6, Cronbach's alpha = .86) was constructed with a summed score range of 0-12 and a cut-point of 7 indicating serious PD. Multiple statistical tests were used to examine the characteristics of PD and its association with self-reported current drinking problems.

Results

Referred and comparison mothers had an average age of 31.3 years but differed (respectively) on: education (<high school: 47.4%, 9.1%), PD-6 mean scores (3.57, 1.48), current prevalence of serious PD (19.1%, 0.0%), and a current drinking problem (31.6%, 12.1%). Among referred mothers, those with a current drinking problem had a significantly higher mean PD-6 score. Having PD, serious PD, and 2 specific scale items significantly increased the odds that a referred mother would have a current drinking problem.

Conclusions

Psychological distress among referred mothers is significantly associated with having a self-reported drinking problem. FASD prevention requires multi-level prevention efforts that provide real opportunities for educational attainment and screening and monitoring of PD and alcohol use during the childbearing years. Mixed methods studies are needed to illuminate the social and cultural determinants at the base of the experience of PD and to identify the strengths and protective factors of unaffected peers who reside within the same communities.
Grip strength measurements at two different wrist extension positions in chronic lateral epicondylitis-comparison of involved vs. uninvolved side in athletes and non athletes: a case-control study
Authors: Bhargava Arti S , Eapen Charu , Kumar Senthil P
Published: September 2010

Background

Lateral epicondylitis is a common sports injury of the elbow caused due to altered muscle activation during repetitive wrist extension in many athletic and non-athletic endeavours. The amount of muscle activity and timing of contraction eventually is directly dependent upon joint position during the activity. The purpose of our study was to compare the grip strength in athletes with lateral epicondylalgia in two different wrist extension positions and compare them between involved and uninvolved sides of athletes and non-athletes.

Methods

An assessor-blinded case-control study of eight athletes and twenty-two non-athletes was done. The grip strength was measured using JAMAR® hand dynamometer in kilograms-force at 15 degrees (slightly extended) and 35 degrees (moderately extended) wrist extension positions (maintained by wrist splints) on both involved and uninvolved sides of athletes and non-athletes with unilateral lateral epicondylitis of atleast 3 months duration. Their pain was to be elicited with local tenderness and two of three tests being positive- Cozen's, Mill's manoeuvre, resisted middle finger extension tests. For comparisons of grip strength, Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for within-group comparison (between 15 and 35 degrees wrist extension positions) and Mann-Whitney U test was used for between-group (athletes vs. non-athletes) comparisons at 95% confidence interval and were done using SPSS 11.5 for Windows.

Results

Statistically significant greater grip strength was found in 15 degrees (27.75 ± 4.2 kgms in athletes; 16.45 ± 4.2 kgms in non-athletes) wrist extension than at 35 degrees (25.25 ± 3.53 kgm in athletes and 14.18 ± 3.53 kgm in non-athletes). The athletes had greater grip strength than non-athletes in each of test positions (11.3 kgm at 15 degrees and 11.07 kgm at 35 degrees) measured. There was also a significant difference between involved and uninvolved sides' grip strength at both wrist positions (4.44 ± .95 kgm at 15 degrees and 4.44 ± .86 kgm in 35 degrees) which was significant (p < .05) only in non-athletes.

Conclusion

The grip strength was greater in 15 degrees wrist extension position and this position could then be used in athletes with lateral epicondylalgia for grip strength assessment and designing wrist splint in this population.
Approach to the Patient with Persistent Acromegaly after Pituitary Surgery
Authors: Katznelson Laurence
Published: September 2010

The approach to a patient with acromegaly and persistent disease after surgery requires a complex diagnostic assessment. Acromegaly is a chronic and insidious disease that is associated with multisystem comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, sleep apnea syndrome, colon polyposis, arthropathy, and metabolic complications including glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients also have a variety of signs and symptoms, including headache, arthralgias, carpal tunnel syndrome, sweating, fatigue, and psychological issues that impact significantly on quality of life. The recommended approach to the evaluation of the postoperative patient includes a biochemical assessment, with measurement of serum IGF-I along with a glucose-suppressed GH value, radiological assessment to determine location of residual tumor and presence of mass effects, a physical examination for evidence of skeletal and soft tissue overgrowth and related signs of acromegaly, and a thorough clinical assessment for the presence of comorbidities. Repeat surgery is indicated if there is residual tumor that is surgically accessible and there may be a chance for surgical cure, or if there are persistent mass effects upon the optic chiasm. Otherwise, medical therapy is indicated, utilizing somatostatin analogs, dopamine agonists, and pegvisomant, a GH receptor antagonist. Radiation therapy is usually relegated to situations where medical therapy is ineffective or poorly tolerated or where patients would prefer not to sustain the cost of long-term medical therapy. The choice of therapy requires close dialog among endocrinologists, neurosurgeons, radiation therapists, and neuroophthalmologists for optimal care of patients.
Glucose and aging control the quiescence period that follows pancreatic beta cell replication
Authors: Salpeter Seth J. , Klein Allon M. , Huangfu Danwei , Grimsby Joseph , Dor Yuval
Published: September 2010

Pancreatic beta cell proliferation has emerged as the principal mechanism for homeostatic maintenance of beta cell mass during adult life. This underscores the importance of understanding the mechanisms of beta cell replication and suggests novel approaches for regenerative therapy to treat diabetes. Here we use an in vivo pulse-chase labeling assay to investigate the replication dynamics of adult mouse beta cells. We find that replicated beta cells are able to re-enter the cell division cycle shortly after mitosis and regain their normal proliferative potential after a short quiescence period of several days. This quiescence period is lengthened with advanced age, but shortened during injury-driven beta cell regeneration and following treatment with a pharmacological activator of glucokinase, providing strong evidence that metabolic demand is a key determinant of cell cycle re-entry. Lastly, we show that cyclin D2, a crucial factor in beta cell replication, is downregulated during cell division, and is slowly upregulated post-mitosis by a glucose-sensitive mechanism. These results demonstrate that beta cells quickly regain their capacity to re-enter the cell cycle post-mitosis and implicate glucose control of cyclin D2 expression in the regulation of this process.
Extracellular control of PAR protein localization during asymmetric cell division in the C. elegans embryo
Authors: Arata Yukinobu , Lee Jen-Yi , Goldstein Bob , Sawa Hitoshi
Published: September 2010

The axis of asymmetric cell division is controlled to determine the future position of differentiated cells during animal development. The asymmetric localization of PAR proteins in the Drosophila neuroblast and C. elegans embryo are aligned with the axes of the embryo. However, whether extracellular or intracellular signals determine the orientation of the localization of PAR proteins remains controversial. In C. elegans, the P0 zygote and germline cells (P1, P2, and P3) undergo a series of asymmetric cell divisions. Interestingly, the axis of the P0 and P1 divisions is opposite to that of the P2 and P3 divisions. PAR-2, a ring-finger protein, and PAR-1, a kinase, relocalize to the anterior side of the P2 and P3 germline precursors at the site of contact with endodermal precursors. Using an in vitro method, we have found that the PAR-2 protein is distributed asymmetrically in the absence of extracellular signals, but the orientation of the protein localization in the P2 and P3 cells is determined by contact with endodermal precursor cells. Our mutant analyses suggest that mes-1 and src-1, which respectively encode a transmembrane protein and a tyrosine kinase, were not required to establish the asymmetric distribution of PAR-2, but were required to determine its orientation at the site of contact with the endodermal precursors. The PAR-2 localization during the asymmetric P2 and P3 divisions is controlled by extracellular signals via MES-1/SRC-1 signaling. Our findings suggest that Src functions as an evolutionarily conserved molecular link that coordinates extrinsic cues with PAR protein localization.
Therapeutic Process as a Means to Navigate Impasse? Reflections on a Complex Case of Crosscultural Adolescent Family Therapy
Authors: Segal Jacqueline
Published: September 2010

This article explores the process of family therapy with a Turkish‐speaking single‐parent family with four children in which suicidal behaviour and family violence have become the norm. The following example describes a pivotal experience early within my career as a family therapist. The universality of first, being a beginner family therapist, and second, receiving a referral of a daunting, difficult case has led me to share my experience here. Central to this article is the focus on therapeutic process as a means to navigate beyond impasse. It is my hope that those who read this article will consider taking the risk to prioritise the therapeutic relationship, even when anxiety about ‘doing something’ to fix the problems is high.
Lev Levandas Roman „Gorjačee vremja“ als politischer Akt
Authors: Specht Benjamin
Published: September 2010

Lev Levanda (18351888) was one of the first Jewish writers to publish in Russian. He presented himself as an ardent maskil, i. e. an exponent of the Jewish Enlightenment in Russia, or Haskalah in Hebrew. Due to his critical attitude towards the traditional Jewish lifestyle and the pro-Russian tendency of the majority of his writings, he was considered an avid Russophile most of his life. He wrote his best-known novel, “Goryachee Vremya”, on a politically delicate topic – the Jewish conflict of taking sides in the Polish uprising of 1863. What first seems to be typically tendentious prose closes with an irritating ending. The hero, a Jewish propagandist of assimilation, finally ends up in the company of exiled Polish insurgents discussing the similarities of Polish and Jewish destinies. The novel, which was mostly understood as pro-Russian propaganda for a Jewish audience, turns out to be a political statement directed to Russian readers, critically describing the negative outcome of denying Jewish assimilation efforts.
Krieg für Frieden. Wie Politiker unter Ausnutzung persuasiver Strategietypen und -muster Kriege rechtfertigen
Authors: Guttke Matthias
Published: September 2010

The first part of this article sets out with a comprehensive overview of today’s most dominant conceptions of what makes up the political discourse from a semiotic point of view and goes on to show the difference between argumentation and persuasion. This analysis is used in the second part for a further specification of one possible way how to realize arguing that is justifying. Subsequently, the article systematizes typical patterns of justification for selected acts of war of the 20th and 21st century which politicians as representatives of different political systems repeatedly make use of, in order to gain agreement to enforce their aims of action. The fourth part, finally, discovers characteristic strategy types, which on the one hand intent to realize cognitive-rational conviction and on the other hand pseudo argumentative persuasion.
Practice and Child Characteristics Associated With Influenza Vaccine Uptake in Young Children
Authors: Poehling Katherine A. , Fairbrother Gerry , Zhu Yuwei , Donauer Stephanie , Ambrose Sandra , Edwards Kathryn M. , Staat Mary Allen , Prill Mila M. , Finelli Lyn , Allred Norma J. , Bardenheier Barbara , Szilagyi Peter G. ,   for the New Vaccine Surveillance Network
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVES:

The objective of this study was to determine both practice and child characteristics and practice strategies associated with receipt of influenza vaccine in young children during the 2004–2005 influenza season, the first season for the universal influenza vaccination recommendation for all children who are aged 6 to 23 months.

METHODS:

Clinical and demographic data from randomly selected children who were aged 6 to 23 months were obtained by chart review from a community-based cohort study in 3 US counties. The proportion of children who were vaccinated by April 5, 2005, in each practice was obtained. For assessment of practice characteristics and strategies, sampled practices received a self-administered practice survey. Practice and child characteristics that predicted complete influenza vaccination were determined by using multinomial logistic regression.

RESULTS:

Forty-six (88%) of 52 sampled practices completed the survey and permitted chart reviews. Of 2384 children who were aged 6 to 23 months and were studied, 27% were completely vaccinated. The proportion of children who were completely vaccinated varied widely among practices (0%–71%). Most (87%) practices implemented ≥1 vaccination strategy. Complete influenza vaccination was associated with 3 practice characteristics: suburban location, lower patient volume, and vaccination strategies of evening/weekend vaccine clinics; with child characteristics of younger age, existing high-risk conditions, ≥6 well visits to the practice by 3 years of age, and any practice visit from October through January.

CONCLUSIONS:

Modifiable factors that were associated with increased influenza vaccination coverage included October to January practice visits and evening/weekend vaccine clinics.
Immunogenicity and Safety of MF59-Adjuvanted H5N1 Influenza Vaccine From Infancy to Adolescence
Authors: Vesikari Timo , Karvonen Aino , Tilman Sandrine , Borkowski Astrid , Montomoli Emanuele , Banzhoff Angelika , Clemens Ralf
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE:

This study evaluated the immunogenicity, safety, and tolerability of a MF59-adjuvanted H5N1 vaccine in a population 6 months through 17 years of age.

METHODS:

Healthy subjects 6 to <36 months, 3 to <9 months, and 9 to <18 years of age were assigned randomly to receive 2 doses of either a MF59-adjuvanted H5N1 vaccine (7.5 μg/dose) or a MF59-adjuvanted trivalent seasonal influenza control vaccine (15 μg/dose for each antigen). Immunogenicity against the A/Vietnam/1194/2004-like vaccine strain was measured before and 3 weeks after the 2-dose primary series, through hemagglutination inhibition (HI), single radial hemolysis (SRH), and microneutralization. Local and systemic reactions were recorded.

RESULTS:

A total of 335 subjects received the H5N1 vaccine, and 137 subjects received the seasonal vaccine. Rates of seroprotection (HI titer of ≥40) against the H5N1 vaccine antigen were 97% for children 6 to 36 months and 3 to 9 years of age and 89% for older children. All subjects seroconverted in the SRH assay. Microneutralization titers of ≥40 were achieved by 99% of subjects, and ≥98% of subjects, respectively. Local reactions, particularly injection site pain in older children, were common, generally mild to moderate in nature, and transient and resolved spontaneously. Up to 5% of participants. There were no vaccine-related serious adverse events in either group.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this pediatric population, MF59-adjuvanted H5N1 vaccine was highly immunogenic, had a good safety profile, reactogenicity comparable with that of an adjuvanted seasonal influenza control vaccine.
Teachings to Lay Disciples - The Sa?yukta-?gama Parallel to the An?thapi??ikov?da-sutta
Authors: Analayo Bhikkhu
Published: September 2010

The present article offers a translation of the Sa?yukta-?gama parallel to the An?thapi??ikov?da-sutta of the Majjhima-nik?ya, which records a set of insight instructions given by S?riputta to the terminally sick lay disciple An?thapi??ika. At the end of the discourse, An?thapi??ika sorrowfully remarks that he never received such profound instructions earlier. This remark has prompted me to undertake a closer examination of the teachings that, according to early Buddhist texts — in particular the Majjhima-nik?ya and the Sa?yukta-?gama — were given to lay disciples.