bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Land Surface Processes in South American Monsoon Development
Authors: Xue Yongkang , de Sales F. , Li W-P. , Mechoso C. R. , Nobre C. A. , Juang H-M.
Published: April 2006

This study explores the role of vegetation biophysical processes (VBPs) in the structure and evolution of the South American monsoon system (SAMS) with an emphasis on the precipitation field. The approach is based on comparing ensemble simulations by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction general circulation model (GCM) in which the land surface parameterization in one ensemble includes an explicit representation of vegetation processes in the calculation of surface fluxes while the other does not [GCM/Simplified Simple Biosphere Model (SSiB) and GCM/Soil, respectively], but with similar monthly mean surface albedo and initial soil moisture. The ensembles consist of five pairs of 1-yr integrations differing in the initial conditions for the atmosphere. The results show that, during the austral summer, consideration of explicit vegetation processes does not alter the monthly mean precipitation at the planetary scale. However, at continental scales, GCM/SSiB produces a more successful simulation of SAMS than GCM/Soil. The improvement is particularly clear in reference to the seasonal southward displacement of precipitation during the onset of the SAMS and its northward merging with the intertropical convergence zone during the monsoon mature stage, as well as better monthly mean austral summer precipitation over the South American continent.

The changes in surface water and energy balances and circulation in October (monsoon onset) and December (the start of the monsoon mature stage) were analyzed for a better understanding of the results and mechanisms involved. It was found that the major difference between the simulations is in the partitioning of latent heat and sensible heat fluxes (i.e., different Bowen ratio), which produced different latitudinal and longitudinal thermal gradients at the surface. A stronger sensible heat flux gradient between continent and ocean in the GCM/SSiB simulation helped generate an enhanced ventilation effect, which lowered moist static energy (MSE) over the northeast coast of South America leading to stronger counterclockwise turning of the low-level wind from the Atlantic Ocean toward the continent during the premonsoon and early monsoon stages, modifying moisture flux convergence (MFC). It was further identified that the seasonality of savanna and shrublands to the south and east of the Amazon rain forest contributed to the variability of heating gradients and influenced the SAMS onset and its northward merge with the ITCZ at the early monsoon mature stage. The comparison of the differences between precipitation, evaporation, advection of MSE, and MFC based on simulations using two different land parameterizations suggested that the VBP modulated the surface water budget, but its impact on precipitation was determined by the changes in circulation via changes in heat gradient and MSE.
Mandate for Creation of a National Peripheral Arterial Disease Public Awareness Program: An Opportunity to Improve Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Hirsch Alan T. , Gloviczki Peter , Drooz Alain , Lovell Marge , Creager Mark A. ,   The Board of Directors of the Vascular Disease Foundation
Published: April 2006

Background: There has been increasing recognition of the detrimental effect of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) on the health of Americans, and yet there is no common national program of public PAD education designed to diminish this effect.

Format: To heighten awareness of this problem, a 2-day PAD Public Education Strategy Meeting was recently attended by representatives of 17 professional societies and public health associations whose missions support the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of vascular diseases. This Public Education Strategy Meeting was intended to provide the rationale and structure to create a national PAD public awareness campaign to diminish the health effect of PAD and to improve cardiovascular outcomes in the United States. This document (1) provides the rationale for creation of a national PAD public education program; (2) reviews the development and success of national hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and Women’s Heart Health public education programs as models of educational efficacy; (3) elucidates how the work of many vascular professionals has led to a national consensus for creation of a national PAD public educational program; (4) provides an overview of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute PAD education meeting; and (5) outlines the “next steps” required to accomplish these goals.

Outcome: This meeting achieved consensus that we share responsibility for developing accurate, unified messages to promote PAD awareness and improved care. Participants agreed
Circadian Variation of the Efficacy of Thrombolytic Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction—Isn’t the Time Ripe for Cardiovascular Chronotherapy?
Authors: Reisin Leonardo H. , Pancheva Nadya , Berman Michael , Khalameizer Vladimir , Jafary Jamal , Yosefy Chaim , Blaer Yosef , Manevich Ilia , Peled Ronit , Scharf Shimon
Published: April 2006

This study was designed to assess the circadian variation of the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy (TT) in 163 patients with acute myocardial infarction. Statistical analysis of the results suggests the existence of circadian variation in the efficacy of thrombolytic therapy with marked early morning resistance and significantly better late daytime results. There is a strong relationship between the normal physiologic rhythms of biochemical, hemodynamic, and hematologic parameters, observed in patients with CAD and the circadian fluctuations of efficacy of TT. Obviously the efficacy of TT is influenced by more evident impact of chronorisk factors during the early morning hours.
Plasma Homocysteine Level and the Angiographic Extent of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Bozkurt Engin , Keles Sait , Acikel Mahmut , Islek Mesut , Ateşal Sebahattin
Published: April 2006

Recent epidemiologic studies have shown that moderately elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations are associated with an increased risk for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. But, it is not known whether moderate hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with the angiographic extent of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). A possible relationship was investigated between admission plasma homocysteine level and the angiographic extent of coronary artery disease in patients with CAD. In this study, 156 consecutive patients presenting with coronary artery disease (group 1) and control group (group 2) of 35 age-matched persons with normal coronary angiography were enrolled. Blood samples for homocysteine were obtained on admission. Plasma homocysteine concentration was measured with high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Radiographs from coronary angiography were viewed and scored using Sullivan’s method to assess the atherosclerotic involvement of coronary artery disease. There were significant elevations in homocysteine level in group 1 compared to group 2 (15.59 ±5.7 µmol/L, 9.24 ±1.50 µmol/L; respectively, p<0.001). All scores (demonstrated angiographic extension of CAD) correlated significantly with plasma homocysteine levels; however, the Sullivan’s extent score correlated more closely ( r =0.68, p<0.001) than both the stenosis score ( r =0.44, p<0.01) and vessel score ( r =0.35, p<0.05). Elevated homocysteine levels in patients with coronary artery disease correlated with the angiographic extent of atherosclerotic disease.
Provocation of Coronary Vasospastic Angina Using an Isoproterenol Head-up Tilt Test
Authors: Hung Ming-Jui , Wang Chao-Hung , Cherng Wen-Jin
Published: April 2006

The goals of this study were to determine the value of the isoproterenol (ISO) head-up tilt (HUT) test in detecting coronary vasospastic angina and to investigate the possible mechanism responsible for coronary artery spasm. The ISO + HUT test was performed in 16 patients with coronary artery spasm documented by the intracoronary ergonovine provocation test. Patients’ blood pressure and heart rate were measured at baseline, during the ISO + HUT (phase I), and during HUT after discontinuation of ISO (phase II). Patients were categorized as test-positive if they developed angina with ST-segment elevation during testing. Eight patients (50%) were test-positive (5 in phase I and 3 in phase II). Between the test-positive and test-negative groups, no significant differences were noted in the changes in blood pressure throughout the test. However, there were significant differences in the changes in heart rate from supine to 2 minutes after HUT under ISO infusion (-17 ±22 vs 11 ±25 beats/minute; p=0.035). In those patients with a positive result in the phase I stage, the heart rate decreased initially after tilt-up, and then significantly increased later (from 85 ±16 to 110 ±27 beats/minute; p=0.043), when coronary vasospasm occurred. In those patients with a positive result in the phase II stage, coronary vasospasm occurred immediately after HUT, when there was an insignificant transient increase in heart rate from the supine to the HUT position (from 85 ±12 to 92 ±11 beats/minute; p=0.109). The ISO + HUT test can provoke coronary vasospasm with ST-segment elevation in 50% of the patients with coronary artery spasm, when combined with an extensional protocol of HUT after discontinuation of ISO. This study suggests that the induction of coronary artery spasm during HUT testing is associated with a rapid elevation of sympathetic activity during augmented parasympathetic activity.
Large Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissections
Authors: Verma Puneet K. , Sandhu Manjinder S. , Mittal Bhagwant R. , Aggarwal Naveen , Kumar Arvind , Mayank Manas , Bhattacharya Anish , Anand Ram K. , Grover Anil
Published: April 2006

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is rare, but is now being increasingly recognized as a prominent cause of acute ischemic coronary events occurring usually in relatively young patients, predominantly females. The authors describe the clinical course of 3 patients (1 woman) in whom large spontaneous coronary artery dissections developed. All had diverse clinical presentations; 1 presenting with heart failure, the second with post-myocardial infarction angina, and the third with syncope. The second patient underwent coronary angioplasty with multiple overlapping stents while in the other two, it was the considered opinion to continue aggressive medical therapy. The 1-year follow-up was uneventful in all 3 patients. The risk factors ascertained in our patients were diabetes mellitus, smoking, and hypertension.
Spontaneous Arteriovenous Fistula of the Vertebral Artery
Authors: Acerbi G. , Padolecchia R. , Orlandi G. , Acerbi F. , Puglioli M. , Parenti G.
Published: April 2006

Three cases of spontaneous arteriovenous fistulas of the vertebral artery (VAF) are reported. In one case the only symptom was a cervical bruit; in the other two cases, symptoms of multiple cervical radiculopathy were also observed. Definitive diagnostic findings were obtained by Doppler ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and angiography. Clinical signs of radiculopathy disappeared after endovascular balloon occlusion of the fistula, in about 1 month. In one case the vertebral artery was occluded without clinical consequences.
Paradoxical Effect of Prostacyclin Infusion in a Patient with Primary Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Younger Jared R. , Lui Charles Y.
Published: April 2006

Prostacyclin treatment successfully delays the need for lung transplantation in many patients with progressive primary pulmonary hypertension by vasodilating pulmonary arteries. However, the treatment of pulmonary hypertension with prostacyclin may cause a paradoxical increase in pulmonary artery pressure, as shown in this case.
ENT and Speech Disorders in Children with Down’s Syndrome: an Overview of Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, Treatments, and Current Management
Authors: Venail Frédéric , Gardiner Quentin , Mondain Michel
Published: April 2006

Down’s syndrome is the most commonly occurring genetic abnormality, involving about 1 in 600 births. The increasing life expectancy of individuals with Down’s syndrome has revealed the presence of several unexpected pathological processes. Among these, ENT disorders hold an important place because of their high incidence and severity. Accurate knowledge of the pathophysiology underlying ENT disorders (facial dysmorphism, ear abnormalities, upper airway abnormalities, and immunodeficiency) allow an understanding of the reasons for the development of the upper airway obstruction, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, subglottic stenosis, deafness, speech delay, and ENT infections that occur frequently in these children. Early screening and specific treatment may allow some of the long-term sequelae to be avoided, or at least their prognosis to be improved. In order to help health care professionals in their daily practice, this review makes a series of recommendations to allow them to develop a master plan for the ENT management of children with Down’s syndrome. In children with Down’s syndrome, ENT disorders occur frequently and are often severe They develop owing to craniofacial, functional, and immune system abnormalities. Early screening and treatment allow improvements in long-term outcomes.
Regional and Sociodemographic Variation of Breastfeeding in the United States, 2002
Authors: Ryan Alan S. , Zhou Wenjun , Gaston Marilyn H.
Published: April 2006

With use of data from the Ross Mothers Survey (RMS), rates for breastfeeding in the hospital and at 6 months of age were evaluated within 4 geographical regions of the United States. Odds ratios for determinants of breastfeeding were also calculated. Regardless of sociodemographic characteristics, breastfeeding in the hospital and at 6 months of age was most common in the West and least common in the South. College education and not participating in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program were the strongest predictors of breastfeeding in the hospital. Not working outside the home and not participating in WIC were the strongest predictors of continued breastfeeding to 6 months of age. Region of residence is important in considering how to develop programs targeted to populations with lower breastfeeding rates.
Materials Development and Research—Making the Connection
Authors: Richards Jack C.
Published: April 2006

In the field of applied linguistics the activities involved in developing instructional materials and those working in second language research and the more theoretical areas of applied linguistics are often seen to have little connection. This paper is an exploration of some of the kinds of interaction that are possible between research, theory and materials design.
Language Learning Styles and Learning Strategies of Tertiary-Level English Learners in China
Authors: Jie Li , Xiaoqing Qin
Published: April 2006

This study focuses on the relationship between learning styles and language learning strategies in the EFL context in China. The study presents two kinds of data: quantitative and qualitative. In the quantitative study, the subjects consisted of 187 second-year undergraduates. Two self-reported inventories, the Chinese version of MBTI-G and a questionnaire on the use of learning strategies adapted from O’Malley and Chamot’s classification system, were used to examine the students’ learning styles and learning strategies respectively. Structured interviews have been performed among the six high and low achievers in the qualitative aspect of the study.

The analyses show that learning styles have a significant influence on learners’ learning strategy choices. There is evidence that the Judging scale correlates positively with seven sets of learning strategies. Thus it turns out to be the most influential learning style variable affecting learners’ learning strategy choices. Compared with low achievers, high achievers are more capable of exercising strategies that are associated with their non-preferred styles.

Based on the available research results, it is proposed that learning styles may influence learners’ language learning outcomes through their relationship with learning strategies. The pedagogical implications of these findings are discussed, as are suggestions for future research.
Group Work in the Efl Classroom in China: A Closer Look
Authors: Chen Runyi , Hird Bernard
Published: April 2006

Small group work in EFL classrooms has been largely accepted as an effective strategy in the development of students’ communicative proficiency in English. This acceptance has occurred despite a lack of research in key areas about what actually happens when students work in groups in real classrooms.

This study examines both quantitative and qualitative data relating to student behaviour in groups collected in EFL lessons in China. Tape recordings of group discussions were analysed and data dealing with turn taking and length of turns were calculated. Interview data were also collected and student perceptions of their contributions to the discussions are presented.

Results highlight the complexity of what happens when students work in groups in EFL lessons. The study shows that it is difficult to generalize about student behaviour in group work and though there are some aspects of how students behave in groups that are well understood, there are still many questions that remain unexplored regarding how group work functions in the EFL setting.
The Meaning of Living With Spinal Cord Injury 5 to 10 Years After the Injury
Authors: DeSanto-Madeya Susan
Published: April 2006

A phenomenological study was conducted with 20 spinal cord injured persons and their family members to examine the meaning of living with spinal cord injury 5 to 10 years after the initial injury. Seven themes emerged from the data. The themes are looking for understanding to a life that is unknown, stumbling along an unlit path, viewing self through a stained glass window, challenging the bonds of love, being chained to the injury, moving forward in a new way of life, and reaching normalcy. The uncovered meanings enhance our understanding and appreciation that living with spinal cord injury is a continuous learning experience. The study findings may be useful in the development of self-care strategies and ongoing interventions that focus on maintaining physical and psychological health for both spinal cord injured persons and their family members throughout the course of living with the disability.
MDS Coordinator Relationships and Nursing Home Care Processes
Authors: Piven Mary L. , Ammarell Natalie , Bailey Donald , Corazzini Kirsten , Colón-Emeric Cathleen S. , Lekan-Rutledge Deborah , Utley-Smith Queen , Anderson Ruth A.
Published: April 2006

This study describes how Minimum Data Set (MDS) coordinators' relationship patterns influence nursing home care processes. MDS coordinators interact with nursing home staff to coordinate resident assessment and care planning, but little is known about how they enact this role or influence particular care processes beyond paper compliance. Guided by complexity science and using two nursing home case studies, the authors describe MDS coordinators' relationship patterns by assessing the extent to which they used and fostered good connections, newinformation flow, and cognitive diversity. MDScoordinators at one site fostered new information flow, good connections, and cognitive diversity, which positively influenced assessment and care planning, whereas those at the other site did little to foster these three relationship parameters, with little influence on care processes. This study revealed that MDS coordinators are an important new source of capacity for the nursing home industry to improve quality of care.
Survey Response Inducements for Registered Nurses
Authors: Hill Craig A. , Fahrney Kristine , Wheeless Sara C. , Carson Christopher P.
Published: April 2006

The past 20 years have seen an overall decline in survey response rates and an even more pronounced decline in samples of health care professionals. The authors tested the use of a “thank you” or “reminder” postcard as a method by which to stem the tide of declining response rates. The authors conducted a mail and telephone survey of 49,605 registered nurses for the 2000 National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses and sent an extra mailing to a random subsample ( n= 4,968). They then compared response rates for both groups. Contrary to prior research, this study found that reminder postcards did not improve response rates or rates of return. There may be several reasons for this finding, including the general familiarity with, and high saliency of, this research project for the nursing community. These results suggest that even widely accepted best practices for survey methods deserve scrutiny when applied to special subpopulations.
Effect of Sulfonation on Thermal Properties of Poly (ether imide)2
Authors: Lakshmi Rakkapillai Thangamuthu Pillai Subramanian Muthu , Bhattacharya Sanchita , Varma Indra Kumari
Published: April 2006

The sulfonation of commercially available poly (ether imide) (PEI) (Ultem) was carried out using chlorosulfonic acid (16% w/v) in dichloroethane solution. The effect of temperature (0–60 C) and the duration (1–16 h) of reaction on the extent of sulfonation was investigated. Structural characterization of these sulfonated polymers was done by FT-IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The thermal stability of sulfonated PEI in the N2 atmosphere decreased with the increase in extent of sulfonation. A multistep degradation was observed and the lowest char residue at 800 C was obtained in samples having a high extent of sulfonation.
New Heterocyclic Polyurethane-ureas based on 4,4′-dibenzyl diisocyanate, Part 1: Influence of Oxadiazole Structure on Mechanical Properties
Authors: Scorţanu Elena , Prisăcariu Cristina , Caraculacu Adrian A. , Brumă Maria , Suliţanu Nicolae
Published: April 2006

A series of polyurethane-ureas was synthesized by solution polyaddition reaction of the following components: a polyester-diol, such as poly(ethylene adipate) (PEA), a polyetherdiol, such as poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG) and a diisocyanate, such as 4,4′-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI) or 4,4′-methylene-bis(phenyl-isocyanate) (MDI). In addition, 2,5-bis-(4-amino-phenylene)-1,3,4-oxadiazole (DAPO) was used as a chain extender. The hard segment content ranges between 1.384 and 1.819 mol NHCOO/1000 g polymer. For comparative studies, similar polyurethane-ureas were prepared by the same way but using 4,4′-methylene dianiline (MDA) and 4,4′-diamino-dibenzyl (DAB) as chain extenders. The resulting linear polymers were characterized by IR spectra, elemental and thermogravimetric analyses, differential scanning calorimetry, gel permeation chromatography, inherent viscosity measurements, wideangle X-ray scattering and mechanical properties. The study of the relationships between structure and properties reveals the influence of the nature of starting materials, macrodiols, the heterocyclic diamine and diisocyanates on the mechanical properties of the polymers. The great number of hydrogen bonding that formed between urea and urethane groups and the presence of oxadiazole rings in the polymer chain induced an improved thermal stability and good mechanical properties. The mechanical behavior of these polymers was discussed and compared with that of earlier reported linear polyurethane-ureas based on MDI or with that of related polyurethanes chain-extended with diols.
Aliphatic/Aromatic Hybrid Polymers for Functionally Graded Radiation Shielding
Authors: Hu Lucy Y. , Yang Sha , Miller Adriane K. , Park Chang S. , Plichta Kristin A. , Rochford Stephanie J. , Schulz Meghan E. , Orwoll Robert A. , Jensen Brian J.
Published: April 2006

High hydrogen-content aliphatic polymers have been identified as good for shielding against galactic cosmic radiation. However, their utility in structural elements is limited to modest temperatures where desirable mechanical properties are maintained. On the other hand, aromatic polymers generally have a broader range of operating temperatures but are less effective as radiation shields. The radiation shielding properties of aromatic polymers is enhanced by the incorporation of hydrogen-rich aliphatic groups appended to aromatic units in the macromolecular structure. It is envisioned that functionally graded polymer structures using aliphatic/aromatic hybrids can be used to meet the requirements of the service environment with beneficial radiation shielding properties in future space structural applications. This paper discusses the syntheses of such hybrid polymers.
Urban sustainability and the limits of classical environmentalism
Authors: Lee Kai N
Published: April 2006

Translating environmental concern into social debate and public policy is one of the notable achievements of industrial societies over the past generation. Yet the process that has emerged in rich countries does not appear to be simply transferable, or even tenable, over time. The search for sustainable development may, accordingly, require practical models of social change that have yet to be invented or imagined. In this paper, the problems of applying the existing model of environmentalism to two kinds of cities are analyzed: poor cities, in which population is growing faster than income, and rich cities, whose local environmental problems have been largely solved, but whose residents make consumption and investment choices with distant environmental impacts that are hard to perceive.
The creation of a new underclass in China and its implications
Authors: Solinger Dorothy J
Published: April 2006

The emergence of a new urban underclass in China is a major challenge confronting the Communist Party, and its potential for fomenting instability has unnerved the Party. A strong case can be made, however, that the members of this emerging group have been cast into their current plight chiefly as a result of the marketization reforms that the regime itself set into motion two and a half decades ago. The group is comprised of recently laid-off workers, underpaid and underprivileged migrant labourers from the countryside, and any others who have fallen into penury with the withdrawal of job and welfare security and the elimination of free health care in the cities, which have accompanied the government's “economic reforms”. However, the challenge may not be as great as is often feared, for the same reforms have equipped the leadership with a battery of “weapons” that have the power to mitigate the expression of grievances, including new welfare measures, state-of-the-art surveillance technologies and crowd control equipment.
Children and young people build participatory democracy in Latin American cities
Authors: Cabannes Yves
Published: April 2006

This paper presents case studies from four cities in Latin America – Cotacachi in Ecuador, Barra Mansa and IcapuÌ in Brazil, and Ciudad Guyana in Venezuela – all of which involved initiatives to foster the active participation of children and young people in the governance of their cities. The paper describes the larger context in each case, the range of methods used to involve young people in each city, the process as it evolved over time, the challenges experienced and the impact of the initiatives. To some extent, all four projects involved the adaptation of participatory budgeting as an approach to participation for young people. The paper concludes with a discussion of the lessons drawn from these cases.
The Ecological Footprint of cities and regions: comparing resource availability with resource demand
Authors: Wackernagel Mathis , Kitzes Justin , Moran Dan , Goldfinger Steven , Thomas Mary
Published: April 2006

Cities and regions depend on resources and ecological services from distant ecosystems. The well-being of city and region residents is affected by both the health and availability of these ecosystems, especially in today's ecologically strained world. The management of a city or region's resource metabolism, including the natural capital that supports these flows, is becoming increasingly a central concern to cities and regions that want to succeed. Urban infrastructure is long-lasting and influences resource needs for decades to come: which cities are building future resource traps, and which are opportunities for resource-efficient and more competitive lifestyles? Reliable measures comparing the supply of natural capital to human demand are indispensable for managing resource metabolism, as they help identify challenges, set targets, track progress and drive policies for sustainability. This paper describes one such measurement tool: the Ecological Footprint. After explaining the assumptions behind the Footprint and describing some representative findings, it provides examples of how this resource accounting tool can assist local governments in managing their ecological assets, and support their sustainability efforts.
Euro-Commentary: An Evaluation of the Regional Policy System in Poland
Authors: Grosse Tomasz Grzegorz
Published: April 2006

This paper is an attempt to evaluate the regional policy system in Poland with respect to the development and improvement of economic competitiveness. The first part of the paper outlines basic elements of the Polish system of regional policy. Subsequent paragraphs focus on the key elements of the regional policy system in Poland with special consideration of the experience of the past few years, and the most significant programme documents establishing the relevant policy framework for the future. The study analyses the following issues: the systemic capacity to identify and pursue strategic development objectives, the absence of government regional policy, the institutional limitations for self-government development policy in voivodeships (regions) and the cultural threats looming over regional development policy. The final section offers a list of systemic recommendations to enable the creation of more effective programmes and structures of regional policy in Poland after 2006.
Euro-Commentary: The Rise Of ‘Many Mezzogiorni’
Authors: Guerrieri Paolo , Iammarino Simona
Published: April 2006

The aim of this paper is to provide, using various socio-economic indicators, some empirical evidence of the increasing differentiation which has characterized one of the most studied peripheries of the European Union, namely the Italian Mezzogiorno. The analysis is carried out at province level (NUTS 3) for the period 1985-98. Our results seem to support a growing differentiation of the paths of development within the Italian South that has occurred in parallel with the intensification of the EU integration process, producing an area of ‘many Mezzogiorni’.This means that the use of traditional indicators, such as gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, may not be entirely appropriate and, in some cases, may even be misleading for assessing regional backwardness and vulnerability in a bid to achieve greater socioeconomic cohesion within the EU.
Ethnic Characteristics and Geographical Distribution of Immigrants in Greece
Authors: Rovolis Antonis , Tragaki Alexandra
Published: April 2006

This paper examines the geographical dimension of immigration in Greece. More particularly, this study presents the distinctive economic, demographic and settlement features of the different groups of immigrants in the Greek prefectures. The majority of immigrant workers in Greece come from the Balkan countries, the most populous ethnic group being the Albanians who account for almost 60 percent of the total immigrant population. There are significant disparities between different ethnic groups regarding their educational level and occupational characteristics. The profile of the average immigrant worker in Greece is young, from an ex-communist country; men migrate mainly for economic reasons while women migrate mostly for family reasons; women often have a higher level of education than men. There are also significant differences as far as the spatial distribution of the various ethnic groups is concerned. Some groups, such as the Philippinos, Georgians, or the Poles, show high geographical concentration, while other ethnic groups, for instance the Albanians, follow, more or less, the spatial distribution of the Greek population. One of the most interesting findings of this research is that settlement patterns are mostly dictated by geography: immigrants from neighbouring countries tend to have similar preferences or installation criteria. This is the case for immigrants from Eastern European countries. In contrast, Albanians seem to follow their own settlement pattern.
Geographical Patterns of Party Support in the Baltic States, Russia, and Ukraine
Authors: Meleshevich Andrey
Published: April 2006

This article analyses spatial patterns of party support in the five post-Soviet transitional countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, and Ukraine. Data on electoral geography is employed to measure the degrees and dynamics of political autonomy and institutionalization of party systems in the former republics of the Soviet Union. A comparison of post-independence electoral cycles reveals a number of important similarities and differences between the regional strength of party support in the Baltic states, Russia, and Ukraine over time. Although all five countries manifest a tendency towards a greater regional homogeneity of the regional support for the major political organizations, the pace of this trend and patterns of party-system nationalization are different in different countries.
Euro-Commentary : Scenario Analysis and Regional Economic Development
Authors: Fuller-Love Nerys , Midmore Peter , Thomas Dennis , Henley Andrew
Published: April 2006

The scenario approach to developing foresight, to improve policies supporting rural economic development, is discussed and illustrated with an application in the Mid Wales region of the United Kingdom, which displays characteristic rural problems, including agricultural decline, demographic imbalance, and sparsity and remoteness of populations. Conclusions which may be drawn from this application suggest that the approach helps to confront and deal with the considerable uncertainties involved in strategic decision making at the regional level by developing a shared understanding among key opinion-formers.
A New Look to Convergence in Spain
Authors: Villaverde José
Published: April 2006

This article examines the process of provincial convergence which has taken place in Spain between 1985 and 2002. Focusing on labour productivity, it estimates the so-called ‘classical’ models of convergence, concluding that, contrary to what has been suggested by previous work, convergence has not stagnated. After stressing the limitations of this type of approach, the article attempts to overcome them, by, on the one hand, estimating the density function and the degree of internal mobility in the provincial productivity distribution; and on the other hand, by considering the influence of possible spatial effects on the aforementioned distribution. The conclusion arrived at is threefold: we confirm the existence of provincial convergence of productivity; we reveal the low level of intradistributional mobility; and we do indeed find spatial effects, although they do not seem to be too relevant for the convergence process.
Learning the Meaning of Care: A Case Study in a Geriatric Home in Upper Egypt
Authors: Boggatz Thomas , Dassen Theo
Published: April 2006

Geriatric care is a new phenomenon in Egypt. This study investigates how Egyptian caregivers experience their work and how they conceive its meaning. A qualitative case study in a geriatric home in Upper Egypt was conducted using structured interviews with 10 staff members and content analysis according to Mayring. Performing care required learning to overcome initial experiences of fear, disgust, and sexual taboo. Care was perceived as a laborious repetition. Its ideal form was described as a reaction to a demand combined with kind patience and a family-like relationship. Christian and female values allowed coping with experienced problems and alleviated conflicts between traditional gender roles and care of male residents. Traditional values helped to adapt to the requirements of providing care. Sexual taboos may reduce willingness to provide care, but traditional values may encourage caregivers.
Beliefs and Rituals in Traditional Birth Attendant Practice in Guatemala
Authors: Walsh Linda V.
Published: April 2006

Childbearing women and infants in developing countries continue to experience unacceptably high rates of mortality and morbidity in spite of targeted initiatives to address the problem. The aim of this study was to identify the beliefs and rituals of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in one indigenous Guatemalan community to better understand the cultural influences on perinatal care practices. Ethnographic methods were used to increase understanding of the practice of 10 Mayan TBAs. Three themes were constructed: sacred calling, sacred knowledge and sacred ritual.
Nurses’ Concerns and Practices With Using Interpreters in the Care of Latino Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Nailon Regina E.
Published: April 2006

This phenomenological study aimed to describe nursing care of Latinos in the emergency department to determine how care is planned relative to the patient’s ethnicity, including linguistic abilities. Unstructured interviews were conducted with 15 registered nurses from four hospitals in the Northwest. Interpreters play a pivotal role in nurses’ practices. Nurses’ skills with working with interpreters, interpreter availability, engagement, and accuracy enhance or impede effective care. Linguistic differences challenge effective care provision. Culturally competent care requires secure avenues of accurate communication. Administrators must provide nurses with resources that promote culturally competent care, including training with interpreters to facilitate effective communication.
African American Older Adults Coping With Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Loeb Susan J.
Published: April 2006

This study’s purpose is to identify strategies used by community-dwelling African American elders to cope with their chronic health conditions. A focus group study of 28 African American elders with multiple chronic conditions was conducted. Data collection occurred during the last 4 months of 2003. The five focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was performed on the data to ascertain coping strategies employed to manage daily life with chronic conditions. Categories of coping strategies identified are (a) dealing with it, (b) engaging in life, (c) exercising, (d) seeking information, (e) relying on God, (f) changing dietary patterns, (g) medicating, (h) self-monitoring, and (i) self-advocacy. This study expands nurses’ knowledge of the repertoire of coping strategies used by African American elders to ameliorate the effects of their chronic health conditions. Study findings will be valuable for planning intervention studies aimed at promoting successful coping.
Health Care Seeking Among Mexican American Men
Authors: Sobralske Mary C.
Published: April 2006

This focused ethnography explored health care seeking beliefs and behaviors of Mexican American men living in south central Washington State. Data collection included interviews with 36 research participants living in the community, participant observation in the research setting, and examination of ethnographic documents and cultural artifacts. Four major themes were identified: the identity of manhood dictates health care seeking, health means being able to be a man by fulfilling cultural obligations, illness means not being able to be a man, and men seek health care when their manhood is threatened or impaired. Machismo, the cultural concept of manliness, persisted among men despite the level of acculturation and other factors. Women influenced men’s health care seeking behaviors. To fulfill their obligations, men must stay healthy and seek care when needed. Knowing when and why men do not seek health care enables nurses to better understand and serve the Mexican American community.
Dermatofibroma—A Critical Evaluation
Authors: Zelger Bernhard , Zelger Bettina Gudrun , Burgdorf Walter H.C.
Published: April 2006

Dermatofibromas are common cutaneous lesions. In most cases, they can be readily identified clinically and show a typical histology. In a small percentage of cases they show unusual clinical and more often histologic features that may cause differential diagnostic problems. In addition there are reactive fibrous lesions with neural or smooth muscle features that we speculate may represent dermatofibroma variants.
Reactive Nodular Fibrous Pseudotumors of the Gastrointestinal Tract: Report of 8 Cases
Authors: Daum Ondrej , Vanecek Tomas , Sima Radek , Curik Romuald , Zamecnik Michal , Yamanaka Shoji , Mukensnabl Petr , Benes Zdenek , Michal Michal
Published: April 2006

Eight cases of reactive nodular fibrous pseudotumor of the gastrointestinal tract are presented. The patients included 6 males and 2 females between the ages of 1 and 68 years (mean age 41.5 years). Three tumors involved the small intestine, and 5 of the investigated lesions were located in the large bowel. Of these, 2 originated in the sigmoid colon, 1 in the cecum, 1 in the appendix, and 1 in the large bowel not otherwise specified. The tumors’ size varied from 3 to 10 cm in the greatest diameter (mean 6.2 cm). Histologically they were composed of stellate or spindle shaped cells resembling fibroblasts arranged haphazardly or in intersecting fascicles, embedded in a collagen-rich stroma, with sparse intralesional mononuclear cells frequently arranged in lymphoid aggregates. Immunohistochemically, the lesions were positive for vimentin (7/7), smooth muscle actin (8/8), muscle-specific actin (5/7), cytokeratins AE1/AE3 (6/7), and CAM 5.2 (1/7), and antigen CD68 (1/7). No case (0/8) reacted positively with antibody to CD117 (c-kit). Genetically no substitutions, deletions, or insertions occurred in exon 11 in all analyzed samples. Likewise, no deletions or insertions in part of exon 9 were observed. Ultrastructurally the tumor cells revealed features typical of myofibroblasts. According to the morphologic, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features mentioned above, especially to the positivity of low-molecular-weight cytokeratins, we propose this lesion to be related to a proliferation of multipotential subserosal cells rather than ordinary myofibroblasts or fibroblasts.
Nasal NK/T Cell Lymphoma in Taiwan: A Clinicopathologic Study of 22 Cases, with Analysis of Histologic Subtypes, Epstein-Barr Virus LMP-1 Gene Association, and Treatment Modalities
Authors: Kuo Tseng-tong , Shih Lee-Yung , Tsang Ngan-Ming
Published: April 2006

Nasal NK/T cell lymphoma is a distinctive type of extranodal lymphoma with an unique immunophenotype and a strong association with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). It is one of the common extranodal lymphomas in Taiwan. We studied 22 cases of nasal NK/T cell lymphoma to characterize their clinicopathologic features and to explore the possible differences between histologic subtypes and their clinical behavior as well as the prevalence of 30-base pair (bp) deleted latent membrane protein-1 ( LMP-1) gene of the EBV. They consisted of 5 cases of small cell type (SC), 6 cases of medium-sized cell type (MC), 6 cases of large cell type (LC), and 5 cases of pleomorphic cell type (PC). Twelve patients were men and 10 were women (1.2 to 1), and their ages ranged from 34 to 75 years with a median age of 55.5 years. The median ages of the LC type and PC type were older than the other 2 types. No other clinical features differed significantly among the 4 subtypes. Nasal obstruction was the most common initial presenting symptom. All but 1 case had stage IE disease at the time of diagnosis. Five cases developed extranasal involvement and skin was the most common site. No bone marrow involvement was detected. The majority of patients received local radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Local irradiation was more effective than chemotherapy alone. We achieved an overall survival of 63.6% at 5 years as estimated by the Kaplan-Meier analysis, which was better than other series. All cases displayed an immunophenotypic profile of CD3ε+, CD20-, CD56+, and TIA-1+ except that 1 case was CD3ε-. Fourteen of 22 cases (64%) expressed LMP-1. Nine cases of various cell types (41%) were also CD30+. Among the 4 histologic subtypes, the SC type differed from the other types by the absence of angiodestruction and necrosis, although angioinvasive growth was seen in 2 of them. Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia was seen in only 3 cases of the SC type, and all 5 cases of the SC type were CD30-. No statistical difference in survival was found among the 4 histologic subtypes or between CD30+ and CD30-cases. All 22 cases were positive for EBV by polymerase chain reaction and Epstein-Barr virus early RNA (EBER) in-situ hybridization. A high prevalence rate of 86% (19/22) of the 30-base pair (bp) deleted LMP-1 gene was found, but 81.5% (22/27) of the EBV-positive control reactive lymphoid tissues also had the 30-bp deleted LMP-1 gene. Therefore, the high prevalence of the 30-bp deleted LMP-1 gene found in NK/T cell lymphoma could be due to the high prevalence of the deleted variant in this geographic region. However, it remains possible that the high prevalence of the deleted LMP-1 gene contributed to the increased incidence of EBV-associated nasal NK/T cell lymphoma in Taiwan.
Küttner’s Tumor of Salivary Glands Resembling Marginal Zone B-cell Lymphoma of the MALT Type: A Histopathologic and Immunohistochemical Study of 7 Cases
Authors: Kojima Masaru , Nakamura Shigeo , Itoh Hideaki , Yamane Yuko , Shimizu Kazuhiko , Masawa Nobuhide
Published: April 2006

Küttner’s tumor is a benign inflammatory process of the submandibular gland that presents as a hard mass mimicking a malignant neoplasm clinically. The histologic feature varies according to stage of evolution and severity of inflammation. We report here 7 cases of Küttner’s tumor that morphologically resemble primary salivary gland marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) type. Histologically, the lobular architecture was distorted and the septa showed sclerosis. There was a dense lymphoplasmacytoid infiltration with lymphoid follicle formation accompanied by loss of acini and ducts. In 4 cases, a few salivary gland ducts contained the lymphoid cells within the epithelium. However, a true lymphoepithelial lesion was observed in none of the 7 cases. Immunohistochemical study demonstrated a disrupted follicular dendritic cell network, which is a characteristic finding of follicular colonization of MALT-type lymphoma. In 6 cases, there were a few small foci of lymphocytes somewhat resembling centrocyte-like cells of MALT-type lymphoma. However, immunohistological study demonstrated the mixed nature of the cells resembling centrocyte-like cells. Moreover, the polytypic nature of B lymphocytes was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction.
Heterotopic Mesenteric Ossification (“Intraabdominal Myositis Ossificans”): A Case Report
Authors: Bovo Giorgio , Romano Fabrizio , Perego Elisa , Franciosi Claudio , Buffa Roberto , Uggeri Franco
Published: April 2006

Heterotopic ossification has been reported only rarely within the abdominal cavity, specifically in a mesenteric location (heterotopic mesenteric ossification). We describe the case of a 76-year-old man with no history of previous surgery who developed small bowel obstruction associated with multiple foci of heterotopic bone formation within the small bowel mesentery. He underwent small bowel and mesentery resection and is disease-free 9 months later.