bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Randomization to Placebo Safe? Risk in Placebo-Controlled Angina Trials: Angina Risk Meta-Analysis
Authors: Glasser Stephen P. , Willard James , Defelice Albert , Lawrence John , Hung James , Obot Evelyn , Girton John , Targum Shari , Throckmorton Douglas , Mangano Dennis , Lipicky Raymond J.
Published: January 2012

Objective: It was the aim of this study to document the risks of symptomatic patients with angina in placebo-controlled, anti-anginal drug development trials in which symptom-limited exercise testing was used as the primary endpoint. Patients and Methods: The original case report forms submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration in support of approval of new or supplemental new drug applications between 1973 and 2001 were identified and subjected to a by-patient meta-analysis, utilizing both a maximum likelihood analysis and classical Mantel-Haenszel methods. Results: There were 63 placebo-controlled, clinical trials that randomized 10,865 patients, with 1,047 patient-years of observation time. The trials involved 21 different chemical entities from 4 different drug classes. The relative risk (RR) for withdrawal (placebo compared to drug-treated patients) was not increased [RR = 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78–1.08; p = 0.28]. Of interest, a RR of 0.54 (95% CI 0.26–1.04; p < 0.068) for irreversible harm (a combination of cerebrovascular accidents, myocardial infarction and death) and a RR of 0.89 (95% CI 0.61–1.30; p = 0.56) for serious cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular accidents) both non-statistically significantly favored being randomized to placebo. Conclusions: For the development of current or future drugs for the treatment of angina, there is no obvious contraindication to the use of placebo controls and exercise tolerance testing.
Bare Metal Stent Thrombosis and In-Stent Neoatherosclerosis
Authors: Yamaji Kyohei , Inoue Katsumi , Nakahashi Takuya , Noguchi Masahiko , Domei Takenori , Hyodo Makoto , Soga Yoshimitsu , Shirai Shinichi , Ando Kenji , Kondo Katsuhiro , Sakai Koyu , Iwabuchi Masashi , Yokoi Hiroyoshi , Nosaka Hideyuki , Nobuyoshi Masakiyo , Kimura Takeshi
Published: January 2012

Background—

Very late stent thrombosis (VLST) was reported to occur even in patients with bare metal stent (BMS) implantation, although the annual incidence of VLST after BMS was much lower than that after drug-eluting stent implantation. Pathophysiologic mechanisms of VLST after BMS implantation remain largely unknown.

Methods and Results—

From September 2002 to February 2010, we identified 102 patients with definite stent thrombosis (ST) of BMS and 42 control patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) unrelated to ST who underwent thrombus aspiration with histopathologic evaluation. There were 40 patients with early ST (EST, within 30 days), 20 patients with late ST (LST, between 31–365 days), and 42 patients with VLST (>1 year). Evidence for fragments of atherosclerotic plaques, such as foamy macrophages, cholesterol crystals, and thin fibrous cap, was more commonly seen in patients with EST (23%) and VLST (31%), whereas these findings were rarely observed in patients with LST (10%). Atherosclerotic fragments were predominantly seen in patients who had EST within 7 days or VLST beyond 3 years. The aspirated thrombi harvested from patients with ST and those with ACS were histologically indistinguishable from each other. Eosinophils were very rarely observed. Plasma level of total cholesterol and triglyceride were significantly higher in VLST cases with atherosclerotic fragments as compared with those without.

Conclusions—

Fragments of atherosclerotic plaque were highly prevalent in patients with VLST beyond 3 years. Disruption of in-stent neoatherosclerosis could play an important role in the pathogenesis of VLST of BMS occurring beyond 3 years after implantation.
Subcellular Structures and Function of Myocytes Impaired During Heart Failure Are Restored by Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Sachse Frank B. , Torres Natalia S. , Savio-Galimberti Eleonora , Aiba Takeshi , Kass David A. , Tomaselli Gordon F. , Bridge John H.
Published: January 2012

Rationale:

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established treatment for patients with chronic heart failure. However, CRT-associated structural and functional remodeling at cellular and subcellular levels is only partly understood.

Objective:

To investigate the effects of CRT on subcellular structures and protein distributions associated with excitation-contraction coupling of ventricular cardiomyocytes.

Methods and Results:

Our studies revealed remodeling of the transverse tubular system (t-system) and the spatial association of ryanodine receptor (RyR) clusters in a canine model of dyssynchronous heart failure (DHF). We did not find this remodeling in a synchronous heart failure model based on atrial tachypacing. Remodeling in DHF ranged from minor alterations in anterior left ventricular myocytes to nearly complete loss of the t-system and dissociation of RyRs from sarcolemmal structures in lateral cells. After CRT, we found a remarkable and almost complete reverse remodeling of these structures despite persistent left ventricular dysfunction. Studies of whole-cell Ca
2+
transients showed that the structural remodeling and restoration were accompanied with remodeling and restoration of Ca
2+
signaling.

Conclusions:

DHF is associated with regional remodeling of the t-system. Myocytes undergo substantial structural and functional restoration after only 3 weeks of CRT. The finding suggests that t-system status can provide an early marker of the success of this therapy. The results could also guide us to an understanding of the loss and remodeling of proteins associated with the t-system. The steep relationship between free Ca
2+
and contraction suggests that some restoration of Ca
2+
release units will have a disproportionately large effect on contractility.
Upper Normal Blood Pressures Predict Incident Atrial Fibrillation in Healthy Middle-Aged Men
Authors: Grundvold Irene , Skretteberg Per Torger , Liestøl Knut , Erikssen Gunnar , Kjeldsen Sverre E. , Arnesen Harald , Erikssen Jan , Bodegard Johan
Published: January 2012

Hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor for incident atrial fibrillation (AF). Recently, even high normal blood pressures (BPs) have been established as predictive of AF in women. We aimed to study the long-term impact of upper normal BP on incident AF in a population-based study of middle-aged men. From 1972 to 1975, 2014 healthy Norwegian men were included in a prospective cardiovascular survey and underwent a comprehensive clinical examination including standardized BP measurements. During up to 35 years of follow-up, 270 men were documented with AF by scrutinizing all hospital discharges. Risk estimations for incident AF were analyzed in quartiles of BP using multivariate adjusted Cox proportional hazards. Men with baseline systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg and upper normal BP 128 to 138 mm Hg had 1.60-fold (95% CI 1.15–2.21) and 1.50-fold (1.10–2.03) risk of AF, respectively, compared with men with BP <128 mm Hg. Baseline diastolic BP ≥80 mm Hg increased the risk of incident AF 1.79-fold (95% CI 1.28–2.59) compared with diastolic BP <80 mm Hg. When adjusting for the occurrence of diabetes mellitus or cardiovascular diseases before an AF event, the results still maintained significance. Additional analyses, on average 7 years after baseline, including men still healthy, showed that sustained upper normal systolic BP remained a significant predictor of subsequent AF. In conclusion, upper normal blood pressures are long-term predictors of incident AF in initially healthy middle-aged men.
Significance of White-Coat Hypertension in Older Persons With Isolated Systolic Hypertension
Authors: Franklin Stanley S. , Thijs Lutgarde , Hansen Tine W. , Li Yan , Boggia José , Kikuya Masahiro , Björklund-Bodegård Kristina , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Jeppesen Jørgen , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Dolan Eamon , Kuznetsova Tatiana , Stolarz-Skrzypek Katarzyna , Tikhonoff Valérie , Malyutina Sofia , Casiglia Edoardo , Nikitin Yuri , Lind Lars , Sandoya Edgardo , Kawecka-Jaszcz Kalina , Imai Yutaka , Wang Jiguang , Ibsen Hans , O'Brien Eoin , Staessen Jan A.
Published: January 2012

The significance of white-coat hypertension in older persons with isolated systolic hypertension remains poorly understood. We analyzed subjects from the population-based 11-country International Database on Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Relation to Cardiovascular Outcomes database who had daytime ambulatory blood pressure (BP; ABP) and conventional BP (CBP) measurements. After excluding persons with diastolic hypertension by CBP (≥90 mm Hg) or by daytime ABP (≥85 mm Hg), a history of cardiovascular disease, and persons <18 years of age, the present analysis totaled 7295 persons, of whom 1593 had isolated systolic hypertension. During a median follow-up of 10.6 years, there was a total of 655 fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events. The analyses were stratified by treatment status. In untreated subjects, those with white-coat hypertension (CBP ≥140/<90 mm Hg and ABP <135/<85 mm Hg) and subjects with normal BP (CBP <140/<90 mm Hg and ABP <135/<85 mm Hg) were at similar risk (adjusted hazard rate: 1.17 [95% CI: 0.87–1.57];
P
=0.29). Furthermore, in treated subjects with isolated systolic hypertension, the cardiovascular risk was similar in elevated conventional and normal daytime systolic BP as compared with those with normal conventional and normal daytime BPs (adjusted hazard rate: 1.10 [95% CI: 0.79–1.53];
P
=0.57). However, both treated isolated systolic hypertension subjects with white-coat hypertension (adjusted hazard rate: 2.00; [95% CI: 1.43–2.79];
P
<0.0001) and treated subjects with normal BP (adjusted hazard rate: 1.98 [95% CI: 1.49–2.62];
P
<0.0001) were at higher risk as compared with untreated normotensive subjects. In conclusion, subjects with sustained hypertension who have their ABP normalized on antihypertensive therapy but with residual white-coat effect by CBP measurement have an entity that we have termed, “treated normalized hypertension.” Therefore, one should be cautious in applying the term “white-coat hypertension” to persons receiving antihypertensive treatment.
Somatic Mutations Affecting the Selectivity Filter of KCNJ5 Are Frequent in 2 Large Unselected Collections of Adrenal Aldosteronomas
Authors: Azizan Elena A.B. , Murthy Meena , Stowasser Michael , Gordon Richard , Kowalski Bartosz , Xu Shengxin , Brown Morris J. , O'Shaughnessy Kevin M.
Published: January 2012

Primary hyperaldosteronism, one cause of which is aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs), may account for ≤5% to 10% of cases of essential hypertension. Germline mutations have been identified in 2 rare familial forms of primary hyperaldosteronism, but it has been reported recently that somatic mutations of the
KCNJ5
gene, which encodes a potassium channel, are present in some sporadic nonsyndromic APAs. To address this further we screened 2 large collections of sporadic APAs from the United Kingdom and Australia (totalling 73) and found somatic mutations in the selectivity filter of
KCNJ5
in 41% (95% CI: 31% to 53%) of the APAs (30 of 73). These included the previously noted nonsynonymous mutations, G151R and L158R, and an unreported 3-base deletion, delI157, in the region of the selectivity filter. APAs containing a somatic
KCNJ5
mutation were significantly larger than those without (1.61 cm [95% CI: 1.39–1.83 cm] versus 1.04 cm [95% CI: 0.91–1.17 cm];
P
<0.0001) but with substantial overlap in size between genotypes. The APAs carrying a mutation, but not those without, also consistently lacked a postural aldosterone response, suggesting a physiologically distinct subtype. Hence, somatic
KCNJ5
mutations are not restricted to large APAs (>2 cm), and their frequency in our unselected series suggests they are common and could be important in the molecular pathogenesis of many sporadic cases of APA.
Abnormal Intracellular Calcium Homeostasis in Sympathetic Neurons From Young Prehypertensive Rats
Authors: Li Dan , Lee Chee-wan , Buckler Keith , Parekh Anant , Herring Neil , Paterson David J.
Published: January 2012

Hypertension is associated with cardiac noradrenergic hyperactivity, although it is not clear whether this precedes or follows the development of hypertension itself. We hypothesized that Ca
2+
homeostasis in postganglionic sympathetic neurons is impaired in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and may occur before the development of hypertension. The depolarization-induced rise in intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca
2+
]
i
; measured using fura-2-acetoxymethyl ester) was significantly larger in cultured sympathetic neurons from prehypertensive SHRs than in age matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. The decay of the [Ca
2+
]
i
transient was also faster in SHRs. The endoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
content and caffeine-induced [Ca
2+
]
i
amplitude were significantly greater in the young SHRs. Lower protein levels of phospholamban and more copies of ryanodine receptor mRNA were also observed in the young SHRs. Depleting the endoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
store did not alter the difference of the evoked [Ca
2+
]
i
transient and decay time between young SHRs and Wistar-Kyoto rats. However, removing mitochondrial Ca
2+
buffering abolished these differences. A lower mitochondrial membrane potential was also observed in young SHR sympathetic neurons. This resulted in impaired mitochondrial Ca
2+
uptake and release, which might partly be responsible for the increased [Ca
2+
]
i
transient and faster decay in SHR sympathetic neurons. This Ca
2+
phenotype seen in early development in cardiac stellate and superior cervical ganglion neurons may contribute to the sympathetic hyperresponsiveness that precedes the onset of hypertension.
Cultural Politics of Representation in Contemporary Indonesia
Authors: Schlehe Judith
Published: January 2012

The organisation and representation of diversity is a crucial challenge for all countries and especially for post-colonial nations. Accordingly, the politics of multiethnic representation as well as multicultural rhetoric is constantly reformulated and adapted to new conditions, both locally and globally.Cultural theme parks are a typical arena for the display of multiculturality. In the case of Indonesia it is of special interest to investigate whether and in what ways the public staging of ethnic cultures has changed in the reform era (since 1998). This includes aspects of inclusion and exclusion. Which ethnic groups are defined as being constitutive for the Indonesian nation and how are they represented in the central theme park, Taman Mini, in Jakarta? In which ways are the political processes of democratisation and decentralisation reflected in the organisation of Taman Mini, which used to be a main icon of Suharto's New Order regime?This paper suggests that there is a need for Indonesia to re-imagine itself and to refashion a globally oriented multicultural—or, even better, transcultural—identity for the future. Popular public spaces like cultural theme parks have the potential to be appropriate places for such innovative visions.
China and the Iranian Nuclear Crisis: Between Ambiguities and Interests
Authors: Djallil Lounnas
Published: January 2012

This article analyses, the complex relationship between Tehran, Beijing and Washington on the Iranian nuclear issue. Indeed, China's policy towards Iran has often been described as ambiguous, in supporting Washington, on the one hand, while protecting Tehran, on the other hand. In this article, we argue that, in fact, Beijing policy vis-a-vis Tehran depends on the state of its relationships with Washington. Indeed, a closer analysis shows that China is using Iran as a bargaining chip with the United States on, among others, two key security issues, i.e., Taiwan and the oil supply. The guarantee of a secured oil supply from the Middle-East in addition to a comprehensive policy of the US with regard to Chinese security interests in Taiwan as well as the use of smart sanctions against Tehran, which would thus take into account, to a certain extent, Beijing economic interests in Iran, are, indeed, the guarantee of Beijing's support to the US policy towards Iran.
Japan–Taiwan Relations in the Twenty-First Century from the Perspective of Tuna Disputes in the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Chen Henry
Published: January 2012

Over the last decade bilateral relations between Japan and Taiwan have been strained over the issue of tuna fishery management. In 2005, when Taiwan was still under the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration, Japan proposed punitive measures against Taiwan's tuna industries in an international fisheries management body for the Atlantic Ocean. The DPP government took a pragmatic approach, solving the tuna crisis without harming Japan–Taiwan relations, as evidenced by the fact that during the tuna disputes visa-free privilege was granted to Taiwan nationals and the Japanese government openly stated that Taiwan has been a main security objective for Japan and the US. In this paper the Japan-led tuna sanction in 2005 is used as a case study to gauge overall bilateral relations thus far in the twenty-first century.
Destabilizing the Semiperiphery: The Counterturn of China’s Ascendance in the World-Economy
Authors: Shie Vincent H. , Weng Chih-Yuan
Published: January 2012

Abstract

In an article in Perspectives on Global Development and Technology (PGDT), Kwangkun Lee revisits the debate on whether the semiperiphery is persistent or short-lived in the long-term historical structure. Lee concludes that semiperipheries only have a brief lifespan due to their (assumed) polarizing tendency. We provisionally agree with Lee’s conclusion, but we diverge in our reasoning for upholding this hypothesis. Proponents of the World-Systems Theory claim that an intermediate group of states stabilizes the world-economy. For instance, Giovanni Arrighi posits that the semiperiphery will be persistent in the longue durée. But in our view, the rise of China will ultimately destabilize the so-called constant stratum of the semiperiphery.
Who Benefits from Market-Based Carbon Mitigation?
Authors: Bohr Jeremiah , Dill Brian
Published: January 2012

Abstract

As world leaders increasingly recognize the dual imperatives of mitigating carbon emissions and ensuring economic growth, emissions trading schemes have become popular policy options to pursue sustainable development goals. As the foremost program of sustainable development to date, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) has held out hope that low-cost abatement in the global North could be achieved by channeling investments to the global South, creating a win-win situation of both mitigation and economic development. Unfortunately, the results of the CDM have shown an asymmetrical distribution of benefits in the global South despite contrary objectives. This paper argues that the investment climate promoted by the CDM excludes many developing nation markets from participation, thereby limiting one of the key benefits promised by CDM proponents. This is partly because the CDM encourages investors to seek projects that are doubly profitable, ones that demonstrate the potential to generate a profit independent of emissions credits, placing many nations at a structural disadvantage, as they are deemed too risky for sustainable development investment.
Communities in Disasters: Helpless or Helping?
Authors: Takazawa Aiko , Williams Kate
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Development faces the challenge of an unexpected rise in disasters of all kinds. Prompted by two popular books about disasters (Klein 2007; Solnit 2009), we review the North American scholarly literature on disasters to answer three questions. Practically, how do local communities respond to disasters? Theoretically, what is the relationship between local social networks and disaster response/recovery? For policy, whom should we count on to carry this out? The primary finding is that communities, however devastated, are not helpless, but helping, and in particular stages. Outside social forces can help, but disregarding local networks and processes impedes disaster response/recovery.
Tertullian on Liturgical Prayer to Christ: New Insights from De Spect. 25.5 and Apol. 2.6
Authors: Paschke Boris A.
Published: January 2012

Abstract

So far, scholarship on early Christian liturgical prayer to Christ has neglected two relevant texts of Tertullian: De Spect. 25.5 and Apol. 2.6. This article points out that both texts reflect Tertullian’s awareness and approval of the liturgical practice of addressing Christ in prayer. It is suggested that in the pre-Arian period, liturgical prayer to Christ was more accepted, prevalent, and established than is commonly held in scholarship.
Free Movement of Patients: Directive 2011/24 on the Application of Patients’ Rights in Cross-Border Healthcare
Authors: Peeters Miek
Published: January 2012

Abstract

This contribution comments on Directive 2011/24, providing a legal framework for cross border healthcare 13 years after the famous Kohll and Decker case law. The Directive contains provisions concerning the reimbursement of costs, the responsibilities of the Member States and their mutual cooperation in healthcare. Analysing the (potential) impact of the Directive 2011/24 on EU healthcare systems, patients and healthcare providers, it becomes clear that the impact of the Directives reaches far beyond patient mobility. The Directive creates patients’ rights, pays attention to the quality and safety of healthcare services and creates an excessive structure of cooperation in the field of healthcare. The European Union seems ready to use its economies of scale to improve healthcare for all European patients.
Restrictions of the Sale of Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices such as Contact Lenses over the Internet and the Free Movement of Goods
Authors: de Sadeleer Nicolas
Published: January 2012

Abstract

In the light of new case law development, this article examines whether national restrictions on the on-line sale of pharmaceuticals and medical devices such as contact lenses are consistent either with EU secondary law, either with Article 34 TFEU that prohibits measures having equivalent effect to quantitative restrictions on imports. In particular, this article focuses on an analysis of two judgments on this important issue delivered by the Court of Justice of the European Union in 2003 and 2010, namely the Deutscher Apothekerverband decision and the Ker-Optika decision.
Protestant Worship with Chinese Characteristics: Reflections on a Chinese Worship Service
Authors: Selles Kurt D.
Published: January 2012

Abstract

The article explores the latent impact of traditional Chinese culture on worship in one Three-Self Patriotic Movement Protestant church in a mid-sized, provincial city in central China. Employing a case study approach, the author visited the church under consideration numerous times over a several-year period and interviewed pastors, evangelists, and members about their worship services. The author’s conclusion is that subtle aspects of the Chinese tradition, and above all Confucianism, can be seen in the worship services of this church. Additionally, the author suggests that these influences can be seen in worship in provincial urban churches around the country and considers the probability and process of change taking place in their worship services.
In Search of Affirmed Aboriginality as Christian: “If you do not walk on the tracks of your grandparents, you will get lost . . .”
Authors: Hut Janneke
Published: January 2012

Abstract

The marginalized position in which the Indigenous peoples of Australia find themselves today is undeniable. Within the tragedy of low life-expectancy, high rates of substance abuse, malnutrition, poor housing, high infant mortality, deaths in custody etc. lies a spiritual crisis. This crisis is aggravated by the circumstance that the loss of the land to the European invaders has caused a loss of Aboriginal identity. In their attempt to recover from this colonial legacy the Aborigines try to re-find their (religious) self-identity and to unite through Aboriginality. In this search for Aboriginal identity through spirituality and faith some Christian theologians explore the possibilities of an Aboriginal contextual theology as a response to this crisis.
Computing and Partitioning Cloud Feedbacks Using Cloud Property Histograms. Part I: Cloud Radiative Kernels
Authors: Zelinka Mark D. , Klein Stephen A. , Hartmann Dennis L.
Published: January 2012

This study proposes a novel technique for computing cloud feedbacks using histograms of cloud fraction as a joint function of cloud-top pressure (CTP) and optical depth (τ). These histograms were generated by the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) simulator that was incorporated into doubled-CO2 simulations from 11 global climate models in the Cloud Feedback Model Intercomparison Project. The authors use a radiative transfer model to compute top of atmosphere flux sensitivities to cloud fraction perturbations in each bin of the histogram for each month and latitude. Multiplying these cloud radiative kernels with histograms of modeled cloud fraction changes at each grid point per unit of global warming produces an estimate of cloud feedback. Spatial structures and globally integrated cloud feedbacks computed in this manner agree remarkably well with the adjusted change in cloud radiative forcing. The global and annual mean model-simulated cloud feedback is dominated by contributions from medium thickness (3.6 < τ ≤ 23) cloud changes, but thick (τ > 23) cloud changes cause the rapid transition of cloud feedback values from positive in midlatitudes to negative poleward of 50°S and 70°N. High (CTP ≤ 440 hPa) cloud changes are the dominant contributor to longwave (LW) cloud feedback, but because their LW and shortwave (SW) impacts are in opposition, they contribute less to the net cloud feedback than do the positive contributions from low (CTP > 680 hPa) cloud changes. Midlevel (440 < CTP ≤ 680 hPa) cloud changes cause positive SW cloud feedbacks that are 80% as large as those due to low clouds. Finally, high cloud changes induce wider ranges of LW and SW cloud feedbacks across models than do low clouds.
Observed Antarctic Interannual Climate Variability and Tropical Linkages
Authors: Schneider David P. , Okumura Yuko , Deser Clara
Published: January 2012

This study reviews the mechanisms associated with Antarctic–tropical climate linkages and presents new analyses of the seasonality and spatial patterns of tropical climate signals in the Antarctic for the late 1950s to the present. Tropical climate signals are primarily communicated to the Antarctic via the Pacific–South America (PSA) pattern and the southern annular mode (SAM). The impacts of these circulation patterns and their tropical linkages are evident in regressions of seasonally stratified Antarctic station temperature data and annually resolved ice core records on global fields of sea surface temperature, sea level pressure, and precipitation. Temperature and ice core anomalies in the Antarctic Peninsula region and adjoining areas of West Antarctica are significantly impacted by the PSA, interpreted as a Rossby wave train driven by anomalous tropical deep convection during ENSO events. This pattern is most evident in the austral spring, consistent with recent studies, suggesting that atmospheric conditions for Rossby wave propagation are most favorable during this season. During austral summer at the peak of the ENSO cycle, temperature anomalies at East Antarctic coastal stations exhibit significant correlations with tropical Pacific anomalies. This linkage reflects the influence of anomalous tropical heating on the position and strength of the subtropical jets and is consistent with changes in eddy momentum fluxes that alter the mean meridional circulation associated with the SAM. Of the ice cores that exhibit tropical linkages, most tend to be associated with the PSA teleconnection. The implications of the study’s findings for understanding Antarctic climate variability and climate change from seasonal to decadal time scales are also discussed.
A Decade of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer: Is a Solar–Cloud Link Detectable?
Authors: Laken Benjamin , Pallé Enric , Miyahara Hiroko
Published: January 2012

Based on the results of decadal correlation studies between the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project–detected cloud anomalies and the galactic cosmic ray (GCR) flux, it has been suggested that a relationship exists between solar activity and cloud cover. If valid, such a relationship could have important implications for scientists’ understanding of recent climate change. In this work, an analysis of the first decade of Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS)–detected cloud anomalies are presented, and the data at global and local geographical resolutions to total solar irradiance (TSI), GCR variations, and the multivariate El Niño–Southern Oscillation index are compared. The study identifies no statistically significant correlations between cloud anomalies and TSI/GCR variations, and concludes that solar-related variability is not a primary driver of monthly to annual MODIS cloud variability. The authors observe a net increase in cloud detected by MODIS over the past decade of ~0.58%, arising from a combination of a reduction in high- to midlevel cloud (−0.31%) and an increase in low-level cloud (0.89%); these long-term changes may be largely attributed to ENSO-induced cloud variability.
A Method for Estimating Planetary Boundary Layer Heights and Its Application over the ARM Southern Great Plains Site
Authors: Schmid Paul , Niyogi Dev
Published: January 2012

A new objective method to determine the height of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) is presented here. PBL heights are computed using the statistical variance and kurtosis of dewpoint and virtual potential temperature differences measured from radio soundings at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) program at the Southern Great Plains (SGP) site. These heights are compared with those derived from lidar, also on the site, and with gridded model data from the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR). A climatology of mean heights in the early (1800 UTC) and late (0000 UTC) afternoon from 2002 to 2010 is presented to show the effectiveness of the method. Future work using the new method include producing an observational climatology of PBL heights and understanding the aerosol loading within the PBL as well as a better understanding of the coupling between the surface and free atmosphere.
Context and the social representation of absenteeism: Absence in the popular press and in academic research
Authors: Patton Eric , Johns Gary
Published: January 2012

This study explores contextual issues surrounding absenteeism through a content analysis of 2847 articles from the New York Times that have featured absence from work. Our analysis focuses on two issues related to context. First, how does the representation of absence from work compare between the contextual domains of academic research and of the popular press? Second, how can event-specific news stories in the press deepen our understanding of how absence is shaped by contextual factors? Our results highlight both similarities and differences between the press and academic research, suggest several ideas from news stories that could lead to interesting future research, and underline management implications from this source commonly read by business leaders.
Changing practice through boundary organizing: A case from medical R&D
Authors: Mørk Bjørn E , Hoholm Thomas , Maaninen-Olsson Eva , Aanestad Margunn
Published: January 2012

This article contributes to our understanding of practices in innovating organizations. Previous studies have demonstrated how breakthroughs in knowledge may fail to be translated into practices if they are not aligned with existing practices, or if they cut across established boundaries and power structures. By drawing upon an ethnographic study of a medical R&D department that has been highly successful in developing new medical practices, this article investigates how such challenges can be overcome. To date, much of the literature has focused on coordination across single, well-defined boundaries. We here extend this focus and introduce the notion of ‘boundary organizing’ to analyse highly political and contingent processes of innovation and change within and across different practices. We add to existing literature by highlighting how the handling of multiple boundaries, the indirect effects of boundary work, the negotiation of mutual benefits and interests, and mutual adaptation are key aspects of boundary organizing.
Pentecost and Trinity
Authors: Gaventa Beverly Roberts
Published: January 2012

Luke’s story of Pentecost gathers into itself many biblical motifs having to do with the work of the Spirit, which creates and re-creates communities of faith, even if it remains out of their control. Trinity Sunday returns us to the richness of Scripture’s reflections on God, where we find the constant feature to be the claim that, in all God’s doing, God acts for us and for our salvation.
The Spirit of YHWH and the Aura of Divine Presence
Authors: Schuele Andreas
Published: January 2012

One of the characteristics of Spirit language in the Old Testament is that it occurs in places that have particular significance for the literary formation as well as the theological profile of the Hebrew Scriptures. This essay examines texts from 1 Samuel, Ezekiel, Isaiah 40–66, and Psalm 104 and reconstructs an awareness across the biblical traditions that the experience of divine presence unfolds in and through the “Spirit” as part of God’s “aura.”
Computational modeling of polyurea-coated composites subjected to blast loads
Authors: Hui Tong , Oskay Caglar
Published: January 2012

This manuscript presents computational modeling and simulation of woven E-glass fiber-reinforced vinyl-ester (EVE) composites and polyurea-coated EVE composites subjected to blast loading. The response of polyurea is idealized based on a temperature- and pressure-dependent visco-elastic constitutive model. The response of the EVE layers is modeled based on a multiscale computational damage model that includes adiabatic heating and rate-dependence in the constituent (i.e. matrix and fiber) behavior. Experimentally validated numerical simulations of EVE composite and polyurea-coated EVE composite specimens subjected to blast loading indicate that the proposed models are capable of accurately capturing the inelastic and failure characteristics of the specimens. The significant shock mitigation effect of polyurea coating is numerically demonstrated. Predictive simulations suggest better blast mitigation characteristics with increasing polyurea thickness and confining the perimeter of the polyurea layers.
Hygrothermally induced buckling analysis of elastically supported laminated composite plates with random system properties
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Lal Achchhe , Patil HS , Singh BN
Published: January 2012

The article presents hygrothermally induced buckling of geometrically linear laminated composite plates resting on two parameters Pasternak elastic foundation subjected to moisture and temperature-independent and -dependent material properties with random system properties. System properties such as elastic moduli, shear moduli of the constituent materials, hygroscopic contraction coefficients, thermal expansion coefficients, and foundation stiffness parameters are modeled as independent basic random variables. A computationally efficient C 0 finite element method combined with Taylor series based mean-centered first-order perturbation technique via higher order shear deformation plate theory is used to solve the random eigenvalue problem. Typical numerical results for dimensional mean and coefficient of variance of hygrothermally induced buckling load of laminated composite plate subjected to uniform hygrothermal loadings are examined with uniform moisture concentration and temperature rise, plate thickness and aspect ratios, total number of plies, fiber orientations, elastic foundations, and different boundary conditions with random system properties. The numerical results obtained by the present solution approach are validated with those available in the literatures and independent Monte Carlo simulation.
Use of Professionally Administered Topical Fluorides in Asia
Authors: Lo E.C.M. , Tenuta L.M.A. , Fox C.H.
Published: January 2012

Professionally applied topical fluoride varnish, gel, and solution have been shown to be effective in preventing and in arresting dental caries. Their use in different countries in Asia varies greatly and may not correlate with the dental caries situation of the populations in the countries. In the higher-income countries, use of fluoride varnish and gel is common among dental professionals. In contrast, the use of professionally administered topical fluorides is not common in the lower-income countries. Fluoride varnish, being easy to apply and safe, has been the preferred agent for the prevention of early childhood caries, which is prevalent in many developing countries in Asia. The relatively high cost of professionally administered fluoride agents and the shortage of a dental workforce, especially in lower income countries, have hampered the widespread adoption of these effective caries prevention methods in the private and public dental services. Government health policies should be pursued to lower the cost of treatment, either through incentives for local production and/or elimination of taxes and tariffs on imported fluoride products.
Effective Use of Self-care Fluoride Administration in Asia
Authors: Zero D.T. , Marinho V.C.C. , Phantumvanit P.
Published: January 2012

The caries-preventive benefits of fluoride are generally accepted by dental researchers and practicing professionals worldwide. The benefits of fluoride toothpastes and mouthrinses have been supported by several high-quality systematic reviews. The formulation of a fluoride toothpaste and biological (salivary flow rate) and behavioral factors (brushing frequency, brushing time, post-brushing rinsing practices, timing of brushing, and amount of toothpaste applied) can influence anticaries efficacy. Fluoride mouthrinses have simpler formulations and can have better oral fluoride retention profiles than fluoride toothpastes, depending on post-brushing rinsing behaviors. Fluoride continues to be the mainstay of caries control; however, there is still the need to determine the most effective approach for fluoride utilization in children and adults who remain caries-active.
“A Jump Ahead”: The Church as Creative Minority in Eastern Germany
Authors: Krötke Wolf , Burgess John P.
Published: January 2012

North American Christians increasingly spe ak of the church’s missiological task in a post-Christian context. The situation of the church in Eastern Germany offers us important insights. This area, once the heart of the Reformation, is now among the most secularized parts of the world. Most people no longer know basic Christian language or practices. They are either indifferent about matters of faith or suspicious that Christianity, like all religion, is bizarre and life-denying. This essay argues that the church as minority nevertheless has creative possibilities within a secular society. In such a situation, the church will commit itself to breaking down the walls that keep people away. Non-Christians must see that Christians are truly committed to others’ well-being. They must experience in the lives of Christians that God brings to life everything that lets humans be truly human. Advertising campaigns, appeals to a vague interest in spirituality, or musical and cultural events in church buildings will be less important than personal contact. Every church member has a responsibility to know the gospel and to represent it at work and in society. Theology plays an essential supporting role in this process. As Christians think critically about the gospel and the church’s responsibility to humanity, they see possibilities for justice and peace that the wider society does not recognize but desperately needs. The church even as minority is a wellspring of hope.
“Going through with Jesus”: Myrtle Viola Whitehead, A Case Study and Reconsideration of Pentecostal History
Authors: Hudson Revd Andrew
Published: January 2012

The history of Pentecostalism is embodied in the lives and activities of individuals often marginalized by their societies. Particularly, women have often served as pioneers and catalysts for the growth of this religious movement. Despite their pivotal role and visible presence, Pentecostal women continue to be omitted in the history of Pentecostalism. The case study of Myrtle Viola Whitehead provides historical recovery of a female evangelist and church planter in early Pentecostalism. Reading her testimonies, ministerial records, and songs inspires a second look at the task of Pentecostal history.
Towards an Ecumenical Hermeneutics of Diversity: Some Remarks on the Hermeneutical Challenges of the Ecumenical Movement
Authors: Körtner Ulrich H.J.
Published: January 2012

The article discusses critically the hermeneutical concept of the document “A Treasure in Earthen Vessels” by the World Council of Churches. I argue for a concept of an ecumenical hermeneutics of diversity instead of the former paradigm of unity and consensual ecumenism. An ecumenical hermeneutics, understood as a hermeneutics of difference and diversity, is not the continuation by other means of consensual ecumenical agreement as we have hitherto known it, but rather a critical corrective to it.
Gospel as Personal Knowing: Theological Reflections on Not Just a Literary Genre
Authors: Franke William
Published: January 2012

The Gospel is taken here as a model of the type of personal knowing and witness that gives its peculiar status to knowledge in the humanities. The Gospel according to Matthew is viewed in comparison with the other canonical Gospels in order to bring out its peculiar slant, particularly the way it reads Jesus’s life retrospectively in the light of Easter. This is especially apt for bringing out the way that the Gospel story is made to serve as a narrative illustration of what is known theologically through faith in Christ as experienced in worship and liturgy. The question of literary genre as raised by the Gospel threatens to crack the system of genres and force an acknowledgment of the uncanny type of knowledge that the humanities entail.
A Neo-ontological Solution to the Problem of Evil
Authors: Hanson Jim
Published: January 2012

The problem of evil, or the question of how evil can exist with a God that is benevolent and omnipotent, has challenged theologians and moralists through the ages. Many have attributed evil to the gods; most theistic theologians have attributed it to humankind; a better, ontological solution is to attribute it to being. Three ontological solutions are reviewed, the traditional arguments, the modernist of Heidegger/Tillich, and postmodernist of Derrida. Building upon the thought of Heidegger, Tillich, and Derrida, a neo-ontological solution is proposed, which locates evil and suffering within a complex structure of being that is analyzed from the standpoints of experience and practice. God may be beyond being, but being best qualifies the benevolence and omnipotence of God.
“I Have Done the Best I Could”: Opportunities and Limitations for Women Ministers in the Church of God—A Pentecostal Denomination
Authors: Roebuck David G.
Published: January 2012

When the Pentecostal movement emerged at the beginning of the twentieth century, its emphasis on the restoration of apostolic Christianity, including Spirit-inspired prophecy, provided a rationale for women ministers. Yet this position did not change the common belief that women and men are ontologically different, and thus have different ministerial functions. This article uses the testimony of a female evangelist in the Church of God to explore these positions and the particular ways the Church of God discussed women ministers.
Saturated tracking control for nonholonomic mobile robots with dynamic feedback
Authors: Chen Hua , Wang Chaoli , Zhang Binwu , Zhang Dongkai
Published: January 2012

The saturated tracking control problem is addressed for nonholonomic mobile robots with dynamic feedback in this paper. A finite-time control technique and the virtual-controller-tracked method are adopted in this paper. The main contribution and innovation can be summarized as follows. First, the smooth kinematic tracking controller of Jiang et al. is taken as a virtual control law for the dynamic feedback model. Second, a continuous and bounded dynamic feedback controller is proposed to make the generalized velocity converge to the kinematic (virtual) controller in a finite time for any initial values of tracking errors in the specified attraction region. Third, all of the states of the tracking error system are proved to go to zero as time goes to infinity. In the mean time, the control inputs are bounded by the prespecified bounds at any time. Finally, the simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed control design approach.
Generalization Procedures in Training Interventionists for Individuals With Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Gianoumis Stamatios , Sturmey Peter
Published: January 2012

The literature pertaining to training staff, parents, and peers to implement interventions for individuals with developmental disabilities was reviewed for training procedures that incorporated strategies to promote generalization. The search engines for the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis and Pubmed© were used to find relevant studies. Studies met the inclusion criteria if they sufficiently operationalized their training procedure, took data on individual trainees’ performance, and used a single-subject experimental design. The training procedures were coded for generalization procedures as per Stokes and Baer. Of the 54 studies, 46 considered used procedures to promote generalization. The most prevalent generalization procedures were use of common stimuli, followed by using sufficient exemplars and mediated generalization. Studies demonstrated empirical support for these procedures producing generalized use of newly acquired direct-care skills. The remaining generalization procedures cited in Stokes and Baer were absent or far less prevalent. Future research should explore the use of these procedures and their effectiveness as a technology to bring about generalized responding of interventionists’ skills.
The Critical Traditionalism of Ashis Nandy
Authors: Bonnett Alastair
Published: January 2012

This article offers an analysis of the construction and deployment of the ideas of ‘the West’ and ‘tradition’ in the social commentary of Ashis Nandy. It argues that Nandy's ‘critical’ defence of tradition is framed and animated by occidentalism and renders tradition into a paradoxical space of redemption and innocence. The first part of the paper shows that Nandy's nativist narratives of loss and his suspicion of political ideologies place him both in and against post-colonial cultural politics. The second section examines and illustrates the mutually defining nature of occidentalism and traditionalism. It is shown that Nandy's stereotypes of authentic Indian culture undermine the critical capabilities of his ‘critical traditionalism’. Part three explores Nandy's dilemmas further by reference to his attempts to align tradition with reflexivity.