bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Phylogenetic Cluster of Cereulide-Producing
Bacillus cereus
Strains
Authors: Vassileva Maria , Torii Keizo , Oshimoto Megumi , Okamoto Akira , Agata Norio , Yamada Keiko , Hasegawa Tadao , Ohta Michio
Published: February 2007

Phenotypic and molecular studies have established that cereulide-producing strains of
Bacillus cereus
are a distinct and probably recently emerged clone within the
Bacillus
population. We analyzed a set of
B. cereus
strains, both cereulide producers and nonproducers, by multilocus sequence typing. Consistent with earlier reports, nonproducers demonstrated high heterogeneity. Most cereulide-producing strains and all flagellar antigen type H1 strains were allocated to the known sequence type of exclusively emetic
B. cereus
strains. Several cereulide-producing strains, however, were recovered at a new phylogenetic location, all of which were serotype H3 or H12. We hypothesize that the group of cereulide producers is diversifying progressively, probably by lateral transfer of the corresponding gene complex.
Failure To Control an Outbreak of
qnrA1
-Positive Multidrug-Resistant
Enterobacter cloacae
Infection despite Adequate Implementation of Recommended Infection Control Measures
Authors: Paauw Armand , Verhoef Jan , Fluit Ad C. , Blok Hetty E. M. , Hopmans Titia E. M. , Troelstra Annet , Leverstein-van Hall Maurine A.
Published: February 2007

A large outbreak with an aminoglycoside-resistant
Enterobacter cloacae
(AREC) clone occurred at the University Medical Center Utrecht beginning in 2001 and continued up through the time that this study was completed. This clone (genotype I) contains a conjugative R plasmid carrying the
qnrA1
,
bla
CTX-M-9
, and
aadB
genes, encoding resistance to quinolones, extended-spectrum β-lactamases, and aminoglycosides, respectively. The aim of this study was to determine whether this clone was more transmissible than other AREC strains. Therefore, the dissemination of this genotype and of other
E. cloacae
strains was studied. In addition, infection control measures taken were evaluated. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis divided the 191 AREC strains into 42 different genotypes, of which 5 (12%) involved at least three patients. Aside from this outbreak (133 patients), only two other small outbreaks occurred, showing that the infection control measures were successful for all strains but one. Among 324 aminoglycoside-susceptible
E. cloacae
strains, 34/166 (20%) genotypes were identified from at least three patients, but only 4 involved small outbreaks. The outbreak strain was also detected in 11 of 15 other Dutch hospitals and caused outbreaks in at least 4. Evaluation of infection control measures showed that the outbreak strain disseminated throughout the hospital despite adequate implementation of internationally accepted guidelines on the control of multidrug-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
(MRE). In conclusion, some MRE strains are better able to spread than others, and these strains may not be controlled by the current infection control guidelines. Strategies to identify such strains in an early phase and adapted guidelines for such “superbugs” are needed to prevent these clones from becoming endemic.
Determination of the Ex Vivo Rates of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Reverse Transcription by Using Novel Strand-Specific Amplification Analysis
Authors: Thomas David C. , Voronin Yegor A. , Nikolenko Galina N. , Chen Jianbo , Hu Wei-Shau , Pathak Vinay K.
Published: February 2007

Replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), like all organisms, involves synthesis of a minus-strand and a plus-strand of nucleic acid. Currently available PCR methods cannot distinguish between the two strands of nucleic acids. To carry out detailed analysis of HIV-1 reverse transcription from infected cells, we have developed a novel strand-specific amplification (SSA) assay using single-stranded padlock probes that are specifically hybridized to a target strand, ligated, and quantified for sensitive analysis of the kinetics of HIV-1 reverse transcription in cells. Using SSA, we have determined for the first time the ex vivo rates of HIV-1 minus-strand DNA synthesis in 293T and human primary CD4
+
T cells (∼68 to 70 nucleotides/min). We also determined the rates of minus-strand DNA transfer (∼4 min), plus-strand DNA transfer (∼26 min), and initiation of plus-strand DNA synthesis (∼9 min) in 293T cells. Additionally, our results indicate that plus-strand DNA synthesis is initiated at multiple sites and that several reverse transcriptase inhibitors influence the kinetics of minus-strand DNA synthesis differently, providing insights into their mechanism of inhibition. The SSA technology provides a novel approach to analyzing DNA replication processes and should facilitate the development of new antiretroviral drugs that target specific steps in HIV-1 reverse transcription.
The Nearly Degenerate Triplet Electronic Ground State Isomers of Lithium Nitroxide
Authors: Turney Justin M. , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: February 2007

The triplet electronic ground state potential energy surface of lithium nitroxide has been systematically investigated using convergent quantum mechanical methods. Equilibrium structures and physical properties for five stationary points (three minima and two transition states) have been determined employing highly correlated coupled cluster theory with four correlation-consistent polarized-valence (cc-pVXZ and aug-cc-pVXZ, X = T and Q) and two core correlation-consistent polarized-valence (cc-pCVXZ, X = T and Q) basis sets. The global minimum, roughly L-shaped Li-O-N, is predicted to lie 6.5 kcal mol-1 below the linear LiON minimum and 2.4 kcal mol-1 below the linear LiON minimum. The barrier to isomerization from the global minimum to LiON was found to be 7.4 kcal mol-1 and with regard to LiNO 6.9 kcal mol-1. The dissociation energies, D0, with respect to Li + NO, have been predicted for all minima and for the global minimum was found to be 34.9 kcal mol-1.
Tundra environments in the Neogene Sirius Group, Antarctica: evidence from the geological record and coupled atmosphere–vegetation models
Authors: Francis J.E. , Haywood A.M. , Ashworth A.C. , Valdes P.J.
Published: February 2007

The Neogene Meyer Desert Formation, Sirius Group, at Oliver Bluffs in the Transantarctic Mountains, contains a sequence of glacial deposits formed under a wet-based glacial regime. Within this sequence fluvial deposits have yielded fossil plants that, along with evidence from fossil insects, invertebrates and palaeosols, indicate the existence of tundra conditions at 85°S during the Neogene. Mean annual temperatures of
c
. −12 °C are estimated, with short summer seasons with temperatures up to +5 °C. The current published date for this formation is Pliocene, although this is hotly debated. Reconstructions produced by the TRIFFID and BIOME 4 vegetation models, utilizing a Pliocene climatology derived from the HadAM3 General Circulation Model (running with prescribed boundary conditions from the US Geological Survey PRISM2 dataset), also predict tundra-type vegetation in Antarctica. The consistency of the model outputs with geological evidence demonstrates that a Pliocene age for the Meyer Desert Formation is consistent with proxy environmental reconstructions and numerical model reconstructions for the mid-Pliocene. If so, the East Antarctic Ice Sheet has behaved in a dynamic manner in the recent geological past.
A revised model for the last deglaciation of eastern Scotland
Authors: McCabe A.M. , Clark P.U. , Smith D.E. , Dunlop P.
Published: February 2007

Accelerator mass spectrometry
14
C ages on monospecific marine microfauna from raised mud record initial deglaciation of the eastern coast of Scotland before 21.0 cal ka bp. Two subsequent ice-margin readvances occurred prior to the Loch Lomond Advance and are identified from ice-contact deposits overlying marine mud. The Lunan Bay Readvance dates to
<
20.2 cal ka bp, and possibly
<
18.2 cal ka bp. The younger Perth Readvance occurred between
c
. 17.5 cal ka bp and 14.5
10
Be ka. Within dating uncertainties, these readvances are similar in age to ice-margin fluctuations documented from the Irish Sea Basin and northwestern Ireland and record three near-synchronous fluctuations of much of the British–Irish Ice Sheet margin during the last deglaciation, suggesting a common response to regional climate forcing.
Some Physical and Dielectric Properties of Hydrous Alumina Films
Authors: Alwitt Robert S.
Published: February 2007

Properties of pseudoboehmite films, produced by the reaction of aluminum foil with boiling water, were studied by a variety of techniques. For reaction times of 1–30 min the average film porosity decreased linearly with increasing film weight. The surface area of freshly prepared films was similar to that of alumina gel, but decreased on aging in air. Aging in

1
N
 

NaNO

3

inhibited the area decrease. The series capacitance decreased on aging in air or nitrate electrolyte. It was determined that with the sample immersed in electrolyte the measured dielectric properties were those of an inner region impermeable to electrolyte. This layer was not the same as a typical barrier oxide. The films exhibited a low frequency dielectric dispersion. From the temperature dependence of the loss maxima the activation energy and relaxation time for the process were found to be 13.4 kcal/mole and 6.2 × 10−15 sec. These are in the range found for other systems containing hydroxyl chains or bound water.
Anodic Mechanism of Electrochemical Machining: Study of Current Transient on a Rotating Electrode
Authors: Chin Der Tau
Published: February 2007

Using potentiostatic transients and employing rotating steel anodes, a study has been made of the anodic mechanism occurring during electrochemical machining in sodium chloride and sodium chlorate solutions. For chloride, transient behavior reveals the formation, on the anode surface, of a porous, nonprotective film resulting from the precipitation of the anode product. For chlorate, a less porous film, about 1000Aå thick, is formed. Transient behavior reveals that the film is formed by anodic oxidation and that the rate of film growth increases with the increase in the rate of iron dissolution.
Desalting by Means of Porous Carbon Electrodes
Authors: Johnson A. M. , Newman John
Published: February 2007

A porous electrode model is developed and analyzed for ionic adsorption on porous carbon. In the absence of concentration variations, the system behaves like a distributed network of resistances and capacitances. Experimental results support the basic model and show a preferential adsorption of divalent ions. Consideration is given to the optimization of operating parameters.
Differential Capacitance and Linear Sweep Voltammetry Studies on Polycrystalline Lead and Electrodeposited Lead Dioxide
Authors: Carr J. P. , Hampson N. A.
Published: February 2007

Impedance and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) studies are reported on polycrystalline Pb and electrodeposited

PbO

2

(
α
 
and
 
β
)
in aqueous NaOH

. Theimpedance studies indicate a pzc of

−
0.62
±
0.01
V
(
NHE
)

for

Pb and
+
1.15
±
0.01
V
(
NHE
)

for

β
‐

PbO

2

. The LSV studies indicate that the anodic oxidation of Pb and cathodic reductions of

α
‐

PbO

2

involve mass transport of OH− ions by diffusion in solution. Reduction of

β
‐

PbO

2

 complicated by modification; to

α
‐

PbO

2

.
Breast cancer resistance protein (Bcrp1/Abcg2) is expressed in the harderian gland and mediates transport of conjugated protoporphyrin IX
Authors: Jonker Johan W. , Musters Sandra , Vlaming Maria L. H. , Plösch Torsten , Gooijert Karin E. R. , Hillebrand Michel J. , Rosing Hilde , Beijnen Jos H. , Verkade Henkjan J. , Schinkel Alfred H.
Published: February 2007

Proper regulation of intracellular levels of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), the direct precursor of heme, is important for cell survival. A deficiency in ferrochelatase, which mediates the final step in heme biosynthesis, leads to erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a photosensitivity syndrome caused by the accumulation of PPIX in the skin. We have previously shown that mice with a deficiency in the ABC transporter Bcrp1/Abcg2 display a novel type of protoporphyria. This protoporphyria is mild compared with ferrochelatase-dependent EPP, and in itself not sufficient to cause phototoxicity, but it might exacerbate the consequences of other porphyrias. In this study, we identified the mouse harderian gland as a novel expression site of Bcrp1. Because of its pronounced role in porphyrin secretion, the harderian gland presents a useful tool to study the mechanism of Bcrp1-related protoporphyria and transport of porphyrins. Bcrp1−/− harderian gland displayed a highly increased accumulation of PPIX glycoconjugates, and a similar shift was seen in Bcrp1−/− liver. Tear- and hepatobiliary excretion data suggest that Bcrp1 controls intracellular levels of PPIX by mediating high affinity transport of its glycoconjugates and possibly low-affinity transport of unconjugated PPIX. This mechanism may allow cells to prevent or reduce cytotoxicity of PPIX under excess conditions, without spillage under physiological conditions where PPIX is needed.
Auditory Discrimination of Amplitude Modulations Based on Metric Distances of Spike Trains
Authors: Wohlgemuth Sandra , Ronacher Bernhard
Published: February 2007

Sound envelope cues play a crucial role for the recognition and discrimination of communication signals in diverse taxa, such as vertebrates and arthropods. Using a classification based on metric similarities of spike trains we investigate how well amplitude modulations (AMs) of sound signals can be distinguished at three levels of the locust's auditory pathway: receptors and local and ascending neurons. The spike train metric has the advantage of providing information about the necessary evaluation time window and about the optimal temporal resolution of processing, thereby yielding clues to possible coding principles. It further allows one to disentangle the respective contributions of spike count and spike timing to the fidelity of discrimination. These results are compared with the traditional paradigm using modulation transfer functions. Spike trains of receptors and two primary-like local interneurons enable an excellent discrimination of different AM frequencies, up to about 150 Hz. In these neurons discriminability depends almost completely on the timing of spikes, which must be evaluated with a temporal resolution of <5 ms. Even short spike-train segments of 150 ms, equivalent to five to eight spikes, suffice for a high (70%) discrimination performance. For the third level of processing, the ascending interneurons, the overall discrimination accuracy is reduced. Spike count differences become more important for the discrimination whereas the exact timing of spikes contributes less. This shift in temporal resolution does not primarily depend on the investigated stimulus space. Rather it appears to reflect a transformation of how amplitude modulations are represented at more central stages of processing.
Phase I Study of Inhaled Doxorubicin for Patients with Metastatic Tumors to the Lungs
Authors: Otterson Gregory A. , Villalona-Calero Miguel A. , Sharma Sunil , Kris Mark G. , Imondi Anthony , Gerber Mirjam , White Dorothy A. , Ratain Mark J. , Schiller Joan H. , Sandler Alan , Kraut Michael , Mani Sridhar , Murren John R.
Published: February 2007

Purpose: To evaluate the toxicity profile of inhalational doxorubicin in patients with malignant disease in the lung.

Experimental Design: The OncoMyst Model CDD-2a inhalation device aerosolizes compounds to particles of 2 to 3 μm and prevents exhaled aerosol from escaping into the environment. Deposition efficiency of inhaled Technetium 99m was used to predict deposition of doxorubicin and calculate dose. Treatment was repeated every 3 weeks. No more than moderate pulmonary dysfunction was permitted (forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity, and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, all >50% predicted; resting SaO2 >90%).

Results: Fifty-three patients were enrolled at 13 dose levels ranging from 0.4 to 9.4 mg/m2. The most common histologic diagnoses were sarcoma (n = 19) and non–small cell lung cancer (n = 16). Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was observed at the 9.4 mg/m2 dose level when two of four patients experienced pulmonary DLT. Of 11 patients treated at the 7.5 mg/m2 dose level, only one showed DLT consisting of a decline in forced vital capacity of >20% from baseline. No significant systemic drug-related toxicity was observed. Several patients experienced declines in pulmonary function test variables, which were attributed to progressive disease. Observed activity included a partial response in a patient with metastatic soft tissue sarcoma previously treated with i.v. doxorubicin and ifosfamide.

Conclusions: Inhaled doxorubicin is safe up to a dose of 7.5 mg/m2 every 3 weeks in patients with cancer who had normal to moderately impaired pulmonary function.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor–Targeted Therapy in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Rini Brian I.
Published: February 2007

Renal cell carcinoma is a highly vascular tumor associated with expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Recently, VEGF-targeted therapies have been identified as a promising therapeutic approach. Three agents targeting the VEGF pathway have shown clinical activity as monotherapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: the anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody, bevacizumab, and small-molecule VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, sorafenib and sunitinib. This article explores these agents in terms of their mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and toxicity profiles. This article also reviews future development strategies, including combination regimens and drug sequencing, trial design considerations, and patient selection opportunities.
Phase I/II Study of Bortezomib Plus Docetaxel in Patients with Advanced Androgen-Independent Prostate Cancer
Authors: Dreicer Robert , Petrylak Daniel , Agus David , Webb Iain , Roth Bruce
Published: February 2007

Purpose: To determine the dose-limiting toxicities and maximum tolerated dose, and evaluate the antitumor activity of bortezomib/docetaxel combination therapy in androgen-independent prostate cancer.

Experimental Design: Two bortezomib doses (1.3 and 1.6 mg/m2/dose) in combination with four docetaxel doses (25-40 mg/m2/dose) were evaluated. Both drugs were administered weekly for 2 out of 3 weeks. Antitumor activity was evaluated using prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors guidelines.

Results: Eighty-three patients received at least one dose of study drug. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed despite escalation to the highest dose level. PSA response (≥50% decline in PSA levels from the baseline) occurred in 19 (28%) of 67 evaluable patients and was maintained for ≥4 weeks in 14 patients (21%). According to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors guidelines, 11% achieved a partial response, and an additional 67% had stable disease. The degree of proteasome inhibition was similar to that reported with single-agent bortezomib. Treatment was well tolerated; fatigue was the most common drug-related adverse event, whereas diarrhea was the most common drug-related grade 3/4 adverse event. No clinically significant febrile neutropenia or neuropathy occurred.

Conclusions: The maximum tolerated dose of this 21-day regimen has not been reached. The highest dose level (1.6 mg/m2 bortezomib plus 40 mg/m2 docetaxel) was feasible and tolerable; bortezomib plus docetaxel showed antitumor activity. Activity and tolerability results were consistent with previous studies of bortezomib alone or in combination with docetaxel. Further investigations are warranted to determine activity and optimize bortezomib/docetaxel therapy in androgen-independent prostate cancers.
The Effects of Hypoxia-Ischemia on Neutral Amino Acid Transporters in the Developing Rat Brain
Authors: Leibovici Avital , Rossignol Candace , Montrowl Jennifer A. , Erickson Jeffery D. , Varoqui Helene , Watanabe Masahiko , Chaudhry Farrukh A. , Bredahl May Kristin L. , Anderson Kevin J. , Weiss Michael D.
Published: February 2007

The neutral amino acid transporters SNAT1–3 and ASCT1 play critical roles in the recycling of glutamine, and subsequently glutamate, via the glutamine-glutamate cycle. Hypoxia-ischemia was induced in rat pups using the Rice-Vannucci model. Brains were harvested at 1 h, 24 h and 7 days after ischemia. The expression of NAATs was evaluated using immunoblotting, real-time PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Results were compared with age-matched controls and shams. SNAT1 mRNA decreased at 1 h after injury in both hemispheres when compared with the control animals and correlated with a decrease in protein expression at 24 h in the hippocampus and cortex. SNAT1 protein expression increased globally at 7 days after injury and specifically in the hippocampus. Finally, SNAT2 and 3 demonstrated subtle changes in various brain regions after injury. These data suggest that neutral amino acid transporters remain largely intact after hypoxia-ischemia.
Eosinophilic Granuloma of the Skull: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Park Seong-Hyun , Park Jaechan , Hwang Jeong-Hyun , Hwang Sung-Kyoo , Hamm In-Suk , Park Yeun-Mook
Published: February 2007

Background: The authors describe 9 cases of children with eosinophilic granuloma (EG) of the skull and report on their clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis. Method: Nine consecutive patients were diagnosed as EG of the skull and confirmed pathologically between 1996 and 2005. In the present study, multi- and single-system Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis without skull involvement were excluded. Patients with EG of the skull were divided into two groups: (1) those with only a single bone lesion and those with (2) multiple bone lesions. Surgical removal was performed between 2 and 10 years of age (mean, 4.2 years). Results: Eight (88.9%) of the study subjects were found to have a single bone lesion at diagnosis, and 1 had multiple bone lesions. Seven patients had a painless skull mass and 2 patients had a painful skull mass. Total removal was performed in all 9 patients. Eight patients received postoperative chemotherapy or indomethacin as adjuvant therapy. Of the 8 patients who received adjuvant therapy, 4 were treated with indomethacin and the remaining 4 received methotrexate-based chemotherapy. Eight patients did not experience EG recurrence, however, 1 patient developed additional lesions 2 years after surgical excision. Conclusions: EG of the skull is a clinicopathological entity with a good outcome. However, therapies and prognoses are dependent on age at diagnosis and the number of bony involvements.
Lateral Ventricular Diverticulum Extending into Supracerebellar Cistern from Unilateral Obstruction of the Foramen of Monro in a Neonate
Authors: Huh Ji Soon , Hwang Yong Soon , Yoon Soo Han , Cho Ki Hong , Shin Yong Sam
Published: February 2007

A ventricular diverticulum is usually found in patients with long-standing severe obstructive hydrocephalus that may extend into the supracerebellar cistern. The route involved in the supracerebellar extension of the ventricular diverticulum is believed to originate through the tela choroidea of the temporal choroid plexus or of the antral choroid plexus. The authors report a 4-week-old girl with hydrocephalus as a result of unilateral obstruction of the foramen of Monro, which dilated the right ventricle and displaced the midline to the left side, collapsing the contralateral lateral ventricle. The dilated lateral ventricular diverticulum herniated to the supracerebellar cistern in the posterior fossa that compressed the cerebellum inferiorly. She was treated successfully by a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, resulting in a marked reduction of the ventricle and diverticulum on the follow-up computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. We reviewed the literature for the supracerebellar extension route of ventricular diverticulum and suggest that the medial choroidal fissure in the antrum and the velum interpositum may be important anatomical structures for the extension of the lateral ventricular diverticulum into the supracerebellar cistern.
Occipito-Atlanto-Axial Dissociation in a Child with Preservation of Life: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Salinsky Jared P. , Scuderi Gaetano J. , Crawford Alvin H.
Published: February 2007

We report a case of a survivor of occipito-atlantal dislocation with atlantoaxial subluxation, an injury which is frequently fatal. Children less than 11 years of age appear to be especially vulnerable to these injuries due to their anatomy. The mechanism is alluded to but poorly understood. The literature review highlights the difficulty in confirming dislocation and subluxation based on the metrics of anatomic landmarks.
A Case of Infertility in a Patient with a Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
Authors: White J. Bradley , Raffel Corey , Blackwell Richard Edgar
Published: February 2007

Objective and Importance: Complications arising from the placement of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts are well documented. A case of infertility is presented that was thought to result from factors related to the distal end of a VP shunt residing within a patient’s abdomen. Clinical Presentation: A 30-year-old female with a 3-year history of infertility was referred for fallopian tube blockage. An exploratory laparoscopy revealed multiple adhesions adjoining the distal end of her fallopian tubes. The distal portion of a VP shunt placed at childhood (with subsequent revisions) was found entangled among grossly inflamed and densely adhesive pelvic viscera. Intervention: Laparoscopic adhesiolysis was performed and the patient’s fallopian tubes were reconstituted. The distal portion of the VP shunt was freed from the surrounding viscera and was not revised. Conclusion: VP shunts may produce adhesive disease and complicate fertility via mechanical, chemical, and/or infectious processes.
Cerebellopontine Angle Craniopharyngioma: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Powers Ciaran J. , New Kent C. , McLendon Roger E. , Friedman Allan H. , Fuchs Herbert E.
Published: February 2007

The authors report an unusual case of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma occurring in isolation in the cerebellopontine angle of a 12-year-old female. The patient presented with a 1-year history of nausea, vomiting, and headache. MRI revealed a left cerebellopontine angle tumor without connection to the suprasellar space. Following near-total resection, histological review confirmed the lesion as an adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. This is only the third published report of craniopharyngioma occurring in isolation in the cerebellopontine angle. The case report and a brief review of the literature are presented.
The Concept of "Religion" in Mesoamerican Languages
Authors: Pharo Lars Kirkhusmo
Published: February 2007

The article examines whether the indigenous languages in the cultural region called Mesoamerica comprise words corresponding to the European concept of "religion." In spite of the fact that the highly advanced phonetic (i.e. logosyllabic) writing systems are capable of expressing and recognising abstract representations in the languages, extant pre-Columbian Mesoamerican inscriptions do not contain words which can be rendered as "religion." Attention has therefore been directed to the descriptions of indigenous languages made by Spanish ethnographer-missionaries in the 16th and 18th centuries. Six indigenous lexemes translated as "religion" in colonial dictionaries, are analysed. It is, however, argued that the native terms for "religion" were in reality constructed by the Spanish ethnographer-missionaries in order to promote evangelisation and the conversion of the indigenous people. Nevertheless, it is not ineffective to operate with "religion" as an etic notion when analysing Mesoamerican cultures. A theory is put forward suggesting that a linguistic/philological examination of a given language offers a strategy for defining "religion" as a cultural analytical category according to Max Weber's notion of "ideal type."
COAMPS Real-Time Dust Storm Forecasting during Operation Iraqi Freedom
Authors: Liu Ming , Westphal Douglas L. , Walker Annette L. , Holt Teddy R. , Richardson Kim A. , Miller Steven D.
Published: February 2007

Dust storms are a significant weather phenomenon in the Iraq region in winter and spring. Real-time dust forecasting using the U.S. Navy’s Coupled Ocean–Atmospheric Mesoscale Prediction System (COAMPS) with an in-line dust aerosol model was conducted for Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in March and April 2003. Daily forecasts of dust mass concentration, visibility, and optical depth were produced out to 72 h on nested grids of 9-, 27-, and 81-km resolution in two-way nest interaction. In this paper, the model is described, as are examples of its application during OIF. The model performance is evaluated using ground weather reports, visibility observations, and enhanced satellite retrievals. The comparison of the model forecasts with observations for the severe dust storms of OIF shows that COAMPS predicted the arrival and retreat of the major dust events within 2 h. In most cases, COAMPS predicted the intensity (reduction in visibility) of storms with an error of less than 1 km. The forecasts of the spatial distribution of dust fronts and dust plumes were consistent with those seen in the satellite images and the corresponding cold front observations. A statistical analysis of dust-related visibility for the OIF period reveals that COAMPS generates higher bias, rms, and relative errors at the stations having high frequencies of dust storms and near the source areas. The calculation of forecast accuracy shows that COAMPS achieved a probability of dust detection of 50%–90% and a threat score of 0.3–0.55 at the stations with frequent dust storms. Overall, the model predicted more than 85% of the observed dust and nondust weather events at the stations used in the verification for the OIF period. Comparisons of the forecast rates and statistical errors for the forecasts of different lengths (12–72 h) for both dust and dynamics fields during the strong dust storm of 26 March revealed little dependence of model accuracy on forecast length, implying that the successive COAMPS forecasts were consistent for the severest OIF dust event.
Designing and Testing an OD Intervention
Authors: Andriessen Daniel
Published: February 2007

This article presents a design-based research study on the reporting of intellectual capital in firms. It combines the designing of an organization development (OD) intervention with the testing of the intervention using an action research methodology. A growing gap between theory-based research and practice has been identified in the literature as one of the reasons for a lack of renewal in the field of OD. Design-based research (DBR) has been proposed as a methodology that can help bridge the gap between theory-based research and practice. The purpose of this article is to illustrate what a comprehensive methodology for design-based research might look like and to demonstrate the type of OD knowledge this research can produce. The DBR approach is used to design and test a tool for the reporting of intellectual capital within firms as an OD intervention aimed toward influencing the individual and collective sensemaking of managers.
Prototypes as (Design) Tools for Behavioral and Organizational Change
Authors: Coughlan Peter , Suri Jane Fulton , Canales Katherine
Published: February 2007

This article promotes the idea that prototyping, a method regularly employed in the design and development of products and services, is a powerful means to facilitate organizational development and change. The authors present three objectives related to prototyping that facilitate behavioral change within organizations. These objectives include building to think—creating tangible expressions of ideas enables organizational thinking to develop concretely through action; learning faster by failing early (and often)—making things tangible allows small, low-impact failures to occur early, resulting in faster organizational learning; giving permission to explore new behaviors—the presence of a prototype encourages new behaviors, relieving individuals of the responsibility to consciously change what they do. The significance of these objectives is illustrated through reference to client organizational change projects. The article concludes by reflecting on the value of applying this less analytical design-based approach to helping organizations transform the ways they work.
A Corpus-Based Investigation of Absolutely and Related Phenomena in Spoken American English
Authors: Tao Hongyin
Published: February 2007

This paper investigates the adverb absolutely in discourse, focusing particularly on the independent use without a modified syntactic head. While previous studies have described its uses extensively, few have explicated the connection between the dependent and the independent uses. This study links the behavior of freestanding absolutely to its collocation patterns in the dependent use, where absolutely occurs strongly with a positive collocate, and frequently an affirmative token. The freestanding form is also characterized as a turn initiator that is used to respond to a prior speaker, a discourse move that prefers agreements. Syntactic reduction and independence as realized in freestanding absolutely are treated here as an instance of Emergent Grammar. The broad implications of this study include ways to understand the impact of language use on language structure, to approach grouping synonymous lexical items, and to analyze the collocation of items without surface collocates.
Strategies and Resources for Enhancing the Achievement of Mobile Students
Authors: Titus Dale N.
Published: February 2007

Because studies reveal a relationship between high student mobility and low academic achievement, school administrators are faced with the challenge of raising academic achievement in an era of increased student mobility. Wide variations in state requirements create additional difficulties for mobile students, who tend to be disadvantaged in other ways. Exemplary programs, such as those used in Department of Defense schools, are successful models for replication; and organizations provide resources for easing transitions and raising achievement of mobile students.
Estimating the prevalence of opiate use in Ireland and the implications for the criminal justice system
Authors: Comiskey Catherine , Saris Jamie , Pugh Julian
Published: February 2007

Drawing upon innovative research methods this article provides the first Irish estimates of opiate use based entirely on non-medical data. These estimates are based on the report Baseline Findings from the ROSIE Study by Comiskey and Cox (2005), commissioned in 2002 by the Irish Government's National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD). In order to place these estimates in context we first provide a background to the probation and welfare service in Ireland; we then provide a picture of known opiate use to date; and finally we introduce the methods we used to provide new results on the prevalence of opiate users in Ireland.
Better out than in?
Authors: Goody Melanie , Hall Hazel
Published: February 2007

Summarizes the commonly cited benefits and risks of outsourcing research and information services. Presents some findings of a small-scale research project into perceptions of outsourcing in the business information sector, surveying members of the UK business information community who have experience of establishing relationships with external partners, as well as representatives from three outsourced information service providers. Sets out to establish whether research and information service delivery can be improved through the use of a third party, and to identify strategies which heighten the likelihood of this being achieved. Also considers how the adoption of outsourcing strategies impacts the career roles of business information professionals.
Nestlé: A Brief History of the Marketing Strategies of the First Multinational Company in the Ottoman Empire
Authors: Köse Yavuz
Published: February 2007

It can be argued that private companies accelerated the integration of the late Ottoman Empire with the capitalist world economy. Western companies shaped not only the Ottoman economy but also its social and cultural environments. Modern marketing was one of the most important instruments in this process. This article investigates—via a brief historical survey of the marketing activities of Nestlé in the Ottoman Empire between the years 1870 and 1921—the interaction between Western firms and consumers. The article explores how Nestlé gained access to the urban Ottoman market and the methods it used for attracting the Ottoman consumer. Nestlé’s sales efforts show that it had to adjust its strategies to local realities through a process of learning, adapting, and using the specific characteristics of its host society to be successful.
Modular Reactive Neurocontrol for Biologically Inspired Walking Machines
Authors: Manoonpong Poramate , Pasemann Frank , Roth Hubert
Published: February 2007

A neurocontroller is described which generates the basic locomotion and controls the sensor-driven behavior of a four-legged and a six-legged walking machine. The controller utilizes discrete-time neurodynamics, and is of modular structure. One module is for processing sensor signals, one is a neural oscillator network serving as a central pattern generator, and the third one is a so-called velocity regulating network. These modules are small and their structures and their functionalities are analyzable. In combination, they enable the machines to autonomously explore an unknown environment, to avoid obstacles, and to escape from corners or deadlock situations. The neurocontroller was developed and tested first using a physical simulation environment, and then it was successfully transferred to the physical walking machines. Locomotion is based on a gait where the diagonal legs are paired and move together, e.g. trot gait for the four-legged walking machine and tripod gait for the six-legged walking machine. The controller developed is universal in the sense that it can easily be adapted to different types of even-legged walking machines without changing the internal structure and its parameters.
The Strength of Numbers
Authors: Lagesen Vivian Anette
Published: February 2007

This paper investigates four different inclusion strategies used to recruit women to computer science: achieving a critical mass, educational reform, redefining the gendered symbolism of computer science and changing the content of the discipline. The relationship between and the relative importance of these four strategies are explored by looking at the extensive and successful Women and Computing Initiative (WCI) that was run by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), starting in 1996, to recruit and retain more women in computer science. The findings suggest that a direct effort to increase the relative number of women is the most important strategy. While raising the number of women recruited seems to affect the symbolic perception of computer science, this effect is difficult to achieve through attempts to directly change the symbolic image of the discipline. In addition, a substantial increase in the number of women appears to cause an improvement in their learning environment, probably because minority problems such as too much visibility and unwanted attention became less prominent.
African American Spirituality
Authors: Lewis Lisa M. , Hankin Sheila , Reynolds Diane , Ogedegbe Gbenga
Published: February 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to explore African American definitions of practicing spirituality and to describe the process of spirituality and its relationship to health promotion.

Method: Data were collected using semi-structured interview questions via two focus groups from a total of 12 participants who self-identified as African American.

Findings: This grounded theory methodology generated three categories of spirituality: (a) love in action, (b) relationships and connections, and (c) unconditional love. The overall process of practicing spirituality and its relationship to health identified a process of honoring God, self, and others.

Conclusion: Research studies that investigate the concept of spirituality and its relationship to health promotion and disease management need to address the subjective experience of spirituality based on participant definitions rather than researcher-focused definitions of spirituality.
Implementation and Evaluation of the Empower Youth Program
Authors: Nash Kathleen A.
Published: February 2007

The goal of this research was to implement and evaluate the Empower Youth Program—a holistic, peer support, and education intervention aimed at enabling middle school-aged adolescents to take greater control over their health through improving self-care resources (SCR). Empower is based on the Mind, Body, Spirit Program developed by Rodgers and colleagues and tested on adults. An experimental pretest and posttest design was used to compare outcomes for two randomly assigned groups. Forty middle school participants completed measures of academic and emotional SCR before and after the 9-week intervention. It was hypothesized that after controlling for strength of preexisting SCR, participants who received the intervention would show greater improvement in self-reports after completing the program compared to participants receiving usual school services. The differences in scores between groups are clinically meaningful but not statistically significant. Future studies with larger samples may be able to detect significant contributions of the Empower program.
Finding Holism in Disaster
Authors: Zahourek Rothlyn
Published: February 2007

How do we find holism in the aftermath of disasters? This is the author’s personal account of being deployed as a psychiatric clinical nurse specialist by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and meeting two survivors in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. This article tells how she learned from survivors’ stories and music about healing and holism in the aftermath of disaster.
The Ambiguity of the Child's ‘Voice’ in Social Research
Authors: Komulainen Sirkka
Published: February 2007

This article addresses the ambiguity of the child's ‘voice’ in social research. Drawing on a recent research project on young children's communication difficulties, the author argues that the currently popular discourse on ‘listening to children’ is beset with practical and ethical ambiguities that result from the ‘socialness’ of human interaction, discourses and practices. In particular, the author argues that the notion of the child's ‘voice’ is, despite being a powerful rhetorical device, socially constructed. This article illustrates and discusses ambiguities that arose from fieldwork in two ‘special needs’ settings, considering their epistemological implications for social research, and offers reflexivity as a strategy for ethical research conduct.
Researching Children and Fashion
Authors: Pole Christopher
Published: February 2007

Child-centred research methods present a range of opportunities for the researcher to gather rich and detailed data on many aspects of the lives of children. This article examines the experience of using such methods in the context of a study of children as consumers of clothing and fashion. Its principal concern is with the application of an embodied reflexivity to the experience of fieldwork with an 8-year-old girl in intimate settings. The article argues that the current climate of concern about child abuse and paedophilia may be at odds with research approaches that necessitate an intimacy between child and researcher.
Unpacking the potential of educational gaming: A new tool for gaming research
Authors: Wideman Herbert H. , Owston Ronald D. , Brown Christine , Kushniruk Andre , Ho Francis , Pitts Kevin C.
Published: February 2007

The article begins by reviewing the theoretical bases for the contention that advanced computer-based educational gaming can provide powerful learning experiences, and overviews the limited research on the use of such games. Although studies to date have generally supported their value, most of the published investigations have methodological limitations. Critical process data are typically not collected, and unreliable student and teacher self-reports are heavily relied on in evaluating the educational efficacy of many games. To address these and other limitations, the authors have developed research software that can remotely and unobtrusively record screen activity during game play in classroom settings together with synchronized audio of player discussion. A field trial of this data collection system in which 42 college students were studied as they played a coursework-related Web-based learning game is described, and the article discusses how the trial outcomes concretely demonstrate the methodological advantages the tool offers researchers.
Symposium article: Simulation-based L2 writing instruction: Enhancement through genre analysis
Authors: Cheng An
Published: February 2007

Researchers have highlighted various benefits of the simulation-based approach to second language (L2) writing instruction. In this article, the author argues, with specific pedagogical scenarios, that an explicit focus on genre and genre analysis in simulation-based L2 writing instruction can further enhance learners' reading of content materials, heighten students' awareness of discipline-specific generic features, and develop their discourse competence and writing accuracy.
Symposium article: MALAYSIAN LANGUAGE PLANNING
Authors: Hayden Christopher
Published: February 2007

In this article the author introduces the roles he created for two phases of a simulation on language planning in Malaysia. The first phase is a radio call-in show. This is followed by a debate before a panel of arbiters concerning a recent dispute related to English language teaching in Malaysian schools. The final phase involves debriefing (for sociolinguistic content and language) and allows time for students to discuss how they felt about the roles they played.
Literacy in Decline: Untangling the Evidence
Authors: Jameson Daphne A.
Published: February 2007

National assessments of U.S. high school students' writing and other verbal abilities do not show that literacy has declined substantially in recent years. In fact, scores have been relatively stable since the 1980s. The proportion of students with solid writing and reading abilities has held fairly steady but remained small during the past 25 years. During this period, however, the proportion of high school graduates who enter higher education has soared. Thus, more students with weak verbal abilities now enter college. Initiatives that encourage people to continue their education have succeeded, whereas initiatives to improve writing, reading, and reasoning abilities have not. The complex causes of entering college students' weak verbal abilities include social and cultural forces as well as decisions by educational institutions. By understanding the complicated history of this issue and reframing it in positive terms, business and technical communication faculty can help effect change.