bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Management Policy and Practice in Western China
Authors: Chan Hon S. , Chow King W.
Published: November 2007

On the basis of our fieldwork conducted during the past two decades, in this article, we report our principal findings about the metapolicy and tacit knowledge of public management in western China. We focus on the deeper patterns of managerial and organizational behavior and argue that Chinese bureaucratic culture and practices (especially practices of the Communist Party of China) have transformed various Western approaches (New Public Management, performance audit, etc.). In the process, government officials are also being transformed. Genuine administrative reform, as has diffused globally, has not taken place in China. Implications for Chinese administrative studies and management innovation transfer are discussed.
Biomechanical Comparison of the Fastball from Wind-up and the Fastball from Stretch in Professional Baseball Pitchers
Authors: Dun Shouchen , Kingsley David , Fleisig Glenn S. , Loftice Jeremy , Andrews James R.
Published: November 2007

Background

It has long been thought by many baseball coaches and players that throwing the fastball from the stretch is more stressful to the shoulder and elbow than throwing the fastball from the wind-up. However, no research has compared the biomechanics of these 2 pitch variations.

Hypothesis

There are differences in shoulder and elbow kinetics, kinematic position at front-foot contact, timing, and ball velocity between the 2 pitching variations.

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods

Twenty-eight professional baseball pitchers (aged 22.1 ± 2.8 years) pitched fastballs from both the wind-up and stretch positions in an indoor laboratory setting. Three-dimensional motion-analysis systems were employed to capture the pitching motion. Kinetic variables, kinematic variables at lead-foot contact, and temporal variables of the 2 pitching variations were compared.

Results

There was no significant difference between the 2 pitch variations for the kinetic, kinematic, or temporal variables. The difference between the ball velocities was statistically significant, but the mean difference was only 0.2 m/s.

Conclusions

The pitching biomechanics between the wind-up and stretch fastball showed no statistical differences in joint kinetics, kinematics, or timing, and clinically insignificant differences in ball velocity.

Clinical Relevance

The current results suggest that pitching the fastball from the stretch is not necessarily more stressful to the shoulder and elbow.
The Effect on Thermal and Residual Stresses of Parabolic Temperature Loading in a Thermoplastic Composite Disc
Authors: Sen Faruk
Published: November 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate of the effect on thermal and residual stresses of parabolic temperature loading in a thermoplastic composite disc. It was reinforced by steel-fibers as unidirectional for radial direction. The finite element method (FEM) was used to estimate the thermal elastic, elasto-plastic, and also the residual stress distributions in the selected model of the composite disc. Consequently, the thermal stress analysis was carried out using ANSYS finite element software. The temperature loading was selected to vary parabolically from inner surface to outer surface along the radial sections. Different values of it were effected in the disc model. Thermal loading was chosen from 80°C to 120°C. Because of the composite disc having different thermal expansions in radial and tangential directions, thermal stresses were produced in it by the applied thermal loadings. The values of the tangential stress components both elastic and elasto-plastic solutions were higher than the radial stress components. Besides, the residual stress components were calculated using elastic and elasto-plastic solution results. The results obtained showed that the magnitude of thermal and residual stresses considerably increased parabolic temperature loadings.
Numerical and Experimental Comparison of the Adaptive Feedforward Control of Vibration of a Beam with Hybrid Active-Passive Damping Treatments
Authors: Vasques C.M.A. , Rodriques J. Dias
Published: November 2007

This article concerns the adaptive feedforward control of vibration of a freely supported beam with two distinct surface mounted hybrid active—passive damping treatments. The first configuration concerns the use of an Active Constrained Layer Damping (ACLD) patch alone, where the piezoelectric constraining layer is actively utilized to increase the shear deformation of the sandwiched passive viscoelastic layer and at the same time to apply forces and moments into the structure, which will balance the power flows into the structure, and is denoted by ACLD configuration. The second configuration regards the use, as an active element in the control, of the piezoelectric patch alone, denoted by Active Damping (AD), and since the constraining layer of the ACLD treatment also bonded on the other side of the beam is not actively utilized, a Passive Constrained Layer Damping (PCLD) treatment is utilized in combination with an AD one, yielding an AD/PCLD configuration. A finite element model of the beam with the damping treatments is used for the simulation of the adaptive feedforward controller which is also implemented and tested in real-time. The aims are to compare the predicted and measured damping performances of the two treatments in terms of vibration reduction, control effort, stability and robustness, when a filtered-reference LMS algorithm is used to cancel the effects of a broadband voltage disturbance applied into a third surface mounted piezoelectric patch which is used to excite the beam.
FE Modeling of an Innovative Vibration Control Shunt Technique
Authors: Ciminello Monica , Ameduri Salvatore , Concilio Antonio
Published: November 2007

The possibility of simulating and predicting the dynamic behavior of controlled structural systems is a challenging goal because of the complexity of the related architectures. As a matter of fact, obtaining accurate information on system response in pre-design and design phases may reduce both computational and experimental efforts. In this study, the numerical simulation of a specific family of semi-active vibration control devices is taken into account: piezoelectric acting in the synchronized switched shunt architecture (SSSA). Different from the classic shunt inductive architecture, the SSSA is characterized by a switch component adaptively synchronized with the structural response to be controlled, whatever it is. The ability of controlling low range frequencies without large limitations in terms of inductive components represents, together with the adaptive skill, the main advantage of this technique. The reference structure is represented by an isotropic plate, clamped on the edges; the active system is made of an isolated PZT patch, located at the center. A dedicated simulation tool has been realized and implemented to predict piezo effectiveness for the considered configuration. Related matrices have been suitably integrated within the complete model. The switching state of the electrical circuit causes the matrices elements to be time-variant; the related problems have been dealt with in a Newmark-Beta-based integration solver. The integrated structural system has been fully and simultaneously simulated, considering at the same time the structural dynamics, the nonlinear behavior of the electrical device, and the piezoelectric electromechanical response. Results have been presented in terms of time response. The innovative contribution reported in this study concerns the application of the FE approach to the design of a SSSA integrated within MDOF structural systems. A characteristic of the approach is the ability of interacting with commercial FE codes, like MSC-Nastran, in designing and simulating the SSSA control action. References reported in this study face the SSSA control problem applied to single DOF systems (not directly applicable to complex systems, but through modal analysis reduction operations) or deal with FE simulation of classical inductive shunt (not switched). The details of this statement are fully reported in the Introduction.
A Circuit Design for Impedance-based Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Shirui Wang  , Chao You
Published: November 2007

Systems and structures monitoring their own structural integrity have become an active field. One method uses the piezoelectric impedance-based structural health monitoring technique (SHM), which utilizes a piezoelectric patch attached to a structure and measures its impedance within a certain frequency range. The frequency is maintained in the kiloHertz range for optimum sensitivity and coverage in damage detection. Owing to the coupling between electrical impedance and mechanical impedance, electrical impedance variations can indicate physical changes in the host structure. Based on the idea of a bridge circuit, a new electronic circuit to realize electrical impedance monitoring is presented (US patent pending). The proposed circuit generates a frequency sweep from 53 to 164kHz and measures the relative value of the electrical impedance modulus of a piezoelectric patch. The circuit can be integrated into a chip combined with a piezoelectric patch attached to a structure. With the help of a communication circuit, a remote SHM system can be set up in the future.
Fiber Sensor Based on Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Wave
Authors: Oh Il-Kwon , Lim Seung-Hyun , Lee Jung-Ryul , Chang Fu-Kuo
Published: November 2007

A piezoelectric ultrasonic sensing system based on an optical fiber has been developed for two-phase flow monitoring. The ultrasonic wave generated from a piezoelectric actuator is guided and propagated in the optical fiber and then sensed by a piezoelectric sensor located at the other end of the fiber. The sensed signal can be influenced by environmental and physical changes around the optical fiber. For this study, the sensitivity of the optical fiber sensor is experimentally studied according to the system parameters, such as fiber coating, frequency, and the number of cycles of the input voltage signal to the piezoelectric actuator. The developed sensing system is applied for monitoring the void fraction of the two-phase flow and the feasibility as a two-phase flow monitoring system is demonstrated.
A Preliminary Evaluation of an Abstinence-Oriented Empowerment Program for Public School Youth
Authors: Abel Eileen Mazur , Greco Michele
Published: November 2007

Objective: This article describes the process and outcomes of an abstinence-orientated empowerment program that was delivered to an adolescent multicultural population. Method: The study employed a time-limited pretest—posttest OXO design with an N of 130 drawn from youth in public schools from fifth grade to ninth grade. A paired-samples t test was utilized. Effect size was calculated using Cohen's d . Results: Statistically significant differences between the pre- and posttest scores of the treatment group were found for all study variables. Effect sizes were small. Conclusions: Outcomes suggest that a psychoeducational approach that is based on a developmental assets model may be a desirable strategy for those working to help teens to reduce high-risk behaviors.
Developing Evidence-Based Child Protection Practice: A View From Germany
Authors: Kindler Heinz
Published: November 2007

The child welfare system in Germany has been described as family service-oriented because families in need are entitled to request family support services. If there is any form of child maltreatment, there may be some kind of mandatory state intervention to protect the child. Using trends in the number of children affected by maltreatment, the rate of maltreated children noted by the child protection system, and safety, permanency, and well-being of children after a maltreatment report as outcome indicators, there are hardly any data on the effectiveness of the German child protection system. Moreover, there are no studies examining the validity of risk assessment procedures or the effects of different interventions in child protection cases. However the situation is changing, with international research becoming more accessible, and with the publication of more relevant studies.
Neutralizing anti-interferon beta antibodies are associated with reduced side effects and delayed impact on efficacy of Interferon-beta
Authors: Farrell R. , Kapoor R. , Leary S. , Rudge P. , Thompson AJ , Miller DH , Giovannoni G.
Published: November 2007

Interferon-beta (IFNβ) is a biological therapy which is immunogenic, inducing anti-IFN-β neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) in some subjects. The frequency of Nabs varies depending on IFN-β product and the Nab assay used.

Objective Assess frequency of Nabs using novel Luciferase assay, evaluate association with relapses, frequency of side effects and to compare results with published data.

Methods Serum samples at 12 and 24 months and a follow up sample were tested for binding and Nabs. Titre >20 NU was considered positive. Charts were reviewed retrospectively for clinical data.

Results Out of 327 subjects included, 130 subjects (40%) were binding antibody positive, 89 (27%) were Nab +ve at anytime. Risk at 12 months for being Nab +ve: Avonex 8%, Betaferon 39%, Rebif 33%, P < 10-5; at 24 months 8, 31 and 27% respectively, P = 0.002. Nab titres were highest in Rebif Nab +ve subjects — 50% >320 NU. Annualized relapse rate was 1.53 pre-treatment, after treatment relapse rate was higher in Nab +ve group 0.67 (95% CI 0.38—0.97) versus 0.5 (0.38—0.61) Nab —ve P = 0.04. Nab status at 12 and 24 months was significantly associated with risk of subsequent relapse, risk being greatest in those with highest titres. Side effects were also significantly associated with Nab —ve status. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 212—218. http://msj.sagepub.com
Cognitive impairment in relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis can be predicted by imaging performed several years earlier
Authors: Summers MM , Fisniku LK , Anderson VM , Miller DH , Cipolotti L. , Ron MA
Published: November 2007

Cognitive deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS) are common and correlate with contemporary MRI brain abnormalities, particularly atrophy, but the ability of imaging early in the disease to predict later cognitive impairment remains to be determined. Thirty relapsing—remitting MS patients recruited within three years of the onset of the disease, and in whom MRI had been performed at baseline and a year later, were assessed neuropsychologically five years later. Imaging parameters accounting for significant variance in cognitive performance were identified using multiple regressions, once confounding variables were controlled. Patients performed significantly worse than expected on tests of attention/speed of information processing and half of them had experienced some decline in IQ in relation to premorbid estimates. The rate of global brain atrophy in the first year of the study accounted for significant variance in the overall cognitive performance, and in memory and attention/speed of information processing. Poor performance on attention tests was associated with high T1-weighted lesion volume and reduced magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM). These results suggest that neuroaxonal loss was identified early in the disease, and its rate of progression, predicted cognitive impairment later in the disease. Neuroaxonal loss is likely to affect commissural and association fibres that subserve the cognitive processes impaired in MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 197—204. http://msj.sagepub.com
Neuromyelitis optica (Devic's disease) in a patient with syphilis
Authors: Wilcox Robert A , Burrow James , Slee Mark , Craig Jamie , Thyagarajan Dominic
Published: November 2007

The patient initially presented with bilateral optic neuritis and periventricular cranial MRI abnormalities in the context of syphilis. Blood was positive but cerebrospinal fluid testing was negative for specific syphilis markers and he was oligoclonal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) band negative. He initially responded well to penicillin and corticosteriod treatment, but went on to develop the clinical syndrome of neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Testing for the presence of the serum autoantibody for aquaporin-4 was negative. This patient appears to represent another case of post-infectious NMO. Possible pathogenesis of this post-syphilis NMO syndrome in the patient is discussed. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 268—271. http://msj.sagepub.com
Developing the ICF Core Sets for multiple sclerosis to specify functioning
Authors: Kesselring J. , Coenen Michaela , Cieza Alarcos , Thompson Alan , Kostanjsek Nenad , Stucki Gerold
Published: November 2007

Functioning is increasingly being taken into account for evaluating the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on the individual and the effectiveness of treatment and rehabilitation. With the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), we can now rely on a globally-agreed-upon framework and system for classifying the typical spectrum of problems in functioning of persons given the environmental context in which they live. ICF Core Sets are lists of ICF categories selected to capture those aspects of functioning that are most likely to be affected by specific diseases. The objective of this document is to outline the development process for the ICF Core Sets for MS. The ICF Core Sets for MS will be defined at an ICF Core Set Consensus Conference, which will integrate evidence from preparatory studies, namely: a) a systematic review on parameters reported in MS studies; b) a qualitative study using focus groups and individual interviews with individuals with MS; c) an expert survey with international health professionals participating and d) an empirical cross-sectional study. The ICF Core Sets for MS are being designed with the goal of providing useful standards for research and clinical practice. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 252—254. http://msj.sagepub.com
Anti-depressant use in association with interferon and glatiramer acetate treatment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Patten SB , Williams JVA , Metz LM
Published: November 2007

Background Randomized controlled trials incorporating validated depression scales have failed to identify an association between interferon beta treatment and depression in MS. This is surprising since interferons used in other clinical contexts are considered capable of causing depression. The negative results in MS could be due inadequate power in the published trials.

Methods In this study, longitudinal data from an IMS Health Canada database called the Therapy Dynamics database were analyzed. The database contains information about prescriptions filled at outpatient pharmacies in Canada, linked at the individual level over time periods as long as 36 months. Antidepressant prescriptions were used as a proxy indicator for depressive disorders. The frequency of antidepressant use was compared in cohorts treated with glatiramer acetate and interferon beta.

Results No differences in the frequency of antidepressant treatment were observed. A large proportion (approximately 40%) in all treatment cohorts were treated with antidepressants at some time over the study interval. The proportions remained comparable after adjustment for age and sex and in a time-to-event analysis of new antidepressant prescriptions. Among patients receiving prescriptions exclusively from Neurologists, the frequency of exposure to antidepressants was much lower (2.4%).

Conclusions This analysis uncovered no evidence that antidepressant treatment occurs more often in people treated with interferon beta than in those treated with glatiramer acetate. These results help to confirm that depression is not associated with interferon beta treatment in MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2008; 14: 406—411. http://msj.sagepub.com
Campaign Effects and Second-Order Cycles
Authors: Weber Till
Published: November 2007

Second-order elections theory explains cyclical losses by national government parties in elections to the European Parliament (EP) through strategic protest voting owing to performance deficits in policy-making. This paper confronts the conventional bottom-up view with a top-down approach to second-order elections. Ultimately, the electoral cycle is driven not by instrumental voting behaviour but by party strategies oriented towards governmental power in the member states of the European Union. Based on survey data from the European Election Studies of 1999 and 2004, firstorder campaign mobilization is shown to determine the prospects of government parties in second-order elections. Mobilization itself depends on the quality of spatial representation in terms of distinct programmatic alternatives, which governments are unable to provide during the midterm. Although this process can be traced on the left—right dimension, parties prevent it with regard to integration issues by systematic demobilization. After all, EP elections are still second order, but first-order politics exert their influence through cyclical campaign mobilization and not through strategic protest voting.
The Social Choice of EU Treaties
Authors: Justesen Mogens K.
Published: November 2007

The article applies Social Choice theory to analyse new and so far undiscovered aspects of the Danish referendums on the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 and 1993. The article queries whether the amended Maastricht Treaty adopted in 1993 was, in fact, the most preferred alternative for a majority of Danish voters. A reconstruction of voter preferences regarding the political alternatives in the European Union — the Maastricht Treaty, the amended Maastricht Treaty and the Status Quo — reveals that the amended Maastricht Treaty, despite the fact that it was the Condorcet winner and won the 1993 referendum, may not have been preferred by a majority but was probably the most preferred alternative only for a minority of the electorate.
Work—Family Facilitation: Expanding Theoretical Understanding Through Qualitative Exploration
Authors: Hill E. Jeffrey , Allen Sarah , Jacob Jenet , Bair Ashley Ferrin , Bikhazi Sacha Leah , Van Langeveld Alisa , Martinengo Giuseppe , Parker Taralyn Trost , Walker Eric
Published: November 2007

The problem and the solution. Work—family scholarly research is often dominated by a conflict perspective. In this study, employees of a large multinational corporation were asked to describe the positive influences of their work life on their home life and vice versa. Participants most frequently mentioned work place flexibility, financial benefits, and the ability to keep family commitments as important components of work-to-home facilitation. Supportive family relationships, psychological benefits of home, and psychological aspects of work were most frequently identified as important components of family-to-work facilitation. Implications for human resource development professionals are discussed as well as suggestions for future work—family facilitation theory and research.
HRD Responses to Work—Family Stressors
Authors: Pitt-Catsouphes Marcie , Matz-Costa Christina , MacDermid Shelley M.
Published: November 2007

The problem and the solution. Employers who are interested in reducing employee conflict between work and family may develop work—life initiatives to help them better manage their work—family stress. In this article, the authors examine ways in which human resources development (HRD) professionals could enhance the effectiveness of their work—life policies and programs by assessing the extent of employees' work—family demands, the availability of needed resources, and the effectiveness of adaptive strategies and tactics that employees could use at home, at work, and in the community to fulfill their work and family responsibilities. Examples of demands, resources, and strategies are drawn from the Nurturing Families Study. Practical suggestions for HRD practice are discussed.
Developing Social Support in Employees: Human Resource Development Lessons From Same-Career Couples
Authors: Halbesleben Jonathon R. B. , Rotondo Denise M.
Published: November 2007

The problem and the solution. In light of research suggesting significant links between social support and human resource outcomes, managers have become increasingly concerned with how to develop social support. One solution is to examine the experiences of a group of employees with extremely high work—life integration, same-career couples, to develop lessons for human resource development. Same-career couples are employees who work in the same workplace or in the same occupation as their partner. From their experiences and research concerning social support resources in organizations, the authors suggest mechanisms to develop social support with the intention of improving human resource outcomes.
`High crimes and misdemeanors': George W. Bush and the sins of Abu Ghraib
Authors: Hamm Mark S.
Published: November 2007

This article examines the Abu Ghraib prison scandal from the perspective of cultural criminology. Several points are made about the iconic images of abuse. First, it is argued that these images, along with supporting documents, constitute the photographic record of a crime committed by the capitalist state. This was the high crime of torture. Next the images are used to examine the efficacy of various explanations for the Abu Ghraib scandal. These include the US Government's theory that the abuse was perpetrated by a small group of `bad apples' within its military police units; Zimbardo's `automatic brutality' theory of prisoner abuse which suggests that we are all latent torturers; and McCoy's theory that the most sophisticated interrogation practices at Abu Ghraib were designed and executed by the US Central Intelligence Agency, with military police in a supporting role. The weight of evidence supports McCoy's theory, thereby lending credibility to the argument that the torturing of detainees at Abu Ghraib followed directly from decisions made by top government officials, from President George W. Bush on down, to `take off the gloves' in prisoner interrogations.
Criminologists making news? Providing factual information on crime and criminal justice through a weekly newspaper column
Authors: Feilzer Martina Yvonne
Published: November 2007

This article summarizes the findings from a two-year research project, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, which explored the impact of a criminologist presenting factual information on crime and criminal justice through a weekly column in a local newspaper. The research included a natural quasi-experiment, the impact of which was assessed through a large-scale survey and in-depth interviews with members of the public. The key finding from the research was that readership of the column was low (although not as low as survey responses initially indicated), and that the column had no measurable impact on readers. The findings suggest that interest in, take-up, and retention of factual information on crime and criminal justice is not as high as previous empirical research has suggested.
Barbarians on the beach: Media narratives of violence in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Penglase Ben
Published: November 2007

This article examines Brazilian media reports on two incidents in Rio de Janeiro in the 1990s, arguing that reports on these events were turning points in the emergence of a discourse of crime that has come to shape how residents of Rio de Janeiro understand and experience violence. Newspaper and magazine articles on a 1992 beachside mugging incident and the Brazilian army's 1994 occupation of several of Rio's poor neighbourhoods are examined as cultural texts through which violence becomes culturally imaginable and new discourses of social difference emerge. The article shows how reports on crime came to constitute a neo-racist discourse centred on images of infection and the creation of social stigmata according to spatial, and not primarily racial, criteria. The key shift in this discourse of crime is from a hegemonic national narrative that celebrated mixing and transgression to one where social and urban boundaries are increasingly impermeable, and transgression is seen as dangerous and threatening.
Monsters Inc.: Serial killers and consumer culture
Authors: Jarvis Brian
Published: November 2007

Serial killing has become big business. Over the past 15 years, popular culture has been flooded by true-life crime stories, biographies, best-selling fiction, video games and television documentaries devoted to this subject. Cinema is the cultural space in which this phenomenon is perhaps most conspicuous. The Internet Movie Database (imdb.com) lists over 1000 films featuring serial killers and most of the contributions to this sub-genre have been made since 1990. This article examines seminal examples of serial killer fiction and film including Thomas Harris's Hannibal Lecter novels and their cinematic adaptations, Bret Easton Ellis and Mary Harron's American Psycho (1991 and 2000) and David Fincher's Se7en (1995). The main contention is that the commodification of violence in popular culture is structurally integrated with the violence of commodification itself. Starting with the rather obvious ways in which violent crime is marketed as a spectacle to be consumed, this article then attempts to uncover less transparent links between the normal desires which circulate within consumer society and monstrous violence. In `Monsters Inc.', the serial killer is unmasked as a gothic double of the serial consumer.
Facing reality: The media, the past and conflict transformation in Northern Ireland
Authors: Rolston Bill
Published: November 2007

The media can contribute to the reproduction of violent conflict in societies either through direct bias or more silent acquiescence. When wars end, therefore, the question arises as to the media's past role and the possibilities of reconstructing the media in such a way that it contributes to conflict transformation. This article looks at one specific situation, Northern Ireland, where during the violent political conflict over three decades there was a professional and sophisticated broadcasting environment. Broadcasters have been frequently charged with bias in relation to reporting the conflict, but their record in reporting the peaceful transition has been less well researched. The broadcast by the BBC of three programmes in March 2006 presents a timely case study in the ability of the media to come to terms with peace. Collectively titled Facing the Truth, these three programmes brought together victims and perpetrators with a view to eliciting repentance and forgiveness. Characterizing the approach as `reality television', the article concludes that the genre cannot adequately deal with many of the major issues involved in conflict transformation. Moreover, the framing of the programmes was such that the producers created an ideal type victim, but in doing so excluded the voices of other victims and survivors.
Proceedings from the transnational street gang/organization seminar
Authors: Brotherton David
Published: November 2007

They came from all over. Researchers from Barcelona, Genova, Milan, Santo Domingo, Quito, and New York City descended on John Jay College of Criminal Justice to discuss the emerging socio-cultural phenomenon of transnational youth gangs developing into street organizations, similar to those documented by the author in the late 1990s in New York City (see Brotherton and Barrios, 2004). The reaction of the media is also comparable, ranging from fear, panic and pathological stereotyping to curiosity and a genuine attempt to paint the subjects in a humanistic and multi-dimensional light. But the response of local political establishments is anything but traditional in the case of two of the cities: Barcelona and Genova. For the city governments in both of these locales have taken the unprecedented step of legally recognizing both the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation and the Asociación Ñeta as `cultural associations' organized by primarily first and 1.5 generation immigrant Latin American youth. The seminar was called to: (a) assemble up-to-date reports and analyses of the local and national growth of these groups based on sustained, collaborative, ethnographic field work; (b) compare the research experience across the multiple field sites; and (c) plan for the next stage of development in what is the only critical ethnographic transnational research of its kind (to our knowledge) currently being undertaken. Before summarizing the proceedings, permit me to briefly provide some background knowledge on the groups under discussion.
Social participation of patients with hemophilia in the Netherlands
Authors: Plug Iris , Peters Marjolein , Mauser-Bunschoten Eveline P. , de Goede-Bolder Arja , Heijnen Lily , Smit Cees , Willemse José , Rosendaal Frits R. , van der Bom Johanna G.
Published: November 2007

The introduction of replacement therapy in the 1960s has improved medical and social circumstances gradually. The availability of prophylactic treatment has further increased the possibilities of a “normal” life for patients with hemophilia. We examined whether social participation and health-related quality of life (HRQol) of today's hemophilia patients differs from the general male population. There were a total of 721 participants in the Hemophilia in the Netherlands 5 study (HiN-5 study) ages 16 to 64 years. Patients with severe hemophilia participated less in full-time work compared with the general population. Occupational disability was reported by 35% of patients with severe hemophilia between ages 31 and 64 years, compared with 9% in the general population. HRQol of patients with severe hemophilia between ages 31 and 64 years was lower than of the general population. The differences with the general population in HRQol were least pronounced for patients between ages 16 and 30 years. Despite major improvements in treatment during the last decades, patients with hemophilia are still less involved in full-time paid work and suffer more from occupational disability than men from the general population. After the introduction of prophylactic treatment, the number of patients who are occupationally disabled is reduced.
Association between Lactobacillus species and bacterial vaginosis-related bacteria, and bacterial vaginosis scores in pregnant Japanese women
Authors: Tamrakar Renuka , Yamada Takashi , Furuta Itsuko , Cho Kazutoshi , Morikawa Mamoru , Yamada Hideto , Sakuragi Noriaki , Minakami Hisanori
Published: November 2007

Background

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), the etiology of which is still uncertain, increases the risk of preterm birth. Recent PCR-based studies suggested that BV is associated with complex vaginal bacterial communities, including many newly recognized bacterial species in non-pregnant women.

Methods

To examine whether these bacteria are also involved in BV in pregnant Japanese women, vaginal fluid samples were taken from 132 women, classified as normal (n = 98), intermediate (n = 21), or BV (n = 13) using the Nugent gram stain criteria, and studied. DNA extracted from these samples was analyzed for bacterial sequences of any Lactobacillus, four Lactobacillus species, and four BV-related bacteria by PCR with primers for 16S ribosomal DNA including a universal Lactobacillus primer, Lactobacillus species-specific primers for L. crispatus, L. jensenii, L. gasseri, and L. iners, and BV-related bacterium-specific primers for BVAB2, Megasphaera, Leptotrichia, and Eggerthella-like bacterium.

Results

The prevalences of L. crispatus, L. jensenii, and L. gasseri were significantly higher, while those of BVAB2, Megasphaera, Leptotrichia, and Eggerthella-like bacterium were significantly lower in the normal group than in the BV group. Unlike other Lactobacillus species, the prevalence of L. iners did not differ between the three groups and women with L. iners were significantly more likely to have BVAB2, Megasphaera, Leptotrichia, and Eggerthella-like bacterium. Linear regression analysis revealed associations of BVAB2 and Megasphaera with Nugent score, and multivariate regression analyses suggested a close relationship between Eggerthella-like bacterium and BV.

Conclusion

The BV-related bacteria, including BVAB2, Megasphaera, Leptotrichia, and Eggerthella-like bacterium, are common in the vagina of pregnant Japanese women with BV. The presence of L. iners may be correlated with vaginal colonization by these BV-related bacteria.
Preoperative Management of the Pheochromocytoma Patient
Authors: Pacak Karel
Published: November 2007

Pheochromocytomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors with a highly variable clinical presentation, but they most commonly present as spells of headaches, sweating, palpitations, and hypertension. Patients with pheochromocytoma may develop complicated and potentially lethal cardiovascular and other complications, especially in the setting of diagnostic or interventional procedures (e.g. upon induction of anesthesia or during surgery). The serious and potentially lethal nature of such complications is due to the potent effect of paroxysmal release of catecholamines. Because this warrants prompt diagnosis and treatment, the physician should be aware of the clinical manifestations and complications of catecholamine excess and be able to provide proper preoperative management to minimize catecholamine-related pre-, intra-, and postoperative adverse events. The following clinical scenario and discussion aim to enhance the knowledge of the physician regarding the behavior of pheochromocytoma and to outline current approaches to comprehensive preoperative management of patients suffering from this tumor.
Impact of Statins on Risk of Stroke: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Henyan Nickole N , Riche Daniel M , East Honey E , Gann Pamela N
Published: November 2007

Background:

Evidence from randomized, controlled trials suggests that reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin) therapy in patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease reduces the incidence of ischemic stroke; however, data from large epidemiologic observational studies suggest an inverse relationship between risk of hemorrhagic stroke and cholesterol levels.

Objective:

To perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to assess the effect of statin therapy on all cerebrovascular events (CVEs), ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke.

Methods:

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing&Allied Health Literature, and Web of Science citations from June 1975 through September 2006 was performed to identify randomized controlled trials of statin therapy. Trials were included if they met the following criteria: (1) controlled clinical trials of statin therapy versus placebo, (2) well-described protocol, and (3) data reported on incidence of all CVEs, ischemic stroke, or hemorrhagic stroke. All data were independently extracted by 3 investigators.

Results:

Weighted averages are reported as relative risk with 95% confidence intervals. A total of 26 trials (N = 100,560) reported incidence on all CVEs. Six trials (n = 37,292) reported incidence of ischemic stroke and 9 trials (n = 57,895) were included in the hemorrhagic stroke analysis. Statin therapy significantly reduced the risk of all CVEs (RR 0.83; 95% CI 0.76 to 0.91) and the risk of ischemic stroke (RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.63 to 0.99). Statin therapy did not significantly reduce risk of hemorrhagic stroke (RR 1, 11; 95% CI 0.77 to 1.60).

Conclusions:

Statin therapy significantly reduces risk of developing all CVEs and ischemic stroke; however, it is associated with a nonsignificant increase in risk of hemorrhagic stroke.
Evaluation of an Electronic Critical Drug Interaction Program Coupled with Active Pharmacist Intervention
Authors: Humphries Tammy L , Carroll Nikki , Chester Elizabeth A , Magid David , Rocho Bob
Published: November 2007

Background:

Failure to detect significant drug interactions may result in adverse outcomes. While proper screening and management of drug interactions can prevent the majority of adverse events, studies indicate that current practice is suboptimal. In the last quarter of 2001, physicians and pharmacists in Kaiser Permanente Colorado, a group model health maintenance organization, developed an electronic critical drug interaction alert program (CDIX). Electronic screening was coupled with active intervention to prevent dispensing of critically interacting drug combinations.

Objective:

To assess the impact of CDIX on the co-dispensing ol critically interacting drug combinations.

Methods:

A physician and team of outpatient pharmacists and clinical pharmacy staff developed a condensed list of critical drug interactions (8 drug combinations) to be included in the evaluation of CDIX. Monthly electronic outpatient pharmacy data were collected 20 months before and 37 months after CDIX implementation, with no lag period following implementation. Univariate analyses were completed to compare baseline subject characteristics of the pre- and post-CDIX groups using χ2 and Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests. Interrupted time series analysis was used to estimate changes in the rates of critical drug interactions.

Results:

Three hundred sixty-seven instances of co-dispensing were observed in 348 subjects during the pre-CDIX period and 256 instances of co-dispensing were observed in 248 subjects during the post-CDIX period. Following CDIX implementation, the overall rate of co-dispensing dropped abruptly from 21.3 to 14.7 per 10,000 prescriptions, representing a relative decrease in co-dispensing of 31% from the month before CDIX implementation (p = 0.0125). Significant reductions in co-dispensing were noted for 7 of the 8 drug class combinations.

Conclusions:

Employing an intervention system that limits electronic alerts regarding drug interactions to those deemed critical but that also requires pharmacist intervention and collaboration with the prescriber decreases the number of critical drug interactions dispensed.
Systemic Therapists' Experience of Powerlessness
Authors: Hildebrand Judy , Markovic Desa
Published: November 2007

In this article we explore and discuss the relevance of the concept of powerlessness in systemic practice. The views and concerns of systemic trainees' groups are compared with those of experienced therapists'. We interviewed 12 experienced systemic therapists and investigated what made them feel powerless and how they dealt with it. Extracts from interviews are quoted and summarised in the text. We argue that therapists' powerlessness is a marginalised subject in the systemic approach and that open discussion about the topic would enhance therapists' self‐reflexivity and contribute to a fuller understanding of the part that power and powerlessness play in the therapeutic relationship. We consider the place of gender, culture and wider sociopolitical contexts in the experience of therapists' powerlessness. Finally we discuss the implications of our findings for systemic therapy, training and supervision.
An Examination of Exploration and Exploitation Capabilities: Implications for Product Innovation and Market Performance
Authors: Yalcinkaya Goksel , Calantone Roger J. , Griffith David A.
Published: November 2007

The authors employ the dynamic capabilities perspective to gain a greater understanding of the conversion of firm resources into exploitation and exploration capabilities and the influence of these firm capabilities on firm outcomes. Specifically, they theorize that marketing and technological resources provide a foundation for the establishment of exploitation and exploration capabilities, respectively, and that these dynamic capabilities influence the degree of product innovation and market performance. The theorized relationships, which the authors examine using a survey of 111 U.S. importers, indicate that marketing resources influence an importer's development of exploitation capabilities, whereas technological resources influence the development of exploration capabilities. Furthermore, the authors find that exploitation capabilities provide a foundation for the development of exploration capabilities. They also find that whereas exploitation capabilities are negatively related to the degree of product innovation, exploration capabilities positively influence both the degree of product innovation and market performance. The authors provide implications for international marketing academics and practitioners.
The Effects of Cultural Individualism and Self-Confidence on Propensity to Voice: From Theory to Measurement to Practice
Authors: Chelminski Piotr , Coulter Robin A.
Published: November 2007

This article examines the effects of cultural individualism on consumers’ propensity to voice and the mediating effects of self-confidence. The authors explore these relationships in the United States and South Korea to assess whether a consumer's culture, measured as an individual difference variable, is as an explanatory variable for propensity to voice in the context of dissatisfactory marketplace experiences. They find that individualism has a positive effect on propensity to voice at the pancountry and intracountry levels and that self-confidence fully mediates the relationship between individualism and propensity to voice. The results have important implications for understanding consumer complaining behavior for organizations that serve culturally diverse consumer groups.
Loss-of-Function of Human PINK1 Results in Mitochondrial Pathology and Can Be Rescued by Parkin
Authors: Exner Nicole , Treske Bettina , Paquet Dominik , Holmström Kira , Schiesling Carola , Gispert Suzana , Carballo-Carbajal Iria , Berg Daniela , Hoepken Hans-Hermann , Gasser Thomas , Krüger Rejko , Winklhofer Konstanze F. , Vogel Frank , Reichert Andreas S. , Auburger Georg , Kahle Philipp J. , Schmid Bettina , Haass Christian
Published: November 2007

Degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra is characteristic for Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. Mitochondrial dysfunction is believed to contribute to the etiology of PD. Although most cases are sporadic, recent evidence points to a number of genes involved in familial variants of PD. Among them, a loss-of-function of phosphatase and tensin homolog-induced kinase 1 (PINK1; PARK6) is associated with rare cases of autosomal recessive parkinsonism. In HeLa cells, RNA interference-mediated downregulation of PINK1 results in abnormal mitochondrial morphology and altered membrane potential. Morphological changes of mitochondria can be rescued by expression of wild-type PINK1 but not by PD-associated PINK1 mutants. Moreover, primary cells derived from patients with two different PINK1 mutants showed a similar defect in mitochondrial morphology. Human parkin but not PD-associated mutants could rescue mitochondrial pathology in human cells like wild-type PINK1. Our results may therefore suggest that PINK1 deficiency in humans results in mitochondrial abnormalities associated with cellular stress, a pathological phenotype, which can be ameliorated by enhanced expression of parkin.