bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Phase I Study of Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy with S-1 for T2N0 Glottic Carcinoma
Authors: Tsuji Hiroyuki , Kiba Takayoshi , Nagata Motoki , Inoue Toshiya , Yukawa Hisaya , Yamashita Toshio , Shimode Yuzo , Murata Hideyuki , Nagata Kenji , Tomoda Koichi
Published: September 2007

Objective: Chemoradiation based on S-1, a novel oral antitumor agent of fluorinated pyrimidines, is the treatment for T2N0 glottic carcinoma; however, the optimal scheduling and dosing have still not been established. A phase I study was conducted to determine the maximum tolerated dose of S-1 with radiotherapy of 2 Gy/day for 5 days a week to a total dose of 60 Gy. Endpoints of this study were to examine the toxicity profile of this regimen and to determine the recommended dose of S-1. Methods: Concomitant administration with the above-mentioned radiotherapy of S-1 once a day for 2 weeks, beginning on the day therapy was started, followed by 2 weeks off the drug and 2 weeks on the drug with the dose escalating from S-1 60 mg/body (level 1) to 80 mg/body/day (level 2), and then to 100 mg/body/day (level 3). Results: Twenty-one patients were valid for safety. Eighteen patients were enrolled in the dose-escalation phase. In all patients, S-1 was administered. The maximum tolerated dose was determined to be 100 mg/body/day and the dose-limiting toxicity was indicated by the onset of grade 3 chemoradiation dermatitis. Therefore, the determined recommended dose of S-1 was 80 mg/body/day. Objective response according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors were observed in 20 of 21 patients who had measurable disease (95.2%). Conclusion: Concurrent S-1 and radiotherapy was feasible and well tolerated, and was suggested to produce a worthwhile response in T2N0 glottic carcinoma. These results warrant further investigation, and a phase II has already been started.
Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids Regulate Trp Channel–Dependent Ca
2+
Signaling and Hyperpolarization in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Fleming Ingrid , Rueben Alexandra , Popp Rüdiger , Fisslthaler Beate , Schrodt Susanne , Sander Anna , Haendeler Judith , Falck John R. , Morisseau Christophe , Hammock Bruce D. , Busse Rudi
Published: September 2007

Objective—

An initial step in endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated responses is endothelial cell hyperpolarization. Here we address the mechanisms by which cytochrome P450 (CYP)-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) contribute to this effect in native and cultured endothelial cells.

Methods and Results—

In native CYP2C-expressing endothelial cells, bradykinin elicited a Ca
2+
influx that was potentiated by the soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor, 1-adamantyl-3-cyclohexylurea (ACU), and attenuated by CYP inhibition. Similar effects were observed in cultured endothelial cells overexpressing CYP2C9, but not in CYP2C9-deficient cells, and were prevented by the EET antagonist 14,15-epoxyeicosa-5(Z)-enoic acid as well as by the cAMP antagonist, Rp-cAMPS. The effects on Ca
2+
were mirrored by prolongation of the bradykinin-induced hyperpolarization. Ruthenium red and the combination of charybdotoxin and apamin prevented the latter effect, suggesting that Trp channel activation increases Ca
2+
influx and prolongs the activation of Ca
2+
-dependent K
+
(K
Ca
) channels. Indeed, overexpression of CYP2C9 enhanced the agonist-induced translocation of a TrpC6-V5 fusion protein to caveolin-1–rich areas of the endothelial cell membrane, which was prevented by Rp-cAMPS and mimicked by 11,12-EET.

Conclusions—

Elevated EET levels regulate Ca
2+
influx into endothelial cells and the subsequent activation of K
Ca
channels, via a cAMP/PKA-dependent mechanism that involves the intracellular translocation of Trp channels.
Nateglinide Reduces Carotid Intima-Media Thickening in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Under Good Glycemic Control
Authors: Mita Tomoya , Watada Hirotaka , Shimizu Tomoaki , Tamura Yoshifumi , Sato Fumihiko , Watanabe Takahiro , Choi Jong Bock , Hirose Takahisa , Tanaka Yasushi , Kawamori Ryuzo
Published: September 2007

Objective—

Postprandial hyperglycemia observed in type 2 diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of strict glycemic control by nateglinide on common carotid far wall intima-media thickness in type 2 diabetic patients who were already under good glycemic control.

Methods and Results—

We performed an open labeled randomized prospective trial on 78 drug-naive type 2 diabetic patients whose HbA
1
c was less than 6.5%. Thirty-eight patients were randomly assigned to receive nateglinide (270 mg/dL) and 40 to control group (no treatment). After 12 months, a significant reduction in HbA
1
c was observed in the nateglinide group, whereas a significant increase of HbA
1
c was observed in the untreated group. The carotid intima-media thickness at the end of 1-year follow-up was significantly reduced in the nateglinide group compared with the untreated group (−0.017±0.054 mm/year versus 0.024±0.066 mm/year,
P
=0.0064). Whereas nateglinide treatment also reduced triglyceride, highly-sensitive C-reactive protein, and E-selectin, multiple regression analysis identified HbA
1
c as the only significant independent determinant of the change in carotid intima-media thickness.

Conclusion—

In type 2 diabetic patients with good glycemic control, further strict glycemic control by nateglinide results in regression of carotid intima-media thickness.
Multiple Effects of High Mobility Group Box Protein 1 in Skeletal Muscle Regeneration
Authors: De Mori Roberta , Straino Stefania , Di Carlo Anna , Mangoni Antonella , Pompilio Giulio , Palumbo Roberta , Bianchi Marco E. , Capogrossi Maurizio C. , Germani Antonia
Published: September 2007

Objective—

High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is a cytokine released by necrotic and inflammatory cells in response to injury. We examined the role of HMGB1 in skeletal muscle regeneration after hindlimb ischemia.

Methods and Results—

Unilateral hindlimb ischemia was induced in mice by femoral artery dissection. HMGB1 levels increased in regenerating skeletal muscle and the blockade of endogenous HMGB1 by the administration of its truncated form, the BoxA, resulted in the reduction of vessel density. In contrast, intramuscular administration of HMGB1 enhanced perfusion and increased the number of regenerating fibers. To separately study the myogenic and the angiogenic effects of HMGB1, in vitro experiments were performed with isolated myoblasts and endothelial cells. Myoblasts were found to express the HMGB1 receptor RAGE and TLR4 which were downregulated during in vitro myogenic differentiation. HMGB1 was extracellularly released by differentiated myoblasts and exerted a chemotactic activity on myogenic cells. This effect was partially dependent on RAGE and was inhibited by BoxA treatment. Finally, HMGB1 stimulated tubular-like structure formation by endothelial cells through the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and JNK signal transduction pathways.

Conclusions—

HMGB1 plays a role in skeletal muscle regeneration modulating, in an autocrine-paracrine manner, myoblast and endothelial cell functions.
Arrhythmogenic Mechanisms in a Mouse Model of Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Cerrone Marina , Noujaim Sami F. , Tolkacheva Elena G. , Talkachou Arkadzi , O’Connell Ryan , Berenfeld Omer , Anumonwo Justus , Pandit Sandeep V. , Vikstrom Karen , Napolitano Carlo , Priori Silvia G. , Jalife José
Published: September 2007

Catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a lethal familial disease characterized by bidirectional VT, polymorphic VT, and ventricular fibrillation. Catecholaminergic polymorphic VT is caused by enhanced Ca
2+
release through defective ryanodine receptor (RyR2) channels. We used epicardial and endocardial optical mapping, chemical subendocardial ablation with Lugol’s solution, and patch clamping in a knockin (RyR2/RyR2
R4496C
) mouse model to investigate the arrhythmogenic mechanisms in catecholaminergic polymorphic VT. In isolated hearts, spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias occurred in 54% of 13 RyR2/RyR2
R4496C
and in 9% of 11 wild-type (
P
=0.03) littermates perfused with Ca
2+
and isoproterenol; 66% of 12 RyR2/RyR2
R4496C
and 20% of 10 wild-type hearts perfused with caffeine and epinephrine showed arrhythmias (
P
=0.04). Epicardial mapping showed that monomorphic VT, bidirectional VT, and polymorphic VT manifested as concentric epicardial breakthrough patterns, suggesting a focal origin in the His–Purkinje networks of either or both ventricles. Monomorphic VT was clearly unifocal, whereas bidirectional VT was bifocal. Polymorphic VT was initially multifocal but eventually became reentrant and degenerated into ventricular fibrillation. Endocardial mapping confirmed the Purkinje fiber origin of the focal arrhythmias. Chemical ablation of the right ventricular endocardial cavity with Lugol’s solution induced complete right bundle branch block and converted the bidirectional VT into monomorphic VT in 4 anesthetized RyR2/RyR2
R4496C
mice. Under current clamp, single Purkinje cells from RyR2/RyR2
R4496C
mouse hearts generated delayed afterdepolarization–induced triggered activity at lower frequencies and level of adrenergic stimulation than wild-type. Overall, the data demonstrate that the His–Purkinje system is an important source of focal arrhythmias in catecholaminergic polymorphic VT.
Growth Differentiation Factor 15 for Risk Stratification and Selection of an Invasive Treatment Strategy in Non–ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Wollert Kai C. , Kempf Tibor , Lagerqvist Bo , Lindahl Bertil , Olofsson Sylvia , Allhoff Tim , Peter Timo , Siegbahn Agneta , Venge Per , Drexler Helmut , Wallentin Lars
Published: September 2007

Background—

An invasive treatment strategy improves outcome in patients with non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome at moderate to high risk. We hypothesized that the circulating level of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) may improve risk stratification.

Methods and Results—

The Fast Revascularization during InStability in Coronary artery disease II (FRISC-II) trial randomized patients with non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome to an invasive or conservative strategy with a follow-up for 2 years. GDF-15 and other biomarkers were determined on admission in 2079 patients. GDF-15 was moderately elevated (between 1200 and 1800 ng/L) in 770 patients (37.0%), and highly elevated (>1800 ng/L) in 493 patients (23.7%). Elevated levels of GDF-15 independently predicted the risk of the composite end point of death or recurrent myocardial infarction in the conservative group (
P
=0.016) but not in the invasive group. A significant interaction existed between the GDF-15 level on admission and the effect of treatment strategy on the composite end point. The occurrence of the composite end point was reduced by the invasive strategy at GDF-15 levels >1800 ng/L (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.33 to 0.73;
P
=0.001), between 1200 and 1800 ng/L (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.46 to 1.00;
P
=0.048), but not <1200 ng/L (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.68 to 1.65;
P
=0.81). Patients with ST-segment depression or a troponin T level >0.01 μg/L with a GDF-15 level <1200 ng/L did not benefit from the invasive strategy.

Conclusions—

GDF-15 is a potential tool for risk stratification and therapeutic decision making in patients with non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome as initially diagnosed by ECG and troponin levels. A prospective randomized trial is needed to validate these findings.
Revisiting Grade Retention: An Evaluation of Florida's Test-Based Promotion Policy
Authors: Greene Jay P. , Winters Marcus A.
Published: September 2007

In 2002, Florida adopted a test-based promotion policy in the third grade in an attempt to end social promotion. Similar policies are currently operating in Texas, New York City, and Chicago and affect at least 17 percent of public school students nationwide. Using individual-level data on the universe of public school students in Florida, we analyze the impact of grade retention on student proficiency in reading one and two years after the retention decision. We use an instrumental variable (IV) approach made available by the relatively objective nature of Florida's policy. Our findings suggest that retained students slightly outperformed socially promoted students in reading in the first year after retention, and these gains increased substantially in the second year. Results were robust across two distinct IV comparisons: an across-year approach comparing students who were essentially separated by the year in which they happened to have been born, and a regression discontinuity design.
Long-Run Trends in the Quality of Teachers: Evidence and Implications for Policy
Authors: Corcoran Sean P.
Published: September 2007

One of the key provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act requires states to ensure that every teacher be “highly qualified.” Though the meaning of “highly qualified” remains hotly contested, the legislation's emphasis on teachers is well founded. Nearly all modern research on the subject finds teacher effectiveness to be among the most important school inputs into student achievement. Yet recent literature, including my own work (Corcoran, Evans, and Schwab 2004), finds evidence that the quality of teachers has steadily eroded over time. In particular, the likelihood that a high-aptitude female pursued a career in teaching dropped precipitously between 1960 and 2000. In this article, I summarize these and related findings, review some of the most common explanations for the trend in teacher quality, and discuss policies that have been advanced to attract talented graduates to the teaching profession.
A Parametric Model for Predicting Hurricane Rainfall
Authors: Lonfat Manuel , Rogers Robert , Marchok Timothy , Marks Frank D.
Published: September 2007

This study documents a new parametric hurricane rainfall prediction scheme, based on the rainfall climatology and persistence model (R-CLIPER) used operationally in the Atlantic Ocean basin to forecast rainfall accumulations. Although R-CLIPER has shown skill at estimating the mean amplitude of rainfall across the storm track, one underlying limitation is that it assumes that hurricanes produce rain fields that are azimuthally symmetric. The new implementations described here take into account the effect of shear and topography on the rainfall distribution through the use of parametric representations of these processes. Shear affects the hurricane rainfall by introducing spatial asymmetries, which can be reasonably well modeled to first order using a Fourier decomposition. The effect of topography is modeled by evaluating changes in elevation of flow parcels within the storm circulation between time steps and correcting the rainfall field in proportion to those changes. Effects modeled in R-CLIPER and those from shear and topography are combined in a new model called the Parametric Hurricane Rainfall Model (PHRaM). Comparisons of rainfall accumulations predicted from the operational R-CLIPER model, PHRaM, and radar-derived observations show some improvement in the spatial distribution and amplitude of rainfall when shear is accounted for and significant improvements when both shear and topography are modeled.
Hurricane Surface Wind Measurements from an Operational Stepped Frequency Microwave Radiometer
Authors: Uhlhorn Eric W. , Black Peter G. , Franklin James L. , Goodberlet Mark , Carswell James , Goldstein Alan S.
Published: September 2007

For the first time, the NOAA/Aircraft Operations Center (AOC) flew stepped frequency microwave radiometers (SFMRs) on both WP-3D research aircraft for operational hurricane surface wind speed measurement in 2005. An unprecedented number of major hurricanes provided ample data to evaluate both instrument performance and surface wind speed retrieval quality up to 70 m s−1 (Saffir–Simpson category 5). To this end, a new microwave emissivity–wind speed model function based on estimates of near-surface winds in hurricanes by global positioning system (GPS) dropwindsondes is proposed. For practical purposes, utilizing this function removes a previously documented high bias in moderate SFMR-measured wind speeds (10–50 m s−1), and additionally corrects an extreme wind speed (>60 m s−1) underestimate. The AOC operational SFMRs yield retrievals that are precise to within ∼2% at 30 m s−1, which is a factor of 2 improvement over the NOAA Hurricane Research Division’s SFMR, and comparable to the precision found here for GPS dropwindsonde near-surface wind speeds. A small (1.6 m s−1), but statistically significant, overall high bias was found for independent SFMR measurements utilizing emissivity data not used for model function development. Across the range of measured wind speeds (10–70 m s−1), SFMR 10-s averaged wind speeds are within 4 m s−1 (rms) of the dropwindsonde near-surface estimate, or 5%–25% depending on speed. However, an analysis of eyewall peak wind speeds indicates an overall 2.6 m s−1 GPS low bias relative to the peak SFMR estimate on the same flight leg, suggesting a real increase in the maximum wind speed estimate due to SFMR’s high-density sampling. Through a series of statistical tests, the SFMR is shown to reduce the overall bias in the peak surface wind speed estimate by ∼50% over the current flight-level wind reduction method and is comparable at extreme wind speeds. The updated model function is demonstrated to behave differently below and above the hurricane wind speed threshold (∼32 m s−1), which may have implications for air–sea momentum and kinetic energy exchange. The change in behavior is at least qualitatively consistent with recent laboratory and field results concerning the drag coefficient in high wind speed conditions, which show a fairly clear “leveling off” of the drag coefficient with increased wind speed above ∼30 m s−1. Finally, a composite analysis of historical data indicates that the earth-relative SFMR peak wind speed is typically located in the hurricane’s right-front quadrant, which is consistent with previous observational and theoretical studies of surface wind structure.
Internal Variability in Regional Climate Downscaling at the Seasonal Scale
Authors: Alexandru Adelina , de Elia Ramon , Laprise René
Published: September 2007

To study the internal variability of the model and its consequences on seasonal statistics, large ensembles of twenty 3-month simulations of the Canadian Regional Climate Model (CRCM), differing only in their initial conditions, were generated over different domain sizes in eastern North America for a summer season. The degree of internal variability was measured as the spread between the individual members of the ensemble during the integration period. Results show that the CRCM internal variability depends strongly on synoptic events, as is seen by the pulsating behavior of the time evolution of variance during the period of integration. The existence of bimodal solutions for the circulation is also noted. The geographical distribution of variance depends on the variables; precipitation shows maximum variance in the southern United States, while 850-hPa geopotential height exhibits maximum variance in the northeast part of the domain. Results suggest that strong precipitation events in the southern United States may act as a triggering mechanism for the 850-hPa geopotential height spread along the storm track, which reaches its maximum toward the northeast of the domain. This study reveals that successive reductions of the domain size induce a general decrease in the internal variability of the model, but an important variation in its geographical distribution and amplitude was detected. The influence of the internal variability at the seasonal scale was evaluated by computing the variance between the individual member seasonal averages of the ensemble. Large values of internal variability for precipitation suggest possible repercussions of internal variability on seasonal statistics.
Global Sea Surface Temperature Prediction Using a Multimodel Ensemble
Authors: Kug Jong-Seong , Lee June-Yi , Kang In-Sik
Published: September 2007

In a tier-two seasonal prediction system, prior to AGCM integration, global SSTs should first be predicted as a boundary condition to the AGCM. In this study, a global SST prediction system has been developed as a part of the tier-two seasonal prediction system. This system uses predictions from four models—one dynamic, two statistical, and persistence—and a simple composite ensemble method is applied to these models. The simple composite ensemble prediction system has predictive skill over most of the global oceans for up to a 6-month forecast lead time. The simple ensemble method is also compared with other more sophisticated ensemble methods. The simple composite method has forecast skill comparable to the other ensemble methods over the ENSO region and significantly better skill outside the ENSO region.
Numerical Prediction of an Antarctic Severe Wind Event with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model
Authors: Powers Jordan G.
Published: September 2007

This study initiates the application of the maturing Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to the polar regions in the context of the real-time Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS). The behavior of the Advanced Research WRF (ARW) in a high-latitude setting and its ability to capture a significant Antarctic weather event are investigated. Also, in a suite of sensitivity tests, the impacts of the assimilation of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) atmospheric motion vectors on ARW Antarctic forecasts are explored. The simulation results are analyzed and the statistical significance of error differences is assessed. It is found that with the proper consideration of MODIS data the ARW can accurately simulate a major Antarctic event, the May 2004 McMurdo windstorm. The ARW simulations illuminate an episode of high-momentum flow responding to the complex orography of the vital Ross Island region. While the model captures the synoptic setting and basic trajectory of the cyclone driving the event, there are differences on the mesoscale in the evolution of the low pressure system that significantly affect the forecast results. In general, both the ARW and AMPS’s fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) tend to underforecast the wind magnitudes, reflecting their stalling and filling of the system near Ross Island. It is seen, however, that both targeted data assimilation and grid resolution enhancement can yield improvement in the forecast of the key parameter of wind speed. It is found that the assimilation of MODIS observations can significantly improve the forecast for a high-impact Antarctic weather event. However, the application to the retrievals of a filter accounting for instrument channel, observation height, and surface type is necessary. The results indicate benefits to initial conditions and high-resolution, polar, mesoscale forecasts from the careful assimilation of nontraditional satellite observations over Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
Sequential State and Variance Estimation within the Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Stroud Jonathan R. , Bengtsson Thomas
Published: September 2007

Kalman filter methods for real-time assimilation of observations and dynamical systems typically assume knowledge of the system parameters. However, relatively little work has been done on extending state estimation procedures to include parameter estimation. Here, in the context of the ensemble Kalman filter, a Monte Carlo–based algorithm is proposed for sequential estimation of the states and an unknown scalar observation variance. A Bayesian approach is adopted that yields analytical updating of the parameter distribution and provides samples from the posterior distribution of the states and parameters. The proposed assimilation algorithm extends standard ensemble methods, including perturbed observations, and serial and square root assimilation schemes. The method is illustrated on the Lorenz 40-variable system and is shown to be robust with system nonlinearities, sparse observation networks, and the choice of the initial parameter distribution.
Tropospheric Double Jets, Meridional Cells, and Eddies: A Case Study and Idealized Simulations
Authors: Bordi Isabella , Fraedrich Klaus , Lunkeit Frank , Sutera Alfonso
Published: September 2007

The observed low-frequency variability of the zonally averaged atmospheric circulation in the winter hemisphere is found to be amenable to an interpretation where the subtropical jet is flanked by a secondary midlatitude one. Observations also suggest that the link between the stratosphere and the troposphere modulates the variability of the tropospheric double-jet structure. Moreover, the summer hemisphere is characterized by a strong midlatitude jet sided by an intermittent subtropical one and easterly winds in the stratosphere. This work addresses the question about the role of eddies in generating and maintaining these key features of the general circulation by means of a simplified general circulation model. Model solutions for different parameter settings and external radiative forcings in the stratosphere are studied with and without eddies active on the system. The following main findings are noted. 1) Eddy dynamics alone, through the baroclinic instability processes in an atmosphere subjected to radiative forcing and dissipation, may account for the observed meridional variance of the tropospheric jets. 2) The Hadley cell can extend to the pole overlying the Ferrel cell, a feature supported by observations in the summer hemisphere. 3) The meridional temperature gradient reversal in the summer stratosphere contributes to the observed low-frequency variability introducing an intermittent formation of a subtropical jet and the occurrence of easterlies in the tropical stratosphere. 4) Poleward propagation of the zonal wind anomaly is, when it occurs, related to the activity of synoptic eddies.
Comparability of Computer-Based and Paper-and-Pencil Testing in K–12 Reading Assessments
Authors: Shudong Wang  , Hong Jiao  , Young Michael J. , Brooks Thomas , Olson John
Published: September 2007

In recent years, computer-based testing (CBT) has grown in popularity, is increasingly being implemented across the United States, and will likely become the primary mode for delivering tests in the future. Although CBT offers many advantages over traditional paper-and-pencil testing, assessment experts, researchers, practitioners, and users have expressed concern about the comparability of scores between the two test administration modes. To help provide an answer to this issue, a meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the administration mode effects of CBTs and paper-and-pencil tests on K—12 student reading assessments. Findings indicate that the administration mode had no statistically significant effect on K—12 student reading achievement scores. Four moderator variables—study design, sample size, computer delivery algorithm, and computer practice—made statistically significant contributions to predicting effect size. Three moderator variables—grade level, type of test, and computer delivery method—did not affect the differences in reading scores between test modes.
Manifestations of Autonomy and Relatedness in Mothers' Accounts of Their Ethnotheories Regarding Child Care Across Five Cultural Communities
Authors: Kärtner Joscha , Keller Heidi , Lamm Bettina , Abels Monika , Yovsi Relindis D. , Chaudhary Nandita
Published: September 2007

This study analyzes how autonomy and relatedness manifest in mothers' accounts of their ethnotheories regarding child care. Mothers came from two independent samples from urban middle-class in Germany and California, two autonomous-relational samples from urban middle-class in India and Cameroon, and one interdependent sample from rural Cameroon. Transcriptions of picture-based interviews are coded for discourse elements indicative of both orientations. Mothers from independent and autonomous-relational samples use more I statements and direct references to themselves. Mothers from interdependent and autonomous-relational samples contextualize and refer to authorities more often. Generally, differences between the urban and rural samples in terms of discourse elements related to autonomy are less pronounced than differences in associated socialization goals. This indicates that consciously held beliefs are more sensitive to changes in the families' sociocultural environment than their discourse.
Local Culture's Responses to Globalization
Authors: Fu Jeanne Ho-Ying , Chiu Chi-Yue
Published: September 2007

Taking a social identity perspective, the authors predict that when responding to the dominating influence of the global culture brought in by the Western economic powers, Hong Kong Chinese will recognize the global culture's superiority in status attributes (e.g., competence, achievement), while at the same time maintaining positive evaluations of Chinese culture on solidarity attributes (traditional moral values). The authors test this hypothesis by examining the Chinese and Western exemplary persons listed spontaneously by Hong Kong Chinese undergraduates and the kind of values carried by these exemplary persons. In three studies, participants associate traditional Chinese exemplary persons with both solidarity and status values and traditional Western exemplary persons with status values only. Additionally, participants also associate contemporary Western exemplary persons with Western rights-based moral values, suggesting that contemporary Western exemplary persons could be important drivers of changes in the moral values in Hong Kong.
Inverted Exile
Authors: Baranovitch Nimrod
Published: September 2007

In the little research that has been done on Uyghurs living in Beijing, they have usually been identified as internal migrants and studied in a framework that focused on socioeconomic factors. This article, by contrast, argues that the experience of many of these Uyghurs actually more closely resembles that of exiles, being linked primarily, as I show, to ethnic politics and particularly to the ongoing political repression of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Because historically in China people were normally exiled from Beijing to Xinjiang, I refer to the Uyghur experience in Beijing as “inverted exile.” The article explores the Uyghur exile through the life and creative work of two Uyghur individuals, one musician and one writer, and points out their expressions of alienation, nationalism, nostalgia, longing for return, and ethnic dissent. With emphasis on the last, the article suggests that the exile in Beijing has surprisingly provided Uyghurs with a rare freedom to voice dissent at a time when Uyghur oppositional voices have been almost totally silenced in Xinjiang. After analyzing several examples of dissent, the article examines why Uyghur dissent was possible in Beijing and considers the implications of this dissent.
Feelings of Discontent and the Promise of Middle Range Theory for STS
Authors: Geels Frank W.
Published: September 2007

This article critically discusses the state of STS, expressing feelings of discontent regarding four aspects: policy relevance, conceptual language, too much focus on complexity, theoretical styles. Middle range theory is proposed as an alternative, promising avenue. Middle range theories focus on delimited topics, make explicit efforts to combine concepts, and search for abstracted patterns and explanatory mechanisms. The article presents achievements in that direction for technology dynamics, particularly with regard to the role of expectations, niche theory and radical innovation, and the multi-level perspective on sociotechnical transitions.
Multi-sited Ethnography as a Middle Range Methodology for Contemporary STS
Authors: Hine Christine
Published: September 2007

The paper draws its inspiration from the provocation which Merton offered sociology both to engage with empirical data and to perform analyses adequate to guide intervention beyond the particular case. Whilst contemporary STS is very different both in its models of theory and its forms of methodology, this paper suggests Merton's concerns with engagement and adequacy provide a useful way to interrogate current approaches. Specifically, the paper explores some recent anthropological conceptions of ethnographic fieldwork that have provided potent models for the study of scientific and technological cultures. These multi-sited approaches have also provided the opportunity to develop new notions of intervention and explore alternative ways of making contributions to development of theory and practice. In the process of pursuing the goals of engagement and adequacy notions of ethnography have however become stretched. This sense of detachment from methodological canons accentuates the need for methodological debate and skill-sharing in STS.
Neo-liberal Globalization in the Philippines
Authors: Lindio-McGovern Ligaya
Published: September 2007

This article argues that neo-liberal globalization is not a neutral process. Using the Philippines as a case in point, it shows that neo-liberal policies have exacerbated poverty especially within already marginalized communities, and especially among women, while benefiting transnational capital and wealthier nations. Consequently, neo-liberal globalization has engendered conflict and resistance both on the home front and across national borders.The politics of GABRIELA, the militant women's movement organization in the Philippines, and Migrante International, a coalition of Filipino migrant organizations overseas, are examined. Both organizations challenge neo-liberal globalization in the Philippines.The nation-state is implicated in the implementation of neo-liberal policies and in the politics of resistance. In the former, the state plays an instrumentalist role; in the latter, the state is a target for transformation and is called upon to take the side of those who are harmed by globalization.
‘There is No Work in My Village’
Authors: Shaw Judith
Published: September 2007

This study uses a sample survey methodology to investigate the factors underlying the employment decisions of female garment workers in Sri Lanka's Export Processing Zones (EPZs). It finds that most are pushed rather than pulled into EPZ employment by poverty and a weak labour market. Workers come from poorer than average households. Their remittances make a vital contribution to family welfare, and are often the sole source of regular household income. Generally low levels of job satisfaction and workers’ employment preferences indicate that most would prefer to be elsewhere, but their employment choices are constrained by a limited and unattractive range of alternative livelihoods. The impact of the changing global competitive environment on job quantity and quality in the EPZs is briefly discussed.
Rethinking the Food Chain
Authors: Tessier Stacy
Published: September 2007

This article situates my experiences as an active ally with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) and their four-year US boycott of Taco Bell (2001–2005) within the history of US migrant farmworker activism. It traces the boycott from nationwide kick-off to victory. An overarching theme is the impact of globalization on the lives of migrant farmworkers and the borders that define them.
Free Trade, Alternative Trade and Women in Peru
Authors: Henrici Jane
Published: September 2007

Transnational policies affect alternative trade organizations that reinvest their profits in poorer communities. As transnational corporations expand, low–wage workers – particularly the women preferentially hired in this sector – initially find themselves with greater employment opportunities. These then decrease over time as traditional income sources and local businesses decline. Based on earlier ethnographic research in Lima, this article provides the framework for a new study to discern how trade regulations might affect projects that assist low–income women in Peru.
The Feminization of Poverty in Post-Apartheid South Africa
Authors: Benjamin Saranel
Published: September 2007

The adoption of neoliberal economic policies by South Africa as it entered into its democratic era, resulted in thousands, if not millions, of poor South Africans plummeting deeper into poverty. The same people who found themselves poor under apartheid, found themselves caught in a cycle of poverty that seemed to be worsening in democratic South Africa. With the privatization of basic services, many South Africans have found that they have no access to water, electricity, or health care and that they are now being evicted from their homes. This article tells the story of an urban community in South Africa which is home to one of the community organizations, the Bayview Flat Residents Association, that gave rise to the first wave of community struggles against evictions in post-apartheid South Africa. This community struggle and the Bayview Flat Residents Association, have been led by poor, black, urban women who continue to bear the burdern of poverty.
South African Politics, Inequalities, and HIV/AIDS
Authors: Cunha Margaret
Published: September 2007

The bulk of the response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in South Africa has been in the form of interventions that address risk behaviors, but not the context in which such behaviors occur. Literature reviews have identified poverty, mobility, and gender inequality as the three major social determinants shaping the AIDS epidemic in developing nations and, specifically, in South Africa. This article first aims to describe how HIV/AIDS risk behavior is linked to social determinants and how social and political power structures have influenced these relationships.The second part of the article encourages public health professionals and HIV/AIDS activists to continue to develop both theories associated with health and inequalities, and interventions that call for social and economic change.
Women's Participation in Argentina's Picketing Movement
Authors: Frey Ada Freytes , Crivelli Karina
Published: September 2007

Based on case study analysis of four picketing organizations in Argentina, this article analyzes the impact of women's participation in the picketing movements, on the ways in which women think about themselves and the social roles they claim. Women's initial involvement in the picketing movements was tied closely to their performance of the traditional roles of mother and wife. Over time, and as a result of women's social participation, these roles acquired new meaning. Women began to reject certain stereotypes linked to the feminine, and to challenge some aspects of the gendered division of tasks and responsibilities. Redefinition of feminine roles, however, has limitations, which are evident through analysis of the unequal participation of women in the movements’ leadership.
A New Interpretation of the Term opalim (see pdf for image) in the Light of Recent Archaeological Finds from Philistia
Authors: Maeir Aren M.
Published: September 2007

In the light of recent archaeological finds from Iron Age Philistia and comparative evidence from Aegean and ancient Near Eastern cults, a new interpretation is suggested for the term opalim ( ), mentioned in the `ark narrative' (e.g. 1 Sam. 5.6; 6.5). Although most often interpreted as relating to `haemorrhoids' or the bubonic plague, it is suggested that this, in fact, is a term referring to an affliction of the Philistines' membra virile.
The Relation of Coordination to Verb Gapping in Biblical Poetry
Authors: Miller Cynthia L.
Published: September 2007

This essay examines the relationship between two features of biblical poetry: (1) verb gapping between lines with matching structures (i.e. identical constituents); and (2) explicit coordination of parallel lines with waw. At first glance, the presence of an explicit conjunction between such cola may appear to be optional and completely within the realm of stylistics, even though it is statistically most frequent. However, a correlation of the precise structural features of elliptical structures with the presence (and absence) of coordination suggests instead that additional syntactic and cognitive factors are at work.
Response Concerning Genesis and Statistics
Authors: Houk Cornelius B.
Published: September 2007

The validity of syllable—word pattern analysis using the chi—square test was rejected in Richard A. O'Keefe's `Critical Remarks on Houk's “Statistical Analysis of Genesis Sources”' ( JSOT 29 [2005], pp. 409-37), based on various types of data dependence and multiple comparisons. This article provides a response to O'Keefe's `Critical Remarks', countering each of his claims and showing that independent and distinctive syllable—word patterns in Biblical Hebrew offer a useful tool for the statistical analysis of Old Testament texts.
Compatibilizing Effect of Maleic Anhydride Grafted Styrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene (MAH-g-SEBS) on the Polypropylene and Wood Fiber Composites
Authors: Guo C.G. , Wang Q.W.
Published: September 2007

Polypropylene (PP) and wood fiber (WF) composites (PP/WF) were compatibilized by maleic anhydride grafted Styrene—Ethylene—Butylene—Styrene (MAH-g-SEBS). The blending was performed on a twin-screw extrusion, followed by an injection molding. The torque rheology, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermal analysis (DSC), mechanical properties, as well as the morphology of the composites, were investigated and discussed. Rheology and DMA results showed that MAH-g-SEBS is an effective compatibilizer for PP/WF composites. Increased torque implied that the composites probably have a great frictional shear force, resulting from strong adhesion at the interface between the matrix and the dispersion phase. The mechanical test indicated that the tensile strength, tensile elongation and the flexural strength of the composites were improved with the increase of the content of MAH-g-SEBS; property enhancement is attributed to improved wetting and interactions between the PP matrix and WF, which is supported by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis.
Mechanisms of Fatigue Damage in Foam Core Sandwich Composites with Unsymmetrical Carbon/Glass Face Sheets
Authors: Zabihpoor M. , Adibnazari S. , Moslemian R. , Abedian A.
Published: September 2007

This paper attempts to describe the fatigue response of a foam the core sandwich composite with unsymmetrical carbon/glass face sheets under tension-tension cyclic loading. The laminate is a critical element of the structure of a light full composite airplane which was determined through the stress analyses for numerous load cases. The face sheets, over a PVC foam the core, consist of two similar woven E-glass fibers following unidirectional carbon fibers with epoxy resin. Extensive fatigue data were generated for the S-N diagram of this laminate. Based on the static FEM analyses, two designs for the configuration of foam to solid laminate bonding zone have been investigated. Hence, the effects of using each of these different proposed designs have been determined. The damage events causing final failure were traced during fatigue tests. Four distinct damage events were found. Two of them were initiated and propagated in the foam the core, which could result in lower dispersion in comparison with other composite materials, because of foam the core homogeneity. The first damage event in the core is crack initiation and propagation along thickness, followed by the second damage event, which is crack propagation parallel to the length of the gauge. The parallel crack length is shortened by increasing the load ratio.
Reparation of Composites used in Naval Industry
Authors: Sorocinschi Esteban , Rodríguez Exequiel S. , Álvarez Vera A. , Vázquez Analia
Published: September 2007

In this work the repairing process of a completely cured epoxy-glass laminate was simulated. Repairing plaques were joined to the original material at different curing temperatures. After reparation, delamination, lap-shear and impact tests were carried out. Fiber bridging was observed. The optimum temperature for delamination was 70°C. Strength and modulus increased with the curing temperature. In the case of impact test, higher temperature favored the patch failure against the failure of the base material.
Wood Filler(WF)-recycled Polypropylene (RPP) Composite Pallet: Study of Static Deformation using FEA and Shadow Moire
Authors: Khoo T.S. , Ratnam M.M. , Abdul Khalil H.P.S.
Published: September 2007

Pallets used in materials handling are mostly made from wood. Wood pallets can, however, undergo degradation and fungal attack when used in the open. Composite materials derived from waste wood sawdust and recycled plastic have significant potential for use in the manufacture of pallets. In this study, wood filler (WF)-recycled polypropylene (RPP) composite was used to fabricate a one-fifth scale model of a pallet. For mechanical property testing, several composite boards were prepared with filler of particle sizes 100 μm and 300 μm and filler content varying from 10% to 40% (by weight). The mechanical properties were used in the finite element analysis (FEA) to predict the deformation of the pallet under static load. An experimental rig using shadow moiré method was developed to measure the actual deformation of the pallet. Close agreement in the deflection profile was observed at the center of the pallet, though there was a greater difference at other points.
Latent class and finite mixture models for multilevel data sets
Authors: Vermunt Jeroen K
Published: September 2007

An extension of latent class (LC) and finite mixture models is described for the analysis of hierarchical data sets. As is typical in multilevel analysis, the dependence between lower-level units within higher-level units is dealt with by assuming that certain model parameters differ randomly across higher-level observations. One of the special cases is an LC model in which group-level differences in the logit of belonging to a particular LC are captured with continuous random effects. Other variants are obtained by including random effects in the model for the response variables rather than for the LCs. The variant that receives most attention in this article is an LC model with discrete random effects: higher-level units are clustered based on the likelihood of their members belonging to the various LCs. This yields a model with mixture distributions at two levels, namely at the group and the subject level. This model is illustrated with three rather different empirical examples. The appendix describes an adapted version of the expectation—maximization algorithm that can be used for maximum likelihood estimation, as well as providing setups for estimating the multilevel LC model with generally available software.
Joint modelling of mixed outcome types using latent variables
Authors: McCulloch Charles
Published: September 2007

After a brief review of the use of latent variables to accommodate the correlation among multiple outcomes of mixed types, through theoretical and numerical calculation, the consequences of such a construction are quantified. The effects of including latent variables on marginal inference in these models are contrasted with the situation for jointly normal outcomes. A simulation study illustrates the efficiency and reduction in bias gains possible in using joint models, and analysis of an example from the field of osteoarthritis illustrates potential practical differences.