bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Two-Dimensional Solution of the Advection–Diffusion Equation with Dry Deposition to the Ground
Authors: Tirabassi Tiziano , Buske Daniela , Moreira Davidson M. , Vilhena Marco T.
Published: February 2008

A mathematical scheme is developed to simulate the vertical turbulent dispersion of air pollution that is absorbed or deposited to the ground. The scheme is an exact analytical solution of the atmospheric diffusion equation, without any restriction to the vertical profile of wind speed and eddy diffusivities, and taking into account the dry deposition by a boundary condition of a nonzero flux to the ground. The performances of the solution, with a proper parameterization of the vertical profiles of the wind and eddy diffusivities, were evaluated against the dataset from the Hanford (Washington) diffusion experiment, in which two tracers (one depositing and one nondepositing) were released simultaneously. In addition, the solution derived in this work is compared with four different models, with deposition at the ground, found in the literature.
Estimation of Rainfall Based on the Results of Polarimetric Echo Classification
Authors: Giangrande Scott E. , Ryzhkov Alexander V.
Published: February 2008

The quality of polarimetric radar rainfall estimation is investigated for a broad range of distances from the polarimetric prototype of the Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D). The results of polarimetric echo classification have been integrated into the study to investigate the performance of radar rainfall estimation contingent on hydrometeor type. A new method for rainfall estimation that capitalizes on the results of polarimetric echo classification (EC method) is suggested. According to the EC method, polarimetric rainfall relations are utilized if the radar resolution volume is filled with rain (or rain and hail), and multiple R(Z) relations are used for different types of frozen hydrometeors. The intercept parameters in the R(Z) relations for each class are determined empirically from comparisons with gauges. It is shown that the EC method exhibits better performance than the conventional WSR-88D algorithm with a reduction by a factor of 1.5–2 in the rms error of 1-h rainfall estimates up to distances of 150 km from the radar.
Frequency Distribution of Daily ITCZ Patterns over the Western–Central Pacific
Authors: Chen Baode , Lin Xin , Bacmeister Julio T.
Published: February 2008

This study attempts to explore a comprehensive and compact approach for delineating the multiscale and multivariate characteristics of the ITCZ over the western–central Pacific based on daily satellite observations of precipitation, SSTs, and surface winds. Essentially six distinct ITCZ spatial patterns—namely, the north, south, equator, double, full, and weak—are identified according to the daily percentage coverage of deep convection within different latitudinal bands on and off the equator over the western–central Pacific. The evolving structure of the ITCZ over the western–central Pacific is investigated with a focus on the transient statistical characteristics. The relationship between these daily ITCZ patterns and SSTs, and near-surface winds, is also examined.

The north (37%), south (24%), and weak (24%) ITCZs represent the three major ITCZ daily patterns over the western–central Pacific, and combined they account for almost 85% of the total number of days within a 10-yr period. The other three ITCZ patterns, namely, the equator (3%), double (6%), and full (5%) ITCZs, occur infrequently. The climatology of the ITCZ, such as monthly, seasonal, and annual means, can be approximately determined by how often and intense these ITCZ daily spatial patterns occur within a specified period. Taking the long-term mean statistics for each ITCZ daily type into account, the double ITCZ deep convection typically observed over the western–central Pacific in monthly, seasonal, and annual mean plots appears to be mainly associated with the frequent occurrence of the north and south ITCZ patterns, instead of the double ITCZ pattern in which an ITCZ appears on each side of the equator simultaneously on a daily basis.

Consistent with the strong seasonality in their frequency of occurrence, the three major ITCZ patterns indicate a dominant correspondence with the seasonal meridional migration of warm SSTs. In contrast, the three less frequent ITCZ patterns show a close relationship with the positive or negative SST anomaly over the equatorial central and eastern Pacific, namely, the extension and retraction of the equatorial cool tongue and its strength. Surface wind divergence/convergence does not show any distinct patterns for these ITCZ spatial patterns, suggesting that little relationship between low-level convergence and precipitation can be discerned from daily data.

As an application of the method proposed, the frequency distribution of daily ITCZ patterns, as derived from a recent version of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) general circulation model (GCM), is evaluated against observations. Preliminary comparisons indicate that the GEOS-5 GCM is capable of simulating the correct ITCZ spatial patterns, but their occurrence frequencies can be further improved, in particular, the weak ITCZ and the patterns with fewer occurrences, which may be associated with significantly different control mechanisms and/or feedbacks.
Decadal Variability of the Indo-Pacific Warm Pool and Its Association with Atmospheric and Oceanic Variability in the NCEP–NCAR and SODA Reanalyses
Authors: Wang Hui , Mehta Vikram M.
Published: February 2008

Decadal variability of the Indo-Pacific warm pool (IPWP) sea surface temperature (SST) and its association with atmospheric and oceanic circulations are investigated with observed 50-yr (1952–2001) SST, and the NCEP–NCAR atmospheric and Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA) oceanic reanalysis data. The decadal variability of the IPWP SSTs was analyzed by applying an empirical orthogonal function technique to low-pass-filtered SSTs. Two leading empirical modes (EMs) well represent the IPWP SST decadal variations. EM1 is an ENSO-like pattern with out-of-phase SST anomalies in the western Pacific and the Indian Ocean, whereas EM2 displays an in-phase relationship between SST anomalies in the two regions. Consequently, spatial evolution of EM1 is dominated by opposing changes in zonal and meridional dimensions and thus a strong deformation of the warm pool on decadal time scales. EM2 is dominated by changes in size and intensity of the warm pool.

Analyses of ocean thermodynamic fields associated with the two SST EMs indicate that decadal changes in the IPWP can extend down to 300-m depth. Oceanic processes may thus be involved in the IPWP decadal variability, including advections of mean temperature by both mean and anomalous ocean currents and effects of shallow tropical circulations (STCs) on the IPWP SST, which is consistent with some previous studies on tropical decadal variability. The results may also indicate the existence of both positive and negative feedbacks between the IPWP SST and the STCs.

Both December–January–February (DJF) and June–July–August (JJA) atmospheric circulations exhibit thermally direct responses to the two decadal IPWP SST EMs by altering the Hadley and Walker circulations. In addition, significant upper-level rotational flow anomalies in the extratropics are found to be associated with the decadal IPWP SST variability. Consistent with the upper-level flow anomalies and 850-hPa convergence–divergence patterns associated with the two SST EMs are rainfall anomalies over the United States. In DJF, the rainfall anomalies are mainly in Florida, the Gulf Coast, southern Texas, Arizona, and along the West Coast. In JJA, the rainfall anomalies are mainly in the Midwest and the Southeast. Since these rainfall anomalies are a significant fraction of seasonal-average rainfall and since these anomalies persist for many years, they potentially make a significant impact on U.S. water resources and agriculture. Further analysis of observations and modeling studies are required to understand the physics of the IPWP SST decadal variability and its impacts on global climate, and to assess its predictability.
Orientation Angle Distributions of Drops after an 80-m Fall Using a 2D Video Disdrometer
Authors: Huang Gwo-Jong , Bringi V. N. , Thurai M.
Published: February 2008

This note reports on the use of a 2D video disdrometer to estimate the orientation of drops (>2 mm) that were generated artificially and allowed to fall 80 m from a bridge with no obstruction and under calm conditions. This experimental setup enabled a large number of drops to be generated, up to 10 mm in horizontal dimension.

The distribution of the canting angles for all drops >2 mm was found to be nearly symmetric about 0° with standard deviation between 7° and 8°. From the canting angle distributions derived from the two orthogonal camera view planes, the distributions of the polar (θ) and azimuth (ϕ) angles were deduced; these two angles describe the 2D orientation of the symmetry axis. The azimuthal angle distribution was found to be nearly uniform in the range (0, 2π), whereas the distribution of pΩ(θ) = p(θ) sinθ was similar in shape to a special form of the Fisher distribution that is valid for describing the statistics on a spherical surface. The standard deviation of pΩ(θ) showed that larger drops are more stably oriented than smaller ones. This is in agreement with previous radar-based results of standard deviation of the canting angle decreasing with increasing Zdr.
Exploring Atmospheric Aerosols by Twilight Photometry
Authors: Kumari B. Padma , Kulkarni S. H. , Jadhav D. B. , Londhe A. L. , Trimbake H. K.
Published: February 2008

The instrument twilight photometer was designed, developed, and installed at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, India (18°43′N, 73°51′E), to monitor the vertical distribution of atmospheric aerosols. The instrument, based on passive remote sensing technique, is simple and inexpensive. It is operated only during twilights, and the method of retrieval of aerosol profile is based on a simple twilight technique. It functions at a single wavelength (660 nm), and a photomultiplier tube is used as a detector. The amplifier, an important component of the system, was designed and developed by connecting 10 single integrated-circuit (IC) amplifiers in parallel so that the noise at the output is drastically reduced and the sensitivity of the system has been increased. As a result, the vertical profiles are retrieved to a maximum of 120 km. A brief description of the basic principle of twilight technique, the experimental setup, and the method of retrieval of aerosol profiles using the above photometer are detailed in this paper.
Characteristics of High-Resolution Versions of the Met Office Unified Model for Forecasting Convection over the United Kingdom
Authors: Lean Humphrey W. , Clark Peter A. , Dixon Mark , Roberts Nigel M. , Fitch Anna , Forbes Richard , Halliwell Carol
Published: February 2008

With many operational centers moving toward order 1-km-gridlength models for routine weather forecasting, this paper presents a systematic investigation of the properties of high-resolution versions of the Met Office Unified Model for short-range forecasting of convective rainfall events. The authors describe a suite of configurations of the Met Office Unified Model running with grid lengths of 12, 4, and 1 km and analyze results from these models for a number of convective cases from the summers of 2003, 2004, and 2005. The analysis includes subjective evaluation of the rainfall fields and comparisons of rainfall amounts, initiation, cell statistics, and a scale-selective verification technique. It is shown that the 4- and 1-km-gridlength models often give more realistic-looking precipitation fields because convection is represented explicitly rather than parameterized. However, the 4-km model representation suffers from large convective cells and delayed initiation because the grid length is too long to correctly reproduce the convection explicitly. These problems are not as evident in the 1-km model, although it does suffer from too numerous small cells in some situations. Both the 4- and 1-km models suffer from poor representation at the start of the forecast in the period when the high-resolution detail is spinning up from the lower-resolution (12 km) starting data used. A scale-selective precipitation verification technique implies that for later times in the forecasts (after the spinup period) the 1-km model performs better than the 12- and 4-km models for lower rainfall thresholds. For higher thresholds the 4-km model scores almost as well as the 1-km model, and both do better than the 12-km model.
Fighting the Good Fight
Authors: Allen David
Published: February 2008

Primitive Methodism was born exactly two hundred years ago as an offshoot of the huge American-style Camp Meetings held in a field in the hilltop village of Mow Cop. Frowned on by mainstream Wesleyans, the often rough-and-ready preachers nevertheless made a great impact, particularly among working-classes. In many ways the `Prims' were the Pentecostals of the nineteenth century — unconventional, charismatic and speaking a language `understonded by the puple' (Wycliffe). The story of Dick Weaver and Bendigo, champion bareknuckle pugilist, is just one episode from a colourful history.
Urban Regeneration: A Theological Perspective from the West End of Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Authors: Knights Chris
Published: February 2008

This article seeks to define what is meant by `urban regeneration', and to offer a theological, biblical-based critique of regeneration definitions and practices. It argues that regeneration must always be `with people in mind' and that the prime purpose of regeneration is to promote human flourishing. The Bible's emphasis on `life in all its fullness' and Layard's work on happiness challenge regeneration practitioners to be explicit about who regeneration is for and what they are trying to achieve.
A Magnificent Seven: C. K. Barrett at 90
Authors: Morgan Robert
Published: February 2008

This article was originally presented as a tribute to C. Kingsley Barrett on his 90th birthday, Durham, 4 May 2007.
Efficient Simulation of a Tandem Queue with Server Slow-down
Authors: Miretskiy D.I. , Scheinhardt W.R.W. , Mandjes M.R.H.
Published: February 2008

Tandem Jackson networks and more sophisticated variants have found widespread application in various domains. One such variant is the tandem queue with server slow-down, in which the server of the upstream queue reduces its service speed as soon as the downstream queue eXceeds some prespecified threshold, to provide the downstream queue some sort of `protection'. This paper focuses on the overflow probabilities in the downstream queue. Owing to the Markov structure these can be solved numerically, but the resulting system of linear equations is usually large. An attractive alternative could be to resort to simulation, but this approach is cumbersome due to the rarity of the event under consideration. A powerful remedy is to use importance sampling, i.e. simulation under an alternative measure, where unbiasedness of the estimator is retrieved by weighing the observations by appropriate likelihood ratios. To find a good alternative measure, we first identify the most likely path to overflow. For the standard tandem queue (i.e. no slow-down) this path was known, but we develop an appealing novel heuristic which can also be applied to the model with slow-down. The knowledge of the most likely path is then used to devise importance sampling algorithms, both for the standard tandem system and for the system with slow-down. Our eXperiments indicate that the corresponding new measure is sometimes asymptotically optimal, and sometimes not. We systematically analyze the cases that may occur.
Generalized Cross-entropy Methods with Applications to Rare-event Simulation and Optimization
Authors: Botev Z.I. , Kroese D.P. , Taimre T.
Published: February 2008

The cross-entropy and minimum cross-entropy methods are well-known Monte Carlo simulation techniques for rare-event probability estimation and optimization. In this paper, we investigate how these methods can be eXtended to provide a general non-parametric cross-entropy framework based on φ-divergence distance measures. We show how the χ2 distance, in particular, yields a viable alternative to the Kullback—Leibler distance. The theory is illustrated with various eXamples from density estimation, rare-event simulation and continuous multi-eXtremal optimization.
College Readiness and Academic Preparation for Postsecondary Education
Authors: Reid M. Jeanne , Moore James L.
Published: February 2008

As a part of a larger qualitative study, this research investigation explored the perceptions and attitudes that first-generation, urban college students have of their preparation for postsecondary education. The purposeful sample in this study was comprised of 13 first-generation college students (i.e., 6 males and 7 females) who were graduates of the same urban high school. The qualitative methodology was comprised of individual interviews and biographical questionnaires. The themes that emerged—surrounding the students' perceptions and attitudes of their preparation for postsecondary education—included (a) the preparation during high school that helped with college success and (b) the skills that were lacking for college success. Practical applications for educators (i.e., school counselors, teachers, administrators, and postsecondary educators) are included.
Assessing Ethnicity
Authors: Gallant Dorinda J. , Moore James L.
Published: February 2008

The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which indicators on the language and literacy and mathematical thinking domains of a curriculum-embedded performance assessment functioned differently for urban, African American and White male students. A sample of 852 first-grade male students in a large urban school district, located in the southeastern part of the United States, was included in the study. An ordinal logistic regression procedure was used to investigate differential item functioning for indicators on the domains. Results showed differences in the average ratings of African American and White male students on 25 of the 26 indicators. However, the indicators did not function differently for the ethnicity groups when students were matched on ability level.
Timing, Accumulation, and the Black/White Disability Gap in Later Life
Authors: Taylor Miles G.
Published: February 2008

Examining the Black/White disability gap among older adults, this study focuses on the role of timing in racial inequality over time. Using the Duke Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (EPESE), the author reexamines Black and White disability trajectories with attention to timing of onset. In addition, known mediators are examined for their relative impact on onset and accumulation of disability. The author finds that diverging trajectories of Black and White disability, evidence of a cumulative disadvantage argument, are fueled solely by differences in onset. A more nuanced picture of racial disparities arises when controls are included, lending support to a weathering hypothesis. Access to health care is primary in explaining the Black/White disparity. The author concludes that timing is integral to the study of health trajectories and that research using cumulative disadvantage benefits from supplemental theories with specific assertions as to timing, including weathering.
Accuracy of the Static-99 in Predicting Recidivism in Switzerland
Authors: Endrass Jerome , Urbaniok Frank , Held Leonhard , Vetter Stefan , Rossegger Astrid
Published: February 2008

The Static-99 is a widely used actuarial risk assessment instrument. Various international validation studies have found satisfactory to good predictive validity for the Static-99, with the area under the curve (AUC) between 59% and 95%. This study is the first evaluation of the predictive accuracy of the Static-99 among sex offenders in Switzerland. The Static-99 scores of 69 violent/sex offenders in Switzerland were assessed using data from their psychiatric assessments. Recidivism was operationalized as reconviction assessed from penal records. The Static-99 risk levels were predictive for recidivism (AUC = .758) among our population. The results are discussed on the basis of the literature.
Social Security Reform in Turkey: A Critical Perspective
Authors: Elveren Adem Y.
Published: February 2008

This article discusses social security reforms in Turkey in the framework of the welfare state, which started to fall in the 1970s as a result of the neoliberal paradigm promoting the interest of the capital class over the interest of the public as a whole. The article analyzes some handicaps of privatization attempts all over the world. The author argues that social security reforms in Turkey toward privatization will result in decreasing the welfare of the poorer strata of society. The author discusses the welfare losses incurred by the increasing nonparticipation of the government, which decreases income certainty for the beneficiary and exposes individuals to the risk of fluctuations in the economy in general and of the stock market in particular. JEL classification: G23, H53, H55
L'anthropologie fondamentale de Paul Ricoeur dans le miroir des sciences sociales
Authors: Michel Johann
Published: February 2008

Les recherches menées en sciences sociales présupposent le plus souvent, implicitement ou explicitement, une anthropologie fondamentale, c'est-à-dire une réflexion sur l'homme en tant qu'homme, sur les traits structurants de la condition humaine. Cet article se focalise sur l'anthropologie philosophique de Paul Ricoeur. La thèse défendue par l'auteur consiste à montrer que cette anthropologie, en raison de son équivocité et de ses remaniements, peut se refléter dans deux paradigmes tenus pour antagonistes en sciences sociales. D'une part, un paradigme d'inspiration structuraliste que l'on rencontre par exemple dans la sociologie critique de Pierre Bourdieu. D'autre part, un paradigme d'inspiration phénoménologique que l'on rencontre par exemple dans la sociologie de la société critique de Luc Boltanski.
A collective ethnographer: fieldwork experience in the Brazilian Northeast
Authors: Sigaud Lygia
Published: February 2008

The article examines a 30-year experience of collective ethnography in the sugarcane plantations of Brazil's Northeast. Over this period, the research group has worked in different temporal and spatial contexts, continually exchanging its findings. The author draws on her experience as part of the research group in order to focus on the conditions of entering the field, the seasonal variations and geographic displacements, the research group's morphology and the overall implications for anthropological knowledge. Debates over ethnography have neglected the relationship between the social conditions in which anthropologists carry out their work and what they are able to write about the social world. This article sets out to fill this gap.
Evolution Versus Creationism in Education
Authors: Apple Michael W.
Published: February 2008

As part of the continuing series of the Reviewing Policy section, this article examines some of the recent literature on the creation-evolution controversy. These controversies are placed within a larger analysis of the growth of authoritarian populist movements in the United States. The article then focuses attention on debates both over a number of arguments surrounding the ways in which intelligent design had been justified and surrounding some of the dangers of possible arrogance that have been associated with the history of the popularization of evolutionary perspectives. The author then offers some strategic suggestions for going forward.
Bridging the Gap in Expectations Between International Students and Academic Staff
Authors: Kingston Emma , Forland Heather
Published: February 2008

This article is concerned with the transition into higher education in the United Kingdom of students with an East Asian background. Such a fusion of cultures (the Western individualist culture and East Asian collectivist culture) often creates a clash of traditions. The tensions that arise between the expectations of the most rapidly growing group of students (namely East Asian students) and the implicit rules that govern the academic and social environments of UK higher education can no longer be overlooked. The authors aim to resolve some of the issues that arise when cultures based on differing philosophies meet within a London University by narrowing the gap between the expectations of international students and academic staff. The ultimate goal, therefore, lies in working toward a synergy of educational cultures.
Does Higher Education Attained Abroad Lead to International Jobs?
Authors: Wiers-Jenssen Jannecke
Published: February 2008

This article investigates the early career of graduates who have studied abroad (mobile students) compared to graduates who have undertaken the entire education at domestic higher education institutions (nonmobile students). The main question is to what extent mobile students get jobs with international assignments compared to nonmobile students. Results show that mobile students—particularly those who graduated abroad— more often than nonmobile students search for and gain work experience abroad. The vast majority of mobile students return from abroad after graduation. In the domestic labour market, mobile students hold jobs with more international assignments than nonmobile students.
The “It's Not My Fault!” Exercise: Exploring The Causes and Consequences of Managers' Explanations for Poor Performance
Authors: Paglis Laura L.
Published: February 2008

Experienced managers know that perceptions matter greatly when it comes to working effectively with employees. The task for organizational behavior (OB) instructors, especially in the undergraduate classroom, is to make the perceptions topic come alive for students who may not appreciate at first the application and significance of this subject for their future careers. This two-part exercise helps OB students understand how managers' perceptions shape the judgments they make about the causes of employees' poor performance and how these judgments affect managers' responses. In part one, students personalize the subject through an individual reflection exercise and group discussion. In part two, a realistic scenario-based exercise, students adopt the role of a manager dealing with an employee's performance failure. Exercise debriefing emphasizes the application of attribution theory concepts. Several options are suggested for integrating additional OB topics, such as the self-fulfilling prophecy, attribution errors, and confirmation bias.
Comment: The Dimensionality of Public Attitudes toward Government Spending
Authors: Jacoby William G.
Published: February 2008

In “The Two Faces of Government Spending,” Paul Goren applies a confirmatory factor model to data from the Center for Political Studies (CPS) National Election Studies (NES) to show that public attitudes toward policy spending are two dimensional. Here, I show that a unidimensional model, derived from nonparametric item response theory, can be used to represent the same data. This latter model provides additional insights about specific spending responses and also produces results that are equivalent to the two-dimensional model with respect to the impact of racial stereotypes. Therefore, by scientific standards, the unidimensional representation of public opinion toward government spending seems to be preferable.
Charles Adrian and the Study of Nonpartisan Elections
Authors: Wright Gerald C.
Published: February 2008

The Progressives believed that political parties, especially those in the cities during the first part of the past century, undermined the quality of democracy in the country. The patronage that held the parties together led to corruption and inefficiencies. While some of the reforms from the Progressive Era, such as the secret ballot and direct primary, have been adopted almost universally, Charles Adrian wrote about one, the nonpartisan ballot, that was adopted in many places, but not all. More than three fourths of municipal elections and about half of all U.S. elections use the nonpartisan ballot. This constitutes a huge quasi-experiment in the impact of political parties on governance and representation. As most political scientists agree that competitive political parties are necessary for healthy representative democracy and the centrality of political parties for voter decision making, this experiment is interesting and potentially significant for understanding the role parties play in elections and policy making.
Unilateral and Mild Bilateral Hearing Loss in Children: Past and Current Perspectives
Authors: Tharpe Anne Marie
Published: February 2008

Since the early 1980s, audiologists have become increasingly aware of the potential effect of even mild degrees of hearing loss on the psychoeducational and psychosocial outcomes of children. This review describes some of the key research findings during the past several decades that have led us to our current thinking about unilateral and mild bilateral hearing loss in children. The first section addresses unilateral hearing loss. This is followed by a review of the literature on mild bilateral hearing loss. Specifically, the issues addressed include the significance of permanent mild degrees of hearing loss on children's psychoeducational and psychosocial development and the speech, language, and auditory characteristics of children with mild degrees of hearing loss. Finally, some recommendations regarding the direction of future research are offered.

This review is followed by 2 articles summarizing the proceedings of a 2005 workshop convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program, and the Marion Downs Hearing Center to address concerns about the underidentification of—and professionals' apparent lack of awareness of—permanent unilateral and minimal to mild hearing loss in children. 56 , 57
Hearing Screening and Diagnostic Evaluation of Children With Unilateral and Mild Bilateral Hearing Loss
Authors: Ross Danielle S. , Holstrum W. June , Gaffney Marcus , Green Denise , Oyler Robert F. , Gravel Judith S.
Published: February 2008

More than 90% of newborns in the United States are now being screened for hearing loss. A large fraction of cases of unilateral hearing loss and mild bilateral hearing loss are not currently identified through newborn hearing screening. This is of concern because a preponderance of research has demonstrated that unilateral hearing loss and mild bilateral hearing loss can lead to developmental delays and educational problems for some children. To help address this probable underidentification of unilateral hearing loss and mild bilateral hearing loss among infants and children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Early Hearing Detection and Intervention program and the Marion Downs Hearing Center convened a workshop in Breckenridge, Colorado, in July 2005 . During this workshop, several issues related to screening and diagnosing unilateral hearing loss and mild bilateral hearing loss were identified, as well as recommendations for future research in this area. Issues identified included the lack of standardized definitions for permanent unilateral hearing loss and mild bilateral hearing loss; the use of screening protocols that are primarily designed to identify bilateral and unilateral hearing losses of a moderate degree or greater (eg, above 40 dB); calibration of screening equipment; availability of facilities that can provide the full range of audiologic, diagnostic, and management services to this pediatric population; and an overall lack of awareness by many professionals and families about the potential effect of unilateral hearing loss and mild bilateral hearing loss. Suggestions for future research, such as identifying ways to improve the identification of cases of unilateral hearing loss and mild bilateral hearing loss, were also discussed.
Early Intervention for Children With Unilateral and Mild Bilateral Degrees of Hearing Loss
Authors: Holstrum W. June , Gaffney Marcus , Gravel Judith S. , Oyler Robert F. , Ross Danielle S.
Published: February 2008

Some children with unilateral hearing loss or mild bilateral hearing loss are at risk for developmental delays, educational difficulties, and other adverse effects. However, these children face several challenges in receiving services that can prevent such problems. Many do not meet existing eligibility requirements for early intervention services in their state. Information disseminated to professionals and parents often does not convey the significance of unilateral and mild bilateral hearing loss. Some professionals indicate that there are insufficient guidelines defining appropriate intervention services for these children. Factors that influence developmental outcomes in this population are not well understood, making it difficult to determine which children can benefit from intervention services. Additional data are needed about how to minimize or prevent adverse outcomes in these children. This article presents suggestions for intervention and future research that were developed by participants of the 2005 National Workshop on Mild and Unilateral Hearing Loss.
Causation of Permanent Unilateral and Mild Bilateral Hearing Loss in Children
Authors: Tharpe Anne Marie , Sladen Douglas P.
Published: February 2008

Children with permanent unilateral or mild bilateral hearing loss have been a focus of concern by audiologists, educators, and physicians for at least 2 decades. These children are known to be at risk for psychoeducational difficulties. However, despite this concern, little has been learned about the causative factors of these hearing losses and how those factors might be contributing to child development. This review of known causes of permanent unilateral and mild bilateral hearing loss in children is meant to draw attention to the importance of the search for etiologic factors. That is, the identification of the hearing loss should not signal the end of the diagnostic process but, rather, the beginning of a search for causation. With the combined efforts of audiologists, otolaryngologists, pediatricians, geneticists, and other medical professionals, we may enhance our understanding of the primary causes of unilateral and mild bilateral hearing loss and, perhaps, create links between causative factors and psychosocial and psychoeducational outcomes.
Amplification Considerations for Children With Minimal or Mild Bilateral Hearing Loss and Unilateral Hearing Loss
Authors: McKay Sarah , Gravel Judith S. , Tharpe Anne Marie
Published: February 2008

Children with minimal or mild bilateral hearing loss and unilateral hearing loss are at higher risk for academic, speech-language, and social-emotional difficulties than their normal hearing peers. The choice to fit infants with moderate or greater degrees of bilateral hearing loss has been standard practice for most clinicians, but for those with minimal or mild bilateral hearing loss or unilateral hearing loss, the fitting of hearing technology must be based on limited data. Evidence does not yet exist to support all the management decisions that an audiologist must make upon identifying an infant with minimal or mild bilateral hearing loss or unilateral hearing loss. It is not yet known which children are at the greatest risk for educational problems nor is it known if the provision of early amplification in this population will help a child avoid later difficulties. Some of these considerations and current hearing technology options for children with minimal or mild bilateral hearing loss or unilateral hearing loss are reviewed in this article.
Intraoperative TEE Assessment During Mitral Valve Repair for Degenerative and Ischemic Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Authors: Iglesias Ivan
Published: February 2008

Intraoperative assessment of the mitral valve (MV) in patients undergoing repair for MV regurgitation is a valuable support for the cardiac surgical team; results can be favored by adequate assessment tailored to the main condition affecting the MV. This article will review current available data for assessment of the MV in degenerative and ischemic mitral regurgitation.
Perioperative Renal Failure: Hypoperfusion During Cardiopulmonary Bypass?
Authors: Ranucci Marco
Published: February 2008

Acute renal failure is one of the most frequent and life-threatening complications after cardiac surgery. There is a recent growing deal of information suggesting that during the time of cardiopulmonary bypass kidneys may suffer from an imbalance between oxygen supply and oxygen needs. A low hematocrit during cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with an increase risk of acute renal failure, mainly due to a low oxygen delivery. An inadequate oxygen delivery during cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with lactate production, and under normothermic conditions, hyperlactatemia appears for an oxygen delivery below 260 mL min− 1 m−2. The risk of acute renal failure significantly increases for an oxygen delivery approximately at the same value (272 mL min−1 m− 2). During cardiopulmonary bypass, the pump flow should be coupled with the hematocrit to avoid falling below this critical oxygen delivery.
Surgical, Anesthetic, Perfusion-Related Advances in Minimal Access Surgery
Authors: Kiaii Bob , Bainbridge Daniel , Fernandes Philip
Published: February 2008

As we enter the fifth decade in cardiac surgery, traditionally cardiac surgery has been performed using a median sternotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass providing great access to the heart and all the surrounding structures. During the last decade, there has been a paradigm shift in the methods by which surgery has been performed. The invasiveness of many procedures has been dramatically reduced, with significantly superior outcomes, as evidenced by improved survival, fewer complications, and quicker return to functional health and productive life. This resulted in significant interest and excitement in adopting less invasive techniques in cardiac surgery. Unfortunately, this was an unrealistic expectation due to the limitations that existed in cardiac surgical techniques and conventional endoscopic instruments, cardiac anesthesia, and cardiopulmonary bypass techniques. In this article, the advances in minimally invasive surgical, cardiac anesthesia, and cardiopulmonary bypass techniques in the evolution of minimal access cardiac surgery are summarized.
A Proposed Algorithm for the Intraoperative Use of Cerebral Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Denault André , Deschamps Alain , Murkin John M.
Published: February 2008

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a technique that can be used as a noninvasive and continuous monitor of the balance between cerebral oxygen delivery and consumption. The authors develop and propose an algorithm for the use of NIRS based on optimizing factors that can affect cerebral oxygen supply/demand. These factors are the position of the vascular cannula, perfusion pressure, arterial oxygen content, partial pressure of carbon dioxide, haemoglobin, cardiac output, and the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen. Dissemination of a useful treatment algorithm is the primary purpose of this article. Further multicenter studies are necessary to confirm the benefits and cost-effectiveness of this promising monitoring modality.
Scenario Planning as Developing Leadership Capability and Capacity
Authors: McWhorter Rochell R. , Lynham Susan A. , Porter Dorothy E.
Published: February 2008

Documented scenario planning projects report a diverse cross section of organizational members. Yet most projects involve executive and senior management teams as their primary participants. Given the participation of higher-level organizational members, a question arises as to whether the scenario planning process is useful in developing leadership capability and capacity within an organization. The implied link between scenario planning and the development of leadership capability must first be described, understood, and substantiated before it can be assumed to be of strategic utility to organizations and fields of practice. This article presents the outcomes of an exploratory inquiry into the association between scenario planning and leadership. Initial discoveries suggest that the development of leadership capability and capacity are reasonable expected outcomes of scenario planning and tentatively positions scenario planning as a strategic tool in human resource development.
Scenario Planning: Human Resource Development's Strategic Learning Tool
Authors: Chermack Thomas J. , Swanson Richard A.
Published: February 2008

This article introduces the concepts of scenario planning and HRD. A discussion of the major areas of overlap is provided, the links are clarified in a strategic context, and clear opportunities for both researchers and practitioners are outlined.This article also provides a short overview of what is to come in this issue of ADHR.The authors carefully outline this issue and each of its major points for optimizing HRD professionals as they work to leverage scenario planning as HRD's strategic learning tool.
Symbolism Versus Policy Learning
Authors: Hetling Andrea , McDermott Monika L. , Mapps Mingus
Published: February 2008

The logic of democracy rests on the assumption that policymakers respond to public preferences, which, in turn, respond to policy developments. We address the question of how policy might affect public opinion by analyzing public opinion before and after the 1996 U.S. Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act. We hypothesized that changes made by the legislation would have improved opinions of welfare recipients. Using U.S. surveys from 1994 and 2001, we find that public opinion was more positive postreform and that the change was because of the enactment of welfare reform itself, not any perceived program success.
Factor H dysfunction in patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome contributes to complement deposition on platelets and their activation
Authors: Ståhl Anne-lie , Vaziri-Sani Fariba , Heinen Stefan , Kristoffersson Ann-Charlotte , Gydell Karl-Henrik , Raafat Reem , Gutierrez Alberto , Beringer Ortraud , Zipfel Peter F. , Karpman Diana
Published: February 2008

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) may be associated with mutations in the C-terminal of factor H (FH). FH binds to platelets via the C-terminal as previously shown using a construct consisting of short consensus repeats (SCRs) 15 to 20. A total of 4 FH mutations, in SCR15 (C870R) and SCR20 (V1168E, E1198K, and E1198Stop) in patients with aHUS, were studied regarding their ability to allow complement activation on platelet surfaces. Purified FH-E1198Stop mutant exhibited reduced binding to normal washed platelets compared with normal FH, detected by flow cytometry. Washed platelets taken from the 4 patients with aHUS during remission exhibited C3 and C9 deposition, as well as CD40-ligand (CD40L) expression indicating platelet activation. Combining patient serum/plasma with normal washed platelets led to C3 and C9 deposition, CD40L and CD62P expression, aggregate formation, and generation of tissue factor-expressing microparticles. Complement deposition and platelet activation were reduced when normal FH was preincubated with platelets and were minimal when using normal serum. The purified FH-E1198Stop mutant added to FH-deficient plasma (complemented with C3) allowed considerable C3 deposition on washed platelets, in comparison to normal FH. In summary, mutated FH enables complement activation on the surface of platelets and their activation, which may contribute to the development of thrombocytopenia in aHUS.
Simultaneous targeting of Aurora kinases and Bcr-Abl kinase by the small molecule inhibitor PHA-739358 is effective against imatinib-resistant BCR-ABL mutations including T315I
Authors: Gontarewicz Artur , Balabanov Stefan , Keller Gunhild , Colombo Riccardo , Graziano Alessio , Pesenti Enrico , Benten Daniel , Bokemeyer Carsten , Fiedler Walter , Moll Jürgen , Brümmendorf Tim H.
Published: February 2008

The emergence of resistance to imatinib (IM) mediated by mutations in the BCR-ABL domain has become a major challenge in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Here, we report on studies performed with a novel small molecule inhibitor, PHA-739358, which selectively targets Bcr-Abl and Aurora kinases A to C. PHA-739358 exhibits strong antiproliferative and proapoptotic activity against a broad panel of human BCR-ABL–positive and –negative cell lines and against murine BaF3 cells ectopically expressing wild-type (wt) or IM-resistant BCR-ABL mutants, including T315I. Pharmacologic synergism of IM and PHA-739358 was observed in leukemia cell lines with subtotal resistance to IM. Treatment with PHA-739358 significantly decreased phosphorylation of histone H3, a marker of Aurora B activity and of CrkL, a downstream target of Bcr-Abl, suggesting that PHA-739358 acts via combined inhibition of Bcr-Abl and Aurora kinases. Moreover, strong antiproliferative effects of PHA-739358 were observed in CD34+ cells derived from untreated CML patients and from IM-resistant individuals in chronic phase or blast crisis, including those harboring the T315I mutation. Thus, PHA-739358 represents a promising new strategy for treatment of IM-resistant BCR-ABL-positive leukemias, including those harboring the T315I mutation. Clinical trials investigating this compound in IM-resistant CML have recently been initiated.
The combination of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and stem cell factor significantly increases the number of bone marrow–derived endothelial cells in brains of mice following cerebral ischemia
Authors: Toth Zsuzsanna E. , Leker Ronen R. , Shahar Tal , Pastorino Sandra , Szalayova Ildiko , Asemenew Brook , Key Sharon , Parmelee Alissa , Mayer Balazs , Nemeth Krisztian , Bratincsák Andras , Mezey Éva
Published: February 2008

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) induces proliferation of bone marrow–derived cells. G-CSF is neuroprotective after experimental brain injury, but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. Stem cell factor (SCF) is a cytokine important for the survival and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells. Its receptor (c-kit or CD117) is present in some endothelial cells. We aimed to determine whether the combination of G-CSF/SCF induces angiogenesis in the central nervous system by promoting entry of endothelial precursors into the injured brain and causing them to proliferate there. We induced permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in female mice that previously underwent sex-mismatched bone marrow transplantation from enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)–expressing mice. G-CSF/SCF treatment reduced infarct volumes by more than 50% and resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in vessel formation in mice with stroke, a large percentage of which contain endothelial cells of bone marrow origin. Most cells entering the brain maintained their bone marrow identity and did not transdifferentiate into neural cells. G-CSF/SCF treatment also led to a 2-fold increase in the number of newborn cells in the ischemic hemisphere. These findings suggest that G-CSF/SCF treatment might help recovery through induction of bone marrow–derived angiogenesis, thus improving neuronal survival and functional outcome.