bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural Systems Underlying Decisions about Affective Odors
Authors: Rolls Edmund T. , Grabenhorst Fabian , Parris Benjamin A.
Published: March 2009

Decision-making about affective value may occur after the reward value of a stimulus is represented and may involve different brain areas to those involved in decision-making about the physical properties of stimuli, such as intensity. In an fMRI study, we delivered two odors separated by a delay, with instructions on different trials to decide which odor was more pleasant or more intense or to rate the pleasantness and intensity of the second odor without making a decision. The fMRI signals in the medial prefrontal cortex area 10 (medial PFC) and in regions to which it projects, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insula, were higher when decisions were being made compared with ratings, implicating these regions in decision-making. Decision-making about affective value was related to larger signals in the dorsal part of medial area 10 and the agranular insula, whereas decisions about intensity were related to larger activations in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dorsolateral PFC), ventral premotor cortex, and anterior insula. For comparison, the mid orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) had activations related not to decision-making but to subjective pleasantness ratings, providing a continuous representation of affective value. In contrast, areas such as medial area 10 and the ACC are implicated in reaching a decision in which a binary outcome is produced.
Scots Pine (pinus sylvestris L.) on Shingle Fields: A Dendrochronologic Reconstruction of Early Summer Precipitation in Mideast Sweden
Authors: Jönsson Karin , Nilsson Christer
Published: March 2009

Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees growing on shingle fields offer a unique possibility to reconstruct precipitation and study climate variability in the fairly humid eastern part of central Sweden. Tree-ring characteristics were compared with monthly (1890–2001) and daily (1961–2001) climate data from an adjacent meteorological station. Chronologies for latewood (LW), earlywood (EW), and tree-ring widths (RW) were constructed from 73 living and dead trees. Correlation analyses show that tree growth is most sensitive to early summer precipitation. EW shows the strongest correlation with precipitation in May and June while LW is best correlated with June and July precipitation. A reconstruction model for May–June precipitation was calculated using principal component analysis (PCA) regression (regular regression) including EW, LW, and RW for present and previous years. The model explained 46% of the variation in May–June precipitation and allowed a reconstruction back to 1560. Information about wet and dry years was collected from historical documents and was used to validate the result. Periods with precipitation above and below the mean show agreement with previous reconstructions of spring precipitation from tree rings in Finland and of spring floods from estuary sediments in the region. Analyses of correlations between meteorological stations and reconstructed precipitation show that the model is valid for the coastal part of central Sweden. The authors conclude that Scots pine trees on shingle fields are well suited for precipitation reconstruction, and the separate analyses of LW and EW improve the reconstruction.
Statistical Prediction of ENSO from Subsurface Sea Temperature Using a Nonlinear Dimensionality Reduction
Authors: Lima Carlos H. R. , Lall Upmanu , Jebara Tony , Barnston Anthony G.
Published: March 2009

Numerous statistical and dynamical models have been developed in recent years to forecast ENSO events. However, for most of these models predictability for lead times over 10 months is limited. It has been hypothesized that the tropical Pacific thermocline structure may have critical information to permit longer lead ENSO forecasts. Models that use subsurface sea temperature information have already been known to produce better long lead forecasts. Here, a two-stage statistical ENSO forecasting model is developed and demonstrated using the spatially distributed depth of the 20°C isotherm (D20) as a proxy for the thermocline. In the first stage, a nonlinear dimension reduction method [maximum variance unfolding (MVU)] is used to decompose the D20 data into canonical modes. The leading spatial patterns as well as lagged values of Niño-3 are then used as predictors in a set of linear regression models to predict the Niño-3 index at lead times of up to 24 months. Cross-validated forecasts using this methodology are shown to have higher skill than those that use a dimension reduction of the same thermocline data using principal component analysis (PCA). The first three modes of the D20 data as revealed by MVU account for 89% of the variance of the data, as compared to only 48% of the variance if PCA is used. The spatial patterns of the MVU modes partition the data field in a different way than the PC modes, even though some similarities exist as to the main regions that are active. These patterns and their temporal structure are discussed here, with a view to understanding the possible source of the longer-range predictability of ENSO using the MVU modes. The skill of the PCA- and the MVU-based forecasts of Niño-3 varies depending on the starting month of the forecast for short lead times (5–10 months). However, for the lead times longer than 1 yr, the MVU-based forecast skill is not seasonally variable, while the PCA-based models do not provide significant skill at these lead times irrespective of the starting month of the forecast. Similar conclusions are obtained for forecast models for the Niño-3.4 and Niño-1.2 indices. The differences between the MVU- and PCA-based models are most marked for the Niño-1.2 long lead forecasts.
Intercalibration of GOES-11 and GOES-12 Water Vapor Channels with MetOp IASI Hyperspectral Measurements
Authors: Wang Likun , Cao Changyong , Goldberg Mitch
Published: March 2009

The calibrated radiances from geostationary water vapor channels play an important role for weather forecasting, data assimilation, and climate studies. Therefore, better understanding the data quality for radiance measurements and independently assessing their onboard calibrations become increasingly more important. In this study, the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) hyperspectral measurements on the polar-orbiting Meteorological Operation-A (MetOp-A) satellite are used to assess the calibration accuracy of water vapor channels on the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-11 (GOES-11) and GOES-12 imagers with one year of data. The near-simultaneous nadir observations with homogeneous scenes from IASI and GOES imagers are spatially collocated. The IASI spectra are convolved with the GOES imager spectral response functions (SRFs) to compare with GOES imager observations. Assuming that IASI is well calibrated and can be used as an on-orbit radiometric reference standard, then the GOES imager water vapor channels have an overall relative calibration bias to IASI of better than 0.3 K (with a standard deviation of ∼0.2 K) at the brightness temperature (BT) range of 240–260 K, which meets the design specification (1.0-K calibration accuracy for infrared channels). This study further demonstrates the technique of using hyperspectral radiance measurements in a polar-orbiting satellite to accurately assess broadband radiometer calibration of the GOES imager, which also provides an effective way for monitoring sensor performance over time. In addition, the potential of using the intercalibration results to integrate and merge data from different observing systems involving both IASI and different GOES imagers to create consistent, seamless global products is explored. The method presented here can potentially be applied to other instruments on both polar-orbiting and geostationary satellites for generating long-term time series.
Determination of Shrinkage and Modulus Development of Thermosetting Resins
Authors: Hoa S.V. , Ouellette P. , Ngo T.D.
Published: March 2009

A new method for the determination of shrinkage and modulus development of thermoset resins is described. The method uses the change in the time of travel of longitudinal ultrasonic waves in a couplant to determine the change in height of a column of resin. This change in height is used to determine shrinkage. The method also uses the time of travel of ultrasonic waves through a column of resin to determine the modulus of the resin. The technique allows continuous monitoring of shrinkage and modulus as the material changes from the liquid state to the solid state. This method is used to determine the shrinkage and modulus development for a common epoxy resin.
Static and Fatigue Behavior of Epoxy/Fiberglass Composites Hybridized with Alumina Nanoparticles
Authors: Akinyede Oladapo , Mohan Ram , Kelkar Ajit , Sankar Jag
Published: March 2009

Advanced composites are hybridized by the integration of alumina nanoparticles into the matrix and onto the fabric surface. Alumina was pre-dispersed by sonication. Pre-processing of alumina was carried out by resin modification or fiber modification, prior to the consolidation into composite laminates. Alumina nano-particles were also functionalized by silane coupling agent tris-2-metoxyethoxy vinyl silane (T2MEVS). Vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) was used to fabricate the composite panels for mechanical performance evaluation and characterization. Material property characterization for tensile, fatigue life and inter-laminar fracture toughness were determined for these hybrid composites and compared with the traditional fiber—matrix composite system as a baseline. Experimental characterization indicated that mode-I fracture toughness was significantly improved with the inclusion of alumina nanoparticles as well as by the functionalization of alumina nano-particles. However, the influences on the tensile behavior and tension/tension un-notched fatigue behavior in [0/90] configuration were not significant. In applications that involve only tension/tension fatigue loading, hybrid composites with nano-particulate inclusions can provide improved delamination failure characteristics without impacting the fatigue life and tensile behavior significantly.
“Tank Tops Are Ok but I Don’t Want to See Her Thong”
Authors: Raby Rebecca
Published: March 2009

School conduct codes invariably include special mention of dress, often with some reference to concerns about revealing dress. Drawing on eight focus groups with secondary students in Southern Ontario, this article explores female students’ responses to such dress codes. Many young women were critical of certain aspects of their schools’ dress codes and how they are enforced; yet, they were also scornful of girls who wear revealing clothing. These focus group discussions indicate the fine line girls must continue to negotiate in their self-presentation, their active negotiation of school dress codes, their participation in the regulation of normative gender and sexuality, and their concomitant contestation of such regulation.
Effects of Dexlansoprazole MR, a Novel Dual Delayed Release Formulation of a Proton Pump Inhibitor, on Plasma Gastrin Levels in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Zhang Weijiang , Wu Jingtao , Atkinson Stuart N.
Published: March 2009

Dexlansoprazole MR is a modified release formulation of a proton pump inhibitor being developed for the treatment of acid‐related disorders. The purpose of this study is to characterize the plasma gastrin (PG) profile associated with administration of dexlansoprazole MR. Forty‐two healthy subjects receive dexlansoprazole MR 90 mg, dexlansoprazole MR 120 mg, and lansoprazole 30 mg once daily for 5 days in a randomized, open‐label, 3‐period crossover study with at least 14‐day washout intervals. Twenty‐four‐hour PG profiles are obtained at baseline (day – 1 of period 1) and on days 1 and 5 in each period. Fasting PG levels are determined on days 8 and 12 in periods 1 and 2. On day 1, 24‐hour PG levels increase from baseline to a similar extent with all regimens. On day 5, 24‐hour PG levels with both dexlansoprazole MR regimens increase further and to a similar extent and are slightly higher than PG levels with lansoprazole. For all regimens, fasting PG levels on days 5 and 6 are higher than baseline levels (P < .05) and start to decrease by day 8, returning to near baseline at day 12. In this study, dexlansoprazole MR administration results in moderate increases in PG, similar to lansoprazole, which return to baseline levels within 7 days post dosing.
The Targeted Oral, Once‐Daily Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitor Roflumilast and the Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist Montelukast Do Not Exhibit Significant Pharmacokinetic Interactions
Authors: Böhmer Gabriele M. , Nassr Nassr , Wenger Marcus , Hünnemeyer Andreas , Lahu Gezim , Templin Silke , Gleiter Christoph H. , Hermann Robert
Published: March 2009

This nonrandomized, fixed‐sequence, 3‐period study investigated potential pharmacokinetic interactions between the leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast, approved for the treatment of asthma, and roflumilast, an oral, once‐daily phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor in clinical development for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pharmacokinetic interactions are of interest because both drugs may be coadministered and share a common metabolic pathway via cytochrome P450 3A. Single‐dose montelukast (10 mg, po) was administered alone in period 1, followed by repeated once‐daily roflumilast alone (500 μg, po) for 12 days (period 2). In period 3, 500 μg qd roflumilast was coadministered with 10 mg qd montelukast for 8 days. Different pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated for montelukast alone, for steady‐state roflumilast and its pharmacologically active metabolite roflumilast N‐oxide alone, for single‐dose montelukast when coadministered with steady‐state roflumilast, and for steady‐state roflumilast and its N‐oxide metabolite when coadministered with steady‐state montelukast. The AUC and Cmaxof montelukast were modestly increased by 9% and 8%, respectively, when single‐dose montelukast was coadministered with steady‐state roflumilast. The pharmacokinetics of roflumilast and roflumilast N‐oxide in steady state remained unchanged when repeat‐dose montelukast was coadministered at steady‐state. Concomitant administration of both drugs was well tolerated. These findings suggest that no dose adjustment is warranted for either drug when roflumilast and montelukast are coadministered.
Two Commonly Used Methods for Exposure—Adverse Events Analysis: Comparisons and Evaluations
Authors: Duan John Z.
Published: March 2009

The purpose of this study is to compare and evaluate logistic regression and time‐to‐event analysis, 2 commonly used methods for exposure—adverse event (AE) analyses. An AE data set selected from clinical trials is analyzed by both methods and the results are compared. The parameter estimates, odds ratios for logistic regression, and hazard ratios for time‐to‐event analysis for each AE are compared and further analyzed. In a data set involving 822 patients, 25 AEs are analyzed. A linear relationship is demonstrated between the parameter estimates from the 2 methods and between the odds ratios and hazard ratios. The small differences between the 2 analyses are related to the lower rate of the events and the weaker effects of the risk factors. Although the 2 methods can make predications for the risks, the severity, duration, and recurrence are not well defined. AE time profiles showing the onset, duration, and offset of AEs are important for risk assessment and management. Both analyses can provide information about exposure—AE relationship, and the results from the 2 analyses are consistent in most cases. One should not use the logistic model when length of follow‐up varies because of biased estimates. The application of the 2 methods should be combined with AE profiling.
Nonprofit Advocacy and Civic Engagement on the Internet
Authors: Suárez David F.
Published: March 2009

This study extends prior work on the social role of nonprofits by investigating Web site use for e-advocacy and e-democracy (civic engagement). Building from interviews with 200 nonprofit executive directors, results reveal that rights groups, environmental organizations, and policy entrepreneurs are consistently likely to mention advocacy and promote civic engagement on their Web sites. By contrast, funding structure and resource dependence generally fail to explain nonprofit use of Web sites for social purposes, suggesting that external controls may not constrain nonprofits. In light of these results, the study concludes with an agenda for future research on the relationship between civic engagement and advocacy.
Weight Loss Through Living Well
Authors: McTigue Kathleen M. , Conroy Molly B. , Bigi Lori , Murphy Cynthia , McNeil Melissa
Published: March 2009

Purpose To translate the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle intervention into a clinical setting and evaluate its effectiveness.

Methods The authors implemented a group-based version of the DPP lifestyle curriculum in a large academic medicine practice. It is delivered by a nurse educator over 12 weekly sessions with optional reenrollment, available on a self-pay basis, and implemented using existing clinical resources (eg, electronic medical record referrals, scheduling, conference rooms, communication technology). The program was evaluated using a controlled before-after design, including all patients referred between April 1, 2005, and February 1, 2007. Patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m2 were eligible if their primary care providers felt the program was medically appropriate and safe. Change in weight (kg) and frequency of achieving ≥7% weight loss were examined.

Results Referred patients were primarily female (84%), with an average age of 49.91 years (SE, 1.46) and average BMI of 39.65 kg/m2 (SE, 0.73). Among eligible patients, 93% of enrollees and 80% of nonenrollees had follow-up weights recorded within the evaluation window. Over 1 year, mean weight change was —5.19 kg (95% confidence interval [CI], —7.71 to —2.68) among enrollees and +0.21 kg (CI, —1.0 to 1.93) among nonenrollees (P < .001). A ≥7% loss was found for 27% of enrollees and 6% of nonenrollees ( P = .001).

Conclusions An evidence-based lifestyle intervention can be effectively translated into the clinical setting. Use of existing resources may facilitate patient flow and minimize cost. This provider-integrated preventive care approach may provide a model for incorporating knowledge from behavioral science into clinical care.
Translating the Diabetes Prevention Program Into Practice in the General Community
Authors: Amundson Helen A. , Butcher Marcene K. , Gohdes Dorothy , Hall Taryn O. , Harwell Todd S. , Helgerson Steven D. , Vanderwood Karl K. ,   Montana Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes Prevention Program Workgroup
Published: March 2009

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of translating the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle intervention into practice in the general community.

Methods In 2008, the Montana Diabetes Control Program, working collaboratively with 4 health care facilities, implemented an adapted group-based DPP lifestyle intervention. Adults at high risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease were recruited and enrolled (n = 355). Eighty-three percent (n = 295) of participants completed the 16-session program. Participants set targets to reduce fat intake and increase physical activity (≥150 minutes per week) to achieve a weight loss goal of 7%.

Results Seventy percent of participants achieved the physical activity goal of ≥150 minutes per week. There was a significant decrease among participants' weight from baseline (mean ± SD, 99.3 ± 19.7 kg) to week 16 (92.6 ± 18.8 kg; mean difference, 6.7 ± 4.0 kg, P < .001). Forty-five percent of the participants achieved the 7% weight loss goal, and 67% achieved at least 5% weight loss. Participants who were 60 years of age and older, had a diagnosis of hypertension, met their physical activity goal of ≥150 minutes per week, and those more frequently monitoring their fat intake were more likely to meet the 7% weight loss goal compared with participants without these characteristics.

Conclusion The findings suggest that it is feasible to recruit and retain high-risk participants and achieve weight loss and physical goals in a group setting that are comparable with those achieved in the DPP.
Insulin Pump Therapy Guidelines for Successful Outcomes
Authors: Scheiner Gary , Sobel Robert J. , Smith Daphne E. , Pick Anthony J. , Kruger Davida , King Jacqueline , Green Karen
Published: March 2009

Purpose Current forms of insulin delivery used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (diabetes) include syringes, pens, and insulin pumps. Technical advantages of insulin pump therapy, or continuous subcutaneous insulin delivery (CSII), include precise and flexible insulin dosing. In the context of intensive diabetes management, insulin pumps can facilitate improved long-term glycemic control and reduce the risk for diabetes complications, with improved lifestyle flexibility for patients and their families. Comprehensive patient education, carbohydrate counting, and frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose or continuous glucose monitoring are necessary components of successful insulin pump therapy. Technological advances have increased the appeal of pump therapy to patients and clinicians. Physically, current insulin pumps are discreet, ergonomic, and water resistant. Meanwhile, software improvements have yielded smart pumps with features that support pump users in their daily diabetes management. Robust data analysis software packages allow patients and clinicians unprecedented insight into the quality of diabetes control. Furthermore, widespread insurance reimbursement for CSII has expanded access to therapy.

Conclusions As the number of pump users and potential users expands, diabetes educators face new challenges and opportunities to improve patients' lives with diabetes. This activity describes the rationale for insulin pump therapy, its potential advantages and disadvantages, and strategies regarding patient selection and education.
Agglomeration Economies and Firm Performance: The Case of Industry Clusters
Authors: Kukalis Sal
Published: March 2009

Do firms located within an industry cluster outperform those that are not? Scholars of agglomeration economies have suggested that clustered firms stand to benefit from the positive externalities that stem from geographic proximity of industry. In this article, the relationship between agglomeration economies and financial performance is investigated. Thirty-one years of performance data for 194 firms from the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries revealed no significant differences between clustered and nonclustered firms in the early stages of the industry life cycle. However, isolated (nonclustered) laggards outperformed clustered laggards in the late stages of the industry life cycle. Similarly, no significant differences in financial performance were found between the groups during periods of economic contraction at an early stage of the industry life cycle, but isolated firms outperformed clustered firms in the late stages of the industry life cycle. The reported results of this study, in combination with concerns raised by a few agglomeration scholars, suggest that the enthusiasm for cluster theory shown by scholars, practitioners, and policy makers may need to be tempered.
Sexual Harassment at Work: A Decade (Plus) of Progress
Authors: O'Leary-Kelly Anne M. , Bowes-Sperry Lynn , Bates Collette Arens , Lean Emily R.
Published: March 2009

This review examines research addressing workplace sexual harassment (SH) since the last major review in a management journal in 1995. The authors examine several aspects of recent research: current definitions, labeling of SH, antecedents to SH, responses to SH, and consequences resulting from SH. They then make suggestions for future research, using research on workplace aggression as a framework.
Eliciting conceptual models to support interdisciplinary research
Authors: Beers Pieter J. , Bots Pieter W.G.
Published: March 2009

Constructing interdisciplinary knowledge is particularly difficult because scientific knowledge is situated in its discipline. Researchers must find common ground to share, and this causes high transaction costs. This article reports a method of conceptual analysis to elicit, analyse and compare conceptual models used by individual researchers, with the ultimate aim to facilitate researchers in sharing these models. Using this method, an analyst derives concepts and their mutual relations from documents, and defines them in natural language. We qualitatively analysed all writings of four researchers from an interdisciplinary research project and validated the resulting conceptual models in semi-structured interviews. The method was found to be effective in eliciting concepts, even those used implicitly. The interviews also revealed mechanisms by which researchers adopt new concepts or choose particular terms. The analysis costs are high but not prohibitive, and are shown to diminish with each researcher added to the analysis.
An empirical comparison of ontology matching techniques
Authors: Alasoud Ahmed , Haarslev Volker , Shiri Nematollaah
Published: March 2009

Ontology matching aims to find semantic correspondences between a pair of input ontologies. A number of matching techniques have been proposed recently. We may, however, benefit more from a combination of such techniques as opposed to just a single method. This is more appropriate, but very often the user has no prior knowledge about which technique is more suitable for the task at hand, and it remains a labour intensive and expensive task to perform. Further, the complexity of the matching process as well as the quality of the result is affected by the choice of the applied matching techniques. We study this problem and propose a framework for finding suitable matches. A main feature of this is that it improves the structure matching techniques and the end result accordingly. We have developed a running prototype of the proposed framework and conducted experiments to compare our results with existing techniques. While being comparable in efficiency, the experimental results indicate our proposed technique produces better quality matches.
Simulation study of the inventory effect of the scientific paper publishing process
Authors: Guang Yu  , Li Yi-Jun , Yu Da-Ren
Published: March 2009

By simulating the change process of the inventory of scientific papers according to a mathematical model of the publishing process, we find that publication delay would cause statistical error of the scientific paper output indicator, i.e. the quantity of published papers. Based on a simulation model and the average publication delay, we construct an optimization algorithm of the actual scientific paper output using a nonlinear least squares algorithm and validate its accuracy. To simplify the solution process, we propose an approximate algorithm of the actual scientific paper output indicator which would help science and technology managers practically deduce an approximation of the actual indicator. This has implications for strategy decision making and allocation of resources for science and technology research by policy makers.
The Management of Courtesy Stigma in the Lives of Families With Teenagers With ADHD
Authors: Koro-Ljungberg Mirka , Bussing Regina
Published: March 2009

This qualitative study investigates how parents of adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) manage courtesy stigma in their lives. Focus groups are conducted with mothers and fathers of adolescents with ADHD who are part of a cohort study on ADHD detection and service use. Using grounded theory analysis, researchers find that parents react to external expectations put forward by various community networks, but they respond to an internalized sense of responsibility in the context of immediate family. In addition, parents' stigma management extends beyond coping with their child's disability, adding an extra layer of stressful demands that could be lessened through societal stigma reduction. To conclude, advice offered to families needs to be individualized, carefully matched with their current support networks and priorities, and needs to consider that certain stigma management approaches can perpetuate existing negative identity markers.
Preventing War and Providing the Peace?
Authors: Shannon Megan
Published: March 2009

I explore whether international organizations (IOs) promote peaceful conflict management. Using territorial claims data, I find that organizations with interventionist capabilities encourage disputing members to attempt peaceful conflict resolution. Then, to more fully uncover the causal relationship between IOs and conflict management, I investigate the influence of IOs on bilateral dispute settlement separately from third party settlement.The analyses reveal that institutions do not promote bilateral negotiations between members, indicating that the socialization and trust-building capabilities of IOs are limited. However, institutions foster multilateral talks, demonstrating that IOs broker bargaining with third party diplomatic intervention.
Legal Systems and Variance in the Design of Commitments to the International Court of Justice
Authors: McLaughlin Mitchell Sara , Powell Emilia Justyna
Published: March 2009

This paper explores the relationship between domestic legal systems and the design of commitments to the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Empirical analyses demonstrate that civil law states are more willing to recognize the compulsory and compromissory jurisdiction of the World Court than common law or Islamic law states. Common law states place the highest number of reservations on their optional clause declarations, with the majority of those restrictions relating to specific areas of international law. Civil law states typically embed compromissory clauses in multilateral treaties, while common and Islamic law states prefer recognition of the ICJ's jurisdiction through bilateral treaties.
Institutional Flexibility in the Design of Multilateral Environmental Agreements
Authors: Marcoux Christopher
Published: March 2009

Current research on international treaties suggests that flexibility provisions can facilitate the diplomatic resolution of international environmental problems.This article advances understanding of this process by describing a typology of flexibility mechanisms found in multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), and by arguing that negotiators strategically select different types of institutional flexibility mechanisms in response to different problems. Multivariate analysis of a new dataset of MEAs indicates that a wider variety of factors influence provision of institutional flexibility than many current studies consider. Specifically, power asymmetry among contracting states is shown to be the most important predictor of flexibility provisions in MEAs.
Reframing Shared Governance
Authors: Gallos Joan V.
Published: March 2009

This article explores an alternative perspective to the traditional combative nature of faculty—administrative relations on university campuses. More specifically, it suggests a reframing of the role and purpose of faculty or university senates to capture the collaboration at the heart of shared university governance.
Reflections on the Societal Conditions for the Pervasiveness of Entrepreneurial Behavior in Western Societies
Authors: Brandl Julia , Bullinger Bernadette
Published: March 2009

Entrepreneurship has become an important issue in contemporary management practice and research. While there is much debate about the benefits of entrepreneurial behavior, its obvious pervasion in many areas of life remains largely unexplored. It is this persuasive power that inspired us to conceptualize entrepreneurship as a dominant institution in modern Western societies. In contrast to most institutional approaches which draw on entrepreneurial behavior for studying institutional change, our approach focuses on the societal preconditions for the dominance of entrepreneurship. We outline how entrepreneurship is manifested in ideals of modern Western societies, discourse and techniques of control and how individuals who are socialized into an entrepreneurial society, contribute to legitimize entrepreneurship and further its pervasiveness. Our analysis provides a framework for research on differences in the valuation of entrepreneurial behavior across societal settings, as well as for the study of mechanisms for the deepening of taken for-grantedness of entrepreneurship.
Maestro Neeme Jarvi on Leadership
Authors: Strubler David C. , Evangelista Robert
Published: March 2009

Neeme Jarvi is one of the most prolific living conductors in the world with more than 350 recordings. During his 15 years as Music Director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO), he gained international reputation as an orchestra builder. When Jarvi took over the DSO, the demoralized and debt-ridden orchestra was floundering. Under Jarvi's inspiring and creative team-oriented leadership, the DSO was touring, recording, and out of debt within 2 years. Jarvi immigrated with his family to the United States in 1980 from then communist-controlled Estonia. He accepted a contract with Columbia Artists and has now given more than 1,200 concerts in 125 cities, conducting 72 orchestras. A graduate of the Leningrad Conservatory, he has held or currently holds posts with major orchestras in Estonia, Japan, Sweden, Scotland, and now New Jersey. His debuts were with the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. He has conducted nearly all of the major orchestras of the United States and Europe.
Transition From School to Adulthood for Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Hendricks Dawn R. , Wehman Paul
Published: March 2009

The transition from school services to adulthood can be particularly difficult for many adolescents with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although some individuals with ASD are able to successfully transition, most are faced with significant obstacles in multiple areas as they attempt to negotiate their way into college, work, community participation, and independent living. This article contains a review of research related to the transition from school to adulthood for youth with ASD in the areas of education, employment, community living, and community integration. These key areas of the transition process are crucial for success in adulthood. A summary of principal conclusions drawn from the current literature and suggestions for future research are provided.
Unifying Service Marketing and Operations With Service Experience Management
Authors: Kwortnik Robert J. , Thompson Gary M.
Published: March 2009

One of the pioneer firms in the leisure cruise industry embarked on a bold idea in 2000 to offer an unregimented experience unlike most cruises. Despite the appeal of the concept from a marketing perspective, the service innovation posed operational challenges, many of which continue to undermine the firm's competitive position. Using a multimethod empirical approach and interdisciplinary views that draw on research from marketing and operations management, the authors analyze this business case to identify challenges that service firms face when services are developed and managed from siloed functional perspectives. Based on their research findings and guided by the literature, the authors derive a service-systems model to aid service planning and management. The authors further highlight a new organizational form and function for services under the domain of service experience management that is positioned as a means to unify service operations and marketing for delivering on service promises. The authors offer direction for further research on service operations systems and service experience management.
Does multiple sclerosis increase risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes? A population-based study
Authors: Chen YH , Lin HL , Lin HC
Published: March 2009

Objective

To determine whether maternal multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in an East Asian country by using a nationwide population-based dataset.

Method

This study linked two nationwide population-based datasets, the birth certificate registry and the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Dataset. We identified a total of 174 women who gave birth from 2001 to 2003, who were diagnosed with MS within the 2 years preceding the index deliveries, together with 1,392 matched women without chronic disease as a comparison cohort. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed for estimation.

Results

We found that compared with healthy mothers, MS was independently associated with a 2.25-fold risk of preterm birth (95% CI = 1.37–3.70) and a 1.89-fold (95% CI = 1.30–2.76) higher risk of babies small for gestational age, after adjusting for family income and maternal, paternal, and infant characteristics. Mothers with MS were also more likely to have cesarean deliveries.

Conclusion

Our study documents increased the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for mothers with MS, highlighting a need for more intensive monitoring and obstetric care during pregnancy. Future studies should explore the distinct manifestations and mechanisms of MS in diverse ethnic groups, so more complete information can be provided to affected women concerning pregnancy.
The brief neuropsychological battery for children: a screening tool for cognitive impairment in childhood and juvenile multiple sclerosis
Authors: Portaccio E , Goretti B , Lori S , Zipoli V , Centorrino S , Ghezzi A , Patti F , Bianchi V , Comi G , Trojano M , Amato MP ,   for the Multiple Sclerosis Study Group of the Italian Neurological Society
Published: March 2009

Background

A critical problem with neuropsychological assessment in children and adolescents with multiple sclerosis (MS) is the absence of a standardized, well-validated neuropsychological battery specifically tailored for detecting disease-related cognitive problems in this age range.

Objective

To develop a Brief Neuropsychological Battery for Children (BNBC) with MS.

Methods

We assessed cognitive functions in 61 patients with childhood and juvenile MS and 58 demographically matched healthy controls through an extensive neuropsychological battery.

Results

In MS patients, we found a proportion of cognitive impairment of 41%. In the BNBC, we included the tests with higher discriminating ability (the Selective Reminding Test, the Symbol Digit Modalities Test, the Trail Making Test, and the Vocabulary test from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for children). The BNBC yielded a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 76%.

Conclusion

Our findings provide preliminary evidence of the usefulness of the BNBC as a screening tool for detecting cognitive impairment in childhood and juvenile MS cases.
Potential relevance of cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels and intrathecal synthesis of active matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) as markers of disease remission in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Fainardi E , Castellazzi M , Tamborino C , Trentini A , Manfrinato MC , Baldi E , Tola MR , Dallocchio F , Granieri E , Bellini T
Published: March 2009

Background

Little is known about the involvement of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and its tissue inhibitor TIMP-2 in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective

To elucidate the actual implication of MMP-2 and TIMP-2 in MS.

Methods

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum levels of active MMP-2 and TIMP-2 were measured by activity assay system and ELISA, respectively, in 67 patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS), categorized according clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and in 129 controls.

Results

Cerebrospinal fluid and serum active MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio mean values and an intrathecal active MMP-2 production were more increased in RRMS than in non-inflammatory conditions ( P < 0.001, P < 0.05, and P < 0.0001, respectively) and in MRI inactive than in MRI active RRMS ( P < 0.02, P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). An intrathecal synthesis of active MMP-2 was more frequent in RRMS than in inflammatory disorders ( P < 0.01). Serum active MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio and MS disease duration were positively correlated ( P < 0.02).

Conclusion

These findings suggest a potential role for MMP-2 activity in the termination of MS neuroinflammation related to remission of the disease and seem to indicate that serum MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio may represent a useful biomarker for monitoring MS recovery phase.
Classroom Modeling of Supplemental Literacy Instruction
Authors: Korth Byran B. , Sharp Ann C. , Culatta Barbara
Published: March 2009

This study investigated the influence of direct modeling of a supplemental classroom program on the early literacy beliefs and practices of Head Start teachers. Developed by speech language pathologists (SLPs), Systematic and Engaging Early Literacy Instruction (SEEL) was not undertaken with an explicit professional development goal. However, the potential significance regarding professional development became apparent as teachers collaborated with literacy specialists (SLPs) who conducted supplemental literacy activities in the classrooms. Data were collected by interviewing teachers at the end of each year of participation and again two years later. Transcripts were reviewed for relevant themes. Results demonstrate that teachers’ early literacy understanding and practices were influenced by exposure to SEEL as teachers expressed an understanding of key strategies used by the program and made observations of student performance. Implications are discussed regarding the use of supplemental classroom intervention programs as methods of professional development for classroom teachers.
Using Direct Behavior Rating (DBR) to Screen for School Social Risk
Authors: Chafouleas Sandra M. , Kilgus Stephen P. , Hernandez Paul
Published: March 2009

In this study, preliminary evidence of the potential for Direct Behavior Rating (DBR) in screening assessment of school social behavior is provided through evaluation of the concurrent validity of DBR with a commonly used criterion measure. The teacher-completed form of the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS) was selected as the criterion measure given similarity to DBR in both broad construct of interest and intended use. Classroom teachers completed DBRs of academic engagement and disruptive behavior twice daily, along with fall and spring completion of the SSRS. Overall results support a moderate to strong association between the methods, with stronger correlations in the fall assessment period. In addition, evidence of teacher acceptability for DBR is provided. Along with specific recommendations for future research, implications are discussed regarding selection and interpretation of behavior assessment methods for screening purposes.
Ventilation Measured in the Wall Cavities of High Moisture Risk Buildings
Authors: Bassett Mark , McNeil Steve
Published: March 2009

New building designs following the New Zealand Building Code Approved Documents complete a 'risk matrix' of climate and building design factors with associated 'risk scores' to guide the selection of wall cladding and cavity design. The risk matrix is briefly described in this paper, along with cavity ventilation results measured with a continuous emission carbon dioxide tracer method. Ventilation rates in a selection of wall cavities are compared with ventilation rates calculated from wind pressures and vent opening sizes. Fan pressurization methods are used to measure the effective leakage areas of infiltration paths because these contribute significantly to ventilation in some cavity types. Acceptable agreement between calculated and measured day average ventilation rates has been achieved in a range of water-managed cavities from drainage planes to drained and ventilated brick veneer cavities with results spanning three orders of magnitude.
Ventilating Wall Cavities Above Windows
Authors: Bassett Mark , McNeil Steve
Published: March 2009

This paper shows that the cavities above two-part head flashings can be designed to borrow ventilation from cavities flanking the window through vented battens. It is part of a program of research designed to extend the range of flashing options for windows used in temperate New Zealand. Ventilation rates are measured in the cavities above window heads with a constant and uniform emission tracer method. These are similar to ventilation rates calculated from wind and stack pressures at openings representing engineered vents and infiltration paths into the head cavities. The leakage characteristics of these openings are measured with a pressurization technique, and together with temperature and wind data, formed the data set used to calculate equivalent cavity ventilation rates. As with earlier studies of ventilation in water-managed cavities, infiltration turned out to be an important source of cavity ventilation. Turning off the infiltration paths (possible in the numerical model) shows that the vented batten solution is ultimately less dependent on infiltration than the traditional head flashing ventilated case, and that ventilation through vented battens can be engineered to replace ventilation over the head flashing.
Drainage and Evaporation from Window Sill Trays
Authors: Bassett Mark , McNeil Steve , Bennett Jessica
Published: March 2009

Flat sill trays can be attractive where trim cavity depths are too narrow for a sloped sill tray, but their effectiveness in managing water leaks is sometimes questioned. This research contributes to the debate on sloped versus flat trays in windows used in temperate New Zealand. Ventilation rates are measured in each trim cavity with a constant and uniform emission tracer method and are found to fall in the range 0.04—0.13 L/s. Equivalent ventilation rates calculated using a duct flow model and local climate data were in the same range (0.09—0.13 L/s) and this allows the model to be used to estimate ventilation rates and consequential evaporation over a longer period. During artificial irrigation with water, the sloped trays are found to drain effectively but the flat trays only intermittently drain to outside. The evaporated loss from the two sloped sill trays (30 and 41 g/day) is comparable to calculated evaporation rate for the period, but both flat sill trays lose water into the framing below the windows due to installation faults.